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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.
Truck parking chaos, smart motorways under scrutiny, and a new £18.5bn UK road plan that’s raising more questions than answers — this week’s TWIF covers it all.
We’re also looking at an exciting new HVO trial at UK ports, troubling EU border rule changes, and smarter warehousing on the horizon.
From fuel to freight flow, let’s dive into what’s shaping the road ahead.
🚛 Europe’s truck parking crisis: not just the UK
A new report from Belgium confirms what many in the UK already know: there simply aren’t enough safe, secure truck parking spaces. Across the EU, drivers are forced to rest on highway shoulders or in unsafe industrial zones — risking cargo, compliance, and personal safety.
Even where parking exists, basic facilities like toilets and lighting are often missing. The Belgian transport sector calls it a “dramatic shortage,” and the EU is starting to explore smart solutions — like automated column parking — to do more with limited space.
Sound familiar? As Europe turns to innovation and shared responsibility, there may be lessons for the UK too.
→ See what other countries are doing — and what we could learn.
🛣️ £18.5bn for England’s roads — but where’s the freight focus?
The DfT’s third Road Investment Strategy (RIS3) lays out plans to spend £18.5bn between 2025–2030 — with upgrades, smart motorway removals, and toll reviews in the mix.
But critics say it lacks boldness, long-term thinking, and any clarity on how freight traffic benefits.
→ See what’s planned, what’s missing, and what it means for hauliers.
⚠️ Smart motorways, dumb results?
Despite years of promises, smart motorways and tolls still spark debate. Are they delivering on safety and efficiency for hauliers — or just adding cost and confusion?
This piece breaks down what’s working, what’s not, and where drivers are feeling the pain.
→ Read the verdict on smart roads and freight.
🛢️ Same price, 85% less carbon? HVO trial launches at UK ports
DP World is offering HVO fuel to truck operators at its UK ports — at the same price as diesel. The pilot, backed by Certas and New Era Fuels, aims to cut emissions while giving fleets a cost-neutral transition path.
With free carbon literacy training and up to 5,000 litres per vehicle, it’s a bold interim step to electrification.
→ See how to get involved in the trial.
Also worth a read
- New EU border rules from 1 September are causing confusion, with different countries enforcing the system at different times – and hauliers caught in the middle.
- Supply chain leaders are investing early to prepare for peak season 2025 – focusing on AI, automation and warehouse resilience to beat the bottlenecks.
- Know your slack adjusters: this practical guide explains when (and how) to make manual adjustments – and why you should usually leave them alone.
- From cupping to feathering, tyre wear patterns can reveal hidden problems with your truck’s suspension, alignment or driving habits.
- Smart warehousing isn’t just about robots – it’s about using data, dashboards and connected systems to boost safety, speed and sustainability.
Movers & shakers
Here are this week’s new transport deals, partnerships and developments:
- Leading Midlands logistics firm, D&D Transport, has opened the doors to a brand-new 70,000sqft facility in Alfreton, marking a major investment in its continued growth.
- Palletways UK is relocating its national HQ and core operations to a new purpose-built 640,000 sq ft facility at Fradley Park in Lichfield.
- Wincanton has extended its partnership with tea and coffee retailer Whittard of Chelsea.
- DHL eCommerce is opening a new 104,000sqft depot in Minworth, Birmingham to cement its presence in the Golden Triangle.
- Marks and Spencer is spending £340m to build an automated national distribution centre in Northamptonshire, as part of plans to double the size of its M&S Food business.
Welcome to This Week in Freight, your go-to source for the latest haulage and road freight news and advice in the UK.
From ex-bankers turned truckers to new cash for cleaner fleets, the UK haulage scene is shifting gears fast.
This week’s TWIF covers it all: a major extension to plug-in grants, why some drivers are ditching office life for the open road, the growing backlash over Operation Brock/M20 delays, and a no-nonsense guide to HGV speed limits.
Plus, what to know about driverless trucks, dodgy Wi-Fi, and smarter fleet growth.
⚡ Plug-in grants extended to 2027 — but is it enough?
There’s good news for fleets eyeing the switch to electric: the government’s plug-in grant scheme for electric vans and lorries will now run until at least 2027.
That means up to £25,000 off per HGV — and £5,000 off qualifying vans — helping to soften the upfront cost of cleaner transport.
