Hard Times for Haulage

mewbie_2

FungusFighter wrote: »

harbouring a few delusions me old cocker...

Nice pun...

SingleSue

The thing being is that the dock company is not the only company operating in Felixstowe.

You have the main docks where they offload, onload etc onto the vessels and handle all the cargo and then you have completely seperate companies handling the customs clearance, haulage and the shipping lines. So not just one big company but one huge one (the dock operators) several big ones (the shipping lines), loads of forwarders (tend to be smallish) and a great deal of hauliers (some large and some small). Some shipping lines and forwarders also run their own trucks so can keep costs lower (especially the shipping lines).

The dock operator then takes it a fair old whack from the shipping lines for the berthing and working of their vessels, this is then passed on to the shipper (quite often abroad) via freight rates. There are also extra charges than can be incurred via container detention/demurrage charges which the dock operator charges the shipping line when containers/goods are not removed from the port area before a certain amount of days..this is also passed on from the shipping lines to the forwarder (if one is involved) to the end customer.

In the last recession, I found that the freight rates charged by the shipping line did increase and the amount of credit customers decreased so as to try to remain on an even keel.

Unfortunately, quite a few people seem to think that the only people operating everything is the port owner (Hutchinson) when in fact, although they play a big part in things (their area, workers for the cranes to unload containers etc), there are also many many other companies which make up Felixstowe port.

Now I have bored you all silly, I will go back to my cup of tea!

GDB2222

Generali wrote: »

Ah yes but I found the parent company and had a look at their financial highlights.

http://202.66.146.82/listco/hk/hutchison/annual/2007/finhigh.pdf

MissMoneypenny

mewbie wrote: »

Seriously - I hope you manage to hold on to your work and so on, but I cannot understand why the docks are not showing signs of impending doom. After all, people are not buying so much stuff, therefore less need for imports, Chinese toy factories closing, etc.

It seems like they are/will be soon.

Shipping Ports face economic storm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7680156.stm

One shipping magnate said "Why put cargo on a boat, when you're not even sure if anyone will be paying the bill at the other end".

mewbie_2

Just noticed Hutchinson Whampoa second main interest is property and hotels.:eek:

Ya win some and lose some I guess...

Ian_Griffiths_Halifax

With a bit of time on my hands this evening I thought I'd come up with an anagram of Hutchinson Whampoa (as you do).

Now I don't have a clue who they are, or where they are or what they do but.........

Wo! thas n much poo China



OK, so I added an extra o, but it's still not bad.

mewbie_2

Ian_Griffiths_Halifax wrote: »

Wo! thas n much poo China
OK, so I added an extra o, but it's still not bad.

It's very good but I got the name wrong - it's Hutchison not Hutchinson.

I cheated and used an anagram engine and got "A Mouthwash Phonic". Which isn't as good as yours. There are a large number of filthy word possibilities... but I didn't bother.

mewbie_2

I thought I'd try Pickles Mr Trinity.

How's this...

"Lipstick Merry Nit"

Ian_Griffiths_Halifax

mewbie wrote: »

It's very good but I got the name wrong - it's Hutchison not Hutchinson.

I cheated and used an anagram engine and got "A Mouthwash Phonic". Which isn't as good as yours. There are a large number of filthy word possibilities... but I didn't bother.

:rotfl:

I never knew they existed. I've just found one and typed in -

Merchant Bankers = Bank Crash, em Rent?

Or how about this one:

Banker Charms (No.) Ten

Ian_Griffiths_Halifax

Or

Sack then ban em :mad: rr

God I'm bored!