I8-tonnes means ittle to hauliers
Page 35
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IVER THE past few months I aye read with some interest the arious points put forward for
and against the 38-tonne lorry. Doubtless the vehicle manufacturers will have spent much effort and not a little cash in developing their new offerings in the hope of a rich harvest. The CBI, on the other hand, sees the 38-tonner as a means of moving more goods at lower cost. We accept that if the total operating cost of a new 32ton outfit is compared with a similar new 38-tonne combination, then the cost per tonne mile with the 38-tonne combination will be marginally less than that of its 32-ton competitor. The Commercial Motor Tables of Operating Costs 1982/83 quote, for a 32-ton combination, 102.6p per mile based on 1,000 miles per week run. Projecting these figures one would expect a new 38-tonne two-axled, tractor and tri-axled trailer to cost about 115p per mile. Now, here's the rub, how can one operate a vehicle costing 115p per mile to run when its potential earnings are not likely to exceed 85p? The answer is obvious and reflects the present parlous state of the hire and reward section of the industry. Your correspondent Malcolm Tomlinson of Hepworth Ceramic Pipes (CM April 30) unwittingly highlights the situation. In days gone by his sphere of operation would have been limited to those of the Contract "A" or "C" License. His 10 per cent cut in back-load rates has nothing to do with operating at 38 tonnes. No doubt about it, the everyday haulage contractor will be swept up in the 38-tonne syndrome, not because he wants it, nor with the euphoria with which it has been greeted by those with a manufacturing purse behind them but because progress will have its way. J. B. THACKRAY
M. D. Thackray (Transport) Malton, Yorkshire