Pickfords

Pickfords - heavy haulage

Pickfords is a moving company based in England, part of the international firm Sirva and a member of the British Association of Removers. It was founded in the 17th century as a road construction haulier, moving rocks for the repair of turnpikes and other roads. It then carried goods on the return haul. It entered the passenger transportation market in the 18th century. In 1776 it invented the fly wagon which could travel from London to Manchester in the then fast speed of four and half days. In the 1779 it entered the canal industry as well (from which it withdrew in 1850). In the 19th century, it operated wagons on other companies' railways, but this was contentious, and eventually this service was eliminated. In the 20th century it entered the freight industry using motorised trucks. The company was taken over by the railways in Britain in 1934, and nationalised in 1947. It was sold to employees in 1982 and became part of Sirva in 2002.

See also

• Ballast tractor

External links

• Removals London
• Pickfords web site
• Allied Pickfords Australian web site
• Pickfords Yesterday (history)