Founded in 1965 by Rodney and Jean Rudge, the company began with a single 8-wheeler flatbed lorry used to transport cotton. Within just a few years, operations expanded to Merrick’s in Heywood, running 4–5 articulated vehicles. The business then moved to Station Yard on Milnrow Road, Rochdale, focusing on general haulage with traditional roping and sheeting on flatbed trailers.
In 1978, the company relocated to Wardle Street, Littleborough, growing to a fleet of 10 vehicles and introducing tautliner trailers as operations continued to expand. By 1998/99, the business had outgrown Wardle Street and moved to Red Lees Works, where further growth included moving into waste-paper transportation.
In 2012, Rodney retired and Chris established Chris Rudge Transport Services Limited, continuing the family legacy with a modern fleet of 44-tonne articulated vehicles. Five years ago, Bradley—qualified as a heavy goods vehicle mechanic—joined the company and is now a director actively involved in daily operations.
Across all generations, the company has proudly been recognised as “Rudge Transport.”
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