| 71 RURAL SERVICES » Bleeker Cartage “Our swap body units mean we can go from tipping decks to livestock crates in about 15 minutes,” George says. “If livestock work slows down we can easily shift those trucks onto bulk work carrying feed or fertiliser.” The system provides flexibility in a region where farming activity changes significantly throughout the year. Dairy farming now dominates much of the surrounding area, which means livestock transport can fluctuate depending on the season. Much of the company’s growth has come from word of mouth, with farmers placing value on reliable drivers and clear communication. “Many farmers will lean more towards reliability and service rather than price these days, because unreliable service will generally cost them money.” Clear communication is especially important during busy farming periods, when delays can quickly create problems. Bleeker Cartage currently employs 13 staff, with an experienced team of drivers who understand both livestock handling and the realities of farm work. “Our crew have been doing this for a long time and they know what farmers expect,” George says. “That experience really matters when you are dealing with livestock and tight schedules.” Behind the scenes, Christine Sadler brings many years of industry experience to manage the accounts, compliance requirements, permits, and health and safety systems. George’s wife Olivia is also a key player, bringing accounts experience from the haulage industry and exceptional attention to detail which ensures this part of operations is running right. Livestock dispatcher Trevor Waller has a huge commitment to the rural transport industry and with contacts across the country, he helps to create back-load contracts and ensure efficient operations. George continues to drive trucks himself and remains closely involved in the day to day running of the business, maintaining the close connection with farmers that helped build the company in the first place. “I grew up around farming so I understand what is at stake,” he says. “If cows run out of feed they lose production. Getting things where they need to be on time really matters.” Make possible happen 8F XPSL DMPTFMZ XJUI 4.&T BOE GBNJMZ PXOFE CVTJOFTTFT XJUI BNCJUJPOT UP HSPX BEBQU BOE QSPUFDU XIBU NBUUFST NPTU 8IFUIFS ZPVijSF BO FOUSFQSFOFVS BO PXOFS PQFSBUPS HSPXJOH ZPVS CVTJOFTT PS QMBOOJOH GPS UIF GVUVSF PG ZPVS GBNJMZ MFHBDZ ,1.( XPSLT BMPOHTJEF ZPV BOE ZPVS CVTJOFTT XIBUFWFS TUBHF ZPVijSF BU Family business Tax & accounting Business strategy Succession planning Buy/sell transactions Budgeting & forecasting kpmg.co.nz/enterprise Get in touch Brent Love Christchurch 027 528 1537 Michelle Martin Ashburton 027 693 1103 Charlotte Blackman Timaru Find out more One of the company’s key advantages is its use of swap body truck units, which allow vehicles to quickly change between different roles.
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