About Us
A family-run business delivering quality, service and value since 1933.
Clarke Transport: A Legacy of Excellence
Clarke Transport is a family-owned business now in its fourth generation, proudly upholding a tradition of quality and service. As one of the UK’s leading privately owned multi-service transport organisations, we have built our reputation on delivering exceptional value, service, and reliability over many decades.
With a growing team of over 500 dedicated employees and a fleet of more than 250 vehicles, we are committed to meeting the diverse needs of our clients across the nation.
Our Head Office and Super Hub, are strategically located in the heart of the West Midlands, offers easy access to major motorways including the M5, M6, and M42. This central location supports our extensive network of regional depots, ensuring we can efficiently serve our customers across the UK.
Our History
Clarke Transport has a rich history that goes back 90 years.
Back in 1933, Clarke Transport was established to provide the very first direct road service between the industrial Midlands and Scotland. This pioneering spirit has taken us forward to our current industry-leading position, and we now offer a wide range of delivery and warehousing solutions to many satisfied customers.
Today, we have grown to a 500 strong team and pride ourselves on innovation, professional expertise, years of experience, a commitment to quality and superb customer service.
Timeline
As a young man Alfred joined the Coldstream Guards with his brother, who went on to become a Sergeant Major. Unfortunately, Alf was taken ill, and it was discovered that he was only 15 so he was discharged.
He returned home and took on three jobs. Early each morning he worked as a tyre cutter, during the day he delivered coal with a horse and cart, and in an evening he worked as a doorman at the local cinema.
He met his wife-to-be, Anna, while she was working in a fish and chip shop. They married in 1923, despite her father’s protests that she should keep away from the rough Clarke family. Anna was from Aston and Alf was from Ladywood, both now suburbs of inner-city Birmingham (and home of the finest football team, Aston Villa).
As time moved on Alf progressed from his horse and cart to delivering coal on an already worn-out truck. It was then Anna told him to stop gambling and save his money to buy a truck of his own. In 1933 Alf started the business with one truck and found his first paying load to deliver. This was to Scotland, and for more than 50 years as the company grew it was known as Clarke's, the specialist Scottish Carriers.
In 1933 the business was operating from Corser Street in Smethwick, where it steadily grew until 1960. In 1942 the military came, and even though Clarke’s trucks were already being used in the war effort – moving arms and components around the UK – the best two trucks were commandeered for direct military use.
In 1951 the business was starting to flourish and Clarke's was offered the work distributing US Royal Tyres. Twenty-one extra trucks would be required, in addition to the existing six trucks working on general business. Alf needed to raise capital, so he borrowed money from the family, pawned their jewellery and emptied his three sons’ piggybanks. All were repaid with interest within 12 months. The three sons – Alfred, Maurice and Bill – grew up working in the business with trucks in the back yard, but that's another story.
This picture was used for promotional work by both the local Ford dealer and ourselves. It shows our distinctive blue and yellow livery with red on yellow signage. The company colours came about because Bill Clarke had recognised years ago that all-blue trucks looked a little dull. Rather than completely respray the vehicles, which would cost too much money, it was decided to paint the top only. The colour was Volkswagen Yellow, though this is no longer used – it is also available as Clarke Yellow.
(This group photo was taken around 1985, and although some of the people on the picture have retired or moved jobs, several still work for Clarke's, including:)
Bill Clarke Senior - Managing Director, Robert Clarke - Operations Director, Bill Clarke Junior - Commercial Director, John O'Neill - Contracts Manager, Trevor Caron - Driver and Kenneth Pritchard - Driver.
From left to right.
Robert Clarke – Operations Director
Bill Clarke Senior – Managing Director
Bill Clarke Junior – Commercial Director
They say that every picture tells a story, and this one certainly does! It’s not just the slim young Clarkes with a full head of hair, but the fact that Robert hadn’t bought a suit for the shoot. He had to borrow a somewhat smaller suit that day – check out the cuffs and the bursting buttons. But hey, he still managed to look cool.
