Changing hands
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Andover Transport is modernising its operations, Leaving its turbulent history behind. CM spoke to transport manager Jason Horner to find out how
Words: Joanna Bourke / images: Nigel Spreadbury
ANDOVER TRANSPORT has had a colourful history. It was in the hands of Red Funnel Distribution and Maxi Haulage over the past two decades, but in 2008 the trading name was bought back by its original family owners and became part of the TrimTruk Group of companies.
The company now believes it is set to thrive and will not suffer the problems it experienced under previous owners.
Transport manager Jason Homer has been with the business through its many owners, He tells CM that the business will embrace new avenues for revenue growth and move to a new site to accommodate increasing volumes.
Homer started out as an HGV driver for Andover Transport under Red Funnel's ownership after it was bought in the early 1990s. However, it didn't take long for Red Funnel to see that the logistical problems of being based in Newport, Isle of Wight but managing a company in Andover. Hants outweighed the positives. The irony was that it was sold to even more distant Irvine, Ayrshire-based Maxi Haulage, in 1992, which then got rid of the brand name.
Good experience
Homer continued working for Maxi for three years and then moved to Portugal. However, he was tempted to return to the UK when TrimTruk bought the Andover Transport trading name in early 2008. attract its former customers.
"I've been a driver and worked in management at the company, so I felt knew the business inside out.The chance to take the firm to new heights was enough to tempt me to leave the sun for the cold UK," he says.
While the first two years of the firm's re-emergence focused on winning new business, Horner believes the firm is now on a solid platform.
Pallet networks
Traditionally, Andover Transport was opposed to pallet networks. "It didn't seem fair that pallet network members could come in and undercut hauliers with much cheaper rates. Pallet networks changed the shape and competitiveness of the haulage industry." Horner says.
However, in this economic climate, it was a case of 'if you can't beat them, join them'. Consequently, the firm joined Palletways in July to cover deliveries in Southampton, replacing Boyes Conning Freight Services (CM 9 September).
"We were approached by several pallet networks but, after visiting Palletways' Fradley Park site, I was convinced we could generate new business from joining a professional network with such high throughput," Homer says.
"It was a sudden opportunity to join, so we decided to go for it," he adds.
FIGHTING CRIME
Over the past 24 months, three vehicles have been stolen from Andover Transport's yard (worth Cl 20,000), as well as fuel siphoned from lorries and a number of tyres vandalised using bolts.
Transport manager Jason Horner says: "The criminal activity has been terrible and we are confident it has been done by people who know transport inside out. The damage to vehicles could have been done only by people with a specific knowledge of HGVs.
"However, the attacks have been less frequent over the past six months, suggesting the culprits may have finally got the message that Andover Transport is here to stay." Because it had not been in a network before and the short lead time before joining meant the company had little time to prepare. Homer says: "We had to invest £250,000 to get the appropriate racking and fleet in order in a short space of time. We worked hard and was doing 19-hour days to integrate and understand the IT as fast as possible."
The firm has seen volumes increase substantially, inputting 100 pallets a night into the network and distributing 150 pallets a day around Southampton for Palletways. It has also increased its customer base and won some of Boyes Conning's former contracts.
Business modes 'The firm's willingness to embrace new modes of business doesn't stop with pallet networks. Horner tells CM he has implemented KPIs such as monitoring fuel-efficient driving.
"We have loyal customers, including blue-chip companies, and provide hack loads from the area. But by showing we can be proactive in terms of technology and better quality service, I am sure we can win more business and really get our name on the map."
The company has embarked on a three-year plan to boost profit and revenue at a steady rate; expand its Palletways' coverage; win new customers; and move to a larger depot.
Homer tells us the business has outgrown its current 1,900m2 site and is looking to move to a larger facility in Andover in 2011.
Back in the hands of its original owners, Andover Transport is working on the fundamentals of reliable transport and strong customer service, but it is also willing to modernise as a haulier, ensuring it has a firm foot in the 21st century. •
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