Bread and Butter

Last year, CTI Logistics needed to re-evaluate new prime movers to support its metro operations in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Newcastle.

The goal was to find vehicles that deliver reliability, flexibility and strong support from an OEM partner.

After a detailed review and trialling an evaluation unit from CJD Equipment, CTI chose to invest in 20 Euro 6 DAF CF450 units. This decision marked a significant shift for CTI.

Like many operators, the company had spent several years navigating equipment shortages and unpredictable supply.

Replacement strategies became reactive, dictated by availability rather than planned cycles.

According to Mark Cameron, General Manager for CTI, the company has now regained control of its prime mover replacement schedule.

“We now know the age bands we want, and we are not just fixing spot fires,” he says.

CTI Logistics is an ASX listed Western Australian company that was founded in 1973.

Headquartered in Perth, it operates across interstate transport, regional freight, warehousing, couriers and specialised logistics.

Over five decades, the company has grown from a local courier service into one of the state’s most recognisable transport and logistics providers, employing more than 1,000 staff across multiple divisions.

Its regional freight division connects businesses to more than 175 destinations across the state, handling scheduled services, container work, B-double and triple roadtrain operations and oversize freight.

A key part of the group’s growing national footprint is GMK Logistics, a wholly owned subsidiary of CTI and Australia’s leading logistics supplier to the flooring industry.

GMK operates a national transport fleet of more than 150 prime movers and rigid vehicles, servicing customers across every mainland capital city and major regional centres.

It also recently took deliveries of new DAF trucks to complement its existing fleet, reflecting the same focus on reliability, driver comfort and aftersales support that underpin CTI’s approach.

CTI’s Perth-based fleet plays a critical role in the group’s operations. It handles container movements from Fremantle Port, services high volumes of palletised freight across distribution hubs and supports a wide range of commercial, industrial and retail customers across the metropolitan area and regional WA.

The fleet covers thousands of kilometres each day, running time sensitive schedules that connect directly to interstate and regional networks.

In this environment, reliability, manoeuvrability and driver confidence are essential.

To evaluate alternatives, CTI looked beyond engine performance and cabin comfort. The deciding factors included aftersales support, parts availability and the strength of the dealership network.

“Most modern trucks are comparable in safety features and fuel efficiency,” Mark explains.

“The differentiator for us is having a dealer and support system that is responsive and technically capable.”

Conversations with other Perth operators supported the choice, and the trial vehicle confirmed that the CF450 met the company’s operational needs.

DAF Sales Manager at CJD Equipment, Kes Moopanar, played a key role in matching the specification to CTI’s duty cycles and providing technical insights during the evaluation.

Once the trial unit demonstrated the expected performance, CTI moved to a full order. The new trucks replaced aging brands that had served in the fleet for many years.

The 20 CF450s are now deployed across CTI’s metro distribution network in Perth.

They handle container work off the wharf, pull sideloaders, haul curtainsiders and flat tops, and tackle tight CBD access runs with frequent dock work and laneway reversing.

Some units are also assigned to regional legs, including B-double work into the southwest, which is an important route in CTI’s network.

“Manoeuvrability is critical,” Mark notes. “Some inner-city sites leave very little room, and the DAFs are holding up well in those constraints.”

The trucks’ ability to cross between city distribution and short regional tasks gives planners more options and keeps assets productive across the week.

The DAF CF450 is powered by the PACCAR MX-11 engine producing 330kW and 2,100Nm of torque, paired with a 12-speed TraXon automated transmission.

This combination is well suited to CTI’s mix of urban and short regional haul work. Euro 6 engine technology has also brought noticeable fuel efficiency and emission improvements, supporting CTI’s environmental commitments while maintaining strong pulling power in a variety of duty cycles.

Driver acceptance was an early focus. CTI engaged the DAF driver trainer to work alongside its own supervisors so that crews could get the most from the new trucks.

Operators quickly noticed improvements in power delivery, turning circle and ride quality compared to older models.

The cabins offer improved ergonomics and visibility, which is particularly useful in the CBD where precision and clear sightlines are essential.

The right-hand side of the steering wheel allows drivers to adjust the variable speed limiter, vehicle speed settings and adaptive cruise control.

Downhill speed control is straightforward and the right-hand column switch engages the engine brake with four steps. A clear master display shows operating information and alerts without clutter.

These touches reduce confusion and support better maintenance discipline. The transmission and engine braking systems are easy to use.

Drivers can switch from automatic to manual mode with the eco function off, then return to automatic with eco activated when the task allows.

Manual upshifts are commanded by moving the right hand switch up and downshifts by pressing it down.

The blue band on the rev counter shows the engine speed that is optimised during manual gear changes while the engine brake is engaged. In busy metro work these intuitive controls help drivers maintain control and comfort throughout the day.

The trucks’ duty cycles highlight why these details matter. Off the wharf they shuttle containers between terminals and distribution centres under tight schedules.

In the CBD they reverse into laneways and tight docks where every centimetre counts.

On short regional legs they maintain steady cruise performance. The DAF CF450 has proven capable across all these scenarios, reinforcing CTI’s confidence in the decision.

Regulation and compliance continue to tighten across the industry and CTI has adapted accordingly. Contractors are held to the same standards as company drivers, particularly for vehicle maintenance and emissions reporting.

“Managing contractors now requires as much attention as managing our own people,” Mark says.

The business uses a unified compliance framework to track equipment history, service intervals and defect rectification to the same standard regardless of ownership.

This consistency supports safer operations and gives customers confidence that every vehicle bearing the CTI brand is up to the task.

With clearer age bands and a stronger pipeline of incoming vehicles, CTI can schedule changeovers during quieter periods, limit short-term hire and reduce disruption to customer schedules.

Aligning specifications around the DAF CF450 has simplified training, which reduces downtime and improves whole of life cost control.

Early telematics data points to steady efficiency gains on comparable routes. As the new trucks settle into their work, CTI is monitoring fuel consumption, service intervals and driver feedback to confirm expected gains over the previous specification.

The practical benefits are already visible to customers. With better uptime and improved drivability, the fleet is hitting tight windows more consistently and reducing the need for rebooking.

Drivers report fewer delays during start up checks thanks to the straightforward displays and clearer alerts. CTI’s decision to invest in 20 DAF CF450s shows renewed confidence in planning and fleet control.

With strong OEM support and capable equipment in service, the business is positioned to deliver reliably across metro and regional operations.

By standardising core specifications and focusing on reliability, support and training, CTI is setting itself up for long-term operational efficiency and growth.

The combination of disciplined replacement planning, responsive aftersales support and engaged drivers is giving the fleet team the tools they need to keep freight moving for customers across Western Australia and across the national network.