It made for unpleasant – but sadly not surprising – reading recently when one of the East Midlands’ most established haulage firms, B Taylor & Sons Transport, signalled financial distress after over 50 years of proud service to our industry.
The Huthwaite-based company, which offers warehousing, overseas logistics, and driver training across 250,000 sq ft of space, filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators.
It’s inescapable that incidents of businesses like B Taylor & Sons facing the threat of going out of business are becoming more common. Each such episode is a stark reminder of the mounting pressure facing the UK haulage sector.
The industry is grappling with a complex web of economic headwinds - from rising labour costs to persistent inefficiencies in supply chain operations.
It is in this context that artificial intelligence (AI) is not just an opportunity – its adoption is imperative to tackle an existential threat to the industry.
In a sector where margins are notoriously tight, inefficiencies like empty running, sub-optimal routeing and vehicle downtime translate directly into lost revenue. AI-powered platforms are demonstrating how technology can reverse this trend.
AI systems excel at tackling complex logistical problems. Advanced algorithms, internet of things (IoT) sensors and predictive analytics can scrutinise real-time traffic data to optimise routing, monitor vehicle health to prevent breakdowns, and provide carbon footprint tracking to guide greener operations. For hauliers, this means fewer delays, lower fuel bills and more vehicles on the road earning revenue instead of sitting idle.
At HaulageHub we have used intelligent match-loading and predictive logistics to reduce average empty running rates for our customers from 33% to just 19% - a substantial gain in fuel efficiency and cost savings.
There are also significant green benefits. For hauliers looking to win those key contracts that will keep the wolf from the door, environmental performance cannot be considered a box ticking exercise - it’s a key differentiator that helps bring work in.
By its very nature, the logistics industry is a major contributor to carbon emissions, much of which stems from inefficient practices. By optimising loads, reducing idle times, and routing intelligently, AI can drastically cut unnecessary CO₂ emissions. HaulageHub’s integration of carbon footprint analysis into its platform reflects a growing trend: making sustainability a core part of operational strategy.
AI is not about replacing drivers or traditional expertise but rather about enhancing decision-making, improving asset utilisation, and building resilience in the face of economic shocks.
With any haulier that is struggling in the current climate, there will be a myriad of reasons why it’s getting harder to pay the bills, and adoption of AI is not a magic wand that will solve every challenge companies face.
However, the companies that do incorporate AI tools are better positioned to adapt quickly, operate leaner, and offer more value to clients and partners alike. In contrast, those that are left behind will be more vulnerable to being overwhelmed by rising costs and shrinking margins.
The UK haulage sector is at a crossroads. Between inflation, labour shortages, capacity issues, and environmental scrutiny, the old ways of working are no longer viable. Artificial intelligence offers a lifeline - one that can transform challenges into competitive advantages and futureproof our industry for decades to come.
For hauliers, the message is clear: adapt to AI, or risk falling behind in a market that no longer forgives inefficiency.
Scott Robertson, co-founder, HaulageHub
