Christchurch-based Bascik Transport has confirmed a major expansion strategy and will establish a countrywide freight network following its acquisition of Wellington-based Jets Transport.
The freight specialist, which has been operating for 55 years, sends 10 truck units nightly from Auckland to the South Island, including three units operating a bullet 24-hour next-day delivery service to Christchurch.
That footprint is now set to grow significantly.
“This decision has not been made lightly and we plan to offer the same high level of service and commitment that our customers have come to expect, but now on a national level,” the company says in a statement.
As part of the move, Bascik Transport has acquired Jets Transport, a third-generation family-owned business with more than 70 years of experience servicing the lower North Island.
“Their experience and understanding of this region will be invaluable,” the company says.
Jets’ depots in Palmerston North and Wellington will now serve as key hubs for Bascik’s expanded network.
“From this network we are pleased to be able to offer daily services to all locations in the lower North Island based out of these existing depots.”
Speaking to TransportTalk, managing director Tony Bascik confirmed further expansion is already under way, with new depots set to be established in Whangārei, Tauranga and Hamilton.
The expanded network is expected to be fully operational by mid-July.
Bascik says the business is responding to strong demand from its existing customers to replicate its South Island service offering in the North.
“We’ve got a huge client list into the South Island and we’ve been constantly asked to replicate that in the North Island,” he says.
To support the expansion, Bascik Transport has purchased an additional 43 trucks—mostly Isuzu and UD metro units—alongside 23 new forklifts in the past three months.
The Jets fleet will be upgraded and rebranded, and around 40 Jets Transport staff will join the Bascik Transport team, which currently includes more than 350 staff and operates over 250 vehicles.
The company services major clients such as the flooring, vehicle parts and food distribution sectors, and is also one of KiwiRail’s top 10 customers, moving 12 to 15 containers each night from Auckland to Wellington and across the Cook Strait into Christchurch.
Bascik welcomed the Government’s announcement of two new rail-enabled ferries due by 2029.