The extension gives fleets more time to plan their transition and secure financial support. But industry bodies like the RHA say it’s not enough on its own. With charging infrastructure still patchy and vehicle lead times high, the sector needs a clearer roadmap and more joined-up investment.
Still, if you’re considering electric in the next few years, this gives you more breathing room — and potentially thousands in savings.
→ Find out what support’s available and who’s eligible.
🚚 Bye, office job – hello, open road
Forget what you thought you knew about life behind the wheel — for a growing number of career-changers, HGV driving isn’t a last resort. It’s a conscious move towards more freedom, flexibility, and structure.
Ex-chef Matteo wanted clearer hours. Shane left finance behind to spend more time with family.
They’re part of a growing wave of new recruits trading burnout and high-pressure desk jobs for a simpler, more grounded career on the road.
With the UK still facing driver shortages, their stories challenge old stereotypes and highlight the real lifestyle benefits of haulage work — from predictable schedules to travel and autonomy.
→ Meet the new faces behind the wheel and see why they made the switch.
📏 How fast can you go? A guide to HGV speed rules
Whether you’re hauling freight across a quiet A-road or heading down a busy motorway, knowing the speed limits for your vehicle type is essential — and not always straightforward. HGV speed rules differ across the UK, depending on your vehicle weight, road type, and even which country you’re in (hello, Scotland’s A-road quirks).
Our no-nonsense guide breaks down exactly how fast you can go — and where. It covers single and dual carriageways, smart motorways, built-up areas, and more, with helpful tables and real-world examples.
It also explains how the law views speed limiters, POA, and tachograph compliance — so your drivers stay safe and your operation stays legal.
→ See what applies to your vehicle, your route, and your team.
🛑 “Second-class citizens”? Truckers stuck in M20 chaos again
Operation Brock is back — and so are the queues. Designed as a temporary post-Brexit traffic control system for the M20, it’s now become a long-term burden for UK truckers. With little warning, limited facilities, and miles of disruption, drivers are once again forced to wait it out with no toilets, no food, and no idea how long they’ll be stuck.
Logistics UK has had enough, calling for the scheme to be scrapped and replaced with something that respects drivers’ time, health and working conditions. After all, should the people keeping supply chains running really be treated as second-class citizens?
→ See why hauliers are fed up — and what needs to change.
Also worth a read
- That free motorway services Wi-Fi? According to UK Haulier, it could cost you more than data. This guide shows how to keep driver data safe on public networks — from using VPNs to spotting spoof hotspots.
- A DVSA report says most HGV drivers are following new restrictions on the Severn Bridge, with few infractions so far. It’s a rare good-news story for road safety and enforcement.
- Gut instinct’s great. But data-backed decisions are better. This guide from FreightWaves breaks down how to use analytics, KPIs and planning tools to grow your fleet the smart way.
- The UK government’s launching a study on how driverless HGVs could safely operate on UK roads. Still a way off, but it’s a sign of what’s coming.
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.
📚 Old qualification, modern problems
Traffic Commissioners are urging a review of the Transport Manager CPC, saying too many qualified TMs are falling short in real-life responsibilities.
With growing pressures on compliance, tech and law, the CPC may no longer be fit for purpose.
→ Read why reform could be on the horizon.
🚛 Fewer trucks, higher rates: market shifts in July
July saw an unexpected rise in transport costs, fuelled by a drop in available capacity, according to TEG Logistics Technology. With both courier and haulage prices climbing, it’s a sign that summer slowdown isn’t a given.
Get the latest numbers, what’s driving the shift, and what to watch heading into autumn.
→ See the full July Transport Index update.
⚠️ Your drivers are racking up fines – here’s what to do
Fleets are seeing a “significant” jump in fines for everything from PCNs to clean air zone breaches. But the real problem? Most operators are struggling to keep track.
Find out what’s behind the rise, and how better systems can help you avoid spiralling penalties.
→ See why fine management is now a fleet priority.
🚧 Make your mark: how conspicuity rules work
Conspicuity markings aren’t just tape – they’re legal safety kit. Get them wrong and you risk fines or worse.
This guide breaks down what the rules say, how to apply markings properly, and the key do’s and don’ts for UK fleets.
→ Find out how to stay safe and compliant at night.
