BLOCKADES THREATENED AS FUEL INCREASES HIT HARD

The transport industry press is reporting that pressure groups have threatened to blockade UK fuel depots and organise rolling demonstrations unless the Government agrees to reduce the tax on fuel by 10p per litre.

The anger many hauliers and farmers feel is understandable.  Framptons Transport Services Ltd’s fuel costs have increased by 11 pence per litre in as many weeks  - we have therefore had to increase our fuel surcharge.  As we operate over 60 vehicles it meant an increase in costs of over £5000 per week during this period, which is an impossible amount to absorb.

However we totally reject any static or rolling blockades, direct action, demonstrations, or any other form of disruption to normal freight flows.

It is true that the duty burden puts excessive and unfair taxation on freight movers, and we believe that the Government should move swiftly to address this issue, which ultimately threatens the competitiveness of UK business.  The answer must lie in negotiation and engaging the Government in resolving the situation, rather than protests and disruption to industry.

We have therefore asked all our employees and as many customers and suppliers as possible to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer expressing their views.  We are working closely with the Road Haulage Association which is urging the Government to apply a rebate or reduced fuel tax for essential users such as commercial vehicles. We have therefore asked all our employees and as many customers and suppliers as possible to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer expressing their views.  We are working closely with the Road Haulage Association which is urging the Government to apply a reduced fuel tax for essential users such as commercial vehicles.   One idea the RHA has proposed is to introduce a discretionary VAT rate on diesel for haulage companies, possibly up to 30%, which would allow the UK Government to reduce the rate of fuel duty and hauliers could claim back the extra VAT, meaning lower overall fuel bills.

Remembering the blockades of 2000.  Fuel as the lifeblood of industry suddenly became even more precious.  Framptons bulk buy diesel and therefore we had reasonable reserves for the first few days, however as time progressed much of the burden was placed on our drivers, who, often miles away from home, put in extraordinary efforts to ensure our wheels kept turning.  Many willingly drove miles to find fuel, sat in queues for hours and paid for diesel out of their own pockets.  We were deeply grateful to them for their commitment to our company.  Their generosity allowed us and our customers to honour the majority of delivery commitments.  We know that our customers were extremely thankful that throughout this difficult period they could invoice and be paid as normal.  We sincerely hope that this situation is not repeated.

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR

Details of our operating days over the Christmas and New Year period have been emailed out.  If, for any reason, you have not received a copy and would like this information, please let us know.

SPANISH HOLIDAYS

Traditionally the 6th and 8th December are national holidays in Spain.  This year they fall on a Thursday and Saturday, meaning many companies are likely to remain closed on Friday.  If you normally expect to deliver on a Friday in Spain, please can we ask you to check that the consignee will be open on the 7th December to receive goods?

HAZCHEM NETWORK

If your company requires distribution of goods that are classed as hazardous by road, how confident are you of the carrier’s ability to contain and deal with any incident such as a spillage whilst in transit?  The Hazchem Network is a pallet delivery network with a difference  -  it is specifically designed to deliver  a wide range of ADR products swiftly and safely across the UK and Ireland.  All network members are experienced, ADR licensed professionals, fully trained and equipped to ensure maximum safety.   The specially designed hub in Rugby is segregated into 4 quadrants to provide robust and safe stowage and overnight transhipment of hazardous goods. 

Network distribution of ADR goods, reduces the amount of chemical freight using the congested UK road network during the day and offers a competitive alternative to conventional delivery methods.  Framptons Transport Services Ltd is the depot covering the southwest postcodes of BA, DT, TA, EX, PL, TQ and TR  - please contact us for further information.

 www.hazchemnetwork.co.uk

PALLETLINE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

The Palletline network celebrated its 15 year anniversary at a gala evening at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel.  Established in 1992, Palletline set the model for all the other networks founded since then and handles more than 8,000 pallets per night.

Framptons joined the Palletline system in 1995.  We cover the postcode areas of BA, DT and SP7 and 8, collecting and delivering on a daily basis.  When we first joined Palletline, shared user distribution was a relatively unknown concept.  Today, it is recognized as a cost-effective transport method servicing equally efficiently large supermarket distribution centres or small one-man enterprises.

www.palletline.co.uk

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For more information please visit

www.framptons.co.uk

Framptons Transport Services Ltd, Crowne Trading Estate, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5QU, England

Tel: +44 (0)1749 333400 Fax: +44 (0)1749 346249

Email: sales@framptons.co.uk