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Costs rising more quickly than rates
Page 46
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HAULIERS COSTS across Europe rose faster than their rates throughout 2007, and UK hauliers reported the lowest growth in Europe, according to the European Transport Barometer 2008 produced by Analytiqa.
The Czech Republic led the growth table at 34.7%, Spanish companies reported an average of 20.9% growth and France was close behind at 17.9%.
Despite a poorer showing of 11.6%, German hauliers reported an above-average year. However, their UK counterparts were unhappy with the sector's performance, reporting growth of only 9.2%.
Hauliers across Europe also had problems matching prices to rising costs. While 4.3% managed to cut their operating overheads, 23% reported costs rose by 10 to 15%.
The increase was blamed on fuel prices, rising labour costs and increased tolls. Spain saw the highest hike in costs at 23.5%, with the Netherlands reporting only 8%. Fleets in the UK and the Czech Republic were the most likely to decrease in size.
UK operators saw costs increase by an average of 13.4%, but rates increased by only 5.7%, leaving UK freight transport still significantly underpriced.