Truck drivers are the lifeblood of our highways, the unsung heroes who keep the wheels of the economy turning. Behind the wheel, they face unique challenges, embrace unexpected adventures, and find meaning in a life on the road.
Here are five real stories that offer a peek into their world.
Peter Grealy: One of the Best Tow Truck Drivers With Never a Dull Day
For Peter Grealy, running Grealy Motors & Towing in Wodonga is a constant adventure. Peter manages a family business that’s been around for decades, providing emergency roadside assistance and towing services across vast stretches from Melbourne to Sydney and Canberra.
As a contractor for NRMA and RACV, Peter’s workdays can include rescuing stranded motorists, handling breakdowns, and recovering vehicles from accidents. But what really sets his work apart is its unpredictability. Each call-out is different—one moment he’s pulling a car out of a ditch, and the next, he’s helping a traveller continue their journey.
“It keeps you on your toes,” Peter Grealy says.
It is not just about towing vehicles, it is about being there for people when they’re most vulnerable for the inspiring truck driver, Grealy. Without any doubt, he has proven himself as one of the diligent truck drivers in the fleet industry.
Jardy Jardine: Finding a Home on The Road
Jardy Jardine has been with Wilken Bulk Haulage in Victoria for over 20 years, and he’s seen firsthand how much difference a good employer can make. Starting out as a diesel mechanic apprentice, Jardy transitioned into driving trucks—a role he grew to love.
What keeps him on the road is more than the job itself; it’s the way Wilken Bulk Haulage operates. In an industry where many drivers feel like cogs in a machine, Jardy appreciates working for a company that treats its staff like family.
“You’re not just a number here,” Jardy Jardine explains.
The respect and sense of belonging make long days and tough hauls worthwhile for the Veteran truck driver. Not just that, Jardy’s prolific career underscores how much a supportive work environment means in trucking.
Thomas Hill: Living the Legacy of the Open Road
For Thomas Hill, trucking isn’t just a job—it’s a family tradition. As a third-generation truckie, Thomas grew up hearing stories from his father and grandfather about their days on the road. Today, he’s writing his own story behind the wheel of his Kenworth T659, hauling fuel across the Northern Territory and Queensland.
The job isn’t easy, but for Thomas, it’s the landscapes and freedom that make it rewarding. From the sunburnt outback to lush tropical highways while truck driving, every day brings a new view.
“It’s different every day,” Thomas Hill says, reflecting the spirit of adventure that comes with the profession.
Prominent truckie from NSW’s Hunter Valley, Hill’s story captures the romance of life on the road, a mix of hard work, family legacy, and the thrill of discovery.
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David Wall: Following a Childhood Dream
David Wall’s journey through truck driving took an unconventional path. As a kid, he dreamed of driving big rigs, but life had other plans. He became a carpet layer, working in a trade that kept him grounded. Yet, his love for trucks never faded.
The 35-year-old truck driver took a leap of faith and started his own transport business before joining Hillman’s Transport as a road train driver. Today, he embarks on epic 6,300-kilometre round trips from Toowoomba to Darwin, hauling goods across Australia’s vast landscape.
For David Wall, the long hours and distance are worth it, trucking gives him the sense of freedom he always wanted. His story proves that it’s never too late to chase your dreams, even when they take you thousands of kilometres away from home.
Colin Reid: Four Decades of Trucking Adventures
Colin Reid’s career spans more than 40 years, and it’s been a journey as vast as the country he’s traversed. From Melbourne’s urban sprawl to the rugged outback of Darwin, Colin has hauled just about everything.
These days, Colin is based in Townsville, driving a Kenworth T909 to deliver goods to supermarkets and mines. His most recent job took him to Cobar, transporting containers from mine to port, a stark contrast to his earlier days of long-haul trucking.
For Colin Reid, it has always been the spice of life during his truck driving journey. His ability to adapt to new challenges keeps him engaged and passionate about his work. After decades behind the wheel, the Townsville-based truck driver still finds joy in the simple things: a smooth ride, a good route, and the satisfaction of a job well done.
From Peter’s unpredictable days helping stranded motorists to Colin’s decades-long journey across Australia, each driver brings a unique perspective to life on the road. Their stories are a testament to the resilience, dedication, and spirit of truck drivers everywhere, reminding us of the people behind the wheel, who keep our world moving every single day.
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