Kim Pettitt has been driving for about three and a half years, based out of Maffra working for Bedggood’s Transport.
There’s no family trucking background, just something that’s been on the list since childhood.
“I always said I wanted to drive trucks,” Kim says. “I got to a point where I thought, if I don’t do it now, I never will.”
Before getting into trucking, Kim worked as a sawmill manager, plenty of pressure, long days, and constant targets.
Eventually it was time for a change. A local start led to a job with Millers, and later a walk-in introduction at Bedggoods turned into steady work.
The job now involves a bit of everything. On the day we spoke at the Officer BP it was salt to Morwell, with the same week also taking in Sydney, Newcastle and Adelaide runs.
Some of the toughest parts of the job are familiar to most drivers, tight delivery sites for B-doubles and logbook rules that leave little room for simple mistakes.
When it comes to stopping, Kim prefers the basics done well, clean facilities, good food and a safe place to park. Jerilderie BP gets a mention.
Time at home matters. There are a couple of Harleys in the shed and not a lot of spare time to ride them but being home on weekends makes the job work.
When asked if anyone is thinking about giving trucking a go, the advice is simple: “Be keen, get started, and learn as you go.”