The Long Haul Pioneers: A Celebration of Astran: Leaders in Overland Transport to the Middle East for Over 40 Years Hardcover – 26 Jun. 2010

Fantastic read Ashley. Ray often told me stories about Astran and the trips out to the middle East it's a shame that you could not contact him whilst researching your book as I'm sure there would be another chapter regarding his Graham,s and John frosts antics. They always kept in touch with each other and Ray looks forward to the reunions. RIP Graham cruelly taken by covid 19They paved the way back in the day.Regards Martin

This is an absolute gem of a book. Extensively researched and superbly narrated, the strength of this book is the first-hand accounts from those who were there. It is also very well illustrated, although many of photos are relatively low-resolution, as might be expected from - what are largely - personal snap-shots taken by the drivers themselves. Overall, a very good read that should appeal to the enthusiast and general reader alike.

My husband is an x Astran 'subby' driver now retired bought him this book and he has read so many times. well worth the purchase even for those that never did that run but would show them that it wasn't easy in the early days. Making your meals from a trailer box, washing in a nearby water trough...getting stuck and waiting for the next trucker to stop and help...as they did in those days...

If you have any interest in lorries, or come from a time when real lorries were very hard to drive, you will love this book. At 75yrs old, I was transported back in time, and I loved it.

Having read Cola Cowboys many, many years ago aged 13, the overland route to the Middle East still carries a sense of wonder and fascination. This book is a marvellous insight into that world. A world, sadly, that in many ways has now been surrendered to people in shiny suits talking about "logistics" and "supply chain solutions". This wonderful book is a treasure trove of pictures, recollections and insights into the remarkable world of Astran and their drivers. Not only is this book an excellent read for anyone with even a passing interest in road transport; it is also an important marker of British industrial history.

An excellent book, well written, researched and formatted. I still wish I could have been there, born too late.....

To put it simply, if you love trucks or anything to do with trucks, this is the book for you !The Long Haul Pioneers by Ashley Coghill, is an in-depth account of the inception and success of an iconic Haulage Company, Astran International. The book details how the company came into being and gives personal accounts of the trials and tribulations of transporting goods overland from the drivers who actually did the job. Illustrated throughout with colour and black&white photographs, this is a book that once you pick it up you won't want to put it down !Highly Recommended !

A good quality book, which arrived in great condition. Quite pricey, but hopefully the gift recipient will be grateful!