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Hauliers to be penalised The European Parliament has transformed the Eurovignette into a pure new tax, penalising EU employment without greening road transport The non-mandatory earmarking of the revenues from the Eurovignette aimed at greening road transport at-source, as decided by the EP TRAN Committee, will turn the Directive into a pure additional tax on the already heavily taxed road transport services, which will severely penalise the EU competitiveness, economy and employment with no environmental benefits.

Brussels – If voted by the European Parliament in the near future, the current text of the Eurovignette Directive proposed by the EP TRAN Committee and the Council of Ministers will transform the Eurovignette revenues into a pure new major additional tax to be paid by any road freight service, without the earmarking required to effectively reduce the externalities of local pollution and noise. President of the IRU EU Goods Transport Liaison Committee, Alexander Sakkers, stressed: “Instead of greening road transport, this opens the door for each EU Member State to apply yet another penalising new tax on road transport, which already largely covers its infrastructure costs and externalities through the numerous existing tolls, fiscal charges and excessive excise duties which regrettably currently only applies to road transport.” “The total lack of earmarking penalises the European economy twice, road transport externalities will not be reduced, and the well-known less efficient modes will continue to be cross-subsidised without any incentives to improve their service or increase their output. It is also clear that the additional fiscality resulting from the current text of the Eurovignette Directive will be an incentive for the delocalisation of the small and medium size enterprises which represent 95% of the employment in Europe, which will add another penalty on the European economy as a whole,” Alexander Sakkers continued. IRU General Delegate to the EU, Michael Nielsen, added, “Regrettably, it seems that the EP TRAN Committee is not informed about the devastating effect making road transport even more expensive will have on EU competitiveness, EU production, EU trade and hence EU employment! While the road transport industry is strongly committed to further greening its services, the Directive will actually impede operators from implementing the best technologies and techniques crucial to further green road transport and meet the CO2 reduction target.” As consequence, if the current text of the Directive is adopted by the European Parliament Plenary on 7 June, Member States although free to decide whether or not to implement the Directive, will not have any obligation to use its revenues to effectively reduce any of the existing externalities.

IRHA engaged in feud with IFA RSA exemptions could cause problems

Proposals by the Road Safety Authority have caused a rift between the Irish Road Haulage Association and the Irish Farmers Association.

The RSA are to grant exemptions that allows agriculture vehicles being hired to transport goods on public roads. The move is effectively taking away work from the hauliers at a time when they are already struggling to survive.

This latest blow to the haulage industry has prompted the IRHA to respond and they state that it could well lead to more deaths on the roads, although those comments have been derided by the IFA, who claim their members are safe road users. The exemption would allow farmers to transport goods up to 30 tonnes on public roads, but IRHA President Eoin Gavin believes that this goes against all EU safeguards. Gavin stressed that the IRHA was a big supporter of the farming community as many of its members were involved in the industry, but stated that allowing drivers as young as 16 operate such heavy machinery was indeed dangerous.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Stena Line cleared over Irish Sea routes Stena Line’s acquisition of two Irish Sea ferry services and the closure of a third has been provisionally cleared by the UK Competition Commission. Late last year, Stena Line bought the Belfast to Liverpool and Heysham routes for £40 million from DFDS, while it opted to close its Fleetwood to Larne route.

Following the closure of the route there were concerns that the decision was influenced by the takeover and the CC decided to investigate the matter. CC Deputy Chairman and Chairman of the Stena/DFDS inquiry group Peter Davis said: “We came to the view that Stena’s withdrawal from [the Fleetwood-Larne route] was probably inevitable, irrespective of the acquisition.” “The implication for this case is that there was no loss of direct competition between the longer, ‘diagonal’ routes across the Irish Sea resulting from the acquisition. “Nonetheless, we went on to examine whether the acquisition meant a loss of competition between the former DFDS routes and Stena’s other services on the Irish Sea. “We have, provisionally, found that not to be the case, since the evidence suggests that competition between these more distant routes is more modest, and in any event, Stena will continue to face a direct competitor in each of the corridors in which it operates following the acquisition. In consequence, we do not expect that the acquisition has resulted in a substantial lessening of competition.”

Stena Line gets clearance

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www.irishtrucker.com CONTENTS Irish Trucker is published by DG Press Kells Business Park, Kells, Co. Meath Telephone: (046) 9241923 Fax: (046) 9241926

2 22

Celebrating their 21st anniversary

27

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Olympic Car Sales P39

CARLOW EXPRESS FREIGHT Going as strong as ever

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TC QUINN TRANSPORT LTD. Providing top class general haulage since the late 1970’s

contact@lynngroupmedia.com

ISSN 0791-993X

MCVEIGH CAR & COMMERCIAL SERVICES Almost 30 years experience

ISDN: 046-9248197 e mail:

INDUSTRY NEWS KIERAN KELLY HAULAGE LTD.

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OLYMPIC CAR SALES One of the top specialists in quality used cars

42

MCEVENEY’S 24 HOUR RECOVERY

Loughdoo Aggregates P46

In a league of its own

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LOUGHDOO AGGREGATES Continuing to go from strength to strength

51

NG ENGINEERING LTD Offering a wide range of services

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NIXON HAULAGE LTD. One of the leading haulage outfits in the Munster region

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Nixon Haulage P54

MIDWAY LIGHT COMMERCIALS Quality used vehicles at competitive prices

62 All rights reserved.

No part of this publication can be published or reproduced in any way without the written permission of the author or Lynn Group Media © Copyright Lynn Group Media 2011 The opinions expressed in Irish Trucker do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publishers, their agents or Irish Trucker.

While every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this publication is correct, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors that may appear.

OMD WASTE RECYCLING Specialists in commercial and domestic skip hire

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MCCONAGHY REFRIGERATED DISTRIBUTION One of the superior distributors of chilled and frozen products

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OMD Waste Recycling P62

CURRAN WASTE Providing a range of services across the waste management sector

74 77

INDUSTRY NEWS EXTRA CLASSIFIEDS McConaghy Refrigerated Distribution P66

Landmark year for Kieran Kelly Haulage

Twenty-eleven is a landmark year for Kieran Kelly Haulage Ltd. as the Ennis-based sand and gravel specialist celebrates its 21st anniversary.

Irish Trucker caught up with the eponymous founder and proprietor to reflect on his time in the haulage game to date and also to assess the future prospects of his self-made, family-run business.

Some of the Kieran Kelly Haulage Ltd. fleet

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

O

ver the past 21 years, Kieran Kelly Haulage Ltd. has developed an unparalleled reputation for reliability. The company is held in the highest esteem throughout the Clare / Limerick region and beyond, earning the kind of respect that can only be garnered through hard work, honest endeavour and genuine integrity all harnessed towards providing a top-quality

This 1989 Hino Tipper has joined the fleet for shows only. PJ Kelly brought it to its first outing at the June Bank Holiday Show in Athlone

service.

By providing a superb level of service at all times, the award-winning Ennis-based operator has gone from strength to strength over the years. Specialising in stone, subsoil, sand, gravel and muck-shifting, Kieran Kelly Haulage has every chance of riding out the current economic downturn and continuing to serve its clientele for at least another 21 years!

Reflecting on the genesis of the business, Kieran – who’s maintaining a proud family tradition in the haulage industry - notes: “I set the business up in 1990. I started off from fairly modest beginnings, with just one tipper truck, and built it up slowly. I bought a couple more lorries and grew the company gradually. Today, I have eight lorries and three diggers.”

Like practically everybody else in the haulage business, Kieran has had to cut back a little over the past two years. But, despite downsizing, he’s managed to keep the show on the road and is fortunate to hold a key contract with one of the most reputable local quarrying businesses.

“Most of my work at the moment is for Ryan’s Quarry here in Ennis, which is owned by Roadstone and is only about five miles down the road. I also do a bit of work for Clare County Council and am fully-permitted to carry out muck-shifting. Mostly, we haul the stone, sand and gravel out of the quarry to destinations around Clare and Limerick, for roadworks etc.”

Kieran started out with Hino trucks exclusively but now operates a mixed fleet of Hino, MAN, Iveco and Scania.

In the current economic landscape, it’s all about sourcing the best truck for the job and cutting your cloth accordingly. Kieran has always adopted a very practical outlook to running the business and this has served him well. But how did he get involved in the haulage game?

Did he ever think he’d be a trucker for life?

“My father had been involved in haulage before me and I actually worked with him until he retired. He was involved from 1948, in the same line of work as I am now – sand and gravel and topsoil. So I learned the ropes from him!”

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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True to form, there’s another generation of Kellys coming through to perhaps one day inherit the family business, thereby ensuring that the exceptionally high standards for which Kieran has become renowned are maintained well into the future. “I have two sons here alongside me,” Kieran confirms. “Shane is transport manager and also drives an artic, while PJ will come on board next year.”

The founder of Kieran Kelly Haulage Ltd. maintains his trusty fleet Kieran Kelly Haulage is 21 years in operation in tip-top condition at all times and this has resulted not just in the Working Tipper at the inaugural Full of highest levels of safety and efficiency the Pipe Show last year.

– not to mention high praise from the Of course, ‘recession’ is the word on public and fellow hauliers - but also in everybody’s lips these days and there several awards, including the Best isn’t a man, woman or child in Ireland

who doesn’t realise by now that the country is in the throes of a severe economic dip. Due to its close relationship to construction – not to mention astronomic fuel costs that just continue to spiral higher by the week the haulage sector has been one of the hardest hit.

While many operators have gone to the wall, the lucky ones who’ve managed to keep their doors open for business have seen their margins shrink, some to almost unsustainable levels.

Fortunately, Kieran Kelly isn’t exactly in dire straits just yet but he does admit that A pristine Hino Tipper things have been

Wishing Continued Success To Kieran Kelly Haulage, From

RYAN BROS. (ENNIS) LTD. QUARRY MATERIALS - CONCRETE PRODUCTS Toonagh Quarry, Ennis, Co. Clare Telephone: (065) 683 7644 • Fax: (065) 683 7047

24

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

www.vantruckireland.com Unit 55, Doora Industrial Estate, Quin Road, Ennis, Co.Clare Contact MARTIN HOUGH 087 6601648 or Tel/Fax: 065-6848665. E: martinhoughbandh@gmail.com

IVECO/HINO TRUCK SALES DEALER FOR THE MID-WESTERN REGIONS STOCKISTS OF GENUINE HINO AND IVECO PARTS.

Wishing Kieran Kelly & family All the best for the future

Peadar O’Keeffe Oil Ltd. Drumcliffe Road, Ennis, Co. Clare Tel: 065-6824063 Fax: 065-6848020.

Mobile: 087-2609425

AUTHORISED MAXOL DISTRIBUTOR Wishing Kieran Kelly Haulage Continued Success Continued Success To Kieran Kelly Haulage, from

BUILDING CONTRACTOR HOUSE BUILDING EXTENSIONS & RENOVATION DOMESTIC - COMMERCIAL - INDUSTRIAL Ballyalla, Ennis, Co. Clare Tel: 065-6822253

Best wishes to Kieran Kelly Haulage, from

JIM BOLTON

SAND & GRAVEL LTD. Fahey, O’Brien’s Bridge, Co. Clare Tel: 061-580058. Mobile: 087-8244665 Email: jimbolton@eircom.net

Suppliers of:

Washed Sand for Building, Plastering, Concrete, Paving 10-20-30mm Gravel Chips for Gardens, Driveways and Drainage

Continued Success To Kieran Kelly, from

D.T. TYRES LTD.

24 HOUR BREAKDOWN SERVICE Finniterstown, Adare, Co. Limerick

Mobile: 087-2539651 Best Wishes To Kieran Kelly From All At

Clare Vehicle Testing Centre Ltd VEHICLE TESTING CENTRE

To Book A Test Call

(065) 684 1222 Lissane, Clarecastle, Co. Clare

Full Range of Services HGV Testing • LGV Testing • ADR Tachograph Calibration Speed Limiter Calibration

or book on line

www.clarevtn.ie

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Best Wishes To Kieran & Staff

Kings Agri Parts Doora Industrial Estate, Quin Road, Ennis, Co. Clare.

