Double Coin Imaging Awards

Duncan Campbell’s sharply presented new truck is Napier-based and the curtain graphics on the 8x4 Scania and its 12.5m long Roadmaster 5-axle trailer depict the three peaks encountered on each trip across the Napier-Taupo highway.

Appropriate, as the new rig is predominantly moving general and overnight freight between Napier and Auckland – but floats North Island-wide when needed.

Duncan put the new truck on the road in early August to replace a Kenworth T909. The R 660 joins two Kenworths operated by owner-drivers in the Eastern Hills Logistics fleet.

“I wanted to switch from a B-Train to a high-cube truck and trailer. There was also a price advantage and more horsepower as well with the Scania,” says Duncan.

The R 660 B8x4NB has a 660hp 16-litre DC16 V8 and drives to a Scania Opticruise G33CM 14-speed automated manual transmission with 4700D retarder. The mechanical spec includes an RB735 hub reduction rear end, ABS/EBS disc brakes, and the truck rides on air suspension both front and rear for superior comfort.

Safety features include adaptive cruise control, advanced emergency braking, and lane departure warning.

Duncan worked with John Blackburn at Roadmaster on the build of the curtain sider body and the 5-axle trailer to incorporate some specific design features and achieve a 54t HPMV permit for the combination.

“I wanted 12-metres internally [on the trailer] so we could butt out two packs of 6m timber and I also wanted doors on the back of both the truck and trailer. I need the unit to be really versatile because we do a variety of work, including a bit of hay and baleage at times,” says Duncan.

“John at Roadmaster was a pleasure to deal with the whole way through.”

“Our 12m freight can now fit in this unit as well as the flat deck in our fleet. It also gives us greater flexibility in other freight,” says Duncan.

The truck was sold by Callan Short from Scania’s Rotorua dealership.

“I hadn’t dealt with Callan before, but I have got friends who had previously, and he was very good to work with,” Duncan says.

Fleet Image in Te Awamutu did the painting with the factory Scania Ruby Red colour being reproduced on the body and trailer. The signage is by Caulfield Signs in Rotorua.

“The design was done by my partner Amy. It’s very much her idea,” says Duncan.

“We’ve had that logo before but we have modernised it for this truck and added the gold lettering. The graphic represents the three hills on the Napier-Taupo road.”

Plenty of work went into making sure the truck was comfortable for linehaul runs and nights spent on the road. The cab is equipped with both fridge and freezer, V8 leather seat trim, and overnight air conditioning has been fitted.

“It’s got an air conditioning pod in the roof because I’m away in it for most of the week. It also has a Scania factory-fitted night heater which has been great over the past month,” Duncan says.

On the exterior the R660 is equipped with a Euro stone guard, while the rooftop light bar was installed by 24/7 Auto Electrical.

The truck has been named Linehaul Latte, continuing a theme for Duncan’s trucks.

“All trucks I have owned have been named after coffee – I’m a bit obsessed with nice coffee,” says Duncan.

“One of my trucks was called Flat White as it was a white truck with flat deck trailers. My last truck was called The Daily Grind. The Scania is called Linehaul Latte as a reference to the work we do.”

Duncan says the first few weeks of running Napier-Auckland return have left him impressed with the Scania.

“For me it’s been an era changing experience. The technology in the Scania is a night and day difference,” he says.

“I like the performance, and it’s really comfortable to drive. So far it’s doing exactly what I wanted it to do.”