Donlon Logistics Ltd is a fourth-generation family business built on reliability, professionalism and long-term partnerships. From the heart of Ireland, it provides dependable transport and distribution services to businesses that require consistent logistics performance.
From humble beginnings over 125 years ago, Donlon Logistics has become a trusted logistics provider delivering reliable transport solutions to businesses nationwide. Because supply chains depend on time and care, the Longford-based company focuses on consistent service standards, experienced drivers and efficient planning on every job.
The operation is built around professionalism and attention to detail. Therefore, from first collection to final delivery, goods are handled carefully so they arrive safely and on schedule. Donlon Logistics offers a full range of logistics services designed to support pharmaceutical, food and commercial operations across Ireland. By combining transport, storage and nationwide coverage, the Donlon team helps businesses simplify supply chains and improve efficiency.
The main services provided are pharmaceutical logistics services, commercial logistics services, warehousing & distribution and nationwide full load delivery. Donlon Logistics’ warehousing and distribution services allow businesses to store, manage and deliver goods efficiently under one provider. As a result, clients reduce complexity while improving operational performance.
The company supports Ireland’s critical industries by working closely with pharmaceutical manufacturers, food producers, commercial businesses and packing companies that rely on consistent logistics performance. Consequently, its services are tailored to meet industry-specific demands.
Furthermore, Donlon Logistics provides comprehensive full-load daily services across Dublin, Westmeath, Longford, Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Roscommon and Offaly. At the same time, its nationwide full-load delivery service allows clients to move goods anywhere in Ireland with confidence along with weekly trips to the EU and the UK.
“We have been in the business a long time,” Donlon Logistics managing director Mark Donlon proudly states.
“The company was set up by my grandfather John Donlon in 1900 and was passed down to my late father Tony and then to me. It traded under a few different names, including Donlon Couriers and Tony Donlon & Son, before becoming Donlon Logistics. My grandfather started off distributing newspapers and we’re still doing it today along with lots of other things. We specialise in general groupage, logistics and warehousing.
“Warehousing has become a big part of the business. To this end, we have 80,000 sq. ft. of warehousing space, 20,000 sq. ft. of which is temperature-controlled, in a new purpose-built facility. Our central location is one of our biggest selling points.”
Mark adds: “Our business is built on repeat business and long-term relationships going back over 80 and 90 years in some cases. We have a number of clients in the pharma sector. As a company that respects client confidentiality at all times, we do not publicly display client logos or sensitive information. We have earned a strong reputation for trust and performance.”
Donlon Logistics has grown to run a 30-strong fleet and employ 35 people, including Mark’s mother May and wife Deirdre. His children Conor, Gavin and Abigail are also involved. Supporting a reliable, experienced and professional team of uniformed drivers in the office are transport manager Brendan Flaherty, international transport manager Paul Galvin and office manager Jacinta Tiernan.
The Donlon team brings deep industry knowledge to every job. From route planning to delivery execution, they manage each consignment carefully and professionally. Moreover, they place strong emphasis on punctuality, communication and safe handling so clients always know their goods are in reliable hands.
As part of its ongoing fleet replenishment programme, Donlon Logistics recently took delivery of three stunning new Scania trucks from Westward Scania in Strokestown. They are a P320 B4x2 curtainsider, a P460 B4x2 curtainsider and a 660S A4x2. With their striking white / silver livery, they are a real head-turner.
“We try to keep the fleet fresh to ensure our customers get the best possible service. None of our vehicles are more than four-years-old,” the affable Longford man explains.
“We take great pride in the appearance of our trucks which are always immaculately turned out. The trucks are washed daily on-site where we have our own truck wash. We enjoy a long-standing relationship with Westward going back to 1999 when we bought our first P230 off them. We’ve bought at least one truck off them every year since then.
“We also enjoy an excellent relationship with our other main suppliers. We recently purchased a new Iveco curtain side van from Long Haul Commercials in Tullamore and have been dealing with them since 1988. We buy our curtainside trailers from Dennison Trailers in Naas – we’re running 15 of them at the moment – our Volkswagen and Nissan vans from O’Reilly & Sons in Longford, and our Schmidt box vans from Shaw Commercials in Castlebar. We also recently bought a refrigerated trailer from them.
“We have 30 vehicles between vans and lorries. The breakdown is roughly 10 artics, 10 rigids and 10 vans.”
In summary, businesses trust Donlon Logistics because of their reliable, professional delivery standards, experienced Irish logistics team, pharma-graded handling processes, integrated warehousing & distribution, nationwide coverage and discreet client relationships.
As the successful and long-standing family business continues to go from strength to strength, Mark would like to take this opportunity to thank his clients and suppliers for their unwavering support as well as his top-class team for their hard work, dedication and expertise.
Donlon Logistics Ltd
Little Water Street,
Longford.
Telephone: +353 (0)43 334 2773 / +353 (0)87 259 9499
Email: [email protected]
First published in Irish Trucker magazine September/October 2026, Vol 29-5
