Thanks to Skills for Logistics, Exeter College and the Young Driver Scheme I've now got another driver, and employed at a very reasonable rate too. OK, as it's my 18-year-old daughter maybe it's a new definition of the word reasonable! But seriously I'm pleased for her: she's produced some good coursework, and passed the theory and the practical test first time ! And the best part was I didn't have to fund it!!

Although she's working at home, she works more with the livery yard (the real reason she wanted a HGV licence) than the livestock  transport, but I'm sure with a bit of "persuasion", she will help out!
 
So, going back to a subject I mentioned in an earlier blog, maybe this is the time to give a second lorry a go! I've been told about a tidy 12-tonne lorry, with a nice livestock box fitted,  for sale at a reasonable price ( I hope the vendor isn't reading this ). A 12-tonner has access advantages in a area like Exmoor where the roads were built for a pony and trap, and haven't changed much since! It would complement the bigger one I drive, even if just for local markets and movements it would free up time so I could do the bigger, longer distance jobs.

With my daughter able to help out on occasions and a couple of friends with HGV licences able to help as well, this could be the time to give it a try - so I might have to actually go and have a look this weekend

Keep watching this space!

Denis Fuller is a owner-operator based in the South West, running a single truck on livestock and agricultural haulage.
 

When I started thinking about this blog my intention was to absolutely avoid talking about diesel prices. However I'm going to have to start with an apology, because that's the thing that seems to be on my mind at the moment (and quite a lot of other peoples too!)

Coming from an agricultural background, the thing that was drummed into us over the years was controlling the cost of inputs as a major way of achieving the desired profit! However in this case I don't think that's the total answer, there is very little I can do about fuel prices other than shopping around to get the best deal on my fuel cards! And to be honest there has never been a lot the haulier can do about prices! I'm sure that even the Boris Johnson effect won't frighten Gordon Brown into cutting fuel taxes - and if he did he would still need to get the revenue from somewhere else!

I read an interesting post on TruckNet UK today, it was an article from Truck & Driver from 1996, diesel had risen to the dizzy heights of 47ppl, rates weren't going up to match it, a fuel protest had been organised but only 21 lorries turned up , it seemed depressingly similar to the current situation.

So in a week that started with all my fuel cards quoting over a pound a litre, the only way out as far as I can see is to put the rates up. Now I know that my customers will moan and squeal but as I often point out to them, It's the EU's job to subsidise farming not mine and all I'm asking is to be able to make a small profit on the jobs I do – I'm certainly not expecting to be a millionaire this time next year ! I'll leave that to Del Boy and Rodney.

Denis Fuller is a owner-operator based in the South West, running a single truck on livestock and agricultural haulage

John English wrote to his MP yesterday:

"I must point out the UK haulage industry is dying on its feet. The obvious reason for this is the fuel price, of course but there are many others.

My trucks are extremely fuel efficient but my costs have risen by approx. £150 per week per truck in the last 5 months. Each penny that goes on the diesel equals around £10 per week per truck and it has been rising by a penny a week for sometime now.

I have always bought new trucks as they have historically been more fuel efficient than the previous models. With the introduction of the Euro 4 and Euro 5 emission regulations this is no longer true. The EGR engines use 20% more diesel and the SCR engines use 10% more (plus Ad-blue). I know because I’ve tried them.

Apologies if I’m getting too technical but I would like to think you (and other MP’s) knew what I
was talking about as it is a real concern that is largely being overlooked. The Belgians and the French have ‘essential user rebates’ that can be backdated many years. What are the chances of this happening in the UK?

Amongst the other issues are the ridiculous training regimes that will soon be thrust upon us. After 25 years in the business, I will be forced to complete 35 hours ‘periodic training’ every 5 years to keep my licence.

This will naturally cause older drivers to quit the industry or take early retirement (and not even be able to do temporary work.). It will also, discourage new start drivers and they will have to undertake the training in September this year before they get their licence.

Incidentally, I am also a commercial helicopter pilot/instructor. The ‘periodic training’ required
for me to maintain my commercial licence will be 7 times LESS than it is to maintain my HGV licence.

Do you think that is right?"

John English

I would certainly urge anyone that reads it to write to their MP also.

John English has been trading for 20 years, mainly international work but more recently in the UK. he runs 4 Scania artic trucks, all unmarked white, His drivers are all British drivers with around 20 years' experience.

