Delivering for Stoke and Staffordshire since 1955.

Our story began with just a single van, delivering local pottery around Stoke-on-Trent. Fast forward 70 years, and we’re transporting goods across the nation, still with the same dedication, but now with a whole lot more horsepower.

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The Browns team at the 2024 Palletline Awards.

Moving Distribution Forward

With local roots and national reach, our team has been shaking up the road haulage and pallet distribution industry since 1955. We've always believed in doing things smarter, embracing new tech and delivering solutions that work for as well for our customers, as they do for us.

Three generations later, we've gone from a single van to a fleet of 70, and dynamic force in the distribution world.

Our story is about growth through innovation and keeping our customers front and centre. From the start, we’ve been on a mission to challenge the status quo, pushing boundaries to not just meet expectations, but beat them, every time.

Browns in Numbers

70 years: in operation
1 million: pallets handled per year
140: logistics professionals

Driven by our values, the Browns way.

From local beginnings to global ambitions, Browns has thrived by staying true to our core values while keeping pace with the ever-changing demands of our industry.

We are communicators.: We’re open and transparent, at every mile of the customer journey.
We are passionate.: We have a relentless drive to deliver exceptional experiences for our customers.
We are honest.: We thrive in an environment built on trust, and doing the right thing.
We are innovators.: We're a team that thinks ahead, evolving logistics for modern needs.
We are ambitious.: We strive for greatness in all that we do, and we’ve got big plans for the future.
We care for our planet.: We play our part in safeguarding our planet and our local community.

70 years of history

From humble beginnings on a quiet street in Stoke-on-Trent... Explore the milestones, innovations, and hard work that have shaped us into a trusted logistics partner for nearly 70 years.

1955

Humble Beginnings

Browns' 70-year journey started back in 1955 on Connaught Street, Stoke-on-Trent, when Albert Brown began offering general haulage services to local pottery companies with just one van.

1965

Forging a Legacy

After 10 successful years, the business is incorporated as a Limited company. With business growth and sustainability at the core of the business, much like today, Albert Brown was determined to leave a legacy for generations to come.

1986

Strength to Strength

After 30 years of success, A Brown (Tunstall) Limited moves to a brand new site in Ravensdale and is renamed Browns of Stoke in 1986 when David Brown Snr takes the reigns!

1993

New Look, Same Service

In August 1993, Browns rebrands again and becomes Browns Distribution Services. Previously, the business had cited 'Stoke' symbolising its local heritage. Now it was time for the name to reflect the business' nationwide footprint.

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Managing our impact

Driving towards a more sustainable future

Sustainability is a key part of our plan for the future. Distribution House has been designed with a people-first focus, ensuring it works efficiently for both our team and the environment.

Solar powered efficiency

Distribution House is powered by an 80kW rooftop solar PV system that’s more than enough for our needs. It doesn’t just run our building, it charges our fleet of electric FLTs, too! Any extra energy is exported, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

Fresh fleet, cleaner air

Our fleet renewal program keeps our trucks fresh - no Browns vehicle (articulated) is older than 5 years! Plus, with 100% of our fleet running Euro 6 compliant engines, we're fully equipped to operate in all ULEZ areas.

Cutting energy, not corners

Our warehouse runs entirely on electric forklift trucks, all powered by our rooftop solar PV system. Since Distribution House opened in 2023, we've cut our warehouse energy use by 50%, proving that efficiency and sustainability can go hand in hand!

Miles saved, carbon reduced

Our network partner, Palletline, holds ISO 14001: Environmental and ISO 50001: Energy accreditations. Thanks to their multi-hub model, they reduce operational distances by 4.5 million miles annually, that’s a savings of 7.5 tonnes of CO2 each year!