Elddis Transport increased profits in 2025 despite a slight fall in turnover, as the County Durham-based haulier offset weaker freight volumes through tight cost control, contract renewals and new business wins.
The company’s latest annual results for the year to 31 December 2025 show a small reduction in turnover of 1.3% to £32.6m compared with £33m the previous year. However, pre-tax profit climbed 15.4% to £826,272 from £716,049 in 2024.
In their strategic report, directors said the business had delivered “another positive financial performance” despite continued economic uncertainty and higher employment costs.
They attributed the improved profitability to disciplined cost control, particularly as labour remained the company’s largest single operating expense.
The report also revealed that one of Elddis Transport’s core customers partially shut down production during the year while carrying out a major factory upgrade, temporarily reducing transport volumes. However, directors said they expected freight movements to increase once the project is completed.
The company, which has operating licences for 256 trucks and 460 trailers and employs around 320 staff, also renewed several key customer contracts, with some extended beyond their previous terms, providing greater certainty for future investment.
Its radial distribution business secured a number of new contracts during the second half of the year, many through recommendations from existing customers.
Warehousing proved more challenging, with directors describing demand as more volatile because of seasonal trading patterns and the short-term nature of some customer agreements. They said the division would remain a key focus during 2026.
Elddis continued to invest in its fleet during the year, introducing replacement Mercedes-Benz, DAF and Volvo tractor units, together with additional Lawrence David trailers. The purchase of new Volvo artics marked the company’s first investment in the marque for several years.
The operator also continued to prepare for the transition to zero-emission transport by trialling electric vehicles within its fleet.
The report said the business was well placed to increase investment in electric HGVs as vehicle technology and charging infrastructure develop, while further electric cars were added to the company’s company car fleet during the year.
Elsewhere, the rollout of a new transport management system was delayed until the first quarter of 2026 by mutual agreement with the software supplier. The company said work had continued behind the scenes to ensure a smooth implementation.
Staff numbers increased slightly during the year from 319 to 322, while Elddis also completed an update of employee contracts and handbooks and expanded the use of electronic timesheet processing.
Looking ahead, directors said the business remained focused on maintaining high levels of customer service while continuing to invest in its fleet, technology and workforce.
