Founded in 2018 by Tom Rathmell, Rathmell Transport Ltd was created with a clear purpose: to deliver transport with the professionalism, pride, and attention to detail that the industry deserves. After a long career in transport, Tom recognised that service standards were beginning to fall short of what customers should expect. Rathmell Transport was built to challenge that decline and raise the standard from day one.
What began with one vehicle, a strong work ethic, and a genuine passion for the industry has grown into a trusted transport business serving customers across multiple sectors. While the company has developed and diversified, the principles behind it have remained unchanged: quality over compromise, communication without excuses, and service delivered with care.
Every driver, vehicle, and movement reflects the standards Rathmell Transport Ltd was founded on. Our team is carefully selected not only for skill and experience, but for attitude, pride, and a shared commitment to doing the job properly. For us, transport is not simply about moving freight; it is about protecting our customers’ reputation at every stage of the journey.
Tom Rathmell — Managing Director
Tom oversees the day‑to‑day running of the fleet and brings more than two decades of industry experience to the role. Since starting his career in 2000, he’s been known for his meticulous attention to detail — whether it’s maintaining exceptional service standards or ensuring every vehicle he drives looks its best. “Done properly” has always been his approach.
Although Tom is now primarily office‑based, his commitment to customer service hasn’t changed. You’ll still see him out on the road when needed, stepping into a truck to make sure customer requirements are met without compromise.
Austin Parker — Operations Manager
Austin has been a long‑standing family friend and a key influence in Tom’s early transport career. Introduced many years ago, Austin quickly became a mentor — offering guidance, industry insight, and the steady support that helped shape Tom’s approach to running a fleet.
In early 2026, Austin officially joined the business as Operations Manager, bringing his experience and shared values into the heart of the company. His role focuses on strengthening structure, improving processes, and supporting the continued growth of the fleet. The same principles that guided Tom years ago now form the foundation of how they work together: professionalism, reliability, and doing things properly.
Austin’s deep industry knowledge and commitment to high standards make him an invaluable part of the team’s future.
Louise Jowett — Company Secretary
Louise oversees the regulatory and accountancy side of the business, ensuring the company remains compliant, organised, and financially well‑managed. As Tom’s partner, she has been his backbone from day one — consistently prioritising both his needs and the needs of the company. Her support and commitment have played a crucial role in helping Tom stay focused and driven throughout the growth of the business.
Louise’s attention to detail, steady guidance, and ability to keep the administrative foundations strong make her an essential part of the company’s continued success.
Our Ethos
Our ethos is simple: transport should be delivered with pride. At Rathmell Transport Ltd, we believe that every vehicle on the road, every driver on site, and every delivery completed says something about the standard of the business behind it.
That is why we invest in high-specification, well-maintained, immaculate vehicles and place equal importance on the people trusted to operate them. Our drivers are professional, presentable, and carefully selected for their attitude as much as their ability.