The critical role of the UK’s van sector has taken centre stage as Logistics UK reveals the finalists for the Van Business of the Year category as part of its upcoming 10th anniversary awards.

Recognising excellence in final-mile delivery, fleet management and operational efficiency, this year’s highly competitive shortlist includes 101 Pet Express, Cencora Alliance Healthcare, Openreach Fleet, Prestige Pipelaying JV and UCLS.

The winner will be announced live on 10 December 2026 at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London as part of the 10th anniversary Logistics Awards,

The annual awards highlight the outstanding accomplishments of companies and individuals that have made a significant contribution to the logistics sector over the past 12 months. Representing all modes of transport – including road, rail, sea and air – the shortlist also features prominent names such as GXO Logistics, DPD UK, DP World, XPO Logistics and Maersk.

Shortlisted entrants for Logistics UK’s Logistics Awards 2026:  

Rising Star of the Year (individual): Alex Castle, continuous improvement & change lead, GXO Logistics; Eddie Davidson, operations & technology director, Aegis Energy; Jamie Walker, senior operation key account manager, DSV; Josh Rand, workshop management apprentice, Bethell Construction; Leigha Blake, head of northern operations, Woodland Logistics; Poppy Hawley, supply chain leadership degree apprentice, XPO Logistics; Rebecca Edwards, transport manager, Howard Tenens; Riley Trevelyan, CPT machine operator/driver, Lankelma

International Logistics Business of the Year: Allied Group; Maersk Logistics and Services; Spedition Services; THG Fulfil; TST Group – UK and Ireland; Uniserve; WMS Logistics & Risk Management

Public Services Operator of the Year: DSV; Sherwood T Group; TT2

Most Innovative Company of the Year: Cencora Alliance Healthcare; Exeros; Motia; Routd Technology; Trade Harmonizer; Uber Boat by Thames Clippers; Webfleet; Welch Group

Freight by Water Business of the Year: Cargo.one; HMM; Maersk Logistics and Services; Speedy Hire; Streamline Shipping Group; Uber Boat by Thames Clippers

Decarbonisation Initiative of the Year: DP World; DPD UK; GXO Logistics; HMM, Howard Tenens; Manfreight; Maritime Transport

Logistics Technology Provider of the Year: CameraMatics; iCustoms.ai – iTraces; Motia; Routd Technology; SambaSafety; Samsara Connected Operations Platform; THG Fulfil

Van Business of the Year: 101 Pet Express – Pet Transport UK & Europe; Cencora Alliance Healthcare; Openreach Fleet; Prestige Pipelaying JV; UCLS

Logistics Partner of the Year: CEVA Logistics and E.ON Next; DX; Howard Tenens; Noatum Logistics & HUGO BOSS; THG Fulfil; XPO Logistics and Arla Foods; XPO Logistics & Soprema UK

Air Freight Business of the Year: Cargo.one; FlyUs Aviation Group; Glasgow Prestwick Airport; Maersk Logistics and Services.

Diversity and Inclusion Champion of the Year: Babcock International; Noatum Logistics UK; Sysco; Speedy Hire

Rail Freight Business of the Year: GoExpress; Culina Integrated Packing Services – Bardon; Maritime Transport; Tesco Distribution Rail Network.

Warehousing Business of the Year: Bradford Swissport; DPD UK; DSV Global Transport & Logistics; Iron Mountain Warehousing & Logistics; Manfreight; Port of Dover Cargo; Swift Fulfilment

Last Mile Delivery Business of the Year: DX; Evri; Life Couriers UK; Routd Technology; Truline

Most Innovative Product of the Year: iCustoms.ai – iTraces; Netradyne – AI-Powered Fleet Safety Platform; Solvo.ai – Dynamic Pricing Platform; Sopp+Sopp – FleetScout; Trade Harmonizer – Compliance Platform; VEV Services – VEV IQ; Wise – Network View

Safety in Logistics Initiative of the Year: BOC Gases; Powerfleet and Transdev Airport Services; Prestige Pipelaying J; Safetytech Accelerator; Tarmac Cement; United Utilities; Woodland Logistics

Logistics Leader of the Year (individual): Aaron Powell; fleet and logistics director; Speedy Hire; Chris Welch; managing director; Welch Group; Dr Sandra Macdonald-Ames; risk practice lead – motor; Gallagher Bassett; Dr Tevin Tobun; founder & CEO; Routd Technology; Marie Claire Reid; managing director; TST Group; Naveed Ahmed; director; Sherwood T Group

Road Transport Operator of the Year: Cencora Alliance Healthcare; Collett; DP World; Harrison Spinks; Manfreight; Samworth Brothers Supply Chain; UCLS; Welsh Group

Logistics UK’s Board – which features representatives from some of the country’s most influential logistics businesses – will now complete the final round of independent judging before the winners are announced on 10 December.

Ben Fletcher, Logistics UK’s chief executive, said: “The standard of entries this year has been exceptionally high, showcasing the innovation, dedication and expertise that continues to drive our sector forward. I would like to thank everyone who entered, congratulate our shortlisted organisations and individuals on their achievement, and wish them the very best for what promises to be a fantastic celebration at our 10th anniversary event in December.”

The awards evening is sponsored by Aptean, Brigade Electronics, Close Brothers, DP World, HSBC, Logistics UK Recovery Service, Pallet Track, Palletways, Port of Dover, Samsara, VEV and Wise.

The event will include a champagne reception and three-course meal, with dancing and top-quality entertainment from host Josh Widdicombe.

An early bird discount on table bookings is in place until 28 August. Bookings can be made via the Logistics UK website.