In a significant step towards addressing the pressing challenges facing Northern Ireland’s logistics sector, a delegation of key industry representatives met with Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins MLA at S&W Wholesale in Newry. The delegation included Maire Claire Reid, Managing Director of TST Group and Chairperson of Logistics UK’s Northern Ireland Freight Council; Graham Patchett, Council Vice Chair from Musgrave; Clive Whylie, Council Member from S&W Wholesale; Nichola Mallon, Head of Trade and Devolved Policy for Logistics UK and Anthony McVeigh, from S&W Wholesale who kindly hosted the gathering at their Newry facilities.
A Vital Industry Seeking Support
The logistics sector plays a crucial role in Northern Ireland’s economy, with almost 8% of the total workforce employed in logistics roles and over 65,000 logistics businesses operating across the region. As Nichola Mallon, Head of Trade and Devolved Policy for Logistics UK, highlighted, “The sector underpins the economy and drives trade. It is renowned for its resilience, but the sector could achieve so much more with support from government.”
The representatives engaged in productive discussions with the Minister and her team on a range of critical issues that are currently impacting the industry. The meeting format allowed for an open dialogue about the challenges faced by logistics companies across Northern Ireland, with each industry representative offering valuable insights from their respective areas of expertise.
Key Challenges Discussed
The meeting addressed several pressing concerns for the logistics sector:
Skills Shortage
The industry is grappling with significant workforce challenges, including the high insurance costs for young drivers that create barriers to entry for new talent in the sector. Maire Claire emphasised the need for government initiatives to attract and retain skilled professionals in logistics.
Infrastructure Investment
Adequate transport infrastructure is essential for the efficient movement of goods. The delegation discussed the current limitations in Northern Ireland’s infrastructure and the need for strategic investment to support the logistics network.
Decarbonisation Pathways
As Maire Claire Reid has previously outlined, transport accounts for approximately 20% of Northern Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions, making it the second-highest emitting sector after agriculture. Unlike other sectors, transport emissions have risen by an estimated 21.5% since 1990.
The delegation discussed the unique challenges Northern Ireland faces in this area, including:
Infrastructure Limitations: The need for significant investment in energy infrastructure to support low-carbon fuel production and facilitate modal shifts
Regulatory Ambiguity: The uncertainties businesses face due to overlapping international and local regulations
Financial Constraints: The high upfront costs of adopting zero-emission vehicles, particularly challenging for SMEs
Windsor Framework Agreement
The newly implemented Windsor Framework, which governs the movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, was also a key topic of discussion. With the framework having gone live on May 1st, 2025, businesses are navigating the dual-lane system that differentiates between goods destined for Northern Ireland and those bound for the European Union.
The delegation stressed the importance of clear guidance and support for logistics companies adapting to these new customs procedures.
Moving Forward Together
Speaking after the meeting, Maire Claire commented, “It was great to meet with Minister Liz Kimmins MLA and her team from the Department for Infrastructure. We emphasised the necessity of receiving extra support from government that our industry so greatly requires.”
She added, “These are only a few of the challenges that many logistics companies are facing on a daily basis, including myself within my role as Managing Director at TST Group, so I feel it is extra important that I can be a voice for our industry through my tenure as Chair of NI Freight Council for Logistics UK.”
The meeting represents an important step in strengthening the dialogue between the logistics industry and policymakers. As Northern Ireland continues to navigate complex economic, environmental, and regulatory landscapes, such collaboration will be essential in developing solutions that support both the logistics sector and the wider economy.
Minister Kimmins expressed appreciation for the insights provided and acknowledged the vital role the logistics sector plays in Northern Ireland’s economic prosperity. Both parties have committed to ongoing dialogue to address these challenges constructively.
Storm Daragh. Storm Eowyn. These two recent weather events, and two very clear warnings: extreme weather is no longer the exception — it’s becoming the rule.
Now is the time for FMCG suppliers, retailers, and manufacturers — particularly those dependent on shipping between Ireland and the UK — to reflect on how stock is managed throughout the year. For many, this may involve updating their business continuity plan to include stock consolidation strategies that go beyond seasonal peaks and account for wider, ongoing risks.
Climate Disruption is the New Normal
According to Ireland’s Climate Change Advisory Council, the country must “scale up preparations” for increasingly frequent and severe weather events due to global warming (Irish Times, March 2025). The United Nations’ latest climate report also confirms that 2024 saw record-breaking weather disruptions, impacting infrastructure and supply chains on a global scale.
