I NOTICED the very interesting snippet in which an FTW reader carefully analyses transport costs (Hauliers’ costs plummet - FTW June 13, 2003). I would really appreciate it if this person would publish the complete formula on which their costings are based. I would like to know how many and what type of rigs they run, and for how many years they have been running a fleet. Our rigs consume diesel, tyres, there’s also drivers’ time, night out allowances, tolls, trip bonuses, satellite tracking, cellphone time, two way radios, repairs and maintenance, spare parts supplied by greedy vehicle suppliers who have blocked generic spares to SA hauliers, chains and tie-downs, tarpaulins, licence fees, rent and washing materials. Expenses also include Joint Services Board, National Bargaining Council, Provident Fund, UIF, income tax, skills development levy, PAYE, workman’s compensation, union fees and funerals resulting from Aids deaths. Then there is vehicle insurance, hauliers’ liability insurance, Third Party liability insurance, public liability insurance, exorbitant interest rates being charged by SA financial institutions and bank charges. There are also administration costs, management costs, electricity, water ...and if there is something left over after the tax man has had his slice...me! I would like to meet this person. We really need someone like this to help us cut our costs please. Tim Driman, managing director - TLD Group.
