Followmont Transport has unveiled two milestone trucks – its 200th UD and 300th Volvo – at an event held together with Volvo Group Australia.
The new UD, a Croner 6×2, features a different design to Followmont’s usual blue, instead being bright red, with a set of curtains to match with a gradient fade.
While the Volvo, a FH16 XXL, features a gradient blue emblem on both sides, representing the two states which Followmont operates from.
Started in 1984, Followmont Transport has grown into one of Queensland’s largest family owned and operated businesses. Its fleet of over 1000 vehicles and 19 company owned depots service all towns in Queensland and NSW.
The event took place at Volvo Group Australia’s headquarters in Wacol, Queensland, where, in addition to the unveiling of the trucks, there was a panel interview with Mark Tobin (CEO Followmont Transport), Martin Merrick (CEO Volvo Group Australia), Lauren Downs (vice president at UD Trucks) and Tom Chapman (vice president at Mack Trucks). The panel discussed their views on the transport industry and what the future may look like.
“This event and these two trucks are a symbol of the incredible partnership between our brands. It started off as a supply and demand need to one which has flourished over the decades to become one which is built off of trust and transparent communication,” said Tobin.
“Both organisations know each other’s businesses and we work together to not only contribute but to strengthen thet industry as a whole. Whilst our values are aligned the frequent and open communication has assisted to remove the anxiety out of the curveballs our industry has faced whether it be natural disasters, the pandemic or the current recruitment strain.”
With the staffing struggles that the industry is currently facing, Followmont also spoke of the opportunities the industry can provide. “Whatever your background, age or ethnicity, there is a place for you within transport and we are an industry which cares and accepts you as one of the family,” Tobin added.
Merrick said, “Celebrating customer success is a key part of who we are at Volvo Group Australia. And marking milestones such as this with such a valued customer makes us very proud to have played a part in that success.
“We don’t just sell trucks, we forge meaningful partnerships that are ultimately based on trust and integrity and I’m delighted to see a family business like Followmont Transport continue to flourish.”