In 2023, McBurney became part of DFDS, a transportation company, inheriting a broad vision that puts more sustainable transport front and centre.
Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have” for leading carriers like McBurney Transport Group: it’s central to their mission. With deep roots in Ireland, and a growing presence across Europe, McBurney is embracing innovation to build a more sustainable approach for logistics. Through a growing collaboration with Amazon Relay , they’re making significant strides on that journey.
“Sustainability is very important to us here at McBurney Transport Group,” said Shane O’Donnell, Divisional Director at McBurney Transport Group, part of DFDS. “And through our collaboration with Amazon Relay, we absolutely feel empowered to achieve our goals.”
A shared vision for more sustainable transport
Decarbonising road freight is no easy task. It requires long-term thinking, bold investments, and strong collaboration. “Decarbonising logistics is a tough challenge,” adds Gary Wood, Business Development Manager at McBurney Transport Group, part of DFDS. “And it’s one we acknowledge we’re not going to achieve on our own.” McBurney’s forward-thinking approach includes expanding their fleet of low-emission vehicles. In fact, they recently welcomed their latest addition: a brand-new electric HGV, brought into service with the help of Amazon Relay. “As part of our efforts, we’ve championed the opportunity to further diversify our fleet,” explains Shane.
“The new electric HGV joins our existing fleet of 145 electric HGVs on the road across Europe,” continues Oliver Lilley, Director, Head of Business Development & Decarbonised Solutions at DFDS. “And because of the access to lanes through Amazon Relay, it’s already connecting operations across Manchester, Liverpool, and Ireland!”
Efficiency in every mile
With a strategic base close to Liverpool port, McBurney’s operations are designed with efficiency in mind. Taking advantage of Amazon Relay lanes, their routes remain tight, local, and are designed to maximise truck utilisation. “Everything we do is within an hour and a half radius of the Liverpool port,” says Shane. “Which means over a 24-hour period, one truck can do three to four loads.”
As their collaboration with Amazon Relay expands, so does their potential to scale this low-impact model even further. “The more we grow our relationship with Amazon Relay, the more trucks we can add to these existing lanes in the future.” said Gary.
Looking ahead with Amazon Relay
For McBurney, the path to decarbonisation is a shared one. And by collaborating with Amazon Relay, they’re proving that collaboration can be one of the most powerful tools in creating real, lasting impact.
“Through this collaboration with Amazon Relay, we want to reduce our emissions and be at the centre of driving positive change, together.” Concluded Shane.
What is Amazon Relay
Amazon Relay is a suite of services that gives carriers the opportunity to tap into Amazon’s network and technology to build and grow their transportation business. It offers a comprehensive toolset that helps transportation businesses grow. One of its key features, Short-Term Contracts, helps carriers secure full work-weeks for their drivers and grow their fleet by locking in revenue for provided trucks with single or multi-week contracts several weeks in advance. Additionally, via Relay Auctions, carriers can bid on contracts with full transparency into the timing remaining in the auction and the current lowest bid. Relay also includes a loadboard, where carriers can enjoy exclusive access to Amazon’s spot work and book loads with all-in pricing at the click of a button.
Learn more about Amazon Relay here.