The Haulage & Logistics Buyers Magazine Truck andTrack AUTUMN 2026 www.u-p-n.co.uk 0844 833 0300 The fastest growing palletised freight network in the UK A first class service backed up by our market leading IT systems Un orga First class travel... ...is about movingfaster than your competit The cheetah accelerates from 0 to 60mph in Fastest growing UK palletised Focussed on service, quality an Local service with a national an The industries most advanced Widest range of pallet sizes To find out more about what UPN ca First class travel for palleti The Haulage & Logistics Buyers Magazine CLEANS AND LUBRICATES WHILE YOU DRIVE. VBG MECHMATIC
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www.truckandtrack.com Autumn 2026 Truck and Track 3 FOREWORD by Barbara Ryan, Publishing Director, Truck and Track Welcome to the Autumn Edition of Truck and Track. Well, the show season is nearly over with only RTX Scotland (18th-19th November) remaining. Dates for the 2027 season are shown within this Autumn edition and should be included in your next year’s diary. Looking back on the Multimodal 2026 show the Truck and Track stand was once again a very busy meeting hub for our advertising partners, readers, logistics professionals and suppliers. We were able to showcase our advertisers’ products and services to a wide and diverse market. The stand was also a good point of contact to meet and discuss and collect information etc. This demonstrates that Truck and Track magazine holds a special position in the logistics and commercial vehicle sector and goes way beyond the printed word. Multimodal 2026 also coincided with the 25th anniversary year for UPN. We were honoured with a visit from David Brown (MD) also other key UPN personnel and members of the UPN network to celebrate this special event. 2026 also marks the 150th anniversary of the Allports Group and a feature article covering the history including the wide range of services offered makes for a very interesting read. The Autumn edition of Truck and Track features a wide range of engaging articles, some of which we hope will prompt reflection and possibly guiding you to solutions during these challenging times. Barbara Ryan CONTENTS Page 4 BUSINESS NEWS 20 WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT 22 RTX SCOTLAND 2026 27 DESCARTES 30 PALLET NETWORKS 38 TRAILERS 44 FUEL MANAGEMENT 48 SAFETY & SECURITY 52 INTERMODAL TRANSPORT SOFTWARE 53 MULTIMODAL 2026 REVIEW 57 PORTS 59 RAILFREIGHT 62 DANGEROUS GOODS 68 COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SHOW 2027 Truck and Track The Haulage & Logistics Buyers Magazine Truck and Track The Haulage & Logistics Buyers Magazine To advertise, contact Barbara Ryan, Publishing Director, Truck & Track Multi Media Limited, via email barbara.ryan@truckandtrack.com 07894 702002 Editor: Colin Barge Designed and published by Truck & Track Multi Media Limited Creative Director: Marc Pittaway DISCLAIMER Every care has been taken during the production of this magazine with compiling advertisements, editorial and advertorial. However, Truck & Track Multi Media Limited cannot accept responsibility for material supplied by third parties and excludes all liability either relating to any products and services promoted in this publication or arising from any error, omission or inaccuracy. Nor is Truck & Track Multi Media Limited responsible for the content of external websites. Finally, the views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily the views of its Publishers. Copyright © Truck & Track Multi Media Limited. All rights reserved. TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TOALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk VIEW TRUCK AND TRACK ONLINE
Truck and Track Autumn 2026 www.truckandtrack.com 4 BUSINESS NEWS Multimodal 2026 once again confirmed its position as the UK’s premier logistics, transport and supply chain exhibition, bringing together the people, businesses and innovations that continue to shape the future of the industry. Held at the NEC Birmingham as the centrepiece of the inaugural UK Logistics Week, the event attracted almost 15,000 visitors, more than 300 exhibitors and over 115 conference sessions, creating an exceptional platform for networking, collaboration and commercial opportunity. For Truck and Track Magazine, this year’s exhibition proved to be one of the most successful in the publication’s history. More than simply exhibiting, the magazine created a vibrant Building Connections. Driving Business. Truck and Track Magazine Celebrates a Hugely Successful Multimodal 2026 TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TOALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk
www.truckandtrack.com Autumn 2026 Truck and Track 5 BUSINESS NEWS industry hub where advertisers, readers, logistics professionals and suppliers came together to exchange ideas, celebrate achievements and explore new business opportunities. The Truck and Track stand perfectly demonstrated the publication’s unique position within the commercial vehicle and logistics sectors. It reflected the strength of the magazine’s advertising portfolio while reinforcing the value of long-term partnerships that extend far beyond the printed page. One of the defining features of the stand was the quality and diversity of the businesses represented. Together they illustrated every aspect of the modern logistics industry, from vehicle sales and maintenance to digital technology, fleet compliance, warehouse operations, security, distribution networks and supply chain software. Among the organisations proudly represented were Tennants Distribution, an independent chemical distributor supplying industrial, speciality and environmental chemicals supported by nationwide storage, logistics and technical expertise (www. tennantsdistribution.com); Allports Group, providing truck, van and trailer sales, rental, servicing, repairs and comprehensive fleet management solutions (www.allportsgroup.co.uk); and TruckEast, one of the UK’s leading Scania dealer groups delivering commercial vehicles, servicing, repairs, genuine parts and fleet support (www.truckeast.co.uk). The stand also showcased the expertise of Totalkare, manufacturers of heavy-duty vehicle lifting, testing and workshop equipment (www.totalkare.co.uk); RAM Mounts UK, renowned