Ben Rice, from South Australia, is a bloke who has spent the past 19 years in the towing industry and now manages heavy operations for one of the country’s largest towing fleets.
Ben works for Dial A Tow, a business with an impressive footprint across South Australia.
The fleet consists of 145 tilt trays, six tandem HR tilts, 18 heavy recovery tow trucks and four semi tilts, making it one of the biggest towing operations in the state.
Like many truckies, Ben’s passion started long before he ever held a licence.
“As a kid I always loved trucks and towing things behind my bike. Once I got my car licence, I had a trailer hooked up all the time,” he laughed.
Nearly two decades later, that childhood obsession has become a successful career. Today, Ben spends his days responding to breakdowns, recovering damaged vehicles and managing the challenges that come with heavy towing operations.
His current truck of choice is a Kenworth T610 SAR, a truck well suited to the demanding work he undertakes every day.
What keeps Ben passionate about the industry after 19 years is the unpredictability of the job.
“The variety. No two jobs are ever the same and there’s always a challenge.”
Unlike many transport sectors where the freight remains largely the same day after day, towing presents a different puzzle every shift. From roadside breakdowns to complex recoveries, every call requires a different approach and often a different solution.
While Ben clearly enjoys the challenge, he’s also quick to acknowledge that towing can expose drivers to some difficult situations.
“In my game, the toughest part would be going to accidents that haven’t turned out so well.”
It’s a side of the transport industry that many people never see. Tow operators are often among the first people to arrive at serious crashes, dealing not only with damaged vehicles but also the emotional impact of difficult scenes.
When he does get the opportunity to enjoy a good run behind the wheel, Ben says South Australia’s north and Riverland regions are hard to beat.
“Up north or the Riverland of South Australia would have to be my favourite places to drive.”
Like any experienced driver, Ben also has a couple of favourite stops along the way.
“Spud’s Roadhouse at Pimba is a great stop when heading north, and the brickie at the Nullarbor Roadhouse is always good.”
Despite the long hours and challenging recoveries, Ben says helping people is what keeps him coming back.
“The feeling of helping people when they need it.”
Looking ahead, his goals remain simple.
“Hopefully still on the same path, helping others in need and making sure everyone gets home safely.”
When asked about the biggest issues currently facing the road freight transport industry, Ben points to rising costs and increasing red tape.
“Fuel prices and owner-drivers struggling day to day, along with over-regulation within the transport industry.”
For newcomers looking to enter the industry, his advice is straightforward.
“If you have a dream in transport, take the chance. We learn from our mistakes and only come out stronger. Give it a go and hard work pays off.”
When he’s not behind the wheel of a tow truck or managing operations from the office, Ben enjoys spending time outdoors.
“You’ll find me camping, four-wheel driving, fishing with mates or heading to Adelaide Oval to watch the footy.”
I’m trying to start me a 1 man bulktipper I’ve just sent away for my company licence I can get me a contract but only have $1000 dollars in bank to buy a Big rig unit any advice on how I can get rest of money to start hauling please help me from New Zealand South Island Timaru l