Cartage across Rodney, Auckland, Northland & Waikato
Highlights & History
We’ve been at it for 9+ years — from our earliest truck and trailer units to the gear we run today. Here’s a look at some of the jobs we’ve been part of along the way.
The One That Started It All
The truck that kicked things off — a 1997 Freightliner FLB powered by a C12 CAT. Bought in 2015, it handled everything from metal to muck, with a few ag jobs in the mix. We gave it a tidy-up during its time with us and passed it on in better shape than it arrived. A solid start to what became Davidson Contractors.
First Truck & Trailer Unit
Our first 6-wheeler — a MAN TGA 480 — was later joined by our first trailer, a 3-axle unit added about three months after. This setup opened the door to bigger loads and bigger jobs, handling everything we threw at it and showing up for more.
Kasper – First Signwritten Unit
Nicknamed after its plate (KSP240), Kasper, a Fuso HD Euro 470 with an 18-speed Road Ranger, was our first brand-new truck and the first to carry the company name. It towed the 3-axle trailer for a while, marked a turning point for the fleet, and is still rolling with us today.
First Brand New 4-Axle Trailer
After Kasper outgrew the 3-axle, we purchased our first brand-new 4-axle trailer made by Cambridge Welding. It brought more volume, better efficiency, and marked a solid step up in what we could haul.
The UD Joins the Fleet
The UD came on board as the fleet kept growing — pictured here before it got the signwriting treatment. A solid workhorse that helped keep jobs moving and marked another step in our evolution.
One of the last “real” UDs, it ran an 18-speed Road Ranger and a 470hp Nissan diesel. Bought as a bare tractor unit, it was converted into a steel tipper with a matching 4-axle trailer by Rage Engineering in Ruakaka.
UD Truck & Trailer – Full Colours
Fully signwritten and ready to roll, this UD truck and trailer combo was a tidy, reliable unit that covered a wide range of jobs across the region. It’s since moved on, but it played a solid role in shaping the early Davidson Cartage Contractors fleet.
The Mitsi Shogun Joins the Mix
The 2004 Mitsi Shogun FV350 was next to join the fleet. Picked up from Heavy Metal Haulage, it underwent a sandblast, fresh paint, and a cosmetic overhaul before being sent out to work. A strong, reliable all-rounder that quickly proved its worth on day-to-day jobs.
First Scania – A Big Step Up
Our first Scania truck and trailer unit marked a shift in the fleet — more power, more presence, and a step up in comfort and capability. This 2020 G500 XT kicked off a new chapter.
After years operating tippers, we reached out to Bison Equipment in Whangarei. Shane and the team worked with us to tailor a steel tipping unit that suited exactly how we operate. One standout feature: electric tarps — faster, safer, and built for the job.
Here She Is Today – DAVCRT
The original Scania’s still with us, now re-plated as DAVCRT and driven by Vaughan. Still sharp, still pulling weight — and still a key part of the fleet.
The Lone Kenworth
Our only Kenworth to date — a 2021 T410 SAR that got the job done without fuss. While it held its own, the spotlight has mostly belonged to the Scanias.
Kenworth on the Clay
Caught in action getting loaded with clay — the Kenworth may have had a short run with us, but it made a solid impression while it did.
NZA28 on the Job
Our 2021 Mitsubishi Shogun FV2540 truck and dog combo joined the fleet to take on a wide range of cartage work. Built as a complete unit by Cambridge Welding and pictured here with its 2-axle trailer, this setup added flexibility and capacity to the lineup.
The smaller dog trailer brought greater versatility to the fleet, making it easier to navigate tight residential jobs and better meet growing demand in that space.
Now Wearing the Colours
Signwritten and looking the part — NZA28 ready to roll. Driven by Shane, this unit’s a reliable part of the daily grind, always showing up and pulling its weight.
Kasper on Demo Duty
Kasper and her trailer tackling a demolition job for Procut Earthworks. A tight, dusty site, but no problem for this reliable combo.
Fleet Lights On – Night Moves
Three of the trucks lit up and lined up — looking more like a Christmas tree than a cartage crew. Night shift never looked so good.
Kasper Gets Air Support
Not your everyday load — Kasper getting topped up by helicopter. A unique job that proves if it fits the bin, we’ll get it there… one way or another.
Along Comes DAVDSN
The second Scania to join the fleet — DAVDSN. A 2023 Scania G540 with a sleeper cab, clean spec, and a smooth ride, built for the bigger jobs. We repurposed the Bison bin and trailer from our Kenworth for this unit — a smart move that kept things efficient. Another step forward in the Scania takeover, now driven by Josh.
Then Came DAVCON
The 2023 Scania R560 XT — DAVCON — was the third Scania to join the fleet and easily the sharpest yet. Built as a complete unit by Bison, it turned heads from day one: clean, capable, and spec’d to work hard without compromise. Now driven by Alex (Dave).
The Lineup at This Point
A snapshot of how far we’d come — the full Davidson Cartage Contractors fleet lined up and ready to roll. From a single truck to a solid lineup, and we’re only just getting started.
Bitter Sweet — Our First Bulkie
The first bulk truck and trailer combo to join the Davidson Cartage Contractors fleet — and what a way to kick things off. SWEDV8, a 2025 Scania R620 V8, landed brand new and ready to work: sleeper cab, bulk bins and a 5-axle trailer by Transport Trailers. Finished with custom touches like twin air rams, twin stacks, and full lighting — it’s a sight for sore eyes.
Driven by Manager Matt, Bitter Sweet marks a bold step forward, opening the door to a new chapter of bulk work in the wider transport industry.
