70 | Helping to keep farms operating efficiently Bleeker Cartage runs a diverse fleet that covers livestock transport, bulk cartage, blowing services, and general rural freight. Kelly Deeks The rural transport sector plays a critical role in keeping farms operating efficiently, and in South Canterbury Bleeker Cartage has built its reputation on providing reliable service when farmers need it most. Based in Makikihi, Bleeker Cartage has grown steadily over the past 12 years, expanding its fleet and services to meet the changing needs of farmers across the wider Waimate district. Owner George Bleeker started the company after working on his family’s cropping farm, where he developed a strong understanding of the importance of dependable rural transport. “I grew up working for Dad on the farm,” George says. “He runs a large cropping operation and we sold a lot of grass to dairy farmers, so that is where I first got involved in bulk cartage.” George bought his first truck from his father Jeff and began doing transport work for the farm, which became his first client. At the time many local jobs were handled by established operators, but the early work helped him gradually build the business. “It took about two years before I was able to add a second truck,” George says. “From there it slowly grew as more farmers started using us.” Today Bleeker Cartage runs a diverse fleet that covers livestock transport, bulk cartage, blowing services, and general rural freight. Two new trucks are also due to join the fleet soon, bringing the total to 11 vehicles on the road. “That is really about keeping up with the workload,” George says. “We have grown as much as we have needed to in order to support the work coming in.” One of the company’s key advantages is its use of swap body truck units, which allow vehicles to quickly change between different roles depending on seasonal demand. RURAL SERVICES » Bleeker Cartage LUSK ENGINEERING LIMITED Truck Bodies & Trailers Telephone: (03) 308 2410 Email: admin@luskeng.co.nz 31 JB Cullen Drive, Newlands, Ashburton 7772 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 · Service the North and South Island in our fully equipped workshops · Manufacturers of Aluminium Stock Crates Proud to support Bleeker Cartage
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