When you’re responsible for transporting priceless cargo, you need a truck that’s up to the job. To ensure the liquid gold it collects from Speight’s Brewery gets to Dunedin’s pubs and restaurants without delay, McCormick Carrying trusts in a reliable Canter 616.
The company has been delivering Speight’s around its home city for more than 30 years. Founded in 1984 by Kelvin McCormick and his father Eric – having taken over the transport company they were working for at the time – McCormick Carrying remains one of the last independent metro carrier in Dunedin and enjoys a loyal and varied customer base.
One of the reasons for the company’s longevity is its attention to customer service. Now run by Kelvin and his brother Stephen, head office walls are covered in service awards.
“I’d put it down to our can-do attitude and consistently high level of customer service,” says Kelvin.
To maintain their excellent reputation, the brothers need reliable trucks, which prompted them to buy a new FUSO Canter 616 3 months ago. The five-speed manual is fitted with a 3.1m x 2.1m curtainsider body.
“It’s a great size for metro deliveries,” says Kelvin. “We get a three-tonne plus payload on a truck that can be driven on a car licence. Our driver Jason, who has been with us for around 25 years, absolutely loves it!”
Jason’s long service is a testament to the culture Kelvin and Stephen have built, their shortest-serving driver having spent seven years with the company.
“We do our best to create a safe work environment and make sure we thank them at the end of each day. Deliveries involve a lot of manual labour and it is hard graft, so we want to make sure they know they’re appreciated.”
Kelvin says the comfortable and reliable Canter helps ease the load. Featuring a suspended driver’s seat with folding arm rest, Bluetooth audio for hands-free phone use and driver's airbag, whoever’s driving can feel safe and confident behind the wheel.
“We’ve definitely been impressed with our purchase so far,” says Kelvin. “And we’re keeping our customers happy too.”
So next time you’re in Dunedin with a Speight’s in hand, raise a toast to the McCormick Carrying crew and their trusty Canter 616!
GVM / GCM – 5,995kg / 9,500kg
Power / Torque – 110kW / 370Nm
Transmission – 5-speed manual
Wheelbase – 2,500mm
