TRUCKING INDUSTRY * UK - Fleets re-examine funding methods

London,UK -Fleet News -24 Jan 2011: -- A number of fleets have already changed or are looking to change the way they fund their vehicles to ensure they’re still getting the best value for money... The increase in VAT from 17.5% to 20%, a reduction in capital allowances and proposed new accountancy rules are all having an impact... Doubts have already been raised over the future for employee car ownership (ECO) schemes, with mileages, fuel costs and the administrative burden eroding potential savings... However, whether a fleet’s employing an ECO scheme, outright purchase or leasing its vehicles, the continuing backdrop is one of cost reduction...

* Wales - Welsh haulier says market conditions are 'uneconomic'

Chepstow,Wales,UK -Road Transport, by Simon Jack -24 January 2011: ...  Haulier Stroat Transport says that market conditions are close to making the business uneconomic...  The company, which works in the construction and agricultural sectors, has seen fuel costs rise by £1,000 per month for each of its three vehicles...  Dave Bollen, a partner of the firm, says: "It's almost getting to the stage where we'll say we're not going to work for no money. We'll park the lorries up if necessary" ...   At the same time there has been no corresponding rise in rates - the company says it is talking with its customers to try to address the situation...  As well as the haulage business, the partners of Stroat Transport run a farm growing wheat and oilseed rape...