Multidrop as currently practiced.
Example: Full cap load of paper reels to go to Leeds from Hull. I'm going to use haulage rates I know were correct in 1996. Not had anything to do with the rates side since then so I can't comment on what they are.
Option 1 - your preffered solution. Take paper from source to local railhead by lorry. Move by rail to Leeds railhead. Move from Leeds railhead to customer by lorry.
Cost: First haulier gets £60 (based on rate we used to get to move a load from Hull docks out the gate, turn right, go 300 yards down the street and deliver it) Second haulier in Leeds gets £60. Rail cost - no idea so I'm not going to put a figure in.
Total cost for the lorry legs only, excluding rail and tranship fees = £60.
Option 2: What did happen. Lorry picks load up from source in Hull and delivers to customer in Leeds.
Cost: Rate for a full cap load of paper from Hull to Leeds in 1996 was £120.
So to shift that load by rail is less economical. HOWEVER what it doesn't illustrate is stuff like coal being taken to powerstations where rail is FAR cheaper than road transport.
-- Conor
"You're not married, you haven't got a girlfriend and you've never seen Star Trek? Good Lord!" - Patrick Stewart, Extras.
