A Sydney-based specialist logistics company is relying exclusively on the safety and reliability of Hino trucks to transport potentially dangerous goods.
Hazstore Pty Ltd, which specialises in the delivery and storage of dangerous goods, maintains an exclusively Hino fleet made up of 300, 500 and 700 Series trucks fitted with custom-built bodies for safe cargo handling.
“Modern trucks in good, clean condition that impart a safe, professional image are a significant contributor to Hazstore’s success,” said proprietor Shane Black.
Hazstore’s fleet of 22 trucks covers a diverse specification range to serve different needs in dangerous material handling; however, a recurring element in the fleet is a preference for Hino’s automatic or automated manual transmission (AMT).
The fleet includes light duty 300 Series automatics with pantec bodies for courier duties (Mr Black says they’re “the best things we’ve ever run”), as well as 500 Series FCs with ProShift AMT for transporting bigger items.
“They’re simply the way to go when you’re running in traffic most of the time,” he said.
To segregate incompatible chemicals (for both safety and compliance) Hazstore’s 500 Series trucks carry purpose-built bodies with segregation bays built by Patra Truck Bodies, allowing them to transport a broad range of materials.
For heavier loads, Hazstore runs Hino 500 Series FM tandem drive rigid bodies with curtain sides, as well as a rare eight-wheeler 500 Series FM 2627 – a special build by Hino Australia that runs a 270hp engine, Eaton nine-speed manual transmission and 10-pallet body.
The pride of the fleet is Hazstore’s 700 Series FY 3248 with 12.9-litre 353kW six-cylinder engine and ZF AS-Tronic 16-speed automated transmission, which are tuned together for optimum efficiency and performance.
The FY’s 2157Nm of torque helps it carry heavy loads in its curtain-sided body and 10-pallet dog trailer which is dressed in the livery of Hazstore’s high profile client, Valvoline.
This vehicle is used in the lubricant specialist’s promotional activities as well as safely distributing product.
The most recent additions to the Hazstore fleet are four 500 Series FEs, fitted with spill containment bodies for onsite pump-out jobs at a range of sites.
Mr Black is as enthusiastic about the new FEs as he is about the rest of his Hino fleet.
“They’re a very comfortable truck loaded or unloaded, with ample horsepower, a great turning circle, good working height and great payload capability,” he said.
“The air-shift gearbox is easy to use within the metro routes, and their overall appearance, reliability, driver satisfaction, serviceability and backing from Hino dealers and head office makes them a winner.”
Mr Black previously had an all-Hino fleet while running his previous dangerous goods transport company in his native New Zealand.
“At one stage I had 28 trucks in New Zealand and they were all Hinos,” Mr Black said.
“Without exception they’ve all been absolutely good trucks. Basically, I’ve just not seen any reason to change. Not then, and not now.”
Hazstore has been in operation since 2010, growing out of the reformation of Mr Black’s original Australian company, PQ logistics, and forming a partnership with Managing Director Peter Boyle.
The company employs 34 people out of an office and warehouse at Villawood, NSW.