irish trucker magazine august 2011
DESCRIPTION
Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine is Ireland’s leading transport, haulage and related industries magazine. On distribution from September '98, Irish Trucker combines high profile editorials with commercial features, industry news, product reviews, classifieds and advertising providing the most comprehensive insight into the haulage industry in Ireland available to date. Read by the haulage/trucking industry in every corner of Ireland, Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine is unrivalled and has a substantial mail order, while also being the only magazine of its kind available in shops throughout Ireland, unlike other trucking publications that are only available via mail order. Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine has a monthly readership of 100,000 and a mail order of 15,000.TRANSCRIPT
One of the first things thatstruck me on my visit to KellyEuropean Freight Services
Ltd. was just how professional thewhole operation is. This business ismanaged in an incredibly efficientmanner and that’s arguably the mainreason why their services are soreliably conducted and highly-sought-after.
The directors and transport managerare on-hand around the clock; theyprovide a comprehensive service fromstate-of-the-art facilities, using a
modern fleet and an experiencedcrew. No stone is left unturned inensuring that clients receive anoptimal service … and Kelly EuropeanFreight Services enjoys high levels ofrepeat custom as a result. The factthat the entire fleet is on the roads ofEurope, the UK and / or IrelandEVERY day speaks for itself, really!
Transport manager Paul Templetonnotes: “We’re very proud of the servicewe provide and we go out of our wayto look after all of our customers, bigand small. At the end of the day, the
success or otherwise of this companycomes down to the relationships wehave built up with our customers andwe have put an awful lot of hard workinto that.”
Kelly European Freight Services Ltd.is a family-owned and -run business,enhanced greatly by a superb team ofdrivers, technicians and administrativestaff. The Northern Ireland basedcompany offers a complete, seamlesstransport package from short-termstorage to distribution. Their niche istransporting chilled goods to and from
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A reliable,temperaturecontrolled serviceKelly European Freight Services Ltd. has forged an excellent reputationsince its genesis in 1997 and has gone from strength to strength over thepast four years in particular. Irish Trucker visited the company’s Lisburn,County Antrim depot and caught up with transport manager PaulTempleton to discuss the history, current status and future credentials ofthis exceptional freight business.
IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS
The fleet is wellmtaintained
Kelly European is anexeptional freight business
Europe, but they also boastextensive experience withinthe UK and Ireland.
Recognising that thetransport marketplace is acomplex, challenging andcompetitive one, KellyEuropean Freight Servicesoffers exceptional servicecombined with tailor-madetransport and logisticssolutions to meet thespecific requirements of individualcustomer needs.
Kelly European Freight Services wasestablished in 1997 by brothers Adrianand Patrick Kelly, whose thriving flowerbusiness (Kelly Flowers Wholesale)needed a reliable method of transportationfrom their depot in Holland to theirwarehouse in Ireland. Frustrated by theunreliability of local transport companies,they realised that the only way to get itright was to do it themselves.
The company started out with one unit,one trailer and three employees. Soon,other businesses also wanted their goodstransported using a company with suchattention to detail and punctuality. Thedirectors have grown the business steadilyand they now have a fleet of 20 units and25 trailers, with a trusty staff of 35 runningthe show.
The fresh and dependable fleet comprises a mixture offully-maintained Scania, DAF and Volvo tractor units with 25refrigerated trailers and one curtainsider. All the vehiclescontain the very latest technology, including sophisticatedsatellite tracking systems, which provides business partnerswith complete peace of mind. The company specialises inrefrigerated transport with dual temperature control trailersallowing a combination of chilled, frozen or ambient goodsto be transported on the same trailer.
Due to ever-increasing demand, Kelly European FreightServices decided (along with its sister company) to relocateto purpose-built, 50,000 square foot temperature-controlledpremises at Knockmore Hill Industrial Park in Lisburn. Thenew facilities include four custom-built loading bays whichallow up-to-the-minute loading and unloading with short-term storage facilities available for perishable goods.
The management team adopts a very hands-on approach,whether its logistical planning, talking to customers,brushing out a trailer or helping to change a tyre - ensuring
that the wheels are always turning is part of everyone’s job.To keep their vehicles on the road 24 hours a day seven
days a week, Kelly European Freight Services has alsoestablished an on-site workshop, ensuring that the fleet ismaintained in premium condition at all times. As well aslooking after most of their own servicing and repairs, the on-site technicians also handle some service contracts for othercompanies.
Operating 20 temperature-controlled articulated lorriesacross Holland, France, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark andItaly, Kelly European Freight Services collects and deliversto a variety of European destinations. With up to 35 runs perweek and a major emphasis on groupage departures to andfrom Holland (on a daily basis), the company is disciplined,dependable and versatile.
As well as operating a specialist service for the Europeanmarket, Kelly European Freight Services also offers fullloads to Ireland and mainland UK seven days a week forchilled, frozen and ambient goods. The company alsoprovides a groupage service from Ireland to Holland and
IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 43
The fiirm offers a temperaturecontrolled service
Kelly Flowers Wholesale led to thecreation of Kelly European Freight
IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS44
Car, 4x4’s, motorbike,commercial and agricultural
Tyres from A One Tyres
A ONE SERVICESCar, 4x4 & Van • Truck/Commercial
Agricultural / Industrial Motorcycle Tyres & Services
MOT Preparation • PSV PreparationCallouts • Headlight Alignment
Vehicle Services WorkshopBatteries • Oil/Fuel Treatments
Household/ Leisure • Wholesale
139 Banbridge Rd Dromore, Co. Down BT25 1NF
Tel: (028) 9269 9107Email: [email protected]
www.aonetyres.co.uk
BestWishes
To Kelly
EuropeanFreight
Best Wishes To Kelly European Freight,From
CAR & COMMERCIAL REPAIRS
YOUR FIRST STOP FORCAR & COMMERCIAL REPAIRS
SERVICE & MAINTENANCE
171 Moira Rd., Lisburn, Co. Antrim BT28 1RWTel: (028) 9260 7156 • 07850 677317 • 07779 785316
Email: [email protected]
Continued Best Wishes To Kelly European Freight
Best Wishes To Kelly European Freight, From
TBF ThompsonMallusk: 028 9034 2001Garvagh: 028 2955 8353
Portadown: 028 3839 3300
DAF Distributors-Northern Ireland
IRISH
May 2007
Vol. 10 No. 5
EURO 2.50 stg.£1.60
& LIGHT COMMERCIALS
March 2007 Vol. 10 No.3EURO 2.50
IRISH
& LIGHT COMMERCIALS
IRISH
& LIGHT COMMERCIALS
contact
BARRY on
00 353 (0)469241923
To Book AdvertisingSpace or enquire about
completing a FeatureFreephone
0800 0836065
BestWishes To
KellyEuropeanFreight
AH Fuel Oils, 9a Clare Lane, Cookstown, County Tyrone, BT80 8RJT: 028 867 62447 T: 028 867 63150
F: 028 867 61500 E: [email protected]
www.ahfueloils.com
IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS
Belgium on a daily basis andto other European countriestwice a week, with deliveryand collection aided by afleet of twelve rigid lorries.
Of course, one of the mainproblems affecting alloperators at present is theexorbitant price of fuel. Thetransport manager admits it’sa strain but reveals that theircustomers are generallyunderstanding and don’texpect them to absorb thehikes: “Everybody is havingdifficulty with it but thecustomers we have are verygood and they appreciatethat we have to pass it on.They know we’re notbenefiting from it. It’s anunfortunate situation butsomebody has to pay for itand we like to think we stillprovide an excellent service.”
The company is more thanholding its own at presentand Paul hopes that they willexperience consolidation andperhaps further growth in themedium-to-long-term:“Hopefully the future isbright. We’d be confidentabout our prospects. I don’t see any reason why we can’t go from strength
to strength. Everything is looking goodat the moment anyway and we’re notgoing to take our eye off the ball.”
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Kelly European FreightServices on the sea
McLoughlin Coachworks have been keepingIreland’s hauliers on the road since 1995
Continued Best Wishes To Kelly European Freight
COMPANY DETAILSKelly European Freight Services Ltd.25 Ferguson Drive,Knockmore Hill Industrial Park,Lisburn,
County AntrimBT28 2EX.Tel. (028) 9262 6294Fax. (028) 9267 2742
Email:[email protected]:www.kellyeuropeanfreight.com
Oliver Haugh used to run hisown haulage company, so heappreciates better than most
exactly the kind of service a modern-day haulier requires when having avehicle tested, repaired or serviced.Oliver has used his wealth ofexperience of the haulage sector toquickly develop his fledgling company,Banner Vehicle Centre, into one of themost exciting, vibrant and successfulentities in its field.
The company was established 18months ago and, from its base atDarragh, Ennis provides acomprehensive range of stellarservices: VTN testing for light andheavy commercial vehicles;tachograph calibration; speed limitersand plating; 24-hour recovery; mobilebreakdown; and all maintenance,repairs and servicing. A veritable one-stop shop, Banner Vehicle Centreoffers all its services under one roof –it is the only company in Clare toprovide this variety of services in onelocation.
