“Delivering whenever and wherever you need us” –is the motto of our transport team. Today we are proud to shine a spotlight on the work they do to safely deliver and collect our plant and equipment in line with our clients’ requirements. The team works extremely hard to provide regular transport services across the country with our company values in mind and a keen eye on how to adopt innovations to drive sustainability and value.
We met the team who are based in our head office in Wembley, John and Amalia, and spoke with Raj from our Manchester depot. Read on to hear about their most challenging moments at work, what makes the Flannery transport team stand out and to check which way they eat their scones (no harsh judgements please)!
What does the Flannery transport department do?
John: We deliver and collect all our plant, equipment and related items across the UK and Ireland, in line with customer requirements and being mindful of our role in creating efficiencies both for us and our clients.
Raj: Internally we work together with the hire team and the transport planners to make sure that the vehicles are up to date with DVSA standards and ensure Flannery maintain their accreditation to the highest standard.
Which areas does Flannery transport service cover?
Amalia: With Flannery depots spread around the whole of the UK and Ireland, we have maximised our service coverage to 96% nationwide.
John: Funnily enough I was looking at the tracker screen the other day and we had trucks in Penzance, Great Yarmouth, Dunbeath, which is at the top of Scotland, and County Kildare, Ireland, as well as everywhere in-between, truly national coverage.
Is there anything that makes the Flannery transport team stand out?
John: There are many things that make Flannery Transport Team stand out. Focus, dedication, professionalism, willingness to go that extra mile, ability to think on their feet and overcome challenges thrown at them. A great bunch of people to work with as well as being the most handsome bunch of people in the plant transport that you will find. When it comes to technology for safety and to drive efficiency, we are a long way ahead of the game. From the use of new vehicles and advanced fleet telematics to camera systems, as a business, we have wholeheartedly embraced vehicle technology.
Amalia: We are proud that our lorry drivers are all highly qualified through specific trainings such as CPC certification, Loading and Unloading of Plant, Slinging and Securing. With in-house courses, toolbox talks, and briefings, we ensure that our drivers are fully prepared and offer delivery in a highly professional manner.
Raj: Committing to support a cleaner environment, we aim for all our lorries to have full loads to avoid unproductive travelling. Working with all internal and external teams ensures our vehicles and drivers are kept on the road and delivering a high standard for our customers.
Top-3 facts we should know about Flannery transport?
Raj: We are FORS GOLD accredited and CLOCS Champions.
John: We carry out over 44,000 plant movements in an average year.
Amalia: We invest in the latest technology, all our HGVs are Euro 6, fully compliant with Class V and VI mirrors, fitted with anti-idling systems, 360 camera systems, direct vision panels, close proximity sensors, etc. And of course, we are truly intelligent individuals. It is four already!
What have you found most challenging in your work?
Raj: Since I have been with the company since June 2020, I am just getting used to all the different innovative technology Flannery uses, however, I understand them more now and continue to learn new things each day.
John: Being able to find and fully exploit new technologies that add value to the business and for our customers.
Amalia: I enjoy challenges, so for me, it would be facing with not enough hours in a day!
The biggest achievement of your job at Flannery?
Amalia: One of my biggest achievement is gaining my Transport Manager CPC qualification after working one year in transport compliance.
Raj: Coming from a construction/logistics training background and five generations within the transport industry, I feel I have brought additional support and processes both internally and externally to the transport department.
John: Making our transport operation one of the best in the haulage world, not just plant hire.
What would you advise to people who are joining this industry?
Amalia: The industry is constantly evolving I would advise them to always be on top of the game and have knowledge of the latest technologies.
John: Come with an open mind, embrace new technologies, be prepared to work hard, and enjoy every moment.
Raj: The construction & Transport sector is a highly skilled and rewarding industry and a lot more hi-tech then it was a few years ago. It is a great opportunity for school leavers who are thinking about apprenticeships as their next move, to join a demanding and innovative sector.
The final question! What is the right way to eat scones: clotted cream on top or below the jam?
Amalia: Clotted cream on top!
Raj: Clotted cream on top definitely.
John: Having been privileged to attend one of the Queens Garden parties I can inform you that it is jam first at Buckingham Palace. If that is how the Royals take their scones, then it is good enough for me!
