AusRAIL, Market Sectors

Fuel levies ease freight operator pain over diesel hike

<p>More road and rail freight operators are being forced to shift the rising cost of diesel to customers in the form of levies.</p> <p>With diesel costs rising from 86 cents a litre, to more than $1.20 a litre over the past two years, the transport industry can no longer afford to absorb all the costs, <em>The Age</em> reports.</p> <p>Transwest Haulage is one trucking company that imposes a levy when fuel goes above 88 cents a litre.</p> <p>About 75 to 80% of its customers have agreed to some form of levy or price adjustment, the company told the paper.</p> <p>Rail operator Pacific National has also confirmed that fuel levies are included in its freight contracts.</p> <p>Toll Holdings, Linfox and TNT declined to comment on the issue.</p> <br />