THE STRUCTURE OF THE ROAD HAULAGE INDUSTRY IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, AND OPTIMUM SCALE

摘要: Gilbert Ponsonby, in articles Econ?mica and the Economic Journal (1937) (1938), analysed cost structure of road haulage operators its bearing on charges, also effects recently introduced licensing system industry United Kingdom. The purpose this paper is to consider changes since that time firms industry, role costs regulation. 1968 Transport Act introduction 1970 operators' brought an end distinction between own account hire or reward activities. Thus latest available statistics professional are for 1969, so analysis confined period from early 1930s 1960s. Before Road Traffic 1933 there were no constraints operations; only those relating total numbers vehicles, information different types operations. After could be differentiated official statistics; but not suitable analyisng industry. Figures vehicle holdings based per licence; as hold any number licences, even vehicles at same base, figures gave indication firm size. However, contained a "Grandfather" clause under which all who had been operating year before came into force able obtain licences right; thus by analysing applications these it possible 1932. That was, therefore, carried out author South East Licensing Authority, comparisons suggested area was typical country whole (Bayliss, 1971, pp. 9-11).