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This Week in Freight – 20th December

Drones, ULEZ headaches, and self-driving trucks—discover how technology and trends are reshaping haulage in this week’s freight update.

Welcome to This Week in Freight, your go-to source for the latest haulage and road freight news and advice in the UK.

Every Friday, we gather the week’s top stories affecting fleet managers, operators, and drivers, keeping you informed on industry trends, updates, and key developments.

🚧 National Highways clears the way for Christmas

With a record 29.3 million journeys expected this Christmas, National Highways is lifting over 1,100 miles of roadworks to ease congestion.

Major routes like the M25, M4, and M1 will see significant relief, helping transport companies and drivers stay on schedule.

However, with a 22% rise in winter breakdowns, fleets need to prepare for tyre trouble, battery failures and driver fatigue.

Less roadworks means a smoother ride, but fleets must stay vigilant to maintain safety and efficiency.

Check out Gareth Roberts’ guide to preparing your fleet for the Christmas rush on Fleet News.

🏷️ Q5 is almost here. Are you ready?

The holiday season may be over, but demand isn’t slowing down.

January sales, Christmas returns, and winter sports restocks are keeping retailers and manufacturers busy, and logistics companies are perfectly positioned to become valuable long-term partners.

Read our new guide to see how you can make the most of Q5.

⚡️ Is electrification a pipe dream?

A lot of fleet operators are struggling to align with the government’s truck electrification strategy.

Challenges like high EV costs, grid connection delays (up to 8 years), and infrastructure barriers are pushing operators to explore more immediate solutions.

Low-carbon fuels like HVO and biomethane offer a practical path to reduce emissions now. While electric is the long-term goal, embracing renewable alternatives today could make a bigger impact than waiting for the grid to catch up.

Read Andy Salter’s full commentary on Freight Carbon Zero to explore how the UK can balance progress with practicality.

🚛 Struggling to find ULEZ-compliant subbies?

London’s ULEZ expansion is creating headaches for transport companies, with time-consuming searches for compliant hauliers slowing operations.

The endless phone calls, unanswered questions, and growing frustration are all too familiar. But there are ways to take the stress out of ULEZ compliance, no matter your business size.

From leveraging professional networks to adopting smart tools, finding ULEZ-compliant hauliers can be faster and easier than you think.

Check out the guide and discover better ways to stay compliant without the hassle.

🚁 Drones, robots, and the future of last-mile delivery

Drones delivering medical supplies at 60mph? Robots navigating pavements in Cambourne? It’s like a spy film—minus the martinis.

Drones are proving invaluable for tasks like railway inspections, police surveillance, and medical supply transport, offering speed and efficiency in hard-to-reach areas.

Meanwhile, delivery robots are gaining traction as eco-friendly, last-mile solutions. @DPD and @Co-op are expanding fleets of autonomous robots, cutting emissions and operating costs while improving their urban delivery services.

Fleet News’ Andrew Ryan shares how these innovations are redefining fleet operations and paving the way for a more sustainable future.

🧑‍🔧 Self-driving trucks in the Lone Star State

DHL is making waves in Texas, rolling out Volvo VNL self-driving trucks on two busy routes: Dallas to Houston and Fort Worth to El Paso.

Texas is a big deal for freight—it moves more cargo than any other U.S. state. But what does this mean for UK fleet managers? With autonomous tech on the rise, the industry is watching closely to see how challenges like insurance, safety, and regulations unfold across the pond.

Check out Alejandra Carranza’s summary over on Supply Chain Dive.

💼 This week’s freight jobs

Considering a career change for 2025?

Azad Awan has curated his weekly roundup of the top transport and fleet manager jobs across the UK.

There’s a variety of the roles this week at Wincanton, Univar Solutions, DHL Supply Chain and more!

Finally, this will be our last TWIF update for 2024!

We’ll be back with the next edition on 10th January 2025. Subscribe now to get notified when it’s available.

Find reliable carriers and cut your costs with Haulage Exchange

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Welcome to This Week in Freight, your go-to source for the latest haulage and road freight news and advice in the UK.

Every Friday, we gather the week’s top stories affecting fleet managers, operators, and drivers, keeping you informed on industry trends, updates, and key developments.

