Double Coin Imaging Awards

What happens when one iconic regional transport company is taken over by another – both of them with well-known names and standout colour schemes?

Does the new owner keep the name and the colour scheme of the company it’s purchased…

Or does it rationalise things – gradually phase out the acquired name and livery, absorbing the operation into its 

own business?

That question arises with Wairarapa Livestock Transport and its electric blue trucks, with their sharp red, silver and white stripes.

It’s a good-looking livery that’s been a common sight on roads and farms in the Wairarapa for 40 years – the colour scheme staying largely unchanged through a co... ... 

Midlands Rural Transport is continuing to expand its modern Scania V8 fleet and now has five of the high-horsepower S 770 units on the road.

But rather than the familiar Midlands’ blue and red colour scheme, the latest S 770 B8x4NA livestock unit which went to work in early March is presented in the striking yellow and black colours of Jack Turner Ltd.

Midlands Rural purchased the Matiere-based Jack Turner Transport operation in late-2022 from Karl Adams. The new truck continues the history of the well-known King Country carrier.

“The yellow and black are iconic colours, and the Jack Turner name goes back more than 80 years around the King Country,” ... ... 

Kenworth number 10 for the Dibble Transport Ltd fleet is a new T610 SAR which went on the road at the beginning of February.

The 6x4 truck and 5-axle trailer combination is the latest unit to carry the traditional blue, silver, and red Dibble Transport colours, a familiar sight on highways throughout the country for over 70 years.

Specifications for the new Kenworth were carefully selected by Director Mitchell Stamp, working with Adam McIntosh from Southpac Trucks, to incorporate a number of special features.

“We have worked with Adam and Southpac for a number of years and they’re great to deal with,” says Mitchell.

Among the most immediately ... ... 

The theme here is clean. Pristine white paintwork, emissions-reducing AdBlue as the cargo and the latest Euro 6 engine technology to move it. Plus, plenty of polishing.

New Plymouth’s Doug Paynter drives this 650hp Volvo FH for IXOM, carting bulk AdBlue from source at Balance’s Kapuni plant to destinations throughout the North Island.

While Doug says his brand loyalty during a 30-year driving career is with the Mack marque, he has “stayed within the family” since switching to the controls of Volvo product.

Prior to the 650hp FH Globetrotter he drove a 2017 model Volvo FH 540, clocking up 930,000km in six years.

“That one is still in the fleet ... ...