In addition to testing, an 8,000 sq. ft.workshop offers vehicle repairs to lightand heavy vehicles. “We’re the onlyall-in-one, test centre / workshop in theClare area,” Oliver confirms. “We alsooffer a 24-hour recovery service, witha fully-kitted recovery truck that canwinch up trucks and trailers. And wecan do mobile repairs.”
Oliver has combined his engineeringqualifications, experience of thetransport industry and vehiclemaintenance skills to offer this first-class service for van, 4x4s, buses andtrucks throughout the Clare region. Forthe past decade, he was involveddirectly in the industry, operating andmaintaining a fleet of up to 33vehicles, having previously received aDegree in engineering from Universityof Limerick. As he always carried outhis own maintenance, he brings awealth of experience as a commercialvehicle technician to the table.
An investment of €2m and twelvemonths of intensive work transformedthe greenfield site at Darragh, Ennis
into a state-of-the-art testing centre.The workmanship on the project isexcellent and this stands the companyin excellent stead moving forward.
Location is crucial in this industrysector and Banner Vehicle Centre isperfectly-placed four miles from Ennison the main Kilrush Road, on a six-acre site with ample secure parkingand CCTV security. A free pick-up /drop-off service is afforded within a20-mile radius.
One of the real beauties of BannerVehicle Centre is the convenience ofits services. If a vehicle comes in for atest and fails for whatever reason, afree quotation can be given on thespot and these repairs can be carriedout on site immediately. The customercan them leave with his cert. Thissaves a serious amount of time andinconvenience travelling between testcentre and garage and back again.
All staff members are fully-trained tocarry out all work with maximumefficiency, professionalism and safety.Even outside the annual VTN-
The impressive BannerVehicle Centre in Ennis
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A headline act
Clare’s newest VTN-approved testing centre, Banner Vehicle Centre inEnnis, has made tremendous strides since its inception in January 2010.Irish Trucker caught up with company founder and owner Oliver Haugh, aman with vast experience of the commercial vehicle sector, who nowoversees one of the largest workshop spaces in the Clare area.
IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS
approved test, vehiclessometimes need a routinecheck and these tests –which can be a majorfactor in ensuring roadsafety - are available atkeen rates.
The test centre boaststwo LGV test lanes andone HGV test lane. It hasthe capacity to test 20LGVs and eight HGVsper day. Brake tests andpre-NCT tests are alsoavailable. Banner VehicleCentre is an NSAI-approved tachograph /speed limiter centrecontaining the neweststoneridge equipment.
The modern. spacious,state-of-the-art workshopcan cater for any vehiclerepair from the smallest car up to the largest truck. Thelatest diagnostic equipment can detect problems on allvehicles and repairs can also be carried out on agriculturaland construction equipment. A vast store stocks commonly-used parts and other parts can be sourced within hours from
the company’s networks of suppliers.Oliver appreciates that one of the main things clients
demand in these difficult economic times is value for money– as well as a fast and efficient service to keep downtime toan absolute minimum. And to guarantee customer comfortat all times, a fresh, cosy waiting room is provided with tea
and coffee facilitiesincluded.
What was thethinking behind settingthe business up? “I’ma qualified engineerand I worked intransport myself forten years. Havingbeen involved in thesector, I recognisedan opening for agarage in Clareoffering testing andrepairs under oneroof. We’re employingseven at the momentand business is goingwell.
“We’re building up
IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 47
Banner Vehicle Centre provides acomprehensive range of services
Wishing Continued Success To Banner Vehicle Centre From
HAUGH TRAILER HIRETar Spec Tipping Trailers • Artic Mixer Trailers
Cement Tankers Available For RentShort or Long Term Options
Also Lowloader Available For Hire
MAINTENANCE • TYRES AND TESTING CAN BE INCLUDEDDarragh, Ennis, Co. Clare
Call 087 6772744 or 065 6838820 • Fax: 065 6838788 • Email: [email protected]
Repairs being carried outin the main workshop
our client base all the time, having started from scratch.Each month is a new test for us and brings us newchallenges, but thankfully we are doing very well so far.We can do full diagnostic plug-ins on both lorries and lightcommercials and we’re fully qualified to carry out allmechanical and electrical work, from changing a bulb tochanging an engine, from a van up to the largest HGV andtrailer.”
Oliver’s decision to set up his company in the middle of arecession was a brave one, but it shows how muchconfidence he has in Banner Vehicle Centre’s ability todeliver the goods: “I’d estimate that the amount of heavyvehicles on the road is down by about 50% in the locality,so we have a smaller customer base to draw from. A lot ofthe more-established transport companies have closeddown, while younger people are emigrating. A companythat had ten lorries or vans might have four today, if any.That’s the reality and there’s not much fresh blood comingin, so things are tight and we have to provide a high-quality service at an affordable price.
“Hopefully things will pick up for the transport sectorsoon. In the meantime, we’ll continue to provide an optimalservice. I know from working in haulage myself thatcustomers want a competitively-priced, quick and reliableservice with as little inconvenience or disruption to theirdaily schedule as possible. But it’s really all about cost at
the end of the day; that’s what everybody is watching. Byproviding all our services under one roof, we can offersignificant savings with minimum downtime.
“We’re also currently working with a number of bus andtruck operators to introduce a twelve-week test of majorcomponents for a very small fee. This is very popular andcan save operators money in the long run as well makinga major contribution to road safety, which is vital.”
Oliver concludes: “None of the success we’ve enjoyed sofar would be possible without the continued help andsupport of staff, family, friends, suppliers and customers.We’d like to take this opportunity to thank them for theirsupport thus far and we look forward to continuing workingwith them into the future.”
IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS
Oliver checks an EBS problemon a trailer while Derek checks
the ABS on a transit bus
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SUNDANCE MOTORS LTDCentre Park House, Centre Park Road, CorkTel: 021 4311823 Fax: 021 5005550E: [email protected] www.sundance.ie
Best Wishes To Banner Vehicle Centre
TOP BRANDS OF TYRES AVAILABLE
24 Hour 7 Day Tyre Breakdown ServiceThroughout County Clare
Call 086 2590104
Upper Market Street,Ennis,Co. ClareTel: 00 353 (0)65 682 8544
Email: [email protected]
Best Wishes ToBanner Vehicle Centre
Best Wishes To Banner Vehicle Centre
COMPANY DETAILSBanner Vehicle Centre Darragh,Ennis,County Clare.
Phone: 065 6838820Fax: 065 6838788Email: [email protected]
For a country so young in terms ofcolonisation, people tend to forget howold Australia really is. Some 40000years ago, civilised indigenousinhabitants roamed its fertile lands andas anyone who has ever looked at apiece of coal before will tell you, withthe passing of time comes richesbeyond your dreams. The Australianresources and mining industry hasbeen growing for so long now thateven the recent global financial crisis(or GFC as they call it over there)couldn’t affect it that much. There wasa minor blip in the Australian economy,sometime in early 2009 but then, whenthe rest of us had to deal with bankingindustry bailouts and IMF bigwigsmuscling their way into Irishsovereignty, Australia shrugged off thisminor blip and got on with thebusiness of growing again. In the pastdecade, one of the most significantsectoral trends experienced by theAustralian economy has been thegrowth of the mining sector (includingpetroleum, liquefied natural gas andiron ore) and a major consequence ofthat is the requirement for skilledworkers to work within this industry.The boom has caught them bysurprise to a degree, with industryexperts predicting there will be a needfor an additional 40000 skilled workersto work on resource industry relatedprojects by the end of next year.
For the most part the resourceprojects are based in WesternAustralia, North Western Australia andQueensland and with the massivedownturn in the construction industrytaking place here over the last 3years, skilled migrants from Irelandhave been taking advantage of thisresource boom ‘down under’ torelocate their families lock, stock andbarrel to the southern hemisphere.They have happily reinventedthemselves in a society that’s notburdened with a general malaise andundercurrent of ‘doom and gloom’running through it. People who havemade the move to date have beenunanimously positive, realising that ifthey hadn’t taken the plunge, theymight still be here twiddling theirthumbs, waiting for a flailing economyto turn itself around, unsure, if orindeed when that actually might
happen. As it stands they’re happy,their kids are happy and in goodschools, with everyone enjoying thejoys of outdoor life that Australia hasto offer; and the money at the end ofthe month isn’t too shabby either!
Globester Recruitment, a specialistemployment agency with offices inDublin and Cork, has been workingwith a large number of Australiancompanies over the last few years andhas become something of an expert in
the placement of skilled trades peoplesuch as Plant Mechanics and TruckMechanics into companies based inthe resources sector, particularly inWestern Australia. As ChiefOperations Officer John Duffy says,“The opportunities out there are trulylife changing and having dealt closelywith the companies themselves, I canvouch for their absolute commitmentto ensuring that new employees andtheir families assimilate well intoAustralian society and are happy to bethere. These companies travel 12000miles to be here for interviews so Idon’t think they’d do that if thereweren’t serious about what they aredoing”.
