British hauliers may find it difficult to get credit for their businesses. This would be another blow for the industry. The problem comes from the US where loans were given to people who could not repay them. Banks are now reluctant to lend money because they don’t know the scale of the losses.
The haulage industry could be affected because it relies heavily on loans and contract hire and leasing. Almost all trucks are acquired using some form of credit. And lenders may stick to lending to only the safest of firms. How many hauliers are in that position? Also interest rates may rates may rise well above the base rate.
The Daily Telegraph reported the The Federation of Small Businesses as saying it would "not be surprised to hear of more business failures" as banks struggle to borrow cheap money due to poor liquidity in the markets” . An FSB spokesman is reported as saying "On a scale of one to 10, with 10 being blind panic, we are at a seven at the moment. It could get worse."
Currently it is difficult to buy a new heavy truck or van because of the long waiting times. Now even if you can find one to buy, it may be more difficult to get credit.
This is the crunch week in the UK. It will probably be a passing problem butit may also be very serious for smaller firms that need capital.

How the crunch is hurting