Hauliers' costs are rising fast
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• Haulage costs rose by 2.86% in the first quarter of this year, according to the latest figures from the Road Haulage Association's Commercial Committee. The increase is already more than two thirds of the total cost rise last year.
Drivers' wages have been the biggest cost element so far, says the RHA, rising by an average of 1.23% across the industry. This figure will continue to rise during the summer, warns the association, because many hauliers have not yet concluded their 1988 wage talks.
Budget increases in Vehicle Excise Duty rates of about 10% will also push up the figures for the next quarter. Other increasing costs in the last quarter were management (0.32%), fitters (0.3%), vehicle depreciation and leasing charges (0.25%), and establishment costs (0.24%).