DAF DRIVER
GOING THE DISTANCE
Gates celebrates 50th anniversary with limited-edition XG+ 530
Including the following:
• Vision Lighting Range
• Vehicle Care & Cleaning
• Safety & Clean Up Solutions
• Workshop Consumables
WELCOME TO ISSUE 42 OF DAF DRIVER MAGAZINE!
“It’s summertime and it’s showtime. From Lincoln to Stoneleigh, the transport industry comes together to connect, celebrate and innovate.”
Publisher - Matthew Eisenegger
PEOPLE LIKE TO BE WITH PEOPLE
Meeting people in person still counts for a lot. Even though so much of our communication now happens online, the transport industry remains a people business. That is why the big industry events continue to draw such strong crowds year after year.
This summer, two of the sector’s best-known gatherings are back in the spotlight. Truckfest Lincoln remains the UK’s biggest celebration of trucking, bringing together drivers, operators and enthusiasts from all over the country. At the same time, the Road Transport Expo (RTX) at Stoneleigh has firmly established itself as a key date in the calendar for fleet operators, manufacturers and suppliers.
Both events give visitors the opportunity to get up close to the latest vehicles, products and technology, while also talking directly with the people behind them.
Just as important, though, is the chance to catch up with colleagues, meet new contacts and swap ideas with others who understand the industry. Some of the most useful conversations happen away from the exhibition stands—over a coffee, beside a truck or while watching a demonstration.
Events like these are a reminder that, despite all the advances in digital communication, there is still no real substitute for being there in person. They bring people together, strengthen relationships and help keep the industry moving forward.
Enjoy the issue!
The Bigger Picture
Look out for the dynamic QR codes in this issue of DAF Driver magazine. Simply open the camera on your mobile device and point it at the code, then sit back for some exciting additional content.
P16 P28
P22
FEATURES
6 GOLDEN GATES
UK30 XG+ is PW Gates’ anniversary present
12 50 YEARS OF ITOY
1998’s prize-winning DAF 95XF
16 MAKE A DAF DIVERSION
JBS Haulage marks milestone with special edition XG+
22 PRAISE THE LOWERED!
Robinsons spec XD car transporter
28 TRUCKFEST 2026
The pick of the bunch from this year’s big Lincoln show
38 ROUND TWO
How Lithium Logistics rose from the ashes of TWT Logistics
REGULARS
How one construction operator is taking steps to bring fresh blood into the
INFORMATION
EDITORIAL
Publisher: Matthew Eisenegger
Managing Editor: Andy Stewart
Designer: Lee Allen Design
Editorial Address: Commercial Vehicle
Media & Publishing Ltd, 4th Floor 19 Capesthorne Drive, Eaves Green, Chorley, Lancashire. PR7 3QQ
Telephone: 01257 231521
Email: matthew@cvdriver.com
ADVERTISING
Advertising Sales: David Johns Telephone: 01388 517906
Mobile: 07590 547343
Email: sales@cvdriver.com
DESIGN
Art Editor: Lee Allen Design Telephone: 01257 231521
Email: design@cvdriver.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Karl Hopkinson
Richard Stanier
Colin Barnett
Tom Lee
Joesph Benjamin
PUBLISHER
Commercial Vehicle Media & Publishing Ltd, 4th Floor, 19
Capesthorne Drive, Eaves Green, Chorley, Lancashire. PR7 3QQ Telephone: 01257 231521
NOTE
The publisher makes every effort to ensure the magazine’s contents are correct. All material published in DAF Driver magazine is copyright and unauthorised reproduction is forbidden. The Editors and Publisher of this magazine give no warranties, guarantees or assurances and make no representations regarding any goods or services advertised in this edition.
DAF Driver magazine is published under a licence from Commercial Vehicle Media & Publishing Ltd. All rights in the licensed material belong to Matthew Eisenegger or Commercial Vehicle Media and Publishing Ltd and may not be reproduced whether in whole or in part, without their prior written consent. DAF Driver magazine is a registered trademark.
If you are not going to keep this magazine for future reference please pass it on or recycle it.
GOLDEN GATES
A case-study in consistent growth, PW Gates has spent the past five decades building a multi-location national haulage business trusted by major consumer brands across the UK.
Legacy. That’s what Peter Gates, founder of PW Gates Distribution Ltd, has masterminded since laying the foundations back in 1976. While times have certainly changed since then, keeping up with an ever-changing industry is something Peter has taken in his stride. And it shows. From humble beginnings as a man in a van, to a DAF-majority fleet of more than 100 vehicles, PW Gates has reflected, consolidated, and then expanded in a truly sustainable way.
Self-drive
“The story actually starts in 1973, when my father and I started a self-drive van hire business,” Peter tells me from his desk overlooking PW Gates’ Bedford yard.
“We got off to a positive start and, a year or so later, I took it over myself. It lasted for a few years, but I knew it wasn’t my future. There was growing competition and the cost of repairing the damaged vans didn’t make sense.
Words: Joesph Benjamin
Photographs: Karl Hopkinson
“I’d had more than a few enquiries in that time from potential customers looking for both a van and a driver. So, in July of 1976, I knocked the hire business on the head and focused solely on transport.” Recognising the opportunity sitting before him, Peter bought himself a rusty old Ford Transit. Little did he know that his first set of wheels would mark the start of a career-long journey into the haulage industry.
“For the next few years, that was how it was,” reflects Peter. “I started building up a bit of work, managing to secure a bit of business on behalf of Ford Motor Company handling parts returns to suppliers. I’d like to think having a Transit helped with that!
