Cheltenham-based John Hackling (Transport) saw a more than sixfold rise in its pre-tax profit in the year to 30 September 2025, overcoming the challenges of rising fuel prices and a competitive market.
The family-run haulage and warehousing business, which operates 75 HGVs and 100 trailers out of its two depots in Swindon and Cheltenham, revealed a 12.6% increase in turnover to £17.4m, up from £15.5m the previous year.
Operating profit rose sharply to £416,220, compared with £48,180 in 2024, while pre-tax profit rocketed to £453,358, up from £70,987 in the prior year.
The company, which is a member of Palletline and the Hazchem network, ended the financial year with net assets of £5.35m, up from £5.01m a year earlier.
A dividend of £339,000 was paid to the company’s parent during the year, compared with £70,000 in 2024.
In its strategic report, the board said the company’s performance during the year and its financial position at the year end as “satisfactory”.
The directors highlighted competition from other national haulage contractors and changes in operating costs, particularly fuel prices, as the principal risks facing the business.
Turning to future developments, the directors said they expected the market to remain competitive this year.
However, the report noted the volatility of fuel prices, warning that fuel costs are expected to increase further in 2026 due to the impact of the Iran-Israel war, which it said “may have a significant effect on the results.”
It added that actions taken by the company put the business “in a good position to continue to react and operate while monitoring the situation.”
A request for comment from the company on the results has yet to receive a response.
