Top 10 Best Freight Companies in East Cambridgeshire

Why Freight Matters to East Cambridgeshire

East Cambridgeshire may be known for its cathedral and peaceful landscapes, but it is also a strategically important location for freight. The A14, one of the UK's busiest freight corridors, runs along the southern edge of the district, connecting the Port of Felixstowe with the Midlands and the North. The A10 and A142 link Ely and Soham to Cambridge, King's Lynn and Newmarket, while the Ely rail junction is a vital link for freight trains travelling between Felixstowe and the rest of the country.

Agriculture and food production are major industries in the Fens, generating constant demand for haulage, temperature-controlled transport and distribution. Manufacturing, construction and technology businesses also rely on efficient freight services. Here are ten of the best freight companies serving the district.

The Top 10 Freight Companies

1. Turners (Soham)

Turners (Soham) is one of the UK's leading family-owned haulage and logistics companies and a major employer in East Cambridgeshire. Founded in Soham, it operates a large fleet providing bulk, temperature-controlled and general haulage, with particular strength in food, drink and agricultural supply chains.

2. Freightliner

Freightliner is a leading rail freight operator, running intermodal container trains from ports such as Felixstowe to inland terminals across the UK. Many of these services pass through Ely, making rail an important low-carbon option for businesses moving goods long distances.

3. GB Railfreight

GB Railfreight operates intermodal, construction, aggregates and infrastructure trains across the national network. Its services contribute to the steady flow of freight through the Ely area and support the construction materials needed for regional growth.

4. DHL Freight

DHL Freight provides road freight services across the UK and Europe, including full and part loads. Its extensive network and digital booking tools make it a strong choice for businesses exporting and importing goods by road.

5. DB Schenker

DB Schenker offers land, sea and air freight, with strong European road networks. It supports businesses in the Cambridge region with international supply chains, including customs expertise for trade between the UK and the European Union.

6. Kuehne+Nagel

Kuehne+Nagel is one of the world's largest freight forwarders, offering sea, air and road freight along with contract logistics. Companies in East Cambridgeshire that import components or export products globally benefit from its scale and visibility tools.

7. Palletways

Palletways is a pallet network that connects independent haulage firms to deliver palletised freight quickly across the UK and Europe. It is ideal for small and medium-sized businesses that need to send a few pallets rather than full loads.

8. Pall-Ex

Pall-Ex operates another major palletised freight network, offering next-day and economy services through member hauliers. Its reliable collections and tracking help local manufacturers and wholesalers serve customers nationwide.

9. Maritime Transport

Maritime Transport is one of the UK's largest container haulage and intermodal logistics companies, with strong links to Felixstowe. It moves containers by road and rail, helping importers in the region bring goods inland efficiently.

10. Wincanton

Wincanton provides supply chain solutions including transport, warehousing and specialist distribution. It works with retailers, manufacturers and infrastructure clients and offers expertise in complex and high-volume freight operations.

Choosing the Right Freight Partner

Start by understanding your freight profile. Businesses moving full loads regularly may benefit from contracted haulage, while those sending smaller consignments should consider pallet networks. Temperature-sensitive goods, common in the fenland food sector, require specialist refrigerated transport and strict compliance with food safety standards.

Consider reliability, tracking capabilities, insurance and customs expertise. For international trade, choose a partner with experience of customs declarations and border processes. Asking for references from businesses in similar industries can provide valuable reassurance.

Road and Rail in the Region

Road haulage remains the most flexible option for local and regional deliveries, supported by the upgraded A14. Rail freight is increasingly important for long-distance container traffic from Felixstowe, and improvements around Ely are aimed at increasing capacity for both passenger and freight trains. Combining road and rail allows businesses to cut costs and carbon emissions.

Trends in Freight

The freight industry is undergoing rapid change. Operators are trialling electric and alternative-fuel trucks, while digital platforms are improving load matching and reducing empty miles. Driver shortages have led to increased investment in training and recruitment. Sustainability reporting is becoming essential as customers seek greener supply chains, and rail freight is gaining attention as a low-carbon alternative for long-distance flows.

Supporting the Fenland Food Sector

The Fens contain some of the most productive farmland in England, growing vegetables, salad crops, sugar beet and cereals on a large scale. Harvest periods create intense seasonal peaks, and produce must reach packhouses, processors and supermarket distribution centres quickly to stay fresh. Freight partners with refrigerated fleets, flexible capacity and experience of agricultural supply chains are therefore especially valuable to businesses across East Cambridgeshire.

Final Thoughts

East Cambridgeshire's location makes it an ideal base for freight-dependent businesses. Local champion Turners (Soham) offers deep regional expertise, rail operators Freightliner and GB Railfreight provide low-carbon long-distance options, and global players like DHL Freight, DB Schenker and Kuehne+Nagel connect local businesses with international markets. Whatever your freight needs, the district's transport links and experienced operators provide a strong foundation for efficient supply chains.