Tel: (065) 6838099 / (065) 6822355

Tractor Parts & Accessories For All Makes Hydraulic Specialists 25

The Ennis company is an award winning firm

difficult: “It’s bad enough this year, to be honest, and we’re feeling the pinch.

I’m down four lorries and I’m trying my utmost to hold on to what I have. The price of diesel is absolutely outrageous at this stage. It’s beyond a joke and it’s very disappointing to hear that there’s no chance of a fuel rebate for hauliers.”

Like the rest of us, Kieran has his fingers crossed that some sort of recovery is around the corner: “You would hope it would pick up a bit and that we’ll be able to find a bit more work. We got some work there on the

Rosslare Bypass and you keep your eye opened for other opportunities.

The way things are, you’d travel anywhere to find a bit of work because you’re losing money when the trucks are parked up during the day.

“We have six lads here full-time at the moment and hopefully we can sustain that and go forward.”

As for the future, Kieran says his good working relationship with Ryan’s Quarry will be integral to the long-term prospects of Kieran Kelly Haulage: “Our main line has always been Ryan’s Quarries. That’s my priority. I have a proven track record with them

and they look after me as best they can. I like to think I provide them with a quality service and I will continue to do so.

“Hard work got us where we are today and we’ll continue to work hard,” he concludes.

Kieran Kelly Haulage Ltd. Claureen, Lahinch Road, Ennis, County Clare.

Tel: 065 6893012 Fax: 065-6893013 Mobile (Kieran): 087-2599280

Noel McMahon Commercials

RENAULT TRUCK SALES & SERVICE Telephone: (087) 2599301 • (065) 6839995 Fax: (065) 6839996 • Email: wctp@eircom.net www.noelmcmahon.ie

TRUCK & TRAILER SALES, SERVICE & REPAIRS

PARTS IN STOCK FOR ALL TRUCKS, TRAILER & POWDER TANKS, BLOCK CRANES & LORRY LOADERS (HIABS) SOLD- SERVICED - FITTED

Best Wishes & Continued Success To KIERAN KELLY HAULAGE

26

PAT KEOGH CONSTRUCTION Abbey Court, Ennis, Co. Clare.

Phone: 065 686 2312 Fax: 065 686 2312 Mobile: 087 672 3362 Email: info@patkeoghconstruction.ie

www.patkeoghconstruction.ie Continued best wishes to Kieran Kelly Haulage IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Friends are electric Declan McVeigh of McVeigh Car & Commercial Services on Drogheda’s Mell Road has almost 30 years’ experience in auto electrical repairs, making him one of the most knowledgeable vehicle technicians in the North East. Declan also oversees a main Avia dealership and YES Vehicle Hire.

I

n September 1982, Declan McVeigh established AES Auto Electrical Services Ltd. He has been operating out of the Mell area of Drogheda since 1984. During the intervening years, Declan has forged a reputation for himself as one of the country’s premier authorities on auto electrical diagnosis and repairs.

As electrical components continue to become increasinglyconspicuous, auto electrical skills are more important than ever before. Thus, Declan enjoys a marked advantage over your average mechanic. With his strong background in electrics, he is perfectly equipped to provide a solution to all vehicle problems.

Having progressed into commercial vehicle sales and servicing as part of the Avia dealer network in 2005, Declan also formed YES (Your Extra Space) Vehicle Hire, specialising in hiring out vans, jeeps and trucks.

Avia’s presence in the Irish market is increasing steadily, as the Czech Republic manufacturer develops a growing reputation for reliability, quality and outstanding fuel economy.

Avia was founded in 1919 as an aircraft and engine manufacturer but entered the automotive industry as a truck and bus producer in 1946. Within a short space of time, Avia established itself across Europe. Its core values of quality, value, design and simplicity are all keys to its success. Economical

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

and functional, Avia provides an ideal medium-sized truck solution in the 7.5 to 12.0 tonne GVW sector.

The truck’s renowned quality starts with the choice of well-known components. The Cummins ISBe engine, ZF gearbox and Wabco braking system give Avia a reassuring familiarity. Add to this a brand new precision-built cab and high-quality production facilities and it’s not hard to see why Avia looks, feels and drives so well. Equipped with an unbelievable list of standard equipment, Avia offers incredible value for money. Low running costs are assured by its top quality components and by Avia's fair parts price policy.

Declan, who is dealer principal for the North East (incorporating Louth, Meath, Monaghan and Cavan) explains: “Avia build 7.5 to 12 tonne freight trucks – anything from box bodies and curtainsiders to tippers and pick-ups or recovery trucks.

They would be similar to DAF, with essentially the same running gear.”

Why would an operator choose Avia over the competition? “The main advantage is low fuel consumption.

Providing 22 miles to the gallon, it has been proven to beat its rivals hands down in this department.

Standard features include threeyear unlimited manufacturers warranty, cruise control, electric windows, air suspension, air suspension seat, differential lock, central locking, heated mirrors and a CD player – all at no extra cost.”

In the current economic climate,

there has never been a better time to buy Avia. However, despite the many selling points of the Avia range, Declan admits that business is tight: “We have an exceptional product here but the commercial sales industry has taken a massive hit. But we’re still providing the service and we’re ready and waiting for when things turn around again.

Second-hand sales are reasonably good at the moment and we always have something here to suit everybody, be it Avia, DAF, Isuzu etc.”

Servicing has become the key to survival in the commercial vehicle industry and – due to his extensive background in auto electrics Declan McVeigh is better placed than most to provide an excellent service: “We have a modern workshop and we’re in a good position to provide a strong service because any vehicle, from a commercial to a passenger, is becoming more and more electrically-orientated. There are a lot of electrical components in all vehicles now and that suits us with our experience in auto electrics.

That’s what our engineers specialise in.

“We can tackle both electrical and mechanical problems in any vehicle. In the majority of cases, these are linked. When you look at a vehicle to assess where the problem lies, you will get more electrical faults than mechanical ones. We’ve specialised in auto electrics for the best part of 30

27

years and that experience has stood to us and the workshop is very busy now.”

From the moment you turn on the engine, every aspect of a modern vehicle is governed by electrics – the starter, the alternator, the lights, steering, heater, wipers, etc. etc. etc. Electronic control modules are central to the operation of any modern car, van or truck and this has led to an increased need for competent auto electric specialists.

“I’d go so far as to say that 90% of the problems are electrical and people don’t realise this. The first thing a person tends to do when they have a problem with their car is bring it to the local garage or mechanic, but it might work out a lot cheaper to come directly to us.

Whether it’s an electrical or mechanical problem, we’ll sort it out. Changes are it’ll be an electric fault and that’s our area of expertise. A lot of garages don’t

know the first thing about electrics.

for interchangeable loads from one

We have all the diagnostic

vehicle, making it an extremely

equipment here to assess any

cost-efficient distribution solution.

vehicle and we can have the driver

The body comprises a U-shaped

back on the road in double-quick

frame, with no floor - each rear

time.”

wheel has independent suspension

Declan is also the man behind YES

and is mounted to the strong steel

Vehicle Hire. He explains: “The

frame. The frame also contains

business has been affected by the

hydraulic lifting arms that allow a

downturn on the construction side,

range of bodies to be dropped on to

but at the same time we find that

the ground and detached from the

more people are willing to hire a

vehicle. The chassis-cab can then

vehicle than buy one these days,

return to the depot, or pick up

be it for a weekend or a week.

another body elsewhere.

There is a steady demand for short-

The concept should appeal to

term hire and we also offer a full

companies with multiple drops –

range of vehicles for longer-term

such as food delivery firms - as it

hire. We have everything from small

allows the vehicle to keep working

Caddy vans up to jeeps, Transits,

while the body is being loaded or

box bodies and tippers.”

unloaded. It takes just seconds to

Finally, Declan is also an agent for

drop off the body, and different

the all-new Roadload U-tail - an

bodies can be fitted, including

innovative new concept in

tippers or flat-bed transporters for

distribution. With an ingenious

small vehicles such as lawn

demountable body, the U-tail allows

mowers or mini diggers.

• fleet vehicle operations • alcohol testing • access to resources and equipment

If you’d like to know more about Traka, call +353 (0) 419844889 or visit traka.ie

28

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Best Wishes To Declan McVeigh

M1 Retail Park, Mell Drogheda, Co. Louth

Tel: (041) 984 5242 Best Wishes To Declan McVeigh

Milltown, Grangebellew, Co. Louth

Ph: 041 685 2373 Mobile: 087 265 0155

email: raybutterlymotors@gmail.com

info@www.m1tyres.com

www.raybutterlymotors.ie Best Wishes To Declan McVeigh From

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Declan McVeigh From

LAYTECH LTD Tarmacadam & Road Sweeper Hire

HOLCROFT MOTORS LTD Mathews Lane, Donore Road, Drogheda, Co. Louth

Tel: 041 980 9430 Fax: 041 980 9419

Mobile: 086 8037085 Telephone: 041 9838466

E: sales@holcroftmotors.com

www.holcroftmotors.com Continued Best Wishes To Declan McVeigh From

Conachys Garage Dunleer Ltd Barn Road, Dunleer T: 041 6851726 / 6851957 E: info@conachys.com

www.conachys.com For SEAT sales service & parts Wishing McVeigh Car & Commercials Services Continued Success In The Future

Our Services Bookkeeping & Accounts Preparation Auditing • Payroll • Liquidations & Insolvency Advice Corporate Restructuring Business Plans & Internal Business Review Unit 66A, Newtown Business Park, Boyne Business Park, Drogheda, Co. Louth.

T: +353 (0)41 9832331 F: +353 (0)41 9801543 www.doylekelly.com

Continued Best Wishes To Declan McVeigh From

JOHN DELANEY

IRISH

MOTOR FACTORS LTD Fairgreen, Drogheda, Co. Louth • Tel: 041 9831634

FOR ALL YOUR MOTOR FACTORS NEEDS IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

& LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Don’t be left in the dark log on to

www.irishtrucker.com 29

TRUCK NEWS n with io t ia c o s s a in

BIT’S ‘N’ BOB’S

TRUCK ACCESSORIES Monaghan (087) 2480730 • TRUCK ACCESSORIES IN 1 STOP - INTERIOR & EXTERIOR • IRISH AGENT FOR KELSA TRUCK BAR’S • NATIONWIDE NEXT DAY DELIVERY

Eu200 car parking levy plan abandoned A plan to charge employees €200 per annum for parking at their workplace have been kicked into touch – for now. The controversial parking levy would have applied to all free parking spaces supplied to employees, but it has been put on hold for the time being at least - despite the Government paying €9.6m last year to rent car parking spaces for civil servants around the country. It had been estimated that the €200 levy would raise around €10m per annum. Although the new levy on an estimated 50,000 parking spaces was announced by then Finance Minister Brian Lenihan in the October 2008 budget, no commencement order has been signed. The introduction of the levy has been postponed a number of times and, early last year, the previous government said it would be introduced on a pilot basis during the summer of 2010. It had been confirmed that the scheme would cover both public and private sector workers who were provided with a parking space. Employers had been told that if they failed to deduct the levy from workers' net salaries, they would be fined €3,000. But the charge will not now be introduced.

