Blenners' Kenworth milestone

Blenners Transport has notched up a major milestone in its long relationship with PACCAR Australia, with the company recently receiving its 200th Kenworth prime mover.

The truck concerned, a K200 cab-over with 550hp Cummins ISXe5 engine, is also one of a limited-edition run of 50 models to receive a factory-installed Brown & Hurley 50th Anniversary detail package, marking yet another milestone in the PACCAR Australia dealer's history.

The Managing Director of PACCAR Australia, Mike Dozier (pictured, left), recently handed over the keys to the truck to Blenners Transport's Managing Director, Les Blennerhassett (pictured, centre), at a ceremony to mark the occasion at Kenworth's production facility in Bayswater, Melbourne.

"The production and delivery of Blenners Transport’s 200th Kenworth marks a tremendous milestone for the Blennerhassett family, the Blenners Transport organisation, and for Kenworth," said Mr Dozier.

"That Kenworth trucks continue to be the mainstay at Blenners Transport, and have been for 27 years, is evidence of Kenworth's strong engineering and high production values. As well, it's also a tribute to the committed support of Kenworth's nationwide sales and service network."

From humble beginnings nearly 30 years ago, when Les Blennerhassett and his wife Judy began trucking produce from their banana farm to market, the Blenners Transport operation has grown to encompass a national fleet of 80 linehaul combinations spanning single trailers, B-doubles and road trains.

Now a trusted name in refrigerated and produce transport, the company's head office in Tully, northern Queensland, is complemented by depots in Brisbane, Mackay, Townsville, Innisfail, Cairns and Mareeba.

The company transports a variety of fresh produce, including bananas, mangos and avocados, from northern Queensland to Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, also carrying returns loads to the Sunshine State.

At the recent hand-over Les Blennerhassett praised Kenworth's products and its service.

"We got our first Kenworth – a T650 – back in 1988," he said.

"That was the start of our relationship with Kenworth and with Brown & Hurley. We now have a mix of Kenworth models: some K200s on B-doubles, and T609s and T409s on linehaul and road train work.

"They're a strong, proven truck. Our customers demand reliable, scheduled deliveries, which means we must operate the best possible equipment available… and that's Kenworth.

"The drivers love 'em and Brown & Hurley are very professional people to deal with."