SAFER CLEANER CONNECTED

find someone who is suitable for what we do, and then we tend to keep them.”

“Servicing is a big thing with the cranes. We get it done at six monthly intervals but they also have an annual inspection. I’m big on compliance and making sure we’re doing everything right. About five years ago the authorities had a big push targeting crane trucks and it was one of the better things that happened because the industry needed a good shake up. We came out of it fairly well and our

THAT’S ANOTHER HINO

An unintended consequence of the wraps is the additional level of care the trucks receive from their operators and scratches and dents from incidents such as brushing past trees have become non-existent. The drivers also have some input into the design being applied to the truck they drive. Recently a number of newly delivered Hino’s have been illustrated with flames on a black background.

“You’d be surprised at how well it has worked out,” says Chad. “Our trucks are noticeable on the road, and are commonly referred to by their character name. The drivers look after them and some customers even have a favourite truck.”

The building industry in general can be a challenge as sites become smaller and every boundary is being pushed to the extreme. A full semi load of 12-metre-long floor joists may have to be unloaded onto a site which itself is only 12-metres wide which requires, in turn, a high skill level from the driver/ operator. During 2021 CNC relocated into its new premises at Narangba from which the trucks can service the Greater Brisbane area as well as the Gold and customers know they can rely upon us to make sure we’ve got everything right including gear such as the correct slings. They’d rather pay us a few more dollars an hour and get it done right than use someone cheaper.”

To further enhance safety the trucks are equipped with 360 degree camera systems supplied by Petr Stajnc at Active Fleet. As with many Australian transport businesses, staffing has been a challenge in meeting the demands of growth.

Sunshine Coasts. Chad credits his wife Chelsea with much of the success of CNC Cartage.

“Chelsea works harder than me in the business. I might get the accolades and recognition about the good stuff we’re doing, but without her we wouldn’t be where we are,” he says. “She needs just as much rap as I do in putting everything together.”

Their son Jack joined the business last year.

THE ALL-NEW 700 SERIES, BUILT FOR THE FUTURE.

CNC’s fleet is predominantly from Hino, with Sci-Fleet being the supplying dealer for the past 20 years. In the past, temporary shortages of certain models and the unavailability of some particular specifications has seen Chad try other brands but the expansion of the Hino range over recent years has meant he hasn’t had to look elsewhere when it’s time to order new trucks. On this front Will Gaulton at Sci-Fleet ensures Chad will have new trucks when he needs them. CNC’s business model involves keeping a truck for between five and seven years and then on-selling it to a sub-contractor as the business expands. Chad has had some Hino trucks which were still performing well after more than 1.5 million kilometres. Vehicle down time is minimised through the use of night-time servicing. Every combination is equipped with a HMF crane and Chad values his relationship with Grant Sweeting from West-Trans

“It doesn’t matter how many trucks we’ve got. They have to be out on the road so we look after our staff and make a real effort to retain them,” says Chad.

“We provide lots of training to make sure they are suitable for the needs of the job and to put a new driver on we may go through three or four others to

“I want to provide a service for our customers and if that means we need to work a little bit harder in the background and make sure that happens, then so be it,” says Chad.

The new Hino 700 Series rewrites the rules in safety, emissions and connectivity. It’s our safest truck ever, with an enhanced Hino SmartSafe package including Pre-Collision System, Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning System and Driver Monitor. Designed to meet Euro 6 exhaust emission standards, it’s the cleanest Hino heavy-duty yet. With Hino-Connect as standard, customers benefit from superior business intel and support – it’s next-generation telematics delivered in real-time. The all-new 700 Series is the truck of the future, here today. Find out more at hino.com.au

“If we are doing the best we can there is no need for our customers to go elsewhere.” primemovermag.com.au 35 this work with a licence.

Prime Mover March, 2022