A transport group with operations in the UK and Ireland, and a Palletways UK member, has marked its 30th year in business. Management at Transland Group commemorated the occasion with a ‘thank you’ party for staff, linking up its Dublin and Fradley teams online so they could enjoy a group celebration!

In its founding years, Transland Group’s main business focus was primarily freight forwarding and groupage between Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe. However, in the early 2000’s the company recognised shippers’ move to palletised freight and in particular, the use of pallet networks. This had a fundamental impact on the industry which brought with it a huge improvement in service levels, in terms of visibility, accountability and technological innovation.

As a result of this market shift, managing director, Kieran Conlon, co-founded PalletXpress – Ireland’s first independent pallet network – in 2004. From humble beginnings, this network is now moving 3,500 pallets per day across the island of Ireland. Armed with this local experience Transland Group joined the Palletways network in 2008 when it moved around 100 pallets per day. Today, the company employs 55 office and driver staff and operates a fleet of 30 vehicles which includes a range of articulated lorries, rigids and vans designed to serve a variety of customers and network requirements, which moves around 220 pallets per day between the UK and Ireland for Palletways.

Kieran said: “I’m immensely proud to have reached the 30-year milestone, as many of our competitors haven’t been as fortunate. I believe the key to Transland’s longevity lies in understanding market trends and moving with them and employing the best staff – making sure they’re well paid which allows them to thrive inside and outside the business.

“Looking ahead to the next five years, I believe the logistics industry will undergo a technological revolution driven by environmental trends and legislation. There is a palpable sense of urgency for the industry to go green as soon as possible and this needs to be embraced by transport companies, otherwise, they won’t survive and it’s incumbent on us all to ensure employees are educated on the importance of sustainability within the supply chain.

“As part of an industry which has an impact on the environment, transport companies have a responsibility to ensure they reduce their own carbon footprint and have adequate funding to introduce electric-powered vehicles and equipment into their fleet. We’ve recently acquired a number of new rigid and articulated vehicles which meet the toughest, latest emissions regulations, boast improved fuel economy yet are powerful enough to pull the heavy loads and as part of our ongoing quality assurance policy, we’re committed to reviewing and updating our vehicles and equipment annually. All our forklifts have been electric since September 2019, having switched from diesel. All new company cars will be either hybrid or electric vehicles, with charging points on the premises and we have plans to install solar panels on the roof of our 150,000 sq ft warehouse, which will hopefully provide an independent source of energy.

“Technology will also play a massive role in the drive to find the most sustainable routes to market and being a member of the Palletways network, which is famed for its industry-leading IT, will help us excel in this field.

“We’ll use this anniversary as a chance to reflect but also look to the future. We work with a hugely talented group of people, loyal clients, and trusted partners and we’re committed to making a difference. We have a strong foundation to take the business forward another 30 years and beyond.”

Warwick Trimble, Palletways’ UK network director, added: “Three decades in business is a remarkable achievement - over the past 30 years Transland has carved out a powerhouse reputation in the industry and it’s only fitting this anniversary is celebrated.”

Transland recently hosted Palletways’ Business Club in Dublin where it welcomed more than 20 fellow network members and key executives for a two-day conference.