No case for a rise ITread the article entitled "P&O
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domination worries hauliers" (CM 2-8 April) with interest but cannot agree with the comments attributed to the FTA spokesman—"There is a case for rate increases..."—nor would I expect any of his members serving European markets to agree.
Since the takeover, the number of daily sailings has fallen by 33% from 52 to 35 per day and half the hazardous administration personnel have disappeared. With such economies of scale, the cost of sea freight should also be falling. Could it be that the rate increase is needed because P&O Stena's revenue from continental hauliers has reduced by approximately 23% for the same volume due to the strong pound? My export clients are trying to cut manufacturing costs because of the strength of Sterling.
P&O Stena has said prices will rise year on year. Our industry should not be taking such attempted price rises lying down.
Brian Yeardley, Featherstone, West Yorkshire.