🚧 Brock and roll: M20 closed this Sunday

The M20 between Maidstone and Ashford will be closed this Sunday evening.

To safely deploy the contraflow as part of ‘Operation Brock’, the M20 will be closed – London bound from junction 9 to 8 and coastbound junction 7 to 9 – overnight from 8pm on Sunday 15th Dec to 6am on Monday 16th Dec.

Operation Brock – short for “Brexit Operations Across Kent” – is part of a series of measures to improve the flow of traffic to and from the English Channel in Kent.

Full details from National Highways.

✂️ How to cut your payment admin in half

Speedy Freight, a top UK same-day courier company, was spending days processing thousands of subscontractor invoices each month.

After adopting SmartPay, they cut payment processing time by 50%, completing eligible supplier payments in just 60 minutes.

Here’s how they did it.

📌 Live tracking = a competitive edge

The gig economy, worth £450 billion globally, presents big opportunities for small-to-medium haulage companies—if they embrace the right tools.

Vehicle tracking like Quartix enhances visibility, efficiency, and trust, helping businesses stay competitive in a fast-paced market.

From real-time load tracking to smarter route planning, see how technology is transforming SME success in Quartix’s article.

🤖 Not *everything* needs to be automated

Automation is transforming freight, but personal service and visibility are still the key to winning over your customers.

Frank Kenney of Cleo explains how balancing AI with human connections can boost trust, transparency, and sales.

Discover why customer experience remains key in freight tech.

🚢 NVOCC or freight forwarder?

If you’re planning to expand internationally, knowing who does what could save you time and money.

In our latest guide, we break down how NVOCCs and freight forwarders can support your haulage business with specialised services, flexible solutions, and cost-saving options.

Get the guide here and make smarter shipping decisions.

🥷 What’s your plan to stop van and cargo theft?

According to a new study by Fleet News, van theft and cargo fraud continues to rise across the UK, with London, West Yorkshire and Essex topping the list of hotspots.

Every logistics company is at risk (especially in October, according to the data), but you can minimise your chances of being targeted.

From locking vehicles to securing your yard and verifying deliveries with Trustd, these easy steps can make all the difference.

💼 This week’s freight jobs

Haulage Exchange’s very own Azad Awan has compiled his weekly roundup of the top transport and fleet manager jobs across the UK.

This week’s list includes exciting roles at DHL Supply Chain, Greene King, Biffa, British Airways and more.

Your dream job could be right around the corner! 👀

Welcome to This Week in Freight, your go-to source for the latest haulage and road freight news and advice in the UK.

Every Friday, we gather the week’s top stories affecting fleet managers, operators, and drivers, keeping you informed on industry trends, updates, and key developments.

➡️ A steady November for freight

Freight trends stayed steady in November, but December could be the festive boost we’ve been waiting for:

Explore what this means for logistics demand in our detailed report.

Check out the full report for insights on pricing trends, consumer shifts, and what lies ahead for December.

🤖 TMS predictions for the future

The future of TMS is all about integration, automation, and AI.

Experts like Gartner’s Brock Johns and Arrive Logistics’ Sean Gill predict smarter, more unified systems to reduce costs, enhance visibility, and streamline operations. From predictive tools to mobile-friendly platforms, emerging tech is reshaping logistics.

Explore how TMS innovation can transform your business—read the full insights on Supply Chain Dive.

🟢 How to go green, without going broke

Cutting HGV carbon emissions is becoming an important goal for haulage companies of all sizes. Rising fuel costs, changing regulations, and customer expectations are driving businesses to adopt greener practices.

But reducing emissions doesn’t have to involve costly overhauls or complicated processes—simple, well-planned changes can deliver big results. From investing in eco-friendly upgrades to reducing empty return journeys, there are plenty of ways to make your fleet more sustainable.

Read our guide for actionable tips you can start implementing today.

🚲 Less fuel, more wheels

E-cargo bikes are gaining momentum, with companies like Amazon and Evri leading the charge. Here’s why:

Could they transform your fleet? Explore their potential in Fleet News’ guide.

