• I was very pleased to read of another satisfied 00UK member — C Kinsella (CM 18-24 April).
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However, I should just like to take this opportunity to clarify a number of points.
At the heart of 00UK, and the one point that is made absolutely clear to every new member, is our individual commitment to an individual member.
This was made very clear to Mr Kinsella at Truckfest '90.
When one has a membership consisting of small, independent businessmen and women, gaining the confidence of the individual is an important priority. The slow, but positive, growth of 00UK is succeeding in doing just that, and this is reflected by the renewals of existing members.
There are a great many aspects of the haulage industry that need improving, not least the rates. Many 00UK members regard their arrangements with their customers as private and are more concerned with the wider aspects. For instance, the uncompetitive nature of British haulage, when compared to our European competitors, and the attitude of the British Government with its punitive taxation and total failure to back British hauliers in Europe.
At recent regional business meetings members have shown that it is possible to cut out some of the middlemen. These meetings, a very recent development to the benefit of membership, are providing an excellent way for local businessmen and women to exchange views and to encourage their fellow operators to be more professional in their approach to potential customers. Over the past 12 months, since the conversation Mr Kinsella refers to, we have actively begun to develop our lobbying abilities. We were the only organisation to go to Irun in Spain at the height of the haulage dispute. Following that we were invited to address the European Transport Committee on the problems facing British hauliers in Europe.
We are continually in touch with British MPs and ministers promoting the needs of the industry.
I should just like to reaffirm that at the heart of 00UK lies an individual commitment to each and every individual Full Member.
That founding concept shall never change.
Robert T McHugh Managing director, Owner Operators UK, Ewen, Nr Cirencester, Glos. Mi You recently published a most interesting piece on the Southfields aerodynamic body package.
The pioneering people at Ricardo-AS&A welcome constructive information about vehicle aerodynamics as they believe it is all in the promotion of the aerodynamic cause — a cause which protects operators' pockets while being environmentally friendly.
When back in April 1990 you published a full comparative roadtest between a Leyland Daf 17.18 Freighter and a Ricardo-AS&A equipped aerodynamic Freighter supplied with identical six-tonne payloads, you achieved an impressive 18% fuel improvement, adding "even the most cynical observer should take notice".
The scientifically designed and wind-tunnel tested Ricardo equipment produces results for both rigids and artics and, on a five-year life, the pay-back on capital cost can be between 1.4 and 1.7 years.
The Department of Energy will shortly release operational figures of aerodynamic articulated vehicles which show virtually identical fuel savings.
Anthony Smallhorn Ricardo-AS&A, Letchworth, Herts. • I would like to commend the Foden sales staff at this year's Commercial Motor Truckfest.
While quite a lot of its competitors were sitting in their warm exhibition stands, the Foden people were noticeable for being out in the weather and really trying to make sales.
One did not have to go to them, they were already out there with the trucks.
I used to be a lorry driver and I have both CPCs, but due to a recent accident I am no longer in the haulage industry — although I certainly miss it quite a lot.
If I was considering a new lorry their attitude would most definitely have resulted in a sale.
I walked around the stand with the aid of sticks but even this did not put the sales team off. Other manufacturers seemed to
only want people in expensive suits near their lorries, but the Foden people were there with answers to any questions. They talked to anyone who showed an interest, whether they were in suits or overalls.
It was very nice to deal with such a professional staff on their Truckfest stand and I wish them every success in the future.
Please do not think that I am biased towards Foden trucks; I have always worked with Seddon Atkinson vehicles, but I believe praise is due in this instance.
NP Moult
Nottingham.