56 | T T Bernadette Cooney Heavy transport group with an eye to the future Harper Haulage TRANSPORT Small business, big service The Fuso truck and trailer unit can carry 29 tonne of aggregate. T T Sue Russell Central Diesel Services “We’ve already sent some of our mechanics overseas to attend dealership product training around the emergence of alternative fuel technologies ...” John Harper, owner of Harper Haulage, based in Rotokauri, on the north-western outskirts of Hamilton, says he always wanted to be in charge of his own small business which is now in its 20th year. His parents had a transport business back in the 60’s so it wasn’t surprising that John gained qualifications as a mechanic on finishing school, working in Huntly as a mechanic. He has kept the business small, just him and one truck, hauling sand and aggregate for the most part and seizing opportunities as these have presented over the years. “In my day I’ve driven all the way from the Cape up north to Christchurch, but nowadays I keep things fairly local, servicing the agricultural sector that Hamilton is surrounded by,” John says. Asked what his preference is in truck, John says he enjoys driving a 44 tonne Fuso truck and trailer combination, capable of hauling 29 tonne of aggregate. Over the summer months, is the busy time for the earthworks component of the business, though when asked how business has been John candidly says that activity hasn’t really been high demand for him. “A lot of farmers have just tightened up on their discretionary spending this year. I maintain contact with all my clients regularly, so when they do decide the time is right to invest, they will think of me.” He’s thankful for his loyal customers, some of whom have used his services ever since he established the company. “I know there is a lot of competition out there, so I very much appreciate their loyalty. Sadly, this industry does have the odd cowboy who undercuts legitimate trucking companies, but they don’t tend to last very long.” Asked where the tensions lie in operating a small haulage business, John says the growing list of compliances, with associated additional costs on the business is a worry. “Every six months as a registered carrier I put the truck in for a COF (Certificate of Fitness). Each time this costs about $3,500, which, for a small company is a lot to absorb ongoing.” Through the summer months, John’s truck is often visiting local quarries to pick up aggregate for roading projects. In the past he has also carted coal to the dairy factory and even transported grapes. “It certainly helps to carry the mechanical experience. I like the idea of being my own boss. A lot depends on the relationships you build with clients over the years and ensuring you provide great service.” Central Diesel Services is nearing 30 years of keeping the road transport sector throughout the Bay of Plenty rolling along, by providing a one stop shop for all heavy transport needs from COF inspections to truck parts and mechanical service to truck and trailer engineering and repair. With multiple locations including headquarters in Mount Maunganui and branches in Rotorua and Hinuera, Central Diesel Services can provide a seamless and comprehensive service in a timely manner, backed by 24/7 breakdown and roadside service. Central Diesel Services (CDS) underwent a change of ownership in September 2023, becoming part of Industry Growth Partners (IGP) spearheaded by CDS directors Ryan and Shara Marra. Joining CDS in the company group is also BLM Engineering (Morrinsville) and HTSL Diesel Mechanical (Te Awamutu and Otorohanga) both major local players in heavy transport engineering and mechanical. The collaboration enhances capabilities enabling the group to offer a broader range of services and expertise consistently across the regions. “It means a seamless network across the Waikato and the Bay of Plenty for our customers and allows us to be a more responsive, end to end provider for the HT sector,” says Ryan. With a professional background in mechanical engineering and executive management positions within diverse manufacturing industries, Ryan is well placed to steer the future of Central Diesel Services and add value to the service and established working relationships the company has throughout the region. “We’re still a family owned and operated enterprise but with an eye to the future,” says Ryan. The heavy transport sector will continue to play a pivotal role in regional and national economies even as it evolves to meet the demands of a zero-carbon future. “Heavy transport is not going anywhere,” says Ryan, “It will always be required, so even though the sector is transitioning to other fuels like hydrogen and electric, we’ll evolve with it and continue to provide the best service we can to our new and existing client base.” IGP employs 130 people across the group, including qualified and experienced mechanics, parts and sales specialists, workshop engineers and administration and marketing professionals. “We’ve already sent some of our mechanics overseas to attend dealership product training around the emergence of alternative fuel technologies, so we are committed to remaining a relevant and trusted partner for the industries that rely on road transport throughout the regions.” Authorised parts and service dealers for Mercedes, Freightliner, Fuso, Cummins, Detroit, BPW and Jost, Central Diesel Services can offer a comprehensive range of transport parts and a knowledgeable and experienced team to help keep your trucks and trailers on the road longer. Modern, well-equipped workshops and experienced teams of engineers and certified welders, stand ready to solve your complex engineering needs. Their parts and service division has a dedicated parts store in each of the seven locations and can source a wide range of heavy transport parts at competitive prices and disperse them quickly to associated workshops throughout the Waikato and Bay of Plenty. Central Diesel Services supports the transport aspect of many diverse industries that rely on a road transport network to the Port of Tauranga, including forestry, fuel, fertiliser, bulk bin tippers, quarries and food delivery. Staff retention and investment in training is important to IGP, with 18 heavy automotive and heavy engineering apprentices on the team currently. “We conduct intakes of apprentices each year including offering adult apprenticeships,” says Ryan. “This is across the board from workshop roles to parts, service and warranty advisors or sales and marketing and HR interns, there really is a broad scope of careers available within the heavy transport sector.” 40 Diggers · Bobcats · Tip Trucks 10 Echelon Place, East Tamaki, Auckland Ph. 09 950 2650
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=