RSA Welcomes Introduction of New Life Saving Anti Drink Driving Law The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has welcomed the granting of new powers, by the Minster for Transport, Tourism & Sport Mr. Leo Varadkar, to An Garda Síochána, to test drivers for the presence of alcohol at the scene of road traffic collisions. The measures came into force on Wednesday 1st June 2011, and requires Gardai to conduct mandatory testing of drivers for alcohol at the scene of a crash where someone has been injured, or of a driver who has been injured and removed to hospital. Welcoming the new life saving legislation, Mr. Noel Brett, CEO, RSA said “This measure is another very important step towards removing the scourge of drink driving from our roads. I’m confident that, combined with the planned reduction in the drink driving limits later this year, this measure will save many lives and prevent many serious injuries.” “However the introduction of such important measures would not have been possible without the support of the public and there has been a profound change in people’s attitudes and behaviour over the past decade. Drinking and driving is now viewed by the vast majority Leo Varadkar, Minister of people in this country as anti social behaviour.” Said Mr. Brett. He added that “The for Transport excellent work of An Garda Síochána enforcing our drink driving laws must also be acknowledged. As a result of their efforts drivers now know they have a very good chance of getting caught if they break the law and that they also risk a hefty fine and losing their driving licence for a lengthy period if prosecuted.” A total of 77 people have died on the roads to date in 2011. This is a decrease of 11 in the number of killed in the same period last year. For further information on road safety visit www.rsa.ie. The RSA also has a presence on Facebook; Road Safety Authority Ireland and on Twitter #RSAIreland.

Transport Plan for 2012 Olympics The Olympic Delivery Authority has published the second edition of its Transport Plan for the 2012 London Olympics.

Disappointingly for hauliers, the 240-page document contains only two pages specifically addressing freight transport issues during the 2012 Games - despite predictions that volume demand from retailers and hospitality providers will soar next summer. The ‘Plan’ answers few of operators' specific concerns that have come to the fore in recent months, instead maintaining that more night-time deliveries will be necessary, with operators making their customers aware of the impact of the Olympic Route Network (which will lock down significant parts of the road network from 6am to midnight). While the London Low Emission Zone and Congestion Charging schemes will remain in place, the plan states Transport for London (TfL), which has responsibility for the ORN, is working with London Councils regarding the interface with the London Lorry Control Scheme (LLCS) over the period.

The issue of the LLCS, which prevents vehicles over 18 tonnes from entering much of central London between 9pm and 7am, is causing concern among operators. Given the push for more night-time deliveries, the fact the LLCS will not, at present, be relaxed during the Olympic period, is worrying.

Although Westminster Council has given a strong indication this week that it will relax delivery restrictions, the Freight Transport Association says more must be done to provide delivery flexibility and avoid landing operators with the dilemma of breaking the law or keeping their customers happy.

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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TRUCK NEWS on with i t a i c o s s in a

Massive oil laundering plant uncovered

01 862 0000 Container volumes on the rise

A massive oil laundering plant was recently uncovered in Co Monaghan, and reported to be one of the biggest ever finds in the country. A joint operation involving customs and gardai uncovered the plant at a scrapyard in Drumacon, near Castleblayney and just 100 yards from the border.

The black market operation, which was able to process 20 million litres of fuel a year, was discovered in a scrapyard in Co Monaghan, about 100 yards from the border. Customs said it had the capacity to launder about 40,000 litres at a time and would have cost the Exchequer €11m a year in lost duty. Officers seized 37,000 litres of laundered fuel, about 200 bags of bleaching agent, two tankers and a van. A local man in his 40s was arrested.

Motoring cost accelerates by 20% A recent UK survey showed that the annual cost of motoring has risen by a staggering 20%. The study showed that the annual cost of running a car is 20% higher now than it was in April 2010. Sainsbury Finance conducted the survey, which attributes the huge cost increase mainly to spiralling fuel prices as well as the climb in insurance premiums and servicing charges. There has been a 22.9% rise in fuel costs, with a 3.7% average increase in insurance and a 5.4% increase in servicing costs. The figures paint a grim picture – one that is reflected across Ireland, where the daily cost of motoring is also rising at an astronomical rate.

Revenue truck hijacked in bandit country A customs vehicle carrying diesel laundering equipment was hijacked recently in South Armagh.

The truck - transporting the diesel laundering equipment seized near Castleblayney the previous day- was hijacked and set on fire after accidentally crossing the border. Customs officers had raided and dismantled one of the biggest diesel laundering operations ever found in Ireland. One of the trucks transporting the equipment away from the site took a wrong turn and crossed the border into Northern Ireland. The off-course vehicle was quickly blocked by a gang of men and the driver fled. The trailer and tractor unit were set on fire by the gang, on the Castleblayney Road near Crossmaglen. Nobody was hurt in the incident, which the Revenue Commissioner has vowed to investigate fully.

4

Container volumes are steadily growing at a slow rate as the market share improves and operators begin to see some light at the end of the tunnel. Ben Hackett, Founder of Hackett Associates, predicts trade to grow only in single digits this year, despite capacity increasing in double digits. “The carriers will be under considerable pressure as freight rates remain weak.

One can certainly expect to see a return to laying up ships in the coming months. “The carriers will be under considerable pressure as freight rates remain weak. One can certainly expect to see a return to laying up ships in the coming months.”

Tailgating motorists to come under the radar Motorists who hide behind HGVs to avoid motorway tolls are finding that their number is up - literally.

Over one hundred drivers are to be prosecuted after being caught tailgating on the M50 in an effort to avoid the €3 toll.

They will appear in court in the coming months after being caught negotiating a treacherous manoeuvre to avoid detection. The offending motorists drove within four feet of heavy goods vehicles in an attempt to prevent their front number plates from being captured by cameras mounted above the motorway. And figures from motorway operator eFlow suggest that more than 70 drivers are caught on camera every day risking their lives by tailgating – down from an average of 208 in March! The crackdown began as Gardai mounted a covert campaign using unmarked cars to capture offenders.

The 100 drivers due before the courts face the prospect of fines of up to €5,000 and five penalty points.

In March, new cameras were fitted that capture the front and rear plates, meaning evading the toll is now practically impossible. While the rear-facing cameras have significantly decreased the level of offending, some people continue to tailgate trucks in a dangerous manner.

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5

Rates fall Europe-wide despite oil hikes European road transport rates dropped during the first three months of 2011 – in spite of rocketing fuel costs. A report produced by consultancy firms Transporeon and Capgemini, shows that European road prices in Q1 2011 fell 5.6% on Q4 2010. This coincides with diesel prices rising to their highest levels since 2008. The consultants concluded that the rate decline was caused by an increase in spare capacity and a seasonal fluctuation in volumes. It states that the decrease is “caused by a relatively lower demand for transportation in Q1.

Rates fell Shipped volumes are lower due to seasonal effects in various industries – for despite rise in fuel costs example, for consumer products, Q4 is clearly high season, followed by lower volumes in the first quarter.

“The winter period also impacts transport volumes in different industries, such as construction. Less demand for transportation drives an increase in available capacity and has a downward price effect.”

However, rates are expected to rise for the rest of the current calendar year: “It is expected that the price index will increase during the subsequent quarters of 2011. This is a structural trend that we also monitored in 2009 and 2010. “The moderately positive economic outlook and the fear of increasing costs, mainly caused by expected increase of oil prices, support this trend.”

Freight forwarding suffers a setback There was bad news for European freight forwarders at the end of May as they experienced a less positive month than in previous months. Forwarders are now expecting a similar pattern in June and July as the industry grips itself for yet another setback. Nearly 140 forwarders participated in a survey, and their answers translate into an index value of between 0 and 100. Values above 50 indicate volume expansion.

The report says the road freight remained fairly stable, while both air and sea freight expectations are significantly down.

The Survey was carried out by the Danske Bank European Freight Forwarding Index.

Irish exports rise by 13%

No tax rebate for hauliers

Since the beginning of the year, food and drink exports have increased by 13% which has had a positive effect on the much maligned haulage industry. Bord Bia have released new figures showing the exports in food and drink for the opening few months of the year rose by €400 million and are now worth almost €3.5 billion to the economy. Bord Bia said the prospects for the rest of the year remained positive because of global demand for dairy and meat and increased consumer food prices.

There was bad news recently for hauliers when Michael Noonan ruled out a commercial tax rebate.

Such a concession would offer a lifeline to many hard-pressed Finance Minister truckers, but the Michael Noonan Minister for Finance shot the dream down when he admitted that the rebate is not an option. Instead, Ireland will be part of a coordinated Europe-wide approach to the problem. Mr Noonan acknowledged that the price of fuel had increased in recent times but said this increase is an international phenomenon and that there is limited scope to apply a lower rate of excise on diesel for commercial use Applying a lower rate would be “extremely expensive, especially in the current fiscal environment. The Minister pointed out that the excise rate here is already around 20c lower than in the UK and that a lower commercial rate would require an extensive rebate system, which would be administratively difficult, costly to operate and open to abuse. In a written Dáil reply to Independent Donegal South-West TD Thomas Pringle, Mr Noonan said the issue of fuel prices had been discussed by Finance Ministers at an ECOFIN meeting. At that meeting it was reconfirmed that a coordinated approach would be maintained by all countries.

He concluded: “For these reasons, it is not proposed to introduce a tax rebate scheme to assist hauliers.”

Republic commit to NI motorway An Taoiseach Enda Kenny has publicly pledged millions of euro in funding to build a motorway in Northern Ireland. The planned €928 million A5 motorway from Derry to Aughnacloy, on the Monaghan-Tyrone border has received 2,400 objections as its objectors feel that it is a political road that could cripple ‘transport budgets’ both north and south of the border. Kenny has given his backing to the project and believes that route would ‘significantly improve’ access from the north-west to Dublin. "I've travelled that on many occasions and it does need to be developed. The previous government had committed to put money in there and we will honour that commitment," he said at the annual conference of the Institute for British-Irish studies in UCD.

6

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7

CILT calls for double penalty points on Bank Holiday Weekends Speaking at the beginning of the June bank holiday weekend, the President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), Paul Mallee, called for the doubling of penalty points at bank holiday weekends in order to reduce fatalities on Irish roads. Mr Mallee commented, "The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport fully supports the campaign by the Road Safety Authority and An Garda Siochana to reduce fatalities on Irish roads. Regrettably, the June bank holiday weekend is a traditional high-risk period when the number of motorists travelling on our roads increases dramatically."Accordingly we must look at the best means of actively deterring motorists from committing serious offences and, instead, promote care, caution and responsibility.

"Doubling penalty points during bank holiday weekends is one such measure. This scheme already exists in parts of Australia for speeding and drink driving. One additional point is awarded for all other offences. By general consensus the scheme has worked well in those Australian states where it has been introduced, and others are now considering doing likewise."While this proposal has been previously mooted in Ireland, it has never received serious consideration.

Although road deaths have reduced in recent years, there is a duty on all transport groups to advocate ways of improving road safety in this country. "Therefore, I am calling on the Government and the Minister for Transport in particular to introduce a simple piece of legislation that could be enacted with the agreement of all parties in the Dail prior to the summer recess and before the next bank holiday this year at the end of July/beginning of August." Mr Mallee said that the eight bank holiday weekends are among the worst periods for road fatalities and that doubling penalty points for serious offences such as speeding and dangerous driving would act as an active deterrent to motorists, thus reducing the number of fatal incidents on our roads.

CILT want double penalty points

Welcome rise in new goods vehicle registrations Official figures show that there was a 29.9% rise in new goods vehicle sales in Ireland in May. Information released by the Central Statistics Office confirm that the number of new goods vehicles licensed for the first time in May increased from 916 to 1,190 compared to the same time last year.

The new figure is also higher than that recorded in May 2009 (1,034).

Meanwhile, the registration of used (imported) goods vehicles continues to fall. This dropped dramatically from 1,497 in May 2009 to 785 in May 2010 and was down to 470 for May 2011.

The number of new cars registered in May increased by 5.2% compared with the same time last the year. 9,359 new cars were sold in May 2011 compared to 8,893 in May 2010. Only 24.6% of these were petrol and 73.6% were diesel.

