Copy Southbound podcast

We did many recordings at the Mid America Truck Show and amongst them was the delightful Miss Flatbed Red and her ‘Lost in the 70's' husband Chris Budke. These two live and breath historic trucking and a lot of you will already know Red from her YouTube interviews, that she has been conducting with ATHS Members for quite a few years – they are an incredible couple and we are indebted to the help that they gave us while over there. You'll love their story and undeniable passion.

Peter Baldwin was mentioned many times in Rob Woolley's podcast and Rob was instrumental in ensuring that Bruce captured Peter at his home in Renmark to hear this amazing mans story. Working for some legendary companies in outback Australia, Peter made a name for himself as both a driver and a Manager for companies enduring our harshest travel conditions. Pete's now retired but his recollection of those days were fantastic and a steep learning curve in each one resulted in knowledge and resilience that only experience can create.

The Cleveland Mack Munchers have been iconic amongst the trucking community for many years with Frank Lenzi at the helm for over 45 years. His recent passing led to the closing of the company which was met with tributes flowing for the well respected icon. A number of enthusiasts purchased examples of the old Cleveland fleet including Jarred Sacca, a heavy haulage operator from Mackay in Queensland. Jarred pulled as many strings as he could to get this podcast together with two ex-Cleveland employees, Lance and Arthur, to share some extremely funny memories of their times peddling the Mack Munchers across the Nullarbor. Looking for One platform for total fleet management? Look no further that GEOTAB Fleet Management Software | Geotab

Bruce has often mentioned his long term mate David Kent who we lost to cancer at the end of 2023. Dave and Deidre Kent were the proprietors of Spencer Gulf Coaches in Port Pirie and a recent catch up with their son, Jared and Dave's best mate, David Walsh, allowed Bruce to sit with them both and reminisce about the awfully talented Dave and the impact he made on not only the bus and coach community but also the historic truck restoration community. Often described as a mechanical genius, Dave was known for his no bullshit approach and hard work ethic that infected all around him, his teaching skills and his never ending help to his mates along with his contributions to both the National Road Transport Hall of Fame and more recently, The Stories of the Road Museum where his legacy will remain for many years to come. JOIN THE BANGERZ CLUB  Join the Club | Copy Southbound

Nuriootpa Traders was a family owned and operated business for over 40 years and over this time grew to become the largest local transport company operating exclusively between the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Adelaide areas. The company was sold to new owners in 2018 and continues to operate in the same capacity however, we managed to catch up with Kym Roocke, son of founders Jim and Denise Roocke, to get the first part of this fantastic story and it's humble beginnings. www.copysouthbound.com.au 

The stunning Kuchel fleet has graced our roads for many years and was enough to have Bruce approach Jacob to ask him to sit down and tell the story of their long history in transport. Along with the trucking side, the company has also developed a reputation for producing some fine restorations out of their Barossa Valley workshops. The company was founded by Maxwell Kuchel over 50 years ago and is a true family business with all members working in the operation and is in its third generation of extremely talented owners. www.copysouthbound.com.au 

Sharon and Bob Middleton are extremely well known in the transport industry, not only for their striking black, white and red fleet, but also for their constant battle to improve the industry, with tireless efforts lobbying for better conditions, treatment and acceptance from the authorities, and the general public. This discussion with them goes back to their grass roots, but also visits the recent legal battle that they faced, following a terrible accident involving one of their vehicles. There is a lot to learn from this podcast, as the hell that they faced over the past few years could have happened to any one of us. Bruce and I are truly grateful to Sharon for sharing this incident with all of us, with the hope that it will help others out there.

Following the interview with Keith Anderson in Toowoomba, his son David contacted us with a lead to Peter Zimm who had a strong affiliation with Leader Trucks after marrying into the family. The Leader story is exceptional in regard to ingenuity, resilience and trying to compete with big business in a small Australian market. Peter owns an incredibly rare Leader and like all enthusiasts, has researched and collaborated to ensure that the detail of these unique trucks is there for all of us to remember. join the BANGERZ CLUB Join the Club | Copy Southbound

We have to be honest, having a chat with Jon was something we debated for a long time however, one thing we hate at Copy Southbound is trial by social media so, after many recommendations from people we highly regard in the industry we approached Jon for an all out discussion about his life, his rise and fall, his life after HHA and of course, his passion for trucks in general. He wears his heart on his sleeve and we came away with a new mate as his passion and attention to detail is something to admire. We hope you enjoy this as much as we did.

