John Pipe International est 1961
Our Journey and History
25,000 sq ft
Premises in Poole, Dorset, UK
12,000 sq ft
Premises in Southampton, Hampshire, UK
60+ years
In the Business
Celebrating Decades of Excellence in Freight Services
Welcome to the history page of John Pipe International, a beacon in freight forwarding and logistics since 1961. Discover our journey of overcoming challenges and setting industry benchmarks, enriching our legacy with expertise, innovation, and unwavering commitment to delivering excellence. In every era of our progression, we’ve upheld the essence of reliability, proficiency, and client satisfaction, making a positive impact on businesses across the globe.
Pre-History
The Pipe dynasty has had links to the sea going back for over a hundred years. An uncle of the Founder of John Pipe Ltd F John Pipe, a Mr Couth, was an English Channel pilot working out of Fowey in Devon, during the late 19th century. Richard ‘Dick’ Street, the grandfather of John and David Pipe, was the founder in 1939, of a famous shipping line called the South American Saint Line.
1961: Foundation of John Pipe Ltd
In 1961, Newport, South Wales witnessed the inception of John Pipe Ltd, marking the commencement of our relentless journey in elevating freight forwarding standards and offering superior logistics solutions.
1977: Expansion into Southern England
Our journey witnessed significant growth and evolution, culminating in the expansion into the South of England in 1977 with the inauguration of the Sturminster Marshall branch. This pivotal development was spearheaded by Derek Taylor, one of the original torchbearers from the Newport inception days, ensuring the values and standards of John Pipe International were seamlessly integrated into our new territory. This expansion was not only a milestone in our geographic reach but also symbolised our unwavering commitment to delivering premium, tailored freight forwarding solutions to a broader audience, solidifying our presence and reputation in the industry.
1983: Strategic Relocation
In 1983, we moved to our current 1.5-acre site in Poole, Dorset. Our 25,000 sq. ft. premises include facilities like heavy goods handling and a humidity-controlled packing area, enabling us to deliver reliable, high-quality freight solutions. This move marked our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.
1991: ISO9001 Accreditation
In 1991, we achieved ISO9001 accreditation, highlighting our dedication to quality. Despite diversifying services, our one-stop-shop philosophy remains. Serving the South Coast and beyond, we consistently exceed client expectations, building trusted partnerships through innovation and exceptional service.
1995: Chandlers Ford Premises
In 1995, we opened modern premises at Chandlers Ford with advanced facilities, including overhead cranes handling up to 8 tonnes. This reflects our commitment to innovation, reliability, and meeting evolving freight needs while exceeding client expectations.
2001: 40 Years of Excellence
In 2001, we celebrated 40 years of logistics expertise in Bournemouth, honouring our team’s dedication and milestones. Jenny Pipe recognised long-serving staff, reaffirming our commitment to innovation and industry excellence for future generations.
2002: Expansion and Diversification
In 2002, we acquired Active International Movements Ltd, expanding our services to offer comprehensive freight solutions. This strategic move enhanced client experiences, strengthened our industry position, and reaffirmed our commitment to innovation, growth, and exceeding expectations.
2007: The Inception of John Pipe International
In 2007, John Pipe International was formed by merging Active with John Pipe Ltd, uniting expertise and resources to enhance import and export capabilities. This integration reinforced our commitment to delivering comprehensive, client-focused freight solutions with reliability, quality, and innovation at the core.
2011: Celebrating the Golden Jubilee
In 2011, John Pipe International marked its esteemed Golden Jubilee, commemorating 50 years of innovation, resilience, and significant contributions to the packing and freight forwarding sectors. This celebration was a reiteration of our commitment to excellence, adaptability, and the provision of unparalleled value to our clients.
The event in Bournemouth was a time of reflection and aspiration, where we recounted our journey’s pivotal moments, triumphs, and the challenges we’ve overcome.
This grand festivity was not merely a remembrance of our past but also a testament to our continuous pursuit of exceptional standards and our capability to innovate and evolve within the dynamic freight sector. It allowed us to reaffirm our foundational values, acknowledge the unwavering trust and support of our partners, clients, and employees, and recommit to upholding the legacy of excellence and integrity synonymous with our brand.
The jubilant celebration served as a convergence of our rich heritage and our progressive outlook on the future of logistics services, illuminating our path forward and solidifying our role as a beacon of reliability and excellence in the freight forwarding and packing industry.
This 50th-anniversary spurred us to continue pursuing higher standards, innovative solutions, and new possibilities in the logistics sector while remaining steadfast in our mission to provide unparalleled services and foster enduring, mutually beneficial relationships with our clients.
2017: Welcoming a New Era of Leadership
Nathan Kennedy Becomes Managing Director
In 2017, Nathan Kennedy became Managing Director of John Pipe International. Since joining in 2008 as Operations Manager, Nathan has shown remarkable competence and dedication. His rise reflected his extensive industry understanding, superior management skills, and commitment to the company’s ideals and goals.
