The road haulage business is in rude health, with the 1500 largest UK operators seeing their value increase by an average 6% during the last 12 months.
Figures from analyst Plimsoll says that a stronger-than-expected UK economy has helped the transport and logistics industry to enjoy a period of prosperity. It is also likely that an increase in exports caused by the Brexit vote and the weak pound overseas has further buoyed the sector.
However, it is the smaller, innovative companies rather than the incumbent giants that are really pushing the road haulage business forward. According to Plimsoll, 425 cutting-edge transport logistics firms have seen their values soar by 25%.
What is causing these upstarts to grow at such a furious rate? After all, the market is still very challenging; costs are high and competition is fierce.
In our opinion, the reason why smaller specialists are thriving is because they are able to deliver the level of personalised service that the biggest suppliers struggle to match. People deal with people, and the impersonal, call centre-style approach of many large haulers damages that crucial dynamic.
Our approach at Herd Recruitment is similar. We understand our drivers, and we understand our clients. We work hard to maintain positive relationships with them, and we understand the pressures and challenges from both sides.