Major freight and courier company, Allied Express Transport, has experienced a seismic consumer shift as Australians ditch aisles for online shopping carts. Needless to say, the delivery business is booming.
The independently-owned freight company has been operating since 1978, but a post-COVID consumer shift towards online shopping has led to explosive growth and a need to expand its fleet.
The bulk of the Allied Express fleet is operated by subcontractors, who own and drive their own vehicles, with a range of trucks used, but one brand stands out as a popular option – Isuzu.
“Our fleet consists of a wide variety of trucks, because we do such a gauntlet of different delivery types,” said Allied Express Managing Director, Michelle McDowell.
“Reliability and presentation are very important for Allied Express as our customers put their trust in us to deliver the product on their behalf… it is important for all drivers to keep their vehicles well-presented and for them to be proud of their work.”
One subcontractor making the most of the online shopping boom is Jack Singh, who primarily carries large pallets on a route that takes him through the hustle and bustle of Sydney each day.
Mr Singh had been eyeing off a specific Isuzu model before hitting go on a truck, which would allow him to take on this specific route with Allied Express while offering the safety and comfort he wanted.
“I bought the late 2022 model of the FSR 140-260 from Dwyers Truck Centre,” said Mr Singh.
“It’s a fantastic truck, I wanted this specific body length and size which makes it perfect for my everyday routine.”
The FSR has an extended 9.0-metre wheelbase and 2.6-metre clearance, allowing for a healthy payload and maximum productivity for Mr Singh.
Cosmetic items like custom media doors at the rear and a freshly minted chrome grille offer a professional on-road image, while the six-speed Allison automatic transmission and custom airbag suspension keep Mr Singh comfortable.
Mr Singh understands that if the wheels aren’t turning, you’re not earning, so warranty and reliability were high on his list of must-haves when choosing the right truck to buy.
“I’ve got a six-year warranty on this new truck and a service agreement from the dealer,” said Mr Singh.
“This means that if I get a job overnight, I just have to put the keys in the ignition and away I go and I know that I’m covered anywhere in Australia with the nationwide warranty.”
To support its growing base of drivers, Allied Express recently invested in improved infrastructure and equipment to manage the demand. A state-of-the-art automated sorting and distribution system now operating at its new Bankstown facility was designed to handle bulk volume.
