Irish Trucker August 2012

Continued Best Wishes To Jason Leonard & Knight Logistics, From

JUSTIN NOONE & CO. Chartered Certified Accountants Drumnacool, Co. Sligo.

T: 071 9165148 M: 086 2395607 E: justinnoone@eircom.net

DOMESTIC | AGRICULTURAL & COMMERCIAL OILS CONTACT TREVOR FARRELL Grange, Co. Sligo T: 071 91 73805 Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon T: 094 98 70453

E: grangefuels@gmail.com www.grangefuels.ie Best Wishes To Jason Leonard & Knight Logistics

Best Wishes To Jason Leonard & All At Knight Logistics, From

Ronan Gallagher ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

Best Wishes To Jason Leonard & Knight Logistics, From

FOR ALL YOUR MOTORING NEEDS! DOMESTIC | INDUSTRIAL | AGRICULTURAL Installations | Maintenance | Repairs | Re-Wires Silverhill Ballinfull Sligo www.ronangallagherelectrical.com Email: ronangallagher@yahoo.com T:071 9185605 M:0879039135 F:071 9185605

SUPPLIERS OF PARTS FOR CARS & COMMERCIALS Heather House, Teeling St, Tubbercurry, Sligo.

(Opposite Topaz/Coens) E: autolinemf@eircom.net Phone: 071 9120732 Fax: 071 9186460

www.autolinemotorfactors.ie

Best Wishes To Knight Logistics

24 Hour Nationwide Service

Services Available

| Deliveries & Collections 48 Hour UK Service | JP Transpeed Express Package Delivery | Business Contracts - Short or Long Term Global Services | Express Pallet Distribution Available | International / Global Consignments Unit 6, Clonminan Industrial Estate, Portlaoise, Co.Laois Tel: 0578680993 Mobile 086 0457324 / 086 0457341 Email: jptranspeed@ymail.com

www.jptranspeedexpress.com

HAULAGE AND DISTRIBUTION Services Available National Distribution | Ireland UK Pallets European Roadfreight Worldwide Freight Forwarding Office: 00353 (0) 71 9173200 Fax: 00353 (0) 71 9173201 Mob: 00353 (0) 87 2115512 E: leonardlinetransport@eircom.net www.leonardlinetransport.com Continued Best Wishes To Knight Logistics

WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR COMPANY FEATURED IN

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS MAGAZINE Call BARRY now on 00353

(0) 46 9241923 34

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Knight Logistics provides a world wide service

Knights keep shining Running any business in the current economic climate is a major challenge given the daily restrains that face all companies, however it is not a deterrent for some as Sligo native Jason Leonard is currently running two businesses simultaneously.

The company provides many products

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

K

night Logistics and WesChem are both run by Jason since their inception in 2009 and for this month's edition of Irish Trucker; we profile both companies and speak to Jason about the daily efforts it takes to make each a success.

From its humble beginnings to a one-room office in Tubbercurry, Co Sligo, Jason has moved the businesses to a 24,000sq ft premises in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim.

Knight Logistics offers an excellent worldwide transport service and they always deliver the goods on time - as well as delivering on price and quality of service.

Jason has a lifelong knowledge of the industry, as his family has been involved in haulage for many,

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The warehouse facility has 24,000sq ft of storage

many years and Knight Logistics specialises in moving shipments of any size to anywhere in the world. They import and export freight from any two points in the world and this expanding company has seen its customer base increase considerably in the intervening years since its genesis.

“We have certainly made progress over the last few years and I believe that the fact we concentrate on the demands of the customers and make sure to meet those demands has been one of the reasons for our success,” stressed Jason.

Every week new clients are choosing to move goods with Knight Logistics as Jason's expertise, coupled with great quality of service, means less headaches for the client.

“I had a good knowledge of the industry before I started, which helped greatly. We would have a huge network of contacts both of customers and those who carry out the work for us.

“There is a same day delivery service on offer throughout Ireland we can generally get a package to the customer within four or five hours. We have our own vehicles on the road, but the majority of the work would be subbed out to firms that have been hand picked as we will not just give our work to anyone.

“There vehicles have to be up to a certain standard as they are

representing us and it is important to have a good appearance.”

The services include groupage, half loads and full loads around Ireland, UK, mainland Europe and the Middle East.

Shipments vary from a pallet to Cork or a 45ft container from China.

“We ship mobile trucks, Plant & Equipment for export and have in the past shipped a 60 ton crane from Cork to Saudi Arabia. We give our clients exactly what they need. We inform our clients with regular updates of where their shipment is during transit and also when the goods have finally arrived at the destination.”

Knight Logistics organise all paper work including customs documents and can all also organise insurance cover for their customers' goods. All the client has to do is tell them what they want shipped, where they want it shipped to and when they want it shipped. They can then relax and let Jason and his team collect their freight and send it onward on its journey.

To date there hasn't been a single loss or damage insurance claim lodged with Knight Logistics regarding freight handled by them and this is something Jason is very proud off.

“We are also members of the Irish International Freight Association (IIFA).Whether it is a carton or a full truck load - from your front door to anywhere in the world - you know your

package is safe with Knight Logistics.”

The company also offers secure warehousing from their premises in Carrick-on-Shannon, which is a drive through facility that is securely monitored by CCTV. “We can handle three artics in the building at one time and this is where we pick and pack goods and send them on to their next destination.”

Jason has also made a successful breakthrough to the cleaning products market as Wes Chem are Ireland's leading distributor of chemicals for the home and business.

Wes Chem provides quality cleaning products to the home, hardware, catering and automotive sectors. Their flagship gardening product is the incredibly effective MOSS BUSTER. “We are committed to providing quality products and a reliable and professional backup service and have developed our own brand, which has proven to be very popular.

“We supply the 32 counties with our products and some of the major DIY franchises in Ireland stock our brand.”

Jason admits that he is pleased with the direction that the company is heading, but stressed that they were always looking at ways of improving the service to their customers.

“We would be happy enough at the moment. We have built up a reputation for providing an excellent service and it is up to us to ensure that we continue to do so.

“It is important to keep improving and if we can do so then we will as we won't rest on our laurels.”

Contact Details:

Wes Clem are one of Ireland’s leading provider of cleaning chemicals

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Carrick on Shannon, Co Leitrim Tel 071 96 22555 Fax 071 96 22556

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Reeling hoses are available from Road Tanker Spares

Road Tanker Spares has the part for you Need a spare part or accessory for your tank truck? If so, Road Tanker Spares International (www.roadtankerspares.com) is certainly worth a visit.

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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ounded in Markethill, Co. Armagh eight years ago by local man David McIlveen, Road Tanker Spares has earned a reputation as one of Ireland’s foremost stockists of tanker spares and accessories.

Whether it’s tank truck equipment, hoses, couplings, health and safety equipment, truck storage or workshop/garage consumables you’re looking for, Road Tanker Spares has the product for you.

The company stocks all the major brands and offers a nextday delivery service to customers in Ireland and the UK. And thanks to the internet, Road Tanker Spares is attracting customers from all over the world.

“Our online service is proving to be extremely popular. It has given us a worldwide market, and more and more people are using it because there are greater savings to be made. No matter what part you’re looking for, we either have it in stock or will be able to source it for you,” David explains.

“While most of our business is still done over the counter, there is no doubt that there is a growing demand for our online service. It’s the way things are going and we’re trying to develop it more. When you log onto www.roadtankerspares.com, all the available products are there in front of you and you just click on the one that you want. We have a vast knowledge of all the products we stock and are only too happy to offer advice and help.”

He continues: “At this stage, about 50 per cent of our products are exported.

That includes the south of Ireland, which has always been a great market for us. We also have a lot of customers in the UK and export to places like Cyprus, Poland, Greece, India, Trinidad and Uganda. We have a wide range of customers, including DHL, Reynolds Logistics and even the RAF.” Road Tanker Spares International is offering Irish Trucker & Light Commercials readers a 10 per cent discount on all products purchased online. Just type in the following promotional code – IT0512 – to avail of this special offer. If you’re not already a Road Tanker Spares customer, you will need to pre-register for VAT. This can be done online or by telephoning 044 077 3036 0996.

The company has established a IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

A philly

A vehicle-driver kit available from Road Tanker Spares David’s shelves are always well stocked

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tradition of value-for-money, reliability and total dedication to customer service. David is at pains to point out that while Road Tanker Spares may not be the cheapest, high quality spares are always assured.

“There’s lot of cheap stuff out there, but we insist on only stocking quality parts. Our service record speaks for itself.”

A mechanic by trade, David decided to set up Road Tanker Spares in 2004 after seeing a demand for tank truck spares and accessories.

“I found that the products which we specialise in now were often difficult to get. There was an opening in the market and I decided to go for it,” recalls the affable managing director, whose father Walter runs McIlveen Fuels in Markethill.

“Having started out with nothing, we’ve come a long way. Our customers recognise that they can be assured of a top-quality product at the most competitive price every time, and that’s why so many of them keeping coming back to us.”

The following are a selection of the products available from Road Tanker

Spares: workshop/garage supplies; drill bits – Blacksmiths, Flute Ground, Long Series, Roll Forged and Stub; abrasives; conecuts/multicuts; countersinks; drill sets; flat wood bits; holesaws and arbors; masonry/SDS; plastic masonry plugs; spotwell drills; hoses; tubing; fittings; airline; airline accessories; crimp o-clips; hose clips; hose menders; mini hose clips; P clips; petrol pipe clips; push fit elbows; push fit equal connectors; push fit T pieces; tube couplings; tubing and hoses; sealing washers.

Aluminium washers; copper compression washers; copper washers, fibre washers, assorted boxes; assorted bulbs; brake and clutch; electrical terminals; fuses, grommets; hardware; O rings and sealing washers; olives, pop rivets and nut-serts; springs, pins and clips; storage boxes; welding and safety; mig welding; security; soldering; welding general; power tools; tools, air tools; creeper; cutters; drain plug key set; engineers files; folding key sets, saws/hacksaws; hammers/wrecking; knives/scrapers; measuring/testing t o o l s ,

miscellaneous tools.

Pliers and locking pliers; pry bar set; ratchet handles; screwdrivers, sockets; spanner sets; staplers; storage bins; wrenches, electrical products, fuses – blade, continental, glass, domestic, mega and micro; assorted tapes; automotive bulbs; cable clips; cable glands/lock nuts; cable tie accessories; conduit opener; connector box; electrical terminals; crimp terminals – blue, red, yellow; HeatShrink products; spiral wrap.

Brake pad retaining pins and R-clips; flat washers; linch pins, nuts, pop rivets; repair washers; screws; set screws; spring washers; 7-pin plugs and sockets; battery terminals; brake disc pads; cargo handling; Checkpoint indicators; crocodile clips; diesel filter primer tops; exhaust products; jacks; lubrication; adhesives; aerosols; air fresheners; grease; jugs and funnels; safety clothing; tanker equipment; pumps; man lids; signage; nozzles; filters; reeling equipment; foot and lever valves; PTO; couplings; hoses of all kinds.

CONTACT DETAILS Road Tanker Spares International 17 Dunesmullan Road, Markethill, Co. Armagh, BT60 1TJ. Telephone: 077 3036 0996 Email: info@roadtankerspares.com Website: www.roadtankerspares.com Opening hours: 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday.

A selection of camlocks

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Road Tanker Spares stocks all the leading brands

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Specialise In

BUILDING AND REFURBISHING OF NEW & USED TANKERS FOR THE FUEL INDUSTRY.

Congratulations to Road Tanker Spares International Thanks to Davy McIIveen for marketing the Philly Ball Valve Nozzle

221 Armagh Road, Keady, Co. Armagh Tel: 028 3753 9999 Fax: 028 3753 9078 Email: sales@roadtankersarmagh.com

www.roadtankersarmagh.com Best Wishes To Road Tanker Spares International

Road Tanker Spares www.roadtankerspares.com

Specialising In Tank Truck Equipment • Hoses Couplings • Health & Safety Equipment • Truck Storage Workshop/Garage Consumables Road Tanker Spares International, 17 Dunnesmullan Road, Markethill, Co. Armagh BT60 1TJ

Tel: +44 (0)77 3036 0996 E: info@roadtankerspares.com

Deighan Equipment Div Crystal Metal Products Philadelphia, PA. USA

Visit Our Website

www.Deighanequipment.com

Best Wishes To Road Tanker Spares International, From

WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR COMPANY FEATURED IN

Best Wishes To Road Tanker Spares International From

Engine Oils | Universal Oils Transmission Fluids Specialised Agri Products Gear Oil & Greases Horticulture & Forestry Products Home Heating Oil Shell Lubricants

DISTRIBUTOR OF

INDUSTRIAL | AGRICULTURAL | MOTOR | HOME

T: 045 444300 www.tougheroil.com IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS MAGAZINE Call BARRY now on 00353

(0) 46 9241923

41

Staff at Cullen Transport and Trailer Services Ltd pose for the camera

Location is key Unfortunately breakdowns are part and parcel of the haulage industry and these are something that are unavoidable at certain times. For all haulers, the main aim is to get their truck or trailer back in full working order as soon as possible. Downtime is arguably the most detested word in the sector (although the word fuel may have overtaken that now) and the need for a quick, reliable and efficient service to repair lorries is paramount.

T

here are many companies around the country that provide such a service, but not many have the experience and excellent location that Belfast Docks based Cullen Transport and Trailer Services Ltd has in abundance. This is a family run haulage business with extensive garage facilities that caters for all internal and external HGV/LGV maintenance. Through many years of hard work, they have built up an excellent customer base including FG Wilson, DHL SDC FORD Shannon Transport logistics Being in the Haulage Business also means that Cullens are well placed to understand the needs of their maintenance customers as they have first hand experience of dealing with the needs and problems associated with managing vehicles.

Conveniently located in the centre of Belfast Docks, they have access to all immediate

42

motorway routes allowing them to deliver goods as soon as they arrive into Northern Ireland.

Irish Trucker spoke to Kevin Cullen, who along with his brother Patrick and father JJ run the business which was established in 1991.

“You could say myself and Paddy have been in the haulage industry since we were born” states Kevin, “our father JJ has been an owner operator since the days of KM Bedford's, pulling 4 inline trailers delivering beer and general goods around Ireland, so within the company we have a history spanning back to 1968.”

Paddy started the company as it is now back in 1991 as maintenance provider and JJ came on board to provide the hauler service. As the company expanded, Paddy and JJ focused on building the haulage business and I became responsible for developing our

maintenance services,” explains Kevin.

