According to a report from the Transport Exchange Group (TEG), haulage prices in the United Kingdom are at their highest point since 2019. As such, the average price-per-mile figures have risen by 4.4% since February and rose 1% in May, despite inflation sitting at 8.7%. 

Highlighted as part of the report was the fact that the road transport price index had risen 1.2% year-on-year, and May’s figures were the highest for the month since the index was first launched four years ago. Haulage prices also went up by 1.3% during the month – lower than courier prices which have almost plateaued, moving just 0.2%.

However, the report also offered some good news for haulage firms, mentioning that diesel price reductions are now starting to pick up pace. The cost of diesel dropped 2.75% last month, 

A Contrast With Initial 2023 Haulage Prices

These results contrast with the beginning of 2023, which saw haulage prices at the lowest level since 2021. The report also went on to say that the government’s decision to allow longer trailers on the UK’s roads should boost the economy by £1.4bn while also potentially cutting CO2 emissions by a meaningful 70,000 tonnes. 

CEO of Integra (a TEG data firm), Lyall Cresswell, had this to say about the recently published figures…“It’s great to see government support for the somewhat strained haulage and logistics industry. Allied with falling diesel prices and decreasing EV costs, the move to longer lorries could provide a real boost to the sector.

Of course, a strong supply chain is important to the economy, and consumers depend upon the road transport network for their daily needs. So the government will be hoping that the road transport industry can help the economy towards more positive growth.”

Continuing to Support the UK Haulage Industry

The UK haulage industry still sits in a crucial stage of its recovery as it battles against the ongoing HGV driver shortage, squeezed margins, and more. Haulage prices are high at present, while fuel costs are dropping, meaning that this TEG report represents mixed news, and all eyes are going to be closely watching future fluctuations. 

In the meantime, the Insite team will continue to do what it’s best known for – offering industry-leading HGV licence acquisition programs via our network of 60 nationwide training centres located across the UK. Staffed by highly-experienced instructors, our network allows us to offer programs that can meet any size of need, from single-driver training, right up to large-scale requirements. 

However, if you’re looking to learn more about Insite and what we do, take around our website, where you’ll find details of our HGV Skills Bootcamps, Driver CPC training, Driver Risk Assessments and more. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to speak to us directly about your HGV training needs, simply call 0330 818 8888 or click on ‘contact us’ and a member of our team will be in touch with you soon. 

The Road Transport Expo (RTX) is an annual event focused on all things trucking, and between the 28th to the 30th of June 2023, it’s coming around again. Held at the NAEC in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, it’s a free-to-attend event that’s graced by the biggest names in the transport industry, and last year’s expo was a roaring success. 

Anyone running an HGV fleet can gain much from visiting the RTX, particularly as it offers the chance to meet over 200 different suppliers and major truck-makers. You get to check out all the latest tankers, tippers, and safety equipment, as well as meet the HGVC team, as we have a stand there, and we’d love to see you in person. 

You’ll Find HGVC at Stand G12

So, why is HGVC exhibiting at RTX ’23? Well, it’s to promote our HGV Skills Bootcamp program that’s already delivering new drivers to tackle the ongoing shortage in the UK. As part of the program, we’re offering companies who want to upskill their existing employees a huge 70% discount on all our HGV courses. 

Businesses across the UK are feeling the pinch as the supply chain struggles to cope with a lack of trained HGV drivers. However, our Skills Bootcamps can help businesses circumvent the problem by upskilling existing employees – something you can find out about by coming and talking to us at Stand G12 on any of the event days. 

There to Explain How Companies Can Benefit 

Those taking the time to come and visit us at the event will get access to our industry knowledge for training around the UK and how companies are able to gain from the Bootcamp program. Provided via 60 nationwide locations and in conjunction with our Driver Academy Group partners, there’s been a huge uptake, resulting in many more available drivers.

