R.I.P Eddie Stobart - UK Transport's First Superstar

Eddie Stobart, right. Pic: BBC

Like everyone in the transport business, we were saddened to hear the news today that Eddie Stobart has died at the age of just 56. 

As most of you will know, Eddie built up his father's lorry empire and ran it for more than 30 years before selling the business to his brother William and his partner Andrew Tinkler in 2004. He died earlier today after developing heart problems yesterday and being rushed to hospital in Coventry.

Transport, haulage and trucking aren't exactly glamorous industries. But Eddie somehow managed to sprinkle a little stardust on our business, transforming it in ways you couldn't have imagined. 

Who would have thought that people would become obsessed with spotting Eddie Stobart trucks on the M1 or M4  in the same way that others spot trains coming in and out of Waterloo Station? Who would have imagined a television documentary series about a trucking company? But that's what Eddie's energy and vision  achieved. After selling his company, he should have been able to enjoy a long and happy retirement. It's tragic that he's been taken from us so soon. 

So we extend our deepest and most sincere condolences to Eddie's family. Rest In Peace Eddie. And thank you for brightening up our industry.