Kevin outlines the service that the company provides and stresses that customer satisfaction is always at the forefront of their minds.

“Our garage can cater for all HGV/ LGV/ CAR / MOTs as well as offering CONTRACT PMI/SERVCING & 24 hour breakdown service. We are also authorized repair agents for HALDEX, KNORR BREMSE AND WABCO, this ensures any ABS/EBS problems are traced quickly preventing costly diagnosis ” revealed Kevin.

“We look after the assets of a number of UK rental companys (Ryder group, Cartwrights Dawsons rentals)and are agents for many UK national breakdown providers (National transport breakdown services, Fleet solutions TIP roadside).

We contract service all their vehicles and carry out any necessary maintenance work that may be needed.”

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Their 24 hour breakdown service caters for trailers and a fully stocked van enables Cullen's to perform 99% of maintenance work on the roadside if necessary. Kevin admits that it has been a sensible business decision to really focus on maintenance work, giving the volatile nature of the haulage industry at present.

“We are putting in place a business development plan to try to achieve a greater market share in the maintenance end around Ireland. we have a number of haulage contractors operating from Belfast Docks as maintenance customers which we are delighted about but we now have the capacity and service to take on more clients. Our Southern haulers have told us that they come to us because it's cheaper here and the service is excellent!”

“We specialize in HGV repairs and breakdowns providing quality local service at competitive rates. More recently we have installed 2 post ramps and invested in SNAP-ON diagnostic computers to allow for the maintenance of LGV vans and cars allowing us to offer a full range of vehicle services catering for business and domestic customers.”

Cullen's offer a complete service package to suit the needs of all their customers, “we can collect vehicles, make bookings for MOT test/service, repair shunt vehicle to test and return to the customer. Our tailored service is offered to all vehicles truck/trailers or cars - no matter the vehicle we will have you covered”.

“We use G.D.S garage software system which monitors our customer's vehicles. This allows us to act proactively to help our customers manage their vehicles.

We alert customers in plenty of time when a vehicle is due for service or annual test. This software has been a vital tool allowing us to keep track of customers vehicles due service, and prevents MOT expiry dates being missed or overrun. We understand the need to operate within the law and keep our customers informed of changes and how they will impact on the management of their fleets. Be aware one requirement of a valid NI operators license is that vehicles must have regular maintenance schedules in place and adhered to - So Cullen's will ensure they can keep you legal!”

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

In the haulage end of the business, Cullen's utilise practically every shipping route obtainable into Ireland.

Having options is crucial when performance levels are a pre-requisite and Cullen Transport can offer shippers these options through the following routes: Fleetwood - Larne; Heysham - Belfast; Liverpool - Dublin, Holyhead - Dublin, Heysham Warrenpoint, Stranraer - Belfast, Cairnryan - Larne, Troon - Larne, Birkenhead - Dublin and Birkenhead Belfast.

They cater for all customer's haulage needs, specializing in container curtainsider and flat work. “We have many years experience in moving abnormal loads throughout Ireland and UK.” explains Paddy.

Through their general haulage, they have also diversified into storage while stripping containers is another area

Kevin carries out a diagnostics test

Members of staff and management, l/r: Chris Bowen, Sean Carey, Paddy Cullen, Sean (JJ) Cullen, Kevin Cullen, Brendan McGrattan

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Specialists In Complete Workshop Fit Outs Altnagelvin Ind. Estate., Trench Road, L’derry BT47 2ED Tel: Fax: Email:

+0044 (0) 28 7131 2225 +0044 (0) 28 7131 8811 sales@swsni.com

SEARCH WORKSHOP SUPPLIES Best Wishes To Cullen Transport & Trailer Services Ltd From

Container Services | Stevedoring | Port Services Warehousing | Air Freight 2-10 Duncrue Road, Belfast Co.Antrim BT3 9BP Email: sales@hamiltonshipping.com Tel: 028 90 357000 Tel: 028 90 756666 www.hamiltonshipping.com Best Wishes To Cullen Transport & Trailer Services Ltd From

To Book Advertising Space or enquire about completing a Feature please contact

COLM on 00 353 (0) 46 9241923 44

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Hamilton Shipping are one of the many customers

A mobile unit is ready for all call outs A vehicle undergoes an oil change

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

that the company specializes in. “We can strip and securely store container contents for onward delivery at a later date.”

“Last year was good year for us, despite the testing times that the haulage industry is currently experiencing.

The cost of fuel is the one big issue in the industry at the moment and this is something that needs to be addressed both sides of the border. Insurance is also an area that has seen a huge increase in the last couple of years and it is getting more difficult just to make a living in this industry as all haulers will tell you.

“As well as being a haulage provider we know what the haulers want and need from a maintenance perspective and we are here to provide that. We will

continue to build upon the excellent service levels that our customers tell us we deliver so feel free to contact us for more information and a competitive quote for haulage and maintenance.

We look forward to hearing from you soon.”

Contact Details Haulage Contact Paddy Cullen Telephone: 0044 7971814827 E-mail: cullen.transport@btinternet.com Garage Contact Kevin Cullen Telephone: 0044 7801882379 Fax: 0044 28 90775575 E-mail: cullen.transport@btinternet.com Sales Contacts Anna Cullen Telephone: 0044 28 90775588 Fax: 0044 28 90775575 E-mail: sales@cullentransport.com Unit 1 Duncrue Industrial Estate Belfast BT3 9BP County Antrim Web: www.cullentransport.com

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One of the recovery vehicles

Standing the test of time By remaining fully up-to-speed with all technological advancements and regulatory requirements, Kieran McManus’ self-made business continues to go from strength to strength. Irish Trucker popped into the company HQ at Cloncollig Industrial Estate and got an update from affable office manager Linda Fenton.

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Tullamore Test & Repair Centre founder Kieran McManus at the Tullamore based company

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

ullamore Test & Repair Centre has come a long way since the hard-working business was last featured in this magazine, about a decade ago. Despite the fiercest blows the economic downturn has been able to throw at it, Kieran McManus’ company is still going strong today.

And that’s a real testament to the exceptional quality of service being provided to commercial vehicle operators in Offaly and beyond!

Health and safety have always rated highly on the list of priorities at Tullamore Test & Repair Centre and this is still very much the case today, with ever conceivable step being taken to ensure that the business is compliant with all regulations. In fact, they have implemented measures above and beyond what is required to ensure the complete safety of all their customers.

“We have a lot of standards in place,” Linda Fenton confirms. “We are currently going through the process of implementing ISO standards and the quality control here is very tight. Obviously, when you are testing the safety and roadworthiness of commercial vehicles, you have to operate to very high standards. We have never shied away from this.

“We give our customers complete peace of mind that their vehicles are 100% when they leave our workshop.

“There has been a huge push on safety by the RSA. They are insisting that safety has to be the main consideration when a HGV goes out onto the road and they are implementing very strict standards, which we are fulfilling.”

Located in the heart of the midlands, Tullamore Test & Repair Centre offers a superb test, breakdown, repair and maintenance service from its well-appointed base at Cloncollig Industrial Estate, Tullamore, County Offaly.

Proprietor / managing director Kieran McManus boasts over two decades of experience in heavy goods vehicle repair and maintenance. Kieran has built this business up through sheer hard work and integrity and is renowned and respected in the local area for his honesty, professionalism and dependability.

Having started out from humble beginning, literally doing repairs on the road from the back of a small van, Kieran appreciates the value of providing excellent levels of customer service. This is one of the many reasons why Tullamore Test & Repair Centre has survived the test of time and is still going strong today, with the very highest standards of practice in place through every facet of the operation.

A 24-hour breakdown service is provided as well as trailer repair and maintenance and tachograph installation / repair / calibration. But DOE testing / repairs / maintenance remain at the very core of his business. A large stock of spare parts is carried in stock and Tullamore Test & Repair Centre has the capacity to work on all kinds of commercial vehicles from curtainsiders and flats to tautliners and trailers.

The test centre and workshop run efficiently side by side, with a trusty team of testers and technicians on hand to ensure that all customers are afforded the very best service in the business at all times. Downtime is, of course, kept to a minimum as Kieran and his staff appreciate the need to get their clients back on the road as quickly as possible.

By providing a good, fast, dependable service, Tullamore Test & Repair Centre has forged an excellent reputation for itself, benefiting from a large percentage of repeat custom as well as

47

The company base in Cloncollig Industrial Estate

regular referrals and new business. All the latest diagnostic and repair equipment is housed in a modern, fullyequipped workshop where cutting edge technology and a thorough knowledge of commercial vehicles go hand in hand to provide an unrivalled one-stop-shop package.

Tullamore Test & Repair Centre has also recently launched a new website, www.tullamoretest.ie. Amongst the special offers currently available is a full commercial vehicle service for just EUR160, including a full 59-point check from top to bottom. This is available on every commercial vehicle under 3.5 tonne.

“We have separated the workshop and testing sides of the business and we have invested in a lot of new equipment over the last decade or so,” Linda continues. “Our goal through every aspect of the business is 100% customer satisfaction and we leave to stone unturned to ensure this is achieved.”

Regular clients include the likes of AES, Oxigen, Kilsaran, Tullamore Town Council and Offaly County Council.

“As of March 1st this year, camper vans also have to be tested,” Linda continues. “We have a lot of those coming in for testing at the moment and we are also able to do repairs on them.”

A total of nine people are employed at

Tullamore Test & Repair Centre, with Kieran McManus and Dwayne O’Reilly handling all the light and heavy testing as well as tachograph calibrations.

Four fully-qualified technicians man the workshop.

“Business is steady enough in the testing,” says Linda. “There are less heavy goods vehicles coming in now but still quite a few light commercials. And we are inundated with caravans. Some days the workshop is busier than others but we’re ticking over and we’re trying to keep prices as low as possible for customers.

“If there are repairs to be done after a test, we can get a price for labour and parts for the repairs in advance, so everything is up front and the customer has the option of saying yes or no. It’s important to get the balance right and give customers both a quality service and the right price.

“We can also carry out any work that needs to be done before the test. Having the vehicle serviced first, for just EUR160, makes sense as it could save the client money in the long-run. It will keep the maintenance of the vehicle up and avoid the cost of a re-test.

Vehicles should be serviced and maintained – not just to pass the test but also for safety reasons.”

CONTACT DETAILS Tullamore Test & Repair Centre Cloncollig Industrial Estate Tullamore County Offaly Tel: 057 9352057 www.tullamoretest.ie

Best Wishes & Continued Success To TULLAMORE TEST & REPAIR CENTRE From

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Every vehicle is 100 per cent perfect when it leaves Tullamore Test & Repair Centre

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Cappincur Industrial Estate, Tullamore, Co. Offaly Tel: +353 057-9324722 Fax: +353 057-9324723 Email: info@ravenhill.ie www.ravenhill.ie IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Bavaria Dutch beer is another leading brand supplied by Gleeson’s

Gleeson Group satisfaction delivered As the leading supplier and distributor of beverage products in Ireland, Gleeson Group operates a large fleet of trucks from 11 distribution hubs nationwide. Transport manager Philip Delaney and fleet manager James Stapleton explain more.

F

ounded in the late 1960s in Borrisoleigh, Co. Tipperary

by Michael and John Gleeson, Gleeson Group was acquired by current managing director Pat Cooney and his brother Nicholas in 1974 and has since established itself

Tipperary Natural Mineral Water is one of Gleeson’s best-known brands

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

as the country’s foremost manufacturer and distributor of packaged beverages and confectionery products.

With 700 staff on its books, Gleeson ranks among the top 150 companies in Ireland and in the top 20 private companies (based on annual turnover). It has remained a fully-privately owned family business. As well as operating a large manufacturing plant in Borrisoleigh, the company has full national coverage through its 13 distribution hubs. The first of these was opened in Ballyfermot, Dublin 10 in 1976.

The acquisition of wholesale companies across Ireland led to the opening of other distribution centres in Cork, Galway, Portlaoise, Clonmel, New Ross, Kells, Donegal, Lisburn and a second Dublin hub in Crumlin.

In the early years, Gleeson was a manufacturer of soft drinks and a bottler of a well-known stout brand.

Since then, the company has expanded its portfolio with its biggest acquisition to date being the buyout of United Beverages’ business outside Dublin from Diageo in 2005. Gleeson also acquired the Gilbey’s Wine

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Gleeson’s operate a fleet of 123 trucks

business from Diageo two years ago.

“We’re the largest independent distributor to the licensed trade in Ireland,” Gleeson’s transport manager Philip Delaney proudly states.

“Our business has grown gradually over the years. With 11 fully owned distribution hubs, we have full national coverage and can deliver to every shop, restaurant, catering company, distributor, supermarket, public house, forecourt and hotel in Ireland – both north and south of the border. Our brands are among the most recognizable in the country.”

Some of Gleeson’s best known brands are Tipperary Natural Mineral Water, Finches Soft Drinks, Country Springs and Magic Sticks Freeze Pops. Other brands produced or represented are Bulmers, Carlsberg,Guinness, Beamish, Miller, Murphy’s, Bavaria (Dutch Beer), Duvel, Maredsous, Vedett, Menabrea, Warsteiner, Weihenstephaner as well as Monster and Boost Energy Drinks.

Gleeson is Ireland’s largest wholesale supplier of packaged beer and also boasts extensive mineral water, soft drinks, cider, liqueur, wine and spirits divisions. In addition, the company also manufacturers own label brands for a number of retailers at its state-ofthe-art production facility in Borrisoleigh.

Gleeson’s brands are among the most recognisable in the country The production of all

50

products is tightly controlled under a quality plan which covers the process from the raw material stage right through to production, on to storage. This plan also includes all quality checks, inspection and tests to be carried out along each relevant stage of the process.

Gleeson offers an unrivalled nationwide delivery service which ensures a regular and efficient supply of its products.

The company is a central billing supplier to all major retail groups in Ireland. As the largest supplier of packaged beer to the licensed trade in Ireland, Gleeson has access to all promotional products and pack formats.

