Protecting the environment
07/04/2020
Transport in the Harris family stems back many years. As with all professionally operated companies, actions to protect our environment has come to the fore in more recent times.
One such action that JS&J Harris transport have undertaken is to introduce & operate Ireland’s first articulated Natural gas-powered truck.
JS&J Harris Transport has purchased their new premises at Woodstock industrial Estate in Athy Co. Kildare. They have also acquired planning permission to allow them re-fuel their CNG trucks from their own yard directly from the gas pipeline.
‘We are quietly pleased with how the CNG truck is performing and while there is not massive savings in its operation, there is savings all the same.”
Seamus believes that gas powered trucks will be a more common sight in Ireland over the course of the next few years, since we introduced our truck, there is almost 50 more trucks operating on CNG in this country.
This family run business is renowned throughout Ireland as agricultural transportation specialist who place an uncompromising emphasis on hygiene. JS&J Harris transport are certified from many external bodies which audit them on an annual basis.
Just last month, JS& J Harris Transport were shortlisted in the prestigious ‘Fleet Transport Awards’ which was held at City West Hotel in Dublin. They fought off stiff competition from 100’s of applicants and were deserving winners of the ‘Regional Transport Operator of the year’ for 2020.
“We are delighted with this award as shows recognition of what we are doing, We have a good team with us and that’s what it’s all about,” reveals Seamus.
Since the genesis of the business - which goes back over half a century - the Harris family have always guarded against complacency and strive at every available opportunity to improve their excellent levels of customer service. This has resulted in a strong, well managed operation with exceptional equipment, facilities and personnel.
Marrying an exceptional fleet of Scania trucks and decades of expertise, this long established and thoroughly professional family run business provides a stellar service that is simply second to none.
They carry out a wide range of general Haulage and agricultural related transport within Ireland and the UK, specialising in the transport of food quality grain such as barley, malt, wheat and oats.
As TASCC approved hauliers, the team at Harris Transport understands the importance of hygiene and the prevention of cross contamination, that’s why all Drivers are trained in all aspects of trailer hygiene.
Their modern fleet of well presented and immaculately maintained trucks paired with white smooth sided bulk tipping trailers, which have their interiors washed daily and fully sanitised every four weeks. All trailers have a unique I.D number for traceability purposes.
Trailers can be designated in accordance to customers request and grain trailers include on board weight cells. While curtain-sided trailers come with Moffett truck mounted forklifts for ease of loading and off loading.
Off course they are many issues to deal with in the haulage industry on a daily basis, but Seamus spoke in depth about two of their biggest overheads.
Insurance and diesel are the biggest concerns in the industry at the moment. Insurance costs has increased significantly over the last few years, while diesel prices have also been creeping up again.
“We are not really protected from increases and it’s hard at times. Throw in the concerns over Brexit, which I think will have a massive impact on the market and these are testing times for the industry.
"To our Drivers, We would like to thank them for their 100% commitment in their role in making us an award winning transport company. Thank you.
"Our aim into the future is to constantly improve our operations and to satisfy our customers requirements. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our customers for which we are gratefully appreciative. Thank you."
Harris Transport Ltd.
Athy,
Co.Kildare.
Taken from Irish Trucker & Light Commercials magazine, Jan/Feb 2020, Vol 23 No 1
