The sweet smell of sweaty assets

Truck operating costs increased by 2.5-3.5% in the UK in 2006. The price of diesel fuel reached a new height in July, but the average increase in diesel price over the whole year was the smallest for 3 years. Fears of high wage increases were unfounded. Capital costs of new trucks and trailers were restrained. The economic backdrop to the truck data is outlined. Truck operating costs in the UK are discussed in relation to fuel costs, fuel duty, the introduction of sulphur-free fuel, labour charge-out rates, maintenance, parts prices, Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) test fees, truck driver's pay, truck vehicle excise duty, tyre sales, the price of rubber and energy costs, sales of new trucks, the transition from Euro-3 to Euro-4 emissions regulations, Euro-5 engines, trailer sales, the costs of steel and aluminium, lubricants, depreciation, overheads (business rates, property, the costs of gas and electricity), finance rates and insurance. The economic outlook for road hauliers is considered.