“When the recession hit in the early ‘80s, I had to take stock and look at where the market demand was. I went into mini skip hire for a while, at which point I had two brand-new vans on my little fleet.”
By the early ‘90s, the business had grown around Peter. He had a small 18-tonne truck and was dabbling with warehousing. PW Gates had jobs taking automotive and electrical parts into Poland and Germany, as well as a fleet of vans running brochures to travel agents for Thomson Holidays.
“I met my now wife in 1985 and she was the distribution manager at Thomson Holidays,” explains Peter. “She introduced me to their logistics company, which led to a deal to supply brochures and merchandising materials to 600 agents across six of the Home Counties.”
It wasn’t until the turn of the millennium when PW Gates took their first step into 44-tonne articulated haulage, with involvement in the then-newly founded Pallet Track Network. The jump into heavy goods traffic was reinforced by a partnership with a duo of younger transport professionals, who brought energy, knowledge and new clients to the business. One of whom, Chris Lynch, remains with the business as Development Director.
“From there, things really started taking off,” Peter adds. “By the time COVID hit, we had five warehouses across the UK, more than 50 vehicles and had taken over several businesses. We’d become more involved with Pallet Track, operating their Southern Hub. Then, a couple of years ago, we acquired Mars-Jones. We’ve been running it as a separate company so far, but we’re gradually incorporating them into the PW Gates family.”
Celebrating the journey
Today, almost 50 years since Peter collected the keys to his first Transit, the company has marked its golden jubilee with the delivery of an altogether bigger machine.
“THE SERVICE WE RECEIVE FROM THE TEAM AT HARRIS DAF IS EXCEPTIONAL”
“I’m not usually into limited edition or customised trucks,” Peter admits candidly. “But, given the milestone that we’ve hit this year, I wanted to get something to celebrate it.”
That ‘something’ is one of the 30 XG+ 530s built by DAF to celebrate three decades as the market-leading truck manufacturer in the UK. Peter’s example, chassis number 28, is a 6x2 FTS and is resplendent in the special edition’s signature metallic green paint.
“One of our drivers absolutely coveted his last DAF and really looked after it well,” Peter claims. “Even through a rainstorm you wouldn’t find a speck of dirt on it. If he ever had to take it off the highway, he’d be cleaning the dust and the dirt off it at the earliest opportunity. We knew that, giving it to him, the truck would be very well looked after. And that’s certainly the case.”
Similarly to other UK30s, PW Gates’ example is adorned with Union Jack decals and customised Xtra leather driver and passenger seats – a nod to DAF’s tri-decade achievement. As with all UK DAF models, the UK30s were built at DAF’s Leyland Trucks facility in Lancashire.
“It’s nice that we’ve been able to bring both PW Gates and DAF’s achievements together in a single truck,” Peter said. “It’s both a flagship vehicle and a dependable workhorse, and we’re delighted to have it alongside our standard fleet of DAF trucks.”
Side by side
DAF has been a stalwart of the PW Gates truck fleet for much of its recent history. In fact, DAF dominates their mixed fleet and Peter’s team are frequent customers. “We’re predominantly a DAF adopter,” Peter explains. “I’d say the only real reason we’re
Above: Special edition DAF has subtle UK styling
Top left: This XG+ 530 is one of only 30 built
Middle: PW Gates bagged chassis number 28
Bottom: Operator rates DAF brand highly
“10 NEW DAF XG 530S ARE LANDING THIS SPRING, WITH EIGHT ALREADY DELIVERED AND A FURTHER TWO ARRIVING IN JUNE”
not a full DAF fleet is simply for logistical reasons across our different sites. As I talk to you now, DAF comprises about half of our fleet and we have everything from 7.5 and 12-tonne DAF LFs to CF 18-tonners and various XD, XF and XG tractor units.”
Peter’s preference for DAF, he says, comes from positive driver reception and a strong relationship with his supplying dealer, Harris DAF.
“The service we receive from the team at Harris DAF is exceptional,” claims Peter. “We get on really well with them and they’re great at handling any issues. The trucks themselves are well liked by our drivers too, and the specifications available offer a lot to a business like ours.”
In addition to the UK30 already mentioned, PW Gates is partway through a refresh of its tractor fleet. Altogether, 10 new DAF XG 530s are landing this spring, with eight already delivered and a further two arriving in June. All will be double-manned, operating day and night for the haulier.
“We tend to replace vehicles every five or six years,” Peter says. “They’re in near-constant use, so they quickly rack up the mileage. We’re swapping these [new models] in for our 2020 and 2021 models, so they will hit the ground running. There may be more rigids coming later this year too; we’re just confirming those.
“With such an intensive work patten, reliability is everything. Overall, we’re impressed by the performance across all of the models. But, if we do encounter an issue, DAFaid has been proactive in resolving any technical problems.”
On PW Gates they trust
Vehicle dependability is, of course, critical for any operator - not least when you’re supporting nationwide household brands. For more than a decade, PW Gates has worked with a large online grocery retailer, servicing seven of their sites with an average of 13 trailer loads of stock 364 nights a year.
“We put a lot of energy into growing the food and drink side of the business,” Peter explains. “We are BRC-approved and have BSI and ISO standards, our warehouses have organic certification – there’s lots of accreditation. That led to our account with the online supermarket, initially delivering two or three times a day to a single hub.”
Refinements in process and arrangements with other suppliers helped PW Gates simplify their delivery schedule and build a strong level of trust in the operation. “As our customers grow, we grow,” Peter concludes. “The benefits are mutual.”
Where next?
