A new generation of IVECO trucks is combining with the next generation of Alvaro Transport family members, to help this leading Sydney-headquartered national transport outfit, continue its steady growth path.
The regenerative process was a similar one for Managing Director, Mario Alvaro, whose introduction to the industry was through his father Antonio – both initially worked as contractors before Mario began Alvaro Transport in 2002. Back then, an important point of difference for the business was in providing customers with exactly what they needed, and that included custom specified trucks, bodies and trailers that were perfectly suited to transporting customers’ goods.
Some 22 years on, it’s a philosophy that continues to hold the business in good stead, judging by its growth and head count, which now stands at 225 people including contractors.
More recently, Mario’s children Tony and Isabella, have joined the family operation and are making their mark on the company as well, according to Mario.
“Tony’s been with us for around 10 years now and Isabella for three – they bring a fresh perspective to the business, they have different ideas and are more technology inclined, it gives us a future focus and different perspectives to my own,” Mario explained.
It’s this eye on the future and having access to the latest equipment innovation that also led Alvaro Transport to purchase 21 new S-Way AT460 4×2 prime movers as part of an ongoing fleet renewal process.
The company has a strong and long-term association with IVECO after having purchased its first from local dealer, Sydney Trucks and Machinery (STM), in 2002. IVECO trucks have featured prominently in Alvaro Transport’s fleet ever since.
Distributing exclusively for ASX-listed clients, Mario said that his customers had high expectations about the quality of the vehicles that were used to transport their products, as well as the levels of governance and systems that their freight partners had in place.
“Factors such as emission performance, safety features and the general technology inclusions of the fleet are all considered during truck purchases – these are not only important requirements for our clients, but also for Alvaro Transport as a business,” Mario said.
The S-Way AT 460 prime movers feature Euro6 (Step E) rated 460hp / 2150Nm engines matched to 12-speed Hi-Tronix Automated Manual Transmissions, a combination that is well suited to the trucks’ metropolitan and intrastate delivery routes.
When it comes to safety, S-Way also excels with an Advanced Emergency Braking System, Brake Assistance System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning System, Electronic Stability Program with ABS (disc brakes all round) and ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation), Hill Holder and Driver Style Evaluation plus Driver Attention Support (DSE + DAS).
Now several months on the job, Mario said that the S-Ways have impressed and exceeded his own expectations and those of his drivers.
“We’ve always had a great run from our IVECOs; over the years they’ve been reliable, comfortable, easy to service and fit for task,” Mario said.
“The S-Way takes this performance to a whole new level – the drivability of the trucks, the quality of the driveline, the safety and the comfort they provide is great. The drivers are extremely happy and they’re also commenting about the power and how well the trucks pull for the GCM (50t).”
Additional S-Way prime movers of the same specification are planned to join the Alvaro Transport fleet in the coming month as the fleet continues its rejuvenation. Servicing of the vehicles is undertaken through both Alvaro Transport’s internal workshop and via STM, with whom Mario says he has an excellent relationship.
