X2 was founded in 2003 with a clear concept: to deliver loads more flexibly, using a wide network of hauliers instead of maintaining a fixed fleet. It operated quite successfully for a few years but then stopped growing.
That’s when Ian Cramb bought into business and took over as Managing Director in 2007.
Growing the business was Ian’s number one priority. Leveraging X2’s existing relationship with Haulage Exchange, he was able to build a stronger haulier network, post loads faster, and reduce empty running.
Today, X2 works with around 1,000 hauliers every year and Ian has grown the revenue sixfold, all while keeping flexibility at its core.
Here’s how they did it.
X2’s Approach
The way X2 uses Haulage Exchange has evolved over the last 20 years.
In the early days, when Ian first took over, X2 “relied very heavily in the use of the platform” to post loads from their customer base, while they were developing their own haulier base.
We would not have grown as quickly in the early days if it hadn’t been for Haulage Exchange.
Ian Cramb, Managing Director, X2
“It really helped the business in its infancy to attract more haulier partners in to fulfil the work and the speed of deployment.”
Today, they rely more on their own established haulier network, but the Exchange remains a key part of their operations for last-minute jobs, backloads, and expanding coverage when needed.
“We wouldn’t want to be without it,” Ian says of the Exchange. “When you need to deploy quickly, it gives you reach beyond your usual partners. And it’s incredibly efficient.”
Flexibility remains X2’s biggest strength. Ian compares their model to a dimmer switch, able to scale volumes up or down depending on seasonal demand – moving from 500 loads a week to 1,000 around Christmas without the burden of permanent fleet costs.
That’s why the Exchange remains such a valuable tool for X2. It lets them scale easily whenever the need arises.
Result
Since joining X2, Ian has increased its revenue sixfold. “Certainly for the first few years, that was, being helped along very much so by Haulage Exchange” he says.
The business now operates out of two sites in Hinckley and Tamworth, and supports a wide range of customers across retail, manufacturing, and logistics sectors.
20 years
On the Exchange
2,592
Positive reviews
One of Ian’s proudest achievements was winning a piece of business with a customer who had previously used 52 different hauliers to manage their transport needs. X2 streamlined the process by offering a single point of contact while still managing the hauliers in the background.
“They don’t have to deal with the hassle anymore,” Ian says. “We still manage the hauliers behind the scenes, but for them, it’s seamless.”
Even during industry-wide driver shortages, X2 was able to leverage Haulage Exchange to quickly secure haulage subcontractors, ensuring seamless operations and consistent client deliveries.
Conclusion
Haulage Exchange helped X2 grow faster, scale smarter, and build a resilient operation that can flex to meet any client’s needs.
Haulage Exchange is the “market leader,” says Ian.
“The volume of work, the volume of hauliers, how slick it is – that’s what makes it the best choice.”
For Ian, X2’s success comes down to building a sustainable business model with the right partners alongside.
We’re proud of what we’ve built. And the Exchange has definitely helped us get here.
Ian Cramb, Managing Director, X2