Logistics UK noted in its 2024 end-of-year report that supply chain interruptions due to weather accounted for 18% of reported delays across the UK and Ireland — up from 11% the previous year.
The European Environment Agency warns that failure to adapt supply chain infrastructure to climate volatility could result in an annual EU-wide cost of €170 billion by 2050.
For businesses operating across the Irish Sea, this is not an abstract threat. It’s operational risk — happening in real time.
Lessons from Storms Daragh & Eowyn
In November, Holyhead Port — a key artery for Ireland-UK freight — was seriously damaged and closed for weeks. With 60% of freight passing through this route, rerouting shipments added significant time, cost, and complexity. The Irish Times reported that many hauliers were forced to increase rates by up to 30% to facilitate re-routing and associated costs, with this impact ultimately being passed along the chain to consumers.
Storm Eowyn caused widespread disruption across road and sea transport networks, highlighting the vulnerability of key infrastructure during extreme weather events. Fallen trees, flooding, and debris blocked key transport routes, while high winds led to ferry cancellations and delays across the Irish Sea. These disruptions affected scheduled deliveries, created backlogs, and limited the movement of goods between Ireland and the UK, putting further pressure on time-sensitive supply chains.
A Wake-Up Call For Businesses Reliant On Supply Chains
Most FMCG companies already plan around seasonal peaks — Christmas, Easter, or major promotions. But when events like Daragh or Eowyn hit, the traditional playbook isn’t enough.
Business Continuity Planning for Severe Weather, should include
Assessing the high-level impact of weather disruptions on operations and finances.
Consulting suppliers and logistics partners on their resilience planning.
Evaluation of the availability of buffer stock and alternative supply lines.
Consider how customer demand might shift during a weather emergency — e.g. the demand for essential goods may surge.
If your business relies on “just in time” inventory or long lead times
through vulnerable routes, then you’re exposed.
Stock Consolidation as a Strategic Advantage
At TST Group, we believe that warehousing is not just about storage — it’s about resilience. Stock consolidation at our facilities can help protect your supply chain in several key ways:
Mitigate Delays: Keep a proportion of key stock closer to market to reduce risk from port closures or ferry cancellations.
Ensure Availability: With TST Group offering multi-site warehousing throughout Ireland and the UK, you’re better placed to fulfil customer demand even when transit is disrupted.
Control Costs: Avoid the reactive expenses of emergency shipping, last-minute third-party storage, or loss of sales due to stockouts.
Plan with Confidence: Integrate warehousing into a proactive continuity strategy that flexes with seasonal demand and extreme events.
Why Companies Choose TST Group
We work with manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers across the food and drink, household, and personal care categories. Many of our clients operate multi-channel models and need speed, flexibility, and certainty — no matter the weather.
Our warehousing solutions are:
Temperature-controlled and ambient, suitable for a wide range of FMCG goods.
Strategically located, reducing dependency on single transport corridors.
Scalable, with the capacity to support long-term planning or short-term contingencies.
Continuity is Competitive Advantage
The past 12 months have shown that businesses who plan ahead are the ones who maintain service levels and protect customer trust. Stock consolidation isn’t just a box to tick for the next peak season — it’s a core part of staying competitive in an unpredictable climate.
In the evolving world of logistics and freight services, speed, reliability, and strategic positioning are crucial. At TST Group, we excel in providing next-day freight and overnight delivery solutions, setting us apart in a competitive market where traditional carriers often fall short. Our unique service offering not only meets the growing demand for rapid deliveries but also enhances the logistical capabilities of businesses across the UK, Ireland, and Europe.
Maximising Northern Ireland’s Strategic Position
Post-Brexit, Northern Ireland offers a unique advantage for UK companies looking to distribute goods to the EU and Ireland. By storing products in Northern Ireland, businesses can benefit from unfettered access to both the UK and EU markets, reduced customs complexities, and streamlined logistics. With simplified trade between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and no hard border, companies can easily distribute goods across the island without the additional regulatory burdens faced by direct shipments from Great Britain.
Operational Excellence: Our Approach to Logistics
TST Group’s operations are designed to deliver efficiency and reliability. Our ability to manage complex logistics and customs requirements ensures we meet the highest service standards, making us a preferred choice for businesses seeking streamlined and rapid delivery solutions.
• Nightly Departures: With scheduled nightly departures from key depots like West Bromwich, we provide reliable overnight services into Dublin, enhancing our clients’ supply chain capabilities.
