UK-based international haulage firms could see stronger cross-border business this year as changes to EU freight and movement rules begin to reshape competition, according to the Road Haulage Association (RHA). The trade body says recent reforms are ending years of near-unrestricted access to the UK market by foreign-registered lorries, creating fresh opportunities for domestic operators.

An RHA analysis drawing on Office for National Statistics data shows that, over the past two decades, UK-registered heavy goods vehicles have generally carried more imports than exports, with overall volumes gradually declining. In 2024, the gap between imported and exported goods widened slightly, reaching 0.7 million tonnes. Despite this, international freight moved by UK-registered HGVs rose to 5.7 million tonnes, a 4 per cent increase on the previous year.

UK vehicles also made more cross-border journeys, with international trips rising by 2 per cent in 2024. While British lorries were once the most common vehicles operating into Europe, they now account for around 13 per cent of such trips, ranking second behind EU operators. Foreign-registered vehicles continue to dominate overall journeys, although their growth has slowed and the volume of goods they carried fell in 2023.

The RHA says EU hauliers are facing mounting pressures, including rising fuel and insurance costs, stricter environmental rules and a worsening driver shortage expected to reach 400,000 by 2026. As regulatory changes take effect, the association believes UK hauliers’ adaptability could give them a long-awaited competitive edge in 2026 and beyond.