Nearly a quarter (24%) of courier businesses do not understand the international licensing rules that came into scope for UK fleets last month, new research has found.
From 21 May 2022, all organisations running LCVs of between 2.5-3.5 tonnes that cross international borders and conduct activities for ‘hire or reward’ will need to obtain an International Operator’s Licence as part of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
The rules impact any vehicles where the gross combination weight of the vehicle and any trailer being used exceeds 2.5 tonnes.
Requirements for operators include appointing a designated transport manager with a valid International Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence (TM CPC) qualification as well as a range of commitments to systems monitoring areas such as maintenance and drivers.
But the new Courier Support Survey – conducted by return loads platform Courier Exchange – has found that only 76% of courier operators understand the rules. Of this figure, one in seven believe they will have a negative impact on their business, while one in 12 companies failed to put any preparations in place prior to the changes. Overall, 63% of couriers believe they will be impacted.
The research also finds that the rules mean nearly one in three courier companies are focusing their growth efforts on expanding operations in the UK this year, compared with just one in 20 looking to extend their operations in the EU.
Elsewhere in the survey, UK courier companies have reported surging demand – with just under half of delivering up to 50% more parcels than they did pre-Covid.
But they are also dealing with a wide variety of pressures and changing regulations – asked about major challenges for the coming year and 90% of courier companies flagged rising fuel prices and 72% spiralling operating costs.
But courier business owners are committed to adapting so they can take advantage of high demand and to head off external economic factors. More than a quarter (27%) of courier businesses are prioritising pivoting their business model in 2022, while more than half (59%) are looking to increase their customer base. And over one in eight couriers believe embracing technology can relieve everyday pressures.
Almaz Cleary, sales manager at Courier Exchange, said: “The incoming cabotage rule changes are just one of the current challenges for the courier industry. Companies not fully understanding the changes will create both uncertainty and more bureaucracy.
“However, identifying and getting to grips with pressures like these is key to making positive progress as an industry.
“It’s also great that so many companies are looking to technology as a way to help with everyday pressures. This is how the industry will grow and prosper even further.”
For the full survey findings, click here.
