In the ever-evolving transport industry, success stories are often built on ambition, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. Eurico Stork’s journey from an apprentice truck technician to the proud owner of two thriving transport companies is a testament to these qualities. His unwavering dedication to quality service and his strategic business decisions have positioned him as a formidable player in the logistics sector.
A Humble Beginning
Eurico’s career in the automotive industry began in 2014 as an apprentice truck technician at Hino Pietermaritzburg. His technical prowess and leadership skills soon earned him a promotion to workshop supervisor, a role he held for two years. However, his entrepreneurial spirit urged him to take a bold step—resigning from his position to establish his own transport company, JKK Transport.
Building a Business with Hino
Eurico made his first significant investment in 2019, purchasing a Hino 700 with financing from Hino Financial Services. This decision marked the beginning of a longstanding partnership with Hino Pietermaritzburg, which has continued to support his business growth. Recognizing the reliability and efficiency of Hino trucks, Eurico expanded his fleet steadily, leading to the establishment of a second company, EJS Transport.
In a remarkable full-circle moment, he purchased four additional Hino 700s from his former employer, reinforcing his trust in the brand. Today, his fleet consists of 17 trucks, including 11 Hino 700s, one Hino 500, and one Hino 300, with the remaining four sourced from competitors.
A Commitment to Quality and Reliability
Eurico’s business philosophy revolves around minimizing downtime and maximizing efficiency. He ensures that all his Hino trucks are serviced at Hino Pietermaritzburg and come with extended warranties.
“I insist on regular servicing at the franchised dealer with genuine parts as I need to have the peace of mind that I am doing what Hino deems necessary to keep my fleet operating efficiently,” Eurico explains. “I also take out extended warranties on all the trucks I buy as I don’t want to be caught out with high, unbudgeted costs if there should be a major component failure.”
With a focus on transporting perishables along key long-haul routes—Durban to Johannesburg and Cape Town—Eurico’s fleet primarily consists of tautliner body types, which are best suited for large loads.
Learning from Experience, Growing with Purpose
Reflecting on his journey, Eurico acknowledges the invaluable support he received from seasoned small fleet owners in Pietermaritzburg. Their insights and advice helped him navigate the challenges of starting and managing a transport business.
“The most important factor in running a transport fleet is the volume carried in terms of return on investment, and here it is vital to keep downtime to a minimum,” says Eurico. “Right from the start, I knew that top-quality after-market service was a critical success factor. That is why I have stuck to servicing at Hino Pietermaritzburg and using genuine Hino replacement parts.”
A Vision for the Future
Beyond building a profitable business, Eurico takes great pride in creating employment opportunities. Since 2021, his workforce has expanded from just two employees to 25, and he has no plans to slow down.
“I am immensely proud of the way in which I have been able to create employment. My objective is to keep growing from strength to strength.”
Eurico Stork’s story is one of ambition, perseverance, and strategic decision-making. His commitment to quality and service excellence, coupled with his strong partnership with Hino, has laid a solid foundation for continued success in the transport industry. As he looks ahead, his journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs aiming to turn their dreams into reality.
