Watch your rates' call by RHA chief
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CALL to all members of the oad Haulage Association to rgently review their rates is ade this week by RHA chairian Mr K. A. Hatcher. In letter to every member, Mr atcher reveals that a survey ist completed by the Associ:ion's commercial committee lows an average increase in )sts of 51/2 per cent from the ?ginning of 1975 to the end f April. The survey did not include rises like those in local rates and the 33i per cent increase in excise duty imposed in the Budget. Mr Hatcher said that the price of a new 32-ton vehicle rose by as much as 60 per cent last year and there was no reason to suppose that there would be a lesser rise in 1975. Costs in general rose by an average 21/2 per cent a month last year. The RHA survey reveals that wage and fuel costs have remained steady but other items have risen as follows : repairs and maintenance, 8 per cent; occupancy costs, 161/2 per cent; national insurance contributions, 8 per cent; tyres, 8 per cent.
Under the Prices Code the RHA cannot recommend blanket increases. Instead, Mr Hatcher gives this advice : "Members may find that, in some cases, to operate economically over the next few months, account will have to be taken of cost increases well above the 51/2 per cent I have mentioned. I therefore urge all members to conduct a thorough review of their costs and immediately to make such increases in charges as are necessary."