ROSEVILLE, MN -- Peter Martin, President of Lakeville Motor Express, issued the following open letter to Lakeville Motor Express customers announcing rate increases to be effective June 1, 2004.
May 14, 2004
Dear Valued Customer:
Thank you for allowing Lakeville Motor Express to be your transportation provider. Your continued loyalty and support make it possible for us to accomplish our mission of providing both value and quality service to you and your customers. We sincerely appreciate your business.
Over the past year, we have made great strides to expand our service capabilities to better serve you, while at the same time, controlling escalating operating costs. We have gained efficiencies thru technology, operating improvements, and productivity gains.
However, the past year has also seen significant increases in the cost of doing business that are not related to normal operating upgrades. Some escalating costs we are able to absorb while others, such as liability insurance (38% increase) are simply beyond our control. Labor related costs have increased, in part due to a severe nationwide shortage of qualified drivers.
In order for us to provide the high quality of service required in todays transportation market, we must increase our rates. Effective June 1, 2004, Lakeville Motor Express will take a 6.1% general rate increase. This increase will apply to all of our tariffs, including discount tariffs, commodity tariffs, and our base rate tariff LKVL500. Minimum charges will be increased by approximately the same percentage.
As everyone is well aware, fuel costs remain volatile. Under the circumstances, Lakeville has determined that the only equitable approach in handling the fluctuating fuel prices is to continue the existing fuel surcharge program. This fuel surcharge will be reduced or cancelled when the price of fuel declines in accordance with our fuel surcharge table.
Thank you for your business and continued support.
Sincerely,
Pete Martin
Peter Martin
President