Irish Trucker February 2011

IRISH

FEBRUARY 2011 Vol. 14 No. 2

EURO 2.95 stg.£2.50& LIGHT COMMERCIALS

www.irishtrucker.comIrish Truckeris published by

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Contributors: Gerry RobinsonStephen ReillyRandal ScallyShane CorriganShane Breslin

All rights reserved. No part of this publicationcan be published orreproduced in any waywithout the writtenpermission of the author orThe Lynn Group ©Copyright Lynn Group2011

The opinions expressed inIrish Trucker do notnecessarily reflect those ofthe editor, publishers, theiragents or Irish Trucker.While every effort hasbeen made to ensure thatthe information in thispublication is correct, thepublisher cannot acceptresponsibility for any errorsthat may appear.

Gerry Cumiskey Ltd P30

McCabe Transport P34

Laurence Cunningham Haulage P38

Hall Transport P42

Smyth Transport P64

CONTENTS

2 INDUSTRY NEWS

16 NATIONWIDE PARCEL EXPRESSSuccessful Irish company since 2005

18 TRUCK ALIGN (NI)One stop shop for commercial vehicle repairs and recovery

24 WESTERN CASING LTDCelebrating 30 years in business

30 GERRY CUMISKEY LTDMain focus is on customer satisfaction

34 MCCABE TRANSPORTProviding a top class haulage service between Ireland and Europe

38 LAURENCE CUNNINGHAMHAULAGEHas built up an excellent reputation

42 HALL TRANSPORTOne of the premier haulage companies in the midlands

48 J&F GROUPSupplying a loyal and efficient service

53 MULLINGAR NISSANA successful vehicle dealership in the midlands

56 THURLES TEST CENTREOne of the premier members of the VTN network

61 CROWLEY TRANSPORTSpecialising in a wide range of general haulage services

64 SMYTH TRANSPORTOne of the foremost haulage firms in the border region

69 RAY O’BRIEN GROUPMoving onwards and upwards

72 MORGAN MCLERNONOne of the leaders in its field of expertise

78 O’MAHONEY QUARRIESOperating for over a hundred years

81 EDWARD CONWAY MOTORSMain Citroen and Kia dealers

84 DECON TRANSPORTWe spoke to Managing Director Derek Connolly

86 PRIORITY VTNA state of the art vehicle testing facility

89 TULLAMORE NISSANIrish Trucker speaks with dealer principal Pat Marsh

93 CLASSIFIEDS

2 IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

BIT’S ‘N’ BOB’ST R U C K A C C E S S O R I E S

TRUCKNEWS

in association withMonaghan (087) 2480730

• TRUCK ACCESSORIES IN 1 STOP - INTERIOR & EXTERIOR• IRISH AGENT FOR KELSA TRUCK BAR’S• NATIONWIDE NEXT DAY DELIVERY

New MH6 Screw Compressor PresentationMouvex & Hydrocar leading compressor and power takeoff manufacturers respectively are proud to present forthe first time in history, the first Bulk Screw Compressorintegrated to the power take off which is fitted directly onthe truck transmission.

The MH6 is the culmination of a success story started in1993 with the introduction of the first Mouvex ScrewCompressor, type Typhon, followed up by Typhon II,Mistral, B600, B1500.

The MH6 synthesises Mouvex’s skills and experienceand offers a unique and innovative solution for unloadingpowders, cement, fly ash, lime, flour, etc. This newconcept revolutionises the process style and offers manyadvantages

Drastic reduction of weight and dimensionsEasy to installNo mounting brackets requiredImproved safety – no prop/drive shaft requiredP.T.O. integratedSlower Engine speedsReduced maintenance.

For additional information on MH6 and other Mouvexproducts including the full range of liquid and dry bulkcompressors, Hydrive Coolers, etc.,

Contact Irish Distributors at

Belfast Cork DublinMark Spencer 0791 2631524 Roy Cooke 087 2575116 James Kenna 087 2597102

028 90839085 021 4301742 01 4640255

NRA calls for lower toll chargesThe National Roads Authority recently announced that it feelsmotorists and hauliers are being over charged at a number of tollplazas around the country. The call from the NRA will put morepressure on the toll operators to reduce their prices at certain plazas,and if it goes ahead, it will be a huge relief to hauliers around thecountry, who are paying exorbitant amounts on the tolls every week.NRA spokesman Sean O’Neill stated that according to by-laws in placethat if the consumer price index falls for a 12-month period that theoperators of the toll plazas are also obliged to reduce their prices.However, this has not happened yet even though the NRA has askedfive toll operators to reduce their prices and only one has complied sofar

NRA feels some tollprices need to fall

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS4

in association with

TRUCK NEWS

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Ocean freight evens outThe levels of Ocean freight being transported since the New Year is levelling out, according to analysts after the fourmajor trade lanes started to stabilise.Container derivatives broker FIS said demand after Chinese New Year, as well as possible service reductions, wouldgovern rates.It said: “Many in the market will be waiting to see the levels of demand on the east-west trades once the lunar New Yearholidays come to an end in China. Coupled with the level of service reductions in this period, this will set the rate levelsand, possibly, the future trend.“A bearish sentiment is prevailing in the market, with many predicting that at best rates on the Europetrade will be flat, butit is more likely that the downward trend seen on the SCFI since the beginning of Q2 2010 will continue into Q2 2011.“With the word from carriers that utilisation is currently all-important and with several new vessel additions and largeservice changes planned by carriers, it is most likely that the downward pressure on rates will continue.”

Taxpayer may have to pay €350m Poolbeg clauseThe development of the controversial Poolbeg incinerator has suffered another set back following the news that thetaxpayer may have to pay out €350 million in financial penalties. A new report compiled for former Environment MinisterJohn Gormley has revealed that a 'put or pay' clause in the council's contract with American waste management company,Covanta could cost as much as €14m per year. Waste volumes would have to increase again at Celtic Tiger rates for thenext 25 years to avoid the financial penalties. In a letter to his successor, Minister Eamon O'Cuiv, the leader of the GreensJohn Gormley called for the findings of the report to be published in full immediately. The Irish Waste ManagementAssociation (IWMA) has also said that the Hennessey Report into the proposed Poolbeg incinerator should be released infull without any further delay. Brendan Keane, IWMA Spokesperson, commented: “For a significant period of time theIWMA has been warning Dublin City Council that the agreement it has made with Covanta and Dong Energy to build andoperate a 600,000 tonne incinerator at Poolbeg is a disaster for taxpayers and ratepayers. We have shown – throughindependent research – that the waste does not exist to fuel this incinerator at the size proposed, and that building afacility so oversized in the Dublin Region will have a deeply negative impact on the taxpayer, on recycling, on jobs and onthe entire waste sector. “The Hennessy Report bears out many of our concerns, and highlights the huge financial risk thatthis project poses to taxpayers. The complete report should be made public immediately so that all parties in this sorrysaga can assess it in full. “A 600,000 tonne incinerator is the wrong size for the Dublin Region. In the Dublin Region therecycling rate is now almost 40%, employing thousands of people, and the rate is projected to grow to 60%. Waste ratesare falling – sharply – and the days of Celtic Tiger growth are gone. And, of the four Dublin local authorities who originallycame together to develop this incinerator, one has exited the municipal waste market and another is preparing to dolikewise. “In addition, according to a High Court ruling in 2009, private operators own the waste that they collect, meaningthat Dublin City Council cannot force operators to use Poolbeg who choose to treat waste higher up the waste hierarchy,such as through recycling processes. “The Poolbeg incinerator is a relic of the ‘Celtic Tiger’, and the potential waste ofmoney associated with it now mirrors the types of losses more commonly associated with NAMA. “The IWMA is fullysupportive of incineration as part of a balanced approach to waste management but it is essential that it is appropriatelysized in the market. Not alone does the Poolbeg project represent a massive loss of money to the taxpayer, it poses a riskto recycling rates, to employment, and to our chances of developing a balanced approach to waste management.”

Bord Bia hail export increaseThe increase in export of food and drink is being applauded by Bord Bia as the economy bids to find its feet once again.Over the course of the last couple of years, Ireland has suffered greatly due to the current economic recession, butexports last year hit record levels to give the country some hope. This also helped the haulage industry as there was morework on offer for the many hauliers who have struggled to survive over the past couple of years. The chairman of BordBia, Dan Browne, said all the major sectors recorded increases - with dairy exports jumping by more than €300m, or 17%.Meat and livestock exports were almost €200m higher, while beverage and prepared food exports were also upsignificantly. Bord Bia welcomed increased sales on continental Europe.

5

FTA launch roadtransport laws guide

The Freight TransportAssociation hasreleased a guide forhauliers stating the2011 road transportlaws to aid transportcompanies incomplying with theincreasing changes inlegislation. Irishhauliers could beadvised to get a copyof the laws especiallythose who travel tothe UK on a regularbasis, which ishundreds every week.The 2011 Yearbook,written and compiled

by FTA’s team of transport legislation experts, nowincludes:* New information on conspicuity markings* A revised section on mixed driving (driving under bothEU and GB domestic drivers’ hours rules)* Enhanced information on convictions that can betaken into consideration by Traffic Commissioners* Details of how drivers can obtain a statement of DriverCPC periodic training from the Driving StandardsAgency* A new, enhanced table of operator licensingexemptions, including full definitions* Details of the new concession to delay weekly rest forcertain passenger operations

AA take on 40 new staffAA Ireland is to take onan additional 40 newemployees at its Dublinheadquarters to helpdeal with the demand fortheir services. The grouphas a customer base of600,000 people inIreland and during the

cold snap before Christmas, they were called out onceevery few minutes, making it one of their busiestperiods ever. The positions will be right across thecompany including in motor, home and travel insurance,as well as in AA Rescue service. Positions are alsobeing sought in web development.The truck used by James Pyke from Kilkenny who recently married

Mary Hanlon in Johnswell Church. The couple travelled from thechurch to the reception in this Mercedes Actros 1846 owned by MJ

McGuinness and driven by the groom. Shipping rates set toincrease

A consultancy firm is calling on all shipping firms tobrace themselves for yet another increase in rates ascompanies focus on market share instead ofprofitability. The latest Container Forecaster report fromindustry consultant Drewry’s states that shipping lineshave not learned their lesson from 2009 when ratesplummeted as carries opted to gain market share. NeilDekker, Editor of the Drewry Container Forecaster,said: “Unfortunately, the desire to maintain marketshare seems to be the primary driver in the east-westtrades at the moment. “Carriers have resolutely refusedto take out capacity from the marketplace, despite thefact that head-haul utilisation factors were in the low80s [in mid-December] and spot rates were fallingsteadily week by week. “Although carriers releasedrecord, or near-record, financial results for 3Q, this is notime for complacency and concentrating on marketshare instead of profitability. “The trends beingdisplayed are the same as were evident in recent timesand are usually the precursor of a downward spiral inthe market.”

Container volumes increase across EuropeContainer volumes across Europe between January and November last year were 15.4% higher than what they were in2009. The Container Trade Statistics (CTS) has released its latest data and it shows that exports from Europe to Asiaincreased by 3.6% from the previous year. Rates on the trade continued to soften in November, for the fourth consecutivemonth. CTS’s Asia-Europe price index, which uses average rates in 2008 as a base figure of 100, was 102 in November.

Guide for hauliers stating the2011 road transport laws

AA recruit new employeese

Shipping rates areset to rise

WEDDING BELLS

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS


Poor roads contribute to deathsThe National Roads Authority has admitted that many of thecountry’s busiest roads are sub-standard and unsafe, after itwas claimed that as many as 12 fatal road accidents last yearwere down to poor road surfaces. The conditions of thecountry’s busiest roads lies in the hands of a number ofgroups and this is where the confusion as nobody reallyknows what they are looking after. The stark warning fromNRA chief executive Fred Barry comes as the budget for roadimprovements continues to be cut in the wake of governmentspending cutbacks. "A lot of the older roads are not properlydesigned, particularly the secondary routes but also those onnational secondary routes. The issue here is one of funds. Wewould like to be making more improvements,” said Barry."Many of our national roads do not come close to meetingdesign and construction standards," he recently told the

Oireachtas Committee on Transport.Typical deficiencies included poor road-making material, inadequate roads alignment, poor visibility, bad drainage,inadequate crossing points and deficient pavements. Much of the unimproved national road network is not up to standard.”

PRL Group adds 52Permanent &seasonal jobsPRL Group, distributors of ambient, chilled,frozen foods and healthcare products to theretail market nationwide, has added 52 jobs,(27 permanent and 25 seasonal) to itsexpanding business and is anticipating furthersignificant growth in 2011.The €50m logistics and supply chain firmwhich operates from warehouses anddistribution centres in Dublin, Kilkenny andCork has won a long term contract withUnilever Ireland for the distribution ofUnilever’s range of ice cream products inIreland.The contract, which will also expand PRL'ssales operation, sees PRL bring its currentworkforce to over 300 permanent staff and thecontract win firmly establishes PRL as thelargest provider of frozen food supply chainsolutions in Ireland. In November 2010 thePRL Group, headquartered in Rathcoole, Co.Dublin, also won a contract with Danone totake over the distribution of the Danone chillproduct range in the Irish market.Commenting on the expansion PRL Group’sco-founder and Executive Chairman, MichaelBrannigan said; ”the recession has greatlyinfluenced market dynamics in the fooddistribution and logistics business and ascompanies look at efficiencies andcompetitiveness, PRL is in the fortunateposition to have strategically aligned itsoperations for the new environment. We lookto 2011 with determined confidence and, withfurther contracts in prospect; we anticipatesignificant further growth in our business in theyear ahead.”

Poor road conditions havecaused fatal accidents

Greencore expecting strongyearFood group Greencore, which has hundreds of trucks on the roads ispredicting a good year if the euro can maintain its current level ofstrength. It added that the first three months of its financial year haveseen a good underlying performance at its convenience foodsdivision, with continued business revenue of €208.7m, up 7.6% onthe same time the previous year. Its two key categories - Food to Goand Prepared Meals - continued to see favourable trends andGreencore said their operating performance remaining strong. Butingredient and packaging inflation is more pronounced and the groupsaid it is managing this through a combination of selling priceincreases and cost reductions. It added that its US business traded inline with expectations as it bought a new fresh sandwich business inDecember.

Trailer manufacturer reachesnew level

Gray & Adamshave becomethe first trailermanufacturerin the UK toreceive theECWVTA for arange of triaxleand tandemaxle trailermodels. ManyIrish hauliers

use Gray & Adams trailers and their trust in the British basedcompany is justified given that they were awarded the EC WholeVehicle Type Approval. The company now has approvals for a widerange of trailers that cover refrigeration, dry freight and curtainsidervariants, which will meet 80% of customers’ requirements. TypeApproval will not become mandatory in the UK until October 2012,but Gray & Adams have shown initiative in securing the newlegislation.

Gray & Adams havereceived the ECWVTA

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS 7

Port of Cork traffic increases in 2010While all sectors at the Port of Cork experienced a challenging period during 2010, the end of year total trade trafficshows an increase. Total trade in 2010 through the Port of Cork amounted to 8.8 million tonnes, an increase of 8.6%compared to 2009.One area of increase which has a very positive effect on the local economy is the increase in exports from the Port. Totalexports at the Port of Cork have remained strong increasing by 10% to date, in comparison to 2009. Exports are a keydriver in the successful recovery of the Irish Economy and the Port of Cork is committed to continuous support in thegrowth of international trade for both current and future economic prospects. The container business at the Port of Cork has remained constant with over 150,000 TEU handled in 2010. Animal feedstuffs, fertiliser and other trades have shown a significant increase in 2010. Oil traffic has shown a slight increase of 3.5%as a consequence of lower levels of economic activity; however it continues to be a significant part of the Port of Corkbusiness.Commenting on the end of year trade traffic results, Mr Dermot O’Mahoney Chairman of the Port of Cork said: “The Portof Cork is pleased to announce that total trade traffic in 2010 has shown an 8.6 % increase on 2009 traffic. With 98% ofall goods imported or exported from Ireland moved by ship, the importance of ports to our economy is vital. The Port ofCork is a key link to the continued economic success of the entire Munster region and the challenges now for the Port ofCork, is to continue to develop. This requires that we be visionary and seize opportunities presented by emerging trendsand logistic supply changes.”He continued: “While the next four to five years will be challenging for us all, we need to continue to promote the fact thatIreland is an excellent investment location and is well placed to capitalise on growing global markets.”52 cruise liners visited the Port of Cork during 2010 bringing over 100,000 passengers and crew to the region. Accordingto research carried out by UK consultants GP Wild, the average in-transit spend per passenger, while visiting an Irish portis €73. This is a significant contribution towards the local tourism economy.Ferry passenger numbers though the port also increased mainly due to the welcomed re-commencement of the ferryservice linking Cork with Swansea. The weekly ferry service from Cork to Roscoff with Brittany Ferries also had asuccessful year.In 2010, the Port of Cork developed a recreational strategy to improve the marine leisure facilities around Cork Harbour.The first project carried out was the construction of a 100m marina on South Custom House Quay. This long terminvestment for the city of Cork has already proven to be very popular among local boats and visiting boats. The Port ofCork expects 2011 to be even busier.


