The story of Platts Transport
Platts Transport was born out of a year of challenges in 2020 – a global pandemic, Brexit and HGV Driver shortages to name a few!
With decades of experience in running our own Transport department at the Platts Group, we quickly offered our haulage services to support businesses who needed logistics services during the first lockdown in Spring 2020, initially to support our own workforce and safeguard jobs, and since continuing to support the industry, building strong sub-contractor relationships which have flourished.
As a result, two years on, Platts Transport Limited now operates as a standalone business- still supporting sister-company Platts Agriculture Limited, as well as offering services to the wider general haulage market.
In keeping with our agricultural roots, the branding and colour scheme of our new vehicles give a nod to our heritage, from countryside to urban areas- reflecting the services we provide. Standing by our values of pride, passion, trust, and loyalty, we are keen to continue offering the highest of transport services to a growing customer base, led by 3rd generation of the family business, MD Chris Whittaker.
Have you met our sister-companies?
You may have already heard of Platts Agriculture Limited- manufacturers and suppliers of agricultural animal bedding nationwide. Platts Transport continue to support Platts Agriculture, collecting raw materials and delivering to farms up and down the country too.
Platts Commercial Services Limited was established in 2016, our commercial HGV garage, keeping our fleet roadworthy and compliant, as well as offering services to third parties locally.
The Platts Group will be celebrating 50 years in 2023 and to date, much of our success can be attributed to our strong and resilient Transport division, and supported by DVSA-approved Platts Commercial Services Limited.
Meet our #PlattsPeople
At Platts, our people make us who we are
Chris Whittaker
Managing Director
Our young MD Chris took upon himself the challenge of finding work for our drivers during a time of crisis when the world came to a stop. Supporting various transport businesses as a sub-contractor, he has led Platts Transport from strength to strength in the last 12 months. Nothing without the team of course who offer first-class service to all stakeholders. Chris has ambitious plans to propel the business forwards. Understanding that people spend the majority of their lives at work, the culture and working environment for every member of staff is paramount. Platts Transport has been able to provide a range of work from general haulage, trailer exchange, farm deliveries, and much more, playing to drivers’ strengths and preferences when it comes to types of work.
Tom Mortimer
Group Transport Manager
Tom joined Platts in 2021 as a Class 2 Driver, delivering Platts Agriculture products to farms across the country. But it wasn’t long before he moved into the office, bringing with him a wealth of experience in people management, KPI's and customer service from the retail management world. As Group Transport Manager, he’s responsible for compliance of all drivers, vehicles and trailers, to ensure safety of all road users and uphold the company reputation, as well as efficiency of the fleet and customer-service. Working closely with sister-company Platts Commercial Services, he books all maintenance and repairs with local service providers, to keep the fleet road-worthy.
Sarah Yardley
Operations Supervisor
Sarah joined Platts in 2022 as Operations Supervisor, having worked for 3 years in a similar role. She brings a wide range of experience in Operations, Compliance and Administration having 21 years’ experience from various roles. Sarah’s role is to support the link between Transport & Operations whilst collaborating with our HGV Garage, Platts Commercial Services to maximise productivity & best practice in all we do.
Gary Lambie
Transport Planner
If you’ve booked in a delivery, you’ve probably spoken to Gary! He joined the industry 22 years ago, starting as a trailer boy and working has way up to Transport Manager for a National Haulier, jointly responsible for a fleet of 100+ trucks, servicing clients such as Nestle, Kellogg's and Amazon. Gary plans our work for all trucks, including general haulage and for Platts Agriculture deliveries.
