Transport analysts monitoring the Stobart developments say they see the attraction of moving to a multi-modal operation, but questions remain about how the business will operate. Thomas Cullen at Transport Intelligence hails Stobart's latest move as a "remarkable change" and says "it would be nice if they could elaborate on their plans".
"I merely have questions," he says, noting that it is unusual to concentrate container operations in the North-west, when the real demand is in the South-east
at Southampton and Felixstowe ports. Cullen says he can see the growth market of container transport is "highly attractive". Westbury's operational expertise is a key component if Stobart are to go down the intermodal route, he confirms. "They [Westbury] are still heavily exposed to property."
Chris Morgan of Datamonitor feels the change is good strategy for Stobart and says a multi-modal service is "a distinct competitive advantage over other pure road transportation companies". He says: "On the upside there is the opportunity that will arise through Eastern Europe, as well as the potential markets for chilled logistics in the food and pharmaceuticals sectors.
On the downside is the high fragmentation of the industry, high fuel prices, potential road tolls, drivers' hour restrictions and traditionally low margins. A listing on the stock market would also bring much needed additional funds to expand its facilities and fleet."
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