Interested in becoming acertified transport manager?If you want to pursue a career in transport, unlock your potential andgain a recognised qualification then you should consider a Certificateof Professional Competence (CPC) in Transport Management. Thiscertificate, which is awarded by the Chartered Institute of Logisticsand Transport, qualifies you as a Transport Manager and also entitlesyou to set up a haulage or bus passenger business. A CPC is alsoextremely beneficial for employment opportunities, careeradvancement, or if you want to up skill. You may also be entitled tofunding for the course from your local FAS or Local EmploymentOffices. Subjects covered in the course include: managing atransport business; employment and health and safety legislation;contract law and financial management; tachograph and hours ofdriving legislation; national and international documentation etc.Approved CPC courses are run at weekends by Tony Hynes who hassuccessfully put thousands of students through the CPC exam byusing his own specially developed materials and his unique dynamicdelivery style. Tony is starting his next CPC Courses on Saturday 5thMarch at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, Saturday 12th March at theKilmurry Lodge Hotel, Limerick, Saturday 19th March at the CountyArms Hotel, Birr and Saturday 26th March at the Green Isle Hotel,Naas Road, Dublin. If you wish to obtain further information you cancontact Tony at 066-7185556 or 086-2458379 or [email protected] or visithis dedicated website at www.cpc.ie where you can also view theprogramme “Driving for Living - the search for Ireland’s MostProfessional Driver” - created and sponsored by CPC.IE

Irish Ferries votedIreland’s best ferrycompany ... on thedoubleIt’s official! Irish Ferries is Ireland’s favouriteferry company...to be sure, to be sure.In the space of just one day, the ‘best ferry’title was awarded to the company at twoseparate prize giving ceremonies held inDublin recently – both won againstcompetition from all of the UK and Continentalferry companies operating into and out ofIreland.The first award - one that the company haswon on a number of occasions in the past -was presented by the influential travel industrymagazine Irish Travel Trade News based onresponses received from Irish travel industrystaff.Later on the same day, at an inauguralawards ceremony hosted by the Irish TravelAgents Association, the company was againcalled to the podium to receive their BestFerry Company award, also voted upon bystaff in each travel agent’s office up and downthe country.Delighted with their success, Irish FerriesMarketing Director Tony Kelly commented “ourstaff can be doubly proud of their achievement– the first time that any ferry company hastaken two top awards on the same day.”

French port strikeshelp increaseEurotunnel trafficThe amount of heavy goods vehicles travellingthrough the Channel Tunnel increased by 42%last year, according to a report released. Lastyear’s general strike caused mayhem in manyof the French ports leaving hauliers fromIreland and the UK facing great difficulties inreaching their destinations. “The growth inEurotunnel traffic should not hide the fact thatthere was an estimated 16% contraction in the[cross-Channel] market on 2007, and just 3%growth on 2009,” said the report. “Thissituation – largely the result of the economiccrisis – has brought visibility to the differentstrategies employed by the different cross-Channel operators. The ferries appear to bechasing short-term volumes, while Eurotunnelcontinues with a long-term commercial policy.“Overall, even though the economic crisis isnot yet over and there is still substantialcompetition across the Channel, the return ofEurotunnel’s customers is clear. Truck trafficincreased 35% in the fourth quarter.”

Renault launch new programmeRenault Truck Commercials are launching a new demonstrationprogramme that will initially be shown around the U.K before beingreleased in Ireland. The demonstration programme is designed toshowcase the features of the Renault Premium Long Distance as oneof the most productive, comfortable and fuel efficient tractorsavailable on UK market today, as well as providing a strong imageunder which to promote the strengths of the Renault TruckCommercials dealer group. Christophe Blazere, managing director ofRenault Truck Commercials UK Ltd, explains, “I joined RenaultTrucks Commercials in the UKin June 2010 and quickly identified theneed to bring the 11 sites closer together in terms of operating as acohesive dealer group, rather than them promoting themselves asindividual sites, which had been the situation in the past. “There is‘strength in numbers’ and, as a group, we are able to offer classleading levels of customer service and product choice to UK truckand van operators.” More than 80 demonstrations have already beenbooked across the Renault Truck Commercials sites, so the vehicleswill shortly become a very familiar sight on the UK roads.

Renault Trucks are launching a newdemonstration programme

Fuel sales drop due tobad weatherPetrol and diesel sales plummeted over the Christmasperiod as less people were travelling on Irish roadsbecause of the adverse weather conditions. Hard frostand heavy snow left the roads treacherous for anumber of weeks in the lead up to Christmas and afterthe festive season. This meant that less people optedto drive on the roads and so were using less fuel.David Blevings, of the Irish Petrol RetailersAssociation, said it was another blow for the industryalready reeling from price hikes, carbon taxes and levyincreases. “We are not surprised by these figures,” hesaid. “Our members have been reporting a downturn insales generally.” Latest figures from the CentralStatistics Office (CSO) also show an overall 3.6% diplast month in retail sales, when car sales – which wereboosted through the scrappage scheme – were takenout of the equation.

Transport firm to shed 50jobs

Danish transport company DFDS has ceased running itslast two Irish Sea services at the end of January, leaving 50people out of work at its Dublin depot. DFDS had tried tosell the routes, but failing to do that and making no profit,the decision was made to close the routes down. Sailingsfrom Dublin to Birkenhead and Heysham ceased from theend of January and DFDS CEO Niels Smedegaardadmitted that it was a difficult decision to make.“It is withdeep regret, that we close these routes. Despite animpressive effort from employees and a verycomprehensive analysis of the market and evaluation ofturnaround scenarios, we have not succeeded indeveloping viable solutions for the routes.” saidSmedegaard. “Market conditions in the area are quitesimply too difficult and, unfortunately, we do not envisageany improvement in the near future.”

IRHA defend hauliersThe Irish Road Haulage Association is confident thatthe majority of hauliers comply with the legislation thatgoverns vehicle safety, drivers’ hours and overloadingamongst other areas. Haulage companies have comein for some criticism over the past year or so for failingto comply with the necessary legislations that are inplace to make the transportation of goods on our roadssafer.

Stena buy Irish SeavesselStena North Sea will begin operating the ro-pax DublinSeaways ferry after the company purchased the vesselfrom DFDS Seaways for €24 million.DFDS ceased operating their Irish Seaservices earlierin the year after the routes from Dublinto Birkenheadand Heysham were not making a profit. The companyhad only entered the Irish market in 2009.Another vessel belonging to DFDS and operated onthe same routes, Liverpool Seaways will now bedeployed on the company’s network in the Baltic Sea.The third, a smaller ro-ro ship, will be deployedelsewhere on DFDS routes or be chartered-out.

DFDS has ceased running itslast two Irish Sea services

Petrol and diesel sales fellover the Christmas period


11

Trucker cleared oftransporting moneyA Wexford based haulier has ended a five-monthnightmare after he was found not guilty of knowinglypossessing €420,000 in his truck in an English court.Peter Angelo Doyle has endured a torrid time since histruck was searched at Fishguard on July 25th, 2010 andcustoms found a bag containing €420,000 in the back ofthe lorry. The 46-year-old was brought in for questioningand was subsequently placed in a Swansea prison fortwo weeks, despite claiming his innocence. His sisterTilly, who is based in London posted bail under the termsthat Doyle would surrender his passport and drivinglicence to Police, while he also had to sign on at a localpolice station twice daily, meaning that he could not work.However, his ordeal was finally over when he washanded back his licence and passport after being foundnot guilty at a court hearing in late January much to hisrelief. “I could have had work, I had different options, butthey refused to consider changing my bail conditionstwice,” said Doyle. “I was sitting in my sister’s flat for thepast five months doing nothing. The killing part was that Ihad work to go to if I wanted.”

North’s road schemebacked by FTAThe Freight Transport Association is pleased to hear thatthe DRD and Northern Ireland Executive are to addressthe problems within the country’s vital trade routes. TheDepartment for Regional Development (DRD) recentlypublished a consultation stating that funds will be madeavailable for road improvements.FTA members have been urging the government to carryout much needed upgrading work on the A8 Belfast toLarne Port that carries many trucks on a daily basis. TomWilson, FTA's Head of Policy for Northern Ireland said:"DRD and the Northern Ireland Executive must givepriority to those schemes that will encourage inwardinvestment and improve traffic flows."

Hauliers wanted in CanadaAnyone flirting with the idea of emigration and has a HGVlicence should consider moving to Canada as a companyin the country is currently recruiting truck drivers. ClarkeRoad Transport INC is based in Nova Scotia easternCanada and is seeking qualified professional drivers foremployment and the haulage firm is willing to sponsorsuccessful candidates. Drivers would need to haveexperience in chaining and covering loads as most of thework would involve flatbeds and the company alreadyemploys a number of European drivers that started a newlife in the area. If anyone is interested they shouldcontact Commonwealth Immigration, which is a U.Kbased immigration consultancy firm and has a Canadiangovernment-authorised immigration partner in Canada.For further details contact: 0044 0 1223830916. E-mail:[email protected] or check outwww.clarkelink.com

Mercedes-Benz tops HGVmarket againMercedes-Benz has once again proven to be the choice ofHGV among Irish hauliers as for the second year running itis the most popular truck on the road. The Society of theIrish Motor Industry released figures showing thatMercedes-Benz truck sales equalled 15.8 per cent of themarket share, which was the largest proportion. TheGerman truck manufacturer was ahead of DAF (14.4%)and Volvo (11.6%) in the list as the Actros, Axor and Ategosold well for Mercedes. The amount of heavy commercialssold in Irelandlast year was 1,020 units, which was down11.4% from the previous year.

Mercedes Benz are the choice of HGV among Irish hauliers

Hauliers concerned overDFDS withdrawalHauliers are voicing their concerns over escalating pricesthat may be brought in following DFDS’ sale of its IrishSearoutes to Stena Line, which is being investigated bythe Irish Competition Authority (ICA).DFDS have sold their routes from Dublin to Birkenheadand Heysham to Stena Line and many hauliers haveadmitted that they are concerned to see Stena have sucha monopoly in the market. One industry observer said:“Stena Line, which is already dominant in shippingpassengers, will increase market share instantly. Aspokesman for Stena Line said there would still be enoughoperators on the Irish Sea to ensure that prices would stillbe governed by market forces.

NRA head for courtsThe National Roads Authority is bringing the company thatoperates the toll road on the M1 motorway to court overclaims of over charging. Celtic Roads Group (Dundalk) isalleged to be over charging motorists on the M1 to thetune of €1.39m per annum according to the NRA, a claimthat the group strenuously deny. The court was told therewas no mechanism to repay motorists who had beenovercharged. And it was told that this case has implicationsfor toll roads all over the country. The NRA says tolls onthe M1 motorway ought to have been reduced on 1January this year from €1.90 for a car to €1.80 but it saysthe company has not done this. Mr Justice Peter Kellyadmitted the case to the Commercial Courtlist and said hewould hear the action on February 22. He said it should bedetermined as quickly as possible as if motorists arepaying an unlawful amount, they can never be reimbursed.The NRA said earlier this month that four other tollingoperators were also required to lower their tolls - thecompanies operating the M4 toll road, the M6 toll road, theM8 toll road and the N25 toll road.


Irish exporters displayconfidence in 2011A report by Grant Thornton International Business hasrevealed that Irish exporters are among the most optimisticin the world when it comes to this year’s prospects. Thirtycountries across the world were surveyed and Ireland wereup there with the most optimistic for 2010, while they alsoexpected a further decrease in unemployment this year. Inaddition, it finds that three quarters of all Irish companiesexpect to increase or maintain profitability this year. Partnerin Grant Thornton, Pat Burke said that, while this level ofoptimism is well placed, Irish businesses are less hopefulabout the nation's prospects overall.

Hauliers urged to negotiateThe Irish Road Haulage Association has urged its membersto discuss introducing a diesel surcharge with its customersamid fears of spiralling fuel costs. The escalating cost of fuelhas left many hauliers struggling to survive and IRHApresident Vincent Caulfield believes that its members shoulddiscuss the matter with their customers. “We are hopefulthat consignors can be brought to understand the financialpressures that existing arrangements are placing uponlicensed hauliers and the necessity to introduce a dieselsurcharge to maintain existing levels of service,” IRHApresident Vincent Caulfield said.“These continued increases in fuel costs are unsustainablefor our industry. Our members have had enough and theyare clear on the only solutions available to them to protecttheir businesses and the service that they provide tocustomers.”

Learner driversoverchargedThe Road Safety Authority is set to refund thousands oflearner drivers that were overcharged for their driving test.The mistake came to prominence after the RSA chargedlearner drivers an increased fee of €85 a number of daysearly. The driver theory test was also put up €5 ahead ofschedule and now the RSA must pay out €29,000 to peopleover the coming days. The mistake was blamed on anadministrative error.A spokesman said: "As a result the RSA will, with immediateeffect, refund the increased fee portion of the driving test toall driving test candidates who booked a test betweenJanuary 25 and January 31.

Container rates drop

Speculation is growing that container rates may ease for theremainder of the year; despite shipping lines declaring that2011 may be a good period for the industry. The ShanghaiContainerised Freight Index revealed that rates on servicesfrom Shanghaito Europeslipped by US$39 to reach $1,342per teu on 14 January, compared with 7 January, while ratesto the Mediterraneanfell by $21 to $1,212 per teu.Broker Freight Investor Services said: “Uncertainty over howfirm rates will be in the short term, with carrier rateincreases failing on both Europe and US routes and doubtover their ability to resist chasing marketshare later in theyear as new tonnage comes on stream, is fuellingspeculation that rates will be soft for most of the year. “Alldepends on the ability of carriers to manage their capacityto ensure that the market remains stable. “There is thepossibility, however, that an under- then over-correction ofsupply [the number of vessels in active operation] bycarriers – all waiting to be the last one to blink in a marketwith a delicate supply demand balance – may drive greatervolatility.”

Container rates may fall for the rest of the year

Company insolvency almost reaches 100-mark for JanuaryFigures from InsolvencyJournal.ie show that 96 companies went closed down during the month of January, which in fact isa 13% drop from the same period last year. Once again, the construction industry leads the way as numerous companieswere forced to close down and this has had a knock on effect in the haulage industry, many of who relied heavily on thebuilding trade to make a living. Of the 96 companies gone out of business, a quarter of them were construction relatedand this was closely followed by the manufacturing industry, although there are a fewer companies in this sector gonecompared to the same month in 2010. Higher costs are believed to be one of the main reasons for so many companiesgoing out of business, as a rise in oil prices and other commodities have forced retailers to put their prices up.


Funds allocated to regional and local roadsMinister for Transport Pat Carey recentlyannounced details of the €375 million investmentprogramme for the regional and local roads networkfor 2011. Most of the funding will go on repair workto the local roads that were badly damaged duringthe bad weather and Carey revealed that theRestoration Improvement Programme plan wouldbe re-introduced. “This year’s allocation of €375million will bring the total Exchequer investmentsince 1997 for the restoration and upgrading ofregional and local roads by way of grants to almost€6.4 billion. This year I am reintroducing theRestoration Improvement Programme to refocuspriority investment under this programme to areasthat most need it. A total of €150 million is beingprovided to local authorities under this grantcategory. Local authorities will also be providedwith flexibility to change their programmes ifnecessary given the recent period of severeweather. I have also introduced a WinterMaintenance Grant category which local authorities

may use for treating roads during periods of cold weather. “The Minister added: “These grants, which supplementexpenditure by local authorities from their own resources, represent a very significant investment at a time when publicfinances are under severe pressure. These roads serve an important economic role and have valuable social andcommunity functions. 94% of all our roads are regional or local – they carry about 54% of all traffic. It is, therefore,imperative that we maintain and, where necessary, improve the network.”

RSA warns political parties over poster use on roadwaysWith a General Election underway, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising political parties and their campaignworkers of the need to take care when positioning campaign posters.Specifically, the RSA has advised that election posters should not be placed in a way which obscures road signs,particularly those that relate to the Rules of the Road and road user safety. These would include speed limit, traffic lightsjunction, warning and road works signs as well as those giving directions. “The signage on our roads, whether put there bythe National Roads Authority, Local Authorities, the Gardaí or construction and road repair teams, are there to ensure thesafety of motorists and all road users,” explained Noel Brett, Chief Executive, RSA. “So it is vital that no action is takenthat either obscures signage / traffic lights, or distracts road users. Particular care should be taken to ensure that allposters are securely fastened so as to avoid hitting cyclists, pedestrians or vehicles.”It is an offence to erect any sign or notice that makes a traffic sign less visible to road users (Road Traffic Act 1961,

Section 95, Subsection 14)(14) A person shall not provide any such sign, device, notice or light as is not a traffic sign if, on provision thereof, it isvisible from a public road and—(a) it is capable of being confused with a traffic sign,(b) it makes a traffic sign provided in accordance with this section less visible to road users,or(c) it obstructs the view of public road users so as to render the road dangerous to them.Local Authorities are also advised that under the ‘Traffic Signs Manual’ issued by the Department of Transport that action

should be taken to deal with obstructions that impede the clear visibility of traffic signs. Any member of the public who isconcerned about dangerous or inappropriately positioned election posters should contact their Local Authority directly.Concluding Mr. Brett also asked election candidates to ensure that “all campaign workers are made aware of the dangersof working at the road side and not to place themselves or others at risk when erecting posters. It would certainly be veryhelpful if such workers took the practical step of wearing high-visibility jackets when doing so.

