When Big Rigs saw owner-operator George Pailthorpe mid-afternoon, he had delivered machinery from southern Queensland to Townsville.
Aged 50 and based at Monto, George has been a driver for 30 years and was beside his Western Star 4900.
“I have some railway carriages to pick up,” he said.
George said he didn’t feel there were enough rest areas suitable for truckies.
However I did ask him if there were any rest areas which suited truckies’ needs and he answered: “There are some along the Dingo to Duaringa road.”
But one he was not so keen on is around the Mackay area at Paget.
“There is only enough parking space for four trucks,” he said.
As a small operator, costs are a major concern so I asked George how rising prices affected him.
“They are a problem for the entire economy, any rate increase, because they are passed on to consumers everywhere,” he said.
Regarding hobbies outsides work, George said he enjoys restoring old tractors. “Especially International tractors!”
After his pic was snapped, George headed off to the BP Cluden Roadhouse for a well-earned shower and break – a just reward after a hard day’s work.
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