Centurion was selected by Anglo American as its preferred tenderer for the provision of general transport services for all its operations throughout the Bowen Basin, including its five coal mines in a five year contract.

The contract has generated a significant number of jobs in Queensland, mainly in Mackay, as well as a platform for further growth for the company.

As part of the contract Centurion is operating major freight consolidation facilities in Brisbane, Mackay and Rockhampton along with direct linehaul services to Anglo American sites.

Centurion will run a daily service out of the three consolidation hubs and provide the backbone for the Anglo American supply chain.

Centurion’s Chief Executive Justin Cardaci said the business is well placed to effectively service the contract due to its significant industry experience with similar operations in Western Australia.

“Centurion has a long and extensive history of providing safe and reliable supply chain solutions to customers operating in the mining industry,” Mr Cardaci said.

“Our offering is based on a very well developed mining support solution which has safety at the core and provides visibility tools tailored to client requirements that enable logistics management to be performed in a controlled manner throughout the entire process.

“This not only enables planning and scheduling to be more precise but also allows operators to remove working capital that is in place to buffer supply chain unknowns.”

Mr Cardaci said the development of long-term partnering relationships with clients has enabled Centurion to develop in-house processes and practices that provide real value to its mining, energy and retail customers.

Anglo American operates both underground and open cut mines throughout the Bowen Basin producing high quality coking coal. All of these operations require transport and consolidation and welcomes services for goods and equipment originating from suppliers throughout Australia.

Mr Cardaci said as part of the new contract Centurion had recruited people locally and the company was committed to supporting the regional communities it was operating in.

“We are very pleased to be expanding our offering into the Bowen Basin region as we enter a critical period of growth for our business in Queensland.

“We have surpassed our expectations in terms of performance for our east coast operations in the past 15 months. Our focus is on continuing to build this business by leveraging our core capabilities and safely and reliably servicing the mining, energy, and retail sectors,” he concluded.

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The acquisition will complement Centurion’s existing haulage and general freight services, reinforcing our position as the leading Western Australian transport and logistics business.

Through the transaction we will acquire more than 250 pieces of equipment including large scale prime movers, specialist heavy haulage platforms and 100 general freight trailers along with the team of logistics specialists from Triton Transport.

Centurion’s CEO Justin Cardaci said the acquisition was in line with the business’ strategic vision to be the leading logistics partner for businesses in the commodity rich communities of Australia and it reaffirmed its commitment to the Western Australian market place.

“We’re delighted to welcome Triton Transport Services to our business. They are a highly respected logistics provider that specialise in the mining and mining services sectors in WA so this acquisition is strategically sound for our business.”

“They have a strong reputation for safety and reliability as well as a diverse range of specialist capabilities that includes heavy machinery transport for equipment up to 200 tonnes.

Mr Cardaci said the acquisition would give Centurion a platform for growth and the capacity to undertake additional work in the heavy haulage markets at a critical time in the economy.

“There is an increasing amount of project activity in the WA mining sector as economic conditions improve and these additional resources will position us well to capitalise on this upturn,” he said.

As part of the acquisition former Triton Transport Services owner Ben Murphy will become Centurion’s General Manager of Heavy Haulage in WA.

“Ben is a highly regarded member of the industry with a wealth of experience in servicing companies that operate in the resources industry. He will become a vital part of the Centurion team as we look to continue our strong growth both in WA and Queensland.”

The acquisition follows Centurion’s recent purchase of part of the Fuel Trans Australia business as well as our diversification into the Queensland transport and logistics market at the beginning of 2017.

“This is an exciting opportunity and we look forward to capitalising on this acquisition and to continue on our pathway to become the leading logistics partner in the commodity rich communities of Australia,” Mr Cardaci concluded.

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Working for major global mining services provider Thiess, the scope of Centurion’s work was to safely and efficiently relocate five CAT 793 Dump Trucks and two Liebherr 996 Excavators from Prominent Hill SA to the Mount Pleasant Mine in Muswellbrook NSW, and one 996 from Prominent Hill to Peak Downs in Queensland.

The project requirements also included the relocation of two large cranes to the Prominent Hill site; a 250T Crawler Crane from Western Australia and another 150T Crawler Crane from Darwin.

The decommissioning logistics included 62 loads in total covering a massive 260,400kms with more than 4,600 in cab hours worked.