worldwide for rugged mounting systems for mobile devices, telematics and in-vehicle technology (www. rammounts.co.uk); and Wilcomatic, specialists in commercial vehicle wash systems, water recycling technology and fleet cleaning solutions (www.wilcomatic.co.uk). Technology and digital transformation were equally well represented through Descartes, a global provider of logistics, routing, customs compliance and supply chain software that continues to drive operational efficiency across the transport sector (www.descartes.com). Fleet safety and compliance specialists Vision UK demonstrated advanced AI-enabled camera technology, telematics and vehicle safety systems (www.vision-uk.com), while VBG Group highlighted its engineering excellence in towing, coupling and vehicle safety systems for commercial vehicles (www.vbg.eu). Security and asset protection formed another important part of the exhibition story, with Unisto showcasing its internationally respected tamper-evident security seals and identification solutions for transport, logistics and industrial applications (www.unisto.com). The wider industry calendar was also represented by Road Transport Expo (RTX), the UK’s flagship exhibition for commercial vehicles, transport technologies and fleet innovation, further demonstrating the close links that exist across the sector (www.roadtransportexpo.co.uk). Together these organisations transformed the Truck and Track exhibition space into far more than a media stand. It became a destination where conversations evolved into opportunities, partnerships strengthened and visitors could experience firsthand the innovation that continues to redefine the logistics industry. TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TOALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk
Truck and Track Autumn 2026 www.truckandtrack.com 6 BUSINESS NEWS TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TOALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk Celebrating 25 Years of United Pallet Network At the heart of the stand was one particularly significant celebration. United Pallet Network (UPN) (www.upn.co.uk) marked its 25th anniversary during Multimodal 2026, providing a fitting opportunity to recognise one of the UK’s most successful palletised freight distribution networks. For a quarter of a century UPN has connected independent hauliers across the United Kingdom, delivering nationwide pallet distribution supported by sophisticated tracking technology, exceptional customer service and a collaborative business model that continues to evolve with changing market demands. The anniversary created a genuine focal point throughout the exhibition, with members, customers, suppliers and industry colleagues joining together to celebrate an outstanding milestone in the network’s history. The UPN team enjoyed a hugely successful exhibition, using the event to strengthen relationships with existing members while introducing the network to new businesses looking for reliable, efficient and innovative pallet distribution solutions. Reflecting on the event, UPN commented: “What a fantastic few days at Multimodal Exhibition 2026 at the NEC Birmingham. It was a pleasure to attend alongside Truck and Track Magazine, catching up with our valued members, meeting new faces from across the logistics industry, and strengthening the relationships that continue to drive our network forward. Events like Multimodal provide a great opportunity to share ideas, discuss the future of palletised freight, and showcase the innovation and collaboration that make the UPN network what it is. As we celebrate 25 years of UPN, we’d like to thank everyone who took the time to visit, chat with our team and be part of another successful event. Here’s to building stronger connections, creating new opportunities and continuing to deliver more together.”
www.truckandtrack.com Autumn 2026 Truck and Track 7 BUSINESS NEWS The partnership between Truck and Track Magazine and UPN proved to be one of the highlights of the exhibition, attracting a continuous flow of visitors throughout the three-day event and demonstrating the value of combining trusted industry media with one of the UK’s most respected freight distribution networks. People Who Made the Difference The success of the stand was underpinned by the enthusiasm and professionalism of everyone involved. Truck and Track was delighted to receive the support of Sue Keenan, PA to the UPN Directors; Ryan Brown from Olcan Digital Marketing; Jo Davina, UPN Finance Analyst; Gwyn Samuel, Area Sales Manager at Unisto; Kirsty Stewart, Sales Coordinator at Unisto; and Dawn Smith from RAM Mounts UK Ltd. The stand was also honoured to welcome David Brown, Managing Director of United Pallet Network, together with Regional Directors Andrew Knowles and Craig Perkins, whose presence reflected the importance of the occasion and the continued strength of UPN’s leadership. Their collective contribution helped create a welcoming, energetic and highly professional environment that perfectly reflected the collaborative spirit of the logistics industry. A Showcase of Industry Leadership The exhibition demonstrated how rapidly the sector continues to evolve. Sustainability, resilience, automation, artificial intelligence, digitalisation and operational efficiency dominated conversations across the exhibition halls, while the conference programme provided valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing the industry over the coming years. For Truck and Track Magazine, these discussions generated valuable editorial intelligence that will shape future features covering transport technology, fleet management, supply chain resilience, compliance, recruitment and infrastructure investment. A Landmark Success for Truck and Track The exhibition also reinforced the continuing importance of trusted business-to-business publishing. Face-to-face meetings enabled the Truck and Track team to strengthen existing advertiser relationships, welcome new commercial partners, distribute thousands of copies of the magazine and significantly expand its digital audience through new newsletter subscriptions. The collaborative exhibition model, bringing advertisers directly onto the stand, proved particularly successful. Rather than operating as a traditional