Spotlight
VOX POP: ‘The very best of luck for 2025 - you’re all going to need it…’
Motor Transport asks some of the industry’s leading players to assess the current market and give their verdicts on how 2025 will play out for themselves and their competitors…
Latest news
Administrator summarises pressures faced by collapsed firm Truswells
Truswell Haulage, the transport company that had been operating since 1940 and ran more than 100 HGVs, collapsed last year due to “macroeconomic factors and industry-wide challenges”, according to its administrator.
Jobs saved after Smarthub snapped up by parent company
A Rainham construction logistics specialist has been saved by its parent firm in a £50,000 pre-pack deal that experts said would save at least 17 jobs.
Government consultation to remove regulations around electric vans welcomed by Logistics UK
Logistics UK is calling for the government’s recently launched consultation on zero emission vans to deliver regulatory alignment between 4.25 tonne electric vans and 3.5 tonne diesel vans and prevent legacy legislation from inhibiting electric vehicle take up in the future.
Administrator summarises pressures faced by collapsed firm Truswells
Jobs saved after Smarthub snapped up by parent company
Government consultation to remove regulations around electric vans welcomed by Logistics UK
Transport prices increase in December 2024, latest TEG Index reveals
CPD Bodies invests £10m in new product range
RHA investigates rocketing freight surcharges on CLdN ferries from GB to Northern Ireland
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Operator news
Administrator summarises pressures faced by collapsed firm Truswells
Truswell Haulage, the transport company that had been operating since 1940 and ran more than 100 HGVs, collapsed last year due to “macroeconomic factors and industry-wide challenges”, according to its administrator.
Jobs saved after Smarthub snapped up by parent company
A Rainham construction logistics specialist has been saved by its parent firm in a £50,000 pre-pack deal that experts said would save at least 17 jobs.
CPD Bodies invests £10m in new product range
Commercial vehicle conversion specialist CPD Bodies has invested £10m to expand its offering of converted vehicles.
InPost delivers record number of parcels in UK in Q4 2024
InPost Group saw record UK volumes in Q4 2024, delivering 27.2 million parcels, marking a 58% increase year-on-year.
Wincanton bags three-year contract with luggage brand Tripp
Supply chain and logistics specialist Wincanton has secured a new three-year contract with luggage brand Tripp.
DX Group opens new depot in Ipswich as part of expansion drive
Parcel freight, secure courier, two-person and logistics services provider DX Group has opened a new depot in Ipswich as part of its programme to expand and develop its depot network.
Worldwide Flight Services takes delivery of 29 trailers from Asset Alliance Group
Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), a SATS company, has taken delivery of 29 new SDC rollerbed trailers from Asset Alliance Group to bolster its freight handling operations.
Derry Bros opens two new offices in London and Poland to meet growing demand
Freight customs specialist Derry Bros has opened two new offices in London and Poznan in a move aimed at expanding its presence in the UK and mainland Europe.
Fred Sherwood Group upbeat despite slide in revenue
Fred Sherwood Group is looking at ways to expand the business after rising costs saw both profit and revenue fall in 2023/24, its latest annual results have revealed.
VOX POP: ‘The very best of luck for 2025 - you’re all going to need it…’
Motor Transport asks some of the industry’s leading players to assess the current market and give their verdicts on how 2025 will play out for themselves and their competitors…
Administration watch
Administrator summarises pressures faced by collapsed firm Truswells
Truswell Haulage, the transport company that had been operating since 1940 and ran more than 100 HGVs, collapsed last year due to “macroeconomic factors and industry-wide challenges”, according to its administrator.
Jobs saved after Smarthub snapped up by parent company
A Rainham construction logistics specialist has been saved by its parent firm in a £50,000 pre-pack deal that experts said would save at least 17 jobs.
Reborn temperature-controlled haulier has last laugh
The industry has been battered by administrations and closures this year, so it is heartening to see at least one success story emerge from the ashes of insolvency in 2024: AE Chilled’s pre-pack sale.
Industry news
Government consultation to remove regulations around electric vans welcomed by Logistics UK
Logistics UK is calling for the government’s recently launched consultation on zero emission vans to deliver regulatory alignment between 4.25 tonne electric vans and 3.5 tonne diesel vans and prevent legacy legislation from inhibiting electric vehicle take up in the future.
Transport prices increase in December 2024, latest TEG Index reveals
December 2024 saw the TEG Road Transport Index rise 5.7 points to 132.3, delivering a 4.5% month-on-month jump, which echoes a similar annual increase of 5.3 points, a rise of 4.17%.
RHA investigates rocketing freight surcharges on CLdN ferries from GB to Northern Ireland
The RHA is calling for hauliers to get in touch if they have been hit with a doubling of surcharges for additional slots on CLdN ferries sailing between Britain and Northern Ireland, after being contacted by concerned members.
Transaid launches Cork to Dublin cycle challenge
International development organisation Transaid has announced its next cycle challenge, set to take place in the Republic of Ireland between 24 – 28 September 2025 when participants will set off from Cork and ride 328km over three days to finish in Dublin city centre.