Centurion used a variety of specialist equipment for the move including Kenworth, Mack and Freightliner Prime Movers, Drake Platform Trailers and Low Loaders as well as Centurion’s state of the art tyre trailers. A number of contractors were also used as part of the move.

Planning for the work was carried out by Jason Carnes, Centurion’s Divisional Manager Heavy Haulage East who liaised with relevant authorities and scheduled fleet requirements around each machine as it was stripped and decommissioned on site minimising trailer and truck downtime.

The moves were completed on time and within budget over an 8 week period with no injuries.

“This was a significant logistical exercise for us where we needed to work closely with both our clients and other contractors involved in the move to ensure delivery of the equipment on time and without any issues,” Mr Carnes said.

“Centurion only recently set up its east coast operation but the company has tapped into pre-existing industry expertise to ensure we are delivering the highest level of service to our valued customers.

“Feedback from our client in Prominent Hill was that they were very pleased with the professional way we managed this project, and the efforts of our supervisor, drivers and contractors involved were much appreciated,” Mr Carnes concluded.

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Mining companies need clear visibility of their OTR tyre supply chains to ensure they have the stock to support their ongoing operational requirements.

Centurion’s dedicated team of specialists has been expertly and safely handling, transporting and storing OTR tyres for clients in the mining industry for more than ten years.

Our trailers are custom designed and built to safely and efficiently transport tyres ranging from 525/80R25s right up to the massive 60/80R57s.

Our remote control loading and unloading process makes our trailers the safest in the business.

Remote control operated restraint arms safely hold the tyres in position while loading and unloading, eliminating the need for manual restraining using straps or chains.

The engineered restraint arms lock tyres into place remotely, keeping the operator safe and reducing manual handling requirements.

Streamlined loading and unloading processes improve tyre cycle times without compromising safety.

Our trailer is tested against 16 stringent safety standards and four (4) infrastructure standards ensuring it complies with Performance Based Standards (PBS).

Centurion has transported more than 3000 tyres in the past 12 months, configuring road trains in either double or triple configurations to suit our client’s requirements.

Transporting tyres vertically reduces the number of prime movers, pilot vehicles and trailers needed for each journey whilst reducing delivery costs, road congestion and environmental impact.

Each tyre has a unique serial number and is tracked through Centurion’s WMS system giving our customers 360 degree visibility of their OTR supply chain at all times.

Centurion caters for all OTR brands – Bridgestone, Michelin, Firestone and Goodyear and we have ample storage capacity at our Perth HQ and other distribution centres Australia wide.

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Centurion’s Queensland heavy haulage team has been in action again with the move of this massive Liebherr 996 mining excavator from Brisbane to the Bowen Basin.

When assembled, this excavator is around 10 metres high, 8 metres wide, 24 metres long and weighs in at a massive 676 tonnes.

The excavator was shipped part by part because of its size. Transport for a machine of this size requires hours of detailed logistics planning to ensure a safe and successful move.

The multiple 1,000km plus trips, which took more than 12 hours each, were completed without a hitch.

Centurion prides itself on the safe and reliable movement of goods across Australia and has specialised heavy haulage equipment capable of carrying loads in excess of 200 tonnes.

With experience in the resources, energy and civil construction industries Centurion is the leading heavy haulage provider across Australia.

Thanks to Nickolas Bantouvakis at Working iT Pilots for sharing this great video of the move.

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Since brothers Frank and Carl Cardaci began operating in 1968, Centurion has grown exponentially. Today it has more than 1,500 heavy vehicle assets traversing Australian roads along with 14 distribution centres across the country.

On a recent visit to Queensland, Centurion CEO Justin Cardaci said the expansion was a considered  move for the company, which for decades has been counted on to provide reliable, safe and flexible services to rural and remote regions of Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

“Queensland has a similarly dispersed population base to Western Australia and there is an increasing number of large mining and infrastructure projects in remote areas here,” Mr Cardaci said.

“We know we can deliver heavy haulage for clients in these industries because we already have the experience.  It’s the first step for us that gives us other growth opportunities in new markets.”

Mr Cardaci said Centurion had become renowned for three things: working with its customers to identify effective supply chain solutions, being an employer of choice, and supporting the regional communities in which the company operates through economic contribution and job creation.