8

EC blast member states including Ireland The European Commission has condemned eleven countries including Ireland over its failure to implement safety measures to help improve the trans-European road network as they are obliged to under the European Union Law. The ten other countries are Belgium, Bulgaria, Ireland, Greece, France, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Austria, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia. All have been given two months to implement the measures or they could face the EU court of justice. As part of the safety measures that need to be introduced, they include road safety audits and safety rankings of the network.

Waste body concocts jobs plan A waste umbrella group in Dublin believes that jobs can be created if the Poolbeg incinerator is downsized. Representatives of Dublin waste companies insist they have the capacity to create new waste facilities for the capital that would generate 235 new jobs. The Irish Waste Management Association – the voice of the private waste management industry in Ireland - says it has a major strategy for jobs and investment - if the Government cooperate with its plan. The IWMA wants the authorities to downsize the Poolbeg incinerator, and make landfill more expensive.

Donegal at bottom of road safety list Donegal is the area for the biggest fatality rate on Irish roads, according to a report released by the Road Safety Authority and An Garda Siochana. Between 1996 and 2009, there were 307 people killed and 1,200 seriously injured on Donegal roads and the findings were revealed at the launch of a new initiative to highlight road safety in individual counties.

Due to the number of road fatalities in Donegal, it was the first county visited by the new campaign and RSA Chief Executive Noel Brett stated that the statistics in the north western county were appalling. Assistant Garda Commissioner Kieran Kenny said 'Operation Face' had made a big difference by targeting specific drivers and the detection of a range of offences had increased significantly, including an increase of 82% in the detection of speeding offences.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Hella deal adds further strength to Philips’ UK Automotive lighting presence Philips Automotive Lighting is delighted to announce an important new partnership, through the signing of an agreement with Hella UK as a distributor of Philips products across the UK vehicle aftermarket.

The addition of Hella to Philips’ existing British distribution network is further proof that the world’s leading supplier of automotive light bulbs is intent on making real progress in the UK. Hella is globally recognised as a leading OE manufacturer of vehicle light sets and this new partnership with the world’s number one supplier of OE vehicle bulbs will allow them to offer the UK aftermarket a complete OE aftersales solution for vehicle lighting.

Darren Robinson, MD of Hella Limited in the UK comments, “Both companies have an outstanding OE pedigree. We believe that with Philips and Hella working together in the UK aftermarket we now have a great sales story. Quality is obviously the core of our offer across both brands and we firmly believe we can bring this quality competitively to our customers. This should mean that there are no viable excuses for installing lower quality lighting on vehicles.”

From today (6th June), Hella will distribute the full range of Philips Automotive lighting products. This will cover both the 12V range for passenger and Light CV applications and the 24V range for the commercial vehicle sector.

Philips Automotive Lighting’s UK country manager, Ed Savage explains why these two important automotive brands have linked up. “We have worked with Hella for many years supplying bulbs for their OE lighting sets, so this seemed like a sensible extension of our cooperation – and indeed Hella will partner Philips in this way in other European Countries.

“Their existing sales structure and their logistics operation – which is truly state of the art - offer Philips huge potential to increase our penetration in the UK aftermarket. I believe we could well have a real instance here where the end result will be even greater than the sum of the two parts.”

For specific images to accompany this news release or further media information please contact Simon Maurice at Chicane on +44 (0) 1753 650004 or email simon@chicanemarketing.co.uk More information from: www.automotive.philips.com & www.hella.co.uk About Royal Philips Electronics Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified health and wellbeing company, focused on improving people’s lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of “sense and simplicity.” Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs about 117,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 22.3 billion in 2010, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal wellbeing and pleasure with strong leadership positions in male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

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9

RSA Welcomes Introduction of New Life Saving Anti Drink Driving Law The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has welcomed the granting of new powers, by the Minster for Transport, Tourism & Sport Mr. Leo Varadkar, to An Garda Síochána, to test drivers for the presence of alcohol at the scene of road traffic collisions.

The measures which come into force from today, Wednesday 1st June 2011, requires Gardai to conduct mandatory testing of drivers for alcohol at the scene of a crash where someone has been injured, or of a driver who has been injured and removed to hospital.

Welcoming the new life saving legislation, Mr. Noel Brett, CEO, RSA said “This measure is another very important step towards removing the scourge of drink driving from our roads.

I’m confident that, combined with the planned reduction in the drink driving limits later this year, this measure will save many lives and prevent many serious injuries.”

“However the introduction of such important measures would not have been possible without the support of the public and there has been a profound change in people’s attitudes and behaviour over the past decade. Drinking and driving is now viewed by the vast majority of people in this country as anti social behaviour.” Said Mr. Brett.

He added that “The excellent work of An Garda Síochána enforcing our drink driving laws must also be acknowledged.

As a result of their efforts drivers now know they have a very good chance of getting caught if they break the law and that they also risk a hefty fine and losing their driving licence for a lengthy period if prosecuted.”

The RSA also made a public appeal to road users in advance of the June Bank Holiday Weekend to take extra care when using the roads.

“We don’t want weekend fun to turn to tragedy so please remember that the roads will be much busier over the weekend. Many people will be holidaying, walking, cycling and motorcycling, travelling to sporting events and local festivals. In addition, the roads will be busy with farming machinery about. Busier roads and a holiday atmosphere means we all need to expect the unexpected on the roads” A total of 53 people have been killed and 116 people seriously injured in June Bank Holiday crashes between 2000 and 2010.

A total of 77 people have died on the roads to date in 2011.

This is a decrease of 11 in the number of killed in the same period last year.

For further information on road safety visit www.rsa.ie. The RSA also has a presence on Facebook; Road Safety Authority Ireland and on Twitter #RSAIreland.

Maersk plan for the future One of the world’s leading shipping lines, Maersk have announced their plans for the future as they look forward with optimism. A manifesto has been launched by the renowned shipping line that points to reliability, automation and environmental awareness as the keys to a successful future. “Customers of course care about cost, but what they really care about is the total cost and not the price on a single box,” Maersk Line writes in the manifesto. “They can accept rate rises; what they cannot accept is a delivery promise that isn’t trustworthy. “Often customers value their ability to trust delivery promises more than they need a rock-bottom price – because the cost implications of late deliveries are far greater. If they cannot rely on a container being at destination on time, their whole business operations are compromised.

“Supply chains must be reworked, stores may not have products to sell to eager customers, and potentially one late cargo arrival might have implications not just for the customer’s own business, but those of a range of interconnected suppliers” Many of the world’s leading shipping lines have come out in support of Maersk Line’s plans for the future.

Online forum The Shippers’ Voice said: “What Maersk says is nothing new: shippers and their representatives have been saying such things for many years. “What we could applaud, however, is that Maersk has gone public, on its own, heavily criticising the industry and itself.

“Maersk itself must now, surely, change for the better, or face a vicious onslaught of criticism from customers, the wider industry and the media.

Otherwise no one will ever believe a word these people say again.” The manifesto said: “If customers are offered a more automated booking process saving them money through supply chain and inventory optimisation then we will get better control of bookings and less no-shows.”

Petroneft strike oil Dublin based oil and gas exploration company Petroneft Resources has struck oil at its first Russian test well and will now invest more funding into further drilling later in the year. Petroneft, who concentrate solely on the Tomsk region of Russia will invest a further €36 million on new drilling after its latest campaign, the Kondrashevskoye 2 delineation well in the company’s Licence 61 asset — has confirmed 2.3 metres of net pay (the measurement of the thickness of the oil reservoir). However, while Petroneft’s management expressed its delight with the findings, the company’s latest operational update also suggested current production levels are still lagging expectations. Current total production levels are 2,500 barrels of oil per day (bopd), lower than the company’s guidance of 3,000 bopd. The second exploration well for this year will be at Sibkrayevskaya — the largest prospect in the programme at over 40 million barrels and it is hoped that their success can continue during this project.

10

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Roger Dyson’s transporters are “the best in the west” Swinford Motor’s new Dyson Hydraloader 3000La

Toyota lays claim to “the best built cars in the world” so Swinford Motors, the manufacturer’s representative in County Mayo, Ireland, can be expected to know a thing or two about high quality vehicles.

That’s why, when the dealer group needed another two-car transporter, specialist bodybuilder Roger Dyson was the only name in the frame.

Swinford Motors’ new Dyson Hydraloader 3000La has a 3000kg capacity Low approach sliding bed which is mounted on a 5.0tonne Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 518CDI chassis.

After fabricating and fitting the body, technicians at Roger Dyson’s factory in Droitwich, Worcestershire, also sprayed the vehicle in Swinford’s eye-catching red and silver colours, and applied the livery.

“Nobody builds a body like Roger,” explains Managing Director Pat Kelly. “It’s a great piece of kit and finished, as always, to the most exacting standards.”

“We’ve been buying Dyson units for some years now and they are always superb – the build quality, reliability and the way they stand up to years of hard work are way ahead of the competition.

“We bought one unit from Roger in 1997, which we then sold on in 2004 – it’s still running strongly today, and looks as good as ever.”

And he adds: “We don’t even bother approaching other manufacturers now…

I just tell Roger what we need and he delivers! The standard of service is excellent too – everything is delivered on time and in perfect condition, and Roger is a real gentleman to deal with too.”

Swinford Motors is based in Swinford; Mr Kelly also runs two other Toyota dealerships in County Mayo under the Pat Kelly Autopoint banner, at Ballina and Castlebar.

The name Swinford Motors dates back to 1930 but the company was bought by Pat Kelly and his wife Nora in 1970 – they sold their first Toyota three years later and have represented the brand in the Mayo area ever since. www.swinfordmotors.com

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

11

Safety at any price: SAFHOLLAND continues to invest in quality assurance

Stobart Group And Malcolm Group Join Forces For Charity The Eddie Stobart trailer with the Malcolm Group livery on the side

SAF-HOLLAND is one of the leading OEM suppliers to the worldwide commercial vehicle industry with high-quality systems and components.

The commercial vehicle supplier, represented on every continent, sets very high standards on the production quality and functional safety of its components: A comprehensive control system ensures that from the first development stage through the multi-level testing, up to the series release and production, that all safety demands are met or surpassed. Quality control is constantly Servo-hydraulic road simulator

incorporated into the development and production process and is anchored in the company’s own quality management system including all production plants and all SAF-HOLLAND brands.

SAF-HOLLAND also ensures that different regional safety demands are continually compared and optimised to the current highest standard. “We run this process” states managing director Detlef Borghardt “practically 365 days a year. Our aim is that the customer can always feel safe and without reservation”.

The main plant in Germany has invested in futureorientated test and analysis technology and carries out research using its own servo-hydraulic simulator for axles and air suspensions. Different transportation situations can be simulated on the test bench and a product can be subjected to individually programmed loads. Dr. Stefan Wallmeier, vice president Engineering Business Unit Trailer Systems explains a further decisive benefit: “These tests can be reproduced as often as needed, often orientating single development stages closer to practical demands so that valuable time can be saved before production begins”.

12

Stobart Group and the Malcolm Group, the two biggest names in the UK multimodal logistics industry, have joined forces to raise money for, and help promote, Cancer Research UK. The alliance sees an Eddie Stobart refrigerated trailer hit the road with a special Malcolm Group livery adorning the side. The other side lists 75 names of individuals who have each pledged a £1000 financial contribution to the charity.

In December last year Stobart Group supported Ronan Keating’s Emeralds & Ivy Ball where it presented the Marie Keating Foundation and Cancer Research UK with a cheque for £151,700 – one pound for every mile a nominated truck had covered in 2010.

Attendees at the event were given the opportunity to make a financial donation in return for their name listed on the side of the refrigerated trailer for a full year. At the end of the evening, Andrew Malcolm, chief executive of the Malcolm Group, made a further donation to brand the remaining side and the rear with the distinctive Malcolm Group livery.

The trailer will operate on the Stobart Chilled network and will be pulled by a special Volvo FH16 tractor unit driven

by Eddie Stobart: Trucks & Trailers TV star Matt Ekins.

