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“On a VMI [vendor managed inventory] basis,


we deal with no less than 25 of our client’s international and European suppliers. We store parts in our bonded warehouses and deliver them each day directly to our customer’s factory. Products are literally on its doorstep, and we ensure that inventory is on hand to eliminate the risk of non-delivery.” Shauneen McConville, sales director at TR


Logistics, noted that working in tandem with its employees – “our key attribute” – is the company’s bespoke, in-house designed IT system. “It works in real time and is specific to each


supplier: we consult with the end user and supplier to find out what information they need; this is not just another off-the-shelf solution,” she said.


McConville (left) and McKeown outline TR Logistics’ diversified portfolio


Adding value


Northern Ireland-based TR Logistics Group has carved out a very particular niche for itself in today’s highly competitive marketplace – and took away BIFA’s latest Specialist Services Award as a result


Managing director Paul McKeown explained: “TR Logistics was founded 50 years ago, initially providing traditional freight forwarding services – international, European and domestic imports and exports. That evolved to us introducing our own in-house Customs clearance division and the next natural progression was into general warehousing and specialist bonded facilities.”


Bigger solution This began as an ad hoc temporary operation. However, ten years ago, TR Logistics went on to develop a bigger solution for one customer – a major Northern Ireland forklift manufacturer. “Our client needed to increase its production


but its shop floor was full of finished forklifts waiting to be shipped, so it required somewhere to store them. We formed a company called Tracco Logistics to do this,” McKeown said. “The circumstances and needs of our


customer required innovation and we delivered. We began to hold inventory and deliver to the factory.


14 A unique situation


Located just 40 miles away from the border with the Republic of Ireland, TR Logistics is, naturally, concerned about the potential consequences of Brexit. Indeed, McConville, representing BIFA, is


the regional chair for Northern Ireland and sits on the association’s Customs policy group. She considered: “I am ever the optimist. We have to hope for the best and prepare for the worst – and we have the capacity to do that.” TR Logistics is consulting with its


customers about risk management in the uncertain climate surrounding Brexit. Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) is an accreditation recognised within the UK and Europe and may benefit those who hold the certification after the UK leaves the EU, McConville pointed out.


Part of the process TR Logistics (through its subsidiary, Tracco) has taken further steps to specialise in order to add value for its forklift-manufacturing customer. Arranging the shipping of tyres from Sri Lanka and wheel rims from the Czech Republic, it provides a bespoke solution of tyre assembly. “We have qualified fitters working on 300


tyres a day for direct, same-day delivery to the factory,” McKeown confirmed. “We have progressed, from traditional freight


forwarder to VMI, and now to being part of the process of manufacturing. Pre-inspection and quality checks are a value add-on. Where and when attention is required, we introduce our engineers, identify concerns and address them without compromising supplier or customer,” he added. McConville is keen to point out that TR


Logistics and the tyre vendor, working off the customer’s specifications, will resolve any issues. Plus: “These goods are still in bond, so we also work in complete compliance with HMRC.”


Quality requirements Furthermore, TR Logistics must satisfy the quality requirements of the global tyre manufacturer involved in the process; its success rate to date stands at 99.98%. McConville concluded: “We are very proud of


our freight forwarder roots. But with these services, we have diversified and added value.” Both McConville and McKeown noted that


winning the Specialist Services Award demonstrates that TR Logistics, an independent small to medium-sized enterprise, is more than adept at competing with global logistics brand names. The awards also help to promote the logistics industry in general, they said


September 2018


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