Star turn
Page 30
Page 31
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
After 65 years in business Yorkshire operator Jefferies has learned that the secret of running trucks full is to treat other hauliers' customers as though they were your own.
The next time you see a Jefferies truck, it may well be on television, playing a supporting role in Yorkshire TV's Heartbeat. The retro-series is set in the 1960s but the truck used will be much older, a 1946 Albion, lovingly restored by Jefferies 12 years ago. Programme makers will transform the Otley-based haulier's servicing shed into a 1960s bus garage, complete with period vehicles.
The company seems a suitable choice to involve in a nostalgic drama—its origins go back to 1932 when founder Reg Jefferies set up business in Ilkley collecting milk from local farms. Morning collections were followed by afternoon deliveries to rail stations, backloading with ice for hotel coldstores in the days before refrigeration was common. Current proprietor Richard Jefferies is grandson of the founder and proud of the fact that although the operation has moved from Ilkley to Burley to Otley, it has never strayed from the picturesque Wharfedale Valley where its customer base was forged.
lbday that base has switched from eggs to less fragile commodities including paper for printing and carton board for packaging which it distributes throughout the UK from local mills. "This is where the highest volumes are," says Jefferies, "but we're a general haulier so we have major accounts and we have lots of one-pallet-a•week work as well." It's the old problem. Getting there with a full load is one thing, coming back full is another,
Jefferies reckons to have solved this dilemma largely through its back load agreements with other operators. "Our policy for making a profit is to make sure we never run empty. Every mile the wheels are turning, the vehicles are loaded. The secret is to treat other hauliers' customers as though they were your own. And to provide the other hauliers with backloads from here when you can. That's the advantage of going since 1932—you build up a lot of relationships over the years"
UK work accounts for three-quarters of all loads hut there is a significant international operation too, running part or full-loads into Italy, Spain and France with a German operation under development. For the Italian work Jefferies has developed an informal partnership with haulier Bellgate based at Holme in Spalding Moor and run by Paul Oxtoby.
The two men have little need for social chit-chat: "I've dealt with him for seven years but only met him twice, even though he's just one hour away," smiles Jefferies. The relationship, though informal, is close. The partners use the same ferry accounts, sub-contract work to each other and Jefferies provides storage space for Bellgate in one of his three warehouses at Otley: "He might have a load for Italy that's not required for a couple of weeks," he explains.
One innovation that Jefferies reckons has made a tremendous difference to his fleet is the introduction of SAF self-steering rear axles, supplied by IMS in Loughborough. He says the cost is covered within 18-months through savings on fuel and tyre wear and now has 25 trailers kitted out this way, with five added at the end of last year. "Tyre life is almost trebled and fuel savings run at up to 3%, quite a difference when you spend .E.750,000 a year on fuel."
The self-steering system greatly reduces drag on the rear axle, particularly when cornering. This reduces road damage and is one way hauliers can boost popularity with neighbours and local authorities. Jefferies says the introduction of such axles should be a prerequisite for a move to 40 or 44 tonnes: "It could save the country millions in road repairs."
Driver turnover at Jefferies is low, with SOME' having served more than 30 years but he is aware that there is a local shortage of good general haulage drivers: "The type who can load anything—we start young drivers on 7.5tonners and get them used to roping and sheeting. So even when they move to curtainsiders they know the load has to be secured to the vehicle."
Jefferies himself joined the firm 22 years ago and is equal partner with his father Robert, now semi-retired, who in his day took over from founder Reg.
The third-generation boss reckons he was never pushed into it "When [left school, like any young person, I wanted to try everything but all the jobs I had were related to transport in some way."
He came aboard the family business the same year it moved to Otley, where despite being in the town centre there has never been a complaint.
The business is profitable and runs an evidently decent fleet but January trading has taken a downturn on the past two—admittedly exceptionally good—years. Jefferies blames this sluggishness on election jitters with businesses holding back on decision making until a new government is in place.
And how will he vote? "I haven't made up my mind," he confesses, "The Tories will run a more stable economy but if you want to make money, Labour could be all right for a year or two."
by Patric Ctumane.