The addition of an Iveco B-Double to Farlow Transport's growing fleet means it now has a truck for every reason from the brand
Founded in the year 2000 Farlow Transport has continued to grow and diversify its operations for more than two decades.
What started as a single van delivering daily newspapers around Brisbane’s suburbs, has evolved into a family owned and operated logistics business catering for a vast array of delivery tasks.
Its latest acquisition is a range-topping X-Way AS Highway B-Double truck capable of hauling up to 70 tonnes backwards and forwards to Sydney as part of its regular business.
Farlow Transport owner Phil Farlow says the business had moved into general freight over recent years adding three Iveco Stralis ATi 360 rigids to its fleet, in addition to its first Iveco, a 6×4 ML140 Eurocargo bought five years ago.
Currently Farlow Transport’s newspaper work accounts for less than 40 per cent – the remainder lies in general freight haulage, a complete reversal compared to just a few years ago.
“Our relationship with IVECO all began with the Daily van,” Phil says.
An Iveco solution for all manner of freight tasks
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“Compared to a cab-over cab chassis, it was much better to work with – it was easy to get in and out of,” he says.
“A lower chassis height made it easier to load and unload and it still provided a generous four tonne payload, so there were no worries about being overloaded.
“Then from a driving perspective it was just so comfortable and quiet.
“With the full 8-speed auto and 170hp engine it was responsive and nice to drive around town.”
Although sales of printed newspapers have generally fallen in recent years, over this same time, Farlow says his business managed to increase its work within the industry.
“Less newspapers were being printed but we were still winning new contracts,” he says.
“It’s one of the reasons we purchased the Eurocargo, to provide additional capacity for the newspapers while also allowing us to go after other opportunities.
“At Farlow Transport, there’s always been an emphasis on providing a high-quality service – we say what we’re going to do and deliver on our promise – our customers appreciate this commitment.”
The customer relationships provided Farlow Transport with the support and confidence to go after other opportunities in general freight too.
The three Stralis rigids are fitted with curtainside bodies and deliver a range of general freight around greater Brisbane, north to Gympie and eastwards to Toowoomba.
“Our drivers absolutely love the Stralis – there’s never a complaint,” Phil says.
“The AMT is smooth and you hardly get any engine noise – we’ve got 360hp and 1500Nm, it’s perfect for the metro and regional work they’re doing, and spending eight hours behind the wheel is easy. We’re also getting good fuel consumption.”
When it was time to dip a toe into the waters of interstate freight, Farlow Transport again turned to IVECO.
“Given our track record, there was no reason to look any further than IVECO,” Phil says.
“We were confident the X-Way AS Highway B-Double would give us the comfort, ergonomics, payload and fuel efficiency we wanted.
“There’s plenty to like about this truck – the driveline at 550hp/2500Nm combined with the 16-speed AMT is ideal for our return trips to Sydney.
“We also like the fact that it’s Euro6-rated so performs well environmentally, and of course with the full range of safety features it gives us the peace of mind that we’re doing the right thing by our drivers and other road users.”
Farlow Transport’s IVECO range was purchased through IVECO Brisbane, who also maintain the vehicles.