The total mileage covered by the truck during 2011 will be converted to pounds and presented to the charity.

The Emeralds & Ivy ball helped raise almost three quarters of a million pounds for Cancer Research UK and the Marie Keating Foundation.

In Friday night’s episode of Eddie Stobart: Trucks & Trailers, viewers got an insight into the story behind the trailer, watched as it was branded in the special livery and saw it undertake its first delivery.

Andrew Tinkler, Stobart Group chief executive, said: “This is proof of how the UK logistics industry can work well together and, in this case, help raise an incredible amount of money for charity. We supported the event in December but wanted to offer the charity ongoing public exposure after the event – so what better way than to brand an Eddie Stobart trailer. It’s fantastic that the Malcolm Group has come onboard as well to lend its support to this very worthy cause.”

Andrew Malcolm, the Malcolm Group chief executive, said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for the UK’s leading logistics providers to join forces to raise money and awareness for such worthy charities.”

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13

Two Irish businesses win top EU Road Safety Awards The Minister for Transport, Mr Leo Varadkar T.D. and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) have congratulated ESB and Kildare-based Telecoms & Power company KTL who were presented with prestigious PRAISE Awards by the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) in Brussels today, Wednesday 18th May, 2011.

ESB, who won the Large Company Award and KTL, who won the SME Award, beat off stiff competition from across the EU to pick up the accolades for their commitment to road safety in the workplace.

The aim of the project is to recognise and ‘praise’ businesses that have demonstrated best practice in workplace road safety. The ETSC sought entrants from across the EU who could demonstrate what they have achieved through their efforts to reduce road collisions at work. ESB was awarded the Large Company Award for their commitment to ensuring the safety of their employees through a ‘Safe Driving Programme’. KTL, a Naas-based Telecoms & Power company, received the SME Award for their continued commitment to ensuring the safety of staff where driving is part of their daily routine.

Mr. Leo Varadkar TD, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport said: “Congratulations to ESB and KTL for winning this award. This is a testament to their great work in ensuring the safety of their staff and colleagues who drive as part of their job. The workplace road safety initiatives at ESB and KTL have helped to increase road safety awareness. Most importantly these efforts have produced safer drivers, and fewer injuries and fatalities on our roads. I commend both companies’ efforts and urge other businesses to follow this example by adopting similar driving for work programmes.”

Mr Noel Brett, Chief Executive of the RSA said: “On behalf of the RSA, I would like to extend my congratulations to ESB and KTL. It is a remarkable achievement for not one, but two Irish businesses to win these awards. It shows that Irish companies are leading the way at an EU level in terms of road safety in the workplace. I am delighted that their commitment to road safety has been recognised in the EU. Road safety in the workplace is often overlooked but studies show that people who drive company cars have between 30% and 40% more collisions than ordinary drivers and this risk increases for those who drive more than 40,000 kilometres a year. I would urge companies across Ireland to follow the example set by ESB and KTL and implement a workplace road safety programme to protect staff on the road.”

ESB, who formed a Strategic Alliance ‘Achieving Safe Driving Excellence’ with the RSA in 2009, are previous winners of the RSA ‘Leading Light in Road Safety’ Award (Business category). ESB’s commercial fleet consists of almost 2,000 vehicles travelling 64 million km annually in addition to some 3,000 ESB staff driving private vehicles a total of 19 million km on ESB business annually. Recognising that driving for work was a significant risk in ESB the ‘Safe Driving Bureau’ was established in 2004. Safe driving programmes, ‘Safe Driving – It’s My Responsibility’ and ‘Achieving Road Safety Excellence’, focussed on the areas of driver training, awareness, collision reduction and cost reduction have since been implemented. The programmes have seen significant results, most importantly with a reduction in the number of fleet vehicles involved in serious collisions having dropped by 60% over the period.

Speaking about the award, Conal Bonnar, Manager, Fleet and Equipment, ESB, said: “The safety of staff, including workrelated road safety, is of paramount importance for ESB. We are constantly striving to reduce the risk to our drivers, and to all road users, through our safe driving initiatives. These initiatives are widely embraced by both ESB staff and management. This award is indeed a very welcome recognition of our efforts.”

KTL, a Power and Telecoms company based in Naas and with regional offices in Ireland, UK, Belgium and South Africa, employs 170 people directly and 80 indirectly. KTL has 105 vehicles travelling 3.5 million km annually. To ensure the safety of their employees who drive as part of their job, KTL implemented a number of safe driving initiatives including a driver risk assessment where all drivers are professionally assessed to gauge their driving ability. In addition, KTL has adopted a number of measures to continuously monitor the risks associated with driving for work and implement controls to reduce these risks, such as GPS Fleet Management and more recently a “Drive Rite” pilot scheme installing behavioural software on three of their vehicles to monitor driver behaviour. The result has seen a significant decrease in the number of collisions and road traffic law infringements and an increased awareness of road safety in the workplace.

Mr Alan Hanamy CEO at KTL, said: “Keeping our staff safe on the roads is one of the most important parts of our business. Our safe driving initiatives are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure our staff members understand the importance of work-related road safety. We are delighted to receive this award as an acknowledgement of our efforts in improving road safety awareness in the workplace, and will continue to implement safe driving practices throughout our business.”

Martin O’Halloran, CEO of the Health and Safety Authority said, “ESB and KTL have put considerable resources into their work related road safety management systems and have been recognised at European level. Organisations that ensure risks are properly managed have improved safety for staff and the public.”

The ETSC’s panel of judges evaluated entrants based on a number of criteria including evidence of progress, innovation and lasting efforts. The ‘PRAISE Award’ is presented annually to an employer identified for taking on the road safety challenge responsibly. The winner of last year’s PRAISE Award was British Telecom.

The RSA and HSA have developed ‘Driving for Work’ guidelines which assist employers to manage their staff’s safety on the roads. The guidelines provide an overview of legislation, how to carry out risk assessments and highlight the significant benefits for businesses and the wider community when work related road safety is managed effectively. The guidelines are available free of charge from both the RSA and the HSA. For further information on ESB’s ‘Safe Driving Bureau’, email safedriving@esb.ie. For information on KTL’s driving for work programme, visit www.ktl.ie

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RSA & IFA Issue Joint Road Safety Appeal The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) have, today Tuesday 24th May 2011, urged road users to take extra care as the number of tractors, trailers and other farm machinery using the roads increases over the summer months.

The appeal comes as many farmers around the country are in the middle of the silage cutting season.

Advising road users, Mr. Noel Brett, CEO, Road Safety Authority, said “This is a very busy time of year for farmers it’s the start of the silage cutting season and the number of tractors and trailers out using the roads will increase dramatically. As a result the risk of a collision involving a road user and farm machinery has increased. As such I am asking all drivers to be on the look out for tractors, trailers and other farm machinery exiting from fields and farm yards. If you are travelling behind farm machinery, please be patient and only over take when it’s safe to do so. We should all expect the unexpected, as danger could literally be around the next corner.”

Drivers of agricultural vehicles are being reminded that they are covered by road traffic laws on driver licensing, insurance, standards in relation to vehicle roadworthiness, vehicle lighting and motor tax.

Advising farmers, IFA President John Bryan said “I am asking farmers to be safety conscious whenever bringing a farm vehicle onto the public road. Farmers should be aware of traffic building up behind them and keep left where possible to allow other vehicles pass safely. I would appeal to other road users to show patience when encountering farm machinery on the road.

With understanding on both sides, the roads can be safer for everybody.”

Mr. Brett, also urged farmers to ensure “that the drivers you use are competent and do not carry a passenger unless the tractor is equipped to carry one. The trailer should not be used for transporting people unless it has provision for carrying them.”

He added “Your driving mirror must provide an adequate view of the road to the rear and all agricultural vehicles must have proper working brakes on both tractor and trailer units. They must be fitted with lights, reflectors and indicators. Don’t load the trailer in such a way that it would make it unstable on the road, and beware of low bridges, overhanging trees, overhead cables and uneven road surfaces which could cause the load to shift and possibly overturn.”

Drivers of agricultural tractors and trailers are reminded to ensure that wheels are regularly washed down to avoid carrying mud and stones onto the public road. Be particularly careful when transporting material such as silage, slurry, sand and gravel so that it does not spill on the road and pose a road safety risk.

For large farming vehicles consider using an escort vehicle to warn other road users and ensure that tractors are driven at an appropriate speed for the road conditions.

In an effort to raise awareness of this issue the RSA and the IFA will be broadcasting their 30 second radio advert which will be broadcast on national and local media throughout the summer.

For more information on legal requirements and road safety regarding agricultural vehicles using the public road please contact the RSA at info@rsa.ie Or view the rules of the road at www.rotr.ie

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Mandatory testing for drivers in accidents will help improve safety standards The President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), Paul Mallee, has welcomed the confirmation from the Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar TD, that new regulations on the mandatory testing for alcohol of all drivers involved in accidents or collisions will come into operation next week.

Mr Mallee said that this measure, along with a series of others that were contained in the new Road Traffic Bill 2011 will build on the great work that has been done in recent years to reduce the number of fatalities on Irish roads.

Mr Mallee said that the Institute, as the representative body for those involved in the transport and logistics industries in Ireland, has a professional interest in improving safety standards on Irish roads and that mandatory testing was a key element of this.

Mr Mallee commented, "Road safety is a priority issue for all of us who are involved in the transport and logistics sector. It is fundamental to our businesses and livelihoods as well as to our own personal lives when we use the Irish road network.

"On that basis we wholeheartedly welcome the huge improvements that have been made in road safety and standards in Ireland in recent years, and welcome the new Minister's commitment to further developing this area through the new Road Traffic legislation.

"We also look forward to the introduction of the new lower blood/alcohol limits later this year, and, in particular, the 20mg level for professional drivers.

"The campaign to improve standards and reduce fatalities is ongoing, and all transport bodies, representative groups, and operators will continue to work with the new Government in whatever we can to achieve that."

State paying through the teeth to subsidise toll operators The state is forking out a staggering €111,000 a week to subsidise toll operators in Meath and Limerick.

Millions of Euro are being spent to subsidise the toll operators of two of the country's new motorways, with the National Roads Authority admitting it paid almost €1.8m over a four-month period last year to the private operators of the N18 Limerick Tunnel motorway and the M3 motorway in Meath.

The vast amounts of money are being paid because the NRA guaranteed a certain number of vehicles would use each privately-funded road when they opened. But, because the numbers have not been reached, the roads authority has had to make up for the shortfall of tolls.

Unless traffic volumes in the Limerick Tunnel and on the M3 motorway improve, the NRA faces the prospect of paying more than €5.7m in 2011 to the private operators!

This comes at the same time as the NRA being told not to build any new roads because there is no money available. The truth really is stranger than fiction.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Container shortage dwindling The container shortage that has being a major problem within the industry for the past couple of years is not as bad this year as it was in the past 12 months, according to a report. Drewry Supply Chain Advisors revealed that even though containers will be in short supply this year, it will not be as bad as last year as shipping lines have upped their orders for new containers over the last few months. It said: “Any impact is likely to be limited to backhaul trades where carriers may be reluctant to let go of scare equipment for low-paying cargo. This time round carriers are likely to be better prepared but will use the opportunity to restore rates.” “Much will depend on the pattern of demand, which has proved unpredictable of late,” Drewry added. “An unexpected surge in traffic over a short space of time could lead to particularly tight conditions. “Analysts have been warning that low inventory to sales ratios in North America could lead to a correction over the peak season, causing demand to surge temporarily. However, these warnings remain conjecture. On balance, shippers should escape unscathed but should remain vigilant and prepared for shortterm hiccups.

Irish drivers ignorant of roundabout rules

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Up to 70% of Irish drivers don’t know how to negotiate a roundabout properly.