• Overnight Service / 24-Hour Delivery: Our near-guaranteed 24-hour delivery service across the UK and Ireland sets us apart, especially for time-sensitive consignments.
• Customs Expertise: Our in-house customs team plays a pivotal role, in facilitating smooth cargo movement into the EU under transit guarantees. This service is vital in restoring and surpassing pre-Brexit service levels for Southern Ireland, reducing transit times, and ensuring seamless delivery.
Aligning Services Across Regions
We have a proven track record of delivering next-day services in Northern Ireland, with a focus on early-morning deliveries that meet or exceed client expectations. For example, we regularly meet the exacting standards of major brands requiring deliveries across Northern Ireland before 10:00, with the remainder by noon. This capability has positioned us as a leader in logistics within the region.
Now, we’re extending this standard of service to Dublin and the Republic of Ireland. With ongoing developments and daily departures from our Birmingham depot, we provide dependable strategic overnight logistics and next-day delivery that meets the growing expectations of our clients, particularly larger organisations with regular shipments into Dublin and the Republic of Ireland.
Comprehensive Freight Solutions for Modern Business Needs
Beyond next-day delivery, TST Group offers a full spectrum of freight services designed to cater to diverse business needs. From timed deliveries and tail lifts to versatile consignment handling, our fleet and technology are prepared to manage a wide range of shipping requirements.
Looking Ahead: Leading the Way in Logistics
By enhancing our Dublin and Republic of Ireland services to mirror our success in Northern Ireland, we position TST Group as a leader in next-day freight and strategic overnight logistics solutions. Our commitment to operational excellence, driven by a highly skilled team and robust customs capabilities, allows us to exceed client expectations and set the standard in modern logistics.
Choose TST Group for your logistics needs and partner with a company dedicated to improving service standards and enhancing your business’s competitive edge.
In today’s complex and fast-paced global marketplace, businesses need reliable and efficient logistics solutions to remain competitive. TST Group, Northern Ireland’s leading third-party logistics (3PL) provider, offers a full range of services that streamline supply chains, improve operational efficiency, and ensure customer satisfaction. In this article, we will explore why Northern Ireland is uniquely positioned as a strategic hub for 3PL services and how TST Group provides comprehensive logistics solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of modern businesses.
What is 3PL? The Strategic Advantage of Northern Ireland for 3PL Services
Third-party logistics (3PL) refers to outsourcing logistics processes such as warehousing, transportation, and distribution to a specialised provider. This allows businesses to focus on their core operations while leveraging the expertise and infrastructure of a 3PL partner. Northern Ireland offers significant strategic advantages for 3PL services, particularly in the post-Brexit environment. With its unique position as part of the UK and its proximity to the EU, Northern Ireland provides unparalleled access to both markets. This gives businesses the flexibility to store, manage, and distribute goods across the UK, Ireland, and Europe with fewer regulatory and customs hurdles. We capitalise on Northern Ireland’s strategic location to provide seamless logistics services that keep your business moving forward.
Comprehensive 3PL Services Tailored to Your Needs
Crucially, we understand that no two businesses are alike. That’s why we offer a full suite of 3PL services designed to cater to the unique needs of each client. Whether it’s warehousing, inventory management, order fulfilment, or transportation, our solutions are flexible and scalable.
Our tailored 3PL services help businesses of all sizes manage their logistics efficiently, ensuring that goods are stored, packed, and delivered with precision. We offer customisable solutions that allow our clients to scale operations up or down, depending on demand. This flexibility is critical for businesses facing seasonal peaks or those expanding into new markets.
Expertise in Next Day Freight Services
TST Group has earned its reputation as a leader in Next Day Freight services across the UK and Ireland. Our 24-hour delivery promise ensures that businesses can meet their time-sensitive commitments with ease. With nightly departures from key locations, including our Northern Ireland HQ, we provide fast and reliable freight services that keep supply chains moving smoothly.
Our expertise in next-day delivery allows businesses to operate with agility, reducing lead times and improving customer satisfaction. Whether you need regular shipments or occasional urgent deliveries, we ensure your goods reach their destination on time, every time.
One of the biggest challenges in logistics today is navigating the complexities of international trade, particularly in the wake of Brexit. We simplify cross-border logistics with our in-house customs clearance services. Our customs experts are well-versed in both UK and EU regulations, helping businesses avoid delays and ensuring compliance with all requirements. By managing customs procedures in-house, we provide our clients with a seamless experience. This not only speeds up the transit of goods across borders but also reduces the administrative burden on businesses, allowing them to focus on growth and expansion.
