IVECO Daily ‘hotshots’ deliver for Jancol

A ‘hotshot’ is a quick-responding light truck, capable of delivering smaller, time-sensitive loads. It’s believed the first ‘hotshots’ were Texas-oilfield light trucks, back in the 1970s.

Perth-based transport company, Jancol Transport, employs three IVECO Dailys – one 35S van and two 70C cab chassis – that make up the bulk of the company’s hotshot fleet.

Jancol, a portmanteau of the given names of company founders Colin McKean and partner Janine, is a relatively new entry to the WA transport scene, having started in 2021. However, the company is built on Colin’s 31 years experience in the road freight industry.

In addition to its hotshot services, Jancol operates seven prime movers on general freight, dangerous goods and in heavy and over-dimensional transport, predominantly servicing the mining industry.

“I was initially working as an owner-driver for a customer and things grew from there,” Colin explained.

“One truck became two and then a third followed.

“The business has grown through word of mouth and we don’t advertise.”

Jancol became involved in hotshot work when an existing customer needed this service.

“This component of the business is managed by our daughter, Jessica,” said Colin.

Colin purchased the Daily 35S van around 18 months ago and, based on its strong performance, added to the fleet with two 70C cab-chassis models late last year.

The two IVECO light trucks have ADR-compliant sleeper cabs, 7.2-tonnes GVMs, powerful 132kW/430Nm Euro6 engines and eight-speed, torque-converter automatic transmissions.

The trucks are fitted with custom 4.3-metre trays, bullbars, auxiliary forward lighting and CBs, and are finished in the company’s distinctive white, blue and burgundy livery.

Colin said he did considerable research before eventually selecting the Dailys for the hotshot work.

“There were quite a few things that were attractive about the Daily,” he said.

“The Daily trucks can carry a decent amount of weight – around 3.8 tonnes – which puts them ahead of their rivals.

“They’re also comfortable and with the auto transmissions they’re easy to drive.

“Our entire fleet is now automatic, because some drivers don’t have manual licences.

“We also needed vehicles that a variety of drivers could step into and immediately feel comfortable in their operation.”

As part of their hotshot work, the Dailys regularly travel north to Newman and Port Hedland: a one-way journey of more than 1600 kilometres from the Jancol Transport depot in Hazelmere.

The bespoke sleeper bunks fitted to the Daily trucks were developed by Perth IVECO dealership AV Trucks, in conjunction with a local bodybuilder. The sleepers are air-conditioned and feature lighting and USB points, providing drivers with a comfortable and legally compliant place to rest or sleep during extended time on the road.

To that end, Jancol’s Daily van also brings drivers’ fatigue management to the fore, with an integrated fold-down bed inside the cargo space.

Colin said that with the Dailys accumulating huge kilometres on a weekly basis, their long service intervals were another great quality.

“The latest Dailys have 50,000km service intervals, so given how many kilometres these travel, it means they can work for longer with less time off the road for servicing.

“There are also fewer maintenance bills to pay,” he said.

Now several years in operation, Colin and Janine’s plan is to continue Jancol’s steady growth, while ensuring its customers keep enjoying a first-class service.

“I think we stand out from others in the industry because of our honesty and reliability,” Colin said.

“We have accurate schedules, give regular updates and are heavily safety-focused, with vehicle tracking and fatigue management across the fleet.

“Customers also know that they can call me if they have a problem.

“I’ll always answer my phone, no matter what time it is and I’ll sort it out for them.

“It’s this service level that has helped us get to where we are today and also puts us in a good position for the future.”