Wallace International has deployed two new prime movers in Sydney.
The Kenworth T610SARs replace older 2007 models in the fleet that have been recently moved on.
A new day cab spec includes fridges installed under the passenger seat to promote driver comfort and an 18-speed manual Eaton RoadRanger transmission paired with a powerful Euro 5 Cummins X15 600hp engine.
“With all that extra power some might say it’s overkill, but we have provision to pull A-doubles if we want to go in that direction down the track rather than having to invest in new gear at a later date,” said Gary Perry, Warehouse & Transport Manager for Wallace International.
“There’s a lot of bling, a lot of lights, so we can be seen day and night.”
The T610SAR is adorned with stainless steel external air cleaners and prominent chrome exhaust stacks.
Historically, Wallace International usually stipulates an IT bunk, but as these trucks are primarily engaged in metro port cartage work they have opted for smaller cabs that have nevertheless proven roomier.
“There’s actually quite a bit of space for a larger person and we have tried to optimise driver comfort,” said Perry.
“The T610SARs work well for us. The vision is great from the panoramic windshield, and they have a wider door window for peripherals. The turning circle is also good.
“I reckon they’re a beautiful looking truck.”
Most of the freight these new Kenworths will be transporting is raw ingredients direct to the client or to Wallace International’s warehouse in Milperra.
One of the units is already active as a B-double while the other was purchased as a sideloader.
They can also be differentiated by the colour of their headlamps — one glows amber while the other is salty white.
Each truck is assigned one driver both of whom enjoy driving them so much they go around all day with their parking lights on.
Hy Shyne Customs in Sydney contributed many of the standout cosmetic details.
Both trucks received 13-inch stainless steel drop visors, air cleaner panel lights front and rear, load light backing, crushfold steer flares to suit the offset steers and stainless steel under door panels.
Elsewhere, the standard Kenworth battery box cover was replaced with a fake fuel tank cover.
In addition to the stainless steel Suzi coil box, Luke Field, owner of Hy Shyne Customs, incorporated front and rear deck plates, and the three-piece step trims with lights on the bottom step to complement the tanks.
“These new T610s are built for drivers that are currently onsite, and we ask them what they would like within reason and tailor it to keep them interested because they’re the one who has got to turn up for me at 2.30 in the morning to start their shift,” said Perry.
“It’s incumbent on me to give them something to look forward to so with the new prime movers we’re halfway there,” he told Prime Mover.
“There’s no point having trucks sitting in the yard with no one wanting to drive them. I’ve got to get them in the seat to work it.”
New trucks certainly help in the challenge of driver retention according to Perry.
“When we put these two on the road a lot of the drivers who had left for other companies were ringing around asking for a job back,” he added.
“That’s always the way.”
Wallace International has a reputation for great drivers and quality, impeccably presented vehicles.
“We have been lucky enough to get a few drivers through the door based on them having seen our trucks around. Word-of-mouth is key,” said Perry.
“If we’ve got nice equipment, it means we’re looking after the clients. At the end of the day someone notices our trucks on the M5 or in Brisbane,” he told Prime Mover.
Perry said when it comes to operational priorities the driver must be on top of the list.
“Every fortnight we get a bloke into detail the whole fleet,” he said.
“Drivers who have done a 12-hour day I don’t expect them to go out and do all that. If we can wash the trucks for them then that helps. In the morning, every window they’re looking through should get the reflection off the truck.”
Of course, Wallace International has tried other truck manufacturers, for varying results.
Aside from the reliability and performance afforded by investing in Kenworth, they don’t, according to Perry, tend to attract the same calibre of driver.
“Generally speaking, we go with what works well for us,” he said.
“Everyone wants to drive a Kenworth.
“Whether they can actually drive it or not, that’s another matter entirely.”
.jpg)