Each distribution depot in the Republic of Ireland is 100 per

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Continued Best Wishes To Gleeson Group, from

MC CARTHY COMMERCIALS KEEP YOUR TRUCK A TRUE VOLVO, CHOOSE GENUINE VOLVO PARTS Call Now For A Competitive Fitted Price From McCarthy Commercials

Double Your Warranty When Genuine Volvo Parts are fitted in our workshops Watergrasshill, Cork 021 4889700

Clonlara, Co. Clare 061 356360

Ring Road, Kilkenny 056 7734200

www.mccarthycomms.ie Continued Best Wishes To Gleeson Group From

Haulage

Tobin

Terms & Conditions Apply

HENLEY FORKLIFT GROUP LIMITED Best Wishes To Gleeson Group

Proprietor Oliver Tobin

GOING YOUR WAY

SALES - SERVICE - HIRE SPARE PARTS - DRIVING TRAINING

10 Grange Vale, Pinecroft, Douglas, Cork

Tel: 021 4363270 Mobile: 086 8374971

www.henley.ie CONTINUED BEST WISHES TO GLEESON GROUP Richmond Head Office 1st Floor Harmony Court, Harmony Row, Dublin 2 T. +353 1 631 6100 F +353 1 639 4882 www.richmondmarketing.com

Revolutionising Brands In Ireland Since 1992

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Dublin Tel: 01 6209200 Cork Tel: 021 497 8700 Galway Tel: 091 704 580 Limerick Tel: 061 322 222 Waterford Tel: 051 372 111 Kerry Tel: 066 718 0155 Monaghan Tel: 042 969 2155 Lisburn Tel: 048 9266 6446 51

Hanlon Transport Ltd

HAULAGE & STORAGE CONTRACTORS

Industrial Est, Greenore, Co. Louth Tel: 0035342 9373136 | Fax: 0035342 9373308 www.hanlontransport.ie Best Wishes To Gleeson Group From

Continued Best Wishes To Gleeson Group

Continued success to Gleeson Group from Patrick O'Mahoney & Paul Dempsey

Bradley Tyres ALL TYPES OF CAR & COMMERCIAL TYRES Supplied & Fitted Wheel Alignment Arranged

Drumrooske Business Park, Donegal Town Tel: (074) 9725462 • M: (087) 9627208 Email: bradleytyres@eircom.net

Best Wishes To Gleeson Group From

Oliver Conroy (Pallets) Ltd Mullingar, Co. Westmeath Tel: 044 9373500 Email: sales@conroypallets.ie 52

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Gleeson Group From

T.M.H. Distribution Ltd Monaghan REFRIGERATED & DRY FREIGHT TRANSPORT

Office 047 71799 Mobile: 087 2568820 IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

company owned and operated.

The staff in each depot are local, meaning they have indepth understanding of the areas they serve as well as the products they deliver. Gleeson is exceptionally proud of its nationwide network, having built an impressive customer base through individual attention and high levels of local market penetration.

The Gleeson Group boasts a modern fleet of 123 trucks, including a number that are independently operated. The trucks range in size from All trucks are kept intonne seven-and-a-half to pristine condition articulated. About 60 per cent are Volvo, with MAN, Mercedes and other makes accounting for the other 40 per cent.

“We operate our own trucks out of Borrisoleigh, Dublin and Donegal,” Philip explains.

“We have 15 artics and 15 rigids working out of Borrisoleigh, which is our main distribution centre. Our depots in Portlaoise, Cork, New Ross and Galway are served by owner drivers, who we obviously have a very good working relationship with.

“Until recently we had depots in Drogheda and Cavan, but we decided to amalgamate them into one depot in Kells, Co. Meath which is a halfway point between the two.”

All repairs and maintenance to the Gleeson fleet is carried out in Borrisoleigh where James Stapleton overseas operations.

He says: “When you operate a fleet of trucks and trailers as

The Gleeson plant

big as ours, as well as 70 forklifts, it makes sense to carry out your repairs, servicing and maintenance in-house. We have a large workshop which comprises three inspection bays. We employ five mechanics who are highly-skilled and experienced. In addition, they have all completed their ABS and EBS courses.

We also carry out preventative maintenance in all our depots which involves sending one of our mechanics from Borrisoleigh.

“If we can’t carry out the repair of any truck ourselves, we send them to the nearest dealership for that particular make.”

James expects the demands on the Gleeson fleet to increase in the coming years.

“The longer this recession goes on, the greater the chance we will be branching out into overseas markets. You have to broaden your horizons and look for new opportunities at times like these, so international transport is a possibility going forward,” he concludes.

CONTACT DETAILS

The Gleeson Group is the largest independent distributor to the Irish licensed trade

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Gleeson Group, Greenlawn, Borrisoleigh, Co. Tipperary.

Telephone: 00 353 (0)504 51113 Fax: 00 353 (0)504 51480 Email: info@gleesongroup.ie Website: www.gleesongroup.ie

53

Brian Daly Transport have an impressive fleet

20 years on the road Brian Daly Transport is this year celebrating its 20th anniversary; a remarkable milestone in any industry, but more particularly so in the haulage trade.

F

or this month's edition of Irish Trucker, we profile this Dublin based haulage company and speak to general manager Martin Masterson about the success of the company.

Since the company's formation in 1992 it has grown substantially from one lorry to become one of the country's leading independent haulage and logistics

54

operations with a fleet of 45 tractor units and rigids.

The business was initially established

by John Daly and from humble beginnings; it has grown considerably over the years. John's son Brian has now taken over the reins of the business, but he has carried on his father's ethos of hard work and ensuring customer satisfaction from the premises

in Ballycoolin Industrial Estate, Dublin 15.

“We offer a wide and varying range of transportation and warehousing services 'tailored' to meet each of our customer's needs throughout Ireland,” revealed Martin.

“We have a diverse customer base of many companies throughout the entire range of industry sectors. Many of our IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

customers are blue-chip companies within the marketplace, most of whom have been with us for many years.

Martin revealed that placing an emphasis on the service they provide has stood the business in good stead down through the years.

“Providing a good service has been the key to our success and it is something that we strive to do on a daily basis. We believe that the transport industry is always evolving and we have endeavoured to adapt our services to meet all our customer's requirements. We have developed our 'one stop shop' capability over the years and group's main objective is to provide a 'complete transport package' for its customers.”

The experience that the company has built up over the years makes them a leader in their field of expertise and the customer can be rest assured that they will avail of an excellent service.

“We believe investment is essential to ensure we can offer our customers a reliable service. We are always looking at ways to improve our service and are continuously seeking to expand the business.”

Brian is joined by many family members, who are all actively involved in the daily operations of the business.

They all play vital roles to ensure its continuing success and growth within a market, which is more challenging and complex than ever.

There is in the region of 65 people on the books of Brian Daly Transport and Martin admitted that each played their part in the success of the company.

“Everyone helps out in this company and if there is work to be done, someone will do it, regardless if they were management or not. We would definitely multi-task.

“A lot of employees would be here many years and they have a huge amount of experience in the industry.

The drivers are the ambassadors for the company and they are the ones out meeting the customers on a daily basis.

“All drivers are trained to very high standards and must adhere to the Brian Daly Transport Services Driver Excellence Program. Each of our drivers are full trained in manual handling, power pallet truck and current cpc.”

Martin revealed that there is a great emphasis place on the service provided to the customer. “We would IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Best Wishes To Brian Daly Transport Services

Dedicated to service are, l/r: William Bebbington, Nelson O’Neill and Brian Daly

have a good relationship with our customers, some of who have been with us for many years. We would do work for Coca Cola in Ireland and are their biggest logistics provider.

Brian and Martin Masterson with a Jungheinrich forklift

56

“At Brian Daly Transport, we try to go that extra bit for the customer and ensure that they are satisfied with the service provided.”

Hauliers take great pride in their

trucks and to this end; Brian Daly Transport is no different as appearance is everything to this haulage firm.

Every truck purchased is painted in the company colours, which have become well known throughout Ireland.

“Appearance does mean a lot to us and we feel it is important to have the fleet looking its very best at all times.

“Any new truck that comes in here is painted in the company colours and has the Daly family crest painted on it. It gives us our own identity. The fleet, which is predominantly Renault, is kept relatively new and we would sub the maintenance out or bring it back to the dealer if it's still under warranty.”

Cutbacks have become part and parcel IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Continued Best Wishes To Brian Daly Transport Services From

Continued Best Wishes To Brian Daly Transport Services From

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57

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Brian Daly Transport Services From

FINTAN EGAN Financial Planning Consultants

Auditing Services | Bookkeeping & Accounting Services 173 Kimmage Road West, Dublin 12 Telephone: 01 4555829

Best Wishes To Brian Daly Transport Services, From

To Book Advertising Space or enquire about completing a Feature please contact

Brian

nspor Daly Tra

hes To

Best Wis

s

t Service

COLM on 00 353 (0) 46 9241923 58

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

The ‘Dedicated to Service’ motto has served them well

of the day to day running of all businesses and Brian Daly Transport is no different as escalating fuel bills have hit the industry hard.

“Every haulier is in the same boat and everyone is looking to make cuts. We have installed a GPS tracking system on our fleet and this ensures that all

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

trucks will automatically switch off if left idling for a certain amount of time.

“I can't see the government doing anything about the price of fuel, so it is up to each individual company to look at ways of cutting costs and this is just one example of what we are trying to do.”

Contact Details: Brian Daly Transport Services Limited Building 3, Orion Business Park, Ballycoolin Ind Est, Dublin 15 Tel: 01-8853260/ 01-8853261 Fax: 01-8853216 Web: www.briandalytransport.ie

59

Hearty Distribution was established in 2005

Hearty: For all your distribution needs The transportation of goods is an age old task that has been carried on down through the centuries. In current times, the transport industry uses the most modern, state-of-the-art equipment to ensure that customers' goods are picked up and delivered safely to their destinations.

T

he hassle and strain of ensuring that goods arrived at their port of call can be a lot to handle for some customers, but there are expert firms that can be called up to take away all that worry in the freight forwarding sector.

One such business is Hearty Distribution, which over the last

60

seven years since it was established in 2005 has built up a huge customer base having provided an efficient and reliable service since its genesis.

Headquartered in Dundalk, Co Louth, the company actually operates from the The Pallet Network premises in Ballycoolin Industrial Estate, Blanchardstown, Dublin. For this month's IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

edition of Irish Trucker, we profile this burgeoning company and speak to operations manager Colm Hearty about the success of the business.

Hearty Distribution is a family run business, with Colm as operations director and transport manager, while his wife Melanie manages the administration, accounts, payroll and personnel side of the business.

Today, the company still supplies haulage services to the newspaper industry, but its main business today is moving pallets for a variety of industry sectors, including construction, hardware, animal feeds and even hazardous materials, for which they are certified for by the Department of Transport.

Hearty Distribution does 'what it says on the tin' and that is the distribution of goods for the clients in Ireland and the U.K. The company is also a member The Pallet Network (TPN), which allows them to work on a broader scale within the industry.

“We concentrate on palletised freight; distributing it throughout Ireland and the U.K. Our fleet consists of two artics, three rigids and two vans,” said Colm.

“I use to be delivering papers before we diversified into freight and we haven't looked back since. The business has grown on an annual basis and we're confident that trend will continue for some time to come.”

Colm feels that a decision made in 2008 turned out to be a huge boost for the business. “Four years ago, we became members of TPN and to be honest only for it, I'm not sure where we would be today.

“No matter where we distribute a load, we will always have backloads and we are now the main agents for the Louth, South Dublin and north Wicklow areas. We work hand in hand with other companies in the industry and it has proven top be very successful.

The Pallet Network is the number one freight distribution service for palletised goods in Ireland with a network of 23 regional hauliers, their Pallet Network Members.

TPN deliver and collect pallets and carton freight in every County in Ireland on an overnight delivery service. With a unique integrated link to The Pallet Network UK, they offer a premium 48 hour export and import delivery service to and from the UK. Their members are experienced local freight companies who not only deliver but also provide their own national and international service through The Pallet Network. There is no better choice to transport freight in Ireland.

“We also continue to distribute papers on a bulk basis to the retailers.

There are a number of services that we provide Hearty’s are members of the Pallet Network.

Colm and Melanie Hearty run the business and these include same IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

61

Hanlon Transport Ltd

HAULAGE & STORAGE CONTRACTORS

Industrial Est, Greenore, Co. Louth Tel: 0035342 9373136 | Fax: 0035342 9373308 www.hanlontransport.ie

Continued Best Wishes To Hearty Distribution

Continued Best Wishes To Hearty Distribution, From

SEAVIEW FILLING STATION Avenue Rd., Dundalk, Co. Louth Tel: 042 9339013 Best Wishes To Hearty Distribution From

Stephen Doyle CRASH REPAIRS

Red Bog, Navan Rd., Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath

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24 HOUR BREAKDOWN SERVICE Mullinary, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan Telephone: (042) 9664069/8 Fax: (042) 9662233 Mobile: (087) 2626274 E: sales@globaltyres.ie or E: simon@globaltyres.ie The Ramparts, Dundalk, Co. Louth.

Tel: (042) 9334815/9332872 Fax: (042) 9330200

E: stephendoylem3@eircom.net

Contact Stephen On

086 8307381 62

Continued Best Wishes To HEARTY DISTRIBUTION IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

day nationwide delivery service; a next day 24hr pallet and parcel Distribution nationwide; 48hr Pallet/Parcel Distribution UK; European Weekly Services; full or part loads nationwide and UK container services nationwide.”

Colm admits that with his team of nine employees, the business would be nowhere near as successful as it is and he thanked them for their service so far.

“We employ a team of nine and are happy to say that we have kept on all our staff during these difficult times.

Hearty Distribution has grown into one of the east coast's leading transport companies and I have to thank all our staff for literally keeping the wheels of commerce rolling! It's been hard work, but we are looking forward to the next seven years.”

Even though the business may be

Same day and next day deliveries are guaranteed

The fleet is modern and kept in excellent condition

Continued Success To Hearty Distribution From

TUCKMILL TRANSPORT LTD Enniscorthy Tel: 053 92 32548 Fax: 053 92 39567 Mobile: 087 6645827 Contact: Brendan Morgan Web: www.tuckmill.ie Email: Brendan@tuckmill.ie Same-Day/ Next Day Nationwide UK Import / Export Full/Part Loads throughout Europe Container Services Worldwide 20,000sq Ft Storage Facilities

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Wishing Continued Success To Hearty Distribution From

PAUL FARRELLY T R A N S P O R T

42 Sandfield Gardens, Blackrock, Dundalk, Co. Louth Email: paulfarrellytsp@eircom.net

Contact Paul on 086 2649295

63

DAF is the preferred choice of artic

The drivers take great pride in their vehicles

CONTACT DETAILS Hearty Distribution 6 Lios Mead Blackrock Dundalk Co. Louth Phone: (01) 8248341 Fax: (01) 8248196 e-mail: info@heartydistribution.ie tpn125@eircom.net Accounts Queries: Contact Melanie Phone: (087) 2275689 Ph/Fax: (042) 93 54576 e-mail: heartydistribution@eircom.net web: www.heartdistribution.ie

64

Congratulations to Hearty Distribution from all the team at Blackstone Motors Drogheda only seven years old, Colm has many years experience in the industry and he admits those BLACKSTONE MOTORS have helped him when first NEW GRANGE BUSINESS PARK, DONORE ROAD, DROGHEDA, CO. LOUTH establishing the company.

