Prepare for tougher • Business will be even tougher for
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hauliers in 1991 than it was last year, 50% of operators say in a survey. An exclusive Commercial Motor poll of 200 owner-operators and big fleet owners reveals that a further 25% of operators expect trade to be at least as bad as 1990.
Inflated dery prices are expected to be a major drain on profits in 1991, with 60% of hauliers allocating more of their budget for fuel this year. More than 60% predict that dery price increases will be in the 10% or less bracket, but nearly 25% of those questioned are bracing themselves for increases of up to 20%.
"The main worry for me is the problem of fuel costs," reports one Darlington haulier. "Our customers have so far been very good with our surcharges but it can't go on forever." Others report that they are having to bear the brunt of the increases: "We can't pass a surcharge on to our customers because they all have fixed price agreements."
News is not good for vehicle manufacturers; although just over half the hauliers contacted