| 77 Ranfurly Transport’s collaborative approach Ranfurly Transport Scania stock truck. Sue Russell It’s been two years since Rural South last spoke with Rachel Duffy, who, along with husband Richard operate Ranfurly Transport. In 2019, the company evolved significantly when it bought McLaren Transport, in a joint venture with HWR Group, pivoting the business in scale to secure its future, in the competitive transport sector. Asked what other developments have occurred, Rachel says Ranfurly Transport has established working relationships with other trucking companies down south. “Instead of making our fleet bigger we now have trucks and drivers we can call on at peak times. It’s worked very well for us.” Ranfurly Transport can be seen carting stock and other bulk goods all over New Zealand, in their stylish and very distinctive bright orange and white brand colour. Rachel says the decision to smarten up the look of the fleet was the right thing to do. “Some people wondered at our colour choice, but when you see our trucks on the road or parked up, they really look good. Given the area we travel over we have drivers based in different parts of the South Island which works well for them.” Ranfurly Transport has its own inhouse mechanic who ensures the fleet is kept in tip-top condition. Along with general maintenance and any repairs necessary, the company can also process it own COF’s. “We’re very self-sufficient and these days Richard does a wee bit of driving. We’re two hours from Dunedin and a good hour from Alexandra. As General Manager, I oversee the whole operation on a day to day basis,” Rachel says. Asked what her key focus areas are, Rachel says she’s interested in pursuing ways to elevate the status of drivers. “I really would like to see driving recognised for all the skills it demands and some sort of trade qualification, beyond just having your tickets, implemented industry wide. Our drivers are incredibly skilled operators and certainly pulling some of the products we cart isn’t for everyone.” This time of the year there’s a lot of lamb and calf sales, so a big percentage of the work is in transporting young stock to or from market or for processing. Rachel says the company has a strong positive presence in the town and are committed to supporting the community, as major sponsors of the local rugby club. “We also visit schools with our trucks to show the children what our trucks are like and to support road safety education.” Keeping a weather-eye on evolving health and safety and environmental regulations is a key priority for Rachel. “HWR offer specialised driver training courses to upskill our team new to the industry, but we’re fortunate to have a large proportion of very experienced drivers. RURAL SERVICES » Ranfurly Transport “HWR offer specialised driver training courses to upskill our team new to the industry, but we’re fortunate to have a large proportion of very experienced drivers.” Heavy Vehicle servicing and Maintenance Phone Peter on 020 4008 6554 · Service the North and South Island in our fully equipped workshops · Manufacturers of Aluminium Stock Crates Proud to support Ranfurly Transport Ph 03 688 2274 • Blair (South Island) 027 690 0724 Ph 06 323 3629 • Liam (North Island) 021 0294 1293 S T O C K C R A T E S FEILDING TIMARU O N F A R M B U L L S A L E Contact : 0212242320 | penvose@wedderburn. net. nz 60 Years of Breeding Proven, Resilient Genetics 16th May 2:00pm People are definitely our greatest asset so we invest in them and this drives innovation and progress. It’s the reason why we are who we are today.” Given the area Ranfurly Transport travels they have drivers based in different parts of the South Island which works well for them.
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