Short-range haulage cost falls in 2001
Short-range haulage cost falls in 2001
GRAIN haulage rates on short-distance routes have eased back in most areas, according to the latest figures from the Home-Grown Cereals Authority.
But long-distance hauls tend to cost more.
On average, a 25-mile journey in Great Britain costs £4.48/t in 2001, 9p down on the year. A 75-mile haul shows no change at £6.61/t, but hauliers carrying grain for 125 miles ask an average of £8.74p/t, 9p more than in 2000.
But these averages hide regional trends, though the HGCA points out that these were based on fewer forms and are, therefore, slightly less reliable.
Scotland proves to be the most expensive for the two shorter journeys at £5.03/t and £7.07/t, though both are a few pence cheaper than the year before. The cheapest over 25 miles is the north-east, at £4/t, while the East Midlands charges the least for a 75-mile haul, averaging £6.03/t.
This region is also the cheapest over 125 miles, at £7.81/t. The south-east is the most expensive over that distance, at £9.16/t, though Scotland and the south-west run close.
Over the past five years, the average cost for hauling grain 50 miles in Great Britain has risen by 10.8% to £5.54/t, and by 16% to £7.67/t for double the distance. But a 30-mile haul went up by just 9% to £4.69/t. *