To deliver over 5,000 consignments weekly in northern Tasmania, Monson Transport relies on a dozen-strong fleet of mostly Isuzu light- and medium-duty trucks, including a 12-pallet FSR 140-240 AMT Freightpack.
Contracting to behemoths Toll, IPEC and TNT, the company carts everything from bulk goods to air freight and last year delivered 25,000 Chrisco hampers.
It is also claimed to be one of the few transport companies that sends multiple vehicles to the far northwest of the Apple Isle, delivering to remote rural locations.
With each truck’s odometer clocking an average 200 kilometres per day, one of the company’s chief concerns is keeping on top of vehicle maintenance.
In this regard, Tasmania Isuzu distributor Webster Trucks is well equipped to assist with major servicing requirements.
“We’ve bought Isuzus for a long time, because of their reputation for reliability,” said Monson Transport Managing Director, Wayne Monson.
“Dealing with Bevan Coleman at Webster Trucks has been really good; we always get solid aftersales service and take the trucks there for major services.
“We bought our newest Freightpack there because we needed a truck in a hurry – we couldn’t afford a long wait at the bodybuilders,” Monson said, adding that an issue with the tailgate lifter was quickly addressed by Webster’s Bevan Coleman.
“We had a couple of glitches where the tailgate lifter we added on wasn’t set up quite how we wanted it for deliveries, so I had a quick chat with Bevan,” he said.
“He came over, had a look and then took it away to fix it up to our specifications – all at no charge to us. The service was fantastic.”
The FSR AMT Freightpack showcases Isuzu’s clean and ultra-efficient 4HK1 turbocharged diesel engine, which packs 177kW at 2,400rpm and peak torque of 765Nm at 1,600rpm.
According to Monson, this is ample for the company’s operations.
“It’s got tons of power and we do operate in some hilly places; I’ve never had one complaint from the drivers,” he said.
Other features that shave time off deliveries include easy-glide curtains, quick release “Lightning” latches, LED body interior lighting and yellow safety steps and grab handles.
Wayne Monson founded Monson Transport in 1996 with one truck, one van and one employee. Prior to this, between the ‘70s and ‘90s, he served in the Royal Australian Air Force and military peacekeeping forces.
“I joined the Air Force in 1976 when I was 17 years old,” Monson said.
“I spent a fair bit of time in purchasing and air movements, the logistics of loading and weight balance.
“In 1984 I spent six months on the ground in the Sinai Desert in Egypt, looking after supply and logistics for a multinational force of observers.”
As for the future, Monson said he plans to keep buying Isuzus and further growing the business.
“I’ve ordered another 10-tonne curtain-sider and a 6.5-tonne tray top from Webster Trucks – just to keep me busy,” he said with a laugh.