CTI Logistics DAF Trucks

Building a Reliable Fleet with DAF Trucks and CJD Equipment

A conversation with Mark Cameron, GM - Regional Freight & Traxi Truck CTI Logistics

CTI Logistics operates one of Western Australia's largest and most diverse transport networks, delivering freight across metropolitan Perth and more than 700 regional destinations across the state. As the business continued to grow, it undertook a strategic review of its prime mover fleet to improve reliability, fuel efficiency, safety and operational flexibility. In this Q&A, CTI Logistics explains why it chose DAF Trucks and CJD Equipment, and the operational outcomes it has achieved.

Can you describe CTI Logistics’ daily operations and the typical roles your fleet handles?

CTI’s transport operations in Western Australia are reasonably broad and span across both the Perth metropolitan area and a large section of the state.

Our metropolitan fleet is involved in a variety of local distribution tasks, including carton, skid, and pallet freight, full truckloads of construction and mining equipment, container transport, and oversize freight. Our metropolitan fleet operates a large fleet of vehicles which includes vans, rigid trucks, prime movers and multi-combination trailers.

CTI Regional operates scheduled nightly road transport services from Perth to over 700+ destinations within Western Australia. We operate depots in Albany, Broome, Bunbury, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Karratha and Port Hedland, and a dedicated agency network covering the other regional towns we service. Our network supports freight of all shapes and sizes, including general freight, containers, over-dimensional freight, sensitive freight, urgent hotshot deliveries and logistics support for the minerals, energy and offshore sectors.

Before partnering with CJD, what were the main challenges your fleet faced, such as fuel efficiency, vehicle uptime, or driver performance?

CTI experienced a period of strong growth in WA over the last 10 years through both acquisitions and organic growth. One of the challenges we faced with our fleet is inheriting a lot of different brands, models and age of trucks during this period. We need to work through a replacement strategy that encompasses some of the key elements we were looking for, including being fit for purpose, reduced emissions and fuel burn, better reliability, and increased safety and driver comfort.

What prompted you to consider reviewing or expanding your fleet with DAF Trucks?

CTI needed to re-evaluate new prime movers to support its metro operations in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Newcastle. The goal was to find vehicles that deliver reliability, flexibility and strong support from an OEM partner. After a detailed review and trialling an evaluation unit from CJD Equipment, CTI chose to invest in Euro 6 DAF CF450 units.

In what ways did CJD’s approach to your requirements differ from other providers?

This decision marked a significant shift for CTI. Like many operators, the company spent several years navigating equipment shortages, unpredictable supply and poor after-sales service from some established OEM dealerships. Our previous decisions were built on trust and relationships, and not necessarily the lowest price. We found CJD's approach to be honest and upfront, with a focus on ensuring the after-sales service met our expectations.

How did CJD collaborate with you to ensure each truck was properly specified for your operational needs?

DAF Sales Manager at CJD Equipment, Kes Moopanar, played a key role in matching the specification to CTI’s requirements and providing technical insights during the evaluation period. Once the demo unit demonstrated the expected performance, CTI decided that DAF was the right fit for our needs.

Since adding DAF trucks to your fleet, what performance differences have you observed?

The DAFs have proven to be reliable, fuel-efficient and fit for the task. The driver’s feedback has been positive regarding drivability and comfort.

What operational improvements have you experienced since these trucks entered service?

CJD went to great lengths to ensure that our DAF prime movers would give us the flexibility we needed to operate them across the different areas of our business. Prior to being delivered, the prime mover fit-ups included a comprehensive specification list like the 90-tonne rating, bunk air, bull bars, auxiliary lighting, driver safety pack and a host of other accessories. This allowed our fleet controllers the ability to schedule these trucks to do a wide variety of work, from metropolitan side loader deliveries to overnight road train runs to mine sites.

What operational improvements have you experienced since these trucks entered service?

“The flexibility of the specification allows these trucks to operate across a wide variety of work." Mark Cameron

How have your drivers reacted to the introduction of DAF trucks in your fleet?

We have had a positive reaction from our drivers when taking delivery of a new DAF. Sure, everyone likes a new truck, but it is fair to say that over a period, they still like the comfort and performance of the truck in getting the job done. And yes, they look the part out on the road.

What advice would you give to another fleet considering DAF trucks and CJD as a partner?

Whilst it is important to choose the right truck for the job, it is equally important to be able to build a relationship based on trust and get the right level of after-sales service from the dealer. To date, our experience with DAF and CJD has been a positive one.