Double-deck Rigid for Car Delivery
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THEpossibilities of starting a new car-delivery service to central Scotland from the Birmingham and Coventry areas interest me and I would be grateful if you would advise me on cost figures, etc. I have your latest cost tables and have read all your articles over the past two years, but there are a few points I would like advice on, as, obviously, this service is rather specialized.
At first I did intend to use an articulated vehicle, but now find that the initial cost of the trailer plus tractor and fittings is more than I can afford without going too deeply into hire-purchase. Consequently, if another. unit was justified at a later date it would be out of the quest ion: Now I propose to use a former bus chassis, an A.E.C., and build a special double-deck body on this. It would provide capacity for three cars at a time, doing two journeys per week, mileage 1,400.
I have already carried out a run at 30 m.p.h. and find that the round trip takes three days. I understand that loading time is short and there is seldom any hold up. Of course it may mean running one way empty.
On your cost figures I do not know which column to use, as this chassis comes into the 7-8-ton class, but it will seldom carry more than 3 tons. That is a point in favour of this model: it will be fairly high geared and should be reasonable on fuel, and stable with the high top load.
I hope that, when the service is recognized, I shall be able to put a four-wheeled independent trailer with two decks on the road. Another advantage would be that two drivers would share the driving.
As far as work is concerned, I have made many contacts. They are all very impressed and have promised support, many of them full support, and I am prepared to handle all makes in one load, so it would be strange if I could not get three cars at one time to bring to this part of the country.
I have suggested a price of £9 to.£9 10s., depending on the area and this is looked on favourably in all cases the calculation being based on the use of an articulated unit to carry four cars.
I have had an interview with an expert transport lawyer. He is keen on the plan and does not think that there should be much trouble with the licence, so I have put everything in his hands. I do not intend to buy or build any premises, but to use a local garage and have running maintenance done at night or week-ends.
My wife is a fully qualified book-keeper and typist, so naturally she will look after all the office work at this end and we should not need much in the equipment line —telephone, stationery, etc.
I haye been quoted insurance rates of £30 for goods in transit and £30-£40 for vehicle (comprehensive).
I might add that I find The Commercial Motor very interesting and informative.
Markinch. SERVICE.
[The first thing I would point out in reference to your project is that whereas you have completed a trial at 30 m.p.h., the vehicle you propose to use would be legally restricted to .20 m.p.h. As' a result of this the average speed, if you keep within the law, is likely to be around 16-18 m.p.h., travelling time for 1,400 miles will, therefore, be approximately 82-83 hours. Allowing I hours at each end of each journey, then the total time required will be 88.89 hours. For this reason, you will almost certainly have to arrange for a second driver to be available. In any case, however, I consider that your rates are far below what you would have to charge to make a profit. The standing charges alone per week would be £24, made up of wages as per "'The Commercial Motor' Tables of Operating Costs," with the addition of the 10s. wage increase since these were published, £10; extra driver £7 per week; driver's expenses £4; establishment costs £3. Running costs will average 9d. per mile, and for 1,400 miles this will be £52 10s., the total costs would thus be £76 10s., which is £12 15s. per car carried, this being the net sum with no provision for profit.—S.T.R.]