JIM MERRICK talks trucking

JIM MERRICK has been truck driving for 38 years.

In his heyday Jim was with the British Territorials Army driving for their transport section and the truck of the day was a Bedford rigid touring the UK and Cyprus.

In 1969 Jim went into the Australian Army driving International trucks.

These days Jim drives a Western Star FX 4800; Big Yellow does the work, the CAT 550 hp is 'tough as', and with the 18-speed gear box, is a well-matched combination. The FX 4800 rides on airbag suspension, hauling a Lucar 45 foot fridge van.

He drives for Troncs, part of the P&O Trans Australia Group.

In his spare time, Jim likes welding and he is doing up a HJ Holden Ute. Jim is 64 years old - not looking bad for an old bloke!