🌮 Tachograph laws and how to stay compliant

Driver fatigue, missed records, or poor training could be costing you.

Our latest guide on tachograph laws offers practical advice on keeping your drivers safe, your fleet compliant, and your business penalty-free.

Don’t let small errors create big problems.

Welcome to This Week in Freight, your go-to source for the latest haulage and road freight news and advice in the UK.

Every Friday, we gather the week’s top stories affecting fleet managers, operators, and drivers, keeping you informed on industry trends, updates, and key developments.

👷 30k drivers needed to save the holiday season

The UK is facing a shortfall of 30,000 delivery drivers, raising concerns for Christmas deliveries.

The South West and the East of England have the largest regional shortages, according to the report by Esendex’s report. Cities like Bristol, Peterborough, and Southampton are at the greatest risk for delivery delays, threatening customer satisfaction during a critical retail period expected to see a 5.6% sales increase over last year.

Read the full report here.

🌱 Cut costs with a greener warehouse strategy

Warehouses are at the heart of logistics, but they’re also major contributors to carbon emissions.

By switching to LED lights, using renewable energy, and optimising space, haulage companies can run eco-friendly warehouses that cut costs and boost efficiency. Waste management matters too—recyclable materials and smarter storage reduce landfill contributions and improve sustainability.

Ready to attract eco-conscious customers and reduce emissions?

Start with these simple tips.

🛢️ Danger ahead? More like opportunity

Dangerous goods transport isn’t as complicated as it sounds, and it’s packed with potential.

With the right preparation, you can offer specialist dangerous goods transport and tap into high-paying sectors like chemicals and fuel, and start bringing in premoum clients and long-term growth.

Find out how in our guide to ADR haulage services.

🚧 Accidents are pricey; prevention is smarter

Keeping your drivers safe starts with understanding the risks they face.

A solid driver risk assessment programme helps haulage companies prevent accidents, comply with regulations, and lower costs. By identifying issues like driver fatigue, poor vehicle maintenance, or unsafe habits, you can act before they become bigger problems.

Get the full guide to secure your fleet and protect your business.

Welcome to This Week in Freight, your go-to source for the latest haulage and road freight news and advice in the UK.

Every Friday, we gather the week’s top stories affecting fleet managers, operators, and drivers, keeping you informed on industry trends, updates, and key developments.

🚢 English Channel delays could disrupt Christmas

43% of UK business leaders faced delays in the English Channel this year, with ripple effects across supply chains.

For haulage companies, the peak season ahead brings heightened challenges, from regulatory compliance risks to data blind spots that hinder demand planning.

See what the industry giants are doing to build resilience this peak season.

😀 6 easy ways to keep your customers happy

Customer service is the backbone of strong client relationships in haulage. Clear communication, real-time tracking, and proactive problem-solving help you meet and exceed expectations.

Discover simple strategies to improve service and grow your business.

♻️ Sustainability meets cost savings

Reusable transport packaging is both eco-friendly and cost-effective. At Pack Expo International, experts highlighted how reusable systems like pallets and crates reduce costs, improve efficiency, and lower carbon footprints.

With regulations like EPR policies growing, businesses must balance sustainability with financial returns. Shifting focus from recycling to reuse delivers compounding savings, while pooling assets and leveraging data tools streamline operations.

Learn how reuse can transform your logistics strategy.

🍔 Is “McIdling” eating into your fuel budget?

Lightfoot’s telematics data reveals van drivers often leave engines running during lunch breaks in fast food car parks—a practice dubbed “McIdling.” This habit could cost businesses up to £300 per driver annually, not to mention the 0.6 tonnes of CO2 emissions each idling van produces yearly.

While drivers keep their cabs warm or cool, the financial and environmental toll adds up quickly. For context, an hour of idling burns around a litre of diesel, equivalent to driving 2,000+ miles at 35mpg.

Find out how to tackle costly idling habits.

📦 Could 3PL be your next big move?

3PL logistics helps hauliers secure long-term contracts, expand into e-commerce, and diversify services like warehousing and fulfilment. By partnering with 3PL providers, hauliers can reduce empty miles, boost efficiency, and meet rising customer demand.

