One of Scotland’s leading delivery firms, M&H Carriers, is reflecting on a year of growth and investment as it reinforced its position as a leader in the Scottish logistics sector.
A £250,000 investment in its Aberdeen operations was a pivotal milestone for the company, providing enhancements to critical infrastructure, an increase in capacity, and the delivery of more efficient and reliable services across its network, both locally and nationally.
Fraser MacLean, managing director at M&H Carriers, said: “This year has been about building resilience and adapting to meet the growing demands of our industry. Our investment in Aberdeen ensures we’re equipped to deliver exceptional service while laying the foundation for future growth.”
With the surge in fuel prices reaching record highs at the start of last year, the logistics industry faced immense pressure on operational costs, forcing many firms to adapt. This challenge was compounded by persistent driver shortages, which reached critical levels in 2024. Operating in the rural and remote regions of the Scottish Highlands and Islands, M&H Carriers found itself in direct competition for a shrinking pool of qualified drivers, underscoring the urgent need for skilled talent in the sector.
“The need for skilled drivers has never been more pressing,” Fraser said. “As demand continued to rise, the struggle to attract and retain top talent became one of our most formidable challenges.
“That’s why we’re planning to launch a C1 driver recruitment campaign in January 2025 to offer fully funded training for individuals entering the industry. It is our hope that this initiative will not only help tackle the sector’s workforce challenges but also create meaningful career opportunities for newcomers.
2024 also marked the opening of M&H Carriers’ new Perth depot, a 15,000 sq. ft. facility with a 1.5-acre on-site yard. A vital addition to the company’s network, the Perth hub expanded the business’ reach across Scotland while also creating new jobs and strengthening connections between the north and south of the country.
Fraser added: “Perth is often dubbed the gateway to the north of Scotland, connecting remote and rural communities to major population centres and beyond. Our new depot enabled us to enhance delivery capacity and efficiency, providing customers with greater access to reliable logistics services across the country.”
In addition to operational improvements, M&H Carriers continued to prioritise community engagement in 2024, partnering with Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC to provide free delivery for online orders during a period of financial hardship, and supporting the Highland Rugby Club Under-14s, helping the young athletes achieve their goals.
“Our community is at the heart of everything we do,” Fraser said. “Supporting local organisations and investing in young people has always been important to us, and as we move into 2025, we will continue to be firm champions of the organisations and communities we serve.”
As M&H Carriers looks ahead to the new year, the company remains committed to expanding its capabilities, empowering its workforce, and deepening its impact on the communities that drive its success.
M&H Carriers is one of Scotland’s leading distributors and hauliers, delivering parcels, freight, pallets and two-person products across the country. Working with businesses, private individuals and national carrier networks like DPD, DHL, DX, APC, UPS, Fedex and Pallet Track, the firm is dedicated to supporting SMEs and providing all with affordable, reliable distribution services. M&H Carriers’ delivery hubs are in Aberdeen, Inverness, Dundee, Argyll and Perth – with satellite depots in Aviemore, Broadford, Elgin, Fort William, Helmsdale, Invergordon, Kyle of Lochalsh, Lochgilphead, Muir of Ord, North Uist, Oban, Stornoway, Tarbert and Thurso.
