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:
- What opportunities might the autumn bring?
- How has industry confidence fared?
- What does transport expert Kirsten Tisdale think?
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.
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