Aberdeenshire haulage firm VG Mathers enters administration after 58 years with loss of seven jobs

A haulage firm has entered administration after 58 years, reporting an “unprecedented squeeze” within the sector.

VG Mathers Ltd was first started back in 1968 by Vic Mathers, who has since passed the business on to his son Colin, who is now the company director.

The Kintore-based business has been carrying out repairs and inspections for decades, however, after a long period of challenging trading condition the firm has announced its closure.

It was announced that VG Mathers has entered administration with the loss of seven jobs, and has appointed MHA as liquidator.

In a statement, Colin Mathers explained that the firm had been “overwhelmed by a relentless series of challenges”.

He also said VG Mathers is just one of hundreds of haulage companies folding due to costs associated with fuel, insurance and maintenance.

Mr Mathers said: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of our business. For years, our team has poured everything into keeping our wheels turning, but we have ultimately been overwhelmed by a relentless series of challenges.

“In this industry, we are used to navigating tough times, but recently it has felt like one thing after another. We are far from alone in this struggle: with around 400 UK road haulage and freight companies closing in 2025 alone, our demise is a symptom of a much larger crisis hitting our sector.

“We have faced an unprecedented squeeze from every angle – skyrocketing fuel costs, soaring insurance premiums, mounting compliance burdens and the rising costs involved in vehicle maintenance.

“We fought hard to absorb these costs, but the compounding pressure severely choked our cash flow. Without the financial cushion to withstand any payment issues or fluctuating customer demand, we reached a point where continuing to trade became impossible.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to our loyal staff, our dedicated drivers and our wonderful clients who stood by us.

“This is a very difficult outcome for us and our team, but the economic reality left us with no other choice.”