Double Coin Imaging Awards

A switch of truck brand for Napier-based owner-driver Jimmy Hartley has seen him remain part of the PACCAR family while bringing a New Zealand-first to the log truck sector.

The immaculate metallic blue Hartley Contracting DAF XF FAD Space Cab went on the road during September, and is believed to be the first Euro VI powered DAF XF dedicated logger in the country.

The new DAF replaces Jimmy’s 2012 model Kenworth K108E and he says the prime reasons he looked at the Euro brand were driver comfort, the latest safety technologies and value for money.

“Kenworths are all I have ever driven up till now,” says Jimmy.

“I did tyres for 12 years and then... ... 

Like many New Zealand trucking companies, Hilton Haulage Transport Ltd, was built by men who did the hard yards and had a genuine passion for the industry.

The company was formed by Sid McAuley and Angus Murray 50 years ago and was originally known as Hilton Haulage Ltd. In 1977 the two business partners purchased their first new truck – a Mercedes-Benz 1924 – which was re-purchased and restored in 2010.

These days the company is known as Hilton Haulage Transport Ltd and the Mercedes-Benz marque still features prominently in day-to-day operations.

Recently, company driver, Erik Crosse was handed the keys to a new Mercedes-Benz Actros 5, 2663 LS/35 (6... ... 

Nupin Transport driver Brendon D’Ath thought he was going out for Sunday morning brunch with his father-in-law when he, wife Christa and their two daughters arrived at Tauranga’s Sulphur Point Marina on July 28.

Then he set eyes on the new Scania R 620 8x4 tractor unit with Nupin Transport owners Barry and Glen Raymond ready to greet him in the carpark.

The element of surprise in the handover was carefully planned.

“We’ve tried hard to keep it all under wraps,” says Glen Raymond.

“We even drove it back from Otorohanga late at night after it had been painted.”

The Sunday morning outing to the marina was a surprise handover for Brendon, w... ... 

It’s a long way from the suburban towns of West London to Tokoroa, but there’s a direct connection in the name of the stunning new Sheldrake Haulage Kenworth W900 SAR Legend which entered service in early July.

The Legend has been given the name Uxbridge by Sheldrake Haulage owner Mat Sheldrake.

“When we ordered the truck we could choose which build number we wanted. I saw that 292 was available, and I used to live at 292 Uxbridge Rd in London. 

“The name is a tip of the hat to the time I spent living in London,” says Mat.

Finished in the signature white, blue and silver Sheldrake colours, the SAR Legend has gone to work just a week shor... ...