R C Haulage enjoys the benefits of joining Fortec
Mar 06, 2018
Basildon-based R C Haulage is enjoying a new phase of growth since joining the Fortec Distribution Network.
The move has allowed the firm to extend its presence nationally, whereas it had previously been confined to the south east of England.
With roots stretching back 25 years the family business, managed by founder Robert Clarke and sons Paul and David, together with Paul's wife Selena, covers all SS postcodes across Southend-on-Sea as well as RM14 to RM20 in Romford.
The company first came about when experienced driver Robert lost his job during the 1990s recession.
Moving into agency driving, he quickly built a reputation in the area for being solid and reliable, and after investing in a truck he launched his own business.
A couple of years later older son Paul came on board with a second lorry at the age of 18 followed by younger son David, and over the years the company has continued to flourish.
Today R C Haulage employs a 30-strong workforce, operates 40 trucks and has bought its premises, situated on a one-acre site on the Burnt Mills Industrial Estate.
The site comes complete with a warehouse, four-bay commercial vehicle workshop, authorised testing facility and open parking for vehicles.
Paul, who is Managing Director of the firm, said: "We have always been based in this area but have moved from premises to premises as we've continued to grow over time. We started in parcels and then moved into pallet deliveries about 10 years ago, although until now we hadn't been an official member of any network."
Paul said the company chose to join Fortec having built a good working relationship with the network's parent company Geodis, in the previous three years.
He said over the coming 12 months, one of the key aims of the business was to take on more postcode areas for Fortec.
He added: "At the moment Fortec makes up about 20 per cent of our business, while the rest is contract haulage.
"Fortec has certainly allowed us to extend our presence nationally, whereas before we were operating mainly in the south east. As we potentially have other customers coming on board over the next 12 months it would be good to continue expanding our area for Fortec."
Situated just 15 miles outside the centre of London, R&P Clarke is FORS bronze accredited. The company is pushing to win silver accreditation during 2018 and gold accreditation by 2020.
