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'Busy foolsis a term all-too-readily applied P

16th September 2010
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Page 34, 16th September 2010 — 'Busy foolsis a term all-too-readily applied P
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to the haulage industry and suggests that while many operators are managing to keep the big wheels rolling, it can often be at rather less than compensatory rates. Fortunately, this situation does not prevail at the We Move Bikes business. Here, a small but dedicated team ensures that, while their trailers might not always be filled to capacity, the loads always pay. It is, of course, a position that all trucking companies strive to attain.

So how is it done? Paul Lusty and Tony Davis, joint owners of the Gloucester company, are disarmingly modest about their achievements and shy away from making hollow claims that there is any magic formula that can assure immediate rewards. But when CM visited them, it was obvious that a combination of hands-on driving experience, scrupulous attention to detail and securing a niche market are key ingredients in the company's success.

The two directors learnt the business of road transport the hard way, starting out as drivers for various operators in the Gloucester area. They were both ambitious and, over the years, graduated to high-profile companies such as Atchison Topeka and Charles Russell Transport; operators renowned for running highly specialised businesses and for using well-specified trucks maintained in pristine condition.

"Working for these companies taught me some valuable lessons," explains Davis "A lot of people think that all you have to do is work hard, put in the hours and cut a few corners here and there. But it's more to do with having the right attitude and providing a consistently high level of service." Lusty launched the company several years ago when he embarked on the business of moving a few motorbikes around the UK in a 3.5-tonne Sprinter van. A keen biker himself, he recognised the need for a specialised service that could transport bikes over long distances at a reasonable cost when the owner was unable to undertake the move. But he admits that while his idea was sound, the business took a while to develop.

Volume of business

I lowever, despite his love for heavy trucks and a desire to invest in bigger equipment, the volume of business in the early years meant that all that was required was a small fleet of vans.

A chance meeting between Lusty and Davis more than 20 years earlier resulted in a close and enduring friendship between the two one-time drivers So when Lusty decided it was time to expand the operation and acquire a new business colleague. Davis was the obvious choice and joined the company as an equal partner.

Each was aware of the other's enthusiasm and passion for hikes, classy trucks and the road transport industry in general, and deep mutual respect ensured a successful working partnership.

As luck had it, the timing was right and not long after Davis joined the company they decided to expand the business by buying an artic — the decision was prompted by the demands of a valued customer. But there were conditions attached: the customer was locked into a deadline and. to secure the new business, the We Move Bikes directors had just six weeks to locate, buy and prepare a suitably equipped unit and trailer.

It was a challenging time but an opportunity that was way too good to turn down. "And who are the people in a business least likely to buy the right vehicle?" asks Davis with a smile. "Right, two ex-drivers?" he adds ruefully.

His explanation was simple: a preoccupation with power and appearance did not mean that the partners would necessarily gravitate towards the most efficient tractor unit. But after a few wasted journeys to view what Davis describes as "complete wrecks", their luck changed for the better when the purchase of a used, low-mileage Volvo FH-16 610 finally marked their entry into the big league.

There was some drama, however. Having collected the vehicle from its home in Preston. Davis was concerned when, during the trip back to Gloucester, he found that the cab heater was not working.

Horrendous costs

"it sounds like a small thing," says Davis. "But 1 had been warned that a few of the Volvo 16-litre engines had experienced head problems and I was imagining the horrendous costs of a new head on such a massive engine,he adds.

As it turned out, the problem was nothing more serious than a faulty thermostat, but Tony reckons that he gained a few grey hairs while waiting for the technician's report.

The foray into the world of artics brought almost immediate benefits because regular work from bike builders Ducati from Italy, BMW from Germany and US legend Harley-Davidson started to roll in. And as the volumes of bikes waiting to be moved increased, so did the need to improve the handling techniques. The total value of the motorcycles moved by We Move Bikes is so high that it is imperative that, whether in storage or in transit, the chrome-covered, pea rlescent-painted machines are protected against damage.Tlie solution to the problem was to design and construct purpose-built cradles for each bike. These not only afford complete protection but can also be stacked on top of each another and are easily handled by a forklift.

But suitable forklifts are not always available. Consequently, every trailer in the We Move Bikes fleet is capable of accommodating a Moffett Mounty at the rear, and drivers are responsible for each stage of the transportation process from loading and securing through to the final handover.

This means that a big investment in training and equipment is required, but also offers the advantage that everything is kept in-house and customers have the

convenience of a single point of contact. "Attention to detail is what makes the difference,confirms Lusty. "Our customers can see that we really care about their precious machines."

Good record

Although both Lusty and Davis admit to being fans of Seania trucks, they ordered new Volvo FH13s for their latest contracts with Harley-Davidson. Their decision was based on the good record and pleasing appearance of their FH16, together with the support and enthusiasm shown by the Wales and West Volvo service and sales people in Gloucester.

Consequently, two FH13-500 Globetrotters have joined the fleet recently. "We went for the 500 because we normally run at somewhere between 28 tonnes and 40 tonnes gross," explains Lusty. "That's why we need only a two-axle tractor unit," he says. But although the power might be seen as modest by drivers of the company's FH16, the rest of the specification more than makes up for any disappointment that the latest units are only F1i13 500s. Driver comforts include a coffee maker, refrigerator, microwave oven, fiat-screen TV. and a leather-trim interior.

Meanwhile, the good looks of the factory-finished black cab have been improved by additional work carried out by Tor Trucks.This includes cosmetic add-ons and chequer-plate chassis infill and stainless steel inserts fitted to recesses in the chassis-mounted side skirts.

Additional lights fitted to Kelsa roof and grille bars further improve the trucks' appearance, as do the Alcoa Durabright polished alloy wheels.

Colour match

"We are fortunate that our standard colour, black, is not only an attention-getter but also conforms to the Harley fleet livery, which is black and orange," says Lusty.

The tractor units. trailers and the Moffett IVIounty forklifts are finished the same way. "I don't think the Moffett rep had ever seen one in metallic black before," adds Davis. "Now we have four of them."

According to Paul and Tony, there are many aspects of their job that create a feel-good factor. These include working alongside a team of drivers and technicians who are equally dedicated, and for companies such as Harley-Davidson, which is only too pleased to express its appreciation for the high level of service provided by We Move Bikes.

But there are other benefits too. "I know it's only a small thing," admits Lusty, "hut I always get a kick out of the fact that. at most shows, the Volvos attract almost as much attention as the bikes. Somehow that makes all the hard work and dedication worthwhile." •

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Locations: Preston, Gloucester

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