Any employee over the age of 19 with a full driving licence can be upskilled in this way, allowing them to gain their Category C licence, as well as having the opportunity to upgrade to the C+E category, or indeed, to train for specialist PDP & ADR licences that allow trucks containing hazardous goods to be driven. 

Come & Visit Us at RTX 23 in Stoneleigh, Warks 

At HGVC, we’ve long been committed to doing our part to address the challenges faced by the UK supply chain and delivery businesses. As such, we’d be delighted to tell you all about the amazing work our team is doing in this area and how your business can benefit from our HGV skills bootcamps across the country. All you have to do is come and see us.

However, if you’d like to know more about us as a company and how we offer industry-leading HGV licence acquisition programs at scale, please take a moment to browse our website. Alternatively, if you would like to talk to us about how our driver training can help you, click on ‘contact us’ or call 0330 818 8888, and we’ll be happy to give you the answers you need. 

After a review of the role of UK traffic commissioners (TCs), the government has recommended that it be replaced by a single independent tribunal body led by a statutory president. The Department for Transport’s (Dft) report has also proposed that the current fee structure should be overhauled to remove the operating deficit and allow it to be completely funded via the fees it charges.

As part of its 12 recommendations, which are aimed to have a major impact on the way TCs currently operate, a change to the traffic commissioner’s name is also being considered in order that it better reflects the role they perform. 

Changing Tribunal Rules

The DfT’s report suggested that the DfT go ahead with changes that would allow TCs to create tribunal rules, something that would include cost orders. It also went on to say…

“With increased powers, TCs would be better able to manage their hearings which should make them more effective & efficient in the longer term. Furthermore, these powers would also demonstrate the independence of the function and bring it more in line with other tribunal jurisdictions.”

It’s said that consolidating the existing 8 TCs into a single body would ensure that managing the organisation was simpler and that having a president (rather than a senior TC), would clarify accountability and improve governance arrangements. 

Chief Operating Officer (COO) to Manage OTC Staff

Another recommendation was also put forward for a chief operating officer (COO) to be employed in order to manage Office of Transport Commissioners (OTC) staff and engage a wide range of stakeholders. The report continued…

“The DVSA director of enforcement presently manages OTC staff, however, this relationship whereby they oversee the staff of the OTC enhances a perception and inherent legal risk that the TC function is ‘managed’ by DVSA enforcement, despite being a party to its hearings.

In the medium term, a COO will remove this perception and risk and improve stakeholder engagement across the devolved administrations of Scotland and Wales, as well the number of policy areas reflected within the DfT policy forum.”

However, a note of caution was made by principal associate of Weightmans law firm, Chris Powell, who suggests that the adoption of these recommendations would fundamentally change the current licencing regime and impact all licence holders. 

“The recommendation to replace individual traffic commissioners with a single specialist tribunal could mean stronger powers to take action against operators who don’t hit the mark.

However, the big question hanging over this is whether we’ll see anything change, given that we’d need new primary legislation with limited parliamentary time & a looming general election.

If anything will be prioritised, it seems likely it will be licence fee reform given that this would deliver a cost-neutral regulatory body funded by industry rather than one that currently operates at a deficit. We’ll all be eagerly watching to see how far this makes it down the road.”

Working Towards a Resilient UK Supply Chain 

Changes like these are designed to make the UK supply chain and our transport network stronger. This is something we’re completely behind, but it remains to be seen whether it becomes enacted in the fullness of time. As Chris Powell said, we’ll all be watching to see how far through the process this proposal goes.

Irrespective of this, the Insite team will continue to do what it’s renowned for – delivering industry-leading HGV licence acquisition programs via our nationwide network of training centres. If you’d like to know more about us and how we work, please browse our website or to get in touch, call 0330 818 8888 or click on ‘contact us‘ today.

Much has been written about the UK haulage sector’s transition to electronic vehicles in recent months. However, Logistics UK has expressed concern about the level of government help being provided. Claiming that its net zero plans will fail unless more fiscal support is provided, the government is being urged to step in and assist.

