A speedy service june 2009

Ever wonder how a nationwide courier service operates, well in this month’s edition of Irish Trucker, we profile Securispeed Intercity and speak to fleet manager Stephen McKiernan about the success of the business since being established 22 years ago.

The nationwide company specialises in providing a delivery service to businesses all over the country through a network of vans and trucks and with seven locations covering the 32 counties, they are at the forefront of their field of expertise.
Securispeed Intercity as always lead from the front as they were the first courier service to computerise their workload, which reduced paperwork and cut out any unforced errors, making sure that the service provided was efficient.
This was a major change for the company, but one that enabled it to take the next step forward and the aim of the business is to ensure that level of consistency continues.

Fleet manager Stephen McKiernan, Brendan OÕToole (night time flleet supervisor), Adam OÕToole, Norman May (driver)
pose for the camera

The head office is in Clondalkin, but to cater for its large customer base, Securispeed Intercity also opened an office in Cork city to cater for the growing needs of the business community there. 2001 saw the company expand further when the Limerick Depot was opened.
In 2002 they opened a two-acre logistics facility which also houses their own garage workshop, together with two full time mechanics. This logistics hub has enabled the company to provide an optimum same day/overnight service to its clients. 2005 saw the company open two more depots in Antrim and Rosslare Harbour. 2007 saw the opening of another workshop facility with a fulltime mechanic in the Wexford depot.

“The company has grown significantly over the years to become a major force in the industry. We are fortunate to have a large customer base, which means that we are kept relatively busy, despite the economic crisis,” said Stephen.
Having joined the company as an owner driver over 12 years ago, Stephen’s experience in the business was a crucial factor in him being appointed fleet manager three years ago and he believes that his experience as a driver stands him in good stead now.

All vehicles are well maintained

“Yes certainly having worked as an owner driver and a driver, I’ve a better insight into their needs now and I can appreciate more the work that they do. We’re very fortunate to have a very good workforce here and that does take a lot of the pressure off.”
With over 134 vehicles and 36 trailers on the road, there is plenty of looking after to be done regards maintenance and the fleet in general as reliability is key to their success.

“We have a workshop here in Clondalkin, while we also have one in Wexford. All vans and trucks are well maintained in order to avoid any downtime, while they are kept relatively new as well. Each vehicle is on a tailored service schedule to match the run it is on. This is an important aspect of the business as you can’t afford to be breaking down and not getting the customers packages delivered on time.”
“We have an extensive range of vehicles from car vans to our fleet of 45ft trucks for bulk clients. We also have a hi-ab equipped vehicle, two moffet equipped vehicles and flat back rigids.We also have all types of trailers and fridges to meet customer demand.This system operates on the same basis as the motorcycle service both in Dublin and Nationwide, while we also offer this service through our network with the Fastrack offices throughout Ireland.

Stephen plays a vital role within the company

“We collect all consignments from the relevant collection points and put them on our fast track account. These goods are then collected upon arrival at the relevant stations and delivered to their final destination.”
Not only is Securispeed Intercity a nationwide company, but they also offer a next day, UK, Europe and USA delivery service along with a two and three day service to Asia and the Far East.

Ford Transit is the preferred vehicle for Securispeed Intercity and Stephen revealed that the company has a good relationship with Rialto Motors. Again Scania is the preferred HGV and we have built up a good relationship with AD Capital Brake & Clutch. We are running quite a mixed fleet which includes Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Daf, Renault, Man and Scania.
Since Securispeed Intercity started running HGV’s we have always supported the Irish Truck shows and the Charity runs
Of course, one of the main reasons for a successful business is to cater for any firm, big or small and this is something that Securispeed Intercity ensure we do.

“We have a wide variety of customers from large firms to home owners. To us, there is no difference. We don’t turn away any work and ensure that the job is completed to a high standard in quick time,” said Stephen.
Most businesses are taking stock of what they have at the moment and doing their utmost to hold on the customer base that they possess, especially at the current time, when one wrong move could see a company fold.

Another delivery is readied for transportation

“The safest option at the moment is to hold on to what we have. There is a large customer base here with a lot of repeat work and if that is maintained, everyone would be happy enough. That’s not to say we are on the look out for new business as we always are and we are always looking at ways to improve the business.”

Since 1987, when Eddie Moloney first established the business, Securispeed Intercity set out to be the number one courier service in the country and in a few short years that goal was achieved. They have never wavered since and indeed they have gone from strength to strength over the years, while the future is bright for a company that leads the way.