Mainfreight’s FR Macks
Article first published in the inaugural issue November 2003, updated June 2025
I am sure that anyone associated with the transport industry in the early 1980’s 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. The fifth came into service with contractors VM & LP Wright in 1983.
The Macks immediately set the bar for presentation of road transport vehicles, a standard others in the industry would later aspire to. They set the calibre, not only for appearance, but also ongoing pride in presentation, a level that is evident in the company and its contractors to this day.
There can be little doubt that the outstanding look of the trucks attracted a lot of attention from clients. I remember discussing with a Mainfreight driver in Christchurch how customers would ring and ask if the Mack could come to pick up some parcel or other for delivery. These small jobs led on to more and bigger jobs, so although it seemed a case of overkill to dispatch a Mack to pick up a parcel, the long term strategy appears to have been sound. The now publicly listed company is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
So, what ever happened to these show pieces? As most trucks are purchased with the expectation of a ten year service life, I thought I would see if any of these units were still in service after almost 23 years. (This article has been updated in 2025.)
JK9341 was Christchurch based. Unfortunately, this unit suffered a cab fire following a service (reported to be caused by a rag left on the engine) and the truck was scrapped. It put in long service with firstly Mainfreight, then with four sub-contractors (Tony Green, Trevor Collins, Neil Millar and BJ & PJ O’Neill) before leaving the Mainfreight livery. It was sold to a Alton Drilling, who fitted a drilling rig to it before its unfortunate demise.
KZ3051 started life with VM & LP Wright and has passed through three owners (Arlen Transport contractor to Mainfreight, Steve Larkin with Trailways and Owens Road, G & C Morrison - Owens Road) before reaching K & J Isaacson Transport in Waipawa. This truck is now part of a fleet of four Mack units. Originally purchased to be wrecked, it had a reprieve and now hauls livestock or a clip on tip bin. The truck was later sold to Wright Freight Service (the original owner’s son) who began the process of restoration. It then passed to Central Machine Hire and was brought back to life by Jason Winder and their team.
JZ1482 was registered in 1980 in Hamilton. This unit has had four owners (Graeme Wright, Calais Contracts, Pearce Earthmovers, Jackson Transport) before Bruno Weidmann of Coraliice Ltd purchased it in July 1999. It is now employed carrying flake ice, mainly to the fishing industry, from an ice making plant in Tauranga. Bruno said it was ideal, especially as it had been fitted with a new alloy body around a year before he brought it. It was then sold to Corefinder Industries Ltd and is now currently for sale.
JJ2090’s history has been short and sweet. After starting with Mainfreight it was owner-driven by contractor Mike “Charlie” Charlton before moving to Dunedin, the truck passed to Carroll Contractors in 1991 and was converted to a drop side tipper. JJ2090 passed from Carroll Contractors to farmer Alan Gluys then Murray Rowland, a farmer outside of Christchurch, who has undertaken an extensive rebuild of this iconic truck.
JJ2001 - The first one! Registered in Lower Hutt in November 1979, this unit worked for G & L Taylor Freighting Ltd before being purchased and beautifully restored to its former glory by Mainfreight Ltd. It was presented to company founder and Executive Chairman Bruce Plested to honour his 60th birthday and is now based in Auckland.
In 2003 we were surprised to find that four of the five trucks were working, we are amazed to find that they can still be seen in 2025. These units are testament to the strength and reliability of the original design - a great advert for Mack Trucks of the era. However, without the care and maintenance provided by all their owners, these Macks would not be around for us to continue to admire.
Photos: Simon Vincent, Andrew Geddes, Ed Mansell - Big Rig Fotos.