With benefits like cost-effective scaling and improved service quality, 3PL is a smart way for hauliers to grow sustainably and stay competitive.

Learn how in our new guide.

Welcome to This Week in Freight, your go-to source for the latest haulage and road freight news and advice in the UK.

Every Friday, we gather the week’s top stories affecting fleet managers, operators, and drivers, keeping you informed on industry trends, updates, and key developments.

🚚 50,000 vehicles in your pocket

What could you do with 24/7 access to a virtual fleet of 50,000 haulage and courier vehicles?

In the days of old, scaling your logistics company meant buying more vehicles, and hiring more drivers. Today, top logistics companies like Cerberus UK Logistics are using Haulage Exchange instead. They’re able to get quotes from reliable subcontractors in under 4 minutes, and offer 1-hour pickups across the UK.

Want to know how? Join our next live demo and Q&A with Kieren Webb, Logistics Director at Cerberus, and the HX team, on Wed 20th Nov.

👷 Driver CPC just got more flexible

Changes to the Driver CPC coming on 3 December aim to make training more flexible for professional drivers and fleet operators.

Key updates include shorter course options for National Driver CPC, with sessions now allowed in 3.5-hour chunks, and up to 12 hours of e-learning. Drivers can also choose between International Driver CPC (required for EU driving) or National Driver CPC (for UK-only operations), making it easier to tailor qualifications to individual needs.

These changes could help fleets balance compliance with daily operations, reducing downtime while keeping drivers on the road. With just weeks to go, now is the time to plan for the new training requirements.

Read the full update to see how these changes could impact your fleet.

🏃‍♂️ Tired of losing your best drivers?

Losing experienced drivers doesn’t just hurt your bottom line—it impacts your entire fleet’s performance. Recruitment costs soar, team morale drops, and your business struggles to meet customer expectations.

By focusing on driver satisfaction—through fair workloads, better benefits, and career development—you can reduce turnover, cut costs, and build a committed team. Happy drivers mean a stronger, more efficient fleet.

Find out how to tackle driver turnover with proven strategies that work.

📦 UK parcel deliveries to hit record 1.29 billion this peak season

A FedEx study predicts UK parcel carriers will handle a record-breaking 1.29 billion shipments between October and December 2024, a 10.9% increase over last year.

This makes the UK the leader in Europe’s peak delivery growth, driven by rising e-commerce demand and key retail events like Singles Day, Black Friday, and Christmas.

FedEx is scaling up with advanced technologies like AI-powered route adjustments and real-time tracking tools to manage the surge. These innovations help minimise disruptions and improve delivery accuracy, ensuring businesses can meet heightened customer expectations.

See how FedEx is preparing for the busiest season yet.

🔐 How secure are your vehicles and cargo?

Cargo theft is on the rise, targeting vehicles and deliveries alike. From break-ins to scams, it’s a costly challenge for haulage companies.

Simple steps like secure parking, GPS tracking, and staff training can make all the difference. Tools like Trustd help verify delivery recipients, reducing risks.

Discover more ways to protect your freight in our cargo theft guide.

Welcome to This Week in Freight, your go-to source for the latest haulage and road freight news and advice in the UK.

Every Friday, we gather the week’s top stories affecting fleet managers, operators, and drivers, keeping you informed on industry trends, updates, and key developments.

⛽️ Fuel prices dropped, but so did transport prices

TEG’s October Road Transport Index report is out:

What might the Budget mean for transportation?
What’s “Vibecession” and why does it matter?
What does transport expert Kirsten Tisdale think?

Check out the October report.

🤨 Lorry drivers aren’t happy with motorway services

A Transport Focus survey of 7,000 UK lorry drivers has found that they’re still struggling with poor rest facilities, with fewer than 40% satisfied with stopping options.

Many end up in laybys or industrial estates, lacking basics like toilets and security—a tough reality in a sector facing a 24% driver vacancy gap.

Thankfully, industry leaders and government officials are rallying for improvements. With £43.5 million already pledged to upgrade truck stops, the goal is to make lorry drivers feel more welcome (and well-rested) on the road!

Here’s the full report from Transport Focus.

🏅 Should you get FORS-accredited?

