Feature, Forwarding, Freight News, Logistics

Europa sets up Ulster arm

[ October 4, 2018   //   Chris ]

Pan-European groupage and logistics specialist Europa has made an entry into the Northern Ireland international market, opening a new office in Belfast and starting regular daily services into its main Dartford hub. It is working with County Fermanagh-based haulier Liam Connolly who provide collection and delivery services throughout , operating from a 135,000sq ft purpose-built facility in Lisnaskea.

Branch network and sales director Dionne Redpath believes that Northern Ireland is to some extent an untapped market. “There are other services, but many run typically only 2-3 times a week, whereas we want to give manufacturers here a daily connection,” she states.

The pick-up and delivery service provided by Liam Connolly and the regular double-manned trunk to Dartford – which operates via the Dublin-Holyhead crossing – means that Ulster-originating goods will face a maximum 48-hour connection time before loading onto Europa’s regular groupage services to all parts of Europe.

Liam Connolly was selected as partner, not only because of the operator’s complete coverage of Northern Ireland but also its IT offering and willingness to integrate with Europa’s system, says Redpath. “There were many opportunities for distribution partners, but the key for us was being IT literate, with agile systems and a similar service ethos to ourselves.”

Europa is in the process of recruiting a Northern Ireland team. Dan Rodgers, seconded from Europa’s Minworth base, is branch manager, aided by Eddie Cotter. “We’re recruited four staff already, but we intend to double that number,” Redpath explains.

The Northern Ireland office will also offer full loads and Europa’s Air & Sea forwarding services, direct from local Irish ports and airports if desired.

(More in the Ireland report in the next printed version of FBJ – FBJ 7 2018 – due out in late October.)

Tags: Europa