Glenn Nightingale operated out of the Wollongong area with his stunning light blue fleet of American trucks. Like everyone, he started tough and eventually was able to build up a strong clientele with reliability and service his key factors. After many years of operation, Glenn was approached to sell the company and now lives a quiet life in Ipswich where he met with Bruce to share his story. BANGERZ CLUB Join the Club | Copy Southbound

A chance meeting on a road trip led Bruce to sit and record Greg and his story as an owner operator. Following a yarn at a caravan park, he agreed to share his life story as a simple, one-truck owner, battling away like so many others. Greg started his career back in a hard era  of road transport and built his business with some strong customers and some strong trucks.

Bruce topped off his Southern adventure by catching up with Stephen O'Hare in Romsey, Victoria. For those guys out there older than me – Bruce's age – the legend of Tyrone Malon's Super Boss, Bruce McDonald's Detroit Devil and Terry O'Hare's Waltzing Matilda are Legendary. Stephen is Terry's son and has recently written a book on the famous jet truck which also captures the history of Re Car and Terry's incredible entrepreneurial brilliance in a way that had Bruce totally star struck.  BANGERZ CLUB Join the Club | Copy Southbound

Damien Smith contacted us just before heading on our Southern trip and requested we interview his Uncle Mick following a bout of illness. It was meant to be as the plan was to travel straight through Heathcote so we were able to record these awesome members of a diehard trucking family. Bruce was amazed at his surroundings as he was picked up in a 1943 Ford Jailbar and taken to Mick's parents house that was over 100 years old to sit and record Micks golden era trucking history with Damien by his side.  Join the Club | Copy Southbound

After working for a couple of well known and respected transport operators, Alina Hawkins met her future husband Kane and started a transition into livestock cartage and road train driving. The two of them ran two-up for quite a few years before expanding the company and running a number of trucks which saw Alina expertly piloting one following her expert tuition. In 2016 she received the LRTAV Outstanding Industry Contribution Award and her ability to research, consult and communicate to rural trucking and Government following years of industry experience resulted in her appointment as COO of the LRTAV. An amazing asset to road transport and a very insightful podcast.

Copy Southbound has opened doors that we never imagined, but by far, the greatest gift has been the amazing people we've come to connect with. One amazing man was Barry Grimson, who became a great mate to Bruce and I, and as we soon discovered, was admired by all who knew him. His passing last week following a long battle with cancer cut deep and as tributes flowed across social media, the values and pride Sleepy had in the transport industry resonated with every heartfelt comment. As a small tribute to Barry, we decided to go back and have another listen to the interview that was recorded back in 2021. This special episode of Copy Southbound is dedicated to mateship, pride, dedication, survival and honour, all attributes that Sleepy fought for to keep the industry alive as he knew it. Rest easy Good Buddy and thank you for making what we do so worthwhile, we'll miss you.

After fearing we'd be banned after Episode Number 1, we are bold enough to poke the bear yet again by bringing Bernie Learson back for Round 2!! In all seriousness, Bernie swallowed his pride and took a risk  for us and we couldn't think of a better way to celebrate 100 episodes than listening to him for another few hours to see what the last 4 years have held for him. It's hard to put into words just how humbled we are with the continual messages of praise, wisdom, suggestions and admiration for Copy Southbound. On behalf of Bruce, and myself, thank you to all of our listeners, sponsors, BANGERZ Members, interviewees and partners in being part of our community. And a special thanks to Meg Becker and our ever loving families for encouraging and believing in us.  BECOME A BANGERZ MEMBER www.copysouthbound.com.au 

Paul and Jenny Fellows reside in Deniliquin where they own and operate Fellows Bulk Transport. Not only are these two as genuine as they come, they have also made some amazing contributions to the transport industry and the community in regards to safety, education and promotion of road transport. Along with that, Paul is also the Chair of Natroad, Chair of Trucksafe and recipient of the John Kelly Memorial Award and was also Mayor of Edward River Council. And Jenny recently won the coveted Trucking Industry Woman of the Year. Above and beyond is an understatement. WIN THE MIDLAND BAR BIG BANGERZ GIVEAWAY | Copy Southbound

Continuing on Bruce's Riveria trip, he caught up with Bernie Hayllar from Narrandera to get the story of long term company Hayllar Transport. A fair dinkum transport operation, Hayllar's were well known in country NSW as well as up to Darwin where they operated road trains for many years. Bernie took the company over from his father following a unique sidestep out of the family business working in truck sales where he delivered some iconic mid 80's show stoppers before returning to run this iconic operation where he still is to this day. Some great history here.

