It’s time we did something to save our failing industry
Page 18
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
I RECENTLY READ in CM that Crossways Transport was one of the latest haulage irms to enter liquidation (CM 26 May). How on earth is the UK operator supposed to stay in business when duty rates and fuel costs are allowed to increase unchallenged? SMEs are not able to work effectively, and only a few large operators are.
These larger companies increase in size by the week, taking over the contracts of the fallen. Those of us who have clients that will not, or are unable to, accept fuel surcharging, will eventually fail as fuel prices soar. In the past three years we have all seen long-established, secondand third-generation companies fold for one reason or another. Most have said that the biggest cause for their demise has been excessive fuel costs and the inability to increase rates to their customers.
Why does the government insist on raising duty rates, when all it is doing is grinding our industry into oblivion? How can it allow foreign competition to roam the UK untaxed and virtually unregulated? Who, in their right mind, would allow full liberalisation of cabbotage rules to be considered? For whatever reasons, other European countries are given lower duty rates for their movement of people and goods. Why does our government not allow a most vital industry rebated fuel, as it does with other UK industry sectors?
Add to all these issues a major inlux of foreign trucks in the country with a tank full of cheap fuel on board, who does the government think is going to hire a UK-operated truck?
At present, those of you who can pass on increasing fuel and duty prices to your customers are sitting pretty, but 2012 could see you get the elbow.
Recently, the haulage sector had the opportunity to back Peter Carroll in his FairFuelUK campaign. This was done to help save your business – and mine – from certain extinction. Some of you did sign up in support, but how many of you actually put your hand in your pocket and made a donation to forward the campaign? Make it happen, and please support phase two of the FairFuelUK campaign.
Mike Presneill Presneill Tipper Contractors Isle of Sheppey, Kent