The overall index rose by 3.9 points to 123.8, representing a 4.21% increase compared to April 2024. The haulage component of the index experienced the most significant growth, rising 5.7 points (4.83%) month-on-month to 123.7—9.1 points (7.94%) higher than the same month last year. Courier prices also increased, albeit more modestly, by 2.1 points (1.72%) month-on-month and 0.81% year-on-year.
Much of the haulage price increase was attributed to 13.6m articulated vehicles, with prices in this category rising 5.3 points (4.76%).
The rise follows a seasonal demand spike driven by a late Easter and unusually warm and dry weather. TEG data shows a 33% year-on-year increase in overall haulage demand, alongside a 45% rise in demand for 13.6m artics. At the same time, haulage supply decreased slightly, with a 10.9% year-on-year drop in articulated vehicle availability.
According to the report, the Easter bank holiday fell 20 days later in 2025 compared to the previous year. The timing, coupled with favourable weather, likely encouraged consumer spending on food, drink, and leisure, as well as household projects—factors that traditionally boost transportation demand.
“In these unpredictable times it can be difficult to pin down exact reasons,” said Kirsten Tisdale, Senior Logistics and Supply Chain Consultant at Aricia Ltd. “But the TEG Haulier Index rise may also be due to inflation and general activity levels as much as to the late Easter.”
Retail activity supported the trend, with the Office for National Statistics reporting a 2% rise in retail footfall during the week that included Easter Monday, compared with the equivalent week in 2024.
Fuel costs continued to decline in April, offering slight relief to operators. Diesel prices averaged 141.69p per litre, down 3.14p (2.17%) from March and 15.45p (9.83%) lower than a year ago. Petrol prices also dropped to 134.55p per litre, down 2.95p (2.15%) month-on-month and 13.52p (9.13%) year-on-year.
Despite declining fuel costs, broader economic uncertainty remains. The GfK Consumer Confidence Index fell by four points in April, while media coverage focused on US President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs and their global implications. Business sentiment was split, with 17.7% of UK firms expecting performance to improve over the next 12 months, and an equal share predicting decline, according to the ONS Business Insights and Conditions Survey.