To date Globester has placed over30 Plant and Truck Mechanics intotheir clients in Western Australia, andas Duffy says, that’s just the tip of theiceberg. “To be honest, we have 3companies travelling to Ireland fromPerth over the next 2 months and if wehad 40 excellent, time servedmechanics, they’d all have fantasticnew jobs to go to in Australia in themorning. We are facilitating therecruitment programmes for thesecompanies while they are here, so ifanyone thinks they have the right skillsand want to make the move, then wewant to hear from them”.
Globester Recruitment can becontacted in Dublin on 01 417 9652(ask for John) or at their newly openedCork office on 087 133 6008 (ask forMatt). If you are an experienced DieselPlant Mechanic or Truck Mechanicand are looking to move to a warmerclimate (in more ways than one), thenwhy not put a call through toGlobester, who will be more thanhappy to discuss these open positionswith you in more detail. Globester’swebsite is www.globesterjobs.comand for more information regardingliving and working in WesternAustralia, please accesswww.migration.wa.gov.au also.
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Golden opportunitiesin God’s Country
IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS
Terry Lilly Cars &Commercials in Finglas
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Terry Lilly continuesto deliverIn October 2009, Terry Lilly Commercials acquired the Fiat dealership andin the same year, they opened a new state of the art premises in Finglas,Co Dublin. Almost two years has now elapsed since that momentous yearfor the long established business and we speak to dealer principal TerryLilly about the intervening 24 months.
IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS
Terry Lilly Commercials wasfounded in 1990 and quicklydeveloped a reputation for
supplying top quality used lightcommercial vehicles. Through the hardword of Terry and his team, theircustomer base quickly grew and theyhave set standards that are rivaled byvery few in this competitive industry.
We all know that over the last fewyears, the recession that has grippedthis nation tighter than a vice has hada massive impact on all trades, but themotor trade has been one of the worsthit and unfortunately some businessesdid not avoid the cull, but those withthe experience and guile of Terry LillyCommercials withstood this setbackand one could suggest that they arestronger and more determined for it.
Having dealt in light commercialvehicles since its genesis 21 yearsago, Terry knew that they had todiversify the business in somecapacity and he revealed thatacquiring the Fiat dealership was aneasy decision to make.
“I suppose like everyone else, thingsjust went very quiet and we werethinking what we could do to increasebusiness. I've always found that Fiathas been a very good seller and theirrange of vans are very popular,” saidTerry. “Plus I had never dealt in carsbefore and this gave our customers anextra option when they came to viewvehicles.”
Terry admits that it is a decision thathe is delighted to have made as itreally had helped turned the business
around at a time when every movehas to be made with the utmost ofconsideration.
“I'm very happy with it. Fiat are agreat company to deal with and I mustsay it really has helped the business.In fairness we are still not as busy aswe were a few years back, but I don'tthink we will get back to that level for anumber of years yet, no one will.
“But, we have to keep working awayand although business is quiet, we arehappy with the direction that thecompany is heading and we willcontinue to work hard to ensurecustomer satisfaction is guaranteed.”
Through the years the expansion ofthe customer base been equaled bythe amount of repeat custom that theNorth Dublin company has retained
over the years and Terry would like tothank all for their continued support.
“Yes our customers have been veryloyal and I would like to thank them forthe support that they have given usover the years and we aim to continueproviding the same level service formany years to come. The majority ofour customers would be commercialclientele, but there is a good interest inthe car sales too and this is an areathat we are hoping to develop in thefuture.”
The one problem that all dealersseem to be having is trying to getfinance for their customers as banksare refusing to release money, whichis ironic, given the fact that it is mainlybecause of them that we are in thismess. However, Terry revealed that heis dealing with finance brokers thathave been very helpful to hiscustomers.
“Trying to obtain finance has been amajor stumbling block over the lastfew years and it has turned right
around from the days, banks wereeager to give out loans, but we useFirst Auto Finance Ireland Limited whohave been excellent in obtainingfinance for customers. So if anyonehas any worries or queries aboutgetting finance then they should justget in touch with us and we can havea chat.”
All new vehicles come with a fullmanufacturers' warranty, while thecompany also offers extensivewarranties on all of its quality usedvehicles. With enormous purchasingpower, the company is also extremelycompetitive on price.
A cursory look around Terry LillyCommercials is all that is needed toestablish this company's bona fides.The company is without question atthe leading edge of light commercialvehicle sales in Dublin, if not thewhole country. A purpose builtshowroom, which houses a myriad ofmarques and models is proof positivethat this company means business.
Terry Lilly Commercials is ideallysituated just 500 yards from theJunction 5 exit on the M50 motorway,but there is a whole lot more to thecompany than the premises.
The company's ongoing success isembedded in its very fabric. Terry LillyCommercials exudes an air offriendliness and professionalism whichplaces potential and existingcommercial vehicle customers firmly inthe comfort zone. This is anestablishment where the commercialcustomer is king.
Success has been built on deliveringhigh levels of customer service inevery aspect of the business fromsales right through to after-salesservice. “We are commercial vehiclespecialists and we know the businessinside out. We have a proven trackrecord stretching back 21 years so wehave the experience to deal with therequirements of the commercialcustomer.”
To complement the company'sextensive sales activities, Terry LillyCommercials also offers a wide rangeof finance options to its customers.“We offer all kinds of finance packagesfrom contract hire, to hire purchaseand leasing. We are experts in allaspects of vehicle financing,” addedTerry.
IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 51
A range of new and used cars
Terry Lilly Cars & Commercialsacquired a Fiat dealership in 2009
COMPANY DETAILSTerry Lilly Car & CommercialsNorth Road, Finglas, Dublin 11,Ireland.
Ph: 01 8640000 F: 01 8641144e-mail: [email protected] www.terrylillycommercials.ie
A real passion for haulageA real passion for haulageTo say that Will Drennan has a passion for haulage would be an exercisein understatement. The Derry man has overseen his own general haulagecompany through six different decades and Drennan Transport Ltd. istoday an integral part of the transport sector on this island (and beyond).Irish Trucker travelled to Upperlands, Maghera and spoke to the manhimself about his lifetime’s vocation.
52 IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS
Will Drennan is what we mightterm an industry veteran.And he’s not resting on his
laurels; today, Drennan Transport Ltd.still provides an exceptional dailygroupage service between Ireland andthe UK, operating a fleet of 50 trailersand up to 25 tractor units as well assub-contractors. Will employs 40people directly and overseeswarehousing facilities comprisingsome 100,000 sq. ft.
In addition to his company
headquarters at Upperlands, Maghera(he formerly operated out of his homevillage of Tobermore for 42 yearsbefore relocating in September 2007),Will also has a second satellite depotin Dublin. He may be in the businessfor almost half a century, but the long-serving haulage chief is showing nosign of slowing down. In fact, to thecontrary, by putting his vastexperience and know-how to optimaleffect, he is now providing a daily UK– Ireland dry freight / groupage and
warehousing service that is quitesimply without equal. All in all, it’s anincredible success story – and onewhere there are many chapters yet tobe written.
The genesis of Drennan Transportgoes back to the mid-‘60s, when Willwas a young man from a remote Derryvillage boasting a driving passion forall things transport-related. That hehas managed to forge a career out ofdoing what he loves speaks volumesfor the man’s fortitude, conviction,
Drennan Transport has excelledsince it was founded in 1965
IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 53
perseverance and professionalism.Will has always placed a firmemphasis on quality service and that’swhy his company has stood the test oftime, for decades providing customerswith a service they can depend on.
“As far back as I can remember, Ialways had an interest in trucks,” hesays. “It was natural for me to getinvolved in haulage and I started outwith a TK Bedford doing generalhaulage in the North of Ireland. I setup on the 1st of July, 1965. I used todraw out of a fertiliser factory inArklow. The roads back then were alot different than what they are today,but at least there were no delays!”
Having worked hard as a one-man,one-truck operation for a number ofmonths, Will soon found that he hadmore work than he could handle onhis own. By the end of the first year,
he had taken on another pair of handsand a second lorry. From there, he hasgrown the business gradually.
In 1969, Will expanded the operationto include UK work and this remains astaple part of the business today. Hehas developed partnerships with fellowoperators throughout the UK, who usehis service for their Irish groupage ona daily basis. In order to provide anoptimum level of service, Will hasbeen careful not to over-stretchhimself. To this end, he uses sub-contractors wherever necessary,deploying a trusty team of owner-drivers and thereby generatingadditional indirect employment. Everydecision he makes is made in the bestinterest of the company, to guaranteea first-class service to a large andappreciative client base.
So, what is his specialist line of work
today? “We work all over the UK andinto southern Ireland. We also did a bitof continental work in the past but wedon’t do too much of that any more asit’s not profitable. We specialise in dryfreight, which I suppose can includejust about anything. Over the years, Iwould say I have transported literallyeverything.” Add versatility to DrennanTransport’s lengthy list of attributes,so!
Fleet-wise, Will operates a fleet ofDAF predominantly, but also runssome Scanias and Volvos. His fleet of50 trailers comprises curtainsiders,flats and Euroliners. As a true veteranof the haulage sector, Will has seenrecessions come and go, and heacknowledges that it’s best to treadprudently and cautiously in the currentclimate:
“We are being very cautious at the
minute. Money is tight and nobody canafford to take any risks. We’ll just keepour heads down and continue toprovide the same top-quality servicewe’ve always provided. I have a lot oflong-term employees here and I’d liketo keep them in a job, so we have torun a tight ship both for their sake andfor the benefit of our customers.There’s no room for waste in haulage.
