According to The Road Haulage Association's 2014 Cost Movement Survey the overall cost of operating a truck, excluding fuel costs, has risen by 2% in 12 months.
The reason for the increase is twofold: the introduction of the Euro 6 tailpipe emissions standard driving up the cost of new trucks by 10% and the increase in driver wages in response to dwindling driver numbers.
The survey revealed that the Euro 6 emissions standard, introduced in 2013, has meant operators have had to invest in expensive new technology, which they have had to pass on to the customer.
Regarding drivers' pay, the average wage rose by 2% in 2013 and by 3% in 2014. This was driven by the ever-increasing driver shortage and makes the Association's call to the Chancellor to provide funding for vocational training even more critical.
However th RHA pointed out that these increased operating costs do not include the fuel element and that the price of fuel always rises more quickly than it drops.
RHA Manager for Logistics Development, Nick Deal said, "These figures give an accurate snapshot of the UK haulage industry's position within the EU marketplace. The Chancellor, in the last Autumn Statement, once again froze fuel duty, However, with a General Election in May, the RHA, together with campaign partners FairFuelUk, will continue to push for a 3 pence per litre duty cut."
Regarding the current controversy on fuel prices, Nick Deal added, "Following six years of intense pressure on rates, costs are now building in all areas other than fuel and we wonder how long the current low prices will be maintained."
Photo: The Euro 6 standard has driven the cost of new trucks up by 10%