Deals on Wheels #517 April 2025

CHECK

GORSKI TTRU HARDOX 4 AXLE DOG TIPPING TRAILER

NEW 2025 GORSKI TTRU HARDOX 4 AXLE DOG TIPPING TRAILER

Body up to 22m3 approx. 8.300m long x 1.200m high approx.

$126,445 inc.GST + ON ROADS

GORSKI TTRU HARDOX 3 AXLE DOG TIPPING TRAILER 48T SPEC

NEW 2025 GORSKI TTRU HARDOX 3 AXLE DOG TIPPING TRAILER 48T SPEC

Body up to 14m3 approx. 6.000m long x 1.050m high approx.

$103,906 inc.GST + ON ROADS

GORSKI TTRU HARDOX 2 AXLE SEMI TIPPING TRAILER

NEW 2025 GORSKI TTRU HARDOX 2 AXLE SEMI TIPPING TRAILER

Body up to 21m3 approx. 8.000m long x 1.200m high approx.

$104,159 inc.GST + ON ROADS

GORSKI TTRU HARDOX 3 AXLE SEMI TIPPING TRAILER

NEW 2025 GORSKI TTRU HARDOX 3 AXLE SEMI TIPPING TRAILER

Demolition Spec Airbag Suspension

Body up to 38m3 approx. 9.600m long x 1.800m high approx.

$176,979 inc.GST + ON ROADS

Editorial & Design

Editor Geoff Crockett

0421 299 963

Journalist Tiane Gavillucci

Plant & Equipment Journalist Jackson Haddad

Contributors Warren Aitken, Tiarna Condren, Sean Mortell, Daniel Woods, Alex Catalano

Art Director Daz Woolley

Cover image Warren Aitken

Above image Down the White

Lines Photography

Advertising

Business Development Manager Fabian Presta, 0411 059 305 fabian.presta@primecreative.com.au

Subscriptions www.tradetrucks.com.au/subscribe

Ph +61 (0)3 9690 8766

Mon-Fri 8am-4.30pm (EST)

Email subscriptions@primecreative.com.au

Mail 379 Docklands Drive, Docklands, Victoria 3008, Australia

Executive

CEO John Murphy

COO Christine Clancy

Client Success Regina Fellner

Trader Group Sales Manager

James Rock Printing IVE print, NSW ISSN 1449-6348

Issue 517

Deals News

Deals News

9 Countdown is on to Casino 2025

Deals Upfront

12 Classic Kenworth on show

Top Deals

18 2016 Kenworth T609

20 2014 Western Star 4900 FXC

22 2025 Gorski 5 axle tipper

24 2019 Kenworth K200

26 2020 Kenworth T909

28 2024 Mercedes-Benz Actros

29 2024 Hino 500 Series

Deals Data

34 February's truck sales results are in and we have the data to share

Deals Showcase

36 Drop deck gorgeous creation by Trailer Stonestar

100 Parts, trucks and much more at WTP Pty Ltd in NSW

122 Doing it for the customers at Freightmore Transport

Deals Advice

80 The fine art of polishing a truck to show and shine level explained

Deals Events

40 Update your truck show list for 2025

45 Making the Rounds

48 Beating the weather gods at Tooradin

60 Remembering lives lost

64 Shining up and rolling out for charity

74 The Vintage life at Cobden

82 Clunes celebrates the good ol' days

112 Tassie show a hit at Longford

Deals Restoration

86 Focusing on a classic Kenworth

90 Acco artistry

128 GMC army truck's new lease on life

Deals Features

96 I nside the Steering the Future truck

102 Centurion backs Uniforms for Kids

108 Kelly Durkin Transport's Tooradin trip

124 A shleigh Anderson's teachable times

Deals Proflles

68 Sharna Chapman's transport tale

68 Caitlin Barlow steps up to the plate

118 R iley Nolen is living the dream

131 Parts Trader Parts, wreckers, engines and more for sale

142 Hot Deals

Hot hand-picked truck deals!

206 Marketplace Trucks, trailers, buses and more for sale

207 Plant & Equipment

Forklifts, tools, generators and compressors for sale

216 Private Advertising Coupon

Sell your item!

217 Index

211 Learning the ropes

Women learn to operate elevating work platforms at Sydney Metro’s Try a Trade Day

White Hill Truck Drivers Memorial and the annual Truck Show are an important reminder of the dangers of the transport task. Page 60

By the time your are reading this column Easter and the Easter Holiday period will be about to begin.

It is the time of year when school holidays are on, traffic starts to behave weirdly, at different times of the day to usual, and when we are sure to be bombarded, rightly so, with road safety messages around speeding, fatigue, and staying away from drink and drugs.

For the trucking industry April is also big on national conferences, where transport leaders from around the country will gather to try and find ways of encouraging better roads, better laws and clearer pathways to improved productivity and support for one of the nation's

most important industries. Details of key events, including the Australian Trucking Association's Trucking Australia 2025 are to be found, alongside a host of other great shows in our regular events calendar section starting on page 40. Next weekend's Haulin' the Hume is another one to watch for (April 12-13).

The other big event on the horizon for truck lovers is the bi-annual Brisbane Truck Show in Queensland in May.

The event has grown to the point where there's a week of activities around it, including the Heritage Truck Association of Australia's Heritage Truck Show on May 17 and 18 at Rocklea. This year's Heritage show will be celebrating 125 years of Mack Trucks world wide and 90 years of UD Trucks world wide. There will be shuttle buses running to and from the event from the Brisbane Truck Show too.

If you happen to be heading to Brisbane, I might see you there. Deals on Wheels will be proudly on display at the Prime Creative stand. Until next month.

geoff.crockett@primecreative.com.au

Countdown to Casino

There’s just five months to go until the 2025 North Coast Petroleum Casino Truck Show and it’s time to get organised

If you’re a truck lover or truck-related supply business keen to be involved with the 2025 Casino Truck Show on August 2, now is the time to make a plan.

The organisers have released their partnership and prospectus information on the website at casinotruckshow.com. au and have also announced that truck registrations will be capped at 550 and parade entrants limited to 200 trucks in 2025, with unsponsored fleets limited to six trucks.

All truck registrations will be taken online only, via the show’s website, from July 1, with no on-day registrations to be accepted. The cost to enter remains stable at $30.

Naming Rights Sponsor and Parade Naming Rights Sponsor roles are already filled, with three-year deals in place with North Coast Petroleum and Dawson’s Haulage respectively.

Other sponsorship opportunities include: Show Truck Champions Sponsor, Judged Elite Sponsor, Elite Fleet Sponsor, Premium Exhibitor Sponsor, Industry Pride and Passion, Fantastic Fifteen Sponsor, Nostalgic Categories Sponsor, Exceptional Fleet Display Sponsor, Northern and Southern Stage Sponsor, as well as Gold, Silver, and Bronze, each with exclusive benefits such as logo placement, exhibit space, event mentions and promotional opportunities.

Casino Truck Show, in northern New South Wales, is one of the biggest shows of its type in Australia, organised in conjunction with a pro-active local Council.

It is famous for the high number of trucks on show, and its iconic truck parade that rolls through the city’s town centre each year, much to the joy of fans who line the streets to celebrate, cheer on the drivers and marvel at the machinery itself.

Richmond Valley Council Mayor Robert Mustow said this year’s event promised to be better than ever.

“We’re excited to welcome truck enthusiasts from near and far to celebrate the passion and innovation of the trucking industry.”

Attendees can look forward to live entertainment, vendor exhibits, interactive experiences and activities for all ages.

Highlights of the event include:

• Friday Night Lights, sponsored by All American Custom Chrome: Live, free, entertainment in the city centre

• The 2025 Dawson’s Haulage Parade from 10am rolling along Johnston Street, into the Centre Street before parking up in the CBD

• Live product demonstrations and access to the latest truck technologies

• Children’s activities, food vendors, industry exhibits and live music

• Truck Show Trophy presentations including Rig of the Show, sponsored by Brown and Hurley: Featuring the finest trucks on display, judged on creativity, craftsmanship and overall presentation. For more information, and event updates, visit casiotruckshow.com.au or stay updated via facebook, Instagram or TikTok.

Organisers of the 2025 Casino Truck Show are getting in early to ensure this year’s winners have as many reasons to smile as those pictured above in 2024. Image: Casino Truck Show

Unit 1/71 Axis Place, Larapinta, Brisbane, QLD, 4110, Australia

Ph: (07) 3276 9300 Fax: (07) 3276 9301

Email: sales@ggd.net.au davids@ggd.net.au

Web: www.gibbsparts.com

ZFASTRONIC

ZFclutchactuatorsforDAF,Ivecoand Mantrucks.S37. TA950479. POA

MERCEDES-BENZG85-G280

ZFDAF,IVECO&MAN

ZFEcolitepowerpacks.S40. TA952390. POA

ReconditionedMercedes-Benztransmissions. MostmakesandmodelsG100,G131,GO210, G240,G280,G330available.S3. TA431566. POA

SCANIATRANSMISSIONS Allmakesandmodelsavailable.S11. TA431615. POA ZFDAF,IVECO&MAN ModulatorZFAstronicforDAF,Iveco&Man. S38. TA952388.

MERCEDESEPS Gearcylinder.S39. TA952389. POA

ZFASTRONIC ForDAF,Iveco&Man S43. TA952397. POA

VOLVO/MACKI-SHIFT/M-DRIVE AT2512C,AT2612D&ATO3112D. S44. TA952399. POA

ZFTRANSMISSIONSALLMODELS Allmakesandmodelsavailable.S10. TA431606. POA

Collector's

ITEM

The

famous paint job on the Posts of Wagga trucks were very popular in the 70s, and Andrew Fraser is lucky enough to now own a collectible

Words: Tiane Gavillucci

Images: Andrew Fraser

There's no missing the distinctive colours of the former Post Transport Kenworth 123

Some of the most golden of truck discoveries are found neglected in a paddock, left to gather nests and rust on their old cabs and chassis.

This was the case for the highly collectible 1972 Kenworth 123 that now sits in Andrew Fraser’s backyard.

Post’s Transport of Wagga did the eyecatching paint work for about 20 to 30 of these trucks, before they got dispersed as the business moved on.

In the late 80s, Andrew’s mate uncovered the K123 sitting in a farmer’s open field, where it had laid for several years.

“That’s when my mate bought it,”

Andrew says.

“He got what he could running, put it on

a permit and drove her home.

“He did nearly nothing to it, just cleaned it up, put a few roof lights in and tidied up a few bits and pieces, she’s now stock as a rock.”

Andrew’s mate sold it to a mechanic they knew, who had bought it solely to rob parts off it for another truck, including the bull bar and tail light board.

When that owner was moving house, the truck went up for sale again, and Andrew swooped in to make an offer.

Each Post truck was named and on the sun visor of Andrew’s Kenworth, ‘Annie’ remains imprinted as a tribute to a Post's worker’s mother.

“There’s a bit of a story behind these Post trucks, it’s quite a famous paint job

A pair of classic beauties

Post Transport of Wagga created 20 to 30 of these trucks

DEALS Feature

and business, this is the reason they’re so collectible,” he says.

job, they became the flavour of the month back in the day,” he says.

The old truck was in need of a little love, but not so much it was not recognisable as a classic

“This truck came to me 100 per cent original, I left it as it was, and I really haven’t done a thing.”

While so many vintage trucks get restored beyond recognition, Andrew preserved this one’s history, only giving it a fresh lease on life by giving it a good clean out and giving the paint a good rub back to make the colours pop.

“Because of these truck’s renowned paint

“I was drawn to this truck because of its heritage, anywhere you go with this rig, some old bloke always makes a comment about knowing of these old trucks.”

Andrew says if this Kenworth was any other colour or had different paintwork, it wouldn’t sell for over 20 grand.

Its hefty price tag is solely thanks to its history and paint job.

The Kenworth’s journey is far from over,

While a bit chipped, the paint still looks great

The man in the image named the truck ‘Annie’ after his mother

It may be collectible, but it's still able to haul the hay and while it’s not likely to be put to work hauling freight, Andrew still has big plans for it.

“I’ll be trailing it around to shows, it’s a bit old and clunky to go to work, but in saying that, it more than easily could.”

Andrew’s decision to keep the truck in its vintage state means it will live on as a reminder of the golden era of trucking, while still getting the occasional spin around the show circuit.

Andrew’s journey into the world of transport began 12 years ago and would lead him to eventually build his own fleet of trucks.

“As soon as I got my license everything begun, but my old man already had a couple of trucks, so we started doing small squares around the area,” he says.

It wasn’t long before he had his own truck and now runs a fleet of six to seven trucks, mainly hauling hay and agricultural freight.

“I’ve always been into the classics, attending truck shows and fixing up bits and pieces.”

The K123 really is a special truck for Andrew, symbolising not just a machine, but a piece of Aussie trucking history that continues to keep him passionate.

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Scan with your Smartphone camera to check out this deal!

If you’ve got a job that requires a solid truck set up with all the pumping gear you need to pull two tipper trailers with remote hydraulics, this truck could slot right in.

The 2016 Kenworth T609 features the Cummins X15 E5 engine and an 18-speed Roadranger gear box, as well as Kenworth Air Glide suspension, an alloy bull bar and Ice Pack 2000.

The engine and gearbox have had a recent rebuild and the front diff has been updated too, with tyres at 90 per cent. For more information phone Purga Truck & Machinery Sales on 07 3171 1897.

GERARD ELLIOTT

DETROITDDECIII fullreconditionednew headnewturboetc. Beenstartedandrun.6 monthswarranty.S22. TA1164231. $24,000

DETROIT14L

Series60fully reconditionedmotor. Hasbeenstartedand testedandcomeswith 6monthswarranty.Two instock.S13. TA1111168. $33,000

DETROIT14LITRE 2002,Reonditioned Blockandheadfully done.Crankshaft Checkedturbo. 06R0739059. TA1171233. $33,000

DETROITDDECVI

DETROIT871T

Exfiretruckmotor. Doneagenuine17,000 milesfromnew.370HP. S21. TA1157915. $19,000

EGRmotor,1fully reconditionedlong DDECVlDetroitEGR motor.Recoblockand headwithfrontandrear cover'sandsump.With warranty.S17. TA1137305. $22,000

CATERPILLARC12

Reconditioned.Block MachinedBrandnew head.2KS59579. TA1171236. $25,000

Wonder

Powered by the mighty Detroit DD16 engine the 2014 Western Star 4900 FXC was designed with heavy duty haulage in mind.

The new 15.6L DD16 engine was installed in 2023 and is rated up to 600hp.

An Eaton Roadranger 18-speed gearbox is fitted, along with full cross locks, hydraulics, and CTI.

To find out more phone EPJ Trading Trentham on 03 9988 9194.

ANDAST3 2024,DropDeck,45FTLong,Airbag,ATM45t,HydraulicRamps,3-Wat containerpins,R/TRate.DD. $74,000

ANDAST3 2024,DropDeckHay-Trailer,45FTLong,Airbag,3-WayContainerpins.DDLT. TA864656. $70,000

ANDAST3 2024,ExtendableDropDeck,45FT-70FTLong,HydraulicBi-FoldorSingle ramps,Containerpins,R/TRate,Customrampoptions.DDEX. TA820960. $85,000

ANDAST3 2024,DeckWidener,45FTLong,Deckwideningto3.6m,DieselPowerPack, Containerpins,Bi-Foldramps,Upperdeckramps,R/TRate.DDW. TA820952. $93,000

ANDAST3 2024,ExtendableDropDeckLow-Deck.DDEX-L. TA1071585. $83,000

ANDAST3 2024,FlatTop,45FTLong,Airbag,ATM45t,3-Watcontainerpins,R/TRate. FL. TA1232193. $71,000

THE BIG

Tipper

If you’re looking for a premium, heavy duty, tipping trailer that’s designed to last, it would be hard to go past the 2025 Gorski Hardox 5 axle offering.

Made from tough Hardox steel the trailer is approximately 9.6m long by 1.2m high, with a capacity of about 25 cubic metres, and features full length pressed top rails and splash guards, along with internal pressed sides and front sheet.

The tub sits atop a heavy duty chassis fitted with TMC Drum Brake Axles (10 stud 285mm), TMC lightweight Airbag Suspension, and an ABC EBS Brake Control System.

The hydraulics come in the form of a Hidromas 5-stage telescopic hoist with chrome plated stages, rated to approximately 60T.

Approx 9.6m long by 1.2m high

Series: QT-DT5 from $159,753

Somerton, VIC

LED lights and a Razor electric remote control tarp kit are included, and “Gorski” white and black chassis rails are the standard colour set up.

The photos here are indicative of a standard form of this trailer.

Phone the team at Gorski Engineering on 03 9988 9139 to find out more.

Gorski Hardox 5-axle

tipper

Phone 07 4693 1088

Mobile 0419 240 382

Murlaggan Road

Pittsworth QLD 4356

CHRISSEMI 2004ChrisBodyBuilders36'x6'TOA TubrHendricksonIntraaxsuspensionandaxlesondrum brakes,Alloywheels,Toolbox&Watertank,nearnew tarp.CON-CBB. TA1255695. $70,000

MOOREDOLLY ImmediateDelivery!!!!!Moore4'6'' TandemaxleDolly.HendricksonIntraaxairbag suspensionwithIntraaxHXL7AxleswithLSVvalve brakekit,RightweighBluetoothScales.4.2mToweyeto Turntable-JostJSK37GreaselessTurntable.Alcoa PolishedDurabrightOutterWheels,RubberGuards.Air andElecFrontandrearofturntable.2xOillines mountedtothefront..24-D2106. TA1253235. $58,850

2024,Moore202445'Flattop.HendricksonIntraaxairbagsuspensionwithIntraaxHXL7TiremaxxAxleswithEBSbrakes,RightweightBluetooth Scales.5'Front&RearLoadracks,3WayContainerPins,OvalTieDownsinfloor,5"Coaming,3mmCheckerPlatefloorwith16mmLip,Approx 1000Lbellytank.AlcoaLVL1AlloyWheels,R/TL/VSigns,OversizeSign,FlashingLight,Ringfeeder.3Toolboxes&1Watertank.24-2058. TA1228835.

MOORESEMIRO/ROHookliftTipper 2021,RollonRoll Off70m3BinTransporter/Tipper,HendricksonIntraax Suspension,HXL7LongLifeHubs,FrontLiftAxle,Alloy

MCGRATHTAG 1977,30'x6'TOATub&1982 HaulmarkDolly-9.56tComboTare,SpringSuspension &BPWSpiderAxles,NewSkidplateFitted,TandemAxle SpringDolly,NewJostTurntable,NewKHitchSpider Axles,BothwithQLDRego&CurrentCOI.Con-Smith. TA1241343. $51,700

MOOREDOLLY ImmediateDelivery!!!!!Moore20248'1'' TriaxleDolly.HendricksonIntraaxairbagsuspension withIntraaxHXL7TiremaxxAxleswithLSVvalvebrake kit,AirtecAXLBluetoothScales.3.77mToweyeto Turntable-JostJSK37GreaselessTurntable.Alcoa LVL1AlloyWheels,RubberGuards.Air,Elecand2xOil LinesFrontandrearofturntable.24-D2104. TA1253236. $81,750

MOOREDOLLY Brandnew...Immediate Delivery.....2024 Moore8'1''SpringDolly.KHitchSpringSuspensionand KHitch10/285Axles.YardRelease,AirandElectfront and rear, AlloyRims.24-D2019. TA1226853. $52,050

Scan

Clasic

With just 665km on the clock this 2019 Kenworth K200 features the Cummins X15, 550hp, engine and an 18 speed manual gearbox. Rated to 97T it is fitted with an Icepack and tow hitch and has a 4.3 diff ratio and 3,950mm wheelbase. It is being sold workshop checked, serviced and complete with a NSW roadworthy.

To find out more phone Sammut Agricultural Machinery Pty Ltd on 02 8279 7172.

2023,Sellingasacompleteunit-2023MTEQuadAxleLowLoader& 20202x4SamsDolly.FullAxleWidenerLowLoader,2.50mto3.5m withremotehydrauliccontrol.Hydraulicgooseneckairslidingskid plate.Bi-FoldrampsKubotaDieselHydraulicpowerpack.19.50Alloy Wheels,90%Continentaltyresallround.Onlydone80,000kms.S44.

SAMSTRIAXLELOWLOADER

RED

Rocket

There’s something outstanding about the big-bonneted beauty of a Kenworth T909.

This 2020 incarnation of classic truck has had just 580,000kms ticked over so far, with the low liner of the engine given a rebuild late last year at 542,000km to keep it firing like new. It’s fitted with a manual transmission and tipper hydraulics, as well as an interior fridge and inverter. It is rated to 97T.

To find out more phone CMV Truck Centre on 08 7007 6838.

ISUZUFTR900 12PALLETCURTAINSIDE,6-SPEED MANUAL,15000KGGVM,LOWLOWKILOMETRES-ONLY 84000KM!!,SOLDWITHRWC,S1097. TA1261628. $89,950INCLGST

FUSOFIGHTER1627CRANETRUCK 6,600MLONG TRAY, ALLISONAUTOMATIC,16000KGGVM,270HP,ONE $99,000INCLGST

2021FUSOCANTER AUTO,PANTECH,DRIVEONCAR LICENCE,TUCK-AWAYTAILGATELOADER,84000KM, LIKENEW!!!,S1103. TA1261634. $54,950INCLGST

2019FUSOFIGHTER1124 AUTO,FULLTAILGATE LOADER,259861KM,240HP,SIDEDOOR,FULLSERVICE HISTORY,SOLDWITHRW,S1106. TA1261639. $99,950INCLGST

2018HINO921 AUTO,8500KGGVM,LOWKILOMETRES, 6,300MLONGTRAY,ONEOWNERFROM

2015FUSOFIGHTER1627PANTECH 16000KGGVM, 6-SPEEDMANUAL,SIDEDOOR&REARBARNDOORS, 224000KM,NOSECONE-48m3,SOLDWITHRWC, S1098. $89,950INCLGST

2016NISSANUDQUONGW26/420 BRANDNEW (HARDOXSTEEL)TIPPERBODY,VOLVODRIVELINE, 12-SPEEDAUTOMATIC,26000KGGVM,BULLBAR,SOLD

HINOGH500TIPPER 9-SPEEDMANUAL,16000KGGVM, 270HP,366000KM,SOLDWITHRWC,S1096. TA1261627. $79,950INCLGST

2017DAFCF75/360 4X2PRIMEMOVER,360HP,AUTO, 532000KM,FULLAEROKITT,ONEOWNER!!,FULL SERVICEHISTORY,SOLDWITHRWC,S1099. TA1261630.