IRU sign new agreementThe International Road Transport Union (IRU) has signed a Cooperation Agreement with the Organisation of AmericanStates to improve competitiveness across its member states. The document also establishes collaborative efforts tofacilitate the insertion of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in global trade by improving supply-chain management ofgoods and services and ensuring the mobility of people and goods through road transport. The agreement was signed atOAS headquarters in Washington, DCby the OAS Executive Secretary for Integral Development, Ambassador MauricioCortes y Costa, and the IRU Secretary General, Martin Marmy

EU375 million investment programmefor regional and local roads



Continental Irish Van of the Year 2011 Category Winners Announced

* Land Rover Discovery 4 takes theContinental Irish Commercial SUV of the Yearaward

* Volkswagen Golf Van wins Continental IrishCar Derived Van of the Year accolade

At an awards ceremony the Land RoverDiscovery 4 and Volkswagen Golf Van were votedCategory Winners in the Continental Irish Van ofthe Year 2011 by the Irish Motoring WritersAssociation (IMWA) Van Jury. All nine voting members of the IMWA Van Jurytook part in the vote. In deciding on thesecategory winners, the jury members took intoaccount such attributes as load capacity,reliability, overall versatility, cost of ownership anddrive comfort.Presenting the awards to Eddie Kavanagh, Land

Rover Ireland and Niall Phillips of VolkswagenIreland, Paddy Murphy of Continental TyresIreland commented: “These two great vehicleshave won the valuable endorsement of the IrishMotoring Writers Association. I am sure thatwinning this Continental Irish Van of the YearCategory Award will support the success in thecommercial marketplace for both the Discovery 4and the Golf Van.Chairman of the Irish Motoring WritersAssociation, Michael Moroney said: “TheContinental Irish van category awards are ofparticular interest to Irish van / commercial driversand fleet managers, as they highlight the nichemodels that have won the approval of our VanJury”.The Commercial SUV and Car Derived Van of theYear titles are category awards under the umbrellaof the Continental Irish Van of the Year. Theoverall Continental Irish Van of the Year award for2011 was won by the Mercedes-Benz Vito.

The new Land Rover Discovery 4 Commercial has been named Continental IrishCommercial SUV of the Year 2011 by the Irish Motoring Writers Association

(IMWA) - Eddie Kavanagh of Land Rover Ireland receives the award from MichaelMoroney, IMWA Chairman; also pictured are IMWA Van Jury Chairman Gerry

Murphy (left) and Paddy Murphy of sponsor Continental Tyres

The new VW Golf Van has been named Continental Irish Car Derived Van of theYear 2011 by the Irish Motoring Writers Association (IMWA) - Niall Phillips of VWIreland receives the award from Michael Moroney, IMWA Chairman; also pictured

are IMWA Van Jury Chairman Gerry Murphy (left) and Paddy Murphy of sponsor Continental Tyres

Pollution tax edges closerChanges to the controversial Eurovignette directive were discussed by the European’s Transport and Tourism Committeeas a pollution tax among hauliers’ edges closer to being a reality for eleven countries including Ireland. European hauliersare on the brink of paying additional road tolls for air and noise pollution, which would be just an added over headed forthe already struggling haulage industry.European Parliament Rapporteur Said El Khadraoui said: “After two years of waiting, it is finally good news that memberstates have issued a common position, albeit with a narrow majority. Now we have four or five months to see whether wecan achieve a Second Reading consensus and avoid conciliation.” Alexander Sakkers, of the International Road TransportUnion (IRU), branded the proposal “unacceptable” and said ministers had ignored all the taxes, charges and dutiesalready paid by the road freight industry. At least two years are expected to pass before the new Eurovignette isimplemented.The amendments will initially only affect the 11 EU member states that apply tolls: Portugal, Spain, Ireland, France,Germany, Austria, Italy, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Greece, with Poland and Hungary expected to join thescheme later.

There are a number ofcourier and next daydelivery services out

there and the options areextensive, but if a customerwants peace of mind in knowingthat their product will arrivesafely and on time to itsdestination, then they need lookno further than NPX (NationwideParcel Express).

Based in the BallymountBusiness Park, Dublin, this Irishowned courier and parceldelivery company has developed areputation for providing the highestlevel of service possible in a marketdominated by international distributiongroups.

For this month's edition of IrishTrucker, we profile NPX and speak tomanaging director Brian Murphy aboutthe success of the company since itsinception in 2005.

Brian along with directors (MichaelBrennan, Alan Murphy, Maura Solan,Pat Butler) and staff have worked

incredibly hard to get the business tothe level of service that they arecurrently at and are even moredetermined to maintain these highstandards.

“We are committed to providing ourcustomers with the highest level ofcourier and parcel delivery service.Our nationwide network is backed bythe latest proven technology, allowingyou to both track your parcelsindividually and to view the overallservice level reporting for your

consignments. We are currentlyexceeding 99% on-time deliveries.”said Brian.

Using the most up-to-datetechnology to maximise their servicesfull potential, NPX provide their largecustomer base with the necessarytools to ensure that they always knowwhere their goods are.

“Everything is recorded in ourdatabase from the moment it arriveshere until it is delivered to thecustomer.

16

An efficient serviceWhen businesses need a parcel or product delivered, they want the jobdone promptly and efficiently by a professional service partner that pridesitself in having the coverage and flexibility to complete a task on time.


NPX directors from l/r: MichaelBrennan (Sales Director), Alan JMurphy (Financial Director) and

Brian Murphy (Managing Director)

“This database is supported by ahigh speed VPN (virtual privatenetwork) that spans all of ourbranches. This network allows allusers to operate as if they were in thesame building on the same network.Through the use of portals thisnetwork can be expanded to anywhereinternet is accessible.

“All our drivers have hand heldtrackers and the parcels are trackedevery step of the way. The parcels arescanned as soon as they are collectedand then the customer can log on andsee where their product is and it savesthem the hassle of having to ring upand see where it is.”

Starting off any business means a lotof hard work and basically selling theservice that you are providing andBrian revealed that getting NPX upand running was no easy task.

“In hindsight, we probably under-estimated how big a job it would be toget the company started. We had togo out and build a brand and explainto the customers what we had tooffer.”

“We then had to build a level of trustamongst our customers and, to behonest, it probably took 18 months to

two years to get the business runningthe way we wanted it too.”

These days the NPX vans can beseen anywhere on the roads in Irelandand with 30 employees on the books,and a further 90 owner drivers Brianfeels that as a team they work welltogether.

“There is a very low turnover of staffhere and we also have a number ofowner drivers on the books. Everyoneis properly trained and all carry outtheir duties to the highest standard. Itis important to have a loyal staff andfortunately for us that is somethingthat we have.

Brian admitted that 2010 had beenan uneasy year, but stressed that theycontinued to provide the same level ofservice and he hopes that it's a caseof onwards and upwards from here on.

“Last year was tough, as it was forso many businesses around thecountry, but I believe we handled itwell and the fact that we maintainedthe volumes that we had beenhandling the previous year suggeststhat we were doing the right things.

“This is a very competitive businessand there is always pressure, but weknow that we are providing a topquality service that our customers are

happy with, and once we can continueto do so and improve on any area thatwe can, then there should be no majorproblems.

“The main aim is to keep focusing oncustomer satisfaction and give each ofour customers the attention needed.The majority of our customers havebeen with us for a number of yearsnow and have stayed loyal and I'd liketo take the opportunity to thank themfor that.”

Through their network of contacts thecompany can deliver parcelsthroughout Ireland, the U.K. andglobally.

Every year the business is expandingand so too is NPX's customer base.They have become a breath of freshair in an industry where any wrongmove can prove detrimental to acustomer's good name. “We are veryaware that we are the final link in ourcustomers' sales process and we takethat responsibility very seriously, bothto protect our customer's reputation aswell as our own,” commented Brian.They know what the customer wantsand needs, so they continue to listenand adapt while striving to deliver onall fronts.


Accountants&

Taxation ConsultantsDublin 6w

Wishing NPX(Nationwide Parcel Express)

continued success

Kenny, Whelan & Company I Accountants, Statutory Auditors & Taxation ConsultantsVanomer House, 191/193 Lower Kimmage Road, Dublin 6w I Tel: 01 490 3128

Email: [email protected]

www.kennywhelan.comKenny, Whelan a firm of Independent Accountants, is registered to carry out audit work and

authorised by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland to carry on investment business

For well over 30 years, truckowners from all over Irelandhave been travelling north to

have their crashed vehicles repairedby Tom Scott and his staff at TruckAlign (NI).

The Co. Antrim-based company isrecognised as Ireland’s premier

commercial vehicle recovery andaccident repair centre. Since itsformation in 1976 Truck Align hasbeen providing an unrivalled serviceand has established a tradition forvalue-for-money and total dedicationto customer service. The company iscommitted to meeting the individual

requirements of each customer andprides itself in offering a reliable andquality service at a competitive price.

“We have nearly 35 years’experience in this business and haveseen our customer-base growsubstantially in that time. It says a lotfor the type of service that we offer

Truck Align arespecialists in recovery

18

The repair andrecovery specialistsTruck Align (NI) in Crumlin, Co. Antrim is your one-stop shop forcommercial vehicle repairs and recovery. Managing director Tom Scottexplains more.


that we areattractingcustomers from allparts of Ireland.We are a one-stopshop for all yourcommercialvehicle recoveryand accidentrepairs,” saysTruck Alignmanaging directorand founder TomScott.

Truck Align offersa wide range ofservices forcommercialvehicles. Alltechnicians are allfully qualified andhave a wealth ofexperience andknowledge.Excellentturnaround timesand a top qualityservice canalways beassured.

“We have yearsof experience incrash repairs andare one of thecountry’s foremostgarages in chassisrepair. We arerecommendedrepairers for allthe majorinsurancecompanies andoffer special rates

for cross-channel recovery,”explains Tom, whose wifeMargaret is also involved in thecompany as office manager.

Among the services offeredby Truck Align (NI) are:commercial vehicle 24-hourrecovery; body repair to allmakes of vehicles; cab jigging;chassis straightening/repair;laser alignment to reduce tyrewear; spray painting; vehiclesignwriting.

Truck Align operates sevenvehicle recovery trucksconsisting of Mercedes andScania. Air cushion liftingequipment and a 100-tonnecrane is also available to lift theheaviest of crashed oroverturned vehicles.

Many of the leading haulage


The Truck Align office

The spacious yard at TruckAlign’s Crumlin headquarters

Truck Align has been inbusiness for over 30 years

19

companies do business with TruckAlign, including McBurney Transport inBallymena, Woodside Transport inBallyclare and Montgomery Transportwhich has offices in Belfast,Portadown, Dublin, Donegal, Galwayand Cork. Tom also counts a numberof main dealerships among his bestcustomers.

“McBurney, Woodside andMontgomery are our three biggestcustomers, but we appreciate oursmaller customers’ business just asmuch. We endeavour to provide all ourcustomers with the best service wepossibly can,” he continues.

Truck Align operates from a state-of-

the-art premises which comprises aneight-bay bodyshop, specialist chassisshop, paint shop, two spray-boothsand an office block. As a recognisedrepairer for any vehicle makes,customers can take comfort in the factthat Truck Align meets the higheststandards of workmanship, serviceand responsibility in the industry.

One of Truck Align’s strongest sellingpoints is its location in Crumlin, whichis just five miles from BelfastInternational Airport and 12 miles fromBelfast itself.

“We are in an ideal location toservice our Northern Irelandcustomers, while we are also easily

accessible to our customers in theRepublic. We are easy to find givenour close proximity to BelfastInternational Airport and to SprucefieldShopping Centre, which attracts a lotof customers from the south.”

Truck Align is located on the site ofwhat was previously a filling station.Tom explains: “I came here nearly 40years ago from Ballynahinch in Co.Down to run a petrol station. But after Ibranched into paint work, I got intorepairs and recovery on a full-timebasis and haven’t looked back since.”

Tom has never seen anything like therecession the haulage industry iscurrently experiencing with rising fuel


Truck Align is recognised as Ireland’spremier commercial vehicle recovery

and accident repair centre

Truck Align operates sevenvehicle recovery trucks

20

Montgomery TransportUK 08702 406634ROI 00353 18 366 401

Montgomery DistributionTel: 02890 848877Fax: 02890 341788

Montgomery RefrigeratedTel: 02838 335544Fax: 02838 360317

Montgomery TankServicesTel: 02890 843723Fax: 02890 849111

delivering logistics success

www.montgomerytransportgroup.com

costs contributing to the demise of many transport firms.The recession has been going on for two years now and

shows no sign of abating. The biggest problem is cashflow or the lack of it. It is looking like 2011 will be anothertough year and we need to plan accordingly. “We have totry to remain positive and hope that this recession will endsoon.”

In conclusion, Tom pays tributes to his staff for theirloyalty and the part they have played in Truck Align’sgrowth and success over the years.

“We are fortunate to have a very competent, capable anddedicated workforce who have a wealth of experience inthe business. They have helped make the company whatit is today.”

For more information about Truck Align (NI), telephone028 94 422717 or alternatively, you can call into thecompany’s headquarters at 6 Crumlin Road, Crumlin, Co.Antrim.

Web site www.truckalignnicrumlin.co.uk


Truck Align operates from astate-of-the-art premises

22

For more informationCall 028 9034 2411 or visit www.mbtvni.com

Mercedes-Benz Truck & Van (NI)45-47 Mallusk Road, Newtownabbey BT36 4PJ

The company’slarge workshop

Best Wishes To Truck Align (NI) From

TBF ThompsonMallusk: 028 9034 2001

Garvagh: 028 2955 8353Portadown: 028 3839 3300

DISTRIBUTORS OFCOMMERCIAL VEHICLES

& PLANT MACHINERY

Wishing ContinuedSuccess To TruckAlign (NI) From

Specialists in Dry Freight & RefrigeratedTransport Throughout Ireland, UK & Europe

Offices At:205 Moorfields RdBallymenaBT42 3EGNorthern Ireland

T: 028 25 891419F: 028 25 898477

Sandhills BusinessPark,LiverpoolL5 9ZS

T: 0151 4721600F: 0151 4721650

Tolka QuayDublin 1

T: 01 8558880F: 01 8182882Best wishes & continued success to Truck Align (NI)


• All Types of Commercial Vehicles Dismantled• We Specialise In Mercedes,Volvo, Scania• Underlift Damage Free Recovery• Wide Range Of Used Parts• Just yell.com

Best Wishes to Truck Align (NI)

(028) 9447 8228 Fax: (028) 9447 915718a Tamlough Road Randalstown BT41 3DP

JAMES KERNOHAN & SONSCommercial Vehicle Dismantlers

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS & BUSINESS ADVISORSFOR ADVICE ON YOUR UK TAXATION ISSUES

Harbinson Mulholland, IBM House, 4 Bruce Street, Belfast BT2 7JD.T: 028 9044 5100 F: 028 9044 5101 E: [email protected]

www.harbinson-mulholland.com

Best Wishes & Continued Success To

TRUCK ALIGN (NI)


SPRING & AIRBRAKE

IMPORTERS & DISTRIBUTORSCommercial Vehicle & Trailer Spares

Garage Equipment19 Lisnataylor Rd, Nutts Corner, Crumlin,

Co. Antrim BT29 4TDTel: (028) 9082 5767 • Fax: (028) 9082 5766


W&M LorimerDomestic • Agricultural • Industrial

Home Heating Oil Fuel • Coal • Gas

PROMPT DELIVERY COMPETITIVE RATES

Largy Road, Crumlin, Co. Antrim BT29 4AHTelephone: 028 9442224

www.wmlorimer.com

Delighted to be associated with Tom & Margaret & Truck Align (NI), wishing them continued success

for the future From

CJ Collins Auto ElectricsSpecialists inCar & Commercial Vehicle Auto ElectricsEberspacher Heater Sales Service & Repair

4 Ballymena Rd., Doagh, Ballyclare BT39 OQRT: 028 9335 2556 F: 028 9335 4351

Earning their keepCelebrating 30 years in business, Western Casing Ltd. in Frenchpark, Co.Roscommon still continues to lead the way in their field. Irish Truckerspoke to the company’s Managing Director Gerard Cogan about what theydo and where it all started for the company which now transportsnationwide.

Western Casing is 31years on the go


The company also has abase in Tuam, Co. Galway

Western Casing supply tocustomers in Ireland, the

UK, USA and Holland


When Gerard started up hisbusiness - now coming upon 31 years ago – he

started from scratch, with just onetruck and gradually built this up towhere it is today.

In 1990 Western Casing Ltd. startedto manufacture and deliver substratesfor the horticultural industry from their

base in Tuam, Co. Galway, and hassince built it into a steady business,even in these testing economic times.They supply to customers in Ireland,U.K., U.S.A. and Holland. WesternCasing Ltd. also transports cattle tothe Continent.

At present Gerard, his wife and threesons work in the company, all of whom

have a vital role in the business. “Maryis the Office Manager, Edmund looksafter the transport of cattle for ourcustomers and Kevin is a mechanicand looks after the garage here.Raymond is our Transport Manager,and is fortunate to have a good teamof drivers. He also has a business ofhis own. He has the dealership for


Some of the fleet atWestern Casing

26

Best Wishes ToWesternCasing Ltd

Kracker Walking Floor Trailers inIreland.”

Western Casing Ltd. now employs 20full-time employees in Frenchpark, Co.Roscommon and Tuam, Co Galway.Some of these have been with thecompany for many years. Betweenboth bases the company has builtitself into the business it is today and ithas been in no small way down to thedriving-force that is Gerard Cogan.

Despite these turbulent times,Western Casing Ltd. has been doingtheir utmost to buck the trend andkeep their trade strong and thrivingheading into 2011. It hasn’t been easy,

according to Gerard. “Business istough at the moment,” he admitted,“as it is for every business, but I amconfident we can continue to offer ourcustomers a competitive and reliableservice going forward.”

That’s exactly what Western CasingLtd. is doing at present; riding out thestorm and ensuring that they’re readyfor a bright horizon when it doeseventually arrive. It’s not the firstrecession that the company haveexperienced, and it will hardly be thelast given that Gerard and Mary nowhave three sonsinvolved in what can

be described today as a familybusiness.

“We’re one of the oldest transportcompanies in the west of Ireland.We’re on the go now for 30 years.When I started out in 1980 it was withjust one lorry. It was an AEC whichcost 4,000 pounds back when moneywas hard to come by. That was atipper truck and a few years later wemoved on to arctics. We spent tenyears at that and then we diversifiedinto the business that we’re currentlyin.”


