Spotlight
Union condemns alleged UPS plan to replace employed drivers and slash workforce
UPS confirmed it was “evaluating options” for its UK business after a union claimed it was planning to outsource all its drivers, resulting in swathes of job losses.
Latest news
Warehouse consolidation helps Debenhams Group cut costs and boost profits
The closure of Debenham Group’s Burnley warehouse in February this year and the consolidation of its warehousing operations into a single automated distribution centre in Sheffield has played a key role in improving the group’s profitability over the last financial year, the group revealed this week.
Entries close this Friday for Motor Transport Decarbonisation Power Players 2026
Entries for the Motor Transport Decarbonisation Power Players 2026 close this Friday (19 June), with the initiative recognising individuals making a tangible impact in cutting carbon across road transport.
Public backs greater use of robots in warehouses, study finds
The UK public is more comfortable with robots working in warehouses and factories than in hospitals, schools or care settings, according to new research from technology company Hexagon.
Warehouse consolidation helps Debenhams Group cut costs and boost profits
The closure of Debenham Group’s Burnley warehouse in February this year and the consolidation of its warehousing operations into a single automated distribution centre in Sheffield has played a key role in improving the group’s profitability over the last financial year, the group revealed this week.
Entries close this Friday for Motor Transport Decarbonisation Power Players 2026
Entries for the Motor Transport Decarbonisation Power Players 2026 close this Friday (19 June), with the initiative recognising individuals making a tangible impact in cutting carbon across road transport.
Public backs greater use of robots in warehouses, study finds
The UK public is more comfortable with robots working in warehouses and factories than in hospitals, schools or care settings, according to new research from technology company Hexagon.
The 30% efficiency debt: Can precision planning close the gap for Britain’s 1.58%-margin hauliers?
UK hauliers have long been battling a perfect storm of challenges, from an ageing driver workforce and inefficient road networks to persistently rising fuel and non-fuel costs, most recently exacerbated by the conflict in the Middle East. Now, the sector faces an additional and increasingly pressing issue: razor-thin profit margins.
Brigade Electronics founder Chris Hanson-Abbott OBE dies aged 92
Chris Hanson-Abbott OBE, founder of Brigade Electronics and a pioneer in vehicle safety technology, has died aged 92.
Holman UK appoints Nick Hay as managing director
Vehicle management, leasing and fleet solutions firm Holman UK has confirmed the appointment of Nick Hay as MD.
Government considers watering down ZEV Mandate as questions grow over electric van transition
The government is considering significant changes to the UK’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, in a move that could have major implications for the commercial vehicle sector and the transition to zero-emission vans.
3PLs can be supply chain heroes – if relationships are right
For many manufacturers and retailers, the past few years have changed what they expect from their logistics partners. Cost will always matter, but as supply chains come under sustained pressure from geopolitical instability, labour shortages, rising operating costs, climate risk and changing customer expectations, third-party logistics providers (3PLs) are increasingly ...
Warehouse consolidation helps Debenhams Group cut costs and boost profits
Entries close this Friday for Motor Transport Decarbonisation Power Players 2026
Public backs greater use of robots in warehouses, study finds
The 30% efficiency debt: Can precision planning close the gap for Britain’s 1.58%-margin hauliers?
Brigade Electronics founder Chris Hanson-Abbott OBE dies aged 92
Holman UK appoints Nick Hay as managing director
Government considers watering down ZEV Mandate as questions grow over electric van transition
3PLs can be supply chain heroes – if relationships are right
Operator news
Warehouse consolidation helps Debenhams Group cut costs and boost profits
The closure of Debenham Group’s Burnley warehouse in February this year and the consolidation of its warehousing operations into a single automated distribution centre in Sheffield has played a key role in improving the group’s profitability over the last financial year, the group revealed this week.
UK fleet growth shifts to trailers as truck numbers stall
The UK’s truck parc has remained virtually unchanged over the past 15 months, but operators have added more than 2,200 trailers during the same period, according to the latest MT Fleet Data analysis.