That’s the shocking and alarming finding uncovered by a new Continental Tyres survey.

Hundreds of cars were checked at some of the busiest roundabouts in the capital and the survey revealed that a large percentage of motorists either don’t know how to use roundabouts properly or don’t bother applying the rules.

The behaviour of the drivers was nothing short of appalling, with nearly 70% of them indicating incorrectly, 28% failing to give way to traffic already on the roundabout, 28% not using lanes properly, and a number of drivers making several mistakes negotiating one roundabout.

The most common mistake was indicating incorrectly, while older drivers proved least likely to make mistakes.

The RSA ran a campaign recently to highlight correct driver behaviour on roundabouts but it appears to have fallen on deaf ears.

Considering the number of roundabouts we encounter on even the shortage of journeys, these figures are worrying in the extreme

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Pallets to Denmark - €99.00 Ace Express Have Done it Again - Pallets to Denmark for € 99.00 + VAT We are delighted to offer you this Special Export Rate of €99.00 + VAT per pallet to Denmark, subject to our Terms & Conditions.

Pallets must be stackable 120cm x 80 cm x 120cm with a maximum weight of 300 kilos. Larger pallets can be accommodated subject to verification of price The above price is based on Collection in Dublin City/County and Delivery to the following areas - DK6200 - 6474. For collections outside of Dublin, please call/email for a quote Rate requests for all other parts of Europe are very welcome This offer is for a limited time only and will end on Friday 10th June 2011 To book or to get instant quotes please contact us 01 8702600 or email us at sales@ace-express.com For Ocean rates please email - ocean@ace-express.com or phone 01 870 2600 For Air rates please email - air@ace-express.com or phone 01 870 2600 Ace Express Freight, Blake's Cross, Lusk, Co.Dublin, Ireland.

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10% of Irish drivers won’t pay road tax

Cash strapped drivers aren’t paying road tax

One in every ten Irish motorist is refusing to pay road tax. And the non-compliance of the cash-strapped drivers is estimated to be costing the taxpayer more than €1.5m a week. New figures from the Department of the Environment show the Exchequer has lost €94m over a 15-month period, with as many as one in ten motorists driving cars, trucks and motorcycles without taxing them. Officials believe many offenders are abusing the off-the-road loophole, where people don’t have to tax their vehicle while it is not being used in a public place. To avail of this scheme, they simply must sign a declaration witnessed by a Garda stating that the vehicle has not been used during the period in question. When they do go to tax the vehicle, they are not obliged to pay tax for this period. There has been a noticeable rise in the number of off-the-road declarations being made. In 2010, €1.023bn was collected in motor tax payments, the money being used to fund local authorities. There has been a 12% fall in fuel sales this year so far and motor tax is another area where motorists are trying to save. But the Government is understood to be considering a UK-style system whereby all untaxed vehicles can be seized, with the off-the-road loophole set to be closed.

RSA still waiting for NCT information The Road Safety Authority is unable to proceed with its investigation into the RSA still waiting on abuses of the NCT information NCT test as RTE have yet to given them information it collected while filming its Prime Time Investigates programme. In this feature, it was shown that some testers were taking bribes in order to pass unroadworthy cars and the fall out from this resulted in the sacking of three NCT employees.

Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar has called on RTE to provide all the information that they have regarding the matter so that the RSA can carry out their own investigation.

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Two new big FH heavies for ’Bristol King’ fleet Two new Volvo FH 6x4 tractor units delivered recently to King’s Heavy Haulage (Bristol) Ltd., from Avonmouth, are already proving their worth with the operator. "Times are tough at the moment," commented Managing Director Steve King. "But nevertheless we have invested in new equipment which is less environmentally damaging and provides us with all the latest technological developments.

This benefits us, our drivers and ultimately our customers", he added. Supplied by local Volvo Dealer Truck and Bus Wales & West Limited the new units were specified with a 500hp engine, Volvo automated I-Shift gearbox, rear air suspension and single-reduction drive axles. The new tractors will operate at weights up to 80-tonnes gross under STGO ‘Cat 2' authorisation. The eye-catching Volvos are also equipped with two-man Globetrotter cabs complete with a leather-trimmed interior and refrigerator.

King's Heavy Haulage has used Volvo trucks since the mid 1970s and has remained loyal to the marque since that time. Currently there are 17 Volvo vehicles in the company fleet all of which are employed on specialist duties. The well-equipped workshop carried out the installation of additional equipment such as storage lockers and additional lighting on the two latest Volvo tractor units. "We have established that the Volvo product suits our needs perfectly," said Steve King. "Over the years we have been tempted away from the product once or twice by offers that were simply too good to refuse. But we have always returned to Volvo. And the two latest units confirm that we have made the right decision," he concluded.

IRHA announce supplier details The Irish Road Haulage Association has announced plans to launch it’s first Preferred Supplier Programme that will supply members with a listing of recommended providers of product and service relative to the road transport industry.

The programme will commence in July of this year and will seek to promote company's whom have the most reliable and cost effective product/service for operators in the haulage industry. The completed directory will not be an exhaustive list of every supplier in the country but rather it will be limited to a small number of third parties who will have to pass a rigorous vetting process undertaken by IRHA head-office before inclusion in the directory.

Expressions of interest will be accepted from any provider of product/service to the sector who may chose from the category of 'Corporate Partner' or 'Patron' of the Association. Thereafter the IRHA will undertake the necessary background checks as well as conversing with past clients of the relevant company. Third party company's will be accessed on a first come, first served basis. The initial response to this initiative from the Association has been enthusiastic with a number of entities already committed to the programme for the first twelve months. If you feel that this is something that could be a benefit to your company and you wish to explore the offering further, please contact Jonathan in head-office for details jonathan@irha.ie IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Hauliers to be penalised The European Parliament has transformed the Eurovignette into a pure new tax, penalising EU employment without greening road transport The non-mandatory earmarking of the revenues from the Eurovignette aimed at greening road transport at-source, as decided by the EP TRAN Committee, will turn the Directive into a pure additional tax on the already heavily taxed road transport services, which will severely penalise the EU competitiveness, economy and employment with no environmental benefits.

Brussels – If voted by the European Parliament in the near future, the current text of the Eurovignette Directive proposed by the EP TRAN Committee and the Council of Ministers will transform the Eurovignette revenues into a pure new major additional tax to be paid by any road freight service, without the earmarking required to effectively reduce the externalities of local pollution and noise. President of the IRU EU Goods Transport Liaison Committee, Alexander Sakkers, stressed: “Instead of greening road transport, this opens the door for each EU Member State to apply yet another penalising new tax on road transport, which already largely covers its infrastructure costs and externalities through the numerous existing tolls, fiscal charges and excessive excise duties which regrettably currently only applies to road transport.” “The total lack of earmarking penalises the European economy twice, road transport externalities will not be reduced, and the well-known less efficient modes will continue to be cross-subsidised without any incentives to improve their service or increase their output. It is also clear that the additional fiscality resulting from the current text of the Eurovignette Directive will be an incentive for the delocalisation of the small and medium size enterprises which represent 95% of the employment in Europe, which will add another penalty on the European economy as a whole,” Alexander Sakkers continued. IRU General Delegate to the EU, Michael Nielsen, added, “Regrettably, it seems that the EP TRAN Committee is not informed about the devastating effect making road transport even more expensive will have on EU competitiveness, EU production, EU trade and hence EU employment! While the road transport industry is strongly committed to further greening its services, the Directive will actually impede operators from implementing the best technologies and techniques crucial to further green road transport and meet the CO2 reduction target.” As consequence, if the current text of the Directive is adopted by the European Parliament Plenary on 7 June, Member States although free to decide whether or not to implement the Directive, will not have any obligation to use its revenues to effectively reduce any of the existing externalities.

IRHA engaged in feud with IFA RSA exemptions could cause problems

Proposals by the Road Safety Authority have caused a rift between the Irish Road Haulage Association and the Irish Farmers Association.

The RSA are to grant exemptions that allows agriculture vehicles being hired to transport goods on public roads. The move is effectively taking away work from the hauliers at a time when they are already struggling to survive.

This latest blow to the haulage industry has prompted the IRHA to respond and they state that it could well lead to more deaths on the roads, although those comments have been derided by the IFA, who claim their members are safe road users. The exemption would allow farmers to transport goods up to 30 tonnes on public roads, but IRHA President Eoin Gavin believes that this goes against all EU safeguards. Gavin stressed that the IRHA was a big supporter of the farming community as many of its members were involved in the industry, but stated that allowing drivers as young as 16 operate such heavy machinery was indeed dangerous.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Stena Line cleared over Irish Sea routes Stena Line’s acquisition of two Irish Sea ferry services and the closure of a third has been provisionally cleared by the UK Competition Commission. Late last year, Stena Line bought the Belfast to Liverpool and Heysham routes for £40 million from DFDS, while it opted to close its Fleetwood to Larne route.

Following the closure of the route there were concerns that the decision was influenced by the takeover and the CC decided to investigate the matter. CC Deputy Chairman and Chairman of the Stena/DFDS inquiry group Peter Davis said: “We came to the view that Stena’s withdrawal from [the Fleetwood-Larne route] was probably inevitable, irrespective of the acquisition.” “The implication for this case is that there was no loss of direct competition between the longer, ‘diagonal’ routes across the Irish Sea resulting from the acquisition. “Nonetheless, we went on to examine whether the acquisition meant a loss of competition between the former DFDS routes and Stena’s other services on the Irish Sea. “We have, provisionally, found that not to be the case, since the evidence suggests that competition between these more distant routes is more modest, and in any event, Stena will continue to face a direct competitor in each of the corridors in which it operates following the acquisition. In consequence, we do not expect that the acquisition has resulted in a substantial lessening of competition.”

Stena Line gets clearance

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Dublin-based d’Amico Group announces $310m fleet expansion.

TWO NEW VESSELS DELIVERED IN KOREA WITH SIX MORE ON ORDER The Dublin-based international shipping company, The d’Amico Group today (12th May) confirmed its intentions to expand its fleet with the delivery of two new handy-size dry-bulk vessels worth around US $60 million from one of the world’s major shipbuilders, Hyundai Mipo, based in Ulsan, Korea. These two latest vessel acquisitions have been named the Cielo di Dublino and the Cielo di San Francisco, the latter vessel being ‘christened’ by Mrs. Sandra Murphy, wife of Mr. Glenn Murphy, Director, Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) at a ceremony in Korea on 10th May. The two additions to the fleet mark another important chapter in the Group’s development since it established its Irish office in 2002, as Cielo di San these vessels are managed from its Dublin office Francisco under the Irish Tonnage Tax regime. The investment in these two new vessels reflects the d’Amico Group’s commitment to growth, to providing a first-class service to their clients and to investment in its Irish operations.

Speaking at the naming ceremony in Korea, Mr. Cesare d’Amico, Group CEO stated: “It is also fantastic to have with me such a distinguished delegation from Ireland because we have always believed very much in the potential of this country and this event marks a milestone, in my opinion, in the history of our two entities. Without their support, today probably would have not occurred”.

The d’Amico Group began and grew as a family owned business; it has been operating successfully in the international shipping business for over 50 years. The Group has four more vessels under construction in Korea, scheduled for delivery in 2012, and two under construction in Japan which are scheduled for delivery in 2013. These latter ships represent a further investment in excess of US $310 million.

IMDO Director Glenn Murphy commented: “d’Amico Group are one of a leading number of firms that are driving investment in this sector in Ireland which is contributing to new employment and growth opportunities”.

Irish Ferries wins international marketing award Irish Ferries has added to its tally of top awards by winning the prestigious International Marketing Award at the Irish Marketing Institute of Ireland’s All Ireland Marketing Awards which were presented recently.

Irish Ferries won the award for its ‘It’s everything you go for’ campaign created to develop the company’s market in Britain. Sponsored by O2, it was presented to the company’s marketing manager Daragh O’Reilly at a gala awards ceremony held in the Burlington Hotel recently.

