DHL Supply Chain replaces Eddie Stobart on two Tesco transport contracts

Eddie Stobart is set to be replaced by DHL Supply Chain at Tesco’s Goole and Doncaster distribution centres (DCs).

The move follows a major retendering exercise which has seen Eddie Stobart’s grip loosened on a major contract with Tesco which it has been operating since 2012, running the transport operations out of six DCs across the UK, including Tesco’s DC at DIRFT.

Eddie Stobart confirmed this week it had held on to four of the DCs but has lost out to DHL Supply Chain at the Goole and Doncaster DC sites.

Eddie Stobart operates a fleet of more than 120 trucks and makes around 80,000 trailer trips a year out of Tesco’s Goole site. It runs a similar sized operation out of Tesco’s Doncaster DC, employing around 200 drivers to deliver to stores across the North of England.

DHL Supply Chain will take over both sites on 18 April.

Unite is currently in consultation with both haulage firms over the transfer of Eddie Stobart workers to DHL Supply Chain.

An Eddie Stobart spokeswoman told motortransport.co.uk: “Eddie Stobart Ltd can confirm they have renewed their contract for four major distribution centres with Tesco and continue to supply rail distribution services and primary movements. Tesco remains a strategic partner for Eddie Stobart and other companies within the GWSA group.

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“We can also confirm, as a result of the tender, the transport services at Tesco Doncaster and Goole regional distribution centres will transfer to DHL Supply Chain from 18 April.”

She added: “We have retained the transport contracts for Middlesbrough; Daventry Clothing; Daventry Grocery; and Widnes Chilled.

“We still continue to operate the rail services and a large part of their primary distribution which was not part of the tender process.”

A DHL Supply Chain spokeswoman confirmed the award of the two Tesco transport contracts. She said: “Following a competitive tender process, we are delighted to be have been appointed by Tesco to provide transport services for its Doncaster and Goole distribution centres.

“In the coming weeks we look forward to welcoming new colleagues to the DHL family and partnering with the company in the years ahead in the next stage of its exciting journey.”

A Tesco spokeswoman told MT: “Following a competitive process we have renewed our contract with Eddie Stobart to provide transport services from our Daventry sites, and our Middlesbrough and Widnes distribution centres.”

“As part of the same process we have awarded DHL a contract to serve our Doncaster and Goole centres.”