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In an ideal World (!) all transport would be provided by the State and run 'economically' to provide options for the public (remember RedStar and luggage-in-advance?).
Sadly, the motivation to make things work didn't seem to prevail and these facilities failed (whether by poor management or intransigence of the workers).
Entrepreneurs have evolved that have established themselves (and seem to be swallowing-up competitors).
Amalgamation of road transport with rail and air connections makes sense and removing barriers by incorporating these facilities within one umbrella organisation offers potential cost savings - if only through central accounting.
The danger (IMO) is that, without good local management, factions will become complacent (because of having a 'monopoly') and cease to operate efficiently, (possibly raising charges to compensate) leaving customers without worthwhile 'logistics'.
I have no knowledge or experience of any Stobart operation (other than to see their vehicles on the roads and see photographs here) so my comments are purely speculative.
Operators attempting to compete (especially during recessional times) might have difficulty in remaining competitive and solvent.
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