Keeping your fleet safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly isn’t just good practice—it’s becoming more and more of a demand from customers and industry regulators.

This is where the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) accreditation can make all the difference.

But is it worth the time and effort for your business?

🪫 Electric vans might be losing their spark

Demand for fully electric vans made a surprising comeback in October, jumping by 61.8%—the first boost in five months.

However, new registrations of zero-emission vans are down 7.1% compared to last year. Heavier electric vans are feeling the pinch even more, with sales down 38.7% year-to-date.

The biggest roadblock is charging infrastructure tailored to vans – there just aren’t enough public chargers available along major freight lanes.

Meanwhile, SMMT is urging the Government to rethink new tax policies on double-cab pick-ups, warning it could weigh heavily on key industries.

See the full breakdown by FleetNews.

🚧 Are you prepared for a roadside inspection?

A DVSA roadside inspection can happen at any time, and could mean costly fines and delays if your fleet isn’t ready.

From vehicle maintenance to driver documentation, we’ve broken down the key steps to prepare for DVSA roadside inspections.

Find out how to avoid penalties and keep your fleet moving.

Welcome to This Week in Freight, your go-to source for the latest haulage and road freight news and advice in the UK.

Every Friday, we gather the week’s top stories affecting fleet managers, operators, and drivers, keeping you informed on industry trends, updates, and key developments.

💼 What the new Budget means for haulage

From fuel duty freezes to £500 million for potholes, there’s something for everyone in this year’s Autumn Budget.

Find out what’s changing for logistics companies.

✅ 50% less payment admin? Yes please.

Speedy Freight, a top UK same-day courier, was spending days processing thousands of invoices each month.

After adopting SmartPay, they cut payment processing time by 50%, completing eligible supplier payments in just 60 minutes.

Here’s how they did it.

🗳️ Trump vs Harris: Who’s better for UK logistics?

The US election could shake up things for UK hauliers sending goods across the pond.

If Trump wins, we might see new tariffs—and a bit of postal chaos if he pushes for USPS changes.

Harris, on the other hand, loves her green investments, which could mean more demand for eco-friendly services but a slower UK trade deal.

@Parcelhero breaks down what each outcome could mean for UK logistics.

😀 Happy drivers = happy customers

Effective driver management means better safety, lower costs, and happier drivers.

Our new guide covers everything you need—from hiring the right drivers to using technology that supports their well-being and performance.

Create a fleet culture that drivers want to be part of.

👷 Is your fleet’s safety culture up to speed?

A solid safety culture is the backbone of effective risk management, but is it a priority in your fleet?

@Chris Connors from ISS shared at Fleet and Mobility Live that keeping everyone safe—drivers, pedestrians, and the public—requires a top-down commitment to safety.

Data can help identify risks, but too much data can lead to “data fatigue”. The key is to focus on insights that really count.

Is your fleet’s risk management strategy driving the results you want? Read more on Fleet News.

📦 Is it time to get a bonded warehouse?

If customs payments feel like they’re breathing down your neck, a bonded warehouse could be the relief you need.

This storage option lets you hold goods long-term without shelling out for duties straight away. And with customs overseeing security, you get peace of mind, too.

Discover how bonded warehousing could help you save big.

Find reliable carriers and cut your costs with Haulage Exchange

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The latest UK Budget brings some important updates that haulage businesses need to prepare for.

Here’s a breakdown of the key points and what they mean for your operations, from tax changes to EV incentives.

1. Fuel duty freeze

Good news for hauliers: the government will keep the current fuel duty freeze in place through 2025. This means the 5p cut on petrol and diesel remains, offering some relief amid rising operational costs.

By maintaining this rate, hauliers can continue managing fuel costs without unexpected increases for another year.

2. Tax increases on company vehicles

For haulage companies using company vehicles, new Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) tax rates could have an impact.

3. Increased support for EVs

The government is investing in sustainable logistics push towards electric fleets, with incentives that could benefit hauliers ready to transition to electric.

4. Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) adjustments

The budget has frozen VED rates for zero-emission vehicles until 2030.

Meanwhile, higher rates are coming for vehicles in all other emissions bands starting April 2025.

