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Edwin Shirley Trucking was founded in 1974 and has grown from a single truck to the management of 25 tractors, 6 rigids and 50 trailers, currently employing 7 full-time staff and a pool of over 100 drivers.

During its 35 years in operation, EST has toured with artistes such as Paul McCartney, Madonna, Joss Stone, Rod Stewart, Andrea Bocelli, Funeral for a Friend, Deep Purple, Backstreet Boys, Bryan Adams, Michael Buble, Tom Jones, Bruce Springsteen, Brian Wilson, Robert Plant, Nine Inch Nails, Alison Kraus, Kanye West, Meatloaf, Donny Osmond, Maroon 5, Neil Diamond, Billy Idol, Michael Ball and Destiny’s Child. With an operation that stretches from the Arctic Circle to North Africa and Moscow to Tenerife, the company has developed its expertise in satisfying a diversity of clients and handling logistically complex projects.  Our clientele has grown and it is a measure of our success that we not only continue to work with many of our original clients but that more recent artists constantly take advantage of our proven abilities.

EST was founded to fill a gap in the market, providing transport for touring bands which up until then had been carried out using self-drive rental trucks.  EST wanted a livery that complemented the flamboyant nature of the music business and the now internationally recognised purple and yellow trucks were born.

EST quickly attracted numerous rival companies who considered the music industry to be the “glamorous” part of the transport world. Whilst many of these competitors have since shut down, EST has managed to maintain its position as a strong market contender by diversifying its client base to provide trucking for corporate events and investing in a small fleet of 7.5 tonne trucks to service the small conference sector. Being part of an industry group has equipped EST with an understanding of the bespoke requirements of every event and the importance of dealing with clients on a personal basis, thus increasing their competitive edge.

Despite being an inspirational competitor, EST has also developed mutual relationships with many other transport companies within the music and events industries over the past 35 years, enabling reciprocal access to respective resources.  EST prepare ATA carnets and provide storage and warehouse facilities to other companies which, in return, gives EST access to drivers and suppliers throughout Europe who provide invaluable experience of the industry and local knowledge.

EST now specialises in transportation for music tours, trade shows, exhibitions and corporate events.

<@>Bureau Veritas ISO 9001<@>In 2005 EST achieved ISO 9001 for Quality Management Systems, a certification recognised worldwide as a symbol of excellence. ISO 9001 demonstrates EST's achievement and continued commitment to conduct the business in a thoroughly professional and consistent manner.

Sustainability

Sustainability is at the heart of ES Group’s philosophy and for EST this means regular assessment of their fleet thus enhancing its green credentials. The transfer to Euro 5 standard is the latest in a series of measures taken to reduce EST’s emissions, with their trucks now producing particle emissions 25% below the EEV (Enhanced Environmentally friendly Vehicles) standard. EST is setting up its own Environmental Management System in line with ISO14001 and hopes to achieve full accreditation shortly.

Drivers

EST prides itself on its hardworking, dedicated and well-informed drivers who achieve the tightest deadlines whilst dealing articulately with clients daily on average “tours of duty” of between four and six weeks at a time.  

“Mark Golding [EST driver]…arrived 15 mins early and was spot on time for the de-rig and cheerful even though it was dark and very early”

SPS Ltd, November 2007

“a big thank you to you guys … for this past week …everything went smoothly and Barney [EST driver] was a pleasure to work with”

LIVE, Rockin Park, June 2008

In 2009, in recognition of the high standard of our driving team, our long-standing lead driver, Roger Thomas, won the TPi “John Peel Unsung Hero Award”. Roger has been driving for EST for over 30 years and he has shown a professional approach on every tour he has been part of; proving an integral member of a team that ensures each tour is completed without a hitch. In 2008 alone, he was involved in tours for Bon Jovi, Duffy, Spice Girls, Alicia Keys, Chanel Mobile Art and Madonna.

The Driving Force Behind the Madonna Tour 2009

These are the drivers who rolled over 19,600kms while you rocked 20 cities at Madonna’s 2009 Sticky & Sweet Tour. 

