Administration watch

A record 494 British haulage businesses entered insolvency in 2023, nearly double the number two years earlier, according to the latest data from the Department for Business and Trade.

It is also estimated that 33% of businesses in the sector are deemed maximum risk, up from 22% 12 months ago.

At Motor Transport we track and report on all the latest company administrations and liquidations in the transport and logistics industry.

Administration Watch provides you with detailed news stories and features, in date order, of every affected operator and manufacturer.

Administration news

Lincolnshire port haulier failed after customer pulled plug

A successful transport company with an operating centre in Immingham collapsed after losing 80% of its business in a single hit when a customer chose sea freight services over road haulage, according to its administrator.

Clugston Distribution files notice of intention to appoint administrator

Clugston Distribution Services has filed papers in court notifying its intention to appoint an administrator.

Latest Administration news

Iconic Scottish haulier James S Hislop closes its doors

2026-10-12T10:47:00+01:00By Carol Millett

The Scottish Borders-based haulier James S Hislop (Haulage Contractors) has ceased trading after 38 years in business.

Telford haulage company in administration

2026-10-08T09:26:00+01:00By Chris Tindall

Telford Transport Solutions, a West Midlands transport, 3PL and fulfilment specialist employing around 70 people, has entered administration.

Cumbrian haulier closes down with loss of 43 jobs

2026-09-25T09:14:00+01:00By Chris Tindall

All staff working for a Cumbria haulage company have lost their jobs after it was placed into administration earlier this week, according to insolvency experts.

Eastern region haulier in liquidation

2026-09-24T10:59:00+01:00By Chris Tindall

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Lancashire’s JM Gorry struggled amid driver shortage

2026-09-21T10:45:00+01:00By Chris Tindall

Morecambe-based JM Gorry & Son closed down after coming under “immense strain” due to losing drivers in the years following Brexit, according to its administrator.

Bucks haulier that helped save iconic Jacks Hill Truckstop goes bust

2026-09-15T13:56:00+01:00By Carol Millett

Buckinghamshire haulier SpareRyb Logistics, which helped restore and reopen the iconic Jacks Hill Café and Truckstop in 2025, has entered creditors’ voluntary liquidation after its latest filed accounts revealed net liabilities of £683,572, with creditors owed more than £1.5m.

Sale of Trans Haul following cyberattack

2026-09-11T13:14:00+01:00By Chris Tindall

Stricken haulage and logistics firm Trans Haul (Europe) has been sold in a £170,000 pre-pack deal to a connected party, according to its administrator.

VG Mathers collapses into liquidation after 58 years

2026-09-07T10:04:00+01:00By Carol Millett

Aberdeenshire haulier VG Mathers has ceased trading and entered liquidation, citing an “unprecedented squeeze” from rising fuel and insurance costs, increased compliance burdens and higher vehicle maintenance expenses.

Haulier failed after losing major customer, says Pall-Ex

2026-09-03T15:49:00+01:00By Chris Tindall

An Avonmouth-based haulier ceased trading after losing a major customer that had relocated from the Bristol area, with Pall-Ex subsequently terminating its membership after the business confirmed it could no longer continue operating.

Insolvency data points to easing of pressure among hauliers

2026-09-03T10:42:00+01:00By Chris Tindall

Tentative signs the industry is beginning to recover after a difficult start to the year are reflected in insolvency figures, which showed a significant reduction in appointments of turnaround experts.

More Administration news

Opinion

Why October is the month to watch for road freight

With diesel hitting historic highs and right-to-work checks now covering individual subcontractors — carrying civil penalties of up to £45,000 per breach — October’s carrier rates and availability data will show which pressure is hitting hardest. TEG CEO Lyall Cresswell sets out what operators need to watch and act on ...

Fragmented AI: why transport and logistics must take security seriously

Traditionally, the transportation industry has taken a cautious approach to addressing business challenges and adopting new technologies. Because assets are expensive, margins are consistently thin and mistakes can have massive real-world consequences, fleets simply cannot afford to be early adopters of unproven solutions.

When spare HGV capacity is actually worth filling

Accepting a backload can look like an easy commercial win, but mileage, waiting time and repositioning can erode its value fast. Dumitru Martînov of Houlvek sets out a practical framework for smaller fleets and owner-drivers to assess whether an additional load genuinely stacks up.

Why the AI tools your office buys quietly die

Plenty has been written about the big implementation that disappoints. The system goes in, the project is signed off, and the operation takes a year to catch up with it. That is a real problem and it deserves the attention.

Latest opinions