Another issue raised was the inadequate public charging network that is stopping hauliers from investing in technology, with the business group’s members expressing major frustration at the number of broken or even inoperable charges, as well as a major difficulty in finding available spaces to get the power they need. 

“An Uphill Battle That Can’t Continue”

David Wells, Logistics UK Chief Executive, points towards a lack of meaningful scrappage schemes, volatile energy prices and rising acquisition costs as the main barrier at present, meaning that the transition to EVs represents an uphill battle that can’t continue. As such, the body is calling for an EV charging & refuelling infrastructure roadmap to be prioritised. 

Speaking on the subject, Mr Wells had this to say:

“The lifecycle of a vehicle is carefully worked into any logistics business’ budget to ensure continuity while keeping costs down. Our members should not be expected simply to write off the cost of any vehicles they operate – which could run to thousands of pounds for every operator.

A supportive scrappage scheme should be in place to ensure that logistics businesses can stay on the roads without incurring further punitive costs.”

LCCI Urges Deputy Mayor to Address EV Charging Point Need

The statement by Logistics UK came at the same time as the London Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) urged the Deputy Mayor to tackle the need for commercial EV charging points across the City. With an increase in demand to transition from fossil fuels, it’s claimed that far more EV charging points than are currently envisaged are needed. 

The LCCI also expressed worry that there seems to be an expectation that new commercial EVs would be primarily charged at company depots, with CEO Richard Burge stating:

“The government and city hall must work together to address the logistical issues which hinder an optimistic, profitable, and growing EV industry. Rising energy costs present challenges to commercial vehicles, and a lack of EV charging points should not hinder the green growth momentum.”

A Long Way to Go On the Journey to EV Lorries

Transitioning from legacy fossil fuel powered lorries to EV trucks was always going to be a major undertaking, and this latest update clearly highlights the complexities involved. As such, there’s still a long way to go on the road to realising wholesale use of EV lorries across the UK’s supply chain. There still remains much to think about in terms of infrastructure. 

Whatever happens, however, the Insite team will continue to offer industry-leading, scalable HGV licence acquisition programs via our large UK network of training centres. If you’d like to know more about how we can help you mitigate the challenges brought by the ongoing driver shortage, take a look around our website.

Alternatively, if you’d like to speak to a member of our expert team, click on ‘Contact Us’ or give us a call on 0330 818 8888, and we’ll be happy to help. 

There’s been significant news in the UK haulage industry this week, as the government has finally ‘green-lit’ longer semi-trailers, ending an 11-year-long road trial. As part of the change, trailers up to 18.55 metres long (2 metres over the current standard size) will be allowed to drive on Britain’s roads from 31st May 2023, it has been announced.

Involving more than 3,000 of these longer semi-trailers (LSTs) in collaboration with more than 300 major operators like Greggs, Stobart, Argos, Morrisons and the Royal Mail, the trial resulted led to the long-awaited move. 

A £1.4bn Boost For the UK Economy 

Heralding the change in policy, the Depart For Transport (DfT) said that allowing LSTs to be used will represent a £1.4bn boost for Britain’s economy. Helping to improve productivity and save more than 70,000 tons of CO2 while strengthening the economy, LSTs have been shown to move the same volume of goods, but using 8% fewer journeys.

As part of the new legislation, haulage operations will no longer be forced into applying for a special licence to use a longer semi-trailer. However, vehicles that use LSTs will still be subject to the same 44-ton weight limit imposed on standard trailers, with operators being bound by law to ensure the necessary risk assessments and route plans are made.

“A Strong, Resilient Supply Chain is Key” – UK Roads Minister 

While on a visit to Gregg’s Newcastle depot to view the new longer lorries, UK Roads Minister Richard Holden had this to say about the change:

“A strong, resilient supply chain is key to the Government’s efforts to grow the economy. That’s why we’re introducing longer semi-trailers to carry more goods in fewer journeys and ensure our shops, supermarkets and hospitals are always well stocked. 

