9 minute read
Going the Extra Mile
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by coolkdei2
County Monaghan-based BM Transport Ltd is developing its European operations by customer demand and word-of-mouth recommendation
By Bob Beech PHOTOGRAPHY TOM CUNNINGHAM
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While many pundits and politicians would have us believe the world is in crisis and feed us a diet of doom and gloom, particularly as the Brexit saga drags on, others who live in the real world just get on with making a living. While it’s very difficult to forecast exactly what the future will bring, most will find a way to deal with whatever happens.
Darren Murphy, head of Irish operator BM Transport Ltd, came to just this conclusion late in 2018 when trying to forecast the likely effect of Brexit on his business. With depots on both sides of the Irish border and on the UK mainland, BM Transport Ltd operates a modern fleet of 110 trucks and 410 trailers – so any of the proposed political/economic outcomes is bound to have an effect on the operation. With customers in Ireland, the UK and Europe, any changes are
going to affect operating practices. However, Darren and his BM Transport team take the view this should be seen as an opportunity to expand the company’s range of services, rather than viewing everything as a potential disaster.
“Whatever happens, people will still need to eat, drink and go shopping,” says Darren. “Construction companies will continue to build houses, factories and roads. In short, goods will still need to be shifted, stored and distributed. There might be changes in working practices, but BM Transport and other operators will find a way to get things done.”
Paving the way forward This positive attitude has seen the company gradually expand from just a couple of vehicles, which operated in Ireland 30 years ago, to a thriving operation. The firm’s eye-catching fleet of trucks have become a regular sight on the roads of Ireland, the UK and now Europe. BM Transport ferries large numbers of both unaccompanied trailers and complete outfits across the Irish Sea every night of the week. The company is also well known for having a sizeable complement of flat trailers, along with curtainside and Euroliners.
In 2018, BM Transport held back on expansion plans due to a number of factors, but customer demand combined with the need to have greater control over certain aspects of the operation led to expansion in a number of fields last year. “The fleet has grown in response to customer demand. We take the view that
if a customer has a particular requirement and the job can be done in a cost-effective way, we are not just meeting their needs, but meeting the needs of their customers in turn – which has to be good news for all concerned,” says Darren.
Expanding horizons “In January 2019, a very good customer of ours asked us if it was possible for us to get two loads to the South of France as quickly as possible. Up until then we had avoided European work altogether, as we felt there was more than enough for us to do in Ireland and the UK. But the customer was in a tight spot and we wanted to help them out if at all possible.
“We sat down and planned out the job, and a couple of our long-serving drivers who had done European work for other companies said they were up for it. Because the job came up at very short notice, we didn’t have time to sort out European fuel cards, but the drivers were able to make alternative arrangements,” adds Darren.
The job went ahead, the loads were delivered on time and it quickly became a had avoided European work altogether, as we felt there was more than enough for us to do in Ireland and the UK. spot and we wanted to help them companies said they were up for it. Because the job came up at very short notice, we didn’t have time to sort out European fuel cards, but the
BM Transport operates a modern fleet of 110 trucks and 410 trailers Darren Murphy has recently expanded BM Transport’s operations into Europe
regular run. BM Transport has been able to source return loads every time and it now runs to other continental destinations on a regular basis.
To deliver this commitment, it purchased 20 new Krone Euroliner regular run. BM Transport has been able to source return loads every time and it
trailers, all within the maximum 4.0 m height limit for European operations. The drivers on this European work like the extra variety it provides and a number of the company’s other customers are now making use of these export and import runs. There is no intention of entering in the general Euro
BMT opted for 3.9 m wheelbase, twin-tyre tag-axle tractor units with its latest order of FH500s
Fleet variety
BM Transport runs quite a variety of FH tractors, including both Version 3 and 4 models. It still operates a 2005 Version 2 tractor unit on local work. The latter truck has had a bit of money spent on it recently and it will go into the company’s collection of restored trucks, a group that will eventually include five generations of Volvos.
“The older models in particular are very durable and just seem to get better as they age. We find them very cost-effective to run and the only reason we will eventually replace them is because of the emission restrictions in some big cities,” says Darren.
BM Transport has a 2017-registered Volvo FH16-750 flagship. “It is a tremendous machine,” says Darren. “The truck is in the hands of a really good driver and we have a simple policy: we give the best trucks to the drivers that do the best job and look after their vehicles. It’s a good way of rewarding their efforts.”
➤ hire and reward market – it’s far too competitive – but Darren feels if the money is right and the job fits in with the rest of the operation, he will give it a go.
Darren continues: “We have also taken on a warehouse in the local area. Customers asked us if we could provide storage for them and suitable premises
became available. It’s another new venture for us, but it is going well.”
First out the blocks BM Transport has to respond to changes in the marketplace, otherwise others will take the initiative. The firm also has workshop facilities at this new location, as with over 400 trailers in the fleet,
Operator reckons 540 bhp engine is good balance between power and economy
many are at the ports or at customers’ premises. Occasionally it became too heavily reliant upon outside contractors in some locations for maintenance and repair work. Now with its own R&M facilities, there are skilled staff that can maintain, repair and refurbish trailers at far lower cost, giving better control levels, in addition to potentially extending the trailer fleet’s service life as a result.
BM Transport has also invested some new tractor units in recent months and its 110-strong fleet currently includes 70 Volvo trucks. The defining factor for this majority presence is the first-rate aftersales service provided by local Volvo dealer McDonnell Commercials Ltd, based in Monaghan, close to BM Transport’s main depot. Darren reckons
he can’t fault the parts and service support his operation receives.
Loyal customer “We have dealt with McDonnell Commercials for years; my father bought his first new truck from them in 1991: an F10 tractor unit. Quite a number of the staff that were employed back then still work for the company. I really like the consistency of their operation; we know that they will do whatever it takes to get one of our trucks back on the road,” declares Darren. Volvo’s Gold Contract
Darren’s father bought his first new truck, a Volvo F10, back in 1991
Power delivery: BM Transport’s latest FH500s have upped the fleet’s preferred spec to 540 bhp engines
Service package also ensures BM Transport receives a high level of support throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe.
Bigger & better As with many larger fleets, the company has found 13-litre engines rated at 480-500 bhp are the most cost-effective choice for full-time 44-tonne operation. This power output means they are well on top of the job, but still relatively fuel-efficient. When combined with a well-equipped cab, they give the right level of space and comfort to attract drivers.
But the latest Volvo tractors to enter service cross the 500 bhp threshold and have really impressed all who have got behind the wheel.
“I was keen to try the I-Shift Dual Clutch transmission after hearing some very good reports about the level of performance it offers, combined with the potential for decent fuel economy. I sat down and discussed it with Martin Keenan at McDonnell Commercials and we came up with a suitable specification. We went for a 3.0 m tag
axle with front air suspension and double tyres on the tag. We also opted for the D13K540 engine, an I-Shift Dual Clutch gearbox, along with a Globetrotter XL cab.
Easy shifter “When the truck arrived, I was able to take it out for an appraisal drive and was really impressed by the effortless performance it gives, particularly on cross-country routes. The gearbox is fantastic – it really enhances the performance – but the engine hardly ever goes outside the green band. I would go as far as to say it will easily
keep up with a truck with 100 bhp more power output.”
Darren reports the FH540’s fuel consumption is very similar to
Volvo’s 500 bhp engines, but the performance is very close to a 16-litre
engine. He reckons the FH also rides and handles beautifully.
“I see this as a real step forward; we will definitely have more in the future.
Volvo have always led the way as far as truck transmissions are concerned and
I-Shift Dual Clutch is definitely a step forward again,” he concludes. ■
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