History
History
The story of Bassett’s in Transport begins in 1897, with Joseph Bassett, who lived and worked at Strongford Farm, located off the A34 between Trentham and Tittensor. He was a Victorian gentleman farmer who was inspired by the spirit of that age and saw relief from the drudgery of the land by letting steam power take the strain. He went one step further than most, by first becoming an agricultural contractor, and later a road builder.
From these solid foundations the Company has, through vision, determination and the hard work of Joseph and his direct descendants Leonard John, Reginald (Reg), Leonard, Ashley, Claire and Laurence, developed in to one of the region’s leading providers of quality-assured road haulage, warehousing and driver training services.
Towards the end of the twentieth century, the Company saw the demise of many of its established industrial and manufacturing partners which it had been proud to serve for most of that era. Industries such as steel, tyres, pottery and mining were all significant contributors to both the local economy and Bassett’s traffic portfolio. Regrettably those are now valued memories reserved for the history books.
The intervening years have presented many opportunities and challenges in respect of all operational aspects of the Company. Vehicle technology developed from a humble beginning using horses and carts to steam powered vehicles. Then petrol engines gave way to modern day diesel-engine lorries, which now have capacities up to 480 brake horse power, operating to Euro 6 specification. This equipment assists the delivery of consolidated part and full loads of up to 28 tonnes throughout Mainland UK. The majority of goods are transported by the Company’s own dedicated modern fleet of vehicles and trailers which encompass a comprehensive range of vehicle specifications to facilitate the wide-ranging service requirements of Bassett’s extensive customer base.
Undoubtedly the strength of the Company has always been its ability, flexibility and sustained willingness to encompass change in every area of its operations. In order to offer clients the opportunity to deliver to all parts of the country on a next-day basis, Bassett’s became a founder member-shareholder of Palletforce plc in 2001. The Company is now one of the largest inputters of pallets into the Palletforce overnight freight distribution network which incorporates 100 members located nationwide and provides access to a combined fleet of over 4,000 vehicles.
In 2008 the fifth generation of the family, Claire and Laurence Bassett were appointed as Directors, joining an experienced and innovative management team totally dedicated to the sustained provision of high standards of quality service at cost effective rates.
To facilitate the retirement of fourth generation Directors Leonard and Ashley Bassett, the Company was acquired by the SJ Bargh Group, a family-owned milk-tanker operator based in Lancaster, in June 2016. Bassett’s has retained its long-established identity and continues to operate as a stand-alone brand within the SJ Bargh family, which now employs more than 500 people and has a combined fleet in excess of 250 vehicles.
Whilst current operations continue to be focused around general road haulage and palletised distribution, Bassett’s, over its long history, has successfully diversified into passenger transport (Bassett’s Coachways Ltd: 1949-2003) and also moved into international haulage, having acquired the operating assets of Beresford Transport Ltd in 1996.
During the Company’s extensive history, Bassett’s has been proud and privileged to have employed many local people, who have greatly assisted in the provision of a professional service to both the traditional and emerging industries of North Staffordshire. The family-owned business looks forward to working with its valued clients across all industry sectors, to service their transport requirements and facilitate the progressive development of logistical partnerships to meet the challenges of the twenty first century.
RG Bassett & Sons Ltd Celebrates 125 Years
- Press Release
RG Bassett & Sons Ltd, one of the UK’s oldest hauliers is celebrating its 125th Year in 2022. The Staffordshire-based Company, founded in 1897 by Joseph Bassett, started transporting loads of stone by horse and cart and later used steam driven machines, with the first petrol driven lorry arriving in 1915. These days, the Company employs 100 staff and operates 50+ vehicles on a mix of General Haulage and Pallet Network deliveries. It also offers 60,000 sq. ft of Warehousing and has a thriving LGV Training School.
In 2016, SJ Bargh Group acquired the Business and made the decision to maintain the Bassetts brand and for the Company to continue to operate as a separate business in its own right. This has proved to be a successful strategy with the performance of the Business going from strength to strength.
To mark the historic landmark the Company has commissioned 2 Scania R450 tractor units in special 125 Year livery utilising the Company’s traditional colour scheme of red, white and blue. Paul Gillbanks, General Manager said: “We are delighted to introduce the 2 new vehicles in a special livery to mark this significant milestone in Bassetts long history. It is amazing to think that the Company has been operating from Tittensor for 125 years and is still going strong. I hope we will still be going strong in another 125 years!”
SJ Bargh Group Managing Director Anthony Finlayson-Green, who led the acquisition congratulates Paul and his team, one of whom is founding-family member Claire Bassett, for consistent delivery in the most difficult of times and operating arena.
If you're looking for a quality-assured distribution service in Staffordshire, contact Bassetts today.
01782 372251