8 minute read
Meet My Fleet, APL Direct
MEET MY FLEET
The APL Direct fleet are instantly recognisable when out and about. Here is one of the latest additions, a Scania R500, towing a specialist glass Roadmaster B-train
APL Direct
Story By Milly McCauley Images By Rob Van Der Hoek and Dave McCoid
They are an impressive head-turing sight wherever they are spotted. Milly McCauley was lucky enough to spend some time with APL Direct’s general manager Jake Lambert and meet the man in charge of one of the country’s sharpest line-haul fleets.
LTDU: Who owns APL Direct? Jake: APL direct is owned by the Plaw family.
LTDU: How long has APL Direct been in business? Jake: APL Direct was established in 2003 and started out as a small aluminium joinery fabrication company. As APL grew, they faced problems and damages with third-party distributors, deciding therefore to take the distribution of their product into their own hands. APL Direct has now been operating for over 19 years.
LTDU: Where do you have trucks based? Jake: APL Direct has four main depots; Hamilton, Hautapu, where the glass operations are based, Palmerston North where a smaller satellite depot is, and Christchurch where we service the South Island from.
LTDU: How many trucks does APL Direct operate? Jake: APL has 38 trucks and 15 trailers in the fleet. This number is continually growing!
LTDU: What makes of trucks do you have and how many of each? Jake: The APL Direct fleet is mainly Scania, however Hinos and DAFs are there also, used for smaller metro delivery services. LTDU: How many people do APL Direct employ? Jake: APL has more than 60 employees throughout their dispatching, management and transport divisions.
From riddle on page 47 ANSWER He was walking.
What do you call a queue of trucks? A pickup line
The APL Direct DC in Te Rapa is as immaculate and organised as the rest of the operation.
Little Trucker Down Under’s Milly McCauley (Left) and APL Direct’s Jake Lambert.
This number has grown substantially throughout the last years as APL Direct expanded with the growth of the glass business in particular.
LTDU: What type of loads do you cart? Jake: APL predominately carts aluminium extrusion, hardware, rubber coils, sheet metal and glass.
LTDU: Where are the main areas you operate in around New Zealand? Jake: APL delivers from Keri Keri in the north all the way down to Invercargill in the south, servicing a large expanse of fabricators throughout the country. LTDU: What is your title at APL Direct and what are your responsibilities? Jake: I am the general manager overseeing the whole operation at APL Direct.
LTDU: Did you always think you would work in transport? Jake: No, I never thought I would work in transport but when the opportunity arose, I jumped at the chance. It was something completely different.
LTDU: How long have you been involved with the business? Jake: I have been working at APL Direct for five years, and in this role for just over three years. LTDU: What’s your favourite thing about working in the industry? Jake: Being able to provide people with opportunities, watch them grow in their work, and see their personal development.
LTDU: What things would you like to see change for the transport industry over time? Jake: I would like to see more done towards alternative energy, actually trying to narrow down which way the industry will head is a big issue. I would like to see some proper direction as we work towards a more sustainable future of transport.
LTDU: Do you have a favourite truck in your fleet? Jake: No, no favourites in particular, I just like that APL Direct trucks are quite unique, noticeable and well presented. LTDU: What would be some advice you would give to any young people who want to start a career in transport? Jake: Having a good work ethic and a good attitude will get you a long way especially in this industry. Spend some time around people in transport and put yourself out there, as there is always opportunity to grow and progress.
LTDU: Can you tell me a fun or interesting fact about APL Direct? Jake: The fleet runs 95% Euro-5 or better, with 40% now Euro-6. We are working hard on increasing Euro-6 numbers. APL Direct focuses heavily on sustainability, and is working on a number of recycling initiatives throughout all products and packaging.
TeKuiti saleyards Cab 9-axle stock unit parked at the A TeAkau Transport DAF CF85 Space
Looking for a truckload of fun?
Scania Kids Hub is just the place you’re looking for. With loads of activities ranging from word searches to spot the difference, colouring sheets to scavenger hunts, and even a Scania board game, Scania Kids Hub is the perfect place for truck lovers to bust boredom!
Scan the QR code below or visit https://bit.ly/scania-kids
Truck Safety
SAFETY TIPS FOR OUR ROAD USERS
brought to you by Fuso
It’s not just those behind the wheel of a truck that need to think about safety while using the road. Whether you’re out for a walk, on a bike, or driving a car, there’s lots of things to think about!
TIPS FOR PEDESTRIANS
Walk on sidewalks, watch out for blind spots, and keep alert at all times! Don’t be distracted by electronic devices and make eye contact with drivers. And make sure you watch for trucks entering, exiting or backing up in parking lots and at job sites.
DRIVERS PASSING A SEMI-TRUCK
It takes truck drivers much more time to stop than you - so keep a safe distance. They have bigger blind spots, so pass on the right side, at a safe, steady speed, and make sure you’re well beyond the truck before getting back over.
Look out for trucks turning left from beside or behind you. Don’t stop too close to the front of a stopped truck. Never cycle up the left side of a truck stopped at a junction.
TIPS FOR CYCLISTS
FIGHTER
This mid-sized truck is a champion for safety, helping drivers detect cyclists riding alongside it.
CANTER
This plucky little character was the first FUSO truck with advanced safety features to help prevent accidents and injuries on the road.
SHOGUN
This giant of the FUSO range is a real hero on the road. It can ‘talk’ to drivers if it looks like they are getting sleepy while driving.
Another first from FUSO – advanced safety features are now standard in all of these trucks!
And the winner is!!! Congratulations to our colouring comp winner, Jack! We loved your picture! Your prize is on its way.
Jett Jack
Archie
Roko Walter
Max
Jackson Lucas
Jordy
CHECK OUT PAGES 32 AND 34 FOR MORE COLOURING COMPETITIONS!!
Hannah
FInd Trucky and his little friends
Find Little Trucky and his 7 friends hidden in the pages of this issue. Write the page number under the correct Trucky on this coupon. Email your answers to: shannon@nztrucking.co.nz Put in the subject line: FIND TRUCKY – Autumn include your name, address and phone number. Entries close 30 April 2022. The first correct entry drawn will win a free subscription to either Little Trucker Down Under or New Zealand Trucking magazine. Winners will be announced in the next issue of Little Trucker Down Under.
Summer 2021 truckies were hiding on pages: 14, 24, 26, 29, 36, 39, 44 and 50
Congratulations to our winner of our Summer 2021 issue, Jaxon Hodgetts from Hamilton, NZ.
