A proud history; a bright future

Renowned distribution specialist Colkar Transport is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2007. To mark this watershed date, the company has re-located to brand new state-of-the-art premises, thereby ensuring that customers can continue to count on an exceptionally strong and reliable service. The entire fleet has also been upgraded as directors Colm and Karen Mooney safeguard a proud century-old family tradition in the haulage sector.

The fleet incorporates a mix of box and curtainsiders bodies

In many ways, 2007 has been all about milestones for Colkar Transport, the highly-respected distribution company fronted by the husband and wife team of Colm and Karen Mooney. It’s been ten years now since the pair established the company, building upon a strong family tradition in haulage that spans back a full century. Colkar has relocated to an impressive new facility at Orion Business Centre in Blanchardstown.

While it’s been a time of rebirth and change, some things remain constant. For instance, Colkar’s total dedication to customer service is as strong as ever and they still maintain fairly much the same core of key customers as they have since Day One. Thus, it’s very much a case of: The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same…

As of July 2007, Colkar Transport is operating out of its new custom-built headquarters at Orion Business Centre, Ballycoolin, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. Ten years after the company’s inception, the relocation to this carefully-chosen facility represents a practical move. One of Colkar’s prime objectives for 2007 was to secure their own premises and they have succeeded in doing this.
The directors chose a prime 4,000 sq ft facility, which incorporates large offices and overnight central distribution depot. Though a modest storage solution is offered, transport is very much the core of the operation: “We were always a transport-based company first and foremost. Transport has always been at the very heart of the business and that’s very much where we see our future,” Colm confirms.

Colm Mooney in the office with transport manager Phelim

Colkar Transport has its own fleet of 15 vehicles ranging from car vans to rigids, all of which are either Iveco or Isuzu. The vehicles come in a mix of box and curtainside bodies. To keep things fresh, the whole fleet has been overhauled since the beginning of the current calendar year. The fleet predominately comprises 07, 06 and 05 reg vehicles and the oldest unit is an 03. A thoroughly professional and experienced crew of drivers complements the modern trucks.

All the trucks are purchased from Joe Harris Commercials and Truck Dealers International, while servicing and maintenance requirements are met by Harris’ and North Road Commercials. In addition to operating their own fleet, Colkar also subcontract a substantial amount of work to their full-time owner-drivers, a policy which works very well for all parties.
Colkar provides a nationwide distribution service. Up to 50% of its regular work is in vending, i.e. delivering vending machines and products to offices, schools, play centres, canteens etc. for companies such as Nestle and Rapid Refreshments, while other clients include Shamrock Foods, Stafford Lynch and DHL. “We have a very strong customer base, with a lot of large companies and very few small ones,” Colm comments. All are assured of the same exceptional levels of service.

Colkar's drivers ready to kick into action

The directors are totally committed to developing the distribution and vending aspects of the business. To this end, they have just taken delivery in August ’07 of a new steprider stairclimber which will increase the lifting capacity from 500 kilos to 1,400 kilos going up and down staircases, thereby increasing Colkar’s lifting capacity to include many other larger items as well as vending machines.
“We’re happy with the way things are going,” Colm confirms. “Securing new business has never been a problem. We supply an extremely good service to our existing customer base and that generates a lot of recommendations.”
Colkar is fortunate to have the goodwill and loyalty of a strong core of customers who fully respect and appreciate the professional, reliable service being provided to them. In return, the directors are grateful of the loyalty and support of their clients. They also acknowledge the massive contribution of their drivers towards the ongoing success of the operation. “Without the drivers, there wouldn’t be a business,” Colm states.

Jason and Nathan display the new stairclimber, which moves vending machines and other items to upper floors

Colkar Transport is a third generation family business, enhancing a strong family tradition in the transport industry. Colm Mooney’s family has been successfully active in the sector for over 100 years, dating back to when his grandfather Martin Connolly started delivering from the fruit markets in Dublin city centre. Martin then handed the business on to his sons and daughters – Martin Jnr. (Marto), Noel (of Connolly Road Train) and Teresa Mooney (Colm’s mother).

The third generation of business comprises Enda Connolly Transport, David Connolly Transport, CAB Freight and Colkar Transport to name a few. It’s a wonderful legacy and one that will almost certainly be handed on for many more generations to come. With a stunning premises and fleet in place, Colkar certainly looks destined for a bright and productive future. A decade on, this success story is only beginning…