Longford’s shining light

It's not all doom and gloom in the road haulage industry. An occasional shaft of light can still be seen on the horizon, if you know where to look. Barry Express Longford Ltd. is a prime example of a road haulage company making light of Ireland's inclement economic conditions. John Loughran reports.

Meet the team - front, Ivor Jones (and Joshua), Orla Barry, Kevin Keenan, Kevin McLoughlin. Back, Jack Reilly, Paddy Redahan, Noel Bergin, Ken Johnston, Andy Gilliard, Gerry Barry (and Carl Jones), Mark Healy

Barry Express Longford Ltd. has been trading successfully from its base on the outskirts of Longford town since 1989. It hasn't been all plain sailing for the company, but on the whole the peaks have far outweighed the troughs. The company, which runs a fleet of 14 trucks and employs a fulltime staff of 17, specialises distribution and warehousing for a plethora of household brand names operating in the animal feedstuffs and general hardware sectors.

Barry Express Directors - Gerry Barry and Orla Barry

Managing director Orla Barry revealed the company runs a daily trunking service between Dublin and Longford, and a distribution service from Longford to counties Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Cavan and Monaghan. To facilitate the smooth running of the company's operations Barry Express utilises a modern fleet of rigid and articulated trucks. Scania is the preferred marque.

"We have always stuck with Scania. We find them to be very reliable. We also have two Iveco rigids, which are doing very well for us," Orla commented.
The company opts for quality used vehicles. "We could not justify the expense of a new lorry. If we were involved in international haulage, we would probably opt for new trucks."

Gerry Barry, Carl Jones, Ken Johnson and Andy Gilliard outside the Barry Express offices at Longford

In sourcing quality used vehicles, the company looks across the water to Britain. "You get a better quality truck. The quality of the roads in Britain is better, which is reflected in the quality of the truck. We also find it more cost efficient to buy there," Orla remarked.

In March 2000 the company moved into a plush new office complex and 7,500 square foot warehousing facility on the Longford town bypass. Orla revealed the new warehouse enabled the company to spread its wings. "We built the warehouse solely for the purpose of loading and off-loading. It made life a lot easier. However, it also enabled us to get involved in warehousing. We are now warehousing for a company in Kilkenny and doing their distribution in this area."

Barry Express specialises in nationwide haulage and distribution

While the vast majority of hauliers in the country are reporting a slowdown in economic activity, Orla is delighted to report that business is growing at a healthy rate. "We put our success down to hard work and looking after our customers. We also offer the customer the personal touch, which we feel is very important."

Orla and her brother Gerard - who is a partner in the business - are always on hand to look after customer queries. "Gerard drives one of the trucks to Dublin every day, and he is constantly meeting the customers. I'm here on the phone to deal with any problems that might arise," she confirmed.

In the warehouse

The company's elixir for success is built around the customer. To that end, the company has built up a loyal customer base stretching back to its inception. "We tend to hold on to our customers, which speaks for the type of company we are trying to run. Over the years we have grown with our customers and it is true to say we wouldn't be where we are today without them," Orla remarked.

It has been a mutually beneficial relationship. "We are dealing with the same customers every single day. It is a two-way relationship. They give us the business and we look after their every requirement,' she added.

Scania is a preferred marque

Hold-ups and delays are part and parcel of life in the capital. To avoid the worst ravages of the gridlock and to keep its customers abreast of deliveries, the fleet uses a two-way radio system to keep in contact with base. Orla revealed the system is worth its weight in gold. "We use a two-way radio system, which allows us to keep in contact with the drivers in Dublin. If they are going to be delayed because of traffic, we can let the customer know in advance. In fairness to all our customers, they understand the problems that traffic can cause."

Back-loading from counties Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Cavan and Monaghan to Dublin has become an integral part of the company's activities. "In the past three years we have become adept at back-loading. Many of the customers we are delivering to, now get us to deliver their goods in Dublin. It took us a while to build up the business, but it is working very well for us now."

In the past six months diesel prices have soared by almost 30 per cent and Barry Express, like every haulier has been adversely affected. "Like our customers, we are in business to make a profit. We also want to remain competitive on price. It is a situation that we are continually monitoring," she explained.

Orla is very much a 'hands on' managing director. Her enthusiasm for the business is infectious and has helped to engender a team spirit that is both refreshing and effective. "We have a brilliant team here. Our drivers are first class. They know all our customers and importantly they know their requirements. In the office Elizabeth Healy and Penny Wilson are a great help to me personally."

Barry Express has all the hallmarks of a well run, tightly knit haulage business. Orla's husband Ivor Jones is the company's transport manager. "Ivor deals with all the transport issues, from scheduling the deliveries, warehousing, to scheduling maintenance, to keeping the trucks in tip-top condition."

The company conducts all its maintenance 'in house' for the reasons of cost and flexibility. "Jimmy Halligan is our maintenance man. He knows that we can't afford to have a lorry off the road and will pull out all the stops to keep the fleet running."
She continued: "We find it more cost effective to do the work ourselves. It allows us to do the maintenance at a time that best suits us. We can't afford to have lorries off the road. Most of maintenance is done in the evenings or at night. It gives us a level of flexibility that you wouldn't get with sub-contract maintenance."

Orla is acutely aware of the old adage 'you only get one chance to make a first impression'. In that vein she insists that the company portrays a positive corporate image.

"Corporate image is very important to us. It is important that the lorry and the driver are well presented. All our drivers wear a company uniform. The drivers keep the trucks looking well. We have our own vehicle wash here and the drivers wash the trucks on a regular basis. Cleans trucks make a very positive statement about the company." Orla affirmed.