media presence, Truck and Track created a busy networking destination where suppliers, operators, manufacturers and logistics professionals could engage in meaningful conversations that delivered genuine commercial value. The event also demonstrated the enduring influence of quality print media within an increasingly digital marketplace. While digital communication continues to evolve, visitors repeatedly recognised the value of a respected publication that delivers authoritative industry journalism, trusted advertising and practical business information directly into the hands of decision-makers. Looking Ahead Multimodal 2026 showcased an industry embracing innovation while remaining firmly rooted in the relationships, partnerships and expertise that have always driven British logistics. For Truck and Track Magazine, the event reinforced its role as both a leading industry publication and a trusted commercial partner connecting businesses across every area of the transport and supply chain sectors. Publishing Director Barbara Ryan summed up the success of the exhibition: “Multimodal 2026 exceeded every expectation for Truck and Track Magazine. The quality of visitors, the strength of our advertiser partnerships and the level of meaningful business conversations throughout the three days clearly demonstrated why this event continues to be the benchmark for the UK logistics industry. We were incredibly proud to showcase so many outstanding businesses that regularly support the magazine and equally proud to celebrate United Pallet Network’s 25th anniversary alongside its exceptional team. Their continued success is a wonderful example of what can be achieved through collaboration, innovation and long-term commitment to customers. We would like to thank every advertiser, visitor, partner and member of the industry who helped make our stand such a tremendous success, and we look forward to building on these relationships as we continue supporting the transport and logistics sector throughout the year.” As the exhibition closed its doors on another record-breaking year, one thing remained certain. The businesses that filled the Truck and Track stand are not simply participating in the future of logistics—they are helping to define it. Together, they demonstrated why collaboration, innovation and trusted partnerships remain the driving forces behind one of the UK’s most dynamic industries. TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TOALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk
Truck and Track Autumn 2026 www.truckandtrack.com 8 BUSINESS NEWS From humble beginnings The story began in 1876 in Sutton Coldfield with a young man named William Allport, who saw an opportunity in transporting passengers and goods to and from the rail station in Sutton Coldfield. Paul Sanders shares the first steps towards Allports Group in an extract he presented during a school project when just a boy, an extract written by his grandfather William Allport recording family history that had been passed down through generations. Early Foundations What started as a small business based in Sutton Coldfield to support transport soon gained a reputation for reliability and customer service. By the 1930’s commercial vehicles were becoming more and more popular modes of transport enabling the company to expand steadily until World War II in 1939. In those early days, the company operated in a very different world, after the post war economic expansion the demand for This year marks a remarkable milestone for Allports Group as we celebrate 150 years. Reaching a century and a half in business is a rare achievement and a testament to the resilience, innovation, and dedication that have defined the company since our founding.
www.truckandtrack.com Autumn 2026 Truck and Track 9 BUSINESS NEWS goods and transport increased. Allports developed a large fleet of Commercial Vehicles and in the 70’s predominantly working in Container & Groupage Transport. This took a larger share of freight away from rail and with this came the expansion of Allports Group. With the introduction of the Transport Act 1968 bringing changing vehicle regulations and the motorway expansions of the M1 and M6, companies across the sector had to adapt quickly, investing in more efficient vehicles and improving fleet practices. The Allports family-built foundations for a business that would continue to grow and adapt for generations to come. The People Behind the Success At the heart of our success are the people who have contributed to the business over the last 150 years. Generations of employees have brought skill, dedication, and pride to their work, helping to maintain the high standards that customers have come to expect. Many staff members have spent long careers with the business, passing on knowledge and expertise to the next generation. Reaching 150 years is an incredible achievement, and it Growing Through the Generations Over the decades, Allports Group has evolved alongside the industries and communities it serves. Each generation playing a role in shaping the business and building on its achievements. Important milestones along the journey include: 1983 Mark & Paul Sanders started to lead Allports Group on to its development for the next 40 years. 1986 Restructure of the transport business to a Groupage Transport Operator under the name of Weaver Transport. 1997 Weaver Transport developed to Weaver Pallet Express a National Pallet Network with 80 members across the UK. 2003 The Transport Business Weaver Pallet Express was sold to UK Mail. 2003 Allports Rental is established to offer Commercial Vehicle & Trailer Rental. 2006 Deker Trailers is added to the portfolio and Allports becomes an Authorised Renault Trucks Distributor. 2008 Stoke site acquired to add to the West Midlands footprint. 2015 Loader Range launched with LCV focus. 2017 Minworth VMU added to the footprint. 2020 Isuzu Trucks operations commenced with Isuzu Central. 2020-2022 Additional land acquired and developed at Fradley Park to support expansion. 2023-2024 expanded workshop opened along with DVSA approved MOT lane operation. 2026 – 150 years of trading! Through periods of economic change, technological advancement, and shifting markets, we have continued to adapt while staying true to our core values.
