The Rates Problem
Page 23
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
TI-11NGS can be said to be "coming to a pretty pass ", when a Licensing Authority feels so strongly about the rates being paid to a group of reputable hauliers by an equally reputable customer that he issues a virtual ultimatum to withdraw licences for the haulage if the rates are not improved. This is what the Scottish L.A., Mr. W. F. Quin, did, as reported last week. (See also "Licensing Casebook" on page 32 of this issue.) Perhaps more perturbing is the fact that the rates had been agreed between the company concerned and the hauliers.
There are, it is unfortunately true, too many instances today where rates are lower than five years ago—although costs are some 25 per sent higher.. This journal has published several instances lately—particularly ir the tippers field—where 1964 ratesare substantially below those in force some years before. True, low rates are brought about basically because there is too often a cheap-jack lurking in the background who will accept anything, especially if it is a return load. But the fact remains that the customer bears a responsibility. The sort of rates that some customer-companies try (and usually succeed) to force down disunited haulage contractors' throats are an insult.
One answer lies with more L.A.s following Mr. Quin's lead. Another lies with operators; why accept ridiculously low rates? Refuse such traffic. Another answer lies with the Road Haulage Association, who might well consider whether they adopt a sufficiently militant role in this vital field.
There is one more thought. Write to The Commercial Motor about instances where rates are below the level of, say, five years ago. The full glare of public scrutiny can make many a customer think again.