A CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY'S TRANSPORT.
Page 44
Page 45
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
The Motor Vehicle Organization of the Largest User in Belfast.
MHE Belfast Co-operative Society, Ltd„ owns the largest fleet of motor vehicles in use in the City of Belfast. The fleet is quite modern and has been largely built up during the past few years. In 1918 the society had only seven vehicles in service, which number has now been raised to well over 60, and we are told there are prospects of this figure being considerably -increased in the near future. The members of the Belfast Society owe their traffic manager, Mr. J. Hill, a deep debt of gratitude for the work which is accomplished by his department. Mr. Hill possesses a keen insight into the business of the society and is to be
congratulated on the excellent transport arrangements which the society provides.
In 'view of the fact that the fleet 'continues to be augmented at frequent intervals, the society has found it desirable to erect a garage which will accommodate 100 vehicles. The general trade of the society is fast increasing and there is little question that additional vehicles 'will be needed for the work of all the departments. Moreover, there is .still a large number of horses in service which 'will ultimately be replaced. Although so many are still retained, it is understood that motors are preferred for the major portion of
the work of the society. In fact, the use of motor vehicles is said to have been one of the most important factors which has brought about the enormous increase in trade experienced by the society during the past few year. To such an extent has trade grown that sometimes there is difficulty in providing for all the transport which it necessitates.
An attractive chocolate and yellow colour scheme has been standardised for the vehicles and it is so striking that in itself it provides a useful advertising medium,
All mechanical repairs and work in connection with coachbuilding are !arried out in the society's Own large workshops. Chassis and materials are mrchased in large quantities. As a matter of fact, chassis are ordered by the dozen and tyres by the hundred.
Many types of vehicle are in service, the range including those built to carry 1-ton and 4-ton loads. Amongst the different types in service are about 20 each of Thornycroft and Albion makes. the former being 2-tonners and the latter for 30-cwt. loads.
The transport department of the society is entirely separate from the other brauches, and it is interesting to note how the work of the former is charged up to the other sections of the business. The charges are based upon the class of vehicle employed and on the time taken • tw complete the work, no account being taken of mileage, for it is solely time that matters. There are three rates on which charges are based, one being for heavy vehicles, another for vehicles of medium capacity and the third for light vehicles. These are Ps. 2d., 5s. 11d. and 5s. .8id. per flour respectively. Each lorry is checked out and in, and the department
in the service of which it has been engaged is charged for the whole time that the vehicle is occupied upon its work. The practice of charging by the hour has...proved superior to other methods.