TEL: 041 983 1100 WWW.BLACKSTONEMOTORS.IE “I had a good understanding of the industry before we started the business and Best Wishes & Continued Success To Hearty Distribution From I knew I could get some customers on board from early on. Our aim has always been to provide reliable and efficient service, which we feel we have been doing. Our customers are happy with the level of service 23 Willow Wood Park, Hartstown, Clonsilla, Dublin 15 that we provide and I'm confident that we can continue to do so.”

MOBILE TRAILER REPAIR Repair & Maintenance Of All Types & Makes Of Trailers Telephone: 087 9182952

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Work in progress on the N25 bypass

Road schemes ongoing in Cork

Viewing the Cork County Council’s new fleet of velocity patchers are, l/r: Liam McNamee, Archway Products; Richard Cahill, Council fleet manager; Tom Stritch, Director of Services; Martin Riordan, County Manager and Cllr Tim Lombard, Mayor of County Cork

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Cork City and County Councils are overseeing a number of national roads design and construction projects in 2012 as well as assorted quality pavement and minor improvement works, though obviously this workload has also been affected by a substantial nationwide cutback in spending on our roads infrastructure.

While some projects have been suspended, work is ongoing on others, including in particular the N25 Bandon / Sarsfields interchanges upgrade.

65

T

he National Roads Authority allocation for improvement and maintenance of roads received by Cork County Council in January, 2011 was â‚Ź25.94

million.

In June, 2011, the contract for the N25 Bandon / Sarsfield Interchange Scheme was awarded to SIAC and substantial progress was made on this project in 2011.

The design of the upgrade to Dunkettle Interchange was developed to the stage of emerging preferred route. Public displays were programmed with a view to publishing the compulsory purchase order / environment impact statement in Quarter 2, 2012.

The Motorway Order / Environmental Impact Statement for the Cork - Limerick scheme was published and an oral hearing took place in 2010. An Bord Pleanala subsequently requested additional information and design changes and the amended scheme was published in August, 2011. Subsequent to this, however, the scheme was suspended.

As for Ballyvourney Macroom, the Compulsory Purchase Order / Environmental Impact Scheme was approved by An Bord Pleanala. Judicial review proceedings against the decision by the owners of Carrigaphooca Manor House are ongoing, with the Council awaiting the outcome of this County Hall in Cork review before advancing to the

66

The before and after shot following road works in Ballyvourney

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

COH SAFETY SALES & SPILLAGE SPECIALISTS

Best Wishes To Cork County Council From

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Adzorb is environmentally friendly. It is non-toxic, safe to handle and will neutralise most acids. After use the area is easily cleaned and swept.

Prevent Accidents, Save Money Jamestown, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim Tel: 071 962 4753 Fax: 071 962 4810 E: sales@archwayproducts.com www.archwayproducts.com

Preventative treatment is safer and more economical, spread a thin layer of Adzorb where surfaces are liable to get dirty or soiled. A protective barrier of Adzorb around machines will provide security and absorb spillages as they occur.

COH Safety Sales & Spillage Specialists: Penrose House, Penrose Quay, Cork Tel: +353 (0)21 4508958 Fax: +353 (0)21 4508481 Email: info@cohsales.ie Website: www.cohsales.ie

Wishing Continued Success To Cork County Council

Best Wishes To Cork County Council From All At

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Best Wishes To Cork County Council Continued Best Wishes To Cork County Council Thanking you for supporting our business

| | | | | |

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SCRAP METAL PROCESSORS We dismantle a wide range of makes ie: Volvo, Scania, Daf, Mercedes, Man, Renault & Hino For The Home & Export Trade Our premises is a licenced END OF LIFE WASTE FACILITY, fully compliant with EU regulations.

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Best Wishes To Cork County Council From

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68

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next stage.

Draft Compulsory Purchase Order / Environmental Impact S t a t e m e n t documentation is in place for the Cork Northern Ring Road scheme. However, this scheme is also currently suspended.

Regarding the Carrigtwohill – Midleton scheme, Draft Compulsory Purchase Order / Environmental Impact Statement are also completed - but the scheme is also currently suspended.

An ongoing programme of bridge management and road safety schemes is also being implemented.

During 2011, substantial progress was made in the existing road near the Sarsfields this regard.

Road roundabout and the Quality pavement and minor implementation of new traffic lanes improvement works is another area near the Bandon Road Roundabout. being addressed. Understandably, in Two new road sections were also the current financial climate, there is a opened over the following weeks, greater emphasis on overlay and minor improvement works as opposed to allowing construction of the new bridge major schemes. structure at the eastern side of the The National Roads office has Bandon Road Roundabout to recognised this and has endeavoured commence. to maximise the receipt of available While all these construction works (as funding from the National Roads well as associated works such as the Authority. The allocation received at the sign refurbishment contract) have been beginning of 2011 for pavement and taking place, Cork City and County minor works as part of the overall Councils are fully appreciative of the allocation was €13.55 million.

However, by virtue of a coordinated effort by all concerned the outturn received in 2011 for pavement and minor works was €28.5 million, which hugely benefited the National Network in the county.

In late April, a significant milestone was reached on the new N25 Bandon / Sarsfields interchange when a section of the new road adjacent to the Dunnes Stores shopping centre was opened to traffic.

Significant works also took place over May Bank Holiday weekend, including the installation of a new 2.1 metre A council gritter ready for action diameter concrete pipe under IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Waste Management is a crucial part of the council policy

cooperative approach shown by commuters and local residents in relation to the projects, which are due for completion shortly. A temporary 60kph speed limit remained in place throughout the works area to ensure the safety of workers and motorists alike.

These are tough times for everybody but Cork City and County Councils are doing everything in their power to ensure that the roads network in Cork is amongst the very best in the country.

Despite the obvious financial restrains hindering them, they are doing an excellent job.

69

Freighteam Ireland is a fully Irish-owned company

A freight team you can trust Freighteam Ireland, being a fully Irish-owned company, specialises in the Ireland – UK – Ireland groupage and pallet market, providing departures in both directions every night. Irish Trucker takes a closer look at this stellar operation.

F

rom its base in Dublin Port, Freighteam Ireland provides direct employment to eleven personnel, with many more employed indirectly. Established in 1999 by Eugene O’Reilly of O’Reilly Transport and his partner James McGrath (but 100% owned by Eugene & Virginia O’Reilly as of May, 2011), Freighteam Ireland is surviving well in these challenging times.

Freighteam Ireland Ltd. and O’Reilly Transport Ltd. – celebrating 40 years

70

servicing the Ireland / UK unit load market this year – complement each other perfectly in servicing this chosen sector of the distribution market.

Freighteam Ireland are true experts in all aspects of freight forwarding, distribution and warehousing. In today’s rapidly-changing commercial environment, Freighteam have adapted to provide a one-stop shop for their many valued clients. In addition to the daily ro / ro services to and from the UK, Freighteam Ireland also provide same-

day and overnight pallet and groupage deliveries nationwide.

Operating the only (ACP) customsapproved warehouse within Dublin Port affords Freighteam easy access to handling consignments from outside the EU, ensuring that control remains within the Freighteam organisation. Through their network of agents and partners, they have access to all worldwide markets providing road, sea and air services wherever and whenever appropriate.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Freighteam has been providing an exceptional service since 1999

In addition to handling their own trailers and operating the sole ACP in Dublin Port Freighteam also provide an independent handling facility for

various other shipping agents plus with three dock levellers at their disposal - very competitive rates for cross docking facilities are also available.

As Freighteam’s own services have grown, their reach now stretches to all European countries including Malta and Turkey plus eastern Europe.

Export containers are loaded every Friday from the warehouse in Dublin Port directly to many deep sea destinations including Singapore, New York, plus Antwerp for onward shipping worldwide.

Operating alongside Freighteam Ireland in Dublin is their sister

company, Freighteam Ltd, situated in Bradford, West Yorkshire. Freighteam Bradford is a founding member of Pallet Track (the UK-based Pallet Network, steadily growing and handling 5000+ pallets per night), which gives both Freighteam companies complete coverage of the UK, providing 48-hour transit in both directions.

Through their UK partners, strategically situated in Haydock, Birmingham, Northampton, Bristol and London, Freighteam can provide overnight services for those more urgent consignments. Dedicated vehicles are par for the course, be it

The entire fleet is maintained in immaculate condition

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Smithstown Industrial Estate, Shannon, Co. Clare.

Tel: (061) 361046 (6 Lines) Fax: (061) 363340 Wishing Continued Success To FREIGHTEAM IRELAND Freighteam provides a daily service to and from the UK

nationally or internationally.

Freighteam benefits greatly from being part of the O’Reilly Transport group and, making use of the O’Reilly fleet of 500plus trailers, can now provide competitive full load services to their valued customers within Ireland and the UK market.

With in-house maintenance carried out at the O’Reilly depots in both Dublin and Heysham, Lancashire, Freighteam can be sure of supplying only the best equipment in line with the highest safety stipulations.

Freighteam Ireland are justifiably proud of the service they provide. They run a very tight operation, which they have streamlined over the years - this is why so many customers have remained with them and continue to

be attracted to their operation.

Freighteam’s success is in no small part due to their exceptional staff, who deal with all calls in a professional but friendly manner and are happy to take the time to explain the best and most cost-efficient way of transporting consignment. They are on call 24 / 7 so prospective partners need never be stuck.

Contact Details: Promenade Road, Dublin Port, Dublin 3 Ireland Tel: 01 8659050 www.freighteam.ie

Wishing Continued Success To Freighteam Ireland From

Express Freight, Warehousing & Distribution To The North East and Northern Ireland Express Freight | Warehousing | Removals | Self Storage Document Storage | Workspace Contact Seamus Maguire 086 2428065 or Fran Noone 085 8889544 Tenure Business Park, Drogheda, Co. Louth Tel: 00353 (0) 416861055 Fax: 00353 (0) 416861080 Email: info@northeastlogistics.ie www.northeastlogistics.ie

Continued Best Wishes To Freighteam Ireland From

CD FREIGHT LTD Unit 37, Block A, Dunboyne Business Park Dunboyne, Co. Meath

Tel: 086 7981332 Telephone/Fax: 01 2021814 Email: cdfreight@hotmail.com

Continued Best Wishes To Freighteam Ireland From

Specialise In Distribution In The Greater Dublin Area Unit 11 Oak Road Business Park, Oak Road, Nangor Road, Dublin 12

GENERAL HAULAGE 72

Tel: +353 1 409 7468

Fax: +353 1 409 7320 Email: enquiries@blakelogistics.ie IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

The company offer recovery and repair

A full package in light commercials If you operate – or hope to operate – a light commercial vehicle and you happen to live in the greater Munster area, then Moloney’s Garage in Abbeyfeale, County Limerick should be registering high on your radar. This renowned, long-running family business provides a full range of exceptional services, including commercial vehicle hire, sales, recovery, servicing and repairs. Irish Trucker popped into the well-appointed company base on the Killarney Road for a chat with current managing director Dan Moloney, who revealed that they have a great stock of vans in stock at present, available to either buy or hire.

M

oloney’s Garage is one of the longest-established motor businesses in the Limerick / Kerry area, having started trading in Abbeyfeale in 1926 when Jimmy Moloney opened a garage and petrol station on Bridge Street. In 2001, the family business relocated to modern, well-equipped premises on the Killarney Road, where it still operates from today, specialising in the sale, hire and repair of light commercial vehicles.

The business is currently run by Dan Moloney – grandson of founder Jimmy who counts some of the largest companies in the country amongst his longstanding customers. In addition to sales, hire and repairs, Moloneys have been synonymous with vehicle recovery since Michael Moloney (son of Jimmy, father of Dan) purchased his first recovery truck in the early 1970s. Today, they operate a 24-hour recovery and breakdown service for all major IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

roadside assistance organisations and insurance companies.

Moloney’s Garage boasts a large, modern fleet of light commercials and always has vans and light trucks available for sale and hire. A busy, stateof-the-art workshop operates six days a week and courtesy vehicles are supplied to fleet customers to keep downtime to an absolute minimum.

A team of trained technicians offers a range of services for cars and light commercial vehicles. Vehicle servicing, NCT / DOE preparation, minor body work, fault diagnostics and repairs can all be carried out in the spacious, on-site workshop in Abbeyfeale. The latest equipment and technology is embraced to ensure that the service provided is of the highest possible standard at all times.

Stocking the highest-quality preowned light commercial vehicles, Moloney’s Garage has something in

stock to suit every pocket – a key consideration during these recessionary times. Furthermore, for customers who are not prepared to invest in actually purchasing a van, they also offer very attractive short-, medium- and long-term van hire packages.

“When you add in the 24-hour recovery and repairs, we provide a full range of services,” Dan confirms. He goes on to explain that only the best vans make it into the Moloney’s showroom: “All the vans we sell and hire are second hand and they are all in perfect condition. We source them from all over, including from leasing companies, and we are very particular about what vehicles we will bring into our fleet.

We’re not interested in making a quick buck – we are here for the long haul – and that is evident in the fact that we’ve been in business for over 80 years here in Abbeyfeale.”

While the fleet comprises light

73

T. Nolan & Sons Ltd. Droumtrasna, Castleisland, Co. Kerry.

Tel: (066) 7141140 • Fax: (066) 7141777.

Delighted To Be Associated With

MOLONEY’S GARAGE

Best Wishes To Moloney’s Garage

Continued Best Wishes To Moloney’s Garage From

Donal Casey

Registered Auditor & Accountant Bridge Street, Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick Tel: 068 32517 Fax: 068 32617 Mobile: 086 3653501 Email: donalkc@eircom.net Best Wishes To Moloney’s Garage From

Best Wishes To Moloney’s Garage From

Motor Factors

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Maiden Street, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick T: 069 62799/62874 F: 069 61898 M: 087 2530937 Email: ncwmotorfactors@eircom.net www.ncwmotorfactors.com

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Continued success to Moloney’s Garage, from

Continued Success To Moloney’s Garage On Their 75th Anniversary

Auto Parts | Paints | Accessories | Lubricants Tyreshop Supplies | Workshop Consumables Tools & Equipment

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74

Tel: 066 7141253

www.divane.ie IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Whatever your requirement, Moloney’s can look after you

Moloney’s have a stellar reputation in commercial vehicles

commercials exclusively, the fullyequipped workshop caters for both commercial vehicles and passenger cars. “We have two technicians working full-time and they are totally competent and profession in every aspect of vehicle maintenance and repairs,” the third-generation MD notes.

