This isn't an editor's picks, it isn't an analysis of the most important news in the industry in the past 12 months - these are the most-read stories on Motortransport.co.uk. It is what our loyal readers wanted to read from the thousands of stories we published in 2013. Thanks for reading, and we'll keep delivering bigger and better next year!
1) Stobart sells automotive aftersales arm to Paragon Group
Back in January Stobart shocked the industry when it said it would be discontinuing its chilled operations (see entry number 5) but at the same time it sold its automotive after-sales division, Stobart Vehicle Services, to Paragon Group for an undisclosed sum. The division was part of Autologic prior to its purchase by Stobart in August 2012.
2) David Price Food Services ceases trading
When David Price Food Services entered administration on 30 September it wasn’t without prior warning. It had been trading under the terms of a Company Voluntary Arrangement for just over 12 months, and in February of this year had issued a warning that there was “a material uncertainty regarding the company’s ability to continue as a going concern”.
Administrators KPMG said that the reason for their appointment was, as is often the case, was due to a period of poor trading and an increased cost base, primarily due to rising fuel and utilities costs. That didn’t quite tell the full story…
3) C&H Hauliers parent Charles Gee in administration
In a shock to the industry Charles Gee Group went into administration in October. One of its largest subsidiaries was C&H (Hauliers), which didn’t spend long in administration: it was snapped up by Downton within a week.
4) Nightfreight new clothes revealed by DX
DX Group bought Nightfreight back in February 2012, but had been running it as a separate business. That all changed in 2013 when the new DX livery started its roll out across the existing 650-strong Nightfreight collection and delivery fleet alongside its 200-strong trunking fleet.
5) Stobart to discontinue chilled operations
Remember Innovate Logistics? Remember when Stobart bought it out of administration in 2008? Well, it turns out that didn’t go so well…. In January Stobart said it would discontinue the division as a stand alone unit. It was the spark for a whole series of events at Britain’s most famous haulier, that saw boardroom battles, a disposal (see entry 1) and a monster deal with Tesco.
6) Renault launches new Euro-6 range
Lyon in June is as idyllic as it gets, which is where Renault Trucks told the world it was to completely replace its entire range from 10t to 44t at once, in preparation for Euro-6. The new range is divided in T – long haul; D – distribution; K – heavy duty off-road; and C – construction.
7) UPS staff at London depot vote for strike action
A saga still ongoing for UPS (see entry 10): union Unite and the express giant are at loggerheads over the union’s claim that the 120 drivers and loaders at the operator’s Camden depot are being forced to handle unreasonable workloads.
8) The future is still orange for TNT Express
Our exclusive interview with TNT Express MD Alastair Cochrane looked back at the failed takeover of the business by UPS, and he was upbeat as he revealed his growth strategy for the future.
9) Andrew Baxter takes control of Europa Worldwide Group
A shock summer move saw the former joint owner of RH Freight replace the management team at Europa Worldwide. Goal number one for Baxter? Turn Europa into the number one groupage operator in the UK. Expect an interview with Baxter in 2014.
10) UPS staff out on strike at London depot
UPS said that contingency plans worked as staff went on strike at its Camden depot, but Unite said that UPS had failed to meet its member’s grievances. Since then Unite has ruled out any further strike action at UPS’s London depot for the remainder of the year.
