44 | Generations of experience The fleet is made up of four 4-wheelers, one 6-wheeler, two truck and trailers, two step deck semi’s, and three tractor units. Pukekohe Carriers T T Sue Russell TRANSPORT It’s something to say you’ve been in business long enough to have straddled using Clydesdale Horses through to ultra-modern carrier trucks and trailers, but that is exactly what has happened for Pukekohe Carriers. Today, the company is led by third generation Matt Young whose grandfather Terry started working life out with a horse and cart delivering coal from Pukekohe Railway Station. His parents Bruce and Bev bought part of two local carriers, each established by WW1 returning servicemen. Matt spent time in the United States travelling all over the mid-West gaining experience on big rigs, returning after 9/11 changed the world. “So I came back to the family transporting business. When my dad suddenly passed away I found myself, with my mum and sister Alana’s help, taking over the operations side of the company, including repairs and maintenance.” Today the company operates a fleet of 10 trucks, carrying beverages to supermarkets in Auckland and to northern Waikato. It also shifts stock food from various suppliers and for farm deliveries uses a Moffett all-terrain forklift for ease of loading off the truck on farms. The fleet is made up of four 4-wheelers, one 6-wheeler, two truck and trailers, two step deck semi’s, three tractor units – all curtain siders made up of a mixture of late model Mercedes and Mitsubishis. Days are long in the transport sector with the depot opening at 3 am, closing when the last truck returns which could be 7 pm. While these hours may seem somewhat challenging for most, Matt says he’s been brought up in this environment and it’s the only way to deal with the traffic in New Zealand’s largest city. “We need the last truck gone by 5 am given Auckland traffic. Given we’re based in Pukekohe, its possible that one of our trucks can get to Tauranga before an Auckland bound truck arrives at its destination.” Matt says one of the great things about operating a transport business in and around Pukekohe is that all the carriers know each other well and tend to specialise in what they transport. “If the work doesn’t suit us, we’ll refer a client to another carrier and we help each other out that way. Most carriers around here have been operating a long time now.” He also acknowledges the quality of the team of local drivers working in the business. “We give them good working conditions to enjoy, no weekend work and great equipment. Our staff retention is very good.” Operating a successful trucking company also has its challenges and one key one is the state of the roads and the persistent closure of lanes when work is being done. Matt says there’s a lot to be said about the condition of roads in this country and he sees and wear and tear they cause on his fleet. “Fortunately, like Dad, I enjoy tinkering around on the fleet to ensure they are kept in very good working order, but better roads would go a long way toward helping keep the fleet in top condition.” Ph (09) 571 0490 Unit 11, 368 Church Street PO Box 13315, Onehunga, Auckland 1643 Email: info@aucklandtruckspray.co.nz Web: www.aucklandtruckspray.co.nz • Heated 20 Metre Spray Booth • Up to 5 Year Warranty on Product • Workmanship Guaranteed • Curtain Clearcoating • Panelbeating We create logistics & warehousing solutions to help transform & grow your business. We are a leading Freight Forwarding Company who take our dedication to service seriously. OUR SERVICES WWW.TITUSTRANSPORT.CO.NZ On site servicing and repairs Fully equipped workshop John Deere Agricultural service equipment 3 fully equipped service vehicles Valvoline oils and grease OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: 021 496 661 jared@totaldieselservices.co.nz www.totaldieselservices.co.nz PROUDLY SUPPORTING PUKEKOHE CARRIERS
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