2022 | 2023 Update

As the financial year draws to a close we take this opportunity to reflect on our performance over the last 12 months, to detail the challenges that remain and to outline our plan for improved service delivery. 

A year in review....

In many ways it was late 2021 that saw the greatest impact to our service level since Covid arrived on our shores. As lockdowns ended and supply chain bottlenecks around the world eased, ports opened up and production re-commenced, this saw an unprecedented surge in the volume of freight needing to be moved. Unfortunately the supply chain just didn't have the people power it needed to cope; bond stores and delivery points were operating a fraction of their normal staffing levels due to staff shortages caused by Covid-19 cases and close contacts as well as the loss of workforce that occured across the industry through this time. 

In spite of our best efforts, the shear magnitude of the challenge saw our service level drop way below our usual standard. We are sincerely grateful for your support and patience and apologise for the impact this had on your team. 

Ongoing challenges

So far 2022 we has seen similar issues continue to plague the industry, wait times at bond stores vary daily depending on the availability of staff and the volume of freight being received. These factors impact the flow and capacity however we are working hard to alleviate pinch points and make adjustments to the way we work to ensure we provide a premium level of service in our new (post Covid-19) landscape. 

Capactiy

We are still experiencing the impact of increased demand for drivers and reduced supply, with many leaving the industry during Covid for different careers. Similarly, extended delays in manufacturing and production have impacted delivery of new vehicles that were ordered almost 12 months ago. The good news however, is that two of our new vehicles have now joined the fleet with a third due to arrive in August and more ordered for later this year. We are committed to growing and diversifying our fleet over the next two years and are working closely with suppliers to see this happen. 

Service

Our commitment to providing better service and communication is something we take seriously. It doesn't benefit anyone if we can't deliver on our promise. We are excited to be expanding our operations team, which will provide much needed capacity to communicate with you more proactively and to identify efficiencies that can support improved work flows. 

2022 | 2023 Rates

With business input costs continuing to rise (including contractors, supplies, equipment, maintenance and services) in some cases by as much as 16 - 20% it is necessary for us to increase our base rates (as of 1 July 2022) across the board by 5% in line with CPI which rose 5.1% in the last twelve months. We continue to monitor fuel prices closely to ensure that our levy represents current market conditions. Updated rate cards will be sent out in the next week.