At midday on Friday 26th February two companies with a proud history in the Hunter Valley met to celebrate an important occasion.
Crawfords Freightlines Pty Ltd took delivery of two brand new locomotives “Carrot and Spud” resplendent in the Company’s red livery from UGL Limited at their ‘Goninan’ site in Broadmeadow.
Peter and Dianne Crawford began their business as vegetable growers. Opportunity to better service their own transport needs soon encouraged them to buy their own vehicle and before long Crawfords Freightlines Pty Ltd was born. From these humble beginnings the company has grown into one of the East coast’s largest independent transport and logistics providers with the head office at Sandgate.
Over the last seven years, Crawfords has experienced considerable growth, bolstered by the establishment of a freight rail service between Sandgate and Sydney. This service has grown to be the region’s largest and most regular.
UGL’s Rail Division, born out of A. Goninan & Son, has been a mainstay in the Newcastle and Australian transport market for over hundred years. UGL primarily provides locomotives to the big rail operators for use in coal haulage and container trades. However, in recent years UGL has carved out a new, niche business, helping small/medium sized businesses, such as small miners and agricultural producers, to buy their own locomotives and experience increases in reliability and significant cost reductions.
“UGL is justifiably proud to be supporting these businesses in growing their capability in the region.” Alan Beacham, Executive General Manager, UGL Rail.
Crawfords are the latest to see benefits in this solution and their two new C44ACi locomotives “Carrot” & “Spud” will replace three older leased locomotives on the service between Sandgate and Sydney. Crawford’s will gain significant increases in reliability and reductions in fuel consumption and maintenance costs. Good news for Crawfords, the environment and the rail using community as a whole.
With their latest locomotive, the C44ACi, UGL is the dominant provider of modern diesel electric locomotives in Australia. With world leading technology from America’s General Electric Company, the C44ACi is proudly designed and built in Newcastle to meet Australia’s unique rail and environmental requirements.