A Volvo truck atWestern Casing

27

A container at Western Casing inFrenchpark, Co. Roscommon

DOE TEST CENTREFor all Light & Heavy Commercial Vehicles

Tachograph Calibration • Speedlimitor • PlatingSERVICE & REPAIR

SAFE LOAD PASS FOR IPAPRESSURE TESTING • RESCUE SERVICET: (094) 9035105/9023514 • F: (094) 9035105Email: [email protected]

CONTINUED BEST WISHES TO WESTERN CASING LTD

Ross West, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

However, with the downturnthings have quietened down foreveryone and at WesternCasing Ltd. they’ve had to keeptheir wits about them andexplore new routes for business.This included the purchase ofmulti purpose Walking FloorTrailers.

Western Casing has built up ahealthy working relationship withdifferent companies, some ofthose being MurphyCommercials in Clare-Galway,Stephen Rice Commercials,Tuam and WestwardCommercials, Strokestown, Co.Roscommon.

“Murphy Commercials wouldbe one of the garages that wedeal with to buy our Volvo trucksand Rice Commercials for somerepairs” said Gerard. “We’vebeen using their services foryears and will continue to do sobecause they are both very reliableand convenient, being so close to ourcompany in Tuam. That’s key when itcomes to business. The same can be

said about Westward Commercials,which is close to our Frenchpark base,where we buy our Scania trucks.”

Western Casing’s fleet consists often trucks, and a range of differenttypes of trailers. One of the trucks, a

Scania 113, has been on the road forover 20 years now. The fleet consistsof six Volvos and four Scanias. Two ofthose would be F16 Volvos. TheScanias are the R-series R620 andthe R580.


Some of the Western Casing trucksbrave the cold conditions


Lime is one of our main products, and we also produce a wide range of

Aggregates and Building Stone.

Head Office Belclare,Tuam,Co. Galway.T: 093 55 757 F: 093 55 816


Offices In: Mayo & Galway

www.mortimerquarries.ie

Best wishesTo Western

CasingLtd

Best Wishes To Western Casing Ltd From

Tachograph Centre - Speed Limiter CentreVehicle Plating • Diagnostics - 24 Hour Roadside Assistance

Service Agent For Kraker Trailers

Ballymote, Tuam, Co. GalwayPhone: 093 42890/087 9335211 Fax: 093 42891

Email: [email protected] www.ricecommmercials.com

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Western Casing Ltd From

Continued success to Western Casing Ltd,from

GAYNOR PLANT SALES LTD.

PLANT & MACHINERY DISMANTLERSSALES & SELFDRIVE HIRE

Tibohine, Frenchpark, Ballaghaderreen Road,Co. Roscommon. Tel: 094-9870100

Mobile: Pat 087-2581001 Padraig 0868109204

Congratulations to Western Casing Ltd on their 30th year anniversary and wish them continued success for the next 30 years!

from JIM BARRY

Unit 26B, Cork Airport Business Park, Cork.T: +353 (0)21 4299002 F: +353 (0)21 4299012

E: [email protected]

www.insightrm.ieCompany Reg No 341528

Insight Insurance Brokers Ltd is regulated by the Financial Regulator

Insurance Brokers

Keep on trucking withIRISH

& LIGHT COMMERCIALS

30

Cumiskey’s set thestandardGerry Cumiskey Ltd has been established since 1968 and throughout thefollowing 43 years their main focus is on customer satisfaction.


This is a motto that has stoodthem well and the fact that theyare still operating into their

sixth decade proves that they havefollowed the right path.

The longevity of the Dundalk basedbusiness speaks volumes of the typeof service that this main Volkswagendealer has been supplying to its largecustomer base. Not only is thecompany main dealers for the Germanmanufactured vehicle, but they arealso the only authorized Service andParts centre for Audi in the north east.They also an approved Aftersales

dealer for SkodaSituated in the Dundalk Retail Park

just off the M1 means that GerryCumiskey Ltd is ideally located andtheir spacious showrooms offers afriendly atmosphere that helps thecustomer feel at ease, while the staffensure that any query will be dealtwith promptly and professionally.

For this month's edition of IrishTrucker, we profile Gerry CumiskeyLtd and speak to Aftersales managerPhilip Hanlon about the success of thislong running business.

Ten years after being established,

Gerry Cumiskey Ltd became maindealers for Volkswagen and Mazda inthe north east, although the latter hassince being dropped and today thebusiness is renowned for selling theVolkswagen brand to a large customerbase.

Behind the scenes from reception, toadministration, to the Parts departmentand Service department, the companyhas assembled a strong, friendly andefficient staff right out of the very topdrawer.

Customer loyalty, though, has madethings easier with many peopleremaining faithful to the company. Theincrease in sales staff also suggeststhe company's growth.

These days Gerry's son Brendanruns the business as Dealer Principaland there is a staff of 25 all of who arehighly trained in their own field ofexpertise. Philip has been with thecompany for the past year and a halfand he revealed that his role entailslooking after the many customers ontheir books.

“Gerry Cumiskey Ltd prides itself onhaving a strong Aftersales service andit is up to me to ensure that thecustomers are satisfied with theirvehicles. Retention is the key and onthat front we do very well as many ofour customers would be with us manyyears,” said Philip.

“We strive to meet the customers'demands and we contact them whentheir vehicle is due a service and dothings like that which are appreciatedby the customers. As well as beingmain dealers for Volkswagen, we havethe sole franchise for Audi and Skodaparts in the north east and this meansthat we supply all the dealers in thesurrounding counties with their parts.”

Volkswagen's legendary reliability,the depth of the range, whole life costsand strong residual value are just afew of the marque's strongest sellingpoints, according to Philip.

Gerry Cumiskey Ltd has a largeselection of light commercials in stockand Philip admits that two of themodels are very popular amongst theircustomers.

“Volkswagen has a wonderful rangeof commercial vehicles. They arerenowned for their reliability, economy,safety, and their good residual value.We are delighted to be associated withVolkswagen for all these years.

“The Transporter and Caddy are verywell received and we have a dedicatedsales man that looks after the light


The spacious showroom hasrecently been upgraded

commercials and he is ThomasCunningham, who has manyyears experience in the trade.”

Carrying a complete stock ofvehicles also has otheradvantages. Philip elaborated:“Once you have the vehicle instock, you can give the customera test drive. Once they test drivethe vehicle it makes it very easyto sell.”

While the recession hasseverely deflated the sales sideof the motor trade (nationwideand globally), Gerry Cumiskey isin a strong position to meet the


Cumiskey’s have beenVolkswagen dealers since 1978

The workshop has beenextended from nine bays to 13

Wishing Gerry Cumiskey LtdContinued Success In The Future From

Tel: (051) 440440 • Fax: (051) 440111Email: [email protected]

www.nvd.ie

Irelands best selling Dealer Management System

Sophisticated Managementwith built in simplicity

1A Bymac CentreNorth West Business ParkBlanchardstownDublin 15.Tel: (01) 8852222email: [email protected]

Building 6500 F,Avenue 6000, Cork Airport,Business Park,Cork.Tel: (021) 4380500

Best Wishes To Gerry Cumiskey Ltd

challenges that lie ahead. Boasting astate-of-the-art showroom, exceptionalservice facilities, fully-stocked storesand a team of fully-qualifiedtechnicians - all carrying the ringingendorsement of that prestigious VWseal of approval.

Gerry Cumiskey Ltd offers acomprehensive range of services and

along with thosementioned, they alsohave a tyredepartment that stocksall the top brands.They also offer anationwide partsdelivery, so no matterwhere the customer isin the country, they beassured that they willreceive their part in notime at all.

Thecompanymoved to itspurpose builtsite in 1996having beingoriginallybased in

Culloville, Co Armagh from itsinception in 1968.

Just last month, a majorrefurbishment of the state ofthe art facilities wascompleted that saw theshowroom extended to house30 vehicles, while the

dedicated workshop also underwent atransformation and it is increased fromnine bays to 13, which includecommercial bays. There was also workcarried out on the reception area andcustomer waiting area.

And so what are the plans for 2011?“We are pleased with the direction thatthe business is headed and our aimwill be to continue providing the levelof service that the customers expectand improve on that in any way thatwe can.”


Trade part specialist ShayGormley displays a new van

Receptionist Patricia Duffyanswers another call

The parts departmentalso delivers

New vehicles in theVolkswagen range

33

Best Wishes To Gerry Cumiskey Ltd

M.J. Kelleher & Sons (Dundalk) Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

Best Wishes to Gerry Cumiskey Ltd From

D.O.E. Test CentreTachographCalibration CentreHeavy & Light CommercialsSpeedlimiters Supplied, Fitted & CalibratedChassis Plate Measures Carried Out

A container trailer is loaded

34

Servicing Irelandand beyondMcCabe Transport’s fleet of trucks have been a familiar sight on the roadsof Ireland and Europe since 1994. Director Christopher McCabe explainswhat the Dublin Port-based company is all about.


Since its formation 17 yearsago, McCabe Transport hasbeen providing a top-class

haulage service between Irelandand Europe.

A family-run business whichoperates out of Dublin Port, thecompany has established a traditionof value-for-money and totaldedication to customer service. Itslocation close to all ferries ensuresthat deliveries are made fast and ontime between Ireland, the UK andcontinental Europe. McCabeTransport is committed to meetingthe individual needs of eachcustomer and prides itself onproviding a flexible, reliable and

quality service at a competitive price.“We’ve been in business since 1994

and in that time we’ve earned areputation for being one of the leadingtransport companies around,” McCabeTransport director ChristopherMcCabe proudly states.

“We’ve grown year-on-year and nowhave a fleet of 14 trucks and 25trailers. We are constantly adapting tothe many changes in the industry andthis has enabled us to attract newcustomers, as well as retaining ourexisting ones. The fact that we get alot of repeat business would suggestthat we must be doing somethingright!”

Christopher runs McCabe Transportalong with his nephew Thomas, whoselate father Danny was involved in thebusiness in its formative years. Thecompany services the 32 counties ofIreland, the UK and Europe fromDublin Port where it has always beenlocated. McCabe Transport runs up tofive trucks a week to the UK andservices Belgium, France, Germany,

Holland, Italy, Switzerland and Polandon a weekly basis. It also transports toAustria, Czech Republic, Denmark,Greece, Hungary, Portugal, Romaniaand Spain.

“Our location in Dublin Port is one ofour big selling points. We are ideallysituated to service Ireland and Europecost effectively. It gives us a vital edgeover many of our competitors,”Christopher says.

“At the moment, Germany andPoland are our busiest routes outsideIreland and the UK. We have a fewtrucks servicing both of thosecountries on a frequent basis.”

Throughput at Dublin Port hasdoubled over the past 10 years,making it one of the fasting growingports in the world. This growth hasbeen delivered across the board inboth Lift-on/Lift-off (Lo-Lo) and Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro). There has alsobeen significant growth in the numberof passengers passing through theport with last Christmas being one ofthe busiest on record due partly to the


Another tanker leaves theMcCabe Transport depot

35

disruption caused to flights by thesevere weather.

Having started out with a single rigidtruck specialising in groupage,Christopher now oversees a 14-strongfleet of articulated trucks specialising incontainer, low-loader and continentalwork.

He explains: “During the constructionboom, container work accounted forabout 85 per cent of our business, butthat figure has since dropped back toabout 50 per cent. UK and Europeanwork now accounts for about 40 percent of our business with odd jobsaccounting for the remaining 10 percent.”

McCabe Transport employs 15 staff,many of who are experienced drivers.The company’s modern fleet consists ofVolvo, Scania and DAF, while themajority of its trailers are Dennison. Allvehicles are fitted with a high tech

tracking system, which allows the company to keep itscustomers up-to-date on the progress of theirconsignment 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

“Our trucks are installed with a tracking device, whichacts like a black box containing all information about thejourney of the truck. Using GPS and GPRS Technology,the vehicle can be tracked 24 hours a day anywhere


Wide loadsare catered for

McMahonGalvin Limited

Insurance Brokers

BEST WISHES TO McCABE TRANSPORT

T: 01-836 3326 F: 01-836332759 Amiens Street, Dublin 1


McMahon Galvin Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

Est. 1970

Best Wishes to McCabe Transport From

Truck Plant Mobile Services Ltd.

Truck Fleet Maintenance/Truck Sales

44 Baldoyle Industrial Estate,Grange Road, Baldoyle, Dublin 13

Tel: 00353 1 8390594 • Fax: 00353 1 8390216 Email: [email protected]

TYRES & BATTERIESALLOY WHEELS

Car • Commercial • TruckBaldoyle Tyres,Unit 4a, Baldoyle Industrial Estate,

Baldoyle,Dublin 13Telephone : 01 839 6773 Fax : 01 839 6779

Mobile : 086 260 3443 (Philip)E : [email protected] • www.baldoyletyres.ie

Wishing Continued Success To McCabe Transport

McCabe Transport provides atop-class haulage service

between Ireland and Europe

across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Sodeliveries can be traced with the touchof a button,” the affable Dublinerexplains.

Christopher has never seen anythinglike the recession the industry iscurrently experiencing and has calledfor greater unity between members ofthe Irish Road Haulage Association.

“We need to pull together and stopundercutting each other. It’s becomeso cutthroat out there that you couldlose a job for the sake of EUR10.We’re two-and-a-half years into this

recession and I would say the last sixmonths have been the most difficult.The biggest problem is cash flow orlack of it.

“I don’t think things can get muchworse than they are now so the onlyway is up. We have to think positive.There is light at the end of the tunnelwhen you consider that exports are upin this country. That has been verynoticeable in our line of business. Upuntil a few years ago, we were mainlydealing with imports, but now it’s theopposite to that.”

Christopher concludes by payingtribute to his drivers: “They haveplayed a big part in the growth of ourcompany over the past 17 years. Ourdrivers know the roads of Ireland andEurope inside out and can always berelied upon to do a good job.”

For more information about McCabeTransport, telephone 01 855 9330,email [email protected] orwhy not drop into Christopher, Thomasor any of the team at 83 North WilliamStreet, North Strand, Dublin 1.


McCabe Transport offers aflexible and reliable service

A load of timber pylonsready for delivery

37

B&F TRAILER SPARES LTD.Now Specialising In Supplies To

Petroleum Industry, Parts IncludingAccident Kits • ADR Signs • Spill Kits • Fire Ext. Boxes Etc

79 North Strand Road, Fairview, Dublin 3Tel: (01) 836 4544 • Acc: Tel: (01) 836 4593Fax: (01) 855 9905Mobile: (087) 2762268 • (087) 2441510(087) 2558537 (087) 7707999Email: [email protected]

Best Wishes to McCabe Transport

ISO 9001:2000

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Laurence Cunningham hasdeveloped a reputation as a

bitumen specialist

A genuine one-stop stop

Headquartered in Newcastle, County Down, with a office in Mallusk andwith a modern workshop in Ballyclare, County Antrim, LaurenceCunningham Haulage is a veritable one-stop shop for all road haulage(from refrigerated, to abnormal loads), vehicle repairs and fleetmaintenance needs. Irish Trucker met up with general manager GordonWalker to take a closer look…

Laurence Cunningham Haulageis a family business establishedin 1995 and based in

Newcastle, Co Down. It specialises inroad haulage across Ireland andcommercial vehicle repairs in Belfast.

A keen emphasis is placed onproviding a first-class service to allcustomers and Laurence CunninghamHaulage boasts contracts with some ofthe largest names in delivery andretail. They are equipped to carryfrozen, chilled and ambient goods –full or part loads - and are alsoexperienced in transporting andescorting abnormal loads (includinglarge aircraft components). Any kind oftrailer can be provided, even at shortnotice. Over the years, LaurenceCunningham Haulage has built up areputation as a bitumen specialist andholds contracts with the majorsuppliers in Ireland, including TennantsBitumen , Atlantic Bitumen and ICBemulsions.

Furthermore, if you operate your ownfleet of commercial vehicles in Belfastor the surrounding County Down /Antrim catchment area, LaurenceCunningham Haulage can handle yourservicing and repair needs,specialising in HGVs and trailers.

In brief, Laurence CunninghamHaulage offers the following services:road haulage; curtainside trailers;refrigerated vehicles; abnormal loadhaulage; escort vehicles for largeloads; driver hire; commercial vehiclerepairs; fleet maintenance. Essentially,it’s a one-stop shop for all yourhaulage and servicing requirements.

Haulage is provided to or fromanywhere in Ireland. Many customershave been with the company for overten years and references can beprovided upon request.

Having built an enviable reputation inroad haulage, it made perfect sense tostart a commercial vehicle repairsdivision. At the modern LaurenceCunningham garage in Ballyclare,

County Antrim, a team of fully-trainedmechanics can service and repair anycommercial vehicles and / or trailers.They also carry out PSVs and arepleased to offer maintenance contractsfor trailers and tankers. All theseservices are provided at competitiverates.

Gordon Walker has been generalmanager of Laurence CunninghamHaulage for the past four years. Henotes: “Laurence established thebusiness 16 years ago, he still keepsa keen eye on what is going on whileleaving the day to day running of thebusiness to myself and transportmanager Danny Caldwell who hasserved over 35 years in this industry.The company started off in 1995drawing raw bitumen from theTennants terminal in Belfast, which isall tanker work. We basically take thebitumen to the quarries, where it isused to make tarmac. Drawingbitumen around the north of Ireland isstill a big part of our work, but we havediversified into a number of otherareas as well.

