New survey gets operator views on profitability, costs and dealing with authorities.
The greatest challenge industry operators currently face is profitability, according to new industry figures.
This year’s State of Play industry survey conducted by consultancy firm Meerkat Group in conjunction with the Victorian Transport Association (VTA) shows operators are doing it tough.
Meerkat Group Managing Director Mike Lescai says most clients understand the difficult operating environment that operators currently face.
Those struggling are encouraged to take a proactive approach and seek help from industry groups, he adds.
Half of the 113 operators interviewed believe it would take them up to a year to recover diesel costs if the price increased suddenly.
Payroll tax is the least preferred charge and the easiest regulatory authority to deal with is VicRoads.
Overall, operators believe their relationship with authorities is good but almost half of them believe clients have no understanding of their obligations and liabilities in regards to chain of responsibility.
Half expect their staffing levels to remain the same over the next 12 months, with more than 60 per cent saying they plan on training their employees to exceed regulatory standards.