Drivers – 109 

Distance – 19,600kms 

Shows - 28 

Cities - London, Manchester, Paris, Brussels, Milan, Udine, Barcelona, Madrid, Zaragoza, Oslo, St Petersburg, Tallinn, Helsinki, Gothenburg, Copenhagen, Prague, Warsaw, Munich, Budapest, Belgrade, Bucharest, Sofia, Tel Aviv 

Countries - 20  

Days – 60  

Duration – 4th July to 2nd September 2009

Julie Petts in 'Foresters at Work' Calendar 2010

EST driver Julie Petts features in Foresters at Work Calendar 2010 for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The 2010 Calendar features members of Foresters Friendly Society who love their jobs.

Well done Julie, we are very proud to see EST featured in such a worthwhile publication.

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Sticky & Sweet 2008 - Madonna

Madonna’s Sticky and Sweet 2008 Tour (16 shows and over 1.25 million miles) was particularly challenging; EST supplied the transportation and logistical management for the 26 main production trucks, 2 teams of 10 advance production trucks and 56 trucks containing four duplicate staging systems provided by ESS. This required a huge amount of coordination involving 108 drivers, managing ATA carnets, border clearances and import and export paperwork. ESG repeated this challenge for 29 additional shows in 2009.

“thank you to everyone on your side, especially Spike who was incredibly helpful on our end.  The success of this tour was certainly a group effort!!” 

Live Nation M Tours, Madonna Sticky and Sweet World Tour 2008

EST had to overcome a multitude of challenges, both expected and unforeseen, to successfully deliver the 2008 tour with a number of recurrent and bespoke provisions being made to guarantee success.

A non-driving lead driver was present at every show and lead drivers were assigned to each fleet. EST Director, Ollie Kite, was responsible for the project and was frequently on site. On several occasions equipment was air freighted, using two chartered 747 cargo planes, as the distance between shows was too far to be driven in the time available. 

The biggest production to visit Montenegro

A ferry was chartered from Bari to Bar to ensure the advance trucks, additional generators and sound equipment arrived in Montenegro in time to set up the show in Budva, collect equipment flown in from Vienna and transport it to Dubrovnik. Ollie Kite was present at the Croatia/Montenegro border to expedite customs clearance in and out of Montenegro as ATA carnets are not accepted.  The single lane road from the border to Budva involves a ferry which can only take a maximum of 5 trucks each crossing so a police escort and the exclusive use of the ferry were arranged to ensure the speedy transit of the 26 trucks.   

Unforeseen challenges

Immediately after Madonna’s Wembley show, all 26 trucks were due to drive via the Channel tunnel to Lisbon for a show three days later. However, that day a fire broke out in the tunnel and it was closed.   An alternative route had to be found and, following high level discussions with the ferry company, all 26 trucks were quickly rerouted via Portsmouth along with the 10 advance trucks already booked on that route.  Eventually, following high level discussions with the ferry company, 36 trucks travelled on the first ferry from Portsmouth to Caen the next day.  A charter plane was then arranged for the 26 double drivers stranded in Calais, who were flown to Spain, to take over the driving on time.

Dig Out Your Soul - Oasis

EST was the official transport company for Oasis’s last tour which concluded prematurely with their last ever live gig at V Festival, Weston Park on the 22nd August 2009.  EST then coordinated the necessary last minute arrangements enabling Deep Purple to cover their performances at the Rock Am See Festival in Germany and Independent Day Festival, Milan.

Good Evening Europe - Paul McCartney

EST, the London based trucking company, supplied 17 of their distinctive purple and yellow trucks for Sir Paul McCartney’s Good Evening Europe tour. 

The tour took in Hamburg, Berlin, Arnhem, Paris, Cologne and Dublin before finishing on 22nd December 2009 with McCartney's only UK date at London’s O2 Arena. The show marked 46 years to the day since Paul McCartney played the first Beatles Christmas gig at the Liverpool Empire Theatre. 

All 23,000 tickets for the London show sold out in advance and McCartney performed a marathon set lasting nearly three hours.

EST Celebrates New Year's Eve

EST supplied the transport for Jack Morton’s stunning New Year’s Eve firework display on the River Thames. The show was viewed by thousands who crowded the banks of the river and millions who tuned in to see the show live on BBC One.