While the firm is proud to celebrate 50 years of business this year, it’s easy to forget that Peter’s been there, making it happen, every single day. It’s testament to his tenacity and passion for the industry that PW Gates is the highly successful distribution firm it is today.
So, after some 18,250 days in the job, does he still look forward to the next? “I’m still committed,” Peter exclaims. “I have a great team around me and my focus now is on the books and supporting our workshop manager to keep the fleet going. Chris Flynn, who joined from MarsJones, looks after a lot of the operations and our northern activity, while Chris Lynch handles the vision, the development of new accounts and our hubs.”
After such an illustrious career, is retirement on the cards for Peter?
“Every time I think there’s room to retire, more business comes in,” he chuckles. “It’s just getting things to the right point and then letting the others build their own legacy.
“I would like to spend a little more time with my book and music collections than I currently do with my computer.”
Top: Company owner, Peter Gates
Middle: Workshop Manager, Lee Fomes
Bottom: Firm is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year
50 YEARS OF ITOY – 1998 DAF 95XF
This year marks 50 years of the International Truck of the Year Award, which DAF has won eight times, most recently with the XD Electric & XF Electric. Commercial Motor is currently running a review of each in turn, and in 1998 it was the DAF 95XF that took the honours.
DAF replaced the 1988 IToY winner with its successor after a decade, and took the top prize again in 1998 with the 95XF.
Words: Richard Stanier
Pictures supplied by: DAF Trucks
Reproduced courtesy of Commercial Motor
Following 1997’s win for the high-tech Mercedes-Benz Actros, the 14 International Truck of the Year (IToY) judges decided on a more conservatively engineered vehicle for 1998, with the new DAF securing 71 points with its closest rival, the re-engineered Renault Magnum Integral on 61, and the new Renault Kerax in third on 14. Having been announced at the Brussels Show in January 1997, the new 95XF had the advantage of significant numbers of vehicles being in service by the time of the judging for 1998, and demand for the truck was outstripping Eindhoven’s capacity to supply the market. Some 10,000 sales were made in 1997, and press evaluations were very positive.
The two major factors in the 95XF’s success were the new class-leading long-haul Super Space Cab, and an all-new 12.6-litre engine.
DAF had introduced the original Super Space Cab in 1994, with an additional 20cm added to the length of the cab, which
DAF’s 12.6-litre engine was an all-new design with 380hp, 430hp or 480hp ratings
with the 95XF was also shared by the standard-height sleeper Comfort Cab and the intermediate Space Cab. The new cabs featured an 81cm bunk and were mounted 10cm higher on the chassis than their predecessors, and all benefited from a less-intrusive dash, improved heating and a button-operated adjustable steering column.
Externally, plastic panels extended the door length to enclose the cab steps, and a larger grille was introduced to accommodate an increased-capacity radiator required for the dry-liner engine.
The totally new engine replaced the long-serving WS 11.6-litre unit which had its ancestry in a Leyland design from the early 1960s. Rated at either 380hp, 430hp or 480hp, and a maximum torque of 2,050Nm, the 12.6-litre engine featured 24 valves, a gear-driven fan, a crankshaft which was forged directly in the correct shape, hollow push-rods and a much stiffer block. Mechanical injection was retained for Euro 2, and the DAF
In Super Space Cab form, the 95XF had 2.25m of interior standing height and “better provision for drivers than any other truck on the market”
Engine Brake (DEB), jointly developed with Jacobs, was also made available. DAF continued to offer the Cummins 14-litre engine rated at 530hp until replacing it with their own design for Euro 3 in 2000.
In keeping with traditional engineering, DAF stuck with drum brakes for the 95XF, on the grounds of the longevity of drums and linings compared to disc brakes – reduced maintenance time and lengthy service schedules were a key factor in the truck’s design. Two chassis specifications were offered: the medium-duty M class, and the heavy-duty H class with deeper sides for rigids and reinforcement for tractors. The driveline was completed with ZF’s 16-speed manual transmission and DAF’s SR 1347 single-reduction drive axle.
With the new fuel-efficient engine, spacious cabs and proven engineering, the 95XF held a wide appeal to European operators, serving them well until the introduction of the electronically enhanced XF95 in 2002.
MAKE A DAF DIVERSION
Words: Joseph Benjamin
Photographs: Karl Hopkinson
Celebrating three decades in business, JBS Haulage is relying on DAF trucks to a greater extent than ever to support its operations.
Starting out in 1987 at just 17, Jason Whent’s career in haulage began under the name ‘JW Transport’. Back then, having joined the RHA and running a 3.5-tonne panel van, he mostly delivered glass panelling and greenhouses across the UK. As a successful subcontractor for a number of operators, Whent progressed to owning a truck four years later and one of his clients was FloPlast, which was the start of a relationship that continues today.
“After a while as a subcontractor, Jason realised there was a better way to grow in the industry,” explains Calvin Friedman, Transport Manager at JBS Haulage. “He was the one doing all the hard work for other people, but they were getting the benefits. As he had his own truck, FloPlast asked if he would work directly and, since then, Jason – and JBS Haulage – has been the sole transport provider for FloPlast.”
The birth of JBS Haulage
At this point in 1995, JW Transport became JBS Haulage, the ‘B’ and ’S’ being Bob (Jason’s dad) and Sid (a family friend) respectively. “Jason started with investment from Bob and Sid to initially get the business off the ground, and since then it has grown quickly, along with FloPlast,” says Calvin. “Over time, FloPlast continued to make a conscious decision to invest in Jason, instead of continuing to buy its own vehicles – a situation that suited everyone perfectly.”
