After 60 years in the transport industry, the founder of Robert Holmes Transport has called time on his career and plans to sell his fleet, as he prepares for retirement.
Industry veteran Robert Holmes founded the business in 1971 and it has remained strong for the past 50 years.
Robert’s career started very early. At just 12-years-old, he ran both the local service station and a wood delivery business to support his father who was paraplegic.
By the age of 16, he purchased a Jail Bar Ford and a 20ft Steco Trailer and began carting wheat at harvest time. He then purchased a Commer Knocker and won the contract for Mumbil Rail to Burrendong Dam at only 18 years of age. Robert tendered under his father’s name as he was too young.
Over the past 50 years, Robert has built Robert Holmes Transport in to what it is today: a respected transport company with a fleet of 20 Kenworths and 65 trailers.
“After doing our own research, we entrusted Stephen Martin at Ritchie Bros. to sell our equipment at the National Unreserved End-of-Year Auction on December 1-2. Stephen has been very accommodating,” said Robert.
“I very much appreciate the continued support of our customers, suppliers, and value the hard work from all our employees over the years. I’m looking forward to my retirement and spending time with my family.”
Ritchie Bros. territory manager Stephen Martin says this gives buyers a great opportunity to get their hands on well-maintained trucks and trailers. “Robert has a strong, longstanding reputation in the industry. He prides himself on a rigorous maintenance schedule,” he said.
“Robert Holmes Transport is a well-known and respected transport company, with a fleet that is second to none. We encourage buyers to get online and check out the dispersal because it’s not often we sell this many Kenworths of this quality and age. Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity to purchase late model trucks and trailers by unreserved auction.”
Ritchie Bros. are managing the complete dispersal of Robert Holmes Transport assets through the National Unreserved End-of-Year Auction (December 1-2). Assets include:
- 1 x 2021 Kenworth T610SAR 6×4 prime mover – Low Klm’s
- 3 x 2020 Kenworth T610SAR 6×4 prime movers
- 2 x 2017 Kenworth T610SAR 6×4 prime movers
- 2015 & 2012 Kenworth T409SAR 6×4 prime movers
- 2017 Barker tri/A extendable flat top trailer
- 2 x 2019 Vawdrey tri/A step deck tautliner trailers
- 2017 & 2016 Vawdrey tri/A step deck tautliner trailers
- 4 x 2016 Krueger tri/A step deck tautliner trailers
- 2 x 2013 O’Phee tri/A step deck tautliner trailers
- 2 x 2018 Vawdrey tri/A tautliner trailers
- 4 x 2014 Krueger tri/A tautliner trailers
- 9 x various manufactured tri/A flat top trailers
“With over 1000 assets already consigned to the National Unreserved End-of-Year Auction, and more to be added daily, we’re expecting a lot of interest. With strong demand and shortages in OEM supply, Robert has chosen to use this unique opportunity to sell his fleet with confidence,” said Martin.
The National Unreserved End-of-Year Auction will be held exclusively online. Those interested in bidding are urged to register to bid, with bidding opening on November 27. Day one of the auction (December 1) will be dedicated to construction and crushing gear while day two (December 2) will focus on transportation and agriculture assets.