It might be a marmite relationship for many in the industry, but our Most Read of the year on Motortransport.co.uk clearly shows that you simply can’t ignore Eddie Stobart.

Once again the famous haulier dominated our most read content of the year.

William Stobart stepping down at the company ahead of its flotation was our most read in 2017, marking a significant new chapter for the Carlisle-head quartered logistics firm.

An interesting arrangement that saw Lomas Distribution the powder and aggregates haulier training Eddie Stobart drivers was also very popular.

Legal cases are always well read and Howdens Joinery’s fine of £1.2m after the death of an HGV driver was our most read story of this type in 2017.

Our Motor Transport Top 100 – a guide to the biggest players in the sector by turnover – was a hit, as always, with Royal Mail retaining its position at the top (for now).

Wincanton’s bid for the Britivic contract from Eddie Stobart had all the ingredients required to become one of our most popular stories in the year.

Davis Haulage, tied into the Widdowson saga, was our most read administration story in 2017. The business was subsequently purchased by Buffaload.

More Widdowson related intrigue, with confirmation that after a failed merger Birds Transport & Logistics was no more.

Kinaxia Logistics was a popular talking point throughout 2017 as they continued to snap up hauliers, and their Mark Thompson Transport buy proved the most read of numerous deals conducted in the year.

Heanor Haulage leaving road transport in favour of warehousing was bittersweet, While Andrew Tinkler leaving Eddie Stobart one-time parent company Stobart Group was also very popular.

Many of you checked out our free UK Commercial Vehicle Industry: 2016 report too. Look out for an update in the first quarter of 2018.