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Too much undercutting
Page 83
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I have noticed with interest the reports appearing in the Press recently indicating that hauliers, generally, are having no difficulty in securing increases of varying percentages to their rates, even up to 15% per cent.
Perhaps this may indicate a growing sense of responsibility on the part of transport users, although I regret to note recent events which have convinced me that there is no sense of growing responsibility on the part of hauliers.
The present parlous state of road haulage rates stems largely. I believe, from the willingness of hauliers to undercut each other and the unfortunate many who seem to have no idea whatsoever of realistic transport costing.
Our experience, particularly in Scotland recently, has indicated that there are a number of large Scottish hauliers who, quite apart from any thought of applying a percentage increase to their rates as a result of Budget charges. etc., are even canvassing with the open suggestion of reducing existing rates operated by other hauliers. This is particularly rife where there is any "back-loading" element to a particular traffic.
Surely in this day and age of educated men in transport, hauliers should realize that any traffic, whether it is outward or inward traffic should be considered on the same economic principles, and not deliberately de-rated simply because it is a handy back-load. The back-load for haulier A is original outward traffic for some other unfortunate haulier.
Please may we therefore have a greater sense of responsibility nationally by hauliers. DONALD A. HANDS, Managing Director, Overland Contracts Group of Companies.