The spectacle was accompanied by a dazzling sound and light show with music mixed by Radio One’s DJ Nihal. This was the sixth consecutive year that EST has supplied trucking services for the event alongside the team at Jack Morton.

Jonas Brothers Tour 2009

EST, the London based trucking company, was very pleased to supply 14 of their purple and yellow trucks for the European leg of the Jonas Brothers’ World Tour 2009. 

EST’s stint with the band began in Italy at the beginning of November, where they played three dates in Milan, Pesaro and Turin.  The tour continued on to Switzerland, Spain, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, England, Ireland and France. The brothers then played two nights at London’s Wembley Arena before finishing their tour in Paris at Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy.

EST covered 87,375 miles with the band transporting everything from their lighting and sound equipment to their wardrobe and instruments across 336 border crossings.

The Jonas Brothers, who came to fame through the Disney Channel, have been touring since 2005 and have just released their fourth album, Lines, Vines and Trying Times.

The tour was the first time EST has provided the trucking services for the Jonas Brothers and the most notable run was from Madrid to Rotterdam using an extra 30 drivers.

EST wishes the Jonas Brothers every success for the future and looks forward to their return to Europe.

TPi Awards 2009 - Winners

The 2009 TPi Awards were held on 9th February at The Grosvenor House Hotel.  With about 1,000 of our industry peers in attendance, Phil Jupitas presented the awards at what was an enjoyable and successful evening.

EST won "Favourite Transport Company" and our driver, Roger Thomas, won the "Unsung Hero" award.  

EST would like to send their heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this possible.

Images Louise Stickland

Favourite Transport Company

EST — Edwin Shirley Trucking — had one of its busiest years in 2008 

They've had 100 trucks assigned to Madonna’s 2008 Sticky & Sweet world tour, 16 rockin’ with Bruce Springsteen, 14 trucks touring with Neil Diamond, seven out on the road with Bryan Adams, five trucks on each of Oasis’ and Gloria Estefan’s tours, six vehicles servicing the Paris Motor Show, four trucks on The Moody Blues, four around the UK with The Osmonds’ 50th Anniversary Tour, three taking Sir Paul McCartney’s production to Kiev and two trucks with Jay-Z’s European dates.

And these are just a few of the highlights of one year in the life of the east London firm whose journey began way back in 1974. You rock, they roll... full stop.

http://www.tpimagazine.com/TPi_awards/tpi_awards_2009_winners/<@>Text taken from TPi Magazine website<@>

Unsung Hero

John Peel Unsung Hero Award - Roger Thomas, Truck Driving Supremo - In association with PSA 

Known throughout the live events world as the ‘Henry Kissinger of Diesel’, Roger began driving for EST as a freelancer in 1976 after eight years in the North East as a structural steel draftsman and a two-year stint as a teacher. Since then, Roger has worked on what he describes as a “merry-go-round” of tours. He became a full-time driver in 1986 and, five years later, moved swiftly through the ranks to become a lead driver on numerous world famous shows. He is renowned for his ability to ensure that the tours run smoothly and that everyone and everything gets home in one piece.

In 2008 alone, he was intrinsically involved in Bon Jovi, Oasis, Duffy, Spice Girls, Jay Z, Alicia Keys, Chanel Mobile Art, Cirque du Soleil and Madonna’s Sticky & Sweet tour, which proved to be one of Roger’s toughest challenges to date.

On Sticky & Sweet, Roger was responsible not only for the main European production trucking, involving the supervision of 26 trucks, but also the 15 trucks of the advance production and the 56 of the four steel systems. This, combined with a host of double and triple drives whilst managing all of the carnet and import/export paperwork with an amazing level of efficiency was truly a remarkable achievement.

Roger is one of the great unsung heroes of our industry, who provides invaluable experience and professionalism to every tour he completes. He is always on hand to offer guidance and advice to the less experienced and has a smile and good word for everyone he meets.

http://www.tpimagazine.com/TPi_awards/tpi_awards_2009_winners/<@>Text taken from TPi Magazine website<@>

Beyoncé I Am … Tour 2009

2009 was a busy year for Beyoncé Knowles as she embarked on her third worldwide tour, ‘I Am … Tour’, of 47 concerts across Europe, for which EST supplied the trucking, logistics and transport management.

