A crisp service

David Cassidy Logistics is a burgeoning company based in Kilbrew, Ashbourne, Co Meath and although the business may be only a few short months in existence, already there are further plans to expand as the company managing director looks ahead to the future.

Driver Anthony Fitzgerald won awards for 'Best senior truck', 'Best Customised Truck' and 'Best Company Owned'

David established the business just eight months ago, but already there are twelve people employed as the amount of business brought in has escalated dramatically in that short space of time.
In the intervening months, David Cassidy Logistics has built up an impressive client list that includes such reputable firms as Hunky Dory and Tayto Crisps, Capital Freight and Hales Transport to name just a few.

He said: “These are our core customers and we believe we give them an extremely good service. In that respect we are very grateful to them for their loyal support and custom.”
Tayto have been producing crisps since 1954, when Joe Murphy made the first packet of Tayto crisps. At that time, the range of snack foods in Ireland was limited to an unflavoured bag of crisps containing a small blue bag of salt to enhance the flavour.
The production and packaging process has changed significantly since then. As a result of improved technology and innovation, Tayto has expanded and improved its production operations considerably. These developments play an important role in maintaining Tayto's number one brand position in Ireland.

The Cassidy 'Coat of Arms'

Hunky Dorys is the number 3 crisp brand in Ireland with a 10% value share of the market.
Hunky Dorys come in 7 great flavours and are available in a 45g foil-wrapped single serve and various multipack sizes. A strong distribution network and presence in all channels has enabled the brand to compete with their rivals
Hunky Dorys is positioned as a leader, challenging the standard crisp with continuous innovation in new product development and flavouring styles.

“We do a lot of work for both Hunky Dorys, which is owned by Largo Foods and Tayto. They are our main source of income and we have a good working relationship with them, which we hope to continue for some time to come,” added David.
Although spiralling fuel costs, practically stagnant haulage rates and swinging insurance premiums are the main impediment to further growth, according most hauliers, David has plans to further expand in the near future as he looks to build the business.
“We have plans to increase the fleet at this moment in time. We are looking to increase our portfolio and hopefully we can attract more work. I have an international haulage licence also and would work on the continent,” he commented.
To that end he is acutely aware of the role played by his drivers and indeed the whole staff as they work collectively to ensure the business is at the forefront of its field of expertise.

“We have a good crew of drivers and good office staff. They work extremely hard and we appreciate their efforts on our behalf. They play a hugely important part in the continued success of the company,” he continued. “In a similar vein driver turnover isn’t an issue for the company as our staff remain very loyal to us.”
David prefers to use Scania and DAF trucks in his fleet as he finds that they are the most reliable trucks on the road, which is an important issue for all hauliers.

Driver Anthony 'Fitzer' Fitzgerald displays his truck trophies

“Essentially, the trucks must be kept well maintained, because I can’t afford to have them sitting in a garage or on the side of the road. We do all the small maintenance jobs ourselves to keep them in good condition, while the trucks are all relatively new, which also helps.”
Having initially started out supplying chip shops around Dublin, David progressed and invested in articulated trucks as well as keeping the curtainsiders, which now means that the company has eight trucks on the road at present, one for every month the business has been established and this proves that David Cassidy Logistics continues to grow.
The service provided includes groupage, national and international haulage and as its client list expands, so to does the company, which is David’s main aim.

Caroline Casserly ensures that the business runs smoothly by looking after all paperwork

“If we can continue to provide a reliable service to our customers than there is no reason why the business will not continue to expand over the coming years. I would like to increase our work load in all areas of the haulage industry.
“One thing I’ve learned over the years is that there is nothing guaranteed in this business. There are no written contracts or anything like that. There was a time when you knew what jobs were ahead of you months in advance, but it’s not like that anymore.

“When people look for your service nowadays, they want it straight away – they’re not prepared to wait. If you’re not able to provide an immediate service, they’ll go elsewhere. Our objective is to provide the best service we possibly can and hopefully we’ll be able to do that for many more years to come,” he concludes.
Contact No: 018352941
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