Truck and Track Autumn 2026 www.truckandtrack.com 10 BUSINESS NEWS reflects the commitment of everyone who has been part of the company’s journey. We are proud of our history and grateful to the people who have helped build it. Supporting Customers and Communities Throughout our history we have built lasting relationships with customers, suppliers, and the local community. These partnerships have been essential to the company’s success. From serving local customers in its earliest days, we have always focused on delivering reliability, quality, and trust. Community involvement has also been an important part of the business, with support for local charities and our investment into our HGV Technician Apprenticeship programmes, which has been hugely successful over the past four years. Adapting for the Future While Allports’ history is something to celebrate, we continue to look forward. The business has embraced new technologies, modern practices, and innovative ideas to ensure we remain competitive and relevant in a rapidly changing world. Recent developments such as new facilities, sustainability initiatives, digital transformation and new systems demonstrate our commitment to evolving while maintaining the principles that have guided us for 150 years. Looking Ahead As Allports celebrates this extraordinary anniversary, it is also an opportunity to look ahead to the future. With a strong foundation built over the past century and a half, we remain focused on continuing our legacy of quality, innovation, and service for many years to come. Celebrating 150 years of trading is not only a reflection of the past, but also a promise for the future – that the same dedication and values that built the company will continue to guide it into the next chapter of its journey. www.allportsgroup.co.uk
www.truckandtrack.com Autumn 2026 Truck and Track 11 BUSINESS NEWS TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TOALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk When I signed up for the Transaid Kilimanjaro to Coast (K2C) Challenge, I knew it would be physically demanding. What I didn’t fully appreciate was just how inspiring, humbling and unforgettable the experience would be. Over five days, our group cycled 454 kilometres from the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro to the shores of the Indian Ocean, raising funds for a charity that is transforming lives across sub-Saharan Africa. The challenge is not a race. There are no prizes for crossing the finish line first. Instead, participants are encouraged to take in the scenery and engage with communities along the route. That approach is what made the experience so rewarding. Every day offered something new to see, helping to distract from the effort required to keep turning the pedals. Our adventure began in Moshi, beneath the imposing presence of Mount Kilimanjaro. On day one we covered 85 kilometres, including 74 kilometres of demanding dirt tracks. At times it felt like cycling through quicksand, with the loose surface draining energy from our legs. The effort was rewarded with spectacular views of Africa’s highest mountain, sugar cane plantations and remote villages where residents greeted us with smiles and enthusiastic waves. Day two took us from Lake Jipe to Same. Heavy overnight rain turned challenging dirt roads into muddy tracks, making progress even more difficult. Cycling through mango groves and rural communities provided a glimpse of Tanzania away from the usual tourist trail. By the time we reached our destination, we had certainly earned our evening meal and a cold beer. The third day proved to be the toughest. Covering 125 kilometres, we tackled more rough terrain before facing a relentless headwind on the final stretch of tarmac. Every kilometre felt hard won, but the camaraderie within the group never faded. Riders continually encouraged and supported one another through the toughest moments. Thankfully, day four brought more favourable conditions. The route from Mombo to Muheza covered 100 kilometres through lush valleys framed by dramatic mountain scenery. Cooler temperatures and lighter winds made for a more enjoyable ride. The final day took us from Muheza to Pangani. After 50 kilometres of off-road cycling, we finally reached the Indian Ocean. Along the way there had been falls, injuries, aches, pains and even a few tears, but the overwhelming feeling at the finish was one of pride and accomplishment. Tanzania left a lasting impression on everyone involved. Throughout the challenge we were greeted by countless cries of “Jambo” from local people, which means hello in Swahili. Many communities live with very limited resources, yet their warmth, positivity and generosity never wavered. I was struck by their resilience and ability to make the most of what they have. It was a powerful reminder of what really matters and an experience that humbled us all. One of the most rewarding aspects of the trip was learning more about the impact of Transaid’s work. For more than 25 years, the charity has improved access to healthcare, road safety and transport services across sub-Saharan Africa. On our final day, we visited a Transaid project in Tanga that provides eye testing and corrective lenses for long-distance truck drivers. Seeing first-hand how relatively simple interventions can improve both road safety and livelihoods brought home the importance of the funds being raised. Collectively, the challenge has raised an incredible £200,000 for Transaid’s life-changing programmes. Having spent more than 24 hours in the saddle and climbed over 2,500 metres, every rider can be immensely proud of their achievement. More importantly, we can be proud of the difference those funds will make to communities across Africa. Without doubt, the K2C Challenge was one of the best experiences I have ever had. It tested us physically, inspired us personally and demonstrated the extraordinary impact that transport can have on people’s lives. I’m immensely proud of what we achieved together, and above all, the challenge reminded me what can be achieved when determined people come together for a truly worthwhile cause. Get involved in next year’s challenge Next year’s Transaid cycling challenge will take place from 17-22 May and will see participants cycle 335km over four days from Jesolo Beach in Italy to the shores of Lake Bohinj in Slovenia. To sign up for the event or for more information, please visit www.transaid.org/get-involved/italy-to-slovenia-2027. Kilimanjaro to Coast: My Tanzanian Adventure for Transaid