Now you know how it feels to be out of work, It was great to see the back of the Labour London Mayor last friday I could never imagined voting for a conservative candidate, and definatly not one with my dogs name Boris, I wish him all the best lets hope he removes that wicked LEZ charge before I sell my last and final truck

Gordon Brown would be well advised to remove his ear muffs because it will be his turn next if he dosn't listen and sort out the transport Industry and the disgusting charges levied against the back bone of British Industry,

Who pays thousands of pounds in road tax ? other than the British, Do the French, No Sir ! Do the Poles or any other East Europen NO NO NO who's diesel is the most expensive in the 'common' market ? we all know the answer Mr Brown, and please dont make the excuse that it is due to the cost of a Barrell of crude oil, nor OPEC its to do with the unfair tax levied on fuel not just VAT but the greedy percentage levied on a litre of fuel.

We know you hate transport and in particular lorries Its you and your new chancellor, who will no doubt get the blame when you become 'history' by the election in 2010, you had better watch out, the conservatives are on a roll and its your own fault, you and your party are control freaks but thank God we still have the vote. as I pointed out in my last blog I will be wishing you Goodbye.as well.......!

John Hayes owned and ran Redbridge Removals Employing 5 drivers and 10 porters. His vehicles travelled throughout the UK and Europe. After 38 years in the industry Redbridge Removals closed it's doors at the end of january 2008

David Preston, Managing Director Prestons of Potto
When I first started writing this column I intended to avoid the subject of fuel costs. However, recent events make it impossible to ignore.

In Scotland news of the refinery problems soon resulted in shortages at commercial stations. The supermarkets appear to have a more robust fuel supply chain but the height of modern tractor units is not always compatible with the canopy clearance available at supermarket filling stations. The anti-syphon guards fitted to combat fuel theft also make it impossible to transfer fuel from one vehicle to another. At one point it looked like we were going to have to send the workshop van to Scotland laden with jerrycans.

You also find that as in the last fuel crisis hauliers who would normally help start holding onto their fuel stocks tighter than a camel’s arse in a sand storm. These supply problems will also not help the massive cost increase of circa 40% we have had to deal with over the last 12 months. The frightening prospect is that some sources are indicating that diesel may rise to £1.50 ppl or more by the end of the year, a further 25% increase. With fuel accounting for a third of transport costs this would add up to a 22% increase in the cost of running a vehicle.

Unfortunately the small margins in road haulage mean the cost will have to be passed on in increased transport rates. There is no way such large increases can be offset by operational efficiency improvements alone. Whilst in the past fuel prices have sometimes dropped from peak prices it seems that in the future demand will always outstrip supply so the price of fuel will rise on a continual basis.

However it would seem the problem could easily be solved in Spain the price is approx. 60 ppl. During World War 2 a pipeline was laid in 24 hours to France across the Channel to supply D-Day landings. Surely 60 years later we could do the same. The other alternative would be to do the same as my grandfather did 50 years ago when the Suez Crisis meant diesel fuel was unavailable and bring our Burrell Steam Engine out of retirement. It would have no problems pulling the loads but the London low emissions zone could prove difficult to comply with.

Founded over 50 years ago Richard Preston and Son Ltd is one of the most recognised transport companies in the UK. Better known as Preston's of Potto it is a multi faceted transport company operating over 220 vehicles. Preston's has 4 depots throughout the UK serving most sectors of the industry. Preston's offers a large amount of warehousing and also provides total management solutions for its varied clients.

I had a letter this week concerning one of my fuel cards – Their terms and conditions have changed for 2008! Amongst things like - Copies of receipts or invoices £5,Vehicle clearances £10 and exceeding Credit Limit £35 , I noticed this one - If I don't use 400 litres a month on this particular card ( A BP card provided by a company who shall remain nameless for now) they are going to charge me £5 a month – as the garage that I use this card at most often has changed from BP to Shell, this card was going to get less use than before.

Now paying for diesel is bad enough, paying for not using fuel is even worse !! Although I only use a small amount of diesel (average about 2500 litres a month) this still seems unreasonable to me! As I also have a bunker card with this company (which I buy probably ¾ of my diesel with) I thought it was time to have a word! With my suggestion of cancelling the BP card if they decided to charge me the fiver, I'm pleased to report they decided that both cards would count towards the minimum use figure and the letter was really meant for customers with only the BP card - I'm just glad I read the letter instead of just glancing at it and “filing” it in the bin! Who knows what would have happened if I didn't notice?

Of course one less fuel card wouldn't be the end of the world – I usually carry several, it's my way of keeping them on their toes, I have 5 fuel cards to chose from , although 2 are left on my desk as their prices have been consistently too high!! The others get used when their price email gives me the best deal, although it seems like using the same one every week makes them take their eye off the ball as far as price is concerned, alternating helps them to concentrate in my opinion. And of course there's always my Allstar card for when I spot pump prices better than the fuel card prices ( which actually happened twice last month! ), the only drawback being they issue a fraud alert every time I fill the truck as it's mostly used for small amounts in the Land Rover !!

