In the latest instalment of our regular Truckies through Ararat series, photographer/writer Darryl Edwards from Truckspotting Ararat fame caught up for a quick chat and pic with Travis Gorton who drives for Argent and Walker Trading.
Darryl: How long have you been driving trucks mate?
Travis: A bit over four years now full-time.
Darryl: What are you currently driving?
Travis: 2018 Kenworth T900 Legend
Darryl: What got you into the industry?
Travis: I’ve been around trucks most of my life as my family have owned/driven trucks, but mainly my brother Ashley would be to blame.
I used to go with him any days I had off school and would go learn the ropes on the way the job should be done and would go help him wash every Friday afternoon.
Darryl: Do you have a favourite roadhouse and what is your go-to feed?
Travis: Good roadhouses are slowly becoming hard to find either closing down or shut by 6pm but my two favourites would have to be Ararat Roadhouse and Charlton Roadhouse.
My go-to meal would be either parma chips and salad or steak chips and salad.
Darryl: Do you have any advice to the next generation of truck drivers?
Travis: Being a young operator myself still, I would say don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re unsure about anything, or ask for help if you’re stuck.
Don’t compare yourself to others. If it takes you longer to do the same job then what it takes others to do it doesn’t matter, as long as you’re doing it safe and learning along the way, that’s the main thing in my opinion.
Darryl: What do you do away from the job to wind down?
Travis: I like to spend time with family and friends, go camping and the occasionally fishing.
Darryl: Do you have a dream truck you’d like to own one day?
Travis: If I was to ever own my own truck, it would be the pick of a Kenworth T909, T659 or C509.