“One of our major contracts is thatwe, working with MF Logistics, supplyvehicles and drivers to BombardierAerospace in Belfast, handling all oftheir transport needs. We have 19drivers tied up in that and 16 vehicles,looking after Bombardier’s internaltransport solutions.”

All told, Gordon and Danny overseea fleet of 40 commercial vehicles andup to 80 trailers / tankers. They tend tolean towards Volvo, as the generalmanager confirms: “We have tried theothers but our experience is that Volvois best. We have a very good workingrelationship with DennisonCommercials in Ballyclare and theservice we get from them is excellent.Our fleet is made up predominantly ofVolvo and we find them very reliableand economical and they also have agood re-sale value, which isimportant.”


Regarding the commercialrepairs, Gordon continues:“We’ve had the workshop setup in Ballyclare for a fewyears now and we have twofull-time mechanics theredoing repairs, servicing andtesting. We set it uporiginally to look after ourown needs, as we couldn’tfind anyone to do the workat a reasonable rate andneeded to reduce ourmaintenance bill. It hasworked out well and we weresoon able to take on quite abit of outside work. We’veupsized the garage and wehave a number of contracts,including work with manypeople in the bitumenbusiness.”

Overall, business is goingreasonably well: “We aregoing through the sameproblems and difficulties asevery other haulier in thecountry. Rising fuel priceswould be our biggest gripe.Fuel has continually risenover the past six-eightmonths and it’s putting theentire industry under hugepressure.

“However, we have somevery good contracts and onsome of those the customersactually supply on their ownfuel. At the moment, we’regetting good rates, mainlybecause we provide anexceptional service.”

As for the future, thegeneral manager concludes:“It’s difficult to say. Thebitumen sector has slowed downslightly over the last year but we arehoping for an upturn later in the yearmainly due to the conditions of theroads after the last 2 severe winters.We have been successful in pickingup new contracts in foodstuffs andrefrigerated work. We’re diversifyingand broadening our service to keepthings ticking over.”

Laurence Cunningham HaulageTelephone: 028 4344 3532 (9am - 5pm Monday to Friday)Fax: 028 43725288Email: [email protected]://laurencecunningham-haulage.co.uk


Laurence CunninghamHaulage is a one-stop shop

The fleet looks fantastic

The fleet works hardall year round


Cork Dublin BelfastMob (087) 2835044 (087) 2597102 (0791) 2631524

www.hipower.ieHi Power for Quality Products & Service

G.T.E. Heavy DutyAutomatic Greasing forTruck, Trailer, Off Road

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Best Wishes To Laurence Cunningham Haulage From

Specialist Insurance Brokers To The Haulage IndustryCommercial Motor, Fleets, Motor Trade

Liability • Business Property

2A Castlereagh Business Park, 478 Castlereagh Road, Belfast BT5 6BQ

Tel: 028 90 705070 Fax: 028 90 709191 Email: [email protected] www.mlr.ltd.uk

Continued Best Wishes To Laurence Cunningham Haulage

Best Wishes To Laurence Cunningham Haulage From

ACCOUNTANT1st Floor, 88 Main Street,

Moira, Craigavon BT67 OLH

Tel: (028) 9261 9523 • Fax: (028) 9261 1133

STANLEYMURPHY

Long establishedBusiness Partner

of Laurence

CunninghamHaulage

Best Wishes To Laurence Cunningham HaulageFrom

IRISH

& LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Don’t be left in the darklog on to

www.irishtrucker.com

By combining outstanding equipmentand excellent staff, Hall Transportguarantees customer satisfaction

42

Hall of fameFor over 13 years, Hall Transport has carved out a stellar reputation asone of the premier haulage companies in the midlands. Irish Truckertraveled to the Longford headquarters and caught up with foundingmanaging director Norman Hall to get an insight into this exceptionaloperation.


Hall Transport isone of thosesuperb haulage

companies that leavesabsolutely nothing tochance. ProprietorNorman Hall oversees astrong fleet and dedicatedstaff, with the emphasisalways on quality, safetyand value. Every job istreated with the utmostrespect and eachcustomer is afforded apersonal touchthroughout the process.

This results in satisfiedcustomers every time andthat’s why Hall Transportbenefits from a largevolume of repeat custom.By holding down anumber of long-termcontracts, Norman is inwith a good fightingchance of riding theeconomic storm currentlywreaking havoc with thetransport industry inIreland.

Located at Cornadrung,Aughnacliffe, CoLongford, Hall Transportwas established in 1997by Norman and his dadJoseph. From there,Norman decided toexpand the company withgreat success. HallTransport specialisesparticularly in two distinctareas – timber haulageand milk – but possessesthe ability and

wherewithal to carry outany kind of haulage if andwhen the need arises.

The Hall Transport fleetcomprises 18 trucks and17 timber trailers. In termsof tractor units, Normanfinds Volvo to be the mostreliable and as such Volvomakes up the majority ofhis fleet. Two DAFs andone Scania complete hishand.

He employs a team of18, which is vital in a ruralcommunity amid the mostfrightening economicdownturn in livingmemory. By creating localemployment, haulagefirms provide theirlocalities with a realboost, one worthy ofsupport from theGovernment. What ashame the powers-that-beseem intent on punishingthe sector with endlessfuel price increases ratherthan doing something toprotect and sustain it!

Hall Transport providesa nationwide service,available to every nookand cranny of the countryfrom Galway to Wicklowand Waterford toDonegal. The timber workbasically entails haulinglogs from the forests tofurniture manufacturingcompanies. Two of Hall’sbiggest clients areGalway-based: Murray’sTimber Products inBallygar and ECC inConnemara.

Work is steady, buttransport is vulnerable tobad weather and Norman– like many – endured adifficult Christmas period.As if things weren’tdemanding enough, thebitter winter andhazardous drivingconditions that prevailedfor almost six weeksconspired to leave manyroutes unsafe. Thefounder notes: “Businessin general is fairly good,thank God, but theweather disrupted us bigtime. In this line of work,


Proprietor NormanHall operates animpressive fleet

health and safety is paramount andthe bottom line is that you can’t take aload out onto the road if conditions aretreacherous. But that’s behind us nowand we’re looking forward.”

What does the future hold? The Irishtransport industry is under pressurelike never before – how does HallTransport plan to meet the challengesthat lie ahead? “We’ll roll up oursleeves and continue to provide a top-quality service, but it’s very hard toknow at the moment what the futureholds. These are very uncertain times,so I really don’t know. You can’t takeanything for granted anymore. Everyday is a bonus. Before the badweather hit, we had our fleet out onthe road every day, and that’s whatwe’ll be aiming for again in 2011.”

On a day-to-day basis, Normanhandles most of his own maintenancework. He has his own mechanic tolook after the general work but, whenit comes to the bigger jobs likeengines or gears, he has the workcarried out at one of the maindealerships, usually McDonnellCommercials in Monaghan. Their floormanager Leslie Wylley is always thereto help Norman and his business outat any time.

Hall Transport is very much a familybusiness, though the buck stops with

Norman, who is always on hand todeal with all queries and to keepcustomers informed on alldevelopments. His wife Michelle is aphysiotherapist but she helps Normanout a great deal. His sister Ireneworks in the office, while brotherRobert and Dad Joseph helps out withrepairs etc. However, it was Norman’sparents Joe and Mary who played thebiggest part in the genesis of Hall

Transport. Joe was previously active inhaulage and that was how Norman gotinvolved, as he recalls:

“My father had a milk lorry withLakeland Dairies. He started off withmilk cans back in 1968. When I camehome from travelling in 1997 westarted to expand the company fromthere. My father has taken a bit of abackseat since then.

“Now, We have three or four lorries


A familiar sight on the roads ofthe midlands and beyond

Hall Transport specialisesin timber haulage

44


Continued Success To Hall Transport From

Specialise In Repairs To Alternators & StartersDiesel Injectors • Fitting Spots & Lamps

STOCKISTS OF Batteries, Filters

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Lamagh, Newtownforbes, Co. LongfordT: (043) 33 46817 • F: (043) 33 46814 • M (087) 9490045

Continued Best Wishes To Hall Transport From

GOWNA TRANSPORTNational & International

Aughavains, Loch Gowna, Co. Cavan

Telephone: 043 6683224Contact John on

086 7757777

Best Wishes To Hall Transport From

MAIN ISUZU & IVECO DEALERSImporter of Used Japanese 4x4 & Sports Cars

DOE Centre For Light & Heavy GoodsNew State Of The Art Lane Just Installed

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Wishing Continued Success To Hall Transport From

McKeon Tyres Ltd.Puncture Repairs, New Tyres, Alloy Wheels

24 Hour Breakdown ServiceUnit 3A, Templemichael Business Park,Ballinalee Rd., Longford

Tel: 043 3336674 Fax: 043 3336675Mob: 086 8745915 - 086 0677406Email: [email protected]

Truck And Trailer Spares • Car PartsCar, Van & 4x4 Tyres

Wheel Alignment & BalancingOpening Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-6pm, Sat 9am-1pmFor queries and information Contact Larry or John atAD Keelcom, Rakeelan, Ballyconnell, Co. CavanTel: 049 95 26040 Fax: 049 95 26043

Email: [email protected] • www.adireland.ie

VEHICLE TEST SERVICES

Best Wishes to Hall Transport

Wishing Continued Success To Hall Transport From

Railway Road, KilleshandraTel: (049) 4334161 Fax: (049) 4334771

For All Your Heat - Tractor - CommercialTank Requirements

PROMPT DELIVERY & SERVICE

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M.C Motor FactorsSuppliers of

Road Springs • V Belts • Bearings • ClutchesMud Wings • Lamps • Brake Parts • BrakePads & Discs For ROR, BPW, Scania, Volvo,

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Loughduff, Co. Cavan Tel: 043 66 83217

McDonnell Commercials (Monaghan) LtdWISHES ALL AT HALL TRANSPORT CONTINUED SUCCESS

FOR FULL DETAILS OF OUR CONTRACT MAINTENANCE OFFERS

Visit us at Urblekirk, Dunraymond, MonaghanTelephone: +353 (0) 47 83588. E:[email protected]

W: www.mcdonnellcommercials.ie

with Lakeland Dairies in Killeshandra,covering Longford, Westmeath andparts of Leitrim seven days a week.We carry the milk in tankers from thefarmer’s yard and also bring skimmedmilk and cream from Bailieboro toKilleshandra in the winter and fromKilleshandra to Bailieboro in the

summer.”Does Norman feel let down by the

Government? Is there anything thatcan be done to make life a little moremanageable for the hauliers ofIreland? “Diesel, diesel, diesel … andinsurance. The costs are enormous. Ithas gone beyond a joke at this stage.

Our costs are up 10% last year andthat makes life very difficult. We can’tpass those increases on. For a fellarunning 18 lorries and keeping thebusiness going, you’d like to be ableto take it easy butinstead you have togo out yourself anddrive just to makeends meet.”Norman’s accountantGeoffrey Foster ofAmatino Partners inCavan are there toadvise Norman onany queries he mayhave on the runningof the businesswhich is alwayspeace of mind forhim.

Norman is always at the other end ofthe phone if required and thisaccessibility provides customers withpeace of mind. The business ismanaged in a transparent and openmanner and customers are kept ‘in theloop’ at all times.

Overall, Hall Transport provides anextremely professional, flexible,punctual and affordable transportsolution. The company is better placedthan most to weather the storm.


Ready to hitthe road

46

The fleet stand outon the road


Tractamotors LtdStockist of Hankook Performance Tyres

Dublin Road, Cavan Tel: (049) 4375900

www.hankook.ie


Best Wishes To Joe, Norman & Families

REPAIRS AND SERVICE TO ALL HEAVY AND LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES24 HOUR RECOVERY SERVICE • DOE PREPARATION • BRAKE SHOE

RELINING SERVICE • NOW RE-CONDITIONING ALL AIR BRAKE COMPONENTS • NEW AND SECOND HAND VANS, TRUCKS AND PARTS

IN STOCK • RANGE OF DAF TRUCKS NOW IN STOCKLamagh, Newtownforbes, Co. Longford.

Tel: 043-3345686/41619 Fax: 043-3342466 Mobile: 087-9949999 087-7739182

Best Wishes to Hall Transport

HANNIFYCOMMERCIALSLONGFORD BRAKE DISTRIBUTORS


Wishing Continued Success To Hall Transport

Suppliers of truck cranes, trailers, hydraulic equipment fortrucks, forest machinery and wood chippers

www.robinsondistribution.ieTel: 057 86 24832 Fax: 057 86 79621

Portnahinch Hse., Portarlington, Co. Laois

We would like to thankHALL TRANSPORT

for their custom and business over the years and we wishthem the very best in the future

Robinson Trailers

Loglift Timber Cranes

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Keep on truckingwith

IRISH

& LIGHT COMMERCIALS

48

J&F Group have the lotThe haulage industry has suffered more than most in recent times for avariety of reasons and this has had a knock-on effect for most businessesconnected to HGVs and LGVs.


Truck and light commercial saleshave suffered greatly over thepast 18 months or so and

unfortunately some businesses havebeen forced to close their doors.

In a time of recession money is tight,particularly when the banks arerefusing to release funding to anyone,let alone a haulage companyinterested in upgrading its fleet.

However, some dealerships arefighting back against the recessionand one such business is the J&FGroup, and sister company J&FTrucks which has been supplying aloyal and efficient service to a large

customer base since being formed in1972.

Based on the main road in Mallusk,Co Antrim, the J&F Group is a familyrun business that is now synonymouswith car, light commercial and truckssales for almost 40 years.

The Walsh family is steeped in theindustry as three generations of theclan have now been involved with thebusiness, with John and Frank nowoverseeing the day-to-day running ofthe company.

As some of the most progressivepeople of his generation, the Walsh'worked closely with their customers to

ensure satisfaction was guaranteed.Through this close relationship; J&FGroup developed a reputation forreliability and efficiency as they offeredtop quality vehicles at competitiveprices.

The J&F Group specialises in carsales, while sister company J&FTrucks deals in second hand lorriesand new light commercials.

For the last 14 years, J&F Truckshave been main dealers for Mitsubishiand sales manager John Paul Walshadmits they are pleased with how themake is selling.

“The last couple of years have been


J&F Trucks are mainMitsubishi dealers

tough, but you just have tokeep working hard anddefinitely there has been aslight improvement thisyear, so hopefully that willcontinue to be the trend,”said John Paul.

“This is a family runbusiness and we have builtup a large customer baseover the years, many ofwhich would be repeatcustom. It is essential thatwe continue to provide topquality vehicles atcompetitive prices.”

As well as sales, J&Fprovide parts and servicemeaning that customerscan get the full packagethrough their premises,which are situated just amile apart in Mallusk.

“We offer a wide range ofservices from commercialvehicles, car sales,servicing and contact hire.When established in 1972as J&F Trucks we focusedour attention mainly oncommercial vehicles. It

wasn't until the earlyeighties that we expandedinto car sales, servicingand contact hire, andbecame J&F Group.

“We became an officiallyappointed dealer forMitsubishi Canter LightCommercials in 1996.Ideally located in Malluskon the main road, our aimis to provide everythingthat may be required byour customer under oneroof, - sales, service andparts. We are a familybusiness and promotepersonal care andattention to our customersat all times.”

Through their spaciouspremises, the customerhas plenty of vehicles tochoose from, giving themplenty of options as theymake the decision on whatto purchase.

“We have plenty of roomto stock a wide range ofvehicles and this helps thecustomer decide what they


The impressive showroomhouses many vehicles

50


Continued Best Wishes To J&F Group From

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IRISH

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are looking for. Customer satisfactionis our policy and the fact that we havemainly the same client base since thebusiness was first set up, shows thatwe must be doing something right.”

John Paul admits that theirimmediate aim is to push the newCanter and continue providing thelevel of service that has seen them

become one of the longest servingtruck dealers in Northern Ireland.

“The new Mitsubishi Fuso Canter isdesigned from the driver's perspective,with improved levels of comfort andspaciousness, while retaining thecompact dimensions that make it somaneuverable. Added to this, thechassis cab design allows flexibility for

fitment of numerous different bodytypes for any number of differentapplications. This light duty truckbuilds a tough base for your individualneed. Available in three weight ranges,3.5, 6.5 & 7.5 tonne and with up to 7chassis lengths there's sure to be aCanter perfect for your businessneeds.

“We will be hoping topromote the Canter asmuch as possible over thecoming months andbasically keep doing whatwe have been doing overthe years.”

J&F Trucks continue tosatisfy their customers andevery potential client willbe treated with the utmostregard and having suchexperience behind them,the staff of 20 can dealwith any inquiry made.

Opening hours are:Sales Mon 9am-6pmTue 9am-6pmWed 9am-9pmThu 9am-6pmFri 9am-6pmSat 9am-1pmSun ClosedService PartsMon - Fri 9 - 6pmSat 10 - 1pm


Staff at J&F Group arehighly trained

Workshop repairs arecarried out on a daily basis

For everyone involved in themotor industry, andnotwithstanding the introduction

of the Government scrappage schemea little over 12 months ago, the effectsof the downturn have been keenly felt.

However, nothing good comeswithout positive thinking, and the teamat Mullingar Nissan – part of theGilmore Group, headquartered inKingscourt, Co Cavan and the ownerof five outlets around the country – areriding the storm to good effect.

Located in the state-of-the-art Lough

Sheever Corporate Park just outsideMullingar, the company’s ability towithstand the economic slowdown andflourish into the future was significantlybolstered by the addition of the Opelfranchise in November 2010.

Speaking to Irish Trucker recently,Dealer Principal Frank Hughesoutlined the benefits to customers inthe midlands of the addition of one ofIreland’s top-selling brands to theportfolio.

