Based out of Wacol in Brisbane, Jordan Rance has been in the trucking game for around three and a half years, but like many drivers, it didn’t take long before it got in his blood.
Jordan got his start through a good mate who was running a rigid delivering energy drinks.
After lending a hand for a few days, he quickly realised trucking was something he genuinely enjoyed and from there, it was game on.
These days, Jordan drives for Coolfreight, covering serious kilometres across the country.
His work is as varied as it gets, hauling frozen and chilled freight to Adelaide and Perth, bringing produce back, running fertiliser and general freight out to Emerald and Mareeba, and pushing groceries up into places like Cloncurry, Mackay and Cairns.
When he caught up with Big Rigs, he was behind the wheel of a 2024 Kenworth Legend SAR, towing a Maxi-CUBE double road train set a setup built for the long haul and the kind of work he thrives on.
For Jordan, the biggest drawcard of trucking is the freedom of the open road. He enjoys being able to pull up where he wants, fire up a portable BBQ, and cook a feed while taking in parts of Australia that most people will never get to see.
Ask about favourite runs and there’s no hesitation the Nullarbor is right at the top of the list. In fact, he admits he’s always talking about getting sent across to Perth and can’t get enough of that stretch of road.
When it comes to stops, Jordan rates both the BP at Parkes Bypass and the Shell OTR in Adelaide, saying they’ve got some of the best showers, food and parking setups going around.
Like many long-haul drivers, Jordan says one of the toughest parts of the job is dealing with driver behavior around trucks.
A lack of understanding from other road users especially inconsistent speeds on single lanes and overtaking sections can make the job more difficult than it needs to be.
From an industry perspective, he believes there’s also room for improvement in how drivers are supported and educated.
While compliance is important, he feels there should be a stronger focus on education and engagement, rather than just penalties, to help drivers improve and keep the industry moving forward.
What keeps him coming back is simple, it’s in his blood now. The freedom and lifestyle that come with trucking are hard to walk away from once you’ve experienced it.
Looking ahead, Jordan has ambitions of one day running his own truck, but for now he’s focused on continuing to learn, gain experience, and build his skills while working with Coolfreight.
His advice for new drivers is clear: soak up as much knowledge as you can and learn from experienced drivers. No one ever knows everything in this industry, and staying open to advice is what keeps you improving.
Outside of work, Jordan keeps things simple. Any time he’s home is spent with his wife and two kids, making the most of the time together before heading back out on the road.
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