Goldstar Transport said the 17% increase in its pre-tax profits last year was down to winning additional business from its existing client base.

The Felixstowe container haulier turned in a profit of £1.8m in the year ending 31 July 2014, with turnover increasing by almost 9% to £75.2m.

Goldstar said the increase in turnover reflected the company boosting its average fleet size for the year, from 290 to 324 vehicles.

Director Matthew Ashworth said it chose to purchase most of the vehicles rather than lease. “We like to run vehicles for a longer life. Previously we ran them for two or three years but trucks these days are so well made they can run for five years. So, we chose to buy,” he said.

Its fleet is made up of a mixture of all the major truck brands.

Ashworth added that trading since July had been “very good” and he expected pre-tax profits to rise even further by the year end.

In the business review to its accounts, the company said that its gross profit margin increased from 11.6% to 12.7% and was driven by falling diesel prices.

It also stated: “A new telematics system is in the process of being introduced, which will allow vehicles’ fuel efficiency to be monitored and costs controlled.”

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