Union condemns alleged UPS plan to replace employed drivers and slash workforce
UPS confirmed it was “evaluating options” for its UK business after a union claimed it was planning to outsource all its drivers, resulting in swathes of job losses.
e-commerce volumes remain resilient despite economic headwinds, says Diamond Logistics
Same-day delivery specialist Diamond Logistics has challenged the notion that economic uncertainty leads to a sharp decline in retail activity after significantly outperforming expectations this year.
Heavy vehicle rental firm collapses into administration
St Albans and Iver-based plant and vehicle rental firm Gradewell Plant & Haulage has entered administration after HM Revenue & Customs served a winding-up petition on it.
Ireland’s Toga signs up to Pallet-Track
Dublin-based Toga Freight Group has joined Pallet-Track in order to expand its next-day delivery service into Great Britain.
The Dash Group fetches Brian Fisher for group commercial role
Family-run business The Dash Group has appointed Brian Fisher as its group commercial manager.
Howard Tenens builds revenues in property but fails to move in distribution
Revenues in Howard Tenens’ warehousing and distribution division were static last year, as it strove to address a challenging economy by reviewing customer supply chains and seeking out efficiencies.
THG Fulfil helps cosmetic company drive direct-to-consumer growth
THG Fulfil, a provider of automation-driven courier management solutions has partnered with cosmetic firm Dr Wolff Group to act as merchant of record (MOR) on its Shopify sites in the UK and US.
Unipart wins seven-year BMW Group contract
Unipart has been awarded a seven-year contract by BMW Group to provide production logistics services within the final assembly at the Mini plant in Cowley, Oxfordshire.
Administration watch
Heavy vehicle rental firm collapses into administration
St Albans and Iver-based plant and vehicle rental firm Gradewell Plant & Haulage has entered administration after HM Revenue & Customs served a winding-up petition on it.
Workington’s J R Dixon ceases trading
North West haulier J R Dixon is in liquidation, with an estimated total deficiency of more than £339,000.
Welsh haulier closes down with loss of 30 jobs
Steel transport specialist Sunhill Transport in Deeside has closed down after more than 50 years, amid recent soaring fuel costs.
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Industry news
Entries close this Friday for Motor Transport Decarbonisation Power Players 2026
Entries for the Motor Transport Decarbonisation Power Players 2026 close this Friday (19 June), with the initiative recognising individuals making a tangible impact in cutting carbon across road transport.
Public backs greater use of robots in warehouses, study finds
The UK public is more comfortable with robots working in warehouses and factories than in hospitals, schools or care settings, according to new research from technology company Hexagon.
Brigade Electronics founder Chris Hanson-Abbott OBE dies aged 92
Chris Hanson-Abbott OBE, founder of Brigade Electronics and a pioneer in vehicle safety technology, has died aged 92.
Holman UK appoints Nick Hay as managing director
Vehicle management, leasing and fleet solutions firm Holman UK has confirmed the appointment of Nick Hay as MD.
Scania delivers first hybrid military truck to Swedish defence agency
Scania has handed over the first of three hybrid trucks to the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) as part of a project aimed at evaluating the potential of electrified powertrains in military operations.
National Lorry Week returns to spotlight the people and businesses behind UK freight
National Lorry Week will return from 24–30 June 2026, bringing a week-long focus on the people, businesses and vehicles that underpin UK supply chains.
The former chef putting service at the forefront of logistics
Both careers require you to remain calm under pressure and work in a fast-paced environment, so when former chef Tieron Gordon decided to hang up his oven gloves for a life on the road he already had many of the skills needed.
London must go Dutch to clean up van and truck fleets
London needs a ‘Dutch-style’ zero emission zone preventing diesel freight vehicles from entering, because the city is falling behind on electrification, according to environmental campaigners.
Lorry rollover incident stirs up fatality fears
The British Concrete Transport Association (BCTA) said it was working with local authorities and supporting residents after a concrete mixer rolled over in Lincolnshire and demolished a garden wall.
The unbeatable logistics at the heart of World Cup 2026
As the World Cup kicks off and everyone’s gaze turns to North America, there is only one goal for the thousands of people involved in the logistics – ensuring the competition runs smoothly.
