General Haulage Services
Regular full loads, part loads and palletised freight need reliable capacity, not a string of one-off bookings. CTS helps businesses procure ongoing general haulage contracts by matching and checking suitable operators through a single private process.
Procure ongoing haulage capacity with confidence
Mixed consignments, full loads, part loads and pallets move across the UK road network every day for manufacturers, wholesalers, importers, retailers and distributors. Businesses looking for general haulage services often need dependable contract capacity that can adapt to changing volumes, delivery schedules and regional coverage. CTS supports that procurement process by helping shippers compare suitable operators for an ongoing contract instead of relying on a different carrier for each movement.
General haulage covers a wide range of freight moved by curtain siders, box trailers, flatbeds and rigid vehicles, planned around drivers' hours, loading times, delivery windows and efficient routing. Well run operators balance trunking, collections, pallet work, part loads, return journeys and vehicle utilisation while meeting the standards set out in the goods vehicle operator licensing guide. The detail agreed before mobilisation often shapes how the contract performs in day to day operation.
General haulage supports regular movements between factories, warehouses, distribution centres and customer sites across the UK. It suits businesses with recurring freight flows that need a planned transport arrangement rather than ad hoc bookings. Unlike a single pallet network or a fully dedicated fleet, general haulage flexes across load types and lanes, which is why many buyers keep it on contract alongside more specialised services. If your requirement is for a fully outsourced long term operation, our guide to contract haulage solutions may also be useful. Before inviting proposals, it is worth reviewing what to put in a transport brief so every bidder prices the same scope.
CTS is independent and asset neutral. It owns no trucks or warehouses. A single structured brief is shared with a small shortlist of checked contract hauliers that appear suitable for the work. Before an operator receives a brief, CTS checks operator licence (O licence) status, financial standing, insurance and relevant accreditations. CTS introduces and checks operators but does not rank, endorse or guarantee them. Final due diligence, contract terms and operational responsibility remain with the shipper and the appointed operator.
The cost of a general haulage contract depends on the requirement. Route mileage, drop density, vehicle and crew requirements, delivery windows, waiting time, loading restrictions, fuel, return journeys, failed deliveries, dedicated capacity or shared operations, and the consistency of weekly volumes all affect pricing. A clear specification helps operators price on the same basis, making proposals easier to compare.
- 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.
Mixed freight capability
Source operators experienced with a range of freight and vehicle types.
Checked providers
Operators are checked before receiving a procurement brief.
Compliance focus
Checks include operator licensing, insurance and relevant accreditations.
Contract procurement
Designed for ongoing transport agreements rather than one-off jobs.
Route planning
Match operators with suitable geographic coverage and traffic lanes.
Commercial assurance
Insurance is checked before introduction as part of the onboarding process.
Operating models compared
Use this as the checklist for any proposal you receive.
| Attribute | What the operator provides | What to agree up front |
|---|---|---|
| Recurring full loads | Planned vehicle allocation and scheduled collections | Volumes, lanes and KPIs |
| Pallet distribution | Pallet network or direct delivery capability | Cut off times and service levels |
| Part load movements | Load consolidation where appropriate | Lead times and handling requirements |
| Regional distribution | Suitable vehicles and delivery planning | Delivery windows and waiting time |
| National trunking | Capacity across agreed UK routes | Service credits, reporting and mobilisation |
In this section
The decisions that shape the appointment.
Keep control of the buying decision
Instead of approaching carriers one by one, compare proposals from matched, checked operators using the same specification, then appoint the provider that best fits your operational and commercial requirements.
| One brief. | Every shortlisted operator prices the same requirement. | |
|---|---|---|
| Independent checks. | Provider screening is completed before introductions are made. | |
| Commercial control. | You choose the operator and negotiate the final contract directly. | |
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
Set out your freight profile, lanes, service levels, volumes and contract requirements.
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We match and check
CTS identifies suitable operators and completes its checks before sharing the brief.
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Compare proposals privately
Review proposals on a like for like basis without using a public marketplace.
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Appoint and mobilise
Choose your preferred operator, complete due diligence and agree mobilisation, KPIs and reporting.
Common questions
Straight answers on cost, contracts and how your brief is handled.
What affects the cost of general haulage services?
Pricing depends on the transport brief. Mileage, drop density, vehicle type, delivery windows, waiting time, fuel, return loads and the consistency of freight volumes all affect the commercial proposal.
Is CTS neutral when matching operators?
Yes. CTS is independent and asset neutral, with no fleet or warehouse network. It matches suitable checked operators to the requirement but does not rank, endorse or guarantee them. The final appointment is always the shipper's decision.
What checks are carried out before operators receive a brief?
CTS checks DVSA operator licence and O licence status, financial standing, insurance and relevant accreditations before an operator joins the network. Shippers should still carry out their own final due diligence before entering into a contract.
Can CTS help with dedicated and shared haulage contracts?
Yes. The procurement process can support dedicated haulage capacity as well as shared operations where they suit the freight profile. The most suitable approach depends on service requirements, freight flow and commercial priorities.
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 general haulage procurement
CTS is free to shippers and there is no obligation to appoint an operator. Your brief is shared only with matched, checked operators so you can compare suitable proposals in private.
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