While FloPlast has always been a big customer for JBS Haulage – as much as 100% of the time some years – Calvin says when he joined the business 16 years ago, Jason decided to branch out a bit more. “When one of his drivers retired, Jason recruited me from a company that was next door to his,” explains Calvin. “We had actually taken on some contract work for him at my old place, so I knew of him and the business, which helped a lot. Jason also said he would arrange a new truck for me, which was great because I had always driven trucks that were already quite old by the time they got to me. Some of the new work he took on was what I’d been doing already, so you could say I was quite a safe bet.”
When Calvin joined in 2010, JBS Haulage was running around 20 trucks – and now the operator has 60 on its fleet, across multiple sites. “We’ve got another small operating centre in South Yorkshire with seven licences for that site – along with the 60 for our base here in Kent.”
Calvin says there used to be a bigger presence in Yorkshire, but as driver numbers have dropped off there, they haven’t been replaced, with the company preferring to base all the drivers in Kent. It is still deemed a very useful satellite operation, but the bulk of the work is directed from JBS’ southern base.
Pictured from the top:
Terri & Jason Whent (Company Owners)
Tony Pessell (aka Boo) Driver of the UK30 DAF
Calvin Friedman, Managing Director of JBS Haulage & Workshop
John Jennings, Compliance Manager Of Haulage & Workshop
Georgia & Jack Mcewan (Transport Manager & Workshop Supervisor)
The expansion of the business over the years goes way beyond Kent and the South East, says Calvin. “We run all over the country – everywhere from above Inverness, down to West Wales, the West Country and essentially the whole of the UK mainland,” he explains. “Last year, we got our International Operators Licence for the first time, having been previously asked by a few of our existing customers. Our first jobs in Europe were in November 2025 for a Belgian company, covering its strawberry season. It delivers strawberries out of Egypt to Ostend and we were packing them in trailers there, bringing them back to the UK and taking the empty trailers back – and going again. Apparently, it was the biggest season the company had ever had, which meant is was a fantastic start of the year for us. Historically, we’re normally quite quiet in December, January and February, but this year it was manic! But it’s all good – we can’t complain.”
The DAF journey
The first big order from JBS Haulage for DAF trucks came off the back of a call out of the blue from Alex Radcliffe at Channel Commercials, recalls Calvin. “That was about five years ago and, off the back of that call, we
decided to take five CFs. We needed to replace some of the rigids that we were running and the DAFs were a great option for us,” he explains. When the New Generation DAFs were unveiled, JBS was interested, but the timings weren’t quite right so it instead opted to take three of the last of the previous-generation XFs – a shrewd and fortuitous move. “They have been with us around three years now and they brought our total number of DAFs up to eight, before we more recently followed up with an order for four XG+ trucks.” The arrival of the XG+ vehicles saw a change in JBS’ approach to livery, says Calvin. “We used to have all of the vehicles in what we would call ‘JBS blue’, which was an ultramarine blue. But we decided to take a look at the colour chart and run with some different options across the fleet.” The DAF impact doesn’t stop there, however, with the the last in an order of four XD rigids arriving by June – plus two other XG+s – taking the total number on the fleet from the Dutch manufacturer to 18. Within that total – and one of the aforementioned six XG+s – is one of DAF’s specialissue UK30 models, which has become a fitting new flagship for the operator.
“IT’S SUCH A NICE TRUCK
TO
DRIVE. THE CAB IS MASSIVE”
Happy anniversary
The UK30 isn’t the first special-edition DAF that JBS Haulage has added to its fleet, but it certainly is the most sought-after. “We ordered the anniversary truck marking 75 years of production – a silver XG+ – but we felt the UK30 could be even more special than that one,” says Calvin. “Channel Commercials – and especially Alex – was very keen to let us know about the UK30 as soon as it was confirmed, and straight away we said we would be very interested. In fact, we actually spec’d the truck before we saw it.
“We didn’t really want it to be a run-of-the-mill truck – we wanted it to be something really special,” he continues. “So we had a retarder fitted as well as air suspension – items our twin-tag fleet trucks wouldn’t normally have. But what we found, over the years, is the resale value of a twin-tag with a retarder is so much better than anything else, so we thought we would follow that rule with the UK30. Not that we are likely to sell it, but it’s always a consideration.”
It’s clear Jason and Calvin know what they want from a truck – for the business, but also for the people behind the wheel. “When we used to order trucks, the salesman would come along and essentially tell us the
spec that suited them – so no-one really ever thought outside the box as to what we – and the drivers – need,” he reasons. “But we do things a bit differently, to the point that we have what Channel Commercials calls ‘the JBS spec’ – because it’s not really the normal spec you’d have on a fleet vehicle. We’re not just a trucking company. We like trucks – and we take a lot of pride in seeing our shiny trucks rolling down the road. The drivers respect the vehicles, too – and that’s why it is so important to have trucks they take care of.
“That’s not just with the DAFs; we also make these choices for trucks from all the brands we run,” confirms Calvin. “But in the UK30 truck, adding front air suspension was such a good decision, because it’s like a magic carpet. It’s such a nice truck to drive. The cab is massive – I’ve done a couple of nights out in the XG+ over the last few months and they are so comfortable – and they have been really, really well received by our drivers.”
In the case of the UK30 truck, there is a nice synergy because its arrival coincided with 30 years of JBS Haulage – and also 30 years that the driver of the new DAF flagship had been driving for Jason. That truck – and the other DAFs on the fleet – have certainly gone down well with
the drivers. “They asked for XFs and they loved them. And then when the XG+s arrived, they were even more delighted,” says Calvin. “That truck is a game-changer – with the size of the cab, the driving position and everything else – it is such a great truck. Admittedly, I’ve grown up driving Scanias and have been a Scania fan all my life, but actually now I’d be hard-pressed to decide which one to take if you offered me the keys to both a Scania and a DAF.”
