Linfox Logistics Australia and New Zealand has invested in more than 90 vehicles as part of a new truck fleet for its beverage logistics brand BevChain.
Linfox said the investment in the UD Trucks vehicles was a demonstration of its long-term commitment to operating the newest, safest and most environmentally friendly fleet on the road.
Executive Chairman Peter Fox said: “An efficient, safe and modern fleet ensures the reliability of our customers’ supply chains.
“We regularly review and upgrade our fleet to take advantage of new technology for the benefit of our customers, our drivers and the people we share the roads with every day.”
Linfox worked closely with UD Trucks to source a truck fleet that met the specific needs of BevChain’s customers.
“BevChain rely on a range of vehicles from heavy rigids, trailers and flatbed trucks to transport beverage products to various delivery points including pubs, bottle shops and customer distribution centres.
“The distinctively-branded vehicles will operate on behalf of Linfox’s BevChain customers in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia.”
Linfox’s FoxTrax safety technology will be installed in the truck fleet, which features a driver pre-trip inspection including fitness for duty, safe load constraint and vehicle condition checklists as well as electronic driver fatigue management.
Strategic relationship grows with Coles
BevChain was also recently appointed to provide warehousing and distribution services for Coles Liquor’s Liquorland, First Choice, and Vintage Cellars outlets nationally.
Coles Liquor Acting Chief Executive Cathi Scarce noted that the decision would enable its liquor division to reduce lead times between order and delivery to stores, resulting in improved customer availability on its shelves and efficiencies for both its stores and its suppliers.
Praise for new BevChain president
Linfox said recently appointed BevChain President Misha Shliapnikoff - who joined the company in August - has already had a significant impact on the business.
"With the remarkable blend of supply chain experience, FMCG [fast-moving consumer goods] expertise, in-depth knowledge of beverages and demonstrated accomplishments building efficient, customer-focused organisations, Misha is the natural choice to drive Bevchain’s growth into the future," CEO Mark Mazurek told Fully Loaded.
"Misha will also lead Bevchain’s ambitious project on behalf of Lion to automate our back of factory distribution centre (DC) in Sydney's inner west.
"The project will transform the DC into a cutting-edge facility designed to increase productivity and deliver future growth. I look forward to updating you as this project unfolds."
Shliapnikoff was previously Logistics Director at Lion, a position he held for more than six years.
BevChain is a Corporate Partner of the Drinks Association