Devan Devaroyan and Susan Spelman
Smart Express’s evolution from a single-van operation to a nationwide, award-winning logistics and moving service provider is a testament to its founders’ vision, dedication to service excellence, and commitment to customer satisfaction.
Early Days. Established in 2005, Smart Express Ltd was born from the vision of its co-founders, husband-and-wife teams Susan and Tony Spelman, and Devan and Jeanine Devaroyan, who worked together at the time and identified a market-niche for time-definite, point-to-point fragile services. Starting with a single van and one employee, the company quickly gained momentum, expanding staff and vehicles to meet growing demand in the Auckland region.
Growth. Fast forward 20 years to 2025, Smart Express Ltd remains under the same name and ownership, boasting a wide capability fleet of over 30 vehicles and operations handling over 3,500 moves and deliveries monthly across multiple locations nationwide.
Diversification. While maintaining its core point-to-point services, the company has diversified into residential and commercial moving, offering a comprehensive range of services including downsizing, packing, disassembly/assembly, and packing supplies. Today, house moves account for approximately 50% of the company’s business, with a growing involvement and reputation in New Zealand’s retirement relocation sector.
Logistics Services. The company has also established a dedicated warehousing and logistics facility at its Penrose base, providing a range of logistics services, including MPI-approved container devanning, cross-docking, warehousing, assembly, and delivery.
Achievements & Awards
- Being Trade Me’s first services category provider to reach 1000 positive reviews. This milestone led to a surprise call from Trade Me and an invitation to their Wellington headquarters to discuss how this success was achieved.
- Receiving multiple accolades over the years at the Westpac Business Awards – most recently winning the prestigious 2024 People’s Choice Award at the 2degrees Business Awards, supported by Auckland Business Chamber.
- Having a Google rating of 4.8 stars from nearly 2,000 reviews, the highest number of reviews of any logistics company in New Zealand.
Devan Devaroyan, Co-Director – Devan has over 30 years of industry experience, including domestic express freight, logistics and courier services for companies such as NZ Post (Courier Post), Roadstar Transport (a joint venture between NZ Post and DHL). Devan handles key accounts and Customer Experience.
Susan Spelman, Co-Director – Susan has over 30 years in freight with extensive experience in international air and ocean freight from her time at DHL. Susan leads the retirement sector of the business and manages a range of key accounts.
Hayley Heyes, General Manager – Hayley has over 30 years in domestic express and specialised bulk commodity transport. Hayley worked for brands such as PBT, Toll Group, Strait NZ, and Emmerson Transport. Hayley has operational, sales, and financial management responsibilities, handles a portfolio of key accounts, and leads Smart Express’s Health, Safety & Wellbeing, and Sustainability initiatives.
