Yodel invests in 45 DAF XF tractors and 120 double decker trailers as demand grows

UK independent parcel carrier Yodel has announced a £14.5m investment in 45 brand new DAF 450 XF tractor units and 120 double decker trailers, as the company moves to meet growing customer demand and cut its fleet's carbon emissions.

This latest fleet expansion comes just months after Yodel invested in 15 new tractor units and follows a 17% increase year-on-year in parcel volumes across the peak festive season, which Yodel said was driven by a spike in demand for C2C parcel deliveries, as more people look to second-hand products for cost of living savings. Volumes for July-December 2022 increased 162% compared to the same period for 2021.

The company said the 45 new DAF 450 XF tractor units will deliver up to 12% greater fuel efficiency. The trucks also feature a windscreen that is 33% larger than previous models and the latest in camera technology, with cameras located around the cabin to provide a wider field of vision for drivers.

Further safety features include a menu system that limits access whilst the vehicle is on the move to minimize distractions and GPS-guided predictive cruise control.

Each of the new units will be fitted with Microlise’s Android-based DriveTab tablet devices to help in reducing overall mileage. Smart Drive cameras will also be installed to enable the company to monitor driver performance.

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The new tractor units will be rolled out across Yodel’s network by a dedicated team of driver trainers. Six of the driver trainers at Yodel were the first in the country to be registered as assessors with the National Register of LGV Instructors (NRI), which is endorsed by the DVSA.

The 120 new double decker trailer units are all fitted with solar panels, which allow for the decks to be moved when loading and unloading, without needing access to an external power supply, and helps cut the company's energy consumption.

The business has already taken order of the first two trailers with a further eight due in the new few weeks. The remaining trailers are due to be delivered from July with the full complement joining the fleet by the end of the year.

Carl Moore, COO at Yodel, said: “This investment further improves our ability to manage the rapidly increasing demand we have seen over the last year. Continued investment across the business, in fleet and our warehouse space, is reflective of an incredible period of growth and we’re pleased to be continuing along this trajectory.”

This latest fleet expansion follows a 17% increase year-on-year in peak parcel volumes across the peak festive season, which Yodel said is driven by a spike in demand for C2C parcel deliveries as more people look to second-hand products for cost-of-living savings. Volumes for July-December 2022 increased 162% compared to the same period for 2021.