Trucker’s corner
Another area where Calvin and the rest of the JBS Haulage family have been impressed is with DAF’s technological upgrades over time. “The Corner View setup is, in my opinion, the best invention that has ever been put on a truck – it is absolutely fantastic,” he says. “I’m not just thinking about how the fleet looks; it’s got to be safe – and – we’ll invest in the aspects of the truck that make it as safe as possible. Accidents happen –and that’s the fact of life. No-one goes out in the morning looking to have an accident, but we’ve had them in the past and anything we can do to help keep the truck on the road, reduce the downtime and save the extra expense caused by accidents, has got to be a good thing.”
PRAISE THE LOWERED!
DAF has re-entered the specialist car transporter market with a reduced-height version of its XD cab, developed to meet the unique packaging requirements of operators carrying vehicles above the cab.
Words: Joseph Benjamin
Photographs: Karl Hopkinson
While DAF’s latest generation of trucks has been successful across multiple applications, cab height had effectively ruled it out for many transporter operations. However, that’s no longer the case with the arrival of the lower-height XD.
“We had a good standing in the transporter market with the CF, but we lost that with the New Generation,” says Ed Miles, Product Marketing Manager at DAF Trucks. “It’s a fantastic cab, but just that bit too tall, so it’s good to have a new entrant in that respect.”
The solution was to create a dedicated low-roof variant.
Working with bodybuilders including Essex-based Transporter Engineering, the company redesigned the roof structure, replacing the standard sloping roof with a flat version and reducing overall cab height by 18cm to 2.7m. For car transporter operators, those centimetres matter. “Height is everything in this line of work,” says Barry Robinson, Owner and Director of Robinsons Auto Logistics. “We’re limited to around 16ft in overall height, so every inch we can save on the cab gives us more space for cars.”
The low-roof cab is available on both XD and XF models in day and sleeper configurations. It is supplied through the standard DAF dealer network, carries full manufacturer warranty cover and is fully Type Approved.
Above: Lower-height XD retains much of the standard cab’s equipment
Opposite right: Every centimetre counts on car transporter work!
“We essentially handle the cab element,” Miles explains. “So you would order the truck no differently as a customer than you would any other new generation-product, like the XD or XF.”
Although lowering the roofline required some compromises, DAF sought to retain as much of the standard truck’s specification as possible. The Digital Vision System could not be accommodated because the camera mounting points were removed as part of the redesign, meaning the use of conventional mirrors.
However, the truck retains DAF’s Corner View camera system, mounted low on the passenger side of the cab to eliminate blind spots at the front nearside corner.
“You can still get three stars for DVS in London too,” says Miles. “That’s a key thing for a lot of people.”
DAF has also developed specifications intended to help bodybuilders maximise carrying capacity. These include recommendations for 385/55 super-single front tyres and a 9-tonne front axle, creating a lower and more stable platform.
“We’re trying to steer people towards the 385/55 super-single tyre to give a nice lower profile,” says Miles. “So the result is you get a good low, stable base for the prime mover at the front of the transporter.”
An optional chamfered rear roof section is also available for applications where bodybuilders require additional clearance around the upper rear corner of the cab.
The development programme was carried out in close cooperation with bodybuilders from an early stage.
“DAF was, for a long time, a mainstay of the transporter industry,” says Isla Gill, Sales Director at Transporter Engineering. “It’s therefore been a pleasure to bring the new XD in line with the required specifications.”
Joint effort
Gill says the project required extensive collaboration between Transporter Engineering and DAF’s engineering teams in both the UK and Eindhoven.
“Working side-by-side with the DAF teams in both Eindhoven and the UK, we’ve been able to create a car transporter that’s suited to operators’ requirements,” she says.
One of the first trucks built using the new cab is operating with Robinsons Auto Logistics in Corby. The company transports vehicles for manufacturers and car supermarket groups and needed a truck that is capable of handling a wide range of vehicle sizes, while making the most of available loading space.
The vehicle is based on a specialist drawbar version of DAF’s 6x2 tractor and is fitted with Transporter Engineering’s Odyssey body.
According to Robinson, driver reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. “The driver that’s got the truck absolutely loves it,” he says.
To support driver-retention, Robinsons specified a number of comfort-focused features, including leather seats, a fridge and an aftermarket microwave.
“A little car transporter cab isn’t the most comfortable thing to live in, so from a driver retention perspective we’ve added whatever we could to the spec,” Robinson explains.
Feature rich
Despite the reduced roof height, the truck retains many of the features that have become associated with DAF’s latest generation cabs.
“DAF’s in-cab technology is great, as is the room behind the wheel – even with the deliberate reduction in headroom,” Robinson says. “Our driver has only positive things to say about the new XD.”
Visibility remains another strong point. “The all-round visibility is second-to-none with the low-level passenger door window and the camera system for the London DVS requirements.”
For Robinson, the truck represents a significant improvement over earlier transporter options available from the manufacturer. “DAF’s new XD is night and day compared to the previous-generation trucks and it really does offer us the full package.”
Transporter Engineering has reached similar conclusions after working closely with the vehicle during development and driver familiarisation.
“From our driver trainer’s point of view, we’ve been out in it a number of times and it’s not over-complicated,” says Gill. “It’s great.”
With operators increasingly focused on both driver recruitment and vehicle utilisation, the arrival of a factorybacked low-roof XD gives fleets another option in a highly specialised sector where every centimetre of available height can directly influence earning potential.