Bruce has been great mates with Dave Willis of Mangoplah for many years and often comments on his amazing knowledge of all things Mack in Australia. The chance to interview Dave ended up even better than expected when his father Matt and brother Andy joined the interview for a great insight into their family history. It's obvious that Dave had no hope in his upbringing after hearing how Matt and Andy brainwashed him but he's used it for eternal good in his knowledge of some of our early transport history. BANGERZ CLUB > Join the Club | Copy Southbound

We are fortunate to have an overwhelming band of supporters and followers with Copy Southbound but none fly the flag for us quite like Mike Minogue of Coolamon near Wagga in NSW. Like so many, Mike has a story that stems back to his childhood where a physical setback didn't stop him from pursuing his dream. He drove for many years and we are fortunate to call him a friend of the podcast and a true mate of ours. You're an inspiration Mike and a true Cowboy of the Transport Industry, sincerely in its truest form.

JOIN THE BANGERZ CLUB - Join the Crew | Copy Southbound  We've always loved the Muscat fleet of Kenworth's with Bruce regularly boring me with the same old details of each of the 900 Legend's – once is enough mate, I get it! Anyway, he asked the boys how they felt about an interview and although incredibly humble, they agreed, and with their Dad Tony in the background correcting the conversation from time to time, they told the story of their mentors and inspirations behind one of the most elegant fleets gracing the Eastern Seaboard. This was also the start of an eight day road trip into the Riverina and then country Victoria where we captured some terrific stories to share over the next few months.

We've always loved the Muscat fleet of Kenworth's with Bruce regularly boring me with the same old details of each of the 900 Legend's – once is enough mate, I get it! Anyway, he asked the boys how they felt about an interview and although incredibly humble, they agreed, and with their Dad Tony in the background correcting the conversation from time to time, they told the story of their mentors and inspirations behind one of the most elegant fleets gracing the Eastern Seaboard. This was also the start of an eight day road trip into the Riverina and then country Victoria where we captured some terrific stories to share over the next few months.

We attempted to interview Dennis over a year ago thanks to a recommendation from our mate Glenn Reedman. Unfortunately, Dennis took ill in the middle of recording and it's taken this long to finally get back there and capture this unique person's story. From driving trucks to rolling them over (on purpose), this very dry and humorous bloke still had us laughing as he recounted how he stumbled into the film industry and ended up as an icon to all who know him.

Following many years as a driver and then a long stint in Management, Les Tucker teamed up with Colin Walters to form Success Freightlines in Geelong. They operated Australia wide before his retirement and Les was kind enough to sit with us to discuss his history and career that spanned over 6 decades. We must thank Adam ‘Lefty' Hotchin for his introduction to Les along with his incredible photo history that helped pull this story together.

Bruce has been mates with Rob Woolley for close to 30 years and refers to him as a “font of knowledge” due to his unmistakeable eye for detail with all things transport related. He's been waiting for a long time to corner Rob for a podcast and finally the starts aligned and they managed to sit for a marathon effort and record the history of S.C Woolley Haulage. Bruce definitely retains a lot of information on transport but credits Rob with filling in the blanks.  BANGERZ Club Join the Crew | Copy Southbound

Every now and then we are contacted by someone with a story that is so moving that we act on it as soon as we can. This was one of those phone calls. Brett Harder owns a neat transport fleet on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia and called Bruce to share his story. A passionate truck enthusiast which is obvious by the quality and presentation of his fleet yet this is about his early signs and sudden diagnosis of a terminal illness. We always say that life is short but it's easy to get complacent, so Brett's willingness to share his current situation was embraced to remind us how lucky we are. Please note that there are some sound issues again as Brett was a bit quiet at times but this doesn't overshadow this remarkable man. Thankyou Brett, it was an absolute pleasure. JOIN THE MEMBERS GROUP www.copysouthbound.com.au 

Doyley is a man known by many following well over 50 years behind the wheel. We got out to Trangie to finally interview Doyley and hear of his love of trucks, the industry and what it is that keeps him going as a driver in his mid-80's. He was part of the legendary Grey Ghost crew and a good mate of Gary Darlington who recently passed away. We'd like to thank Graham for his hospitality, honesty and relentless sense of humour.

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

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. 

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.

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.

