Streamline Shipping Group expands Orkney & Shetland operations in wake of Menzies closures

Already a major logistics presence on the islands for over 40 years, the move means that Streamline is now the shipping, warehousing and last-mile delivery partner for over 90% of UK national carrier networks on Orkney and Shetland.

The firm has also taken on management of facilities responsible for transporting goods to remote communities on the outer islands, as well as enabling national brands and services to continue supporting island communities.

James Roberts, operations director at Streamline Shipping Group, said: “For over four decades Streamline has supported Orkney and Shetland with reliable delivery services. We are proud to use this opportunity to grow our level of support, ensuring individuals and businesses maintain strong logistical links with mainland UK and beyond.

“We have long been keen to invest in facilities, people and services on Orkney and Shetland – and were, in fact, the first to introduce EVs to last-mile delivery fleets on the islands. We are committed to continuing this investment into the communities in which we work, and have been able to retain half of Menzies staff as part of this.”

Streamline employs over 80 staff on the islands, delivering around 685,000 parcels in 2023 – including nearly 81,000 in the Christmas run-up, from December 1-23.

In Q4 of 2023, the firm reported all deliveries arriving on time – indicating that Orkney and Shetland residents can expect a high quality service.

James continued: “During the handover from Menzies, Streamline inherited a backlog of delayed parcels, due to the festive season and weather conditions, but thanks to the remarkable efforts of our teams this has already been resolved.

“We have invested significantly over the years in the infrastructure required to effectively serve Orkney and Shetland, and our teams are fully capable of integrating the increased capacity. We look forward to working with the communities on the islands for many years to come.”

In 2022, Streamline introduced EVs to its delivery fleet on Orkney – showing a willingness to invest in island community health and wellbeing, as well as making a commitment to look for greener transport options. The firm is now planning to extend this electric delivery fleet into Shetland.

Streamline Shipping Group is Scotland’s foremost freight and logistics firm, delivering pallets, part loads and full-load haulage throughout the UK. From its depots in Aberdeen, Glasgow, Orkney, Shetland, Inverness, Humberside, Northampton and Weston-super-Mare, the firm has provided world-class shipping, freight and transport solutions to clients of all sizes for over 40 years.

In particular, it has been a major presence in Orkney and Shetland – providing highly reliable logistics services to keep the island communities connected to the mainland.

Specialists in international freight forwarding and import/export customs, Streamline operates a fully integrated service for customers of all sizes – ensuring freight and packages are delivered door to door without a hitch. The firm offers an extensive range of services through its haulage, transport, shipping and logistics network with decades of experience in lifting, distribution, storage, import/export, stevedoring, agency and chartering services.