Ron Crouch Transport (RCT), a longstanding regional freight carrier with a 47-year history, has been placed into voluntary administration, with Managing Director Geoff Crouch describing the decision as one made “with the heaviest of hearts.”
In a statement issued yesterday, Crouch stressed the move was a voluntary step taken to provide clarity for employees, customers and suppliers as the business deals with mounting industry pressures.
“Whilst I love and have a passion for the Australian transport industry, as we all know it is a tough one that takes no prisoners,” he said.
Crouch cited challenging economic conditions, sustained pressure on freight rates, an ongoing driver shortage and “the never-ending burden of government over-regulation” as factors contributing to the company’s financial strain.
“Ultimate responsibility, of course, though is mine,” he added.
The appointed administrator’s first priority will be to seek a buyer for the business in an effort to secure “the best possible outcome for all staff and creditors.”
Despite the restructuring process, Crouch emphasised that operations will continue uninterrupted.
“With the valued support of my financiers, suppliers, customers and amazing staff it will be business as usual,” he said.
He also paid tribute to the workforce that has shaped the carrier over nearly five decades.
“May I take this opportunity to sincerely thank and appreciate the many hundreds of team members that have contributed to RCT over the last 47 years, and in particular, the 120 current team members who will be affected the most.”
RCT, founded by the Crouch family in Wagga Wagga, has grown into a respected regional and interstate operator.
The future of the business now hinges on the administration and sale process.
Crouch was a director of the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) from 2013 to 2024 and was its Chair from 2017 to 2020. He is also a former President of ATA member association NatRoad.
Last week, Crouch resigned as Director of Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds (HHTS) where he worked to improve the mental health and wellbeing of Australia’s logistics industry.
Simon Smith of Australian Truck Radio said RCT was a real success story over the years.
“Geoff was involved with me at Wollundry Rotary back in 2003 when I was working radio in Wagga Wagga,” he said.
“The 2003 Canberra bushfires, for instance, hit so hard with so many homes lost and families without anything. Local media started a working group to get resources like food, clothing and other goods organised from Wagga Wagga into the ACT.
“This working group was up and running and within an hour Geoff Crouch was on my mobile: ‘Mate whatever you need you’ve got it’. Within a couple of days we had a couple of Geoff’s warehouses full of goodies and he had a fleet of B-doubles loaded and fuelled up ready to go into Canberra with his crew working around the clock.
“For me something I will never forget was that fleet of Ron Crouch rigs heading out of Wagga Wagga loaded with local generosity to help so many families in Canberra.”
