April transport prices climb following surge in haulage demand
2nd May 2025
Warmer weather and Easter could be underlying causes
Index trends at a glance
The TEG Road Transport Price Index rose by 3.9 points in April to reach 123.8. Year-on-year, that put transport prices 4.21% above April 2024 index figures.
April saw the haulage price index rise more than the courier equivalent: the haulage index rose 5.7 points (4.83%) to 123.7. Compared to a year ago, that was 9.1 points (7.94%) higher.
Meanwhile, the courier index rose 2.1 points (1.72%) month-on-month; an annual increase of 0.81%.
13.6m artics contributed to much of the haulage price increase: prices for artics rose 5.3 points (4.76%).
Understanding the haulage rise
Haulage price increases significantly outstripped courier price increases in April 2025.
In March, any price increases due to a documented 37% increase in haulage demand were largely negated by a corresponding 31% increase in available haulage supply. In contrast, last month, good weather and the Easter weekend increased year-on-year demand for haulage by 33% and year-on-year 13.6m artic demand by 45%, while supply simultaneously decreased: TEG data shows a marginal year-on-year decrease in overall available haulage capacity for April 25, as well as a 10.9% reduction in artic slack.
Easter traditionally offers a welcome spike in demand for transportation. And compared to 2024, the 2025 long bank holiday break was 20 days later and bolstered by unseasonably warm and dry weather for April. This “double whammy” encouraged increased consumer spending on items such as food, drink, and leisure. It likely also prompted more substantial forms of consumption, such as the initiation of household building projects.
The resulting uplift in haulage demand, with no tandem change in haulage supply, galvanised April haulage rates.
What this means for transport buyers
Transport buyers continue to face an uncertain market, but businesses still need products moving, especially during traditional seasonal peaks. Demand for transportation, especially haulage, therefore remains healthy, and 3PLs must have appropriate tools and processes in place to manage demand and supply efficiently and profitably.
Advancing procurement technology can help 3PLs handle periods of increased demand with ease. TEG’s end-to-end logistics technology platform matches supply and demand in real time, allowing transport buyers to manage transport requirements efficiently and profitably.
Industry Pulse
Several price rises came into force during April, such as increases to a number of key utilities. With increases impacting consumers directly, it’s unsurprising the GfK Consumer Confidence Index fell 4 points in April.
The media headlines were also dominated by US President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs, which have the potential to impact business performance globally. Economic uncertainty remains. Still, demand for transport continues to grow.
The ONS Business Insights and Conditions Survey caught the sentiment of businesses last month. During the two weeks ending 20th April 2025, 17.7% of respondents thought their business’s performance would increase over the next 12 months. Conversely, 17.7% thought it would decrease. The 50/50 split demonstrates ongoing confidence in the face of uncertainty. With the summer months ahead, we can expect further peaks in demand as longer days and, hopefully, warmer weather continue.
Meanwhile, the TEG index has temporarily become the only reliable source for transport price trends as the ONS paused publishing the quarterly Services Producer Price Indices (SPPI) following a quality assurance issue. Usually including data for Freight Transport Services by Road, the ONS aims to recommence publishing the SPPI from the summer.
Expert comment
“Overall retail footfall increased by 2% in the week that included Easter Monday, when compared with the equivalent week of 2024, as reported in the latest Economic Activity report from the ONS. But the TEG Haulier Index rise may also be due to inflation and general activity levels as much as to the late Easter.
In 2019 when Easter was a day later than this year, the TEG Haulier Index went down a tiny bit month on month, whereas this year it’s gone up both against the month and by c8% compared with April last year.
In these unpredictable times it can be difficult to pin down exact reasons!”
Kirsten Tisdale – Senior Logistics and Supply Chain Consultant – Aricia Ltd
Fuel Watch
The downward movement of fuel prices first welcomed in March has continued during April. Year-on year, prices are substantially lower.
Diesel averaged 141.69p per litre, down 3.14p (2.17%) from March. Year-on year, the price was 15.45p per litre (9.83%) lower.
Petrol prices followed suit, falling to an average of 134.55p per litre during April, 2.95p (2.15%) lower than in March. And compared to April 2024, the price was 13.52p per litre (9.13%) lower.
The TEG Price Index helps freight buyers stay ahead of change. Use it alongside our Analytics and Insights module to make data-driven decisions and protect profits.
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