This shift means that investing in zero-emission vehicles could save businesses on VED costs in the long term.

5. Employer National Insurance changes

Employer National Insurance contributions will increase from 13.8% to 15% starting April 2025.

The payment threshold will also lower, which means haulage businesses will begin paying NI on workers’ earnings from £5,000 instead of the current £9,100 threshold.

This may lead to higher costs for businesses, affecting everything from wages to recruitment planning.

6. Road maintenance boost

In a positive move for haulage, the government has committed an extra £500 million for road maintenance, aiming to fix an additional one million potholes annually across England.

This funding increase means local councils can take on more preventative maintenance, improving road quality and potentially reducing wear and tear on haulage vehicles.

Final thoughts

These updates reflect the government’s ongoing support for zero-emission vehicles and infrastructure while also tightening tax rules around traditional vehicles.

For haulage businesses, it’s essential to plan for increased operating costs, particularly with upcoming changes in fuel, VED, and NI contributions.

Find reliable carriers and cut your costs with Haulage Exchange

Sign up

Welcome to This Week in Freight, your go-to source for the latest haulage and road freight news and advice in the UK.

Every Friday, we gather the week’s top stories affecting fleet managers, operators, and drivers, keeping you informed on industry trends, updates, and key developments.

🚚 London’s DVS deadline is this Monday—are you ready?

Businesses with HGVs over 12 tonnes must meet the new Direct Vision Standard, or install Progressive Safe Systems before Monday 28th October.

Otherwise, you’ll receive a £550 penalty charge (PCN) per HGV, and the HGV could be barred from operating in Greater London.

Similar to the Dartford Bridge system, you’ll get a 50% discount if you pay within 14 days, but it’ll jump up to £825 if you pay after 28 days.

Full details on TFL’s website.

⚙️ Best practices for optimising your fleet

Efficient fleet management is key to a successful haulage business. In our latest guide on Freight Focus, we cover everything from reducing fuel costs to investing in the right certifications.

By adopting these strategies, you’ll build a safer, more efficient, and more profitable fleet.

Read our fleet management guide.

⏰ When clocks go back, collisions go up

According to a new study by AA’s Accident Assist team collisions rise by 11% in the two weeks after the clocks go back, compared to the fortnight before the clocks fall back.

This is mainly because of darker evenings, wet weather, and being dazzled by low-lying sunshine. Fleet managers are encouraged roll out defensive driving techniques in their fleets.

Check out their recommendations on FleetNews.

🎤 “The Story of Us” and $15M in freight

As part of her Eras Tour, Taylor Swift’s company spent nearly $15.4 million, including insurance and freight, to ship about 850 tons of stage equipment from London to Miami.

It required 90 twenty-foot shipping containers, which made their way from London to Port Hamble in Southampton, then onto a Singapore-flagged cargo ship bound for Port Everglades in Florida.

More details on FreightWaves.

🔌 Charging downtime costs fleets 8x more than the electricity

Co Charger, the neighbourhood community charging company, estimates that time lost to charging typically costs £17,000 per year per asset – or around 260 non-productive hours across a 12-month period – to charge while “on shift”.

Thankfully, they have a solution: charge in someone else’s driveway.

♻️ Circular economy logistics: a smarter way to operate

Instead of a linear “take, make, dispose” model, forward-thinking businesses in all industries are adopting circular practices, focusing on recycling, refurbishing, and reusing materials.

For logistics companies, this means more efficient use of vehicles, minimising empty runs, and optimising return journeys. By supporting circular economy practices, fleets can reduce costs, improve environmental impact, and offer added value to clients looking for greener solutions.

Discover how circular logistics can benefit your fleet.

Welcome to the first edition of This Week in Freight, your go-to source for the latest haulage and road freight news and advice in the UK.

Every Friday, we gather the week’s top stories affecting fleet managers, operators, and drivers, keeping you informed on industry trends, updates, and key developments.

Road freight rates are up, and fuel prices are down

TEG’s September Road Transport Index report is out, and it’s free.

