Since 1897

Our History

129 years of family-owned transport, built on hard work, trust and community.

A Legacy Since 1897

1897

Founded by Joseph Bassett

Joseph Bassett at Strongford Farm, Tittensor, circa 1897 — founder of RG Bassett & Sons
The story of Bassett's begins in 1897, with Joseph Bassett, who lived and worked at Strongford Farm, located off the A34 between Trentham and Tittensor. He was a Victorian gentleman farmer who was inspired by the spirit of that age and saw relief from the drudgery of the land by letting steam power take the strain. He went one step further than most, by first becoming an agricultural contractor, and later a road builder.
RG Bassett & Sons serving local Staffordshire industry in the early 20th century
Towards the end of the twentieth century, the Company saw the demise of many of its established industrial and manufacturing partners which it had been proud to serve for most of that era. Industries such as steel, tyres, pottery and mining were all significant contributors to both the local economy and Bassett's traffic portfolio. Regrettably those are now valued memories reserved for the history books.
Early 20th Century

Serving Local Industry

1949

Bassett's Coachways Ltd Launched

Bassett's Coachways Ltd passenger transport vehicle, launched 1949
In a move that demonstrated the family's ambition and adaptability, Bassett's diversified into passenger transport with the formation of Bassett's Coachways Ltd - a successful venture that ran for over five decades.
RG Bassett & Sons international haulage expansion following acquisition of Beresford Transport assets, 1996
Bassett's extended its reach into international haulage by acquiring the operating assets of Beresford Transport Ltd, broadening the range of services available to an increasingly global customer base.
1996

International Expansion

2001

Founding Member of Palletforce

Bassett's HGV lorry, 2001 — founding member-shareholder of Palletforce pallet network
Recognising the growing demand for nationwide next-day delivery, Bassett's became a founding member-shareholder of Palletforce plc - giving customers access to one of the UK's leading pallet distribution networks.
Bassett's road haulage lorry, 2003 — refocus on freight and warehousing after closing Coachways
After more than 50 years of operation, Bassett's Coachways Ltd was retired as the business concentrated its resources on freight, warehousing and logistics - the areas where its expertise runs deepest.
2003

Refocus on Road Haulage

2008

Fifth Generation Takes the Helm

Claire and Laurence Bassett, fifth-generation Directors of RG Bassett & Sons, 2008
In 2008, the fifth generation of the Bassett family - Claire and Laurence - became Directors, taking over from Leonard & Ashley, helping grow the business into one of the region's leading providers of road haulage, warehousing and driver training services.
Bassett's lorry in SJ Bargh Group livery following acquisition, 2016
SJ Bargh Group acquired Bassett's in 2016, choosing to preserve the brand and keep the company operating independently - a decision that has proved its worth, with the business going from strength to strength.
2016

Aquired by the SJ Bargh Group

2022

125th Anniversary

Special-edition Scania R450 tractor unit in red, white and blue Bassett's livery, commissioned for the 125th anniversary in 2022
To mark 125 years in business, Bassett's commissioned two special-edition Scania R450 tractor units finished in the company's traditional red, white and blue livery - a proud tribute to the generations of dedication that built the business.
Modern RG Bassett & Sons HGV lorry — today the company operates a fleet of 60+ vehicles from Tittensor, Staffordshire
Now in its 129th year, RG Bassett & Sons continues under family ownership - led today by Paul Gillbanks. With a modern fleet, ISO accredited warehousing and full national network coverage, the company remains as committed as ever to quality, service and community.
Today

Fleet of 60+ Vehicles

← Back to Home