MITSUBISHICANTERFACTORYTIPPER 6500KGGVM, 6-SPEEDMANUAL,LOWKILOMETRES-159986KM! SOLDWITHRWC,S1102. TA1261633. $35,000INCLGST

2021ISUZUNNR PANTECH,115000KM,AUTO,DRIVE ONCARLICENCE,TUCK-AWAYTAILGATE,FULLSERVICE

2018FUSOFIGHTER1627BEAVERTAIL 84000KM, ALLISONAUTOMATIC,16000KGGVM,270HP,CARRY OVER8TONS,SOLDWITHRWC,S1107. TA1261640. $134,950INCLGST

2018NISSANUDQUONGW26/460 460HP,VOLVODRIVE LINE,26000KGGVM,60000KGGCM,REARAIRBAG,

2018FUSOFIGHTER1627TRAY ALLISONAUTOMATIC, ONLY78650KM,16000KGGVM,CARRYOVER8TONS, CONTAINERLOCKS,FULLSERVICEHISTORY,SOLDWITH RWC,S1108. TA1261642. $119,000INCLGST

15.6l Mercedes-Benz OM473, 630hp

12-speed automated manual

$390,000

Darra, QLD

GOING FOR

Gold

The hardest thing about driving this truck would be the number of people who would stop and stare as you drove past.

Created in a stunning mix of black and gold this 2024 Mercedes-Benz Actros 2663 is being sold new, with a four-year, 850,000km warranty.

The bling includes a black walk plate, black guards with gold inserts, gold footwells, a gold roof bar with four spotlights, gold roof horns and gold bottom mirror covers with lights.

To find out more call Daimler Trucks South East Queensland on 07 3171 1106.

Cruiser

When it comes to taking freight that last mile, sometimes biggest is not always best.

This 2024 Hino 500 Series curtainsider truck offers plenty of storage space for shifting goods, with the benefit of being a bit easier to manipulate in tight city streets. It comes with the FL2628 Euro5 engine, an automatic transmission and a 2T tailgate, and capacity to carry 14 pallets.

To find out more phone Prestige Truck Centre on

DOUBLE DROP CURTAINSIDER

Truck sales volumes ease at end of February

It’s a mixed bag of results for truck sales in February 2025 with growth in the commercial van category off-setting drops in the heavy and medium duty categories

Heavy Vehicles – Monthly Sales

Medium Vehicles – Monthly Sales

Light Vehicles – Monthly Sales

With 47 sales, year to date, Iveco is sitting at number 11 on the heavy duty truck sales leaderboard. Image: Iveco Australia

With a total of 3,446 vehicles sold across all categories in the Truck Industry Council’s T-Mark Data in February 2025, the heavy vehicle market in Australia continues to sit close to record breaking levels.

T-Mark Data shows the record for February sales was set in 2024 when 3,592 vehicles were sold across the commercial van, and light, medium and heavy-duty truck categories.

The next highest level of sales recorded was 3,499 sales in 2023.

Last month’s results put it as the third largest volume of sales recorded for the short month.

Isuzu continues to dominate the market, with 1,794 trucks sold to the end of February 28, accounting for 28.8 per cent of total sales.

Hino (588), Fuso (496), Kenworth (464) and Volvo (335) round out the top 5 across all categories with Mercedes-Benz (221), Scania (166), Iveco (132), Fiat (114) and Mack (105) holding places six to 10 on the leaderboard.

Heavy duty

Kenworth has launched into the new year with 464 deliveries by February 28, putting it at the front of the heavy truck sales race where a total of 2,017 trucks have been sold so far.

While Volvo outsold Isuzu in February, it’s 331 trucks sold this year put it in 3rd place in the heavy-duty category on 331 deliveries, versus Isuzu’s second place with 340.

Outside of the top three brands in the category Mercedes-Benz has a one truck lead on Scania, 167 to 166, for fourth and fifth spots, followed by: Hino (111), Mack (105), Fuso. (78), UD Trucks (68), DAF (51), Iveco (47), MAN (40), Freightliner (21), Western Star (21), Dennis Eagle (6) and Foton Mobility (1).

Last year the heavies delivered 1,308 sales in February, versus this year’s result of 1,119, showing a drop of 14.5 per cent, Feb 2024 versus Feb 2025.

Medium duty

Sales in the medium duty category of the market appear to have returned to 2023 levels as at the end of February 28, 2025.

A total of 569 trucks were sold from February 1 to February 28 this year, versus 649 for the same period in 2024, and 570 in 2023.

Year to date in the category, the 1,041 trucks sold is down 48 trucks compared to 2024’s result of 1,089.

In terms of total sales for the year so far Isuzu’s 536 deliveries puts it on 51.5% of this segment, ahead of Hino with 30.5 per cent or 317 trucks, and Fuso with 12.3 per cent, or 128 trucks sold.

Hyundai (15), UD Trucks (14), Mercedes-Benz (11), Iveco (7), MAN (5), Volvo (4) and DAF (4) account for the rest of the sales.

Light duty

February’s sales of 1,023 light duty trucks are another step down from the heady days of 2023 when 1,280 trucks were sent to new homes. Still, it is only 24 trucks short of 2024’s result, suggesting some steadiness year on year.

As expected in this space, Isuzu continues to dominate into 2025 with 918 sales for the year to February 28, accounting for 52.4 per cent of the market.

The next biggest player is Fuso 16.6 percent of the market (YTD) with 290 trucks delivered.

Hino (160), Fiat (114), Renault (86), Iveco (78), Mercedes-Benz (43), LDV (29), Hyundai (23), Ford (7) and Volkswagen (3) complete the sales leaderboard so far.

DEALS Showcase

Versatile

DROP DECK

Trailer Stonestar’s 2025 Deck Widener Trailer is built for the toughest of tasks

If your business involves the moving of equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, cranes, farming or mining equipment, the latest drop deck widener trailer from Stonestar Trailers would be a welcome addition to the fleet.

The deck on this 2025 Trailer Stonestar trailer features 5mm checker plate steel

Drop deck trailers are specifically designed to sit closer to the ground to offer a low centre of gravity and provide greater stability when transporting large or oversized loads.

The hydraulic rear ramps offer easy drive on and drive off accessibility for operators and add to the ease of use of the trailers.

Trailer Stonestar’s offering is 13.7m in length and has a deck that starts at 2.5m wide and can be widened to 3.5m.

The trailer itself has a tare weight of 12.5 ton, with a 45 ton aggregate trailer mass (ATM) and 22.5 ton gross trailer mass (GTM).

The deck sits about 930mm from the ground and the bi-fold ramps are remote controlled with a hydraulics system powered by a Yanmar Diesel Motor.

Designed to suit all manner of freight, the trailer offers plenty of tie points as well as three-way container pins.

There are two toolboxes attached to the trailer to store all the equipment a transporter needs and safety signs and a rear flashing light are built in too.

The landing legs have two speeds and feature a 50mm King Pin, and the K-Hitch heavy duty 17.5 axle and air bag suspension combine for a smooth ride.

The deck itself has been constructed out of 5mm checker plate steel.

The trailer is delivered fitted with 235/75R tyres all around on 10 Stud Steel Wheels, with a spare wheel too.

When it comes adding a custom touch, the trailers are offered with a grey chassis and a choice of combing colours.

Prices start at $82,000 excluding government charges.

The trailers come with a one-year warranty, with rego and pick up paid for an organised by buyers.

Stonestar’s Richard Meinking says the group’s latest deck widener trailer has been designed with the feedback of customers in mind and represents a high-quality product at a competitive price.

Images: Trailer

Stonestar

As a business Stonestar designs and assembles its trailers at its Dingley factory in Melbourne to comply with Australian design regulations.

Knowing how busy their customers are, Stonestar offers a quick turnaround, targeting handover just three weeks after deposits are received.

Richard says the company is always working with its customers and the industry to identify trailer needs and to design a solution that works.

A scan of the semi-trailers available on the stonestar.com.au website show just how eclectic that mix has become with trailers styles including: grain tippers, side tippers, tandem axle car carriers, livestock trailers vacuum tanks and more.

Trailer Stonestar is part of the Stonestar

group. The Group started more than 20 years ago as a wheel and tyre wholesaler and has been evolving and expanding with the market ever since.

While trailers, tyres and wheels remain a core element of the group’s business, it also manufactures caravans and creates parts for heavy machinery, solar and wind infrastructure and the maritime industry.

Stonestar Group’s head office is at 305-307 Boundary Rd, Mordiallic, Victoria, and the trailer department can be found at 42-48 Redwood Drive, Dingley Village.

To find out more about Trailer Stonestar, go to www.stonestar.com.au, phone 03 9580 9788 or email sales@stonestar.com.au

Stonestar's Trailers are manufactured to meet all Australian standards at their factory in Dingley, Victoria. Images: Trailer Stonestar

The trailers feature two speed landing legs, a 50mm King Pin and a heavy duty K-Hitch set up

EPJ TRAD TRA PJTRADING CO EPJ TRADING CO

https://epj-trading.tradetrucks.com.au/ Email: office@griffithsgroup.co

KENWORTHT909 2017,Hydraulics/Fullcrosslocks. Enginehistoryavailable.Goodtipperlength.T909. TA1255172. $170,000+GST=$187,000

VOLVOFH12 1995,420HP,airbagsuspension,Bisalloy body,pintallhooktowhitch.FH12. TA1168316. $30,000+GST=$33,000

KOMATSUWA470 Komatsu470loaderwithlogforks andbucket,70%rubber,goodmachine.470. TA1261643. $31,000+GST=$34,100

VOLVOA40E Newtyres.Engineworkjustdone. Transmissiondone@13000hrs.Total hrs 16000.Good workingcondition.A40E. TA1253391. $92,500+GST=$101,750

KENWORTHK104 1999,tipperandHerculesairbag tri dog.Tarp,Bisalloybody.Caterpillarengine.New gearbox,motorrebuiltacouplethousandkmsago. S776. TA1216380.

$60,000+GST=$66,000

MACKTRIDENT 2001,E7470hpmotor,rebuilt18spd Mackgearbox,bothdiffsdonerecently,allbrakesnew, newdrivetyres,steers80%,brandnewhoist,good reliabletruck.TRIDENT2. TA1185762.

$30,000+GST=$33,000

KENWORTHT909 2017,Hydraulics/FullCrosslocks. Enginehistoryavailable.Goodtipperlength.T909-2. TA1258536. $170,000+GST=$187,000

HERCULESHEDT3SUPERDOG 1999Model,airbag suspension,ringfeeder,steelbody&two-waygate. S778. TA1219726. $18,000+GST=$19,800

KENWORTHT404SAR 2007TruckandBPTsuperdog, 2006,alloybody.C15500hp.Registeredtocartwaste forEPA.T404S. TA1227873. $100,000+GST=$110,000

KENWORTHK100E 12.7LDetroit.Hendrickson suspension.Goodhonestoldertruck.S766. TA1202632. $25,000+GST=$27,500

KENWORTHK108 flatroofprimemover.10speedEaton Gearbox.Cumminsengine.Ken108. TA1189224. $45,000+GST=$49,500

KENWORTHT404SAR 2007,Gen2ISXCummins,full crosslocks,90tonneratedandsteeltippingbody.With 2006modelPreston3axlesuperdogwithsteel body. T40407. TA1254841. $90,000+GST=$99,000

EPJ TRAD TRA PJTRADING CO EPJ TRADING CO

https://epj-trading.tradetrucks.com.au/ Email: office@griffithsgroup.co

GERGETRIAXLEFOLDINGSKEL withheadboard.Airbag suspension.Tyres,brakesandsuspensionok.Gerge. TA1068955.

$22,000+GST=$24,200

KENNEDYMINIB-DOUBLE 2009Model,c-lock.minib2. TA1144223.

$15,000+GST=$16,500

FREIGHTERTRIAXLELOGSKEL frontandrearracks, airbagsuspension,loadbinders,nearnewdrums& linings.Roadworthy.Picks. TA968311.

$25,000+GST=$27,500

FREIGHTERTRIAXLEEXTENDABLEFLATTOP Will stretchto19moverall.Springsuspension.Goodtyres. Alllightsfunctional.Frontandreargates.S765. TA1202631.

$20,000+GST=$22,000

TOYOTALANDCRUISERWorkmate 2007,440xxxkms NewengineputinSeptember2022.LC. TA1232379.

$30,000+GST=$33,000

FREIGHTERMINIBDOUBLESKEL Airbag'A'trailer, hydraulicallyloadedspringreartrailer,brakesok, painted,readytowork.BDouble2. TA657165.

$9,090.90+GST=$10,000

THTLOGSKELBDOUBLESET 'A'trailerwith Elphinstonelowlogger'B'trailer.THT. TA1056515.

$40,000+GST=$44,000

ELPHINSTONEBDOUBLE 1998model.AirRider. Excellentconditionforit'sage.ElphB. TA1105677. $30,000+GST=$33,000

Ph:(03) 5424 1377 or (03) 5424 1433

KENWORTHT650 radiator.Variousotherpartsavailable. Radi. TA874526. $1,000+GST=$1,100

SAMAIRLOGGER 2003,Samjackconvertedchivers, triaxlejinker.Airandelectricscales.Goodtyres,Nice lighttrailer,nearnewbrakes.S756. TA1198879. $10,000+GST=$11,000

VARIOUSCABGUARDSALUMINIUM&STEEL cab guardsavailable;also carry barguardsetc.S618. TA1051728. Pricesstartingfrom$1,000+GST=$1,100

FREIGHTERTANDEMSEMITIPPER 22fttandemsemi tipper.Rebuilthoist.Goodbrakes.Airtailgate,good honesttrailer.S764. TA1202630. $12,000+GST=$13,200

DEALS Events

CALENDAR Events

APRIL

Haulin' the Hume

The bright yellow 100th anniversary Mack owned by Western Transport was a highlight of the Allora Truck Show earlier this year. Image: Rusty Truck Photos

April 12-13, 2025. Luddenham Showgrounds, NSW

Join the gang once again for their historic road run following the Old Hume Highway out of Sydney to Yass. Relive some of the sounds, sights and smells of the pre-emissions era when trucking was making its mark building Australia.

From the new starting point at the Luddenham Showgrounds, you will head up over famous Razorback, through the Hole in the Wall at Picton, and cover the beautiful drive through Mittagong, Berrima and into Goulburn for lunch and a short display.

You will then continue with a drive through the spectacular Cullerin Range into Gunning, pass through the iconic Gasoline Alley in Yass and then onto Gundagai where you will have dinner, share some photos and some laughs as you relive the good old days. Sunday morning wrap up will be breakfast and farewells before heading back to reality.

For more information see “Haulin’ the Hume –Highway 31 Road Run” on Facebook, call Andy Nash on 0416 869 464 or Debbie Cooper on 0439 814 876, or email haulinthehume@outlook.com.

Rob Burns Memorial Show

April 12-13, 2025. Tumut, NSW

Sponsored by Mattie's Resin Models, at the Anglican Church Hall in Tumut, the Rob Burns Memorial Show will feature all categories of

vehicles, including cars, trucks and planes. Entry fee per public entrant is a gold coin and for each model is $2 up to $10.

Trucking Australia 2025

April 28-30, 2025. Adelaide, SA

Trucking Australia will return in April — and this time it’s coming to Adelaide.

Trucking Australia is the industry’s premier annual event and a great opportunity for industry professionals to meet face-to-face and collaborate on potential solutions.

Join over 400 other delegates at the 2.5-day conference, which presents ample networking opportunities to meet industry experts and a chance to build new connections.

Gain access to over 25 informative sessions and presentations on truck productivity, decarbonisation, workforce inclusion, transport reforms and safety.

Finish your journey at the Foundation Sponsors Gala Awards Dinner, where the winners of the National Trucking Industry Awards will be revealed.

For more information visit truck.net.au

MAY

Brisbane Truck Show

May 15-18, 2025. Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, QLD

Tickets are now on sale for the much-anticipated 2025 Brisbane Truck Show, the southern hemisphere’s largest festival of all things

trucking. Building on the success of past shows, all exhibition space is already sold out, guaranteeing attendees over 30,000 square metres of exhibitions of the latest trucks, trailers, technologies, and parts and accessories available on the Australian market.

The 2025 show from May 15-18 will be a critical component of Truck Week, a week-long festival incorporating an array of activations in nearby South Bank Parklands, including the Premier Boxing Series, Australia’s Best Show N Shine, and The Depot careers and entertainment hub – plus the Heavy Equipment and Machinery Show at RNA Showgrounds and the Heritage Truck Show at Rocklea.

For more information see brisbanetruckshow.com.au

FWR Open Day

May 16, 2025. Larapinta, Queensland

We've joined forces with Tru Grit & STE to throw a huge OPEN DAY where you can experience the best of Australian-made trailers at our Larapinta facilities!

Join us on Friday, 16 May 2025, from 7 AM to 3 PM for an exclusive truck show Open Day at FWR Australia, showcasing our popular trailer range.

Truck Driver's Memorial

May 17, 2025, Milbrodale, New South Wales

The Putty Road Truck Driver's Memorial invites you to our annual service/reunion weekend. We will be adding more names of hard working truckies to our memorial wall to forever remember them... accompanied by the haunting sounds from the bagpipes.

It is a very happy but respectful time with entertainment, hot and cold food and Putty Road merchandise.

Pine Rivers Historic Machinery Restoration Society

May 17-18, 2025.

Caboolture Historical Village

The Pine Rivers Historic Machinery Restoration Society is having their Annual Vintage Engine Display “Powering Past Generations” at the Caboolture Historical Village.

There will be stationary engines, trucks, cars and working tractors displayed all weekend. Cold drinks, hamburgers, sausage sizzle and tea and coffee will be available.

Huge Heritage Display

May 24-25, 2025.

Winton Motor Raceway, Benalla

In conjunction with Historic Winton, the weird, wonderful and wacky will be featured at this heritage display, showcasing veteran, vintage and classic vehicles.

Scenic Rim Truck Show 2025

May 31, 2025.

Jimboomba State School, QLD

Get excited for the Scenic Rim Truck Show! Held from 10am to 6pm, the show will feature plenty of trucks along with market stalls, rides, entertainment, raffles and a live auction. All profits will be donated to the KIDS Foundation. For more information see scenicrimtruckshow.com

The Cornwill Transport team came out in support of this year’s Koroit Truck Show.

Image: Mortlake Roadhouse

DEALS Events

JUNE

Alexandra Truck Show

June 7-8, 2025. Alexandra, VIC

Classic trucks on show at the 2025 Lardner Park Heritage Vehicle Display. Image: Steven Harley

The Alexandra Truck Show is back on the King’s Birthday weekend in June this year, with a Sunday Show ‘n’ Shine on the town’s main street, as well as live music, a Victorian woodchop tournament, exhibitions, trade displays, kids’ amusements and a raffle. Come down on Saturday for the local markets, a convoy and truck driver’s memorial.

For more details email trucks@ alexandratruckshow.com.au

AUGUST

Casino Truck Show

August 2, 2025. Casino, NSW

The date has already been set for the 2025 Casino Truck Show, one of the biggest events in Australia’s trucking calendar. Tens of thousands of people and hundreds of trucks are expected to descend on the town as usual – last year, truck entries had to be capped at 600. Attendees can look forward to a great day out with food, trade stalls, kids’ amusements and much more.

For more information see casinotruckshow.com.au.

National Historical Machinery Association National Rally

August 23-31, 2025. Jondaryan Woolshed, Jondaryan, QLD

The 19th biennial National Historical Machinery Association National Rally is being held this August 23-24 in Jondaryan, Queensland, with the fun continuing in conjunction with Steaming under the Southern Cross.

Transport enthusiasts can look forward to 10 days of heritage displays and activities - expect classic and vintage cars, trucks, motorcycles, antique engines, tractors and machinery along with antique earthmoving equipment and heritage steam equipment such as traction engines and road rollers. Check out working displays, ploughing and earth moving demonstrations, a working blacksmithing display, market stalls, live entertainment and much more. Exhibitors from machinery car and truck clubs welcome.

Visit the website susci.com.au for more details or contact the Secretary Warren Buckley (email secretary@susci.com.au or call 0414 334 006).

SEPTEMBER

NatRoad

Connect 25

September 11-12, 2025. Shepparton, VIC NatRoad’s annual conference gives you the opportunity to connect with industry representatives, operators, NatRoad members and partners to receive practical operational information and advice. Save the date to your calendar and keep an eye on their website for updates closer to the time. For more information see natroad.com.au

NOVEMBER

Brisbane Convoy for Kids

November 1. Brisbane, QLD

The Brisbane Convoy for Kids is back on November 1, travelling from Larapinta to the Redcliffe Showgrounds. Once it arrives, a family fun day will take place, with a wide range of activities on offer including live entertainment, auctions, food stalls, free kids’ rides, face painting, animal petting, magic shows, and a night lights display. Convoy participants also compete in a range of categories, with awards handed out on the day.

For more information see brisbaneconvoyforkids.com.au

Mullumbimby Truck Show

November 8, 2025. Mullumbimby, NSW.

Held in conjunction with the annual Mullumbimby Agricultural Show on the second Saturday of November each year, you won’t want to miss the Mullumbimby Truck Show. This event will feature a truck parade through the town, a sideshow alley, kids’ rides, food vans, full bar facilities and live music. Other features include horse and cattle events including trotting.

For further truck show info see www.mullumbimbyshow.org.au

Illawarra Convoy

November 16. Illawarra, NSW

Touted as the largest truck and motorbike convoy in the Southern Hemisphere, the Illawarra Convoy raises funds for individuals and families affected by potentially life-threatening medical conditions, together with charities that work with these people, and local hospitals.

For more information on the event see illawarraconvoy.com.au

Castlemaine Rotary Truck Show

November 29-30, 2025. Castlemaine, VIC.

Held at Campbells Creek Recreation Reserve and organised by the Castlemaine Rotary Club, this year’s truck show is gearing up to be bigger and better than ever. Attendees can expect plenty of well-presented trucks on display, as well as food, a licenced bar, kids’ rides, free health checks and live music.

For more information, visit rotarycastlemaine.org.au

If you have an event you would like listed in our trucking events calendar, please email tiane.gavillucci@primecreative. com.au with all of the relevant details.

Bdoubleunit 2025,NewBulkchassistippers,tareapp14.2T,Hoist 50T,K-Hitchairbag,Aluminiumwheels,rolltarps,weightgauges, combo94cubic,rolltarps,graindoors,grainshute,Porthole doors,WabcoEBSbrakes,2pinpositionreartrailer.1901234.

