Simpsons Malt strengthens haulage fleet with two new IVECO S-Way 580s
Simpsons Malt Limited has expanded its haulage capability with the addition of two new 6×2 IVECO S-Way 580 tractor units supplied by A M Phillip Trucktech, joining its 30-strong fleet from the Tweed Valley Maltings in Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Designed for demanding long-distance operations, the new tractors will pull tri-axle Bulk Tipper trailers between Berwick and Simpsons’ maltings site in Tivetshall St Margaret, Norfolk. The Cursor 13 580hp engines and advanced driveline are aimed at balancing performance and fuel efficiency, with monthly mileage around 12,500 km.
Running on HVO for lower carbon emissions, the S-Ways combine power with fuel economy — essential for the company’s nationwide distribution to brewers and distillers. Driver comfort is a focus too, with ergonomic interiors, spacious active sleeper cabs, premium seating, infotainment and amenities designed to reduce fatigue.
Paul Murray, Group Fleet Manager, highlighted the priority on reliability, efficiency and driver wellbeing, while IVECO’s Business Line Director noted the striking design and operational benefits these tractors bring to Simpsons’ operation.
Simpsons Malt, established in 1862, remains family-owned and supplies malt primarily for beer and whisky production.
DAF expands electric truck range with multi-axle models for wider applications
DAF Trucks N.V. has introduced a broader suite of fully electric trucks across its XD, XF, XG and XG+ Electric lineup, including new 6×2, 6×4 and 8×4 tractors and rigids tailored to heavy-duty distribution and construction markets.
Highlights include:
• FTG/FTN Electric 6×2 tractors – steered pusher or trailing axles for heavy-duty haulage and manoeuvrability.
• FAS Electric 6×2 rigid – ideal for tippers and container systems with trailing axle and high payload.
• FAT/FAW Electric 6×4 & 8×4 rigids – suited to construction, with double driven rear axles for traction.
Powered by modular PACCAR EX-D1/D2 e-motors (up to 350 kW) and LFP battery packs from 210–525 kWh, these models deliver zero-emission ranges of over 500 km and are tailored for EcoCombi configurations up to 50 tonnes. One Pedal Drive and modular battery placement aid efficiency, while bodybuilder friendliness is enhanced for ease of superstructure integration.
DAF also supports operators with transition services, including training, planning and charging solutions — underlining its commitment to electrification across transport applications.
UK Government consults on future HGV road pricing models
The UK Government has opened a formal consultation on the long-term future of heavy goods vehicle road pricing, signalling a potential shift in how freight contributes to road infrastructure funding as fuel duty revenues decline.
Led by the Department for Transport, the consultation explores options such as distance-based charging, emissions-weighted tariffs, or differentiated pricing by road type. Officials argue that as vehicle electrification accelerates, the current fuel duty model will become increasingly unsustainable.
For the haulage industry, the proposals raise significant concerns around cost exposure, particularly for long-haul operators, regional hauliers and those operating on thin margins. Trade bodies have warned that poorly designed charging could undermine UK logistics competitiveness, especially when compared with continental operators already navigating toll-based systems.
Fleet operators are being encouraged to submit evidence on operational impacts, fleet mix, administrative burden and potential mitigation measures. Industry feedback is expected to play a key role in shaping any future scheme, with ministers emphasising that no immediate implementation is planned.
Port scanning disruption highlights fragility in UK container flows
Technical disruptions affecting container scanning systems at several major UK ports have led to delays for road haulage operators, reinforcing concerns over terminal resilience and digital dependency within port operations.
Hauliers reported longer turnaround times, missed booking slots and extended queueing, particularly for import containers subject to additional checks. Even short-lived outages were enough to cause knock-on effects across regional distribution networks, with time-sensitive cargoes most affected.
Operators have called for improved contingency planning and better communication when systems fail, noting that drivers often arrive on-site with limited visibility of delays until queues form. The issue has reignited debate over demurrage charges, wasted driver hours and the lack of flexibility in port appointment systems.
With UK ports increasingly reliant on automated and digital compliance processes, industry stakeholders are urging investment in redundancy measures to protect freight flows during technical outages.
Recruitment demand stays resilient across UK logistics sector
Despite ongoing economic pressures, recruitment activity across the UK haulage and logistics sector remains strong, according to recent industry hiring data and recruiter feedback.
Demand continues for HGV drivers, workshop technicians, transport planners and compliance professionals, driven by fleet renewal programmes, contract wins and persistent skills shortages. While driver availability has improved compared with post-pandemic lows, retention remains a challenge as operators compete on pay, shift patterns and working conditions.
Rising employment costs, including wages, pensions and training, are placing additional strain on operators already facing high fuel, insurance and maintenance costs. Many fleets are responding by investing in driver welfare, newer vehicles and structured career pathways to improve long-term retention.
Industry leaders warn that without sustained investment in training pipelines and apprenticeships, skills gaps could widen further — particularly as vehicles become more technologically complex.
European pilot launches battery swapping for heavy trucks
A new European pilot programme has launched trials of battery swapping infrastructure for heavy trucks, aiming to reduce downtime and accelerate the adoption of zero-emission freight across long-distance corridors.
Backed by a consortium of manufacturers, energy providers and logistics operators — with strategic alignment to European Commission transport decarbonisation goals — the project focuses on high-utilisation freight routes where conventional charging times remain a barrier.
Battery swapping allows trucks to exchange depleted battery packs for fully charged units in minutes, offering a refuelling experience closer to diesel operations. Advocates argue this could be particularly attractive for high-mileage operators, port drayage fleets and time-critical logistics.
However, challenges remain around standardisation, battery ownership models and infrastructure investment. While still at pilot stage, the initiative is being closely watched by UK and European fleet operators as a potential complement — rather than replacement — to depot and public fast-charging strategies.
📅 Event & Policy Reminders — February 2026
🔹 DfT HGV Charging Consultation Closes – Deadline for responses expected later this month.
🔹 UK Logistics Workforce Summit – Key industry event addressing recruitment and retention strategies.
🔹 Electric Truck Charging Infrastructure Workshop – EU-funded event on scaling EV depot and corridor solutions.
