Are Hauliers Blind to Their Danger?
Page 35
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"ΒΌ/OUR leader, "Depression in Haulage Traffics," in the issue of "The Commercial Motor" dated July 17, refers to " rumours " of long-distance traffic by road being cut. I am afraid that these are not only rumours, but facts, and as proof of this assertion, I know of one Lancashire haulier who has been instructed to cease running after the end of July, yet this man has been operating from Lancashire to London for 15 .years.
It would seem, from the way operators treat such important matters, that you, "Tantalus," and a minority of users, are the only people interested in roadtransport affairs. I can well remember your warnings of the past as to what would happen if something were not done, and I wonder if you could give us some idea as to what road transport would be like if it were nationalized. One thing is certain, all our keenness and initiative would gradually disappear.
It appears that with an over-weighted concern, most of the employees grumble and do the least amount of work possible. With road transport as it is to-day, there is a keenness, a kind of hustling activity, even amongst drivers, which would dissolve almost at once were the industry nationalized.
The present slump is probably due partially to shipping diff4ulties, but also to the policy of the Government in directing manufacturers to send much of their material by rail. This they are forted to e., otherwise they would not receive supplies.
It is true that certain hauliers are getting work through the Chartered Fleet, but even that cannot compare with what they could do themselves, as these vehicles appear to run only during the day.
You refer to the possibility of drivers finding other jobs if the slackness goes on. Any decrease in that respect will land us in a nice pickle if an emergency arises, as good trunk or shunt men v,vant, finding, and it is only those who work with them who know the good from the bad. '
So carry on your good work, give us all you have, right on the front page. Every week I send my copy and a spare one to the Army', but I really think that I should send them to some other operators, because, nationalization is only around the -corner, and, appar ently, many do not realize this. R. ELWICK. London, N.I2.