After 30 years in business, Bernie Hilder, managing director of Rowville-based Hilder Transport, is reluctantly calling it a day and closing the depot his father George established in 1972.
Bernie had proudly continued his father’s legacy by growing George Hilder and Co, offering specialised Australia-wide freight services.
“In the early years, my father worked with the sawmills buying and selling timber into Melbourne, then the produce market, before transitioning into the transport business,” said Bernie in a media release from Ritchie Bros. the auctioneers handling the dispersal.
“I just love trucks and the industry. However, it’s gotten to the stage where we can’t attract drivers and staff. We have some great customers, the journey has been awesome, but it’s time.”
In a note to customers on the company’s website, Bernie added: “After months of consideration and numerous discussions, I have made the tough and heartbreaking decision to cease the transport services of George Hilder and Co Pty Ltd, effective September 30.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our staff and customers who we have never taken for granted.”
Bernie has now chosen to sell his entire fleet with Ritchie Bros., adding his prime movers and trailers to its national unreserved auction on October 12-13.
Assets in this dispersal include:
- 2 x 2021-2019 Kenworth T610 6×4
- 2 x 2018-2011 Kenworth K200 Big Cab Aerodyne 6×4
- 2018 Kenworth T900 Legend 6×4
- 2013 Kenworth T409 6×4
- 2011 Kenworth T409 6×4
- 2009 Kenworth T408SAR
- 1999 Kenworth K104 6×4
- 1995 Kenworth T650 6×4
- 2 x 2018 & 2010 MaxiTrans 13.4m Tri/A
- 2 x 2007-2003 MaxiTrans 13.3m & 13.5m Tri/A
- 2009 & 2005 Freighter Tautliner Trailer
- 2005 Freighter 13.4m Tri/A Tautliner Trailer
- 1998 Freighter 7.7m Super Dog Flatbed Trailer
- 1998 Freighter 7.2m Tri/A B-Double Lead Tautliner Trailer
- 2022 & 2018 Krueger 7.2m Tri/A B-Double Lead Tautliner Trailer
- 2022 & 2018 Krueger 13.4m Tri/A Tautliner Trailer
- 2012 Krueger 7.2m Tri/A Tautliner Trailer
- 2004 Krueger 13.5m Tri/A Flatbed Trailer
- 2020 Barker 13.4m Tri/A Flatbed Trailer
- 1997 Lusty Pumpa 13.5m Tri/A
- 2003 Nissan UD MKB215 4×2 Table Top Truck
- 2007 Volvo FH13 8×4 Twin-Steer Table Top Truck
- 2013 Hino FC 1022 500 Series 4×2 Table Top Truck
- 2008 Hino FD 1024 500 Series 4×2 Table Top Truck
- 2021 Toyota FG25 Pneumatic Tire Forklift
- 1984 Cat V80D Pneumatic Tire Forklift
- 1997 NISSAN JO1A18U Pneumatic Tire Forklift
- 1995 Komatsu F635-4 Pneumatic Tire Forklift
- 2007 Hyster H2.00SBX Pneumatic Tire Forklift
- 2007 Palfinger Knuckle Boom on 2008 Volvo FM 8×4 Twin-Steer Table Top Truck w/Crane
- 2012 Hiab Knuckle Boom on 2011 Mitsubishi FN64 Fighter 6×4 Table Top Truck w/Crane.
Ritchie Bros. territory manager Tim Shaw said: “We feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to manage this dispersal for Hilder Transport. Bernie has purchased gear through our auctions previously and through those positive experiences he has entrusted us with his retirement plans.”
“With over 800 assets already consigned to the National Unreserved Auction in October, and more being added daily, we’re expecting a lot of interest. With record-high demand for quality transport equipment, Bernie has decided now is the perfect opportunity to sell his fleet with confidence.”
Bidders can expect to see items from the transport, construction, mining, and agricultural industries. The event will be held exclusively online, interested buyers are urged to register to bid, with bidding opening on Saturday, October 8.
Day one of the auction (October 12) will be dedicated to construction and crushing gear while day two (October 13) will focus on transportation and agricultural assets.