As one of the most prolific users of New Zealand roads, safety is paramount for this team – seven days a week, 365 days of the year.
It’s something Barry McColl, our GM National Transport and Logistics, says he is extremely proud to see our Co-op leading the way on.
“Every day we get positive feedback on our tanker drivers from others who have shared the roads with us. We hear from cyclists, farmers, urban road users and travellers from all around the world who are impressed with the way our drivers handle themselves,” says Barry.
“Our tanker drivers are the faces of our Co-op. They can be referred to as the heart of our business; without them there would be nobody to pick up our farmers milk and transport it, making them a fundamental step in our supply chain.”
Tanker Operator Craig Thornley recently encountered an unfamiliar sight on his usual pick-up route when a cow ran across the main road right in front of him.
“The cow somehow managed to make an escape from its paddock and since I have a background in farming, I could tell it was unhappy that it was separated from the rest of the herd.
“I noticed the paddock on the other side of the tanker track had its gates open so I put it in there for the time being and just when I thought I had it under control, I tried to shut the gates and realised there was no chain.
“Using some good old fashioned kiwi ingenuity I found a vest in my truck that could serve a new purpose, so I tied that around the gate to keep it shut. The farmer gave me a phone call the next morning to tell me he appreciated my quick thinking.
“It’s the small actions you take each day that are the most rewarding.”
