Finding alternatives
Even the best-managed haulage fleets put pressure on New Zealand's road networks. In order to continue meeting the needs of the dynamic - and everexpanding - Auckland market in the future, HG Leach has developed a barging transport system based in Kopu, south of Thames in the Hauraki Gulf. This innovative bulk transportation method will take pressure off North Island roads and improve the company's turnaround time on bulk aggregate orders.

The barge-loading terminal at Kopu will run a direct route up the coast to Auckland. One 750-tonne barge takes as much aggregate in one trip as 26 truck and trailer loads. As Auckland continues to require greater quantities of aggregate, the positive impact on road traffic over the years will be significant.

The same backloading principles that are used to such effect in the road transport network will be applied to the barging system. Eventually, HG Leach intends bringing dredged marine sand back from Auckland for use in the Coromandel concrete market.

The barging operation also services the Hauraki Gulf Islands, particularly Waiheke and Great Barrier Island to supply aggregate and rip rap or armor rock for marine, wharfs and foreshore protection.

The Company uses the services of M...Subritzky Sealink Ltd and waiheke Shipping Limited on these routes, as well as supply from "Rockshop" depot at Lincoln Rdoad in Henderson, Auckland.

Minimising impact
Even with the barging system in place, road transport will remain essential for the servicing of inland markets. HG Leach takes all possible steps to ensure that the environmental impact of its road fleet is minimised, including:

Backloading
Backloading ensures that vehicles taking up roadspace are being used effectively, not running empty.

Wheel washing
All vehicles leaving the Tirohia Landfill site have their wheels washed to minimise the transfer of dirt and mud.

Maintenance schedule
All road vehicles are subject to a rigorous maintenance schedule that keeps them operating as cleanly, efficiently and safely as possible.

Traffic control
Traffic control methods - including signage, noise and dust monitoring and access control - are implemented at every HG Leach site to ensure the safety of both HG Leach drivers and other road users.

Skilled drivers
Every HG Leach transport vehicle is driven by a skilled, highly-trained driver with a licence appropriate to the class of vehicle.

The fleet

Modern, efficient and well-maintained, the HG Leach transport fleet has the right vehicles for a variety of jobs.

	Trucks (see images on left)	Capacity in tonnes	Cubic capacity
1	Truck and trailer units Truck and trailer units	29-31	19-21m
2	Trucks 6-wheeler trucks 8-wheeler trucks	10-12 12-14	7-8m 9-10m
3	Aggregate delivery trailers 3 axle trailer 4 axle trailers	18 20	11m 12m
4	Tractor units Tractor units	-	-
5	Water carts Water carts	6	6000L
6	Specialist trailers Low loader for equipment transport Flat deck trailer Waste semi trailers and hook lift bins Specialist waste bins Leachate tanker	24 15 14 14 14	- - 44m 20-44m 14m

back to top

Effective cartage is more than just moving product from A to B. It's about making best use of schedules, backloads and alternative transport methods, and minimising environmental impact.

Meeting needs fast