A delivery slot moves when the driver cannot legally drive or rest in the way the planned day requires. For goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes driven to, from or through an EU country, the GOV.UK guidance sets a daily driving limit of 9 hours, extendable to 10 hours twice a week, and a break of 45 minutes after 4 hours 30 minutes of driving. The Drivers' Hours Regulation that sets these limits forms part of retained EU law.
Which rules apply to your vehicle
The first question is which regime governs the vehicle. GOV.UK describes the assimilated rules, previously called EU rules, as applying when the maximum weight of a vehicle or combination is more than 3.5 tonnes and the vehicle is driven to, from or through an EU country. The same site also lists GB domestic rules as a separate set.
If you are arranging a move, clearance or delivery run, ask the haulier which regime it plans under before you fix a date. You can compare firms in our removals and logistics listings, where the operator should be able to explain how its drivers are scheduled.
The driving limits that shape the day
Driving time is the most common reason a slot is lost. The main assimilated rules state that a driver must not drive more than 9 hours in a day, which can be extended to 10 hours twice a week, and must not exceed 56 hours in a week or 90 hours in any 2 consecutive weeks. All driving under these rules must be recorded on a tachograph.
The rules that govern these limits are set in EU legislation that has been kept in UK law. The Drivers' Hours Regulation is Regulation (EC) No 561/2006, and it forms part of retained EU law.
Breaks, rest and working time
Under the assimilated rules, a break or breaks totalling at least 45 minutes is due after no more than 4 hours 30 minutes of driving.
Rest periods can also decide the date. Weekly rest is taken after six consecutive 24-hour periods of working, counted from the end of the last weekly rest period taken. A driver who has worked a run of long days may therefore be unavailable on a date that looks free on the diary.
Practical checklist before you book
Use this list when you book a haulier or confirm a slot. If you need transport based in the capital, you can also browse haulage in London to shortlist firms before you ask these questions.
- Ask which drivers' hours regime the vehicle falls under, and check the scope on GOV.UK if you are unsure.
- Ask whether the planned start, loading time, driving time and breaks fit within one legal working day, rather than assuming a single day will do.
- Ask whether the driver has a weekly rest due near your date, since a long run of working days can remove availability.
- Ask what happens if the slot slips, and whether a new date changes any charge.
- Confirm every charge in writing with the company or council. Fees vary by firm, depot, route and council, so do not rely on any figure you have not been given directly.
GetBrent is a UK marketplace for finding local hire companies, including trailers, tools, plant, vans, storage, removals, clearance and trades firms. Use it to compare providers in your area, ask each one how it plans driver hours around your date, and confirm the final price directly with the company before you commit.
