A long-established Lancashire haulage company has entered administration after coming under increasing financial strain, with 13 jobs made redundant.
Administrators Ian McCulloch and Trevor Binyon at Opus Restructuring & Insolvency were appointed to Accrington-based Earl Transport last week (14 November) and they are now attempting to sell its assets and raise money for the firm’s creditors.
The family-run company had been operating for over 40 years and held an international licence authorising 12 HGVs and 42 trailers running out of an Oswaldtwistle base.
In a statement, Opus Restructuring said: “The company had faced increasing financial pressures over recent years, driven by rising operating costs and the wider economic challenges affecting the haulage sector.
“The sudden loss of a key contract added further strain to the business, leaving it unable to continue trading. As a result of the administration, 13 employees have unfortunately been made redundant.”
Opus added: “The administrators are now focused on realising the assets of the company and are actively seeking interest from potential buyers.
“Our priority is to secure the best possible outcome for creditors while conducting the administration process in an orderly and transparent manner.”
The pet food distribution specialist celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2018 and started operating Renault Trucks’ flagship T-High model to mark the occasion.
In 2023, MD Peter Hughes explained: “I like to look after my drivers, they are the beating heart of the business. The vehicles are tramping, and the drivers are out most nights of the week.”
Earl Transport’s administration follows a continuing glut of haulage insolvencies this year, including Poole Bay Warehousing, Three Legged Transport, WSH Logistics, W. Harrison & Sons, K West Transport, B Taylor & Sons and Wood Logistics & Lifting.
