Rand E-Newsletter
September 2011
Harris + Rand = Perfect Fit
New Facilities Update for Perth and Adelaide
Rand Supports Ronald McDonald House
Another Ton for Rand
New Prime Movers for Harris Fleet
Count Your Chickens...
Bananas are Back
Your Opinion Counts
Keep Counting Your Chickens...
Harris Driver Wins Award
All in the Family
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Harris + Rand = Perfect Fit
Rand Transport has strengthened its position as Australia’s leading provider of refrigerated transport and warehousing services to the food industry with the acquisition of Adelaide-based Harris Refrigerated Transport.
The purchase was a strategic move enabling Rand to enter the produce market along the east-west transport corridor and closing a gap in its existing service offering.
Rand General Manager David Cole said together Rand and Harris Transport will provide a premium national road and rail refrigerated transport service.
“This represents a big step towards achieving one of our key objectives and that is to grow our share of the east-west transport corridor between WA and the east coast of Australia,” said Mr Cole.
“Harris’ expertise in road transport will complement Rand’s existing road and rail capacity and allow Rand to transport fresh produce in addition to frozen and chilled product.”
“Harris is a refrigerated road transport business specialising in the east-west corridor and bring with them 70 additional prime movers and 150 road trailers. Rand’s strength in this corridor is its substantial rail business, so it’s a very good fit.
“Importantly, this will mean an increased service offering for customers of both Rand and Harris Transport.”
Former Harris Managing Director Michael Hill (now the Rand Commercial Manager) said bringing the two companies together will generate many new opportunities and developments for Harris’ customers and staff.
“This acquisition is vitally important in securing our future and allowing us to grow our business into a truly national refrigerated road and rail network,” said Mr Hill.
“We’re particularly delighted that the Harris Refrigerated Transport name will continue to operate and we are looking forward to using the efficiencies gained by the consolidation of both companies to further improve our quality of service to our customers.”
The acquisition builds on Rand's position as Australia’s leading refrigerated transport company and provides customers of both Harris and Rand with an increased service offering.
The acquisition will provide Rand with many important benefits including:
· the flexibility of a road and rail network across the country
· the opportunity to enter the produce market along the east/west corridor
· an improved competitive position in Adelaide
· complementary corridor infrastructure
Our operations will continue as normal following the acquisition with the aim of maintaining and strengthening our relationships with key customers and suppliers.
The acquisition of Harris Refrigerated will further strengthen Rand and will provide a huge injection of quality road equipment to complement our rail operations.
Click here to download a copy of the Harris Corporate Brochure
New Facilities Update for Perth and Adelaide
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Rand has invested in excess of $120 million in new facilities and equipment over the last 2 years which has been vitally important in securing our future and will allow us to grow our business for many years to come.
Rand’s growth strategy is based on having purpose built transport facilities in each mainland capital, each having large cross docking facilities with the ability to store short and long term refrigerated product.
In 2010, Rand commissioned new state of the art transport terminals in Melbourne and Brisbane at a cost of $53 million.
New developments are currently planned for Perth and Adelaide.
The new Perth facility will be:
- 14,000 pallet multi user site
- Situated on a 5.6 hectare site on Abernathy Road Hazelmere, the Perth site is due for completion before July 2012
- This development allows for future expansion to 30,000 pallets
- The facility will feature multi temperature rooms capable of operating at temperatures between -30oC and +15oC. A 3,500 sqm fully refrigerated dock will operate 21 fully insulated dock doors.
Rand will move its interstate transport and warehousing operation to this new site, and will continue to operate from 16A Miles Road Kewdale which will be a stand alone site.
A new facility for Adelaide is also currently being considered, with various options being explored.
We hope to further update everyone in the next Rand E-Newsletter as to the progress and make-up of the new proposed Adelaide facility.
These two developments will allow Rand to continue with its’ huge growth curve, and further reinforces Rand as the carrier of choice to Australia’s food manufacturers.
Rand Supports Ronald McDonald House
You may have noticed a big orange semi-trailer on the streets of Perth, Brisbane, Sydney or even Melbourne….. These are Rand trailers with a very special community message.
Rand and its parent company, Automotive Holdings Group, has teamed together with Ronald McDonald House to increase public awareness for their home-away-from-home program for seriously-ill children and their families from rural Australia.
Rand has donated advertising space on 3 semi-trailers that will be on the road 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
There are trailers in Perth and Brisbane that are used solely in the metro area, as well as a Melbourne to Sydney interstate trailer that travels between the 2 capital cities on a daily basis.
The trailers are 45 foot in length, much larger than a normal billboard, and far more effective!
Rand Transport General Manager, David Cole said “Rand is always looking for ways to give back to the community and we are very happy to be supporting Ronald McDonald House and their very worthwhile cause.”
“We want to spread the message of their good work to as many people as possible and as it’s hard to miss a 45 foot trailer, we thought that was a good place to start.”
