Stobart Group chief executive Andrew Tinkler says the firm's road transport business is looking to offer subcontract loads to regional and small hauliers to help boost fleet utilisation.
Tinkler believes that by offering out loads that would otherwise necessitate a long empty leg for a Stobart truck, it can increase fleet utilisation from 84% to about 90%. Hauliers wanting to bid for work would have to meet certain KPIs.
Tinkler adds: "We will be able to offer loads where we have
got an imbalance. We are trying to work with regional hauliers to take the strain off them and give them additional opportunities."
The Stobart boss also says that interest in its rail operations is increasing, with existing road and warehousing customer Coca-Cola likely to be the next big-name rail client. Tinkler was speaking as the firm unveiled its preliminary accounts for the year to 28 February 2009. These showed turnover at £431.1m and pre-tax profit at £23.1m.
He says he is delighted with the firm's performance: "We are very pleased considering the way the economic climate is; it proves our business model is working." He predicts greater contribution from the James Irlam and Innovate businesses next year.
Reed Business Information Limited.©2009
