Michael Carr Transport hits the ground running
16/12/2024
Michael Carr Transport is a young and vibrant transport and logistics solutions provider operating from Ballina, Co. Mayo.
Specialising in general haulage, groupage, refrigerated transport and hazardous goods, Michael Carr Transport has quickly found its feet after three years in business. An old head on young shoulders, Michael Carr set up the business after seeing an opening for another transport company in the West of Ireland in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I had been working for my uncle and namesake of Michael Carr Foods in Ballina since I left school doing daily deliveries for him in a rigid lorry. I was doing that for the best part of 14 years when I saw an opportunity to go out on my own. There was a lot of freight moving during and after Covid, so I went out and bought a truck and a fridge trailer. I’ve always had a passion for the industry and it was always in my head to go out on my own. I had the opportunity at that time to go for it and haven’t looked back since,” the 32-year-old says.
Michael now runs three tractor units which transport everything from frozen foods to timber frame houses. He still has his first lorry, a 2006-reg Scania R420, along with a 2011-reg Scania R560 and a 152-reg Scania R450. His trailers consist of a Gray & Adams refrigerated unit, two flats, a curtainsider and a low loader, while he also runs a Volkswagen Caddy van.
“Having my name on my own truck was always something I dreamed of and seeing the fleet grow is a great feeling,” Michael says.
“I bought my first truck off Sean Maher Haulage in Roscrea, Co. Tipperary,” he remembers.
“I purchased the Gray & Adams fridge trailer straight after that from a haulier in Donegal. I bought the R560 from another haulier in Longford and the R450 from David Larkin Transport in Claremorris. I’ve gradually built up the fleet and brought the three trucks to this year’s Tipperary Truck Show in Dualla. It’s always a great show and I was delighted to support it, especially as I’ve done a lot of work down in that part of the country.”
Michael takes great pride in the appearance of his fleet. With their striking blue and silver livery, they are a real head-turner. Each truck carries his daughter's name, Sofia-Rose. It gives him a great sense of pride seeing her name beside his own. “Sofia is 10-years-old now and is a great help around the yard. She’s not afraid to get her hands dirty,“ he points out.
“How your vehicles look says everything about your company. If they are clean and well presented, it gives a good impression.
“It would be remiss of me not to mention Alan Culkin of Kevin Culkin Commercials in Ballina for keeping our vehicles running smoothly and ensuring there is no such thing as downtime.”
Michael’s valued clients include West Coast Express, OX Timber Frame and Moy Transport. Owned by Brian O'Malley, West Coast Express is a leading courier operator in the West, offering a next-day pallet collection and delivery service in Ireland along with an express 48-hour import / export service to and from the UK.
Fronted by Pat Doherty, OX Timber Frame is a specialist in timber frame construction and pyrite remediation, while Moy Transport offers a specialist courier service covering the North, West and Midland regions.
“I’ve forged strong working relationships with my clients and they have been very good to me in return. The bulk of our work involves daily runs between Mayo and Dublin. It’s all refrigerated, low loader and curtainsider work,” the affable Ballina man explains.
Michael Carr Transport’s qualified drivers are fully licensed and insured to transport goods of any size safely and reliably to their destination. Furthermore, Michael and his drivers are also ADR qualified for the carriage of dangerous goods by roads. This ensures all your hazardous ADR cargo is handled safely and legally.
“We pride ourselves on our professional, friendly, reliable and value-for-money service. As a small business, we can also offer our clients a more personalised service. When you ring the phone, you deal directly with me. There’s no middle man. We’re very flexible and are always willing to go the extra mile for our customers. No job is too big or too small.”
As a young owner-driver, Michael knows just how difficult it can be to get insured. That’s why he’s grateful to Howden Insurance Brokers for covering him.
“It wasn’t easy to get insured, I can tell you. But my LGV and HGV experience with Michael Carr Foods stood to me.”
As his fledgling business continues to go from strength to strength, Michael would like to take this opportunity to thank his clients and suppliers for their unwavering support as well as his drivers and brother Daryl – who looks after the administration side of things – for their dedication and expertise.
Finally, Michael would like to extend a special thanks to his partner Sarah-Jane for her help and constant support throughout his journey. ”As many truck drivers will know, trying to balance your personal and work-life is difficult, so having her continuous support makes all the difference,” he concludes.
Michael Carr Transport
Gurteens,
Ballina,
Co. Mayo.
Telephone: 087 190 8910
Email: [email protected]
First published in Irish Trucker magazine November/December 2024, Vol 27-6
