Hendrick European – the next generation
22/09/2025
From humble beginnings over 75 years ago, Hendrick European has grown into one of Ireland’s most successful family-run businesses.
Specialising in road transport, groupage, freight forwarding and distribution of all types of goods, the fourth-generation business employs 180 people and operates 100 trucks and 300 trailers from depots in Ireland, the UK, Belgium and Poland. Hendrick European works hand-in-hand with its subsidiaries Hendrick Logistics UK, Hendrick Polska and Black Knight Trucking to provide seamless logistics across Europe and beyond.
Hendrick European has extensive knowledge and expertise in the delivery of a diverse range of goods, including industrial, pharma, agri, construction,oversize cargo food, high-value goods, hazardous cargo, controlled freight and FMCGs. The company delivers low CO2 logistics and has a broad-ranging expertise in customs clearance and documentation with its own customs department
It’s all a far cry from when the late Patrick ‘Buddy’ Hendrick started out with a horse and cart drawing three loads of building materials for Brooks Thomas and T&C Martin for two shillings a day from Dublin Port to George’s Street in the heart of Dublin. Trucks emerged as the new workhorse in the 1960s and Patrick purchased his first – a petrol Bedford rigid – in 1967. Around the same time, he was joined by his son Patrick Jnr, who remained in the business until 1990.
In the 1970s, the fleet grew to six rigids as new opportunities emerged. Tractor units were later added and the current Hendrick European HQ was opened in Dublin. Another son, Alan, came on board in 1981 and took over in 1991 when Patrick retired. Having downsized somewhat in the preceding years, Alan developed the company’s Irish operations and grew the fleet to 30.
In 2005, Alan’s son Keith joined the business in domestic planning. A couple of years later, Alan’s oldest son Paul joined the maintenance department after qualifying as a mechanic. Keith and Paul’s brother Shane also joined in 2011, initially working in the office before becoming a driver.
Under Keith’s direction, the company expanded into the EU and UK markets in 2008 with groupage and freight forwarding. In 2014, Hendrick Logistics UK was established, followed by Hendrick Polska three years later. In response to changing customer needs and Brexit, the family business opened a dedicated customs department in Mitchelstown. Co. Cork in 2021. More recently, it opened another office in Bruges, giving it seven strategic locations across Europe, including Liverpool, Holyhead and Purfleet in the UK.
Paul’s 19-year-old son, Jamie, represents the fourth generation of family involvement in the business. Having started off in domestic customer service at 16, Jamie is now out on the road driving. In the past year, Alan’s youngest son Lee, who is also 19, has also come on board as a driver after he too cut his teeth in the office.
“It’s fantastic to see the next generation coming through,” Alan enthuses.
“Jamie and Lee have a real flair and passion for the business. We’re very proud of our heritage and the future of the business looks to be in safe hands. Lee is actually 12 days older than Jamie, despite being his uncle!
“My role is Ireland & UK Manager. Paul is Compliance & Maintenance Manager and Keith is European & Freight Forwarding Manager. Shane, Lee and Jamie are drivers. It’s a real family affair.”
Alan's nephew, also Paul Hendrick, was a driver with the company before becoming an owner-driver a year ago.
The Hendrick fleet comprises Scania, Renault, DAF, MAN, Mercedes and Iveco trucks, while the trailers are a mix of flats, sliding skellys, double-deck Euroliners, curtainsiders, refrigerated and low loaders. The operation is supported and supplemented by about 40 owner-drivers who work on a subcontract basis.
With every load being precious, the fleet is upgraded on a regular basis. Hendrick European takes great pride in the appearance of its trucks which are always immaculately turned out. With their striking red S livery, they are a real head-turner. Behind the wheel of every Hendrick truck is a reliable, experienced and courteous driver. “Our drivers are the best in the business. They always deliver the goods,” Alan asserts.
“Our business is 25% Ireland, 25% UK, 25% Europe and 25% groupage, freight forwarding and air & sea. Costs are way up, so you have to control things as best you can. The cost of trucks, tyres, insurance, tolls and wages have spiralled in the last few years.”
Speed, cost, reliability and sustainability are the hallmarks of Hendrick European. The company is driven by its vision to be the most trusted transport and logistics provider globally. To achieve this, it adopts a ‘first in class’ ethos through all corners of the business.
As a family-run operation, the Hendricks believe in a personal approach to customer service and pride themselves on being easy to deal with. They value their people and support ongoing learning and professional development within the company. Furthermore, they invest in innovative technology and fuel efficiency, and a low emission transport fleet to always stay one step ahead.
As Hendrick European continues to go from strength to strength, the company would like to take this opportunity to thank its clients and suppliers for their continued support as well as its hard-working team for their dedication, loyalty and expertise.
Here’s to the next 75 years and many more generations to come!
Hendrick European
Isabella,
Whitestown,
Oldtown,
Co. Dublin,
A45 ED37.
Telephone: +353 (0)1 864 9220
Email: [email protected]
First published in Irish Trucker magazine September/October 2025, Vol 28-5
