At Farrall’s Group, sustainability is part of how we think and operate every day. As a third-generation family-run business based in the North West & Chester, we take pride in planning for the long term, not just the next quarter. We know the decisions we make today shape the future our children and grandchildren will live in.
We’ve made real progress on our journey towards net zero, but there’s still a long road ahead. In this update, we’re sharing some of the steps we’ve already taken and the ideas we’re working on to build a cleaner, more sustainable logistics future from our Deeside depot and beyond.
Why Sustainability?
Road Transport plays a significant role in UK carbon emissions and with HGV’s accounting for almost 20% of these, hauliers have the power to lead the change toward a greener future.
For us, sustainability isn’t an afterthought or an optional extra. It’s built into how we make decisions, invest in our future, and serve our customers. Whether it’s cutting emissions, improving efficiency, or rethinking how we deliver into cities, we’re focused on operating in a way that’s better for both people and the planet.
Electric Vehicles: Driving Innovation on the Road
We’ve spent the last few years exploring alternative fuels, and in the past 12 months have started integrating electric vehicles into our fleet. We now have an electric Volvo tractor unit and rigid on the road, with a DAF electric rigid due to arrive soon.
These vehicles are already playing a key role in our urban delivery plans, and we continue to test and evaluate the latest EHGV technologies as they develop. While range and charging infrastructure are still evolving, we’re committed to staying ahead of the curve and making informed, timely investments.
Solar Power: Clean Energy from Our Deeside Depot
In 2023, we installed a 552kWh solar panel system at our Deeside head office. This has significantly reduced our reliance on grid electricity, cutting our emissions and powering our operations with clean, renewable energy.
But we’re not stopping there. We’re now exploring options for our next phase, which includes scaling up our solar generation so we can produce even more power. The goal? To generate enough energy on site to not only power our own EV fleet, but eventually support wider regional needs. It’s another step toward closing the loop between sustainable energy and sustainable transport.
Sustainability in Everyday Decisions
Every major decision we make whether it’s fleet investment, technology upgrades, or partnerships is shaped by our sustainability goals.
Investment in training has helped to formalise our approach to carbon tracking and reduction planning. With this knowledge in-house, we’re able to set more meaningful targets and ensure our plans are rooted in science, not guesswork.
But it’s not just about numbers. We also look at the human side of our choices- reducing emissions in residential areas, cutting down on congestion, and helping create cleaner, quieter communities.
Becoming an EHGV Charging Hub for North Wales and Chester
One of the biggest challenges in the transition to electric HGVs is the lack of charging infrastructure. We believe our Deeside depot is perfectly positioned to help solve that.
With solar power already being generated on site, and exploring options to expand our charging facilities, we see real potential to turn Deeside into a key EHGV charging hub for the region. Our location is close to the M56, A55, M53, A494 and both Holyhead and Liverpool ports, making us a strategic gateway for hauliers heading across North Wales and the North West.
This isn’t just about supporting our own fleet—it’s about supporting the wider industry to make progress on their own sustainability journeys.
Proposing Net Zero Deliveries into Chester City Centre
With the facilities we now have in place, we would like to be able to follow in the footsteps of larger cities and introduce green deliveries to Chester city centre.
By using our electric rigid vehicles, we aim to reduce the number of heavy vehicles entering the city, especially through residential areas. Goods destined for the city centre could be consolidated at our Deeside site and delivered using quieter, zero-emission trucks- cutting noise, emissions, and congestion.
This model has the potential to not only support local sustainability goals but improve the quality of life for those who live and work in these areas.
We’re incredibly proud of the work done so far, but even more excited about what’s to come. Thank you to our team, our customers, and our wider network for supporting us on this journey.
To learn more about our sustainability initiatives or to discuss potential partnerships, please get in touch, we’re always open to collaborating with others who share our passion for progress
