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Spandlers cuts back by half

2nd December 2004
Page 18
Page 18, 2nd December 2004 — Spandlers cuts back by half
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A Norfolk firm is halving its fleet on the back of rising prices and fears of the Working Time Directive —Jennifer Ball reports.

NORFOLK HAULIER Spandle Brothers has halved its 40-strong fleet in response to rising fuel costs and the forthcoming Working Time Directive.

The Great Yarmouthbased firm says many of its vehicles are over seven years old and have become uneconomic to run. Recent increases in diesel prices and the Working Time Directive will make it diffi cult to remain competitive, it adds.

Commercial director John Fuller explains: "One option was to reinvest in new vehicles to replace the ones which are too old. This would have entailed an investment of over Elm, which would have been difficult to justify with the current workload and customer mix.

'When the Directive comes into force I believe that a lot of companies on the periphery of the country such as seaside towns like ours will struggle. A lot of trade occurs in the Midlands but it will be too difficult for them to get to market within the restricted drivers' hours," he reasons.

The delay to Yarmouth's Harbour Project was also a major factor he says:"We 've waited 20 years and had many government visits but are no further to seeing the harbour being developed. We can't wait any longer."

The scaled-down Spandler fleet will concentrate on its core business: transporting fertilisers for parent company ISEH Bunn.

Spandler Brothers has sold its established UK Pallets operation to Harleston-based Neil Bomford European Transport, saving a significant number of drivers from redundancy.

Last week fellow Yarmouth operatorYare Haulage announced it is to close at the end of the year because of financial losses (CM 25 November).

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Locations: Harleston

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