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Road industry think-tank to solve cost crisis

The Victorian Transport Association (VTA), chief executive, Philip Lovel, has announced that “As a result of the never-ending costs increases that are burdening the freight and logistics industry, the VTA is setting up an industry think-tank.”

The freight and logistics industry is going through the toughest times ever known, with many long-time industry stalwarts saying that cost increases will bring many companies down. The Victorian transport and logistics industry is one of the state’s largest sectors, employing more than 330,000 people and contributing more than 14 per cent of the state’s gross state product.

The VTA Industry Think-Tank aims to address a multitude of issues impacting on industry viability, such as:

• Customer demands.

• Cash flow / inventory costs.

• Compliance costs.

• Reduction in sub-contractors.

• Fuel Prices.

• Environment issues and carbon offsets.

• Interest rates.

• Plus many more.

Mr. Lovel said: “We don’t think either the politicians or the community in general understand the increasing burdens on the industry. Whilst they argue in Canberra about miscellaneous political issues, many companies are going to the wall. It is about time the politicians faced reality.

"We aim to work together to seek out opportunities for the industry. There are many things we can do together, to support each other and change the way we do business. This is our future, we have many talented people in our industry and we aim to use them.”

The VTA Industry Think Tank will address the issues above by working on the following:

• Develop new technologies for fuel savings, including higher productivity vehicles.

• Work on alternative fuels and taxation changes.

• Look at opportunities for bulk buying, especially fuels and oils.

• Lobbying with other industry organizations to achieve more influence at State and Federal level.

• Work with all our major customers to restructure delivery services and current operating restrictions.

• Work with the State Government to reduce Congestion (increase clearway times).

Mr. Lovel said: “If we all sit back and suffer then our businesses, Victorian community and Australia will suffer in general. We know the freight and logistics industry is the backbone of this country – it’s about time everyone pulled together. That’s what we are going to do, get on with it, get positive and change the way we do business.”

The VTA is now inviting specific industry and supplier representatives to the first Industry Think Tank session early in July. Visit www.vta.com.au.

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