We're well known for our heavy transport services but like every, company Collett started out small.  Take a look at our Halifax heavy haulage history and see how we evolved to become the specialist logistics experts you see today!

1928: From his farm in Sutton near Keighley, Richard Collett (1) begins transporting his and other farmers' milk to the dairy by horse and cart.

1933: Richard Collett (1) buys his first wagon and is employed by the MMB to collect milk, then in cans, from farms to be delivered to the dairies.

1939: Richard is now running seven wagons.

1962: Richard Collett (2) moves to a farm near Wainstalls, Halifax.

1964: The partnership between Richard Collett (1) and his son Richard (2) is formed, creating the firm R. Collett & Son.  Over the following years the milk haulage fleet increases to 14 wagons and, in the early 70s, expands into general haulage and heavy transport of abnormal loads.

1974: With the MMB introduction of tankers, Collett abandon the milk transportation business to focus on more specialist transport.

1975: R. Collett & Sons (Transport) Ltd is formed.  Over the coming years the five sons of Richard (2) join the company to fill various roles (Richard (3), David, Lincoln, Mark and Michael).

1985: Due to growth, the company obtains a two-acre site in Keighley, meaning the company now operates from two sites and allowing the expansion of the heavy transport side of the business.

1996: Both depots are consolidated on a five-acre site at Victoria Terminal, Albert Road in Halifax, which also enables the company to provide heavy lift and warehousing facilities.  Business in the specialist transportation of wind turbines increases, while the consultancy aspect of the business is launched.

2000: Fourth generation Richard Collett (4) joins the company.

2001: Our Companies Management Systems are accredited against the ISO 9001 Quality Management Standard.

2008: Another strategically placed five-acre depot is obtained at Goole, which subsequently is increased to a ten-acre site and becomes the birthplace of the Marine Department.  The abnormal load Projects Department also expands, including a mobile 110 Tonne lift facility and extensive external storage.

2012: Our purpose built DVSA 'Authorised Testing Facility' (ATF) is opened at our Halifax head office allowing us to maintain our fleet to the highest of standards whilst also offering a testing facility for other haulage companies within the Yorkshire area.

2013: Halifax becomes home to Training4Transport, an approved training centre for heavy haulage training courses and JAUPT Driver CPC Periodical Training allowing us to provide courses for Collett staff and others within the industry.  Our Companies Management Systems are accredited against ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management Standard and the BS OHSAS 18001:2007 Occupational Health and Safety Management Standard.

2014: Our Grangemouth depot is opened, providing a strategic dockside location equipped with a 110 Tonne mobile lifting facility whilst our Goole depot becomes home to our newly acquired 550 Tonne capacity girder bridge.  We are also awarded the ESTA Award for Transport Job of the Year.

2015:  We introduce the Effer 205 Tonne/Meter crane to our crane vehicle & lorry loader fleet and we welcome our SPMT power booster system.  Our commitment to excellence is rewarded at the inaugural Heavies Awards as we're presented with the Operator of the Year, Job of the Year, Most Significant Safety Initiative and David Collett receives the Judges Special Award.

2016:  The company is restructured due to growth.  Collett Holdings Ltd is created with subsidiary companies for operational purposes. Collett Group join the Route To Space Alliance, a collaboration of European haulage specialists, providing specialist transport solutions for the Aerospace and Astrospace industries.

2017: We announce the launch of our new subsidiary company Collett (Ireland) Ltd.  Our management systems across all three depots become UKAS Accredited for ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and OHSAS 18001:2007 for the provision of transportation and lifting services to all industry sectors.  Once again we're presented with the Operator of the Year Award at The Heavies.

2018: We become the first in our sector to be awarded the ISO 45001:2018 accreditation for our management systems, we complete deliveries for Dorenell Wind Farm, one of the largest renewable projects of 2018 and we collect another Heavies Award, this time for the Job of the Year.

2019: We're recognised nationally as haulage heroes as we're presented with the Team of the Year Award at the prestigious Motor Transport Awards!

Present Day: The company now employs over 150 people across four depots and run a diverse fleet of trucks and trailers.  We provide all the expertise and equipment associated with abnormal load heavy transport, general haulage, heavy lift, marine services and transport consulting on a worldwide basis for the renewable energy, aerospace & aviation, power generation, environmental systems, heavy engineering, oil & gas processes and civil & infrastructure industries.