EST’s logistics support began with the provision of 18 of EST’s Euro 5 standard trucks for the initial leg of the tour, which visited 15 countries altogether, culminating in two nights at London’s O2 Arena on 8th June 2009. 

The tour kicked off in Zagreb, Croatia on 26th April before travelling to Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Holland, France, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, Portugal, Spain, Ireland and UK. The tour involved 50 border crossings per truck and covered a total of 188,928 miles.

In August, EST supplied five of their artic trucks for Beyoncé’s one-off show in Donetsk, Ukraine which marked the official opening of the Donbass Arena.  The stadium is the first in Eastern Europe to be designed and built to UEFA five-star standards and it is home to Shakhtar Donetsk, the UEFA Cup Champions.

To conclude the 2009 ‘I Am … Tour’, Beyoncé returned to the UK in November.  The final leg of the ‘I Am ... Tour’ saw Beyoncé play 11 shows in England and Ireland, for which EST supplied 17 artics. The tour included three nights at London’s O2 Arena where she was joined on stage by Jay Z and Kanye West and the shows were recorded for a future DVD release.

The ‘I Am … Tour’ followed the release of Beyoncé’s third studio album, ‘I Am … Sasha Fierce’.  The tour also visited North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the Middle East, becoming the 12th highest grossing tour worldwide. It also took the No. 1 slot on Hot Tours rankings and was nominated for Billboard/Eventful Fans' Choice competition for "Best Concert of the Year 2009".

EST was extremely privileged to have the opportunity to supply trucking to this highly acclaimed tour which required careful planning and precise logistical management to guarantee its success.

EST would like to thank Beyoncé and everyone who worked towards making the tour the phenomenon it was. We look forward to seeing Beyoncé again next time she is in Europe.

Scania at Work

EST is very privileged to feature in Patrick Dyer’s hugely successful “Scania at Work” book, which talks through the history and development of Scanias.  

Patrick even swagged up in EST gear for his promotional book signing, and EST wishes him every success with this book and those to come.

Taken from Scania at Work: by Patrick W Dyer

“Looking resplendent in EST’s vivid pink (actually Elizabethan purple) and yellow colours, SOO 821R heads up the M2 from Dover in 1984 while working on the Van Halen tour of that year (1984 was also the title of the band’s album at the time)”

The image of the Scania truck (top right) was taken during the tour by EST driver David Wakefield who, 26 years on, is still driving for EST, and EST director Del Roll was driving.

Rock and Roll Tourist

Taken from "London : Edwin Shirley Trucking Company" a chapter of Rock and Roll Tourist by Graham Forbes

Edwin Shirley is the UK’s top rock music trucking company, reliability is everything in this business. The equipment must be at every venue exactly on time. There’s no room for screw-ups; a dozy driver could cause serious problems if he gets lost – a couple of hours could mean a stadium gig being cancelled. No one will listen to some lame excuse, not when 60,000 people are stamping their feet, yelling for the band.

Tom Morton, BBC Scotland - Introduction to Rock and Roll Tourist by Graham Forbes

There is some wonderful descriptive writing, and a great piece about, of all things, rock and roll transportation, in the form of the legendary Edwin Shirley Trucking company.

And I mustn’t forget such insights as the influence of Scottish pipe band drumming on modern funk, the way that Clive Palmer (of the Incredible String Band) smells, and Very Bad Things that can happen in Mallorca.

This is a very funny, occasionally disturbing, sometimes moving book. It’s a middle-aged man’s meditation on what rock means for him, and in the end, on what it’s like to pass the baton on to the next generation. I heartily recommend it.

Rock and Roll Tourist by Graham Forbes was released 2nd April 2009 and is available in all good book shops.

Know Your Trucks

An EST Step-frame features in Patrick W Dyer’s new pocket-sized book, “Know Your Trucks” which looks at the range of trucks used in the UK today.   

Know Your Trucks follows Dyer’s very successful “Scania at Work” book in which EST also featured.   

