An old head on young shoulders
Much has been said and written about the younger generations who are now infiltrating the trucking industry, in many cases, the infiltration is much to the dismay of the older hands. On the whole, not a lot of good is spoken about these newer members of our fraternity and it is becoming less and less frequent that we come across individuals with the same drive, determination, skill, and a genuine work ethic we experienced when we were younger.
Hills Carrying Co. of Bulls and Hunterville
The Hill family moved to Bulls in 1917, when William obtained a contract from the Manawatu District Council to cart metal from the bed of the Rangitikei River and load it into the wagons of the Sanson Tramway. The tramway was a council built and operated railway that ran from the south end of the Bulls’ Bridge to Himatangi where it joined the New Zealand Government Railways line that ran from Longburn to Foxton.
The luck of the Irish?
How often do you arrive at a transport yard to be confronted by a large tank bearing the number plates GBH4U? Well if you ever have to visit Protranz Earthmoving, in Christchurch, that is exactly what you are likely to be greeted by – an Abbot FV433 Self-Propelled Gun. Protranz owner, Gerard Daldry, said he had always wanted to own one of these war horses, and when the opportunity arose to purchase one recently, he acted quickly.
Driving legends - Gary ‘Gazza’ Songhurst
With the recent passing or Gary, I feel is only fitting to remember his legacy and long service to an industry he was so passionate about. A good natured man of humility and humour, Gary will be missed not only by his family and friends but also those he touched during his outstanding career. Rest well ole mate.
Central NI logger EF Deadman Ltd recalled – Part Two
Eric Deadman began hauling logs in the King Country before the Second World War. From small beginnings his business grew from a single truck to a small fleet before selling the business to his son Bob and his wife Margaret. By the early 1980s the changing regulatory environment and declining business ethics saw the new owners sell up their stake and take up farming, a decision they haven’t regretted. Simon Vincent continues the history of this well-known logging business.
Mainfreight’s FR Macks
I am sure that anyone associated with the transport industry in the early 1980s will remember the five Mack cabovers of Mainfreight Ltd. The fledgling transport company placed the first four of its stunning new Mack FR700 eight wheeler trucks on the road in 1979/1980. We look at the history of these trucks here.
A family history in trucking - Waianiwa Transport Ltd
Waianiwa Transport Ltd had a long running history in Southland. The business grew out of horse teams run by Albert McDowall in the 1920s. Having passed through several owners it was eventually sold to Ryal Bush Transport in 1980. We offer this brief history of its operations.
Laurent Contractors Ltd -The new face of the industry
When we look at the transport industry and its aging work force it is not hard to realise the problems that this is now presenting and the far-reaching implications it will have. So, when we were asked to visit a transport company run by some keen young men, how could we refuse? Laurent Contractors Ltd, Waharoa is owned and operated by Vaughan and Grayson Laurent alongside their wives Dani and Larissa. These young people epitomise the young face of transport, yet they are also some of the few taking the reins in the punishing world of road transport. Simon Vincent went to the Waikato to find out first hand just what drives these hardworking young people.
Howard Brothers
Simon Vincent spoke to Winston Howard about Howard Bros, the family firm which operated the iconic Kenworth L-924 known as Steptoe. The Howard family, Bruce, and later Bruce and Winston in partnership, were involved in transport from the 1950s until the 1970s initially general carriers and later they became loggers.
Sleek and stylish head turner
Main Line Distribution’s latest addition to its fleet is this outstanding Kenworth T909. The big sleeper equipped KW was built to make a statement, and make a statement it certainly does. Driver, Joe Williams, says that when they were building the truck, the goal was to achieve a clean, tough look. Well Joe, mission accomplished! Simon Vincent caught up with Joe loading the bold Kenworth out of Timaru recently.
50 years behind the wheel
Russell Carnegie started his driving career at Horton, Bidwell & Co Ltd. Fifty years later he is still behind the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz Actros for Heartland Haulage Ltd. Along the way Russell has tried his hand at many different sectors of the industry, including several stints as an owner driver. Age is seeing him cut back to just four days a week but this sprightly 69 year old still finds time to DJ on weekends as well as to fuss over his special edition Holden Commodore. Simon Vincent sat down with Russell and discussed his lively career recently.
Tyre shredding roar power – Bandag Bullet impresses
Bandag make some of the best retread tyres around but when it comes to making a show, they’re not shy to torture test their product to extremes with the Bandag Bullet Kenworth T400 display truck the sponsor. This 2200hp (2800hp with the nitrous) Detroit Diesel powered monster delivers quite the spectacle, wowing the gathered crowd, with its spectacular show of raw power as it shreds a brand new set of retreads in four minutes flat!
International S-Line still making a dollar in the Golden Bay
Richard Sixtus purchased his 1985 International SF2670-350 tipper from Mainline Commercials in Nelson 24 years ago. His passion for International S and T-Lines stretches right back to his youth. Caught snapping pictures in Takaka of the SF260 by the owner, Simon Vincent found out more about this working piece of history…
The history of B Cronin & Co Ltd – Part One
During the 60s, 70s and 80s, the premier fleet in the Waikato had to be the Tamahere-based trucks of B Cronin & Co Ltd. With red cabs and black mudguards, red tipping bodies and green stock crates, these rigs really stood out. Dave Hall looks back at the history of this stand out fleet.
Don and Anne Julian – 1973 Commer CEGV841
Don and Anne Julian’s lovely TS3 Commer began life hauling metal for Winstone out of Winstone’s Lunn Ave Quarry in Auckland.
The Real story behind NZ First FOrd CL-9000 - ‘Whistlin’ Dixie’
It’s funny how sometime when someone rings up with a question, the subject turns and you find out more about a subject you have an interest. Well that just what happened recently when Alan Mayo rung to find out if I knew where ‘Whistlin’ Dixie’ might be. As we chatted Alan began recalling how he purchased the Ford CL-9000 in America and shipped it home hoping to move into the transport industry now that it was de-regulating.
Central NI logger EF Deadman Ltd recalled – Part one
Eric Deadman began hauling logs in the King Country before the Second World War. From small beginnings his business grew from a single truck to a small fleet before selling the business to his son Bob and his wife Margaret. By the early 1980s the changing regulatory environment and declining business ethics saw the new owners sell up their stake and take up farming, a decision they haven’t regretted. Simon Vincent looks back over the history of this well-known logging business with the assistance of the Deadman family.