Jumbo Skip Bins booms with Isuzu trucks

A particular challenge here in Australia is the collection and processing of waste material generated by a booming construction industry.

According to the National Waste Report, building and demolition waste is one of the largest sources of recovered materials in the country, but it’s also the largest source of waste.

This is where Rory Crundall, director of Jumbo Skip Bins, sensed an opportunity back in 2016.

Coming from a background as a heavy machine operator in Western Australia, Rory started out in the skip bin business with fresh eyes and a single chain-lift truck, working seven days a week to get the business going.

His goal of delivering consistent service, on time and with a smile, has seen the business grow to a present-day fleet of 10 trucks, 10 drivers, and 17 staff under the Jumbo banner.

The business covers a service area of Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast, offering residential and domestic hire, but specialising in construction and demolition disposal in the commercial sector.

“Historically, we’ve found that most construction companies haven’t been interested in how much of their waste is being recycled but that is changing,” Rory explained.

“The Queensland waste levy has incentivised companies to divert as much as possible from landfill, especially common materials such as bricks, concrete and soil, so we are moving more and more into this space.

“Even though it has taken more time and work to make it happen, I have always had an interest in environmental outcomes and have been willing to make the effort to deal with waste, separate it and recycle it into different streams.”

Rory said the goal of providing a cleaner, greener service has come with significant challenges in costs and logistics.

He is keenly aware that fleet choice has a knock-on effect to the business bottom line, noting that he wanted to be backed by a truck brand that could provide a range of products capable of tackling a punishing roster, and staying out of the workshop.

“I had intentions to grow into a large fleet and did a lot of research, asking mechanics and other trucking companies which brand they preferred, and the answer I got was Isuzu about ninety per cent of the time,” Rory said.

The team at Brisbane Isuzu in Eagle Farm assists Rory with ongoing fleet choice, recommending Isuzu models that are sized and specified to fit the skip bin hire task.

“The Eagle Farm branch knows what we’re after in the industry and the models which are suitable, the type of suspension and engine variations from truck to truck, and they arrange for the bodies to be fitted by West-Trans for us.

“I can’t complain about the service we’ve received; the team has been brilliant.”

Jumbo has recently taken delivery of two new chain-lift trucks, a FXZ 240-350 and a FVR 165-300, both outfitted with best-in-class West-Trans body equipment.

This takes Jumbo’s fleet up to nine Isuzu trucks from a fleet of 10, ranging from a medium-duty FSR 140-260 chain lift skip loader through to heavier FXZ 240-350 chain-lift and FXZ hook-lift trucks.

Rory’s goal is to run an all-Isuzu fleet in future, presenting a united front to clients and consistency in performance for the business.

Attracting drivers during a national shortage is an issue every truck-reliant company is currently addressing, and Jumbo is no different in this respect.

The promise of a new truck with the latest in technology and a comfortable working environment is a drawcard that Rory is happy to provide.

“The new trucks are a pleasure to drive, and the features Isuzu are including add up to make a big difference for our drivers,” he said.

“We’re constantly in contact with them on the road, so the new consoles with Bluetooth and the big touchscreen are very handy. It also saves them having to buy their own devices to put in the cab.”

“We train all our drivers, but the reality is that a lot don’t have much experience in manual gearboxes,” Rory continued.

“In the skip bin industry, we are constantly reversing around curves and in tight spaces, so the Allison auto transmission in the Isuzu trucks is definitely the way to go.”