Complete satisfaction; every time april 2009

One of the primary objectives at Donnell & Ellis Heavy Haulage is to ensure complete customer satisfaction at ALL times. By adhering consistently to the very highest standards, this Omagh, County Tyrone headquartered company has made remarkable progress in the 18 years since its genesis. Irish Trucker takes a closer look at Northern Ireland’s premier heavy haulage specialists…

With margins tighter than ever before, credit at a premium, and the global economy straining under inordinate pressure, there is nowhere to hide for haulage operators who are not running an efficient ship. In the current climate, only the very best will survive – let alone prosper. Omagh-based Donnell & Ellis – experts in the specialist field of Heavy Haulage – are better placed than most for the challenges that lie ahead.

A major emphasis is placed on creating the right impression on the road

Donnell & Ellis is a family-run and -owned business offering quick, reliable, efficient and cost-effective solutions for the movement of large plant machinery. Donnell & Ellis was originally started to transport quarry equipment from Donnell & Ellis Engineering, but subsequently diversified into the movement of all heavy loads. The company offers quick, reliable, efficient and cost effective solutions for the movement of quarry equipment and large plant machinery throughout Ireland, the UK and Europe. A full vehicle escort service is also available, if required.

Donnell & Ellis operates an advanced, specialised and modern service, which is aimed at meeting the needs of a wide and discerning customer base. From the birth of Donnell & Ellis back in 1990, the fleet has developed and evolved at an extensive rate. The company now operates 28 tractor units and over 50 trailers of different specifications (flatbeds, semi low-loaders, low loaders, step frames etc.), which enables it to cover a vast number of routes and sectors.

A WIJ 23 drawing Dawson Wams 100 ton piler through Belfast (5-axle low-loader; 2axle dolly; and 4-azle unit)

An all-encompassing heavy haulage service is provided, covering all parts of Ireland, the UK and Europe. Donnell & Ellis even transports goods as far as Eastern Europe and Russia, as well as offering a deep sea shipping service, which enables the delivery of goods to Australia, South Africa and India.

Donnell & Ellis has come a long way from its humble beginnings, accumulating no end of experience, expertise and professionalism along the way. It has grown into one of the most successful transport companies of its kind on the island of Ireland.

Scania R580 8 x 4 with 5 axles steerable low-loader carrying a Tesab crusher

The prime area of expertise at Donnell & Ellis is Heavy Haulage. A renowned low loader specialist, the operator transports loads from 1–150 tonnes. Of course, specialising in such heavy loads means special vehicles are needed and advanced driver training is a must. All company drivers are specially trained to negotiate the load consigned to them. Movement of quarry equipment is one of the many areas the company specialises in.

First impressions last. At Donnell & Ellis, vehicle appearance is valued very highly and a major emphasis is placed on creating the right impression out on the road. An attractive, clean, well-maintained fleet of vehicles projects the right image to the customer. The pristine, immaculately-presented and expertly-maintained fleet of vehicles consists mainly of Scania trucks (with the exception of one unit, which is a Mercedes). Throughout its lifetime, the company has maintained a close working relationship with Scania – its very first truck back in 1990 was a Scania 112. All trucks are painted in the distinctive red and white company livery (which allows the vehicles to stand out from the rest, whilst also advertising the company everywhere they go).

A Scania leaving a quarry in England with a Tesab crushing machine

At present, Donnell & Ellis provides gainful employment to a team of 32 drivers (all of whom are Irish lads and five of whom work the continent full time), seven office staff and two fully-qualified mechanics. Many of the personnel have been with the company for over a decade. As with any haulage company worth its salt, the drivers are seen as a vital asset – and treated accordingly. Top management looks after drivers’ needs at all times, this in turn allowing them to keep hold of drivers and therefore record a low turnover of key employees and a level of consistency and continuity that’s crucial for a progressive operation. All drivers are manning new and modern trucks, the oldest being a 2003 model. These are equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technology, including tracking systems that ensure complete peace of mind to customers, directors and drivers alike. Shower and wash facilities are also provided for all drivers at the offices in Omagh. This kind of service encourages drivers to commit themselves to Donnell & Ellis and makes the average length of driver service within the organisation much higher than the industry norm.

A selection of lorries parked up at Donnell & Ellis Omagh HQ

Donnell & Ellis is an award-winning company, picking up the prestigious Irish International Haulier of the Year award at the 2007 Export & Freight awards ceremony. This accolade acknowledges the outstanding commitment shown by the company to the customer and staff members alike, highlighting Donnell & Ellis’ vital contribution to the Heavy Haulage sector as a whole and recognising the company’s innovative approach to maximising customer confidence.
The Haulier of the Year award is one of many things that make Donnell & Ellis stand out from the crowd. It reflects an ongoing quest to meet the needs of a huge, extremely versified customer base. The company’s main target has always been to meet customer needs and Donnell & Ellis has developed around this core objective, always remaining tuned into the requirements and expectations of regular clients and attracting the attention of others by offering the best possible service.

A Scania R580 with new GROVE mobile crane of the Docks in Immingham

Donnell & Ellis has quite rightly forged a stellar reputation for getting the job done right with the minimum of hassle and the maximum of professionalism. That’s precisely why the company – fronted by founder William Donnell – has advanced inexorably for the best part of two decades and is now accepted as the No.1 Heavy Haulage specialist in Northern Ireland and an undisputed leader in its field in Ireland.

Donnell & Ellis Heavy Haulage
24 Beltany Road
Omagh
County Tyrone
Northern Ireland
BT78 5NA
Phone: 0(044)28 8224 7015
Fax: 0(044)28 8225 0545
Mobile: 0(044)7850 793844
donnell-ellishaulage.co.uk
info@donnell-ellis.co.uk