The inaugural Best Truck Stop of the Year has gone to Ashford International Truckstop in Kent.
The contest was conceived by industry body Logistics UK to draw attention to the importance of truckstops and recognise excellence in the sector, with the winner chosen by a panellist of expert judges following nominations from drivers.
Five other truckstops were shortlisted for the award: The Old Fox near Grantham, Lincolnshire; AWJ Penrith in Cumbria, Formula – Premier near Ellesmere Port, Cheshire; Route 74 by Lesmahagow, South Lanarkshire, and The Hollies near Cannock, Staffordshire, which was bought by Certas in 2021;
Stops were assessed according to several criteria including security and lighting provision, food availability, and value for money.
Logistics UK’s president, Phil Roe, visited Ashford International Truckstop to present the award, commenting: “Professional drivers are the backbone of the UK economy, and Logistics UK’s Best Truck Stop of the Year is a crucial initiative recognising the truck stops that provide drivers with an invaluable and essential service as they keep the economy moving.
“Ashford International Truckstop is a deserving winner of this search, and it was a pleasure to be given a tour of the site today and see firsthand its first-class facilities.”
Roe cautions, however, that such stops are “the exception and not the rule”, adding: “Too often, professional drivers around the country are contending with a lack of acceptable roadside facilities or forced to take their legally mandated rest breaks in locations that aren’t up to standard.”
Darren Smith, operations director at Ashford International says, “We are honoured to be recognised by Logistics UK as Best Truck Stop of the Year 2026. This award reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality facilities, industry-leading security and exceptional customer service for the thousands of professional drivers who rely on Ashford International Truckstop each year.”
