About Us

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, Bon Jovi, Rihanna, Beyonce, 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 trucking 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 9001:2008 In 2005 EST achieved ISO 9001:2008 for Quality Management Systems, a certification recognised worldwide as a symbol of excellence. ISO 9001:2008 demonstrates EST's achievement and continued commitment to conduct the business in a thoroughly professional and consistent manner.