Trunwit Transport celebrates 55 years on the road
23/06/2025
Celebrating 55 years in business, Trunwit Transport Ltd is a leading family-run haulage business based in Bandon, Co. Cork which continues to go from strength to strength.
The milestone is tinged with sadness, however, following the passing of Denis Trunwit last November. Denis ran the business along with his late brother Christy – who founded the West Cork operation in 1970 – for many years. He instilled a passion for the transport industry in his sons Niall, Noel, Sean, Denis Jnr and Ger, and daughter Caroline, who are all involved in Trunwit Transport today and are committed to maintaining his core values of honesty, integrity, reliability, team-work and respect.
“We were heartbroken to lose dad on November 4 last at the age of 86,” office manager Caroline says.
“He was predeceased by our mother Mary in July 2022 and that was a huge blow to him. He loved mam very much and wasn’t the same person after she passed. But he kept going and was doing van deliveries up until five weeks before his death.
“We were very privileged to have great parents and such a wonderful upbringing. Dad was a super person. He was young at heart. He had a sharp mind and was always willing and eager to learn about the latest technologies. He was a strong and very independent man who is greatly missed by not just his family, but everyone who knew him.
“Himself and Christy – who is 28 years deceased – grew the business from nothing. They always went the extra mile for their customers. It’s now up to the next generation to keep it going and build on what they achieved.”
Caroline adds: “There are seven of us in the family and six of us are involved. It’s a real family affair. Being a family business, we’re able to offer a personal touch that you just don’t get from bigger companies. We enjoy a great rapport with our customers and are always at the end of the phone.”
Specialising in all aspects of general haulage, including tipper, tanker, curtain-sider and flat work, Trunwit Transport runs a modern fleet of 18 trucks and 40 trailers. The company employs 16 people, including the six family members. Most of the team are drivers. As well as being reliable and experienced, they are ADR qualified for the carriage of dangerous goods by roads. This ensures all your hazardous ADR cargo is handled safely and legally.
The latest addition to the all-Volvo fleet is a stunning Volvo FM13 460 6x2 which was purchased from McCarthy Commercials at the start of 2025 as part of a yearly refresh and fleet growth strategy. Trunwit Transport’s relationship with McCarthy’s goes back over 50 years to 1974 when it took delivery of its first Volvo from the Watergrasshill-based dealership. Decked out in the company’s trademark green and white livery, the new truck bears the distinctive registration, 251-C-2025.
“We swear by Volvo,” Caroline explains.
“Volvo have been good to us over the years. We’ve never had a problem with them. They require less maintenance, are economical and are comfortable to drive.
“We buy one new truck every year and two some years. We try to keep our fleet as fresh as possible. The fleet is maintained and serviced inhouse as well as by the main dealers. Each truck is fitted with satellite tracking, giving our customers further peace of mind.”
Trunwit Transport’s exceptional service and fleet ensures every load reaches its destination safely and on time. It goes without saying that each truck is immaculately turned out. Ger’s son Christopher, who is sitting his Leaving Cert this year, takes great pride in polishing and cleaning the vintage trucks in the fleet.
DPD are Trunwit Transport’s largest customers. The company’s green livery evolved from its association with Heineken which goes back over 50 years when it was known as Murphy's Brewery. The Trunwit's have also been working with the Carbery Group for over half a century.
“We draw malt barley from Boortmalt in Athy to Heineken in Cork for brewing. We’re also running six trucks with double-decked trailers every night from Cork to Athlone for DPD.
“Other good customers of ours include Irish Pioneer Works in Cork, Acorn Water, who are another family-run business in Bandon, Cronin & Buckley in Ovens, Donpack Industrial Packaging & Logistics in Bandon, Provimi in Naas, GP Wood Sawmills in Enniskeane, TJ Crowley in Bandon, Sean O’Connell Tyres (Wholesale) in Cork and Redman Fisher in Dublin. We have a wide range of trailers to cater for every job.”
In summary, Trunwit Transport prides itself on its professional, dependable, trustworthy, value-for-money and personal service. The family would like to take this opportunity to thank their clients and suppliers for their continued support as well as their drivers for their dedication, hard work and expertise.
Here's to the next 55 years!
Trunwit Transport Ltd
Allen Square,
Bandon,
Co Cork.
Phone: (023) 884 1306.
First published in Irish Trucker magazine May/June 2025, Vol 28-3
