TRUCKING operators have questioned the need for a new set of heavy vehicle charges, as state and federal governments line up to increase registration and fuel costs.
With the introduction date for a 3.2 percent increase drawing closer, governments are being asked to reconsider the increase of running costs for trucking companies during an economic downturn.
From July 1, changes to state and Federal Interstate Registration Scheme (FIRS) charges will increase B-double registration by close to $3000 and semi-trailer fees by $240.
Road user charge will also jump by 0.7 cents.
Trucking companies are saying they cannot afford either increase.
Long-time operators such as Karl Dell Heavy Haulage have noticed a sharp rise in the rate of companies going bust, and predict the onset of higher charges will add to the attrition rate.
Company founder Karl Dell announced the company has lost a lot of business.
Although the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has backed the new charges, it wants them delayed until January 1, 2010, arguing that companies are already feeling the pinch from an underperforming economy.
The group wants Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese to delay the charges and use his influence to convince his state and territory counterparts to do the same.
If passed, the 0.7 cent rise in the road user charge will cut the fuel tax credit to 16.34.
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