Truck and Track Autumn 2026 www.truckandtrack.com 12 BUSINESS NEWS Type Approval or Directive 2007/46EC was the beginning of a new era for the body building industry. For many bodybuilders it heralded an end of business. The very thought of the additional costs and increased bureaucracy were just too much to bear. Often operating on small profit margins, or in some cases, where the proprietor was close to retirement age formulated a decision to finally “shut up shop”. Those that wanted to grow their business embraced the concept and put the necessary resources in place to remain both competitive and prosperous. What it is Type Approval Broadly speaking the purpose of Type Approval can be summed up as follows: Type Approval is used to verify that a product conforms to established technical, safety and regulatory requirements. The process gives an assurance that the product is safe, fit for purpose and in the case of commercial vehicles (including trailers) will help to reduce the risk of accidents. The complete vehicle with bodywork and other additional equipment must comply with UK road vehicle standards and performance criteria before it can be registered and put into operation. Prior to the introduction of Type Approval, we saw many poorly manufactured items which although at that time were not illegal but clearly had never even been tested! Designing, testing and getting a product into production is a lengthy and expensive procedure. There are no short cuts and the whole process is very necessary if the final product that eventually evolves will be safe, conforms to legislation and is durable. When the UK joined the EU in 1973, we aligned with the EU’s Type Approval regulations and on leaving in 2020 we still broadly continue to use the current EU Type Approval rules. However, as far as the UK is concerned the function comes fully under the control of the VCA (Vehicle Certification Agency). All round protection Side Guards or lateral protection systems and Rear Underrun Protection are important elements of Type Approval. Commercial Body Fittings (CBF) is one of the UK’s largest suppliers of sideguards. Their series ASGK 990 system comprises of component parts designed to meet all bodywork and trucks dimensional criteria. There are four different length hinged side support legs available allowing for convenient mounting positions and ease of access to chassis mounted equipment. Single or double horizontal guide rails can be fitted to the support legs depending on the configuration and application. To finish off the installation the appropriate length pedestrian end rail kit is required. All of the side support legs and the side rails are marked with the “E” approval marking (E 11 73R-011005). The “E” number indicates that the whole kit has been tested and approved by the VCA and complies with the requirements of “Whole Vehicle Type Approval” (UNECE regulation 73). Type Approval
www.truckandtrack.com Autumn 2026 Truck and Track 13 BUSINESS NEWS Rear Under-Run Protection (RUP) etc Moving on to Rear Under-run protection (RUP) where VBG is recognised as the leading supplier in the UK. VBG have taken the “systems” approach to their kits to achieve compatibility and meet Type Approval requirements. Problems can arise if mismatched parts are purchased from various manufacturers and are possibly modified to suit a particular application! There then becomes is a risk that any changes may possibly infringe an Approval! Getting it right If we take the following as an example. A typical drawbar rear- end application using the VBG “systems” approach. A complete installation can be covered with only three approval certificates: one, covering the coupling: two the draw beam (towing crossmember) with side mounting plates; and three, the rear under -run device. This simplification is achieved by listing all the variations on the one single Approval Certificate. The drawbeam certificate covers the beam length variants and the available side mounting plates and brackets, some of which are also shared with the RUP system. Finally, the RUP Approval Certificate includes its own mounting system brackets. The RUP may simply be a fixed type or perhaps a sliding or swing-up version, including the numerous assortments of brackets and attachments which, are mentioned above, are listed and shared with the drawbeam and its Approval Certificate. Regarding RUP’s the strength requirements and positioning changed in 2021 when UNECE R58-03 was introduced. This change of legislation was made to further protect smaller vehicles (cars and motorcycles) and even people from getting trapped under the rear of a vehicle. The mounting position of the RUP was altered as were the forces used under testing conditions. The old system used an applied force of 10 tonnes, but the new R58-03 requirements were almost doubled to 18 tonnes. No doubt Type Approval will evolve over time to meet future legislation requirements. One thing is sure it has changed the industry and made it safer place for everyone. www.cbf.uk.com www.vbg.eu Descartes Systems Group, the global leader in uniting logisticsintensive businesses in commerce, announced that ArrowXL by JP Home, the U.K.’s largest and longest-established twoperson home delivery and warehousing specialist, has reduced its fleet mileage by approximately 13% using the route planning and execution capabilities within Descartes’ fleet performance management solution suite. By improving productivity and execution during planning and delivery, Descartes has helped ArrowXL by JP Home reduce operating costs and emissions while increasing delivery success rates, revenue per route and vehicle lifespan. “Our customer-centric team of experts has over 40 years of experience and has completed millions of deliveries for some of the UK’s leading retailers, e-tailers, and manufacturers,” said Rachel Hopkins, Chief Information Officer, ArrowXL. “Our big and bulky deliveries to businesses and shoppers, such as white goods, fridge freezers, washing machines and cookers, create complex distribution requirements. We outgrew our previous planning technology as the outputs it provided no longer gave us logical, valuable delivery insights to support growth. Descartes changed this. The solution now plans 95% of our team’s delivery routes overnight and, by decreasing our dependence on manual processes, we’ve reduced mileage by 13%. More effective planning has also reduced early route terminations from 5% to 1%, which improves deliveries on the first attempt. We’ve also achieved a 4% decrease in deliveries outside of customers’ preferred time windows.” Descartes’ AI-powered, fleet performance management solution suite helps distribution-intensive companies improve operational efficiency and customer experience. It supports dynamic delivery requirements, including same-day delivery. The Descartes solution improves route productivity by using advanced optimization technology to reduce the distance driven per delivery, which maximizes delivery capacity and reduces costs. ArrowXL’s team has also benefited from Descartes’ user-friendly interface, which makes using the solution straightforward for its planners and delivery teams. Further, it is enhancing ArrowXL’s proof of delivery and appointment tracking as part of the wider project. “ArrowXL is providing customers with a higher standard of delivery, lowering delivery costs, and enhancing productivity and sustainability while continuing to grow. We’re pleased our technology is part of this success story,” said James Wee, General Manager, Fleet Performance Management at Descartes. “As delivery operations expand, manual planning processes and disconnected tools quickly become limitations. We have a long history of helping customers manage greater delivery volumes with the same resources while improving service levels and operational consistency across their distribution network.” Learn more about Descartes at www.descartes.com ArrowXL Reduces Fleet Mileage in Home Delivery Operations by 13% with Descartes
