Truck drivers fear escalating fuel prices

Truck drivers in western Queensland fear escalating fuel prices may force them to up the cost of freight to make ends meet.

The Australian Roadtrain Association's Queensland representative, Bill Baskett, says operators are concerned about the way fuel prices are going up.

He says many truck drivers are hoping the goods and services tax's introduction may ease this with reductions to fuel, but fear some may still have to lift transport rates to stay viable.

"It hasn't occurred yet...industry is crying out for increases in freight rates, it's hard to do, it's easy to put prices down but very hard to get them back up," he said.

"And livestock carriers that charge by the kilometre, in the last 12 months, their kilometres have risen drastically."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/state/qld/metqld-25jan2000-10.htm

-- Carl Jenkins (Somewherepress@aol.com), January 25, 2000

Answers

Damn Mon! You are a bull dog, with a bone! Is this your living or hobby? If it is your living, please tell me where to sign on!

-- Truth For (us@all.com), January 25, 2000.

Truth,

It's out there.

-- Dee (T1Colt556@aol.com), January 25, 2000.

Carl,
27 Jan 2000, ABC(Aus) Radio News reporting on the fuel price and its effect on private truckers. Report said that business failures are likely. This story is just beginning in the bush.

REgards from Down Under

-- Pieter (zaadz@icisp.net.au), January 27, 2000.