Young driver Dave Ardouin, 33, had come from Sydney to Townsville carrying general freight when Big Rigs saw him just on dusk at the Townsville BP Cluden recently.
Ardouin drives a Kenworth T909 for Lawrence Transport and was ready to haul general down south as a backload.
“I have been a truckie since I was about 20 and the first one I drove was a Kenworth 401,” he said.
Overall Ardouin feels there could be more rest areas for truckies but he did nominate one which had been good for him.
“I had a good sleep the other night at the Jugiong rest area in NSW,” he said.
His favourite food and fuel stop is Roadhouse 31 in NSW and the worst road he travels on is many parts of the Bruce Highway.
When he gets time off Ardouin enjoys four-wheel driving, camping and fishing but wasn’t about to give away any secret spots.
“I’d like to think I catch lots of fish but I don’t,” he said.
His favourite meal is rump steak cooked medium rare, with chips and salad.