Hard work paying off for Turner Haulage

It is a common known fact that to get any business off the ground takes a lot of hard work, determination and courage. For some it can be very rewarding and Brian Turner Haulage Ltd is a company that fits into that category.

Brian (centre) along with some of the quarry staff

Of all businesses, arguably the hardest to break into successfully is the haulage industry, which can be sometimes an unforgiving venture that could see one wrong move bring a firm to its knees.
Just over three years ago in 2004, Brian Turner decided that it was time to branch out on his own and set up his own business, having worked in the industry since he was 19.

Despite being only 25, Brian had the business nous to take the brave step of buying a truck and then seeking out regular work in a bid to make a start. However, like all fledgling businesses, Brian admitted that a lot of hard work has been involved to get established.
“I always wanted to have my own business. I have been driving lorries since I was old enough to get a licence and it was something that I always wanted to do,” said Brian.

“I had been working for other people, but really wanted to go out on my own. Thankfully I got the opportunity and things have been going fairly well since. It’s just a case of working hard and providing a reliable service to the customers.”
Based in Claremorris, Co Mayo, Brian Turner Haulage Ltd specialises in the haulage of sand, gravel and stone from two quarries in the county and supplies a number of building firms throughout Mayo.
“Fortunately when I first started I had a good few friends working in the building trade and they gave me a start and I’m still supplying them, which is great. In this game, you have to work hard and just keep pushing out as many loads as possible during the day.

Brian gets ready to take another load to a customer

“When someone orders a load, they usually want it fairly quickly, so once you can do everything on time, it keeps the customers happy and at the end of the day that’s what counts.”
Brian revealed that he operates from two quarries in Mayo, one in Claremorris and the other in Cong, both of which are owned by McGrath’s Quarry Group. And he has worked out of these pits since first starting out on his own.
“I work out of the two quarries all the time and have been doing that since I started three years ago. I have a good relationship with the lads there and hopefully will continue that for many years to come.”
The young haulier admits that there are many overheads in the haulage industry and maintenance can be one of these, but he pointed out that this is an area that he doesn’t have many concerns.

Following a number of years working in the industry, Brian decided to set up his own company

“This year I bought a brand new Scania 380 from Westward Scania in Strokestown. I had a 05 truck before that so done well enough on the trade-in. Reliability is a big issue in this business and a truck sitting on the side of the road is no good to anyone.
“I find that Scania are very reliable and have been happy with the deal I get in Westward. All new trucks have at least a two-year warranty, so in the event of any problems, which are rare, I can bring it back to them.
“If I had an older truck, it would be more likely to breakdown. All these problems cost money and even though a new truck costs more, you avoid all those small nuisances.”

Even though, he has been out on his own for a relatively short period, Brian’s rise through the ranks were honoured earlier this year when he received an award in the Irish Haulier of the Year show held in Johnstown House, Enfield.
Launched in 1999, the IRHA Road Transport Awards, formerly known collectively as The Haulier of the Year Awards, have come to be recognised as the highest accolade the Haulage Industry has to offer. Transport operators are nominated by their peers and competitors for the Awards; there can be no higher praise than that coming from your strongest competitor.
The IRHA Road Transport Awards also earmarks companies for the highest standards of professional practice, setting targets for others in the industry to aim for. The IRHA firmly believes that acknowledging the best the industry has to offer will, firstly, bring merit and recognition to those that continually strive to excel in their chosen profession and, secondly, highlight the haulage industry itself.

A loading shovel in operation at the quarry

“It was a great honour to receive an award like that. It was in category five of the owner/driver section and I came third in that, which I was delighted with. It was a great occasion and there was great banter between all the hauliers.”
Brian is a determined character and it is no surprise to learn that his plans for next year include expanding the fleet, while also taking on more work if possible.
“I hope to buy another lorry next year and take someone on to drive that, but I have noticed a slight slow up in the building trade. It certainly is not as hectic as it used to be, but hopefully it will pick up again in the very near future.”
Brian Turner is a name that is becoming well known throughout the haulage industry and one that is set for a bright future.