MaxiTrans dealer Trailer Sales reflects on its humble beginnings and its four decades in Australian road transport
Queensland-based Trailer Sales is this year commemorating a 40-year milestone after serving the local industry and offering its full suite of trailing products available under the MaxiTrans offering.
Trailer Sales was established as Freighter Queensland in 1982, beginning operations in 1983. The company, initially distributing trailer brands like Freighter, expanded its reach in the late 1990s by acquiring distribution rights to Maxi-Cube refrigerated vans, subsequently rebranding to Freighter Maxi-Cube Queensland (FMQ).
In 2009, another turning point came when FMQ strategically acquired Trailer Sales NQ, a move that included the prominent trailersales.com.au domain. This acquisition not only expanded the company’s reach but also led to the current, familiar name of Trailer Sales in 2012.
Trailer Sales has two branches, located in Rocklea and Townsville, with a total of 70 employees dedicated to serving the road transport industry. Today, it provides access to the full complement of MaxiTrans trailer brands, as well as specialised products from FWR and RoadWest Transport.
The company says it prides itself on being a one-stop-shop for road transport operators, offering a broad range of products and services, as well as parts, that provides coverage here locally in Australia and various international markets. From brake lining or wheel bearing repairs to complete vehicle rollover solutions, the company’s service division has consistently provided high-quality, comprehensive services.
According to Trailer Sales, the core aspect of its success has been its steadfast commitment to customers, cultivating relationships that span generations.
Scott Thiesfield, sales manager and a two-decade veteran of the company, explains the business’s philosophy: “We’re here for long term relationships. It’s not about selling one trailer; it’s about having a long-lasting relationship with that customer.”
Despite the challenges thrown their way, including the Global Financial Crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, Trailer Sales says it continued to prove its resilience by ‘rolling with the punches’.
Trailer Sales is partially owned by leading national trailer manufacturer MaxiTrans.
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MaxiTrans recently presented a commemorative plaque to Trailer Sales to mark its 40 year anniversary. From left, Mark Sutcliffe, Mark Kelly, Kevin Manfield and Scott Thiesfield
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Dealer principal Mark Kelly says the 40-year milestone stands as a testament to dedicated staff and a loyal customer base.
“We appreciate the support from our staff and the customers who have supported us along this journey. May there be many more years to come,” he states.
Mark Sutcliffe, general manager, has driven the company that evolved into Trailer Sales over the decades, increasing a limited number of products to the wide range of trailers from MaxiTrans that today can match any transport need.
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Despite the successes and the inevitable challenges, the management team at Trailer Sales say they remain humble and grounded.
“We don’t normally put too many things out there and give ourselves a pat on the back, but the 40th anniversary is an exception,” Scott Thiesfield says.
With its commitment to long-term customer relationships and a continuous drive for innovation, Trailer Sales says it has proven that it is more than ready to face and embrace the future.