National transport company, Xpress Freight Management (XFM), has deployed a new Performance-Based Standards (PBS) Vawdrey AB-triple road train combination.
The high productivity combination features drop deck mezzanine floors and a 94-pallet carrying capacity for maximised load space.
With a Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of 54 tonnes, the AB-triple allows XFM to efficiently move large volumes of freight between Melbourne and Perth.
The new combination has been servicing XFM’s key freight corridor across Australia since its arrival, operating across the fleet’s national network on a weekly basis.
According to XFM Managing Director, Les Sharp, it has already provided significant productivity and safety improvements.
“The increased capacity allows us to transport more freight while reducing the number of vehicles required on the Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth routes,” he told Trailer.
“Given that this round trip exceeds 6,500 kilometres, these efficiencies help lower our carbon footprint and reduce emissions.
“From a business perspective, the AB-triple also provides greater flexibility in responding to fluctuating demands between Victoria and Western Australia by allowing us to scale capacity during peak seasons.
“This investment also provides us with valuable data to explore the potential for expanding similar trailer configurations to other routes across the country.”
Sharp said Vawdrey was chosen for this application due to the known reliability of its trailers.
Availability of parts and an “excellent aftersales service” have kept XFM’s fleet operational with minimal downtime since it began.
“Vawdrey has been our preferred trailer supplier since we started the business in 2020,” Sharp said.
“We already have three 30’ Vawdrey trailers that are particularly valuable for pickups and deliveries around town.
“These trailers provide an efficient alternative to a 14-pallet rigid truck, allowing us to transport an additional 10 to 12 pallets depending on the load. Like our larger trailers, these 30-footers offer greater flexibility while also contributing to reduced emissions and a lower carbon footprint.”
The new AB-triple is also serving as a ‘mobile billboard’ for the business following its recent rebranding to ‘XFM’.
The new identity has been actioned throughout the entire business from its shortened name to new curtain artwork on its trailers.
According to Sharp, the fleet saw the need for the rebrand after experiencing significant growth over the last five years.
“What started as a business that was born in the first few months of the Covid-19 pandemic has expanded into a much larger operation,” he told Trailer.
“We felt it was the right time to refresh our identity to better reflect who we are today and where we’re headed in the next 10 to 15 years.”
One of the business’ main goals with the rebrand was to make its identity more distinctive and memorable.
Incorporating bold elements into the design of its new trailers has reportedly resulted in a stronger on-road presence.
“Our trailers are now easier to spot,” Sharp said.
“By completing the rebrand at this early stage in our business journey, we’ve positioned ourselves to maximise our fleet’s visibility – ensuring that our brand stands out as we continue to acquire more trailers and curtains.
“With the addition of more trucks and trailers to our fleet, we are creating a powerful opportunity to promote our brand.”
The aforementioned additional equipment is already in production.
XFM has purchased a new PBS Vawdrey B-double and is now awaiting its arrival.
The trailer will also feature a mezzanine floor and, having the capacity to transport up to 56 pallets, will further improve the fleet’s freight capacity and efficiency.
This unit has also been spec’d with hanging gates and lightweight aluminium wheels to enhance durability while reducing overall weight.
“The B-double will be used for express services,” Sharp said.
“It will be running between Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane to ensure fast and reliable freight movement along the eastern and southern coasts.”
