Operators benefit as falling diesel costs feed into equation

Haulage and courier prices increased by 3.6% in April despite falling diesel costs, according to data in the Transport Exchange Group (TEG) road transport price index.

Year-on-year haulage prices were down 2%, but with courier prices 3.6% higher, the overall index is up on April 2022’s figures.

TEG said that although diesel costs have reduced, inflation, driver shortages and supply chain troubles all conspired to keep prices up.

Lyall Cresswell, chief executive of TEG data firm Integra, said: “Falling diesel prices is very welcome news. It reduces a day-to-day expense for everyone, making every mile cheaper.

“But it’s clear that there are more permanent problems affecting hauliers’ and couriers’ prices.

One of those is the driver shortage, so it’s encouraging to see the government once again taking action to get new drivers on the road.

“Another issue altogether is supply chain costs. Streamlining operations through digital solutions can help greatly here, so I’d encourage any road freight transport company to build digital tools into everyday processes.”