Forward Trucking Services Group – Hertfordshire’s Reliable, Trusted & Professional Logistics Service

Forward Trucking Services Ltd (FTS) has been the preferred logistics company in Hertfordshire for over 50 years. The haulier provides round the clock logistics services across the UK and internationally. Based in St Albans, Hertfordshire, FTS Group provides round the clock logistics services for the UK and International markets. Its services comprise haulage, storage, and distribution. FTS Group operates a modern fleet of over 80 trucks with depots across the country. Peter Samuel, Group Managing Director of FTS Group spoke with Herts Review about the company’s operations and aspirations.
 
For most people based in Hertfordshire, you may or may not know that you have benefited from the services of the FTS Group. It could be a delivery from your online shopping, that new bathroom for your house extension project, or even a concert, exhibition, or event you attended recently. In one way or another, the FTS Group are behind the scenes contributing and enriching our lives.
 
Founded in 1968 by George Mackay Snr in Islington, London as Forward Traffic Services Ltd, the company delivered steel and paving to construction sites across London. His son George Mackay Jnr joined the business in the mid-1970s with George Snr retiring in the 1980s. George Jnr continued running the business until 2005 when he took a step back from the day-to-day operations but remained active in the decision making and direction of the business. Unfortunately, George Jnr became unexpectedly ill after Christmas in 2017 and sadly passed away in January 2018.
 
FTS Group now under the ownership of George Jnr’s children Jane Mackay and Stephen Mackay has remained a successful and thriving business. As the business enters a new phase, the owners have strengthened the senior management team by appointing Peter Samuel as Group Managing Director (former Commercial Manager) and Andrew Bull as Group Operations Director (former General Manager). Peter, with a background in Accountancy and IT Systems sales has over 25 years’ experience in commercial roles. He contributed significantly to the digital transformation of FTS Group over the last 5 years and has the mandate to lead the company in its next phase of development.
 
The group has witnessed unprecedented growth lately through the expansion of its existing operations and acquisitions. As supply chain requirements continue to evolve and to serve its diverse customers effectively, FTS Group has been organised into 4 divisions offering specialist logistics solutions to each niche.
 
The 4 divisions are:
Forward Trucking Services Ltd (FTS)                      
Founded in 1968. The flagship company specialises in linehaul and contract haulage.            

FTS Logistics Ltd                                                         
Specialist in palletised freight in the UK and across Europe.
 
FTS Events Ltd                                                             
Provides logistics support for Events, Concerts & Exhibitions. Specialist in Event haulage in UK & Europe.
 
Stand & Deliver Transport Ltd                                  
Founded in 1983, the Watford-based General Haulier was acquired by FTS Group in 2018. Known for General Haulage and iconic livery.
 
FTS Group also partners with well-known palletised distribution services Palletways, Palletforce, and Pallex. 
 
The differentiating factor for the FTS Group is the level of service. Other logistics companies may offer the same service at a cheaper price but there is a reason why the FTS Group has been working with customers for 20, 30, and even 50 years. FTS offers clean efficient trucks, clean drivers, and timely service. The team goes the extra mile to ensure customers’ demands or requirements are met. The company is extremely proud of its record of delivering great customer service.
 
For the FTS Group, its employees are its biggest asset. The company invests in its people offering competitive salaries and bonus packages to keep them always motivated. They also reward staff that work hard and deliver a great service. For this reason, there is low attrition among its staff. Most drivers and staff are extremely proud to work for the company.
 
The business has remained resilient through the covid-19 pandemic this year. Although the events logistics business has stopped completely, growth in other divisions of the company has minimised the overall impact on the group. There have been more online orders, more home improvement projects, and overall higher demand for haulage services which leaves the business in a strong position.
 
As key workers, the business has operated all through the lockdown this year. “We have done a lot to reassure our staff and keep them safe. Investments in PPE, the use of hand sanitizers, cleaning and disinfecting our warehouses, offices, and trucks, and abiding by social distancing guidelines are some of the measures we have taken to protect everyone. Investing in technology, for instance, using handheld devices to sign off deliveries thereby minimizing human contact has been beneficial as well. Our drivers have been asked to minimize contact while on duty. The safety of our staff and customers is our priority.”
 
Looking forward, FTS Group wants to have a fleet of energy-efficient trucks across all its services as its way of reducing the overall carbon footprint. “We are keenly monitoring the situation, but we are not there yet. The technology and infrastructure are not available yet. To charge a 40-ton electric truck will take a lot of time. It just isn’t commercially viable for now. But when that time comes, we hope to be one of the pioneers. Nothing will give us more satisfaction.”
 
And what about the elephant in the room – Brexit. “Like everyone, we are following the news but are not anxious about it. Whatever happens in the next few weeks, goods still need to be moved from point A to B. Our job is to facilitate this process. For now, we will focus on offering the best service to our customers no matter the outcome.”
 
The FTS team wants to be known for their excellent service. They are neither the most expensive nor the cheapest. They offer safe, clean, secure storage, handling, and distribution solutions for a wide range of customers. They are recognised as a trusted and reliable partner for businesses and end-users. For your logistics solutions contact FTS Group.