Top: Barry Robinson, Director, Robinsons Auto Logistics Middle: Isla Gill, Sales Director, Transporter Engineering
Bottom: Vehicle design required close collaboration between DAF and Transporter Engineering
BEST OF THE FEST TRUCKFEST 2026
Truckfest Lincoln 2026 once again proved why it remains one of the UK’s premier trucking events, delivering an incredible weekend packed with outstanding displays, entertainment and industry pride. The DAF operator showcase was a major highlight, featuring some of the finest customised and working trucks from across the country. From immaculate XF, XG and XG+ models to beautifully presented fleet vehicles, the quality and attention to detail on display was exceptional. Visitors enjoyed live arena action, trade stands and a fantastic atmosphere throughout the weekend. The passion and professionalism shown by DAF operators made this year’s Truckfest Lincoln another unforgettable success for exhibitors and fans alike.
DAF caught lots of attention at this year’s big show
No missing Reid Freight’s regal XG 530
Plenty of bling on Alco Plant Hire’s stunning XG
Latest merch on display inside DAF hospitality trailer
Show trucks, refreshments and much more on the DAF stand
Like their big brothers, model UK30 tractor units are a limited edition!
No dirt on PW Gates’ UK30 tractor unit
Proud owners and drivers line up in front of milestone DAF models
Special edition line-up celebrate DAF’s market leadership
Burrows’ splendid XF recovery special
RAND was on hand to show off its DAF fleet
Cars2Trucks’ XF 510 FTG fitted with bullbar and lots of extra lights
Top trio from the Stennetts stable
Platinum fleet by name and nature!
Future’s orange for Van Der Vlist’s special XG 530 FTG
Smart XG 480 with anniversary livery leads Welch’s display
Superb DAF line-up from Kinaxia Logistics subsidiary, Nelson Distribution
English pride: Smart XG proves Scotts’ got the lot
If
Imposing bonneted Peterbilt is a crowd-pleaser
Superb livery on Duane S Fraser’s amazing XG+
DIgital mirrors have made their mark at LJ Trevor Haulage
Immaculate Leyland Roadtrain resto looks resplendant next to younger Swain sibling
Healey’s rightly proud of its top-spec XG+
you’re Gunnar do it, do it with style!
Midlift makes the right spec for E&SJ Walpole’s latest XG
Cummins powered Foden 4525 6x4 tractor
Fiesty Foden eight-wheel tipper looks immaculate
4380 tractor with upright stack was part of Terry Seaman’s pristine Foden fleet
Classic Leyland Beaver is part of Swain’s vintage collection
Tractor-toting Foden eight-wheeler resto had to be seen to be believed!
ROUND TWO
Words: Colin Barnett
Photographs: Tom Lee
Reproduced courtesy of Commercial Motor
After building TWT Logistics into a 90-truck, £21m operation, Trevor Taylor sold up, watched it collapse, and then did what few would: bought back the assets and started again.
Lithium Logistics is the result...
Readers with a good memory might remember the last time we visited South Wales haulage entrepreneur, Trevor Taylor, in 2020, when he was at the helm of TWT Logistics, based at Ystrad Mynach in South Wales. Even if you don’t, you can’t help recalling its distinctive blue-and-white livery with massive TWT lettering on the trailers, still occasionally seen in gradually diminishing numbers on the highways and byways as sold-off examples continue to be used. There’s even one in my part of mid-Wales, used as a farm store in a remote field in the Radnorshire hills.
Before continuing, it’s worth a recap on Taylor’s story. His father was from a farming background, but actually ran a successful Ford car dealership until his early death when Trevor was just 17. Despite no further prospect of inheriting the family farm, he continued in agricultural college, emerging with an OND in Agricultural Engineering. After trying a few options, by his early 20s, Taylor had settled into the role that would define the rest of his career: lorry driving. His first job involved delivering the TV Times, during which period he had the life-changing thought: “Wouldn’t it be nice to one day run a few lorries of our own, with a house, workshops and yard?”
His dream stayed with him through a few years of working hard for others, and became a reality in 1988 when he bought an ERF C40 and three trailers from Whiteways Cyder of Exeter. His first ever contract
was time-sensitive deliveries for Severn Valley Press in Caerphilly, where missed deliveries weren’t an option. Within 18 months, the fleet comprised three 38-tonne artics with six trailers, a 7.5-tonne Ford Cargo curtainsider, and an Escort van.
The late 1990s’ recession was a challenge but TWT Logistics thrived by delivering prospectuses for the numerous utility company selloffs, which came with even more profitable backloads of paper from ports to printers. By the turn of the millennium, though, printing was facing strong competition from abroad and ‘diversify or die’ became the watchword. Hard selling to access various specialist sectors was successful, while ensuring that no single customer contributed more than 20% of turnover. These sectors included home furnishings and building supplies, and an in-house shipping operation using a mix of standard and very specialist trailers.
A major element in TWT’s expansion was the serendipitous chain of events which began with delivering antiques to Amsterdam in a single Bedford TK. This eventually became a joint venture with a Dutch company, Switch BV, then developed into a 30-truck UK operation, Switch International, becoming a founder member of Palletways until the original Dutch owner retired. Taylor then bought the going concern, operating both arms as an integrated business, Switch International operating from its existing location at Andover. International work was
done almost entirely through an in-house freight-forwarding operation, which was turning over £3m a year.
