Long time Driver and Owner Driver Magazine contributor Ken Wilkie was recommended to us and what a great discussion it turned out to be. We love anyone who's passionate about road transport but some people go above and beyond to fight for Drivers conditions, protest laws and challenge decisions that have been made against the good of the industry. Ken is one of these people and his support of Rod Hannifey and the initial Truckright Industry Vehicle is just one example of this mans dedication to the industry we love so much.

32. Ken Wilkie

Copy Southbound is a Podcast that immortalises the real life stories from some of the great Pioneers of the Australian Trucking Industry. It brings to life what they have experienced and been able to achieve in such a demanding but rewarding industry and enables their stories to live on forever and be accessed by our future generations.

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Any truck enthusiast will be familiar with the legendary Freds of Shepparton fleet that grace our highways. With some customised and very individual designs, I think that most people would be proud to steer one. But with our recent catch up with Danny Borg, son of founder Fred Borg, we learnt about the non-traditional start to the company and a foundation that has ensured that Freds will be here to stay for a long time yet. Become a member Join the Crew | Copy Southbound

89. Danny Borg – Fred's of Shepparton

Bruce has known Brian Taylor through historic truck runs for many years and finally got to Yerong Creek in the NSW Riverina District to record the family history. Brian was joined by his father Geoff as the two of them recalled the early days of Taylor Brothers Transport and the trials that are faced by operators on a daily basis. Brian is still peddling up and down the highway and when he’s not reliving the early days in his original, unrestored, one family owned Cummins powered International and McGrath trailer. 

88. Geoff and Brian Taylor – Taylor Brothers

Pattens Transport had humble beginnings in 1938 as the family moved into trucking following a career in farming. The company steadily grew thanks to the local cannery along with a contract with Ricegrowers which lasted for almost 50 years. This resulted in the end of the transport business but in their wake the Patten family left a legacy in the Leeton district that will remain for many years to come. Bruce caught up with Jack and his son Steve in Leeton to record the history of this well-known transport company.

87. Jack & Steve Patten - Patten's, Leeton

With many changes in transport we figured it was time to approach the NHVR for another interview and they happily obliged. Bruce and I see a lot of things happen in the industry and get asked many questions. The ramping up of things such as Enforceable Undertakings, Supervisory Intervention Orders and Prosecutions had us wanting to clear up a few stigmas surrounding them all. We were joined by outgoing Director of Prosecutions Belinda Hughes along with recently appointed Director of Investigations Emma Watson to discuss various ways in which companies could prepare themselves in the event of an incident.

86. NHVR – Belinda Hughes and Emma Watson

After Murray contacted Bruce about some Kenworth Klassic information, a lengthy discussion resulted in him being invited onto the show. Murray has had an extensive career in road transport including being a company driver, Coach Captain and then owner driver. What appealed to us was the humble nature of this passionate truckie especially his selfless dedication to assist people struggling with life in our industry. It was our absolute pleasure to record this and share it with you all. Grab your Sydney TruckFest tickets here www.sydneytruckfest.com.au 

32. Ken Wilkie

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