Six figure fleet investment puts Lancashire firm on the road to growth

Matthew Kibble Transport, which is based in Nelson, Lancashire, has expanded its fleet to 52 after adding its first 3.5 tonne van, a 75 plate DAF rigid vehicle, eight 25 plate tractor units and seven double decker trailers. 

It has also started its green journey by purchasing its first fully electric truck – a DAF XB190. 

The investment comes following an expansion of the firm’s partnership with national pallet network Pallet-Track. 

Matthew Kibble Transport joined the network as a shareholder member in 2010 to cover the Preston, Blackpool, and Fylde Coast areas, and has recently added Blackburn, Burnley, Accrington, and East Lancashire to its portfolio. 

The extension of its coverage area has increased the company’s palletised freight volumes by 90%, helping to grow its entire business by 25%. 

A further five figure investment has been made within its warehouse to accommodate the increase in palletised freight handling and maintain an efficient operation. 

To support the new business and its continued growth, Matthew Kibble Transport has already recruited two new drivers, boosting its staff numbers to 82, and plans to onboard an additional three drivers in the coming months. 

Stuart Burnett, general manager, said: ‘This investment reflects the strong commitment we have to efficiency, reliability, and environmental performance as we grow the business. 

‘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 are 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. 

‘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.

‘This will provide us with a fully modern fleet that is designed to provide the services our growing client base needs.’

Stuart Godman, CEO at Pallet-Track, said: ‘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. 

‘As a quality shareholder member, it has always been committed to delivering first class service, so we are pleased to see this large investment and the opportunity to expand our partnership and support the continued growth of the business.’