Success reaps rewards for Allen Logistics

The haulage industry has suffered greatly in recent years due to the current economic recession; hikes in diesel and insurance prices along with other drawbacks. However, the prestigious annual Export & Freight Transport & Logistic Awards proved that all involved in the transport sector were willing to pull together during these difficult times.

A sell out crowd turned up for the gala event held at the Ramada Hotel in Belfast as prizes were handed out in 16 different categories, each of which were as competitive as the next. One of the category winners was Allen Logistics NI Ltd, who came out on top in the Irish Haulier of the Year class and in this month’s edition of Irish Trucker, we profile the Armagh based company and speak to transport managing and director James Allen about their success and what it means to pick up such a prestigious award.

Allen Logistics was established in 1967 and from humble beginnings the company has developed into one of the leading logistic firms in the 32 counties.

Linden Allen took over from his father William all those years ago and for the next four decades, the business grew to become a first class and highly successful transport and logistics company to a large and varied customer base.

With warehousing facilities at Moira in Armagh, Liverpool and Leicester, the company’s services cover all of the UK, Ireland and Europe.

“We offer a dependable and personal service our customers. The business has developed steadily over the years and we now operate a fleet of modern, high specification vehicles supported by warehousing and distribution facilities,” said James.

“The operation is conducted from premises from our Northern Ireland head office situated in rural surroundings close to the M1 motorway at Moira. The company is proud to be a key supplier of logistics services to major Blue Chip companies in Ireland and the UK. Honesty, reliability and personal services have always been core principles of the organisation.”

Allen Logistics have 25 vehicles ranging from transit vans to 44 kg artics between their three depots and these operate for a customer base that is between 200 and 250 clients.

All our customers are guaranteed a reliable and efficient service. That is what has made the company so successful over the years and it is something that we intend to continue for many years to come.”

The Transport & Logistics awards ceremony, which is now in its eighth year, is recognised as the premier event in the Irish transport calendar.

James admitted that winning the Irish Haulier of the Year award was a major achievement given the standard of opposition in the category, while he also paid tribute to his staff for their efforts in making Allen Logistics NI Ltd what it is today.

“It was with great pride that we accepted the award. To be voted Haulier of the Year at such a prestigious event is a great honour. This was achieved through hard work and a dedication to supply a top quality service to all our customers. The staff play a massive part in the success of the company and they deserve great credit for their hard work over the years.”

The progression of Allen Logistics continued early last year when the company joined the TPN Ireland Network and this enables the company to further enhance its value added service.

Through this network, their clients, large and small benefit from an economically quality next day service which easily competes with the larger national and multi-national companies.

The Pallet Network is the number one freight distribution service of palletised goods in Ireland with a network of 23 regional hauliers, who are the Pallet Network Members.

They deliver and collect pallets and carton freight in every County in Ireland on an overnight delivery service.

“We are delighted to be involved with the TPN Pallet Network and have seen this market go from 25 pallets a week to 250 in a short space of time all of which are delivered to various customers the next day.”

Asides from the transport side of the business, Allen Logistics also offers a warehouse package tailored to the customer’s specific needs in each of their three locations.

“We offer a warehouse package and have modern warehousing facilities with computer controlled stock records. Additional services include intake of goods, short and long term storage options, pick and pack, assembling of orders, re boxing and final daily distribution of product.”

Just as we go to press Allen Logistics have layed the foundations for a new modern food grade warehouse which will be primarily for the food industry. This new warehouse is schedule to be operational by the summer 2010.

Through their network of partners spread throughout UK i.e. Fortec Pallet Network, Geodis UK and their own Liverpool and Hinckley depots, Allen Logistics can pick up the customers’ consignment quickly and easily, where it is consolidated for shipping direct into Belfast every evening.

“Through our Fortec Pallet network, pallets can also be exported or imported to and from anywhere in the UK & European for distribution by these specially selected members who have the experience and equipment, to ensure deadlines are met.”

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