Transport Minister Visits Green Courier

SCOTLAND’S Minister for Transport and the Islands Humza Yousaf MSP, has visited the headquarters of Scotland’s largest independent courier firm.

Timed to coincide with a trial of an electric van, the Minister and Eagle Couriers – which has a network of more than 120 vehicles – have pledged to continue dialogue regarding the firm’s efforts to adopt the green technology.

On the visit to its Bathgate hub, Mr Yousaf was able to meet the 30 strong office based team, as well as Co-Directors Fiona Deas and Jerry Stewart.

Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said: “I am encouraged by Eagle Couriers’ green ethos and desire to include low carbon vehicles to their growing fleet in the future.

“The Scottish Government has a clear vision of freeing Scotland’s towns, cities and communities from harmful vehicle emissions by 2050 and the widespread adoption of electric vehicles will be vital if we are to achieve this vision.

“We continue to work with partners to encourage the introduction of local EV incentives such as allowing EVs into bus lanes, or free parking for EVs and through the Energy Saving Trust our low carbon transport loan helps EV uptake by both individuals and businesses.”

Jerry Stewart, Co-Director of Eagle Couriers, said: “We pride ourselves on a green ethos and doing what we can to reduce our companies footprint so it is good to see those in government engaging with this important but often forgotten aspects of business.

“The government have set out their stall when it comes to promoting renewable energy and we are hopeful that we can become a leader in green transport as well.”

Eagle Couriers regularly trial electric vehicles and is hopeful of adding one to its fleet as technological advances make greener transport more viable – in an industry which typically requires high mileage and cost pressures.

The company, which was a finalist in the Transport category of the most recent VIBES awards, currently holds the ISO:14001 accreditation for environmental management and is a member of the ECO-Stars initiative in multiple Scottish council areas.

Fiona Deas, Co-Director of Eagle Couriers, said: “It was great to see the Transport Minister out and about engaging with business and people in the sector – and we hope we were able to give a good reflection of the wider transport industry.

“If we can help provide meaningful feedback on green transport, hopefully we can contribute in a small way towards wider adoption of green and electric transport for businesses”.

Eagle Couriers has a 3500-strong client base including the BBC and the NHS, public sector organisations and sole traders. As business-to-business experts, Eagle Couriers help other firms operate more efficiently and profitably by safely delivering on time everything from documents, medical samples and engine parts to sports footage, scripts and TV props.