A remarkable story of resilience and growth emerges from a Lincolnshire-based family business amidst the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Hooper Haulage, established by Sam and Daniella Hooper, faced a daunting start in late 2019 due to the subsequent pandemic restrictions.
- The company has demonstrated impressive growth, expanding its operations from a single van to a fleet of 15 vehicles.
- Community engagement remains a cornerstone of Hooper Haulage’s success as they actively contribute to local events and teams.
- Their affiliation with Pallet-Track has been a significant factor in their operational success and expansion.
In an extraordinary tale of perseverance, Lincolnshire’s Hooper Haulage, spearheaded by Sam and Daniella Hooper, has managed to navigate through the turbulent waters of the Covid-19 pandemic. Founded just months before the pandemic’s onset in late 2019, the company had to swiftly adapt to the restrictions imposed during multiple lockdowns. Despite these initial setbacks, Hooper Haulage remarkably quadrupled its service volumes over the past two years.
From what began as a solitary long-wheelbase van operation, the company has expanded its fleet to encompass 15 vehicles and currently employs a team of 23 staff members. Their operational capabilities have now extended to four warehouses, amounting to a substantial 55,000 sq. ft of storage space. The upcoming addition of a 12,000 sq. ft mini hub marks another milestone in their expansion journey, with plans to further augment their fleet.
Community involvement is a core tenet of Hooper Haulage’s ethos. The company has embedded itself into the local community by sponsoring events such as the Skegness Carnival and supporting three junior football teams at Swifts JFC. Moreover, their collaboration with the Royal British Legion illustrates their deep connection to the community. A notable gesture includes the homage paid to Sam Hooper’s grandfather, Frederick, with an Avro Lancaster livery on one of their vehicles.
The strategic partnership with Pallet-Track has been pivotal to Hooper Haulage’s success. Initially managing 30 to 40 pallets per night, they have increased this number to an impressive 150 to 200, enabling them to deploy their trucks for groupage work. Sam Hooper acknowledges the advantages of this partnership, stating, “Being in Pallet-Track has been phenomenal for us. It’s done us the world of good.”
Pallet-Track’s chief executive, Stuart Godman, commends the Hoopers for their admirable achievement. He describes them as an asset to the Pallet-Track network, highlighting their commitment to providing exceptional service. This endorsement not only reflects Hooper Haulage’s dedication to service but also underscores the benefits of their collaborative efforts.
Hooper Haulage exemplifies determination and growth through strategic partnerships and community engagement, thriving amidst adversity.