Commitment to Operational Excellence and Customer Satisfaction
Operational excellence is the cornerstone of our business. We continuously invest in state-of-the-art technology and industry best practices to ensure that our logistics services are efficient, reliable, and cost-effective. Our commitment to excellence means that we deliver on our promises, keeping supply chains running smoothly and customers happy.
Our advanced fleet management systems, real-time tracking capabilities, and route optimisation tools enable us to deliver superior results. Whether it’s reducing transit times, improving accuracy, or enhancing overall efficiency, TST Group is dedicated to meeting the highest standards of operational performance.
Scalable Solutions for Modern Businesses
Our scalable 3PL services allow businesses to adjust their logistics operations based on demand. Whether you need to increase capacity during peak seasons or streamline during slower periods, our flexible solutions ensure that your logistics remain efficient and cost-effective, no matter the size or scope of your business.
Why Choose TST Group as Your 3PL Partner in Northern Ireland?
As Northern Ireland’s premier 3PL provider, TST Group offers a combination of expertise, flexibility, and reliability that sets us apart from the competition. Here’s why you should choose TST Group as your logistics partner:
• Strategic Location: Northern Ireland’s unique position offers unrivalled access to both the UK and EU markets, making it an ideal logistics hub.
• Comprehensive Services: From warehousing and inventory management to next-day delivery and customs clearance, we provide end-to-end logistics solutions that cater to your business’s specific needs.
• Customs Expertise: Our in-house customs team ensures seamless cross-border trade, eliminating delays and compliance issues.
• Operational Excellence: With cutting-edge technology and a commitment to efficiency, we deliver reliable, high-quality logistics services that improve your supply chain.
• Sustainability: We incorporate eco-friendly practices into our logistics operations, helping businesses meet their sustainability goals while maintaining efficiency.
• Scalable Solutions: Our flexible 3PL services allow you to adjust your logistics operations to match demand, ensuring that you’re always operating at peak efficiency.
TST Group is more than just a logistics provider; we are your trusted partner in growth.
At TST Group, we’re excited to share the latest developments in our journey of growth and expansion. As a leading logistics specialist based in Ballymena, we’ve recently taken on the Northern Irish operation for Pallet-Track, one of the UK’s top pallet networks. This step marks a significant milestone for us as we continue to strengthen our service offerings across the region.
Growing to Meet Demand
With this new chapter, we are expanding our team to support increased demand. We’re actively recruiting for 15 new positions, including 10 HGV drivers, 2 forklift drivers, and 3 administrative staff members. This expansion is driven by the growing volume of pallets we manage daily, which is expected to rise from 500 to 800 per day as we take on new Northern Ireland postcodes.
In addition, we are investing in our fleet to meet the needs of our expanding customer base. By the end of this year, we’ll have added 40 new trailers and 20 new trucks to our fleet, enhancing our ability to deliver logistics solutions efficiently and reliably. Already in 2024, we’ve committed over £5.5 million to our Northern Ireland operations, significantly boosting our fleet size and capabilities.
Building on Our Pallet-Track Partnership
Our partnership with Pallet-Track is at the core of this expansion. Having been a shareholder member since 2017 via our Birmingham operation, we are proud to lead the Northern Ireland operation for Pallet-Track now. This partnership allows us to offer even greater flexibility for customers, with the ability to move single pallets from Northern Ireland to the UK nightly, rather than waiting to consolidate full loads.
As our CEO Liam Reid highlights, “We are experiencing significant growth in our pallet distribution service as more customers choose to send single pallets overnight. Our commitment to expanding our fleet and team ensures we can continue to deliver the high-quality service our clients have come to expect.”
Our Vision for the Future
At TST Group, we are committed to modernising and expanding our operations to meet the evolving needs of our customers. With our growing fleet equipped with the latest technology and our highly skilled team, we are well-positioned to handle various logistics challenges, both in Northern Ireland and beyond.
From our humble beginnings, TST Group has grown into a major player in the logistics sector. Today, we operate more than 200 lorries and manage nearly 500 trailers, supported by a team of nearly 400 employees. Our logistics services span TST Transport, TST Logistics, TST Express, and TST Customs, and we proudly offer over 1.5 million square feet of warehousing space.
