My very first truck ride
Ever wondered what it’s like to go for a ride in a truck? Well our friend Margaret Murphy wondered this too, and she tells us all about her very first truck ride.
I had been looking forward to this trip for months. A road trip with my work colleagues Dave and Gavin from NZ Trucking Media and Guy Knowles driving his Kenworth K220 truck and trailer unit from Papakura to Palmerston North. Talk about a dream come true!
We started off with a hearty breakfast at the BP Truck Stop at Papakura then hit the road, saying goodbye to the Auckland traffic, destination Palmerston North. Over the Bombay Hills we travelled along State Highway 1 before turning off just north of Hamilton, heading south down to Te Kuiti where it was time to refuel. Next stop National Park for refreshments and a wee stop. As we travelled through the King Country, I couldn’t help but think how scenic the countryside was, still nice and green after some recent rain.
At National Park, Dave asked if I would like to join Guy in his truck for the next stage of our journey. Of course, I would, but politely asked Guy if it was all right, at the same time quietly jumping for joy at the opportunity. I first had to be shown how to climb into the truck, and tentatively trying not to slip and lose my dignity, I climbed up. I was in, relieved I hadn’t embarrassed myself, belted up and was ready to go. Off we headed, next stop Mangaweka for a photo opportunity of Guy and his K220 truck in front of the long ago closed Mangaweka Garage for a feature article in New Zealand Trucking magazine. Getting out of the cab was my next challenge. I opened the door and looked down. Oh help, it’s a long way down. Wisely Guy did warn me not to try to jump out, maybe he saw the ‘how the heck’ look on my face. I did make it safely down. Photos taken, back into the truck again, next stop Hunterville. Guy and I chatted along the way while I quietly noted how smoothly he moved through the gears and how quiet and comfortable the ride was. The twists and turns of the road, corners, and bridges were effortlessly navigated as we made our way south. I suspect that had something to do with Guy’s skilful driving. It’s a big rig but you would never have thought so.
My ride ended at Hunterville. Gavin took over the passenger seat until we reached our final destination, Guy and Helen Knowles’ truck depot in Palmerston North.
What an awesome day. Yes, I was tired but I had a great day. I won’t ever forget this day. Thank you to Guy and Helen Knowles for their hospitality and for giving me the opportunity to have my very first truck ride.
I couldn’t wait to tell my friends and family all about my truck adventures when I got home.
Mack Trucks celebrates 50 years
Manfield Park in Feilding hosted the Mack Trucks 50 Year Anniversary Truck Show on Saturday 22 October as part of events held over Labour Weekend celebrating 50 years since Mack Trucks arrived in New Zealand. We headed along to take a look and join in the celebrations.
Proud owners of Mack Trucks new and old travelled from all over the country to take part in the show. Some of these Macks are working trucks, while others are kept in storage and are only brought out for special occasions like this one!
The show was a huge success with Manfeild reporting that they had the most people through the gates in 20 years!
I went to the show with my parents who were over on holiday from Australia and my children. We packed a picnic, it was gorgeous weather and there was plenty to see and do including some race cars going around the track. It wasn’t only cars that raced around the track though – yes, you guessed – some trucks did too, and boy are they fast! It was an awesome family day out. The day started off with a convoy at 7.30am where all the trucks met up to then travel to the park together.
The day ended with most of the trucks doing a lap around the track tooting their horns before they exited the park after an amazing show day! There was a voting booth and the public got to vote for which Mack Truck they liked the most, and Truck of the Show went to Glen Allingham from JAKS Trucks Auckland.
Give us a wave!
Our mate Sally, who runs Tippings Transport in New South Wales, tells us all about her special campaign, Wave to a Truckie, which shines a spotlight on the amazing work our truckies do.
Who doesn’t love waving at truckies going past – even better when they sound their horn! YES! Truckies love being acknowledged for the important work they do and waving is a great way to say thank you.
A few years back, I founded a campaign called “Wave to a Truckie” to highlight and promote our dedicated truck drivers and the amazing work of all the people involved within the transport industry.
Everything we have in our homes, schools, hospitals – in fact everywhere – is delivered at some stage by a truckie and sometimes people take that for granted.
During Covid-19 lockdowns, people started to really understand the importance of the transport industry and the key role truckies played in delivering essential items to everyone’s home and office.
It takes lots of hard work and skill to become a professional truckie. It isn’t an easy job and is not suitable for everyone, however the rewards are endless.
Out on the open road, seeing the changing landscape, witnessing amazing sunrises and incredible sunsets are all so much more enticing than a small crowded office space. It really is like being your own boss.
Next time you see a truckie on the road, think about what is on their load and where it is going. Are they very far from home or will they be home for dinner?
Most importantly, when you can, make sure you Wave to a Truckie!