Truck and Track Autumn 2026 www.truckandtrack.com 14 BUSINESS NEWS Scottish transport and logistics company, John G Russell (Transport) Ltd, will become one of the first operators to put hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEV) into its daily operations on UK roads, in collaboration with Scania. This announcement comes as the Glasgow-based firm officially took ownership of three prototype FCEV vehicles at Scania’s flagship service branch in Scotland – Eurocentral. The occasion marks an important milestone in the UK’s HGV decarbonisation journey, as these three Scania trucks will become the first fuel cell trucks to go into full real-world operational testing on the UK roads. The vehicles form part of The ZENFreight project, which is part of the Zero Emission HGVs & Infrastructure Demonstrator programme (ZEHID), funded by the Department for Transport and delivered in partnership by Innovate UK. A UK First: John G Russell and Scania to thoroughly test the viability of FCEV in day-to-day operations
www.truckandtrack.com Autumn 2026 Truck and Track 15 BUSINESS NEWS The RHA (Road Haulage Association) has today (Wednesday 15 July) launched its Wellbeing Charter, a new framework designed to put the health and wellbeing of the UK’s transport and logistics workforce at the heart of the industry’s agenda. The Charter was unveiled at a launch event in London bringing together operators, stakeholders, policymakers and MPs, giving the sector a platform to discuss the challenges facing its workforce and to commit to practical, shared action on wellbeing. Built around six pillars: Learning and Development, Mental Wellbeing, Leadership and Resilience, Connecting with Others, Exercise and Physical Health, and Food and Nutrition – the Charter gives operators a clear structure for supporting their people, from mental health partnerships to discounted gym access and peer support networks. It aims to deliver a million moments of improvement over the next ten years. Businesses signing up to the Charter will be encouraged to select actions across the six pillars, make public wellbeing pledges, and work towards formal Charter accreditation. Signatories will be able to access supporting resources through a dedicated RHA webpage and display their commitment with an RHA Wellbeing Charter plaque. Richard Smith, RHA Managing Director, said: “Wellbeing has to be part of how we future-proof this industry, alongside the environmental and technological changes already underway. The RHA Wellbeing Charter puts us at the front of that conversation, working with members, policymakers and partners to make real, measurable improvements to people’s lives. This launch is just the beginning of that work. And I’d encourage businesses in our sector to get involved.” RHA launches Wellbeing Charter to drive lasting change across road transport industry TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TOALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk New RHA report finds decarbonising HGVs, coaches and vans is a workforce challenge as much as a technology one The RHA has published Driving the Transition: Preparing the road transport workforce for Net Zero, a new report setting out the skills HGV, coach and van operators will need if decarbonisation is to be practical, achievable and commercially viable. Based on in-depth interviews with operators, manufacturers and sector bodies, the report finds that the transition to zero and low-emission vehicles is a workforce transformation and not simply a vehicle or technology transition. There are just over 1,100 electric HGVs on UK roads out of a total fleet of 495,000. Closing that gap depends on people as much as it does on vehicles, chargers and grid connections. Drivers will need to understand charging procedures, range optimisation and energy-efficient driving. Technicians will have to maintain diesel, battery-electric and potentially hydrogen vehicles side by side. Transport managers and depot managers will increasingly manage energy as well as fleets The transition will not look the same across every part of road transport. A coach operator running home-to-school services faces different challenges from a long-haul haulier, and the skills needed to run an electric urban van fleet are not those needed for long-distance work. Training provision must reflect real world operational realities rather than assume one solution works everywhere. Smaller businesses face the steepest barriers. More than nine in ten freight operators employ 10 people or fewer, and two thirds of coach operators run 15 vehicles or fewer. The report also finds the skills system is not responding quickly enough. Apprenticeship standards can take years to update, leaving new technology running ahead of the training available to support it. Road freight and logistics is not one of the Industrial Strategy’s priority sectors, which weakens its position in local skills plans. RHA Managing Director, Richard Smith, said: “Decarbonisation will not be delivered by fixed targets or technology alone. It will be delivered by people. “Drivers, technicians, engineers, transport managers, planners and business leaders will all need new knowledge and skills. Green skills and digital skills are increasingly part of the same conversation. “This transition has to be developed with our industry, and it has to work whether you run one van, a coach fleet or hundreds of lorries. “Vehicles. Infrastructure. Energy. Investment. Regulation. Skills. People. Every part is connected, and progress in one without progress in the others will not deliver the transition we need.” The RHA is calling for: ■ a coordinated UK-wide approach so skills and qualifications transfer across devolved and regional boundaries a regularly reviewed training pathway for road transport decarbonisation, led by DESNZ with each devolved nation’s skills body and industry representation ■ a public portfolio of high-quality training resources covering zero-emission vehicles, energy systems, digital capability and artificial intelligence ■ more flexible apprenticeship funding, including wider access to short apprenticeship units for upskilling the existing workforce ■ flexible and short, modular courses ■ a mechanism for rapid course development and funding in response to emerging technologies ■ long-term, cross-party policy certainty so employers and training providers can invest with confidence. Decarbonisation will be delivered by people, not technology and targets alone – new report
