Ward Bros (Malton) to sell 25% of its fleet

General haulier Ward Bros (Malton) is cutting its fleet by a quarter to cope with the loss of a contract with Westler Foods.

The North Yorkshire-based firm says it lost the contract to House of James Transport on 7 April because it was unable to offer more competitive rates.

Company director Steve Ward, who is also the chairman of the RHA's northern regional council, tells MT: "I don't think the recession could really get any worse, but for us, we just can't lower prices any more; at the moment, there are just too many competitors willing to undercut."

To cope with the loss, the group is now focusing on its work with Palletways and will reduce its fleet from 40 to 30 vehicles.

"We have been experiencing a downturn in business over the past year, so now is the time to get some money from these unused trucks; there is no point in them just sitting there.This way we can keep our workforce on," Ward adds.

Protruck Auctions will sell Ward's HGVs on 13 June at its yard in Malton.