Transit times to Europe
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by John Darker
• Although the UK transport system was no less efficient than its Continental rivals and was, indeed, in Continental eyes near the top in its record of meeting delivery dates there was no room for complacency. European competitors were quick to take advantage of a steadily improving transport system and British transport operators must do the same. These are points stressed in "Delivering the goods", a report published by the Movement of Exports Economic Development Committee on Wednesday. It quotes data from 'a survey prepared by the Metra Consulting Group Ltd. for the EDC. The report examines ways in which the image of the UK export delivery system can be improved on in the Continent. British ex-porters, it suggests, must dispel the outdated idea that the Channel and the North Sea are trade barriers. With recent transport improvements the sea is no longer a significant barrier, indeed it is often an asset, giving flexible access direct to the North Sea hinterland of Europe. By switching from conventional transport to roll-on /roll-off ferries, present average transport time of 10 days can be cut to four days. A further aid to a rapid and efficient delivery service could cerne from an increase in the practice of export stock-holding on the Continent with, perhaps, firms combining to rent warehouse space to cut costs. While savings in transport time are important the report notes that in general the time between receipt of an order and dispatch of goods offers greater scope for improvement. For while this takes an average of 50 days at present, only 10 days are involved, on average, in the transport operation. Interviews with Continental importers revealed that most of our competitors were regarded as less punctual than we are in delivering the goods. But there was criticism of UK exporters who did not commit themselves to delivery dates. Incidentally, only one-third of the firms questioned gave any delivery dates at all. The report stresses the importance of keeping customers informed of progress in delivery. especially when promised delivery dates cannot be met.