VOLVOFMX540Tipper 2018,GreatvaluehereFMX520series sleeperrigidtippersetuptopullaPBSdogtrailer,localfleet unittidyorder,Aluminiumtippingbinwithelectricoperated tarp,mechanicallysound,Snapupthisvalue.$168,500plus GST.151024. TA1240535. $185,350

KENWORTHT610SAR 2018,LookingforawellkeptTruck& dogtrailerunit,enquireonthisunit,Cummins550,22918 Transmission,46Meritorrearaxleswithcrosslocks,very

BRUCEROCKENGINEERING !9 METERSIDETIPPERBDouble 2025,RingnowInStock,4mmHardoxbins,KHitchconmet axlesonKIairbagsuspension,Aluminiumwheels,willmeet 19or20mPBS,lowTareweight,app34cubicmetercapacity, Hydraulicrollbacktarp.200124. TA1140165. POA

BRUCEROCKENGINEERINGROADTRAINLEAD/BDOUBLE REAREvolution 2025,4mmHardoxbin,K-Hitchconmet hubs,KIairbagsuspension,Hydraulicrolltarp,available

KENWORTHT659 2016,JustarrivedRigidtipperandQuadaxle dogtrailer,Cumminsx15withenginehistory,18speed transmission,MeritorrearaxlesonHendrickson4bag,airbag suspension,2017LustyQuadaxletippingdogtraileronBPW axlesairbag.SellPrice$285,000plusGST.240325. TA1262778. $313,500

Rounds MAKING THE

Deals on Wheels scoured the truck show scene and found some truck show fanatics who enjoy 'making the rounds'

Despite a cold front nipping at the toes of towns across the country, even brisk weather couldn’t keep truckies away from the shows.

From Clunes to Kyabram and everywhere in between, Deals on Wheels scoured the truck show aisles and picked out a few familiar faces who enjoying polishing up their rigs and putting them up for judgement.

Stand-out Scanias

With Kenworth’s often dominating the aisles of truck shows around the country, it’s always a refreshing sight to set your eyes upon something different.

From Atkinsons to Diamond T’s and everything in between, there’s nothing quite like a blast from the past to get your motor running.

John Zannikos knows the feeling all too well, prompting him to start bringing out his collection of vintage Scania’s.

“My first introduction to Scania’s was

through my dad,” John told Deals on Wheels “Back in the 70’s, that was his favourite brand to take on the road and I suppose it rubbed off on me.”

When the time came for John to finally get behind the wheel himself, there was no question to which brand his eyes began to roam to.

“All through my apprenticeship and qualifications, I drove Scania’s,” he says.

“Then when I started up a transport company, we put 13 Scania tippers on the road. We just loved them.”

His fondness for the trucks only continued to increase, and so when the transport company chapter closed, the logical answer was to start up a Scania wrecker.

As you would expect from a man with a Scania obsession, John has spent a chunk of his life collecting models for his own personal collection. Some of his favourites include a 1978 LKT141, 1982 R142 and a 1975 L110.

John’s candy striped 1982 R142. Image: John Zannikos

Words: Tiarna Condren

“We bought the LKT141 in great condition,” he says.

over the original cab and let it look the way we found it,” he says.

John’s whole gang lined up. Image: John Zannikos

Spick and span Scania 1975 L110. Image: John Zannikos

“It had been parked undercover for the better part of 34 years and despite its age, only had racked up 278,000kms.

“We only had to give her a bit of a clean and she was ready to go.”

John found similar luck with his L110, stumbling across it at a farm in Beaufort. It had spent around 14 years undercover but was in need of a bit more love.

“We went to go and have a sticky beak because the farmer had a big paddock of trucks,” John says.

“As soon as we saw the Scania, we knew we had to take her home.”

The rig needed some desperate TLC, the mechanical work and interior in shambles.

Working at restoring it back to its former glory, the one requirement John had was to keep the patina and vintage look.

“We simply sprayed a little of matte clear

The third Scania amongst his favourites is the 1982 R142, a truck that belonged to him over 20 years ago.

Using it as tip up back in the early 2000’s, John eventually sold it off in a moment he later regretted.

“I’m surrounded by Scania’s every day and so I try and sell off the things I no longer need,” he says.

“But then later on, I always end up looking back and wishing I just kept it. That’s why now, if I see them come up, I always try and buy them back.”

Still at the beginning of its restoration journey, the R142, while mechanically sound, is expected to receive a beautiful exterior makeover.

“I was apprentice when the truck was brand new, so I’ve known it all its life,” he says.

“It was a bit of an iconic truck back in the day, everyone knew it.”

John’s dazzling trio now accompanies him to truck shows around the country, showing that sometimes the old can outshine the new.

“Not many people bring out the old Scania’s anymore, so I try and bring as many as I can,” he says.

“Wherever we take them, they always stand out.”

Eye-catching International

While historically accurate restorations often find themselves garnering attention, there’s something about a modified rig that always catches our eye.

From Kenworth’s modified to motorhomes, or bus/truck contraptions, the different is always welcome.

Laurie Hebbard’s 1970 C1840 International is no exception, his modified rig serving as the perfect combo of old and new.

“A friend of mine named Frank Wallace actually found the International cut in half, on its way to the scrap yard,” Laurie told Deals on Wheels.

“There was a lot of work that needed to be done to it obviously, just to even get it up and running.

“But as a special extra, he added a little sleeper box to it.”

Originally a bay line bunk that was cut off an old Louisville, the custom job was the perfect way to make it stand out from the crowd.

Purchasing it from Frank around five or so years ago, the only work Laurie had to do to it was refresh the exterior to make it more his speed.

“All I did was personalise it a little and add a little paint. Tarted it up a little,” he laughs.

As part of the deal, Laurie also got to take home the matching freighter trailer, making it the perfect duo.

“I always wanted to own an International. As a kid, our next-door neighbours had them and it was always the sort of truck that I imagined owning one day for myself,” he says.

Finally owning one of his own, Laurie now

loves nothing more than to travel around the country and show her off.

“It's probably a pretty well-known truck now because it's been to pretty much every major show across the country,” he says.

“People always pull me up and they love to have a chat about it.”

AUSTRALIAN MADE

Laurie’s 1970 C1840

International – despite its age, it looks good as new.

Image: Laurie Hebbard

Tımeless TOORADIN

There was something for everyone at the Tooradin Tractor Pull and Truck Show on February 15, and weather for all seasons too

Words & Images | Warren Aitken

WWhen the rain came down the main entertainment area became a rather large muddle puddle. It didn’t stop the crowds for long though

ell, it has been a couple of years since I last travelled down to the tiny town of Tooradin.

Nestled in the Shire of Cardinia, about 50 kilometres south-east of Melbourne’s CBD, Tooradin plays host to the annual Tooradin Tractor Pull and Truck Show.

My previous experience was a couple of years ago when I actually came down to the seaside location with a truck and plenty of polishing gear to enter into the truck show.

This year I drew upon that experience, recalled the high level of trucks I had encountered, reminded myself of the attention to detail every contestant had

achieved and decided I am too old to compete with the Victorian truck enthusiasts.

Hence, I entered the Rutter Park Reserve with a rental car rather than a rig this year, although on several occasions throughout the day I was wishing I had entered the grounds with either a boat or at the very least a raincoat. This year’s event not only displayed some of South Gippsland’s finest trucks, it also displayed the extreme weather that makes Victoria such a rollercoaster of an experience. To quote one of the stoic stall holders at this year’s event, Brett Sullivan of Sullivan Sketching: “If you

The hard-working crew keeping everything organised. At least whilst they had power Jordan Crymes, Bec, Jasmine and Jack Olsson

don’t like the weather down here, just wait five minutes, it’ll change again.”

Brett was almost spot on – I would just extend that timeline out to about an hour, 45 minutes at the least.

When I rocked up to this year’s event, I beat the sunrise by about an hour. It was still very dark, and extremely cold as the first of the entrants rolled in when the gates opened at 5.30am. The local Victorians were barely in need of a hoodie, but for humidity hogs from the north like me who had packed only for Queensland weather, it was a touch on the ‘holy crap it’s cold’ side. That didn’t stop me enjoying the sun rising over the cool kids as the trucks began to roll in.

This event is very much a mutually beneficial occasion.

The Truck Show and Tractor Pull are run separately but held together. It also means there are two different crowds turning up for the events. In turn, this means the truckies are

under a tight time constraint. Starting from 5.30am, they have only a couple of hours to roll in and stage up before the spectators start blocking the highway as they gain parking for the Tractor Pull and Burnout event. It creates a bit of a backlog as the trucks have one entrance, however the volunteer team behind this successful event have got it down pat. It is great for the show but meant I was all over the shop trying to grab shots as all the trucks rolled in.

By the time the sun was spilling up over the horizon, most of this year’s entrants were

The numbers were down a little at this years event, with weather being the main culprit. But those that did rock up put on a hell of a show

Ashmore Excavations with their two Legends

DEALS Events

This young man came properly prepared. The little yellow gumboots had tons of fun in all the added puddles

Briley Fidler adds some finishing touches after polishing up this stunning 909. All this effort so driver Adam can claim the credit. But we all now know it’s all Briley

I had to snap Matt Norris and his self-proclaimed ‘Passenger Princess’ Ben Barker

The Name on this Mack says it all, Excellence

I’ve edited out all the safety harnesses, nothing to report here as Cooper Beckley and James Kennedy get all the hard cleaning done on a couple of the Durkin Kenworths

Steven Kapahnke is the proud pilot of the Reverse Pools Mack, whilst Ryan Starling has the responsibility of looking and steering the Mini Mack. Both were on point for this year’s show

These boots were made for walking, but not through the cabs. Keep the mud outside

Emma Humm was driving Jeremy Jardine's Mack Superliner whilst he was sleeping in before the show, her efforts got Jeremy the Best Prime Mover 7-10 yrs award. Whilst Sam Box drove the 2005 Superliner in the back and he picked up Best Prime Mover 17-25 years

It is always good to see the bosses getting in to apply the Shine. Here Chris Brown is adding the tyre shine to one of the Browns Stockfood stunning Tippers

already on ground, which was fortunate as with the sun came the changing of the weather. Gone was my soft lighting that allowed me to wander the ground getting nicely lit images, in came a weather system that would best be described as ‘teenager woken early to do chores and learning the rest of the day has no Wi-Fi’. In other words, it was cranky.

It started with waves of gentle drizzle, packed in a few painful periods on horizontal droplets, interspersed that with gusting winds and just when you were game enough to get out from under some shelter it would bucket down. I’m not talking ‘cats and dogs’, I am talking ‘giraffes and hippopotamus’s’. I ended up next to a food van, holding onto their gazebo with several other truck nuts. We were all doing our best to avoid old mate having to chase his flying tent back into Melbourne. Sadly, during the worst of the downpours, one vendor did lose his double awning to mother nature – his stock was either blown away or drowned. Several other vendors were thanking the crowds huddled under their gazebos as they were grasping their structures to keep them from entering a low flying orbit.

While everyone was proclaiming ‘typical Victorian weather’ and many were reiterating that all this had been predicted, it did not

make the day or decisions any easier for the organisers of the event. On the truck show side of things, obviously the cleaning and polishing was brought to a halt while everyone was either seeking shelter in their vehicles or huddled under one of the few gazebos not blown into the tractor pull arena. That comfort was not shared by the very determined judges. Full credit to them, I may have been hidden away protecting my dear cameras, but they still pushed on. The volunteers tasked with organising the show were having their own issues as the donger set up for them to run the show, accumulate and corroborate the judging and generally oversee the event was flooding, with power out due to water seeping in through the power outlets. It was an absolute (I cannot use the term I would like to here, instead I will just have to use the definition– a very rude word for a complete failure or very serious problem in which many mistakes or problems happen at the same time).

The rain was not just playing havoc with the truck show side of this year’s event –the burnout competition was on hold as the pad looked more capable of holding a synchronised swimming carnival than collecting flying rubber and dispersing stacks of smoke. Between the gentle drizzle and the horizontal droplets. there were

The morning light made for some cool shots as the trucks rolled in for this year’s events

Enjoying the early morning chills and earlybird entrants, Graham Olsson and Alex Murry did a fantastic job working the gate

The Browns Stockfeed team were setting up early and avoided the weather. The team picked up several awards, including 1st place in Tippers under 1 year, 1-3 years and 4-6 years. As well as Best Fleet and the Stuart Baker Memorial Trophy

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Seb Kuyer from A1 Asphalt and his stunning T410 was part of the Kenworth dominated crew at this year's event. Thankfully there was also a few like Jeff McCraw who flew a different banner. In Jeff's case representing A1 with this striking 2023 Mack

teams of dedicated volunteers out with brooms sweeping up the unwanted puddles, but when the ‘giraffes and hippopotamus’ downpours came, once again it was just an absolute “a very rude word for a complete failure or very serious problem in which many mistakes or problems happen at the same time”.

Then, of course, there was the other naming rights event, the tractor pull. My first thought was ‘no worries, they are tractors. It would be just like adding more mud to a mud wrestling event’ – how wrong was I. These tractor pull competitors have extremely strict conditions under which they can run, and I was surprised to learn from one of the event’s organisers that, in actual fact, by 12pm they were about to call the event. It turns out that even days before the event, the weather forecast had many of those at the top tossing up the idea of calling it early. Apparently once the track gets too wet, it becomes almost impossible to drag the equipment back out after a run.

Sadly, the circumstances created by a cranky teenage mother nature ensured that many people packed up their belongings and pulled the pin. As the raindrops cascaded down off my rather expensive, yet nonweather protected lens, I put my hand up to join that exit line. I was already drenched

through as I attempted to chase more photos. I was caked in dirt after the rain had turned the main area into a modern-day mud spa and I was still bloody cold after failing to pack for weather below about 30 degrees. I had been beaten – for the first time a truck show had beaten me.

Then Brett Sullivan’s words hit my ears: “If you don’t like the weather down here, just wait five minutes” – which I did. And, just like a sullen teenager, the mood changed with the wind. The sun broke through and, while it never warmed up enough to dry me out, the weather stepped up. It would be nice to say it was all harmonious after that, but Brett’s words work in reverse as well. If you do like the weather down here, just wait five minutes. There was still the odd shower but nothing that destroyed morale like the morning events.

The sun and a few good brooms allowed the burnout display to literally light up the early afternoon. I am not sure how much the wet dirt affected the tractor pull, but it did not dampen the sound as the big blowers barrelled down the track. As far as the truck show went, it did make the judges’ job a lot easier, as they assessed the entrants and, by the time awards season started, there was hardly a cloud in the sky.

As far as the winners go, Tub from A&K

Coffees and catchups as the Durkins fleet rolled in. The officials were a lot busier than they looked in my shots, trust me

Another regular crew at Tooradin was the Durkin Team. I managed to snag a shot with them all before coffee and hot food dragged them in every direction

A bit of a unicorn at the Tooradin show, The Grove Racing Mercedes was one of only a few European trucks in this year’s event

Dowling PTY picked up the top honours with his stunning Kenworth T909. Browns Stockfeed picked up best fleet with their stunning Kenworths and Cade Brown in the Browns Stockfeed’s SAR Legend picked up the prized Stuart Baker Memorial Trophy. Wrapping it all up, there is a fair bit to say. The numbers for this year’s Tooradin Tractor Pull and Truck Show were definitely down – 106 compared to over 160 last year.

Obviously, many people were smarter than me and looked at the weather forecast before they made their weekend plans. That being said, you go to events like this for the experience and I still thoroughly enjoyed my experience.

The wet weather did not once dampen the enthusiasm of those that had shined up their pride and joy and, as we all stood

shoulder to shoulder under an awning, sheltering from the rain, it just gave us a different view of the polished up big rigs. Whenever there was a break in the rain, everyone was back out splashing around and lapping up the high-quality equipment that was on display. The weather lows just added to the adventure of the day.

My final word is a thank you to the team from CMV Truck & Bus Dandenong. They were the first vendor open during the rain and looked after this stupid Queenslander who forgot that there is cold weather out there – I appreciated that Mack jacket all day, I would say it was the best money I spent all day, but that went to the southern style chicken food truck. I’ll be back next year with a more appropriate wardrobe.

Cheers Tooradin.

Once the clouds cleared the Kenworth Merchandise stand became a popular place. The brand was heavily represented at this year’s show, both by trucks and by branding

The Ashmore Excavations team had a full fleet of stunning blue Kenworths on display this year and were kind enough to group together for a team photo before they went back to cleaning

Remembering

OUR TRUCKIES

White Hill Memorial and Truck Show is a reminder of the massive role truckies and trucks play in the day-to-day life of Australians

Words: Tiane Gavillucci

Images: Down the White Lines Photography

Absolute beauties made their entrance

Truck drivers keep Australia moving, they are a key pillar for our country, so taking a moment to remember the those who have lost their lives at work on our roads is the least anyone can do.

On March 1 this year, for the 12th time, the annual White Hill Memorial and Truck Show was held at the town of Murray Bridge in South Australia.

The day started with a heartfelt tribute to the lives of truckies who have died on our roads.

This event vows to remember those who passed away while driving and is a fixture of respect and remembrance, a nationwide tradition that connects truckies across the country.

This year 12 names were added to the memorial wall in a beautiful service where 400 people came together to honour family and friends.

Memorial wall inductees

• Darryl Smith

• John Lacy Burns

• Peter Monty Phillips

• Gordon John Jeffery

• Darren Russell Mcfee

• Neville George Mugridge

• Robert William Dunn

• Anthony John Kuchel

• David Ronald Mumford

• Garry Bryan Trewartha

• Josh Roberts

• Simon Ian Parkinson

Many of the trucks left crowds in awe

Most trucks celebrated their loved one with an image on its front

Rigs of all colours made heads turn

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Dial A Tow showed did their part to honour a loved one

About 60 trucks rolled in for the convoy

This blue Kenworth stole the show

“It’s important that we get together to remember our mates who have passed away doing a job we all love,” says event president Shaun Wood.

Once the memorial service was complete, the atmosphere shifted to celebration as the event made its transition to a family fun day where the trucks took centre stage.

Lined up for the show were 60 trucks, from companies as diverse as Trans Australian Livestock to Dial a Tow. Each rig had its own character and story to share.

While the trucks made a striking impression, the event boasted an array of other activities.

“You could enjoy the trucks on display, or the food vans, the silent auction or even the logbook throwing competition,” Shaun says.

“We’re really trying to slowly build our show up again to what it used to be before COVID hit.”

The tight knit community that gathered in Murray Bridge that day warmed many hearts including Shaun’s, who alongside his team, poured their hearts into the annual event.

“We’re all volunteers, it’s a lot of hard work but we love to do it for the families and their loved ones on the wall,” he says.

This memorial is an important part of trucking culture, where a community can gather in both joy and remembrance, to connect with those who harbour the same feelings of grief, and to honour those in transport who have put their lives on the line to do what they love.

Truck show winners

• Best Truck 0-6 months – Heidi

Twelve

• Best Truck 6 months – 2 years – Wayne Hicks

• Best Truck 2-8 years – Sargeant Livestock

• Best Truck 9-15 years – Garden Grove 950

• Best Truck over 15 years – Transtar (White/Orange)

• Best Truck over 1 million kms – Transtar (Orange/White)

• Best Tow Truck – Dial a Tow

• Best Rigid – Kuchel Contractors

• Best Vintage Truck – Kuchel Contractors

• Best Fleet – Garden Grove

• Cleanest Engine Bay – Kuchel Contractors

• People’s Choice – Steve Mitchell (Pat Harrold Transport)

• Truck of the Show – Will Cassidy (Trans Australian)

inductees were added to the memorial wall

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Heroes

OF THE ROAD

This year’s Camp Quality Convoy Geelong surpassed expectations, crushing its initial $250,000 fundraising target

Words: Tiane Gavillucci

Images: Geoff Colson

Photography

A red fleet of glistening Kenworths dazzled crowds

When Joff van Ek first pictured a sea of trucks roaring through the streets of Geelong for children facing cancer, he could have never imagined how far that vision would go.

Ten years later, Camp Quality Convoy Geelong gives Joff a sense of pride and joy annually.

“As a kid, I loved watching convoys with my dad, and when I lost a close friend to cancer as a teenager, I knew I wanted to do something meaningful to support organisations like Camp Quality,” he says.

“I contacted Camp Quality with the idea of a fundraising truck convoy in Geelong, and from there, the idea grew and came to fruition.

“I never imagined Convoy Geelong would grow into what it is today. Seeing hundreds of trucks stretching as far as the eye can see is an incredible feeling, and I’m proud to be part of an event that makes an incredible difference for kids and families in need.”

This year marked the 10th anniversary of Convoy Geelong, and what a celebration it was.

All up, 260 trucks took part in the event on

March 5, all beautifully prepared and ready for the popular Show and Shine.

“For 10 years, Convoy Geelong has united the trucking and transport industry with the wider community to make a life changing difference for kids facing cancer,” Camp Quality’s general manager of revenue Sandie Hall says.

“The generosity of our truckers, sponsors, and supporters over the past decade has been extraordinary, and we are so proud to celebrate this milestone event.”

Over 1,200 people came to the family festival, plus hundreds more lined the streets of Geelong to watch the convoy enroute.

Sandie says the day was a “tremendous success” and the “best yet” with families and supporters cheering the trucks on as they cruised on past.

“The Convoy didn’t just turn heads – it made some serious noise along the route, bringing smiles to kids and adults alike, all in support of kids facing cancer,” she says.

“The fleets really stood out for me this year, with businesses like PrixCar and Soilworx

Mario Gaffiero and family enjoying the family festivities

entering teams of drivers - Riordan’s fleet of red Kenworth’s was particularly impressive and hard to top.”

And this year, the event surpassed expectations, raising an impressive $296,000, shattering its initial $250,000 target.

A monster Mack led the charge as Lead Truck winner Brad Drew from Drews Plant Hire raised over $17,000 individually and over $38,000 as part of his team.

The convoy itself was an awe-inspiring spectacle, but there was plenty more to do and see at the Family Festival, with rides, face painting, roving entertainment, carnival activities, food trucks, garden games, music and award presentations too.

“The day provides a much-needed break from cancer for hundreds of Camp Quality kids and families, who have a truckload of fun, supported by our amazing volunteers,” says Sandie.

One of the most touching moments of the day was when some of the Camp Quality kids put on their judging hats and official vests and had the chance to judge the trucks for the Kid’s Choice Award, with this year’s honour going to Elex Muskee’s stunning Kenworth.

For Sandie, this convoy means so much not only to her, but of course to the many kids and families impacted by cancer.

The day itself is a celebration of months of hard work, from the fundraising efforts of our supporters to the Camp Quality team and community coming together to organise the event,” she says.

“It is also a great opportunity for the trucking community, who rarely have the chance to come together, to showcase their values, generosity, and community spirit in a fun and impactful way.

“The overwhelming success of Convoy Geelong this year is a testament to the

generosity and enthusiasm of the local trucking community, and families that attend.”

With a decade of memories and milestones behind them, Joff, Sandie and the Camp Quality team look forward to what the future holds for Convoy Geelong.

So, mark your calendars from now, as next year’s convoy promises to be even bigger, louder, and more impactful than ever before.

