In the crowded world of truck rentals, an astute operator is always watchful for strategic opportunities and must be quick to seize an opening in the market, especially if it leads to a more unique service offering.
It is this type of distinct competitive advantage that presented itself to Sargent Truck Lease, recently announcing a merger with Four Wheel Drive Hire Service Pty Ltd. The combination effectively provides Sargent with increased service offerings and a more diverse clientele.
The company, which specialises in light and heavy commercial vehicle leases and rentals, will now also provide an expanded product range to a variety of industries, including mining, pipeline, food distribution, construction and logistics, to name a few.
Along with the provision of its already expansive list of leasing and rental trucks, from refrigerated service bodies through to tippers and crane trucks, Sargent is looking to take a commanding position in the industry, now offering access to BMA (BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance) specified four-wheel drive wagons, traybacks, buses and manhauls.
According to Sargent National Sales Manager, Grant Harrison, the Sargent Truck Lease - Four Wheel Drive Hire Service merge was the next logical step for the two companies, which have been working side by side for several years.
"The merger has provided a great cultural fit, and we now have a network of 18 locations nationally. It has enabled us to be a lot more things, to a lot more people," he added.
With a strong customer focus, and a goal of providing hassle-free solutions to its expanding client base, Sargent is confidently relying on its fleet of Isuzu trucks to deliver this promise.
"Isuzu trucks are trouble-free vehicles. Their reliability helps Sargent in achieving our major goal – removing frustrations and obstacles from our customers' daily workload," Mr Harrison said.
With an Isuzu fleet of nearly 200 trucks, ranging from the NKR 200 through to the FVL 1400, Sargent has an Isuzu for nearly every application, and the fleet continues to grow.
According to Mr Harrison, one of the main reasons Isuzu features so prominently in the Sargent fleet is due to the effortlessness drive offered by Automated Manual Transmission (AMT), which many customers stipulate.
"Our Isuzu fleet is constantly increasing, and one of the main reasons is due to the AMT. It is perfect for our rental fleet, as customers can drive the trucks with ease," he said.
"We actually find a lot of our customers specify the Isuzu for this reason, as well as fuel efficiency, reliability and driver comfort.
"Whole of life costing is also a major consideration. We monitor the costs of our vehicles closely, assessing vehicle operating costs, purchase price and resale value, and together with their proven reputation for reliability, Isuzu come out on top," Mr Harrison added.
Whilst admitting that many mergers he has been involved with in the past have had mixed success, Mr Harrison said that as a result of the clear-cut focus on customers and staff, the Sargent Truck Lease and Four Wheel Drive Hire Service merge has been extremely successful.
"Due to our commitment to our staff, we in turn retain our skills base and relationships with our customers," he said. "Not many mergers take place where no positions are lost, but every permanent employee from both companies now has a new position in the newly merged Sargent."
With such high synergies between both companies, the new Sargent now has access to one of the most diverse vehicle fleets in the business, and a varied range of service offerings, including short and long-term rental, leasing and maintenance solutions.