Well, the rain had stopped briefly and stopping at the Tailem Bend Ampol, we caught up with John Liles from Cootamundra when he stopped over for a quick cuppa.
He was driving a Farey’s Transport and Trading K200 with a 550 Cummins up front, and 1.1 million kilometres on the clock, but a fine-looking rig, well cared for and maintained.
John told us he was currently on his way from Adelaide to Naracoorte and then back to Wagga Wagga.
“I’ve been here for about 12 months now, and I’d have to say this is a great family outfit and they look after their trucks, their gear and their drivers,” John said.
“I have driven for several companies but Farey’s have been by far the best. I’ve been on the road for 30 years or so now and I am still enjoying it.
“I guess I started working in the industry when I was working for a fellow doing hay back in the 80s, that got me started but it’s also in the family.”
John said he’s mostly happy enough about how things are going but there are undoubtedly some problems that need addressing.
“Certainly too much bureaucracy on the one hand, but, for example, some of the results of trustingly accepting foreign licences to fill in for the shortage of experienced drivers, has in fact seen some unnecessary accidents, even leading, in one case, to tragic consequences.”
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