Wrexham-based McCarthy Group has signed a three-year extension to its contract with Wipak UK, which has a manufacturing base in Welshpool where it makes packaging films for preserving and protecting food products. Wipak, which has 11 factories world-wide, is part of a large, family owned conglomerate called Wihuri that’s headquartered in Nastola, two hours north of the Finnish capital, Helsinki. The company opened the Wipak factory in Welshpool in 1996 and recently invested over £5 million in a new state of the art production line at the Buttington Cross Enterprise Park, which is expected...

New research has revealed that young women are in pole position when it comes to passing HGV tests, with female drivers aged 20-29- gaining the highest pass rates. Our analysis of Department for Transport (DfT) data shows that women in this age category gained the highest Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) practical pass rate in Britain every year between 2010 and 2022. While women make up only a small proportion of HGV drivers, 67.9 per cent of 20-29-year-olds successfully passed their practical test in 2021-2022, compared to 63 per cent of men in the same age category. The overall pass rate...

Family-run operator Edge Transport has welcomed a new Volvo FH 6×2 tractor unit wrapped in a special livery to celebrate the firm’s 90th anniversary. The business traces its roots back to Alfred Edge, who started as an owner operator in 1933 delivering goods across the local area and later to the British Army during the Second World War. Three generations later, the company now specialises in delivering palletised freight nationwide from its purpose-built 75,000 sq ft headquarters in Deeside, conveniently located next door to its local Volvo dealer. Jonathan Edge, Chief Executive Officer...

Croydon-based logistics firm ELB Partners has achieved FORS Gold for the ninth year in a row, following an in-depth audit of the firm’s 60-strong fleet of trucks and trailers. The family-run logistics specialist, which employs around 60 staff, is a member of the Pallet-Track network. It is the only London-based business to hold the award for nine years consecutively. Launched in 1970, the company, which also retained its Bronze and Silver accreditations, said it has invested “heavily” in camera technology to improve driver vision and protect vulnerable road users. Peter Eason, son...

Pallet-Track is starting the year with two major new appointments to help deliver its ambitious growth plans. The Wolverhampton-based pallet network has appointed Tom Feeney as chief operating and financial officer (COFO) and Lee Chambers as chief commercial officer (CCO) to lead its long-term growth strategy. The new appointments come as long-time commercial director, Carl Jones, who founded Pallet-Track alongside Nigel Parkes in 2002, prepares to exit the business. Caroline Green, chief executive at Pallet-Track, said: “We are developing a strong leadership team with the skills and...

HGV DRIVERS will benefit from better roadside facilities, backed by up to £100 million investment from industry and government, announced on 24 November 2022, revealed Vikki Woodfine, a partner at DWF, the global provider of integrated legal and business services. “This is welcome news. Whilst Brexit undoubtedly had an impact on driver numbers in the UK, the clear and strong feedback we continually get from hauliers is that driver conditions have been a significant cause of drivers leaving the industry,” she said. “Despite feedback that record numbers of new drivers are taking and passing...

A Hertfordshire logistics firm’s continual commitment to operational excellence has seen it secure the Gold standard Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) award for the sixth year in a row. Letchworth Garden City-based Aztek Logistics has confirmed the retention of the top accolade for safety and environmental best practice in the supply chain, as part of the annual root-and-branch compliance audit. Aztek, a member of the Pallet-Track network, has enjoyed a year of significant growth, with a new 20,000 sq. ft warehouse in Arlesey opening earlier this year and 11 new vehicles and six...

Pallet-Track has handed out a truck-load of trophies during its celebration of the nation’s leading logistics firms, the Pallet-Track Shareholder Gala, hosted by comedian Brian Conley. The TV favourite entertained guests at De Vere Cotswolds Water Park – an annual awards event that recognises Pallet-Track members. Gala Successes North Kent Distribution Ltd took home the coveted Members Depot of the Year Award, while Croydon-based ELB Partners Ltd were named Best Delivery Depot; both awards were voted for by Pallet-Track members. Hub Member of the Year and Best Rural Deliverer were...

A London-based logistics specialist has invested in training local talent to overcome the region’s HGV driver shortage. ELB Partners, which is based in Croydon, has teamed up with leading driving school, EP Training Services, to train a new generation of drivers and upskill its workforce. The partnership is positive news for drivers Sam Cates, Liam Montey and Philip Bennet, who have all successfully gained their Class 2 HGV licences thanks to ELB Partners’ investment. The trio are all now qualified to drive trucks over 3,500kg and are supporting the business with its nationwide deliveries. Sam...