In the central Victorian city of Bendigo, the Keating name is synonymous with transport and the community's local identity. In
In the central Victorian city of Bendigo, the Keating name is synonymous with transport and the community’s local identity. In business for over three generations, Keatings of Bendigo was first established in 1926 by William Patrick Keating.
Today, the local transport company is stronger than ever under the guidance of William’s son Brian, his wife Jennifer and their sons Glenn, Craig, Leigh and daughter Fiona.
Over time, Keatings has grown to become an important part of the local economy serving local businesses with friendly, personal service.
At a time when the freight industry is dominated by large multinational companies, flexibility is a key factor to survival and growth for Keatings in this competitive environment.
Ever since William Keating picked up his first load, there has been a variation in cargo ranging from furniture to milk powder and everything in between.
Presently, the Keatings fleet comprises of three rigid trucks and three prime movers, a Volvo 6X4, an International S-line and the company’s new flagship, an International 9200 fitted with 475 hp Cummins ISX engine.
Each prime mover operates a 45 foot trailer for the company’s main run on the Calder Freeway between Melbourne and Bendigo, a route that sees each truck clock about 120,000 Kilometres a year.
A newly acquired Freighter T-Liner featuring the next generation Meritor CS9 air suspension has recently joined the fleet and is already yielding the company greater efficiency.
The trailer’s low tare weight design is delivering performance benefits beyond expectations according to Brian’s son Glenn, a seasoned driver of over 20 years.
“What’s outstanding about the trailer is that it’s a tidy and respectful looking trailer and the new air suspension has been able to offer a great combination of reduced weight, high durability and excellent ride quality,” Glenn says.
According to Brian Keating, reduced expenditure on trailer maintenance and repair is another benefit of the Meritor CS9 air suspension, an important factor for the ongoing success of small family operators such as Keatings.
“Maintenance costs of the Meritor CS9 equipped Freighter trailer are expected to be minimal,” he said, “the trailer has been in service since December last year and we have yet to do anything other than routine maintenance.”
“For a smaller operation like Keatings to remain competitive we need durability and minimal downtime, and when we invest in equipment, we expect it to last at least 10 years.”
“The road transport industry is dominated by large-sized companies and is extremely competitive, for this reason we strive to be as efficient as possible and this extends to all our equipment.”
Available in Australia exclusively from specialist parts supplier Colrain, the Meritor CS9 air suspension offers weight savings by eliminating ‘U’ bolts at the axle connection and by using weight efficient, high strength cast steel trailing arms; this also reduces maintenance costs.
Meritor designed heavy duty shockers using precision valving technology minimises the transmission of wheel end vibration from the road through the Trailer.
When coupled with the composite piston air springs the CS9 Suspension provides the operator the added flexibility to carry varying loads as well a far superior, smoother ride.
The Meritor CS9 has been designed from day one to be “Road Friendly”, so there is no redesign required to meet this standard – so no compromises.