BOB RUSSETT,
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managing director, Pattettine Logistics
"I have a feeling we'll lose a pallet network or two, either through merger or failure. Volumes are about 12% down for us, which isn't disastrous in itself.
"For the general road haulage market, the level of debt in the industry is starting to cause a problem. If people struggled to make money in November, how will they pay bills in January or February — they will be tough months.
'There's already evidence that HP and overdrafts are squeezing companies, and they are not looking at profit but cashflow, and offering ludicrous rates just to keep cash flowing. When I was Road Haulage Association chairman, I used to say: 'If it don't pay, walk away', and that's more important now than ever. Companies can't afford to offer suicidal rates."