Civil engineering projects can change fast, new phases start, sites scale up or down, and schedules shift unexpectedly. That’s where flexible commercial van hire comes in. Increasingly, civil engineering teams, both private and public sector, are turning to flexible vehicle hire models to stay agile and avoid the constraints of long-term contracts. Here’s why...

When managing a commercial vehicle fleet, one of the biggest strategic decisions is whether to hire or own your vehicles. Each option comes with its own benefits and considerations, from cost and flexibility to long-term value and operational control. In this blog, we’ll compare hiring versus owning commercial vehicles to help fleet managers make informed choices based on business goals, vehicle usage, and future plans.

The right fleet hire supplier does more than provide vehicles; they become a trusted partner in keeping your business moving. Whether you’re in construction, managing public sector operations, or coordinating a nationwide team, it’s important to select a hire partner who can adapt to your needs. Here are five key factors to consider when choosing a supplier, and how U-Drive Pro supports businesses across the UK.

Construction projects don’t stand still, sites evolve, schedules change, and teams shift location. More and more construction companies across the UK are turning to flexible hire models to stay agile, reduce admin, and avoid the costs and complications of vehicle ownership. Here’s why:

The TPPL Vehicle Hire Framework provides public sector organisations with a compliant, efficient route to sourcing passenger car, commercial, and specialist vehicle hire. U-Drive is proud to be listed as an approved supplier on Lot 1 of the TPPL Vehicle Hire Framework, offering access to a wide range of vehicles on flexible terms.

Public sector organisations need dependable, flexible, and compliant solutions to keep essential services moving. The Halton Housing Vehicle Contract Hire Framework offers a streamlined way to source vehicles from trusted suppliers without the need for a full procurement process. As a named supplier, U‑Drive provides tailored vehicle hire solutions to support operational demands across housing, local authorities, and other public sector services.

In today's fast-paced business world, flexibility is key, especially when it comes to managing your fleet. Whether you're scaling up for seasonal demand, responding to unexpected vehicle downtime, or simply looking for a cost-effective alternative to purchasing, flexible vehicle hire offers a range of advantages.

U-Drive’s Kim Phillips has won the BVRLA Decarbonisation Driver Award for her outstanding contributions to EV adoption and sustainability. Learn more about her achievements!

Public sector organisations rely on efficient, reliable, and cost-effective services to deliver essential projects and operations. Crown Commercial Service (CCS) frameworks exist to make this process simpler, helping public bodies access pre-approved suppliers for critical services, including vehicle hire.

The ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) Mandate is one of the most significant changes to vehicle emissions regulations in recent years. As businesses with fleets of vehicles, understanding how this mandate affects your operations is critical.

EVolve by U-Drive helps businesses transition their fleet to electric vehicles with data-driven insights, simulations, and charging infrastructure planning for a sustainable future.

At U-Drive, we’re thrilled to announce our new EV Consultancy Service, specifically designed to make the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) smooth, insightful, and tailored to your needs.