| 93 RURAL SERVICES » Switzers Valley Transport Driver shortages a growing concern Bulk fertiliser at Switzers Valley Transport is carried by Mack and Kenworth trucks. Sue Russell In the heart of southland, in the settlement of Wendonside, twenty minutes north-east of Gore is Switzers Valley Transport, a company that has been providing its customers with rural transport services since Murray Maslin established it in 2009. Murray has always been involved in the transport sector since gaining his HT Licence in 1975. Switzers Valley Transport offers regional and nation-wide livestock, general bulk and fertiliser cartage and spreading. The fleet includes four bulk fertiliser spreading machines. Murray is in charge of the general fleet, the sowing and tip trucks, while business partners Andrew Sharp and Jamie Coote look after the stock side. Andrew drove the first truck for Murray when the business began and is one of the main-stays. Murray and Andrew have plenty to say on the challenges facing the rural transport sector and Murray shared some of his views in the conversation with Rural South. “There’s a shortage of drivers nationwide and the cost of running a modern fleet continues to increase year on year. There’s only so much we can absorb and we do our best to keep passing costs on to clients down to a minimum.” Murray also thinks there should be more incentives offered by Government to attract and retain drivers. “What better job could you have! Being paid well to see New Zealand. There’s generally been a view that driving trucks is something that doesn’t carry a lot of skill to it, but that’s not the case at all. It costs me over $800,000 to put a new stock unit on the road.” It’s about a four year process to obtain all your classes of license and drivers have to put in so many hours behind the wheel before they can advance to the next grade. In total this costs the company over $3,500 per driver to see the training through to Class 5. Drivers are appointed to their preferred areas of experience tend to specialise into sowing, bulk and stock transporting. Understanding the commitment it takes to bring in a new driver and train them up is an important part of what makes Switzers Valley Transport the success it is. When the company started Murray says demand for their services was a little surprising, with interest growing through contacts and word-of-mouth. It helps too to be well known in the valley but Murray knows the reputation has grown and been maintained through the hard work and quality of his business partners and drivers. The company is very much in tune with seasonal rural activity and generally June and July are somewhat quieter before work picks up again by August. “It’s good to have those slower months to give drivers a break and to maintain the gear.” Fertiliser is spread on Scaania machines. Murray says he’s had a good run out of the brand. Bulk is transported on three Macks and one Kenworth. Plans to grow any larger must be carefully thought through, given the driver supply issues and the costs involved each time a new machine is purchased. The number of trucks also needs to be manageable for those working in dispatch to ensure work is processed well for clients. At 65 years of age Murray is looking forward to the day when he can step back further but feels it is important that his knowledge has been passed on before this happens. Switzer Valley Transport’s multi-purpose units move both stock and bulk produce with stock generally transported from November through to early June. Asked how the journey has been Murray says working in rural transport is not for the faint-hearted but is a very worthwhile occupation. “We have an excellent team here and really value our loyal clients. No two days are the same and in amongst the many challenges are lots of positives.” For all Commercial, Agricultural, Car & 4WD Tyres. Proud suppliers to Switzers Valley Transport (03) 208 8110 - 24 hour on call service 25 Ashton Street, Gore Auto Electrical and Air-Conditioning repairs. Suppliers of batteries, parts and services. 8 Avon Street Gore | admin@lucasauto.co.nz 03 208 1050 www.transportrepairs.co.nz SWITZERS VALLEY TRANSPORT LTD
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