Mildura-based GTS Freight Management took delivery of its 100th truck late last year – a K104B – one of 10
Mildura-based GTS Freight Management took delivery of its 100th truck late last year – a K104B – one of 10 Kenworth cab-overs.
Rated at 70 tonnes, the new K104B is powered by a Cummins Signature engine producing 620 hp and 2050 ft/lb of torque.
The vehicle features an 18-speed Fuller AutoShift RTLO22918AAS3 transmission, Meritor front and rear disc brakes, Meritor FG941 front and RT46-160GP rear axles (4.10 ratio), riding on Kenworth Airglide 400 alloy suspension and also includes Kenworth’s 2.8 metre Aerodyne sleeper.
To commemorate the landmark, a plaque was presented to the Managing Director of GTS Freight Management, Damien Matthews by Glenn Leake, Dealer Principal of Mildura Truck Centre, at a handover event with Joe Rizzo, Managing Director of PACCAR Australia and Ms Helene Mawyer, Vice President of PACCAR Inc.
GTS specified a number of distinctive features, such as a unique black chassis and cab paint colour and charcoal seat covers embossed with “PM 100”.
Established in 1980, the family-run business has grown to become one of the largest providers of transport, warehousing and logistics services to the Australian wine and beverage industry.
GTS built a new national headquarters in 2007, comprising a state-of-the-art workshop with fuelling and washing facilities as well as 21,000 square metres of insulated warehousing.
Kenworth represents the lion’s share of the company’s fleet of B-double taut liners which are capable of carrying payloads of 38 tonnes.
GTS delivers more than 22,000 loads over 19 million kilometres, covering Sunraysia and other regional areas as well as all mainland capitals, except Darwin.
Managing Director Damien Matthews says it’s crucial that his trucks remain productive, reliable and economical every day, and that’s why he continues to expand his Kenworth fleet.
“Over the years we’ve purchased various Kenworth models – including the K104, T404SAR and T904 – and we have found they all have one thing in common. Kenworths make good business sense. They may cost a little more to purchase but the return is far greater over the life of the truck – with lower running costs and a higher resale price,” he says.
Compared with imported American and European brands, Matthews says Kenworth trucks are far more cost effective to operate.
“We have calculated that our Kenworths cost us 8percent less to run than other brands. That’s a significant saving when you consider that our entire fleet clocks up over 1.5 million kilometres every month.”
Also, he says driver acceptance is an important consideration when purchasing new trucks.
“Just as it’s important for us to have the best trucks on the road, it’s vital that we have the best drivers behind the wheel. And, when you buy Kenworth, you get a winning combination. Drivers love Kenworths, so having a large stable of them enables us to attract the best drivers and keep our existing team happy.”
GTS has been purchasing an increasing number of Kenworth cab-overs in recent times, and its 100th truck continued this trend.
“The K104B is the ideal cab-over for our business,” Matthews says.
“It improves on the iconic K104 – a proven workhorse – by providing increased driver comfort and safety in the cabin, with the performance, durability and reliability you’d expect from Kenworth. The K104B also gives us greater manoeuvrability when delivering to metropolitan areas while also enabling us to carry a full 34 pallets.”
Combining a light tare weight with high-performance, fuel-efficient engines and a short bumper-to-back-of-cab, the K104B offers owners unmatched flexibility – ideal for single trailer, B-double and B-triple high-capacity long hauls and national distribution, as well as twin-steer operations for mining sites, heavy logging and other specialist applications.
Matthews says Kenworth’s dealer network also plays an integral role in its transport efficiency.
“We cover a lot of territory, so it’s comforting to know that if we ever have a problem, there’s a Kenworth dealer nearby. That said, we have been buying our Kenworths from Mildura Truck Centre for many years and they’ve always offered us excellent service – not just the right advice on the best models but transport strategies and support whenever we need it,” he said.
“We’re committed to Kenworths – not just to replace our older models but also as we continue to expand in future years”.