In 2023, the international transport of empty road freight in the UK stood at 121.60 million vehicle-kilometers. Forecasted data from 2024 to 2028 indicates a gradual decrease from 120.77 to 117.55 million vehicle-kilometers. The year-on-year variations show slight declines, suggesting stabilization or minor contraction in these operations. Specifically, comparing 2025 to 2024, and similarly for subsequent years, indicates a consistent downward trend.

Future trends to watch for include:

Impact of environmental regulations which may affect road freight movements.
Technological advancements and their role in optimizing load management to reduce empty runs.
Potential shifts in trade patterns post-Brexit which could influence international transport volumes.