Awards:

• Highest Fundraising Truck – Brad Drew (raised over $17K)

• Highest Fundraising Community Team – Colac Crew (this team raised $45K)

• Highest Fundraising Corporate Team – Drews Plant Hire (this team raised $38K)

• Kids Choice Award (decided by 3 Camp Quality kids)

– Elex Muskee’s Kenworth Truck

• Best Presented Truck – The ‘Wolverine’ Truck from Drew’s Plant Hire

• Best Presented Fleet – Riordans

Camp Quality’s lovely staff and volunteers

Brad Drew and his lead truck that raised $17,090 individually

Lot 1-17 Jobson Road, Bolivar SA 5110

E: northsidetrailers@yahoo.com.au Nick: 0407 832 164 Robert: 0419 032 327

SOUTHERN CROSSTRIDROP DECK 2000,3waycontainer pins,Airbag suspension,Air Cylindertolift20ft container,Ringfeeder.

MITSUBISHIUNKNOWN6X4TipperTruck 1991,Approx900,000Km.S364.

VAWDREY4AXLEFLATTOPDOGTRAILER 2016,Approx25ft,Airbag,BPWAxles,10Stud, AlloyWheels,DiscBrakes,Winches.S4244. TA1252203. 38000+GST=$41,800

HAULMARK2DT 1993,2available.S414.

STEELBROSIDELOADER 2001,41Ft,airbag, spiderwheels,T/box,cablecontrol.Located Adelaide.S258.

3AXLE HAULMARK 1993,Approx24ft,15' Axles,spring,20' C/Locks,2xToolboxes, SpareWheel,Ramps.

AMTRAILERSSINGLEAXLE 2006,spring

GORSKITANDEMTIPPER 2022, Tandem Tipper.S417. TA1234447. 75000+GST=$82,500

GTETRI45FT-70FTEXTENDABLE 2011, Spring,10stud,3wayc/pins,timbercrate, RoadTrain,KHitchAxles.S413. TA1222665. 75000+GST=$82,500

TANDEM

2011,appx8.5mdeck, 4springer,10stud springsusp,hyd/elec ramplegs&rearramps. S363. TA1174302. 37000+GST= $40,700

A1BOGIETANKER 1988,spring,approx 22000Lalloy,spider wheels,5 compartment.S317. TA1132385. 37000+GST= $40,700

VAWDREY48FT TRID/DECK CURTINSIDER 2000,Airbags suspension.S366. TA1180902. 55000+GST= $60,500

UNBRANDEDSINGLE AXLETAG HydraulicRamps.S425. TA1259850. 18000+GST= $19,800

MAXITRANSTRI AXLEEXTENDABLE FLATTOP 2004,45ftClosed, Extendsto50ft.Airbag, Toolbox,10stud alloy,Steelfloor.Very CleanUnit.S412. TA1222662. 45000+GST= $49,500

BARRYSTOODLEY TIPPER COMBINATION 2004,A-5.7mx2500 B-8.4mx2600,airbag suspension,alloy.Canbe soldseparately.S374. TA1191486. 80000+GST= $88,000

KRUEGERA/BSET A-2000,B-2004. Airbag,containerA/B skel.S349. TA1167668. 50000+GST= $55,000

Against

THE ODDS

Sharna Chapman’s career journey has certainly had its share of ups and downs

Words and images: Warren Aitken

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times – I love the paths my profession leads me down.

Recently I journeyed down to the small Victorian town of Echuca in order to chase up another Female in Transport story.

Word had crept back to me about a young woman running her own fleet of trucks, balancing life as a mother, a driver and an owner. That sounded perfect for me. I would get the chance to show a plethora of possibilities for females within our industry.

I made contact with truckie, Sharna Chapman, and organised a time to have a sit down and quiet chat. I planned on a simple straightforward story. Instead, I have ended up with a story that packs in all the buzz words from every cliché motivational poster you have ever seen. Resilience, persistence, adaptability, honesty, commitment, perseverance – I could go on and on, but then I would never get to the actual story.

The long and the short is, my original intention was to write a Female in Trucking story for all those looking at transport as a career. The story I ended up with is one

I would like my daughter, my son, in fact everyone, to read. Sharna has shown that no matter what gets thrown in your path, you just keep going. Or, to put it into a cliché motivational poster term, ‘it’s not the size of the dog in the fight that counts. It’s the size of the fight in the dog’.

When I shook hands with Sharna before our interview, the first thing I noticed was the battle scars on her hands. There was oil and grease, complemented by prominent pink nail polish, rounded off with a finger wrapped and bandaged. The hands of a blue-collar worker. The office we sat in was strewn with paperwork, order forms and maintenance records. The workshop showed the remnants of a recent engine overhaul and the K108 parked outside was gleaming like it had just rolled off the factory floor. All of these visual cues were the responsibility of the young transport professional sitting across the desk from me. While it all seemed overwhelming, for Sharna it is all in a day’s work.

“I’m not here to make a million dollars,” she says.

Sharna with her eldest daughter Rhylee

“I just need to pay my bills. I’ve worked hard to get this far.”

That is the epitome of an understatement if ever I have heard one. Sharna has dealt with a messy divorce, dishonest brokers, crashed trucks, ill-intentioned managers, unreliable accountants and so much more, all just to keep her head above water. Like the infamous Martin Penwald, Sharna has rubber ducked it all and kept her head above water, looking calm, while below the surface she is paddling like mad.

Growing up in the rural setting of Victoria, hard work and dirty hands were nothing new to Sharna. Her dad floated between farmwork and truck driving for her entire childhood.

“I would go with dad every chance I could get,” she says, laughingly admitting that within 10 kilometres of leaving she would already be asleep.

“Dad used to say, ‘how can you sleep already, you’ve just slept all night and then you get in the truck and you’re asleep again?’. Credit where credit is due though, being able to sleep in an old T-line is no easy feat.

“I used to love going with dad. I remember doing a load of hay with him when I was about 12 and I just said, ‘dad I’m going to be a truck driver when I grow up’ and he said ‘no, that’s not going to happen’.

“I replied and told him it was going to happen.”

Sharna’s resolve was driven by the fact she hadn’t noticed many women in truck

driving roles at that stage, and she knew it was something she had an interest in and a passion for.

“Growing up on a farm, there were a lot of jillaroos, and on the dairy farms there was a lot of woman milking cows – my mum milked cows for 30 years, so working in male dominated industries wasn’t something new to me,” she says.

Sharna left school well before the government would give her a truck license and, as such, she took work in the farming industry instead.

Whilst Sharna avoids the linehaul work these days, she still spends plenty of time behind the wheel and therefore she has ensured the truck is styled in her liking

A very familiar sight in the Echuca workshop, Sharna hanging off the tools getting the work done

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“I got a job with a chaff mill when I left school, I really enjoyed that – cutting chaff, bagging it and delivering it,” she says.

“They had a rigid and a semi that we had to load and unload by hand. But it was a job, and I was making my own money, so I didn’t care.”

It may not be her favoured spot within the transport industry, but the office chair at Runnymede Trucking Company is just another domain that Sharna has had to learn and succeed in.

A couple of years there, a bit of time in an abattoir and next thing you know Sharna is married, she has a young daughter, Rhylee and trucking took a short back burner position.

The next chapter of Sharna’s life saw many things happen. Her new husband and father of her children was a farm worker and contractor, which in turn meant Sharna became a farm worker and contractor as well. The couple purchased a small truck for transporting their contracting gear around and subsequently, much to her father’s earlier disapproval, Sharna went and got her HR licence. This allowed her to get a bit of time behind the wheel rather than just sleeping in the passenger seat.

All of this work and family was taking place around the Elmore area of Victoria

and, within a couple of years, Sharna and her husband had built quite a successful company out of chicken catchers and manure distribution. I know it sounds like a weird combination, but it worked. Sharna was flat out looking after the books and, whenever she had the opportunity, she would get behind the wheel of the company’s truck and dog combination and either deliver or distribute manure. I did mention this young lady wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty, right?

By late 2017, with three kids to contend with and a very busy agricultural business, the couple decided to branch out with the purchase of a local transport company, Runnymede Trucking Company.

“We bought the business with the work, so we had five B-double set-ups,” she says.

“Luke and I also bought another 9-oh to help cover the workload.”

Three months into the new venture, life took a rather sharp turn when the couple split. Sharna’s husband handed the new business venture over to her, and in return took the house and the original agriculture business.

It was a very difficult time. Sharna knew the books, knew about hard work and knew a bit about trucks, but becoming the managing director of a transport company was a huge step. Fulfilling that role while also looking for a new family home and battling a divorce – well that’s a lot to take on.

I’m not going to go into the all the challenges that Sharna faced over the next few years as she took on the role of mother, relief interstate driver, bookkeeper and managing director. Suffice to say, hurdles like truck accidents, dodgy brokers and accountants, difficult staff and unscrupulous behaviour meant it was a very difficult learning curve for Sharna.

As the old saying goes though, ‘tough times don’t last, but tough people do’ – Sharna epitomises that mantra. Those first few years saw plenty of changes and challenges placed in front of Sharna. On their own, many of those challenges would have been enough for anyone to pack up their toys and head home – not Sharna though.

“It was really tough, but I had to make it work. I had no choice, I still to this day have no choice, I have to keep going,” she says.

Sharna is the first to heap praise on her new partner Shannon and her friends and family for helping her each and every day with keeping things afloat.

“I’m still here today because of what myself, Shannon and others have put into this” she says.

However, that in itself needs to be broken down a little. It wasn’t just her resilience that kept the wheels turning. It was Sharna’s ability to cover whatever role was needed at the time. Her adaptability and versatility.

When Sharna’s operations manager retired, she had to suddenly come out from behind the scenes and start dealing directly with customers at both ends of her client list. While this wasn’t her preferred role, she slipped into it with ease and built stronger relationships with them.

“We have a small select client base which is good, because you can make it very personal with them,” she says.

Another role that Sharna began filling that she was much happier about was the truck driving position.

“I started shuttling trailers for the drivers,” she says. “It makes their lives a lot easier, and I still do it now. I will run the trailers out to them, it saves them logbook hours and makes it safer for them.”

Another role that Sharna has become immensely proud of is her role as company service mechanic. The role came around due to financial restrains in the early years,

I had to snap this shot, a broken finger suffered during a tyre fitting, the pink nail polish and the bedded in work boots. It is a photo that sums up Sharna Chapman pretty well

DEALS Profile

however once Sharna started learning the ins and outs of the Cummins engines she runs, it became a task she thoroughly enjoyed.

Whilst the rest of the fleet has been getting upgraded, Sharna has stood by her K108. Her only changes being the addition of some bigger stacks and added noise. “I put some Adelaide mufflers on it, it sounds so good”

“I’d done a little bit of service stuff on the farms, but when things were tough, I decided to learn how to do my own servicing,” she says.

“All our trucks run Cummins, and I had a good mechanic who would teach and talk me through everything, even Face Timing me to talk me through the bigger jobs. I bought a set of the Cummins manuals myself and learnt from there.”

Sharna threw herself into the mechanic role just as she had with the operations manager role and the truck driver role.

“I’ve changed motors over, I’ve replaced

heads, I’ve rebuilt every truck I’ve owned,” she says with pride.

“I know my limits though; I will take care of the stuff.”

The bandaged finger I mentioned at the beginning is a testament to her hands-on approach.

As much as this story is about the versatility and resilience of this Victorian mum, she is the first to admit that it has been a team effort, and her survival is not just down to her.

“My partner Shannon – he has driven in this business for the past 13 years, so he’s been through the previous owners as well,” she says.

“He had a very good background of how things ran, so he helps a lot.”

He has also taken Sharna’s eldest daughter under his wing and allowed her to follow in her mother’s footsteps.

“Rhylee goes with Shannon a lot and wants to drive trucks when she’s old enough,” she says. “She also helps me in the workshop, servicing, rebuilds, everything. Plus, she works in the office on compliance stuff.”

It is difficult to shine a light on all the success Sharna has achieved without bringing up the battles she has faced, but that’s not what we want to focus on. The object of this story is to focus the light on the resilience and determination of this young mum. In a male dominated industry, she has taken on every role necessary – operations manager, compliance manager, truck driver, off sider,

mechanic, tyre fitter and owner. She has taken on all of these roles without question and without hesitation. She has learnt quickly in some cases and gradually in others, all in order to keep her dreams alive and to keep her drivers employed and her bills paid. She has achieved just that.

After all the trials and tribulations, the transport industry is still an arena that Sharna loves and believes is a great industry for women to get into in any aspect of. Sharna herself has proven that there is no domain a female can’t succeed in and with the right attitude and a whole truck load of grit, you can achieve. Like Sharna though, you need to be prepared to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty.

A bit of a selfie as Sharna is loading a trailer and getting ready to run it out to one of her drivers

DEALS Events

COBDEN

Classics

All around Victoria truck lovers flocked to Cobden for the annual Vintage Rally, where retro rigs stole the show

Words: Tiane Gavillucci

Images: Cobden Vintage Rally

Tractors through the ages were stars of the show

On a private farm 48 years ago, the Southwestern District Restoration Group created a modest rally, ignited by a simple desire to raise money for charity.

Once the farm was sold, they became situated at the old Cobden Racecourse Reserve in 2011, where 27 sheds lie with private collections inside, and the Cobden Vintage Rally, was born.

The weekend event was a hit - despite the warm weather – good spectator numbers came through the door over the weekend, March 8 to 9.

“People came from everywhere, Sea Lake, Hamilton, Bendigo, Ballarat and Shepparton, from all over the state,” event vice president Brian O’Shannessy says.

“There were plenty of stationary engines and a few cars on display.

“I’d say 1,500 to 2,000 people showed up on the weekend to see the few trucks that were there, there was around a dozen.”

There was an array of rare, beautifully restored vehicles that looked as though they had rolled out of the good ol’ days.

“There were rigs from the 70s, 50s even the 40s, some looked like they had come out of the paddock, 80 years old, but still ready to go,” he laughed. “And that’s what Cobden’s all about.”

“It’s just a really friendly event that everyone seems to join in on.

“You get all sorts of people, kids, families, older people who come into your shed and start telling you their life story.”

The auction was a central highlight for Brian, with 290 items up for grabs, but what sold him was the astounding quality of restored tractors and crawlers, along with the International Club of Victoria who brought along International trucks, tractors and vehicles.

Cobden was full of surprises that warm weekend, with old-school activities for even the kids to join in on.

“It was a bit of fun, we got some wooden bins, turned them upside down and placed them on a raised deck which was about eight metres long and the kids would roll the ball down,” he says.

A couple of Ferguson's

The side view shows this beast is still in good nick

Vintage rolling gear right here

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A proud owner shows how it's done

Graders have come a long way over the years

“There’s also a guy who’s got a shed at Cobden and he collects red head match boxes. You wouldn't believe how many different red head match boxes there’s been over the years, he's got a fantastic collection.”

“We have about three sheds now with portable steam engines in them. One of the members there, he’s got a setup from his portable steam engine overhead pulley and that runs some tools like drills, grinders, axles and clay.

“He’s got an amazing display that he's put a hell of a lot of work into.”

Running such an event is no small feat.

For Brian and his team, the rally is more than just a weekend of fun; it’s a crucial fundraiser that helps maintain and

improve the club's facilities.

“Every year we make a fair bit of money that we can put back into the club, like upgrading our underground power and street lighting, purchasing a new mower or we can build another club shed with that money,” he says.

Beyond the practicalities, the rally is also a way to give back with each year a portion of the proceeds going back to a local charity, ensuring the community benefits beyond the gates of the event.

As the sun set on the Sunday, the last steam engines chugged away and the big rigs rolled out, leaving the organisers no choice but to start gearing up for next year and share all that Cobden has to offer its residents and visitors alike.

SAMMUT SAMMUT

IVECOACCO2350F,NEW7.2MBEAVERTAIL BODY, ALLISONAUTO 2010,withnewSammutH/D7.2m Beavertailbody,Allisonauto,2.8mhydraulicramps, 800mmtoolbox,verytidyunit,comesreadytogowith NSWRW.J945. TA1260730. $89,000

KENWORTHT408CUMMINSISX97TRATED18SP 2010, 525hp,only940kkms,18spmanual,97trated,Meritor 46-160diffs,4.1diffratio,airbagsuspension,4790mm wheelbase,verytidytruck.Wecanmodifythistruckto suityourrequirements.J1661. TA1246996. $119,000

KENWORTHT403,CUMMINSISX,18SPMANUAL 2014, daycab,CumminsISXEGR,450hp,18spmanual,50t rated,3.9axleratio,4500mmwheelbase,airbag suspension,verytidytruck,comesserviced,workshop checkedandcompletewithNSWRW.J1668. TA1243175. $95,000

UDMK11250CONDOR 2013,Nissancabchassis,250hp, 11TGVM,6speed,willtakea7mtrtray,presentslikenew. Wecansupplyandfitbodyofchoice.J1645. TA1238235. $45,000

KENWORTHT408SARBUNK,CUMMINS525HP,ONLY 690KKMS 2008,18sp,97Trated,4.3ratio,5250 wheelbase,verytidyunit,comesworkshopchecked, servicedandcompletewithNSWRW.j1697. TA1251362.

$139,000

KENWORTHT388 2008,ITBunk,CaterpillarC-13ACERT, 18speedmanual,430hp,12,800Lchemical/watertank with2compartments,6.3mwheelbase,4.33diffratio, airbagsuspension.J1639. TA1248056. $109,000

KENWORTHT658CATC15FRESHREBUILD 2008,(under 10kkmsonfullrebuild)Totalkms893kkms,18sp,X locks,Sammuthardoxbody,electrictarp,Bartlethitch (canchangetoRF)workshopchecked.J1422. TA1235918. $198,000

$219,000

KENWORTHK200,ONLY665KKMS,HYDRAULICS, ICEPACK 2019,CumminsX15550hpwithgenuine665k kmsand10khours,18spmanual,hydraulics,97Trated, Icepack,towhitch,4.3diffratio,3950mmwheelbase, comesworkshopchecked,servicedandcompletewith NSWRW.j1748. TA1259326.

KENWORTHT610SARCUMMINSX15WITH0KMSON REBUILD 2018,18sp,70trated,Fuelkit,oneownerfrom new,verytidyunit,workshopchecked,servicedand completewithNSWRW.J1649. TA1241797. $169,000

KENWORTHT359IT 2016,36inchITbunk,hydrauliccar carrierframe,CumminsISMwith0kmsonrebuild,18sp automatedmanual,50Trated,verytidytruck.J1603,. TA1228807.

$139,000

KENWORTHT408SAR,CUMMINSNONEDPF 2010,day cab,18sp,4.3ratio,5.4wheelbase,12,800LChemical /Watertank,twocompartments,workshopchecked, servicedandcompletewithNSWRW.J1637. TA1240511. $149,000

KENWORTHT403,CUMMINSISX,18SPMANUAL,4.6M BIN 2011,450hp,Hardoxsteeltipperbody,4.6mlong, 1.3mhigh,electrictarp,ringfeder,airbagsuspension, comesworkshopchecked,servicedandcomplete.j1716. TA1256390. $139,000

For more info please visit us at

SAMMUT SAMMUT

KENWORTHT408SAR 2010,daycab,18sp,Cummins ISX15(noneDPF/Adblue),5.9mtrfactorywheelbase, tidyoneownertruck,comesservicedandworkshop checked.Wecansupplyandfitabodyofchoice.J1459. TA1238578.

$119,000

KENWORTHT610 2020,Cummins550hp,18sp,Rt46/160 diffs,4mtrwheelbase,Fuelkit,oneownerfromnew,very well-maintainedunit,comesWorkshopChecked,serviced andcompletewithNSWRW.J1602. TA1229249. $198,000

KENWORTHT359 2013,daycab,CumminsISME5440hp, Eaton18spauto,50trated,dualXlocksonly837kkms, oneownerfromnew,verytidytruckcomesworkshop checked,servicedandcompletewithNSWRW.J1609. TA1231221.

$139,000

KENWORTHT404SAR,CUMMINSGEN2PRE-EMISSIONS, 97TRATED 2007,18sp,dualcrosslocks,hydraulics,only 200kkmsonenginerebuild,DanaD46-170diffs,4.3drive axleratio,airbagsuspension,comesworkshopchecked servicedandcompletewithNSWRW.j1612. TA1258684. $129,000

$159,000

KENWORTHT409SAR 2016,2x2016KenworthT409SAR, CumminsE5,18sp,Twinstacks,oneownerfromnew, servicehistory,Workshopchecked,serviced,complete withNSWRW.J1593,J1594. TA1227110.

KENWORTHT359,85KKMSONREBUILTCUMMINS ISME5,AUTO 2012,ITbunk,CumminsISMe5440hp, Eaton18spauto,50trated,4.33diffratio,4260mm wheelbase,airbagsuspension,verytidytruck,comes workshopchecked,servicedandcompletewithNSWRW. J1560. TA1236748.

$129,000

KENWORTHT408ITBUNK,CUMMINSISX525HP,97T RATED 2010,18spmanual,DanaD46-170diffs,4280mm wheelbase,4.3driveaxleratio,airbagsuspension,comes workshopchecked,servicedandcompletewithNSWRW. j1641. TA1257487.

$98,000

KENWORTHT403,CUMMINSISX,18SPMANUAL,4.6M BIN 2011,2011KenworthT403,CumminsISX,450hp, 18spmanual,Hardoxsteeltipperbody,4.6mlong,1.3m high,electrictarp,ringfeder,airbagsuspension,comes workshopchecked,servicedandcomplete.j1716. TA1256390.

$139,000

KENWORTHT409 2014,CumminsISXE5,18sp,97trated, RT46/160diffs,4.3ratio,4500mmwheelbase,comes workshopchecked,servicedandcompletewithNSWRW. j1565. TA1229371.

$129,000

MITSUBISHIFIGHTER14.0 2015,only140kklms,270hp, 6speed,Airbagsuspension,6.4mtrbeavertail,7.7T payload,thistruckdrivesandpresentslikenew,comes workshopchecked,servicedandcompletewithNSWRW. J1632. TA1234997.

$119,000

KENWORTHT610,CUMMINSX15,18SPEEDAUTO 2018, 550hp,97trated,4.3diffratio,4.3mwheelbase,airbag suspension,bulbar,extremelytidytruck,comesworkshop checked,servicedandcompletewithNSWRW.J1696. TA1251859.

$155,000

KENWORTHT610S 2018,x2CumminsX15,550hp,97T rated,18spmanual,MeritorRT46-160GPdiffs,4.1diff ratio,cabcooler,airbagsuspension,bothtrucks are in excellentcondition,theycomeworkshopchecked, servicedandcompletewithNSWRWfor$149,000+GST each.j1720andj1729. TA1257050. $149,000

RISE AND Shine

Steven

White

has been in the metal polishing industry for 36 years. Here he shares his tips and tricks for keeping your truck spotless

Words: Kayla Walsh

Images: Steven White

Hose scratches, bird poo and truck wash stains marred this rig that was brought in

It’s no secret that Australian transport companies take great pride in their trucks.