EST is very honoured to feature in this publication which is available from 23rd October 2009 on www.oldpond.com and all good book stores.

The Circus - Britney Spears

EST supplied 34 trucks for Britney Spears’ 2009 The Circus tour. The tour included 21 shows across Europe, including 8 nights at London’s O2 Arena and shows in Moscow and St Petersburg. The tour concluded in Berlin on 26th July 2009.

Just Go - Lionel Richie

EST supplied 8 of their trucks for Lionel Richie’s tour of Europe and the UK. Just Go was Lionel’s first UK tour since 2007 and marked his ninth studio album ‘Just Go’ which was released earlier in the year. 

The 35-show tour started with two nights at Dublin’s O2 Arena in March. The tour then went on to play  15 nights across the UK before visiting Germany, The Netherlands, France and Switzerland. The tour finished in Austria on the 6th May 2009.

Working On A Dream - Bruce Springsteen

EST supplied 11 trucks to Bruce Springsteen’s 2009, Working On A Dream Tour.

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band played 27 shows across Europe and performed at numerous festivals including Glastonbury, Hard Rock Calling, Pinkpop and Les Vieilles Charrues.

Summer 2009

Summer 2009 was challenging for the logistics team at EST. With more than 15 acts touring Europe and a range of corporate events taking place, the company co-ordinated more than 300 border crossings in 3 months. 

As a delivery partner for Imagination, EST travelled Europe moving vital components for their events including unique instruments, crafted from car parts, for an international advertising campaign to a branded set for a sponsor’s sporting hospitality area in Rome. Hyde Park was the destination on behalf of Smyle as they created the VIP hospitality area backstage at Hard Rock Calling and Wireless Festivals. 

Artists who have entrusted their wardrobe and entire show set to EST over the summer include Beyoncé, Britney, Lionel Ritchie, Oasis and Bruce Springsteen and more than 100 trucks moved Madonna’s Sticky and Sweet tour around 25 European cities. 

The exacting demands of tours constantly challenge the much reputed in-house team who prepare ATA carnets, import and export documentation and driving permits, to ensure seamless border crossings and resolute timekeeping.

Beyoncé Headlines the Donbass Arena Opening Ceremony, Donetsk

EST supplied five of their arctic trucks for Beyoncé’s show in Donetsk which marked the official opening of the Donbass Arena.  The stadium is the first in Eastern Europe designed and built to UEFA five-star standards and home to Shakhtar Donetsk, the UEFA Cup Champions.

The show took place on August 29th and attracted more than 45,000 visitors to the 50,000 capacity stadium, and included an address from the Ukraine’s president Victor Yushchenko.  The stadium cost $400 million and will be a key venue for the Euro 2012 championships hosted jointly by Ukraine and Poland.

Archive

Jay-Z

EST provided two of their trucks for Jay-Z’s trip to Europe in June and July, 2008. As well as headlining at Glastonbury, Jay-Z played O2 Wireless Festival, Bournemouth International Centre, Milton Keynes Bowl and shows in Ireland, Holland and Paris. 

Jay-Z is one of the most successful hip hop artists in the USA, having released 11 solo albums and sold more than 26 million records.

Moody Blues

EST provided 4 trucks for the 2008 Moody Blues European tour.  Their 24-night tour started on 22nd September 2008 at The Playhouse, Edinburgh and toured throughout the UK before moving on to Copenhagen, Oslo, Helsinki, Sweden, Belgium and Frankfurt in October. 

The Moody Blues have sold more than 55 million albums in the 30 years they have been together.

Bon Jovi

Bon Jovi once again returned to Europe in 2008 with their Lost Highway Tour. EST provided 26 trucks for the 17 night tour which kicked off in Germany and travelled across Europe to finish off on the 28th June 2008 at Twickenham.

Paris Motor Show

In 2008 EST once again provided Imagination with trucking for the biennial Paris Motor Show held in the Paris Expo, Porte de Versailles.  The show ran from 2nd to 19th October 2008 and EST provided 6 trucks for the transportation of the Ford stand. 

Led Zeppelin

On 10th December 2007 Led Zeppelin performed a Reunion Gig at the O2 in London and EST provided trucking. The performance was held in memory of Ahmet Ertegun the late Atlantic Records founder who signed the band in 1968 and died in December 2006.