In their citation, the jury praised Irish Ferries for the messaging of the campaign which, they said, ‘reflected a distinctly Irish heritage in a modern environment.’ In terms of its impact, the jury noted that their marketing campaign helped Irish Ferries to reverse the trend in a declining travel market in Irish Ferries marketing manager Daragh O’Reilly (right) pictured accepting the 2010.

International Marketing Award on behalf of Irish Ferries at the recent Irish Marketing Institute of Ireland’s All Ireland Marketing Awards ceremony. Pictured This is the third major award won by Irish Ferries presenting him with the award is Jonnie Cahill, head of marketing at O2. this year. Against tough competition from all of the UK and Continental ferry companies operating into and out of Ireland, the company recently took the ‘best ferry’ title at two separate awards ceremonies held in Dublin - one sponsored by Irish Travel Trade News and the other by the Irish Travel Agents Association.

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

IRU opposed to new tax

IRU opposed to new tax introduction

The International Road Transport Union have announced their opposition to a new road tax that the European Parliament is set to introduce. The IRU has called on governments, if implementing the Directive, to earmark such revenues at national level to effectively meet the objectives of the EU transport Policy White Paper. The Eurovignette Directive proposed by the EP TRAN Committee and the Council of Ministers adopted today by the European Parliament turns the Eurovignette merely into a heavy, additional new tax to be paid by EU citizens for any road freight service, which will penalise the EU economy and job creation with no environmental benefits. Indeed, the new text does not require the mandatory earmarking that could effectively reduce at-source the externalities produced by commercial road transport.

President of the IRU EU Goods Transport Liaison Committee, Alexander Sakkers, stressed: “While the road transport industry is strongly committed to further greening its services, this new tax imposed on road transport services through the Eurovignette Directive will actually impede operators from investing in and implementing the best technologies and techniques crucial to further green road transport and meet the CO2 reduction target.”

Alexander Sakkers continued by saying that “The IRU therefore calls on each EU Member States to fully earmark all the revenues from this new fiscal charge to road transport projects, in order to meet the objectives of the new EU Transport Policy White Paper and effectively green road transport.” Instead of greening road transport, the current Directive allows each EU Member State to further penalise the EU economy and employment by applying yet another new tax on a vital production tool - road transport, that is regrettably the only transport mode which already largely covers its infrastructure costs and externalities through the numerous existing tolls, fiscal charges and excessive excise duties.

Insurance company to create 20 jobs A Co Down insurance company is to expand and thus will create 20 jobs in Newtownards over the coming months. Hughes Insurance officially opened a new £2 million extension to their current premises on Wednesday 8th June and this will see the firm expand their operations on the employee front. The company was established in 1977, and has grown into a major concern over the years as there are now eleven branches across Northern Ireland.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Economies in Irish Farming grow business for Nightline A fall in sales of new machinery to farmers in Ireland has generated an increase in business for the country’s leading delivery company. Nightline has reported a rise in shipments of spare parts for agricultural equipment to customers in both the Republic and Northern Ireland hoping to capitalise on the recovery in farming fortunes reported by officials in recent months. Experts on Irish farming claim that the recession caused a sharp decline in purchases of new equipment. They say the problem has been compounded by agricultural engineering manufacturers scaling back production as a result of falling sales. Nightline’s UK Managing Director, Geremy Ruffin, said that has prompted a surge in demand for spare parts, as Irish farmers attempt to keep existing equipment in full working order. “We would like to think that the increase in such shipments which we’re processing is another positive sign for the Irish farming industry. Like so many other business sectors, agriculture had to cut back its spending during the very worst days of the recession. “That careful management of resources, together with apparent difficulties in obtaining supplies from some manufacturers, has led to us deciding to step up our service to farming customers even further, both to take account of the extra demand and to do what we can to support the recovery of Irish agriculture“. In January, the head of Ireland’s Rural Economy and Development Programme declared that the country’s farming sector was set to rebound from the effects of the recession. The statement brought welcome cheer to balance the Farm Tractor and Machinery Association’s report that sales of tractors, which are seen as a key indicator of health of Ireland’s agricultural sector, had fallen by roughly 70 per cent during the previous 12 months. Mr Ruffin said Nightline had launched a special service aimed at meeting the testing working schedules of Ireland’s farming industry. “We understood from existing agricultural clients that they often need to get parts to customers very urgently. “In some cases, even a routine next day delivery service might not be enough because products are often despatched late one afternoon in, say, Germany and needed anywhere in Ireland very early the following morning. “The growing volume of such shipments which we are being asked to handle meant that we had to come up something very different to suit those demands." Orders sent by manufacturers in the UK and mainland Europe are being flown into Ireland and distributed via Nightline’s network of vehicles run out of seven depots stretching right across the Republic and Northern Ireland. Mr Ruffin said that national coverage meant that Nightline, which handles nearly one-in-four of all parcels on Irish roads, was the only carrier capable of operating such a service.

21

Part of the Carlow Express Freight fleet

Nearing 30 years Coming up on 30 years in business, Carlow Express Freight Ltd in Bagnelstown, Co Carlow is still going as strong as ever even in these tough economic times. Irish Trucker caught up with the company’s Managing Director, Matt Cowman, to find out more.

S

ince 1982, Carlow Express Freight Ltd has established itself as one of the leading courier firms in the south Leinster region. Having started off as a small business, the company has adjusted to the various changes that have taken place in Ireland through the last three decades, and the brains behind it all from the very beginning has been owner and founder Matt Cowman.

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A family-run courier business, the firm has been serving the business needs of companies in Carlow and the south-east area since it started. Like any firm, Carlow Express Freight Ltd began as a small entity. Matt Cowman was the driving force behind the operation when it began. As proprietor, he started the business himself at that time. There are several drivers in the firm at this stage but when Matt

started in the business in 1986, things were a lot different.

“We started in 1982 and it was a one man operation at the time,” explained Matt. “I was never as busy in those first few years and I had to learn where places in Dublin were and I had to learn fast.

“People were looking to have pallets collected, so I got a box lorry and did it for them. The volume was getting IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

bigger and bigger, so I eventually went and bought an arctic. When I started I was working 14-hour days and as matter of fact I’m still doing that today and we will do a run nationwide just about anywhere by delivery and at the moment we’re engaging to put pallets anywhere in Ireland and the UK.” The staff numbers also grew. Having begun alone, Matt was able to start employing people when the company started making inroads into the transport of freight. At the moment the firm looks after the transport needs of several local companies in the south-east in places such as Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford. They also cater for several Dublin companies.

Matt explained that his staff of 12 full-time are constantly under pressure to make sure that people are always kept happy and content in their job.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

The family-run business is going from strength to strength

“It’s a job where everything is needed on a daily basis. People want everything today. It’s got more pressurised and everything has to happen instantly. You’re really under pressure all the time. For example, if a builder runs out of stuff, you have to get there straightaway.”

He added: “Some of the customers we have here would be here since we started in 1982. Any of them we

started with, we never let them down and that’s why they’ve stuck with us until now and at this moment in time we would have around 120 to 150 customers.”

That figure is an impressive one for Carlow Freight Express considering the current climate and Matt believe that having a positive attitude is everything when it comes to running a business in a recession.

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“Since 2007 the business hasn’t grew or shrunk,” he stated. “I’m very optimistic about the future. Some of the export companies that we do work with are as busy as they have been in years at the moment.

“You cannot be sitting and waiting for things to happen. We have a new traffic programme since 2007 where all our goods are bar-coded and it’s fantastic. We’ve a very good set-up here,” he added.

Deadlines are one of the biggest challenges facing the company. Matt acknowledges this; Ireland has moved forward from the slow-paced, pre Celtic Tiger era. Now it’s all about speed and companies such as his own

“You cannot be sitting and waiting for things to happen,” says Matt Cowman

need to be able to deliver the goods quickly.

“The toughest part of the job is the deadlines involved.

You are really on the go from 7am in the morning until around half ten at night. Everything has got so urgent and 99% of things have to be done the next day.

“It’s got like that especially in the last few years. Before

Carlow Express Freight is one of the leading courier firms in south Leinster

the Celtic Tiger, people were more approachable whereas now everything has got like America. It’s a survival of the fittest,” he said.

In and out of Dublin every working day, Matt explained how the system works at Carlow Express Freight and what his

company transports.

“We would normally collect in Dublin,” he confirmed. “Whoever is on the northside would get the northside call. We have a tracking system to track goods instantly so that we know what driver is doing what delivery. ”Delivery is then done in the south east – it could be steel, kitchen material, a pallet – any goods really that are needed for the building trade.”

To date all at Carlow Express Freight have delivered and Matt is fortunate to have members of his family working alongside him at his company.

“My wife Margaret works in the office

Best Wishes To All At Carlow Express Freight 32

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Carlow Express Freight is closing in on 30years of providing a top class service

here and my three sons Conor, Eoin and Fergal are also involved with the company. Fergal is here 12 years and Eoin has been here for five now,” he stated.

“I also want to make sure to mention Barry Power, who has been our Transport Manager for the last ten years and he is a very important guy here.”

So whether it be parcels, cartons or pallets you need delivered in quick fashion, be sure to look no further than Carlow Express Freight Ltd in Bagnelstown, where they’ve been leading the way express freight for almost 30 years.

“We put in a lot of hours here and we could do with another fella as well in here, to be honest, but we’ll see how things go over the next few months,” he added.

Matt Cowman and all at Carlow Express Freight Ltd can be proud of what they have accomplished so far. It’s been a hard slog but it’s been worth it and long may it continue.

Best Wishes To Carlow Express Freight Ltd From

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The fleet of five tractor units

TC Quinn - the bulk transport specialists TC Quinn Transport Ltd has been providing a top-class general haulage service since the late 1970s. Here, we profile the Co. Donegal-based operation

T

C Quinn Transport is one of the northwest’s most reputable bulk haulage firms. Established over 30 years ago by the late Tommy Quinn, the company is now run by his son Terence with the help of his wife Tina and brother Martin.

While offering a complete transport

TC Quinn was established 30 years ago

34

service, TC Quinn specialises in the loading, handling and transportation of agricultural products such as animal feed, grain and fertilizers. Over the years, the company has established a tradition of value-for-money and total dedication to customer service.

Based in Raphoe, Co. Donegal, TC

Quinn endeavours to meet the individual requirements of each customer and prides itself on providing a reliable, flexible and quality service.

During the summer months, it offers a professional delivery service between Ireland the UK. “Our work is mainly concentrated on the transportation of animal feed,” company director Martin Quinn explains.

“We do a lot of deliveries for the local co-ops and farm feed suppliers.

But we can do any type of haulage.

When there’s no demand for animal feed deliveries in the summertime, we run bulk deliveries to the UK for Moyle Bulk Transport in Cushendall, Co. Antrim. It keeps us ticking over. We also have a contract to bring coal back to Ireland, meaning our back loads are always full.”

Since Terence Quinn became managing director of TC Quinn following his father Tommy’s untimely death in 1990, he has built up the fleet to five tractor units (three Volvo and two MAN) and 14 trailers (seven IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

The firm do all types of haulage

tippers, four tankers, two curtain-siders and one refrigerated). They also have two Vacuum Tankers for work with the local Donegal Creamery and local farmers. The firm has invested heavily in upgrading its fleet and will continue to do so over the coming years. The company has specialised in bulk haulage since around 2000 and has expanded its client list accordingly.

TC Quinn’s customers include Clonleigh Co-Op, Castlefin; Inisleigh Co-Op Farms Foods, Newtowncunningham; Smyth’s Daleside Feeds, Lifford; V Frazer & Sons, Cookstown; Lissan Coal Co., Cookstown, Fane Valley Feeds, Omagh; LW Surphlis, Newtownstewart; Goulding NI, Derry; Donegal Creameries, Killygordon; Moyle Bulk Transport, Cushendall and W&R Barnett Ltd., Belfast.

