Central Freight Management Services has taken over family-owned business Batson Transport
Ruza Zivkusic-Aftasi | April 3, 2012
Central Freight Management Services (CFMS) has taken over family-owned business Batson Transport.
The Adelaide-based firm, which specialises in warehousing and freight management, officially took over Batson Transport yesterday. The business was operated by Alan and Pauline Johnston since 1990.
CFMS Managing Director Martin Huggett says the pair put the business up for sale due to their retirement plans.
“This wasn’t in the plans for long – we didn’t even know we were going to do this four weeks ago,” Huggett says.
“We got a call asking if we’re interested and we said yes.”
The company, which has 14 vehicles, has four staff who will not be working for CFMS, Huggett says.
The takeover involves a large warehouse and distribution centre located in Adelaide’s Regency Park.
Huggett, who has been in the industry for 40 years, says it is important for a business to look for new challenges to stay alive in the current market.
“The main challenge is to always try and look over the next horizon to see where the business is going, what’s going to be required down the track,” he says.
“We are constantly trying to keep ahead of what’s happening as it’s moving faster and changing very rapidly. If you do nothing, you’re out.”
Huggett first bought Seagull Parcel Direct in 1979 with John Moore.
The small company of four subcontractors made a turnover of $52,000 a year.
Within two years, the company grew to 24 vehicles, becoming one of Adelaide’s busiest parcel companies.
Soon after, warehousing and storage was added to the company. Huggett then merged his business with Sayer’s Carriers in 1981, changing the name to CFMS and becoming one of Adelaide’s largest independent local parcel carrier.
Read the full story on CFMS in the next edition of ATN magazine.