A substantial fleet of vehicles is carried in the showroom at any given time, with new models being added regularly to keep things fresh and in response to keen demand for quality second hand commercial vehicles. “We have a very good selection and we would have up to 40 vehicles on our books at any given time. Demand is strong at present and we have a good customer base from all over Limerick, Kerry, North Cork and even parts of Clare at times,” Dan continues.

At the time of writing, Moloney’s were offering great deals on a large selection of nearly-new Renault and Ford vans.

Would it be fair to say that they are weathering the worst of the recession?

“It’s busy enough, thank God, but everybody is feeling the effects of the

downturn to an extent and we are no extremely reasonable and we have an different,” Dan Moloney notes. “The last excellent product as well as a superb few years have been a challenge for us, back-up service, including the 24-hour but we are tipping along and keeping recover and breakdown. our heads above water.

“We also have the petrol forecourt and “We are doing a lot of van hire at the Daybreak shop, so I suppose we have moment – small, medium and large, every angle covered when it comes to everything from fridge vans to box vans looking after motorists.”

The landmark century anniversary etc. We offer excellent long-term deals and we are very competitively priced. looms for Moloney’s Garage and all the Our customers would include local evidence suggest that they will get there authorities, leasing and hire companies, comfortably! local firms and businesses and members of the general public.

Contact Details: “We have a very modern hire fleet, with nothing older than three years, and this Moloney’s Garage, Killarney Road, is standing to us big time.”

Abbeyfeale, As for the future, Dan says he is quietly County Limerick. confident that Moloney’s Garage can Tel: 068 31138 continue to offer its customers the Mobile: 087 2589201 excellent service for which it is www.vansales.ie renowned: “We are ticking over. We offer keen prices and of course customers Best Wishes To Moloney’s Garage, From appreciate this. It’s all about price – and quality - these days.

Our rates are

Dominic Naughton CRASH REPAIRS You Bend It We Mend It

Crash Repairs | Chassis Alignment Low Bake Oven | Autorobot Jig Insurance Claims Handled Kilconlea, Abbeyfeale,Co. Limerick T: 068 32122 | F: 068 32260

A fleet of vehicles are for sale

Contact Dominic on 087 2612454

Best Wishes To Moloney’s Garage IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

75

Waste permit are in place to collect scrap vehicles nationwide

Service with a smile Martin Byrne is one of those lucky enough to have been able to mix business with pleasure to develop a thriving business that has served him well for three-and-a-half decades. The Laois man called on his lifelong passion to conceive and develop Martin Byrne Car Dismantlers in Stradbally and the family business is today recognised as one of the leaders in its field.

I

rish Trucker recently popped into the yard of Martin Byrne Car Dismantlers at Killone, Stradbally, County Laois and it would be fair to say that these people are happy in their work. That’s probably one of the reasons why they are also so good at what they do! This business enjoys a stellar reputation far and wide and there is a palpable sense of purpose and enthusiasm about the operation that goes a long way towards explaining Martin’s success and popularity.

The eponymous founder holds all the relevant waste permits to collect scrap vehicles nationwide and he is prepared to pay for these with cold, hard cash. Parts are salvaged from the unwanted cars / vans and these are in turn sold at an affordable rate to customers from all over the midlands and

76

much further afield. As business models go, it’s a fairly simple one. But also very, very effective.

That’s not to say the business just blossomed by chance. To the contrary, a lot of blood, sweat and tears went into building Martin Byrne Car Dismantlers up over the years but the proprietor’s irrepressible passion for cars drove him on and the result is impressive – as a whole host of satisfied customers will readily testify.

Martin’s daughter Lisa works alongside him in the family business and she explains: “Dad would have set the business up 35 years ago, when he was 18, so this is what he has been doing all his working life.

“He bought his first car when he was 18 and literally took it

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Martin Byrne built the business up from stratch

apart himself and sold the parts. That’s where the business came from. He just kept at it and gradually built it up.”

Today, Martin Byrne has a presence nationwide and he also has his own End Of Life facility on site in Stradbally for disposing of waste vehicles. He employs nine people, which is a major accomplishment in the current economic climate.

The value of those jobs to the local rural community is immeasurable.

Lisa continues: “We take scrap cars from the public for cash.

A lot of these would be 1997-to-2004-reg. We then sell the parts and crush the rest of the vehicle. We have a very large facility here with a lot of storage space, storing both old cars and parts.

“We also sell some damaged, repairable cars.

“We have two lorries out on the road every day and we would pick up about five cars nationwide every day. As we have the waste collection permits for every county, we are able to operate nationwide. From all the scrap cars we collect, The final resting place of a scrap vehicle

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

77

This car is being dismantled

we have a vast range of spare parts but we also have suppliers in Dublin who can supply us with new parts for our customers if we can’t get second-hand ones.”

While the economic downturn has had a severe effect on many businesses, Martin Byrne Car Dismantlers has so far survived the worst effects of the recession. Business remains reasonably brisk and Lisa says she would be happy enough if they could continue along current lines: “We are kept going and I suppose that’s all you can ask for these days.

You have to appreciate the work you have and thankfully we are kept ticking over. We provide an excellent service.

You will always have your quiet times at different stages in the year, like any business, but generally we are doing

okay and we can’t really complain.

“We are trying to take in as many vehicles as we can so we can keep stock levels as high as possible.”

Regarding the catchment area covered, word of mouth has ensured that Martin’s reputation has spread far and wide. “We get customers from all over,” Lisa confirms. “Martin is in this game so long now that he knows a lot of people and he has a lot of good contacts all over the country. Most of our customers would be local but we get business from all over, including quite a few from Dublin.”

As for the future of Martin Byrne Car Dismantlers, it’s a case of full steam ahead. They will continue to do what they’ve done so well for the past 35 years, adding to their product range and services as much as possible. “We

have extended the business over the years and bought adjacent land to enable this expansion,” Lisa concludes. “We’ve had a new crusher shipped over from Bulgaria and we can now crush the vehicles here on site before bringing them to Dublin to be disposed of.

“We’re trying to get the message out there to the public that we are prepared to pay cash for their scrap cars. We have people out on the road every day and we will collect the cars for free and make a payment in cash up front. We will take care of the collection or, if customers would prefer to drive the cars in to us, that is fine as well.

“We are getting in a lot of cars all the time but I’m sure there are many more out there just sitting around going to waste. This is Martin’s lifelong passion and he has managed to keep it going and build it up over the years. We’ve invested a lot of money in the business and we hope this will serve us well in the future.”

So far, it’s been working like a charm…

CONTACT DETAILS Martin Byrne Car Dismantlers Killone, Stradbally, County Laois.

Phone: 057 8646680 Email: mbyrnebreakers@gmail.com

Best Wishes To Martin Byrne Car Dismantlers

Ireland’s No.1 Buyer of Catalytic Convertors & Non Ferrous Metals

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78

Continued Best Wishes To Martin Byrne Car Dismantlers A MEMBER OF THE CLEARWAY GROUP HEAD OFFICE Pigeon House Road, Dublin 4 Tel: 01 667 5335 Fax: 01 667 5345 Email: info@hammondmetal.com BRANCHES CORK | WESTMEATH | DUBLIN | BELFAST

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Innovative LGV/HGV training Northern-Ireland based Lloyds Motoring has developed an innovative new commercial vehicle driver training concept called Lloyds / FED (fuel efficient driving) which can save your company money. Irish Trucker investigates…

L

loyds / FED is a trailblazing initiative of Lloyds Motoring, which is proven to save fleet operators significant amounts of money through increased fuel efficiency.

Company director Lloyd Walker insists that companies who take part in this course will have their money back within a week on fuel savings alone!

“We’ve done our research and we have invested money in putting this new technique together, with unprecedented results,” he notes. “We have found a way to maximise fuel consumption by using a new, more-relaxed style of driving.”

As well as fuel savings, this innovative driving style also results in less wear and tear on the vehicles, lower levels of driver fatigue and lower insurance premiums. The technique is being taught to companies from Derry to Cork and it is estimated that better driving can improve a truck’s performance from 27mpg to 39mpg. Clearly, there are massive savings to be made!

Lloyds Motoring is a commercial driver training company based in Northern Ireland with services available throughout the UK and Ireland.

With ever-changing road traffic legislation, they offer a number of courses for existing PCV / LGV / HGV drivers to keep themselves up to date with Driver CPC, to obtain their driver qualification cards and enhance their employment prospects.

Lloyds Motoring instructors are tested and approved by the Driving Standards Agency to deliver the best quality training. They believe that you deserve the best quality training for the investment you make in your chosen IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

an attendance-based course only, in career.

In terms of fleet training, Lloyds various locations throughout Northern Motoring is a dedicated occupational Ireland. There is no test and the only driver assessment and training school, requirement is to attend five seven-hour offering corporate driver training modules to comply with the training specifically tailored to suit your requirement. company’s needs. They provide a high quality training and assessment service Contact Details for companies throughout the UK / Ireland. These courses have many Lloyds Motoring, benefits to employers as well as Beechill Business Park, complying with the law. Assessment is Springboard Business Centre, carried out in your own vehicle and a full 96 Beechill Road, written report is issued.

Belfast, Lloyds Motoring offers one-to-one Northern Ireland training for drivers. The assessors and BT8 7QN. trainers are highly qualified and come from strong transport and tuition Tel: 0845 528 0271 backgrounds, with fleet-registered Mobile: 07711933727 assessors and trainers used.

E Mail: info@lloydsmotoring.co.uk On the Driver CPC front: if you are a Facebook: current LGV and PCV licence holder, www.facebook.com/LloydsMotoring you will of course be required to complete 35 hours of periodic Driver CPC training in order to obtain a driver qualification card to drive professionally from 2013 onwards (PCV) or 2014 onwards (LGV).

Upon completion of 35 hours CPC training, the DVLA Commercial Vehicle Repairs | PSV Preparation will issue a drivers Full Electronic Diagnostics For qualification card to LCV- HGV | ABS & EBS | Engine Management etc demonstrate that the ALL WORK FULLY GUARANTEED licence holder has 21A Knockaconey Rd., Armagh BT61 8DU completed all Tel: 028 3889 2020 Mobile: 077 7153 3631 modules of Driver Best Wishes To Lloyds Motoring CPC training. This is

79

The fleet allows Kevin to transport a wide range of materials

MMR: The recycling specialists The recycling of ferrous and non ferrous metals is a specialised area that only a few companies in Ireland concentrate on. One such firm is Donegal based McElhinney Metal Recycling and for this month's edition of Irish Trucker we speak to the company's managing director Kelvin McElhinney about the success of the business. ith a fleet of six trucks at their disposal,

W

weighbridge will accurately weigh your metal, means that you

McElhinney's can cater for all types of scrap

get paid straight away,� revealed Kelvin.

metal, big or small.

With an array of vehicles that include skips, grabs and

“From a tin can to a transit van we recycle it, and we'll even

recovery vans, McElhinney Metal Recycling can collect a

collect it! We pay cash for all scrap metal delivered to our

wide range of scrap. The business is based at Ballybofey, Co

yard at Glenside Park, Ballybofey. Our on-site drive on

Donegal, having moved from Letterkenny last September and

80

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

All metals will be collected

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

in the intervening years, the company has made a major investment upgrading the facilities to the proper standard.

“We service local authorities, private business and the general public six days a week with a modern fleet of collection vehicles fitted with grab loading cranes. We also offer a state of the art mobile crusher and shearing service to assist in the collection of all types of scrap metal waste. We provide Roll On-Roll-Off type skips in all shapes and sizes.”

With a modern fully waste permitted scrap yard facility strategically positioned in Letterkenny they are one of Ireland's most successful and innovative recycling companies.

MMR has developed a reputation as being the one of the leading players in its field of expertise, specialising in recycling ferrous and non-ferrous metals. The company has certainly moved with the times and no expense has been spared in installing the latest machinery and technology to ensure that all metals are disposed of in the proper manner.

The process of car and light commercial dismantlers has changed dramatically over the years and a few years ago, the term 'car breakers' was made defunct as operators in this industry were ordered to obtain the necessary licence to become Authorised Treatment Facilities.

Established five years ago, the company grown considerably during the intervening years and through its site, they now have all the facilities to manage all the scrap that passes through the yard.

Responsible disposal of all metals also reduces the amount of such scrap being illegally dumped and Kelvin stressed that all legislation is properly adhered too.

“The legislation has changed a lot even in the few years that we have been in business. There is a lot of paper work now and everything has to be recorded from when its first in our possession until it goes to recycling.”

There are many different strands to the haulage industry and one of those is waste management, which is arguably the most contentious of them all, given the legislation and regulations that are involved in the day to day operations. In the past decade or so, waste management has taken on a whole new meaning as the consciousness about the environment and the damage that is being done by us is being highlighted and scrutinized a lot more and recycling is now a priority for everyone from homeowners to multi-national companies, but as Kelvin reveals, the strain of disposing of scrap can be a painless one.

“The metal is weighed and we will pay accordingly. The beauty is that rather than

81

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& LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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www.irishtrucker.com IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

positive company. Everything we do is beneficial to the environment and we also export, which is good for the domestic economy. We are also fully tax compliant and we do everything by the book.

“There are six people working here at the moment and we hope to increase that in the coming months. We are looking to expand more into the car breaking end of the business. The company has grown over the past five years and the aim is to continue that level of growth for many years to come.

“A number of insurance companies would come to us looking for second hand parts for cars now unlike a few years back when everything used was new.”

CONTACT DETAILS McElhinney Metal Recycling offer a comprehensive service

charge companies to take away their unwanted scrap metal, we actually pay them! The good thing about the market is that these metals have a particular value and we will pay that.”

The managing MMR is growing are also plans coming months.

"MMR is a

director stresses that all the time and there to expand over the

McElhinney Metal Recycling Glenside Business Park Glenfin Road Ballybofey Co. Donegal Ireland

very

Wishing McElhinney Metal Recycling every success IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

83

Summerhill Distribution was established 15 years ago

Summerhill distribution celebrate 15 years The success of any business can be gauged on their longevity and the fact that Summerhill Distribution Ltd is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year tells its own story.

