Health check result: intensive care needed

A survey by Transport Engineer showed that the cost of operating trucks in the UK increased by 5-8% in 2005. The factors behind the increase are considered with reference to the UK economic backdrop, maintenance costs at franchised truck dealers, fuel (diesel) costs, the UK's fuel duty, the introduction of a 48-hour average working week for drivers, drivers pay settlements, capital costs (truck costs), the cost of aluminium, competition from foreign truck manufacturers, depreciation costs, the cost of lubricants, vehicle excise duty, insurance, tyre costs, the costs of borrowing, overheads, and the economic outlook. Tables are presented showing the prices of crude oil and bulk diesel oil in 2005 and the standing and operating costs for 7.5-32 tonne-gvw rigid trucks, tractive units 28-44 tonnes gcw trucks and trailers.