We’re excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to continuing our journey of growth and innovation, providing top-tier logistics solutions for our clients.
To learn more about our services or how we can support your logistics needs, visit tstgroup.uk.
At TST Group, our commitment to excellence goes beyond delivering goods on time. We believe in setting industry standards that ensure efficiency, reliability, and compliance across all aspects of logistics and warehousing. One way we reinforce this commitment is through our membership in the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA)—a leading professional body representing the warehousing and logistics sector across the UK. But what does this mean for our customers? Let’s dive into the key benefits.
Access to Best Practices and Industry Standards The UKWA is known for promoting best practices across the warehousing and logistics industries. As a member, TST Group stays at the forefront of new technologies, regulations, and industry trends. This means we can continuously enhance the quality of our services, ensuring that our customers benefit from cutting-edge solutions in warehousing, transportation, and supply chain management. For our clients, this translates to improved operational efficiency, reduced risks, and greater peace of mind knowing that TST Group adheres to the highest industry standards.
Compliance and Regulatory Expertise In today’s ever-evolving regulatory environment, keeping up with legislation can be a challenge for any business. UKWA membership provides TST Group with access to the latest updates and expert advice on laws and regulations that affect the warehousing and logistics industry, including health and safety, customs, and employment law. By working with TST Group, our customers don’t have to worry about compliance issues—we handle that for you. Whether it’s adhering to safety standards or navigating post-Brexit trade complexities, you can trust us to stay compliant with all relevant regulations, keeping your business running smoothly.
Enhanced Security and Safety Protocols Security and safety are paramount in the logistics and warehousing sectors, especially when dealing with high-value goods or sensitive materials. The UKWA sets stringent guidelines for security and operational safety, which TST Group follows meticulously. Our membership ensures that our warehousing facilities and logistics processes are up to date with the best security practices, including access control, surveillance, and risk management. For customers, this means their goods are stored and transported securely, reducing the risk of theft, damage, or loss.
Networking and Innovation Opportunities Being part of the UKWA community opens doors to networking with industry leaders, innovators, and experts. This helps us stay ahead of market trends, new technologies, and innovative practices that can further improve our services. As a customer, this means you gain the advantage of working with a logistics provider that’s always evolving. Whether it’s faster turnaround times, smarter inventory management, or greener supply chain solutions, you benefit from our continuous investment in innovation.
Problem Solving with Industry Experts Through our membership, we gain direct access to a wealth of knowledge and resources from industry experts. The UKWA’s expert panels and forums provide invaluable insights on overcoming common logistics challenges, such as supply chain disruptions, capacity constraints, and labour shortages.
This expertise enables TST Group to quickly identify and implement effective solutions, ensuring our customers experience fewer delays and smoother logistics operations, even in times of market uncertainty.
Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility As sustainability becomes increasingly important for businesses, the UKWA plays an active role in promoting eco-friendly warehousing and logistics solutions. By aligning with their environmental standards, TST Group is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and operating more sustainably.
For businesses aiming to meet their own sustainability targets, partnering with TST Group ensures you are working with a logistics provider that prioritises environmentally responsible practices, from energy-efficient warehousing to optimised transportation routes that cut emissions.
Increased Confidence in Service Quality When you choose to work with a UKWA-member company like TST Group, you’re choosing a logistics provider that is recognised for its professionalism and dedication to quality service. The UKWA’s rigorous standards for membership ensure that only companies committed to excellence are part of this prestigious network.
This adds an extra layer of confidence for our customers—knowing that we operate under the same ethical, professional, and operational standards as some of the leading players in the logistics industry.
Why Choose TST Group? TST Group’s UKWA membership is more than just a badge of honour; it’s a testament to our commitment to providing outstanding logistics and warehousing services. By partnering with us, our customers benefit from:
• Proven industry expertise backed by a wealth of knowledge and best practices • Peace of mind with secure, compliant, and efficient logistics solutions • Sustainability-focused operations that align with modern business values • Cutting-edge innovation that keeps your business ahead of the curve
When you choose TST Group, you’re choosing a logistics partner that is dedicated to your success, with the backing of one of the most trusted professional bodies in the UK.
Let’s Keep Moving Forward Together At TST Group, we’re always looking for ways to enhance our services and deliver greater value to our customers. Our membership in the UKWA is just one more way we strive to be the best in the business. If you’re ready to experience the benefits of working with a UKWA-accredited logistics partner, get in touch with us today!
Recent Comments