Why hauliers are turning to asset disposal specialists to sell used vehicles

Traditionally, the process of offloading older trucks and trailers has been a time-consuming process, often yielding less-than-satisfactory returns. However, a growing number of haulage companies are now turning to asset disposal specialists to streamline this critical aspect of running a transport business.

The commercial vehicle industry is experiencing a rise in new registrations, with data from the SMMT indicating a 13.5% increase in HGV sales during 2023. This trend is driven by several factors, including the introduction of stricter emissions regulations and the need for improved fuel efficiency.

As hauliers upgrade their fleets to meet these stricter standards, the value of their older vehicles is tracking downwards. The depreciation of traditional HGVs means that holding onto ageing vehicles is no longer a viable financial strategy. Now is the critical time to sell older assets before their value diminishes further.

The majority of haulage companies, until fairly recently, relied on dealer networks or auction houses to offload their surplus vehicles. While these one-size-fits-all methods have their merits, they often present significant challenges in terms of efficiency, control and return on investment.

This means the process of disposing of HGVs and other commercial vehicles has traditionally been a time-consuming and logistically complex endeavour for transport firms. It often required moving the vehicles to the point of sale, and then the time-consuming task of marketing them to a limited pool of potential buyers.

To address the complexities of fleet disposal, a growing number of haulage companies are now using asset disposal specialists. These professionals possess the knowledge, resources and industry connections to streamline the process and unlock the full potential of their clients’ surplus vehicles.

One of the key advantages is their ability to handle the entire disposal process on-site, eliminating the need for vehicle transport. By cataloguing the vehicles, including photography and condition reports, without it leaving the owner’s premises, effectively enables hauliers to hand over the entire disposal process. Of course, for those businesses looking to create space, we can move the vehicles to our site and complete the process from there. The choice really is up to the customers.

Asset disposal specialists leverage their extensive networks and industry-specific marketing channels to reach a wider pool of potential buyers. This includes the creation of detailed vehicle listings, targeted email campaigns and the utilisation of advertising platforms.

Many disposal specialists have established online auction platforms with the ability to set a reserve price. These digital marketplaces provide the opportunity to showcase hauliers’ assets to a broader audience, increasing the likelihood of achieving the best possible value.

By partnering with an asset disposal specialist, haulage companies can unlock significant financial value from their used vehicles. They have an understanding of the used vehicle market and can accurately assess the true worth of each asset, employing targeted strategies to maximise the sale price.

One approach we’ve found to be particularly effective is the consolidation of similar vehicles into a single sale. This allows buyers to purchase ‘sister’ vehicles from a single owner, ensuring consistent maintenance standards and streamlining the administrative process.

The disposal of surplus assets not only presents financial opportunities but also aligns with the principles of the circular economy. This sustainable approach prioritises keeping resources in use for as long as possible, promoting the reuse and refurbishment of unwanted assets.

As the commercial vehicle industry works towards its low-carbon goals, the role of asset disposal specialists is becoming increasingly crucial. With the continued growth in new HGV sales, the depreciation of existing vehicles is expected to accelerate further, making timely disposal a critical consideration for haulage companies.

If the current level of new vehicle sales continues, it will drive further depreciation of existing HGVs, and that means the best time to sell is now. By doing so, hauliers can not only maximise the value of their surplus assets but also contribute to the circular economy and reduce their environmental impact.

Kevin Gardner, commercial manager, BPI Asset Disposal Solutions