Truck and Track Autumn 2026 www.truckandtrack.com 16 BUSINESS NEWS Logistics operators continue to face financial challenges since the Middle East conflict began, with analysis from business group Logistics UK showing the price of diesel at the pumps in May was 30% higher than it was in February, while the cost of filling a large HGV rose to around £1,000 a tank. While prices have since fallen, fuel price volatility remains high according to Logistics UK. To help its members manage the challenges of future price fluctuation, the group is partnering with Portland, a leading fuel hedging and risk management provider to give Logistics UK members access to Portland’s financial fuel hedging expertise to fix the price they pay for fuel. The partnership was launched today (9 July) at Logistics UK’s Finance Forum, held at Hallam Conference Centre in London. “The Middle East conflict is a stark reminder that it is impossible to predict the future, which makes budgetary planning for logistics businesses particularly challenging,” says Logistics UK Director of Partnerships & Digital Services Jemma James. “The new alliance with Portland will help our members protect their margins, operations and levels of service by fixing the price they pay for fuel. “During the conflict, the cost of filling an HGV rose to almost £1,000 a tank. Such a sharp increase in the cost base would be difficult for any business to absorb, let alone those that operate on margins in the range of 2% - 3%, as many logistics operators do. Disruption to the fuel supply chain is expected to persist even once shipping resumes through the Straits of Hormuz, so fixing fuel prices provides businesses with budgetary certainty that helps shield them from the impact of global fuel price volatility.” The new Fuel Hedging Service will enable Logistics UK members to secure a guaranteed fixed fuel price, and is designed to provide greater stability and predictability while helping to protect businesses from market fluctuations without requiring a fuel supplier change. Mike Johnson, Group Marketing Director at Portland, added, “We are delighted to continue our long-standing relationship with Logistics UK and to expand it through this exciting new partnership. The freight and logistics sector continues to face significant challenges caused by fuel price volatility, making effective fuel risk management more important than ever. “By making our fixed pricing products available to Logistics UK members through the Fuel Hedging Service, we look forward to helping more businesses manage their exposure to fluctuating fuel prices, improve cost and margin certainty, and gain greater confidence when setting budgets.” Logistics UK partners with Portland to tackle fuel price volatility Jemma James - Director of Partnerships & Digital Services Daniel Broda has been crowned Official British Crane Truck Operator for the second consecutive year after emerging victorious at the 2026 British Crane Truck Operator Challenge, hosted by Mac’s Truck Group at its headquarters in Huddersfield. Bringing together crane truck operators from across the country, the annual competition tested precision, control, accuracy and composure through a series of specially designed crane challenges using FASSI equipment. Alex McDade, Sales Director at Mac’s Truck Sales, says: “Congratulations to Daniel on an outstanding performance and for successfully defending his title. The standard of competition throughout the day was incredibly high, which reflects the skill required of crane operators daily. “One of the reasons we established the British Crane Truck Operator Challenge was to shine a spotlight on a highly skilled profession that often goes unrecognised outside the industry. Events like this give operators the opportunity to showcase their abilities, exchange knowledge with their peers and celebrate the expertise that underpins so many vital sectors. We are already looking forward to next year.” Building on the success of the inaugural event in 2025, this year’s challenge featured a refreshed programme of tasks developed to reflect the real-world skills required by crane truck operators working across the construction, utilities, infrastructure and logistics sectors. Daniel Broda, Operations Director at PPC Group, once again demonstrated exceptional skill throughout the day, successfully defending his title to secure first place and the £1,500 prize. The competition remained fierce throughout, highlighting the impressive level of professionalism and technical expertise in attendance. Second place went to Sam, known as The HIAB Princess on social media, from Brookdale Transport, and Nathaniel O’Riordan from FLX Logistics took third. As a FASSI Gold Installer and Dealer, Mac’s Truck Group designed the challenge programme to demonstrate the capabilities of modern loader cranes, while placing operators in realistic scenarios that required careful control, accuracy and efficiency. The British Crane Truck Operator Challenge forms part of Mac’s ongoing commitment to supporting specialist vehicle operators and promoting excellence across the crane truck sector. Mac’s Truck Group announces winner of 2026 Official British Crane Truck Operator TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TOALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk
