McLaughlan Transport: Scotland’s Top Chilled Distribution
McLaughlan Transport Celebrates Being Scotland’s Top Chilled Distribution Haulier 2024 Managing Director George McLaughlan praises the whole team for helping the Perth-based haulier prosper in the last 12 months. “It’s the efforts of the whole team that have helped us enjoy a strong year and earn the Top Chilled Distributor award in 2024,” says founder and Managing Director George McLaughlan.
A family and employee-owned business based in Perth, Scotland, the haulier has established itself as a key player in the sector. The company began its journey at Perth Harbour and has since grown significantly, now operating from its own four-acre site in the North Muirton Industrial Estate, employing 50 people.
McLaughlan feature in T&L issue 267. Click to read
Specialising in collecting and consolidating local produce for distribution to mainland markets, McLaughlan Transport services clients across the UK and Europe.
From a minimum of one pallet to full loads, the company ensures timely deliveries to supermarket RDCs and other key destinations, offering flexibility and reliability in both refrigerated and ambient transport. One of the key strengths of McLaughlan Transport is its modern fleet, which includes fridge trailers (single and twin temperature), flat trailers, curtainside trailers, and skeletal trailers. The refrigerated vehicles are equipped with thermograph printers, allowing for real-time temperature monitoring between -30?C and +30?C.
This technology ensures the safe and controlled transportation of perishable goods across long distances. In addition to transport, the company’s purpose-built cold storage facility in Perth can hold up to 200 pallets, providing both short- and long-term storage solutions. This enables McLaughlan Transport to offer comprehensive consolidation services, ensuring products arrive at their destination in perfect condition and on time.
George said, “You’re always proud of the staff that you have and the service you provide, and to see that acknowledged with the award is quite gratifying.” He credited the depth of experience within the company, stating, “It’s the staff we’ve gathered over the years and the knowledge we’ve accumulated over the last 45 years. We’ve built and built upon it, and we’re pleased to be able to offer a service that justifies an award.” He also attributed part of the company’s success to its unique ownership model, as McLaughlan Transport is a family- and employee-owned business.
This ownership structure, he believes, fosters a strong sense of commitment among the staff. He explained, “Everybody here feels a part of it. They’re not just working for a boss or a finance company; they feel like they’re working for themselves and their customers, and that has a reflection on how they do the work and what’s achieved.”
Despite the recognition, George emphasised that the company remains focused on maintaining the same high standards it has always been known for, saying, “We’re pleased to be able to offer the same services we’ve honed over the years. It’s a model that works, and we continue to build upon it.” This acknowledgment not only celebrates McLaughlan Transport’s exceptional logistics capabilities but also highlights the importance of a dedicated, skilled team working together in an employee-owned business.
The recognition serves as a testament to the company’s culture of collaboration and long-term expertise. George believes that the firm stands out in an increasingly consolidated market because of its agility and local expertise. “Companies of our size are diminishing, the market is consolidating. But we can use our local knowledge and expertise of where places are in Scotland to make changes quickly and respond to different daily demands.” This flexibility allows McLaughlan Transport to adapt swiftly to the changing needs of its clients, something that larger companies may struggle with.
He contrasts this with larger competitors, noting that while these companies are highly efficient in handling predictable operations, they lack the responsiveness of a smaller, more nimble business. “Larger companies tend to be very competitive on what they know – the 364 days a year that can be planned months in advance,” he says. While these companies are well-prepared for routine tasks, George highlights the difficulty they face in adapting to sudden changes in the market. McLaughlan Transport, on the other hand, thrives by being able to adjust quickly and meet clients’ immediate needs, thanks to its local knowledge and more flexible structure.
George says that his guiding principles are to care for his customers, care for his staff, and care for the environment.
This focus in every aspect of the business is, George believes, a philosophy that not only leads to financial success but also creates a sustainable and ethical company.
He adds, “If you follow that motto in life and in business, then you can’t go far wrong.”
Transport & Logistics – Driving The Industry Forward