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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.