In the late 1980s and early 90s, the 4th generation of the Clarke family was born, bringing new energy and passion into the fold. Nicholas, Rebecca, Robert (Jnr), Ollie, Stephen, and Natalie have carried forward the family legacy in their unique ways.
Stay tuned for more updates as we share their journey and the incredible story behind the Clarke family!
In the late 90s, Clarke Transport made a huge leap forward by opening THREE depots in Southampton, Manchester, and Bridgend ! These strategic locations allowed us to expand our services and bring even more reliable and efficient logistics solutions to our customers across the UK.
Our Luton Depot, established in 2012, began with a fleet of just 5 vehicles. Over the years, it has expanded significantly and now operates over 35 vehicles, supported by a dedicated team of 47 staff members. The growth of our Luton operation reflects our commitment to reliable service and operational excellence.
Jason Westwood has been an integral part of Clarke Transport since 2002.
Beginning as IT Network Manager to working he's way to become IT Director in 2019
Mark Wilson joined Clarke Transport as Managing Director back in 2019
Mark brings a wealth of experience from the transport industry, having worked with renowned companies such as Bibby and XPO, among others.
After many years at Union Road, Oldbury, Clarke Transport has bid a final farewell to its long-standing location and moved to a brand-new, state-of-the-art hub just around the corner in Tipton, West Midlands.2020
The only way is Basildon. Clarke Transport open the Basildon Depot. Clarke Transport moved to the site in 2022
Angela joined Clarke Transport as Finance Director during the 2023.
It's a momentous occasion as we mark our 90th work anniversary at Clarke Transport. Over the decades, we've been privileged to serve our customer's, adapting and growing alongside the ever-evolving logistics world.
A special highlight of our celebrations was the visit from West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, who took the time to learn about our journey and the dedication of our team. We're proud to be a part of the thriving community.
Pictured the staff members The Super Hub alongside Andy Street
Pictured we have Mr Clarke (SNR) Director / Owner 3rd Generation Robert and Bill (Jnr) Director / Owner
4th generation of Clarke Transport are proudly leading the company.
Nick Clarke serves as the Business Risk & Claims Manager,
Rebecca Clarke Management Contracts Co-Ordinator.
Robert Clarke JNR leads as the Head of Operations (South),
Ollie Clarke National Sales Executive.
Stephen Clarke Head of Operations (North).
Together, they represent the future of Clarke Transport, upholding its long-standing tradition of success.
Ian Dickinson joins Clarke Transport as Operation Director Strengthening our operational team we welcome Ian Dickinson to the business, Ian brings with him a wealth and depth of experience to further improve our service offering and assist in developing the team.
Charities We Support
We are proud to support a number of great charities through various events. Please take a minute to view their websites to see why we support these great causes.
ST. FRANCIS ANIMAL WELFARE
To continue the efforts of Clarke Transport to support our local communities
we requested submission of nominations from employees to propose their
charity of choice for our fundraising efforts during 2024.
We would like to thank those of you who took time to put forward suggestions
for our Charity of the Year 2024 and, after being judged by a panel of the
Company Directors, we are excited to announce that we have chosen to
support ST. FRANCIS ANIMAL WELFARE as our Charity of the Year.
St. Francis Animal Welfare were established in 1953, based in Fair Oak,
Eastleigh, close to our Southampton Depot. The charity care for, rehabilitate,
and re-home numerous domestic animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, caged
birds, and various small mammals and reptiles.
The nomination for this charity came from one of our employees who holds St.
Francis Animal Welfare close to their heart, having first experienced the
excellent work provided by the centre after competing their work experience
there whilst back at school, and continuing to support the work done to offer
homes or act as stopgap to those animals in need of care.
We will be looking to arrange fundraising events for the remainder of the year
and will provide details of how to donate to our cause to you all soon. As with
the brilliant efforts made by all during 2023, the Company has again pledged
to match employee donations up to the value of £10,000.00 as we continue to
support St. Francis Animal Welfare and raise funds and awareness for the
remainder of 2024.