84

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

driven and it is all about providing the best service possible.

Pat revealed that ensuring that deliveries are on time is their main priority and this is something that they strive to be consistent at. “All deliveries have to be made on time, this is what the customer expects and nothing less is acceptable.

We employ ten people here, most of whom are drivers and they are very reliable, many of them have been with me for years. The drivers are the ones out there representing the company on a daily basis and dealing with the customers regularly and we're very fortunate to have such dedicated people on the books.”

Summerhill Distribution Ltd is a family run business as Pat's wife Angela and daughter Carol are involved in the day to day running of the company while younger siblings Ciaran and Sharon are already showing an interest in the haulage trade.

Pat prefers Volvo trucks to carry out their daily schedule and he has always chosen the Swedish make. “I find that Volvo are the most reliable trucks on the road and I've always used, right from the start.

“We deal with Reynolds Trucks in Drumraney in Co Westmeath and have been doing so form many years now.

We have a good working relationship with them and they take care of the majority of our maintenance work.

“It is important to ensuring that downtime is kept to a minimum and to this end we make sure that the trucks are kept well maintained. The fleet is kept relatively new, although we are not changing them as frequently as we use too a few years back.”

Pat reveals that they like everyone else in the country have had to tighten their belts when it comes to expenditure. “This industry has taken a massive battering in the last few years.

The rising cost of fuel is the main issue with everyone. It is

The company specialises in groupage

F

or this month's edition of Irish Trucker, we profile this Roscommon based company and speak to managing director Pat Hyland about the changes that have encompassed the industry in recent years.

The haulage trade has suffered more than most since the Celtic Tiger stopped roaring about three years ago. Higher fuel prices and lower rates have made it very difficult to survive in the industry and unfortunately for some they have not survived these testing times.

However, experience counts for a lot during these days and Pat has that in abundance as he has been involved in the industry for many years. “I started up the business about 15 years ago, I was an owner driver with C&C and my first truck was a Volvo 192. From there I expanded over the fleets and the fleet now consists of nine trucks all of which are Volvo,” said Pat. “We specialise in groupage and mainly deliver drinks for distributors. We have a yard in Ballydangan in Roscommon, where we also have a warehouse. This industry is customer IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

85

crippling the industry and it has become increasingly hard to make a profit and with rates being slashed as well, I would have the say the future looks very tough unless there is something done about it.

“The Government don't seem to be willing to do anything about the price of fuel and although there has been talk of a fuel rebate scheme being introduced, I personally can't see that happening in the next few years. But, there needs to be something done, it really is at crisis point now.”

Despite all this Pat revealed that having a reliable customer base is a massive plus in this industry Renault is one of and it is something that he is the makes used very grateful for. “We know our customers and they “That doesn't mean that we can rest CONTACT DETAILS know us. We are fortunate to be on our laurels and we have to ensure working for such reliable people. You that we keep supplying the service that hear horror stories of all hauliers not Summerhill Distribution Ltd they want, otherwise they will just take getting paid for months on end, but Ballydangan, their business elsewhere and who can luckily we don't fall into that category.

Co. Roscommon. blame them.

“Business has certainly improved Tel: 0909 63393 slightly in the last year, but until All trucks are well maintained there is something Continued Best Wishes To done about the Summerhill Distribution Ltd From fuel prices, I think most companies will struggle.

In saying that we are happy with our workload, although that's Your Independent Insurance Broker not to say that we are actively OFFICES IN seeking more work all the DUBLIN | WICKLOW | CARLOW | LIMERICK time.”

National Insurance Limited is requlated by the Central Bank of Ireland

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Best Wishes To Summerhill Distribution Ltd From

PETER MOLLOY TRANSPORT LTD. Licenced Haulier

26 Woodlands, Greystones, Co. Wicklow.

T: 01 287 4456 M: 086 2555821 E: petermolloytransportltd@hotmail.com 86

Best Wishes To Summerhill Distribution Limited On Celebrating 15 Years In Business From

James Mannion SOLICITORS

Milestone House, Irishtown, Athlone, Co. Westmeath

Tel: 090 64 74446 or 74496 Fax: 090 64 74507 Email: jmannionsolicitors@eircom.net IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Continued Best Wishes To Summerhill Distribution Ltd From

Athlone Tyre Depot TYRES • EXHAUSTS • SERVICING • BRAKES & BATTERIES CAR WASH & VALETING SERVICE AVAILABLE WE STOCK ALL MAJOR TYRE BRANDS CONTACT PAUL ON 086 2075699 FOR 24 HR BREAKDOWN SERVICE Roscommon Rd., Athlone (next door to Ganly’s)

Contact Michael Reilly Tel: (090) 6444690 or (086) 8501647 F: 090 6490721 Email: athlonetyredepot@live.ie

Best Wishes To Summerhill Distribution Ltd Best Wishes To Summerhill Distribution Ltd, From

O’SULLIVAN, KEEGAN & CO. Auditors & Accountants Pearse House, 21 Pearse St., Athlone, Co. Westmeath.

T: 090 6492701/6493226 | F: 090 6444671 E: info@osullivanfsc.com

Best Wishes To Summerhill Distribution Ltd, From

Reynolds Motor Engineering Limited T/a PAUL REYNOLDS COMMERCIALS

Sales, Spare Parts, Service & Repairs of all types of commercial vehicles and trailers, specialising in Volvo Trucks Walderstown, Athlone, Co. Westmeath Tel: 090 6485550 Fax: 090 6485903 Mobile: 086 2433853

Best Wishes To Summerhill Distribution Ltd From All The Transport Team At

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

ATHLONE

WAREHOUSING & LOGISTICS CENTRE CALL +353 090 6472178 EMAIL: info@flancare.ie

www.flancare.ie Your Irish Partner For Warehousing & Logistics Best Wishes To Summerhill Distribution Ltd From

Lund Precision Products Ltd. ATHLONE BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY PARK, GARRYCASTLE, ATHLONE, CO. WESTMEATH Tel: 090 64 75311 Fax: 090 64 74935

www.lundonline.com

Continued Success To Summerhill Distribution Ltd, From

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Donegal’s best

JD Recovery can recover a wide range of vehicles

88

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

The Recovery Industry is a specialist area that involves a highly trained team to carry out duties to the highest standard possible.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

89

Car transportation is a speciality

T

he stress and strain of breaking down on the roadside or worse being involved in an accident is unfortunately something that has occurred to us all.

However, recovery specialists are there to help and take away that stress and strain, while allowing the vehicle owner to get over what can be a traumatic experience all the more quickly.

One of the leading recovery operators in the north-west is JD Recovery Services, which is one of Irelands' leading rescue recovery company's providing services at national and U.K Level.

Irish Trucker spoke to managing director James Doherty about the success of the Donegal based company since its inception in 2000.

JD Recovery can transport all make

A MAN truck is used for transporting cars

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and types of vehicles from motorbikes right up to artics, making them one of the most comprehensive businesses in their field of expertise.

“With an extensive fleet our range of vehicles are equipped with the latest state of the art equipment to facilitate a safe and efficient recovery to meet all your needs,” said James.

“We specialise in 24 Hour Light and Heavy Recovery from motorcycles to large vehicles. All our recovery technicians and drivers are fully trained and Certified by the Institute of Vehicle Recovery (IVR).

“Very early on we saw the need for staff to be trained properly in the different makes and models of cars and brands and trucks.”

The Institute of Vehicle Recovery provides friendly, smart and helpful staff who are fully trained to the highest standards. The IVR stands to train and maintain the highest standards demanded by the industry.

The company's customer base encompasses the 32 counties and even further afield as another service that they provide is the transportation of cars from the U.K to Ireland.

With a Nationwide Client Base, we will ensure that you are taken care of. From private individuals to large corporations, they have the most up to IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Continued Best Wishes To JD Recovery Services, From

Wishing Continued Success To JD Recovery Services From

Donegal Commercial Vehicles Ltd T/A McDaid Bros TACHOGRAPH & SPEED LIMITER AGENTS VEHICLE PLATING

24 HOUR RECOVERY SERVICE Ballybofey Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal Tel: 074 9121005 Fax: 074 9124257 Email: mcdaidbros@eircom.net

Continued Best Wishes To JD Recovery Services From

DEREK BEAHAN LTD 24 Hour Emergency Towing & Repair Service Rear 90-98 Emmet Road, Inchicore, Dublin 9

Telephone: 01 4534567/4549626/4549627 Fax: 01 4549628 Mobile: 086 2559188 Email:derekbeahan@eircom.net IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Best Wishes To JD Recovery Services Continued Best Wishes To JD Recovery Services, From

H.HARKIN Plant Hire

Ltd

SITE CLEARANCE & LAND DRAINAGE | SAND & GRAVEL ROCK BREAKERS | ALL TYPES OF PUBLIC WORK CARRICK, DERRYBEG, CO. DONEGAL. Tel: 074 9532446 Fax: 9532968 Mobiles: 087 2538258/ 087 2203384 Email: harkinplant@gmail.com 91

date technology to organise all towing, transporting and documentation for safe onward delivery.

Customers can rest assured that when their vehicles are towed, they are stowed in a safe area. “Our storage facilities are vast with C.C.TV monitored alarm system. We have 5,000sq ft of indoor storage which can house up to 30 or 40 cars at any given time.”

“We offer 24-hour assistance, 365 days a year. Our average response

time is around 60 minutes based throughout the country and we have a very good knowledge of the roads country-wide.

“We understand that being stranded on the side of the road can be a hassle and dangerous so our towing operatives are always on time and dependable. In addition to our towing services, we also handle jump-starts and fuel delivery for your convenience.

If you have a vehicle in any location, we'll come to you and tow your vehicle

locally or long distance.”

At their premises at Kilmacrennan, just outside Letterkenny, the company offers a repair service for all vehicles towed to their base, while their fully stocked service van allows for the majority of repairs to take place roadside if requested.

James revealed that they are attached to most of the leading insurance companies in Ireland.

“We are Agents for most of the major motoring organisations which we

Wishing continued success to James, Belinda & all at JD Recovery Services

BONAGEE, LETTERKENNY

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

JD Recovery was established in 2000

formed close relationships and have on going recovery contracts with the following institutions RAC, Axa Assistance, AA Breakdown, Ireland Assist, Mondial Assistance and Euro Assist.”

Their impressive fleet of recovery vehicles and sophisticated equipment proves that the investment and commitment to the industry is still a passion they also retain the same basic principles, friendly, close-knit, yet highly a professional

company, whose sole aim is to provide the most comprehensive recovery service from start to finish.

“We all know problems of vehicle recovery - we've dealt with them in the past. We can deal with a crisis and we're always here when the customer needs us.”

JD Recovery Services has two main objectives and that is to maintain their exceptional high standards and continue to be one of Ireland's leading vehicle recovery services.

Continued Best Wishes To JD Recovery Services From

Martin Boyle Haulage Ltd

Providing you with 1st Class Service for over 25 Years Highly competitive prices available for Part & Full Loads Ireland - UK Daily • Dublin - Donegal Daily Upper Dore, Bunbeg, Co. Donegal Tel: 074 95 31711 | 087 2897606 | Fax: 074 95 32364 Email: martinboyle@eircom.net

Best Wishes To JD Recovery Services

152 Kildoag Rd, Killaloo, Co. Londonderry, BT47 3TJ T: (028) 7139 8091 M: 07720 398 091 Fax: (028) 7139 8100 E: hamiltoncommercials@hotmail.com

www.hamiltoncommercials.co.uk

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

www.dafdismantlers.co.uk

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Best Wishes To JD Recovery Services, From

McFadden Timber Products

Continued Best Wishes To JD Recovery Services, From All At

1

One

Best Wishes To JD Recovrey Services, From

James Foy Auto Service 24 HOUR RECOVERY SERVICE Specialist In Truck & Coach Recovery “From A Moped To A Artic We’ll Recover it” Dromore West, Sligo Tel:+353.9647052 Mobile: +353.872541243

www.recoverysligo.com

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stop

motorshop

SALES | PARTS | ACCESSORIES VEHICLE REFINISHES FOR CARS, VANS & TRACTORS DONEGAL BRANCH Roe House, Dry Arch Business Park, Drumore, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal Tel: 074 9128522 Fax: 074 9126105 Email: onestopms@eircom.net SLIGO BRANCH Old Dublin Road, Carrowroe, Sligo Tel: 071 9158080 Fax: 071 9150765 Email: onestopsligo@eircom.net

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

JD Recovery are approved operators for the AA, and RAC among others

The whole area of legislation and standards in the recovery sector has changed significantly during James time in business - but while some might think all that paperwork could be an obstacle to business, it's something he welcomes greatly.

“There is a lot of paperwork, but it has to be done in order to keep everything above board. The legislation in this industry has changed a lot over the years and rules are there to be adhered too.”

James admits the job can be very

much seasonal and stated that the last few winters were a very busy period for the company. “This winter was quiet enough as it was mild, but the couple before that were very hectic.

“Thankfully not every call out was an accident as there was a large number of breakdowns. We are still kept busy enough with the car transporter and that sees us going to the UK a few times a week to bring vehicles back for some of the main dealers in the country.”

CONTACT DETAILS JD Recovery Services Kilmacrennan, County Donegal, Ireland Email Address: info@jdrecoveryservice.com Phone: 00 353 (0) 74 91 39303 Mobile: 00 353 (0) 86 228 9494 Fax: 074 91 39010 Website Address: www.jdrecoveryservice.com

Motor Trade & Garage Insurance Specialists Road Risk Cover | Employers & Public Liability Defective Workmanship | Property Cover Engineering Inspection Cover Whatever you need, we can provide you with a quote and offer you advice on the best product for you as we compare and contrast all products on the market to make your choice easier WE CAN ALSO LOOK AFTER ALL YOUR

CAR | HOME | VAN | TRAVEL | HEALTH LIFE | BUSINESS | VINTAGE

.......INSURANCE

Campion Insurance, Otter House, Modern Plant Building, Naas Road, Dublin 22

T: 01 4033700 | F: 01 4033701 | E: info@campionins.com www.campionins.com Congratulations to JD Recovery Services from Campion Insurance Campion Insurances Ltd t/a Campion Insurance is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

JD Recovery offer a 24 hour service

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Vehicle transportation is a specialised and highly skilled service

The vehicle transport experts Offering reliable vehicle transport services throughout the UK and Ireland (north and south), Harron Transport Ltd. was established in 2002. Irish Trucker dropped into the company base in Kesh, County Fermanagh to get the lowdown from managing director Gerald Harron.

