Small NSW heavy trucking business kicking big goals on Inland Rail
Dubbo-based heavy truck haulage business, SLS Transport has expanded its business and created new local job opportunities as a result of the company’s involvement with Inland Rail.
September 23, 2020
SLS Transport specialises in transporting and unloading sleepers and rail track.
The company recently completed a contract it won in 2017 with the Parkes to Narromine project and is currently tendering for other Inland projects, including Phase 1 of the Narrabri to North Star section.
For SLS Transport’s Owner and Director Stephen Stewart, participating in the delivery of Inland Rail has helped transformed his business.
“Working with Inland Rail has been incredible opportunity, a really big deal for us moving forward,” Stephen said.
“Since starting on Parkes to Narromine, we have employed seven more staff – five full–time and two casuals – and have grown the business to 11 people.
“We’ve also be able to invest about $500,000 in new equipment over the last two years to capitalise on an opportunity Inland Rail has presented to transition from working with steel to concrete sleepers,” Stephen said.
For small regional businesses, like SLS Transport, Inland Rail has been a fantastic tonic for weary communities in these challenging times.
“With Inland Rail, it’s a really good time for regional areas,” Stephen said.
“A highlight of my working day is how friendly and interested the locals are in what is happening and how important it is for us to give something back.
“We always try to spend locally on repairs and maintenance, to help the community.”
Stephen is positive about his company’s working partnership with Inland Rail, which is built on open and honest conversation.
“Inland Rail are very good to work with and always open to suggestions. They are prepared to sit at the table and work with us to come up with new and better ways of doing things,” Stephen said.
