Sligo Haulage & Distribution Ltd., received a rapturous applause and standing ovation on being announced as the 2024 Fleet Transport Irish Haulier of the Year winner at the Johnstown Estate Hotel, Enfield, County Meath on Thursday 9 November.
The Tubbercurry, County Sligo based family business had due cause to rejoice having won the Regional Transport Operator category and fittingly marks the company’s 25th anniversary.
Now in its 17th year, the Irish Haulier of the Year Awards programme honours best practice in the road transport industry, highlighting SMEs and large fleet operators that go the extra mile in terms of customer service, efficiency and care for the environment.
Zellwood (Dublin), overall winners of the Haulier title last year, continues its successful trail with the National accolade secured for 2024, while another former winner Hendrick European (Dublin) scooped the International/National Refrigerated Transport Specialist trophy. Dixon International Transport (Dublin) received the Environment & Sustainability Award. Uisce Éireann was elected for operating the Best Van Fleet with Byrne Logistics (Cork) chosen to have the Best Livery and corporate identity. Sweeney Oil (Galway) were awarded Own Account Transport Operator of the Year with McCulla Ireland receiving Safety Practice Award.
New entrants Digicom (Armagh) impressed the judging interview panel for the Best Innovation, while Smith Vehicle Solutions (Cavan) delivers superior Customer Service Excellence.
In the individual award categories, Thomas Heffernan (Irish Rail) was voted as Fleet/Transport Manager of the Year 2024, Jodie Prendergast (Kennedy International Transport, Dublin) – Women in Transport winner and Liam Phelan (JS Ryan Freight, Laois), awarded Technician of the Year.
The proceedings began with compère Shay Byrne (RTE Radio 1 Rising Time) reading the narration to pay special tribute to Moffett Engineering, Monaghan, creators of the Moffett Mounty Truck Mounted Forklift, as invention from 1989 that continues to be successfully sold around the globe.
In congratulating the award winners and complimenting the finalists, Jarlath Sweeney, Group Editor, Fleet Transport, on behalf of the organisers said that “we are very pleased with the high standard of entries and highly professional presentations made at the interviews. Congratulations and best wishes to the winners and well done to all the finalists.” He thanked the various award sponsors and the hotel for their excellent facilities and hospitality.
Also on the night, DAF, MAN, FUSO, Volvo Trucks, Mercedes-Benz, Renault Vans & Ford Pro were recognised in the Fleet Transport Irish Truck and Green Commercials Awards, with Dennison Trailers and Renault Trucks acknowledged in the Trailer and Truck Innovation categories.
The full list of Fleet Transport Irish Haulier of the Year Award 2024 winners are as follows:
