‘Driving trucks is in my DNA’

A third generation truck driver, for 26-year-old Joshua Pyke, there was never any question over which career path he’d eventually take.

It’s an industry he’s lived and breathed ever since he was a little kid. “It’s just in the blood – that’s the only way to say it. Driving trucks is in my DNA,” he said.

Born and raised in Stawell, in Victoria’s Wimmera region, Joshua was shown and taught the ropes by his uncle Mick Pyke, who at 65 years of age is still racking up the miles, working for Stawell Freighters, where he’s been for many, many years.

Joshua learned from his truckie uncle Mick Pyke, who is still driving trucks today. Image: Joshua Pyke

Joshua said the family’s foray into trucking all started with his late grandfather, Les ‘Nobby’ Pyke. “He began driving trucks back in the day, doing general freight.”

Joshua also had another uncle who drove trucks, but sadly he never got the opportunity to meet him. “Uncle Mick’s brother Stephen also drove trucks but he passed away in 1991.”

Joshua has fond memories of sitting in the passenger seat, alongside Mick, as he travelled near and far – into Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane.

“I remember being down at the Stawell Freighters yard as a kid. Uncle Mick has been there a long time and Pop drove for them too,” revealed Joshua.

A very young Joshua with Uncle Mick. Image: Joshua Pyke

Asked what the initial attraction to trucks was, he replied, “It just feels like home.”

Joshua got his HC at the age of 19, with his first driving role being tipper work, travelling throughout Victoria and interstate to Adelaide. “I did that for about two and a half years. I got my MC just before my 21st birthday and then I got into general freight, going interstate to Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.”

That was until early 2022, when Joshua started his current driving role with Thomas Foods International.

“I’m in a 2023 Mack Trident – I got the keys to it brand new. It’s B-double refrigerated work and bulk tipper work.”

His set runs are from Stawell and into Murray Bridge in South Australia, along with trips to Adelaide and Melbourne.

Asked about his favourite places to stop, Joshua nominated one particular roadhouse. “A massive shout out to the Ampol Roadhouse at Tailem Bend. The customer service is exceptional, the food is phenomenal and the showers are clean. I don’t stop there that often as I usually take all my stuff from home, but if I ever need to pull over, I know that there I always get looked after,” he said.

Working for Thomas Foods International, Joshua does B-double refrigerated work and bulk tipper work. Image: Joshua Pyke

Though he also added that many of the roads he gets along are in quite the sorry state. “Melbourne to the South Australian border is a disgrace. The freeway finishes at Ararat and then it’s single lane up to Bordertown. You just need to hang on and enjoy the ride. It’s definitely gotten worse over the last few years.”

Looking to further his skills in the industry, recently Joshua also completed his Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations at Kangan Institute – juggling full time work with study.

Along with his recent award win, Joshua is a former school captain and winner of the Australian Defence Force Long Tan Award. He also established a scholarship at his local high school.

Looking ahead, Joshua commented, “I’d like to eventually get into transport operations. That’s’ why I decided to do the course. I wanted to put another feather in the cap. I don’t think I’d ever be able to give up driving fully though,” said Joshua.

“I think I’ll always be around transport. Once you’re in, there’s no getting out!”

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