“Slater Opel in Mullingar closed itsdoors in July so the franchise became

available at that stage, negotiationsensued and Opel Ireland awarded usa franchise,” he says. “It’s a hugefeather in the cap. Opel is a verystrong brand, with almost eight percent market share, and it’s a strongaddition to the franchise here alongwith Nissan. It’s good for the companybut it’s good for the customers too –we’re the only Opel dealer in themidlands now. For a while customersmight not have been sure about whereto go for service, parts, warranty, butwe answer all those needs now.


The company's visually striking headquarters at theLough Sheever Corporate Park just outside

Mullingar, where it has been based since 2005

One place, two top brandsLong established as one of the most successful vehicle dealerships in themidlands, Mullingar Nissan has added a further string to the bow with theacquisition of the Opel franchise for the region. Dealer Principal FrankHughes filled us in.

“There’s no Opel dealer in Longford,Roscommon, Laois, Offaly, Meath, sowe’re servicing the whole of themidlands as a result. And we’ve hit theground running – since the first daywe opened as an Opel dealer it’s beenvery busy. We sold over 20 Opels forthe New Year within a couple of weeksand the workshop has been busy withwarranty, servicing and parts, so it’sbeen very positive.”

With the Nissan and Opelcombination making up approximately14 per cent of the Irish market, andthe Chevrolet and Ssanyong rangesalso on offer at the company’sshowrooms in Lough Sheever,Mullingar Nissan and Mullingar Opel issure to have something to suiteveryone’s tastes.

“We offer the full passenger andcommercial range in both Opel andNissan and we’re looking forward to2011,” says Frank. “As far as Opel areconcerned, the new Meriva, with state-of-the-art design including gulf wingdoors, has been a big success forthem. The new Insignia is one of thetop selling cars in its class, and thenew generation Astra completes abeautiful range of cars with lowemissions and low road tax as aresult.”

In the Nissan range, Frank admitsthat the mould-breaking Juke hasbeen the subject of plenty of interest,both in the showroom and the pagesof the auto press.

“It’s an award-winning car – theContinental Irish Car of the Year2011,” he says. “It has low emissionsin both petrol and diesel, so it’s verycompetitive from a road tax point of

view, but apartfrom that it’sdifferent fromthe norm, it’sfunky, with aradical design.

“Sometimes alot of carsappear verysimilar andunless you lookat the badgeyou don’t knowwhat make theyare. You can’tmistake theNissan Juke foranything else.In the sameway the NissanQashqai hasbeen such asuccess, theJuke stands outon its own.Vibes and saleshave been verypositive so farfor the Juke, sowe’re lookingforward to thatone over thenext while.”

Given that Mullingar Nissan madethe sizeable investment as recently as2005 to move from its former base – itwas previously based on the Dublinroad trading as Atlas Cars – thecompany was always destined to feelthe rigours of the credit crunch asmuch as anyone.

Frank Hughes, however, is anxiousto avoid any negative reflections. With

a stunning portfolio of vehicles and a1.6 acre base in Lough SheeverCorporate Park, one of the onlymotorparks in the country outside ofthe major cities, the company has asolid foundation from which to plot itscourse into the future.

“It has been tough since 2005,” hesays, “because whenever you invest alot of money, whether it’s at good or

bad times, it’s going to taketime into the future before thatcan be recouped.

“But you have to thinkpositive. The scrappage hasmade a difference. With theGreen Party in Governmenthelping the motor industrymight not have been seen as anumber one priority butfortunately the Governmentintroduced the scheme lastyear and they’ve continued thatinto 2011. The motor industryhas been a major employer inIreland over the years andremains an important part bothof the fabric of localcommunities and the widereconomy, and that needs tocontinue.

“We have a good team here,with 15 staff including sales


Frank Hughes, the DealerPrincipal of Mullingar Nissan

and Mullingar Opel, whichalso offers the Chevrolet and

SsangYong ranges

Mullingar Nissan and MullingarOpel offer the full range of top

class vehicles from two market-leading manufacturers

managers Robert Noone(Opel) and JohnMcDermott (Nissan), sowe’re very optimistic aboutthe future. We have tobelieve that we’re going tobe here for the long haul –if you don’t believe thatyou’re in trouble. We’ve avery successful businesshere in Mullingar Opel andMullingar Nissan, with two

of the top five brands inthe country under the oneroof, so things are verypositive.”

For more information,check out www.mullingar-nissan.com or call 044-9341404 for MullingarNissan or the Opel teamcan be reached atwww.mullingaropel.ie and044-9395721.


Dealer Principal Frank Hughes,pictured alongside receptionist AislingColeman in the parts and service office

Team spirit ... Gerard Farrell andJohn McDermott, who is Mullingar

Nissan's sales manager

Wishing Continued Success ToMULLINGAR NISSAN

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Busy times atThurles Test Centre

56

Thurles Test CentreOver the past two-and-a-half years, Thurles Test Centre has established

itself as one of the premier members of the VTN network. Irish Truckervisited its Archerstown Industrial Estate premises to take a closer look atthis superb operation.


Local businessmen PaulDempsey (of Keyline Transport)and Patrick O’Mahoney (of

O’Mahoney Commercials main Scaniadealer) are joint-MDs of the company.Running their own businesses theyboth spotted an opening in the Thurlesarea for a VTN centre. They put theirheads together in 2006 and sourced anew Greenfield site, upon which thecentre was purpose-built and openedtwo years later.

Thurles Test Centre threw its doors

open to the general public inAugust 2008 and has madetremendous strides eversince. Located atArcherstown IndustrialEstate, Turtulla, Thurles, it isa brand-new, purpose-built,state-of-the-art VTN centreboasting the very latestcomputerised testingequipment with one heavytesting bay and two lighttesting bays. They havethree fully-qualified testersand one part-time. Openfrom 9am until 6pm Mondayto Saturday, Thurles TestCentre has a number of keystrengths that go above andbeyond those normallyprovided: the centre is easilyaccessible it is convenientlylocated just off the Horse &Jockey exit off the M8 (Exit6). With excellent facilitiesoffering comfortable waitinglounge with TV, tea andcoffee making facilities,where clients can relax andunwind while their vehicle isbeing tested. Clients canalso watch their vehiclebeing tested from themonitor provided in thewaiting lounge.

Thurles Test Centre

provides analogue and digitaltachograph calibration, overall length /chassis plating, speed limiter fittingand calibration, brake testing, cateringfor all commercial vehicles – from thesmallest car vans / 4x4s to light trucksand the heaviest trucks / mini busesand coaches. All testing andcalibration is carried out in accordancewith the very latest RSA requirements.Thurles Test Centre also provides abrake testing service for a number ofmajor fleets. An NCT pre-testingservice is also offered for private cars,with print-outs provided highlightingthe adjustments and/or repairs that willneed to be carried out before a vehicleis presented to the NCT centre. As ofOctober 1st, 2010, they are alsoauthorised to provide seatbeltcertification for buses – another newRSA requirement.

With vehicle owners liable for up tofive penalty points for not having acommercial vehicle tested and certified– and road safety an absolutenecessity – Thurles Test Centreprovides a service that can saveowners a lot of time and expense inthe long term.

The whole process couldn’t be easier– you can call or make a bookingonline through the websitewww.thurlestestcentre.ie, then drop inand the test will take up to 40 minutesfor light commercials and up to 90


Going strong sinceAugust 2008

minutes for heavier vehicles. Onceyou’ve passed, you get your passcertificate. If a vehicle fails, the owneris allowed 21 days to resolve theproblems and come back in for a re-test. If they don’t sort it out within thetime frame a full test will have to becarried out again on the vehicle.

Mary Murray notes: “Of course thepoor state of the economy is well-documented at this stage and thetransport industry has been harder hit

than most sectors. The haulageindustry is being crippled by asuccession of fuel price increases andmany companies have being forcedout of business, with others barelyhanging on.” Looking to the future ofThurles Test Centre she says:

“It’s difficult to map out the futurebecause a lot of companies have goneby the wayside. But we have a strongcustomer base and we will continue tobuild good relations with loyal

customers and hopefully bring in somenew business as well. We have anexcellent facility here and we provide atop-class service; business is brisk atthe moment, so we’re confidentwithout being complacent. At the endof the day, you’d be happy to keep thecustomer base you have… but it’sdifficult to know what the future holds.”

Mary concludes: “We’re continuouslyimproving our service, with ongoingtraining of testers. We’re constantly


Thurles Test Centre is a purpose -built, state-of-the-art facility

58

EngineeringLimited

Best Wishes ToThurles Test Centre

Manufactuers ofFARM IMPLEMENTS

www.rossmoreeng.ie

Clonoulty, Cashel, Co. Tipperary

Email: [email protected]: (0504) 42230 • F: (0504) 42288 Best Wishes To Thurles Test Centre


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Martin Shanahan TYRES

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www.franciselytransport.com

IRISH

& LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Don’t be left in the dark log on to


striving to improve thequality of service we provideto customers where weprovide questionnaires tocustomers on arrival andfrom this we take on boardtheir comments. On amonthly basis we reviewcustomer comments andsee where we can improveon our service. Customerservice is a big priority andwe offer a very friendlyservice from the first point ofcontact at reception to thetesters themselves. Finally,we would like to thank all ofour customers and suppliersfor their continued support

for the past number of years and we wish themwell with their individual business endeavoursas we go into 2011.”

Thurles Test Centre Limited,Archerstown IDA,Turtulla,Thurles,Co. Tipperary.Tel: 0504-26472Fax:0504-23913Email :[email protected]


HGVs will be in andout in 90 minutes

Thurles Test Centre isconvenientally located in

Archerstown Industrial Estate

60

All types of vehicles are cateredfor at Thurles Test Centre

There are no frills about CrowleyTransport. It’s just a straight-up,honest and hardworking

haulage business. What you see iswhat you get. Practicality and integrityare core values that permeate everyfacet of the operation, overseen for thepast two years by Alan Crowley, son offounder Gerry Crowley. CrowleyTransport doesn’t pretend to besomething its not. Instead, theemphasis is placed on getting the jobdone … on time … every time.

That’s why they have a host of

satisfied customers, many of whomhave remained loyal to the Crowleyname for over a decade. From smallhumble beginnings, the company hasgrown in popularity down through theyears, forging an unrivalled reputationfor delivering optimal results. CrowleyTransport is now regarded as one ofthe premier operators servicing thekey corridor between Cork and Dublin.They also cover the greater Munsterarea and have some additionalcontracts in the midlands.

Headquartered at Kildinan,

Rathcormack, County Cork, thecompany was established as GerryCrowley Transport by the eponymousGerry, who has been involved intransport for over 40 years. AlanCrowley assumed control of the familybusiness in 2008 and the transitionwas seamless. Today, Crowley’strademark dedication to excellence isas apparent as it’s ever been.

Refrigeration work – an area in whichthe company has specialised for 20years now - represents a big part ofday-to-day operations, but Crowley


Crowley Transport is availablefor deliveries nationwide

A service you can trustSpecialising in a wide range of general haulage services, CrowleyTransport in Cork offers a thoroughly-dependable and efficient solution.Irish Trucker visited the company depot in Kildinan, Rathcormack andspoke to Alan Crowley about the impressive, hardworking fleet and the fullrange of services provided.

61

Transport is extremelyversatile, also offeringkeen tipper, bulk andcurtainsider services.Though most of thework is currentlyconcentrated in theMunster, Dublin andLongford areas,Crowley Transport isavailable for collectionsand/or deliveriesnationwide if the rightopportunities arise.

Alan oversees a fleetof ten trucks andchooses his modelsaccording to the task athand. He doesn’tconfine himself to onemake or model and thefact that there are DAF,Mercedes, Scania andRenault trucks in theyard allows for a particular model tobe matched to each job. “I suppose,ultimately, it’s all about value formoney,” says the director. “It alldepends on what you want a truck forbut we go out and look for the bestdeal and will buy the right vehicle atthe right price. This keeps ouroverheads down and means we can in

turn provide customers with a morecompetitive price.”

The latest addition to the fleet is a’07-reg and all vehicles are maintainedin top condition, with some of thesmaller maintenance jobs handledinternally. There are up to 20 trailers inthe fleet, including fridges, tippers,flats, curtainsiders and one specialised

Moffett Mountie with a forklift fitted.When we visited Alan in December,

he was being kept busy, thoughobviously the ominous threats of thecurrent economic climate are never farfrom the surface. “We have been busyin the run-up to Christmas,” heconcedes, “but it’s quiet enough ingeneral. It’s up and down really –


Crowley Transport provides aversatile, affordable and

dependable service

62

Best Wishes To Crowley Transport From

Jack FitzgeraldRoad Haulage

ROAD TRANSPORTATIONEXPERTS SINCE 1969

Kildinan, Rathcormac, Co. CorkT:(025) 36343 F:(025) 36343

Mobile: (087) 8101828E: [email protected]

Wishing Continued Success ToCrowley Transport / Kildinan Transport From

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Donnybrook Commercial Centre, Douglas, Cork.Telephone: 021 4895200 Fax: 021 4896106

Email: [email protected] by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants

to act as an Investment Intermediary

some days are better than others.”By running a tight ship and providing

an excellent, punctual service to hisclients, Alan is confident of weatheringthe storm.

Of course, the Government has donelittle or nothing to support the haulagesector and their constant attacks onthe sector are nothing short ofscandalous, forcing more and morehauliers to the wall. The recentincrease in fuel costs in the budgethave placed the likes of CrowleyTransport under increased pressureand the proprietor admits that thepresent state of the economy causesmany sleepless nights:

“Things are not easy, especially afterthe budget. We seem to gethammered over and over again. Theincrease in fuel pricesis going to cost us amassive amount ofmoney per annum andthat’s the kind of hikethat is driving moreand more lads out ofbusiness. We can’tincrease our rates soit’s leaving us with verylittle room tomanoeuvre. Since thestart of the year, dieselhas gone up by 18cper litre. That’s a hugeincrease and it makesthings very difficult fora small operator who’sdoing his best toprovide a service,employ a few lads andmake ends meet.”

It’s worth mentioning that a crew often drivers is employed by CrowleyTransport – a vital contribution to theeconomy but one that is ignored bythe powers that be when it comes todrawing up incentives or tax breaks.

As a general haulage contractor,Alan Crowley has experience of alltypes of work. Crowley Transport has

the capacity to carry anything fromfoodstuffs to hazardous goods and allthe necessary licences and permitshave been secured. The fleet is kept intop condition and all the drivers arefully trained and operate inaccordance with all national andinternational legislation.

Looking to the future, Alan admitsthat a period of consolidation is on thecards. Companies that get through thelean period should come out the otherend stronger than every before andthere’s every chance that CrowleyTransport – as a well-known andestablished operator - will be one suchfirm:

“We’d like to keep it going. It’s verydifficult to know what’s around thecorner in the current climate becausethings seem to change on a dailybasis, but we have always provided atop-class service and we will continueto do so. Of course, you’d like toexpand and take on new contracts, butwe’ll probably have to settle for rollingup the sleeves and consolidating first.We’ll just do what we do best – we’llcontinue to provide a quality service toour existing customers and we’ll keepour eyes open for new opportunities.”


Two members of thehardworking fleet

The entire fleet is maintainedin tip-toe condition

63

The Crawley Transportfleet redy for action

Smyth Transport has been inbusiness for 37 years

64

Smyth Transportgoes from strengthto strengthSince its establishment in 1974, Co. Fermanagh-based company SmythPoultry & Transport Ltd has been providing a top-class haulage servicebetween Ireland and the UK. Managing director Gerry Smyth explainsmore.


Smyth Poultry &Transport Ltd,incorporating Smyth

International Transport, is oneof the foremost haulage firms inthe border region.

A family-run business withdepots in Fermanagh,Monaghan and Bradford, thecompany has established atradition of value-for-money andtotal dedication to customerservice. While specialising inthe transport of live poultry,refrigerated and dry freight,Smyth Transport offers acomplete transport service,

which also includes groupage, low loader, curtain-side and bulkhaulage throughout Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales.

The company endeavours to meet the individual needs ofeach customer and prides itself on providing a flexible, reliableand top-class service. It also offers a professional, next daydelivery service from Scotland, England and Wales to Ireland.

“We’ve been in this business for 37 years and we’veexpanded year-on-year,” founder and managing director GerrySmyth proudly explains.

“Our fleet and workforce have grown to the extent that wenow operate 25 tractor units, 70 trailers and employ 35 staff. Aseveryone knows, the industry is going through a tough time atthe moment, but we have to stay positive and continue to offerthe best service we possibly can. We have a large and loyalcustomer-base and we want to keep it that way.”

Gerry runs the business with the help of his wife Pauline, sonDamien and daughter Geraldine who are also directors. Thecompany’s headquarters are located in Roslea, Co. Fermanaghwhich is also where its sister company, Acorn Farm Eggs, islocated. Smyth Transport also has depots in nearby Smithboro,Co. Monaghan and in Cullingworth, Bradford.

Smyth Transport was one of the first Irish companies tospecialise in live poultry transport. Gerry recalls: “As someonewho has been involved in the poultry industry for many years, Isaw an opening for the type of service we are now providing.It’s a very specialised business in that all our drivers need to betrained in the carriage of livestock and must hold a forkliftlicence.

All drivers appointed to the transport of live poultry hold aCertificate of Competence in the transport of animals by road.Smyth Transport is a Freedom Food accredited company andall staff are fully committed to the welfare of each individualbird. In addition, Smyth’s offer a pullet vaccination service andspecialise in the depletion of end-of-lay hens and broilerbreeders.

