The UK logistics sector has struggled with HGV staff shortages over the last few years. Although the underlying factors are different, such as aging staff, new legislation, and growing levels of e-commerce, the end result has been the same: disrupted operations, missing delivery windows, and internal transportation teams operating at full capacity.
With companies searching for ways to sustain their level of services without putting too much strain on their internal capacities, traction services have emerged as a highly efficient solution within the HGV sector. But are they an effective solution for dealing with driver shortages or just a stopgap measure?
This article explores how HGV traction services help logistics companies in times of driver shortages, which explains why companies choose this option as a backbone of their transport strategy.
Explaining the HGV Driver Shortage in the UK
The shortage of truck drivers has never been a short-term problem. There have been some structural issues that have influenced this shortage of good-quality HGV drivers:
- An ageing driver workforce, with many drivers approaching retirement
- Fewer new drivers entering the industry
- Increasing compliance and regulatory requirements
- Other industry competition for jobs with more regular hours
- Seasonal peak demands caused by retail sales and e-commerce activities
This can result in unfilled driving hours, lower vehicle capacity, and increased pressure on labour costs for logistics companies. Even companies that have an effective talent attraction strategy could have difficulty ensuring sufficient driver availability.
What Are HGV Traction Services?
Simply put, the HGV traction services basically involve supplying tractor units and professional HGV drivers to move trailers. The trailers can be moved between depots, warehouses, ports, and even distribution centres. A company can decide to use its trailers or the provider’s trailers depending on its requirements.
Traction services are commonly used for:
- Depot-to-depot transport
- Shuttle routes and fixed runs
- Peak volume support
- Multi-depot logistics networks
- Covering driver gaps or absences
So, businesses can take advantage of the services of a traction partner to carry out the driving as well as the operation of the truck without having to have control over the cargo.
How Driver Shortages Affect Logistics Operations
Driver shortages not only result in late delivery of products, it subsequently affects the supply chain system. Common challenges include:
- Missed RDC and NDC delivery slots
- More use of overtime drivers and agency drivers
- Reduced ability to scale during peak periods
- Higher operating costs and compliance risks due to increased pressure
How HGV Traction Services Help Manage Driver Shortages
Here is how it helps:
- Immediate Access to Qualified Drivers
One of the most prominent benefits that can be seen in the HGV traction services is that the service has access to qualified and compliant drivers immediately. To start with, reputable firms have access to a pool of experienced drivers who have already been vetted and are familiar with the operations of the depot.
This allows businesses to:
- Fill driver gaps quickly
- Maintain service continuity
- Avoid last-minute cancellations or missed runs
Rather than taking weeks to recruit, onboard, and train drivers, the traction services offer ready-to-go capacity.
- Less Reliance on Internal Recruitment
Hiring HGV drivers is also time-consuming and costly. Advertising, interview process, medical, CPC, training, and so on.
By using traction services, businesses can:
- Reduce recruitment pressure
- Lower HR and administrative workload
- Avoid long-term employment commitments
- Focus internal resources on core operations
This can be very effective for businesses that experience uncertain or seasonal demand.
- Improved Fleet Utilisation Without Driver Constraints
Many companies have owned or leased trailers, which could not be moved due to the lack of drivers. This can be overcome by the introduction of the traction services.
With a traction partner:
- Trailers do not stop moving, even in times of a shortage
- The idle assets decrease
- Fleet utilisation improves
It ensures that the existing infrastructure that was put in place is utilised for its intended use, rather than being left redundant.
- Flexible Scaling During Peak Demand
E-commerce, retail, and FMCG logistics see extreme peaks, often with little warning. Driver shortages become most apparent during these time periods.
HGV traction services allow businesses to:
- Scale transport capacity up or down quickly
- Add extra runs without hiring new drivers
- Maintain service levels during peak trading periods
Such flexibility is essential in order to be able to cater to customer requirements while avoiding exposure to high costs in the long run
- Reduced Reliance on Agency Drivers
Although the drivers of the agencies will be helpful, they may come with a price tag. This is where traction services will come in.
Advantages include:
- Consistent service standards
- Better route familiarity
- Improved compliance and reporting
- More stable pricing models
Operational Benefits Beyond Driver Shortages
While managing driver shortages is a key benefit, traction services can also provide wider operational benefits.
Improved Planning and Reliability
With driver availability guaranteed and scheduled runs, this allows logistics teams to effectively plan. This leads to:
- Improved on-time performance
- Fewer changes at the last minute
- Stronger RDC and customer relationships
Compliance and Risk Management
Traction providers handle:
- Driver hours compliance
- Vehicle maintenance
- Licensing and insurance
- Safety and regulatory requirements
This reduces the client’s compliance risk and administrative burden.
Cost Control and Predictability
Instead of unpredictable recruitment and overtime costs, traction services offer clearly contract-based pricing, which makes budgeting easier and more transparent.
When Are HGV Traction Services More Effective?
HGV traction services are particularly effective for:
- Businesses operating multi-depot networks
- Retailers and 3PLs with fixed shuttle routes
- Companies with trailer assets but fewer drivers
- Organisations that experience seasonal or unpredictable demand
- Logistics operators looking to decrease their internal driver reliance
They succeed best when deployed as part of a hybrid transport strategy that blends in-house resources with outsourced traction capacity.
Selecting the Right HGV Traction Partner
All traction services are not created equal. When making a selection decision on this front, corporations should consider the following factors:
- Contemporary and fuel-efficient Euro 6 tractor units
- Qualified professional HGV drivers
- Nationwide coverage and capacity
- Live monitoring and analysis of performance
- Reliability and services guaranteed by SLA
At Transit Fleet Limited, our traction services can assist with logistics under pressure by providing trusted drivers and trucks during times of business stress.
Is HGV Traction Services a Long-Term Solution?
Although the use of traction services can solve current problems in driver shortages, some companies also utilise these types of services in their logistics strategy.
The reason is simple because it provides:
- Flexibility without long-term employment risk
- Quality service even during times of labour shortages
- More effective use of assets
- Reduced operational stress
Instead of merely reacting to shortages, businesses can build resilience into their transport operations.
The Bottom Line
So, do HGV traction services reduce driver shortages? The simple answer is yes; however, this benefit extends beyond filling understaffed transport truck positions.
For many transport fleets, HGV traction services offer the needed support in a sector that continues struggling with labour. They give companies the ability to continue moving their trailers despite the reduced number of drivers.
When it comes to logistics, logistics operators who are dealing with a shortage of driving staff and at the same time trying to satisfy customer expectations, traction services are no longer an alternative; they are a competitive advantage.
Searching For Reliable HGV Traction Support?
Transit Fleet Ltd delivers HGV traction services, general transportation, shuttle services, and delivery services for the transit van in the UK. By utilising Euro 6 tractors and experienced drivers, Transit Fleet Ltd ensures that the supply chain systems for various companies operate even during driver shortages.
Contact us now to talk about your transport needs.
