The Scottish Borders-based haulier James S Hislop (Haulage Contractors) has ceased trading after 38 years in business.
The family-run firm, which is based in Swinton, was founded in 1988 by Jim Hislop and has been led by his son Alan Hislop since 2019. The group includes James S Hislop (Haulage Contractors), Hislop Commercial Vehicle Services (HCVS) and Hislop Storage.
Hislop has an operating licence for 28 trucks and 45 trailers and is well-known in the region for its fleet’s iconic red, blue and gold livery, with each tractor bearing names carrying the historic Roxburgh prefix, which refers to the old county of Roxburghshire.
According to its website, the business specialised in transporting goods across the UK, offering general transport on curtain sided or flat trailers, hi-ab delivery, forklift delivery, caravan transport, bulk tippers and machinery transport, as well as an escort vehicle service for abnormal loads. It also offered 1,000 sq metres of storage, a commercial vehicle workshop and a vehicle body shop.
News of the company’s demise was announced on Facebook this weekend by Berwickshire Charity Truck Run (BCTR).
The organisation said: “All at BCTR are saddened to hear the news that our friends Hislops have ceased trading.
“Hislops have been great supporters of the truck run since day one and there have been some cracking shots of them on route.
“Such a spectacle they create and will be missed. Our thoughts are with owners and drivers and all your families. Sad times.”
Responding to the news, one supporter of the charity run commented: “Lost track of how many hauliers have ceased trading in just the last six months alone.
“The rising fuel costs are a big problem, but the cost of vehicle & driver insurance, tyres, recoveries and parts for servicing are rising with inflation as well.
“Quite a few of these hauliers are based in lower populated areas around the UK, but are just as important to the local economy for employment.
“Very sad to see and I wish all involved with the company all the best.”
Other commentators pointed to the mounting pressures haulage firms are facing, including the rising cost of fuel, insurance premiums, vehicle maintenance and National Insurance contributions.
Formal winding-up procedures have yet to be announced. The company remains listed as active in the Companies House register and no formal insolvency or administration appointments have been published in The Gazette to date.
MT’s request for comment has yet to receive a response from the company.
