We have announced our first investment in electric Heavy Goods Vehicles (eHGVs), marking a significant milestone in developing fully electric, low‑carbon, end‑to‑end supply chain solutions delivered by our Oakland Distribution network. This investment supports our ambition to operate logistics routes powered exclusively by electric vehicles.
Contributing to a national network of charging stations which can help link various parts of the UK, the move builds on the company’s investment in operating a 100% electric refrigerated trailer fleet, powered by Eco Drive technology that converts engine power into electricity for temperature controlled units.
Sustainability Officer Elinor Smith commented: “Pressure is increasing on supply chains to decarbonise, and with the likelihood of additional charges in urban and inner‑city locations through schemes such as ULEZ, organisations are paying far closer attention to their carbon impact. Our investment in eHGVs is a natural next step in reducing transport emissions while supporting our customers’ sustainability goals.”
Safat Chowdhury, Head of Expansions and Special Projects at HIVED added: “As the UK’s only all‑electric and B Corp certified parcel delivery company, we share Oakland International’s ambition to accelerate the transition to genuinely low‑carbon logistics.
“Our partnership over several years, spanning EV capacity, charging infrastructure and reusable packaging, has shown what’s possible when like‑minded businesses collaborate. The addition of eHGVs into Oakland’s fleet not only deepens that partnership, but also expands the electric vehicle options available across the middle and final mile, building on the eHGV capability already operating within HIVED’s own fleet.”
Net Zero Strategy
Forming a central part of Oakland’s long‑term net zero strategy, the shift to electric HGVs addresses transport, the most significant contributor to the company’s carbon footprint, and responds directly to rising customer demand for low‑carbon logistics solutions and transparent emissions reporting.
The company’s adoption of Mercedes‑Benz eActros 600 and 400 truck models enable efficient, predictable operation on fixed routes, where electric vehicles deliver the strongest performance and lowest running emissions. To integrate the eHGVs into nationwide operations Oakland will expand fast charging capacity across its network and form strategic partnerships to enable remote charging, enhancing reliability and route planning.
Oakland Distribution delivers multi temperature logistics across the UK and Ireland, operating a fleet spanning 44 tonne articulated vehicles, rigids and multi temperature vans, supporting retail, wholesale, convenience and foodservice channels.
Added Elinor: “This initial investment in eHGVs strengthens our wider programme of sustainable innovation and reinforces our position as one of the sector’s most ethical and environmentally focused supply‑chain leaders.”
A Certified B Corporation, Oakland International is a specialist in multi‑temperature supply‑chain solutions, providing services including storage, distribution, contract packing, consolidation and direct‑to‑consumer delivery. The business is also recognised for its award‑winning distress load management service, leading the market in reducing food waste across the supply chain.