Edward Pears Stobart, the founder of one of Britain’s most iconic haulage businesses, passed away on 25 November 2024, aged 95. Born in Cumberland in 1929, Eddie began his career in farming before establishing a small agricultural enterprise in 1946, which later evolved into a renowned logistics company that shaped the UK haulage industry.

Eddie’s first lorry purchase in 1960 marked a turning point, and under his son Edward’s leadership from 1976, the business grew into a national transport empire. The Eddie Stobart brand became a household name, celebrated for its distinctive green-and-red livery and personalised truck names, becoming a symbol of British road haulage.

Despite the company’s success, Eddie maintained strong ties to his community and spent his later years quietly in Cumbria, supporting local businesses and preserving his farming roots. Known for his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to quality, Eddie laid the foundations for a business legacy that continues to inspire British industry.

Eddie is remembered for his contributions to both the local economy and the national transport sector. He is survived by his family, who remain connected to the business’s success. Funeral arrangements will be private, in line with the family’s wishes, marking the end of an era for the Stobart family and British haulage.