The Office for National Statistics has released figures which show that haulage rates rose by an average of 1.2% between Q2 2011 and Q2 this year.
Meanwhile, according to the Freight Transport Association, vehicle operating costs rose during the same period, on average by 2.2%.
A large factor contributing to the cost of operating vehicles is the UK’s rising fuel prices. Other factors such as charges levied for hauliers travelling in Europe also contribute, but it was recently announced that the government intended to move towards balancing these costs, and that information would be gathered to see if an investigation into fuel prices is needed.
Without proper planning, having drivers fill up with diesel can be expensive. Diesel fuel cards and thorough route planning, combined with looking for ways to eliminate empty journeys and increase fuel efficiency, can help haulage operators to combat these costs.
FTA chief economist Simon Chapman said; “The broad trajectory for rates for many years has been that for every 2% increase in vehicle operating costs, haulage rates go up by around 1%. And I think over the last year or two, that gap has widened.”