was originally for Intel but we’ve been doing it on our own since they closed down in 2002.” One of the worst things about the current downturn in the economy is the uncertainty it brings. The Irish haulage sector has been decimated by the outrageous failure of government in Ireland and things just seem to go from bad to worse for the under-fire truck operator. Each day brings new challenges and it’s impossible to know what’s around the corner. An honest, hard-working family man like Victor Brennan has no choice but to roll his sleeves up, continue to provide his clients with his trademark top-quality service, and hope that the hard times pass us by sooner rather than later. As things are, it’s no fun not knowing with any degree of certainty whether he’ll have nine lorries out on the road or maybe five on any given day. It’s in the lap of the Gods. “That’s the way the business has gone,” he says. Victor keeps a varied fleet of about 25 trailers, including Euroliners, curtainsiders, flats, skeleton trailers for containers and one bulk tipper. This versatility means he can handle most jobs in the blink of an eye, always at keen rates and with a total focus on safety, convenience and prompt, ontime deliveries. Victor Brennan’s perfectly-maintained trucks are always on time and this is why he is held in such high esteem by a strong core of loyal customers, most of whom have been with him for over a decade. At present, the Kilkenny company provides gainful employment to a team of six – all of whom have been on the payroll for between eight and 21 years. The staff represent the company with pride and Victor is quick to point out that they have played a big part in the success of the business. He’s determined to keep
increase either – so it’s an almost impossible situation unless there’s some sort of relief on the cost of fuel.” Of course, it’s difficult to imagine any government doing anything to remedy the situation but we can only live in hope… As for the future of Victor Brennan Transport Ltd,, the founder concludes: “We’re sitting back a bit and trying to ride out the storm. We’re keeping a close eye on our overheads and trying to provide the best-value service possible. We haven’t bought a new truck since 2007. Ideally, you’d like to purchase one every year to keep things fresh but it simply isn’t an option at the moment. It’s a big investment and interest rates are up at 6% while the price of trucks hasn’t come down. You’d have to be guaranteed work for a truck before you could buy one. “For now, we’ll focus on the customers we have and continue to provide them with a quality service.”
things ticking over and to make sure that these lads have a paycheque at the end of each week. “These are hard times but you have to do your best. Unfortunately, I have a couple of lads on three-day weeks at the moment, but we’re going to do our best to hold onto them. We hoped things would pick up but it hasn’t
“We could certainly do with a bit of help on the fuel prices. It’s badly needed at this stage. The price of fuel is crazy now and it’s crucifying the industry.” happened yet. No matter what happens, I don’t want to lay anybody off, so we’ll take it one week at a time and keep our fingers crossed.” A lot of blame for the hardship facing the transport sector is being directed towards the government – and rightly so. They seem hellbent on making life as difficult as possible for the trucking Best Wishes To community. “We could certainly do with a bit of help on the fuel prices,” Victory notes. “It’s badly needed at this stage. The price of fuel is crazy now and it’s crucifying the industry. Customers can’t pay any more – you wouldn’t even dream of trying to squeeze any more money out of them – but the haulier can’t absorb the
Victor Brennan Transport Ltd From
Continued Best Wishes To Victor Brennan Transport Ltd From
Black Stallion Transport Ltd. Demesne, Gowran, Co. Kilkenny. Telephone: 056 7726262 • Fax: 056 7726712 Email: transport@blackstallion.ie IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS
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