Leading Melbourne transport provider, Victorian Freight Specialists (VFS), has recently taken delivery of two new Isuzu FXL 1500 trucks and an Isuzu FXD 1000 truck to meet its expanded workload 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.
Today, VFS provides overnight delivery services into regional Victoria and southern New South Wales, as well as metropolitan pick-up and delivery in city centres.
Currently, VFS employs over 70 staff members and approximately 30 drivers in Melbourne, and over 250 sub contractors and administration staff through 23 regional agents in Victoria and New South Wales.
Having used Isuzu trucks for over a decade, VFS Director, Chris Collins, said 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,” Chris said.
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.
According to Chris – who remains very hands on and tests all new vehicles – reliability is the standout feature of Isuzu trucks.
“I’ve been using Isuzus for over 12 years, and have never had any problems with them mechanically,” Chris said.
He continues, “We work the new FX trucks pretty hard, as they carry out double shifts in both stop-start city conditions as well as country highway driving – the trucks are performing very well.”
The trucks’ 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 it delivers for many of Australia’s leading companies.
“The FX’s 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, according to Chris.
“The drivers have all commented very positively on the cabin space and extra leg room in the new FX trucks. Our drivers spend a lot of time in the trucks and we want them to be as comfortable and safe as possible.
“Having 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 said.
To ensure it has the most up-to-date fleet, VFS renews its Isuzu trucks every four years and services trucks internally with the assistance of specialist Isuzu mechanics.