AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

Call our Sales Team on 0208 912 2120

VOL. 113 JUNE 30, 1961 No. 2915 Pat for the 111.31.B.

30th June 1961, Page 45
30th June 1961
Page 45
Page 45, 30th June 1961 — VOL. 113 JUNE 30, 1961 No. 2915 Pat for the 111.31.B.
Close
Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

THE example of the Milk Marketing Board in their dealings with hauliers engaged in the bulk collection of milk from farms seems a notable exception to the generally accepted view that the control of a project by a large department, whether State-owned or not, is inefficient. Judging by hauliers' reports, the organization of bulk collection schemes by the M.M.B. represents a satisfactory control that offers a reasonable profit margin if the system is exploited to the full by the haulier. Although various regulations must be closely observed, and hauliers Must accept the jurisdiction of the Board regarding methods of collection and so on, the scheme is in the best traditions of private enterprise.

Its success depends on close M.M.B. liaison with the vehicle operator, the farmer, the dairy and the equipment maker. There are few better examples of intelligent accord between such a large variety of undertakings.

How close this liaison is, and how it works to hauliers' advantage, is illustrated by a current happening in the North-west. Representatives of the North Western (Eastern) area of the Road Haulage Association and of the Board are discussing, with the Licensing Authority, the question' of policy about providing for the fluctuating nature displayed in demand for bulk milk vehicles in the present phase of increased milk production. It has been found that, although sometimes a short-term grant is sufficient to cope with the extra demand, on other occasions something more prolonged is necessary—though still temporary.

Bulk collection of milk is making steady progress that is likely to be accelerated in the coming years. The development of advanced types of pumping equipment and measuring devices is all-important to the future of the system nationally, and the way in which this has been fostered by the Board encourages initiative on the part of the haulier (as well as the maker) to exploit ideas.

The facts that the Board run a fleet of 500 vehicles and that their operations are accurately costed are a guarantee that consultations with the R.H.A. and other bodies on rates schedules are backed by expert knowledge of all the factors involved. Existence of the Board's fleet is not a threat to the hauliers' livelihood.

Experiments by the Board with new systems, often in co-operation with equipment makers and hauliers, give balance to their authority without creating a dictatorial attitude to new developments.

In other examples of successful bulk-haulage projects the majority of vehicles are run by large C-licensed operators, who require no external assistance in the development of bulk transport. But in the case of the smaller hauliers, progress is being frustrated by the impossibility of planning ahead with certainty. This uncertainty is increased by lack of knowledge about the specialized equipment available, by variations in loading facilities and by lack of regularity of loading times. Many hauliers need expert direction and adequate work-security before they embark on a bulk-haulage project.

Control on the lines of the M.M.B. scheme might not be desirable for other forms of bulk traffic, but cannot the benefits of this type of system be provided in some other way?

If suitable traffics can be found, the necessary direction and assistance could perhaps be afforded by the R.H.A. Much is already done on both national and area levels by the R.H.A., but it is possible that more could still be achieved.

A prerequisite to the introduction of bull( transport in any field is guaranteed traffic for a reasonable period, and this can be envisaged as one feasible outcome of negotiation between the R.H.A. and customers.


comments powered by Disqus