While road trains may be synonymous with road freight transport in outback Western Australia, it’s quick-responding light trucks capable of efficiently delivering smaller time-sensitive loads, that are becoming more prevalent on some of the state’s lesser travelled routes.

Known in the industry as a ‘hotshot’, it’s among Perth-based transport company, Jancol Transport’s service offerings, with three IVECO Dailys – one 35S van and two 70C cab chassis – making up the bulk of the company’s hotshot fleet.

Jancol, an anagram of company founders Colin McKean and partner Janine’s given names, is a newer entry to the WA transport scene, but although it only began in 2021, it’s built on Colin’s 31 years in the road freight industry. It’s been steady, organic growth for Jancol under Colin and Janine’s management, and along with its hotshot services, the company operate seven prime movers which work in general freight, dangerous goods and in heavy / over dimensional transport, predominantly servicing the mining industry.

“I was initially working as an owner driver for a customer and things grew from there,” Colin explained.

“One truck became two and then a third followed – the business has grown through word of mouth – we don’t advertise.

“The hotshots came about because one of our existing customers also needed this service and we were happy to provide it. This component of the business is managed by our daughter Jessica.”

Colin initially purchased the Daily 35S van around 18 months ago and based on its strong performance, added to the fleet with two 70C cab chassis late last year. The two IVECO light trucks feature generous 7.2 tonne GVMs, powerful 132kW / 430Nm Euro6 engines and 8-speed full automatic transmissions. They’re also equipped with custom 4.3 metre trays and ADR-compliant sleeper cabs, while all three vehicles feature bull bars, auxiliary forward lighting, CBs and are finished in the company’s distinctive white, blue and burgundy livery. 

Colin said he did considerable research before eventually selecting the Dailys for the hotshot work.

“There were quite a few things that were attractive about the Daily,” he said. 

“The Daily trucks can carry a decent amount of weight – we can do around 3.8 tonnes which puts them ahead of their rivals.

“They’re also comfortable and with the auto transmissions they’re easy to drive. Our entire fleet is now automatic because some drivers don’t have manual licences. We also needed vehicles that a variety of drivers could step into and immediately feel comfortable in their operation.”

As part of their hotshot work, the Dailys regularly travel north to Newman and Port Hedland, which is a one-way journey of over 1,600 kilometres from the Jancol Transport depot in Hazelmere.

The bespoke sleeper bunks fitted to the Daily trucks were developed by Perth IVECO Dealership AV Trucks in conjunction with a local bodybuilder, providing Jancol with a complete turnkey solution. The bunks are air-conditioned and feature lighting and USB points, providing drivers with a comfortable (and legally compliant) place to rest and sleep during extended time on the road. The Daily van also brings drivers’ fatigue management to the fore with an integrated fold-down bed within the cargo space.

Colin said that with the Dailys accumulating huge kilometres on a weekly basis, their long service intervals were another great quality of the model range.

“The latest Dailys have 50,000km service intervals, so given how many kilometres these travel, it means they can work for longer with less time off the road for servicing. There are also fewer maintenance bills to pay,” he said.

Now several years in business, Colin and Janine’s plan is to continue Jancol’s steady growth, while ensuring its customers keep enjoying a first-class service.

“I think we stand out from others in the industry because of our honesty and reliability – we have accurate schedules, give regular updates and are heavily safety-focused with vehicle tracking and fatigue management across the fleet,” Colin said.

“Customers also know that they can call me if they have a problem; I’ll always answer my phone no matter what time it is, and I’ll sort it out for them. It’s this service level that has helped us get to where we are today, and also puts us in a good position for the future.”