About

Distribution with Dedication

ALFORD TRAFFIC SERVICES

Distribution with Dedication

Registered in England No.1272694

Alford Traffic Services was founded by Tony Smith and John Spence in 1976. There were four staff and a mixed fleet of 4, 6 and 8 wheeled lorries. Tony started as a lorry driver but had a keen interest in all aspects of the Haulage Industry. After two years their first vehicle was bought, an 8 wheeled ERF tipper which had a payload of about 19T. In 1995, Tony bought John Spence’s share of the business. When Tony first started, all communication was relayed via public telephones. When a driver needed to contact the office he had to find a ‘box’ and there was no way for the office to contact a driver. The introduction of two-way radios was a big improvement but they only had a 30 mile range. Mobile phones had a huge impact on the industry and with the introduction of satellite tracking our company is more efficient than ever before. The company was one of the first to use a new bunkering fuel service where fuel could be bought and drawn from various fuel stations - an innovation in its day which all companies now take for granted.

Jonathan Graves, Managing Director, joined the workforce in 1989 as a trainee. His potential was soon realised and in 1999 was promoted to the key role of Transport Manager. In September 2000, Alison Randall joined the management team as Financial Controller. As Tony approached retirement age, he made the decision to reduce his workload and in 2003 a management buy-out was initiated with Jonathan and Alison acquiring the company. After the management buy-out the company developed a new site on the industrial estate, incorporating a modern office, double wash with underground waste collection; a large diesel tank and an Adblue tank.

In 2004, William Peck joined the company as a trainee Transport Manager. William fully embraced the ethos of the company and after two years of intensive training was promoted to this position. January 2008 saw Alford Traffic Services acquire a new depot at Lincoln. Due to the company’s expansion and increased fleet, new team members were employed. Michael Limb was recruited as a Transport Assistant, training towards Transport Manager status. Jacqui Hill joined as Office Manager with special responsibility for Human Resources and Office Systems. Jilly Robson joined in 2010 as an Accounts Assistant and is now a valuable member of the team.

In July 2008, after a rigorous selection process, a major contract to supply Drax Power Station with biomass was initiated. The company again expanded with another depot at Goole to service the contract. Tom Smalley was recruited as Transport Assistant to support the growing workload.

About The Company