POPULAR WORDS

July 23, 2010

While other sectors of the economy may be struggling at least one transport company is enjoying better times and expanding operations.

Victorian Freight Specialists (VFS) recently added three new Isuzus to their fleet of trucks, two FXL 1500 models and an FXD 1000 to cater for increasing demand in regional Victoria.

Filling a niche left in the market by bigger international transport companies, VFS has tripled its clientele in the last 12 years through a combination of reliability and service, providing overnight delivery services into regional Victoria and southern New South Wales, as well as metropolitan pick-up and delivery in city centres.

Along the way, the company has grown to employ 70 staff and 30 drivers, and over 250 sub contractors and administration staff through 23 regional agents throughout Victoria and New South Wales.

With more than 10 years of using Isuzu trucks, Chris Collins, director of VFS, says the FX models were purchased based on their versatility, power and suitability for VFS’ application.

“We purchased the FX model trucks because they offered us a tight turning circle along with an engine that was powerful enough to pull hefty loads on country roads,” Collins says.

The Isuzu FXL 1500s are fitted with 16 pallet mezzanine floor curtainside bodies, while the FXD 1000 is equipped with a 14 pallet mezzanine floor curtainside body and a 10 pallet pig trailer.

While reliability is a key feature of the Isuzus, Collins says the Euro V emissions rating also assists VFS in the tendering process for new business.

“VFS must meet very strict environmental and OH&S policies because they deliver for many of Australia’s leading companies,” he says.

“The FXs’ Euro V environmental rating goes a long way in showing our customers that we have the cleanest trucks on the market.”

Fitted with standard Isri 6860 air-suspended driver’s seat, driver’s SRS Airbag, ABS brakes, electric mirrors, climate control, air conditioning and an easy to use touch-screen audio visual unit (TAV), the Isuzu FX provides comfort, convenience and safety for VFS drivers, Collins says.

With Meritor ABS brakes, rear Hendrickson airbag suspension and Front Underun Protection Device as standard, the new FX models ensure that VFS complies with the most stringent chain of responsibility regulations, he says.