How we got to where we are today
Our journey started in 1960 as an agricultural subcontractor in the small Cumbrian Village of Hesket Newmarket and then really took off in 1970 with advent of Eddie Stobart
The Stobart 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 the UKs largest shared-user pay as you go transport network, Stobart delivers exceptional levels of service using both road and rail for the UK’s largest brands.
The business operates over 2,700 vehicles, c3,500 trailers, 43 operating centres throughout the UK, and employs c5,000 people.
Our company history
2014
Stobart is acquired
Stobart is acquired and taken private by William Stobart and a consortium of investors led by DBAY Advisors Limited on 10th April 2014.
2013
Stobart aquires Night Owl Truckstops
Stobart acquires Night Owl Truckstops at Rugby and Carlisle, creating the new business venture ‘Stobart Truckstops’.
2012
Stobart acquires Autologic Holding PLC & Walon Automotive
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
First 15.65m trailer enters Britain
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
Edward Stobart passes away
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
First international chilled rail freight
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
Stobart is listed on the London Stock Exchange
Stobart is listed on the London Stock Exchange, formed through a reverse merger with Westbury Property Fund Limited.
2007
Stobart acquires O’connor Ports
Stobart acquires the O’Connor Ports business, including its Widnes railhead and container handling facility based on the West Coast Main Line.
2006
First Stobart rail round-trip
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.
Learn more about the services we offer today
Retail
We’re involved in every aspect of the supply chain and have a logo history of providing comprehensive and versatile multimodal logistics to the retail sector.
Consumer
Flexible and agile road and rail transport and warehousing to short lead times under stringent handling practices for some of the UK’s best-now brands.
Ports
We understand Port Operations and we specialise in providing road and rail-based container transport services.
Eventor
We service our pan-European customers with full end-to-end logistics, comprising automotive, general haulage and warehousing, across all of our sectors.
Rail
Rail reduces carbon compared to road by up to 76% which is why we are continuing to invest to maintain our position as the leader in UK Rail logistics.
Get in touch
Interested in one of our services? Contact the team today to discuss your logistic needs. A relevant person from the Stobart team will respond to you as soon as possible.