Avis Haulage is a big fan of Hino and the CMI Hino Adelaide team.

After relocating to Adelaide from the UK, Shaun Avis was determined to build a family business with his wife, Wendy, that provided customers with reliability and flexibility, which meant he needed a well-maintained fleet to ensure every job gets done efficiently.

Following his arrival in South Australia, Shaun drove for a range of companies and he bought his first truck from Robert Remilton in Victor Harbor and thus, Avis Haulage began.

Avis Haulage started by transporting rolling steel tube for Hills Industries, which transitioned into Orrcon, which was then subsequently bought by Bluescope. Throughout these transitions, Avis Haulage has kept a strong contractual relationship with these companies for close to 30 years.

“What we offer as a team works for them,” said Wendy. “We've expanded on that original contract into other steel deliveries as well, so we've got a few different customers these days and different contracts, but all in steel.”

The relationships Wendy and Shaun built with a range of companies meant that they needed to ensure their fleet of trucks were reliable and able to transport heavy steel loads both locally and interstate.

In late 2021, Wendy and Shaun needed to add rigid trucks to their fleet – this brought about the strong relationship with the team at CMI Hino Adelaide.

“We initially didn’t have a specific brand as top of mind. Then we went to CMI Hino here in Adelaide and met Key Account Manager, David Cushion.

“David is a really straight talker without any of the bull. We told him what we were after, and he really understood. We should also mention Sales Manager, Dani Brown, who took the time to get to know us and our business. They have just been awesome to deal with,” said Shaun.

Now with both of their sons working for the business, Avis Haulage is continually growing, operating from four locations and running a fleet of 14 vehicles, many of which are Hino Trucks.

“We’ve got a mixed fleet,” said Wendy. “So, we’ve dealt with a number of companies over the years, but CMI Hino Adelaide have gone above and beyond. It’s not just been the sale, but also the after-sales service which has been impeccable.

“Aftersales service is as important, if not more important than the sale. The follow-up is what is going to create brand loyalty. We know that nothing is perfect, and something will break down sooner or later but it's the response to whatever may happen that is going to ingratiate you to a company.”

Not only do Shaun and Wendy appreciate the customer service they receive from our team, they also value the impressive performance of Hino trucks, particularly when it comes to transporting their heavy steel loads.

“Remembering that everything we carry is heavy steel, the Hino’s have been excellent,” said Wendy. “We have other Japanese product in the fleet and the Hino’s – all 500 Series 2635’s by the way – are better on fuel, better on tare weight, carry heavier loads, in fact far better overall.”

“On top of all that, they are beautiful to drive,” added Shaun. “They’re comfortable, quiet, and easy to get in and out of tight spaces. They’re a delight.”

Whilst they only have Hino 500 Series in their fleet at the moment, Shaun and Wendy are open to incorporating the 700 Series thanks to their experience with not only the quality of Hino Trucks, but the service they receive from our team.

“Certainly,” said both Wendy and Shaun. “To be honest I’ve not driven the 700 Series yet, simply because we’re not in the market for one at the moment. But when the time comes, we’ll for sure look at the 700 Hino for two reasons: one – how good the 500 Series is, and two – David Cushion, Dani Brown and the rest of the team at CMI Hino Adelaide,” said Shaun.

The CMI Hino Adelaide team are extremely proud of the strong relationships we build with customers, including Avis Haulage. We are committed to supporting them well after the sale of a truck thanks to our award-winning service and parts teams.

“We’re honoured to have an ongoing relationship with Avis Haulage over the years and we take great pride in being their trusted partner in the transportation industry.

“Our team are committed to keeping their Hino Trucks on the road and look forward to working with the Avis Haulage team for many years to come”, said Nathan Chatfield, CMI Hino Adelaide General Manager.

Thank you to the Shaun, Wendy and the Avis Haulage for choosing CMI Hino Adelaide. We look forward to partnering with you well into the future.

Avis Haulage is a South Australian local family-owned trucking transportation business located primarily in Wingfield.

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