Stobart's Journey

Initially formed in 1970 by our eponymous founder Edward Stobart, we have come a long way to become one of the UK’s most well-known companies in the supply chain sector.

Now operating over 2,000 vehicles, c3,500 trailers and 43 operating centres throughout the UK, employing c6,500 people, we provide our services to a range of national and international customers. We’re recognised for our high levels of service and significant base of long-term relationships with blue chip customers.

1960s
1960s

Founder, Stobart, goes into business as an agricultural contractor in the isolated Lake District village of Hesket Newmarket.

2018
2018

In June 2018 Stobart Logistics acquires The Pallet Network, a sustainable, cost effective and reliable pallet distribution service covering the UK, Ireland and into Europe.

2017
2017

At 8am on the 25th of April 2017 Stobart Logistics plc floated on the London AIM stock market. This created a platform for future growth and enabled the introduction of an employee share incentive plan.

2017
2017

In August 2017 Stobart Logistics acquires The Logistic People, who specialise in the recruitment of high-calibre drivers and industrial workers, while also operating a same day courier service.

2017
2017

Stobart acquires 50% of Speedy Freight on 7th July. Speedy Freight is a franchised business offering a 24-hour, same-day expedited freight service to businesses, specialising in single load, point-to-point, urgent deliveries.

2017
2017

Stobart Logistics plc acquires iForce Group Limited in April 2017 which provides e-commerce retail logistic solutions including warehousing, fulfilment and returns management. These services complement Stobart’s current business.

2016
2016

Stobart launches a new Manufacturing, Industrial and Bulk business sector, resulting in multi-million pound contract wins with Circle K and Aggregate Industries.

2015
2015

Stobart Automotive UK is sold to BCA Marketplace PLC. Stobart retains Stobart Automotive Europe and concentrates its growth in the European market.

2014
2014

Stobart is acquired and taken private by William Stobart and a consortium of investors led by DBAY Advisors Limited on 10th April 2014.

2013
2013

Stobart acquires Night Owl Truckstops at Rugby and Carlisle, creating the new business venture ‘Stobart Truckstops’.

2012
2012

Stobart acquires the UK’s leading vehicle logistics company, Autologic Holding PLC, and Walon Automotive in Belgium; the company’s first step into the automotive sector.

2012
2012

The first 15.65m trailer enters British roads in January after the government passes regulation changes that Stobart campaigned heavily for with the Department for Transport.

2011
2011

Edward Stobart, the driving force behind Stobart Limited and the rapid growth through the 80s and 90s, passes away, aged 56, on 31st March 2011.

2009
2009

Stobart Rail launches its first international chilled rail freight service, operating between Valencia, Spain, and the UK. This was the first ever chilled rail service into the UK.

2007
2007

Stobart is listed on the London Stock Exchange, formed through a reverse merger with Westbury Property Fund Limited.

2007
2007

Stobart acquires the O’Connor Ports business, including its Widnes railhead and container handling facility based on the West Coast Main Line.

2006
2006

The first Stobart Rail round-trip daily service from Daventry to Glasgow is launched on 19th September 2006. This was the longest domestic freight train operated in the UK.

2005
2005

Significant investment is made in IT infrastructure in conjunction with the development of a key management team and the introduction of a striking new livery for the fleet.

2001
2001

William leaves Stobart to become a shareholding director in Andrew Tinkler’s rail-based infrastructure engineering business, WA Developments (WAD).

1996
1996

The summer of 1996 saw the opening of the Stobart Shop in Carlisle city centre, the launch of the official members’ club and the start of the franchise with Corgi Toys.

1980-90s
1980-90s

The business expands significantly, opening depots across the UK and Europe. This consistent, rapid growth helped make Stobart one of the UK’s best-known brands.

1977
1977

Eddie’s youngest son, William, joins the business. Working in the garage and office and then driving from the age of 21 (pictured here with the 12th vehicle in the fleet) for 3 years.

1970
1970

Stobart became a limited company on 23rd November 1970 led by Edward Stobart, Eddie’s second son, and started doing general haulage still based in Hesket Newmarket.

1970
1970

Edward drives the company’s transition from an agricultural contracting business into road transport and warehousing and moves into the first depot at Greystone Road in Carlisle.

Our Network

You’re never far from a Stobart site.

Our network of sole- and shared-user sites spans the UK and extends into Europe.

Our vision and values

We will be recognised for our pride and professionalism in delivering innovative customer solutions and service excellence.

Corporate Social Responsibility

We are a company with a conscience

We might be big, but we still have a conscience. We take our responsibilities seriously and focus our efforts on three main areas: Environment, People and Giving Back.

We’re committed to running our business in a responsible way as we continue to develop our corporate social responsibility practices to support our employees, customers and the environment now and in the future.

Logistics team at work