TC Quinn Transport employs four full-time drivers, including Terence and Martin, and one part-time. Each driver has many years of experience of driving HGVs and have played their part in the company’s success and growth.

The company’s headquarters are located in Carrickadawson, Raphoe, which is situated on the main LiffordLetterkenny Road. This is where the trucks are refuelled. TC Quinn also

Four full time drivers are on the road

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35

Read for the road

The firm do a lot of work for the local co-ops and farm feed suppliers

Best Wishes To TC Quinn Transport Ltd From

INISLEIGH CO-OPERATIVE FARM FOODS LTD. Manufacturers of Quality Animal Foods Newtowncunningham, Co. Donegal Tel: 074 9156271 • Fax: 074 9156193 Email: inisleigh@eircom.net 36

operates a four-bay workshop in nearby Townparks where the trucks are washed and maintained, which is the home place of the Quinn family.

TC Quinn Transport is proud to be part of the North-West Transport Skillnet, which was founded in January 2008 and is an industry-led training network for the development of a Skillnets Training Programme for haulage and passenger transport companies based in counties Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim.

North-West Transport Skillnets recently secured funding from the National Training Fund through the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Skillnets supports networks of businesses to engage in training through Learning Networks. These Learning Networks, now referred to as "Skillnets" are led and managed by the businesses themselves. Since 1999, Skillnets networks have created and delivered training programmes across a broad range of industry and service sectors nationwide.

Like all haulage companies, TC Quinn hasn’t been immune from recession with Martin admitting that the ongoing rise in fuel costs has put a considerable strain on the family-run business.

“The industry is really struggling at the moment. It’s all about surviving and trying to ride out the downturn,” he says.

“We have been hit on the

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Best Wishes To TC Quinn Transport Ltd

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www.moyletransport.com 37

double by rising grain and fuel prices.

Grain has become too expensive for many farmers and it’s impacting on us. Farmers simply aren’t prepared to pay the current prices. They won’t get their money back on it when they sell their cattle or sheep.

“Of course, the big talking point in the industry is the huge hike in fuel costs. The price of diesel nowadays is scandalous – it’s crippling the business. We were part of a protest in Letterkenny recently which made our feelings on the issue known. If something isn’t done now, there won’t be a transport company left it the country in a few years. It’s that serious.

“For every 1,000 litres we put in our trucks, EUR468 of that goes to the Government. That can’t be right.

Diesel is nearly three times the price it was 15 years ago, but our rates are still the same. If you raise your rates, someone else will undercut you and take your business. The competition between haulage firms is fierce and it has all been caused by the rising fuel costs and taxes.”

Regardless of diesel prices, you can be certain that TC Quinn won’t allow its standards to slip. Terence Quinn and his team have worked hard to build up the business and are committed to maintaining the high

TC Quinn Transport is part of the North-West Transport Skillnet

standards in quality, reliability and customer service they have set for themselves.

For more information about TC Quinn Transport, Carrickadawson, Raphoe, Co. Best Wishes Donegal, telephone

074-9145572 or email: teriquinn@eircom.net Mobile: 087-2517047 - 087-9080280

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Olympic standard Coming up on 15 years in business, Olympic Cars Sales in Maynooth, Co Kildare continues to lead the way as one of the top specialists in quality used cars in Ireland. It was reason enough for Irish Trucker to speak to Bill Pratt about the company which has been bucking the economic trend as of late.

T

here are fewer businesses to be in tougher than the motor sales industry at present, but on the outskirts of Maynooth town Olympic Cars Sales have been managing to keep busy in this harsh economic climate.

Located only a half hour’s drive from Dublin, Olympic Car Sales provide all of the range and service that you expect from dealers in the capital but pass on their lower overhead costs to their customers to ensure they pay less. Hence the reason why the company has built up a strong base of customers since its establishment

back in 1997.

“We’re based here on the outskirts of Maynooth just behind the new Maynooth Business Park,” explained company manager, Bill Pratt.

“We’re on the go 14 years now in total and have seven employees working here. I’m one of the managers here and the Managing Director is a man by the name of Farrell O’Boy. “Basically, we are importers and retailers of all types of cars and commercial vehicles. We have our own finance package here, which we brought in two years ago, that our customers can avail of.”

Olympic Car Sales are specialists in commercial vehicle sales and have the connections and ability to source and import any commercial vehicle that customers may be interested in.

Customers can feel confident about the commercial vehicles sales that the company offers because each of the vehicles that they have on offer have passed all of the necessary testing and safety standards before importation.

Regardless of whether they are completing used car sales, van sales or commercial vehicles sales Olympic Car Sales keep the costs down. This

The large stock on hand

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

39

can be fantastic if a customer wants to purchase more than one vehicle for their company’s use.

“We initially started by importing small numbers and we retailed them from the UK,” explained Bill “We own our own workshop, paint and body and have pre NCT and DOE. We also built a showroom here as well around eight years ago.”

Despite the tough economic times, Olympic Car Sales are bucking the trend and (dare say it) even thriving in the current climate, according to Bill, who filled us in.

“We’re very busy at the moment, actually,” he stated.

“The last two years have been difficult for everyone and the age of the vehicle has been the real issue because people just can’t get money from the banks anymore to buy new.

“At the moment we have 150 cars here and would stock around 50 or 60 vans at any time. At the moment we’re averaging around 10 to 15 sales per week, which is quite good when you consider what others are doing. We do light trucks and specialise in refrigeration and wheel chair access in box vans and tippers.”

What is reassuring for customers to know is that there is an in-house vehicle finance option available to them at Olympic Car Sales. So you will find that the overall van sales process will be much more relaxed.

If you are not sure of the specific vehicle you want to have the company bring in, you can always talk to their friendly staff of used vehicle specialists. The staff members at Olympic Car Sales have a very broad knowledge base and, when acting as used car importers on the customer’s behalf, will begin by speaking with you to narrow down exactly what kind of car you are looking for and start the

Olympic Car Sales are importers and retailers of all types of cars and commercial vehicles

Whatever you needs, Olympic Car Sales will see you right

search at that point.

Then, armed with the knowledge of exactly what kind of vehicle you are looking to purchase, they are able to proceed with the search process. If you are dealing with used car importers, you want to make sure that the cars they are showing you are

safe and will pass any government inspection process.

Olympic Car Sales is committed to bringing in safe vehicles that have passed the NCT process and are deemed to be safe for both your family and for the environment as well. This can be fantastic since you will quickly find that other used car importers do

GREENOGUE

Best Wishes To Olympic Car Sales

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There is high quality stock at Olympic Car Sales

not worry about this and their cars may be from areas where testing requirements are not as stringent.

Olympic Car Sales pride themselves on offering their clients a wide selection of quality vehicles which are affordable. Customers can browse through their online selection of vehicles and the company that ask

that you contact them if you are seeking to import a particular vehicle for your business needs.

“We can always get vehicles,” Bill elaborated. “We import on a frequent basis from the UK and the fact that I used to specialise with a company over there does help.

“I was Sales Manager for

Vauxhall/Opel dealers in Bolton which were one of the biggest outfits in the UK. I came over here to semiretire, but I found myself back in it again after I had come over here to get in the slow lane, so to speak.”

Instead, Bill has been almost as busy as the day he started at Olympic Car Sales and, truth be told, it’s the way he likes it as Olympic Car Sales come into their 15th year and continue to sell cars and commercial vehicles nationwide.

“We supply cars and vans to people all over Ireland from Clare to Cork and from Dublin to Galway,” Bill stated.

“We have our own premises here, which always helps in times like these, and we have just about every brand of used vehicles in stock. So hopefully we can keep going the way we are at the moment and be here in another 15 years.”

So if you’re looking for specialists in commercial vehicle sales that have the connections and ability to source and import any commercial vehicle, be sure to look no further than Olympic Car Sales in Maynooth, Co Kildare. Be sure to visit www.olympiccars.ie for more.

A pristine Volkswagen at Olympic Car Sales

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Best Wishes To Olympic Car Sales From

Best Wishes To Olympic Car Sales From

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www.cplmotorfactors.ie 41

Rates fall Europe-wide despite oil hikes European road transport rates dropped during the first three months of 2011 – in spite of rocketing fuel costs. A report produced by consultancy firms Transporeon and Capgemini, shows that European road prices in Q1 2011 fell 5.6% on Q4 2010. This coincides with diesel prices rising to their highest levels since 2008. The consultants concluded that the rate decline was caused by an increase in spare capacity and a seasonal fluctuation in volumes. It states that the decrease is “caused by a relatively lower demand for transportation in Q1.

Rates fell Shipped volumes are lower due to seasonal effects in various industries – for despite rise in fuel costs example, for consumer products, Q4 is clearly high season, followed by lower volumes in the first quarter.

“The winter period also impacts transport volumes in different industries, such as construction. Less demand for transportation drives an increase in available capacity and has a downward price effect.”

However, rates are expected to rise for the rest of the current calendar year: “It is expected that the price index will increase during the subsequent quarters of 2011. This is a structural trend that we also monitored in 2009 and 2010. “The moderately positive economic outlook and the fear of increasing costs, mainly caused by expected increase of oil prices, support this trend.”

Freight forwarding suffers a setback There was bad news for European freight forwarders at the end of May as they experienced a less positive month than in previous months. Forwarders are now expecting a similar pattern in June and July as the industry grips itself for yet another setback. Nearly 140 forwarders participated in a survey, and their answers translate into an index value of between 0 and 100. Values above 50 indicate volume expansion.

The report says the road freight remained fairly stable, while both air and sea freight expectations are significantly down.

The Survey was carried out by the Danske Bank European Freight Forwarding Index.

Irish exports rise by 13%

No tax rebate for hauliers

Since the beginning of the year, food and drink exports have increased by 13% which has had a positive effect on the much maligned haulage industry. Bord Bia have released new figures showing the exports in food and drink for the opening few months of the year rose by €400 million and are now worth almost €3.5 billion to the economy. Bord Bia said the prospects for the rest of the year remained positive because of global demand for dairy and meat and increased consumer food prices.

There was bad news recently for hauliers when Michael Noonan ruled out a commercial tax rebate.

Such a concession would offer a lifeline to many hard-pressed Finance Minister truckers, but the Michael Noonan Minister for Finance shot the dream down when he admitted that the rebate is not an option. Instead, Ireland will be part of a coordinated Europe-wide approach to the problem. Mr Noonan acknowledged that the price of fuel had increased in recent times but said this increase is an international phenomenon and that there is limited scope to apply a lower rate of excise on diesel for commercial use Applying a lower rate would be “extremely expensive, especially in the current fiscal environment. The Minister pointed out that the excise rate here is already around 20c lower than in the UK and that a lower commercial rate would require an extensive rebate system, which would be administratively difficult, costly to operate and open to abuse. In a written Dáil reply to Independent Donegal South-West TD Thomas Pringle, Mr Noonan said the issue of fuel prices had been discussed by Finance Ministers at an ECOFIN meeting. At that meeting it was reconfirmed that a coordinated approach would be maintained by all countries.

He concluded: “For these reasons, it is not proposed to introduce a tax rebate scheme to assist hauliers.”

Republic commit to NI motorway An Taoiseach Enda Kenny has publicly pledged millions of euro in funding to build a motorway in Northern Ireland. The planned €928 million A5 motorway from Derry to Aughnacloy, on the Monaghan-Tyrone border has received 2,400 objections as its objectors feel that it is a political road that could cripple ‘transport budgets’ both north and south of the border. Kenny has given his backing to the project and believes that route would ‘significantly improve’ access from the north-west to Dublin. "I've travelled that on many occasions and it does need to be developed. The previous government had committed to put money in there and we will honour that commitment," he said at the annual conference of the Institute for British-Irish studies in UCD.

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