A survey of 172 firms completed by a specialist supply chain consulting firm suggests that 65% of respondents expect stagnation or decline in their freight volumes in the next six months.
The majority of hauliers are preparing for a severe economic slowdown at the end of the year the consultants commented. 54% of firms had no plans to recruit drivers, and 68% of firms had no plans to acquire capital equipment over the next six months.
These results contrast sharply with the 62% of firms who were “globally satisfied” with their performance in the first nine months of the year.
Almost half of the firms surveyed said they will be demanding an increase in rates of more than 3% over the next 12 months in spite of detrimental economic conditions. Freight companies need to restore margins which have been eroded over the past two years or so, the survey highlighted.
In September, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, outlined an agenda for government and sector representatives aimed at supporting the country’s road hauliers.