Spiralling fuel costs are causing ongoing problems for the transport and haulage industries as the RAC warns that average fuel prices are likely to hit £2 per litre any day now and calls for the government to take drastic action.
How Are Fuel Prices Affecting Hauliers?
Earlier this year, the Road Haulage Organisation (RHA) urged the government to take action to protect the haulage industry and in March, the government cut fuel duty by 5p per litre, estimating that this would give savings of around £1,500 per year for hauliers.
However, fuel prices in the UK have continued to rise and haulage companies are once again struggling to balance their books, with many warning that cost increases will need to be passed on to customers if firms are to survive. This will mean shoppers seeing raised prices at the tills or when buying online, as companies add on fuel surcharges to cover their rising costs.
Others in the transport industry, such as coach operators and taxi firms are also having to raise prices in order to continue operating.
What Is Being Done to Alleviate the Pressures on Haulage Firms?
The rapid hike in fuel prices is just the latest in a long line of issues the industry has faced recently, including driver shortages and increased salaries in a bid to recruit and retain drivers. There have also been higher maintenance costs and shortages of new lorries and replacement parts due to the global chip shortage.
The transport industry is a vital part of the country’s economy and without it, the infrastructure would collapse. Much of what we consume, whether it’s food, medicines or other goods, arrives via haulage, and the RHA has stepped in once again in a bid to protect hauliers from the mounting financial pressures.
Rod McKenzie from the RHA has pointed out that fuel represents over a third of the operating costs of the average truck, however, profit margins are between 1 and 2%. The RHA is also calling for an ‘essential user rebate’ for hauliers and coach operators, which would allow them to lower their customer prices.
Meanwhile, the Department for Transport (DfT) is planning to introduce a policy that will ‘name and shame’ any petrol station that fails to pass on the previous cut in fuel duty.
Get In Touch
We understand the pressures that businesses are under during these difficult and uncertain times and here at Hawley Logistics, we want to reassure our customers that despite the fuel price crisis, we’re continuing to offer the same cost-effective and reliable logistics services that we always have. No matter where your goods need to go or how they’ll be travelling, you can trust us to get them there on time.
We have over 35 years of experience in the industry, so whether you’re looking for freight services, such as Air Freight, Road Freight or Sea Freight or you require UK haulage services, don’t hesitate to get in touch and find out how we can help. You can call us on 01706 826322 or email [email protected]. Alternatively, if you’d prefer you can request a callback and one of the team will get back to you as soon as possible to discuss your needs and the solutions we can offer.
