HOW TO BE MORE PRODUCTIVE IN A TRADE BUSINESS

Another day on the tools, you’re loaded up, gear stowed when a last-minute job comes in.  

Could you fit a few more things in the ute tray to knock this job off today? Your head tips slowly sideways as you look at the chassis underneath…  

The truthful answer is probably. Weight wise… maybe not.  

‘If it fits it sits’ is a great motto for cats but unfortunately, when it comes to your work vehicle the same just can’t be said. 

Having the perfect tool for the job—or the right rig for the business—not only provides the option of loading up materials for an extra job (legally) but can save time and money on the number of runs you need to do and save you bucks elsewhere like wear and tear on componentry.

And if it makes life easier for you and the law man happy when it comes to safely loading for weight and dimension, then that’s a win-win.  

POWER IN NUMBERS 

If you have been thinking it’s time to trade in your ute for a truck, you’re not alone. 

Last year’s Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE) report sheds light on how Aussies travel and their choice of vehicle to do it. 

One interesting statistic is the increasing number of light rigid vehicles - aka light trucks - being registered.  

In the year 2021 to 2022, registration of light rigid trucks in Australia increased 5.3 per cent—well above a 4.5 per cent increase in heavy rigids, a 4.2 per cent increase in light commercial vehicles like utes and a 1.4 per cent increase in everyday passenger vehicles.  

Why is this noteworthy? Given the number of light rigid trucks on the road makes up a significantly smaller category of vehicles than other types (motorbikes included, there’s almost a million of those on register), it’s a big jump in numbers. 

This can be attributed in part to increasing freight movement in Australia during the period including online shopping and factors such as government incentives, but the end result is the same: more businesses choosing trucks to transport tools, material and staff from job to job. 

TOOLS FOR GROWTH 

Stats from the BITRE report are backed-up by a booming year of truck sales in Australia in 2022 with just over a 7 per cent overall increase on 2021 and a hefty increase of over 11.7 per cent for light-duty trucks registered. This year, the figures are on a similar trajectory with an all-time sales record for the first quarter of 2023. 

Proving that a number isn’t just a mark on a report, we talked with business owners all over who were solving their productivity problems with a truck. 

Fourth Phase Electrics 

Fourth Phase Electrics owner Casey Landman is an electrical contractor who travels an average 700 kilometres a week around Victoria. He said he was drawn to the cost efficiencies of having one vehicle doing fewer trips and the peace of mind offered by a truck with payload to spare for little luxuries like a fridge, inverter and microwave fitted for a hot lunch. 

Racking up the kilometres, Casey was also concerned with road safety and wanted a better driver safety system for his team.  

“Before I got the truck, I’d drive one car to tow the excavator and I’d get one of my employees to drive another car towing a trailer full of gear. 

“With the truck I can tow my excavator and all the cables and conduits and stuff in the truck… I can fit three times as much and I’m not pushing my GVM limits.” – Casey  

Complete Builders and Contractors 

For Tim Johns, owner of Complete Builders and Contractors, it was the adaptability of a truck to meet different loads each day and having it serve as a mobile break room that convinced him to go large. Additional occupant and storage space were also a must-have over their old vehicle.

“Both units have generators and compressors mounted on the back… I’ve also had toolboxes mounted and there’s still plenty of room to carry planks, ladders and timber packs. 

“The trucks are critical to the business because of the long days in the cabin and out on the road. They are our lunchroom, the office – they’re extremely important for productivity.” – Tim  

ENGINEERED FOR GAINS 

In the case of the two business owners above, their goals of increasing productivity while keeping on the right side of weight restrictions had them opting for a pre-built truck with features engineered specifically for their trade. 

And it’s this common sense, no-brainer type deducing that seems to lead buyers in the direction of a truck when it comes to their evolving transport needs. 

Similarly, Isuzu’s Future of Trucking Report found productivity and efficiency were important points in their customer’s preferences, with key concerns including: 

• A preference for turn-key product solutions
• A shift away from manual transmissions
• Safety and compliance issues
• Considerations of industry labour shortages
• Improved fuel efficiency

All something to think about the next time you find yourself looking sideways at the chassis. 

Saving money is always a good thing… or is it? We look at how tyre quality can affect performance in this blog.