Lawsons Haulage was founded on the family farm in 1952 by Jim and Eileen Lawson at Hundith Hill, Cockermouth. They started with a small cattle wagon used to transport livestock for local farmers to the auction marts. Eventually, the company diversified into carrying animal food such as hay and straw, acquiring more vehicles as it did so, but the main work was the movement of animals from the auctions to the abattoirs for local dealers.
Between 1966 and 1972 the Workington to Keswick and the Penrith rail link was closed, the ballast and sleepers were moved to make way for the new A66 and Lawsons Haulage worked on both of these jobs, buying and selling sleepers for the creation of silage and slurry pits for farms. The expanded fleet of vehicles now articulated, flat and tipper trailers and with British Steel in Workington still in full production, the contract to transport track products across the British Isles was an important part of the business. Even when the rail mill at the Workington plant closed and production moved to Scunthorpe, Lawsons retained the contract and still transport their goods around Britain.
In 1971 the company relocated to the Gote Mill site to accommodate the expanded fleet and staff, and in the late 1970s the first mobile crane and plant machinery were acquired. Over the years, Lawsons Haulage has developed a wide-ranging customer portfolio, the company’s family-run work ethic has enamoured its to clients who have become accustomed to a service that is always attentive to their needs.
Today, Lawsons Haulage is still very proud to be a family ran business, assisted by a professional & dedicated workforce
Lawsons have extended the range of services available to prospective clients by adding expertise and equipment in crane services alongside several specialist trailers such as extendable, step frame and low loaders. Lawsons also opened satellite depots across the UK to better serve our clients. Manned 24 hours every day Lawsons are available for your haulage and mobile crane requirements.
Lawson’s experience allows for the transportation of specialist items. Their extensive fleet, which includes over 50 trucks and over 125 trailers, has been built to accommodate several unique requirements particularly associated with heavy haulage for the Rail Industry. Working nationally, and occasionally internationally, Lawsons have developed an enviable reputation in the Rail Industry but their diverse fleet and capability see them also carry timber, building products, tractors and heavy plant machinery, as well as bulk materials such as scrap metal, coal, stone and sand. Highlighting their ability to meet any demand, Lawsons have also carried such items as caravans, boats, trains, windmills and even a giant carved stone sheep. In 2012 they transported a boat from Lake Windermere to London for the Queen’s Thames River Pageant.
Although most of the haulage work is on specialist flat trailers, the company also has several tippers, carrying salt, coal and gravel. Complementing the fleet are 12 Hiab-type lorry-mounted cranes. The diverse range of trailers includes 45-foot flat beds, extendable up to 130 feet (some of them steerable), low loaders, step frames, curtain side and tipping trailers. Moffat Mountie and other specialised trailers are available on request. Recently, Lawsons has invested in a new large hiab being the one in the UK.
Adding to the service is a mobile crane and plant hire business. The hiring of plant equipment has become an important part of the company where it offers 180 degrees Backhoe machines, 360 degrees Track machines, tele-handlers, and lorry-mounted Hiab-type cranes from 25 tonnes per metre to 100 tonnes per metre. Significantly, as part of the company’s growth, Lawsons have 10 all-terrain mobile cranes in their fleet. These range from 1 tonne to 250+ tonnes, but larger and heavier cranes are available on request.
CPA and contract lifts are available and Lawsons supplies the Appointed Person and Lift Supervisor services to all jobs, as well as Slingers and Banksmen where required. The company possesses a varied range of lifting attachments including block grabs, concrete skips, lifting beams, spreader beams, and many more. Site visits are available on request and full on-site consultation is offered. Moreover, all vehicles, fleets and plants are supported by a large, purpose-built workshop for in-house maintenance and fabrication. This has streamlined the service and made it more efficient.
Pleasingly, Lawsons has seen its individually named fleet of mainly Scania, DAF and Volvo trucks make regular appearances at shows around the country, winning many awards for their immaculate appearance and high standard of maintenance, carried out in Lawsons’ workshops and their engineers.
