News

Eardley International has completed a two-year project by opening a truckstop at its depot just off Junction 19 of the M74. "We started building it in October last year", says MD Graham Eardley. "We noticed there was a lack of facilities in the area - drivers were complaining that there was nowhere to have a shower etc. A big part of our yard was not in use, and we felt that it was crying out  to be developed."

The nearest existing truckstop to the site is 25 miles away. As an introductory offer parking will be free. Eardley says: "No prices are currently fixed; we are considering charging around £8 for an overnight stay, though this would include a £5 lunch voucher. But people who just stop for an hour or so for their compulsory break will continue not to be charged."

The floodlit site has room for 50 trucks and will be manned 24/7; security is to be enhanced with CCTV cameras. As well as a cafe, toilets, showers, self-service laundry and a rest room, the truckstop offers a 24hr truckwash and a workshop for minor repairs. Eardley reports: "In the first two weeks we have seen drivers mainly use the stop for their daily rest breaks. It will take a couple of months to pick up."

Eardley International transports livestock and runs reefers so its haulage business has been hit hard by the foot-and-mouth outbreak. "We needed the cash to prop up the truckstop,  but we hope the livestock transport will resume by September," Eardley concludes.