MIDDLE GROUND
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While everybody would ideally like a late-registered tractor unit, there is still plenty of demand for middle-of-the-road 03to 06-registered examples at a sensible price, says Jamie McDonald of Norfolk-based FUM Commercials.
"I'm thinking about good-quality vehicles that can retail from £10,000 to £20,000," he says. "They take some finding though, and they've got to be prepared properly before they can be retailed."
That does not mean simply ensuring that they are mechanic* sound, important though that is.
"In addition, we do things like dealing with the stone chips and replacing the floor mats in the cab to make the trucks look that bit fresher and more appealing," he says. 'In effect, we give them a mini-makeover.
"They appeal to small firms who need a vehicle, but are uncertain about which direction the industry is heading in and don't want to commit themselves to spending £40,000 to £50,000."
That may be small change to Wincantory but it's a fortune to Joe Soap Haulage.