We caught up with Graham Redington from Northchill Ltd, who tells us all about the type of trucks he uses to operate his freight business.

What does Northchill Ltd specialise in?

Graham: We have four companies under the Northchill Group Ltd banner. We specialise in refrigerated linehaul work, express overnight linehaul, tankers that carry chemicals, new boat distribution and concert logistics.

Who owns/runs the business and how many staff do you have?

Graham: Graham (myself) and my wife Michelle, and we have 41 staff. My daughter Hollie works in the business as part of our management team.

How long has it been in business?

Graham: Since 2007.

How many trucks are in your fleet?

Graham: We have 37 trucks.

What makes of trucks are they?

Graham: We run Kenworth, Volvo and DAF trucks.

And what is your favourite truck?

Graham: Kenworth.

What type of loads do you cart?

Graham: Produce, frozen chicken/meat etc, groceries, overnight freight, chemicals and concert equipment.

Where are the main areas you operate in Aotearoa New Zealand?

Graham: We operate mainly in the North Island, but run a truck and trailer unit from Auckland to Invercargill return every week.

What is your background, How did you get into transport?

Graham: I started as a courier back in Wellington more than 30 years ago and things progressed from there. I worked in Australia for five years and then came back to New Zealand. That’s when I bought a chemical delivery business, and things began to grow from there.

What is your favourite thing about this industry?

Graham: Working with some really cool people including my wife and daughter every day, having a really neat management and workshop team and also our drivers who are integral to our business.

Do you have any advice for young people who want to work in transport?

Graham: If you’re passionate about trucks then talk to some operators. Start off washing trucks and being the yard person – we all had to start at the bottom but if you show some nous then most operators will work with you once you are old enough to obtain your licence. Don’t expect to jump straight into a Kenworth – we all had to learn the ropes and you will be a better person for it.

Have you got an exciting experience you can share?

Graham: Moving the big concerts around and working alongside some of the big bands’ crews is pretty cool!