CARRY THAT WEIGHT

NO JOB IS TRULY OUT OF THE QUESTION FOR DCM LOGISTICS AND ITS TRUCK FLEET, WHETHER IT’S A BIG HAUL OR ONE THAT’S NOT AS INTENSE — TRANSPORTING LOADS THAT RANGE FROM PORTABLE BUILDINGS TO FORKLIFTS, THEN DCM IS THERE. WE TAKE A LOOK AT DCM AND ITS GO GET’M ATTITUDE.

DCM Logistics owner Michael Ekin has a penchant for the bigger trucks, and likes having the confidence knowing that his trucks can handle the tough tasks.

Founded and based in Queensland, and covering everywhere from Longreach to Rockhampton and down into NSW to Sydney’s south, DCM Logistics is in the business of moving a broad range of cargo from tractors and forklifts, to bobcats, portable buildings and shipping containers.

But before the company was born, Michael worked as an independent hauler, staring out in 2008 with an Isuzu FVR 950 , working as a contractor carrying goods for Toll. When a chance came up to move machinery for Crown Forklifts, Michael jumped at the opportunity, buying an Isuzu FVL 1400 (FVL 240-300) 6 x 4 outfitted with a tow and tilt tray to get the job done.

Three years later, Michael struck out into the transport market under his own company, DCM Logistics, named for his three sons: Dan, Chris and Matt.

As the business grew, Michael added a further two Isuzu F Series workhorses to the fleet—two FTR 900s (FSR 140-260). Seeking a longer wheelbase, Michael sold his FVL 1400 in 2018 to upgrade to a new heavy-duty FYJ 300-350 8 x 4 with sixspeed Allison automatic transmission.

“I was getting close to my limits on the six-wheeler FVL, which had nearly 900,000 kilometres under its belt.

“So I needed to upgrade to an 8-wheeler to get a bit more comfortable, that’s why I went for the FYJ.”

Like his old FVL, Michael fitted the FYJ with a tow-and-tilt slide tray, built by ATB Engineering in Brisbane—a setup that suits DCM Logistics’ operations to the tee.

Proud of the on-point presentation of his current Isuzu fleet, Michael said he would happily return to the team at Gold Coast Isuzu and stands by his brand of choice for any future truck purchases.

“The team at Gold Coast Isuzu, they do the job and they do it well,” Michael said.

“And this FYJ does about 1,400 kilometres per week, the others around 1,200 kilometres, and I’ve had no dramas.

“I’d most definitely go with another Isuzu; they’re built well and everything works for me.”

High on Michael’s list of considerations in purchasing the new FYJ 300-350 were the chassis and floating cab-over design of the FYJ model, which would have an impact on both height restrictions and route planning for long hauls.

“To work within the height limits, but also with the heavy loads, I have to have a certain body that wouldn’t make me have to cut back on the load the truck carries.

“So really, with the FYJ I’ve been able to navigate all of that, and the truck has allowed me to take on bigger things, larger machines.

“I recently had a 13-tonne roller on board, which I wouldn’t have been able to do previously with a smaller truck.”

With the business focusing on excellence in load care, it was important to Michael that the FYJ is fitted with Hendrickson HAS61 airbag suspension in the rear to ensure his customers’ goods receive a smooth, shock-free ride.

“All the trucks I own have Hendrickson airbag suspension; I think it’s wise for the low-carrying,” explained Michael.

“It’s a lot softer than the spring setup, and as such, you’re looking after your load and cart better, and I like looking after things.”

Satisfied with the pulling power of the FYJ’s 9.8-litre engine, Michael was also keen on the uncomplicated DOC emissions control system, which meets Euro V regulations without the added bulk of Selective Catalytic Reduction.

This offered the added advantage of tare weight reduction—an important element for DCM Logistics in meeting their payload targets.

“One of the factors I looked at was that this model comes with the exhaust gas recirculation system… I didn’t like the idea of AdBlue.

“I’ve heard a lot of stories about how costly it is, how it can lock the system and I wanted to steer away from that type of emission control—I wanted a simpler version.”

“And the tare weight came in where I needed it to be, so I could lift right up to my limits.”

DCM Logistics isn’t shy about working hard, testing the considerable capacity and 9-metre body of the truck on a regular basis with a variety of challenging cargoes.

“The most difficult thing we’ve transported was an extra wide, extra heavy portable building that was built for Telstra,” Michael recounted.

“It was 7.5 metres long, 3.5 metres wide, concrete-lined, and weighed nearly 12.5 tonnes.

“It also had to be transported to an area that was near impossible to access, but we managed to get it in.”

While avoiding unnecessary modifications, Michael did kit out his new FYJ 300-350 with unobtrusive extras like chrome wheels, chrome guards and LED lights—all small additions that would set the truck apart just enough to get his customers’ attention.

“Basically, I just fitted my truck out with a little bit of bling, everything that makes it stand out a tiny bit more,” he said.

“I also put onboard scales on the FYJ to tell me exactly how much I have on board the truck.”

It’s the little touches that set DCM Logistics apart from its competitors in the heavy haulage market, according to Michael.

“Pride in my vehicles and their presentation shows my customers that I can look after anything for them, because I look after my own,” Michael said.

“People often comment on how welllooked-after and well-maintained my trucks are.

“A guy asked me the other day, ‘Is that truck brand new?’, I said ‘No mate, it’s 12 months old’—but it looks like it’s just come off the showroom floor.”