Profit leaps at ARR Craib as investment and cost-controls deliver

Growth in the oil services sector, investment in its Palletline business and improved vehicle utilisation helped Scottish haulier ARR Craib boost turnover and profit in the 12 months ending 31 March.

Turnover rose 8.9% to £38.9m, while pre-tax profit was 56% higher, climbing from £873,117 to £1.36m.

ARR Craib attributed the profit rise to a cost control programme, which incorporated driver training and a vehicle telematics and tracking system over the course of the year.

It also invested £3m in new vehicles, trailers and equipment meaning the average age of the ARR Craib fleet – which comprises around 250 vehicles and 500 trailers - is now just three-years-old.

MD Eddie Anderson, said: “The transport market over the past year has continued to be difficult and UK markets have been stagnant with few customers experiencing any growth.

"It is, therefore, extremely pleasing to have recorded such promising results in the face of such tough trading conditions.”

Anderson also singled out membership of Palletline, for which it has covered Aberdeen, Cumbernauld, East Kilbride and Motherwell since 2010, as a reason for growth.

“In addition to the increase in sales in the last financial year, ARR Craib also recorded a significant profit. This has come about as a result of the extensive project that we have rolled out to improve the efficiency of our vehicles and drivers rather than by imposing increased costs on our clients,” he added.