Polished & proud: Allied Express on Isuzu's delivery capabilities

There is barely a nook or cranny across the nation that doesn’t see a truck emblazoned with the heraldry of Allied Express, the largest independently owned logistics specialist in Australia.

The business, whose swish new head office and distribution centre is situated near the Bankstown Airport in Sydney, prides itself on running a tightly coordinated operation that has been servicing its retail partners since 1978.

Today, the business is a different beast to what it was pre-pandemic—with a seismic consumer shift towards online shopping leaving little time to react, and large room for growth.

Managing Director at Allied Express, Michelle McDowell, said the market changed almost overnight with customers clamouring for timely delivery direct to home.

The company invested heavily in new infrastructure and equipment to manage this demand, implementing a state-of-the-art automated sorting and distribution system at the Bankstown facility, which has been purposefully designed to handle bulk volume, large and oddly shaped items.

Up to spec

This focus on improving the sorting and delivery process to provide efficient service for their customers flows to the Allied Express road transport fleet, which is comprised of subcontractors who operate their own vehicles.

According to Michelle, there is no ‘blueprint’ for the perfect delivery vehicle as Allied Express recruit for the work going—whether that’s door-to-door metro delivery or interstate hauls.

Drivers are amply supported with software and GPS-tracking systems painstakingly developed in-house, seeing them armed with the latest in PDAs, PODs and sign-on-glass technology.

Michelle went on to say that Isuzu Trucks’ model range was a popular choice among Allied Express subcontractors.

“Our fleet consists of a wide variety of trucks, because we do such a gauntlet of different delivery types.

“Reliability and presentation are very important for Allied Express as our customers put their trust in us to deliver the product on their behalf… it is important for all drivers to keep their vehicles well-presented and for them to be proud of their work.”

All in the details

Jack Singh is one subcontractor taking this mantra to heart. He primarily deals with large pallets on a route that takes him through the hustle of Sydney streets and occasionally out for a foray in the countryside.

He had a particular vehicle in mind that would match the criteria required for a position with Allied Express and his own exacting requirements.

“I bought the late 2022 model of the FSR 140-260 from Dwyers Truck Centre,” said Jack, rattling-off the details of his truck.  

“It’s a fantastic truck, I wanted this specific body length and size which makes it perfect for my everyday routine.” 

Complete package

The FSR has proven a prime platform to support Jack’s vision, with an extended wheelbase of nine metres and a 2.6-metre clearance allowing for greater payload and maximising productivity.

A six-speed Allison automatic transmission provides ease of use in busy city traffic, working in combination with a customised airbag suspension system controlled from the cab to protect Jack’s precious cargo.

A choice of custom media doors at the rear provides optimum access and a professional presentation. Adding to this, a freshly minted chrome grille plus matching air deflector and accents makes for a very proudly presented unit.

Allied Express subcontractor Jack Singh standing proud with his FSR 140-260

For many drivers like Jack, minimising downtime and keeping the breadwinner running at peak performance is a high priority.

Isuzu Trucks offers Jack peace of mind with a rock-solid six-year warranty and six years of roadside assist, with a service agreement package secured from his local Isuzu dealership, Dwyers Truck Centre.

“I’ve got a six-year warranty on this new truck and a service agreement from the dealer,” said Jack. 

“This means that if I get a job overnight, I just have to put the keys in the ignition and away I go and I know that I'm covered anywhere in Australia with the nationwide warranty.”