The UK’s road haulage sector is an essential cog in the UK economy, keeping shelves stocked, sites supplied and businesses running. But the engine is starting to splutter. According to recent research from the Road Haulage Association, the industry is facing a growing retention and retirement problem, much like insurance, with 60,000 new drivers needed every year just to stay on the road. It is a growing challenge that insurers can’t afford to ignore, with consequences far beyond the driver’s seat.
Bumps in the road for Haulage
Of course, this issue comes at a time when demand for haulage has never been higher. In fact, in 2025 alone, UK Government figures show 1.59 billion tonnes of goods were transported across UK roads, illustrating our absolute dependency on deliveries. However, a significant proportion of the UK’s drivers are approaching retirement age, with too few younger drivers entering the profession to replace them. With the now billions of tonnes of goods moving across UK roads each year, operators are under constant pressure to meet delivery expectations, with increasingly stretched workforces.
Alongside this challenge is an increase in cargo crime. A recent BBC report also revealed that a huge £111.5 million worth of goods were stolen from haulage vehicles in 2024. For haulage businesses already under strain from driver shortages, theft presents an additional operational and financial risk, particularly when goods are being transported to or collected from high-risk or hazardous locations.
How can brokers and insurers keep businesses on track?
The accelerating challenges of staff shortages and cargo crime makes robust cover more important than ever. There are three key considerations for brokers placing haulage risks:
- Experience levels:
A shortage of drivers can result in newer or less experienced drivers joining the roads, increasing exposure. - Fatigue and pressure:
Retention challenges may lead to longer hours for existing drivers, increasing the risk of accidents. - Security and theft risks:
High-value goods and organised theft activity elevate the need for appropriate liability and operational cover.
Understanding how these pressures affect a company’s risk profile is essential when arranging insurance that goes the distance.
Where Iprism steps in
Here at Iprism, we offer two flexible insurance solutions designed to support haulage businesses operating in today’s challenging environment.
- Trades & Professions
- Suited to smaller haulage operators
- Covers risks with up to 10 manual employees
- Not declaration-linked – pay for time on risk only
- Will consider the transport of ADR goods
- Covers collection and delivery at hazardous locations
- Contractors Combined
- Provides broader protection for growing haulage businesses with higher volumes and greater exposure
- Targets businesses with turnover up to £15m
- Not declaration-linked – pay for time on risk only
- Will consider ADR goods
- Covers collection and delivery at hazardous locations
The road ahead
With 60,000 new drivers needed each year, £111.5 million lost to theft, and 1.59 billion tonnes of goods relying on UK roads, the haulage industry is at a crossroads. While recruitment and retention challenges continue, the right insurance support can help operators keep moving.
By helping clients understand how workforce pressures affect risk, and ensuring cover keeps pace with operational changes, brokers can help add real value to the sector. Having a variety of flexible solutions that can support businesses for the long haul will be essential as they continue to navigate the staff shortage.
Iprism’s haulage solutions reflect the realities of modern transport risks, and we remain devoted to helping brokers offer the right cover, and help businesses keep their eyes on the road ahead, even in uncertain conditions.
Share
