Most transport operators are worried about cash flow, but, crucially, have a good relationship with their bank/lender, according to the results of the latest Trucking Britain Out Of Recession survey.
Asked if they are worried about their business's cash flow, 65% said they were either very or fairly concerned. However, 68% of the survey respondents described their relationship with their bank/lender as excellent
or good; 18% said fair, while just 5% said poor.
Nearly two-thirds said some or lots of their clients are extending payment terms, further heightening cash flow concerns.
The Christmas volumes forecast, however, is a little worrying: 11% expect volumes to increase by up to 5% over last year, while another 13% expect volumes will jump 10% or more; 36% expect volumes to be static; and 19% expect volumes to fall by as much as 5%, while 18% anticipate a drop of 10% or more.
Some haulage staff will feel the brunt of this forecast: 15% of respondents said the Christmas party will be a lower scale event than in previous years, while 27% have cancelled the party entirely.
Nevertheless, optimism remains high: 69% are either fairly or very optimistic about the next three months, while 78% are either fairly or very optimistic about the next 12 months; and 89% are confident their business will survive the recession.
Trucking Britain Out Of Recession is supported
by Motor Transport, Truck & Driver, TruckNetUK and Roadtransport.com.
It is also backed by the Road Haulage Association, DAF, MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Michelin, Renault Trucks, Scania and Volvo.
Further analysis of the November survey will appear in the next issue.
Reed Business Information Limited.©2010