🔧 Sweaty cabs = lost revenue
Air con issues aren’t just uncomfortable — they cost you. Poor cooling leads to driver fatigue, downtime, and expensive repairs if left unchecked.
This guide covers how to keep your HGV’s A/C system in top shape, from re-gassing cycles to spotting problems early.
→ Get the full guide to staying cool and compliant.
Also worth a read
- Some media reports paint a bleak picture of electric vehicles, making them seem unreliable, expensive, and a fad that’s quickly fading. But that’s just not true.
- The Humber Bridge is getting a new ANPR-based tolling system, and it’ll go live by the end of the year. Here’s what haulage companies need to know to avoid fines.
- Running out of warehouse space? Before you start looking for new units, try these four ways to increase your existing warehouse storage capacity.
- A modern Warehouse Management System can transform your warehouse performance with insights, KPIs, analytics and AI, helping you achieve faster, smarter and more resilient operations. Here’s how.
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.
📉 Tired drivers = costly claims
Fatigued drivers are a growing risk — and insurers are sounding the alarm. Beyond the legal obligations, ignoring fatigue can mean higher costs, more incidents, and staff turnover.
→ See what fleets should be doing to manage driver fatigue.
🔍 How to find ULEZ-friendly hauliers
ULEZ rules are tightening — and if your haulier isn’t compliant, you’re risking delays, fines, or a reputational hit.
This guide walks through how to find ULEZ-compliant partners and keep your goods (and conscience) clean.
→ Learn what to check before you book.
⚖️ No plan. No training. One fatal mistake.
A UK textile firm has been fined £220,000 after a director was fatally injured by a reversing HGV.
With no risk assessment or safe system in place, the incident highlights the legal and human costs of poor safety practices.
→ Read what went wrong — and how to avoid it.
📋 Keep it legal: hours, breaks & records
Whether you’re running UK or international freight, driver hours rules are non-negotiable.
This guide explains maximum shifts, mandatory breaks, and POA rules — without the jargon.
🔐 One password to doom them all
KNP, a 158-year-old UK haulier, collapsed after a single compromised password triggered a £5m ransomware attack.
It’s a brutal reminder that cyber threats are real — and no fleet is immune.
→ See how one breach brought down a haulage giant.
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.
💨 Hydrogen who? Stellantis scraps H2O plans
Stellantis, which makes commercial vehicles under the Citroen, FIAT Professional, Opel, Peugeot, Ram and Vauxhall brands, is scrapping its hydrogen programme to focus on EVs and hybrids — a move that signals which way the wind is blowing for van fleets.
Expect more electric choice, faster development, and fewer distractions.
→ See why hydrogen’s on pause and what comes next.
📄 What’s a waybill? (And why it matters)
A waybill is more than just a bit of paper — it’s a legal document that keeps your goods moving and protects your business.
If you’ve ever mixed up a Bill of Lading with a POD, this one’s for you.
→ Read the plain-English guide to what a waybill is and how it works.
🚐 Vans too heavy? Your wallet’s going to feel it
DVSA says van overloading fines hit £390,000 last year — and it’s getting stricter. Many operators don’t even realise they’re overloaded until it’s too late.
Learn what to check, what’s legal, and how to avoid fines and safety risks.
→ Find out how to stay on the right side of the weight limit.
❄️ Frozen, not frazzled: your cold chain playbook
Cold chain logistics is about more than temperature — it’s about timing, tracking and control.
From sensors to SOPs, this complete guide breaks down how to keep food, pharma and other perishable goods safe, compliant and profitable.
→ Get the complete guide to cold chain logistics.
🛠️ Maintenance plans gathering dust? Fix that.
Plenty of fleets have a preventive maintenance (PM) plan. But if it’s not used, it’s useless.
This US-based article breaks down how to build a calendar that’s clear, collaborative and actually gets followed — not ignored. With lessons UK fleets can steal too.
→ Learn how to make PM plans that stick.
🔌 Switching to e-vans? Avoid these rookie errors
Switching from diesel to electric vans isn’t just about plugging in and hoping for the best.
From charging setup to payload planning and driver training, this guide walks through the key steps for a smooth, stress-free transition.
→ See what to get right when going electric.
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.
🔌 Power move: Nissan’s EV charger for HGVs
Nissan’s new £1.4m EV charging station for HGVs is designed for speed and scale.
It’s a glimpse of what’s needed as the UK transitions to electric logistics. Faster infrastructure = smoother adoption.
