Bedfords, of Birstall, West Yorkshire, has had its application for an international O-licence granted by the traffic commissioners.

The operator, which is a Palletforce member and the parent company of haulage consortium LinQ Alliance, will now provide a pan-European service to satisfy the demands of its clients.

MD Steff Pfadenhauer, said: “This is part of our company’s evolution and growth. We are always looking to move forward, and deliver above and beyond the expectations of our clients."

He added that as part of Bedfords’ “natural progression”, it was “now duty-bound to deliver high quality service across Europe”.