If you are interested in helping Ronald McDonald House or learning more about what they do for the community, please visit www.rmhc.org.au/perth-wa or call Bec on 08 9346 9000.
Another Ton for Rand
In the last 2 years Rand has invested heavily in facilities and equipment and we are very pleased to announce that a further 100 new rail containers will arrive in September.
The new containers will be fully operational in October 2011, and will be a welcome sight as we come into our November/December Christmas peak.
This new purchase will complement the 200 new containers that have been introduced into the Rand fleet over the last 2 years.
The new purpose built containers have been designed specifically for the increasingly busy East/West and Melbourne/Brisbane corridor.
This new addition will take the Rand container fleet to in excess of 450 rail containers, each designed to transport refrigerated and temperature sensitive freight.
The new containers are 46'6" long and two pallet wide, which allows for 22 pallets to be loaded on the floor.
This new addition will take the Rand container fleet to in excess of 450 rail containers, each designed to transport refrigerated and temperature sensitive freight.
The new containers are 46'6" long and two pallet wide, which allows for 22 pallets to be loaded on the floor.
Each container is fitted with load bars to facilitate the double stacking of pallets.
Rand’s National Operations Manager, Shaun Coniglio, said that this year Rand responded to customer demands and ordered an extra 100 as a result of huge parcels of work that have been awarded to Rand because of our strong reputation built from being both reliable and dependable.
"Purchasing the extra equipment was a logical progression because they offer the most advanced technology, the latest Carrier refrigeration, and they are all fitted with the latest tracking technology.
"Purchasing the extra equipment was a logical progression because they offer the most advanced technology, the latest Carrier refrigeration, and they are all fitted with the latest tracking technology.
“The new containers are the perfect solution for the company for the long haul lanes particularly on the Perth corridor.
"Rand has built a reputation for delivering the best service possible with the most advanced and reliable equipment possible," said Shaun.
"Rand has built a reputation for delivering the best service possible with the most advanced and reliable equipment possible," said Shaun.
Rand expect to have the containers fully operational by October this year.
New EEV (Enhanced Environmentally-Friendly Vehicle) Prime Mover added to Harris Fleet
Harris operates a large fleet of prime movers and refrigerated trailers which specialise in the delivery of temperature sensitive products within the food and produce industries.The modern prime mover fleet is continuously upgraded and we are pleased to announce the recent purchase of 5 new Volvo (FH13 and FH16) prime movers at a cost of in excess of $1.3 million.
The Volvo FH is about long-haul performance. Powerful, fuel efficient and with excellent driveability it is a truck that gets on with the job quickly, efficiently and profitably.
The flagship FH16 is the premium choice for the longest and most demanding haulage operations. With its excellent driveability, unique comfort, unparallelled safety and extreme durability it is second to none out on the roads. The D16G engine offers immense torque and power, making the FH16 a master of the heavy transport sector.
This purchase ensures that Harris have the latest technology at their disposal that is capable of returning reliability and efficiency of operation.
Our blue chip clients have been customers for many years and their high level of satisfaction and loyalty is a direct result of the ongoing quality of our extensive modern fleet.
Count Your Chickens...
Metropolitan distribution…to retail, food service and quick service restaurants...one of the many services Rand has been providing food manufacturers for many years.Rand in Perth has been distributing poultry locally for over 20 years, and has recently added Ingham’s to their portfolio of metro distribution clients.
Rand provides Ingham’s WA with seven dedicated 12-pallet rigid vehicles to perform their chilled metropolitan deliveries ex their processing plant in Osborne Park.
Deliveries include supermarkets, fast food, specialty retail and food service.
Ingham’s WA Distribution Manager, Trevor Stephens says that its not only interstate transport and cold storage that are Rand’s strengths. They have been performing our metro deliveries for almost 2 months now, and in that time it’s been seamless.
“The new Hino rigid’s look great, they have the latest truck bodies and refrigeration units and are fitted with vehicle and temperature tracking which gives us all the information we require.”
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The poor humble banana hasn’t fared too well in recent times...first it was Cyclone Larry in 2006, and then Cyclone Yasi in February this year that destroyed 95% of the crops in Tully and Innisfail; and approximately 75% of the industry's total crop.Rand has been operating a depot in Innisfail for almost 12 months now, with the aim of providing an interstate transport service to banana and produce growers in Far North Queensland.
Rand provides a daily transport schedule ex-Innisfail and Tully to all states, as well as ex-Mareeba and Atherton to all states.
Rand’s man in Innisfail, John Domaille reports that there have been steady numbers of banana’s beginning to be transported, which is extremely pleasing.
The good news is that growers are doing everything they can to get fruit back on the shelves as soon as possible, and as the weather begins to get warmer, supply has already begun to increase.
Volumes have been steadily rising weekly although nowhere near the norm. National numbers have also risen from 45,000 cartons per week a month ago to in excess 85,000 cartons per week.
Innisfail has the volume coming on and is atleast 6-8 weeks ahead of the Tully region. It is anticipated that volumes will be 300,000 to 400,000 cartons per week by late November through to late January 2012.