Electric van demand static in 2024, SMMT reveals
Electric van demand remained static in 2024, prompting the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) to call for an urgent review of the barriers to growing electric van uptake.
Bankruptcy process allows Northvolt to continue meeting obligations
Battery maker Northvolt said filing for bankruptcy proceedings allowed it to begin a new phase and restructure its business while continuing to fundraise and secure its long-term future.
Lorry drivers arrested for drug driving
Two HGV drivers in Wales were stopped by police in one afternoon over the Christmas period and found to be driving under the influence of cocaine.
Van builders demand ‘unrealistic’ ZEV targets are addressed
The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) said it supported van manufacturers’ calls for a short moratorium of the ZEV mandate amid concerns that ambitious net-zero targets will not be met.
Port of Felixstowe criticised for ‘last-minute’ container booking changes
Felixstowe Port said it would suspend some charges for a new container booking system (CBS) for hauliers that started on 1 January in order to give companies “a period of adjustment to the new system parameters”.
Interviews
MTA Low Carbon winner JLP wants to take the high road to zero emissions
John Lewis Partnership (JLP) picked up the Motor Transport Low Carbon Award for the third time in the last seven years in 2024.
Vaculug Sustainability Forum hears about truck and tyre manufacturers’ journey toward net zero
Tyre retread specialist Vaculug held its fourth Sustainability Forum at the British Motor Museum in October, bringing together operators, suppliers and leading experts to discuss the UK’s road to net zero emissions.
GXO and RHA outline the roadmap for driver safety and welfare in free to watch webinar
Motor Transport in association with leading 3PL GXO held a webinar in October to discuss the vital issue of how the road transport industry should be handling the recent influx of new drivers to ensure they are properly prepared for life on the road.
A New Era for renewable fuel supplies dawns in Essex
The use of renewable fuels such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) to cut carbon emissions from diesel trucks now rather than waiting for battery electric vehicles to develop into a more practical solution is becoming increasingly popular.
‘SMEs are in a massive hole over electric but the approach is too blinkered’
Chris Clowes, executive director of global logistics consultancy, SCALA, considers the ways other countries are tackling HGV fleet decarbonisation, and the lessons operators can learn from a domestic market still claiming record numbers of casualties
Battery electric nothing new for Bradshaw Electric Vehicles
Battery electric vehicles are sometimes regarded as new-fangled devices but they were first seen on the roads of Europe in the 1890s and in the 1960s the UK had the world’s largest fleet of BEVs in the days when electric milk floats were a common sight on every street. Today ...
Renault Trucks shows that electric trucks can do the job at only a 5% price premium
Renault Trucks has been on its battery electric vehicle (BEV) industrial manufacturing journey for four years now and recently held a series of open days at its electric demo centre based at its axle plant in Saint-Priest near Lyon to give an update on progress.
The APC still flying the flag for independent couriers 30 years on
The APC was founded 30 years ago as The Alternative Parcels Company and still has an unusual ownership model in the parcels world, in that it is owned by its 103 independent, entrepreneurial delivery-and-collection couriers.
Decarbonisation
Government consultation to remove regulations around electric vans welcomed by Logistics UK
Logistics UK is calling for the government’s recently launched consultation on zero emission vans to deliver regulatory alignment between 4.25 tonne electric vans and 3.5 tonne diesel vans and prevent legacy legislation from inhibiting electric vehicle take up in the future.
Electric van demand static in 2024, SMMT reveals
Electric van demand remained static in 2024, prompting the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) to call for an urgent review of the barriers to growing electric van uptake.
Sponsored content
AKFS Unveils Mercedes Atego Enclosed Vehicle Transporter
Advanced KFS Special Vehicles (AKFS), a renowned provider of bespoke vehicle bodywork, has introduced the Mercedes Atego Enclosed Vehicle Transporter to its extensive portfolio. This purpose-built commercial vehicle is the culmination of decades of expertise, designed to meet the exacting demands of professionals across various sectors.
SPONSORED: Just weeks left for operators to join RHA Truck Cartel Claim as deadline approaches
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) is encouraging operators who have been affected by the truck manufacturing cartel to join their legal proceedings. There’s no cost for the claim, but to benefit, operators must opt in before 31 December 2024.
SPONSORED: Unlocking the benefits of shared transport
2024 has been a challenging year for retailers. The need to reduce costs and make progress on sustainability targets, all while providing an omnichannel shopping experience to meet the high expectations of consumers weighs heavily.
Must read
MOTOR TRANSPORT TOP 100 2023
It’s been a difficult year for the road transport industry, but our annual survey of company performance highlights the professionalism and tenacity of operators in facing up to the challenges.
Palletways welcomes Foulger Transport and Transol Logistics into the fold
Foulger Transport and Transol Logistics have joined the Palletways pallet network.
Foulger Transport opts for Mercedes-Benz Actros
Norfolk haulier Foulger Transport has taken delivery of seven new Euro-5 Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks. The units join its 100-plus strong, predominantly Daf, fleet.
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