At Trainor Transport, they have a dedicated team who are proficient in moving livestock safely thoughout Ireland, the UK and Europe. They celebrated 15 years in business in 2014, we speak to managing director Declan Trainor about their reputation as one of the country’s leading livestock hauliers.
Keeping the show on the road has been the name of the game for many transport operators in these turbulent times and Trainor Transport has been no different.
What has separated them from many outfits that have fallen by the wayside, however, is the extensive knowledge and experience they have gained down through the years and their unwavering commitment to providing their clients with a trustworthy and reliable service.
A member of the IRHA, the Dundalk-based company provides a general goods transport service but specialise in the transport of livestock throughout Ireland, the United Kingdom and Europe.
Offering a 24 hour, seven days per week, service, Trainor Transport operates an up-to date modern fleet of vehicles, which comprises five Scania vehicles, that allows them meet a wide variety of their customers needs.
Their trained and competent drivers make sure all animals are handled with due care and attention and they always make sure that their journey is as stress free as possible.
This approach has helped Trainor Transport to stand the test of time and should continue to serve them well looking ahead to the future.
Declan learned a trick or two from his father who used to run his own business hauling cattle while a mutually benefical partnership with Kells-based company Viastar – who export live cattle – has sustained the company for the past 10 years.
“There was slow start to the year but it is beginning to pick up now and we’re starting to get busy,” the Managing Director replied when asked how business was going so far in 2014.
“We transport all the main livestock like cattle (commercial, pedigree beef cattle and dairy cattle), pigs, sheep and goats. The animals are transported with great care guaranteeing a safe and comfortable journey.
“We transport to all over Europe but Italy and Tunisa mostly and our drivers are experienced in transporting livestock. It’s a young man’s game now, you have to spend a lot time away from home, but we’re fortunate to have skilled and reliable drivers working for us.”
Transporting livestock is a competition intense market which is why Declan leaves no stone unturned in how his company go about their business.
“Transporting livestock used to be a specialised service but not any more. Competition is intense but we strive to provide the best service possible with the best trucks and trailers possible.”
To this end, Trainor Transport recently invested in three new trailers and there is no looking beyond the Scania make in Declan’s opinion. He is a fully fledged member of the Swedish manufacturer’s fan club and the company’s fleet boasts five Scania trucks.
“Scania is the only brand as far as I would be concerned. We find them good vehicles and, most importantly, reliable. Our trucks all look well and are well maintained and we strive to do all jobs to the best of our ability.”
There are, however, a number of issues outside of Declan’s control that are hampering Trainor Transport’s efforts to do the jobs to the best of their ability.
Significant rises in overheads, for example, are headaches that are shared throughout the transport industry in Ireland.
“That’s the biggest problem – the road tolls, vehicle tax and now you have to pay to pass through England which is another obstacle along with the cost of diesel. I think the fuel rebate in the Republic is a joke as well, I buy my diesel in France.”
Against the backdrop, it’s no surprise to hear Declan reveal that consolidation of the business is his main priority at this point in time.
“Keeping going as we are is the ambition and that will help us keep the wolfe from the door!”
For all your livestock transport needs, give Trainor Transport a call for professional advice and worry free movement of your animals.
Trainor Transport
25 Green Rd
Seafin
Newry
BT35 8SD
Tel: 028 302 66061
Mob: 00353 876794559
Fax: 028 302 60794
Email: [email protected]
Taken from Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 2 No 1, May 2014
