Menzies Distribution has increased its carriage charges by an average of 2.7%, effective from April 1, 2018.
The news came less than a week after the NFRN launched its 2018 Independent Retail Report at a parliamentary reception where the Federation called for a review of the country’s news wholesale distribution network.
NFRN National President Linda Sood said: “On Tuesday February 20 our members made clear to MPs the financial burdens that ever-increasing carriage charges and employment costs were piling onto their businesses, putting jobs and even shops at risk. Today (Monday) one of the only two main news wholesalers has confirmed that it is to pile on yet more pressure, increasing its delivery charges by nearly three per cent. This news is unwelcome and disheartening.”
Sood said carriage charges had increased by over 25% in the last seven years.
Brian Murphy, NFRN Head of News, said the charges were outdated. “If there is not a complete overhaul then we will step up our calls for a review into the whole news wholesale distribution network.”
The NFRN called for Menzies’ management to explain the company’s actions to its National Executive Committee and National Council.
