Understanding the Current HGV Repair Landscape
Repair costs for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) have risen significantly over the past year, with reports highlighting double-digit percentage increases in overall maintenance expenses. According to recent data shared by Fleet News, labour costs are up 9.5% year-on-year, while parts prices have surged by more than 13%, resulting in an average invoice increase of 11.5% across the board.
Industry-wide, the cost of maintaining and repairing HGVs is becoming increasingly expensive, and with parts shortages, rising labour rates and inflationary pressures all contributing to the spike – operators are more concerned than ever.
There are several core factors behind the HGV cost repair increase:
- Ongoing supply chain disruption means essential parts are harder to source, which drives up both lead times and prices.
- Newer vehicle technologies, including complex emissions systems and electrification components, require more specialist knowledge, adding to labour charges.
- The ageing profile of many fleets also means more frequent breakdowns and component failures, especially where preventative maintenance has been neglected.
For fleet operators who still rely on outdated repair models or reactive maintenance schedules, these cost increases are a wake-up call.
The Impact on Commercial Truck Repairs
As repair costs continue to rise, so too does the pressure on budgets, particularly for businesses managing older or high-mileage fleets. Common issues in commercial truck repairs include:
- Faulty braking systems
- Transmission problems
- Diesel particulate filter (DPF) failures
- Electrical faults linked to telematics and advanced driver systems
As well as being inconvenient, in many cases, repairs can run into thousands of pounds per vehicle, with huge implications for fleet productivity and compliance.
The cost of commercial truck repairs can also vary significantly by region. For example, operators in the South East of England are reporting higher hourly labour rates and longer lead times for parts compared to those in the North or Midlands. This inconsistency makes it difficult for national fleets to forecast maintenance spend accurately.
The Importance of Proactive Commercial Vehicle Maintenance
Adopting a proactive approach to commercial vehicle maintenance is both good practice and a financial necessity. By implementing regular inspections, scheduled servicing and early identification of faults, businesses can prevent small issues from becoming big, expensive problems.
Benefits include:
- Reduced downtime – keeping vehicles on the road longer
- Better fuel efficiency – through optimised vehicle performance
- Extended asset lifespan – which delays the need for replacement
- Improved safety and compliance – protecting both drivers and the business’ reputation
Fleet size also plays its part, and while larger operators might have in-house maintenance teams, smaller fleets generally rely on external providers, making it even more important to have transparent service agreements and response times.
A simple cost-benefit analysis shows that preventive maintenance is significantly cheaper over time than reactive repairs, and regular upkeep also helps reduce long-term carbon emissions, aligning with sustainability goals and helping avoid expensive compliance breaches in relation to emissions standards.
Our customers benefit from a structured and transparent approach to maintenance, with support tailored to the size and complexity of each operation. Learn more about our repair and maintenance services.
Strategies for Effective Fleet Repair Management
As costs continue to rise exponentially, more and more fleet operators are reviewing their fleet repair management strategies. Choosing the right partner can make a huge difference, not just in terms of cost, but also in reliability, compliance and uptime.
When it comes to assessing a repair management partner, fleet owners should consider:
- Turnaround times and availability of parts
- Access to OEM-trained technicians
- Transparent pricing and billing models
- Preventive maintenance plans built into the contract
One solution considered by many operators is combining trailer hire with fully inclusive maintenance support. With Fleet Assess’ commercial trailer rental options, maintenance and servicing are included in the monthly fee, helping operators manage costs effectively.
Our approach offers peace of mind, predictability and access to a fleet of well-maintained, fuel-efficient trailers without the upfront investment – a practical solution in a market where repair costs and downtime come with a high price.
Insights into Trailer Repairs and Maintenance
While most attention is focused on truck repairs, trailer maintenance can be just as crucial to your fleet’s overall performance and cost control and issues with trailers can lead to failed MOTs, breakdowns or even safety incidents.
Common trailer repairs might include:
- Worn brake pads and discs
- Tyre and suspension damage
- Faulty lighting and electrics
- Door and coupling component failures
Fleet Assess offers full trailer refurbishment services, helping operators extend the life of their existing assets, improve overall efficiency and maintain brand standards and compliance, while also reducing long-term costs.
The sharp rise in HGV repair costs is a signal to fleet owners to rethink their approach and to adopt a more effective repair management strategy. To find out how Fleet Assess can help keep your fleet moving, get in touch today.