These new vehicles will provide an almost £1.4bn boost to the haulage industry, reduce congestion, lower emissions and enhance the safety of UK roads.”

“LSTs Provide Operators With an Environmentally Prudent Option” – Gavin Kirk, Greggs

Also interviewed was Gregg’s Supply Chain Director, Gavin Kirk, who stated that the company had always been keen to be part of the trial and that significant results had been enjoyed:

“We welcome the introduction of longer semi-trailers (LSTs) into general use. Since 2013, Greggs has been operating LSTs from our National Distribution Centre in Newcastle. We were early adopters of the trial as we saw significant efficiency benefits from the additional 15% capacity they afforded us.

Over the past few years of the trial, our members have proved that LSTs provide operators with a cost-efficient, environmentally prudent alternative to conventional vehicles and our members remain committed to rolling them out across the wider industry as soon as possible”. 

Helping to Create a Resilient UK Supply Chain

This move is the latest part of the UK government’s 33 actions that are aimed at addressing the on-going HGV driver shortage. At Insite, we’re right behind any moves that add resilience to the UK supply chain, whether talking about Skills Bootcamps, improving the quality of roadside lorry facilities or faster HGV testing. 

As such, our team will continue to do what they do best – offering industry-leading HGV training via our network of training centres. If you’d like to know more about us and what we do, please take the time to browse our website. Alternatively, if you’d like to speak to us about your needs, simply call 0330 818 8888 or click ‘contact us’, and we’ll be delighted to help. 

Much focus has been on solving the ongoing HGV driver shortage in the UK while also ensuring that safety on Britain’s roads is maintained. However, according to a report by the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), that safety is under grave threat due to the sheer number of HGV drivers operating illegally.

At present, there are apparently, in excess of 20,000 HGVs currently operating illegally without having a valid MOT in their possession. Needless to say, this presents a major challenge that traffic enforcement personnel must target, and the government has expressed their intention to heavily penalise anyone found without a valid HGV MOT.

“One in Twenty Operating Without a Valid MOT”

UK Transport Minister Baroness Vere gave her opinion on the matter while fielding a parliamentary question relating to vehicle testing last week. She said…

“The DVSA estimates that at any time, there could be around one in twenty British HGVs operating on Great Britain’s roads that are operating without a valid MOT. The DVSA takes this matter very seriously and targets its on-road enforcement towards such vehicles.

Any vehicle found not to have a valid MOT is referred to the traffic commissioners, who have the power to take action against the license of the vehicle operator.”

No Plans to Change the Current System

According to the latest Department for Transport (DfT) figures from 201, there are just over 400,000 GB-registered HGV drivers. What this means is that if the DVSA’s claim is accurate, then there are currently 20,300 lorries driving on the UK’s roads that don’t have a valid MOT certificate in their possession. 

However, despite this news, Baroness stated that after the heavy goods vehicle testing review conducted in 2021, there were no plans in place to alter the current system in any way. She added, “The review, which was published the same year, concluded HGV testing should continue to be delivered as is, which provides independent assurance to ensure vehicles are maintained correctly, and safety is not compromised”.

Another Challenge Faced By the UK Haulage Industry

At Insite, we’ve always been strong advocates of any initiatives or measures that make the UK’s roads safer. Clearly, the news that 20,000 HGV drivers are driving with a valid MOT in place is worrying, and it’s something the government will need to address at some point. That said, the UK haulage industry has faced many challenges recently. 

We understand the importance of road safety, as does the DfT. As such, we’ll continue to do the work we’re best known for – delivering industry-leading HGV licence acquisition programs that have road safety and regulatory compliance at their core. Provided via our vast network of driver training centres, we’re working hard to drive down the current skills gap in the sector. 

If you’d like to find out more about us and what sets us apart from the rest, take a look around our website or to get in touch, simply call 0330 818 8888 or click on ‘contact us’ today.