Founded by Les Sharp, Xpress Freight Management (XFM), was opened during the height of Covid lockdowns in 2020.
It runs a large national fleet with a mixture of heavy rigid trucks and prime movers, employing around 60 per cent of subcontractors within their business model.
These vehicles support express freight and national full trailer load (FTL) services alongside XFM’s third-party warehousing and distribution capabilities.
Alongside Les, XFM’s key management team includes Matthew Price, director of commercial; and Steven Stork and Leon Stielow as directors, each bringing significant industry experience.
“I think the personalised service has gone out of the industry with some of the tier-one businesses getting too big to be able to manage the intricacies of day-to-day transactions,” said Les.
“From a customer service and account management standpoint, that’s where XFM is really strong – we are a lot more flexible in saying ‘yes’ and not saying ‘no’ to what our customers want.”
Having achieved a turnover of approximately $80 million during its fourth year in the market, for XFM, its approach seems to be working.
To support the company’s growth, there’s been a rapid expansion of company, with a 100-plus team, over 100 road vehicles, and warehousing and distribution facilities dotted across the country.
This includes 10,000-square metre facilities in Western Australia and Victoria, 4000-square metre facilities in South Australia and Queensland, and a new state-of-the-art 7000-square metre facility in Arndell Park, New South Wales.
On the fleet front, a large purchase of rigid vehicles within the past 12 months – to be driven by XFM employees – helps tip the scale towards bringing distribution operations under the one roof.
Up until this point, XFM has used a number of truck brands for its rigid fleet. Going forward, Les is seeking better scalability from associated transport partners, zeroing in on the ability of manufacturers to meet demand for additional vehicles quickly.
“Through peak volumes, we’ll be looking at turning over $100 million, so we need to work with a manufacturer who has reliability – a proven player in the game,” Les said.
The quickest way for XFM to meet demand is OEM collaboration that will support the company’s vision, says Les.
“We could easily fill our ranks with cheap new trucks, but we know that’s not a sustainable approach—Isuzu has arguably the best Japanese truck on the market.
“The relationship between XFM and Isuzu is developing very strongly with that common synergy between us. With Isuzu’s assistance, we’re going to reach our growth goals.”
The first new Isuzu trucks on XFM’s order list have now been delivered to the Melbourne facility, a few weeks ahead of schedule.
XFM has chosen 10, 12, and 14-pallet trucks with tailgates, from Isuzu’s F Series range to handle its mid-weight deliveries. This includes four FVL 240-300 Autos, four FRR 110-260 Autos, and four FSR 140/120-260 Autos.
The Isuzu F Series trucks in this weight class (11,000kg GVM – 24,000kg GVM) feature 6-speed Allison automatic transmissions, Isri 6860/875 NTS air suspension driver’s seats, and the MyIsuzu Co-Pilot AV unit with a 10.1-inch, high-definition touchscreen.
They’ve been fitted off with curtain side bodies from Austruck Bodies, specified for easy forklift loading.
The trucks will be divvied-up between the states.
XFM says its bringing more drivers under the company wing, to making sure drivers are supported to get the job done, and come home safely.
“Transport is transport, we want to deliver freight as quickly as possible and for our drivers to get back safe,” Les said.
“Isuzu has a fantastic safety record, which was a major factor in our decision to choose them as a partner.
“Obviously, when our drivers are sitting in a truck between eight to 10 hours a day, we want to make sure that their vehicle is extremely comfortable, safe, and reliable.”
Les continued, “We need to have reputable vehicles with great re-sale value, as we’re planning to turn our trucks over around the seven-year mark. So, whole-of-life cost absolutely plays into our purchasing decisions.
“We had no hesitations putting our eggs in Isuzu’s basket after seeing the ongoing fleet support and aftersales program that they could provide for us.
“It’s a business standing by their brand, which is what our business does too.”
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