O’Toole Transport scoops top award

Galway-based O’Toole Transport had reason to celebrate recently when it won its second National Haulier of the Year award in three years. Delighted with its latest success is managing director Laurence O’Toole, who is targeting further growth for the thriving family-run continental fish distributor in the coming years.

Laurence O�Toole, Mary O�Toole and Noel McGrath with the company�s latest award in the foreground

O’Toole Transport was one of the big winners at the National Haulier of the Year awards ceremony which took place at the Marriott Johnstown House Hotel in Enfield on October 8 last.
Established to honour excellence in operation or services to transport, the awards were presented by the Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey before over 200 representatives from the transport industry. And there was joy for the 10-strong O’Toole Transport contingent that travelled to the Co. Meath venue when the company was named as the International Haulier of the Year for 2008.
“We were both surprised and delighted to get it,” says Laurence O’Toole, who heads up the Moycullen-based operation along with his sister Mary.

“Mary and I did an interview a few weeks beforehand, but we had no idea we’d end up winning the award. All that we knew was that we had been short-listed and we knew nothing after that until the night the awards were presented.
“Needless to say, we had a great night and everyone enjoyed themselves. It was a great honour to win such a prestigious award and great recognition for the company as well.”
This was O’Toole Transport’s second time to win a National Haulier of the Year award. Three years ago, when the company was a good deal smaller than it is now, it won the two-10 vehicle category.

O�Toole Transport is a thriving family-run continental seafood distributor

“When we were nominated for that award, we had under 10 trucks but by the time the awards night took place, our fleet had increased to 15. That growth has continued since then and we now have 28 vehicles on the road,” explains Laurence who largely attributes the company’s rapid expansion to the securing of major contracts for two prominent seafood exporters in Galway and Donegal.
O’Toole Transport was established in 1996 when Laurence’s father Larry brought a Scania rigid. Since then, the family-run operation has become a leading international seafood distribution business which has experienced 20 per cent year-on-year growth since the turn of the millennium.

While seafood distribution accounts for approximately 80 per cent of the company’s business, it is also involved in grocery transportation in Ireland, and provides tanker and container services as well. The company’s 28-strong fleet comprises 20 tractor units, six rigids and two vans. Twenty-five of the fleet are Scania, with three Volvo vehicles completing the line-up. The company boasts over 40 trailers, the majority of which are refrigerated.

Cold Store Manager Noel McGrath at his desk

In recent times, O’Toole Transport has purchased on average four new trucks per year. Among the company’s newest additions are two Scania R620s. The fleet colour is metallic blue and white, with the sign writing and graphics the work of local company Signhere.
“Our policy is to try and keep our fleet as new and fresh as possible,” says Laurence. “Reliability and appearance are two big issues with us. Everyone knows how difficult it is to attract good drivers nowadays and if your trucks aren’t up to scratch, you simply won’t attract them.”
Commenting of the company’s loyalty to Scania, Laurence adds: “The very first truck we had was Scania and we’ve always found them to be extremely reliable. They may be a little bit more expensive to buy in the first place, but they offer brilliant economy. They give a good return and maintenance is straight forward.”

Laurence O�Toole was �surprised and delighted� to receive the National Haulier of the Year award on behalf of O�Toole Transport

Laurence and Mary are joined in the business by their brother Daniel, who is Imports Manager and their parents Larry, who is in charge of maintenance and repairs and Angela, who looks after the administration side of things. Noel McGrath is Cold Store Manager, while over 30 drivers are also employed.
Laurence is glowing in his praise of the company’s drivers: “A lot of our success is down to them and the professional job they carry out on a daily basis. Nearly all of our drivers are Irish which is important from a communication point of view. They’re among the best paid drivers in the country but, in fairness to them, they do a great job and we’re very happy with them.”
O’Toole Transport’s headquarters are based at Allens Park, Moycullen, which is situated 8km west of Galway city on the western seaboard. Located on the four-acre site are a purpose-built garage, storage unit, office, spacious yard and distribution base for fish collected in Ireland for UK and continental markets. Through its networking with its transport partners in Europe, the company provides a cost-effective solution to onward delivery throughout Europe.

Two of the O�Toole Transport trucks on their way with another delivery

“When we first started international transport in 2002, we sent one load a week to the continent. Now we send between 18 and 25 loads a week. We cover the whole continent – from Sweden to Greece and Spain to Poland.”
Whether the goods are perishable, fragile or refrigerated, O’Toole Transport can deliver on time. Its service is complimented by a complete logistics management package put into effect to ensure that the goods arrive at their destination on time and in prime condition with their integrity still intact.

When the product is received from a major port or fish farm, it is checked and monitored continuously by a state-of-the-art temperature and logistics system. This process continues until the product reaches its destination. Regular training sessions for staff as well as personal development opportunities within the company results in a highly motivated team that are customer-focused.
O’Toole Transport constantly strives to give the highest possible customer service through its use of strict quality procedures. Each staff member is responsible for a part of its customer care programme.

O’Toole Transport prides itself on being the logistics operation of choice for the fish industry within Ireland and aboard. From a single box to a full consignment, the company’s use of state-of-the-art logistics hardware and software ensure that from the moment the order is picked up to it being securely delivered to the customer, there is full traceability. The company has come to realise that in today’s fast-moving business environment, only the most efficient delivery service is acceptable. O’Toole’s highly experienced transport team is fully committed to providing the best possible service for customers.

In June, O’Toole Transport began running a new route from Ireland to Boulogne, Sur Mer, France three times a week – Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The company also provides a valuable service for Irish companies who import fruit, dairy produce, beef, fish etc.
O’Toole Transport has experienced phenomenal growth in its relatively short history, and Laurence is confident that it will continue to expand and prosper in the years ahead.
“We’re always trying to expand. As long as we can maintain our customer focus and pay the bills, we’ll continue to grow. All in all, things are going really well for us and winning the International Haulier of the Year award was a great way for us to end the year,” he concludes.