Buying a Haulage and Logistics Business in the UK: A Smart Move in 2025 

Buying a haulage and logistics company is a smart move in 2025, especially as the UK strengthens trade ties with global partners. Recent agreements with the USA, EU, and India have enhanced the UK’s position as a strategic hub for goods movement. Combined with the boom in e-commerce, long-term fleet electrification plans, and increased demand for fast and resilient supply chains, logistics businesses are now more valuable than ever. 

The numbers speak for themselves. Road freight transport alone contributes over £39 billion to the UK economy and encompasses more than 53,000 registered businesses. Nearly 90% of all goods moved domestically travel by road. Meanwhile, the air freight segment, while smaller, is vital for time-sensitive, high-value cargo and generates close to £950 million annually. In short, it’s a sector with scale, depth, and growing importance in a more connected world. 

Fleet Condition and Operational Readiness 

One of the most immediate considerations for any buyer is the state of the company’s fleet. Whether the business operates articulated lorries for long-haul routes or light goods vehicles (LGVs) for last-mile delivery, the vehicles must be compliant, well-maintained, and commercially viable. But it’s not just about vehicle count; age, fuel efficiency, and adherence to Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) standards all feed directly into cost-efficiency and compliance. 

It’s also worth looking at whether the haulage or logistics business has invested in electric vehicles or alternative fuels. Businesses that are already making the shift toward low-carbon logistics are more likely to qualify for grants, contracts, and long-term savings. 

The Workforce Behind the Wheel 

Driver availability continues to be a significant factor in the success or failure of haulage businesses. Although the acute shortage seen in 2021 has eased somewhat, the UK still needs to train and retain around 40,000 HGV drivers annually to meet long-term demand. When buying a company, assess the stability of its driver base. A business with long-serving, qualified drivers and a good safety record has a clear advantage. A high turnover rate, on the other hand, could signal recruitment issues or poor internal culture. 

The best-run companies are those that invest in driver training, offer incentives for retention, and ensure all licenses and compliance measures are kept up to date. This is particularly important for specialist sectors like hazardous materials, refrigerated goods, or livestock, where driver expertise adds premium value to the service offering. 

Contracts, Clients and Commercial Structure 

It’s essential to evaluate the client base.  Handshake agreements are no substitute for written contracts, particularly in a sector where timing, volumes, and compliance are critical. The most attractive companies will have multi-year agreements in place. 

Retail and wholesale clients make up the largest share of revenue for road transport companies in the UK. In 2025, online retail sales account for over 25% of all transactions, making this a particularly valuable segment. Buyers should confirm the duration and terms of key contracts, especially any that guarantee fixed volumes or include exclusivity clauses.

Revenue concentration is a red flag. If a single client accounts for a high proportion of revenue, there’s elevated risk should that client depart. 

Specialisation and Niche Value 

Not all haulage businesses are created equal. In fact, the most profitable and defensible companies often operate within a specific niche. Whether it’s transporting waste, chilled goods, fragile items, or even livestock, these niches command higher prices due to their regulatory and operational complexity. 

For instance, businesses involved in waste transport must hold specific environmental permits. Those transporting refrigerated goods need compliant units with temperature controls and detailed maintenance logs. In each case, the operational footprint and regulatory certifications required act as barriers to entry, creating a competitive moat. Buyers with ambitions to scale or consolidate should consider how well the niche fits into a broader strategy. 

Digital Infrastructure and Innovation 

Technology is now as important as transport in this sector. The best-performing companies are those that have already embraced digital transformation. This includes telematics systems for route planning, digital invoice systems, predictive maintenance platforms, and warehouse automation. Wincanton’s recent acquisition of the Zeus freight management platform or DHL’s rollout of predictive digital tracking across hubs like their 25,000 m² e-commerce facility in Coventry are clear examples of the industry’s direction. 

Incorporating these tools doesn’t just improve margins. It helps win new business. Many blue-chip clients now expect full shipment traceability, real-time delivery tracking, and automated invoicing as standard. A logistics business with strong digital foundations is more attractive not just to customers but also to investors and lenders. 

While many high-performing logistics firms have already embraced advanced technology, there is also opportunity in businesses that have yet to make this leap. For the right buyer, an established operator with a loyal client base, reliable fleet, and well-run operations – but limited digital adoption – can be an ideal “bolt-on” or turnaround project. By introducing route optimisation software, integrated warehouse management systems, or real-time tracking platforms, an experienced acquirer can quickly unlock efficiency gains, reduce costs, and enhance service levels. 

These under-digitised businesses often come to market at more accessible valuations, yet with the right investment and technological application, they can deliver outsized returns. For strategic buyers, particularly those with existing infrastructure and expertise, this represents an opportunity to create value both for customers and for the business’s long-term growth trajectory. 

Red Flags and Deal Factors to Examine 

When performing due diligence on a haulage or logistics business, buyers should consider the following points: 

• Are fleet maintenance records, operator licences, and insurance certificates up to date and compliant? 

• Is there evidence of recurring revenue through documented long-term contracts? 

• Does the company rely heavily on one or two key clients, or is its income diversified? 

• Are there upcoming lease expirations on depots or key premises that might affect operations? 

• Has the business started adapting to ESG expectations, including emissions reduction, driver welfare, and fuel efficiency? 

Market Demand Making a Comeback 

Road freight volumes are forecast to grow at a steady 1.7% annually through to 2030. This marks a turnaround from the -2.3% compound annual decline recorded between 2019 and 2024, when the sector was hit by pandemic disruption, rising fuel costs, and shifting trade patterns. Analysts now expect the UK road freight market to be worth several billion US dollars by 2030, growing at a CAGR of around 2.73% from 2025 onwards. 

Air freight, still recovering from post-pandemic volatility, is also regaining ground, with market value projected to return to £1 billion. Demand from high-value sectors such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, and advanced manufacturing is helping to fuel this recovery. 

For buyers, this period of drawdown and volatility has had a silver lining. Many operators have emerged leaner, more efficient, and with stronger balance sheets, having streamlined costs and tightened operations to weather recent challenges. As a result, acquisition targets coming to market in 2025 may not only be operating in a strengthening demand environment, but also be in better financial health: creating a stronger platform for growth once new investment is applied. 

Why Now, Why Kings Corporate 

The haulage and logistics sector in the UK is experiencing a pivotal moment. With trade agreements unlocking new export potential, e-commerce continuing to reshape delivery demands, and sustainability targets pushing operators toward innovation, the conditions are firmly aligned for acquisition-led growth. Road freight alone is worth over £39 billion annually, and with forecasted growth through to 2030, the window for strategic entry is wide open – but it won’t stay that way. 

Regulatory pressure, fleet upgrades, and digital requirements mean that not all operators will keep up. Those that have invested early will become increasingly attractive to buyers or investors further down the line. Contact Kings Corporate today to see how we can help your business goals.