Kenny Transport - one of the best in the West

02/03/2023

Specialising in sand and gravel, low-loader, abnormal loads and crane hire, Kenny Transport (Willie Kenny & Sons Transport Ltd) provides a top-class haulage service to a growing client-base in the West of Ireland and beyond.

Based in Claregalway, Co. Galway, the company was established in 1980 by Willie Kenny Snr. His son, Willie Jnr, took over the reins in 2000 and has overseen significant growth with the business now running 15 trucks and 38 trailers, and employing 14 drivers. Kenny Transport has earned an enviable reputation for reliability, efficiency and value-for-money.

Kenny Transport’s exceptional service and fleet ensure every load reaches its destination safely and on time. The immaculately turned-out fleet is instantly recognisable thanks to its white cabs with blue graphics. Willie operates 14 tractor units and one HIAB rigid which are split evenly between Volvo and Scania. His trailers are a mix of OKM, SDC, Montracon trombones and Dennison flats, Kassbohrer and Schmitz tippers. He runs Nooteboom low-loaders and Dennison step-frames. He recently took delivery of two new OKM 45ft flat trailers from Trailer Store in Naas and has two more tractor units and four more flat trailers ordered for January 2023.

“We continue to invest heavily in our fleet to ensure our customers get the best possible service and that there is no such thing as downtime. We have expanded our trailer count in the last 10 years and continue to go from strength to strength,” Willie says.

The fleet is maintained and serviced inhouse as well as by the main dealers. These include Murphy Commercials in Galway (Volvo) and Cawley Commercials in Sligo (Scania). The Galway firm can offer trailers ranging from 30ft to 100ft (extendable) in length and also has two HIAB cranes dedicated to industrial lifting.

Willie’s biggest customer by far is Kilsaran who are recognised as Ireland’s leading supplier of innovative concrete products for home and construction projects, including concrete, paving and asphalt supplies. Kenny Transport is at both ends of the supply chain to Kilsaran’s Oranmore plant, drawing in the raw material and drawing out the finished product.

“The work we do for Kilsaran accounts for about 75% of our business,” he explains.
“We draw in the sand, gravel and aggregate that goes into making the hollowcore floors and walls which we also draw out. With the construction sector going well at the moment, we’re extremely busy with the line of work.”
Kenny Transport are experts in the movement of office and shipping containers which they supply, hire and sell – both new and second-hand – to customers across the West of Ireland. Willie and his highly-qualified team of professional drivers can look after everything from permit procurement to escorting and heavy load management. They pride themselves on having the knowledge, expertise and equipment to ensure that the most secure and effective movement of abnormal, wide and long loads is provided.
Kenny Transport are also experts in transportation of all abnormal loads and have trailers to suit any requirements by customers. Being a qualified toolmaker by trade, Willie has a passion for industrial lifting with his experience of precision engineering.

No job is too big or too small for the company which has carved out a niche for itself in this very specialised sector.

“We’re a one-stop-shop for all your abnormal load needs,” the affable haulier continues.

“We have escort vehicles and a range of trailers to suit all requirements. Our crane lorries can follow our tractor units and trailers for loading and unloading. We lift, fit and install, and have the wherewithal to relocate a large number of office / shipping containers, portacabins and prefabs in a short space of time.

“Many of the jobs we take on require a lot of planning, preparation and attention to detail. Our drivers are well-versed in Health & Safety and are qualified banksmen. Our policy is ‘zero tolerance, zero accidents’. There are no shortcuts taken.”

Kenny Transport retains and attracts new clients by providing a service that is second to none.

“It’s all down to our commitment to offering complete customer satisfaction. Being a family business, we’re able to offer a personal touch that you just don’t get from the large haulage companies. We enjoy a great rapport with our customers and are always at the end of the phone. We go the extra mile for them and they recognise that.

“We’re very busy in Galway and are also involved in projects in Dublin and Cork.”

Willie suffered a great loss in February 2021 when his beloved wife Karen passed away after a long illness bravely borne. Karen was also adored by her children Kian, Sean and Ava, and was a huge support to her husband in the family business.

Passionate about haulage, Willie would like to take this opportunity to thank his clients and suppliers for their continued support as well as his drivers for their dedication, hard work and skill.

Kenny Transport

Kiltrogue,
Claregalway,
Co. Galway,
H91 A2W8.

Telephone: 087 2361865

Email: [email protected]
Facebook: www.facebook.com/KennyTransportGalway
Website: www.kennytransport.com

First published in Irish Trucker magazine Vol 26 No 1, January/February 2023