Whether you’re bringing your fleet to a show or just heading down the highway, presentation is key.

That’s why custom metal polisher Steven White, who buffs rigs to perfection, is booked up over two months in advance.

“I have nearly 9,000 customers,” he says.

“The majority of them want to get their truck polished for presentation purposes – they turn up and the customer has more confidence in the company because the truck looks like a million bucks.

“Others are getting ready for truck shows

– like in January I polished 20 trucks for the Koroit truck show.”

Steven got into all things bling when he was just 16 years old.

“I didn’t have parents in the transport industry or anything like that,” he says.

“I suppose when you’re 16, you want to be ambitious.

“I did bull bars for four years and then went into chrome plating and metal polishing.”

After a hiatus making and polishing handrails for hotels and shopping centres, Steven got back into the truck biz in 2012.

He now runs his own company, Steve’s Custom Metal Polishing, in Terang, Victoria.

He takes great pride in his work, and is happy whenever he hears that a rig he’s polished has won a truck show.

He’s also pretty competitive, which keeps him motivated.

“A lot of people get into this business and do it for a while, and then they give up,” he says.

“It’s quite physical work, dirty and dusty work.

“A lot of it is done with machinery but you finish it off by hand.

“I guess I’m egotistical – I know I can do a better job than other people can!”

Steven works as many as 16 hours a day, with only his family helping him run the business.

(left) A T610 SAR bumper bar before Steven got his hands on it, (Right) all shined up and ready

“Both my sons, my daughter and my wife help out,” he says.

“I had my kids working with me when they were 14 – get them when they’re young!

“My wife will polish the tanks that are cloudy and mucky and she’ll turn them into a perfect mirror.”

Steven said there were a “lot of headaches” when teaching his wife how to polish, because there’s more to the work than you’d think.

“You have to get rid of the cloudiness or oxidation,” he explains.

“The polishing is initially done with heavy machinery – a standalone five horsepower machine with cotton and hemp mops and block compounds, which are a polishing compound.

“You then have to get rid of the swirls, because the mops can leave swirls on the aluminium and it looks bad.”

Even trucks that are fresh from the factory sometimes have to be polished.

“The bull bar companies are under the pump because there are so many trucks being made,” he says.

“Some of them are pumping out two or three bull bars a week and the polishers can’t keep up.

“So the transport companies are getting the trucks but there are swirl marks all over the bull bar, and they call me saying ‘I can’t drive it like this, can you fix it up for me?’”

Interestingly, polishing has certain limits in Australia, because of the glare of the sun.

“I sometimes do tankers and tipper buckets, but I can’t do a lot of them anymore,” he says.

“Only tankers are allowed to be polished in Victoria now, after tipper buckets caused some grass fires in paddocks.”

Over time, Steven has refined his craft and changed the way he does certain things.

“Because I’ve been doing this since I was 16, I’ve learned different practices and tried different methods,” he says.

Of course, metal polishing technology has also improved over time.

“Years ago, we used to use just cotton mops but now it’s a mix of cotton and hemp.

“You’ve got a steel ring in the centre and a

coupling plate that goes on and locks it into place.

“Those are new products from South Australia and they bring up a better finish and save us time.”

Steven does everything from brass to stainless steel to copper, and different metals require a different approach.

“The brass and the copper has to be lacquered with a clear acrylic coating once it’s polished,” he says.

“It goes green pretty quickly otherwise.

“You’ve got to learn how to repaint things –it's part of the job.”

He has excellent attention to detail, and no stone is left unturned.

“People often forget about the steps, because they are hard to polish,” he says.

“But if you walk around the truck and everything else is polished but the steps, you really notice it.”

He says there are certain mistakes he sees truckies making which should be avoided at all costs.

“Truckies should try not to wash the truck at a truck wash, because it leaves stains on the aluminium,” he explains.

“I tell customers to use Morning Fresh dishwashing liquid.

“It leaves no stains on the aluminium, and it won’t contribute to oxidising it.”

Steven says that the fewer products you buy to wash your truck, the better, because many of them leave a waxy residue.

He also recommends using old flannelette sheets rather than t-shirts as a polishing rag.

“Some t-shirts have nylon stitching and nylon can really scratch aluminum,” he says.

“Flannelette sheets are basically all cotton so they work well.”

He warns against using a scourer to get rid of bugs.

“Customers will use a Scotch-Brite scourer and scratch their trucks, and then they come to me saying ‘Argh, what have I done!’

“I tell them if they use the Morning Fresh and wash their whole truck in it, the bugs will just fall off.

“They look at me like I’m crazy, but it works.”

These cloudy hubcaps (left) needed some attention... (right) after Steven worked his magic

Steven has been in the metal polishing business since he was 16

Supporting

FELLOW TRUCKIES

The trucking community is always there to support each other, and it was no different this

Words: Tiane Gavillucci

Images: Highway

Photography & Trevor Davis

year at the Clunes Historic Vehicle Show

The trucking community is tight knit and supportive.

Truckies from all across Australia are always keen to help out a fellow rig lover, and for this year’s 14th Clunes Historic Vehicle Show, that’s exactly what they did.

Check out this beauty!

The Historical Commercial Vehicle Club (HCVCA) initiated this event, but member Murray Pope was the one who “pestered” the president of the club to open up a Ballarat branch.

Branch president Chris Londish says it wasn't long after the Ballarat branch was inaugurated that the HCVCA decided to have their own display day at the Clunes Showground, where it’s been held ever since.

“This show was our way of tributing Murray because he's been quite ill, so us, along with his family were worried that this show may be his last one,” he says.

“They managed to bring three of his restored trucks, plus the truck he drove around for 23 years.

“We had his Commer Knocker that he’s restoring, an R190 Prime Mover with a big petrol engine, a big 406 and a restored 1950 Albion Prime Mover.”

What’s truly unique about the historical Clunes show is the diversity of machines on display. The rule is simple, all vehicles must be at least 25 years or older.

“There was everything from a 1924 Dodge Buckboard, right up to a Mack Super-Liner,” Chris says. “Most of the rigs were small, old trucks from the 30s, 40s and 50s, just displaying Australia’s trucking history.”

Chris says the day was an “absolute banger” and one of their best shows yet.

With 110 big rigs standing proud on the grounds, it was the biggest turn up on a

Highway Photography

Retro rigs rolled up to showcase their gleaming

Image: Highway Photography

All vehicles on display must be at least 25 years or older. Image: Highway Photography

A bright yellow Leyland turned heads at Clunes. Image: Highway Photography

This year marked the 14th event of the Clunes Historic Vehicle Show. Image: Highway Photography

This dazzling Kenworth caught the eye. Image:

chrome.

Rigs like these are hard to miss. Image: Highway Photography

Blue skies got the people of Clunes out the house and into the showgrounds!

This International takes many back to the good ol’ days

Crowds couldn’t get enough of this gleaming chrome

You got to love the vintage look

A rig as outstanding as this is hard to look away from

Old and rustic, many truck lovers’ favourite

Who doesn’t love an old school Dodge

Dressed in all white, this Ford has some character

Saturday night they have ever had.

“By 11am on Sunday, the arena was full of all types of machinery, cars, stationary or antique engines.”

The weekend wasn’t just a great help for Murray, but for another young truckie who is quite unwell and has a family.

The trucking community got to work once again, hosting a charity auction and raising about $8,000 for one of their own.

And the show’s charitable spirit continued to shine, with this year’s contribution pushing their donations to around $30,000 to local causes over the years.

“It felt nice to bounce back from last year as it went terribly, we had the chair kicked out from under us,” he says.

“Both days were 40 + (degrees celsius) , and we broke even which wasn’t good because we give all our money raised to charity.”

Chris says his team aren’t the ones who need the money, donating the raised funds to charities like Fiona Elsey, CWA Lismore and a young truck driver who lost his legs in a rollover.

“What’s the point of keeping the money in the bank? We don’t have a home for our members, just a trailer we store all our things in.”

So, as the community, alongside historic vehicle enthusiasts from all over, gather to pay homage to the machines that have shaped the past century, Chris couldn’t be prouder of his team and their sponsors as the show reaches new heights.

With the support of the community, Clunes will continue to thrive and offer truck lovers a chance to show off their preserved history, supporting those in need of a little help along the way.

Avoca Transport appeared with this monster machine

Trucks like this Kenworth, put a smile on many faces

FINDING THE MISSING

Kenny

After losing track of the whereabouts of his father’s 1972 Kenworth for 10 years, Adam Care goes on a journey of rediscovery and restoration

Words: Tiane Gavillucci

Images: Adam Care

The rig nowadays in its current form

You often hear stories of truckies who began in the transport industry because they grew up with their dads on the road.

Adam Care is much the same, but he tells the tale of his father's rediscovered truck, after it went missing for 10 years.

He first laid eyes on the 1972 Kenworth K125 in 1977, when his dad purchased it to run interstate between Melbourne and Brisbane full time. He had it until 1987 when it was sold.

As a young boy, Adam was surrounded by the hum of its engine, learning the ins and outs of what made this machine tick.

The truck wasn’t just a tool for his father’s transport business, but part of the fabric of his childhood.

After the truck sold, it drifted out of Adam’s life for a while, but even then, he could never shake the bond.

“When I was a teenager doing my apprenticeship, my dad’s Kenworth came into the shop, the motor was blown up,” he says.

Growing up with it, Adam knew this truck back to front, though he was still in the process of learning his apprenticeship, he ended up working on the truck for its new owners.

They ended up pulling the motor out and placing a smaller 892 Detroit in.

“I always kept an eye on its whereabouts, but it then went missing for about 10 years and I had no clue where it went,” he says.

The Kenworth has had many previous owners

“Then all of a sudden, it turned up in Ararat Victoria, in the hands of a man named Steve Stackpoole.

“I made the four hour trek over to see the Kenworth and explained to Steve how that truck was my fathers.”

Steve wasn’t willing to sell it, but five years went by, and an email changed everything…

“I received a message from Steve saying he was going through a divorce, and it was time to let things go. So, I went straight over and bought the Kenworth.”

After years of investigating and quietly hoping, Adam was reunited with his family truck, and now, it was finally time to get to work.

Funnily enough, the smaller Detroit he placed in the Kenworth all those years ago as an apprentice was still in there, so he started

Adam lost the location of this truck for a decade

MacFie’s Transport owned this rig before the Cares

The teal, brown and white were the famous MacFie’s colours

off by replacing it as he knew it would be “totally destroyed”.

“I rebuilt a V12 engine and got the interior all done up, and then started to put everything back to how it was meant to be,” he says.

This truck is one of six factory-built Australian cabovers fitted with a huge V12

When Adam was a 1618 year old apprentice, he worked on this truck again

“I then had a big truck accident and broke my back in five places, I got knocked around quite a bit and it took me a while to get back to work.

“I went back to working as a mechanic and would use the Kenworth as a toy at home. I had it for another 10 years, did a few loads with it and played around a bit, it wasn’t a full time truck anymore.”

Adam was then told that a few folks were looking for a V12, and he knew he was never going to get rid of it to just anyone, it had to go to the right person.

Dean Hurlstone recently secured the big rig and plans on pulling it back to bare chassis rails to transform it back to its original glory.

Currently it features a 13 speed road ranger gearbox, Eaton differentiator and torsion bars suspension.

The 1972 Kenworth is no ordinary truck. It's one of only six factory-built Australian cabovers fitted with a huge 12V7IN Detroit diesel engine.

“This is the only complete one left now, so I wish her all the best as she receives a long deserved ground up restoration by her new owner, I can’t wait to see the final product.”

Originally the Kenworth was white with teal and brown stripes, but in ’77 Adam’s dad received it as a red and white rig. It has stayed this way up until this very day.

“It’s going back to its original MacFie’s Transport teal and brown colour again,” he says.

“It’s a well-known Aussie truck those MacFie’s V12’s, and there were only six ever built, this is the last one in Australia.”

Adam has carried forward his father’s legacy, along with some history of Australian trucking.

But with the truck’s restoration underway, the Kenworth legend is now able to live on reborn, and return once again, to its prime.

you have a great story to

At Deals on Wheels, we love nothing better than to celebrate the hard work our readers put into restoring trucks, organising events and attending truck shows.

If you have news you’d like to share, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing our editorial team on geoff.crockett@primecreative.com.au or Tiane.Gavillucci@primecreative.com.au or calling 0421 299 963.

If you’d like to have every edition of Deals on Wheels delivered to your door, check out our subscription deals by scanning the QR code.

ACCO’S

Second life

Facebook Marketplace led Frank Vella to fixing up an old 1981 Acco 610A farming truck he uses for truck shows

Words: Tiane Gavillucci

Images: Frank Vella

Frank’s truck loading up the tractors

There’s nothing quite like a classic farm truck to do your dirty work, one that’s trusty and can do the job right.

Frank Vella’s 1981 Acco 610A isn’t your typical vintage vehicle, one that you’ll find polished and pristine in a showroom with a perfect coat of wax and no hint of a past life.

On his hunt for a hard working rig, he initially planned to track down an International C 1600 or D 1610 through Facebook Marketplace, although the only ones available were rusted out.

Frank’s leisurely scroll led him to discovering his 1981 Acco with the carrying capacity he was after.

“My background in transport goes back to potato farming on my family farm on the Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria,” he says.

“At one stage, we had a farm truck that was a white Acco 1810C, very similar to my 610A but bigger.”

Frank bought the old Acco in August 2021 from a young man who used the truck to carry his old international tractor to vintage machinery rallies.

“Its condition was excellent for an Acco as it had minimal rust, Accos were notorious for rusting even though the cabs were treated for anti-corrosion, later cabs were galvanised,” he says.

Despite its simple appearance, the truck is a living testament to a time when vehicles were built to work.

The 610A’s narrow cab is a feature that sets it apart from its bulkier counterparts and acts as a glimpse into the history of Australian farming, where practicality and durability were top priority.

“My truck has a 345 V8 on dedicated gas, the advantage is that it’s cheap to run and widely available in my locality,” he says.

Though it may be slow on the road with a top speed of 80kph and up to 90kph downhill, Frank says the driving experience is what he enjoys most.

Even though the truck is old enough to have seen multiple generations of farming life, it still has a lot of miles left in it, thanks to the thoughtful maintenance by its previous owners, who spent lots of money on the

The farm truck’s purpose now is to take these tractors to vintage rallies

Acco’s brakes, power boosters, vacuum tanks and suspension.

When Frank finally got his hands on the Acco, not much work was needed, five tyres were in great condition and only one needed replacing.

“The brakes also weren’t working at the time, but it turned out to be a simple issue,” he says.

“One brake shoe bleeder was missing; I’ve never even heard of them falling out.”

A quick fix from Frank and it was back on the road!

It’s not all about keeping the truck functional however, it was then time for Frank to add his own personal touch.

“I dressed it up a bit by fitting working air horns, a replica air conditioner, chrome hubcaps and painting in some red stripes, which has really amped up its look compared to being a plain faded white rig,” he says.

“It will never win trophies at shows because it only looks like a farm truck, but as I said, it’s fun to drive.”

Frank’s 610A may not be a showstopper in the traditional sense and doesn’t quite do the work it was initially meant for, but it’s found a different purpose.

The Acco is now registered on a club permit with the International Harvester of Australia,

working to attend club events and local vintage machinery rallies carrying tractors or farm machinery.

Frank offers a warm invitation to anyone who may encounter him and his trusty farm truck down dusty lanes.

“I look forward to seeing you readers on the road, and I hope that I don’t hold you up.”

This old workhorse is still great to look at

Powerful

IN PINK

Inspiration, passion and patience. JATEC Transport’s Caitlin Barlow talks about getting her HC licence and inspiring the next generation

Words: Daniel Woods

Images: Caitlin Barlow

Caitlin Barlow takes the wheel of JATEC Transport’s new pink truck.

The more people who can empathise with the day-to-day trials and tribulations faced by truck drivers around the country, the better – especially if they’re helping call the shots at recognisable transport companies across the nation.

JATEC Transport’s Caitlin Barlow has grown up around the transport industry, and within the JATEC system. After all, given the company’s name is an acronym of the initials of all her immediate family, she literally puts the ‘C’ in JATEC.— it’s in her blood.

Like so many who elect to make this industry their life, Caitlin has grown up around trucks and other heavy vehicles. Her father, Troy, and mother, Jane, started the company back in 2003, and after two decades of transporting pallets in and around New South Wales, it has expanded north into Queensland to now also operate out of Brisbane.

Caitlin has progressed to the position of General Manager in the family business, and over the past year or so has embarked on a mission to gain a greater understanding of truck drivers, the issues and risks they face, and the day-to-day challenges that rear up at those taking on life on the road.

Now, about a year after earning her heavy rigid licence, she’s taken the next leap and acquired her heavy combination licence.

“Getting my heavy rigid licence was something that came across my desk through the Iron Women program, and I figured it was something I should do considering I run a transport business,” Barlow reflects.

“I wanted to have a better understanding of what the drivers go through, and then once I got my rigid licence it was almost addicting.

“I figured ‘I’ve done this one now’, so I made the decision to come back in 12 months’ time and get my heavy combination licence.

“The empowerment you feel when driving a prime mover with a fully loaded trailer on the back is just unreal, and now I’m able to relate to drivers more when they come in with issues because I have that better understanding of what it takes to drive one of these trucks.

“I definitely didn’t realise just how poor some of the driver behaviour is out on the road and there’s some crazy dangerous driving going on by some people using cars, so you have to be on high alert the whole time which I found really interesting.

“Now I also have that understanding of what you can and can’t see when you’re behind the wheel because you’re so high up, and reflecting on it I feel like that’s a really crucial thing for me to understand.”

It would have been easy for Caitlin to get her HC licence and just leave it at that – and easier still to never even start the process, but she is never someone who has done things by halves.

She’s a continuous collaborator with Transport Women Australia Limited, was named the 2023’s Emerging Leader by Road Freight NSW and is a key champion promoting both diversity in the industry and the opportunities that exist within it.

She is now one of the transport industry’s most powerful and vocal allies who is passionate about helping create wholesale change within the industry and painting it as a more attractive career prospect for those outside of it.

So, in celebration of not only earning her HC licence, but also for intensely championing outcomes for women in transport, she had one of JATEC’s Volvo prime movers wrapped

in pink company livery – and not necessarily with the knowledge or prior approval of other key members of the business.

“I don’t even know if I asked dad actually, I think he only saw it once it got wrapped,” Caitlin laughs.

“It is something that has always been a longterm goal in my head, and the rest of the team at JATEC knew it was something I wanted to do.

“I called Fleetmark, who wrap the rest of our trucks, and told one of their general managers, Leanne, that I had this idea and asked if she could make it happen. It was an ultimate show of girl power.

“The process of getting my licence made me stop and think about the Iron Women program and all the ladies that are so

JATEC’s new pink truck stands out against its traditional blue

The pink UD truck that inspired it all

important to me, and I really wanted to showcase women in the industry.

“I thought wrapping one of our trucks pink was the least I could do.”

The pink wrap was completed at Fleetmark in time to celebrate International Women’s Day

“International Women’s Day was about 10 days away, and it got done just in time – so that was another really cool part of getting the truck wrapped.

“When I drove it back to the yard it was definitely a head turner. Everyone was looking, and that made me even more proud to be driving a pink JATEC truck while wearing a pink JATEC shirt.”

Utilising pink trucks to promote diversity outcomes within the transport industry is becoming a mainstay on Australian roads, and JATEC’s pink Volvo is yet another addition to a continually strengthening sector.

Being part of JATEC Transport’s second generation, Caitlin knows all the passions and the pitfalls associated with growing up in the industry, and the challenges it presents young people who are looking to forge their own careers.

She says she hopes her experiences and the truck will be able to continue to inspire the next generation of transport professionals.

“It’s something I’m really passionate about.

Nowadays you can’t take young kids out in the truck as much as I used to go out with my dad when I was little, so you have to really incite that passion for trucks early,” she says.

“Unfortunately, one of the hindrances in the transport industry is you can’t get your truck licence until you’re older, whereas kids can go into other trades when they’re 16 or 17.

“To get your heavy rigid or heavy combination licence, you have to line it up with getting your p plates, so you have to inspire kids when they’re young to keep going and get into transport, because we don’t want to lose them in their teenage years.

“We have a family day once a year to make sure we give the opportunity for JATEC staff to take the kids out in the trucks with them, and it’s always the little girls that are super impressed and want to go for a drive.

“This year we’ll have a blue truck and a pink truck, take everybody out with us and hopefully inspire some future truck drivers.

“It’s really cool to be able to drive through and hopefully inspire the next generations.”

Given Caitlin’s responsibilities behind the scenes at JATEC Transport, it’s unlikely she’ll be completing regular runs in the new pink truck.

She says she’s keen to get behind the wheel and get her hands dirty as much as she can, but the day-to-day operation of the vehicle has been put to the floor to see who wants to take it on.

“I’m definitely keen to go out and do some loads myself, but I might have to have someone come with me and help me throw the straps,” she says.

“I put it out to the team and asked if anyone in particular wants to drive the pink truck, and the driver that will ultimately be driving it most days is a guy called Abshir.

“Abshir has six kids, and most of them are girls. He said he wants to drive it to try and

inspire his girls and show it’s an inclusive industry.

“There were plenty of people who put their hands up and were more than happy to drive the truck.

“There are still a lot of different assumptions in the industry, and there is still some negative stigma, but that is changing.

“Whenever you do come across a bit of a differing opinion you just have to explain where you’re coming from and your thoughts around it.

“Nine times out of ten, that will help foster the positive change we want to see.”

The Volvo Iron Women program operates out of Wodonga TAFE where Caitlin was awarded her heavy combination licence earlier this year

Steering

THE FUTURE

A mobile education hub is manoeuvring children and students of all ages into an understanding of trucks and the world of transport

Words: Tiane Gavillucci

Images: Nick Dolan Copper Donkey Photo

Crowds of people have been lining up to explore the inside

Unless you’re in transport, you probably wouldn’t understand what it’s like to be behind the wheel of a truck, infinitely chasing the white line mile by mile.

It’s said that many light vehicles drivers move recklessly around big rigs, because they don’t recognise the dangers that can come with it.

Although trucks are a key pillar in Australia, it’s surprising how little education Aussies have regarding these issues, including how to drive safely next to a heavy vehicle.

For 40 weeks of the year, Steering the Future cruises around nationally, visiting schools and truck shows, educating the next generation on trucks and transport.