“I’m taking things day by day, literally.At the moment, I’d be reluctant toinvest big money in new equipment. Ihave a strong fleet that performssolidly and all the vehicles are fresh
and well-maintained in our ownworkshop. You can’t afford to run allbrand-new equipment. I wouldn’t be sosure the investment needed to buynew trucks would give you the returnyou’d need. So it’s hard to justifybuying any new trucks at the moment,much as I’d love to!
“When the recession passes, wehave plenty to go forward with. I havean 80-acre site here and I’m onlyusing about five acres of that at theminute, so we have plenty of room forexpansion if that’s the path we chooseto take.”
Is this the hardest time Will hasseen? “I have come through fourrecessions, but I would say this isprobably the most difficult forbusinesses because the banks weren’tinvolved before. During previousrecessions, there was more creditavailable to bread-and-butterbusinesses. Banks were supportingbusinesses but they seem to haveclosed their doors now and it’s veryhard to get credit today, which is amajor problem for companies. Fueland other overheads are alsoextremely expensive, so all in all it is
IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS
The company is based inMaghera, County Derry
54
In for the long haul
probably the worstrecession I’ve seen and alot of people are going tofind it very difficult to comeout of this one.
“As you get older, youstart to wonder what thefuture holds for youngerpeople in the industry, withCPCs, driver hours, and allthe other rules andregulations. There is somuch legislation to beadhered to that it is verydifficult for honest youngpeople to keep their headsabove the water, yet therogue operators just seemto get away witheverything. That can bevery frustrating.”
And finally, for anyaspiring young WillDrennans who might bereading this, what hasbeen the secret of theDerry man’s success andlongevity in the industry?“Self commitment. And alot of hard work.Youhave to try to besensible and at the
same time to make thingshappen. I have never hada contract in my life. It’s allrepeat business andeverything is done in goodfaith. You have to providea good service and standover your work. I’ve treatedpeople fairly, that’s why Ihave some accounts herefor between 29 and 35years. Once you provide astrong, quality service andare as good as your word,then people will come backand do business with youagain.”
IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 55
COMPANY DETAILSDrennan Transport Ltd.,24 Lisgorgan Lane,Upperlands,
Maghera BT46 5TECounty Derry
Telephone: 028 7964 2116Fax: 028 7964 3570
Email: [email protected]
J.N.K. Components Ltd.
Main Agents for: OERLIKON WELDING PRODUCTS, EXCELUBE OIL, VARTA BATTERIES,
NIGAS & DONALDSON FILTERSPennybridge Industrial Estate, Ballymena, Co. Antrim BT42 3HB
Tel: 028-256 48111 Fax: 028 256 42422 Email: [email protected] www.jnkcomponents.co.uk
Best Wishes To Drennan Transport
THE CAR, COMMERCIAL& TRACTOR PARTS PEOPLE
Best Wishes To Drennan Transport, from
R.BARKLEY & SONS LTD.U.K. & Eire Services
Warehousing & DistributionHAULAGE CONTRACTORS
14 Landhead Rd., Ballymoney, Co. Antrim BT53 1HDTel: Ballymoney (028) 276 63301 /62696
Fax: (028) 276 65286Heywood Depot
Tel: 0170 662 2252 • Fax: 0170 662 2280
Best Wishes To Drennan Transport, From
145 Moneymore Road,CookstownCo. Tyrone
BT80 9UU
Tel:028 867 63396028 867 63437
Fax: 028 867 64095
E.K
.S. TYRES
(N . I .) L T D.
• •
Wishing Continued Success To Drennan Transport From
JOHN BARFOOT F.C.C.A.
Chartered CertifiedAccountant
8 Broad St., Magherafelt BT45 6EATel: 028 796 31343Fax: 028 796 34185
Best Wishes To Drennan Transport
Best Wishes To Drennan Transport, From
The company was firstestablished in 1996 by Paschaland Geraldine Doolan when an
opportunity arose to take over theservicing contract for An Post andseveral other companies. Back then,things were a bit different than theyare now and things have certainlychanged since the husband and wifeduo first set out their stall, which hasgrown to become one of the mostreliable commercial vehicle repairsand hire companies in the midlandsregion.
They are glad to acknowledge thehelp & support of local businesses likeAthlone Motor Factors, CentralBearing Supplies, Mick Mannion Test
Centre, etc when starting up & are stillglad to be dealing with them.
“We’re based behind Michael MooreCar Sales at Creggan, Dublin Road,Athlone,” Paschal explained. “We havethe garage business for 15 years nowand the van hire is going since 2000.We would employ six staff here,including myself. My daughter, SarahJane, works in the office.”
The Commercial Fleet servicesgarage at Athlone Van Hire hadalready been in operation since 1996and both companies have grownsubstantially over the past 15 yearsthat they have tripled the number ofemployees since they were set up.
Geraldine Doolan is responsible for
the administration and finance end ofthings in the company, and has beenan active partner since the beginning,while her daughter Sarah Jane,currently occupies a role in receptionand administration.
In March 2008, Paschal andGeraldine took the decision toamalgamate both companies and nowthey are currently trading as ‘AthloneVan Hire Ltd T/A Paschal DoolanCommercial Fleet Services’.
Since setting up their van hireservice 11 years ago, Athlone Van Hirehas always offered a high quality ofcommercial vehicle hire to itscustomers in the midlands and all overIreland. The quality of their services
56
Leading the wayFor over 10 years now, Athlone Van Hire Ltd has been Athlone’s highquality van centre operating on the Dublin Road in Athlone, CoWestmeath. Irish Trucker spoke to the company’s Managing Director,Paschal Doolan, to find out more.
IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS
Paschal Doolan with somevehicles available for hire
has resulted in a widerange of satisfiedclients around themidlands and beyond.
“Our CommercialFleet Services hasbeen very lucky tohave such a goodclient base,” saidPaschal.
“We would havecontracts to maintainAn Post vehiclesthrough Dan RyanTruck Rental and DAFTruck services Cork,other customersinclude BOC Gases,Kerry Foods, JonesOil, DPD and Group 4Securicor to name afew, so there’s a goodmix there. An Post isthe oldest contract we have here and we’vehad a good relationship with them since westarted working together.”
The company provides HGV & LGVservicing and maintenance for all makes attheir garage in Athlone. They provide agenuine 24 hour seven day breakdownservice also and take pride in always beingcontactable.
They are equipped to carry out DOEpreparation, tail lift repair, and electronic
diagnostic fault analysis at their workshop in Athlone.Athlone Van Hire also enhance their efficiency by usingworkshop’ software which enables them to track theircustomers’ vehicle history and service records, DOE Due
dates & ability to send text reminders to customers whenvehicles are due testing, tachograph calibration etc.
Athlone Van Hire’s services and customer list are equallyimpressive and it’s certainly a credit to Paschal, who himselfhas been at the forefront of the company’s success, havingstarted from humble enough beginnings.
“I started out as a mechanic myself at 17 and I am workingon commercial vehicles ever since,” explained the Offalynative.
Since Paschal ‘started up’, his company has always stuckby their principals to make sure that every vehicle ismaintained to the highest standards Manufacturers servicesheets are completed for each service and DOE test datesare tracked closely.
“We’re busy at the moment,” he stated. “But you just neverknow what’s around the corner and the way things are at
IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 57
Patrick Warby and RoyMcEvilly at work
Refuelling in progressat Athlone Van Hire
the moment I suppose that saying wasnever as true. “Hopefully things willpick up everywhere, because whenbusinesses around you are sufferingyou will begin to feel the effects, andwe certainly have. Cash flow seems tobe the biggest problem for a lot ofcompanies out there and it’s
something thatcan spread, sohopefully therewill be aturnaround.”
Fuel costs seemto be the chiefconcern for thosein a similar line ofbusiness toPaschal; withdiesel priceshaving reachedrecord highfigures alreadythis year.However, headmitted that it’snot somethingwhich is a primaryissue for hiscompany, butmore so for his
customers. “It’s not affecting us directly too
much, but it is hitting our customershard alright and in that way I supposeit has,” he conceded.
“I think profits in the haulagebusiness now are very marginal and
everything with them has to be kept toa very tight budget otherwise they justwouldn’t be able to keep themselvesoperating.”
Their own fleets of hire vehicles areof course maintained to the higheststandard & are available for short orlong term hire, Self drive insurance isavailable, no mileage charges areapplied and rates are very competitive.
All information is available on theirwebsite www.athlonevanhire.com.
So whether it’s 24-hour roadsideassistance, commercial repairs,maintenance or hire you are lookingfor, be sure to look no further thanAthlone Van Hire on the Dublin Road.
IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS58
Paschal and Geraldine’s daughterSarah works in the office
Kerry Foods are oneof Athlone Van Hire’soldest customers
COMPANY DETAILSAthlone Van Hire LtdCregganDublin RoadAthloneCo.Westmeath
Tel: 0906 472414Fax: 0906 476006
Continued Best Wishes To Athlone Van Hire From
Benson’sSCHOOL OF MOTORINGCAR • BUS • RIGID & ATTIC LESSONS
Guaranteed Pass First Time YES Guaranteed!!Past First Time Or Free Lessons Until You Do
Very reasonable terms & conditions apply
Call 087 979 5545
Full range of Truck,Car 4x4 & Agricultural Tyres
We are stockists of all major brand’sBridgestone, Firestone, Goodyear,
Dunlop, Michelin, Vredestein, Pirelli,Hankook GT Radial & Many More
24 Hr Breakdown Service Call Paul 086 2075699
Service Brakes Exhaust Wheel AlignmentAlloy Wheels & Alloy Wheels Straightener on premises
Athlone Tyre DepotRoscommon Rd.,
Athlone, Co. RoscommonT: 090 6444690F: 090 6490721
Best Wishes To Athlone Van Hire, From
Usually these companies arelong standing businesses thathave many years experience
behind them and are equipped to dealwith the changes needed.
One company that slots into thatcategory is Cavan based P&S CivilWorks, which has been supplying aspecialised service to a largecustomer base for the last 43 years.
Established in 1968, P&S Civil Works
has gone through many changes overthe years and its ability to move withthe times and meet the customers’requirements has kept them at theforefront of their field of expertise.
Having being established by brothersPat and Sean Smith, the initial serviceprovided was land reclamation andwater works, but over the years thebusiness developed into constructionboth domestic and commercial.
These days, Pat’s sons Killian,Declan and Gavin are all involved asis Sean’s son David. Both Sean andPat have since taken a back seat inthe business, but still hold an activeinterest. Irish Trucker speaks to Killian,who is now managing director and hetells us about the direction thecompany is now heading in.
P&S Civil Works relied heavily onconstruction industry over the years as
Getting the job done
59
Diversity is the keyThe ability of a company to diversify into other areas of expertise has sawmany such firms survive the current economic recession.
IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS
IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS60
Best Wishes To P&S Civil Works, From
Unit 36, Kells Business Park, Cavan Road, Kells, Co. Meath
T: (046) 9293272 F: (046) 9293275 E: [email protected]
www.mgmofficesupplies.ieBest Wishes To P&S Civil Works, From
Tractamotors LtdStockist of Hankook Performance Tyres
Dublin Road, Cavan Tel: (049) 4375900
www.hankook.ie
Congratulations To P&S Civil Works On 40 YearsIn Business & Continued Success In The Future
From
JACKSON STEELS LTD
Angle • Box • Flats • Rounds • Tubes • Square Bars Plate Steel • IPE’s • Beams
Re-Bar Cut & Bent 10mm -25mm • Reinforcing Mesh
Stockists Of All Types Of Steel, Timber & Aluminium Sheets
Canningstown, Cootehill, Co. CavanTelephone: 042 9660204 • Fax: 042 9660461
Email: [email protected]
Clients Recommend Us
Wishing Continued Success To P&S Civil Works From
Poles Co-OpCreamery Ltd
We now stock a full range of building supplies
TIMBER DRYLINING INSULATION
& STEEL REINFORCINGVisit Our Plumbing & Heating Store
FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING & HEATING REQUIREMENTS
See our wide range of bathroom suites &shower doors all at keenest prices
PLEASE CALL OR PHONE FOR SPECIAL QUOTATIONSLeading Suppliers of Fencing,
Land Drainage Pipes, Animal Medicines, Coal Fertilizer, Cattle, Pig & Poultry Feed
We Stock A Comprehensive Range of Horse Products, Feedstuff & Wendal Herbs,Also Whitewood Shavings At Lowest Prices
Prompt Attention & Delivery Is Our MottoPoles, Co. Cavan Tel: 049 4330108/ 4330499Fax: 049 4330074 • Email: [email protected]
Congratulations & Best Wishes To P&S Civil Works
www.irishtrucker.com
Irish PipelineComponents
LimitedUnit 524 Greenogue Business Park,
Rathcoole, Co. DublinTel: 01 2570100 • Fax: 01 2570300
www.ipcireland.comwww.pipefixsolutions.com
Continued Best Wishes To P&S Civil Works
from its base at Drumuck, Stradone; it operated a quarryas well as developing houses and industrial units.
But since the Celtic Tiger’s roar became more of awhimper, Killian admitted that they faced into an uncertainfuture, but it is one that that they have tackled head on.
“There has definitely being a big slow down in the last fewyears and I think everyone involved in the constructionindustry felt it,” admitted Killian. “We would have about halfthe work force that we use to have, but in fairness, we arenow working in other areas and these have kept us going.”
These other areas that Killian talks about are sewerageworks and water mains that has seen the Cavan basedfirm pick up a number of contracts in over the past fewyears.
“We’ve also been involved in sewerage works and watermains for many years and it was a small part of thebusiness, but now it is our main source of work. Throughour experience, we have obtained a number of contractswith various councils around the country, while we have
also obtained work in the U.K.”Following the pricing of a number of jobs in the U.K, P&S
Civil have won the contract to lay 13 and a half kilometresof pipeline in Scotland for Farrans (Construction) Ltd andKillian admits that this is a big boost to the company.
“We were in for a number of contracts in the UK and it’snot the easiest of places to get work, especially as wewouldn’t be as well known over there. However, we havemanaged to get this one in East Sterling and hopefully thiswill lead to more work.”
Killian stated that the current work force would betravelling over to Scotland for this project as they look tomake a good impression on their new employers.
IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 61
The company recently won a contract tolay 13.5km of pipeline in Scotland
P&S Civil are doing a lot of sewerageand water work at the moment
Proud to be associated with P&S Civil Works & continued success in the future from
IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS62
Best Wishes To P&S Civil Works Best Wishes To P&S Civil Works
Best Wishes To P&S CIVIL WORKS
www.irishtrucker.com
“We will bring our own staff over toScotland. The drivers and pipe layers,most of who have been with us formany years are tried and trusted. Thisis a very important job for thecompany and we’re confident ofcompleting it to the satisfaction of allconcerned.
“This also means that we will behiring more workers here in Ireland, soit has a positive effect on the economyhere also, so it’s all good.”
The UK is not the only place thatP&S Civil works are currently pricingjobs as they look to expand the
business into other parts of Europe aswell.
“We are also pricing in othercountries as we look to expand ourportfolio, Poland among them. We’verealised that Ireland is going to bequiet for some time and there is aneed to branch out into other countriesin order to be a continued success.
“There are always uncertainties inthis industry, but you have to lookforward and that is what we are doing.Hopefully, we can build on what weare doing.”
In a bid to keep overheads to a
minimum, the fleet is kept in pristinecondition during its lifespan, which atP&S Civil works is usually in theregion of five years, but they are alsolooking to improve the fleet.
Another string to the company’s bowis the fact that they also operate a fuelservice delivering home heating oil totheir customers for over 20 years.
“We hope to keep at the same levelthat we are at in Ireland and maintainwhat we are doing, while the aim inthe UK is to develop the businessfurther over the next few years. If canmanage both of these, we will be veryhappy indeed,” concluded Killian.
IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 63
COMPANY DETAILSP&S Civil WorksDrumuck, Stradone,Co. Cavan
Tel: 049-4330115
Email:info @pandscivilworks.com
P&S Civil have been involved in bothdomestic and commercial development
Work is carried out toexacting standards
IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS64
Best Wishes To Cummins Transport, From
B&R TranSpares
Hewitsland, New Ross, Co. WexfordContact Brian 0871265149
Contact Richie 087 1719324T: 051 425971 • F: 051 420838
Best Wishes To Cummins Transport, From
MURRAYInternational Transport
Dry & RefrigeratedInternational TransportSlevoy, Foulksmills, Co. Wexford
086 8038850051 565135
11 Deerpark Rd, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, Tel : +353 (0)62 63054
Mob : +353 (0)87 1213652Fax : +353 (0)62 63977 Email : [email protected]
WISHING ALL AT CUMMINS TRANSPORTCONTINUED SUCCESS
Wishing Cummins Transport All The Best In The Future From
David Moran T/A D.P.M & CoThe Old Post Office, Ballymitty
Book Keeping & Accountancy ServicesFor Small & Medium Enterprises
Contact David MoranTel: 051 561800 • Fax: 051 560 660
Mobile: 087 2660946Email: [email protected]
Best Wishes To Cummins Transport From
WOULD YOULIKE YOUR COMPANY
FEATURED IN
IRISH TRUCKER& LIGHT
COMMERCIALSMAGAZINE
Call BARRY now on00353
(0) 46 9241923
For this month's edition of IrishTrucker, we profile one suchbusiness; New Ross based
Cummins Transport, which over thepast 12 years has been providing a topquality service to a large customerbase. We speak to the company'smanaging director Shane Cumminsand he tells us about the trials andtribulations of being involved in suchan industry.
