DACHSER Reflects on Six Years in Ireland: Overcoming Challenges and Driving Innovation
Six years after entering the Irish market through the acquisition of Johnston Logistics, DACHSER Ireland reflects on a transformative journey marked by resilience, innovation, and strategic growth.
In 2019, DACHSER officially launched its Irish operations, integrating Johnston Logistics’ expertise in chemical warehousing and distribution. Since then, the company has been forced to navigate a series of global disruptions including the COVID-19 pandemic, Brexit, and geopolitical events while continuing to expand its service portfolio and infrastructure.
Today, DACHSER Ireland remains a local leader in chemical distribution thanks to a top-tier COMAH (Control of Major Accident Hazards) site in Rathcoole with capacity for over 20,000 pallets, serving as a strategic hub for chemical distribution and storage.
Post-Brexit, the company has experienced growing demand from UK and European businesses seeking to hold inventory in Ireland. By offering warehousing, pick & pack services, and next-day delivery capabilities, efficient distribution to the Irish market is enabled.
In May 2023, DACHSER Ireland launched Smart Landbridge Connect, becoming the first major integrator to reintroduce the UK landbridge as a fast, cost-effective route to continental Europe. The service now offers 40 weekly EU departures for groupage shipments of chemical and ambient packaged goods. The shorter ferry crossings are less vulnerable to winter storms and return to schedule faster. Support by the in-house customs team ensures smooth documentation, eliminating delays and complexity for customers.
DACHSER is also paving the way in sustainability and digital transformation. The Emission-Free Delivery initiative is already operational in 19 designated city zones across Europe, with Dublin set to join by the end of 2025. Meanwhile, the award winning @ILO digital twin project, developed with DACHSER Enterprise Lab, provides real-time visibility of packages and assets at transit terminals using QR-coded pallets and advanced optical scanning technology.
Emission-Free Delivery is no longer just a concept, it’s operational. By the end of 2025, this initiative will be implemented in 25 cities, including Dublin.
John Van den Berg, Managing Director Dachser IrelandTo complement its groupage services, DACHSER has expanded its charter business, offering full and part-load, door-to-door logistics across the UK and Europe. This move supports growing demand for direct-to-site deliveries, particularly in the engineering and electrical sectors, driven by the rapid expansion of data centres across the continent.
Celebrating six years of DACHSER Ireland
As DACHSER Ireland celebrates six years of progress, the company remains committed to delivering excellence, embracing innovation, and supporting Irish and European businesses with integrated logistics solutions.