New . Minimum Rates for Haulage DECAUSE denationalization has caused -an
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influx' of inex perienced operators, unaware of the basis of economic rate assessment, the National Conference of Road Transport Clearing Houses introduced on Monday an advisory rates schedule. Its object is to provide guidance in quoting longdistance rates and so afford a metre stable future than -could be hoped for under the uneconomic riles situation which the Conference claims at present applies.
In urging all members to accept the schedule, the Conference emphasizes that the rates recommended are minima and not averages. The adoption of the schedule, it is claimed, would provide stability not only for the haulier, hut also for the customer, for whom a reliable service is of the utmost value.
The basis on which the scale is built is a normal mileage and tonnage table termed Class D (Basic), together with tile percentage differences for Classes A to G.
As a first stage in the classification of traffic, the schedule denotes three classes of packing named C. D and E. Loads are then further classified according to value and liability to damage or pilferage. Goods not exceeding £50 per ton in value are down-graded one class, as are goods not liable to damage or pilferage.
On the other hand, goods exceptionally liable to damage or theft. and merchandise exceeding £300 per ton in value. are up-graded one class. Goods exceeding £600 per ton in value are up-graded two classes. Classes A. B. F and G are notional classes included to permit the operation of the up and down grading.
Loadability is also accounted for by a division as between capacity loads and part loads. The latter class is again divided to distinguish part loads which can be stowed along with other traffic when tonnage is assessed at 80 cu. ft. per ton, or part loads which do not permit additional loading on top, the tonnage then being calculated at 12 sq. ft. per ton.
Afinal qualification is made in assessing mileage. Where traffic is consigned to or from a point off main traffic routes, the mileage used to determine the rate to he charged is the total of the actual road mileage between the two points and the dead mileage incurred in returning to a main traffic route. In announcing the new schedule on Monday, Mr. J. W. Ellis, chairman of the Conference, said that in so doing they were sticking their necks out to be shot at by both .haulier and customer." The very fact, however, that the recommended rates were only 71 per cent. above those of 1948, despite increases of 50 per rent. or More in operating costs, clearly emphasized the need for their introduction. The schedule could answer the question of what was -a cut rate in the light of the 1956 Act.