Road hauliers in Ireland say they can no longer guarantee reliable services without introducing a surcharge to offset rising fuel costs.
The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA), which represents more than 1,000 Irish haulage companies, has written to the Irish Exporters Association, Irish International Freight Association, Irish Business and Employers Confederation and Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association calling on their members to support their transport providers on the question of introducing a fuel surcharge.
IRHA President Vincent Caulfield said: “Our members are finding it increasingly difficult to offset the high cost of fuel and cannot afford to wait for consignors to come round to accepting the seriousness of this issue. They need action now.
“We believe the haulage industry alone cannot be expected to bear this ever-increasing cost, and it presents the basis for negotiations aimed at maintaining price competitiveness and protecting Ireland’s export business.”
The IRHA claimed the majority of its members were struggling to survive with fuel now accounting for up to 50% of their annual operating costs.
“The two-cent per litre budget increase in the price of diesel has increased the annual cost of keeping just one truck on the road by as much as €3,000 (US$4,062),” said Caulfield.
“When you factor-in the carbon tax, the price of diesel rose by 18 cents a litre, or the equivalent of 17%, during 2010.”
Source: IFW
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