Fast-forward to when Commercial Motor last visited TWT Logistics, during the COVID pandemic, and the business was ticking over steadily. TWT Logistics had become a specialist in a variety of niches including carpets, white goods, air freight and high-end kitchenware, together with a dedicated container de-stuffing facility, with membership of TPN and Hazchem Network providing plenty of regular work, including three trailers a night on the specialist Hazchem operation. Work consisted of a mix of its usual commercial traffic together with a significant amount of “work of national importance”, mostly transporting essential medical test equipment.
TWT Logistics’ parent company, TWT Ltd, had a £6m property portfolio in Wales and Hampshire, with the logistics arm as a main client.
At that time, with the state pension age inexorably approaching, thoughts of an exit strategy must have been lurking in the back of Trevor Taylor’s mind. So, when a convincing approach was made by a third-party business in January 2022, impressed by TWT Logistics’ operation, a deal was eventually struck to sell the company as a going concern. The sale was completed that July, with Taylor retained as a consultant and effectively running the business for the first four months.
Top: Latest XG addition has lifting rear axle
Middle left: SDC supplied the two new trailers
Middle right: Mounted forklift aids self-loading and unloading
Fall and rise
Having survived COVID, the then 35-year-old business emerged healthy, operating some 90 trucks and 150 trailers, and turning over £21m. It had little or no finance or debt, beyond an overdraft that was only occasionally called upon to help with cashflow at VAT time. Everything was owned.
However, in a long saga shortened, although initially continuing as normal, things gradually went downhill. Key staff were replaced and large long-term customers walked away. The eventual outcome arrived at the end of March 2024 when administrators were called in, and everything was shut down. Once the dust had settled, Taylor bought back all the vehicle assets which were subsequently auctioned off by Malcolm Harrison. Taylor kept the 40 newest trailers and 20 assorted
Left: Firm’s DAFs are supplied by Watts Truck and Van Centre (WTVC)
“THE STEREOPHONICS AND OASIS HAVE PERFORMED ON LITHIUMTRANSPORTED STAGING”
vehicles, from 3.5 tonnes upwards. Determined to again fulfil his teenage dream of operating a successful transport business, and motivated by the wish to rescue as many former employees as possible, he put thoughts of retirement to one side and began to pick up the pieces.
With the help of some returnees and his son Josh, in September 2024 Lithium Logistics was established. Some signage on site and on the vehicles is slightly confusing until you realise Lithium Logistics is under the umbrella of the TWT Ltd company, which always remained in Taylor’s hands. TWT Ltd invested £1m in the new venture. First-year turnover is expected to be £2.5m, but start-up costs will probably result in just breaking even. The new business is following Taylor’s long-term ethos of debt-free operation.
The business had to be rebuilt from scratch, having lost all of the previous client base. In the new operation, the building products and shopfitting sectors are key, with new specialist trailers and a beavertail rigid helping. A new direction is events, with Glastonbury and Isle of Wight festivals being attended, and The Stereophonics and Oasis having performed on Lithiumtransported staging.
The Ystrad Mynach site includes 10,000sq ft of warehousing, but this is for storage only. No pallets and no deliveries as the margins are too low. It doesn’t provide a huge income but pays the rates and insurance. The workforce is headed up by Trevor Taylor as nominated Transport Manager for the 40-vehicle, 60-trailer O-licence, alongside his son Josh. Josh currently shares his roles between property management and fleet engineer, although is clearly being groomed to take over control. Other staff include 17 drivers, around a third of the previous total, two fitters and two in the traffic office. Financial control is outsourced. Maintenance is carried out in-house to MoT standard, which will soon be made easier with the opening of a counciloperated ATF next door.
Fleet matters
Circumstances have meant that today’s fleet has been more inherited than planned. The auction purchases reflected TWT Logistics’ original make-up of half DAF, with the rest Mercedes-Benz and MAN. Unusually, what could be described as the flagship, it’s highly regarded and carries the cherished plate ‘2DAF’, is one of the smallest. The LF45 7.5-tonner has long-distance fuel tanks and a long-legged axle ratio that allow it to swiftly undertake urgent assignments as far away as the north of Scotland. From the very beginning, the DAFs have always been bought from Cardiff Truck Centre, which became Watts Truck and Van Centre (WTVC). The remainder of the acquisitions were a mix of mostly Mercedes, with an MAN shunter and an Iveco for the workshop. So, when Lithium Logistics marked its commitment to being a long-term presence in the industry with its first new truck purchases, the Cardiff dealer was the obvious source. The newcomers are an XF rigid and an XG tractor, as well as a second used XG. The new XG is a 530 FTN 6x2 rear-steer tractor with the standard sleeper cab. The second newcomer is specifically intended for the construction sector operations: an XF 370 FAR 6x2 rigid, fitted with a cheese-wedge beavertail body by Truck Hydraulics Ltd at Thorne, which, with a full set of twistlocks, can carry a 20ft container or modular unit.
Enabling maximum versatility across the fleet, the new DAFs are complemented by a pair of new trailers from SDC. One is a curtainsider for mounted forklift truck operations, and the second is a flatbed extendable to 21m. Both have rear-steer and lifting first axles.
Opposite: Operator has diversified into events logistics
Top: Firm is considering HVO as diesel alternative
Middle: Lithium Logistics has achieved FORS Gold accreditation
Bottom: Drivers appreciate XG’s spacious cab
Although Lithium Logistics has considered alternative fuels, investigations into HVO revealed no customers would pay the premium. It has bought one brand-new electric vehicle: a Toyota forklift truck for the warehouse. BEVs are not suited to the existing operation.
The latest part of the Lithium Logistics story is it has just been granted FORS Gold accreditation, another sign Trevor Taylor is still in business and is unlikely to sell that business out of the family’s control any time soon.