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 

Bruce had a chance meeting with Evan Jones while recording up around the Toowoomba area and was so taken with his humour, memory and knowledge of the industry that he approached him for an interview before heading back to Sydney. Evan is now a publican in a little town called Nobby, between Warwick and Toowoomba. Evan kept saying to Bruce “I know you from somewhere” and true to his word, Bruce remembered him once he saw his truck. Hopeless. Evan has been around and shared some great stories of trucks, transport and the fact that even in his mid-70's, he can't get away from them and is still running a 904 Kenworth incase he's wanted for that “odd job”. What a terrific way for us to finish our road trip in the area. GRAB YOUR TICKETS TODAY www.sydneytruckfest.com.au 

Ben was part of our compliance team in Sydney and he's been mentioned on the podcast plenty of times. Now residing back in Oakey out of Toowoomba, Ben looks after the compliance and training for Mort & Co and is an extremely talented operator. But his beginnings stem back to early days as a driver as he worked his way through the field. We have a lot of time for Ben as we learnt to respect his knowledge after the couple of years he worked with us and we truly miss his openness and sense of humour. He also has a natural ability to be as blunt as a ball pein hammer and has a dickhead meter more sensitive than mine and Bruce's combined. Brace yourselves................

Checkout SYDNEY TRUCKFEST www.sydneytruckfest.com.au We were lucky enough to meet some great people at Casino Truck Show last year and amongst them was Barry and Maree Sjerp, a truly delightful couple from Limestone Ridges, South of Ipswich. We learnt of Barry's introduction to trucks as well as his childhood, being raised without a father after his beloved Dad was taken in a truck accident when Barry was only three years old. His tribute to his family and love of trucks saw Bruce reach out to Barry who graciously parked up his new A-double to sit and relay the story of his family and his father and his passion for transport, something that is evident in his stunning new 909. Thanks Barry for this heartwarming interview.

After conversing with Paul Biagini over social media for some time, Bruce realised how similar they were with their love of trucks, cars, writing. He approached Paul to tell the story and was invited up to Paul's place in Mulgowie in the high country south of Gatton in Queensland. With a childhood around trucks and a strong history as an owner operator, Paul openly discussed his highs and lows in trucking, love of cars and music, historic trucks and life in journalism. We know you'll love this raw interview of Paul's life.

Our first interview for 2024 sees Bruce interview recently retired Greg Williamson who spoke about his career in the livestock game that stemmed back to the late 50's. Driving an array of trucks – including Bruce's beloved Commer's – Greg became a long time operator of the Mercedes Benz brand and ran a small fleet of them for many years. He ended up driving for Mort & Co in Toowoomba and told a terrific story. We hope you enjoy this.

The Wickham fleet is well known on our roads and Graham Keogh has been on our radar since Copy Southbound's inception to sit with and hear the story. We finally managed to create a time and were not disappointed. The operation in Warwick is a standout with state of the art facilities, servicing and equipment that identifies them as leaders in their field. Yet, the humble beginnings of the company to their current status was met with as many trials and tribulations as the next person and the result is admirable to say the least. 

Jim and Helen Savage sat with Bruce on his recent trip up the New England to capture some of our industries standout operators. After working as independent livestock haulers for some years, Jim and Helen formed Stockmaster, a name well known in Tamworth and surrounding areas. They were both instrumental in improvements and safety standards in transport and initiated a number of firsts in their area of expertise. We must thank Ian Pendered for nominating this amazing couple to share their story. Click this link below for BANGERZ Membership!!! www.copysouthbound.com.au 

This bloke needs little to no introduction due to his enormous popularity following his stint on the Outback Truckers program, a show that takes Australian trucking to the rest of the world.  Glenn Kendall, affectionately known as Yogi, is a larger than life character who was shoved into the limelight via the show and gained a following due to his humor and infectious personality.  Even though he is a single truck owner operator, he dedicates as much of his time as he can to support events and spread the word about the positives in our beloved industry.

We've had Gary's name on our list of people we've wanted to interview for the past three years and finally, the opportunity presented itself and it was worth the wait. From paper trucks to one of the earliest Grey Ghost drivers, Darlo made a name for himself driving these legendary machines for a few fast years before becoming Linehaul Manager for TNT and then branching out on his own. He's also the subject of one of the coolest photos of a Grey Ghost, leaning up against the bulbar like he'd just conquered a road race and even that well known photo has a cracking story behind it. We are indebted to Gary and his family for this interview. JOIN THE BANGERZ CREW www.copysouthbound.com.au 

In this episode, Bruce sits with Glen Lewis who recently gained some recognition after driving his pristine T950 around Australia to celebrate his 60th birthday. A trucking tragic from an early age, Glen has dabbled in transport through the years and is a huge advocate for charity work and helping a mate. Also, He's been a massive fan of Copy Southbound since we started so we thought we would help him celebrate his birthday in style by asking him to tell his story.

