Long Haul, No Hassles: Isuzu F Series Keeps McPhails Furniture Rolling
In Australia’s bustling cities, online shopping has become second nature. Shoppers enjoy a broad range of choices, from comparing prices to selecting delivery services. However, in regional and rural areas, the convenience of choice can often feel like a far-off luxury. People living outside urban centres face limited delivery options.
One business determined to make a difference is McPhails Furniture, a family-owned company based in Wangaratta, Victoria.
Since its establishment in 1969, McPhails has evolved from a modest antique shop started by Keith and Beverly McPhail to a thriving retailer of furniture and homewares now managed by their sons, Taylor and Casey McPhail. The company serves customers across regional Australia and metropolitan areas.
Adapting to Changing Times
As online shopping gained popularity, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, McPhails responded by launching their online store in 2015, under the leadership of Taylor, one of the current directors. The online platform opened up new opportunities for regional customers, granting them easier access to McPhails’ signature mix of classic country furniture and homewares crafted from recycled timbers and reclaimed metals.
Inside McPhails Furniture's Wangaratta Showroom
The company's delivery service plays a crucial role in ensuring customer satisfaction. McPhails drivers cover vast distances, sometimes traveling as far as Adelaide in South Australia and the Sunshine Coast in Queensland from their Wangaratta warehouse.
With a flat-rate delivery fee of $59 and a two-week delivery guarantee, McPhails has earned a reputation for dependable service, regardless of the location, keeping customers coming back.
This delivery model, supported by three new Isuzu F Series trucks acquired in the past year, is proving effective for the business, though Taylor admits there has been some trial and error along the way.
Isuzu FRR 110-260 Trucks Delivering for McPhails
“Our fleet has expanded quickly with the addition of three new Isuzu FRR 110-260 trucks from Gilbert and Roach in Sydney last year,” said Taylor. “Each truck covers between 3,500 and 5,000 kilometres every week.”
“We previously used a different truck brand, but their stock levels were inconsistent, so we decided to switch to Isuzu. We don’t outsource deliveries; every driver at McPhails is one of our own employees to ensure satisfaction and timely deliveries.”
Ensuring Reliability on the Road
The FRR 110-260 is one of Isuzu’s mid-sized models, designed to efficiently handle long-haul trips, which McPhails drivers frequently undertake. The truck’s 5.56-meter extra-long wheelbase provides ample space for large furniture pieces, from luxurious lounge suites to heavy dining tables, simplifying deliveries.
Powered by a robust 6-cylinder 6HK1-TCC engine, these trucks deliver 191 kW (260 PS) of power and 761 Nm of torque at 1,450 rpm – 2,400 rpm, making them an ideal combination of power and payload for transporting large items of furniture.
A standout feature for McPhails is Isuzu’s driver-friendly cab design, along with an Allison LTC2500 fully automatic transmission that reduces fatigue during long trips.
“The interior design of the cab is something our drivers often comment on. It's sleek, efficient, and easy to navigate. The visibility is excellent too,” said Taylor.
“Some of our routes stretch over 900 km, so we opted for the Allison automatic transmission to reduce driver fatigue, which has made a huge difference.”
McPhails also focuses on ergonomic comfort for its drivers. The FRR trucks are equipped with Isri 6860/875 NTS air suspension seats to further reduce fatigue during long hauls.
Proudly Showcasing McPhails Branding
McPhails is committed to maintaining a fleet that reflects the values of its business. Each truck is meticulously maintained and proudly adorned with McPhails’ signature branding, courtesy of custom wraps designed by Grimshaw Signs. Every driver is assigned to their own truck, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in its upkeep.
Looking ahead, McPhails plans to expand its fleet, improve warehouse operations, and continue its focus on providing top-quality service to regional Australia.
Their relatively new 11,000-square-metre facility in Wangaratta plays a key role in streamlining operations, cutting down on unnecessary stock transfers, and enabling more time for deliveries.
Focus on Quality Control
“Our quality control, from factory to warehouse, has to be flawless, as our customers rely on us to deliver furniture in the same excellent condition it was in when it left our warehouse,” noted Taylor.
“We’ve been really happy with our Isuzu trucks since we added them to the fleet. There’s been no issues whatsoever, and we look forward to expanding the fleet with even more Isuzus in the near future.”
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