Can’t beat Beattie

Beatties Distribution Services is approaching its first anniversary as permanent delivery agent for Northern Ireland to the Ace Express Pallets group. Managing Director Stephen Beattie spoke to Irish Trucker.

Convoy ... Beatties is one of the most recognisable brands in freight -forwarding and logistics

It’s been all change for Beatties Distribution Services Ltd. A firm with a track record of high-level security freight, the type routinely deployed by pharmaceutical or engineering firms, a link with the Ace Express group in the spring of 2008 has meant a higher workload and a changing client base.
Anything, anytime, anywhere. On time, every time. Those are the goals any freight distribution company prides itself on delivering to the customer – and that’s what Beatties Distribution Services are good at; an independent freight forwarding and logistics organisation providing dependable and comprehensive international sea, air and road transportation services.
“It may be a cliché, but it really is all about customer service,” declares Managing Director Stephen Beattie.

Stephen, with his brother Walter the co-founder of the company, acknowledges that the jury remains out on the long-term success of the Ace link but he is relatively happy about the way things have gone over the past year.

With more than two decades of sure and steady growth already under its belt since being established in 1985, the company has clearly lived up to its mission statement: ‘to provide an unrivalled delivery service throughout Northern Ireland, Southern Ireland and mainland UK that caters for the requirements of a diverse range of customers.’

Anything, anytime, anywhere ... Beatties live by their motto

It’s another strategic move that offers customers ‘added value,’ and underlines the company’s determination to adapt to clients changing and specific needs - and it has certainly been well received.
He says “We started working initially with Ace in September 2007 as their previous haulier didn’t have the necessary capacity. We grabbed the opportunity with both hands. I suppose we started at a good time because the economy was going great back then. With the economic downturn having an effect on a global scale, that has changed.

“It has been successful, although maybe on a limited scale I would say. I would have some reservations – I think the way things are now is more beneficial south-north than north-south. Also, we operate at blue-chip level in Northern Ireland.

It’s a niche market, with our strengths being that we operate a quality fleet, with all our own drivers trained to the ADR optimum, and client-wise.
Ace Express Pallets handles the domestic distribution operations for over 2,000 companies from Ireland and abroad every day, with trucks from up to 16 European countries arriving daily at the North Dublin headquarters.
Beatties Distribution Services is also a member of APC Overnight, the UK’s largest independently owned overnight parcel delivery network and, indeed, the company was awarded one of APC’s top accolades - ‘Off Shore Depot of the Year’ 2007; the second time the company has won this prestigious award.

Beatties Distribution possesses a state-of-the-art fleet

APC has 125 member depots made up of some of the UK’s leading same day courier companies. Each of these depots works closely together to provide a national network with local knowledge and expertise. The APC Network boasts a highly impressive track record averaging 99.8% of all parcels delivered securely and on time.

Other Services
Of course, there is much more to Beatties Distribution Services. From the company’s perfectly situated location close to airports, docks and motorways, it offers the quickest and most efficient route possible for a range of services that is truly comprehensive, so it is not surprising that the company is more than holding its own despite the current recession.

The Ace link has also helped to spread the name of Beatties Distribution Services to the general public. “Prior to Ace we were well known within the trade,” says Stephen, “but the Beattie brand was probably a bit of an unknown to the public on a wider scale. That has definitely improved over the past twelve months or so. We’ve invested in the development of a new website and we’ve introduced fax polling, and it has all had an impact on our brand development.”
The company operates a fleet of over 50 vehicles - ranging from small courier vans to 42 tonne lorries, all equipped with tail lifts and monitored and controlled by satellite tracking. This mixed and regularly updated fleet gives the necessary variation to provide a service tailored to the customer’s requirements and geographical locations, with all drivers comprehensively trained both with ADR and level 4 aviation security. Storage and handling facilities are also available at its 15,000 sq ft warehouse.

