Ace Express Freight has emerged as the standout performer at The Irish Logistics & Transport Awards 2026, securing three of the 21 trophies presented on the night and claiming honours across overall excellence, freight forwarding leadership and employer distinction for integrated logistics performance.The awards ceremony, held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santry, Dublin, brought together 211 guests to recognise achievement across the logistics and transport sectors. Hosted by Colm O’Regan, the programme attracted 97 entries from 27 companies, underlining the breadth and strength of Ireland’s logistics industry.The judging panel praised Ace Express Freight for consistently setting the standard in logistics, citing reliable, efficient and innovative operations. The award citation noted that the company’s technology-driven approach and customer focus have strengthened client trust and driven growth across Ireland and beyond, while sustainability and workforce initiatives demonstrate forward-thinking leadership.Eamon Galavan, commercial director, said Ace Express Freight was overjoyed to have taken home three awards. “While sometimes we are our own worst critics, this shows that we do something right and it’s nice to be recognised,” he added.Joanne Mellon, logistics director at BWG Foods, was presented with the leadership award in recognition of a career that has helped reshape supply chain operations at one of Ireland’s leading food and beverage distributors. The judges highlighted her role in pioneering consolidated delivery models, dynamic routing solutions and alternative-fuel fleet operations. Mellon described logistics as “the invisible engine that keeps the world moving”, and she expressed confidence that with sustainability, digital innovation and a new generation entering the workforce, the future of logistics and transport in Ireland had never looked brighter.BWG Foods was a triple award winner in sustainability categories. Ken Leahy, the company’s fleet, distribution and compliance manager, said the company had been entering the awards for seven years, found the process productive and intended to continue its support.Nessa Deveraux, head of transport and logistics sector strategy specialists at awards sponsor AIB, said the bank was delighted to be back at the awards to meet its customers. She highlighted growing demand from businesses seeking help with ESG planning and the transition to alternative fuels.Winners of The Irish Logistics and Transport Awards 2026 Awards sponsor Excel Recruitment specialises in logistics and transport recruitment. Director of industrial Mike Fitzpatrick said the awards “provide an opportunity to recognise excellence, celebrate achievements and acknowledge the people and businesses driving the industry forward”. Kevin Houston, head of regulation at Manna Air Delivery, said he was proud to support an event “that recognises the people and companies pushing the industry forward and shaping the future of transport and logistics across the country”.Customs Support Group received the future achiever award. Business development manager Charlie Dawson described the win as another milestone on the company’s journey to become the largest customs broker in Europe. Michelle Peacocke said Bus Éireann’s win in the customer focus category was a source of great pride for the team, and she praised the awards programme as the best in the sector.Flexistaff Recruitment director Tara McHugh stated that “people are our passion and we’re proud to support an event that recognises excellence, leadership and innovation while raising standards and strengthening talent across the entire industry”. Judging co-ordinator Declan Allen said the standard of award submissions was exceptionally high. “This reflects innovative practice, strong industry impact and professional excellence across logistics, supply chain and transport sectors nationwide,” he explained. National Beauty Distribution was a finalist in the warehousing award category. Founder Kieran Walsh remarked: “Recognising excellence across the sector is vital. The awards celebrate the people and organisations whose dedication, innovation and expertise set the benchmark and drive progress throughout the industry.”Now in its 16th year, The Irish Logistics and Transport Awards is the premier event dedicated to recognising excellence across the logistics and transport sectors. Kevin O’Driscoll, director of partnership programmes at awards organiser Business River, said: “Events like this are made possible through the support of sponsors. We are thankful to our 2026 sponsors, AIB, Maersk Contract Logistics, ISM Recruitment, Flexistaff Recruitment, Excel Recruitment, HSI Skillko and Manna Air Delivery. I also want to recognise our supporters Irish International Freight Association and Amárach Research. Their investment in the awards underlines their commitment and support of this key business area.”Awards judgesDeclan Allen, (judging co-ordinator) head of logistics, supply chain and project management, Technological University Dublin.Maurice Brady, lecturer, Technological University Dublin.Stuart Burke, managing director, LifeSci Logistics.Niall Cotton, chief executive officer, Freight Transport Association Ireland.Patrick Daly, managing director, Alba Consulting.Paul Davis, associate professor, Dublin City University.Yvonne Delaney, associate