Featured Stories
Pacific Haulage
Navigating Gisborne’s Tough Terrain
Pacific Haulage operates in the unique and challenging Gisborne Region of New Zealand, where the terrain is steep and erodible, making it a tough place for transport operations. General Manager Campbell Gilmour describes the area as having serious weather events that pose significant risks to their operations. “Whole hillsides will just slide away and take a road,” he explains. This precarious environment can lead to trucks sliding off roads or leaning against banks, creating real hazards.
The remoteness of Gisborne adds to the challenge. Support services are often hours away, which can complicate maintenance and repairs. Additionally, the region is dotted with river crossings that can become dangerous when water levels rise quickly. Gilmour notes that during severe weather events, trucks might be stuck for two to three weeks, leaving the team with little to do but wait. “That’s how serious it can get here with the weather events,” he says.
Pacific Haulage was founded in 1985, starting with a contract to service a local mill. Unfortunately, after just 18 months, the mill closed, forcing the owners to find new work to stay afloat. In the 1990s, the aftermath of Cyclone Bola led to significant changes in land use in the area. The land was deemed unsuitable for agriculture, prompting a shift to forestry. It was from 2016 onwards that the harvesting of timber began, leading to substantial growth for Pacific Haulage.
A typical day at Pacific Haulage begins around midnight, with trucks rolling out to local forestry operations to transport export logs back to port. With a fleet of 90 trucks, the company runs a double shift, with about 95% of the fleet on the road at any given time. The majority of their fleet consists of Kenworth 659 trucks, which have proven to be well-suited for the tough conditions they face.
Gilmour highlights the importance of maintaining their fleet, which includes a drive-through truck wash. With so many trucks, it’s impractical to wash each one every weekend. Every three months, they remove approximately 300 tonnes of solid waste from the wash, illustrating the scale of their operations. The wear and tear on tyres is another significant concern. “We motor through tyres here!” Gilmour admits. To address this, they have a dedicated tyre shed and three full-time staff members focused on tyre maintenance.
“The 659 is pretty special to us. The drivers like driving the 659s; they work well for us and they’re a huge part of the success of this business.”
Logging is a demanding industry that requires skilled drivers who can handle trucks in extreme conditions. Gilmour emphasizes the importance of having tough vehicles, stating, “We have a lack of good gravel, but we’ve got a tough truck, and that helps the success of our business.” The Kenworth 659 stands out as a solid choice, built specifically for the harsh terrain of the Gisborne Region.
Pacific Haulage has even contributed to the design of the 659 model, ensuring it meets the needs of their operations. Gilmour notes, “The drivers like driving the 659s; they work well for us and they’re a huge part of the success of this business.” For Pacific Haulage, the Kenworth 659 is not just a truck—it’s a vital partner in navigating the challenges of their environment. “The 659 is pretty special to us, very special,” he concludes.
