In defence of owner-drivers
Page 30
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I HAVE cancelled my order for Commercial Motor. The reason for this was your editorial (January 10, 1981). I earnestly hope that all other owner-drivers, or waysiders as you prefer to call them, will act in a similar manner.
I suppose I ought to have started properly in the transport industry and bought half a dozen trucks and a yard with workshop and offices. I am sorry that I was unable to borrow the necessary half million pounds.
I operate a Volvo F10 with a fridge trailer hauling beef from Northern Ireland. I am seldon at home more than two nights a week so a yard would be an unnecessary luxury. Maintenance is carried out by the local Volvo agent.
have to pay to use the lorry park in Market Drayton but when the fridge is loaded I have to park in a lay-by as the by-laws do not allow me to run the fridge motor. As for rate-cutting, Mr Sherriff, in my experience it is the big operator who slashes rates, 'usually with the express purpose of doing people like myself out of business.
I think, Sir, that you fancy yourself as a sheriff for the RHA. PAUL NEWTON Taranaki Trucking Market Drayton Shropshire Not all owner-drivers are irresponsible and not all large operators are rate-cutters. For your information, the name Sherriff means "the most noble and honourable one". — Editor.