ArrowXL insources heavy traction operations to improve fleet efficiency and reduce third-party dependency

By Jed Nykolle Harme

April 12, 2026

Photo Credits: Asset Alliance Group/Facebook

UK two-person home delivery specialist ArrowXL has added its first directly operated tractor unit to its fleet, bringing part of its heavy haulage traction work in-house following a review of its transport operation after its acquisition by French logistics group Jacky Perrenot.

Commercial Motor reported that the company has taken delivery of a Mercedes-Benz Actros L with ProCabin on a three-year contract hire deal through Asset Alliance Group, marking a shift from its previous reliance on third-party suppliers for tractor unit work.

The new vehicle will operate from ArrowXL's Worcester hub to Devon and Cornwall, pulling a double-deck trailer on overnight trunking duties, with full repair and maintenance support provided through the Mercedes-Benz dealer network as part of the contract hire agreement.

Ian Pearson, procurement manager at ArrowXL, said: "We did our homework and realised we could make significant savings and add operational flexibility with this fantastic, fuel-efficient truck, which runs from our Worcester hub down to Devon and Cornwall, if we did it ourselves."

Pearson added that the contract hire arrangement delivers cost certainty over the period and frees up the company's transport and operations teams to focus on service delivery, with servicing requirements handled by the local dealership during the day while the vehicle trunks through the night.

Driver training was arranged through Mercedes-Benz to maximise fuel efficiency and ensure driver familiarity with the new vehicle.

ArrowXL specialises in two-person home delivery of large consumer goods on behalf of retailers, manufacturers, and e-commerce businesses.

Read the full story on ArrowXL's in-house traction strategy here.