Smyth Transport’s modern fleet consists of Volvo, Mercedes,


Smyth’s are a leading haulagefirm in the border region

Scania and DAF. All vehicles are fittedwith GPS Tracking which provides aninstant location update, allowing thecompany to keep its customers awareof the progress of their consignment24 hours a day, 365 days a year. From

its offices, the company has instant,on-screen surveillance of vehicles andcommunication with drivers.

“We have been opting more andmore for Mercedes in recent years,”Gerry says.

“While Scania, Volvo and DAF are agood reliable truck as well, Mercedesare the best in my view. Since webought our first Actros in 1997, wehave found them to be the mostreliable, while the cost of maintaining


Smyth Transport hasdepots in Fermanagh

and Monaghan

Smyth’s specialise in thetransport of live poultry

66


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them is less than that of the other trucks we have.”In his 37 years in the business, Gerry has never seen anything

like the recession the industry is currently experiencing. The hugehike in fuel costs has also forced him to introduce a fuelsurcharge.

“The industry is really struggling at the moment – I have neverseen it so bad. The recession is hitting everyone in businesshard, including hauliers. I think it will take at least five years forIreland to get out of this downturn. The one encouraging sign isthat exports are doing well. It provides some hope for the future.”

He continues: “With fuel costs at a record high, we’re having tooperate a fuel surcharge. The price of diesel has left margins verytight so we have had no option but to introduce this. Oursurcharge rates are running at around five or six per cent at themoment. It’s something we are constantlyreviewing.”

Gerry concludes by paying tribute to hisdrivers: “They have played a huge part in thegrowth and success of our company over theyears. We have taken on a lot of Polishdrivers in recent times and have found themto be very good at their job. Our drivers knowthe roads of Ireland and the UK inside out andcan always be relied upon to do a good job.”

For more information about Smyth Poultry &Transport Ltd, telephone: (0044) 2867751330; fax: (0044) 28677 51916 (accounts),fax: (0044) 28677 51777 (traffic) or

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Since its inception in 1988, theRay O’Brien Group hascontinued to grow steadily.

Today, the Group comprisesNewbridge Car & Van Rentals andAuto Fleet Service Centre, both ofwhich offer unrivalled services in theirchosen fields of excellence.Newbridge Car & Van Rentalsspecialises in short term hire, longterm lease, contract maintenance andsales, while Auto Fleet is renownednear and far for mechanical repairs.

The group is very conscious of itsindependence and is not attributed toany particular franchise, having foundthat the customer (and not thedistributor, as is the case with mostfranchise garages) must take prioritywhen providing a variety of services.

With expertly trained technicians anda wide selection of previously-ownedvehicles, Ray O’Brien’s state-of-the-artnew €8 million showroom befits thequality of service, commitment, andefficiency synonymous with the Group.Spanning a massive 40,500 sq ft,these facilities are amongst the mostcutting edge in the country.

The Ray O’Brien Group offers a wide

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Auto Fleet Service Centre has alsoenjoyed tremendous success since itsgenesis, carrying out professionalmaintenance and repair of vehicles.This company performs mechanicaland electrical maintenance for some ofthe largest fleet companies in Ireland.AFSC. also holds a service contractwith Leaseplan Fleet Management and

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Services on offer include:maintenance and repair of all makes,models and age of vehicles; Saturdayservicing; free Vehicle Health Check(VHC); free collection and delivery ofcars booked in for service work; freecrash estimates; and damaged vehiclerecovery. Credit terms are available.

AFSC’s fully-equipped AccidentRepair Centre is amongst the mostadvanced in the country, featuring thelatest computerised realignment jigsystem as well as a low-bake oven. Ateam of highly-trained technicians andpanel beaters specialises in allaspects of body repair, which isconducted in line with manufacturerrecommendations.

Founder Ray takes the story up:“There are 175 vehicles in the fleet atNewbridge Car & Van Rental Ltd. andwe are extremely versatile in theservices we provide. We have foundthat people can no longer afford to buyreplacement vans – 82% of whatwe’ve submitted for finance recentlyhas been declined – so we’ve started


The Ray O’Brien Groupspecialises in van rentals

Ray O’Brien’s beautiful,state-of-the-art HQ

Ray O’BrienreinventedThe Ray O’Brien Group has faced the challenges of the recession head-on,reinventing itself to provide a better range of services than ever before.The result is that the Group is actually moving onwards and upwards, asIrish Trucker found out recently when meeting the eponymous Ray at hisNaas base.

69

up a Rent To Buy system, wherecustomers can rent for a period of timewith a view to buying. A concession istaken off the cost price, consideringthe prior expenditure on rental. This isa special, unique arrangement and it’sproving very popular.

“There is still a great spirit to workout there, even though the recessionhas hit a lot of people hard. We findthat there are a lot of sole traders andsmall-to-medium-sized operators whoare doing their level bestto provide a good serviceand we are here tosupport them. We aregetting better value thanever before from oursuppliers and we arepassing that on to thecustomer.”

The Group received ahuge boost when AutoFleet Service Centre wassuccessful in acquiringthe An Garda Siochanacontract for recovery andmanagement of allvehicles in CountyKildare. On the back ofthis, six employees –including a TransportManager - have beentaken on in the pastthree months. Under theterms of the contract,AFSC is on hand 24hours a day to collectvehicles and store themin the Garda compounduntil they are due forrelease. Rigorousregulation is requiredand only the mostreputable companies willeven be considered forsuch a prestigiouspartnership.

A haulage licence has been acquiredand the latest IT system is deployedfor the recovery/storage/releasephases, as well as a state-of-the-artforensics facility. Thus, by totally re-inventing itself, the Ray O’Brien Grouphas managed to not just weather theeconomic storm but to move forwardin difficult times.

Peter Kennedy, who boasts over 30years’ experience, has come on boardas service director / businessdevelopment and the twelve-rampworkshop is busy at all times. Late lastyear, AFSC received AA authorisationto carry our 101-point checks onvehicles. It is the only company in

Kildare to hold this authorisation.A new tenant has been secured,

specialising in body repairs for all themajor insurers. CCI are also on site,importing cars.

Ray O’Brien has been in businesssince 1965 and his son Colin iscurrent General Manager. Other keypersonnel on hand to facilitate thehard-working drivers of Kildare andbeyond include the aforementionedPeter Kennedy, Gerry Quirke (who

spearheads van rentals), Ann-MarieNorton (administration), recoveryadministrator Sean O’Connor, fully-certified Transport Manager DonalCallaghan and workshop foreman BobTaggart.

Frustrated that the Governmentcontinues to treat motor vehicles as aluxury, and thereby taxes prospectivebuyers and sellers out of the market,Ray is happy with his new niche inrentals and maintenance. He still

offers some vehicles fromhis fleet for sale but isadamant that sales, for thetime being at least, are notthe way forward.

As for the future, heconcludes: “It’s going to betight. The banks still haven’topened their doors andpeople will continue tostruggle. We have reducedprices for short-term andlong-term rentals and wewon’t be closing our door toanybody. We’re here toprovide a service and webelieve the Rent To Buyscheme will remain verypopular.

“We also have a truckstop in the pipeline andwe’re also hoping to put upa wind turbine and we alsointend to soon offer someelectric vehicles for sale,which we will charge off ourown turbine. I’m really intoelectric vehicles – they arecheaper, clearer, safer andmore efficient – I believethat’s where the future ofmotoring lies.”


The entire fleet is kept inimmaculate condition

Auto Fleet Service Centre willnever see you stuck

70

On call for around-the-clock recovery


Continued Best Wishes To Ray O’Brien Group From

FIRST CHOICE COMMERCIALS LTDFor All Your Needs In Light/Heavy Commercial Plant & Sales

Contact UsNewhall, Naas, Co. Kildare

Telephone: 045 988533 • Fax: 045 988532 Mobile: 087 2842830Email: [email protected] www.firstchoicecommercials.ie

Best Wishes ToRay O’Brien Group

Moorefield Business Centre, Moorefield Road, Newbridge,

Co. Kildare

Tel: +353 45 433633 Fax: +353 45 438556


MANUFACTURERS OF A FULL RANGE OF COMMERCIAL

TRUCK BODIES & TAIL LIFTS, NEWLIGHTWEIGHT KIT BODIES NOW AVAILABLE

Naas Industrial Estate, Naas, Co. Kildare.Tel: (045) 875589 • Fax: (045) 875786

Email: [email protected] WISHES TO RAY O’BRIEN OF AUTO FLEET SERVICE CENTRE

ONREADTruck Bodies Ltd.

BOLANDSOPEL

SUPPLIERS OF GENUINE OPEL

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Wishing Continued Success To Ray & His Staff

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Chilled and frozen goods aredistribution by the company

72

Morgan McLernoncontinue to impressThe success of any business can be gauged by the length of time that ithas been operating and to that end Armagh based haulage firm MorganMcLernon are one of the leaders in its field of expertise.


Morgan McLernonare now entering its45th year in

business, which is anamazing statistic, given thecurrent climate that we arecurrently experiencing andmore importantly the factthat the haulage industry hasbeen at the brunt of anumber of setbacks over thepast couple of years.

Many haulage firms haveunfortunately been forced toswitch off their engines asthe recession has becometoo much for them, but thephrase the 'strongestsurvive' could be attributedto Morgan McLernon, whoseexperience has seen themthrough this difficult periodfor the industry.

For any company to enterits fifth decade in business isa monumental achievementfor all involved and one thatdeserves to be recognisedon a national level.

There have been manychanges in the haulageindustry over the years andMorgan McLernon's ability tomove with the times has

ensured that this company hascontinued to be successful.

Transport manager and familymember Claire Morgan speaks to IrishTrucker about the success of thebusiness, while she points to thepolicies they follow to ensure customersatisfaction.

Claire's grandfather Michael Morganestablished the business many yearsago. The business was continued byhis family. Claire's father John retainsthe role of director along with hisnephews Michael McLernon andDarryl Morgan.

Claire attended University of Ulster,Jordanstown where she obtained herdegree in Accountancy. It has beenher ambition to work in the family firmand so after joining the business a fewyears back she now helps look afterthe day to day running of the companyalong with her brother James.

Specialising in the transportation ofrefrigerated goods to and from Irelandall over Europe and with over 40 yearsexperience behind them, they havebuilt up a massive customer base.

From their base in Kilmore, CoArmagh, Morgan McLernon have anextensive fleet of 94 trucks and 150trailers, which allows them to performmultiple jobs at any given time.

Transporting ambient, fresh or frozenfoods means that the trailers arespecially equipped to carry suchgoods with many being dualtemperature.

“Currently all our trucks areScania as that is the preferredchoice and we have a goodbusiness relationship with RoadTrucks Ltd in Larne, GrancoTrucks Newry. We also havecontacted hire vehicles fromCenturion Truck Rental to keepup with the demand forbusiness,” said Claire. While allour refrigerated trailers comefrom Montracon and Gray &Adams.

“We also have a selection ofcurtain side trailers, some ofwhich are fixed roof but all arebuilt to euro-liner specificationand can be used to transportgoods.”

Of course maintaining the fleetis imperative and to this end,Claire revealed that no stone isleft unturned in the quest toensure that everything runsproperly.

“All the vehicles and trailers areserviced regularly and the fleet is


The company logo isvery recognisable

kept relatively new, generally underthree years old and this helps to avoidany unnecessary downtime, which aseveryone knows is something that allhauliers strive to avoid.

There are over 220 people employedby Morgan McLernon, all of who arehighly trained, while many have beenwith the firm for many years now.

“There is a low turnover of staff hereand a lot would be with the company

for many years. All are more thancapable of performing their dailyduties, which makes our job that bitmore easier.”

Like all businesses, MorganMcLernon place a huge emphasis oncustomer satisfaction and the fact theirclient list includes some of the biggestretail giants in Ireland and the UK.

“We have a large customer base thatincludes all the major supermarkets.

We would also be also involved inthe transportation of mushrooms andwork for the main producers in thenorthern/southern counties.

The main base is in Kilmore, CountyArmagh as well as a base in the UKMidlands; our dedication to improvingservice has been made easier with theaddition of this depot.

Through their network of softwareand technology as well as the latest

GPS hardware installedin all trucks and trailersto follow their goods atall times. “Customersatisfaction is key tothe success of thebusiness and we areon hand 24/7 to dealwith any enquiries thatthe customer mayhave. Our aim is tomake deliveries on timeand ensure theproducts are in pristinecondition. Through ourmany years ofexperience, we havelearned the best way ofdoing this and it is ouraim to continueproviding a top levelservice.”

Morgan McLernoncan offer next daydelivery ensuring thatregardless of the load,the customer can beassured their orders willbe delivered on time.


The bad weather didn’t stop MorganMcLernon from making their deliveries

74

Best Wishes & Continued Success To

Morgan McLernon


Best Wishes & Continued Success To Morgan McLernon From

Des McGuigan & Kieran Walsh

GoldCircle MushroomsTiernaneill, Monaghan, Co. Monaghan

Tel/Fax: 047 81884

Best Wishes To Morgan McLernon From

Stakehill Industrial Park,Middleton, Manchester M24 2RWwww.centuriontruckrental.co.uk

Call 0161 653 9700

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Morgan McLernon From

MEAT PROCESSINGABP Newry

ABP Newry, Greenbank Industrial Estate, Newry BT34 2PD. Telephone: (028) 30263211www.abpltd.com

Wishing Continued Success To Morgan McLernon

From

Mushroom ProcessingMarketing & Distribution

K Hughes & Co. Ltd118 Trewmount Rd, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone BT71 7EF

Tel: 02887 784298Fax: 02887 784998


www.hughesmushrooms.com

Dungloe, Co. DonegalTel: 074 9522088

Fax: 074 9521283

Mobile: 087 1758330UK Mobile: 0044 75 22 4585 38


Best Wishes To Morgan McLernon

“At Morgan McLernon we work withall the major shipping companies toship from all major ports. We expectand demand that our associatesadhere to the same professionalstandards as we do to guaranteeproblem free collection and deliveryservices 24/7.”

There is no question that MorganMcLernon have set the tone forproviding an excellent service andthey have been doing so for manyyears. The next generation of the clanis now bringing the business forwardand there is no doubt that thisNorthern Irish company will be aroundfor many years to come.


Scania is the preferredchoice of truck

Cross channel workis a speciality

76

All vehicles and trailers are keptin pristine condition

PJ O'Mahoney's greatgrandparents beganoperating a quarry at

Ballintobeenig, Tralee over 100years ago and the business hascontinued to operate throughoutthe generations with PJ nowoverseeing the day to dayrunning of the businessalongside his wife Caroline andhis father John.

During that period of time thecompany has developed acustomer base that turns thecompetition green with envy.Government departments, wellknown building firms, civilengineering contractors and ahost of valued customers in theagricultural and private sectorshave all seen the benefit of the

The quarry at Ballintobeenig has been ran by threegenerations of the O’Mahoney family

78

Digging for success


The O'Mahoney family in Tralee, Co Kerry has quarrying in their blood andthe fourth generation of the clan is now continuing a service that was firststarted in the early 1900's.

PJ O’Mahoney with his wifeCaroline and childen Nicole,

John and Jennifer

O'Mahoney's treatment.Specialising in the supply of

sandstone, shale, pencil shale andLeith building stone and various othertypes of crushed stone the Kerrybased firm has a customer base thatcovers a wide area.

Quarrying is a very complex industryin that there are a wide variety ofservices that can be provided, but PJrevealed that these days; theyconcentrate mainly on the one area.

“We would supply building stone allover the country. A lot of it is going toWicklow at the moment and we subthat work out to Brennan Hauliers,while we do most of the work aroundhere ourselves,” said PJ.

The company's success has beenbuilt on producing high qualityproducts at competitive prices. Thecompany also 'delivers' extremely highlevels of customer service to completean all encompassing package.

Like all other businesses, the quarryindustry has many overheads and PJrevealed that diesel was one of theirbiggest expenditures during the courseof the year.

“Diesel is definitely one of thebiggest bills of the year. Health andSafety is a major concern in the quarryindustry and it is very important tomeet the proper standards.

“Insurance too have also risendramatically over the past year andthis has had an effect as well.”

The success of the business waslargely due to providing a reliable andefficient service to a large customerbase. The company's success hasbeen built on producing high qualityproducts at competitive prices.O'Mahoney's also deliver extremelyhigh levels of customer service tocomplete an all encompassingpackage.

“I think things will even out, but notfor another year or so. There has beena huge amount of building done overthe past 15 years and I can't see itgoing back to the way it used to be.”

Deploying the finest equipmentavailable and a state-of-the-art,modern fleet in all aspects of itsoperation, the company got to where it

is today by placing a keen emphasison quality at all times. This willcontinue as PJ and his staff strive tosustain their position at the front of themarketplace.

“We have a large customer base andmany of these would be repeat clients,who are happy with the service thatwe provide and if we can continue todo that, the company will continue togrow.”

PJ admitted that there are manyrules and regulations to be followed inthe industry, which means plenty ofpaperwork to be properly completed.

“Legislation is a very big area in thisindustry and all the necessarypaperwork has to be completedproperly. Health and Safety is a keyissue also and in this respect,everything has to be in perfect workingorder.”


The quarry suppliesmany types of stone

79

Continued Best Wishes To O’Mahoney Quarries

TRUCKS

PJ has four trucks on theroad in order to keep upwith the supply of theirproducts to their customersand he feels that he hasthe most reliable make toensure to avoid downtime.

“We mainly use Hino aswe find them the mostreliable. The majority of thefleet is fairly new and thiscuts down on unnecessarybreakdowns, while alltrucks are well maintained.

“Customers want theirdeliveries made on timeand we've built areputation on this over theyears. It is something thatwe aim to continue doingfor many years to come.”

