Production Freight has announced a new chapter in its history as Elliott Stroud takes the helm, succeeding founder Derek Hale. Established in 1993 as All Mode Forwarding, the company carved its niche by revolutionising the movement of equipment for the burgeoning Britpop scene.
Under Hale’s leadership, Production Freight quickly rose to prominence, becoming a formidable challenger in a landscape previously dominated by a single major player. Their agility and personalised approach resonated within the rock and roll world, fostering intense, yet ultimately collaborative, relationships as the industry evolved.
Production Freight’s expertise soon expanded beyond music touring, successfully navigating the intricate logistical demands of Formula 1 and culminating in the monumental Baku 2015 European Games. As the main freight forwarder for the opening and closing ceremonies, the company orchestrated the seamless movement of over 150 trucks from across Europe, alongside substantial container and airfreight operations. Derek Hale’s hands-on approach, relocating to Baku for months to personally oversee the project, became the hallmark of Production Freight’s commitment to client relationships and meticulous execution.
In 2018, Stroud, a seasoned operations specialist, joined Production Freight. Having honed his skills at Sound Moves, he gained invaluable experience managing complex logistics for band charters, including Antonov aircraft, and navigating the demanding schedules of major events like Rock in Rio. His deep understanding of the intricacies of live event logistics and his drive to build upon Production Freight’s legacy proved a powerful combination with Hale’s experience.
While the global pandemic presented unprecedented challenges, temporarily impacting the live events industry, Production Freight remained resilient. As the world re-emerged, the pent-up demand for live entertainment ignited a resurgence, and Stroud was poised to capitalise on this renewed energy.
Now, with Hale stepping into a well-deserved retirement to pursue his passion for golf, Stroud is ready to lead Production Freight into its next phase. He recognises the company’s established reputation for time-critical solutions and its integral role in the success of countless global productions.
“Production Freight has a remarkable history built on personal relationships, unwavering dedication, and a deep understanding of the unique pressures of live event logistics,” said Elliott Stroud, the new owner of Production Freight. “We see ourselves as an extension of our clients’ teams, and our global network is an integral part of their success. Whether it’s a major sporting event like the burgeoning presence of LIV Golf and the Riyadh Season, or the return of artists to stages worldwide, our team is comprised of experienced theatrical, production, and logistics professionals who are passionate about making shows happen.”
Production Freight remains committed to its core values of providing a personal touch, proactive communication, and seamless integration with client teams. As Stroud steers the company forward, the focus will be on leveraging their extensive experience and proven track record to support an even wider range of clients and productions globally.
