Customer Case Study   >   JD Transport

Challenges

Scaling responsibly in a demanding industry

As JD Transport continues to grow, so too do the complexities of its operations. Scaling up a rigid truck fleet, while maintaining the high service levels clients expect, is no small task. “Support with every supplier relationship we have is absolutely critical,” Joe explains. “The trust that’s been built since the very beginning has been all about the level of support that Eurocold provides us.”

Preparing for an electric future

Like many in the logistics industry, JD knew change was coming. Electrification was no longer a question of ‘if,’ but ‘when.’ Still, there were many unknowns. How to transition? How to manage the risks? And how to do it without disrupting the business?

“We didn’t want to look back and think, ‘We missed the boat.’ But we also knew we couldn’t go it alone,” Joe reflects. “That’s why partnering with Eurocold gave us the confidence to move forward.”

Cold Fleet Solutions

Flexible fleet support built for growth

Eurocold offers a full-service solution: rentals, sales, servicing, and support. That flexibility has enabled JD to scale its fleet quickly and confidently, without compromising on quality or uptime. Whether it’s a short-term rental to meet seasonal demand or a new rigid truck to add to the fleet, our team is always ready.

“Anyone in our business knows they can pick up the phone to Eurocold and the service will be there,” Joe says.

Electrification, together

In 2024, JD and Eurocold achieved a Queensland first: launching one of Australia’s first electric refrigerated rigid trucks in 2024, pioneering zero-emission cold transport in Queensland. While it was a bold move, it was never about being first for the sake of it. It was about creating a path others could follow.

The conversation around electric vehicles emerged naturally, as both JD Transport and Eurocold recognised the same shift in the market. While Eurocold was closely tracking the rise in EV technology and its implications for cold transport, JD Transport was hearing a clear message from their clients: social licence, sustainability, and carbon reporting were moving to the top of the agenda.

“Our customers were starting to ask the hard questions,” says Joe Joseph. “We knew it was time to act strategically, not reactively.”

As a proactive market leader, JD brought this challenge to Eurocold. What followed was a highly collaborative journey, driven by shared values and a commitment to practical outcomes. The steps have addressed every aspect, from technical readiness to commercial reality and long-term alignment. It was about turning a future-facing idea into a road-ready milestone.

“Hopefully what we get out of this is that the industry follows,” says Eurocold CEO Avraam Solomon. “Because we can’t change this alone – but together, we can shift the market.”

For JD, it was a chance to lead with purpose.

“This is one of those milestones where you’re doing something bigger than your day-to-day,” Joe says. “It’s a step forward… for us and for the planet.”

Our journey together

Turning firsts into frameworks for the future

The initial 12 month EV pilot delivered strong operational and environmental results. JD saw fuel savings of over 1,100 litres of diesel annually per vehicle, with lower maintenance needs adding to cost efficiency. Energy use dropped from 148 kWh to 122 kWh per day, while the trucks delivered a quieter ride, greater payload capacity, and an extended 300 km range with a 5T load.

Environmentally, the pilot reduced CO₂ emissions by more than 69 tonnes for a single vehicle, supporting sustainability goals and future ESG compliance. The focus now turns to scaling EV adoption, with ongoing collaboration to optimise the total cost of ownership for future fleet expansion.

A shared vision for a clear road ahead

While no one can predict the future, both of our companies are aligned in where we’re heading. Whether it’s diesel, EV or emerging hydrogen tech, the focus is on smart, sustainable growth, together.

“We want to be cutting edge, not bleeding edge,” Joe says. “That means learning, experimenting, and having the right partner beside you.”

“By 2029, our target is 2,000 vehicles on the road,” Avraam adds. “And strong, trusted relationships like the one we have with JD are exactly what will get us there.”

Built to last

At Eurocold, we believe progress doesn’t happen in isolation. It takes trust, shared values, and bold moves. Our partnership with JD Refrigerated Transport is proof of what’s possible when two businesses align—and lead.

“We’re proud of what we’ve built together,” says Avraam. “But we’re even more excited about what’s ahead.”