Haulage Companies - Toting Up the Cost Of Haulage Work

Those businesses looking to hire specialist haulage companies should be aware of the potential for variability in cost. All quotes for the delivery of goods will be made in consideration of the quantity of goods, potential for return loads and length of journey. In providing the service, haulage companies are likely to take particular note of the expenses highlighted in this article.

Overheads

The management of even small haulage companies are required to account for a range of overheads. Among other things, they have to consider the costs of fuel, excise duty, property rent and bills. Of course there is going to be a fair amount of variation, depending upon the scale of the fleet and seasonal fluctuations in demand for deliveries. The high price of fuel is also having a considerable effect on the cost of transportation.

Load Weight & Quantity

It makes better financial sense to enlist the assistance of haulage companies in the transportation of large loads. However, prices will vary depending upon the size and weight of the goods. If the transport company has to make use of Arctic trucks, articulated lorries and specialised equipment, the costs will be far higher. They are also likely to account for the relative challenges of navigating different types of roads.

Insurance & Compliance

It is absolutely essential for transport companies (even just "man-and-van" outfits) to invest in comprehensive business and vehicle insurance. They need to have the assurance of pay-outs in the event of unexpected crashes and unavoidable damages. However, the relatively high price of comprehensive cover will be reflected in the costs of delivery. Haulage workers are also required to prove compliance with a variety of stringent industry standards; it is necessary to pay the price for relevant approvals prior to undertaking specialist transport jobs. There are also costs for vehicle registration and ongoing maintenance taken into consideration when quoting on a job.

Hiring & Training

The price of fully trained haulage workers is another factor built in to the cost of transportation. It is worth remembering that such employees are required to have a full understanding of safe loading techniques and road safety strategies. They have a high level of responsibility when it comes to the transfer of valuable and potentially hazardous goods, so that appropriate training must be undertaken.

Cost Minimisation

While businesses must expect to pay a significant cost for professional transport services, it's worth remembering there's a lot of competition for delivery work. Hauliers often attempt to lure new customers with surprisingly cheap offers, but of course it is important to take account of factors such as reputation and guarantees before making any decisions.

Norman Dulwich is a Correspondent for Haulage Exchange, the leading online trade network for the road transport industry across the UK and Europe. It provides services for matching haulage companies or drivers with jobs and to buy and sell road transport and haulage work in the domestic and international markets. Over 3,000 transport exchange businesses are networked together through their website, trading jobs and capacity in a safe 'wholesale' environment.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.