Transport company Josie’s Transport Group has recently added two new Iveco S-Way prime movers to its fleet – a 550 AT and 530 AT model.
This adds to the company’s fast growing fleet of more than 100 trucks, which includes subcontractor trucks, for the business providing a vital transport link between Melbourne and Geelong.
The new trucks are the first Ivecos joining the fleet at Josie’s, purchased to replace a pair of older European trucks. Transport manager Rhys Rutland says with how they’ve performed so far, they certainly won’t be the last.
“After researching available models, we were impressed with the specification of the S-Ways and the flexibility they could provide our operation,” he says.
“Having spoken with Iveco dealership Adtrans, we were convinced that the S-Way was a sound choice, not only from a product perspective, but in the support the dealer and brand could offer us.
“We purchased the S-Way 550 AT early last year to use for single trailer line-haul work, but being B-Double rated, we thought it would also be a great match for future two trailer work as it arises.”
The new 550 AT has been regularly making daily trips between Melbourne and Geelong, configured as a single trailer tautliner, and has thrived in the application so far.
Boasting a 550hp engine and 2,500Nm of torque from a low 1,000 to 1,600rpm, the driver hasn’t had a bad word to say about the vehicle.
As a part of the company’s continued growth, the new trucks have helping Josie’s to service its clients with greater frequency and efficiency.
“Feedback from the drivers has been really good, they comment about the amount of power the trucks have and how easy, quiet and comfortable they are to drive,” Rutland says.
“Both the drivers have been in the industry for a long time and have driven everything from North America to other European brands and they reckon the S-Ways are fantastic.
“We’ve been on a steady grown path over the last three or four years while still holding true to the core values of the original owners, which made Josie’s an institution in the region.
“It’s about continuing to provide our partners with a safe, efficient and cost friendly transport solution, but now the scope of coverage is broader. We’re still heavily servicing the Geelong to Melbourne route with up to 20 vehicles per day, but now you can use Josie’s more broadly across the western districts, central and north central areas of Victoria.”