Top 7 Haulage Companies in Northern Ireland: A Comprehensive Review

It becomes quite a headache to move goods and furniture. It is true, especially in the case of cross-border or inter-state transportation. Haulage companies can be the saviour in such circumstances. They make transportation easy and smooth through different trailers, trucks, etc.

Northern Ireland has a good market for such companies. This piece focuses on the best haulage companies in Northern Ireland. Understand how these companies have evolved into the modern haulage industry giants.

Top 7 Haulage Companies in Northern Ireland

1. Mar-Train Heavy Haulage Ltd.

This company came into existence in 1978. Being the first among the haulage companies in Northern Ireland, it began operations with modular equipment. However, during the last 23 years, its business has been a huge success. They have a robust customer base and 20 units at present. It began flourishing more in 1993 while working on wind farm components transportation and heavy haulage elements.

Now, the company’s area stretches for 2 acres. It has 22 drivers, six transport staff, four accounts officers, and others. The fleet is also a huge one now. The family-run organization experienced a hike of 51.1% in its total turnover from the last year. So, 31.4% is the average gross profit margin in the current year.

Services offered: specializing in tackling abnormal loads, transporting wind farm components, etc.

Geographical Coverage: Ireland, Europe, the UK

Cost and Pricing Structure: Depends on the services

Strengths and critical differentiators: Commitment to prompt and quality services, attention to customer grievances, meeting all kinds of transportation requirements for heavy loads, etc.

Customer Review: It offers one of the best transportation facilities at reasonable costs

2. Alex Godfrey Transport

Alex Godfrey started this company in 2000. It started the journey with traction but slowly shifted to machinery haulage. Godfrey’s wife looked after all other essential aspects of the company, such as accounts, permits, administration, etc.

Currently, it has a wide range of fleets, including Euroliner, Lowbed loaders, Flat trailers, etc. It constantly strives to make the customers happy. It also complies with the legal requirements and permits to carry the load.

Services offered: specialist in Low loaders and machinery haulage

Geographical Coverage: Ireland, the UK

Cost and Pricing Structure: varies according to the size of the load and destination

Strengths and critical differentiators: Personally customised services, bulk organisation of vehicles, general haulage, etc.

Customer Review: I was very lucky to connect with Alex Godfrey Transport. It transported all my heavy goods to the warehouse in Northern Ireland at nominal charges.

3. Anderson Haulage Ltd.

Anderson Haulage Ltd. is one of the notable haulage companies in Northern Ireland. It has created a strong position in the industry by performing excellently during the last 40 years. It is famous for providing cost-effective services, focusing on five primary areas for haulage. Today, Anderson is the largest privately owned haulage company in Northern Ireland. It is a valid company with the necessary licenses.

Services offered: specialist in demolition, site clearance, lorry and plant hire, road haulage, etc.

Geographical Coverage: Ireland, England

Cost and Pricing Structure: Changes as per the services

Strengths and key differentiators: largest demolition contractors in Northern Ireland, committed to 5 areas like bulk excavations, site clearance, construction line, comprehensive insurance, etc.

Customer Review: “Great drivers, and nothing is a problem. An absolute pleasure to deal with this company.” – Gavin Harvey (Google Reviews)

4. Birds Groupage Services Ltd.

This company offers diverse transportation solutions that meet customer needs. It operates on the policy of “just in time”, thus fulfilling the customer’s demands timely. Moreover, the staff is excellent in handling the workload and stock control. They have a strong network of automotive and industrial dealers.

Services offered: specialist in LTL full load, distribution, container handling, cross-docking, stock control, etc.

Geographical Coverage: Ireland, the UK, Frankfurt, Paris, Brussels

Cost and Pricing Structure: Quotes are available upon request

Strengths and key differentiators: Air Freight security of Cat IV is available, and the staff gets training for that. It is superb in giving on-time delivery.

Customer Review: My experience in freight and haulage was excellent through this company. Of course, they give all the facilities to satisfy the customers.

5. Blevins

A professional team is there behind the existence of Blevins. For decades, the company is catering to the specific requirements of all customers. Moreover, the staff is well-trained and experienced.

It has 24-hour manning with solid security. The modern warehousing stretches for around 15000 square feet. The long range of services varies from logistic outsourcing to complete transportation. In the last year, the annual revenue of this company was about $1.4 million, with 215 employees working dedicatedly to increase profits.

Services offered: road haulage distribution, timber haulage, heavy loads, tail lift vehicles, logistics, refrigerated vans, etc.

Geographical Coverage: Ireland, the UK

Cost and Pricing Structure: Available on inquiry

Strengths and critical differentiators: Commitment to commercial distribution and supply of enthusiastic team to handle different sizes of loads.

Customer Review: “The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. They truly care for their customers”- Todd Palmer (Google Reviews)

6. Beattie Transport Services

In 1985, Stephen, Andrew and Walter Beattie created this company as a small enterprise. The primary aim of this family-run business was to provide premium services only to clients. It is a certified company now, with well-trained staff. Furthermore, they have worked only on the motto of “anything, anytime, and anywhere”. Hence, it has grown profusely throughout these years.

Services offered: specialising in aviation security, distribution, forwarding and warehousing, freight and parcel, step frame loaders, 24-hour Irish pallet network, etc.

Geographical Coverage: Ireland, Europe

Cost and Pricing Structure: Competitive rates vary depending on the services

Strengths and key differentiators: Experience of more than 30 years, competitive prices, excellent feedback from customers, better customer management system, a fleet of modern vehicles, same-day delivery, etc.

Customer Review: “It is the best transport company I ever used in my 30 years in distribution.” – Kaf Henderson (Facebook)

7. Cambell Heavy Haulage

This is one of the top-class haulage companies in Northern Ireland. It specialises in handling abnormal loads with cost-efficient solutions. It is a division of Cambell Transport. David Campbell formed this company. As per the 2023 records, the company reported a turnover of around £445 thousand.

Services offered: specialist in offering quick and efficient transportation, handling abnormal loads, and plant and machinery.

Geographical Coverage: Ireland, Europe

Cost and Pricing Structure: Depends on the services

Strengths and key differentiators: It can carry loads up to 150 tonnes, large items on commercial vehicles, vehicle recovery escort service, etc.

Customer Review: It is a great unit and looks very professional. (Classic Machinery Network)

The Evolution of Haulage Companies: From Past to Present

Present-day logistics are hugely different from past times. The transportation system was not as advanced as people used to travel on foot. However, they used different animals to travel long distances, like horses, ponies, mules, bullock carts, etc.

The concept of carriages arrived in England in 1600. The 1700s and 1800s saw more developments in the roads and runways built for easy transportation. During World War I, Germany introduced the first lorry in the world. Thus, the revolution for automobiles started gradually.

More than six lakh trucks started running on the UK roads by 1960. Eventually, it became a dependable sector. Swannells Transport, formed in 1981, was the first lorry producer, and ruled for 40 long years. With time, many advancements came, and finally, we got the latest models of trucks that most haulage companies run today.

Conclusion

The haulage companies in Northern Ireland have a rich history. They cater to the customers’ unique demands and make transportation an effortless affair.

Moreover, Haulage companies are building solid empires all over the world. They play a vital role in the transportation business. I hope this article gave you insights on the top companies in this field.