Cummins Transport offers aspecialised service to their customersand Shane admits that the success ofthe business is mainly down to thequality of service that they provide.“We can tailor our services to meet thecustomers' total distribution needs,direct from the end of their productionline or port of entry to final delivery attheir customers premises.”
Cummins Transport's fleet can beseen mainly operating in Europe andFrance and Italy in particular as theytransport beef and lamb among othergoods to these countries. The level oftheir success over the last decade orso can be measured by the number ofthe high profile companies that thework for.
“We have a large customer base thatcovers a number of industries and wework on the continent most of the time.Many of our customers have been withus since the start and we are gratefulfor the work and cooperation we havereceived from them.
“It is our intention to continue with thelevel of customer satisfaction that we
provide and improve on that ifpossible. We have an excellentworking relationship with ourcustomers and that is something wewill be aiming to maintain.”
With 10 highly trained employees onthe books, Shane admits that it's downto a team effort in order for thebusiness to maintain its high levels.
“I have a loyal and trustworthy staffmany of who have been with me sincethe start. It gives great peace of mindknowing that they are more thancapable of carrying out any operationto the highest standard.”
Of course another vital part of thebusiness is the fleet and to this end,Shane stresses it is essential thatevery vehicle and trailer is wellmaintained. Mercedes have been thepreferred choice of truck for manyyears now. They also have a vast arrayof trailers from curtainsiders totemperature controlled units, all ofwhich are relatively new.
“We run a well maintained fleet ofvehicles and trailers. All our vehiclesand equipment are purchased from anumber of sources and are serviced byour maintenance team.”
Shane admits that the haulageindustry has suffered greatly in the last18 months or so and costs have beenrising on a regular basis, leaving it verydifficult to provide the level of servicerequired.
“It has been a tough time, especiallywith the price of diesel rising so
frequently. It makes it that bit harder tosurvive, but we are determined tocome through without reducing thehigh levels that our customers expect.”
Hauliers call for a fair playing fieldhas fallen on deaf ears in recent times,but there is a need for change soonerrather than later as many businessesin the industry continue to suffer.
There are many guidelines in thehaulage industry to be followed andCummins Transport ensure that thealways have the relevant licensing,permit approvals and currentguidelines necessary.
“When you are working on thecontinent, there is plenty of legislationto be adhered too, especially when youare transporting meat. Through ourmany years' experience, we ensure toavoid any problems and make suredeliveries are made on time.”
Shane admits that in this industry youtake each year as it comes and hepoints to customer satisfaction as themain ingredient for a successfulbusiness. “Our aim is to hold on towhat we have and ensure that ourcustomers are pleased with the servicethat we provide. We are confident ofdoing that. There are many issues thatneed to be addressed and hopefullythey will be looked at. The haulageindustry has suffered enough over thepast few years and most operators arestruggling to survive, but you have toremain confident and that is what weare doing.”
65IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS
A cool operationA cool operation
The transport of refrigerated goods is a specialised areawithin the haulage industry and there are a number ofcompanies within Ireland that provide such a service.
Cummins Transportsfleet can be seen all
over Europe
IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS66
Best Wishes & Continued Success To Magee International, From
A professional standard of quality services for thecommercial and private vehicle owner such as:
Tyre replacement • Exhaust fitting • ShocksWheel Alignment • Head light Alignment
Unit 27 Tullygoonigan Ind Est, Armagh, Co Armagh BT61 8DRTel: 028 3752 8806 • Fax: 028 3752 3176
www.gctyreservices.com
When it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right!
BEST WISHES FROM
UK- IRELAND - EUROPE
TAUTLINERSWALKING FLOORS
REFRIGERATED TRANSPORT
CONTACT SEAN O’NEILL : 077 95001761
Best Wishes To Magee International Haulage, From
DG EngineeringSpecialises In
ALLOY & STEEL TANKS • 3 SERIES SCANIA BUMPERS CAT WALK’S • TOOL BOX’S SIDE • PIPES AND UP RIGHT PIPES41 Terrenew Road, Castlecaulfield, Dungannon BT 70 3AB
Mobile: 07739095430 Tel/Fax: (028) 87761662
Continued Best Wishes To Magee International Haulage, From
2 Derryvolgie Avenue, Belfast BT9 6FL
Te: +44 (0) 28 9066 1938Email: [email protected]
www.curcon.co.uk
CURRAN CONNOLLYI N S U R A N C E B R O K E R S
Commercial Motor
Business Insurance
Personal Insurance
Best Wishes To Magee International Haulage, From
WishingContinuedSuccess To
MageeInternational
Sales ● Service ● Rental ● Import & ExportUnit 6B Charlemont Ind. Estate, Moy,
Dungannon, Co. Tyrone BT71 7SD
T: 028 87 789775 F: 028 87 789809M: 07780 665737 E: [email protected]
67
Magee Haulage - theinternational transportspecialistsMagee Haulage Ltd is one of the most reputable international transportcompanies in Northern Ireland. Office manager Jackie Magee, who is wifeof managing director Aidan, explains more.
IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS
Since its formation in 2000,
Magee Haulage has been
providing a top-class
international haulage service between
Ireland, the UK and continental
Europe.
A young, dynamic, family-run
business based in Dyan, Caledon, Co.
Tyrone, Magee Haulage has
established a tradition for quality,
reliability, value for money and total
dedication to customer
service. As well as
specialising in
international haulage, the
company also offers a
national haulage service
that covers the 32
counties.
“We pride ourselves on
offering a reliable and
efficient international
transport service,” says
Magee Haulage office manager Jackie
Magee, whose husband Aidan heads
up the company.
“We specialise in international
transport to the UK and various
destinations throughout continental
Europe, including France, Italy, Spain,
Germany, Holland and Belgium. It’s a
tough business to be in, the hours are
long, but it’s what we know and do
best. We’ve established ourselves
over the past 10 years and hope to
continue on an upward curve in the
coming years,” she adds.
Magee Haulage is ideally located to
serve the needs of companies
throughout the North, especially those
in the nearby towns of Dungannon,
Armagh and Monaghan.
“We’re seven miles from Dungannon,
seven miles from Armagh and seven
miles from Monaghan. We service all
the surrounding areas with our trucks
leaving for Larne Port on a daily
basis,” Jackie explains.
Over the years, Magee Haulage has
built up an impressive client list that
includes Norfolkline, McBurney
Transport (Ballymena), O’Neill
Transport (Coalisland), Loane
Transport (Kesh, Co. Fermanagh),
Hunter Transport, Moy Park Chickens
(Dungannon) and Monaghan
Mushrooms. It also carries out work
for Johnson Haulage in Dumfries,
Scotland and has a contract to
transport fish from Lochinver in the
Scottish Highlands – which is the
second largest fishing port in Scotland
– to the continent.
“We have the capacity to transport
anything. We’ve two very good
contracts with Moy Park and
Monaghan Mushrooms. In addition, we
do a lot of work for other well-known
transport companies.
”The type of products on
our back-loads range from
groceries for the likes of
Asda and Sainsbury’s to
clothes for Next. We have
an excellent working
relationship with our
customers.”
Magee Haulage employs
seven drivers, all of who
are highly skilled,
competent and are fully
aware of the importance of customer
service. Each driver is ADR-trained for
the carriage of dangerous goods. The
company operates a fleet of 10 trucks,
six refridgerated trailers and one
curtainsider. Having invested in a
modern high specification fleet, the
company can transport everything
from foodstuffs to furniture.
Of farming stock, Aidan is a qualified
mechanic who had worked for PMP in
Armagh and Ewing’s in Dungannon
“The price of diesel is hitting everyhaulage firm hard. There is plenty of workout there, but the cost of fuel is killing theindustry. As a well-established company,we are able to take the hits better than
other companies. But it must be very hardfor companies who are only starting out.
before setting up Magee Haulage.
When he’s not carrying out
maintenance work in the company’s
purpose-built garage which was
constructed in 2005, he’s behind the
wheel of one of his trucks on another
delivery to the UK or Europe.
“Aidan likes to lead by example,”
Jackie laughs.
“He’ll put his hand to anything. Even
though he’s from a farming
background, he has always been
fascinated with trucks. I think our three
children – Shonagh (11), Oisin (seven)
and Emer (four) – are taking after him!
They love the truck shows. We
entered trucks into the Lady of the
Lakes Truck Show in Enniskillen and
the Granville Truck Run in Dungannon
last year and they enjoyed every
minute of both.”
Of the company’s 10 trucks, eight are
Scania. Jackie elaborates: “Aidan
swears by Scania. We also have a
DAF and a Volvo, but Scania is clearly
the number one choice. Aidan always
had a particular liking for the 143
model and he still has one which is
15-years-old but is still going strong.
We have a modern fleet overall that’s
equipped to deal with any job.”
Similar to all transport companies,
Magee Haulage hasn’t been immune
from the recession with Jackie
admitting that rising fuel costs have
put a considerable strain on the family-
run business.
“The price of diesel is hitting every
haulage firm hard. There is plenty of
work out there, but the cost of fuel is
killing the industry. As a well-
established company, we are able to
take the hits better than other
companies. But it must be very hard
for companies who are only starting
out. I wouldn’t like to be starting out
again, that’s for sure.”
