I think we can all agree that delivering cars directly to the customer is going to be the best way forward for the foreseeable. In the rush to find a solution, please bare in mind the rules and regulations when using trailers or 3.5t Transporters. These smaller transporters (Transit, NV400, Boxer etc) can be driven on a normal car license and do not need a Tacho but have GVW of 3.5t. Most come in around 1700-1900kg but this is for an empty truck. You need to allow for the straps, the fuel and the driver-its not hard to put one of these overweight with a Focus or an Astra on the back. As for towing, if the combined weight of the Towing vehicle, the trailer and the load (MAM) is over 3.5T, the tow car MUST be fitted with a Tacho. There are also a lot of regulations on who can and can't drive these so you will need to check license entitlements before firing people all over the country in a vehicle combination that they may not have entitlement to drive
Thanks to Brett Whiles for the article.
“These smaller transporters (Transit, NV400, Boxer etc) can be driven on a normal car license and do not need a Tacho but have GVW of 3.5t”
The need for a tacho depends on the circumstances. If the car is a runner then legally you do need a tacho. If the vehicle is capable of towing a vehicle, regardless if it is indeed towing a vehicle or not, then you need a tacho. I am assuming we are all doing this as a business entity, the rules change again if it’s a hobby but I don’t think anyone has “delivering cars” as their hobby. Think you can get around it by being “recovery”. Well, ony if the car doesn’t run. If your truck looks proper and legal then you are very unlikely to get a pull. If it’s old, looks like it could be a little bit suspect then your chances of getting a pull are increased. If anyone feels this information is incorrect then please correct me as I have not looked at the rules for over 5 years now.