Gloria Estefan

EST Provided 5 of their trucks for Gloria Estefan’s 2008 90 Millas tour.  The 10-show tour promoted Gloria’s 11th studio album 90 Millas.  The tour started in Valencia on August 22nd 2008 and continued into September, 2008 in Rotterdam, London, Belfast, Madrid, Zaragoza and Barcelona.

Bryan Adams

EST provided 7 trucks for the European leg of Bryan Adam's 2008 World Tour.  EST have been trucking for Bryan for over 25 years and were privileged to provide the trucking once again during his most recent trip to Europe.

The European leg started in Denmark in May and travelled through Europe playing 13 dates in the UK before finishing at the O2 Arena on November 5th 2008.

Alicia Keys

EST provided 6 trucks for both the European legs of Alicia Key's 2008 As I Am World Tour.

The tour visited the UK, Netherlands, France, Italy and Switzerland in July and then Croatia, Serbia, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands and France in October.

The As I Am concert tour promoted Alicia Key's third studio album As I Am and also visited, USA, Canada, Asia, New Zealand and Australia, rounding up in the Swan Valley, Australia on December 20th 2008.

Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band band toured Europe in 2008 playing concerts in the UK, Ireland, Germany, France, Amsterdam, Italy, Denmark, Spain, Sweden, Norway, and Finland. EST supplied the trucking for the Boss providing 16 trucks for the tour which began in Dublin in May.  The tour of stadium shows included the first ever rock concerts to be played at London's Emirates Stadium where organisers invested an estimated 100,000 pounds in a massive curtain to cut noise pollution from the two gigs.  

In 2007, cooperation between EST and Redburn Transfer provided the transport for the first Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band tour since 2003. EST and Redburn both provided 6 trucks each.

EST has been doing the trucking for Bruce since the Born to Run tour in 1975.

Duffy

EST provided one 18t truck for Duffy's 2008 5-night European tour which started in Paris on the 7th June and finished on the 2nd July in Amsterdam.

Santana

Santana were EST's first client when they toured Europe with Earth, Wind & Fire in 1974.

Guitar legend Santana once again toured the UK and Europe in 2008 on a 21-night tour which kicked off in Birmingham on the 20th June. EST provided 5 trucks for the tour. 

Photo: Dennis Chambers (Santana drummer) wearing an EST hat

Sir Paul McCartney

On Saturday 14th June 2008 Sir Paul McCartney was invited by the Victor Pinchuk Foundation to perform an "Independence Concert" in Kiev to tens of thousands of people.

EST provided 3 trucks for the concert and managed the border crossings for all the production vehicles.

The concert was named the Independence Concert and its aim was to bring together as many different Nationalities and Ethnicities as possible to enjoy the event.

The Ukranian people and others who travelled to view the concert were there to view and receive the ideas of peace and love that The Beatles promoted and which Sir Paul continues to promote.

Cirque du Soleil

Delirium

Delirium is Cirque du Soleil's first live music and multimedia event. The 21-truck tour started in September and ran until mid April 2008.  Delirium was created and directed by Michel Lemieux and Victor Pilon. The show features a frenzy of constant musical and acrobatic action with a selection of remixed Cirque songs.  Pushing the limits of arena performance, the show is one of the biggest of its kind ever to have toured.

Varekai

Varekai was held at the Royal Albert Hall in January 2008.  The load in took place over Christmas and the New Year, making this the fifth year in succession that EST have been awarded this prestigious contract.

Michael Bolton

EST provided trucking for Michael Bolton’s 2008 tour which travelled across Europe throughout October and November 2008.  

With 53 million albums sold, eight top ten albums, two number one singles and a career spanning over 30 years, Michael Bolton’s 2008 tour took him to Poland, The Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and Czech Republic.

Peachy Racing

In 2008 EST sponsored a 1976 BMW saloon car which has been touring for 4 years.

EST also sponsored ferry crossings for 2 events which the team competed in, in 2008, one in Nurburging at the end of September and one in Spa at the end of October. EST logos were displayed on the car in 2008 during UK race meetings and when the car raced abroad.   