H

arron Transport Ltd. is a vehicle transport service provider operating throughout the UK and Ireland, specialising in car and boat transport. By providing an unrivalled level of service over the past decade and more, the company has built up an excellent reputation nationally as experienced professionals offering a

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reliable vehicle collection and delivery service.

Covering the entire island of Ireland as well as the UK, Harron Transport is committed to providing a high level of service to a varied customer base, including private individuals and clients from the motor industry. New customers are always welcome and the benefits of

using Harron are manifold – all their state-of-the-art auto carriers hold up to 13 cars and the company is fully-insured to guarantee complete peace of mind.

Competitive rates for the transportation of new and used vehicles are provided and a friendly, reliable service is offered at all times.

The range of services includes – but is IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

not limited to – car transport, fleet service, port collection and delivery, boat transport, plant machinery transport and specialist vehicle transport. While traditionally vehicle transportation can be stressful, Harron Transport Ltd. completes its work with a minimum of fuss. Its well-presented and highly-skilled and –motivated drivers – who are carefully-chosen and fully-trained – use the latest satellite navigation systems and hands-free mobile phones to ensure that they are contactable at all times.

No job is considered too big or too small. From a single car to a full fleet of vehicles, Harron Transport Ltd. possesses the equipment, manpower, expertise and wherewithal to provide a complete vehicle transport solution today.

Reflecting on the genesis of the business, Gerald Harron, who established the company, notes: “We’ve been transporting cars since IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

January, 1996 and we went limited in 2002. I had a background in the motor trade myself and I saw an opening in the market to set up a company providing a car transport service.”

It was an inspired decision. Things have gone from strength to strength for the County Fermanagh headquartered company but this has not happened by chance – a lot of time, effort and money has been invested in providing a superb level of service and, gradually, Harron Transport has established a reputation for itself as one of the best in its field operating in the British Isles: “In the early days, we transported a lot of damaged cars,” the founder recalls. “I had lived in London and I started buying and selling cars after I came back home and I bought a lorry to transport them home as nobody else was doing that at the time. The business just grew from there. We now work all over the UK, Northern Ireland

and the Republic of Ireland.

“We move new and used vehicles, working mostly for dealers (who account for about 80% of the work) and garages. We provide a complete service from source to destination, including shipping.”

The Harron fleet comprises six transporters at present, all rigids which are manufactured by Transporter Engineering, Rolfo and Hoyner. These are maintained in top condition and have the muscle and efficiency to provide an unrivalled service. “There is plenty of competition in this line of work but we have been at it a long time now and we provide the best service and the keenest rates,” says Gerald confidently.

Currently providing gainful employment to a crew of ten, Harron Transport Ltd. is performing well at present despite the national and global financial crises that are wreaking havoc with the transport sector and

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Vehicle transportation is a particular field of expertise for the team at Harron Transport

with people’s livelihoods in general: “We’re still quite busy,” the managing director confirms. “Even though there’s not a massive demand for new cars these days, the second-hand market remains very active and thankfully we get a fair bit of work from that. We are kept going and we’re always on the look-out for new drivers. You need good drivers in this line of work and ours are the best. We take them in and train them to the highest standard so that they can go out and represent the company – and our partners –with distinction.

“We also have a full-time mechanic and we do all our servicing here onsite.”

Looking to the future, Gerald is optimistic that he can continue to grow the business through ongoing steady work in car transportation and also by further exploring new emerging avenues in the area of boat transportation: “We are happy with the car end of things at the moment and I would also hope to build up the boat transportation a bit more. We’re very busy around the Lough [Erne] here at this time of year and there aren’t too many others in Northern Ireland providing this particular service.

Harron Transporters are a familiar sight on the road

“We have a new Andover-built trailer especially for that. It’s tailor-built for transporting boats and there’s big demand on that trailer in the summertime.

“At the end of the day, we know what we’re doing and we offer an unrivalled service from start to finish. We provide a complete package including vehicle escorts, permits, traffic management etc. and our safety record is second to none, so I’m hopeful that people will continue to use our service.”

No doubt they will – you can’t get better than the best!

Continued Best Wishes To Harron Transport Ltd From

PETTIGO FUEL SERVICES LTD Ardnaglass, Pettigo, Co. Donegal

Harron Transport Ltd., Funston Farm, Pettigo Road, Letterkeen, Kesh, County Fermanagh BT93 1QX Telephone: 028 6833 4077 07774 954 149 Fax: 028 6286 3199 Email: harrontransport@btinternet.com http://harronvehicletransport.co.uk

Best Wishes To Harron Transport Ltd From

COOLHILL HEAVY HAULAGE LTD. 33 Killeeshil Road, Cabragh, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone BT70 1TS

Telephone: +353 71 9861909

T: +44(0) 288 7761790 F: +44(0) 288 7761797 M: +44 (0) 7979 022751 M: +44(0) 7990 837709

ALWAYS GOOD RATES ON STERLING

Email: traffic@coolhillheavyhaulageltd.com

ALL MAJOR FUEL CARDS ACCEPTED

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Contact Details:

www.coolhillheavyhaulageltd.com IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

The before and after shots of a trailer refurbished for Enva Environmental

Mid West Trailers aim to please It is a common known fact that every haulier owns a number of trailers and they are as important as the trucks that they have in order to ensure the smooth running of the business.

N

onetheless, when it comes to needing service and repair work on trailers, some garages frown upon this area and have no interest in doing such procedures.

This is where Clare based Mid West Trailer Works strives ahead of its competitors and Irish Trucker spoke to managing director Aiden McAteer about his area of expertise.

Having worked in Toomebridge manufacturing trailers for a number of years, Aiden realised that there was a niche in the market for trailer maintenance and in 2010; he established his own business at Thomond, Industrial Estate in Sixmilebridge.

“I have a good few years experience in the industry having worked for C-Tech and Central Welding and Tanker Services in the past and I decided to set up on my own, having talked to a number of hauliers in the area about getting some business.

“Thankfully, some of them gave me a chance and from there the customer base has expanded over the last 18 months. It IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

wasn't the easiest of times to start a business, but through plenty of hard work, I've managed to get it off the ground.

“I've found that getting out and meeting the customers is the best way of attracting business as you can tell them face to face about the service provided.

“We always feel that if customers are happy leaving, then word of mouth will carry through. We are committed to operating our business by keeping the interest of our customers in mind at all times. We also offer a pick up and collection service, which customers can avail of.”

The facilities at the plant in Sixmilebridge are second to none as it is a purpose fitted out premise that has all the modern technology in order to complete their task to the highest level.

“We offer a unique service in that we specialise in fleet maintenance. Trailers have progressed a great deal over the years and there is a lot more work attached to them these days,” said Aidan.

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LIMERICK CITY

Continued success to Mid West Trailer Works from

Tel: 061-413777 Fax: 061-413319

Celebrating 40 Years in business Tel: 061-413777

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Large range of parts for all makes and trailer parts and workshop consumables Quality parts from major suppliers Competitive prices Off Shelf Availability Weekly Delivery TRP is backed with DAF Full Warranty

Contact Limerick 061 451131 Donegal 074 9134884 Kilkenny 056 7700743 Dublin 01 4034100 Cork 021 4301202 View Full TRP Cataloge On Line http://www.daf.com/daftrpcatalogus/trp/en/tenindex.html

Best Wishes To Mid West Trailer Works From

One of Ireland’s leading ADR Transport Specialists

Drumcliffe, Ennis, Co. Clare Tel: 065 68 44680 Fax: 065 68 44707 Mobile: 087 12 30081 E: patrick@irishtrucking.ie

www.irishtrucking.ie

Continued Best Wishes To Mid West Trailer Works www.ccsracenrally.com Best Wishes To Mid West Trailer Works, From Peach House, Shannon, Co. Clare.

Tel: 061 365320 Fax: 061 365322 E: carmodyinfo@carmodyandco.ie

ACCIDENTS | EMPLOYMENT LAW COURT APPEARANCES | FAMILY LAW PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS

Confidential and Professional advice with a personal and efficient service SOLICITORS Catriona Carmody LL.B Dip. Property Tax | Oonagh Moylan B.C.L Jenny Fitzgibbon LL.B | Sharon Curley LL.B Sinead Keogh B.Bus. LL.B

Wishing Continued Success To Mid West Trailer Works, From

IRISH & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Don’t be left in the dark log on to

www.irishtrucker.com 100

TRUCKBREAK LTD Dismantling All Makes Of Modern Trucks From 3.5 ton upwards Southlink Business Park, Patrickswell, Co. Limerick.

M: Alan (087) 6880142 E: alan@truckbreak.com M: Anthony (087) 6277152 IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Mid West Trailer Works supporting motor sport

There are two full time employees and one part timer at the books of Mid West Trailer Works and they work together to meet the demands of the customer, which sees them working outside the normal office hours on a regular basis.

“We know that haulage industry centres on time and when a trailer is in with us, it's not making money for the owner, so we endeavour to have a quick turnaround. We can complete a full refurbishment of a 40ft trailer in a week, which is good going.”

They will also check trailers before they are due a service and it is basically preventive maintenance, which cuts downtime for all owners, a pleasing factor for everyone involved in the haulage industry.

Aiden revealed that during the current economic crisis, it was important to inform customers of how much they would be paying for the company's service.

"People are certainly a lot more price conscious now then they would have been a few years back and I'd like to think that we are very competitive when it comes to pricing jobs.

“These days' people want to know what they will be spending and this is another unique service that we provide.

It is something that we have worked on for some time and the feedback that has been received back is very good.”

At a time when many businesses are focused on survival, Aidan has placed an emphasis on ensuring that the customers come first and making sure that they feel safe in that they are receiving a top quality service at a reasonable price.

“I want to get across that we are introducing a fresh new approach to the business. Any new customers will be welcomed and if they want we can carry out any sort of work on the trailers."

More and more hauliers are ensuring that their trucks and

A rollover cover supplied and fitted for Clare County Trucking

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

trailers are kept in pristine condition to ensure longevity. To achieve these goals, many are turning to refurbishment work as well as general maintenance and repairs.

Mid West Trailers has built up a large customer base over the years and Aiden revealed that their aim is to ensure customer satisfaction through a high level of service.

“We have gained a reputation for high quality repairs and refinishing work. What our customers frequently comment on is the service that our team provides from first contact to the completion of any project.

“We pride ourselves in being able to offer comprehensive repair and refurbishment services on all makes and specifications of trailers.”

A dedicated paint booth and shot blasting area allows Aiden to perform refinishing work to the highest standard whether it be a small job such as a crash bar right up to a 45ft trailer, all of which can be done in either one-pack or two pack paint systems.

Aiden admits that like all businesses the last few years have been tough especially in an industry that involves haulage as it has been hit harder than most.

“It certainly has been a tough couple of years, there is no question about it, but many hauliers are turning to placing more of an emphasis on maintenance and refurbishment work and we are reaping the benefits of that.

“We have set our own standards and it is up to CONTACT DETAILS us to maintain them and try to improve on them. I Mid West Trailer Works do feel we are heading in Thomond Ind Est the right direction and our Sixmilebridge aim is to maintain our Co Clare customer base and Tel: 061 713 044 hopefully expand on that Mob: 087 945 8796 over the next few years.”

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The company has been quarrying since 1953

The company is headquartered in Strabane, Co Tyrone

Ballantine’s day In business for almost 60 years, A.S. Ballantine Ltd. has forged a stellar reputation for itself in the quarry and civil engineering sector.

Headquartered in Strabane, County Tyrone, this family business also provides a comprehensive heavy haulage service. Irish Trucker caught up with director Stanley Ballantine to take a closer look at the impressive operation.

A

.S. Ballantine Ltd. was established by Albert Ballantine in 1953. During six successful decades working in the quarry and civil engineering contracting business, the company has made quite an impression. The superior product they have been quarrying, supplying and delivering over the years has contributed to this relentless growth - it is an intrinsic part of the roads, homes and utilities which make life today more convenient and comfortable.

In a nutshell, A.S. Ballantine Ltd. provides quarry products, contract crushing and screening services, asphalt and tarmac supply, heavy plant hire and volumetric concrete batching trucks as well as a keen heavy haulage service with a range of vehicles

Quarrying for stone

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available from low loaders to dumpers.

Today, the business is fronted by the founder’s sons Stanley, Jonathan and Wesley, whilst a fourth brother Raymond runs a separate but related company drilling quarries for blasting. “We specialise in the supply of quarry stone and all types of crushed rock,” Stanley notes. “We also have a second quarry in Convoy, County Donegal, which we bought in 1979, quarrying building and aggregate stone.”

A fleet of ten vehicles includes six tipper units, one Scania and three volumetric concrete mixers, which mix the concrete on site in accordance with precise customer requirements. “These are American mixers – made by Armcom – mounted on Volvo and Scania bodies,” Stanley continues.

“They are especially good for smaller jobs. The customer doesn’t have to worry about the quantity as he will get the exact amount and the concrete can be mixed to any strength on the spot.”

A.S. Ballantine Ltd quarries a highquality Whin stone, which once processed provides products for its

asphalt / tarmac plant, for use in the volumetric concrete batching trucks and quality hardcore supply for the construction industry. They also operate a plant hire service, based around modern equipment with rigorous attention to safety and reliability.

Moving in line with technology, constantly embracing new methods and equipment, A.S. Ballantine has grown organically since the early days.

Ongoing investment in mobile crushing and screening equipment has facilitated the growth of the business and the six decades of experience garnered since the company’s genesis are key to the continued success of this multifaceted operation.

The team at A.S. Ballantine implicitly understands every aspect of the industry they operate within, offering both versatility and expertise to a wide range of satisfied customers, with a major emphasis on excellent quality (products and service) at all times.

“All of the stone is supplied locally. In Donegal, it’s mostly farmers and private builders who purchase it,” says Stanley.

Three volumetric concrete mixers, which mix concrete on site

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

The haulage side of the business caters from lowloaders to dumpers

“Since the tax went up to £2 a tonne a year ago – a 50% increase in price stone is quite expensive in the North now. People don’t want to pay the tax and they will do anything they can to avoid paying it, so that’s a problem for us.”

All the plant, equipment and vehicles are maintained in excellent condition.

