Bass Strait Transport, under the umbrella of Tasmania’s De Bruyn’s Transport, has been operating since 1998 with transport and freight forwarding solutions in and out of Victoria. 

The group maintains a fleet of over 300 curtainsiders, skels, tankers and flat top trailers, with 98 per cent of the units being fitted out with JOST products such as fifth wheels, ballraces, landing legs and kingpins. 

De Bruyn’s Transport Managing Director, John DeBruyn, who has been with the business for over 40 years, has seen the JOST products applied as standard himself for a quarter of a century.

“We’ve used JOST products for at least the last 25 years,” he says. “They’re good products which work well and are safe, so we standardised them.

“Once we get a good run out of something, we stick with it. We’d have to have a really big disaster for us to change.”

From a maintenance perspective, standardising JOST equipment has kept Bass Strait Transport’s costs down due to familiarity with the product – the employees, as John explains, are working with the same sort of equipment week in and week out and have therefore become very efficient in this area.

“We’ve got a substantial fleet of trucks and trailers and we do all of our own maintenance,” he says. “So, we really focus on standardisation to make sure that the maintenance task is really efficient. Our workers are also trained by JOST, meaning they are right across the products.”

This also benefits the drivers as every truck and trailer in the business is exactly the same.

Bass Strait Transport’s latest addition to the fleet is a B-double drop deck curtainsider from Barker Trailers. The unit, spec’d with mezzanine floors to maximise cubic capacity, carries general freight from Melbourne to Hobart and is one of eight identical combinations at the company.

“They perform really well,” John says. “Together with the JOST products, we haven’t had any problems with them at all. They’re maintained and we get a really good run out of them.”

Like Bass Strait Transport, Barker Trailers also standardises JOST’s fifth wheels, landing legs and kingpins on all of its builds. It does this to maintain the all-round reliability they have been recognised for over the last five decades. 

Celebrating 50 years in the industry this year, Barker Trailers has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to the transport industry, and in saying that, it has earned a reputation for constructing high-quality products as part of its unwavering dedication to ensuring every trailer manufactured meets the highest levels of excellence.

Part of Barker Trailers’ success comes down to its long-term partnership with JOST. JOST is renowned for its varying top-tier transport products, and for over 30 years, its fifth wheels, landing legs and kingpins have been standard fitment on all of Barker’s trailers – a testament to their reliability and superior quality.

“I think quality and durability will always have a place in the market, and JOST products have that reputation of high quality which aligns with our values,” says Barker Trailers Managing Director, Scott Barker. “I have always valued the responsiveness and knowledge of JOST, and from a customer perspective, a lot of people specifically ask for JOST fifth wheels.”

Barker Trailers’ partnership with JOST is built on mutual trust and years of successful collaboration. According to Barker Trailers Procurement and IT Manager, Russell Thomas, its components enhance the overall quality and reliability of Barker Trailers’ combinations, allowing the business to offer top-notch products to its customers.

“Our customers praise JOST products for their reliability, performance and longevity,” he says. “The high standards upheld by JOST complement the quality of Barker Trailers, adding significant value and contributing to customer satisfaction and loyalty.”

As Barker Trailers celebrates 50 years of excellence, it commends JOST, a company that has delivered for it in more ways than one for decades.

“JOST is very aligned with us in the fact that their equipment is able to cope in just about all conditions,” says Barker Trailers Data and Cost Analyst, Ross Barker. “With JOST, there is great versatility because their products are suitable for all of our applications. We don’t need to alternate between suppliers depending on the design because they usually have a ready-made solution.

“Their product is well-regarded, and because of that, we know we’re quoting superior equipment at a price point that keeps us competitive in the market.”

Ross says JOST’s product range is simple yet diverse enough to cater directly to Barker Trailers’ needs. In addition, its national presence means Barker Trailers and its customers such as Bass Strait Transport can rely on JOST at all times.

“We know that if our customers have an issue with a JOST product, which is very rarely the case, they will easily be able to get the part that they need,” he says. “Then, and more importantly, they will be able to spend more time on the road and making money.

“JOST’s reliability reflects well on us as a manufacturer of quality products which partners with a supplier that shares the same unwavering vision.”

Another standout aspect of Barker Trailers’ dealings with JOST has been the exceptional responsiveness and service received.

“They always answer the phone and react quickly to any issues, even when the fault lies with us,” Russel says. “This level of support ensures that we can deliver the best possible service to our customers.”

As a family and a team, Barker Trailers takes immense pride in its work. Choosing JOST as its preferred supplier, Scott says, has demonstrated that in the long run.

“Our long-term partnership with JOST exemplifies our commitment to delivering the best products and services to our customers, ensuring a bright and successful future for both companies,” he says. “We look forward to continuing our tradition of innovation and strong partnerships.”

This article was published in Trailer Magazine September 2024 edition. Trailer Magazine is Australia’s leading B2B publication dedicated to trailers, truck bodies and ancillary equipment. For the latest editorial and news about road transport in Australia, see Trailer Magazine.

JOST Australia offers a comprehensive suite of solutions that encompasses fifth wheel couplings, landing gear, king pins, and other quality transportation components, as well as ongoing after sale service, training, and maintenance. Contact us today if you would like to optimise your transportation operations.