Recently, we spoke with Paul Cherniakov, CEO of Concrete Taxi Australia, about how the company revolutionised the concrete industry with their small batch concrete business.
Concrete Taxi not only filled a market gap but also highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships and reliable tools in achieving success. Reflecting on Concrete Taxi’s long-standing collaboration with Hino, Paul chatted to us about how crucial it is to find the right truck and allies for sustainable growth.
A small idea with big potential
Beginning as a small Perth-based business in the early 2000s, Concrete Taxi has grown nationally, and now runs out of Brisbane.
So, what sparked this innovative idea?
There was a growing need from construction sites and DIY projects for the delivery of small quantities of concrete; a service traditional concrete companies were not providing. Given this was a new venture, this innovative idea needed a special kind of vehicle — a truck that could mix batches on-site and manoeuvre easily through narrow urban streets.
That’s where Hino comes in.
Equal parts power and performance
When asked why the business chose Hino trucks — specifically the Hino 500 Series — Paul was clear about what they required.
“Concrete Taxi needed a truck big enough to do the heavy lifting yet compact enough to navigate tight spaces and residential areas, making them ideal for delivering concrete to urban construction sites or private residences.”
He explained, “The manoeuvrability, optimum ground clearance for off-road operations, cabin visibility and car like drivability of the Hino 500 Series delivers a great experience for all our franchise operators.”
Paul has always been impressed with what’s under the hood of the Hino 500 Series, saying, “You also have the powerful and responsive Allison auto with a 240 hp 794 Nm engine.”
Alongside performance and power, Paul stressed the importance of safety for his business. He’s a big fan of the Hino SmartSafe system in the Hino 500 Series, adding, “Things like the autonomous emergency braking, vehicle stability control, lane departure warning system and reverse camera all add up to make the Hino a pretty safe drive.”
But it's not just about the immediate benefits. When you have 29 trucks on the road nationwide, it's also important to consider long-term sustainability and future planning.
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Driving growth with Sci Fleet
It’s safe to say that Paul is a fan of the Hino 500 Series, its features, and more importantly its quality and reliability. Since the inception of Concrete Taxi, the business has had 45 trucks in service, with 16 retired and 29 still on the road. As of writing, there are another 7 new trucks on order.
Yet, as any truck owner knows, a vehicle is only as good as the service and support you get from your dealer.
Partnering with the Sci Fleet Hino dealership in Brisbane was one of the best decisions made by Concrete Taxi. While the whole Sci Fleet team has contributed to the success and growth of Concrete Taxi, we asked if there was a specific individual he wanted to mention who has played a vital role.
Paul says, “Nathan Murdoch, sales manager. He’s been a huge help when it comes to purchasing the trucks and getting them sent to all other states.”
Beyond the initial sale, Sci Fleet Hino excels in ongoing support. They understand that selling a truck is just the beginning, and this is where the Sci Fleet Hino team truly shines.
Convenient and flexible servicing
Concrete Taxi’s relationship with Sci Fleet has lasted for years, and we were curious about why the business has chosen to come back time and again.
He tells us, “Brisbane has good service availability with 2 dealerships, night service and courtesy vehicles available. For our franchisees, time off the road can be costly. That’s why we chose Hino.”
He adds, “They make the service experience as fast and flexible as possible. As our franchisees are on the road 5-6 days a week, sometimes 7, we want to ensure they all have a comfortable experience. It really is their mobile office, which is why all these factors play such a big role!”
Paul isn’t the only one who loves the benefits of servicing with Hino. His franchisees have told him one of the biggest financial benefits of servicing their vehicles through a Hino dealer is the capped price servicing. Knowing what they need to spend upfront helps them keep a tight rein on the expenditures associated with running their vehicle.
Not to mention, the extensive network of 65+ Hino dealerships across Australia has been pivotal in supporting the business’s expansion and maintaining fleet operations.
Quality & reliability: The perfect mix
One of the many things we’ve learned from Paul was the importance he placed on quality and reliability. Not only are these the pillars that drive his business and all those who become franchisees, but they also play a crucial role in his decision-making process.
With all the vehicles Concrete Taxi has owned over the years, we wanted to know if any of his trucks were the embodiment of the type of quality he’d come to expect from Hino.
He was enthusiastic in his response, saying, “Absolutely! We have a truck which was only recently retired that was 18 years old. It was a Hino FC4J Ranger Pro model. This certainly is a testimony of the quality of Hino trucks.”
From a small Perth-based business to a nationwide franchise is an inspiring story. However, Concrete Taxi’s story of success carries a powerful message – and that’s if you pick the right partner who shares the same ambitions and principles, like quality and reliability, anything is possible.
We look forward to seeing what’s ahead for Paul and the team at Concrete Taxi, and the role that Sci Fleet Hino plays in the future.
If you’re looking for a supplier of small batch concrete for a quick job onsite or around your home, get in touch with the team at Concrete Taxi on 1300 880 955, or visit their website at https://concretetaxi.com.au/ to find out more.