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Compliant trucking firms are finding it harder to survive

Trucking group frustrated from seeing dodgy companies undercut compliant ones to win work.

 

Compliance costs and shrinking margins are pushing some transport businesses to dangerously cut corners, Road Freight NSW has warned.

General manager Jodie Broadbent says the closure of Lismore-based Mills Transport is one example of the potential impact.

“The [Mills] family reached this decision for the reason that the transport industry no longer offers a return on their investment,” she says.

“Their decision was, however, influenced by the current operating environment of the transport industry: the cost of regulation and compliance, taxes, insurance and in many instances a non-level playing field.”

Broadbent says some operators are ignoring some of their compliance responsibilities and are thus able to offer more competitive rates.

 

Compliance costs and shrinking margins are pushing some transport businesses to dangerously cut corners.

Posted by Owner Driver on Sunday, 27 September 2015

 

“Competing against companies taking short-cuts has been difficult; seeing the awarding of work to these operators has been frustrating,” she says.

Road Freight NSW is in favour of some form of operator licensing to ensure transport businesses maintain a level playing field.

“It’s time we stopped burying our heads in the sand about things that could potentially be very beneficial for our industry,” she says.

Licensing would be “absolutely” beneficial in terms of safety, but also, crucially, in terms of business viability.

“We need to stand up for what we want to see in our industry. 

“Then maybe, just maybe, we wouldn’t see businesses like Mills Transport, so disillusioned with the game, they decide to shut their doors.”

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