Denis Fuller is a owner operator based in the south west, running a single truck on livestock and agricutural haulage

With the introduction of Euro 4 engines and the ongoing technological spurt for the ever greener diesel engine I have to wonder if we are actually doing anything to save the environment, it would seem that to meet Euro 4 and Euro 5 emissions levels the engines are not so fuel efficient as the Euro 3 engines (which made the biggest leap in cleaner emissions) and any further development is a fraction of the original reductions in emissions levels. One has to wonder if the increase in natural resource usage (fossil fuels) that Euro 4 and 5 and in likelihood any future regulations compensates for the lower air pollution. You have to wonder about the old non euro trucks that are being shipped all over the globe to burn oil in the far off poorer countries, surely if we are to save the planet then transferring the polluting vehicles from one side of the globe to the other isn’t the answer. I don’t believe the full cost to the industry (and the country) has yet been felt. New trucks using 20% more fuel and the price of fuel up 20% - you’ve got to be kidding!! Stand by for more companies going bust in the next two years. . .

There’s plenty of press (transport related press) about the forthcoming drivers CPC and the how’s, why’s and even the costs but nothing in the general press about it so once again Joe public will be unaware that the thousands of professional drivers on the road are actually undergoing any form of further training or education. I have to wonder if this extra training will mean that drivers visiting supermarket RDC’s will be treated any better. Will they suddenly realise that you have a brain and can tell the difference between a red light and a green light and be allowed to keep your keys with you and sit in your cab instead of having to walk to the office and hand over your keys and sit on a wooden bench or plastic picnic chair with the dozens of other professionals also doing the same job, quite probably not. Perhaps given the state of the waiting times at some RDC’s someone will set up a training programme so that you can learn spend your wasted hours sitting the driver CPC whilst on the wooden bench waiting to be unloaded!
Seriously though, I do envisage a considerable amount of drivers leaving the industry over this, they are already treated like idiots or lepers and sometimes both! So why would anyone want to undergo training to stay in an industry with this kind of attitude? You could train to be a plumber and be met at the door by a bored housewife who is so happy to see you and the first words are ‘would you like a cup of tea’ instead of we are running 4 hours behind we’ll get to you when we can.

John English has been trading for 20 years, mainly international work but more recently in the UK. he runs 4 Scania artic trucks, all unmarked white, His drivers are all British drivers with approx 20 years experience

Finances, a word that is guaranteed to bring a sweat to my brow. When I started up I took the decision that any expansion would be paid for in full, I didn't want to have to work all week only to find my income gobbled up by repayments. Since then my vans have all been purchased outright, My (very small) yard and office is on land owned by a family member and therefore the best sort of cheap ... Free !!!.

I buy decent second hand vehicles, and as a man with a van, I employ, as needed, a mechanic with a van to fix them. But now pressure from outside is on me. One of my customers is asking for our van to be liveried, and no older than 18 months at any time. Buying new isn't really an issue as I will simply at the end of its life with the customer put in the general courier fleet. Paying for new is an issue, the instant it rolls into the yard I am out of pocket. A second hand van, bought for cash can be refurbished , resprayed and sorted out mechanically run for a year or two and then sold for very little depreciation. A new ones value plummets like a stone the second it sees its first bit of tarmac.

But the customer is insistent, and their work is consistent and well paid. So do I bite the proverbial bullet and spend out cash on a new van?. I like having the cash in the bank, if it goes quiet I ( and my drivers can still get paid). Engines and gearboxes can be replaced without the worry of how to pay for them. Or do I go for finance and the bewildering array of options and accept that the vehicle is working 2 days a week for the finance company not me.

I realise that many people will say that by earning the money and putting it into the bank for future purchases is the same realistically as paying finance, and your probably right, just to an old fashioned bloke like me, cash in my bank is better than cash in someone else's.

The next couple of weeks will be spent pondering this problem, and visiting various showrooms to see exactly what is on offer, in the mean time I cant help thinking to myself that while a brand new van is a step forwards, is it, with all the finance problems that come with, it a step upwards?

Paul Mcbride runs a small courier business running 5 light vehicles on urgent deliveries throughout Europe

David Preston, Managing Director Prestons of Potto

The British Road Transport industry has never had a good image in the eyes of the public. However, the current demand for reality television programmes may be able to change this.