professor supply chain management, University of Limerick.Damien Healy, commercial director, South Coast Logistics.Efce Van Heerden, lecturer, Munster Technological University.Seamus Kavanagh, executive officer, Irish International Freight Association.Michael O’Callaghan, director, IPICS The Supply Chain Management Institute.Jamie O’Reilly, managing director, Groupe BBL.Maura O’Toole, owner/principal trainer, Facilitrain.Claire Percy, head of external affairs, Dublin Port.Philip Tracey, chief executive officer, Ace Express Freight.Jelena Vlajic, senior lecturer in supply chains and operations management, Queen’s Business School, Queen’s University Belfast.Award winnersOverall logistics & transport excellence awardWinner: Ace Express Freight Tara Mchugh, director at Flexistaff Recruitment, presents the overall logistics & transport excellence award to Bernard McSweeney, Ace Express Freight Logistics & transport team of the year (Sponsored by Maersk Contract Logistics)Winner: Dublin ExpressNigel Kane, head of Ireland at Maersk Contract Logistics, presents the logistics & transport team of the year award to Rory Fitzgerald, Dublin Express Logistics & transport SME company of the year (Sponsored by Flexistaff Recruitment)Winner: Marathon Coach HireAlex Busica, senior recruitment consultant at Flexistaff Recruitment, presents the logistics & transport SME company of the year award to Peter Moriarty, community lead at Business River on behalf of Marathon Coach Hire Sustainable team of the year (Sponsored by Maersk Contract Logistics)Winner: BWG FoodsBarrie Davies, head of business development at Maersk Contract Logistics presents the sustainable team of the year award to Ken Leahy, BWG Foods Customer focus achievement award (Sponsored by AIB)Winner: Bus ÉireannAlison Mifsud, associate director of the transport and logistics sector at AIB corporate banking, presents the customer focus achievement award to Michelle Peacocke, Bus Éireann Excellence in warehousingWinner: ManfreightAna Berzoi, flight operator at Manna Air Delivery, presents the excellence in warehousing award to Peter Smith, Manfreight Freight forwarding company of the year (Sponsored by ISM Recruitment)Winner: Ace Express FreightLee Hazzard, recruitment manager at ISM Recruitment, presents the freight forwarding company of the year award to Eamon Galavan, Ace Express Freight Women in logistics & transport award (Sponsored by Excel Recruitment)Winner: Marathon Group – Niamh MarshallSarah Adams, managing consultant, industrial at Excel Recruitment presents the women in logistics and transport award to Maura O'Toole, owner and principal trainer at Facilitrain, on behalf of Niamh Marshall of Marathon Group Future achiever award (Sponsored by Manna Air Delivery)Winner: Customs Support Group – Charlie DawsonKevin Houston, head of regulation at Manna Air Delivery, presents the future achiever award to Charlie Dawson of Customs Support Group Green impact award (Sponsored by AIB)Winner: BWG FoodsNessa Deveraux, head of transport & logistics sector strategy specialists at AIB, presents the green impact award to Mark Crowe, BWG Foods Green transformation awardWinner: Primeline Group – Decarbonisation & ESG InnovationAlan Fitzpatrick, industrial division at Excel Recruitment, presents the green transformation award to Debbie Johnston, Primeline Group Green supply chain excellence (Sponsored by Excel Recruitment)Winner: BWG FoodsMike Fitzpatrick, director of industrial at Excel Recruitment presents the green supply chain excellence award to Megan Kelly, BWG Foods Best use of AIWinner: Customs Support Group – Embedding Intelligent AutomationMichael O'Callaghan, awards judge presents the best use of AI award to Róisín Cussen, Customs Support Group 3PL achievement awardWinner: DHL Health LogisticsPadraic Geraghty, senior account executive at HSI Skillko, presents the 3PL achievement award to Vipin William, DHL Health Logistics Safety award (Sponsored by HSI Skillko)Winner: Musgrave Group – Good Catch programmeFintan McManamon, business development representative at HSI Skillko, presents the safety award to Peter Moriarty, community lead at Business River, on behalf of Musgrave Group Independent transport operator of the year (Sponsored by HSI Skillko)Winner: ManfreightPadraic Geraghty, senior account executive at HSI Skillko, presents the independent transport operator of the year award to Stephen Marshall, Manfreight Passenger transport company of the yearWinner: Dublin ExpressPaul Davis, awards judge presents the passenger transport company of the year award to Rory Fitzgerald, Dublin Express Employer of the year (Sponsored by Flexistaff Recruitment)Winner: Ace Express FreightNoel Rooney, principal recruitment consultant at Flexistaff Recruitment, presents the employer of the year award to Stephen Keating, Ace Express Freight Best use of technologyWinner: Drivrr Group – Revolutionising Driver RecruitmentDeclan Allen, awards judging co-ordinator, presents the best use of technology award to Kenneth Moloney, Drivrr Group Technology provider of the yearWinner: MotiaSeamus Kavanagh, awards judge, presents the technology provider of the year award to Robert Steele, Motia Logistics & transport leader 2026 (Sponsored by ISM Recruitment)Recipient: Joanne MellonLee Hazzard, recruitment manager at ISM Recruitment, presents the logistics & transport leader 2026 award to Joanne Mellon, BWG Foods