114 | RURAL SERVICES » Ross Bros Transport Karen Phelps Ross Bros Transport is investing heavily in its fleet as continued growth across Canterbury drives demand for larger, more efficient transport solutions. The family-owned Mid Canterbury business has recently added a new nine-axle Scania and Transfleet trailer unit and a eight-axle Iveco and Transfleet trailer to its fleet, enabling it to move larger loads and continue to provide customers with a reliable service. Also purchased is a International T2670 as a tribute truck to Jarrod’s father Jock who was renowned for his fleet of T2670s back in the nineties. Jarrod says the new trucks have been selected not only to improve efficiency but also to deliver greater capacity for customers. “More reliable trucks are better for our customers and can cart more on each trip,” says Jarrod. “That means fewer trips for those wanting us to cart large loads.” He says the upgraded fleet is also proving valuable in attracting experienced staff at a time when quality drivers remain in high demand across the transport industry. “Having modern trucks helps attract quality drivers,” explains Jarrod. “People enjoy driving wellequipped vehicles and it helps us continue providing the level of service our customers expect.” Based at Lagmhor, Ross Bros Transport has built a reputation as a one-stop rural transport provider handling everything from grain cartage, grain drying and seed storage through to fertiliser and stock feed transport. The facilities include 200 and 300-tonne silos, self-unload silos, storage sheds and eight drying bays. Your #1 stop for all your Truck & Trailer repairs on all makes. CoF Repairs • Major Overhauls & Servicing • Truck & Trailer Parts • Filters Proud to support Ross Bros Transport “We seem to always be getting busier,” explains Jarrod. “The business has grown a lot in the past few years. We’re a one stop shop for farmers’ grain requirements. We can clean a dairy farm silo if it gets blocked, clear it with a grain vacuum, bring the grain back to our facility, dry it and fumigate it as required, then bring it back again. Typically farmers would have to get more than one company to do all that.” In addition to serving farmers throughout Canterbury the company also carts fertiliser and stock foods from ships arriving at Lyttelton and Timaru ports adding another important stream of work alongside its traditional rural transport operations. Jarrod and wife Sally now own the business, which was established in 1984 by Jock and Christine Ross. While ownership has passed to the next generation the company continues to operate with the same family values that have underpinned it for more than four decades. Sally manages the administration, accounts and health and safety and the third generation is already involved through son Jackson, who works as a qualified Class 5 driver along with 3 other full time drivers Kevin Ngawhare, Matt Peers and Dylan Leech. During harvest the company calls on a couple of casuals to help out. Despite the company’s expansion Jarrod says maintaining its family-focused approach remains just as important as investing in equipment. Many customers have remained with the company since its early years, reflecting the long-standing relationships it has built with Canterbury farmers and rural businesses. “We pride ourselves on the service we provide,” says Jarrod. “We are a family-run business and most of the time when a customer rings up they will be speaking to a Ross. Some of our clients are dealing with a third-generation Ross when they deal with my son Jackson. We have some customers that have been with us from day one. Our goal is to continue to grow and deliver dependable service backed by modern equipment and a family name customers know and trust.” New trucks drive continued growth Jarrod says the new trucks have been selected not only to improve efficiency but also to deliver greater capacity for customers.
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