Regardless of fuel costs, you can be
sure that Magee Haulage won’t allow
its standards to slip. Aidan, Jackie and
their team have worked hard to make
it the thriving operation it is today and
are committed to maintaining the
highest possible standards.
In conclusion, Jackie praises Magee
Haulage’s drivers for their contribution
to the company’s
success.
“They have
played a huge part
in the growth and
success of our
company over the
years. They know
the roads of
Ireland, the UK
and Europe inside
out and can always
be relied upon to
do a good job.”
IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS68
Wishing Continued Success To Magee International Haulage From
Supplier of Spares To Suit
DAF - SCANIA - VOLVO - BPW -ROR
76 Clonfeacle Road, Blackwater Town, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone BT71 7HP
Tel: 048 37549575 • Fax: 048 37548883Mobile: 07710 377099
Email: [email protected]
Best Wishes & ContinuedSuccess To
Magee International
“We pride ourselves onoffering a reliable andefficient international
transport service”
COMPANY DETAILSMagee Haulage Ltd
Ph: 048-37569619078-34777620e-mail: [email protected]
Main Street, Kesh,Co. Fermanagh BT93 1TF
Tel: 028 686 31555Fax: 028 686 31638Email: [email protected]
www.loanetransport.co.uk
Wishing Continued Success To Magee Haulage
LMC Trade Sales arecelebrating 10 years as aleading supplier of high
quality previously owned lightcommercial vehicles to the motortrade.
Since 2001, the well-knownfamily-run concern hasestablished a tradition of value-for-money and total dedication tocustomer service. Based on theAughnacloy Road in Dungannon,the company’s garage is easilyaccessible to customers in bothNorthern Ireland and theRepublic of Ireland.
LMC source and sell only thebest used commercials fromEngland. All models have oneprevious owner and a full servicehistory. They also source andsupply vans direct to the publicand are able to offer competitivefinance packages.
In addition, LMC specialise inservicing, vehicle recovery, plylining, tow-bars and diagnostics,making it a one-stop shop for allyour commercial needs.
“The first 10 years have gonewell for us and hopefully the next10 will be just as good,” explainsLawrence McMenemy, who setup the business along with hisbrother David (their father Haroldis also involved).
“When someone buys a van from us,they know they are getting a qualityvehicle. We deal only with reputablesuppliers in the UK. The full history ofevery van we stock is documented socustomers know what they are getting.Anything we sell is fully guaranteed.”
LMC Trade Sales carry a large rangeof the most popular light commercials,including the Ford Transit and TransitConnect, Peugeot Partner, VauxhallVivaro, Mitsubishi Canter, CitroenBerlingo, Nissan Navara and the VWCaddy and Crafter. If you are lookingfor a particular model that isn’t instock, the McMenemy brothers willgladly source it for you. If you are notsure what you are looking forward,there is an extensive range of modelsin stock at any one time to help youchose the right vehicle for your needs.
“We have something to suit everyoneand have a very strong customer-base,” Lawrence says.
“We always have at least 30 lightcommercials in stock. That figurewould have reached 60 during theboom years, but obviously things havechanged since then. We supply mainlyto the retail sector with our customersranging from florists to farmers tobuilders. The vans we bring in fromEngland are generally a differentquality to what you get in Ireland.Generally speaking, the English vanowner takes more pride in the
69
LMCcelebrates10 years inbusinessLooking for a high quality used lightcommercial to suit your needs? If so, LMCTrade Sales in Dungannon, Co. Tyrone arecertainly worth a visit.
IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS
IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS70
Best Wishes To LMC Trade Sales From
Gardiner TransmissionsOver 20 Years In Business
GEARBOX & REAR AXLE REPAIRSCAR & LIGHT COMMERCIALS
REAR DIFFS & BEARINGS
Unit 4C, Dreen Road, Cullybackey, Co. Antrim BT42 1EB
Tel/Fax: 028 2588 1197Email: [email protected]
Best Wishes To LMC Trade Sales From
JJPP
HHAANNNNAA BBUUIILLDDEERSS
For all your building Needs
20 Ferry Road, Washing Bay, CoalislandTel: 028 87740601 • Mobile: 077 02640076
Email: [email protected]
Continued Best Wishes To LMC Trade Sales
Petroleum, Domestic & Agricultural OilsHome Heating Oil • Agricultural Fuels & DERV
Same Day DeliveriesFull Burner Maintenance Service
028 8776 9182028 8776 9178
www.burrowsfuels.co.uk51 Terrenew Road, Dungannon BT70 3AB
Best Wishes To LMC Trade Sales, From
CAT is a leading supplier of Vehicle Logistics Solutions.Our Services include but are not limited to:• Local hauling • Long-distance hauling• Towing inoperative vehicles• Services for Car Dealers• Services for Leasing & Hiring companies
With our safe & reliable fleet of modern car carriers, we set the industry standard for efficiency and service.
No Job is too Big or too Small for CAT!Aughameeney, Carrick-On-Shannon , Co. Leitrim
Tel: 071 9650825 Fax: 071 9650177 Mobile (Irl): 086 2609616 Mobile (UK): 07788 190999
Email: [email protected]
www.cat.ieContinued Best Wishes To LMC Trade Sales
Costello Auto Trans (CAT)Car & Commercial Transportation
Ireland - UK - Ireland
Wishing Continued Success To LMC Trade SalesSales
The No1 “All Makes” Motor Factorfor all your Car Parts & Service Items
2, Washingford Row, Milltown,Dungannon,Co. Tyrone, BT71 7BG
T: 028 877 26640 F: 028 877 26780Email:[email protected]
www.europarts-motorfactors.com
Automotive parts distribution
Co. Armagh’s Most Progressive Motor FactorHuge stocks of quality car and light commercial
parts with easy access and no parking restrictionsFAST & EFFICIENT DELIVERY SERVICE
AVAILABLE TO MOTOR TRADE
Best Wishes To LMC Trade Sales
STOCKISTS & DISTRIBUTORS OF AUTO PARTS & PERFORMANCE ACCESSORIES
Units 5-7, 127 Mahon Road, Portadown, Co. ArmaghTel: 028 38330700 • Email: [email protected]
www.accomponents.co.uk
appearance andupkeep of hisvehicle than theIrish owner.
“I know a lot of ithas to do with thebetter quality roadsthey have overthere, but what wehave found is thatthe English modelsare serviced moreregularly and aremeticulously lookedafter.”
Once a vehicle hasbeen sourced inEngland, theresponsibility oftransporting it backto Ireland falls toCostello Auto Trans(CAT). Based inCarrick-on-Shannon, Co.Leitrim, thecompany hasspecialised in cartransportationbetween Ireland andthe UK since 1986.
“We have a goodworking relationshipwith Liam Costelloand his staff in thesame way as wehave a goodworking relationshipwith the garageswho we deal with inEngland,” adds,Lawrence, whoregularly makes thetrip across the IrishSea to source thebest used lightcommercialsavailable.
“The great thingabout CostelloAuto Trans is thatno job is too bigor too small forthem. Theyalways try toaccommodate anyspecial needs orrequests that youmight have.”
One of LMC’sstrongest selling
IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 71
46-47 William St.,Portadown, Craigavon, Co. Armagh BT62 3NX
Tel: 028 3833 2020Email
Beauty By MacBeauty By Mac
GILLIAN WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL AT LMC TRADE SALES CONTINUED SUCCESS
53 Ballymagerny Road, Loughgall, BT61 8PLTelephone: 028 3889 1283. Mobile: 07725 163862
Fax: 028 3889 1136. E-Mail : [email protected]
INDUSTRIAL/PUBLIC AUTHORITYPRIVATE GARDENSGROUNDS MAINTENANCEINTERIOR LANDSCAPINGGARDEN DESIGNSPORTSGROUND AND DRAINAGE
INDUSTRIAL/PUBLIC AUTHORITYPRIVATE GARDENSGROUNDS MAINTENANCEINTERIOR LANDSCAPINGGARDEN DESIGNSPORTSGROUND AND DRAINAGE
Best wishes to all
at LMC TradeSales
2 Northland Row, DUNGANNON, Co. Tyrone BT71 6AW.Tel/Fax: 028-8772439025 Dungannon Street, MOY, Co. Tyrone BT71 7SH. Tel/Fax: 028-87784390
CCoonnttiinnuueedd ssuucccceessssttoo aallll aatt
LLMMCC TTrraaddee SSaalleess
IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS72
WHITESIDE Haulage & Plant Hire
21 Loughview Road, Crumlin, Co. Antrim BT29 4RE
Mobile: 07860110119Office 028 94453856 • Fax: 028 94422688
HEAVY HAULAGESITE CLEARANCEPLANT HIRE
CONTINUED BEST WISHES TO ALL AT LMC TRADE SALES
Best Wishes To LMC Trade Sales From
DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL Intruder Alarms • CCTV Systems
Intercoms & Security Lighting24 Hour Emergency Service
T: 02838 334344 M: 077763 63235Email: info@[email protected]
Best Wishes ToLMC Trade Sales
FINN MOTORSAthlone Road, Ballymahon, Co. LongfordSPECIALISING IN UK IMPORTSCARS, VANS & COMMERCIALSMANY MAKES AND MODELS
Continued Best Wishes to LMC Trade Sales
TEL: 086-8539636
Wishing Continued Success To LMC Trade Sales From
Specialists In All Types of Light Commercials27 Feddan Rd., Ballygawley,
Co. Tyrone BT70 2APTel: 079 29208826
Skye BodyRepairs
points is its location just seven milesfrom the border, meaning that many ofits customers hail from the Republic.
