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 are finally falling
Fuel relief is on the way as petrol and diesel prices are set to drop after hitting a six-month high. A sharp decline in oil prices—now sitting at $70 a barrel—should lead to a 6p cut for petrol and 3p for diesel, with further reductions possible if retailers pass on savings.
Northern Ireland is already benefitting from lower prices due to stronger competition, but will the rest of the UK follow? With the CMA closely monitoring fuel pricing after retailers overcharged drivers by £1.6bn last year, all eyes are on how quickly savings hit the pumps. Will retailers play fair, or will the ‘rocket and feather’ effect strike again?
📈 More customers, bigger contracts, better margins
Every freight forwarder wants to grow, but how do you scale without overstretching?
Many smaller freight forwarders struggle with inconsistent demand, tight profit margins, and limited access to larger contracts. But with the right approach, it’s possible to expand your operations, take on bigger jobs, and increase long-term revenue.
In our latest guide, we share practical ways to grow your freight forwarding company in 2025, from attracting more customers to securing larger freight forwarding contracts and improving operational efficiency.
📍 Would you trust AI to plan your routes?
Route optimisation software is transforming logistics, cutting hours of manual planning and improving fleet efficiency. But is AI enough on its own?
Companies like Invo Fulfilment are seeing major benefits from automation, but human experience remains essential. While software streamlines deliveries, it can’t factor in driver preferences, real-world delays, or operational nuances without human input. A hybrid model—where AI suggests routes but logistics teams fine-tune them—is proving to be the best solution.
As AI continues to evolve, businesses that adapt and integrate human expertise with machine efficiency will stay ahead. But can technology ever fully replace human decision-making in logistics?
📣 Last chance to see HX in action
Next week on Thursday, we’ll be sharing top tips for building a thriving logistics business, from finding and subcontracting loads to paying hundreds of carrier invoices in one click.
Plus, we’ll be joined by special guests Jamie and Bob from Empire Xpress – an award-winning freight forwarding business that rapidly scaled thanks to Haulage Exchange’s virtual fleet.
There are only a few slots left, so book yours now.
🔐 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 latest guide.
Find reliable carriers and cut your costs with Haulage Exchange
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