Britain more competitive
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BRITAIN'S international hauliers have managed to throttle back the rate of increase in their costs to the EEC average, thereby becoming more competitive with Continental operators.
Since the Brussels Commission began keeping records in 1979, transport costs in Britain have risen faster than in most other EEC countries.
The figures are compiled on the basis of salaries which represent about half the costs, fuel which accounts for just over 20 per cent, maintenance, insurance, tyres, oil, repairs, interest rates, etc.
Over the five year period and after adjusting for the fall in the value of sterling, British costs rose by 53 per cent.
The Germans (45 per cent), Holland (41 per cent), Belgium/Luxembourg (36 per cent), all did better, only France (63 per cent) faced higher bills.
The 1983 figures show that the British costs rose by only four per cent (three per cent after taking currency exchange into account) and they are now roughly on a par with Germany, France and Belgium.
A slight fall in fuel prices and a tighter rein on wages were the main factors behind Britain's improved performance.
Figures for haulage prices in 1983 are still being compiled. They are also expected to show only a modest change.
However, no price trends will be available from Britain and Denmark. Hauliers in both countries are unwilling to pass this information on to Brussels.