Common Synergy: Xpress Freight Management Partner with Isuzu

There’s no arguing that Australia is deeply dependent on its road transport network to keep the wheels of commerce—and indeed the country—turning.

It’s estimated that in just over 20 years (2018 through to 2040) the volume of freight carried by road will grow by over 35 per cent, to approximately 400 billion-tonne kilometres (representing the transport of one tonne over one kilometre), according to the Federal Government’s Transport and Infrastructure Council.

That puts Australia at number six in a list of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)member countries when it comes to road freight reliance, and it requires over 50,000 businesses to help deliver it.

The bulk of local operators are owner-drivers or small transport businesses, with major road freight players relying on outsourcing the majority of deliveries to this cohort.

This is a point of difference for Xpress Freight Management (XFM), which opened its doors during the height of COVID lockdowns in 2020.

Now in their fourth year of operation, XFM’s Managing Director and Founder, Les Sharp, says a key goal has been reversing the trend of outsourcing in a bid to foster closer and more personal relationships with consigners.

Making it personal

XFM run a large national fleet with a mixture of heavy rigid trucks and prime movers, currently employing around 60 per cent of subcontractors within their business model.

These vehicles support express freight and national Full Trailer Load (FTL) services alongside XFM’s third-party warehousing and distribution capabilities.

XFM’s key management figures, including Les, are Matthew Price (Director of Commercial), Steven Stork (Director), and Leon Stielow (Director); each bringing significant industry experience and a modern approach to building the company’s reputation for focused service.

“I think the personalised service has gone out of the industry with some of the tier-one businesses getting too big to be able to manage the intricacies of day-to-day transactions,” said Les.

“From a customer service and account management standpoint, that’s where XFM is really strong—we are a lot more flexible in saying ‘yes’ and not saying ‘no’ to what our customers want.”

Having achieved a turnover of approximately $80 million during its fourth year in the market, for XFM, this approach certainly appears to have merit.

Building an asset bank

There has been a rapid and confident expansion of company assets to support the operation’s growth, with a 100-plus team, over 100 road vehicles, and warehousing and distribution facilities dotted across the country.

This includes 10,000-square metre facilities in Western Australia and Victoria, 4,000-square metre facilities in South Australia and Queensland, and a new state-of-the-art 7,000-square metre facility in Arndell Park, New South Wales.

On the fleet front, a large purchase order within the past 12 months of rigid vehicles—to be driven by XFM employees—helps tip the scale towards bringing distribution operations under the one roof.

Up until this point, XFM has used on a number of truck brands for their rigid fleet. Going forward, Les is seeking better scalability from associated transport partners, zeroing in on the ability of manufacturers to meet demand for additional vehicles quickly.

“Through peak volumes, we’ll be looking at turning over $100 million, so we need to work with a manufacturer who has reliability—a proven player in the game,” Les said.

“We deal with global clients, so we need a global transport partner that can also manage the business at a local level.”

The quickest way for XFM to meet demand is OEM collaboration that will support the company’s vision, says Les.

“We could easily fill our ranks with cheap new trucks, but we know that’s not a sustainable approach—Isuzu has arguably the best Japanese truck on the market.

“The relationship between XFM and Isuzu is developing very strongly with that common synergy between us. With Isuzu’s assistance, we’re going to reach our growth goals.”

Mid-weight masters

The first new Isuzu trucks on XFM’s order list have now been delivered to the Melbourne facility—a few weeks ahead of schedule in an orchestrated effort from the Patterson Cheney Trucks dealership in Melbourne’s southeast and Sales Supervisor Jordan Stannus.

XFM has chosen 10, 12, and 14-pallet trucks with tailgates, hailing from Isuzu’s F Series range to handle its mid-weight deliveries. This includes four FVL 240-300 Autos, four FRR 110-260 Autos, and four FSR 140/120-260 Autos.

Driver-friendly features available across Isuzu F Series trucks in this weight class (11,000 kg GVM – 24,000 kg GVM) are 6-speed Allison automatic transmissions, Isri 6860/875 NTS air suspension driver’s seats, and the MyIsuzu Co-Pilot AV unit with a 10.1-inch, high-definition touchscreen.

After a stop-off at Austruck Bodies for the requisite curtain side bodies, specified for easy forklift loading, the trucks will be divvied-up between the states to fortify XFM’s national operation.

Moving forward responsibly

Joining an industry which has experienced intense scrutiny on the safety of all participants and road users, XFM’s practice of bringing drivers under the company wing plays into shifting the traditional mindset of ‘going hard to get the job done’, to making sure drivers are supported to get the job done—and come home safely.

“Transport is transport, we want to deliver freight as quickly as possible and for our drivers to get back safe,” Les said.

“Isuzu has a fantastic safety record, which was a major factor in our decision to choose them as a partner.

“Obviously, when our drivers are sitting in a truck between eight to 10 hours a day, we want to make sure that their vehicle is extremely comfortable, safe, and reliable.”

Backed with confidence

Whole of life cost metrics play directly into XFM’s vehicle choices, with Isuzu putting forward a compelling case on all fronts.

XFM has opted to let the OEM shoulder the stress of maintaining vehicles with Isuzu Total Service Agreements (Isuzu’s most comprehensive aftersales coverage) on all new truck purchases.

The brand’s industry-leading, six-year warranty and roadside assist program on F Series trucks such as the FVL, FSR and FRR models, also form part of a customer-centric aftersales offering that provides more than peace of mind, according to Les.

“We need to have reputable vehicles with great re-sale value, as we’re planning to turn our trucks over around the seven-year mark. So, whole-of-life cost absolutely plays into our purchasing decisions,” he said.

“We had no hesitations putting our eggs in Isuzu’s basket after seeing the ongoing fleet support and aftersales program that they could provide for us.

“It’s a business standing by their brand, which is what our business does too.

“At the end of the day, they’ve said what they would do, and they’ve delivered.”