Image – From Left – Rod Cunningham – Panus Watanachai – Robert Holmes – Ron Gysberts – Troy Behsman
Trying to anticipate when is the right time to invest in new transport equipment to grow your rural business can be a challenge, especially when much of your work is dependent on conditions outside your control. Farmers and regional based transport operators will often wait until the last moment to purchase a new semi-trailer, when they know they’ve got guaranteed work to cart hay, machinery and other agricultural products.
Often then, the biggest challenge is finding the right transport equipment that is readily available “yesterday” to start work today!
Geelong-based Panus Semi-Trailers and it’s regional based dealer network along the Australian Eastern Seaboard is growing a strong and steady reputation and point of difference for providing rural clients with access to a range of trailer solutions that have been purpose designed and built to suit a number of applications and importantly, are available for immediate delivery.
And already, there have been a number of operators from Dubbo to Cressy, from Coffs Harbour to Portland, who have embraced the brand and given its Panus trailers the rugged test along dusty roads and across wide rain-sodden fields.
“Most farmers and rural transport operators have been plying their trade for a long time, so when they are needing something in a hurry to help them move freight, be it hay or a header, they will quickly recognise whether something will be able to do the job or not,” highlighted Joe Horvat, Sales and Marketing Manager for Panus Semi-Trailers.
“And our philosophy of having trailers on the ground now, gives these family run businesses and farms peace of mind that they won’t have to rush into making a major purchasing decision based around something which may or may not eventuate. They can literally wait until the last moment and if it looks like they’re going to have a good harvest, then they know that Panus will be able to supply them with the right equipment in a timely manner.”
One such farming family who chose Panus Semi-Trailers to help them diversify their business was Matt and Anna Fay (Des Fay Transport) from Cressy, Victoria.
Matt and Anna Fay Transport – Panus Flat Top
Renowned for their work carting grain and fertiliser, Matt and Anna saw an opportunity to diversify their bulk transport business and cart hay to keep their trucks running longer and settled on a Panus Flat Top Semi-Trailer. Featuring 5 inch combing and extra strength cross-members, the trailer has been a welcome asset.
“We’re now doing a couple extra loads a week running hay using our Flat Top and it’s getting busier as we come to the latter part of the year.” Matt explained.
“The drivers are enjoying the change as well and by having this trailer complement out tippers, we’re controlling the work we do instead of being dictated to by the weather. It gives us a little security and confidence that we’ll always be busy.”
A similar story also occurred for both Darren Gill (D.G Spraying) based in Coleambally New South Wales and Tutt Bryant Hire in Coffs Harbour. Darren had visited a number of trailer dealerships and yards and it wasn’t until he came across a Panus Trailer sitting at a dealership close to home that he found the right specification trailer. Admitting that it “doesn’t do a hell of a lot of work like other trailers”, the fact that it was versatile to do a number of jobs on his farm convinced him there and then that it was the right model for him.
DG Spraying-7 Working
The trailer has just clicked over 16,000kms in 6 months so far, and Darren has towed just about everything he possibly can on the trailer and has even set it up for road-train work, thanks to the pre-wiring and supply of a road-train bracket by Panus.
Matthew Burns from Tutt Bryant Hire had been looking for a Drop Deck Semi-Trailer and local Panus dealer K&J Trucks in Coffs Harbour had stock of a Panus Drop Deck Semi-Trailer which again, proved to be the right specification for the work required. The heavy duty specification was ideal for carting heavy machinery and the 20 tonne rated ramps provide plenty of work opportunities.
Tutt Bryant Hire – Panus Drop Deck
Customers are well supported through the responsive Panus dealer network, all of whom are highly experienced working with farming communities and businesses. Dubbo based dealer, Express Engineering highlighted the importance of strong working relationships when it supplied two Panus trailers to their neighbouring transport business, Robert Holmes Transport.
Not only has Robert Holmes gained two trailers to help his business, but having a conveniently located dealer that will be able to support and provide service in a timely manner will make all the difference for the transport company to run as efficiently as possible.
Whilst being established in the local market for two years now, Panus Semi-Trailers foray into the Australian transport market had been planned behind the scenes for a lot longer and was backed by comprehensive market research.
“The business has been progressively established through a focus on one target market segment at a time, filling a gap in the domestic market offering highly engineered, aligned and tested equipment backed up by a new approach to customer service”, Chief Executive Officer Rod Cunningham explained.
And it seems that the rural transport community has certainly embraced the product and business philosophy offered by Panus Semi-Trailers. With a strong trailer model offering and strategically positioned dealers to provide convenient back up service and support, it’s a win-win for both customer and Panus Semi-Trailers.
Customers are encouraged to visit www.panustrailers.com.au or our Facebook page at “Panus Semi-Trailers” to view further product information and details.