BeattiesÕ trucks and vans are an increasingly common sight on IrelandÕs roads

Taking everything into account, then, it’s been a long and rewarding journey since 1985, when Beatties Distribution Services opened for business. The company went on to spend almost two decades as subcontractor to the Countrywide Freight Group in Belfast before the decision was taken to explore other avenues. We parted on good terms with many a happy year spent with CW but the time had come to go it alone and I don’t regret it although it has been a long and tough road.
Stephen says: “We worked for Countrywide Freight for 18 years and ended up with 75 vehicles with them. But it can be a problem when you’re overly dependent on one company so we took the decision to go out on our own. Working for yourself – whether it’s just yourself, whether you’ve four employees or 200 - is always hard. You’re only ever as good as your last delivery. But all in all, I think we’re sitting on a pretty solid base.

Courier Services
Beatties Distribution Services Ltd (courier division) was formed nine years ago with the aim of offering businesses in Ireland a professional and secure courier service.
“Customer service is paramount,” says Stephen. “We do not make any compromises in that area.” It’s that strategy that has helped Beatties Distribution Services maintain a healthy and loyal customer base over the years.
Most companies at some time or another find themselves in situations when tomorrow may be too late to get that all important package delivered. Whether it’s same day or next day delivery, Beattie Distribution Services offer a fast, friendly and reliable service. “As a member of the APC Overnight network and Ace Express Pallets, we can deliver parcels and Pallets to any location UK and Ireland overnight at very competitive rates. Our same-day service uses experienced drivers to deliver consignments directly to the customer’s door.”

Bio-Pharmaceutical Logistics
Our ADR / IATA trained staff transport dangerous goods, infectious samples and hazardous material using thermal packaging, refrigerant or dry ice. We understand the urgency needed when shipping blood, tissue and organs and offer the fastest, most reliable transit, along with temperature control of your critical shipment. All our vehicles are satellite tracked for extra peace of mind.
When transporting irreplaceable specimens, drugs, medical kits or equipment, Beatties has the experience to deliver an assured service anywhere in the world.

Healthcare
There is a broad range of products currently handled, which include specialist hospital and healthcare equipment, diagnostic equipment, laboratory requisites and pharmaceuticals to hospitals, clinics and private addresses throughout Ireland.

Freight Forwarding
With representation throughout most of the world’s industrial areas, Beatties Distribution Services can deliver a complete range of shipping services designed to fit the transportation requirements of most products.
“As a Freight Forwarder we can organise the safe and efficient movement of goods on behalf of an importer, exporter, other company or person,” explains Stephen. “Storage facilities are also available in our 15,000 sq ft warehouse. Our staff have experience in researching and planning the most appropriate routes available for shipments. By using the latest technology we can trace consignments, enabling us to maintain visibility and control through all phases of the journey.

“We take into account transit time, security of the goods, the perishability or hazardous nature of the goods and costs of transit. We ensure that all goods carry the appropriate documentation to meet customs and insurance requirements.”
“We take into account transit time, security of the goods, the perishability or hazardous nature of the goods and costs of transit. We ensure that all goods carry the appropriate documentation to meet customs and insurance requirements.”

Technical Courier Services
The Technical Courier side of the business provides a warranty swap out service for spare parts and installation services. The company’s systems are fully automated to provide a high degree of efficiency allowing call updating and logistical control directly from its technicians. This ensures a fast and reliable service with data exchange and management reports available for customers.
Beatties Distribution Services also boast the latest IT systems which allow them to track and route consignments from pick up point to their final destination.
Staff are trained to the highest standards and are totally focused on getting the job done within the agreed timescale given by their customers.

There is little doubt, Beatties Distribution Services clearly lives up to its promises, delivering anything, anytime, anywhere - on time, every time!
The year since the formalisation of the Ace link has seen vast changes in the economic picture not just in Ireland but all over the world. How has that affected Beatties Distribution? “We’ve experienced some shrinkage,” he admits, “but it’s not as drastic as others around the industry may have seen. We’re happy with the way things are developing. We prefer to do things slowly. As opposed to others who might do anything to gain revenue, I would rather have one lorry on the road making a wage than 50 operating at a loss.”