What Is Haulage? A Guide to UK Road Haulage Services

Haulage is a fundamental part of the UK economy, supporting businesses across every sector. From transporting raw materials to delivering finished products, UK road haulage services ensure goods move safely, efficiently and on time.

But what does haulage actually involve, and how do businesses choose the right UK haulage company? In this guide, we explain what haulage is, how road haulage works, and why Platts Transport is a trusted provider of professional haulage services across the UK

What Is Haulage?

Haulage refers to the commercial transportation of goods by road, typically using heavy goods vehicles, articulated lorries and rigid trucks to move freight nationwide. Road haulage plays a critical role in UK supply chains, ensuring goods reach manufacturers, warehouses, distribution centres, retailers and end customers without delay.

What Is Road Haulage Used For?

Road haulage services are used by businesses across a wide range of industries to transport goods such as:

  • Palletised freight
  • Machinery and equipment
  • Raw materials
  • Finished products
  • Bulk and loose loads

Whether moving goods locally or providing national haulage across the UK, road transport remains one of the most flexible and reliable transport solutions available.

Haulage vs Logistics: What’s the Difference?

Although closely linked, haulage and logistics are not the same.

  • Haulage focuses on transporting goods from one location to another
  • Logistics covers planning, storage, route management and delivery coordination

Many businesses rely on specialist haulage providers to integrate seamlessly into wider logistics operations.

Why Road Haulage Is Essential to UK Businesses

Road haulage supports almost every industry in the UK, including retail, construction, agriculture, manufacturing and waste management. The majority of goods used across the country are transported by road at some stage of their journey.

According to the Road Haulage Association, road freight is responsible for transporting around 98% of all food and agricultural products in the UK, highlighting just how critical reliable haulage services are to both businesses and consumers.

This reliance on road transport means dependable haulage services are essential for preventing delays, reducing costs and maintaining efficient supply chains.

Platts Transport and UK Road Haulage Services

Platts Transport is an experienced UK haulage company providing UK road haulage services and professional transport solutions nationwide. As part of the wider Platts Group, we bring decades of industry knowledge and operational expertise to every

Based in Wrexham, we support businesses with dependable haulage solutions ranging from ad hoc loads to long-term contract haulage.

Platts Transport and Haulage Services

Platts Transport offers a flexible range of transport and haulage services designed to meet varied operational requirements.

Our services include:

  • Curtain Sider Transport
    Versatile trailers suitable for most non-loose and palletised goods.
  • Moving Floor Haulage
    Ideal for loose and bulk materials such as aggregates, waste and wood chip.
  • Rigids with Moffett Unloaders
    Well suited to sites with limited access or no unloading facilities.
  • Contract Haulage and Ad Hoc Loads
    Flexible solutions for both one-off movements and regular transport needs.
  • Waste Carrier Licensed Haulage
    Licensed transport of various waste types, ensuring compliance and responsibility.
  • Traction Only Services
    Nationwide transport using your own loaded trailer and our tractor units.

Platts Fleet and Transport Technology

Platts Transport’s fleet is equipped to handle varying load sizes and transport requirements.

  • Rigid vehicles carrying 14 or 16 pallets
  • Articulated vehicles carrying 24 or 26 pallets

All rigid vehicles are fitted with truck-mounted Moffett unloaders at no additional charge, providing added flexibility on delivery.

Every HGV in the fleet is also equipped with TomTom live time tracking, allowing accurate location updates and reliable estimated arrival times.

Why Choose Platts Transport for Haulage Services?

Businesses choose Platts Transport because we offer:

  • A modern, well maintained fleet
  • Experienced and professional drivers
  • High standards of safety and compliance
  • Clear communication and reliable delivery times
  • Flexible haulage solutions that adapt to demand

Our focus is on long-term reliability and supporting our customers’ transport operations.

Your Trusted Partner for Road Haulage

Road haulage is essential to business continuity and choosing the right transport partner matters. Platts Transport combines experience, flexibility and professionalism to deliver dependable haulage services across the UK. To discuss your transport requirements, contact our team or call 01978 438010.