Documents show Mr Stobart, who built Cumbria's Eddie Stobart haulage firm into a household name, petitioned for bankruptcy in July 2010.
Mr Stobart, who sold the company in 2004, had personal debts of £220,000 when he died on 31 March, aged 56, as a a result of heart problems.
The businessman, who lived in Warwickshire, took over a lorry trailer firm which failed in 2009.
Edward Stobart had petitioned for bankruptcy at Warwick County Court and his name is listed on the national Insolvency Register.
His occupation is listed as a company director and promoter and his status as bankrupt. This status was due for automatic discharge on 5 July, 2011.
RSM Tenon, the insolvency firm which original dealt with the case, said: "Known creditors have claims amounting to around £220,000. No material assets have yet been recovered."
Mr Stobart took over his father's Cumbrian firm in 1976 and built it into one of the most well-known haulage companies in the world.
The firm had eight trucks and 12 employees when he took over. By 2001, that had risen to 1,000 lorries and 2,000 staff, operating from 27 sites.
The company even had a "fan club", which attracted 25,000 members at at its height.
Mr Stobart was managing director for more than 30 years but sold the business to his brother William and business partner Andrew Tinkler, in 2004.
The Stobart Group said Mr Stobart's financial affairs were "a private matter".
The firm previously described him as a "a true legend of the haulage industry".
Richard Butcher, chief executive of Stobart Group, said: "I worked with him for a number of years and he was an absolute gentleman. A very generous, a very kind man. A very shy man in some respects.
"He demanded the best from everyone who worked with him, but he was loyal to those who worked with him throughout his time at the business."
The funeral of Mr Stobart took place at Carlisle Cathedral last month.  The proceedings were relayed to about 200 people watching large television screens outside.

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Last week, the Reds rejected a £90m bid from the Spanish giants for the 25-year-old Brazil attacking midfielder, who then submitted a transfer request.
Coutinho has missed the opening two games of Liverpool's season with a back injury, but the club has repeatedly stressed he is not for sale.
Despite that, Barca have previously said they are "close" to signing him.
On Thursday, responding to Barcelona general manager Pep Segura's claim that a deal was close, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said: "I don't know why other people are saying what they are saying.
"I don't even know them - especially this guy. I've never even met him."
The La Liga side have moved for Coutinho after selling Brazil team-mate Neymar to Paris St-Germain for a world record transfer fee of £200m.
Coutinho signed a new five-year deal at Anfield in January, which did not include a release clause.
He is also set to miss Saturday's home Premier League match against Crystal Palace (15:00 BST kick-off).
Liverpool's instant dismissal of Barcelona's third offer is further hard evidence of the determination within the club that they will not be forced into selling their prize asset under any circumstances.
Fenway Sports Group, and manager Klopp, remain unmoved by Barcelona's increased financial inducements - as well as a transfer request from a player who has clearly had his head turned.
Liverpool regard this latest bid, understood to be about £114m, as irrelevant because their stance, as it has been from day one, is that Coutinho will not be sold.
But questions remain. Will Barcelona take the hint and walk away? Will Coutinho, sidelined by a back injury, accept his dream move will not come to fruition and eventually return to the fold? Will his unhappiness increase at the prospect of a switch to the Nou Camp slipping away?
For all the noises coming out of Barcelona that a move is "close", it remains as far away as the day they made their first approach. Liverpool's mood has not altered.
Haulage magnate Edward Stobart died bankrupt, it has emerged.
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Liverpool have rejected a third bid from Barcelona for Philippe Coutinho - believed to be in the region of £114m.