HauliK blog

Fleet management guides for UK operators.

Plain-English guides on DVSA compliance, O-licence obligations, walkaround checks, defects and the practical side of running a UK fleet.

Showing 13–24 of 83 articles

Operator Licensing

External Transport Manager Hours and Responsibilities Explained

Traffic Commissioner hour bands are starting points, not universal statutory minimums. Here is how to assess an external TM’s real capacity and control.

5 min read26 Jul 2026
Operator Licensing

O-Licence Changes: What Operators Must Notify and When

Not every O-licence change follows the same route. Learn what to notify, what needs a variation or new licence, and when interim authority matters.

6 min read25 Jul 2026
Maintenance

Hired and Third-Party Trailers: Roadworthiness Checks Before Use

A hire agreement does not make a trailer roadworthy. Use this evidence, first-use and dispatch gate before accepting a third-party trailer.

6 min read24 Jul 2026
Maintenance

HGV Brake Performance Assessments: Laden Tests and Evidence

A brake-performance assessment is expected at every safety inspection. Learn when to use a laden roller test, alternatives and the evidence to retain.

6 min read23 Jul 2026
Driver Compliance

HGV Working Time Directive: Hours, POA and Breaks Explained

Working time is not the same as drivers’ hours. This practical guide explains work, POA, breaks, night work and how to monitor the 48-hour average.

6 min read22 Jul 2026
Daily Operations

The 2026 cost squeeze: practical fuel and running-cost control for small hauliers

Haulage margins are tight and fuel is a top cost. Here are practical, records-based ways for small operators to monitor fuel and running costs and act on what they find.

3 min read21 Jul 2026
Compliance

Preparing for a DVSA maintenance investigation in 2026

A maintenance investigation tests whether your system works, not whether you own a folder. Here is how to be ready before the letter arrives.

3 min read20 Jul 2026
Maintenance

Emissions systems and AdBlue: staying road-legal as enforcement tightens

Emissions after-treatment is a compliance issue, not just a maintenance one. Here is why tampering is never worth it, and what to check and record instead.

3 min read19 Jul 2026
Driver Compliance

Workplace transport and safe loading: the 2026 competence and training expectations

Training expectations in 2026 put more weight on proving competence for workplace transport and loading. Here is what that means for records and driver management.

3 min read18 Jul 2026
Daily Operations

ETIAS is coming: what UK hauliers driving into Europe should prepare for

After the EES, the EU’s ETIAS travel authorisation is next. Here is what UK hauliers running into Europe should understand and prepare for — without falling for scams.

3 min read17 Jul 2026
O-Licence Compliance

Traffic Commissioner enforcement in 2026: the main reasons operators lose their licence

Reporting on Traffic Commissioner decisions points to the same recurring failings behind most licence action. Here is what they are and how to stay clear of them.

3 min read16 Jul 2026
O-Licence Compliance

Financial standing under scrutiny: keeping your O-licence evidence current in 2026

Financial standing is an ongoing O-licence requirement, not a one-off. With it a common reason for licence action, here is what to check and keep ready.

3 min read15 Jul 2026
HauliK platform

Want to manage compliance digitally?

HauliK gives UK transport operators digital walkaround checks, defect tracking, job management and driver compliance — in one platform.