Rodney's receives its 200th Kenworth

NSW-based road freight operator Rodney's Transport Service recently took delivery of its 200th Kenworth truck

Road freight specialist Rodney's Transport Service (RTS) celebrated a milestone recently, receiving its 200th Kenworth truck – a K200 cab-over model.

Senior management from PACCAR Australia marked the occasion with a formal handover of the prime mover – one of seven in the firm's latest order – at RTS's headquarters in Wagga Wagga, in south-western New South Wales.

There PACCAR Australia Managing Director, Mike Dozier (pictured, left), handed over the vehicle to RTS Managing Director, Peter Rodney (pictured, right), also presenting him with a commemorative gift.

Mr Dozier underlined the significance of the delivery against the backdrop of the broader Australian market.

"There aren’t many operators in Australia who reach this milestone, purchasing 200 Kenworths," he said.

"In fact, there aren’t many operators who will ever own 200 trucks in their business life. RTS joins a rare club of high-achieving transport companies. It’s most gratifying to have played a part in the company’s growth over the years and its ongoing success."

Mr Dozier said PACCAR's association with RTS has also enhanced product development over the years.

"RTS contributes valuable feedback based on decades of operational experience," he said.

"We have had honest and open communication with Peter Rodney since day one. It has helped make our products better and, consequently, his business more competitive. It’s the epitome of how we conduct business with all of our customers."

It is in fact the second such Kenworth milestone for RTS. The firm also purchased Kenworth's 50,000th truck to be manufactured in Australia in mid-2013.

Mr Rodney said RTS owed a good deal of its success to Kenworth.

"This is a very proud moment," he said.

"It's a milestone I never thought we'd achieve. Our continuing success is a team effort by all of the employees at Rodney's. It's also the result of a close and long-standing relationship with PACCAR Australia, its dealers and the consistent performance of the Kenworth product. Put simply, Kenworth trucks are the driving force behind our business."

The seven K200s will join another 27 examples of the model at RTS, while the company has another three Kenworths in the pipeline: two T909s and one T609.

From humble beginnings in 1992, RTS now operates a Kenworth fleet of 104 prime movers, which it uses to haul everything from general and container freight to scrap metal, industrial products, agricultural products, livestock and more.

The trucks were purchased from Twin City Truck Centre in Wodonga, Victoria. Dealer Principal of the outlet, Chris Dziedzic, says RTS is a true ambassador of the Kenworth brand.

"RTS operates an impressive Kenworth fleet which handles a range of demanding applications in various parts of Australia," he said.

"We are delighted to work with such a dynamic company and a true industry leader."

Mr Rodney said the firm's association with Kenworth would only strengthen.

"We have now purchased over 200 new Kenworths, and we will continue to buy them every year because it’s good for business," he said.

"They are designed and manufactured in Australia to suit Australia’s harsh environments and applications. And Kenworth builds trucks to our exact specifications and requirements. No other manufacturer can do that – and that makes all the difference."

Rodney's receives its 200th Kenworth

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