Palletline Logistics News
MARCH 2011 - MASTER CARMAN HIGHLIGHTS THE PLIGHT OF THE TRANSPORT INDUSTRY
In a speech given at the Mansion House, London, Bob Russett, Chairman of Palletline Logistics, gave an impassioned plea highlighting not only the difficult times faced by hauliers in view of escalating fuel prices, but also the impact these increases are having on the businesses across the UK.
"I am a fourth generation haulier and have spent all my working life in the industry. The last few years have been very difficult for most businesses in this country. The economy had a bit of a hiccup in the last quarter of 2010 but it does now appear to be heading in the right direction. The transport industry however continues to struggle. It is probably struggling as much now as it has at any time over mine and the previous three generations.
Fuel equates to over a third of the operating costs of a haulage business, a very significant percentage. In spite of that, the cost of diesel should not matter to a haulier because all of the competition pays approximately the same price for fuel.
However, the industry is very fragmented. Contrary to public perception there are only a few large hauliers. The vast majority are small operators, struggling to give a service and make a living. The average fleet size in this country is less than five vehicles.
As a result, as an industry we have no collective bargaining, so are very poor at passing our increase in costs on to our customers, especially when those customers themselves are having their margins squeezed and may be struggling to survive.
With that situation as a background we are currently facing the highest price for diesel ever.
We have had a 30% increase in diesel costs in just the last four months. Most of this is due to the increase in the price of crude oil, but it has not been helped by two increases in fuel duty during that time. 81p of the pump price of every litre goes to the Chancellor.
We will see what the Chancellor does in the forthcoming budget but he has previously announced an increase that could well equate to 5p per litre.
We all know that the Chancellor needs to raise a lot of money to pay off the nation's debts, but question why he seeks so much of that money from one small and easy industry target, especially one that is absolutely vital to UK Plc. If you have it, then a truck brought it. There is nothing in this room or in any of your homes that didn't once travel on a truck. Every business in this country is wasting its time selling its products if it cannot get them delivered to its customers.
We are an industry that needs supporting, not diminishing."
Bob's speech was given under the auspices of his role as the Master Carman 2010/2011 for the Royal Worshipful Company of Carmen. The Company is the oldest transport organisation in the world, forming part of the City-wide fellowship of historic and modern liveries reflecting trades, crafts, industries and professions.
Today, the Carmen Benevolent Trust raise money to spend on the deserving and disadvantaged, primarily in education, health and those individuals from our industry that have fallen on hard times; they also offer support, encouragement and benevolence to those who serve in harm's way in the three armed service, and they innovate in the world of movement through debate, discussion and design, actively supporting and contributing to the City civic.
MARCH 2009 - NEVER A DULL MOMENT AT PALLETLINE LOGISTICS...
Ever been on the M6 or M54 and seen this guy in your rear view mirror? You won’t be alone!
Meet Tex, a DAF XF with a very real personality – and an important part of the Palletline Logistics fleet!
He’s one of the Truckitt Family - an engaging team of cartoon characters modelled around real, road going vehicles, designed to appeal to youngsters aged between 4 and 8.
There’s a serious side to these fun-loving characters, too. Originally designed to promote a real understanding of the vital role the road transport industry plays in today’s commercial world, the Truckitts have a message to get across to kids around the country. “Whatever it may be – from food products through to toys and games – a truck played an important part in getting it to you.”
Tex is a workhorse too – he’s out on the roads every day for Palletline Logistics, completing three round trips between our Birmingham and Telford bases, typically carrying goods including lawn mowers and lawn tractors and wood burning stoves.
Want to know more? Meet the whole Truckitt family at www.truckitts.com