Interviews
‘There’s no blank chequebook’ - DX sets out post-buyout strategy
Now under private ownership, DX chief executive Ian Truesdale is pursuing disciplined growth, focusing on integration, efficiency and selective investment. Tim Wallace reports
From vans to trucks: the Dash Express journey
Paul Dash has helped grow Dash Express from a small South West van firm into a multi-depot logistics operation with a turnover topping £25m. Partnerships with APC Overnight and, more recently, Palletways have expanded the business into parcels, pallets and heavy trucks, while keeping the company’s hands-on, family-led approach.
“This changes everything” - megawatt charging for long-haul passes the test
Kempower used its MCS Live Winter Days event in Norrköping, Sweden for megawatt testing of Volvo, MAN and Scania trucks. The results show heavy-duty electric HGVs are ready for real-world operations
“Fleets won’t switch until TCO and profit stack up — here’s how to make it work”
New Voltempo chief executive Simon Smith admits HGV fleets are holding off on electrification because high energy costs, standing charges, and underused infrastructure are eroding margins. But could smarter depot charging and energy management finally make electric trucks commercially viable?
Harris MAXUS expands technician training to tackle skills shortage
The Dublin-based importer has invested significantly in its training academy to meet rising demand from over 90 UK dealers, delivering structured programmes from system technician to master technician level with particular focus on electric vehicle safety and diagnostics.
Martin Willmor’s vision for DHL Supply Chain: strategy, challenges and growth targets
Returning to DHL at a pivotal moment, new UK&I CEO Martin Willmor lays out a focused five-point strategy - spanning growth sectors, transport reform, major startups and property investment - to steer the business confidently through a shifting economy
John Lewis cutting emissions today and in the future with the best technology available
The John Lewis Partnership’s fleet manager has cut transport emissions in half since 2018 by switching 500 trucks to bioCNG and trialling electric vehicles, achieving a major milestone by purchasing the company’s final diesel vehicle this year.
Hydrogen a viable option in a future multi-fuel zero carbon landscape
The HydraB group is targeting hydrogen pricing of £8/kg to 9/kg to achieve total cost of ownership parity with diesel equivalents, as CEO Harry Bowcott explains how an integrated approach across vehicle manufacturing, fuel production and infrastructure can simplify hydrogen adoption for fleet operators.
Opinion
The 30% efficiency debt: Can precision planning close the gap for Britain’s 1.58%-margin hauliers?
UK hauliers have long been battling a perfect storm of challenges, from an ageing driver workforce and inefficient road networks to persistently rising fuel and non-fuel costs, most recently exacerbated by the conflict in the Middle East. Now, the sector faces an additional and increasingly pressing issue: razor-thin profit margins.
3PLs can be supply chain heroes – if relationships are right
For many manufacturers and retailers, the past few years have changed what they expect from their logistics partners. Cost will always matter, but as supply chains come under sustained pressure from geopolitical instability, labour shortages, rising operating costs, climate risk and changing customer expectations, third-party logistics providers (3PLs) are increasingly ...
Supporting the next generation of HGV drivers
With the industry needing 200,000 new HGV drivers over the next five years, RHA Insurance Services is working with specialist insurers to help operators secure cover for younger and inexperienced drivers, offering an alternative to restrictive mainstream policies.
Baxter Freight launches 28 graduate roles to help tackle NEET crisis
Logistics operator Baxter Freight has created 28 graduate roles with structured training and mentoring as part of its response to the UK’s growing NEET challenge. The firm says 37% of recent hires are under 24, with five graduate recruits already progressing to leadership positions.
Contracts
Unipart wins seven-year BMW Group contract
Unipart has been awarded a seven-year contract by BMW Group to provide production logistics services within the final assembly at the Mini plant in Cowley, Oxfordshire.
Pall-Ex Group signs brand agreement with Italian Pallet Network
Pall-Ex said it had secured the continued development of its brand in Italy after signing a 20-year license and partnership deal with Italian Pallet Network, the firm that manages Pall-Ex Italia.
Sweet deal for IPP with Swizzels contract extension
Pallet pooler IPP has renewed its contract with sweet firm Swizzels, taking the long-standing partnership to over 17 years.
Primeline Group crunches ten-year deal with Tayto Snacks
Primeline Group has signed a multi-million euro warehousing and distribution agreement with Tayto Snacks, building on a long-standing partnership between the two companies.
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