Proposed changes to New Zealand's road user charges (RUC) system will increase consumer costs in the courier service industry, opponents say.
One company, Fastway Couriers, which has more than 320 franchises throughout New Zealand, expected the changes to increase its annual road user charges by up to 25%. This would likely be passed on to consumers, the company predicted.
The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) said the changes, due to be implemented in August, were to simplify and modernise the system. They would eliminate ways to evade charges, and make it easier for users to understand the charging system, NZTA said.
Changes were part of the Road User Charges Act 2012 and regulations to implement the new system were being developed.
Annual charges for courier trucks would be based on vehicle specifications and carrying capacity, rather than actual weight carried.
Light vehicles and small trucks would generally be charged on gross vehicle mass, and larger vehicles on the maximum weight allowable under legislation.
Fastway Couriers New Zealand chief executive Bruce Speers said the new weight band structure meant the courier and express parcel sector would be hit with higher fees.
"Courier companies use light vans to distribute items within urban centres and diesel trucks to transport packages between depots. Our linehaul vehicles carry goods which are more voluminous than heavy ... with the new system in place our trucks will be assessed on the same basis as heavy logging vehicles."