Patty Morris has been a mate of Bruces for many years and shares his love for trucks, transport and history. He's widely known amongst the historic truck movement for his great collection of old trucks and tractors and, like Bruce, enjoys a yarn as you'll find out. Kick back as we hear about his introduction to transport, life on the road and ambition to restore as many pieces of history as possible before his time's up in a very entertaining interview as both of these blokes battle to draw a breath while talking.

On a recent trip to Western Australia, Bruce had the pleasure of catching up with Dennis Thorburn to discuss his career in the heavy haulage industry. Well known throughout the industry as Darkie, Dennis made a name for himself doing what they do best in the west, hauling some mammoth loads with some impressive equipment through some of our toughest country. He even featured in Truckin' Life back in the day as they recorded one of his epic trips inland. We're extremely grateful to Darkie for sharing his story. Checkout "TRUCKBOOK" by joining BANGERZ  www.copysouthbound.com.au 

Tony Savage was a neighbour of Bruce's and he still recalls Tony's brand new LNT 9000 Louisville parked on his front lawn sporting Kingston colours as a young Tony embarked on a career in heavy haulage. Recently retired, Bruce caught up with Tony, someone he's admired for many years, and sat to discuss his life in transport. Have you joined BANGERZ yet? www.copysouthbound.com.au 

We were invited to speak with the amazing Keith Anderson in Toowoomba to hear the incredible life story of this 99 year olds association with the iconic Western Transport. It was well worth the trip as Keith is as sharp as a tac and his recollection of his years working with them was something to behold. We'd like to thank David Anderson for making this happen as we consider the opportunity to speak with his father celebrating his 100th year to be an absolute honour. Enjoy this piece of transport history. CHECK THIS OUT > www.copysouthbound.com.au

Bruce has often mentioned his luck in being invited to the States to drive historic trucks for the Klenske family and on his recent trip across, took the time to sit with Dalton Trucking's Josh, son of owner Terry Klenske. A similar history to any transport company in Australia with highs and lows, good luck and good management and with a collection of old vehicles that has Bruce needing a cold shower. JOIN THE CREW www.copysouthbound.com.au 

As the long term Executive Officer of the South Australian Road Transport Association (SARTA), Steve Shearer has been instrumental in his support of the Transport Industry and lobbying Government for change. Steve is one of the few people who front the media as a spokesperson for all Road Transport issues and we could all take a leaf out of his book to back the industry that the majority of us still love, live and breathe. With SARTA's upcoming annual conference being held next Saturday, 19th August, we decided to pull forward this great interview with Steve to coincide with the event. We're sure you'll enjoy this as much as we did. Join the CREW www.copysouthbound.com.au 

A recent trip to the USA saw Bruce sit down with his mate and idol Paul Cox. Bruce has been in awe of Paul's perfect Kenworth Aerodyne for years and both Paul and his truck were a huge influence when he restored his cabover. Bruce has been around restoration for many years so when he refers to Paul's Aerodyne as ‘one of the worlds best vehicle restorations' it really must be something special. And this humble Englishman living in California is just as unique as his truck. JOIN THE CREW  www.copysouthbound.com.au 

Alan Ross has been around for many years and with the help of family, friends and loyal staff, has built a transport company and solid reputation for service and reliability. With a current fleet exceeding 60 vehicles, Alan has dedicated himself to giving back and supports charity events and personal needs of many like many on the South Coast. And, he's hilarious! Bruce was in stitches listening to Al's take on life and predictions of the future. It's a raw, open and honest discussion – and loud!!! www.copysouthbound.com.au 

Nev Storey started in transport as a young bloke following in his Dads footsteps at East Coast Transport and then Intermodal. Another one of Bruce's restoration mates – yes, he has a few – Nev has focussed on not only running a successful company but also restoring some of our countries most unique vehicles. He is also known as being one of our most generous and helpful operators with a reputation most would envy. We are sure you'll enjoy this one. JOIN THE CREW www.copysouthbound.com.au