“Our location is a big thing. As well asbeing close to the border, the M1motorway is only half-a-mile away withthe result that we’re within a hour’sdrive of anywhere in Northern Ireland.
“While we always get good businessfrom the south, things pick up a lotwhen the euro is strong againststerling. On our website(www.mlctradesales.com), we have aVRT (Vehicle Registration Tax)calculator for our southern customers.This system provides the Open MarketSelling Price (OMSP) as determinedby Revenue in the Republic for VRTpurposes and the amount of VRTpayable in respect of vehicles that areheld on the Revenue Commissioners’database.
“Needless to say, our southerncustomers have found this service veryuseful.”
LMC customers can alsouse the website to search formakes, models, prices as wellas the availability of vehicles.And while an extensive rangeof vehicles is available to buy,Lawrence reveals that theFord Transit is LMC’s bestseller.
“A lot of people still swear bythe Transit, but there is a bigdemand also for other makeslike the Volkswagen Caddyand the Citroen Berlingo.Regardless of the make ormodel, the bottom line is thatyou can be assured of a topquality used commercialwhen you buy from us.”
IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 73
COMPANY DETAILSLMC Trade Sales 68 Legilly Road, Dungannon,
Co. Tyrone, BT70 1PE.
Telephone: 028 8772 4317 Mobile: 07748 112 820 Fax: 028 8775 0473 Email: [email protected]:www.lmctradesales.com
Best Wishes To LMC Trade Sales, From
IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS74
The Insurance Centre, Sandyford BusinessCentre, Sandyford, Dublin 18
TEL+353 1 2932350FAX +353 1 2932360
E-MAIL [email protected]
www.mikemurphyinsurance.ie
TRUCK - CAR - BUSHOME - VAN - TRAVEL
FLEET - BUSINESS - LIABILITYSHOPS - OFFICES - MORTGAGE
LIFE - HEALTH
FOR ALL YOUR INSURANCE NEEDS
CONTINUED SUCCESS TO MSM RECYCLING
Mike Murphy Insurance Group is a trade name of Insureforsure Ltd. And regulated by the Central Bank Of Ireland
MIKE MURPHYGROUP
Hauliers, Are you aware ofthe very competitive rating
available from Sparrow Insurances?
Why not give us a call beforeyou renew your insurances
5 Wesley Terrace, Portlaoise, Co. Laois.T: (057) 8688888 F: (057) 8672936
Email: [email protected]
www.sparrowins.ieSparrow Insurances Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland
Best Wishes To MSM Recycling
MAIN DEALERS FORATLAS Material Handling Machines
&Truck Mounted CranesDOOSAN Waste Handling & Recycling Machinery
BOBCAT Skid Steer Loaders • BELL Loading ShovelsTEREX Wheeled Loaders
Wishing M.S.M. Every Success For The Future
Montana Plant Sales643 Greenogue Ind Est.,Rathcoole, Co. Dublin.
Tel: (01) 401 8844Fax: (01) 401 8843
www.montanaplant.com
WORN TRUCK TYRES
Bought For Truck Tyre Retreading
Only good quality cases
Sizes required 295/80 315/80 385/65-22-5
Email: [email protected]
Contact Sean on 057 9344292
www.condrontyres.ie
Best Wishes To M.S.M. Recycling Ltd
HEAVY PLANTSERVICES
Dedicated Shear & Baler Specialists
Higham House, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon
Telephone: 087 0631642Email: [email protected]
Best Wishes to MSM Recyling, from
Mobiles: Richard: 086-2552724Mary @ 086-2482313
Unit 401 Grants Drive, Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole, Co. Dublin
Tel: 01-4587005 Fax: 01-4588857
NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL HAULAGE
M.S.M. Recycling wasestablished in 1996 andoffers the experience of three
generations of the Ward family (whohave been in the metal recyclingbusiness for over 75 years). TheTallaght-based company provides ahigh-quality recycling service and isfully committed to continualdevelopment of the potential for metal(ferrous and non-ferrous) and glassrecycling in Ireland. M.S.M. alsoprovides a keen off-site dismantlingservice.
Even though the company hasdeveloped steadily over the years,managing director Con Ward and histrusty team still provide a personalservice to customers, considering
themselves part of a two-waypartnership. Con supplies hiscustomers with a top-class service;this is why he can count the likes ofDiageo, Roadstone, Tuska Marine andLightship Guillemot amongst hisextensive list of clients.
This year marks the 15th anniversaryof M.S.M. (Midlands Scrap Metal)Recycling Ltd’s inception. FounderCon Ward is originally from CountyLaois but he relocated the company toDublin a couple of years ago, havingpreviously operated in recycling as asole trader under the banner of ConWard Metals. As part of a proud familytradition in the recycling sphere, hebrings plenty of experience to thetable, noting:
“I’m third generation. My fatherCharles Ward was involved in thesame line of work, and so was mygrandfather – also Charles – beforehim. I was literally raised into this andmy own son Jason is in the familybusiness alongside me now, so youcould say we’re fourth-generation now.Then there’s my brother Anthony –when I started up, Anthony gotinvolved and he’s still here today as ashareholder / director.”
Con is originally from Mountmellick inthe O’Moore County. M.S.M startedout in Laois but moved to Tallaght twoyears ago to take advantage of alarger catchment area. The move haspaid dividends as the volume of workhas grown significantly and M.S.M. is
75
M.S.M.; the metalrecycling expertA third-generation family business, M.S.M. is one of Ireland’s foremostrecycling specialists. Irish Trucker visited the company’s headquarters atCookstown Industrial Estate in Tallaght and met up with MD Con Ward todiscuss the range of services provided and the ongoing success of thebusiness.
IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS
MSM Recycling is one of Ireland’sforemost recycling specialists
busier today than it has ever been.Indeed, they could be a lot busier –and could provide employment to a lotmore people too! – if they received
more co-operation fromlocal authorities.
So what is thecore serviceprovided? “Wespecialise inprocessing allferrous andnon-ferrousmetals, whichcovers allmetals. We offera nationwidecollectionservice. We cansupply skips ofany size,tailored tocustomers’
needs. They might want a skip on-sitelong-term or we can do one-offs forfarmers etc. Or we can send a lorrywith a crane and grab.
“The metal is weighed and we willpay accordingly. The beauty is thatrather than charge companies to takeaway their unwanted scrap metal, weactually pay them! The good thingabout the market is that these metalshave a particular value and we will paythat.”
As for the actual recycling of themetal, M.S.M. boasts contracts withsteelworks in Spain and Turkey andhas also sold further afield into evenmore exotic locations such asVietnam, China and India, workingthrough agents. The era of thecontainers and the global villagephenomenon is a big help in thisregard.
“We have a new system installedwhere we just load 20-foot containersand we have unlimited access tocountries all around the world. We canload 24 tonnes at a time onto thesecontainers in Dublin Port and thisgives us access to a world market.”
M.S.M. works off a Greenstar site,boasting one-and-a-half acres wherethey take in materials and processthem on site. The company operatesits own fleet of seven chain-lift and
hook-lift Scanias covering the 26counties and also sub-contractsadditional lorries if they areexceptionally busy. To say that themove to Tallaght was a resoundingsuccess would be an understatement,as Con confirms:
“We are in the process of trying torelocate to a new site because thisone is already too small. We have aworkforce of 27 here at the momentand – if we get our move – we coulddouble that. If certain bodies adopteda more favourable, positive approachto metal recycling, we could createemployment for another 20 or 30people easily. But we’re not getting thesupport we deserve for some reason,and this is very disappointing.
“M.S.M. is a very positive company.Everything we do is beneficial to theenvironment and we also export,which is good for the domesticeconomy. We are also fully taxcompliant and we do everything by thebook, yet we seem to run intobureaucratic red tape at every turn.We could take on 20 people instantly –and that should be seen as a priorityin the current climate.”
As for the future, Con concludes:“There is very good long-term viabilityin the recycling industry. Our orderbooks are very strong and countrieswhich are growing are looking for thisraw material. We could expandsubstantially if local authorities wouldlook at the work we do in a morefavourable light.”
IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS76
MSM specialise inprocessing all ferrous
and non-ferrous metals
COMPANY DETAILSMSM RecyclingUnit 41,Cookstown Industrial Estate,Tallaght,Dublin 24.
Telephone: 01 461 0077Fax: 01 452 6236
Email: [email protected]
CLASSIFIED
5 STAR QUALITYDRIVERS AVAILABLE
For Trucks & BusesPart Time & Full Time. No Fee.
Call Damian Now On
1890 82 99 99
IRISH
& LIGHT COMMERCIALS
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