For ten years and counting, O’Brien Brothers Transport Ltd. has been providing a first-class service. Having started life as a livestock exportation specialist, the business has expanded and diversified to also embrace continental refrigerated distribution.
Irish Tractor & Agri travelled to the company HQ in Ballyorgan, County Limerick to get an insight into the history and current well-being of this multifaceted operation.
Ten years ago, in Ballyorgan, Kilfinane, County Limerick, Colm O’Brien established O’Brien Brothers Transport Ltd., having been involved in the transport industry for all his life prior to that. During the intervening decade, by providing an exceptional level of service, using the best fleet and personnel, Colm has overseen the steady growth of his business, which continues to go from strength to strength. It certainly looks like his decision to go out on his own was an inspired move!
“I had always been involved in livestock and I saw an opening to provide a transport service,” the company founder reflects. “I bought my first lorry in 2004 with the intention of hauling livestock to Europe and within twelve months I had expanded the fleet to three lorries, all approved for continental work.”
In no time at all, O’Brien Bros Trans Ltd. became renowned for the international transportation of livestock. But Colm had identified another opening in the market and, in 2008; he diversified into a second area of expertise.
Today, his company specialises in both livestock and refrigerated transport from Ireland to the UK, mainland Europe and North Africa.
“To expand the fleet, I saw an opportunity in the market to diversify and move into refrigerated transportation” Colm explains. “I began the refrigerated division of the business by hauling fish to Spain, then meat to Italy and lamb to France.”
The refrigerated division of the business has increased steadily and complements the livestock work perfectly – even though on some levels they are two completely different types of distribution.
At present, Colm own and operates a fleet of seven units and he has just collected the keys to a new Volvo from McCarthy Commercial in Watergrasshill (which is being used to draw meat to Italy). There are also plans to upgrade a couple of the livestock trailers. Colm provides gainful employment to a team of seven – a nice boost for the local economy in these difficult times.
“O’Brien Brothers Transport currently operate three livestock trailers, transporting calves to the veal market in Spain and The Netherlands, dairy to the UK and weanlings to Italy,” Colm states. “Both divisions of the business are busy. The business is largely involved in export, from all over Ireland (mainly in the Munster area) to the UK, Europe and North Africa.” Even though Colm has steered his transportation business through a period of economic recession, he is keen to point out that the conditions that prevail in Ireland are not exactly beneficial to those involved in continental work.
“Business has been tough with rising costs and the extra £10 per day on trucks going through the UK has made it even tougher,” he says.
“The introduction of the fuel rebate has been beneficial and the IRHA are lobbying for a fairer road tax system for lorries. The current system is antiquated.
“The majority of my lorries spend most of their time on the continent so the present taxation system – which dates back to the 1950s – doesn’t really apply to us. It is unfair on the international haulier and the current system is not fit for purpose.
“We would prefer a pay-as-you-go system like the one that has been introduced in the Benelux countries. It’s surely time to introduce a system that is fairer than paying €5,000 tax here in Ireland for each of the livestock lorries and also have to pay other road user charges outside of Ireland as well. I would appeal to the current elected representatives to review the system as it is and introduce change.”
Colm remains very much a hands-on managing director, although he admits he doesn’t get behind the wheel as often as he used to. This is because there are too many other things to focus on. “I don’t drive that much anymore because there’s a lot of work to be done in the office,” he confirms.
“I focus on the day-to-day running of the business; I have to be mindful that the majority of my business is outside of Ireland so this requires consideration of distance, language, currency and time zone differences when dealing with my customers and their requirements. Then there’s organising the ferry bookings and looking after the scheduling and maintenance of the lorries. A lot of time goes into managing the business, so I’ve hired a very strong team of drivers and I leave the driving up to them.”
O’Brien Brothers Transport is very much a family run business with Colm’s wife Majella also involved in day to day operations. The newest addition to the family and no doubt to the business is Colm & Majella’s little girl Michaela.
Looking to the future, Colm intends to keep growing the business. “Long term, one of my plans is to build an on-site garage with a wash bay. My focus is very much on expanding the livestock and refrigerated divisions of the business, I believe there is scope for further growth in both areas. I brought a new lorry on May 1st and I am keen to consistently upgrade and expand my existing fleet. Businesses must continual adapt and diversify to compete in today’s market and I will continue to drive my business forward to meet the needs of my customers”.
Hard work, determination and perseverance are the factors behind this successful business and O’Brien Brothers Transport will be driving on gaining new ground in this market for years to come.
O’Brien Brothers Transport Ltd.
Ballyorgan,
Kilfinane,
County Limerick.
Tel: 063 91763
Fax: 063 91696
Mobile: 086 8270474
Email: [email protected]
Taken from Irish Tractor & Agri magazine Vol 2 No 2, June/July 2014
