The Association of Pallet Networks is calling for a reduction in fuel duty to protect essential services to the UK economy. The APN is joining its voice to that of the Road Haulage Association in calling on the Chancellor to support the transport and logistics sector by immediately cutting fuel duty, not increasing fuel duty as planned on 1 September, abandoning the inflation-linked increases scheduled from April 2027, implementing a temporary reduction in VAT on fuel and implementing mandatory 30-day payment terms for UK haulage businesses. The APN believes these measures will help to stabilise an essential but vulnerable sector facing huge fuel cost increases.
This article was first published in the May 15th 2026 issue of Warehouse & Logistics News, subscribe to the magazine by clicking here.
UPN marks 25 years in operation in 2026, having expanded from a small group of regional hauliers into a nationwide network of more than 100 independent transport specialists. Founded in 2001, the network now offers full UK coverage alongside international services spanning 26 European countries. Throughout its development, UPN has prioritised consistency and service reliability, placing an emphasis on careful member selection and investment in central hub operations rather than rapid expansion. That approach has underpinned its growth as demand has increased for dependable, multi-site distribution supported by local expertise.
The haulage sector remains a cornerstone of the UK economy, keeping supply chains moving and ensuring that essential goods reach businesses and consumers every day. Palletline believes that supporting the long-term stability of this sector is both a commercial priority and a shared responsibility. Recent increases in fuel costs are adding further pressure to operators across the country – for many hauliers, fuel represents one of the largest elements of their cost base, and increases are not always easily absorbed or passed on, particularly in a competitive market.
Pall-Ex Logistics, part of the UK’s leading palletised freight distribution network Pall-Ex, has welcomed 17 new DAF tractor units to its fleet in partnership with DAF specialist, Adams Morey. Rapid growth across the five Pall-Ex Logistics owned operations sites has seen a £1.8 million investment into the Pall-Ex Logistics fleet of vehicles, beginning with the arrival of its first DAF XB Electric at the end of 2025. The DAF XG vehicles were the latest to be delivered to the Pall-Ex Logistics sites, with six vehicles each going to Cornwall and Dorset, one to Surrey and two each to the Pall-Ex Logistics depots in Northampton and Essex.
A haulage specialist is celebrating after taking delivery of new dual-branded trailers following a six-figure investment. Suffolk-based Bartrums has added 15 new trailers to its fleet, all dual-branded with both the Bartrums and Pallet-Track logos, to celebrate its membership of the pallet network it joined as a founding member back in 2004. The dual-branded trailers are the latest addition to Bartrum’s fleet of more than 200 vehicles and come as the company makes a huge investment in its fleet this year.
Cutting fuel duty is needed to protect the UK’s essential transport and logistics sector.
George Simpson
Features Editor
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