86 | Improving efficiency where they can Three bases operate, at Pukemaori, Otautau and Tuatapere, though the main centre is at Pukemaori. Sue Russell Southland-based Kings Rural Transport offers customers a range of rural services, from carting livestock, bulk and general freight, stock food, gravel and rock and even fertiliser spreading. Taylor Swann, General Manager and Director of the Southland based business says business is ticking along and he’s concentrating on improving efficiencies where he can, taking care of the small margins that the sector works within. “That’s what I’m most concerned with as the transport sector is a competitive one and the business requires sufficient turnover to keep the team, the fleet and the business itself moving forward.” Three bases operate, at Pukemaori, Otautau and Tuatapere, though the main centre is at Pukemaori. When Rural South spoke again with Taylor, the business was fully staffed and it’s the longevity of the team that’s a source of great pride. “We’ve got guys who have been with us 40-odd years, so that says something in my book. My key responsibility is to ensure there’s plenty of work and we’re blessed with many good solid clients,” Taylor says. And celebrating 90 years is business, certainly would indicate that the family-owned business has its ducks in a line, understanding the nuances of the transport and ag service sectors. Fleet replacements are always ticking along in the background, with the purchase of a new stock truck at the end of last season and, as Taylor puts it, the key thing is just doing the day to day very well for their clients. “It is a competitive sector we operate in, with small margins and impacts, such as fuel costs that are beyond our control, but by paying attention to the small details, we’re certainly doing well.” Kings Rural Transport came into operation under its current name in December 2022, when the original company D.T. King Transport, started operation in 1938. There are few transport businesses successfully operating today that can trace their origins back so far, a fact that everyone associated with the company is very proud of. The business split into four separate entities – Kings Rural Transport, Kings Log Transport, Riverton Rural Transport and Kings Mechanical; a decision RURAL SERVICES » Kings Rural Transport Ltd made to enable each arm of the company to compete and thrive. Kings Rural Transport is owned by Taylor, his father Mike Swan and their wives and the distinctive red trucks are part of the Southland landscape. Looking back on the journey Taylor says the company punches above its weight, transporting just about anything customers would wish. The fleet includes a Livestock Division, Bulk and General Cartage, Stockfood blowers, Fertiliser Spreaders, Earthmoving Machinery, Gravel Truck and Pits. A regular programme of fleet replacement is enacted. “We’re known for how smart the fleet looks out on the road and coupled with an extremely capable team of drivers, we’ve certainly got the foundations of a great trucking business, we’re all committed to ensuring continues to flourish into the future.” 03 225 5899 Pukemaori 0800 22 5899 admin@kingsrural.co.nz kingsrural.co.nz STOCK / BULK • FERTILISER • GRAVEL CONTRACTING • TRANSPORTING P: 03 215 4758 M: 027 435 6628 E: manager@moderntransporttrailers.co.nz
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