Centurion’s latest expansion is well underway, with three sites already operating in the Sunshine State and one in Adelaide – its heavy haulage and logistics capabilities underpinning its new growth.

“While our main Queensland base will be at Rocklea, in Brisbane, we already have a strong team in place in Emerald and are building up our presence in Mackay, with further sites under consideration,” Mr Cardaci explained.

Centurion CEO Justin Cardaci at the company’s new Queensland headquarters at Rocklea.

As part of the expansion Centurion managed to engage the services and knowledge of the widely respected and highly experienced Keith Price, who had previously worked for McAleese, and who is now Centurion’s General Manager – Heavy Haulage.

According to Mr Price the company’s Queensland client base is already growing quickly in just a few months after opening for business.

“We’ve been tendering for work in the Bowen Basin. We’re starting to see a general pick-up,” Mr Price said.

“In the past few years, the whole of the mining sector has taken a hell of a slam but, in 2016-17, it’s been a lot better and I believe we’re about to see a very significant improvement in 2017-18.

“We’re concentrating on getting enough prime movers to our Queensland depots, plus the necessary back-up equipment, as quickly as possible. We need to ensure we have the trucks and equipment on the ground to capitalise on the upcoming opportunities.”

Mr Price said the company had also been mindful of sourcing content locally to build value in the Queensland communities.

“Centurion has a track record of economic contribution to the regions through using local suppliers and employing local people. An example of this has been sourcing all our PPE gear from a local business in Emerald rather than from the national supplier based in Perth,” Mr Price said.

Both its Emerald and Mackay depots are within a day’s journey from Centurion’s Rocklea headquarters and Mr Price said that, within its first few months of operating in Queensland, the company had already done work for customers the length of the state’s coastline, from Brisbane to Cairns, as well as to many inland destinations and multiple mine sites in the Bowen Basin.

Mr Cardaci said that business was committed to its east coast expansion. “We’re here for the long haul and we intend to grow our east coast business,” Mr Cardaci said. “And Queensland is proving the perfect place for us to start.”

Just a few of the heavy haulage trailer fleet at Centurion’s Rocklea base.

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Centurion’s Adelaide team was recently involved in a major logistical effort transporting an 8.3 metre wide and 32 metre long  ESP support frame from Edinburgh to Olympic Dam.

Safety was the number one priority for the heavy haulage logistics effort and so daybreak saw a Toolbox meeting conducted for all people involved including breath testing. The journey on day one involved two police escorts and three pilots for the entire trip. Centurion’s Freight Liner prime mover, six line extendible platform low loader trailer and cargo weighed in at more than 100 tonnes. The initial 11 kilometre movement took three hours as the load negotiated roundabouts while tree trimming and traffic sign removal was required. Another challenge occurred at Rocky River with traffic stopped in both directions in order to get the 8.3 metre wide load across the narrow 8.3 metre wide bridge.

Watch the video here:

293 kilometres and 11 hours after departure the crew arrived in Port Augusta at sunset. The journey continued the next day with the load departing at sunrise and arriving in Olympic Dam just before 2pm. South Australian police stated that Centurion’s logistics effort was one of best moves they had been involved with and the professionalism of all parties resulted in a totally smooth operation.

Centurion South Australia State Manager Brad Busch said he was impressed with how the operation unfolded and the commitment and focus shown by everyone involved.

“This was an exciting and challenging exercise. The great result shows Centurion’s capacity to take on further specialised transport work and our commitment to finding a flexible solution for our customers,” he said.

Centurion has extensive experience in transport and logistics, particularly heavy haulage and following the recent expansion into the Queensland and South Australian markets, this successful operation demonstrates Centurion’s ability to perform not only in Western Australia but nationwide.

Centurion now has distribution centres in Adelaide, Mackay, Emerald and Brisbane as well as 10 branches throughout Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

The post Centurion shows heavy haulage capability in South Australia. appeared first on Centurion.

Watch the video below:

The project was an example of how Centurion works effectively with their customers and other logistics providers to find workable, effective solutions to suit their needs.

Centurion has extensive experience in transport and logistics, particularly heavy haulage. The logistics effort was carried out professionally and the equipment was delivered to site on schedule. The company looks forward to participating in future international and large scale logistics projects.

