Andrew Black, who founded the East Lothian based haulage business, has passed away aged 95.
He created one of Scotland’s most iconic hauliers and was a former chair of the Road Haulage Association. He remained on its board until 2016.
Andrew was born in 1929 and set up the business that would become Andrew Black Haulage & Storage in 1958 from his hometown of Drem.
The business was originally sited behind his own home and focussed on agricultural contracting; however, people wanted him to move agricultural products and produce and this proved to be the catalyst to invest in a truck of his own – a new bullnosed Thames Trader, three years later.
He relocated the firm to the former Drem airfield and would utilise two of the Spitfire hangers, one designed to originally store grain, as well as storage and a workshop. Both are now warehouses.
The family run business saw his wife Janet, better known as Jessie, run the administrative side of the business while their twin sons Andrew and John would also join the business.
From the Thames Trader the business grew to become a nationwide bulk haulage business moving grain, flour and crops, and later cement and dry goods.
Over the years the fleet has sat at around 20 to 25 vehicles, with Iveco the most prominent brand, pulling a mix of trailers.
Andrew is survived by this children Isabel, Moira, John and Andrew, 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
