Woodland Group boosts fleet with first leased DAF trucks, driven by a competitive deal and strategic growth plans.
Woodland Group has added its first leased DAF XF 480 tractor units to its fleet, marking a significant shift from its longstanding use of Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The decision was driven by a highly competitive commercial deal and support provided by Asset Alliance Group.
Paul Eve, Head of Fleet Management at Woodland Group, explained the rationale behind the move: “It wasn’t just about the product itself. We conducted trials across multiple brands, including Volvo, Scania, and Iveco, and engaged with suppliers directly as well as through Asset Alliance. Our long-standing provider was Mercedes-Benz, so naturally, we held discussions with them too. However, the decision was more around commercial considerations than purely product-based ones. It wasn’t just about finding the lowest price.”
Woodland Group opted for a three-year operating lease for the new vehicles – a departure from its usual strategy of outright purchasing. Paul explained the strategic shift, stating, “This time around we factored in the cost of borrowing, the right deal for us and importantly our customers, and the DAF dealer network with its recognised roadside support to keep the fleet rolling.”
He added, “The commercial deal Asset Alliance Group put together for us was the most competitive in a tough market for suppliers, making the decision to change how we pay for our trucks, and to run DAFs for the first time, an easy one. The addition of three years’ repair and maintenance cover direct with DAF as part of the deal was the differentiator.”
The new DAF XF 480 trucks are compliant with the uprated Direct Vision Standard and feature additional 360-degree cloud recordable viewing cameras to enhance safety for road users and drivers. With a high specification that prioritises driver comfort to aid retention, the trucks come equipped with the Executive Pack option, which includes uprated beds, air-suspended seats, and interior LED lighting.
“The tractor units we chose are mid-spec compared to the Mercedes-Benz Actros L 2646 and 2648 with 2.5-meter-wide cabs that we run. Visually, the new cabs look smaller, but internally, they actually offer more metric space than the Mercedes-Benz Actros Big Space. The dash layout is more spacious due to the implementation of GSR European legislation, which requires improved driver space. This was achieved by moving the dashboards forward, creating a more open feel in the cab. Additionally, DAF trucks are known for having superior beds, which is a well-recognised feature in the industry. All these elements suited our operational needs perfectly.”
Paul says the Mercedes-Benz product continued to perform well in tests, but commercially, DAF was the better choice at this time. It also fits Woodland’s needs for other reasons too. “The DAF’s simple dash layout and its compatibility with our existing mirror cam system, which we also specify on the Mercedes-Benz units, were significant advantages. It didn’t hurt that the DAF cabs pretty much matched our livery aesthetically – that was just the icing on the cake.”
Drivers were initially unsure but have soon warmed to the new DAFs. “Once they got inside and experienced the space and features, they have quickly adapted. Change is always challenging, but overall, the reception has been positive. We deployed 32 units at our major customer site in Barnsley last October, and another 14 in the south over the last six to eight weeks. We’re now starting to see the benefits.”
The addition of the new trucks also supports Woodland Group’s commitment to sustainability, as all units will run on hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO), further reducing environmental impact. This aligns with the company’s broader sustainability initiatives.
The vehicles are a combination of fleet renewals and new additions to support several major business wins. Thirty-two of the tractor units, carrying the livery of an existing customer, will be based out of Barnsley, while the rest will be deployed across other strategic locations. This strategic move not only diversifies Woodland Group’s fleet but also enhances operational efficiency and sustainability, positioning the company for continued growth and success.
Working with customers in the packaging, print media, building and construction sectors, Woodland Group runs north of 200 artics alongside a variety of rigids and vans. It has a cohort of approximately 230 drivers and utilises over 400 trailers, the majority of which are curtainsided with some custom flatbeds. The company typically embeds itself at customers’ sites providing seamless transport and distribution solutions across the UK.
While Paul has been impressed by DAF, future fleet additions and renewals will be influenced by a variety of factors, not least upcoming legislation. For example, “It’s clear there’s a trend towards a three-cab module approach among OEMs – essentially streamlining to an urban,fleet and long-haul cab. This seems to be the direction all manufacturers are heading in over the near future.”
Indeed, Woodland Group isn’t tied to any single brand as its move to DAF highlights. “I’ll always consider all manufacturers for the right reasons, with cost being the primary factor,” adds Paul, praising DAF and saying he would consider its vehicles in future. “Whether we opt for the XF depends on operational needs. The challenge with the XG model is its zero-star rating out of the factory, meaning additional costs are required to make it compliant with London’s Direct Vision Standard. It’s all about finding the right balance between cost, legislation, and operational suitability.”
New Opportunities
The new DAF tractor units arrive at a time whilst Woodland Group continues to seek and win new opportunities. “We were fortunate enough to win a substantial piece of business in the packaging sector in the middle of last year, which went live at the start of 2025,” says Paul. “That was a hard-fought win, but it’s an area where we have significant expertise. In fact, at least half of our fleet is dedicated to the packaging industry across the country, working with various manufacturers. It was a strategic win that’s proven very beneficial.”
Paul feels the ability to capture new clients to complement its long-term relationships is evidence of how Woodland Group stands out in the sector. “Last year, we made a deliberate decision to take a firm stance on the type of service we offer. What sets us apart is that we offer a truly bespoke, end-to-end solution. Everything is handled internally: our own fleet, our own drivers, our own staff, and our own warehouses. There is limited outsourcing or subcontracting but still controlled by us, so every touchpoint is managed by Woodland people. This allows us to deliver a tailormade service, fully controlled and in-house.”
Granted, acknowledges Paul, this approach comes at a cost: “We’re not the cheapest, and we don’t claim to be. But with us, you get the service you pay for and want. We’ve been very clear about that, and it’s a stance we’ve worked hard to establish. Our commitment is that if you entrust your freight to us, it will be moved on dedicated equipment by our own team and on time. It’s a premium service, and customers are increasingly appreciating the value of that reliability. Anyone can claim to offer a reliable service, but we actually deliver on that promise, and we’ve been doing it consistently for a long time. The proof is in the results we’ve achieved for the group and our customers.”
It’s also important to have the right drivers. “We invest a tremendous amount of time, effort, and money into our driver recruitment and training process. It starts with an initial interview with the depot manager at the location where the candidate will be based. If they pass that stage, they move on to a comprehensive two-day induction. We put them up in a hotel, provide their meals, and have a dedicated Induction Manager who guides them through the entire process. After that, they go out on the road with an experienced driver for up to two weeks. We put this effort in because we’re committed to finding the right people, first time. I am seeing more drivers in the market now available so our process is invaluable in getting the right guys on board for the long haul (pardon the pun).
Emphasising the importance of getting the right fit. “What’s unique about our induction process is that it’s not just about teaching them to drive – they’re already qualified professional drivers, so instead, we focus first on introducing them to the Woodland way. It’s about immersing them in our culture and showing them how we present ourselves to our customers. We emphasise that they’re the face of our company. If we get that part right, the rest of the job becomes much easier.”
An Exciting 2025
The investment in new DAF tractor units arrives at an opportune time as Woodland Group celebrates major new business wins, particularly in the packaging sector. With an eye on future growth and a flexible approach to fleet management, the company is well-positioned for continued success in 2025 and well beyond.
Transport & Logistics – Driving The Industry Forward
