To each his own
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A dilemma facing most manufacturing industries is whether or not to own and operate their own transport fleet. There are many options open. Vehicles can be bought, hired, leased or rented. The question is whether or not to tie up capital on ancillary plant. The cash might better be used to extend the company's production facility.
For this reason hired-in transport with drivers on a contract basis appeared to be appealing to an increasing number of own-account operators. They require, demand and achieve the best of both worlds. They have fully operational vehicles under their control without the concern of manning or maintaining them.
This is a growth area in transport, one in which the real professional haulier can invest and benefit. For his part he does not have the daily traffic problems. But he does what he knows best, maintains vehicles and controls staff.
This is surely a most efficient way to organise one's transport with each party maximising his expertise.
The own-account transport manager who is perceptive enough to recognise the economy of contract hire, if it suits his operation, and is intelligent enough to recommend it, must gain stock in the eyes of any responsible board.