Discover Our Story | About Browns Distribution

Delivering for local and national industry 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.

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 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

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Our Guiding Pillars

Driven by our values

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

Passion

We bring excitement and energy to logistics, with a relentless drive to deliver exceptional service for our customers.

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People

We're a team built on trust, teamwork, and tenacity, working together to drive our industry and business forward.

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Planet

We're committed to sustainability through innovation, responsibility, and respect for future generations.

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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.

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A Humble Beginning

Browns' journey begins in 1955 on Connaught Street, Stoke-on-Trent, as Albert Brown moves pottery with just a single van. His reliability quickly grows the business. Reputation was everything then - and still is today.

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Forging a Legacy

Ten years of hard work and success leads to A Brown (Tunstall) Limited becoming a reality in February 1965. Albert builds a business with staying power, laying the groundwork for a legacy that's still going strong.

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"We're Gonna Need a Bigger Boat"

30 years of success means one thing - more space! Browns relocates to Ravensdale, giving the growing team room to thrive. Georgia Robbins joins the team and hasn't looked back, now a key player in our SLT.

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Like Father, Like Son

It's all in the family! David Brown Senior takes over as Managing Director, stepping into Albert's shoes. The Browns legacy continues, with a promise to pass the reins to the next generation.

Trusted by businesses across the UK

We're proud to support businesses and customers of all sizes. Here's what some of them have said about us.

Google Review

Google Review

I used Browns to collect and deliver a very precious cargo from the UK to Ireland. From the start, everything went smoothly, collection was on time, and even though the pallet turned out to be larger than expected, they continued with the job without issue. I got a call straight away to explain the extra cost, and they trusted me to settle it afterwards, which I really appreciated. Things hit a snag when the delivery reached Ireland, but the customer service was fantastic. They kept me updated throughout and genuinely seemed to care about getting it sorted.

Google Review

Google Review

Superb service! I booked a pallet collection on a Friday afternoon, and it was safely delivered by Browns the following Wednesday, all while I was abroad. Everything went smoothly, with great communication throughout and the best price I could find Browns Distribution really delivered. Thanks!

Google Review

Google Review

We've just started working with Browns Distribution, and the communication, service, and overall experience has been excellent. We're really glad we made the move and look forward to building a strong working relationship.

Director

Director

Packaging Manufacturer/Supplier

Ours is a service-led business, and packaging products play a crucial role in our customers' production environments with downtime carrying significant costs. Timing is everything, so we rely on partners who offer the flexibility to make that happen. I can't praise Browns enough as they deliver a seamless, reliable service every time, whether it's a one-off order or full loads for major blue-chip clients.

Google Review

Google Review

As Tina Turner would say 'simply the best.' Great service, as always from Browns. Thank you.

Director

Director

Retail Wholesaler

Browns are cost-effective and highly flexible, which is especially valuable as our business continues to grow. Their user-friendly order management system makes it easy to track stock and oversee the full fulfilment process with confidence. From the outset, we've been impressed by their experience, proactive approach and reliability. Their long-standing presence in warehousing and distribution adds real credibility, and it's clear why they've built such a strong reputation.

Google Review

Google Review

We have used Browns for several years and have never had an issue. Hassle free service.

Director

Director

Wholesaler

Browns has proven to be a highly efficient distribution partner, supported by an excellent warehousing and management team based in Stoke-on-Trent. They handle consolidated shipments into Amazon fulfilment centres as part of the Palletline network and we're genuinely pleased to be working with them. Browns are cost-effective and highly flexible, which is especially valuable as our business continues to grow. Their user-friendly order management system makes it easy to track stock and oversee the full fulfilment process with confidence. From the outset, we've been impressed by their experience, proactive approach and reliability. Their long-standing presence in warehousing and distribution adds real credibility, and it's clear why they've built such a strong reputation. We're happy to continue our partnership and would confidently recommend Browns Distribution for the quality, consistency, and value they bring to our business.

Google Review

Google Review

Excellent service from start to finish. Booking was straightforward, and both collection and delivery went like clockwork. Perfect, what more could you ask for? Thank you!

Director

Director

First Days Maternity Supplies

We recently moved to Browns for our warehousing and distribution and have already seen huge cost savings and a more streamlined service. If you use FBA, it's definitely worth a look!

Google Review

Google Review

We use Browns Distribution most weeks. They're always really helpful and offer competitive pricing.

Director

Director

Confident Games

Highly recommend for anyone needing pallet storage and delivery to Amazon fulfilment centres. Browns take all the hassle out of the process it only takes a few minutes to submit a request, and they handle everything from labelling and palletising to booking and delivery. Their IT system also gives us an up-to-date stock count. Great service!

Google Review

Google Review

Excellent, efficient service. I received two friendly courtesy calls with updates on my delivery ETA. A simple touch that made a big difference. Browns have restored my faith in customer service. Thank you!

Director

Director

Food Product Manufacturer

Thanks to Browns Distribution, we're able to supply our ingredients across the UK and internationally. We have great confidence in Browns' ability to handle our freight needs, which are often time-critical and held to high standards due to food industry regulations. Their team consistently approach this with professionalism, reliability, and friendly, responsive service.

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.

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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.

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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!

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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 7.5k tonnes of CO2 each year!

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Read about us in

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Our Awards

We're proud of our team for always going the extra mile. Being recognised as leaders and innovators in the industry? That's just the cherry on top.

2024 | Finalists
2024 | Finalists

Logistics UK Awards

Road Transport Operator of the Year

2024, 2023, 2016 | Finalists
2024, 2023, 2016 | Finalists

Motor Transport Awards

Customer Care Award

2024, 2023, 2016 | Finalists
2024, 2023, 2016 | Finalists

Motor Transport Awards

Haulier of the Year

2024 | Participants
2024 | Participants

UK Warehousing Association

The Year of Warehousing

2024 | Highly Commended
2024 | Highly Commended

UKWA Awards for Excellence

Logistics Service Provider of the Year

2024 | Highly Commended
2024 | Highly Commended

Staffordshire University Business Awards

Business of the Year

2024 | Winner (David Brown)
2024 | Winner (David Brown)

Staffordshire University Business Awards

Lifetime Achievement Award

2024 | Highly Commended
2024 | Highly Commended

Palletline Beyond Awards

Sustainability Award

2024 | Winners
2024 | Winners

Palletline Beyond Awards

Commercial Growth Award

2024 | Finalists
2024 | Finalists

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Business Awards

Medium/Large Business of the Year

2023 | Finalists
2023 | Finalists

UKWA Awards for Excellence

Logistics Service Provider of the Year

2018 | Finalists
2018 | Finalists

Sentinel Business Awards

Business of the Year

2016 | Winner (David Brown Jnr)
2016 | Winner (David Brown Jnr)

Sentinel Business Awards

Young Business Person of the Year

2011 | Winners
2011 | Winners

Sentinel Business Awards

Training Excellence Award

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