The progression ofO'Mahoney's has beenconstant; the company hasconsistently looked to thefuture to improve its lot.Location is always of theutmost importance foranyone involved in a truck

or quarrying business.So far then, things have

gone according to plan forall at O'Mahoney's. In theyears to come, they will behoping to build on theirsuccess and develop thecompany even further.

Developing contacts in asmall area has been oneof the reasons for theirsuccess. The ability of allto work hard, starting thecompany off from scratchand then being progressivehas been a major factor inits ability to survive. Theirproficiency in deliveringtheir product to all theircustomers on time hasalso been at thecornerstone of theirsuccess. The Kerry basedfirm can expect a goodfuture as a result.

For any enquiries contactPJ at 087-2609199 or 087-4187598


Best Wishes To O’Mahoney Quarries From

BRENNAN LICENSED HAULIERS LTD

Suppliers of Sand • Stone • Aggregates

8 Wheeler Truck Hire • ArticTruck Hire • Flats

Curtainsiders • TippersHaz-chem Dangerous Goods

Kilflynn, Tralee, Co. KerryT: 066 7135975 • M: 086 8495835 • M: 086 2553744


Wishing O’Mahoney QuarriesEvery Success In The Future from

LISTOWEL TYRE CENTRE

Clieveragh Commercial Park, Ballylongford Road, Listowel, Co. Kerry

Tel: 068-53800 Mobile: 086-6009442

TYRES, PUNCTURE REPAIR, BALANCING, 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT, ALLOYED WHEELS,

BATTERIES, TRUCK & AGRI TYRES & REPAIRS,CALL OUT BREAKDOWN SERVICE

Best Wishes To O’Mahoney Quarries From

Tim EnrightPLANT HIRE, GROUND WORK & LANDSCAPING

Ballintobeenig, Tralee Tel: 087 2383388, 087 9631137

Tractor & Lo Loader, Tractor & Dump Trailer Hire,Supplier of Pencil Trunking. Vat & C2 Reg

An example of the stonefrom O’Mahoney’s Quarry

O’Mahoney’s began quarryingover 100 years ago

To say it has been a topsyturvy few years for themotor trade would be an

understatement, two years agowhen the current economicrecession kicked in, the industrytook a fair battering andunfortunately some dealers wereforced to close their doors for good.

Sales is one of the toughestgames to be in and even more sowhen money is not as plentiful as itwas during the Celtic Tiger, butmany of the longer establishedbusinesses survived and last yearthey experienced an upturn infortunes.

One such business is EdwardConway Motors which has beenproviding a top quality service to alarge customer base since the early1980's. The late Edward Conwayestablished the business along withhis late wife Threasa and initiallythey focused on supplying qualityused parts to their customers, butsoon a garage and second handcar sales were in operation also asthe business began to grow.

Over the years, the customerbase grew as Edward's ethos ofproviding top quality vehicles at areasonable price and providing afriendly service became well knownnot just at its base in Castlebar, butthroughout Mayo and thesurrounding counties.

These days, Edward ConwayMotors are main dealers for bothCitroen and Kia and that highstandard of service first introducedby Edward and Threasa is

continued to this day.Their son Padraic is the current

Dealer Principal and he is ablyassisted by Sales Manager PatNeary, who is more than 20 yearswith the company.

Pat speaks to Irish Trucker aboutthe business and he tells us aboutthe eventful few years that they areafter having. In 2008, EdwardConway Motors moved premisesfor a third time and they currentlyreside in the Breaffy Road RetailPark, where they are located in astate of the art premises.

However, around the same time,business went quiet and Pat admitsthat it was worrying times for allinvolved. “Obviously, the decisionto move had been taken longbefore the recession really kickedin,” said Pat.

“It really was worrying times andwe all had to pull together to makesure we got through it. Lookingback I feel it was a great learningcurve for many people here and wejust had to get back to basics andwork hard.

“It was virtually impossible to getcredit for people and basically thetrade was dying on its feet.However, the introduction of thegovernment's scrappage schemelast year really saw an upturn in

Conway Motors are Citroenand Kia main dealers

LookingforwardA company's ability to move with the times isessential in the art of survival and especiallyin the vehicle retail trade, where anyhesitancy could leave a business in theirrivals' shadows.

81

“The Citroen Berlingois one of the most

popular small vans”

fortunes for us.”Pat admits that a turnaround of its

kind has been unseen in the industrybefore, but he certainly is notcomplaining about their change inluck.

“It was a timely boost and I have tosay that 2010 was a great year for usand we are looking to continue thatimprovement well into 2011. There area number of new vehicles coming outand we are looking to push them asmuch as possible.

“It has been an incredible couple ofyears to say the least and I'mdelighted that we have turned thingsaround in such a short space of time.”

The Citroen Berlingo is one of themost popular small vans and Patadmits that both it and the Kia modelare popular brands amongst theircustomers.

“We have been main dealers forCitroen for many years now and theyhave produced some very reliablevehicles, the Berlingo being one ofthem. In December 2009, we wereappointed the main Kia dealer forMayo and Sligo and we are delightedwith how that has been going eversince.”

Edward Conway Motors is not just adealership as it also offers many otherservices such as after sales, parts anda workshop meaning it is a one-stopshop for its customers.

“Our workshop would be very busyas we service quite a number ofvehicles and we have a contract withAn Post where we maintain up to 150vans for them.

“After sales are equally as importantto us as sales and we ensure to followup the customer and make sure theyare happy with their purchase.”

Of course customer satisfaction isEdward Conway Motors main focusand Pat feels that they are providingthe right level of service given thelarge customer base they have.

“We have a very experienced staffhere many of whom have been with usfor years. They are all highly trained intheir own areas and deal with anyenquiries from customers in a friendly

and efficient manner.“Our customer base is continuously

expanding and we would have a lot ofrepeat custom. Our location too alsoplays a big part in our success aspeople have easy access to thepremises.”

So what does 2011hold for EdwardConway Motors? “Weare hoping the saleswill continue as theywere in 2010 and weare confident they will,given the vehicles thatwe are selling.

“It is a big year forKia with theintroduction of theseven-year or 150,000warranty, which initself is a big sellingpoint, while theextension to the

scrappage scheme is also good newsfor us.

“We aim to push the commercial a lotmore this year and a lot of ourattention will go into promoting them.We are looking forward to the yearahead.”


“The introduction of thegovernment's scrappagescheme last year really

saw an upturn in fortunes for us.”

The impressiveCitroen Berlingo van

Best Wishes To Edward Conway Motors From

1800-360000

• Broadband• Landline• Mobile Phones• Car Kits

• Ballina• Ballaghaderreen

• Ballinrobe• Belmullet• Castlebar

• Claremorris• Swinford

• Tubbercurry• Westport

Head Office: Rosbeg, Westport, Co. MayoTel: 098-25481 Fax: 098-26649 Email: [email protected]

Conway Motors areagents for Kia


Best Wishes To Edward Conway Motors From

Kilcoyne & Scahill Motors Ltd

CarsCommercials4x4’sGolden Mile Ind ParkBreaffy Rd.,Castlebar, Co. MayoT: 094 9020110Donal: 087 2237577Ronan: 087 2218429

www.kilcoyneandscahill.ieEmail: [email protected]

24 HOUR BREAKDOWN & RECOVERY SERVICETRUCK WASH • WHEEL ALIGNMENTBreaffy Road, Business Park, Castlebar, Co. MayoTel: (094) 9027250Fax: (094) 9027257 • Mobile: 087-2682776Email: [email protected] WISHES TO ALL ATEDWARD CONWAY MOTORS

DOE TEST CENTRE

• CASTLEBAR •

OPEN 7AM TO 3AM MONDAY-FRIDAY

SUPPLIERS OF ALL LEADING BRANDS OFCar, Truck & Agri Tyres To The Trade

Allenwood North, Naas, Co. Kildare

Tel: 045 860901 or 086 6093440

Wishing Continued Success To Edward Conway Motors

WE CAN MANUFACTUREANY TYPE OF OIL COOLER

Continued success to all at Edward Conway Motors, from

Mayo MotorParts Ltd.

FOR ALL YOUR MOTORING NEEDS

MMP

Lodge RoadWestport

Co. MayoTel: (098) 24476Fax: (098) 24481


Moneen Ind Est.,CastlebarCo. MayoTel: (094) 9027452Fax: (094) 9027377E: [email protected]

Opening HoursMonday - Friday (9-6pm) Open through lunch

Saturday 9-4pm

BEST WISHES & CONTINUED SUCCESS TO

EDWARD CONWAY MOTORS

One suchcompany isDecon

RefrigeratedTransport and forthis month's editionof Irish Trucker, weprofile the Galwaybased firm andspeak to managingdirector DerekConnolly about thesuccess of thebusiness since itsinception in 2003.

Derek has beeninvolved in thehaulage industry for manyyears and the businesshas evolved from his fatherworking in the distributionof fruit for many years.

However, eight years agothis year, Derek decided toestablish his own businessand has never looked backsince, expanding the fleetand customer base on anannual basis.

Decon Transport offereda specialised service totheir customers and Derekadmits that the success ofthe business is mainlydown to the quality of service that theyprovide.

“At Decon Transport, we specialise inovernight palletised temperaturecontrolled distribution to the retail andfood service trade from our distributioncentre in Claregalway CorporatePark,” said Derek.

“We can tailor our services to meetthe customers' total distribution needs,direct from the end of their productionline or port of entry to final delivery attheir customers premises.”

Some of the produce transported bythe company includes fresh fruit andvegetables, pork and beef,delicatessen and dairy products aswell as fresh flowers and ambientfoods.

“We have a large customer base that

covers a number of industries and weare a nationwide service. Many of ourcustomers have been with us sincethe start and we are grateful for thework and cooperation we havereceived from them.

“It is our intention to continue withthe level of customer satisfaction thatwe provide and improve on that ifpossible. We have an excellentworking relationship with ourcustomers and that is something wewill be aiming to maintain.”

With 16 highly trained employees onthe books, Derek 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 than

capable ofcarrying outany operationto the higheststandard.”

Of courseanother vitalpart of thebusiness is thefleet and tothis end,Derek stressesit is essentialthat everyvehicle andtrailer is wellmaintained.

DAF, Volvo andScania have been thepreferred choice oftruck for many yearsnow.

“We run a new andwell maintained fleetof vehicles andtrailers. All ourvehicles andequipment arepurchased from newand are serviced byour maintenanceteam.

“We currently havethree types of trailers

in the fleet which are Gray & Adams,Frappa and Chereau. We have anumber of Double deck trailers forspecific clients where greater volumescan be carried thus reducing the costto the customer.

“We run the majority of our fleet withThermo King refrigerated units alongwith Dhollandia tail lifts. All ourvehicles are covered by 24hour roadside assistance be it for mechanicalproblems with a vehicle or a problemwith equipment.

“Our vehicles are all washed by aprivate firm both inside and outside ona weekly basis using approved antibacterial solutions for the foodtransportation industry. Should avehicle require more frequent washingwe also have our own on-site washing

Decon Transport is based inClaregalway Business Park

84

A fresh serviceThe distribution of frozen, chilled and ambient foods is a specialised areaconcentrated on by a select number of haulage firms throughout Ireland.


The company specialise inrefrigeration work

facilities.”Derek admits that

the haulageindustry hassuffered greatly inthe last 18 monthsor so and costshave been rising ona regular basis,leaving it verydifficult to providethe level of servicerequired.

“It has been atough time,especially with theprice of dieselrising so frequently.It makes it that bitharder to survive,but we aredetermined tocome through without reducing thehigh levels that our customers expect.”

Decon Refrigerated Transport nowoffers extensive warehousing that hasthe capacity to house 1600 pallets or10,000 sq ft of storage facilities.

“We have the facilities to storetemperature controlled goods in ourcold storage warehouse. If you wouldlike to discuss any warehousingrequirements you may have be it longor short term you can contact uswhere we would only be to happy to

meet with you todiscuss yourrequirements.

“We also providetemperaturecontrolled storagewhere fresh foodscan be storedawaiting delivery.At Decon we havethe knowledgeand expertise toprovide a onestop solution forall yourdistributionrequirements.Vehicles areequipped withtemperaturemonitoringsystems where a

computerised list of vehicletemperatures is always on hand.”

For further information contact DeconRefrigeration @ Phone:(0)91 795570;Email: [email protected] Fax:(0)91795587


Scania is the preferredchoice of truck

Many types of refrigeratedgoods are transported

The cold storage warehousehouses many products

Best Wishes To Decon Refrigerated Transport

Oranmore Business Park, Galway.Phone: (091) 790009 Fax: (091) 790019


www.langancouriers.com

In 2005, new legislation wasintroduced where all vehicles wereput through stringent tests to

ensure their roadworthiness and itcertainly has improved the standard ofvehicle on Irish roads, while it has alsoplayed a huge part in the safetyaspect of driving.

For this month's edition of IrishTrucker, we profile Ballinasloe basedPriority VTN test centre and speak tohead tester Damien Gibbons about thechanges that has been made in theindustry.

Conveniently located on the N65between Loughrea and Ballinasloe, CoGalway, the state-of-the-art vehicletesting centre facility, serves the areasof Galway and the mid-west countiesof Offaly, Tipperary, Roscommon,Clare and Westmeath.

Priority VTN tests heavy and lightcommercial and company businessvehicles for roadworthiness, as well asundertaking calibration of tachographsand speed limiters.

“We carry out vehicle testinginspections on behalf of the

Department of Transportation. Theequipment used is compatible with allnew European Communities (EC)regulations and is state-of-the-art,modern technology, used byprofessional, certified and experiencedtechnicians,” said Damien.

Every test must be carried out to thespecific regulations that have been putin place by the EC and Damien admitsthat there are no shortcuts takenduring a test.

“We guarantee compatibility with ECregulations so even if the test was

Two bays allow light and heavygoods vehicles to be tested at

the same time

86

Testing is a PriorityThe standard of heavy and light goods vehicles on our roads hasimproved greatly over the past five or six years and this has been down tothe implementation of a higher standard of VTN test.


taken in Paris, it's the exact same ashere so the standards are the same.National regulations now require thattesting be carried out on allcommercial vehicles every year.”

Priority VTN test both light and heavycommercial vehicles and as part oftheir facilities, there are two bays onefor each of the tests.

The introduction of penalty points forfailing to have a vehicletested has resulted in ahuge increase in therequest for tests

“We are available tocarry out tests five daysa week. We endeavouras much as possible tofit in a test to suit ourcustomers busy timeschedules. Also, if wefind that something iswrong with a particularvehicle at the test stage;the customer has 21days to amend problemsoutlined.

“It is only in the pastfew years with theincreased volume ofcommercial vehicles thedemand for D.O.Etesting became so heavyand we also specialise inrelated services such astachograph calibrationsand speed limitercalibrations.

"These days there arefar more commercialvehicles on the roadsand so we are kept busyall the time. The truckshave to meet certain

standards and the tests are run to avery high standard.

“Our valued customers have helpedus greatly by recommending us toothers. Word of mouth has been agreat thing for us for some time butthere is room for us to be able toincrease our sales and overallservices. There is always potential todevelop a business like this,” he

added."Due to the nature of some of our

customers' busy schedules and longworking hours, we will endeavour tofacilitate anyone who cannot bringtheir vehicle to us during normalworking hours.

“We are delighted to be so busy atthe moment. Our aim is to hold on towhat we have and hopefully build up

the customer base evenfurther. We haven't takenon any new contracts,but still maintain a largecore of private work.”

Damien revealed that tokeep up with the latestchanges to thelegislation (of whichthere is many); thetesters must go arefresher course twice ayear.

“There are three testershere and at differenttimes of the year, wewould have to go onrefresher courses. This isto keep up with the latestchanges in the legislationand it is important to dothese, otherwise wewould be out of date.”

Having such a largecustomer base meansthat Priority VTN is keptbusy all year round. Thestate of the art facilitiesensure that any haulierthat brings a vehicle inwill not be waiting anylonger than necessary.

"We generally test one


The reception area allowsthe customer to see their

vehicle being tested

All types of vehiclescan be tested

Damien Gibbons runs adigital tacograph test

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HGV and one LGV an houron average, which is adecent ratio and it, is our aimnot to hold onto the trucks forany longer than necessary,but no corners will be cut withregards to testing the vehicle.

“We have set ourselvesvery high standards and tomaintain those, we have tocontinue a high level ofefficiency. This is juststandard procedure, we haveguidelines to follow and thatis what we do.” CommercialVehicle Testing in Ireland is

conducted by approvedVehicle Test Centres(formerly known as DOE TestCentres).

For further informationcontact: Telephone numbers:090 9676117, 090 9676104,090 9676630, 090 9676635.Fax number: 090 9676269.

E-Mail:[email protected],[email protected]

Opening Hours Monday -Friday 8.30am - 5pm


Heavy commercials aretested on a daily basis

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Best Wishes To Priority VTN Test Centre From

Sperrin Galvanisers specialise in providing a high quality Hot Dip Galvanising service in terms of quality,

price and turnaround time.

Sperrin Galvanisers (Irl) LtdDerryfrench,Tynagh,Loughrea,Co. Galway

Tel: + 353 90 974 5804 Fax: + 353 90 974 5805Email: [email protected]

Best Wishes & Continud Success To Priority VTN Test Centre From

Ger Murphy

Banagher, Co. Offaly

T: 057 9151347M: 087 6489890

MURPHYTRANSPORT

Best Wishes & Continued Success ToPriority VTN Test Centre From

Mount Kennett House,Henry St. Limerick

Peter Blair FCA - Colm Browne ACA AITILeo Hudson FCCA - Billy Irwin AITI

Telephone: (061) 401122 • Fax: (061) 401144

Documents

Irish Trucker February 2011