Fleet operator news

From third-party logistics to own-account operators, Motor Transport has it covered: we report on all 3PLs, from DHL Supply Chain to Eddie Stobart Logistics, and from XPO Logistics to Wincanton. We also cover the UK home delivery and parcels market from Royal Mail to DPD and from Hermes to Yodel. We have all the latest news from own-account operators, including Tesco Distribution, Travis Perkins, Bidvest and the latest developments from pallet networks including Palletways and Pall-ex.

Operator news

Europa Road strengthens European routes with strategic partnerships

Europa Road has struck up new partnerships with French logistics provider Heppner and Greek transport firm Goldair Group to build volumes across the two countries.

Pallet volumes hold steady in first six months of year

Pallet volumes remained steady during the first half of 2026 but substantial growth in half and quarter pallets suggests retailers are ordering smaller quantities, according to latest results.

Latest Operator news

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.

Pallet-Track parent northstarr posts record results

2026-10-07T11:05:00+01:00By Chris Tindall

Pallet-Track parent firm northstarr has praised its “exceptionally strong” financial results, which showed double-digit growth in revenue and profits.

Dachser strengthens coverage in Scotland with Drummond purchase

2026-10-07T09:02:00+01:00By Chris Tindall

Logistics and supply chain management company Dachser has acquired Scottish transport firm Drummond Distribution for an undisclosed sum.

John G Russell becomes first to trial Scania hydrogen fuel-cell trucks

2026-10-06T16:08:00+01:00By Chris Tindall

John G Russell will become one of the first operators to start running hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEV) in its daily operations after it took ownership of three Scania prototype trucks.

Whistl on the up after posting increase in revenue and profits

2026-10-06T15:33:00+01:00By Chris Tindall

Whistl saw turnover increase by 4.4% to £723.5m in 2025 and profits rose significantly, thanks to a one-off exceptional item following the settlement of a “legal matter”.

Wilson James introduces DAF electric HGV into Heathrow operations

2026-10-06T14:42:00+01:00By Chris Tindall

International logistics operator Wilson James has acquired a 26-tonne DAF XD Electric rigid from Fraikin on a five-year contract hire agreement.

GXO drivers delivering hospital kit vote for strikes

2026-10-06T14:18:00+01:00By Chris Tindall

GXO said it was working to minimise disruption to supplies heading to hospitals after nearly 200 drivers rejected its pay offer and voted to go out on strike.

Pall-Ex takes on Iveco S-eWay Rigid in UK first

2026-10-06T14:16:00+01:00By Chris Tindall

Pall-Ex has taken delivery of the UK’s first right-hand drive Iveco S-eWay Rigid, which will be put to work on inner-city deliveries.

Hovis and distribution drivers break bread with pay deal agreement

2026-10-06T10:49:00+01:00By Chris Tindall

The pay dispute among drivers working for Hovis in Bristol has been resolved after they accepted an improved offer from their company.

Gongs for Darcica at Palletways awards ceremony

2026-10-05T15:55:00+01:00By Chris Tindall

Darcica Logistics has won a brace of awards from Palletways for its sustainability performance and PR and marketing efforts.

More Operator news

Opinion

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.

Late payment is an unsecured loan your biggest customer takes without asking

The Commercial Payments Bill addresses a real problem, but it will not help your cashflow this quarter. Harvey Dhillon, ACMA CGMA, explains what the legislation actually proposes, why haulage is structurally exposed, and which operational disciplines deliver results now — before Parliament acts.

Latest opinions