Herb Blanchard Haulage trades V8 rumble for six-cylinder efficiency

Grafton-based Herb Blanchard Haulage is a family run business that has successfully carved itself a niche carting Clarence Valley-produced timber electric light poles throughout the First State, as well as Queensland, and as far afield as Western Victoria.

Herb Blanchard’s three sons, Michael, Robert, and Christopher, ,along with daughter Donna and brother-in-law Greg, run the haulage firm, which has been a long-time devotee of Swedish V8 grunt.

While long-time lovers of Scania V8s, the company has just taken delivery of a new 560 R-series SUPER prime mover, featuring the CR23 extended cab.

 “Our core business is transporting light poles, which can range in length from six to 26 metres, carried on flat-tops and/or extendable trailers,” Robert said.

“We cart from the light pole manufacturers’ depots located in the Clarence Valley to the energy companies’ depots, and as far as possible try to ensure we have a full load for the return, usually bricks, timber or other palletised or packed and wrapped materials.

“We have been in business long enough to have figured out what works for us, both in terms of efficiency, productivity and how to keep our drivers happy, and we are expecting good fuel performance from the new 560 hp six-cylinder 13-litre engine in the new prime mover.”

Scania NSW New Truck Account Manager, Butch Quin, says Blanchards is an ideal customer for the new generation of trucks, with a reputation that precedes them and focus on quality gear.

“Professionally run transport businesses such as Blanchards, which has an excellent reputation and operates quality gear are exactly the type of customers we like to trade with,” Butch said.

“Blanchards has been buying Scanias for around 15 years and they really look after their trucks. I’m really pleased that we can add another new Scania to their fleet, especially as it is a new SUPER with the high output 560 hp inline six engine. This configuration has already proven itself to be exceptionally efficient in Australian operating conditions for many customers, and I am confident that this truck, painted at the factory in Blanchard’s iconic light blue with royal blue chassis, will be a perfect fit for the fleet.”

The decision to go with European trucks is one Robert says comes down to quality, safety and technology. He has also been fitting the trucks out with added safety technology lately, too.

“We like European trucks. Their quality, safety, technology and comfort give us peace-of-mind, and our drivers like them, too,” Robert said.

“Lately, we have transitioned to electronic work diaries, and use fleet monitoring, as well as onboard cameras, but only to have a record in the event of an incident. The Optix forward-and driver-facing cameras use AI to alert us if a driver has forgotten his seatbelt or is holding a phone to his ear.”

The Blanchards team understand that you’ve got to crack eggs to make omelettes, so they don’t mind paying for quality when buying new trucks or equipment. 

“It is important today to keep costs to a minimum, but we don’t simply buy the cheapest of anything,” Robert said.

“We look for good quality and value. Cheapest is not always best. We reckon if you can get at least two of service, quality and price in the equation, you’ve done well.”