Firms want higher Pompey rates
Page 6
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• Traction services firms working out of Portsmouth harbour say they will continue to push for higher rates, despite recent increases by many of their customers.
Bob Lacey, secretary of the Port & Traction Association, says he represents the "weakest link" which hard-pressed hauliers are pushing down on.
In the past three weeks three major operators have increased their rates.
GB Express Southern is now paying up 79p on its new scale; Interroute's rate is up from 74p to 76p; and Euro PSL pays 79p loaded or 77p empty, compared with a blanket 75p.
The P&TA is lobbying for a minimum rate of 80p a mile; it says one haulier based in Portsmouth is paying 70p a mile unloaded. Operators in the area say they have recently increased their rates by as much as they can afford. They deny that the rates hikes have anything to do with the association.