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A dying breed?

4th June 2009, Page 3
4th June 2009
Page 3
Page 3, 4th June 2009 — A dying breed?
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

FirIt should come as no surprise to Learn that the number o app,ications for new 0-licences is at its lowest for 10 years. Let's face it, what sensible person would want to be a road haulier right now? But it's worth pointing out that the number of new applications has been falling for years, during the recent good times as well as today's bad times.

So, thanks to a combination of government meddling, economic collapse and foreign invasions, are we finally getting close to the true 'critical mass' of sustainable individual truck operating companies in the UK? What would that figure be 50.000, 45.000, 40,000?

For years, pundits have declared this business as over-subscribed. Well, they must love the current recession. Should we feel bad that fewer people want to join the industry? It depends on who you are.

Small hauliers facing rampant rate-cutting from equally desperate neighbours will be relieved to face fewer rivals. And the big boys are too busy worrying about being bought by a competitor looking to achieve those mythical 'economies of scale to even care. Perhaps the most sobering fact is that even in the middle of one of the worst recessions on record, during March, 458 people applied fora new 0-licence. Talk about optimistic. Still, within that lot could be the next Eddie Stobart...

And finally... We were intrigued to receive a press reLease headlined: "New study reveals that global satellite system could fail in 2010". Fortunately, it's unlikely to happen reassuring for anyone wondering where their truck has got to. But should you get a call from a consultant offering to make you GPS 2010 compliant", our advice

,s to politely, but firmly hang up... Brian Weatherley


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