Sky is the Limit

Between 2022-23 some 300 million tonne kilometres of air freight was moved in Australia.

According to the Australian Infrastructure and Transport Statistics Yearbook 2023 the domestic freight moved by air during the same period equated to 0.03 per cent of the total transported nationally.

But with one significant differentiator: low-density air freight usually has a premium value, such as mail, small parcels and high value perishables. Projections for the segment suggest air freight volume between now and 2050 will increase by 103 per cent. The sky really is the only limit.

For the past 30 years, Wymap has provided specialised road transport services moving cargo onto and off passenger planes and freighter aircraft.

Its presence at most major airports in Australia is now complemented by operations across the ditch in Auckland and Christchurch, where it most recently expanded these services. Like any business involved or adjacent to last mile logistics the past three months have been busy.

“Everyone in manufacturing and transport – two industries which we are immersed – recognises it as the peak time for us all,” says Habib Francis, Wymap Group Chief Executive Officer.  “Silly season they call it for good reason.”

The composition of the mixed fleet is quite varied. It uses single trailer, bogie axle rigids, vans, utes and prime movers on interstate express runs.

Perhaps the most common purpose application, especially for loading and unloading cargo from cargo terminal operations and aircraft, is the heavy-duty hydraroll floor system.

The latest six additions to the fleet all use this system and have been purchased from long-time supply partner Isuzu. Five of the six Isuzu FVY 240-300 6x4s have gone into Sydney with the other one based in Perth where Wymap inaugurated its Western Australian operational footprint as recently as 2022.

The roller trucks, as they are sometimes colloquially referred, are ideal for this type of work according to Habib.

“We’re converting a flatbed trailer to a roller bed trailer and that helps us to roll on and roll off the aircraft containers onto aircraft loading equipment,” he explains.

“We have pushed for roller trucks that have powered rollers and ended up buying a number of units from the company that provides it.”

Joloda Hydraroll is the said supplier. Wymap has deployed four new roller floors into the fleet with another two currently in build.

Additional trailers have also been sought and ordered. While the Wymap fleet is composed of several brands, Isuzu has become a predominant partner as the most represented brand on both sides of the Tasman.

The new 6-speed automatic Isuzu FVY 240-300s entering the fleet’s Sydney operations come with anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, anti-skid regulators, and adaptive cruise control.

Delivered by the Suttons Trucks Arncliffe dealership, it has a 24-tonne GVM and the latest OEM suite of safety systems which Habib says are a mandatory requirement when Wymap purchases new trucks.

“We do have our specification that includes the Wymap standard colours,” he says.

“High level safety features including reversing cameras are now non-negotiable. In and around airports there is a lot of slow movement and reversing required of drivers when they approach docks. It’s important to assist the driver with reversing cameras. It forms part of our safety pack.”

In addition to the low light-capable reversing camera are Active Safety, Passive Safety and Cabin Occupant Safety Systems among others. The engine, a direct injection high pressure common rail system, offers 221kW at 2,400rpm.

At 1,450rpm the operator will be capable of 981Nm of maximum torque achieved thanks to an electronically controlled variable nozzle turbocharger with air-to air intercooler. Meritor MT44-144GP drive axles come as standard.

Habib confirms 24 per cent of the near 160-strong Wymap fleet is currently represented by Isuzu.

“Future growth will see us using very similar types of vehicles,” he says. “We’ve commenced a number of special projects. These include anything from engine moves through to supporting zoos and relocating live animals.”

So far, the fleet has transported giraffes, an elephant and some pandas.

Zoo wild life is proving a growth area for the business. In fact, any project special or otherwise that requires a dedicated team to support and manage this evolving revenue stream will likely encounter an exotic animal. Wymap is also upping its presence in New Zealand.

While output in Auckland grows, operations in Christchurch have commenced to support an existing customer based there.

“Our customers we tend to work with are all multinational organisations from freight forwarders to end points,” says Habib. “What we do in Sydney we tend to duplicate in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and across in New Zealand as well.”

He adds. “Sydney is definitely our largest site but we’re looking at duplicating and growing in the other states as well.”

Wymap is a 24/7 operation. However, not every vehicle works around the clock.

“The simple way to put it is planes don’t stop landing and there’s always freight movements,” says Habib.

“We handle the freight not only around airports, but we take the freight out to some of the local suburbs where our customers might have depots, and they will organise last mile delivery to their customers and retailers.”

Drivers naturally prefer to drive the same truck all the time. In order to make this happen without underutilising the fleet they are allocated vehicles according to shifts.

“We can’t allocate one vehicle per driver so having a driver allocated to the same vehicle and running a couple of shifts on it is the way that we try to do it,” says Habib. “This way drivers are given as much continuity as possible with the one vehicle.”

One evident outcome of this philosophy is that drivers also tend to take better care of a vehicle when they use it more often.

“They’re familiar with the full function,” Habib notes. “What we also tend to do is allocate repeatable work to that vehicle and the same drivers, so having drivers that are familiar with the equipment and familiar with the task helps us provide the exceptional customer service that we pride ourselves on.”

The drivers in Sydney, who have been allocated the newest Isuzu delivered last December, have validated Habib’s theory. They are looking after it really well he says.

The new airport set to open in Western Sydney next year is considered another growth opportunity for Wymap.

As the massive infrastructure project nears completion, Habib said the business is having discussions with partners expected to take up a residence at the airport.

“We’re keeping our ears to the ground,” he says.

“We will be out there to support some of our customers who are going out there. Where the freight goes is where we’re going to go. Some of the airlines are looking at it. Our business is all about supporting and being able to add a complimentary service to our customer base. We’re geared up and ready to operate out of there when needed. When and how soon that opportunity comes is another question.”

Disruptions caused in the Red Sea which have forced some global shipping companies to relocate sea cargo to the air haven’t caused any noticeable volume spikes outside of the annual rush typical of Q4 operations.

“It’s been relatively stable in the last couple of years. We’re not seeing a massive influx,” says Habib. “It seems to have settled down and stabilised since the COVID years.”

Last year Isuzu sold 13,402 units across all weight segments, for a total market share of 26.1 per cent. The fit-for-purpose, reliable road transport solutions that have resulted in the brand achieving sales dominance 36 years consecutively in Australia are being felt, where it counts, on the ground.

“The type of vehicle and type of application we use align well with Isuzu and we will stick with that,” says Habib. “Isuzu has been a really important brand for the business.”