Nightfreight was founded in 1984 when Russell Black purchased Hernway Transport from the receivers. In 1985 a ‘working cooperative’ with several like minded transport companies was formed. The aim was to help each other with parcel deliveries around the country. The original group comprised seven depots and a hub operation in Gypsy Lane, Willenhall.

Over the next few years the Nightfreight network grew rapidly with new members joining the consortium such as PHS and Greenline. In 1990 a purpose built hub was built in Willenhall and the company developed and introduced a computerized parcel tracking system (Night Track) to speed up the operation of the ever growing company.

During the early 90’s various companies that had previously been consortium members now became owned subsidiaries of Nightfreight, most notably Greenline and PHS. In August 1993 under the Chairmanship of Peter Johnson, (also at the time Chairman of Park Foods and Everton Football Club), Nightfreight went public and became a listed company on the London Stock Exchange.

Continued growth meant continued acquisitions and in 1995 Hay Pollock was acquired, which subsequently became the International and Logistics arm of the Nightfreight company. This greatly expanded the company’s International and haulage business as well as adding same-day delivery capabilities. In 1996 the company committed to the Investors in People standard as a means of driving forward the company by investing in its most valuable resource – its staff. In September 1998 the first two depots achieved the standard. The newly formed Nightfreight Training Services had achieved the standard three months earlier. IIP is seen as a major tool for enabling staff to develop to their full potential.

In 2001, following a Management buy-out, the company was de-listed from the London Stock Exchange. The organisation now trades as one company – Nightfreight GB Ltd and is managed on a day to day basis by an Operational Board consisting of the senior managers of all the operating parts of the company.