Eddie Stobart is the part of the Stobart Group, one of the UK's leading providers of multimodal transport and logistics solutions. Eddie Stobart has a fleet of 1,200 trucks, 2,000 trailers and 27 depots.
Over the last few years the industry has faced challenges like never before, for example, the introduction of the working time directive, rising fuel costs, competition from overseas and a national shortage of skilled drivers. The intense competition, low margin and high level of investment required are typical characteristics of the logistics market. Delivery lead times especially to the national retailers have reduced to twelve hours which has forced a high level of specialist equipment and systems.
During its 35 years of existence, Eddie Stobart has steadily increased its market share and developed internationally.
Within the UK haulage industry, 80% of companies have less than 20 vehicles so there are a relatively small number of large operators. The current trend in the industry is toward consolidation and rationalisation.