Matthew Kibble Transport adds electric truck in six-figure fleet expansion
Matthew Kibble Transport has completed a six-figure investment in new trucks, trailers and warehouse upgrades as the Lancashire operator expands its pallet network operations and prepares for further growth. The Nelson-based business has increased its fleet to 52 vehicles after adding eight new 25-plate tractor units, a 75-plate DAF rigid, seven double-decker trailers and its first 3.5-tonne van. The company has also purchased its first fully electric truck, a DAF Trucks DAF XB190.
The investment follows an expansion of the company's partnership with Pallet-Track, which has significantly increased freight volumes across the business. Matthew Kibble Transport joined Pallet-Track as a shareholder member in 2010, originally covering Preston, Blackpool and the Fylde Coast. The business has now added Blackburn, Burnley, Accrington and East Lancashire to its operating area.
The expanded territory has increased palletised freight volumes by 90 per cent, helping grow the wider business by 25 per cent. That is a sizeable jump in workload for an industry where "steady growth" usually means someone quietly buying another trailer and hoping nobody notices the invoice.
Electric truck joins growing fleet
Matthew Kibble Transport said the purchase of the DAF XB190 electric truck forms part of a wider programme to modernise the fleet and assess future low-emission technology. Stuart Burnett, general manager at Matthew Kibble Transport, said the business wanted to better understand how electric vehicles could support day-to-day logistics operations.
"This investment reflects the strong commitment we have to efficiency, reliability, and environmental performance as we grow the business," he said. "The decision to invest in an electric truck was driven by a desire to understand what these vehicles can and can't do for our operation. "We're keen to test performance and evaluate the efficiency of electric vehicles as we continue to upgrade and invest in our fleet, and this also ensures that we continue to evolve with the industry."
The operator has also invested a further five-figure sum into warehouse upgrades to support increased pallet handling volumes and maintain operational efficiency.
Recruitment and fleet renewal plans
To support the growth in freight volumes, Matthew Kibble Transport has already recruited two additional drivers, taking staff numbers to 82. A further three drivers are expected to join the business in the coming months. Burnett said the company plans to continue investing in newer vehicles and a more flexible trailer fleet.
"Looking ahead, we plan to make further investments, so our entire fleet consists exclusively of 70-plate vehicles or newer and our trailers offer additional operational flexibility with the additions of tail-lift, Moffett-mounted, standard, and tall configurations," he said. "This will provide us with a fully modern fleet that is designed to provide the services our growing client base needs." Stuart Godman, chief executive officer at Pallet-Track, said the network welcomed the operator's investment programme and its move into electric vehicles.
"Our network is committed to service, and for driving environmental change so we are immensely proud to welcome Matthew Kibble Transport on this journey with us as it introduces its first electric truck," he said.
The new DAF XB190 electric vehicle joins a fleet that continues to expand alongside the company's growing regional pallet distribution operation.
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