“Depending on what a school requires for example, we may do a driver education week on interacting and driving safely and confidently around heavy vehicles on the road,” says Steering the Future part owner Collette Forsyth.

“We will talk to these kids about blind spots, stopping distances, how trucks need

more space when turning or going around roundabouts, and teaching them to be alert even when they’re in the car with their parents.”

But this is only the start of what they do… Collette and her husband Craig, along with business partners Glenn ‘Yogi’ and Amanda Kendall, are on a mission to promote positive perceptions of truckies and the industry that comes with it.

They’ve hit the road to talk to any that are willing to listen about the diverse career paths available in transport within their unique mobile classroom.

“It's not just about truck driving, but all of the things that come with it, your diesel mechanics, auto electric and panel beaters, spray painters, pipe fitters, warehousing and logistics, the vast variety of jobs that are available,” she says.

“We talk about companies that support us, like Don Watson and John West Logistics, who actually have career pathways and training programs available to people that are

interested, so if people come to us and want to get started in transport, we can direct them the right way.”

‘If we don't have any connections in the area we're in however, we're happy to do some research for them and find out how to get them into the industry.”

Collette says they are very proactive in promoting the transport industry in a positive light and encouraging people to be a part of and understand it better.

“We actually put the kids into the vehicle so they can view what truckies see and understand their lifestyle by showing them the bed in the back of the cab,” she says.

“It's really good for kids to understand a truck drivers routine as well so people understand the commitment and what we give up to do the job that we do.”

Collette and her part owners have taken what was once the ATA Safety 360 trailer, revamped it, and turned it into an educational powerhouse.

When COVID hit, ATA couldn’t use the trailer for what it was originally designed for, so when the pandemic was finally over, Collette says she believes ATA found the momentum hard to get back into.

In the past, Craig was someone who used to build and transform exhibitions, so being an advocate for this industry for many years, this project was his calling.

“It has always been a dream of his to have something like Steering the Future on the road to educate people, so when the opportunity became available for the ATA trailer, we took it,” says Collette.

Mid last year they picked up the trailer and took it straight down to Melbourne to be

rebranded as the Steering the Future truck we see today.

The truck pulling the trailer on the other hand is business partner and Outback Truckers star, Yogi’s 1997 Kenworth T900. They designed the truck to be eye catching and consist of red, white and black to continue with the theme of their business and match with the other resources they hold.

While the outside of the truck is magnificent, the inside is just as impressive - as well as important - with Collette and her team creating an interactive learning experience within the trailer.

Steering the Future attends truck shows, school and even corporate events

Students can be of all ages, old and young

“The kids can come through to the cab and toot the horn, then have some fun on the driving simulators,” she says.

“We figure if we can get better car drivers, we're going to end up with better truck drivers overall.”

“The kids get to sit and learn safely about basic road rules and go through some modules, pre learner type engagement. We have videos playing that are supplied to us from the NHVR about trucks needing space and blind spots that play on a loop, there’s heaps of education inside the trailer.”

While Steering the Future mainly visits truck shows and schools, sometimes they attend corporate events.

The inside of the trailer can be customised to the event they’re attending and the age of students they will be teaching so it is suitable for all learners.

The response to this initiative has been nothing short of incredible says Collette, with 30 people lined up out the door all day at the Newcastle Convoy for Kids recently.

There’s a constant stream of people interested in interacting with the trailer.

People regularly approach Collette to share their positive feedback or ask for their services at an event they know soon approaching.

The Forsyth’s and the Kendall’s want to continue making change for the transport industry, promoting it in a positive way and encouraging more people to get involved.

“I don't know whether we'll ever be able to gauge how many lives we may have saved by teaching them about driving on the road, but our goal is to continue to advocate,” she says.

“As long as we've inspired people to come on board, or we've educated someone about truck blind spots so they can drive more

safely, patiently and confidently around trucks, then we're doing exactly what we set out to do.”

What started as a dream to educate and inspire has grown into something much bigger, and the Forsyth’s, along with their business partners, aren’t stopping anytime soon.

“We're just four people that have been in the industry for many years that, we don’t have millions of dollars, we just want to make a difference.”

To book a safety truck for an upcoming event, please contact Craig Forsyth through email craig@truckinlife.net.au or contact number on 0458 682 294 or fill out an expression of interest form on www. steeringthefuture.com.au for anyone wanting to enquire.

This trailer educates students on blind spots, safety around heavy vehicles and transport industry careers

‘Steering the Future’ in all its glory The driving simulator never fails to entertain

DEALS Showcase

TRUCK

Treasure trove

For more than 27 years Western Sydney’s WTP Pty Ltd has been servicing the truck industry with second hand trucks, trailers, truck bodies, cabs and spare parts

Magic happens every day in the big shed at 24 Coombes Drive in Penrith, NSW.

BEFORE: Kenworth T359 10 Wheeler just waiting for an upgrade

AFTER: Tipper body fitted and the Kenworth is ready to go to work

The shed is home to WTP Pty Ltd, a father and son business operated by Ray (father) and Anthony Wehbe (son) since 1998.

It’s in this shed that Ray, Anthony and the experienced WTP team go to work for their customers, stripping old trucks for parts,

cleaning up trucks for re-sale, or adding truck bodies to chassis’ in preparation for a new line of work.

The business also stocks engines, fuel tanks, Fuller and Eaton gearboxes, assorted truck seats, bull bars, bumper bars, tipping bodies, tautliners, panels and parts.

For those who love a truck restoration,

WTP Pty Ltd, would be well worth putting on your radar for hard-to-find parts and the occasional classic truck in need of a truck lover’s attention.

As you would expect of a buying, selling, and wrecking business WTP’s stock list is constantly changing too. At the time of writing the team had listed 116 different items for sale via their tradetrucks.com.au dealer page (search WTP from the home page to find them).

The range is impressive and eclectic –ranging from a $143,000, 2010 Mack MetroLiner set up as a water tanker, to a Steel Tipping Body for $11,000 and a Cummins 14 Litre Big Cam 3 engine for $11,000. And there’s plenty more.

Ray, who has been in the heavy vehicle motor industry for more than 50 years, said the business was focused on customer satisfaction.

“We try our best to satisfy our customers and to make them a part of our business,” he says.

“Our goal is to sell an extensive range of used trucks and trailers and to modify these according to the customer’s requirements.

“We also have a large range of spare parts.”

To find out more about WTP Pty Ltd go to wtpptyltd.com.au, call Ray on 0417 881 020 or Anthony on 0408 277 770, or email wtpptyltd@hotmail.com

This 10 Wheel Volvo FH13 has a new purpose in life having been kitted out with tipper body with tarp

The magic happens at WTP PTY LTD's in Penrith, where engines, gearboxes, and countless spare parts can be found for sale too too

Cross-country

COLLABORATION

Feel-good stories often aren’t hard to come by in the transport industry, but this one might just take the cake.

Words: Daniel Woods

Images: Uniforms 4 Kids

Centurion’s partnership with Uniforms 4 Kids is one of the great unspoken collaborations of the transport industry

Everyone loves a feel-good story, and the transport industry is chock full of them. Every week we hear about drivers, operators or organisations doing their best to lift people who might need a helping hand. In fact, they’re often featured in this publication.

For every story that is told though, there could be 1000 that aren’t, and the association of national transport operator Centurion with charity Uniforms 4 Kids is one of the great, untouched industry partnerships.

Uniforms 4 Kids has been helping clothe in need children across Australia and the Pacific Islands for close to a decade now. After it was started in 2015 by former police officer Yvonne Patterson, it became a registered charity in 2018 and has since grown to operate right around the country.

For the past five years, Western Australiabased Centurion has taken care of the transport needs of the Queensland-based charity, and since its involvement started in 2020, the scope of its operations has soared.

A key point of difference in Uniforms 4 Kids’ mission is its repurposing of donated law enforcement and emergency services uniforms that would have otherwise been disposed of an ended up in landfill.

Instead, they’re turned into all manner of clothes, bags and blankets that have touched

regional and remote communities across Australia and beyond.

In doing this, Uniforms 4 Kids also reinforces positive relationships between children and emergency services like police and fosters a sense of community for its volunteer sewers – many of whom are retirees.

Anne Macdonald is one of the driving forces behind the charity as its operations coordinator and director. As a former Queensland police officer with a stellar career behind her, she has seen firsthand the positive impact the charity’s operations are able to have

She says the transport industry, through Centurion’s involvement, has been crucial at not just helping the charity thrive, but in simply keeping it alive.

“Without them, we would not be able to exist in the capacity we do today,” Macdonald says. “There is no way we would have the reach or the ability to distribute what we do.

“We used to use Australia Post to take everything around the country before Centurion came on board. I’ve got nothing against Australia Post, but you can imagine how much money that was costing us.

“It was so cost prohibitive in terms of what we wanted to do, and what we could do,

because we were only small back then.

“Centurion doesn’t care whether I ring them and say I’ve got one box of clothing to go to Port Douglas, or I’ve got 10 boxes of clothing to go to Western Australia or Victoria.

“They don’t care what quantity I’m sending. As we need to send it, we’re able to send it.”

If Macdonald is a driving force behind Uniforms 4 Kids, Centurion executive general manager of strategic development Craig Blyton is a driving force behind Centurion’s involvement.

Blyton straddles the middle of this relationship between this great charity and this national transporter. Aside from being one of Centurion’s major executives, he also sits on the Uniforms 4 Kids board.

With collaborations like this, it would be easy for drivers and those on the ground to be unaware of the good they’re doing in taking these items from point a to point b anywhere in the country, but Blyton says awareness of the crucial work goes right down the organisational chain, and it’s a feel-good story that permeates through the company.

“Everyone that’s involved in this from the delivery driver that comes and picks it up to the people that are delivering all the way up the line are more than happy to pitch in,” Blyton says.

“We do briefings for the staff, we have it in our newsletters, and we do all sorts of things to make sure everyone is aware – and it’s not just Uniforms 4 Kids, although this is a cause that is, personally, very close to my heart.

“Everyone that’s involved really understands it, and you can see the smiles on their faces as they’re doing it. Then, everyone can see the outcome, which is so, so positive.

“It’s a really great thing for everyone to be involved with.”

With such razor thin margins operating in the transport industry, it would be easy for companies to limit their association with charitable organisations across the country,

but Blyton says it is the responsibility of companies the size of Centurion to pitch in at all levels of the supply chain to enable the support of people across Australia.

“For companies the size of Centurion and in the markets we’re dealing in, especially in the geographies we play in and deliver to, I think it’s our obligation to do things like this where we’re giving back.

“In weighing up the pros and cons, I couldn’t see any reason whatsoever why we wouldn’t be a part of this.

“It helps our friends at the police bridge

The collaboration puts a smile on the face of everyone at Centurion according to Craig Blyton

The charity started as a way to recycle old police uniforms that would otherwise end up in landfill

Forming stronger relationships between police and rural communities is a key part of what Uniforms 4 Kids aims to achieve

the gap with the people that are requiring this help, it helps the sewing groups get out of the house and build some camaraderie, and in the end result you’re actually doing something with clothes that would end up in landfill, and they’re now going to kids that would otherwise not have had clothes.

“We should be doing things like this to help people out and make sure we’re part of a

Centurion helps the charity reach all corners of Australia

social fabric that brings some good.

“It’s not a big imposition on us financially, they’re in the areas we operate and we’re travelling to anyway, and our drivers are heavily involved.

“There’s a little bit of cost involved, yes, but in the big scheme of things the outcomes you’re getting for these kids that would otherwise not be clothed properly through no fault of their own, is perfect.

“We just have to put a couple of extra cartons on to have a big impact in peoples’ lives.

“There’s plenty of bad things going out there, so for our people to be able to do some good that puts a smile on everyone’s faces, it makes perfect sense.”

Centurion with its willing and able drivers has been able to help support a huge expansion in Uniforms 4 Kids’ ability to reach all corners of Australia in all aspects of its operations.

Macdonald says one of the most incredible parts about the ongoing partnership, though, is the speed and willingness with which Centurion moves Uniforms 4 Kids’ fabrics and clothes. The charity is by no means an afterthought.

“We’re very lucky to have this wonderful company in Sydney donate some fabric to us,” Macdonald says. “Centurion organised to go to this company and pick up the fabric, then they took it to their major hub in Newcastle

and sent it up to me on the Sunshine Coast.

“I had it within three days.

“They’re not just putting something on a truck if there’s space available, they put it on the trucks as they’re going, and it’s just amazing.

“It’s not just fabrics and clothing though. We supply library bags, soft toys, pencil cases with pencils in them, we supply blankets to the ambulance service to give to kids who might be frightened, and we give things to a variety of domestic violence shelters, children’s wards in major hospitals, and that’s all aided by being able to move things quickly and get them to where they need to go.”

Whether it be made from uniforms sourced from the police, ambulance services, fire services, the SES, or Australia Zoo, Uniforms 4 Kids is once again springing into action to help those who have been impacted by the recent weather events that have smashed Queensland and New South Wales.

From the repeated flooding occurring in Far North Queensland and Townsville, to the damage left behind by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales, the charity is one of countless organisations Australia-wide that is helping pick up and dust off the impacted residents of the areas.

Only recently 900 items of clothing were given to children in the Townsville and Ingham regions, with Centurion transporting

the clothes and handing them over to the Townsville district officers.

To date, roughly 70,000 items of clothing have been delivered Australia-wide by Uniforms 4 Kids to children who need them.

So, next time you’re on the road and pass a Centurion truck, give the driver an extra-large smile and wave – because you never know what they might be carrying or where they might be carrying it to.

“To see the effort they go into with everyone that’s donating and then giving their time to box this up, it’s only right that we contribute to get it to the right people,” Blyton says.

“Anything we can do to power this along and take away from of the financial burden, it’s an important thing to do.”

“This started about just being about the kids,” Macdonald adds. “But it’s evolved to be about both the kids and our volunteers.

“Uniforms 4 Kids is absolutely nothing without our volunteers and our supporters. It’s all just one big family.

“To have someone like Centurion on board to transport our clothing and bring us items and materials around Australia, it’s made the world of difference in what we do.

“And if anyone out there has some lazy thousands lying around they’ve got nothing to do with, we’re always looking for donations!”

The uniforms aren’t just recycled into boring, basic clothes

Let’s see if it fits

STONESTARDECK WIDENERWITHPTO ANDDIESEL POWERPACK

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STONESTAR900H DROPDECK

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DRIVER’S

Delight

For more than 20 years, Kelly Durkin Trucking has excelled by focusing on its drivers. A key part of this involves bringing them and their families to the annual truck show in Tooradin

Words: Sean Mortell

Images: Kelly Durkin

When they are not at the truck shows the Kelly Durkin Transport crew are hauling produce to the markets for local growers

For many trucking operators around Australia, the range of truck shows on offer allow them to bring their workers together. With drivers often on the roads all over the country, it’s rare for them all to be in the one place at the same time.

At Kelly Durkin Trucking, there’s one time every year the entire cohort of drivers and workers get the chance to come together and chat. The annual Tooradin Truck Show and Tractor Pull is the place.

While there was plenty of wild weather that ravaged this year’s edition of the show in Melbourne’s south-east, it didn’t stop Kelly Durkin and his team from once again reuniting to celebrate another year of success.

“Our involvement at the truck show in Tooradin came through some of our drivers years ago wanting to get the crew involved,” Kelly told Deals on Wheels.

“I have two daughters, Chloe (22) and Charlie (17), who are right into the show, and their friends are too. We try go to Tooradin every year as a team because it’s our local show – it may not be the biggest, but I think it’s one of the best.”

The dedication of Kelly and his business

to Tooradin is obvious. The early months of each year tend to be the busiest for Kelly Durkin Trucking, while Saturdays are the most packed days of the week. Except for Tooradin weekend. Instead of spending the hectic day out on the roads on show day, Kelly puts in the hard yards to ensure all drivers and trucks are made available to head to Tooradin when the event rolls around each year.

“I had to do a fair bit this year in order to get our trucks to go, but we were lucky to have all of our trucks in the show this year,” he says.

“We got subbies to do all the work that our team would normally do on a Friday night and Saturday, so we were able to take all of our prime movers, but one, down. It was good for our entire family, including our drivers and crew, to come together with eight of our vehicles.”

The excitement for this year’s edition of Tooradin wasn’t just limited to Kelly and his family. The operator’s drivers went to “the next level” to ensure they were available with their trucks for the event. He says this dedication made the weekend extra special

as the wider family came together for the Melbourne event.

“We look after our drivers but most of them naturally go above and beyond to look after the equipment and drive nights so that we can come together at Tooradin,” Kelly says.

“I’m so glad to have them and have them represent us. It’s not all chrome wheels and big stacks, it’s a lot of late nights and long weekends not being home. They miss out on so many things with their kids, so it’s good to bring everyone to Tooradin for the day.”

The Tooradin excursion for the Kelly Durkin Trucking family came with a reward, as the team took home the best old school Kenworth trophy for its 1986 SAR.

On top of this, mechanic, Mitch, won the best prime mover between 11 and 16 years old award with his Kenworth 2013 T909.

“He owns and operates in Morwell and does a good job helping us out,” Kelly says.

“He was involved at Tooradin along with all of our detailers, truck washers and their families.”

Recognising the people part of the business has always been a key value for Kelly Durkin.

The principal stems from a family lineage of running trucks.

Kelly first started driving interstate with his dad for Durkin Brothers back in 1994. Alongside some gigs with a few other companies over the first few years, Kelly then decided to get out of Australia and began working on the other side of the world.

Starting in the US, Kelly then drove trucks in Canada and headed to England before returning back to Australia at the end of 2000 to recommence interstate driving.

As there wasn’t a position with the family

and Mandy first started the operation at the turn of the century

Kelly

The entire Kelly Durkin Trucking team got together at this year’s Tooradin Truck Show

Kelly’s focus is always on his drivers and treating them well

business at the time, Kelly went and worked for a friend for the next year before he decided to start his own business with his wife Mandy in 2001. Thus, Kelly Durkin Trucking was born.

“I was pretty fortunate to have a foot in the door courtesy of the family business,” he says.

“Being potato farmers out in Thorpdale near Gippsland, my family have bought and sold

potatoes and more since 1946, so I was lucky to have a very good safeguard option.”

Back when he started working, Kelly had about 60 per cent of his work as his own freight. He says in that time one only needed about 50 per cent of the work to be the business’ own freight to control the rate of pay. Nowadays, he says operators need between 80 and 85 per cent of the work to be one’s own due to the rising cost of fuel, wages and operations.

“Fortunately, most of what we do have is our own business in carrying produce such as fruit and veggies,” he says.

“We do the Thorpdale season from January to June and then do other Victorian produce along the Koo-Wee-Rup swamp, Werribee and the Mornington Peninsula from September through to May. In the winter, we carry produce out of Queensland back to Victoria and New South Wales, supplying fresh potatoes to supermarkets.”

Kelly’s transport empire has three growing areas – Thorpdale, a town in NSW and then up in northern Queensland.

When Kelly and Mandy first started, they only had the one truck before graduating to two trucks in 2004, three in 2007 and now eight Kenworth prime movers with around 25 trailers.

The current fleet gets rotated around, allowing drivers to load and unload quickly so they can head back on their interstate runs. Other runs head to Melbourne’s markets every night out of Thorpdale, with Sydney and Brisbane also serviced daily with Kelly’s produce.

“It’s pretty hectic – we do other jobs for different types of growers out of season, including carrying fresh produce out of the Riverina region in Griffith and the Murray River,” he says.

“We do cart some building products and paper too, running paper out of Sydney every day.”

As was shown at Tooradin, Kelly’s focus for success is treating his drivers well. He says the operator is lucky to not have high

turnover in drivers, with plenty of long-term workers staying with the business for more than 10 years. It means when someone is new, it’s unusual for the team.

Moving forward, Kelly is looking to ensure his drivers remain at the forefront of his future planning for Kelly Durkin Trucking.

“We just put on our youngest drivers this year – these people are our future and I’m more than happy to train them on the job,” he says.

“I’m encouraged by the number of young people embracing the industry, particularly through the likes of social media. There are negatives and positives to it, but the positives far outweigh the negatives when we see young drivers coming to our sector.”

Bonneted and cab over, the colour and the shine makes for an impressive sight

The distinctive designs of the Kelly Durkin Transport trucks and the super shiny guards

DEALS Events

TRUCKING IN

Tassie

Tasmania’s Longford Truck Run saw over a hundred big rigs cruise through the gates and raise thousands for the RFDS.

Words: Tiane Gavillucci

Images: Tasmanian Truck Owners & Operations Association

The rigs made their grand entrance – over 187 rigs participated

There are some truckies out there that know how to take proper care of their trucks, keeping them so ridiculously clean, it’s a wonder if they do any work at all.

Longford Truck Run was held on Sunday March 2 and event organiser Julie Wise says sparkling chrome continued to blow her away at the Tasmanian trucking event, considering the type of work those big rigs do.

The Longford Truck Run started 42 years ago with a convoy of trucks, a handful of community minded folks, and a dream to help those in need.

“My dad created this event all those years ago, along with other members of the Tasmanian Truck Owners and Operators Association because they wanted to do something special for the community,” Julie says.

“Back then, a couple of members had

2025 Awards

disabled children, and they attended a school that didn't receive any funding from the government, but they needed help.”

“They decided they would hold a truck run to raise some money and help them get the things they needed. That's where it all started.”

Over the years the event has changed locations, grown in size and evolved in its mission, now shifting its focus to support the Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS).

“There's a lot of people out there in the community that have been helped by the RFDS, or they know somebody who has been helped, so there's a great deal of respect for them.”

The Longford Run is filled with activities to engage the entire family, from the RFDS Slushie Bike to the air ambulance simulator, the custom dental van, and the Health Hub Bus, there were plenty of interactive experiences.

Volunteers from local organisations like the

Donation of Service: Julie Wise presented with the David (Porky Saunders) Trophy Truck of the Day: Tas Mulch presented with the Zane (Mick) Wooley Trophy Best Fleet of the Day: Recycal presented with Fleet Trophy Vintage Trophy: Mr C Campbell presented with Best Vintage Truck of the Day

Check out the sleek lines on this white wonder

Quinn Transport came out in support of the event

This year 187 rigs made a grand entrance into Longford . Image: Royal Flying Doctor Service

A fun colour palette stood out on this beast

Polished to the point of acting like a mirror for the crowds

Check out this blue beautyThis dazzling Kenworth is a dream This Mack caught many eyes

Another red wonder!

Rigs small and large made themselves known

A crowd of 1,500 attended the family fun day. Image: Royal Flying Doctor Service

Over Longford’s 42 year history, more than $120,000 has been raised for the RFDS . Image: Royal Flying Doctor Service

DEALS Events

The event went down a treat!

There were many events and activities for the whole family to get around

Youngtown Rotary Club and the Wimmer Hill Lions Club served up delicious food, while live music set the tone for a festive, community driven atmosphere.

