AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

Call our Sales Team on 0208 912 2120

Postal strike hits haulage traffic

5th March 1971, Page 29
5th March 1971
Page 29
Page 29, 5th March 1971 — Postal strike hits haulage traffic
Close
Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

• Reports from round the country this week indicate that the seasonal recession normally felt in transport at this time of the year is greater than normal. Operators and RHA area secretaries told CM this week that the postal strike had affected the haulage industry to a greater extent than had been at first imagined. Mr Ken Williams, the Eastern area secretary, said that there was evidence that own-account operators, who normally used vehicles to deliver goods ordered in response to newspaper advertising, were now "touting around for business to keep the vehicles working". Ile believes that there is a danger that when the strike is over these operators, who have had a taste of hire and reward work, may consider it worthwhile continuing in the business.

Northern area secretary Mr D. Le Conte said that the recession had been felt more by operators who were engaged in transport contracts with heavy industry. In the West and South West the complaint is that return load traffic from London had dried up. There have been reports of own-account operators collecting loads in London for their home areas . at rates well below those charged by transport contractors.

From a number of sources we learned that rate cutting was very much on the increase by both established operators and newcomers. The influx of new operators since the introduction of 0 licences is considered to be one of the main factors contributing to the current situation.

While operators have not yet laid off vehicles in large numbers, it is understood that if the present trend continues this will be the inevitable outcome.

BRSL reports that it is experiencing the recession in patches throughout the country. At the other end of the scale, small companies in the Felixstowe dock area are saying that port traffic has never been as quiet as it is now. One RHA secretary gives this advice: "Operators should cut fleets rather than cut rates."

Tags

Locations: London

comments powered by Disqus