An Oxfordshire transport operator has won a top industry award.

Darcica Logistics, based in Bicester, was named the winning company in the Sustainable Transport category at the Motor Transport Awards.

The awards are prestigious industry-leading events in the logistics and transport sector.

Anthony Tattersall, managing director of Darcica, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to have won the Sustainable Transport Award in this year’s Motor Transport Awards, especially as we were up against so many excellent, larger operators.

"As an independent family-run company, to be nominated alongside some of the giants of the industry, and be recognised for our efforts in sustainability, is a huge honour."

Darcica was one of the first logistics firms in the UK to achieve Mission Zero accreditation in 2021, which aligns with the UN’s 17 sustainable development goals.

The company provides pallet and parcel deliveries and plastic-free fulfilment services.

This is underpinned by Darcica’s core company values which include environmental measures to reduce energy, water, waste, and emissions, as well as measures to support its staff and the community.

This includes creating more than 30 full-time positions over the past three years, offering a quarterly food voucher for all its employees, and sponsoring charities like Sobel House Hospice’s OxTrail 2024.

When announcing the win, the judges said: "It is fantastic to see the great achievements this company has made in the four years since it launched.

"There is a clear sustainability plan, with strong core values that will enable the company to achieve its goals.

"It has a very impressive plan for embedding sustainability at the heart of the company."

Awarding Darcica, they concluded that: "This is an outstanding achievement for a small company."

Warwick Trimble, network director for Palletways UK, praised Darcica, saying: "This award win is a fantastic accolade for Darcica and testament to its solid people culture, ongoing growth, and business development.

"Customers receive excellent service; Darcica was a recent recipient of our Platinum Award for operational excellence, high service and sales performance, and driving forward sustainable practices."

Darcica Logistics is one of more than 120 independent transport providers and is part of the Palletways UK network.

They benefit from shared expertise and resources from within the group to deliver consignments of palletised freight to market faster and more cost-effectively than before.

The Palletways Group, renowned for its industry-leading IT developments and operational systems, comprises more than 450 depots and 20 hub operations, through which it provides collection and distribution services across 24 European countries, including the UK.