Tankers get makeover

Fonterra drivers are on the roads in 14 new "milk-for-schools" themed tankers.

The milk giant worked with New Zealand company Origami to create new graphics to be carried by some in the fleet.

Barry McColl, the company's national transport manager, said Fonterra wanted something that worked well with its existing tanker designs and had the highest visibility for other road users.

"The designs are the equivalent of high-vis vests for tankers, making them stand-out during all hours of the day and night," Mr McColl said.

Safety of its tanker fleet, including that of its drivers and other road users, was the main priority of its milk-collection team.

"As well as the safety aspects, Fonterra tankers are Kiwi icons. We receive a lot of great tanker drawings and feedback from kids around the country, so we wanted to make sure the new design would live up to their expectations," he said.

Tanker driver Jess Drewet said he and other drivers were involved in the redesign.

"Designing the tankers involves many people, first and foremost being the drivers. While we aren't design experts, we're the ones out and about 24 hours a day," Mr Drewet said.

"Along with some of my colleagues, I've worked closely on creating the design. We've made it all about the children because we wanted to highlight the importance of Kiwi kids to the future success of our country and co-op," he said.

The new graphics are being carried on 14 new tankers for the Fonterra fleet. The co-op assesses the fleet each year to see if any tankers need to be retired and new ones built.