Two of Hampshire’s leading transport providers, Steve Porter Transport Group and Meachers Global Logistics, have today announced that they are entering into a strategic partnership agreement that will see the businesses co-operate on the delivery of inbound and outbound freight from the Isle of Wight via Southampton.

To kick-off the partnership, Southampton based Meachers Global Logistics, one of the UK’s leading independent providers of freight and logistics services, will begin trunking Steve Porter Transport’s overnight groupage loads from the Isle of Wight to Midlands distribution centres located in Northampton and Coventry for onward national distribution.

Steve Porter Transport Group, the Isle of Wight’s largest independent freight carrier, is forecasting a 10% increase in business activity as a result of the new partnership.

The two businesses will predominantly move freight across the Solent from Southampton to East Cowes using Red Funnel Ferries. Steve Porter Transport Group has a strong commercial partnership with Red Funnel having acquired its distribution division in 2011. It is the ferry operators preferred freight partner, operating a bespoke cross-Solent drop-trailer operation.

The move has already resulted in Meachers Global Logistics recruiting new drivers to service the first wave of trunking, whilst Steve Porter Transport Group has placed orders for a new trailer fleet, which will be delivered by the spring of 2013.

Commenting on the alliance, Steve Porter, Chairman of Steve Porter Transport Group said: “The partnership with Meachers Global Logistics is an exciting prospect. As a strong regional player we look forward to enhancing our services by capitalising on their unrivaled national distribution strength and capability. It’s good news for our Company, our customers and the Isle of Wight as we expect any increase in activity to be reflected in new employment opportunities across the business, but particularly
on the Island.”

Stuart Terris, Managing Director of Meachers Global Logistics added: “We are delighted to be partnering with the Isle of Wight’s largest independent freight carrier. The alliance is expected to provide significant opportunities for both businesses and we will be looking to promote the commercial advantages to supermarkets, retailers and organisations currently moving significant volumes of cross-Solent freight.”

James Fulford, Red Funnel’s CEO added: “The alliance between Steve Porter Transport Group and Meachers Global Logistics is good news. Red Funnel is pleased to offer its support to both organisations. The partnership will improve the breadth of services available to a wide range of freight customers serving the Isle of Wight via Southampton both regionally and nationally. We look forward to
strengthening further our relationship with both operators.”

Meachers Global Logistics

Meachers Global Logistics is one of the UK’s leading independent providers of freight and logistics services. For over 50 years, it has built an enviable reputation by providing customers with complete solutions to their Freight Forwarding, Supply Chain Management, UK Warehousing, Distribution, Logistics and Contract Management, Training and Advisory requirements.

The Company combines industry knowledge and know how, with best practices, advanced technology and experienced staff to drive efficiencies and stay one step ahead of industry demands. It is both ISO 9001:2008 and AEO accredited and is also a member of the Global Freight Group. Meachers Global Logistics is based in Southampton and has operations and Warehousing in Derby.

Steve Porter Transport Group

The Steve Porter Transport Group provides express transport services to businesses based in central Southern England, the Isle of Wight and throughout the UK.

With freight depots in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight, it offers a comprehensive range of road freight, transport, distribution, international freight forwarding, logistics, warehousing, packing and time-critical courier services.

It currently employs in excess of seventy full-time staff across five sites in Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight, as well as staff embedded in a major manufacturing plant in Hampshire. The company operates 40 vehicles and 80 trailers from around 145,000 sq.ft. of warehouse, office and yard space. Additionally, a number of small hauliers and sub-contractors are used under direct control to supplement fixed resources.

Red Funnel Group

Red Funnel was formed in 1861 and is a modern and highly successful travel and holiday company based in the UK City of Southampton. Group activities include cross-Solent ferries and UK holidays.

Red Funnel is the ‘Original Isle of Wight ferry operator’ and now carries in excess of 3.0m passengers and 0.6m vehicles per annum on routes between Southampton (UK mainland) and East and West Cowes (Isle of Wight). The fleet consists of modern purpose built Ro-Ro vehicle ferries and Red Jet Hi-Speed passenger catamarans. Catering and retail services are provided inhouse.

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