Hauliers

Hauliers are individuals or companies that provide road freight transport for hire. They operate trucks or lorries and may run a single-vehicle operation or manage large fleets. Hauliers can be owner-operators who own their vehicle and contract work directly, or fleet operators who own multiple vehicles and employ or subcontract drivers. They serve manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and logistics providers.

Operations and services: Hauliers may specialise by cargo type, such as general freight, refrigerated goods, tanks, or bulk commodities, or by service type, including long-haul, regional, or last-mile delivery. They work under contracts with customers, on dedicated routes, or in the spot market via freight brokers. Efficiency depends on routing, loading practices, and meeting delivery windows.

Regulation and safety: Hauliers operate under national or regional rules governing vehicle licensing, operator licensing, driver hours, tachographs, vehicle inspections, and emissions standards. Some jurisdictions restrict cross-border work or cabotage. Drivers must maintain professional credentials, and safety checks are routine.

Economics and structure: The sector is capital-intensive and sensitive to fuel prices, labour costs, and regulatory charges. Competition ranges from sole traders to large national carriers. Productivity gains come from route optimization, telematics, real-time tracking, and integration with shippers and logistics networks.