70 Years in Business, 70 Trucks on the Road
The Early Days of Swanson Transport
Registered in 1944, Jack Fowler started the business in what was then just a small village, servicing the surrounding rural area at the foot of the Waitakere Ranges. At the end of World War II, Fowler hired serviceman Eddie Robertson. The Swanson Transport fleet by then comprised of three trucks: a Studebaker, a Ford, and a Chevrolet.
They carried fruit from the local orchards to the local Auckland markets, shifted stock and were also involved in quarrying and roading in the local area. There was also a contract in place to haul firewood from the Coromandel Peninsula to Auckland.
Within a few years, Eddie bought a stake in the business and when Fowler retired in 1979, Eddie’s son Bruce, daughter Bev, and son-in-law Dave Corbett bought Fowler’s shares -- making Swanson Transport a family business.
Eddie Robertson’s shares went to his family when he retired in 1989, after more than 40 years in the business. Over this time, the company had grown slowly but surely, running mainly Commer and Dodge trucks. At the end of the 80s, the fleet number was up to seven trucks.
During the 90s, the company grew, coinciding with the developing sprawl of West Auckland as it accelerated out to Swanson. By the mid 2000s, Bruce Robertson and the Corbetts were ready for a change when Jeff Smith and his wife Val, purchased Swanson Transport in 2006.
Today at Swanson Transport
Swanson Transport has built up its client base through a combination of an expanded service to existing customers with our hiab and general freight fleet and by purchasing Lupton Carriers.
Complementing the general freight side of the company, Lupton Carriers brought with it a new fleet of trucks – albeit smaller and specialised. Jeff has seen his fleet grow to an astounding 70 – which is 10 times more than it was 25 years ago.
Across the two companies, Swanson Transport employs 80 staff. Many have been there for over 20 years, some more than 30. Most live locally, and, as Jeff constantly reminds everyone, “they are the heart of the business”.
Do you remember any of those older vehicles? While we don't have any of those classics on site, we do have our fleet of 70 trucks ready to go. Don’t hesitate to give us a ring 09 833 6079 to find out how we can help you with your transport needs.