Plight of family-run Bedfordshire operator outlined in administrator report

News Transport, which was a member of The Pallet Network, had been operating since 1969 offering a range of road haulage and logistics solutions

These included same and next-day UK deliveries, full-load and international shipments, as well as warehouse storage services.

According to its administrator RMT, fuel prices, rising wage costs due to the driver shortage and higher vehicle maintenance and regulatory costs struck many businesses in the sector.

As a result, in the year ending 31 March 2025, News Transport generated a turnover in excess of £2m, but it still recorded a loss of around £70,000.

“The director had taken steps to reduce costs, including reviewing overheads and reducing employee numbers where possible,” RMT said in a report to creditors.

“While these measures delivered some savings, they were insufficient to counteract the ongoing profit margin pressure and cash flow difficulties.”

The family transport firm’s cash position deteriorated progressively, despite attempts to shore up the business by its own family members: “The company had become increasingly reliant on financial support from the family over a number of years,” RMT said.

“These cash injections had enabled the business to continue trading but were not sustainable in the long term.”

News Transport had a time to pay arrangement with HMRC for arrears of VAT and PAYE but it became apparent it would not be able to make the instalment due in December 2025, as well as its current VAT and PAYE liabilities.

It ceased trading on 21 November and entered administration the following week.

A sale of the company’s assets, including Volvo tractor units and an 18-tonne rigid curtainsider, took place via auctioneer Gordon Brothers on 15 January.

“The administrators and their agents shall continue to explore the possibility of the sale of the company’s business and any remaining assets,” RMT added.