Barnett Transport Ltd, based in Ellesmere Port, was founded in 1983 by Barry Barnett, with immense support from his wife Kathleen. Initially, Barry transported a variety of commodities on a flatbed trailer. Then, in 1991, with a passion for tankers, Barry met with P&O Roadtanks, and started pulling P&O trailers, transporting various bulk liquids, including oils, acids, food and chemicals by tanker. Both Sons, Ian and Trevor, joined Barry on the road as soon as they were of age, which transitioned the company into a family-run transport business.

After several years and the demise of P&O Roadtanks, numerous new customers emerged, spot hire work increased considerably and Barnett Transport bought their own first tanker trailer. From there, the fleet steadily grew.

As Barnett Transport became more successful, the need for a larger site increased, which led to the company’s purchase of its current site at Ellesmere Port. Initially home to one Portakabin, 5 trucks and 5 trailers, the site is now fully proficient, including on-site garage facilities to maintain its fleet and due to such growth, vehicles and trailers are also out-based at customers premises.

Barnett Transport’s natural growth was and is still, due to its commitment to providing a high quality, spot hire service for a fair but competitive rate. This was substantiated in June 2013, when they were awarded their first major long-term contract with Electrical Oil Services, which is still in place today. In December 2020, Barnetts were again successful in winning a substantial long-term contract with Argent Energy.

Sadly, in January 2021, retired founder Barry Barnett passed away, leaving the family devastated. But, keeping Barrys’ legacy in mind “work must go on”, Ian and Trevor, supported by their dedicated transport team, ensured that it was business as usual. Kathleen (Mum), who is also retired, continues to visit the site regularly.

Now, with wide-ranging long standing customers, 30% of the business transportation is fuels such as gas oil and fuel oil to the marine shipping industry, 20% is transformer oil to the electrical power industry, 30% is feedstock for the renewable fuel sector and the remaining 20% covers numerous bulk products such as Bitumen to the Asphalt industry and any other bulk liquids as required on demand including wax, food, acids, fuel additives and general chemicals. They are also registered waste carriers.

A total of 42 Euro 6 tractor units (DAF, Scania and Volvo) and 67 tanker trailers are in the fleet. Each truck is fitted with Webfleet or Quartix tracking technology, which provides a system for the company to track each truck and monitor driving skills too. By monitoring driving skills, Ian and Trevor have been able to devise monthly targets for the drivers in terms of fuel and driving efficiency. Each truck is also compliant to Transport for London (TFL) cameras and sensors.

The on-site garage, staffed by a dedicated team of 4 technicians working a two-shift pattern, maintains the fleet, thus reducing the need for external repairers. The garage is now attracting attention from surrounding companies who also take advantage of their services.

Barnett Transport provides its drivers with a variety of in-house safety, fuel and driving efficiency courses to improve their driving standards. In addition to this, all of the drivers are fully ADR trained.

Having a large customer base can create a logistical nightmare, but multiple systems and thorough organisation by dedicated contracts managers, are integral factors for the company. By operating a computer system that records the paper work and vehicle locations Barnett Transport maintains a simple solution for any problem that may arise.

Committed to continuous improvement and already awarded ISO9001, ISO14001, ISO45001 and also signed up to FORS, Barnett Transport will continue providing the same 24/7 high level of service and customer care that has allowed them to grow since its inception in 1983.