“It was so nice to see so many smiles, there were a lot of kids this year and to see the look on their faces as they watch the trucks roll in and honk their horn is too precious,” she says.

“Our family and friends all volunteer because of our love of trucks. It’s something the community can benefit from, not just the RFDS. Truckies can have the day off, catch up with old mates, have a look at other people’s vehicles and enjoy their time.”

The final fundraising count is not yet completed, but it’s believed over $40,000 was raised at this year’s event, however over the last four years alone, the Longford Truck Run has raised more than $120,000 for the RFDS, and over its 42-year history surpassed a total of $600,000.

This year Longford attracted around 1,500 people, with 187 trucks rumbling into the grounds for the big day.

The trucks, often shining and meticulously cleaned by their proud owners, were the centrepiece, but it was the atmosphere bustling with families, children, and volunteers that truly made the event unforgettable.

Julie reflects on the heartwarming moment of the event, when a little girl won some raffle prizes.

“She was about two or three, walking with her dad holding a box in one hand and a little parcel in the other, and you could see the excitement on her face,” she says.

“While yes, it is mainly about the trucks, it was originally about doing it for the kids, that’s what this show is all about.”

For the town of Longford, the truck run is a chance to showcase its hospitality, and the

local businesses benefit from the influx of visitors.

As people stop by the shops, chat with neighbours and share in the excitement, there’s a palpable buzz in the air.

"The community comes together in such a meaningful way," Julie says. "Longford has become the heart of this event, and we’ve created something that people look forward to.”

Julie is quick to recognise her team and the group of volunteers who make the day possible.

“We wrangle our families into helping us, and every year they tell us they’re never doing it again, only to help out again the next year,” she laughs.

“At the end of the day, we all work together, put aside our differences and unite, no matter what any of us have thought or felt along the way, we make it happen.”

“We've made a lot of people happy, which makes us happy, and keeps us coming back year after year.”

Recycal won Best Fleet of the Day with their group of green

Mulch took home Truck of the Day

Tas

Living

THE DREAM

From staring out at the highway to being behind the wheel of a T909, Riley Nolen is living his ideal life

Words: Tiarna Condren

Images: Riley Nolen

Noof and his crackin’ T909

“So when are you going to write about my truck?” were the first words out of Riley ‘Noof’ Nolen’s mouth as he approached me at a mutual friend’s birthday the other weekend.

Now despite what you may think, the phrase has become a common sentence that often follows me when I return home to regional New South Wales.

Truck drivers and those in the transport industry dominated my hometown of Deniliquin, as they do the surrounding towns like Berrigan, where Riley lives.

Arching one brow at his request, I demanded he better give me a good story if he

wanted to grace the pages of Deals on Wheels, and he didn’t disappoint.

At only 25, Riley is living out what I deem to be a truckie’s dream. Stable work, a house under his own name and a ferocity for life that is evident in not only his passionate words but the moustache on his grinning face.

Growing up, he lived on the main highway that ran through Berrigan, often finding himself sitting on the front lawn admiring the dozens of trucks that blew through daily.

“I remember sitting out there a lot and just watching them all driving past,” he says.

“Kenworths, Macks, you name it. I would

The Kenworth is equipped with everything he needs for a night away from home

Most days involve Riley carting grain and fertilizer to a farm in Blighty

imagine myself being that person driving past.”

Riley says mateship is his favourite part of the industry

His obsession was also fuelled by his familial connection to the industry – his grandfather and family friends owning businesses or trucks themselves.

“My pop used to own trucks back in the ‘70s, and I suppose that was my first introduction to it,” he says.

“For me, there just wasn’t any other way I wanted to go. Even as a kid, I knew this was what I wanted to be doing.”

As soon as he was able to, Riley dove headfirst into the industry, his first foray being working for the fire department back home.

“That’s where I got my first licence, a medium rigid. It was great to finally be able to get my foot in the door and get behind the wheel,” he says.

While content with his role, his eyes were always wandering to the bigger rigs and leaving him wondering how he could find himself in one of his own.

Deciding to dip his toes into another area, he packed up his stuff and carted himself to Raywood, Victoria where he found himself

at a farm. “I was only driving a little light rigid at that point, and when it came time for peak harvest season, I would see the big trucks come into the paddock and wish that I could just jump in it,” he says.

“I think it really just stirred something in me and motivated me to keep going.”

Satisfied with his time away from home and new experiences under his belt, Riley returned back to Berrigan and joined the Sandford Ag crew.

His day to day sees him carting grain and fertilizer back to Blighty from across Victoria.

“We normally start on a Sunday and have the heavy truck load ready to go down to the port, whether it's Melbourne or Geelong,” he says.

“During the cotton harvest, we'll even cart cotton over to Hay from the farm in Blighty.”

Despite often keeping close to home base, Riley will sometimes head up to Far North Queensland during harvest season and help fulfil contracts when needed.

This work, however, couldn’t be done without his trusty ol’ Kenworth T909. This 2022 model, the cream of the crop as some would say, has all the “bells and whistles” that

the popular brand is renowned for.

“The truck is fully equipped for me to be away in it and has everything I need to live away from home,” he says.

“It can sometimes be difficult when you’re on the road for longer periods of time but making sure you’re comfortable makes it go by easier.

“It's a very comfortable, smooth truck, especially given the conditions of the roads we drive on.”

While a microwave and toaster are welcome additions to his longer hauls, Riley says the people he meets on the road are what makes it worthwhile.

“You meet a lot of people when you’re in this industry and you forge friendships that you otherwise wouldn’t have been able to,” he says.

“Everyone's willing to give everyone a hand when the time comes, everyone chips in and helps.”

While Riley has nothing but praise for his job, the one thing that he thought could improve his experience would be ensuring road users receive more education on how to share the road with trucks.

“It’s nothing against car drivers,” he laughs. “But trucks are large vehicles, and I think it would benefit both sides to have more education surrounding how to share the road with them.

“We all want to make sure we get home safely, and with a little extra education, I think that would be reality for more people.”

When asked where he saw himself in the next five to 10 years, there was no hesitation before he spurted, “right where I am”.

“I'm driving one of the best trucks you can almost get in the transport world. I have great bosses, great coworkers, and I love the work I do out on the farm,” he says.

“Why would I want to be anywhere else?”

Riley never had a doubt about he wanted to do

DEALS Showcase

DRIVEN BY

Innovation

Freightmore Transport has expanded its presence across three states and continues to develop new products to meet the needs of its customers

The old saying ‘the customer always comes first’ could well be attributed to the growth trajectory of trailer manufacturer Freightmore Transport in 2025.

to say thank-you to his customers, and to share some exciting updates that he hopes will make work easier, more efficient, and more profitable for them in the future.

The Freightmore Transport Livestock Carrier has been carefully crafted to meet the demands of a tough industry. Image: Freightmore Transport

From its original location in Lonsdale, South Australia, Freightmore Transport has branched out in two more states, opening centres at Bullsbrook in Western Australia and Newscastle in NSW.

It has also developed a range of new trailer models, taking into account the feedback and support of its customers.

Freightmore Transport Director Jason Juwayed says the business would not have grown as it has without the support of its loyal customers.

“As we reflect on the journey we’ve shared with you, our valued customers, we are filled with gratitude,” Jason says.

“Your continued support has been the driving force behind our growth, innovation, and commitment to excellence.

“It’s because of you that we’ve been able to push boundaries, refine our product range, and deliver solutions that meet the everevolving needs of your operations.”

Speaking to Deals on Wheels as we went to print for this edition, Jason says he wanted

Commited to Innovation

“At the heart of our mission is a dedication to providing you with the best equipment on the market.

“We understand that your success depends on reliable, high-quality trailers and machinery, and we take that responsibility seriously.

“That’s why we’re thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of our latest models, designed with your feedback in mind.

“Keep an eye out for our Quad Axle Drop Deck style trailers, including Drop Deck Wideners and 48ft Tilt Slides. These models are packed with advanced features, such as steerable or lift-up axles, to enhance manoeuvrability, efficiency, and overall performance.

“Whether you’re navigating tight spaces or tackling heavy loads, these trailers are engineered to meet the demands of your toughest jobs.”

Chance to save

Jason says Freightmore Transport understands how significant an investment it is to add new trailers to any fleet and to help businesses with the task they are offering heavily discounted prices on select units from last year’s batch of trailers.

“Our Cattle and 2x4 range have been a resounding success, and we currently have a few remaining units available at special rates,” he says.

“These trailers are built to last, combining durability with functionality to ensure they deliver value for years to come.

“If you’ve been considering adding to your fleet, now is the perfect time to do so.”

Looking Ahead

Freightmore Transport’s 2025 range of trailers feature the latest innovations available right now, but Jason says the team will not be sitting on their laurels and had already started taking feedback to hone the next round of trailers.

“We’re constantly exploring new ways to innovate, improve, and deliver value to our customers,” he says.

“We’re also excited to share that we have even more exciting developments in the pipeline. From cutting-edge technology to enhanced safety features, we’re working tirelessly to ensure that our products remain at the forefront of the industry.

“Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or suggestions.”

As the work continues to enhance the

success of the business and its products for the customer it supports, Jason says he can’t thank those who have backed his team so far, enough.

“Your trust and loyalty mean the world to us, and we’re honoured to be a part of your success,” he says.

“Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or are new to the family, we’re committed to earning your business every day.

“Thank you for choosing us as your partner. Thank you for your feedback, your support, and your belief in what we do. Together, we’ve built something truly special, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.

“Here’s to continued growth, innovation, and success — for all of us.”

With a strong online presence at www. freightmoretransport.com.au backed by company sites in South Australia, Western Australia and New South Wales, Freightmore Transport offers ease of access for all customers.

“Our team provides personalised service, expert advice, and prompt assistance to ensure you get the most out of your investment,” Jason says.

“Whether you’re visiting us in person or reaching out online, we’re committed to making your experience seamless and stressfree. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we’re always here to help you find the right solutions for your needs.”

To find out more call 1300 159 316 or email admin@freightmoretransport.com.au

When it comes to helping cattle farmers and transporters to get to market, Freightmore Transport have the equipment to get it done.

Image: Steve Lovegrove / stock.adobe.com

Here’s to continued growth

innovation and success

BUBBLEGUM

Bandit

Starting a business isn’t easy, especially as a woman in a male populated industry, but Ashleigh Anderson’s passion just can’t be shaken

Words: Tiane Gavillucci

Images: Ashleigh Anderson

Dynamic Truck School’s ‘Bubblegum Bandit’

You often hear people say, “those who can’t do, teach,” whether it’s a joke or an insult, well, sometimes you just can’t tell.

When Ashleigh Anderson learnt how to drive a truck, she remembers someone giving her that same advice.

Instead of taking this to heart, she considered this suggestion and decided to create her very own truck training business.

Ashleigh joined the transport world about ten years ago when a retail job just wasn’t cutting it.

“My partner at the time drove fuel tankers and he got sick of me coming home and whinging about how much retail sucks,” she laughs.

“So, he booked me a truck driving lesson, and that was it, I was hooked.”

However, when it came time to return to work as a mother, Ashleigh discovered there were no jobs available that had the right opening hours to allow her to continue her role in the family as a primary carer.

“My husband is a FIFO worker and is away

two weeks out of three, I could no longer start work at 1am or 4am, I had to find something else.”

The potentially insulting suggestion of teaching heavy vehicles drivers instead of getting behind the wheel then came to the surface, where now Ashleigh’s career is thriving.

Noticing a disconnect between the trainers from an older generation and the new crop of drivers was vast, Ashleigh saw an opportunity.

“I realised there was a major lack of quality trainers, and the average instructors were a lot older than me,” she says.

Her typical day consists of teaching people how to navigate the open roads behind the big wheel as they train to achieve their heavy rigid (HR) license.

Ashleigh says she would also like to help people achieve their multi-combination (MC) licenses; however she has to go through a process of government approvals before she will be able to do that.

Back before the opening of her truck training school, Deals on Wheels first reached out to Ashleigh because her Facebook page ‘Her Truck Training’ initially captivated our attention.

Her Truck Training was a social media engagement page run by Ashleigh, offering support to students and encouraging people to enter the transport industry.

Ashleigh wanted to build a community

through her page, rather than introducing a new product or service, but this year everything changed, and she opened her ‘Dynamic Truck School’ with a flashy pink 2017 MAN TGS truck she named ‘Bubblegum Bandit’.

When asked about her bright choice of colour Ashleigh simply explains that “pink just works”.

“When I started work as an instructor,

Pink seems to be Ashleigh’s favourite colour!

Ashleigh’s business only opened at the start of 2025

I found these pink work shirts at Kmart and they were so lightweight and cool, I immediately loved them and started wearing them constantly,” she says.

“The pink became an ‘Ashleigh the instructor’ thing, with the pink Yeti cup, the pink bag and pink branding on my Facebook page, the colour really does grab people’s attention.”

What started as a personal style choice quickly became her trademark and Ashleigh embraced her signature colour with pride, eventually wrapping her truck to be as bold and vibrant as her.

But it’s not all just fun and pink trucks. Ashleigh faces plenty of challenges in an industry mainly populated by men.

“Under five per cent of truck drivers are women in Australia and I only know two who have an instructor’s qualification,” she says.

“On top of that, the degrading comments I get because people believe I shouldn’t be teaching students how to drive a truck, as they assume I have no experience is just sad. I’m very much qualified and able.”

With a high pass rate and positive feedback, Ashleigh says her training speaks for itself.

“As an instructor, I don't have any requirement to tell my students about a work diary, if I didn't tell them, they'd go to the transport department, pass their test, and then leave,” she says.

“The Transport Department also doesn't have any liability to tell them they need one, or teach them how to use it or what to do with it, until they get to their first job.”

“A lot of the time, these employers won’t even spend the time to teach them how to use it, so these people are going in blind.”

“To stop this from happening, I have a work diary hours counter, so every 15 minutes from midnight until midday, is a starting time with their first, second and third break when it would need to be done.”

Beyond teaching from the passenger seat of a truck, Ashleigh’s commitment to her students is what sets her apart.

“I have so much pride and joy for my students that when they send me a picture of themselves at their new job, it chokes me up.”

She advises young truckies not to be disheartened when asking questions and receiving a negative response, as there are always people in the industry willing to help out.

“I think a lot of people look down at younger drivers because they think we have

it easier, I think they should view it in a whole different light though and instead think how lucky the next generation are to not have to suffer as much as they did.”

To help Ashleigh continue her contribution to the industry, she was recently presented with a $1,600 scholarship from Transport Women Australia, sponsored by Daimler to pursue another qualification in a Double Diploma in Logistics and Leadership and Management.

“I felt a bit of imposter syndrome winning that,” Ashleigh admits.

“I try to do the best I can, and I know sometimes I can go above and beyond. I am a chronic helper, particularly to those in this industry.”

One example of this attitude is Ashleigh’s free work diary workshops, held in person or live-streamed that she says provides an opportunity for drivers, or want-to-be drivers, to wrap their head around the administrative side of truck driving.

Through her work, Ashleigh is redefining what it means to be a truckie and a trainer.

Whether it be behind the wheel of Bubblegum Bandit or leading the next generation of drivers, Ashleigh is sure to continue to make waves in transport.

was

QR code that can take you straight to the work diary hour planner

The Bandit is quite the head turner

Ashleigh

presented with the TWAL scholarship

BATTLEFIELDS TO

Backroads

New

life is given to a 1944 GMC with a story that dates back to war times

Words: Tiane Gavillucci

Images: Barry Dunshea

If only its walls could speak, the stories this old truck would tell…

Sometimes it’s good to spoil yourself and spend your well-earned money on shoes, jewellery, or even a nice holiday.

But truck lovers would agree, when an opportunity to purchase a 1944 GMC 6x6 cargo truck comes around, sometimes it’s too good to resist.

The GMC is a 2/1-2 ton 6x6 World War II armourers van that comes with a long and a historical past, serving in Europe with the U.S. army and then later, the Australian Army.

Barry Dunshea pictured a life with this truck before it was even his.

“I hoped to travel the length of the Murray River, from the mountains to the sea in this truck,” he says.

“It’s very loyal to cruise along with, and I would have stopped and had a look at the views along the way.”

Like most things, it wasn’t that he necessarily needed the GMC, but the life he imagined for himself when he saw it cruising down the top end of the Murray was picture perfect.

But unfortunately, Barry’s journey has come with its own challenges.

A painful condition called neuropathy, caused by years of hard work, limits his ability to fully enjoy the truck as he had once imagined.

But even though his physical capabilities have been tested, his passion for the GMC remains unwavering.

“The nerve damage is from the work I’ve done over time. I’ve mostly been in earthworks and I was also a plant operator, along with tree lopping,” he says. “Wear and tear, that’s life.”

“I’m hoping I can still get the truck into some shows, but I just don’t know how I’ll go yet.”

While the GMC was originally designed for the military, it was rebuilt by a former soldier.

“An old army veteran, Phillip Oyston rebuilt the truck and had to go through a hell of a time to get this truck re-registered. It went missing during the war and was no longer on their records,” he says.

Phillip initially built the GMC after suffering

The truck was stripped back and rebuilt, piece by piece

The original condition of the GMC was pretty average

Suspended and ready for revival

A work in progress

Previously used as a cargo truck in war times, nowadays it tends to just cruise along

from many psychological and physical conditions brought on by his military service.

Fully restoring and rebuilding this vintage vehicle to full state road registration helped Phillip regain his confidence.

He converted the engine to diesel, swapped to an automatic gearbox due to his disabilities, and researched and acquired parts both locally and overseas, overall costing him about $80,000 to transform and complete.

“I was lucky enough to meet a lad by the name of Adam Mill who had bought the old girl from Phillip on a whim I believe. Adam didn’t know much about it, let alone how to drive it.”

“He wanted his wife to learn left hand drive, but she wasn’t too comfortable.”

Next thing you know, Barry became the truck’s unlikely saviour, and the almost forgotten relic has been in his hands for over 12 months now, taking it out to drive local or to go fishing.

“I would take my mate for drives every couple of weeks and even took it to a birthday party so the kids could have a ride.”

For Barry, it was never about the speed or power of the machine, but rather the history it carried and the adventures he could pursue.

“The truck only travels at 27 miles an

hour (43 km/h) and I do about 1250 revs; it’s definitely not a fast truck,” he says.

“I haven’t done too much to it, just a bit of maintenance here and there, like adjusting the brakes and a couple of electrical repairs.

“The thermostat isn’t working at the moment, so that’s got to be fixed next, but other than that, the truck will pass a blue slip any day of the week.”

Currently the old GMC is up for sale, but Barry refuses to sell it to just anybody.

“It’s an original truck; it can’t be used for anything that it was previously built for,” he says.

“It would be good to get it into truck shows and for people to just have a good look at it, because it is something different.”

And that’s exactly what Barry wants, to see his 1944 GMC appreciated, to see it used for the right reasons.

“I do enjoy owning the truck, people love seeing it around and when I've got it going, it's great.”

So, the next time you see an old truck rolling down the road at a pace that seems a bit too slow for today’s fast world, take a moment to consider its past.

There may just be a story behind it worth listening to. Just like Barry’s 1944 GMC.

MACKANTHEM 2022,Mackmp-8 engine,doneapprox223,000kmm-drive transmissionVolvo8bagsuspension& diffs.S2639. TA1255091. POA

FREIGHTLINERARGOSY 2007, Caterpillarc-15engine,Eatonrtlo-20918 gearbox,Merritor46-160diffsonairliner suspension.S2637. TA1251580. POA

MERCEDES-BENZ2653 2017,needsrepair(sell completeorwreck)Mercedesom471engine, Mercedesbenzpowershiftg281-12transmission, Mercedesbenzrt440 diffs onMercedesairbag suspensionNeedsrepairs.S2570. TA1199433. POA

IVECOPOWERSTAR6700 2002,Caterpillar c-15engine,rtlo20918gearbox, Hendriksonhassuspension,46-160 merritordiffs.S2632. TA1255092. POA

FREIGHTLINERCST120 2006,Detroit s-60,14ltrengine,RTLO20918gearbox, Merritor46-160diffsonairliner suspension.S2640. TA1258362. POA

MACKANTHEM 2022,mp-8enginedone approx120,000ksoriginal m=drivetransmission,volvorear suspension&diffs.s2624. TA1232653. POA

INTERNATIONAL9900 2005,Caterpillar c-15engine,RTLO20918gearbox, Merritor46-160diffsonHendriksonhas suspension.S643. TA1258360. POA

MACKGRANITE 2017,Mp-8engine m-drivetransmission Hassuspensionon46-160diffs.S2609. TA1219935. POA

KENWORTHK200 2012,CumminsEGR engine,Spicer50-170 diffs onNeway ad246-10,suspension,130tonrated,Eaton fo-22e318-mxptransmission.S2602. TA1240869. POA

FREIGHTLINERCORONADOSD 2011, Detroitdd15engine,Rtlo20918gearbox, Merritor52-185diffsonneway suspension.S2445. TA1251581. POA

MACKCLR 2003,caterpillarc-16engine, eaton18spdgearbox,mackdiffson newaysuspension.S2636. TA1250028. POA

KENWORTHT403 2014,Cumminse5 engine,Eaton18spdgearbox,Spicer dsh-40diffs,airglide400suspension. S-2629. TA1242932. POA

2022'kenwortht-610droponcabcomplete s2591. TA1207836. POA

KENWORTHBUNK new36''aero1bunk,bulk headdoors.Saero1. TA1185880. POA

WesternStarcabinshell32inchsleeperglazednew cabinwithdoors.S/NSMP26. TA742846. $26,000

ENGINES AVAILABLE NOW

Large range of cummins x-15, e-5, isx, isx egr, m-11 engines ready to go

Re-man & used workshop checked & some original low km engines available Also caterpillar c-15, c-15 accert, c-12 engines

Detroit dd-16 genuine 32,000km, dd-15 & dd13 engines

Mack mp-10, mp-8, ea7 several models, e6 Paccar & daf engines available

CABINS AVAILABLE

New & used,some need minor repairs

Kenworth t-610, t-604,t-904, t-409, k-104b, k-108

cabinshell36inchintegratedsleeperwithdoors.Entry doorsglazedpaintedwhite,sellcomplete.S/N.SMP13195. TA618906. $22,000

KENWORTHC510 2005,Sellcomplete. S510. TA1199442. POA

Mack trident, ch, chr, new breed cab shells new Freightliner argosy, century class Cat ct-630, ct-610 Westernstar 4800 International 7600 new shell & doors

MACKTITANTriDrive 2003,s-60,14ltr engine,18spdeatongearbox,Mackdiffs onnewaysuspension.Strid. TA1199440. POA

sleepercabinshellcompleteasperpicsellcomplete. SMP2. TA618821. $4,000

KENWORTHCABINSHELLS numerousnew barecabinshells.Suitt-series,2daycabs,1 intergrated,1suitmodularbunk.S650. TA1185881. POA

CUMMINSX15 SeveralCummins enginesavailablenow,x-15,e-5andisx range,usedworkshopchecked&reman available.S638. TA1173879. POA

KENWORTHC540 2008,sellcomplete. S540. TA1199441. POA

MACKCLXTSuperliner 2019,doneapprox390,000km's,Mack mp-10engine,m-drivetransmission,46-160Merritordiffs,on m-ridespringsuspension.S2460.