Here are three highlights:

📈 The TEG Index continued to RISE in September

🚛 Haulage prices were 9 points HIGHER than September 2023 (7.6% growth)

⛽️ Diesel and petrol prices FELL further (around 10% lower than 12 months ago)

The September report also answers some important questions, such as:

View the September report here.

Commercial drivers are switching off driver assistance systems

Over 54% of UK truck and van drivers are switching off driver assistance systems, according to a study by Allianz.

These systems, designed to prevent accidents, are also being ignored by drivers in France (54%), Germany (50%), Spain (48%), and Italy (47%).

When asked why, the respondents said the systems are “impractical”, “annoying”, “unnecessary”, or “don’t always work”.

Check out the full summary on Fleet News.

How to prepare for peak season, year-round

Seasonal demand can be a challenge for haulage companies across the UK.

By planning ahead, forecasting demand, and scaling your fleet when necessary, you can handle peak periods without disrupting your operations.

Check out our guide to managing seasonal demand without breaking the bank.

Why succession planning is key for your fleet

Succession planning is on the rise for fleet managers, and for good reason. It ensures a smooth handover when key people move on or take time off.

Paul Hollick from the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) says it’s all about keeping things running without any hiccups, especially when unexpected events happen. By training someone internally, you save time and avoid disruption.

Learn how to do it properly on Fleet News.

Should you get FORS accreditation?

Keeping your fleet safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly isn’t just good practice—it’s becoming more and more of a demand from customers and industry regulators.

This is where the FORS – Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme can make all the difference.

But is it worth the time and effort for your business?

Find out in our new FORS guide.

M6 Toll is the UK’s top speeding hotspot

According to fleet tracking company Quartix UK, the M6 Toll near Birmingham has the most speeding incidents in the UK, with 46% of traffic travelling above the 70mph speed limit.

Their SafeSpeed system, used by over 35,000 UK businesses, tracks driving speeds and provides insights into high-risk roads.

It also flags risky actions like fast acceleration and harsh braking, enabling fleet managers to spot risky drivers and take proactive steps to improve safety.

Check out the other speeding hotspots on Quartix.

With various new challenges surfacing over the past year, how is the haulage industry staying resilient?

Logistics is one of the UK’s biggest industries, contributing £139 billion gross value added (GVA) to the UK economy1.

In 2021, we surveyed UK haulage companies on the challenges and opportunities of a post-Brexit haulage industry. In only a year since then, we’ve witnessed ongoing HGV driver shortages, new Covid-19 variants, runaway inflation and the Russia-Ukraine war.

All this, combined with the lasting effects of Brexit, has created new challenges for the haulage industry and the sectors that rely upon it.

As the UK’s leading freight exchange platform, we wanted to gain deeper insight into how the industry is battling through the issues it faces. We surveyed employees from 15 of the UK’s top haulage companies, who also operate in the EU. They cited Brexit impacts and other challenges – and outlined some of the solutions being applied.

Key findings

Staying resilient in the face of an economic downturn

To do business and thrive in an environment like the current one, it’s vital that haulage companies are able to adapt. Once again, haulage businesses are showing they have what it takes.

Two in five (40%) of the companies we surveyed are proactively adapting business models so that they can prosper. Almost half (47%) will streamline profit margins to battle through tougher economic times.

One in three (33%) are considering expanded operations in UK markets post-Brexit, while a fifth (20%) are already conducting more work in their local area. UK haulage companies are seeing more opportunity in the UK, shifting focus from international to less complicated domestic logistics.

As a result of the actions they’re taking, almost 9 in 10 (87%) of the haulage companies we asked believe in their ongoing commercial viability: after a challenging year, haulage companies may be becoming more confident in their ability to adapt and survive.

What are the biggest challenges in 2022 and 2023?

With numerous outside pressures building on the industry, we asked hauliers what they see posing the greatest risk to UK haulage companies this year and next year.

Twice as many companies cited increased operating costs as any other factor – only a fifth (20%) of businesses did not name costs as a significant issue. With a recession predicted for the UK, the focus is already falling squarely on reducing costs.

Though rising costs of operating is cited as the most prevalent challenge for the industry, haulage companies are still feeling lingering effects of Brexit – 27% are finding post-Brexit border check delays on EU food and farming imports a challenge.

