Rock-it Cargo:
our history
Rock-it Cargo was founded in November 1978 by Chris
Wright in concert with Del, Edwin & Roy of the still legendary
Edwin Shirley Trucking (now known as EST). Its aim was to become
the leading freight service provider to the live entertainment
industry. Santana was our very first client whose patronage we
still enjoy today. We have also been especially fortunate to work
with the Moody Blues since 1972 b.r. (before rock-it) and they're
still going strong. We're very proud that they continue to choose
us year after year. We must be doing something right.
Rock-it was officially incorporated on 13th February
1979 and continued to establish its good name which has become
the benchmark by which others are still judged today.
Ian Haynes joined CW in 1980, which at the time
doubled the number of active full-time "Rock-iteers".
During the same year an associate office in New York opened, which
handled the workload throughout Canada and North America. This
office quickly became invaluable and Rock-it’s enviable reputation
continued to spread. We continued to expand our worldwide agency
network, a foresight which ultimately proved vital for the many
world tours and shipping commitments we undertake to this day.
In March 1982, CW was chosen to move to Los Angeles
and open the third Rock-it Office, thus extending the operations
in North America. IH took over the helm in London and the three
offices began to forge ahead in the market place. In 1983, thanks
to Mr Takeshi Munemura it became possible to open an office in
Tokyo; this was a key factor to the success we have had in the
Far East as the Pacific rim entertainment industry flourished.
Also in this year, Del, Edwin & Roy (EST) decided to dispose
of their holding in the Company. They believed that their ownership
created a conflict of interests with their own clients who were
also on Rock-it's roster.
Continued success in this niche market saw two
new faces in 1985. Alan Escombe joined Ian and Chris, whilst his
overseas colleague David Bernstein acquired control of the LA
and New York offices following CW’s return from the USA.
Alan & David brought a new depth to our business and helped
us improve our portfolio dramatically. Then in 1987, a funny guy
with dodgy looking hair joined the company as a clerk. Alan Durrant
(ex Perfume Party) has learned his craft well and is well respected.
Now in his role as General Manager, he is responsible for the
day to day running of the office.
With this wealth of expertise and knowledge, Rock-it
is still the benchmark. No other company can match our
years of experience in the field. Since our formation and the
original mission to service the live music industry, we have established
many new clients in other markets that have "special"
freight needs. These include film, TV, theatre, conferences, exhibitions
and product launches as well as auto shipping. We continue to
seek new markets where our skills can be best utilised. Although
there are still places to go, we like to think that if you want
to go there, we've probably already been. Challenges are our forte!
With success comes competition, which is a good
thing and keeps us fresh. We are flattered that in advertisements
our competitors sometimes claim expertise in the field based on
their employees being ex Rock-it staff . This confirms we are
the true marque. Equally, others continue to plagiarise our methods
and ideas (sometimes logos), proving we are leaders and innovators,
not followers. Rock-it Cargo strives to offer the best service
at the right price.
Our office is staffed by truly dedicated people,
without whom continued success would be impossible. (Do check
out the Bios). We'd particularly like to mention Richard Cheeseman
in our Warehousing department who has over 20 years service.
Personal note from the Chairman & Managing
Director:
There are others who have been contributors to
our success but are no longer at the Company. Thank you; you know
who you are.
In particular: Tony Walsh 23.7.49 - 4.9.99 A very
dear friend to us all, sadly missed.
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