A long time NSW commercial fleet operator has finished up after 60 years in the industry.
Robert Holmes, who began his career in road transport at just 16, is retiring and leaves behind a strong legacy in addition to 20 Kenworth trucks and 65 trailers which will go under the hammer at auction in December.
It’s a remarkable story that begins with Holmes, at only 12 years of age, running both the local service station and a wood delivery business to support his father who was paraplegic.
Two years later he purchased a Jail Bar Ford and a 20ft Steco trailer and commenced carting wheat at harvest time in the Central West region of NSW.
At 18, having recently purchased a common knocker, Holmes secured the contract for Mumbil Rail to Burrendong Dam.
He tendered under his father’s name as he was too young.
In 1971 he founded Robert Holmes Transport, a successful specialty service that included goods haulage, container services, warehouse storage, and logistics operations.
Growth was immediate and sustained, in part, around the company motto: “Our Service is your Success”.
After five decades overseeing the business Holmes is looking forward to his retirement.
“I very much appreciate the continued support of our customers, suppliers, and value the hard work from all our employees over the years. I’m looking forward to my retirement and spending time with my family,” said Holmes.
Equipment dispersal including a range of late model Kenworths will be accommodated through the National Unreserved End-of-Year Auction on December 1-2 through Ritchie Bros.
