Chemistry of Reliability: Packaging Traders Builds In-House Fleet with IVECO Muscle

The S-Ways’ 8×4 configuration gives Packaging Traders greater scope for load distribution for deliveries.

When customer service is the lifeblood of your business, relying on third-party freight can quickly become a liability. For Sydney-based Packaging Traders, one of Australia’s most innovative food-grade packaging suppliers, that reality hit home during the height of the COVID logistics crisis. Rather than wait for a late delivery to cost them a major client, founder Peter Thompson made the bold decision to take control of his transport destiny, starting an in-house fleet with the help of IVECO.

Founded in 2006 by industrial chemist Peter Thompson, Packaging Traders carved out a unique niche in the market, leveraging Peter’s expertise in chemistry to deliver high-performance packaging tailored to exacting customer needs. From BOPP bags and coffee pouches to greaseproof wraps, cake boxes and complex multi-layer laminate solutions, every product that rolls off their production line is steeped in chemistry and experience.

“The packaging is made of polymers, plastics, paper – it’s all chemistry-related,” Peter explains. “All these materials behave differently depending on the foods they’re protecting. That’s where our expertise really helps our customers.”

With clients ranging from national supermarket chains and artisan bakeries to boutique coffee roasters and pet food manufacturers, Packaging Traders offers a complete solution—from packaging design to sourcing, printing, warehousing, and now, delivery.

But for years, there was one weak link in the chain.

“The only area we felt we were slightly letting customers down was in the delivery of our products,” Peter said. “We couldn’t always rely on third-party carriers to deliver on time—and that was a risk we couldn’t afford.”

Packaging Traders owner, Peter Thompson.

Enter IVECO

During the COVID crunch, Peter spotted an opportunity. An IVECO Stralis 6×2 ATi 360 rigid became available at IVECO Sydney, and the team snapped it up.

“We were lucky to find a truck that was available and ready to go. It served us well for several years and really proved the value of running our own fleet,” he said.

As Packaging Traders grew, so too did their freight volumes—and so came the need for bigger gear. The Stralis made way for two new IVECO S-Way 8×4 AT 460 rigids, purpose-built to meet rising customer demand.

Fitted with tautliner bodies, the twin S-Ways comfortably haul 28 pallets (double stacked) with a payload of 10 to 11 tonnes, depending on the product. Powering the pair is a Euro 6 Step E 460hp engine, delivering 2,150 Nm of torque through a smooth Hi-Tronix 12-speed AMT.

“We didn’t even consider another brand,” Peter admits. “The Stralis was reliable, and these new S-Ways have stepped it up again—more power, better comfort, and fantastic safety features.”

For tighter urban runs around Sydney, the fleet is complemented by a nimble IVECO Daily 70C cab chassis with a tray body and a payload capacity of around four tonnes—ideal for servicing metro customers with short lead times.

After experiencing a strong run with a Stralis, Packaging Traders recently invested in two S-Way 8×4 AT 460 rigids.

Driving Forward

With Peter himself still occasionally behind the wheel, comfort, drivability, and compliance all weigh heavily on the decision-making process.

“The S-Ways are excellent to drive. The 8×4 configuration gives us the flexibility we need to stay legal while maximising payload,” he says. “Plus, the trucks come loaded with active safety tech and driver feedback tools, helping us stay efficient on every run.”

All three IVECO units were sourced through IVECO Sydney, who also handle the servicing and maintenance, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum uptime.

“The dealership’s been fantastic to deal with,” Peter adds. “They keep the trucks in top condition, so we can keep our promise to our clients—reliable, on-time delivery every time.”

Chemistry Meets Commitment

For Packaging Traders, the move to an in-house fleet has been about more than just logistics. It’s about control, accountability, and delivering on their commitment to customer service from design to doorstep.

“We started our fleet to close the service loop,” Peter says. “And with IVECO, we’ve done exactly that.”