→ See what’s powering the next phase of HGV electrification.
🇪🇺 UK–EU cabotage: play by the rules or pay the price
Cabotage rules are an important part of operating across UK and EU borders. Our guide article breaks down what’s allowed, what’s not, and what’s changed since Brexit.
Staying compliant avoids fines, and protects your access.
→ Learn how to stay legal with UK and EU cabotage.
⚡ Too close for comfort: tipper hits power lines
A Cumbrian tipper driver narrowly avoided serious injury after hitting overhead power lines. A reminder of how easy it is to overlook risks, and why site awareness and safe procedures matter more than ever.
→ Read the full story and safety takeaways.
😓 Drivers under pressure? It’s costing your fleet
Driver stress and mental health issues aren’t just personal—they can impact performance, safety, and retention.
Our guide explains what to look for, how to offer support, and why your business should care.
→ See how better mental health leads to better performance.
✅ How to build a better load checklist
Even small errors in freight paperwork can cause big delays or extra costs.
This guide breaks down how US freight teams are using structured checklists to prevent mistakes, something UK fleets can borrow from too. Avoid simple slip-ups and improve your process.
→ Steal the best checklist habits from across the pond.
🤖 Will AI rewrite America’s freight strategy?
The US is rethinking its freight strategy with AI, automation, and smart infrastructure leading the way.
While it’s an American initiative, it gives clues to where UK freight might head next.
→ See what tech trends could shape UK logistics too.
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.
💶 Border blunders: EU fines to watch out for
Fines for border breaches are on the rise in 2025, with hauliers facing steep penalties for non-compliance.
From customs to transport violations, this article outlines what’s changing, and how to avoid getting caught out.
→ See what fines hauliers face at EU borders.
🚛 Tesco’s multi-million £ logistics expansion
Tesco is investing millions in a new automated distribution centre at London Gateway to boost resilience, scale its network, and speed up deliveries.
It’s a big move — and a sign of what’s next in grocery logistics and the growing opportunities for London haulage companies.
→ Read what Tesco’s latest investment means for freight.
📦 Know your numbers: tariff codes explained
Tariff codes are the backbone of cross-border freight. Get them wrong, and you risk delays, overpaying, or worse.
Our new guide breaks down the Harmonised System, finding the right code, and avoiding costly errors.
→ Learn how to classify your goods correctly.
📸 In-cab cameras: surveillance or safety?
Driver-facing cameras have earned a bad reputation, but are they really the enemy?
A new opinion piece by Nadeem Raza, CEO at Microlise, argues they’re actually a safety ally when used transparently and fairly.
→ Read the case for keeping cameras in the cab.
🚛 Chill in transit: your cold chain playbook
Cold chain logistics isn’t just about keeping things cold, it’s about preserving quality, safety, and value.
From pharma to food, our guide covers temperature control, common pitfalls, and how to optimise every step. If you move perishable goods, you need this.
→ Get the complete guide to cold chain logistics.
🔐 Protect your data, protect your fleet
Data breaches aren’t just an IT issue, they’re a business risk.
This piece by Alain Samaha, president at Teletrac Navman, explains how fleets can improve data protection by adopting a ‘privacy by design’ mindset from the ground up.
→ See how to build safer systems with privacy built in.
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.
🌍 Freight matching pays off: £68k earned, 8 tonnes of CO₂ saved
A smart freight initiative in the South West has matched 65 loads, cutting 7,915kg of CO₂ and earning hauliers over £68,000.
With 11 companies onboard and the Haulage Exchange platform powering it all, it’s a win for business and the planet.
→ Read how smart matching is reshaping regional haulage.
📝 Outdated and overexposed: the risk of paper-based checks
55% of fleets still rely on paper forms to assess driver risk.
Manual checks may be familiar, but they’re far from foolproof. Digital tools offer real-time insight and safer roads.
TTC says the shift is no longer optional — it’s essential.
→ See why automation is key to fleet risk management.
🚛 Walking floors, rolling profits
Bulk haulage isn’t one-size-fits-all. From tipper trucks to walking floors, each option has pros, cons, and ideal use cases.
If you’re shifting agricultural, construction or recycling loads, this guide breaks down what matters: safety, compliance, and capacity.
→ Get the full guide to bulk transport and walking floor haulage.
