Hauliers fear a new recession
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by Nicky Clarke
• The haulage industry is on the brink of recession, according to an exclusive Commercial Motor survey.
Hauliers CM spoke to fear that the next three months will be critical as the industry suffers yet another round of diesel and Vehicle Excise Duty increases.
Alan Clark, depot manager with WS Hunt Transport of Trent, reckons the recession is already here. "We'll be curtailing the buying of new vehicles," he says.
Last year more than 70% of hauliers reported a rise in turnover: now 45% of hauliers predict reduced or static profits over the coming year.
Some 70% of respondents say that rising diesel duty and VED are the biggest threats to the successful operation of their businesses, and 60% of them want these to be capped. John Clark, managing director of Dover-based Clan International, speaks for many: "The fuel escalator is a disaster for the industry. Is it the Government's intention to drive UK haulage off the road?"
The second biggest threat is
said to be the F:U's Working Time Directive because it could cause the industry to lose its competitive edge. One Manchester-based haulier describes it as "a killer on the back of a recession".
Most of the respondents welcome the Road Haulage Association and Freight Transport Association plan to work more closely together on issues such as the Working Time Directive and fuel duty increases—a massive 90% of respondents support a merger.
Just half the respondents feel their trade associations are doing a good job for then but 75% say they will renew their membership.