What effects are hauliers currently experiencing?

Unsurprisingly, almost three-quarters (73%) of hauliers surveyed pointed to fuel prices impacting operations and profits – although prices are now coming down.

27% of companies say they are still being affected by increased waiting times at UK/EU border points, while a fifth (20%) of companies identified this as having a negative impact on operations and profits – more than 18 months after the end of the Brexit transition period. This does show an improvement compared with the 6 month mark after the Brexit transition, when 81% were being impacted by increased border waiting times.

As UK-EU relations become normalised, such issues might be less keenly felt, but hauliers are already adapting by focusing more on UK markets.

How are hauliers confronting industry challenges?

Faced with multiple and wide-ranging issues, haulage companies are seizing the opportunity to become more efficient and evolve with the changing business environment. 

A fifth (20%) have increased wages to attract and retain staff, which is clearly a direct response to the driver shortage. In Q4 2021, the number of HGV drivers in employment had fallen by 49,000 from Q4 2019, to 265,000, making the workforce 15.6% smaller than it was before the start of the pandemic2.

Companies are stepping up, but some pressure is still being felt by staff. Six months after the Brexit transition, 50% of respondents identified increased stress, anxiety and other mental health issues among staff.  And 18 month after the Brexit transition, this has decreased only slightly, with 47% of companies still experiencing similar impacts.

Although hauliers must also tackle problems like these, raising pay is addressing one of the key grievances drivers had. And as well as lifting pay levels, companies have sought greater efficiency through updated systems, with 20% increasing their use of digital technology. While a third are seeking to enhance their bottom lines by passing rising costs onto clients.

The survey results highlight that haulage businesses have various levers they can pull to overcome obstacles – and are proactively doing so.

An industry committed to sustainability

Despite strains on the industry and 93% of companies still being affected by Brexit,  73% of haulage companies remain committed to their focus on environmental/green targets. These objectives remain a priority for the industry, especially with the government’s ‘greenprint’ to decarbonise all modes of domestic transport, including trucks, by 2050.

Some 13% of companies felt that Brexit actually drove them to increase their focus on adapting to environmental/green tech and infrastructure. Green tech is a sector where the UK has always been a leader, and the transport industry now seems intent on capitalising on this existing expertise.

The Logistics Report 2022 (by Logistics UK) also states that decarbonisation progress and the use of new/alternative fuels were both up as of 1 January 2022, when compared with the past two years.

A positive outlook ahead for haulage 

While there are various pressures on the haulage industry, companies and the sector itself are taking action. To address driver shortages, for instance, even the government became involved, such is the importance of the industry.

There is now funding in place to help train new HGV drivers and, in August, it was confirmed that AEB funding for HGV driver training would be extended for a further year3. Also, between 1 January 2022 and 31 March 2022, the DVSA carried out 74% more lorry driving tests, when compared to pre-pandemic levels4. 

While government measures to tackle the driver shortage and other issues are very welcome, it’s clear that longer term planning is also needed and lines of communication between government and the industry must stay open. If all parties involved can continue to work together, haulage can keep moving throughout the uncertain times ahead.

Azad Awan, Sales Manager at Haulage Exchange, says:

“There’s no doubt that the haulage industry has experienced quite a few challenges in the past year – and will face more obstacles in the coming months. But the industry has dealt with everything thrown at it, and will continue to do so. It’s proved itself to be more than resilient.

“This survey highlights how hauliers are looking ahead and already planning how to mitigate potential problems. It’s only natural that when margins are tight and efficiency is called for, businesses turn to technology to provide answers.

“That’s what we’re all about: helping companies do business smoothly and giving them space to grow. If more companies can build time-saving digital solutions into their everyday routines, it will only benefit the industry as a whole.”

References

  1. The Logistics Report Summary 2022, p.5, Logistics UK
  2. The Logistics Report Summary 2022, p.9, Logistics UK
  3. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/adult-education-budget-aeb-funding-rules-2022-to-2023/adult-education-budget-aeb-funding-rules-2022-to-2023#heavy-goods-vehicle-hgv-driver-training 
  4. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/huge-increase-in-lorry-driving-tests-following-government-action