This change brought renewed energy and strategic focus on client-centred solutions and service excellence. Nathan’s leadership emphasised our core values while encouraging continuous improvement. He has played a crucial role in enhancing the company’s industry presence.
Nathan’s strategic insight and people-focused leadership have been instrumental in overcoming challenges, maximising opportunities, and elevating service quality and customer satisfaction. This leadership transition has sustained our growth trajectory, brought innovative strategies, and rejuvenated the company, ensuring John Pipe International remains at the forefront of the industry, preserving its legacy of excellence and integrity in serving our valued clients.
2019: A Legacy Entrusted – The Pipe Family Passes the Torch
In 2019, John Pipe International experienced a pivotal shift. Approaching retirement, the foundational Pipe family decided to sell the freight forwarding enterprise to Nathan Kennedy, then Managing Director.
This change concluded the Pipe family’s eminent stewardship, a phase wherein the company achieved remarkable success and built a prestigious reputation in the Logistics industry.
Nathan Kennedy, deeply ingrained in the company’s fabric since 2008 and Managing Director since 2017, was the apt successor to uphold the Pipe family’s distinguished legacy and propel the company to new successes. He accepted this role with respect for the past and a vision for the future, pledging to continue the principles and excellence that characterised the Pipe family’s reign.
Under Nathan’s leadership, the company has strengthened its position as a trusted partner in freight forwarding, elevating service standards, and pioneering operational excellence. He is committed to honoring the legacy, enriching the present, and envisioning a future where John Pipe International remains a benchmark in the freight and packing sector, delivering unmatched value to clients.
2020: Cyber Essentials
In 2020, John Pipe International secured the notable Cyber Essentials status, reflecting our commitment to cybersecurity. Earning Cyber Essentials is about more than certification; it’s about our approach to risk mitigation and upholding the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of our information assets.
Cyber Essentials helps us defend against prevalent cyber threats and showcases our compliance with information security best practices, reinforcing client and partner trust and ensuring service continuity. In a landscape riddled with cyber threats, adhering to strict security protocols is crucial.
Attaining this status underscores our ongoing commitment to superior cybersecurity, reinforcing our dedication to employing top-tier security measures to secure our business and clients, allowing secure and efficient navigation of the digital world.
2024: Armed Forces Covenant
John Pipe was proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2024 and received the bronze award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
We are committed to treating all members of the Armed Forces community fairly, ensuring they face no disadvantage in public and commercial services, and providing special support for those who are injured or bereaved. Our dedication includes promoting the Armed Forces, recognising military skills in our recruitment process, supporting reservists and volunteer leaders, participating in key Armed Forces events, and assisting with charity fundraising.
By upholding these principles, John Pipe honours the contributions of service personnel and their families, and we welcome feedback from the community and our customers to continually support the Armed Forces.
2025: Celebrating Our Achievements and More…
John Pipe has now secured six prestigious and diverse awards, including our latest triumph in the Specialist Services category at the British International Freight Association (BIFA) Freight Service Awards. These accolades highlight our unwavering commitment to excellence and outstanding service.
We are looking forward to what is next for us in 2025 – so far we expect to achieve ISO14001 certification by the end of February, demonstrating our dedication to environmental management and sustainable practices. We are supporting the YMCA’s Sleep Easy events by providing plywood for participants, with the next event on 28th March. Furthermore, having signed the Armed Forces Covenant in April 2023 and received the Bronze award, we are working towards the Silver Employers Recognition Award by actively supporting the Armed Forces Community throughout 2025 in various ways.
Q: What types of Logistics Services does John Pipe International offer?
A: At John Pipe International, we provide a comprehensive range of logistics services, including export packing, specialised freight solutions, and regular freight forwarding by land, sea, and air.
Q: How can I get a quote for my logistics needs?
A: For a no-obligation quote, simply get in touch with our friendly and dedicated team. You can contact us via phone or through our website.
Q: How long has John Pipe International been in business?
A: We are proud to have over 60 years of industry experience, specialising in various aspects of export packing and logistics services.
Q: Are your logistics services limited to certain industries?
A: No, we serve a variety of sectors. We have special expertise and certifications for defence and aerospace logistics but also work with startups, SMEs, and blue-chip companies across multiple industries.
Q: Are you certified to handle dangerous goods?
A: Yes, we are ISO 9001 2015 accredited and provide advice to ensure your dangerous goods are packed and shipped in compliance with the latest regulations.
Q: How do you ensure that my goods will arrive safely?
A: We utilise state-of-the-art packing design and offer services such as foil-wrapping and custom case making to ensure the highest level of protection for your goods during transit.
Q: Do you have facilities to accommodate large-scale projects?
A: Absolutely. We operate out of two fully-equipped premises on the South Coast of England, totalling 37,000 sq.ft. Both locations are strategically located near major harbours to facilitate ease of export.
Q: Do you provide tracking for my shipped goods?
A: Yes, we offer tracking services to keep you updated on the status of your shipment from the moment it leaves our premises until it arrives at its destination.
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