Double Coin Imaging Awards

When Wayne Kenworthy began driving back in 1984 as part of the family business, Cyril Kenworthy & Sons Ltd, he probably never envisioned driving a truck with a 750-horsepower engine.

Wayne and his wife Janine have since started their own company called Kenworthy Transport Services, starting 15 years ago at Hall’s Refrigerated Transport with a Kenworth T404 doing a Picton swap.

Meanwhile, CoolTranz had been steadily building its business since it was founded back in 2014. They saw a gap in the market for a quality nationwide distribution and transport service for the chilled and frozen sector of the industry.

For CoolTranz, long term regional relationships were key, partnered with the best gear and the best people to provide the best service by road across the Cook Strait, linking all areas of New Zealand to each other, every day.

In 2019 Wayne and Janine were asked if they wanted to be a part of the CoolTranz team, which they accepted, starting with the company in June of that year.

They purchased seven 8x4 tractor units to start with – a trio of Kenworth K200s, two Freightliner Argosy’s, two Iveco Stralis and kept a DAF they already owned. The fleet operated on fixed runs from Invercargill to Nelson, with four of those trucks running interisland between Christchurch and Palmerston North.

As CoolTranz have grown, Wayne and Janine’s fleet of trucks has also expanded to 12 tractor units including this elegant looking Volvo FH750 Globetrotter 8x4 tractor unit.

“It’s probably the most comfortable truck I’ve ever driven,” says Wayne.

“It has power to burn but feels lazy, everything has been designed for the driver. The cab is well thought out and practical – all controls are within an arm’s length of the driver. Considering the state of our highways, it rides like a car, and you don’t get thrown around at all and your coffee doesn’t get spilt.”

Running at 48 tonnes on 305/70 22.5 tyres on the front and 275/70 tyres on the driving axles, the staunch FH Volvo has a 12-speed I-Shift automated transmission and is powered by a D16G 16-litre 750 horsepower engine that produces 3550Nm of torque that makes easy work towing the Fairfax 15.6 metre quad semi-trailer.

“The horsepower is a bit of an overkill for what we do, but you feel pretty relaxed at the end of your shift,” Wayne says.

“Fuel consumption is good as well, averaging 1.94km per litre over the life of the truck.”

The fuel consumption is aided by the addition of I-SEE technology which can save Wayne up to 5% on fuel. I-SEE optimises speed and gear changes based on data gathered from a topographical map.

High specification in standard trim means this Volvo isn’t fitted with a lot of extras. In doing so it retains a clean and elegant look that works well with the CoolTranz signage that was applied by Displayworks in Christchurch.

From a distance the Volvo FH16 has an imposing presence about it but up close the cab has been made smoother around the edges with the gaps minimised between the upper and lower front of the cab to improve efficiency and aerodynamics.

Wayne’s Volvo FH16 Globetrotter has been fitted with halogen headlights which are designed for improved light performance. Volvo also offer two other versions entirely based on LED technology, but all three lighting options include the distinctive V-shaped LED daytime running lights.

The latest FH16 Globetrotter comes with a new driver interface designed for driver safety which lets you keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.

The unique interior surfaces in the FH16 offer a high level of quality with leather textile and leather trim. Both driver and passenger have a great comfort level with air suspension, heating and armrests.

With a fully digital instrument display and a 9-inch side display allowing control over the truck’s functions, Wayne can ease back and enjoy the ride to Picton to catch the ferry.