10 | Booths Logistics T T Karen Phelps Expansion delivers more convenience Booth’s has evolved into a comprehensive logistics solution provider. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Nationwide company Booth’s Logistics is proud to hail from the regions, and this has formed the cornerstone of the company’s success. “We’re very strong in the provinces and service all the towns, with 22 locations across New Zealand,” says Dallas Vince, CEO of Booth’s Logistics. “We have local operators born and bred in the regions. They know their customers, they know their towns, and are really proud to transport products where they need to go and offer a great service.” Founded originally as a produce transporter carrying potatoes from the Manawatu to Auckland markets, Booth’s has evolved into a comprehensive logistics solution provider. The company covers 2.5 million kilometres monthly across New Zealand, and Dallas says community involvement remains central to Booth’s identity. The family ownership structure, with the founders’ children now also involved in the business, reinforces its commitment to supporting communities. “When team members approach the company with worthy causes, management makes every effort to provide support. We realise all our people give up a lot of their time, so if our team comes to us and has a good cause to support we try and get behind it,” explains Dallas. The company’s BBQ trailer is a good example of this support, and has become a way to connect with the community, including being stationed in Cromwell for the fruit-picking season and appearing at cherry harvest celebrations. Booth’s also proudly hosts the annual Truck Show at the Alexandra Blossom Festival, an event that continues to grow, with over 50 participating trucks in 2024. The company hosts a drivers’ BBQ at the festival to raise funds for local charities. As the company finalises its 2025 sponsorship plan, it continues longstanding partnerships with organisations like Big Brother Big Sister, and will be seeking new opportunities to support local communities, Dallas says. The company’s commitment to regional development extends to career development through its Gateway and Cadet programmes. Dallas says these initiatives provide pathways for young people from school-age through to management level, recognising that regional businesses must nurture local talent to thrive. Booth’s continues to grow. The company’s strategic acquisitions over recent years have strengthened its national reach, as well as preserving its regional character. In 2019, it acquired Tomoana Warehousing in Hawke’s Bay, marking its entry into large-scale warehousing solutions with 15,000sqm of ambient dry storage. The expansion continued in 2021 with the acquisition of Coupland’s Transport, and Great Lakes Transport, extending the company’s reach into Taupo, Rotorua, and Waikato regions. The 2022 purchase of The Produce Connection brought the company full circle to its agricultural roots, establishing a stronger presence in Northland. The acquisition of Wellington-based transport and warehousing providers, L.G. Anderson Transport Ltd and Anderson and Flowers Ltd, and Summerland Express Freight, a major South Island logistics operator, rounded out Booth’s geographic spread. Recently Booth’s acquired another business in Tauranga to expand its export and import capabilities, aligning with its strategy to establish presence at every main port location. “Our customers want us to simplify their supply chain with one point of contact for all their transport, logistics and warehousing needs,” says Dallas. “Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive from customers taking advantage of our scale.” An example is the company’s service for the stone fruit industry in the South Island, operating a two-day service from Central Otago to the North Island. Dallas says this service ensures that freshly grown produce reaches Auckland markets or export planes within 36 hours, meeting both local and international demand for New Zealand’s premium fruit. Booth’s warehousing capabilities continue to expand with now over 130,000sqm of warehouse space nationwide. It has coupled this with continued investment in state-of-theart tracking, modern handling equipment, and technology support tools to ensure seamless operations with real-time data insights. The company’s B Connected customer portal provides clients with real-time tracking, booking capabilities, and comprehensive reporting tools, including carbon emissions data. “Our expanded storage solutions cater to a broad range of goods, including specialty items requiring MPI compliance, customs clearance, on-site fumigation and certified food-handling services. From container collection to devanning, warehousing, pick-and-pack and final delivery, the Booth’s nationwide endto-end logistics offering is designed to support businesses at every stage.” PROUDLY SUPPORTING BOOTH’S GROUP bridgestone.co.nz Bridgestone provide Booth’s Group with market-leading products, advice and nationwide support to help them achieve the lowest cost per kilometre possible. 0800 123 066 Proudly keeping the Booths Logistics fleet looking sharp nationwide NZ’s Ultimate Touchless Wash Systems www.gazellepro.co.nz 0800 123 066 Fast | Efficient | Effective
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