🔋 How long will your electric truck really last?
Worried your EV will fade before your finance deal ends?
Don’t be. New data shows electric vehicle batteries are lasting far longer than expected — often still performing well past 150,000 miles.
For fleet managers planning the EV switch, this is one myth worth retiring.
→ See the real data on EV battery life.
🛡️ Cover your cab: the 2025 HGV insurance guide
The wrong insurance could cost you more than a claim.
From types of cover to what affects your premiums (and how to lower them), this updated guide walks you through everything UK operators need to know in 2025. Avoid hidden costs and drive protected.
→ Read the full guide to HGV insurance.
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.
📦 Prime expansion: Amazon’s big UK investment unpacked
Amazon has announced a massive £40bn investment in the UK, with four new fulfilment centres, 100,000 new jobs, and expanded data centre infrastructure.
It’s one of the biggest UK investments by a US company – ever.
Logistics firms, take note: the e-commerce giant is reshaping the map.
→ See what’s driving the expansion and what it means for UK logistics.
🎉 25 years of TEG & Haulage Exchange
From new tools like Mobile SmartPay and Secure Collect to a major 25-year milestone, this year’s TEG Member Event was packed with updates, insights and celebration.
Hundreds of HX and CX members joined us at Unity Place in Milton Keynes to explore what’s next for the Exchange – and honour those who’ve been with us since day one.
→ Watch the highlights and get the full recap.
🕵️♂️ Duties, demystified: A simple guide to import tax
VAT, duty, Incoterms, and customs charges… getting them wrong can mean big costs.
Our new guide walks you through how import tax works, what determines the amount, and how to stay compliant (and profitable) when moving goods into the UK.
→ Get the full guide to import duties and border costs.
🛍️ From Oxford Street to Bluewater, M&S goes electric
Marks & Spencer has deployed five electric Renault HGVs for London and SE deliveries, as part of the eFREIGHT 2030 initiative.
With double shifts, urban safety features, and driver-approved comfort, they’re proving zero-emission haulage isn’t just coming for London transport companies. It’s already here.
→ Read how M&S is making electric work for freight.
🔌 Going electric? These solutions can make it easier
Fleet electrification is no small feat, but new tools are making it more manageable.
From intelligent depot planning to EV-specific telematics, four innovations are helping operators hit their net-zero goals without derailing operations.
→ Get the rundown on the tech that’s powering the EV shift.
🎖️ The unsung hero behind every efficient fleet
If you run HGVs and hold a Standard licence, a transport manager isn’t optional, it’s the law.
But even beyond compliance, the right TM can boost efficiency, cut fuel costs, and reduce turnover. Whether you hire, train or outsource, it’s a role worth investing in.
→ See what a TM can do for your fleet (and bottom line).
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.
💃 Beyoncé blamed for delivery delays in North London
The ‘Beyhive’ might be buzzing, but for North London hauliers, Queen B’s shows meant blocked roads, late deliveries and frustrated drivers.
London transport firms faced hours-long delays as crowds took over key freight routes. Planning around big events isn’t just a PR problem – it’s a logistics one too.
→ See how concerts can jam up your fleet.
💰 GXO–Wincanton merger gets green light (with a big catch)
The CMA has officially (and finally) approved GXO’s £762m takeover of Wincanton. But only after GXO agreed to sell off Wincanton’s grocery warehousing arm to avoid a major threat to supermarket competition.
Without this remedy, the merger could have meant higher costs for grocers and pricier checkouts for shoppers.
→ Get the full story on the CMA’s ruling and what it means for logistics.
⚠️ Risky business: When freight becomes a target
From electronics to pharmaceuticals, high-value loads demand extra attention.
That means smart routing, trusted subcontractors and layered security, both digital and physical.
→ Learn how to keep your high-risk loads safe.
🌱 Clean air, unclear data?
Only 1 in 3 UK fleets currently track harmful emissions, despite looming carbon targets.
Without solid data, operators risk falling behind on efficiency, reporting, and compliance. Fuel consumption, dead miles, and route optimisation all play a role.
→ See what your fleet might be missing.
🤖 AI hits the road
AI is no longer just a buzzword: it’s transforming fleet ops in real time.
From predicting vehicle breakdowns to improving routing and safety, smart algorithms are making life easier for fleet managers and drivers alike. Fewer delays, lower costs, better uptime.
