Rates fall behind
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HAULIERS' costs rose by 5.2 per cent in 1985, but rates increased on average by only two per cent, two separate surveys report.
Only higher productivity has saved hauliers from even more bankruptcies, Freight Transport Association management information services controller Martin Downer says.
In the nine months to October 1, an ETA survey of about 50 members' payments to hauliers showed rises of two per cent. But most rate payments had remained static, while the average had been affected by a "substantial proportion" of rates that have risen by around five per cent, Downer says.
There is no clear pattern of particular hauliers in certain in or geographical doing better than others, he adds.
The end-of-year Road Ilaulage Association survey of 40 hauliers' costs reveals that costs have increased across the board, bringing a general rise of 5.2 per cent.
In particular, vehicle insurance rose by 14 per cent over the year — although this varied greatly from company to company — and RNA executive officer Hugh Stewart says they are expected to go up again next year.
Establishment costs, including property rates, rose by 8.5 per cent over the year.
But dery prices — about which the RHA has complained to the Office of Fair Trading — rose by just 1.4 per cent, compared with an inflation flt;tire of :Irounal six per cent for the year.
• Sheffield haulage drivers are being recommended to accept a £6 increase in weekly wage rates, in line with most other settlements around the country.
In a deal agreed between negotiators before Christmas, drivers' pay rises by 5.9 per cent for 32.5-tonners to £106.90, and by 5.7 per cent for 38-tormers to 12110.90. The overnight subsistence payment rises by 50p per night to 02.
The qualifying period for four weeks' annual leave is reduced from two to one year's service.
The Leeds and Bradford settlement (CM, December 21/28) increases overnight subsistence pay by 70p to 1:12.35 a night.