-
The Inland Haulers and Truckers Association will soon issue an advisory for a trucking rate hike of 30% to 35%
-
Confederation of Trucking Association of the Philippines members earlier issued an advisory for a 30% rate adjustment
-
The increases follow the continuous increase in fuel prices
Truckers are increasing their rates from 30% to 35% as a result of soaring fuel prices.
Inland Haulers and Truckers Association (INHTA) president Teodorico Gervacio, in a text message to PortCalls, said they will increase trucking rates by around 30% to 35%. An advisory will soon be issued to members as well as to INHTA clients Supply Chain Management Association of the Philippines and Philippine Liner Shipping Association.
Members of the Confederation of Trucking Association of the Philippines (CTAP) have already jacked up their rates by 30% based on an advisory dated March 7. CTAP said the adjustment allows their members “to continuously provide an exceptional and quality service to their respective client.”
The association asked for understanding from clients, noting its members have “been absorbing the burden of the weekly increase of fuel price” due to the “uncontrollable spiraling increase of fuel prices in the country.”
The advisory said “another truck rate increase will be renegotiated after the projected fuel increase that may occur after March 8”. No announcement for an increase has been made since then.
In a phone interview with PortCalls, CTAP president Maria Zapata noted that higher fuel prices also kick up prices of truck parts and accessories and maintenance costs.
She said that while the CTAP advisory rate increase is 30%, its implementation and timing will still largely depend on individual negotiation between the trucker and his/her clients.
Zapata noted some members reported hiking rates only by 25% which, while less than the announced 30% increase, is still welcome.
She admitted there were requests from members for a 100% rate adjustment—a proposal thumbed down, with the association taking into consideration the less-than ideal economic situation.
Zapata much earlier told PortCalls some trucker members have already increased their rates with fuel prices surging even before the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has further exacerbated the hike in fuel prices.
Another sector of the logistics industry, the domestic shipping lines, earlier said their costs are expected to go up by 15% to 25% due to the continuous increase in fuel prices. – Roumina Pablo