ISUZUFXR1000 2017,doneapprox.500,000ks customtrayfortankcartage.S2539. TA1199439. POA

ISUZUGIGACXZ 2015,doneapprox.230,000ks,one owner,sellcomplete.S2560. TA1199437. POA

KENWORTHK200 2012,(sellcomplete)cumminsegr engineeatonrtlo20918manualairglide460on46-160 merritordiffs.S-2596. TA1226217. POA

CATCT630Tipper 2014,steelbody,4.7long,electric tarp,ringfeder,caterpillarc-15accertengine eatonrtlo-20918gearbox merritor46-160diffswithdualaxlelocks primaxsuspension.s2511. TA1232652. POA

MACKTRIDENTCMHT 2017,mp-8engine,m-drive transmission,46-160MerritordiffsonPrimax suspension.S2548. TA1189136. POA

ISUZUFVD165-300 2021,doneoriginal300kms, DUALCONTROL,cabchassissingledrv.S2558.. TA1189138. POA

MACKTRIDENT 2014,mp-8engine m-drivetransmission 46-160diffsonhendriksonhassuspension.S2582. TA1219934. POA

FREIGHTLINERCOLUMBIACL112SteelWaterTanker 2014,Cumminsisle-5engineapprox140,000ks Eatonrtlo14918gearbox Merritormt40-14xgdiffs,Tufftracsuspension.S-2628. TA1242930. POA

3

WOODHOUSE ST, MAREEBA, NORTH

Fax: (07)40 926 574

WRECKING!

FREIGHTLINERAGROSY 2004, hasbeenforaswim,straightpanels, Hydraulics46-160withcrosslocksWRECKINGNOW.#T1154. TA1254045. POA

MACKR6X6MILITARY 1985, trayback6x6withjust42,000 showing. CallJohn0414666776.#T1168. TA1251541.

NISSANUDCW445 2007, hasniceGE13engineand18 speedgearbox.#T1165. TA1251547.

WRECKING

NISSANUDPKC265 2007, GoodFE6turboengine;6 speedMLS62box;nice doors;skipbodysold. #T1136. TA1232484.

WreckorSellComplete(POA)

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BUSES

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4WDCANTERFG64WD

AlsowreckingFG439andFGB71 4WDCanters

MITSUBISHICANTERFG637 2001, Withgood4D33engine,5 speedwithcabletransfer, gooddiffs-WreckingNow.. #T1171. TA1167693.

WRECKING! MACKCH 1998, 435hpE-TecE7engine; 13speed; RockwellAirbag rear. #T1148. TA1232476.

IVECOSTRALIS

IVECOSTRALIS 2006, 8wheelerwithgoodCurser10 engine,manualgearbox,mreitor diffswithcross-locks.#T1094. TA1199184.

MITSUBISHIFV458 1993, verygood6D22engine!Latemodel craneandtipperbody.#T1098. TA1207766.

2011, With155hp4HK1turbodiesel engine,goodgearbox/transfer,ROPS frameandheavydutybulbar. #T0761a. TA1081164.

HINOFS1K 2004, withK13engine-runswellbutneedsan ECU,18speedRoadRanger,6mtipper withcattlecrate,RoadTrainrated.#T1100. TA1199183.

MITSUBISHICANTER 2013, hasgoodmechanicals-4P10engine andverynicetipperbody.#T1167. TA1251892.

2023, 155HP4HK1engine,only1400klm, (autogerboxandtraysold).#T1104. TA1199181.

2009, withJ08Eengineand9speed RoadRangergearbox. Mechanicallygood.CallJohn 0414666776.#T1172. TA1258803.

VOLVOFL250 2002,250HPspeedbox,320,000km.25ft traytopwithcontainerpins. Very cleantoprunningunit, firstRWCdonenotmuchtofinish,yv2e4cca11b29737. VIC. DIY1248487. 0416 136 256. $30,000PlusGST

BARTLETTBARTLETTHOOD Float2Axle.BartlettHood 127m, hyd rampsandleg Andersonplug,fulllength sump,rego,toolbox,P50-022. VIC. DIY1259808. 0408 564 416. $26,000

MERCEDES-BENZ0M422 Fully rebuiltV8MercedesBenz dieselengine.Nonturbo.Out ofchassisand ready to go, 90620134748.NSW. DIY1261613. 0415 802 890. $7,000

DAF XF105-510 2014,Bdoubleratedprime mover, recentlyenginerebuilt,workingassemitruck now doing containerwork,XV84WK.VIC. DIY1259631. 0430 900 748. $90,000

AAATRAILERS30,000LTS 2023,WaterCart,2017Mack Trident865,000kms,Readytowork, LA993VGG6N1CMW093. WA. DIY1262430.

KENWORTHT610SAR KenworthT610SAR,1166000 Km's,CummunsX15(Rebuilt10/06/23940883km's), NewAlternator18/06/23944883km's,NewTurbo 07/02/22718520km's,NewCompressor12/08/22

HAMMAR20TO40FOOTEXTENDABLE 2007,Thistrailer isingoodrunningconditionand ready towork.However, willsellunregisteredasis.DAFprimemoveralsofor sale,611QNH.QLD. DIY1261490. 0408 729 314. $35,000ono

UDMK11250CONDOR 2014,6-speedmanual transmission.Load-ratedcurtains.Bluetooth, UHF. Reversecamera.Powerwindows.400Lfuelcapacity. 50LAd-Blue.Excellentcondition,wellmaintained, JNBMKB8EL00L00821.QLD. DIY1260717. 0417 644 169. $55,000

KENWORTHSAR

2008,ForSale:2008IvecoStralis 500PrimeMoverReadyforWork!,CURSOR 13.NSW. $40,000

Kenworthsar400Cummins,15directairclidesuspension.With 3.55diffslotsotherworkcarriedout.Contactforfurther information,60535857.QLD. DIY1259622. 0409 788 112. $120,500

SCANIAR560 2015,SCANIAR560,XV77SR.VIC. DIY1260131. 0456 444 651. $59,900

MANTGA26.540 2013,Oneowner,540Hp,MANengine, Steeltray,ZFautomatic,GVM26tonnes,GCM70tonnes, ringfeeder,airbagsuspension,D68QQ. TAS. DIY1255658. 0407 514 951. $115,000

110

2014,DD15@560hp,recentrebuildbyPenski Altona1/2024,newturbo8/2023,Fuller18speed rebuild8/2022,XV56DG.VIC. DIY1261672. 0407 471 800. $132,000

$38,500 03 8373 7107

$192,500 07 3073 8145

$242,000 07 3073 8145

$165,000

6171 3042

$132,000 07 3171 1897

$330,000 08 7007 6838

$220,000 03 8547 8558

2020 KENWORTH T909

transmission, 4.30 di ratios, dual di locks, tipper hydraulics, interior fridge, 97T rated.

$396,000 08 7007 6838

2009 KENWORTH T658

Cummins ISX EGR, manual, spring rear suspension, Spicer di s, 140T GCM, sleeper A/C, bullbar.

KENWORTH

HYSTERH16.00XM-6 2010,lowhoursandin greatconditionwithMichelinXZMradialtyres, forkpositioningsideshiftand2,440mmForks. R3525. TA730601.

ForSaleorHirePOAPh:1800688788to Inspect

HYSTERH12.00XM 200811,740kg4500mm lift,sideshiftcarriageand2440mmforks.Hire orBuyFreeCall1800688788.R3405. TA369982. POA

HYSTERH18.00XM-12 withforkpositioning sideshiftcarriage,2440mmforks,Cummins engine,fullyenclosedairconditionedcabOption20x40sideliftcont.frame.R3632. TA1124211. POAForSaleorHirePh:1800688788

KALMARDRT450-65S 2013,Stacksladen 20x40containers5high.CumminsQSM11 dieselengine.Dana15.5HR36000XMSN. H10300280. TA1153805.

ForSaleorHirePOAFreeCall1800688788

OMEGA16-12W Idealfurnitureremovalist solutionRated12,000kgwithELME558 sidesliftabletostackuptofourhigh20and40 footcontainers..353AUFL443. TA1154000. ForSaleorHirePOAFreeCall1800688788

ISOLOADER21RubberTyreStraddleCarrier LoadUnloadandTravelwith32t20'andor27t 40'containers.Lowcostlightweight containerhandlerideal for lessrobust pavementorgoodhardstand.S113. TA1222701. POA

HYSTERH18.00XM-12 2008,stacks12,000kg highcube20'&40'3high.ELME55820x40 spreaderwithtopentrytwistlocks.Frontline unitreadynow.R3547. TA829125.

ForSaleorHirePOAFreeCall1800688788

ISOLOADERHL-PC-35 2006,Two(2) ISOLOADERPrecastConcreteHandling RubberTyreGantriesbuyoneorboth for tandemliftandtraveleachwithSWL 35,000kg.R3696R3697. TA1222670. POA

HYSTERH650C 6newContinentaltyres, Cummins6CTenginethisbudgetpriced forkliftisready for work.Option20'or20x40 toppickcontainerspreaders..R3712. TA1216675. ForSaleorHirePh1800688788POA

HYSTERH10.00XM 2006,Cumminsengine. WideForkPositioningSideshiftCarriage wouldsuitlongloadse.g.pipe.R3689. TA1216676. POAForSaleorHirePh:1800688788

KALMARDRT450 2014,SOLD-Another Available.Only11081hourswithoriginal Cumminsengine.Stack45,000kg1strow 31,000kg2ndrow.ReadyNow.R3603. TA998021. POAForSaleorHirePh:1800688788

PRENTICE7,000KGSWL forklifttruckramps (8)topickfrom.Ideal for shippingcontainers. Forsaleorhire.R3274. TA96974. $12,000+GST=$13,200ForSaleorHire

19-29 Curlew Cresc

Tamworth NSW 2340

www.philhuntparts.com.au

brendan@philhuntparts.com.au

JOHNDEERE770GP JustinforDismantling,17.5x25 RimsandTyres,New14FootMoldboard,RearRipper Assy,6090Engine,CircleandDraftinVGC,Front SpindlesinVGC,AllPartsAvailable,PhoneBrendan02 67624466.S187. TA1234373. POA

JOHNDEERE670DGRADER JustinforDismantling,12 FootMoldboard,RearRippers,6068HEngine,DF180 Transmsission,14:00x24Rims&Tyres,LowHour Machine,AllPartsAvailable.PhonePeter0267624466. S125. TA974288. POA

PHIL HUNT PARTS PHIL HUNT PARTS

The HUNT stops here

NEW AND S/H PARTS

ALLIS-CHALMERS/HANOMAG/MASSEY

JOHN DEERE INDUSTRIAL

PARTS FOR Dozers, Loaders, Drotts, Graders, Scrapers

WRECKING DOZERS

ALLIS-CHALMERS: “M”, HD5B, HD6B, HD6E, HD6G, HD7W, HD7G, HD9B, HD10W, HD11B, HD11E, HD11EC, HD11EP, HD11 Ser B, HD15,C, HD16A, HD16AC, HD16D, DC, HD16DP, HD19,20,21A, HD21B,C, HD31, HD41B FIAT: 451C, 555, 605C, 50CI, 70CI, 8, 8B, AD10, BD10B, FD10E, AD12, 14B, 14C, BD20, DX175

HANOMAG/MASSEY: 2244, 200, 300, 3366, 400, 500, L400C, L600C, D600D Super, D700C

JOHN DEERE : 1010C, 850 LOADERS

ALLIS-CHALMERS: TL12D, TL14, TL20, 545, 605B, 645, 745B,C FIAT: FR20B

LD3, LD5, LD6, LD7 and LD9 Scoopmobile HANOMAG/MASSEY 22,33C,44, 55, CL55C,66C-D, 77 GRADERS

ALLIS-CHALMERS: D, DD, M65, 65B, AD30-40, 45, 145, M100A, B, FG95 DRMCO/CHAMPION 562, 600, 720, 740

JOHN DEERE 570, 570A, 670, 670A, 670B, 770, 770A, 772A, 770BH, 670CH, 670D, 672GP, 770GP, 772GP

ALLIS WHEEL TRACTORS

AC D17, D19, D21, XT190, 7000, 7010, 7020, 7040, 7060, 7080, 8010, 8050, 8070, 7580, 8550, 440

ALSO AVAILABLE

Track Chains, Rollers, Idlers, Sprockets

Various 4-1 Buckets, POA

JOHNDEERE772GP Justinfordismantling,6Wheel Drive,14FootMoldboard,SweetRunning6090Engine, 17.5x25TyresandRimsAllRound,RearRipperAssy,All PartsAvailable,PhoneBrendanon0267624466.S191. TA1239667. POA

JOHNDEERE670CH Justinfordismantling,12foot moldboard,frontcounterweight,DF180transmission, 6068Tengine,allpartsavailable.S161. TA1116745. POA

Allis Chalmers • Fiat Allis • Hanomag • Massey • JD Industrial

Learning the ropes

Job seeking women learnt how to operate and be safe using elevating work platforms at Sydney Metro’s very rst Try a Trade Day

Sydney Metro’s rst Try a Trade Day event attracted more than 50 job seeking women to TAFE NSW’s Institute of Applied Technology Construction campus.

The event aims to encourage women to consider careers in construction and other trades, providing the opportunity to experience the day-to-day activities of using mobile plant.

Participants received hands-on experience at four di erent industry workstations, all under the guidance of quali ed TAFE teachers.

At the civil construction workstation, participants were

introduced to elevating work platforms, excavators and skid steer loaders, to become familiar with the operation, safety protocols and applications of each machine.

The event also provided a platform for jobseekers to network with representatives from up to 30 organisations that are actively recruiting to ll job vacancies in various trades and non-traditional occupations. This includes roles with some of Sydney Metro’s delivery partners.

Women currently make up only two per cent of trades working on construction sites across the

Women experienced the day-to-day activities of workers using mobile plant. Image: Sydney Metro

country, according to the NSW government.

“Opening doors for women to enter the construction industry is essential to securing the longevity of the sector and is a key priority for Sydney Metro,” the state government says.

Since 2017, Sydney Metro projects have employed more than 9,922 women to help build Sydney’s new railway.

New targets are being trialled on Sydney Metro projects to have four per cent of the trades workforce to be women and seven per cent of total workforce to be women in nontraditional occupations.

SNORKELMHP13/35 2012,TrailerMounted articulatedboomliftfeatures asafeandstableworking heightofupto12.6m.Stillin hirefleet,verygood condition.S38.

$20,000+GST

SNORKELTB42JDZ 42fttelescopicboomlift. 4WDDiesel.S30. $15,000+GST

GENIEGS3268RT 4WDdiesel.Recently10 yearinspected,newpaint, goodreliablemachine. S35. $25,000+GST

SNORKELPRO126 126ftstraightstickboom, diesel,4WD,working height40.2m,good workingcondition.S36. $30,000+GST

SNORKELSRT2770 RT 8.5mdieselscissorliftveryreliable,greatvalue. S8. $20,000+GST

JLG43FTRTSELF LEVELLINGDIESEL SCISSORLIFT VeryGoodValuefor money,tidymachine,still workinginourrentalfleet. S27.

$30,000+GST

SNORKELTB47J 47fttelescopicboomlift. 4WDdiesel.S31. $25,000+GST

JLG460SJ46FT STRAIGHTBOOMLIFT 4WDdiesel15mboomlift -goodsafeworkingorder. Stillworkinginrental fleet.S33. $15,000+GST

SNORKELAB50J 4WD Snorkel15mArticulation boomlift.S28. $18,000+GST

GENIEGS1932 GenieGS1932Electric Scissorlift.S29. $4,000+GST

1.5TonneElectricReach.

2.5TonneBrandNewManual.PALLETJACK. DPLIn53187. $523

2.5TonneLPGForkliftWith4.59MetreLift ClearviewMast..P040. TA1207778. $13,200

EnforcerWalkie-ElectricTowTug(NO42).NO42. TA1198251. $5,500

2.5TonneLPGForkliftwith4.3MetreLift ContainerMast.P003. TA1206087. $13,200

HysterLPGForkliftsForHire! AsLittleas$100+GSTPerWeek!.D017. TA644792. $110

1.2tonneelectricwalkiereachtruckwith4.27 metrelift.N054. TA1178245. $13,200

viper. TA1160389. $21,450

WTP PTY. LTD.

MACKMETRO-LINER 2010,FittedwithISC Commonrail,Allisonauto,RT40-145.16,000litre watertank.Withrearandsidesprayers.Allare hydraulicdriven.ReadyforNSWREGO.JOB#2678

MITSUBISHICANTER515 2019,Fittedwithsteel chequeredplatetraywithdropsides,4540long,2290 wide,300dropssides,1600headboard,verycleanunit andreadyforNSWregistration.JOB#2638 TA1202425. $38,500

INTERNATIONALT-2670 CompleteSleeperCab $11,000,BigCamCumminsengine$11,000, Gearbox$3,300,Diff$5,500,Aluminiumbulbar $3,300,Radiator$1,100,STRbox$1,100,Fuel tank$1,100,FrontAxle$2,750,Wheelsandtyres $3,300,2xaircleanassembly$1,100. JOB#PARTS2B527-531 TA1216803. POA

MACKMETROLINERDROPONCAB Mack MetrolinerS/Hdrop-onCab.PARTS2B#316 TA1087413. $8,800

EKEBOLTILTSLIDETRAY Withcontainerpins, hydraulicwinchandsidecontrols.

MACKMETRO-LINER 2010,6x4,fittedwith commonrailengine,Alisonauto,RT40-145on10 studairbag,4.5x1.1msteelbody,two-waygate, windbackpolytarp,readyforNSWregistration andverycleanunit..JOB#2709 TA1262730. $93,500

MACKMETRO-LINER 2007,FittedwithISCCummins engine,WorldseriesAutotransmission,RT40-145on rubberblocksuspension,10studAluminium-tubeless wheels.Slightrustinchassis.Sellastraded.JOB#2669 TA1225782.

$27,500

TEFCOSUPERDOG 2011,TEFCOTriaxle Trailer, Superdog Rocklined,Alcorimsandelectrictarp.ATM25.5 TONNE.Length6100mHeight1600m.JOB#2682 TA1227001.

IVECOACCO2350G 2002,FittedwitISCCummins engine,9speedEatonFullertransmission, RT40-145onrubberblocksuspension,11R20 tubelesswheelsonspiderrims.Steeltipping body4500X1200withtwowaytailgateand meshwindbacktarp.WithBartlettBall.Readyfor NSWRego.JOB#2722 TA1261116. $38,500

ISUZUGIGA 2006,Fittedwith6cylinderturbo,13 speedroadranger,rockwelldiffsonairbag suspensionandreadyforNSWregistration. JOB#2626 TA1195537. $44,000

6tochoose from $16,500-$38,500

IVECOACCO2350G ISCCumminsengine,World seriesauto,RT40-145Rockwelldiff.onrubberblock suspension.Mechanicallysound.Withlongwell

$33,000

BPTSUPERDOG 2006,Steelchequeredtraywith containerpins,threeaxleairbagsuperdog trailer. Tubelesswheelsandtyres,alloyrimsanddolly lock.TrayLength6540,Width2440,trayheight 1400anddrawbarlength2300.ReadyforNSW registration.JOB#2588 TA1216349. $33,000

WTP PTY. LTD.

MACKMETRO-LINER 2012,FittedwithCummins ISL,Allisonauto,RT40-145onhendrickson airbag,rearleftaxle,factory10wheeler,new 6.1mhardoxbin,newelectricpolytarp,freshly paintedandreadyforNSWregistration. JOB#2689 TA1252004.

IVECOACCO2350G 2009,CumminsISCengine,

IVECOACCO2350G 2014,10x4fittedwithISL cumminsengine8.9litre,Alisonauto,RT40-145 onhendricksonairbagsuspension,10studalloy wheels,steeltippingbody,newelectricpolytarp, readyforNSWregistration.JOB#2721 TA1262739.

MACKENZIEFLATTOPTRAILER 1985,Steel floor, withtubelessspiderrims,soldastraded.

BodyMeasurements:5.4mlongx2.5mwide

Drawbar:2.1mlongand65cmhighfromthe ground

Tare4200GVM12000.JOB#2714 TA1249933. $8,800

FRUEHAUFTANDEMAXLE Skeletaltrailerwith containerpins.Ontubelesswheels/tyres.Good cleantrailer.SOLDasis.JOB#2487/2490/2491 TA1087849. $8,800

$165,000

MACKMETRO-LINER COMINGINTOSTOCK. MACKModelsfrom2007-2012 CabChassis Pricesstartfrom$38,500IncGST. MACK2007-2012 TA1240235. POA

FREIGHTLINERARGOSY 2017,FittedwithDetroit, eatonauto,46,000pounddiffsonairliner,alloy bullbar,quadtanksandreadyforNSW registration.JOB#2649 TA1211247. $77,000

STERLINGLT7500 2009,FittedwithISCcommon railcumminsengine,Alisonauto,rockwellbogie onairlinersuspension,7.5mDavcronBarrel,GVM 28500,Tare10760.Noregistrationandno roadworthy,soldastraded.JOB#2715 TA1250293. $22,000

$66,000

MACKMETRO-LINER 2009,8X4,fittedwithISC commonrailengine,315hp,274469kms,9 speedlo.loroadrangergearbox,RT40145on Hendricksonairbag,crosslocks,difflocks,10 studaluminiumrims,livedrive,36000GCM, 30000GVMandreadyforNSWregistration. JOB#2660 TA1219676.

4tochoosefrom

MACKCSMR ISCCummins,AllisonAuto, RT40-145onairbagsuspensionwithcross&diff lock.Aluminiumwheels.Runswell.Fourto choosefrom.JOB#2707 TA1246922. POA

FREIGHTLINERFL80 1994,FittedwithCseries Cumminsengine,Worldseriestransmission,RT 40-145onDynalasticsuspension,10studtubeless. SOLDastraded.JOB#2677 TA1225767. $13,200

HOMEMADETWO-AXLETAUTLINER Airbag trailer,rearbarndoor,5050longx2750highx 2500widex2500drawbar,spidertubeless wheelsandreadyforNSWregistration TARE5140,GCM:24,000.JOB#2623 TA1189564. $19,800