Produce isn’t new to Rand, we’ve been transporting it for almost 25 years so setting up in Innisfail was a natural progression.
And now with our acquisition of Harris Refrigerated, we are in a very good position to better serve the produce market, which is the Harris’ core business!
Your Opinion Counts
Rand prides itself on its level of service and its ability to deliver on time and we want your help to identify ways to provide you the best customer service possible.Over the next month we will be sending you a simple online survey to complete.
We would appreciate it if you take a few minutes to answer some questions anonymously.
It will help us to review our internal processes, make improvements where necessary and build on our relationship with you for the long term.
Your feedback really counts and it will help us to keep improving your experience with Rand.
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Keep Counting Your Chickens...
Rand in Perth has been distributing poultry locally for over 20 years.
Rand has 13 dedicated 12-pallet rigid vehicles based at Baiada’s Osborne Park processing plant performing their chilled metropolitan deliveries.
Rand also provides an interstate transport service to Baiada, as well as warehousing and metro distribution of their frozen product.
Rand and Baiada’s WA Distribution Manager Len Kimberley have been working together for more years than Len cares to remember!
“Rand have been performing our line haul deliveries for over 20 years and they deliver in excess of ninety tonne of our fresh product to the metro area on a daily basis”
“They have a Supervisor based on-site with whom I work closely with in order to achieve the optimum performance for both organizations.”
“Our products are in very good hands! “said Len.
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Harris Driver Wins Award
In 2010, Gary Harris, an interstate driver with Harris Refrigerated Transport, received the Professional Driver of the Year Award from the South Australian Road Transport Authority. Asked to describe the win, Gary was typically modest.“When they announced the winner at the awards dinner, it was a real surprise and I said, ‘Did I just hear my name?’ and was assured it was me,” said Gary.
“My family was delighted, and I felt really good for Harris Refrigerated – I’ve worked for them for nine years, and the recognition for the company is terrific.
“It was very funny when I first started working here because a lot of the drivers thought I was the main man. It’s a remarkable coincidence that I share the name of the company, but I’m not related.”
Gary’s main route is the 32-hour journey between Ceduna in South Australia, and Perth.
“I love the freedom and isolation of driving my truck across the Nullarbor Plain, especially at night with the stars for company. But I also love getting home.
“However, I’m so wedded to my truck driving that when at home, I’ll sometimes kick and change gear in my sleep, causing my wife to literally push me out of bed!”
A country and rock and roll fan, Gary gets plenty of time to enjoy his music during the Perth roundtrip which keeps him away from home about four days each week.
“My first truck was a four tonne Bedford, about 35 years ago, but now I drive a Volvo rig with two trailers. In my opinion, it’s the best truck available. It’s comfortable, beautifully set up inside, has a great air conditioner and is quiet and reliable.”
Originally from Sydney and Adelaide, Gary has lived in Ceduna for the past 20 years and been with Adelaide-based Harris Refrigerated almost half this time. Married to Beverley, they have two adult children and four grandchildren.
All in the FamilyRand operates in excess of 25 Hino rigid vehicles sourced exclusively from Rand’s parent company, Automotive Holdings Group (AHG).
The trucks are supplied by AHG’s WA Hino, Kewdale and Prestige Hino truck dealership in Dandenong, Victoria – two of the largest in the country.
The bodies are supplied by AHG’s Genuine Truck Bodies which provide body building services to the truck industry.
Our 12-pallet rigids operate in every mainland state of Australia, with 18 trucks operating in Perth, distributing poultry exclusively for Inghams and Baiada.
Rand General Manager David Cole said that keeping it in the AHG family made good economic sense.
“The rigids operate throughout Australia and it was logical to source them from AHG. Whilst we are one of the largest users of these vehicles in Perth, WA Hino, Prestige Hino and Genuine Truck Bodies provide a great service and dealing with them is hassle free,” said Mr Cole.
“The trucks look great, and the feedback from our clients has been extremely positive.
“I would highly recommend Hino to any of our clients, and if anyone is interested in operating these themselves, I’m only too happy to refer them in AHG’s direction.”
Automotive Holdings Group Limited (ASX: AHE) is a diversified automotive retailing and logistics group with operations in every Australian mainland state and in New Zealand. The company is Australia's largest automotive retailer, with its major operations in Western Australia, New South Wales and Queensland. AHG also operates the Prestige Hino truck dealership in Dandenong, Victoria – one of the largest in the country, and a leading Toyota dealership in Melbourne.
AHG operates logistics businesses throughout Australia through subsidiaries Rand Transport and Harris Refrigerated Transport (transport and cold storage), AMCAP (motor parts and industrial supplies distribution), Covs (motor parts and mining supplies), VSE (vehicle storage and engineering), Genuine Truck Bodies (body building services to the truck industry), and KTM Sportmotorcycles (motorcycle importation and distribution in Australia and New Zealand).
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