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE
HOW TO WIN:
ICHANGE IS AS GOOD AS A REST
By Andy Stewart, industry pundit
was recently at a launch event for the new Kent Skills Hub, which is an initiative dedicated to bringing new people into the construction industry and upskilling existing workers who want to diversify their roles. Founded by Maidstone aggregates operator, Gallagher Group, it’s hoped the Hub will train up a multi-skilled workforce who are just as comfortable driving a heavy-duty hydraulic excavator as they are an HGV. The first project of its kind funded by construction industry training board CITB, the Hub is a state-ofthe-art mobile room offering plenty of learning space and two high-end simulators for hands-on virtual training. It has a permanent place on Gallagher’s busy site in Maidstone, but can also travel to clients if required.
Speaking to Gallagher Managing Director, Sean Connor, he hopes the Hub will help solve few of the problems facing the construction industry. First, of course, is encouraging more people into the sector. Offering a dedicated base for training and apprenticeships that’s smack-bang in the middle of a working quarry, with practice opportunities literally on its doorstep, will likely be an attractive prospect when compared to more remote classroom-based courses. The next benefit of a multiskilled workforce is relief cover. Connor said that when a driver calls in sick or goes away on holiday, they can leave a gap that’s tricky to fill. But with multi-skilling, the pool of workers able to step in is obviously far greater. In business, improved efficiency is always a good thing. But there are benefits for the individual, too. A driver
who is behind the wheel of an aggregates truck for 50-plus hours a week may relish the chance to change things up and take control of a loading shovel for a few days. Variety is the spice of life, and all that. Gallagher boss, Sean Connor, was at pains to point out the Hub is to benefit the wider sector, not just Gallagher workers. Many other local firms were present at the opening ceremony and appeared keen to make use of the facility for their own training and recruitment purposes. It’s easy to see why.
The Kent Skills Hub is yet another example of forwardlooking operators thinking outside the box and coming up with new ways to solve ongoing problems. The skills deficit is a real stumbling block for some sectors, and innovations like this are just what’s needed to help turn things around.
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For over 40 years, Coach House, based in Accrington, Lancashire, has imported and sold furniture and homewares throughout the UK, and are currently the UK’s largest trade-only wholesale furniture and giftware supplier.
Coach House use TRP Parts, ordered through WEBSHOP
For all their trailer and van parts, and workshop consumables
With an impressive company heritage and product range, Coach House are rightly protective of their fleet out on the road, all carrying the company branding that oozes quality, and immaculately maintained for maximum impact on the road.
Visitors arriving at Coach House cannot fail to be impressed by the hundreds of solar panels on every roof across their huge head office location, evidence of the company’s green credentials which don’t stop there. Coach House run their fleet of DAF trucks on HVO, cutting CO2 emissions by up to 90%, significantly reducing their carbon footprint.
Coach House currently operate almost 30 DAF trucks, over 60 trailers, and a handful of vans. Chris Eastwood, the Coach House Fleet Manager for 17 years, is fully engaged with DAF’s WEBSHOP when ordering parts and consumables from his local DAF Dealer, Lancashire DAF.
As well as covering all DAF Genuine parts, the DAF Webshop parts identification and ordering system includes the huge range of TRP All Makes Parts, covering All Makes Truck, Trailer & LCV Parts, Lubricants and Workshop Consumables.
Chris Eastwood, Coach House Fleet Manager, says all trailer parts required for their extensive fleet are available from the TRP range, ordered online through WEBSHOP, including trailers manufactured by Don-Bur, SDC and Dennison.
The depth of the business relationship between Coach House and Lancashire DAF was evident recently when several trailer braking systems needed upgrading, due to the lighter than average loads Coach House delivers. The solution required specifying alternative brake chambers and other braking parts to maintain outstanding braking performance. Chris and Craig Walker, from the Lancashire
DAF Parts Sales team, worked together to specify the parts required – all sourced from the TRP range.
TRP is also a valuable source of workshop consumables and parts for their small fleet of light commercial vehicles too – all readily available within minutes from Lancashire DAF, who provide Coach House with multiple daily deliveries whenever parts are required urgently.
The workshop technicians also benefit from having both DAF and TRP Imprest stock on hand in the workshop for fitting immediately.
Craig ensures that any parts taken from Imprest stock by the workshop are ordered and replaced by Lancashire DAF, and only then are the fitted parts invoiced to Coach House. This arrangement ensures all workshop servicing and vehicle inspections go smoothly, and the technicians have
“WEBSHOP is so easy to use. Almost 100% of my fleet requirements are ordered through the online platform in minutes. Once the vehicle registration number is entered, all relevant serviceable parts and those required for repairs are quickly identified and ordered. The next thing I know the parts have arrived ready for fitting.”
Chris Eastwood Fleet Manager, Coach House
The parts included in the Imprest stock are also regularly reviewed and expanded to take into consideration any new additions to the fleet.
Through supplying TRP products alongside DAF Genuine Parts, Lancashire DAF has become a valuable partner to the Coach House workshop, helping the technicians achieve maximum fleet uptime and efficiency, whilst maintaining operational safety.
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With a larger stand than ever before, TRP – PACCAR Parts’ All-makes Commercial Vehicle Parts brand, with over 120,000 parts, will once again be demonstrating its extensive portfolio of products for the haulage industry at this year’s Road Transport Expo (RTX).
With its presence at the Stoneleigh event from 30 June to 2 July, TRP underlines its commitment to supporting transport operators across the UK and Europe, regardless of vehicle manufacturer.
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