Is there any point in struggling on?
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WHEN WE finally managed to buy our own truck, which was many years ago now, it gave us back our independence (or so we thought).
We've done most things — general haulage, dock work — and enjoyed getting around, earning an honest living as our own boss (theoretically) and not living off the state as some discharged bankrupts might have.
No though, any equity in our home, all our savings (and now my wife's pension) have gone to keep the truck running and trying to pay essentials such as insurance, periodic maintenance etc. Our mileage and, therefore, our earnings have dropped substantially, but the costs are constant or have risen.
We are now at a crossroads, and like many others in our situation, are reluctantly considering if we should give up. We are asking if we should carry on investing our lives in the job, or give up the struggle (and our home) and go on the dole.
Diesel prices are so high, and the work is now so unpredictable, but all those expenses are still there, and we've now cut back all that we can without drawing blood.
The hours are long, the frustrations many, but we like to think we are doing a useful job. Are not trucks the lifeblood of this country?
But we now feel we have wasted many years' hard work just to get back to where we started. We are now both in our sixties: where do we go from here?
There must be others having to make similar sorts of decisions. I wonder what would happen if we all gave up together?
Name and address withheld by request Via email
Errs note: This is a tragic, but familiar story. Are you in the same boat as our anonymous letter writer? Is there a future for the family haulier? We want to hear from you. Send your opinions to christopher.walton@rbi.co.uk