Centurion has the capabilities to provide the reliable and safe movement of large equipment for mining, energy, infrastructure and construction industries. This was an exciting project and reinforces Centurion’s capacity to provide flexible and reliable solutions for all of their customers.

Volga-Dnepr is a world leader in the unique, oversize and heavy cargo market, successfully representing the Russian airfreight industry in the international market since 1990. Their airline fleet includes twelve An-124-100 Ruslans and five modernized IL-76TD-90VD freighters.

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 The acquisition, for an undisclosed amount, will complement Centurion’s existing heavy haulage business and make it the largest heavy haulage service provider in Australia.

Through the transaction Centurion has also entered into an agreement on premises giving it a foothold in the heavy haulage market across four states – Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia. Centurion’s intent is to be fully operational by January 2017.

Centurion Chief Executive Justin Cardaci said the purchase of the McAleese fleet was strategically sound, aligned with the company’s strength in the resources sector and provided Centurion with a unique opportunity to expand.

“As a well-established and trusted Western Australian company, with more than 45 years’ experience in the transport and logistics arena, including heavy haulage, we have the capability to run a successful national business,” Mr Cardaci said.

“Centurion is a financially strong and stable business that understands the industry. This asset purchase will give us the platform to access new markets and grow our business nationally.”

Mr Cardaci said the company wanted to continue servicing existing and previous McAleese customers under the Centurion banner, targeting industries nationally that depend on the reliable and safe movement of large equipment, including mining, energy, infrastructure and construction.

“McAleese heavy haulage was once a highly successful business in its own right and we believe once we have transitioned these assets to Centurion there is plenty of scope to re-establish this success.

“We have appointed former McAleese part owner Keith Price, who successfully ran the business until it listed, to be in charge of Centurion’s heavy haulage operation.

“This is an exciting opportunity and we look forward to capitalising on our new status as the largest heavy haulage provider in Australia, providing flexible and reliable solutions for all our customers,” Mr Cardaci concluded.

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The new trailer design means, for the first time, tyre trailers loaded with some of the largest heavy equipment tyres, can be used in a triple road train configuration reducing the number of drivers, pilots and trailers required for each trip.

Traditionally, the largest dump or haul truck tyres have had to be transported horizontally or lay flat on a flat top trailer. This makes the load oversize and requires it to have an oversize permit and pilot for transportation. It also means that, in the past, these tyres have only been transported in a truck and single trailer configuration.

The new trailer design allows for the tyres to be ‘stood up’ and transported vertically reducing the excessive width and removing the need for the oversize permit and the pilot. As a result, one truck can haul twice as many tyres in a single trip significantly reducing the transport costs per tyre.

The tyre trailer complies with Performance Based Standards (PBS) – a National Heavy Vehicle Regulator scheme that tests the asset against 16 stringent safety standards and four infrastructure standards ensuring it fits the existing road network and is safe.

Each trailer is fitted with electronic stability control to further improve the safety performance.

According to Centurion CEO Justin Cardaci the development of the trailer is a result of the business listening and responding to its customers’ needs as Centurion aims to continually improve its business services offering as well as its safety performance.

“We transported more than 2,600 heavy equipment tyres last year to various mine sites across WA so the development of the new trailer is an important innovation for our business,” Mr Cardaci said.

“The trailer allows us to transport some of the largest heavy mobile equipment tyres as part of a triple road train configuration which significantly improves our efficiency and boosts our productivity in this area.”

Mr Cardaci said the new trailer design would also improve safety – something that Centurion was continually looking to do.

“The automation of tyre loading and unloading and the reduction in manual restraining minimises the risk of injury and makes the whole process of transferring tyres to mine sites safer,” he said.

“The tyres are locked into place remotely which means the operator is always a safe distance from the trailer during a critical part of the loading.”

The tyre trailer, which has been 12 months in design, development and manufacture, provides a more reliable, cheaper and safer solution for transporting tyres to what is currently used in the transport industry.

“The climate at the moment is very much about how and where we can add value and support our clients by finding efficiencies in the supply chain and this trailer is a great example of how we are doing that,” Mr Cardaci said.

A combination of industry specialists were involved in the project to rethink how tyres could be transported and the trailer meets all Department of Transport requirements. The design and manufacture was conducted by a small Western Australian business.

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