www.truckandtrack.com Autumn 2026 Truck and Track 17 BUSINESS NEWS Totalkare, one of the UK’s leading providers of heavy-duty vehicle lifting, testing and maintenance equipment, has announced that it has been acquired by Levanta Group, the leading workshop solutions business across Australia and New Zealand. The acquisition marks an important milestone in Totalkare’s growth and development, providing the business with access to international expertise, additional investment and expanded capabilities while maintaining its longstanding commitment to customers throughout the UK. Levanta Group is a family-owned organisation with decades of experience in the workshop equipment industry and a strong reputation for delivering innovative solutions and customer support across its markets. The UK business will be led by directors Ralph Green, Karl Sharples and Lester Sharples. The move brings together two businesses with shared values, extensive industry knowledge and a commitment to helping commercial vehicle workshops operate safely, efficiently and productively. “The acquisition by Levanta Group represents an exciting new chapter for Totalkare,” said [Ralph Green, Director]. “The acquisition allows us to build on the trusted relationships and technical expertise that have made Totalkare a market leader in the UK, whilst preserving the jobs of those who have built the business to what it is. At the same time, we benefit from the scale, experience and investment of a successful international workshop solutions business like Levanta.” For customers, the company emphasises that operations will continue as normal. Levanta Group will trade in the UK as Totalkare, with all existing and future orders, quotations and customer enquiries continuing to be handled by the Totalkare team. Customers will continue to receive the same levels of service and support they have come to expect from the business. The company also confirmed that its commitment to the UK market remains unchanged. “Levanta Group are focused on strengthening Totalkare’s unique aftersales support and customer service,” added Green. “By combining Totalkare’s established presence and expertise with Levanta Group’s resources and international experience, we are well positioned to deliver even greater value to workshops across the country.” Further information regarding customer contacts and company details have been communicated directly to customers and partners. www.totalkare.co.uk Totalkare strengthens its future through acquisition by Levanta Group Leading UK workshop equipment provider strengthens its future through acquisition by Australia and New Zealand’s premier workshop solutions business ĂƐƚ ŶŐůŝĂ ’Ɛ ĐŽŵŵĞƌĐŝĂů WĂƌƚŶĞƌ ƌŝǀŝŶŐ LJŽƵƌ ĨůĞĞƚ ĨŽƌǁĂƌĚ ůů ŵĂŬĞƐ ƚƌƵĐŬ Θ ƚƌĂŝůĞƌ ŵĂŝŶƚĞŶĂŶĐĞ ƐŽůƵƚŝŽŶƐ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ DKd͕ ƚĂĐŚŽ͕ ƐĞƌǀŝĐŝŶŐ͕ ƌĞƉĂŝƌƐ͕ ƉĂƌƚƐ ĂŶĚ ŵƵĐŚ ŵŽƌĞ͘ 'Ğƚ ŝŶ ƚŽƵĐŚ &ŝŶĚ LJŽƵƌ ůŽĐĂů ďƌĂŶĐŚ ǁǁǁ͘ ƚƌƵĐŬĞĂƐƚ͘ ĐŽ͘ ƵŬ
Truck and Track Autumn 2026 www.truckandtrack.com 18 BUSINESS NEWS GRIDSERVE, the UK’s most-used EV charging network, and Voltloader, leading provider of electric haulage, have today announced a new charging partnership that will see GRIDSERVE’s growing Electric Freightway added to Voltloader’s existing national network of depot-based eHGV chargers. The agreement marks the next step in the development of Electric Freightway, moving from demonstrating the viability of electric freight and dedicated charging infrastructure towards supporting real-world commercial operations at scale. The Electric Freightway originally formed part of the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme, funded by the Department for Transport and delivered in partnership with Innovate UK. Led by GRIDSERVE, the programme brought together more than 30 industry partners, including Voltloader, to accelerate the adoption of electric HGVs and the development of the charging infrastructure required to support them. The objective was to work with commercial vehicle operators to demonstrate the role of public charging infrastructure in enabling zero-emission freight, supporting the decarbonisation of a sector which accounts for just under 20% of the UK’s transport CO2 emissions. During the programme, the UK’s first public eHGV charging hubs were designed and delivered, while real-world operational data gathered from participants revealed that a single electric HGV could cut approximately 1,000 tonnes of carbon emissions by 2034 compared with a diesel equivalent. Since then, GRIDSERVE has continued to develop the Electric Freightway network, with dedicated eHGV charging infrastructure now operating at locations including Extra Baldock, Moto Exeter and Moto Tamworth, alongside dedicated provision at the Markham Vale and Stevenage Electric Forecourts. Six further eHGV charging hubs will open by the first quarter of 2027 as GRIDSERVE continues to expand the network across key UK freight routes. As part of the new agreement, Voltloader will expand its charging network with GRIDSERVE’s custom-designed, ultra-rapid eHGV charging infrastructure. Positioned at strategically located sites, GRIDSERVE’S hubs will provide more diverse charging options for Voltloader’s nationwide customer base, allowing businesses to send freight further and more frequently with zero emissions. . The long-term commitment also provides Voltloader with preferential charging rates, while giving GRIDSERVE further insight into how public eHGV charging can support the day-today requirements of commercial freight operators. Rebecca Trebble, Chief Customer Officer at GRIDSERVE, said: “Voltloader is a true pioneer of electric freight and continues to demonstrate what is possible through meaningful, real-world deployment. We’re proud to support its ambition with ultrareliable, strategically located charging infrastructure, while gaining valuable insight into how public eHGV charging can support commercial freight operations. Together, we can help demonstrate that the infrastructure needed for the transition to electric haulage is already becoming a reality.” Dave Rose, Founder and CEO of Voltloader, added: “At Voltloader, we are building a national ecosystem of electric HGVs and depot charging infrastructure to help UK businesses accelerate progress towards low emissions road freight. For the transition to electrification to truly succeed, industries require access to dependable, strategically located charging infrastructure. “The GRIDSERVE Electric Freightway will support a broader range of our operations across the food and agriculture supply chain, helping us reduce charging downtime and increase operational efficiency for our national customer base while reducing emissions from the freight sector. This partnership is an important milestone in demonstrating how electric haulage can work at a national scale.” The partnership comes at a critical point for the UK’s freight and logistics sector. In 2025, zero-emission trucks accounted for just 1.4% of the overall HGV market, with 587 vehicles registered out of 40,504 total HGV registrations. While much more needs to be done from a policy, energy and infrastructure perspective, companies like Voltloader and GRIDSERVE are helping to build confidence in the transition to electrification and creating the right conditions for accelerated mainstream adoption of zeroemission freight. GRIDSERVE and Voltloader announce new eHGV charging partnership TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TOALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk
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