In an age where planned obsolescence is often the norm, stories of enduring machinery are becoming increasingly rare. But one Hino 15-258 500 Series truck, which first hit the road in 2007, is a testament to engineering longevity and the value of rigorous maintenance. After clocking over one million kilometres in faithful service to CPS Seedlings, this veteran hauler is now beginning a second chapter—this time in the capable hands of a Midlands grocer.
Sold from the KwaZulu-Natal-based CPS Seedlings fleet to Mr Singh, the truck will now be tasked with collecting and delivering stock across the Midlands region. Remarkably, the Hino made an early return to its original home where Mr Singh expressed immense satisfaction with the purchase—an early sign that the truck’s second act is already off to a strong start.
Built to Work—and Keep Working
Throughout its 18-year lifespan, the Hino has remained mechanically trouble-free, a feat attributed to diligent service and maintenance, first at Hino Pietermaritzburg and later at Hino Pinetown following the CPS account’s transition.
“This Hino has pulled a pup trailer for at least half of its million kilometres,” said Julian Chaning-Pearce, Managing Director of CPS Seedlings in Greytown. “Average fuel consumption has been around 25 litres per 100 km without the trailer and 31 litres per 100 km when towing it.” These figures are a testament not only to the vehicle’s durability but also its consistent performance, even under load.
The Backbone of a Growing Business
CPS Seedlings operates a fleet that reflects a deep-rooted trust in Hino. From their Greytown base, the company runs 13 commercial vehicles—12 of which are Hino models, ranging from 2 to 12 tons. At their Pongola branch, two out of four trucks also wear the Hino badge, complemented by a support fleet of 14 Toyota light commercial vehicles.
“When asked if he would buy another Hino truck, Julian didn’t hesitate: ‘They are on order all the time!’” That level of confidence speaks volumes about the brand’s role in underpinning the company’s logistics.
“Transport is the least of our worries when running our business,” he added—a powerful endorsement from a company whose operations rely on clockwork distribution.
From One Bakkie to a Billion Plants
CPS Seedlings has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1985. What started as a one-man, one-bakkie outfit under founder Mark Chaning-Pearce in Cato Ridge has grown into a fourth-generation enterprise with a delivery fleet that now covers a combined one million kilometres annually. Over the past four decades, the company has produced and delivered over 1.8 billion plants.
As one of South Africa’s leading wholesalers of vegetable and forestry seedlings, CPS also supplies commercial nurseries nationwide with specialist growing media such as vermiculite, perlite, coir, and peat moss. In recent years, the company has also taken root in farming, with operations in sugar and citrus production based in Pongola.
The Road Ahead
While some might see a million kilometres as the end of the road, for this Hino 500 Series it’s simply a new beginning. And as it continues its journey under new ownership, its story reflects not just the durability of the machine, but the strength of the relationships and businesses it supports.
In an industry where downtime can mean disaster, trucks like this prove their worth not just in years or kilometres—but in their ability to keep businesses moving, one delivery at a time.