A spotless Scania

Regarding the haulage fleet, Stanley reveals: “We used to have a full-time mechanic and did all the maintenance in-house but Sean Kelly Commercials in Fintona looks after the Scanias for us now and some of the drivers double up as mechanics.”

Stanley has a soft spot for one particular lorry in the A.S. Ballantine fleet: “We have a six-wheeler Foden and it is a brilliant lorry. It’s 400 horsepower with a 16-speed gearbox. It’s strong and reliable, with lightweight steel and rubber suspension, and it would go up the side of a mountain. We have two Fodens in the fleet at the moment but we bought eight new ones back in 1976.

They’re a great lorry … it’s a real pity they stopping making them.”

The director admits that some days are busier than others but says the team at A.S. Ballantine will “keep tipping along”.

He concludes: “We’re also doing a bit of contract crushing and screening for the likes of Norman Emerson and Colton Quarries and that keeps us ticking over.

We’re doing some mobile crushing for

Fermanagh District Council and some crushing & demolition as well.

“We also sell IntegraSpec insulating concrete formwork which is used for building energy-efficient houses, resulting in an air-tight house that holds the heat brilliantly.”

Clearly, A.S. Ballantine Ltd. isn’t going to be caught with all its eggs in one basket. It’s due to this foresight that the company is still going strong almost 60 years after its inception.

Contact Details A.S. Ballantine Ltd., Aughafad Quarry, Donemana, Strabane, Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland BT82 0SB. Telephone: 028 7139 8276 Fax: 028 7139 8189 Mobile: 07801 531002 Email info@asballantine.com www.asballantine.co.uk/

Continued Best Wishes To A.S. Ballantine Ltd From

Plant Lubrication (NI) Ltd 2A Glenavy Road, Upper Ballinderry , Lisburn,BT28 2EU www.plantlubeniltd.com E: plantlube@btconnect.com Tel: 028 9265 1715 Mobile: 07770 604 418

TOTAL Key Lubricants Distributor We are pleased to have been suppliers to

A.S. Ballantine Ltd

for many years and wish them every sucess in the future

Lubricating Oils ~ Greases ~ Agricultural Oils

27 Art Road, Artigarvan, Strabane BT82 OHA Tel: 028 71382283 Fax:028 71382090 Email: alan@holdenagriculture.com

Continued Best Wishes To A.S. Ballantine Ltd From

THE FORMWORK PROFESSIONALS

40 Curragh Road, Dungiven, Co.Derry BT47 4SE T: 028 777 42580 F: 028 777 42022 M: 0787 246 4865

www.idealformltd.com

E: ryan.okane@idealformltd.com IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Crawler Crane Hire 103

Four units from the resplendent McAllister Transport fleet

Of the land McCallister Transport has evolved organically from the seeds of a family business that specialises in the supply of agricultural products. Operating out of Banbridge, County Down, the company has gone from strength to strength since its inception a decade ago, providing a superb range of general haulage services throughout the island of Ireland and mainland UK. Irish Trucker caught up with founder Trevor McCallister to take a closer look at this thriving concern.

M

cCallister Transport is an exceptional general haulage company, fronted by managing director Jonathan McCallister, and headquartered in Banbridge, County Down, along the main Belfast to Dublin (A1) corridor. Offering warehousing and shipping facilities, the company specialises in general and specialised road haulage.

Jonathan’s father Trevor was the man behind the genesis of the family business almost three decades ago. He reflects: “Trevor McCallister & Sons is an agricultural merchants, which I set up in 1984. We would always have been involved in a bit of haulage, due to the nature of the main business. About ten years ago, we diversified and set up a separate haulage company, called McCallister Transport.

“We’d have come from an agricultural background, originally selling and transporting fertilisers. Our first lorry would have been an AEC, which was built in England and was more than ten years old at the time. Those were very popular lorries back then. We then had a Ford D series, TK Bedfords, Volvos and Leyland DAFs.” Today, McCallister Transport operates a fleet of three Scanias - R580 and 164-480.

With the fleet of available trailers including flat-beds, curtainsiders, low-loaders, liquid tankers and bulk blowers, they can provide a wide range of transport solutions to a host of satisfied customers.

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Operating throughout Northern Ireland, the UK and the Republic of Ireland, typical cargoes include fertiliser, timber, steel, shipping containers, agricultural produce, grain, machinery, plant, furniture, house removals, dry goods and hazardous goods.

McCallister Transport can also offer up to 8,000 sq.ft.of warehousing.

They ship weekly to and from the UK via Stranraer, Heysham or Holyhead. A family-run business, providing personal attention to individual customer needs and a quality, punctual and affordable service at all times, McCallister Transport comes highly recommended by its longstanding

list of regular customers.

Fully licensed and with a fantastic record in Health & Safety, the company is not currently feeling the ill effects of the recession that’s gripping Ireland and threatening to spill over from the Eurozone into the UK. As Trevor reveals, things are going well for the family business, thanks largely to the stellar reputation they have established for themselves down through the years as a company that can be depended upon, with almost three decades of experience (between the agricultural business and the haulage company) in excellent customer service:

McCallister Transport is a thriving family business

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

McCallister Transport and Scania - a winning combination

“We’re busy enough at the moment.

Depending on the time of year, we would be importing and distributing different products – timber, coal, steel, plastics, fertilisers etc. – and I suppose the workload would be different from one week to the next. But we’re ticking over quite nicely at the minute so we’re not going to complain. “We’re happy enough and a lot of our customers are sticking with us, which is reassuring. Jonathan has been MD of the transport company since we set it up ten years ago and it has been going well. We have a solid reputation and there’s plenty of work there at the minute to keep us going.”

As for the future, Trevor says McCallister Transport will concentrate on providing its existing clients with an unrivalled level of service whilst also keeping an eye out for new openings and opportunities. As they have the wherewithal to transport literally anything,

It’s a headache everyone could certainly they are not limited in terms of the solutions they can provide; this versatility do without, as Trevor concludes: “Fuel should continue to stand to them in the has increased in price by more than future as it has clearly done to date: 100% since McCallister Transport was “Word of mouth means that we are established. It now accounts for more always getting enquiries and of course than half of our overall running costs, we will always look at anything that will which is a big concern. turn a profit. We have the capacity to “Hopefully, something will change in our carry literally any load in Ireland or in the favour soon. In the meantime, we will UK so naturally we consider any continue to provide both new and existing proposals that are put to us. You wouldn’t customers with a quality service that they take on a job just for the sake of it, but if can depend on.” there’s a small profit to be made, then we will give it a go. At the end of the day, we Contact Details are here to provide a service and we have the equipment, the personnel and McCallister Transport, the expertise to do so at a reasonable Banbridge, rate. But margins are very tight and rates County Down, are low at the moment, so it can be Northern Ireland difficult to get the balance right and keep BT32 5DD. the books balanced. But we’ve done okay so far.”

Tel: 028 4065 1342 Of course, the biggest threat to Mobile: 07759 450086 everyone operating within the transport Email: industry is the spiralling cost of fuel and mccallistertransport@hotmail.co.uk talk of further increases to UK pump prices in the form of yet another carbon tax will do little to Best Wishes To McCallister Transport From alleviate the growing sense of unease being felt by 35th operators. With the price of diesel already at an all-time high, HIGH PRESSURE WATER CLEANERS the situation is surely HOSE AND ACCESSORIES coming close to being TOTAL CLEANING CONFIDENCE unsustainable.

While companies are forced to try to pass these increases 7 Meenan Rd, Loughbrickland on, there is only so Banbridge BT32 3PJ many times they can do so before they reach breaking point.

Best Wishes & Continued Succes To McCallister Transport From All At

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Moyles Garage offer a stellar range of services

The best by Moyles Moyles Garage has a fantastic reputation

Fronted by a man with half a century’s experience of the motor industry, Moyles Garage in Nenagh, County Tipperary offers a stellar range of services including sales (new and used; cars and vans), parts, servicing, repairs, NCT preparation and VTN testing of light and heavy commercial vehicles. Irish Trucker popped into the well-appointed facility on the Old Birr Road for a chat with founder / proprietor Tom Moyles.

I

deally located within the heart of the midlands and just 90 minutes from Dublin, Moyles Garage on Nenagh’s Old Birr Road supplies quality new and pre-owned cars, 4X4s, MPVs and vans to a wide selection of satisfied customers.

But the transaction doesn’t end with the handing over of keys - the back-up service provided is quite simply second to none.

Specialising in Hyundai but with a thorough working knowledge of all manufacturers, Moyles Garage offers the complete package - sales, service, parts and everything in between.

Operating a new computerised commercial test lane, the County Tipperary place of excellence also provides VTN testing for light and heavy commercial vehicles.

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The founder boasts a veritable wealth of experience of the motor trade. Tom Moyles served his time with E.A. Moynan on Clare Street, Nenagh. He also worked with Oliver Madden, Cloughjordan, Kellers Garage, Nenagh before returning to E.A Moynan for a further 12 months. E.A. Moynan then decided to close their garage and Tom found himself out of work.

“It was a bit of a coincidence that I finished back where I had started. I was just after building my own house and had little or no money to my name but I managed to start working for myself at the rear of the house. I have often said that I started with the sky over my head. I had to work outside in all weather,” said Tom. “I would like to thank those people who came to me to get their repairs IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Managing Director Tom Moyles (left) with Bernard Connors

and servicing done, in fact some of those people are still loyal customers today. As I had just borrowed to build a house, the bank would not lend any more money to build a workshop. I had to save bit by bit to build a workshop 20ft x 22ft. I worked from there from 1975 to November 1990.”

Building the business was Tom’s aim but he had to do so through a personal tragedy.

“It was during this period that I suffered my greatest loss.

In June 1981 my lovely wife, Elizabeth, was diagnosed with breast cancer and in July 1983 she lost her battle with the disease at the age of just 34. She was a wonderful lady in every way. I was left with five children to bring up, ranging in ages from one to 12-years-old. To this day my children have never caused me any problems and are my best friends.”

As the business continued to grow, Tom purchased land on the outskirts of Nenagh on the Old Birr Road where he built a much more spacious workshop.

“On the 2nd of November, 1990, I started here on the Old Birr Road. The following year I built a new heavy testing facility and in 1992 light goods testing came in and we extended the testing to two lanes.

“I took on the Hyundai franchise in 1991. I was the third dealer in the country to be appointed. I kept the Hyundai franchise until March 2004. As with all distributers Hyundai www.alhayesmotors.com

wanted new showrooms built and at that point in time margins were getting smaller and overheads were getting higher. I had no debts and intended to stay that way, so I did. I am now a Hyundai sub-dealer.”

With a sophisticated, state-of-the-art on-site workshop and embracing all the latest equipment/technology, Moyles Garage provides a full range of workshop services including servicing, NCT preparation and both mechanical and bodywork repairs, working on all vehicle types. This business has come a long way since Tom took it upon himself to go out on his own almost four decades ago and all the signs are that the future is bright for Moyles Garage, despite the economic downturn currently wreaking havoc with the industry in general.

“I would blame the Green Party for a lot of the problems that were caused to the motor industry. They have a lot to answer for. People that bought vans etc. now cannot afford to tax them or keep them. As a result garages have lots of spare parts that we cannot sell,” said Tom. On the testing side of the business, the prime location of Moyles Garage brought regular business from local fleets, including the likes of Eircom, An Post and Nenagh Co-Op. There were boom times for a while but, as Tom points out with a rueful smile, fleets have dwindled in size since those heady days of short-lived national prosperity and a large percentage of this work has dried up. Still, he’s kept reasonably busy and continues to provide an exceptional level of service across the board.

“We can cater for everything from cars to light and heavy commercials. We keep the workshop up-to-date and we use all the latest tools and technology. It’s important to keep up to speed with developments in the industry. There are two fullyqualified mechanics here at the moment, plus myself.”

Tom manages the test centre himself and he admits that, with the workload unpredictable, he experiences a lot more quiet days now than he did in 2011: “This time last year the test centre was booked up fully two weeks in advance. Now

Al Hayes Motors Portumna, Co. Galway.

Tel: 090 9742200 Fax: 090 9742255 Best Wishes To Moyles Garage Search online for all commercial vehicles at www.alhayesmotors.com

Bernard Connors is an authorised HGV and LCV tester

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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parts for top manufacturers, including Hyundai, though the MD notes that “Hyundai are so reliable that you need to stock very few parts…”

As for the current downturn, he adds: “These are bleak times for the motor trade in Ireland and I’m worried that it could get worse before it gets better because there are a lot of Bernard Connors undertakes an inspection empty houses and cars ‘off the road’ and things are going from bad to worse.

Back then, everybody had room to go We get enquiries now asking how much forward. Now people are just a service will cost and that never emigrating because there is no hope happened before. Obviously, there are and you even see cars just abandoned a lot of variables involved in every at the side of the road. service and you can’t give a definite “Finance is difficult to get and it’s only price over the phone as vehicles have really customers with their own money to be serviced properly, some people who are buying cars. Sales are low, so can’t afford to spend their money servicing and testing have become the because of all the uncertainty and who bread and butter. Fortunately, we could blame them. benefit from a lot of repeat custom from “Either way, things clients we looked after over the years are hard for and that’s keeping us going.” garages. We only Best Wishes To Moyles Garage From All The Team have about 50% of the commercial work Contact Details we used to have.

The fleets have Moyles Garage diminished and the tradesmen are Old Birr Road, gone. It’s a totally Nenagh, different landscape.

County Tipperary.

“I’m in my 50th Phone: 067 31019 / 31385 year since I started Mobile: 087 2631286 in the industry and email: sales@moylesgarage.ie I’ve seen a lot of Sat nav co-ordinates: changes, a lot of ups N: 52° 52.229' W: 8° 11.526' and downs, but this Old Dublin Road, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary www.moylesgarage.ie is definitely worse Telephone: 067 34464 than the 1970’s.

you take it day by day. There has been a huge drop-off compared to this time last year.

“To be honest, we would struggle but for the fact that we haven’t many overheads. This allows us to focus on providing a quality service at an affordable price. I own everything here and it’s all fully paid for with no loans or debts hanging over the business.

“When I built the garage, interest rates were 21% and I had bought a 2.5 acre site which has served us well. I managed to get it paid for within eight years and that has left us in a very strong position. We’re in a great location and we have plenty of space here.”

It’s difficult to measure the sheer amount of work that Tom invests into the garage. He runs a very tight ship and puts in the hours – every day! He is open for business from 8:30am until 7:00 pm and is the first man in and last man out.

Moyles Garage carries all the main

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