Traction Only Haulage Services
If you own or lease the trailers but need tractor units and drivers on an ongoing basis, CTS runs a structured procurement process. We match your contract requirement with checked operators so you can compare suitable proposals before appointing a provider.
Checked contract traction, matched to your operation
Traction only haulage is a contract arrangement where you provide the trailers and a checked operator supplies the tractor unit and driver. The operator is responsible for the unit, driver management and the legal operation of the vehicle. You remain responsible for the trailers you own or lease, with both parties agreeing maintenance, insurance, defect reporting and day to day operating procedures before work starts. This is a business to business contract, not ad hoc vehicle hire.
Traction only services suit manufacturers, retailers, pallet networks, parcel operators and specialist fleets that already control their trailer assets but need additional driving capacity. They can help with seasonal demand, planned growth, network changes or driver shortages. Traction only fits best when you own or lease trailers and want to keep control of trailer specification and loading, but need units and drivers: a manufacturer with its own curtainsider fleet covering a seasonal peak, or a pallet network member adding trunk capacity, are typical cases. Where you would rather hand over the trailers as well, full contract haulage arrangements or subcontracting the whole load usually suit better.
CTS is independent and asset neutral. It owns no trucks or warehouses. We run a private procurement by matching your requirement with a small private shortlist of vetted hauliers based on location, operating capability and contract fit. Before an operator receives a brief, CTS checks operator licence (O licence) status, financial standing, insurance and relevant accreditations. You compare proposals directly and decide which operator to appoint. See the official goods vehicle operator licensing guidance for the regulatory framework.
A successful traction operation starts with a clear brief. Agree trailer types, loading methods, tractor unit and driver availability, drop and swap requirements, delivery windows, drivers' hours compliance, communication, KPIs, service credits, trailer inspections, cage control where relevant, mobilisation plans and reporting. A detailed transport brief gives operators the information they need to price accurately, so use this guide on what to specify in a transport brief before inviting proposals. The same applies to both spot and ongoing traction contracts.
The cost of traction only haulage depends on the contract. Key factors include route mileage, drop density, vehicle and crew type, delivery windows, waiting time, fuel, return loads, failed deliveries, traffic conditions, volumes, consistency of work and whether the operation is dedicated or shared. A well defined brief helps operators price consistently and makes proposals easier to compare on a like for like basis.
- Free
- Matching service
- UK-wide
- Operator network
- One brief
- Shared securely
- Checked
- Before introduction
Why appoint through CTS
The checks and structure that make proposals worth comparing.
Trailer led contracts
Keep control of your own trailer fleet while appointing a suitable traction partner.
Experienced drivers
Operators provide qualified drivers for the agreed contract requirement.
Compliance checks
DVSA, O licence, insurance and financial standing are checked before matching.
Lane matching
Operators are shortlisted around your operating base and regular routes.
Drivers' hours
Operational planning should reflect legal driving limits and delivery schedules.
Ongoing agreements
Intended for ongoing business relationships rather than one off bookings.
Operating models compared
Use this as the checklist for any proposal you receive.
| Attribute | What the operator provides | What to agree up front |
|---|---|---|
| Contract traction | Tractor unit and driver | Trailer responsibility, KPIs and mobilisation |
| Drop and swap traction | Planned tractor changes | Exchange points and turnaround times |
| Dedicated operation | Allocated unit and driver resource | Volumes, delivery windows and continuity |
| Multi site distribution | Scheduled collections and deliveries | Site rules, loading methods and reporting |
| Seasonal capacity | Flexible contract support | Forecast volumes and notice periods |
In this section
The decisions that shape the appointment.
Keep control of your trailers, reduce procurement risk
Rather than relying on a single operator, compare a small shortlist of checked providers that fit your network, lanes and operational requirements before awarding the contract.
| Independent matching. | CTS does not operate vehicles or promote its own fleet. | |
|---|---|---|
| Checked operators. | Key compliance and financial checks are completed before introductions. | |
| Private comparison. | Your brief is shared only with a small matched shortlist. | |
Your brief goes only to matched operators. It is never posted publicly or sold on.
How it works
One brief. A private shortlist. No obligation at any point.
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Brief your requirement
Define trailers, lanes, delivery profile, service levels and operational expectations.
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We match and check
CTS identifies suitable operators and completes key compliance checks before sharing the brief.
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Compare proposals privately
Review responses, ask operational questions and compare contract terms on a like for like basis.
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Appoint and mobilise
Choose your preferred operator, complete your own due diligence and agree mobilisation, reporting and performance measures.
Common questions
Straight answers on cost, contracts and how your brief is handled.
What affects the cost of traction only haulage?
There is no standard rate because every contract is different. Cost depends on the brief, including mileage, drop density, delivery windows, waiting time, vehicle type, fuel, returns, consistency of work and whether the operation is dedicated or shared.
Is CTS neutral when matching operators?
Yes. CTS is independent and asset neutral, owning no trucks or warehouses. It introduces checked operators, runs a private procurement process and does not rank, endorse or guarantee providers. Final due diligence and contract responsibility remain with the shipper and the appointed operator.
What checks are completed before operators receive a brief?
CTS checks DVSA operator licence and O licence status, financial standing, insurance and relevant accreditations before an operator can receive a transport brief. These checks help assess suitability but do not replace the shipper's own contractual due diligence.
Can traction only support both spot and ongoing contracts?
Yes. Spot and contract traction are both possible, although the best commercial value is often achieved through an ongoing agreement with clear mobilisation, reporting and service expectations from the outset.
Request quotes from vetted UK partners
Tell us what your business needs to move and compare proposals privately. Free to use, with no obligation to appoint.
- Vetted UK operators only
- Private, never a load board
- No cost, no obligation
Start your traction procurement with confidence
CTS is free to shippers and there is no obligation to appoint an operator. Your brief is shared only with a small shortlist of matched, checked operators so you can compare suitable proposals before making a decision.
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