FTA's Manager's Guide to Distribution Costs 2011 calculates that the cost of diesel for commercial vehicle fleets rose by 15.6% in the 12 months to 1 April 2011. The second biggest increase was in the cost of overheads, followed by vehicle maintenance.  The total rise in vehicle operating costs to 6.8% outstripped the rise in domestic haulage rates, which increased by an average of 3.41%.  International haulage rates increased on average by 5.40%.

Bruce Goodhart, FTA research analyst, commented: 'The high and rising cost of fuel continues to put companies under considerable financial pressure. With haulage rates failing to keep up with increasing vehicle operating costs, profit margins are being squeezed and jobs put at risk, hampering economic recovery.'

The Manager's Guide to Distribution Costs is produced annually based on data supplied to FTA by a survey of member companies in April each year. The data on wages, vehicle operating costs and haulage rates is then updated quarterly

Included in this year's guide are:

• The latest wages trends for drivers, workshop staff and warehouse staff

• The latest vehicle operating cost tables for a range of vehicles

• Updated bulk diesel price and operating costs forecasts

• A guide to reducing fuel costs.

For further information on the Manager's Guide to Distribution Costs or to subscribe to the Guide at a cost of £146 per annum, which includes the quarterly updates, please contact FTA's Cost Information Service team via email at [email protected]