The Canadian Ice Road Truckers show seems to have captured the imagination of the average viewer. In fact more people seem to be talking about this programme than ‘Dancing on Ice’ with its celebrities and skimpy outfits. Whilst Suzanne Shaw is certainly better to look at than the ‘polar bear’ after a while one twirl on the ice looks pretty much the same as the next and whilst slipping on the ice may be painful, it does not have the same danger as breaking through the ice on a frozen Canadian lake.

The Canadian truckers do seem to not have the same driver’s hours regulations as ourselves, driving for 30 to 40 hours at a time with the ‘dash for cash’ as the main motivation and not a digital tachograph in sight. Speed cameras are also not needed. Excess speed is self-policing as it causes a bow wave in the ice resulting in cracks in the ice road and a penalty far worse than 3 points and a £60.00 fine.

The antics of these drivers when securing their loads would leave the UK Health and Safety Manager in need of rehab but with frostbite setting in after 15 minutes; speed of operation is paramount.

I wonder if the programme has tempted any UK drivers to move to Canada. The ice roads are wide and congestion free, although tea caravans and lay-bys were somewhat scarce. The offloading crew at the diamond mines certainly seemed more grateful than your average grocery distribution centre that their load had arrived with no chance of a refusal if you were an hour late.

The drivers are certainly a hardy bunch sometimes driving trucks with no heating in temperatures of –50°F unlike some of their British counterparts who would not drive a truck in the height of summer without a heater capable of creating sauna type temperatures. Perhaps if global warming as some scientists predicts creates arctic temperatures in the UK (we are on the same latitude as Canada) ice roads may solve the UK congestion problem.

The river Thames used to freeze solid in 17th century and would provide a useful back up to the M4. However in our country they would probably put tollbooths on it and the Greater London Council only allow vehicles pulled by reindeer to use it.

Founded over 50 years ago Richard Preston and Son Ltd is one of the most recognised transport companies in the UK. Better known as Preston's of Potto it is a multi faceted transport company operating over 220 vehicles. Preston's has 4 depots throughout the UK serving most sectors of the industry. Preston's offers a large amount of warehousing and also provides total management solutions for its varied clients.

I learnt a valuable lesson, despite all my previous thinking, I now realise that attaining quality contracts in this business has nothing to do with price, service levels, image or marketing.

To set the scene, I have never been a “sporty” person, indeed my idea of healthy exercise has been walking to the bar for a diet coke for the beloved. However the beloved, in collusion with the doctor has decided that my somewhat rounded figure needs slimming down. And golf was suggested (I say suggested because the beloved presented me with a set of clubs, a day guest pass for the local golf club and kicked me out of the door one Sunday morning). Now to be honest the idea of hitting a ball as far as it will go and then walking after it seemed a bit silly, after all, don't hit it at all, it goes no where and you save yourself all that effort. To my surprise I seem to have a knack for knocking little white things far away and actually enjoy the now regular Sunday outing.

A couple of weeks ago I partnered up with another member of the club who I didn't know, but was looking for someone to have a round with, introductions were made and we set off to dole out punishment to the golf balls ( and in his case a fair amount of grass). About half way round we had ran out of the usual chats about golf, family, holidays, cars etc. and the conversation turned to what we do for a living, This gentleman it turns out is the distribution director for a large national company with its head quarters nearby my yard. For a long time I have attempted to get my vehicles in there, as the work is supposed to be steady, they have a reputation for paying on time and treating the contractors well. But all my calls/marketing/letters had always failed to get a response.

Yet by the 15th hole I had learnt they had been looking for a new express delivery partner for deliveries and returns to and from Benelux, and hadn't found one suitable. Indeed despite my small fledging business being ideal for their needs they hadn't even looked at any of the leaflets/letters, consigning them straight to the bin. His transport manager, despite knowing the company was looking for a courier firm locally exactly like mine had never mentioned our existence.

By the 18th Hole I had an appointment to meet with the man on Monday morning, and by Wednesday two of my vans were on contract to them.

Is this the way business should be done?, I am a traditionalist and believe that my companies work record should be enough to gain me new opportunities. But it seems it isn't. This industry still seems dominated by “Who you know than what you know”. Fair? Professional? Probably not but I wont turn down the work just because the way I found it feels slightly off.

My suggestion to all those struggling to find work? Save your money, don't buy fancy leaflets, spend hours making fruitless cold calls or telephoning, Join a Golf Club, it's healthy for both your body and your wallet. And ignore your conscience

Paul Mcbride runs a small courier business running 5 light vehicles on urgent deliveries throughout Europe