Business Rural North Winter 2021

64 | RURAL SERVICES » Dannevirke Carriers Family values at core of company Carting stock, fertiliser and hay are just some of the rural services provided by Dannevirke Carriers. Kelly Deeks F amily rural transport firm Dannevirke Carriers is enjoying a busy post-Covid business envi- ronment, which has brought some unforeseen but beneficial changes to the business. “As hard as lockdown was, we actually man- aged to work through,” says Dannevirke Carriers co-director Nigel Castles.“At that time our farmers were struggling with drought conditions and the restrictions that lockdown imposed on them, in terms of selling and killing stock. With meat works working at limited capacity and saleyards not op- erating at all, farmers were put under real pressure just when lots would be looking at off loading some animals. We did the best we could by them during a difficult time.” The lockdown brought Dannevirke Carriers closer as a team, working within the imposed limitations and rules. Simple things like not being able to easily stay away, get a pie, and even use a toilet put unexpected pressures on drivers. “We have a strong team. Through lockdown and now onwards, we have been able to maintain our high standards, which is very pleasing and being able to provide that consistent service is very rewarding.” Running 10 full-time drivers and three admin- istration staff, Dannevirke Carriers bases itself on family values. The Castles’ family is involved in the local equestrian scene, rugby, netball, and hockey, and as a family running a business, they try to in- clude their team members’ families in what they do. Nigel’s sister, administration manager Lina, says benefits to the team include a strong sense of support and inclusivity. “We try to know our guys’ families, their kids will come to the yard, see where Dad works, and interact with the other kids and the animals we have here.” Celebrating 20 years in business last year, Dan- nevirke Carriers is now firmly focused on rural cart- age, with its main cargo stock to farms and to meat works, loads of feed, superphosphate, and wool. When sheep and beef starts to quiet down, dairy farmers start moving their calves off farm, then calving starts and Dannevirke Carriers is on hand again to pick up the bobby calves. Kevin Hall Phone/Fax 06 374 9161 After Hours 027 531 3061 5 Miller Street Dannevirke independenttyres2002@hotmail.co.nz Cars ● Trucks Tractors ● ATV To help organise workflow, Dannevirke Carri- ers was one of the first to uptake the MyTrucking software. MyTrucking integrates with Xero and the EROAD fleet management system, speeding up processes for drivers and administrators alike. Continual improvements to cellular coverage in rural parts of New Zealand are making every day a bit easier to organise for Dannevirke Carriers. “Now we have contact with clients who have never had cell phone coverage before, and we’re able to get hold of them all throughout the day,” says Nigel. “Instead of having to wait until after they’ve fed the dogs at 7pm, we can get them on the phone at 2pm. That’s so much better for the next day’s organisation.” And if they don’t have cell phone coverage but they do have a broadband network, Dannevirke Carriers can flick them a message on Messenger. “We’re using other social media networks more and more now.”