In 2006 the car came 2nd in class and 3rd overall in the championship and this year they have competed at Snetterton, Mallory Park, Brands Hatch and Anglesey and have finished 3rd in class on each occasion.

Neil Diamond

EST provided 14 trucks for the tour which visited Belgium, Germany, and the UK where EST’s involvement in Neil’s World Tour finished on Sunday 29th June with his performance on the prestigious Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury. 

Neil is acclaimed for having the ability to turn a live concert from a commercial event into an intimate encounter between himself and his fans, and this year was clearly no exception.

Pentangle

EST provided one of their trucks for the Pentangle Reunion Tour which started on the 10th July in Leeds visiting venues across the UK before ending in The Half Moon, Putney on 5th October 2008.

Exactly 40 years after London-based band Pentangle recorded the live disc of their seminal double album 'Sweet Child' the original band Bert Jansch, John Renbourn, Jacqui McShee, Danny Thompson and Terry Coxmembers have toured the UK.

Spice Girls

EST provided 25 trucks for the European leg of the Spice Girls reunion tour. The Girls played to sell out audiences in Madrid, Cologne, Manchester and London where they hosted 17 nights in the O2.

The tour was the first time the girls had performed together for 9 years.

Shows included songs from their solo careers as well as group originals which brought them to fame in the 90s.  The Girls were described as looking very happy to be performing together again delivering energetic, tightly choreographed shows to their dedicated fans.

The Who

In 2007 EST toured with The Who on their 'Endless' Tour. The 8 truck European Tour was the group’s first since the death of bassist John Entwistle in 2002.

Led on stage by Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey the band were backed by drummer Zak Starkey (son of Ringo Starr) and guitar / vocals performed by Simon Townshend (Pete's younger brother). The band delivered with full force some of rock's greatest hits along with tracks off their new Number One album 'Endless Wire'.

The tour culminated with the band headlining Glastonbury in May 2007, with a performance which made rivals 40 years their junior appear docile. The Who formed in 1964 and are one of rock's most influential and successful bands.

The Osmonds

The Osmonds’ UK Tour kicked off on the 22nd May 2008 in Belfast and youred various venues around England and Wales including 2 nights in London. EST provided 4 of their trucks for the tour which marked The Osmonds 50th anniversary in entertainment.

The concert marked the first time The Osmonds had performed together in 28 years. Fans that went to see The Osmonds lapped up greats such as; Love Me for a Reason, The Proud One and Crazy Horses, with Donny causing hysteria among women in the crowd.

John Legend

EST supplied 3 of their trucks for the European leg of John Legend's Evolver World Tour. The tour began in Denmark on 28th February 2009 before travelling to Norway, Sweden, The Netherlands, Belgium, France, UK, Germany, Italy and finishing in Switzerland on 20th March 2009.

Logistics

EST’s pre-tour planning is renowned throughout the industry, with many promoters only confirming the tours of major stars (including Beyonce, Barbara Streisand, Paul McCartney) when EST has deemed it logistically feasible. Testament to their logistical prowess, EST has not missed a show in 35 years, crucial in a sector where show cancellations can lead to serious financial implications.   

“Congratulations Edwin Shirley, both [ESS and EST] of you have always been good to me. Good luck for the future”

Paul McCartney, 1994   

Due to the download revolution, the music industry has seen an increase in the frequency of band touring and a considerable increase in venue demand. Limited availability of venues has meant rethinking traditional tour routings. To overcome this, trucks are regularly double, triple and even quadruple driven between venues, requiring complex organisation.  Given many tours typically have 20 trucks, this can now mean up to 80 drivers are required for one run. Madonna’s Sticky and Sweet 2008 Tour (16 shows and over 1.25 million miles) was particularly challenging; EST supplied the transportation and logistical management for the 26 main production trucks, 2 teams of 10 advance production trucks and 56 trucks containing four duplicate staging systems provided by ESS. This required a huge amount of coordination involving 108 drivers, managing ATA carnets, border clearances and import and export paperwork. ESG will repeat this challenge for 29 additional shows in 2009.  

