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P LETTER OF THE WEEK
Page 18
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SeaFrance has to improve if it wants volumes to rise
I READ WITH INTEREST that LD Lines was thinking of a merger with SeaFrance ('Now Brittany bids for Sea France', CM 26 March).
SeaFrance blames its problems on reduced freight volumes. As a frequent traveller on the Dover/Calais route, I ask if SeaFrance has looked into why freight volumes are low.
First, there was a strike last year. Second,I believe freight drivers are treated terribly. We are kept waiting outside the restaurant until the staff decide we can come in. The food is bad and over-priced (£736 for a meal whereas P&O is just £4.95); it charges for coffee (one cup free if you eat); a packet of cigarettes in the drivers' restaurant is £3.50, and limited to one packet; the ships are dirty and the staff are not the friendliest.
Drivers are talking with their feet for once, they might be minor points, but look at the volumes. That is why P&O and Norfolk Line are full — they look after the drivers.
If SeaFrance wants the freight volumes to improve, it should improve the way it treats drivers. Most drivers can choose the crossing they want and while SeaFrance is cheaper. I use P&O.
Alan Black Operations manager AJ Black Haulage Ed's note: CM asked SeaFrance to respond to Mr Black's letter. As we went to press, it was unavailable for comment,