|
Strong inflationary pressures in the key areas of truck operation are reflected in the Road Haulage Associations Cost Movement Survey.
Fuel, the cost of trucks and business overheads, contribute to a year-on-year increase in haulage costs of 8.22% for a typical 44-tonne truck, the RHA says.
The survey period to September 30 does not include much of the surge in fuel prices, including the above-inflation increase in fuel duty on October.
With some truck manufacturers’ order books for heavy trucks now full through to the start of 2009, truck prices have been hardening rapidly. Finance costs have also risen.
Inflationary pressures are also becoming apparent in driver employment costs, where health and safety and training costs, as well as increase holiday costs, are significant factors.
RHA Chief Executive Roger King said, ‘It is clear that road haulage costs are under extreme pressure. We have concerns for cash flow of hauliers who have to pay for fuel now but may not be paid by their customers until the New Year.
‘The industry faces an uncertain outlook, with volatility in key areas of cost and no end in sight to exceptional lead times for new trucks. Ironically, much new truck production is going to Eastern Europe and these vehicles will be coming to the UK in increasing numbers to compete with British hauliers – with diesel that carries a duty rate less than half that of the UK,’ he said.
|