“thank you to everyone on your side, especially Spike who was incredibly helpful on our end.  The success of this tour was certainly a group effort!!”

 Live Nation M Tours, Madonna Sticky and Sweet World Tour 2008

Rental Rates 2010

If you have a single collection and delivery within the M25 and your timings are flexible then you can take advantage of our Go Now! Courier Service.

The rules are simple; 

• You must be an EST account customer or pay by company cheque on collection/delivery

• There must only be 1 collection and 1 delivery (both within the M25)

• The job must be realistically achieveable within 4 hours

Call us and we will route a truck to you as quickly as possible and at the very competitive rates shown below:

  Vehicle Size Cost per move 7.5t £125 18t £150 45' £200

For a dedicated vehicle with time specific movements again within the M25 our daily rates are as follows:

Vehicle Size Cost per move 7.5t £280 18t £300 45' £360

  Extra Costs Night out after 2000 hrs & before 0600hrs £40 extra Working Driver £40 extra PD’S £40 extra Long day (10 hours or more) £40 extra Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Eve/Day - Price on application and subject to availability.

For availability and bookings please contact Glen 020 7055 7276 or Dan 020 7055 7275

Technical Spec

All EST trucks and trailers have full air ride suspension and are fully equipped with ramps, load bars, straps and packing blankets. 

All dimensions and weights relate to EST Fleet Vehicles.

EST Truck & Trailer - Dimensions & Weight Truck/
Trailer Internal Length Internal Width Internal Height Volume Weight External length External Width External Height Unladen Weight 7.5t Boxvan 19’10” 7’3” 7’6” 1072 cu.ft 5,600 lbs 28’6” 7’5” 10’7” 10,937 lbs 6.00m 2.20m 2.30m 30.36 m.cu 2,540 kg 8.57m 2.26m 3.23m 4,960 kg   18t Boxvan 25’8” 8’1” 8’3” 1700 cu.ft 19,536 lbs 33’9” 8’4” 12’6” 20,154 lbs   7.82m 2.46m 2.52m 47.50 m.cu 8,860 kg 10.30m 2.50m 3.81m 9,140 kg   Tractor - - - - - 19’8” 7’10” 12’6” 17,420 lbs (Daf95XF) - - - - - 6.00m 2.38m 3.81m 7,900 kg   Tractor & Trailer - - - 3378 cu.ft 47,230 lbs 54’2” 8’4” 13’2” 37,155 lbs   - - - 95.67 m.cu 21,420 kg 16.5m 2.54m 4.00m 16,580 kg   Mega Box 44’6” 8’1” 9’8” 3473 cu.ft 39,689 lbs 44’9” 8’3” 13’2” 20,684 lbs (flatfloor) 13.54m 2.54m 2.965m 98.358 m.cu 18,000 kg 13.650m 2.55m 4.00m 9,380 kg   45 Step Frame Bx 44’7” 8’1” - 3373 cu.ft 47,230 lbs 44’9” 8’3” 13’2” 19,140 lbs   13.59m 2.46m - 95.46 m.cu 21,420 kg 13.65m 2.55m 4.00m 8,680 kg Upper Deck 13’4” 8’1” 8’8” - - - - - -   4.06m 2.46m 2.64m - - - - - - Lower Deck 31’3” 8’1” 9’8” - - - - - -   9.53m 2.46m 2.97m - - - - - -   45 Step Frame Curtain 44’4” 8’4” - 3250 cu.ft 48,730 lbs 44’9” 8’5” 13’2” 17,640 lbs   13.48m 2.53m - 91.43 m.cu 22,100 kg 13.64m 2.55m 4.00m 8,000 kg Upper Deck 13’8” 8’4” 8’5” - - - - - -   4.14m 2.53m 2.57m - - - - - - Lower Deck 30’8” 8’4” 9’8” - - - - - -   9.33m 2.53m 2.93m - - - - - -

Curtainsider has a 4” (100mm) box girder along each length to support the roof. This means that the opening is restricted.

Courier Service

EST has a large fleet of 7.5t and 18t trucks with tail lifts available to pick up and deliver equipment for your conference, presentation or concert, any day and any time. Please see our rate sheet for more details.