→ Discover how AI is changing fleet ops for good.
🖥️ Growing pains? Fix the back office
As fleets grow, spreadsheets break. Manual systems don’t cut it when you’re juggling 10, 20 or 100 trucks.
From invoicing to compliance, your back office needs to grow with your vehicles.
→ Find out how to build a back office that lasts.
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.
👨🏫 Lessons from a decade in haulage
Back in 2014, Rhys Hackling was getting ready to go into business for himself, after years of working in the logistics industry.
Just two weeks before his haulage business began trading, he discovered a tool that would allow him to operate at the scale of a large haulage company right from the start.
That tool was Haulage Exchange.
A decade later, the company Rhys started is a spectacular success story – with a fleet of 7.5t and 18t trucks, operating across the country.
Join Rhys and our HX experts on Wed 25 Jun at 1pm, and see how you can use the platform to find better loads, reduce dead miles and access a fleet of 50,000 nationwide vehicles to power up your haulage business!
💁♂️ Behind every wheel is a person
Driver shortages are back on the radar, and wellbeing might be the key to solving it.
Oliver Temple, channel sales leader for EMEA plus APAC at Lytx, explores why mental health, support after incidents, and real-time safety tech are fast becoming standard.
Could wellbeing be your fleet’s competitive edge?
🛣 Do your drivers know their legal limits?
From dual carriageways to city roads, HGVs face strict speed rules that change by vehicle type and load.
We’ve created a no-nonsense guide for fleet managers to train their teams and avoid fines.
Stay legal, stay safe, and keep your records clean.
⚖️ EU pushes for gender balance
The EU just dropped a 25-point action plan to shift the gears on gender imbalance in transport.
From safety measures to fair recruitment, it’s a full-throttle push to get more women behind the wheel (and in boardrooms).
Could this finally move the needle?
→ Find out what’s inside the plan.
📊 When is “waiting around” actually working time?
Periods of availability (POA) are often misunderstood — especially by new operators. But logging this time correctly makes a real difference to compliance and driver welfare.
❌ Not the same as a break
❌ Not the same as rest
✅ But still needs recording→ See when POA applies and how to use it properly in your fleet.
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.
📈 May transport prices climb again
May saw haulage rates rise for the fourth month in a row—up 7.6% year-on-year—driven by warm weather, strong demand, and tariff-related shipment increases.
For the first time since early 2022, haulage has overtaken courier pricing in the TEG Index.
With inflation falling and volumes high, could this signal a summer pricing boom?
→ See what the data says and what to expect next.
📋 The no-nonsense guide to customs clearance
HS codes, Incoterms, EORI numbers… are you fluent in customs jargon?
Customs clearance comes with its own vocabulary, and if you don’t speak the language, your shipments can get stuck.
→ Our new customs clearance guide breaks down the terms that matter and shows where small mistakes turn into big delays.
🔒 New security rules for fleets
The UK government has introduced new voluntary standards to tackle freight theft and terrorist threats across logistics. The guidance focuses on HGV security, driver training, and depot protection.
It comes as losses from cargo crime near £100m a year, with operators facing growing pressure to prove compliance and vigilance.
→ Read what’s in the code and how to align your fleet.
🏋️ Mind your weight: a guide to HGV limits
Whether you’re rolling with rigids or hauling with artics, understanding lorry size and weight limits is key to staying compliant, cutting costs, and avoiding a tight squeeze (literally).
Our guide breaks down everything from axle configurations to emissions rules – and even explains what your driving licence actually lets you drive.
Perfect if you’ve ever muttered “can I get away with this load?” while approaching a low bridge.
→ Read the full guide and avoid a load of trouble.
🍎 UK delays EU food checks again
New post-Brexit border checks on fruit and veg from the EU—due to start this year—have been delayed again, this time to 2027.
The move is part of a broader sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) deal between the UK and EU aimed at reducing costs and red tape. While importers welcome the news, some warn the delay could add uncertainty long term.
→ Get the full update and industry reaction.
🌝 Night-time delivery demand grows
City pedestrianisation schemes are creating new pressure on delivery schedules, with London haulage companies like Palletline London forecasting a sharp rise in night-time logistics.
As urban restrictions tighten, especially in London, fleets may need to adapt routing, staffing and service windows to stay competitive.
