Lorry owners to blame for supply crisis

THERE has been much criticism of the transport industry for failing to deal with their driver shortage by increasing rates of pay and better terms and conditions.

Market forces have indicated this for some years, hence the current debacle.

But the solution has been constantly postponed due to customer pressure.

All my working life as a metal-bashing manufacturer I have been under pressure from buyers that have been set a price reduction targets from suppliers.

Purchasing departments maintain their company has a “no price increase policy”. The larger the customer, the greater the pressure.

I have lost many jobs as work has been transferred away from me to a more competitive source of supply.

Some, after a few months, have been returned to me, the cheaper sources being low on quality.

I have even been telephoned and asked if I could explain how the components could be produced to the specifications.

I then find that the competition had failed to cost in the correct number of operations required.

The threat to lose work can be a compelling one when considering whether to stand firm or possibly lose the business, but there does come a time when it is necessary to insist.

The transport industry has now been compelled to act decisively, and rates of pay are being increased by anything from 25% to 40% to recruit qualified staff.

These additional costs will be passed on to the customer, otherwise their goods will not be transported.

As to terms and conditions, that is another story.

Transport companies have failed to recognise the value of drivers sleeping in their cabs, thus keeping the vehicle safe. The setting up of a string of transport parks, where drivers can sleep would take some time to achieve, however desirable that would be.

I do not blame Government for the current state of affairs.

Market forces should have forced more attractive terms years ago.

The responsibility lies with the lorry owners themselves.