Russell Transport is developing three custom trucks to commemorate 100 years of operations.
These trucks, which have been in development for over a year and a half, are scheduled to be unveiled at the upcoming Brisbane Truck Show.
Looking to celebrate the milestone in style, the operator is designing each of the custom trucks to pay homage to distinct aesthetics of the company’s history, according to Director, Ken Russell.
“My grandfather started in the era of Chevs and Dodgers,” he said.
“Then, Dad had an amazing run with International trucks. Throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s, we had a lot of S-Lines – one particular model had done 18 years on the road, and another 18 years as a yard-tug.
“It had been pulled out of service, and we’ve chosen it as another truck to represent.”
These two vintage-style trucks will be matched with a Kenworth K220 to complete the trio, the cabover spec which has proven integral to Russell Transport’s operations for decades.
“For our business, the cabover has been our most versatile and reliable vehicle of the last 30 years,” Russell said.
“It gives us the best flexibility and dimensions to operate in our oversized work, and gives us the ability to cart extra payload in our linehaul work.”
The 100-year anniversary K220 has been the specific focus of many specifications, boasting a 180-tonne gross combination mass, along with six single-speed diffs, and a range of cosmetic changes – more chrome, painted tanks and walkways, an offset exhaust to the truck’s outer edge and even the removal of a back window, to make space for a mural of the company’s owners on the back wall.
This massive undertaking to celebrate Russell Transport’s centenary has proven to be as much of an emotional experience as a mechanical one.
“This idea of our anniversary has really grown on me,” Russell reflected.
“The transport industry has been particularly hard for everyone over the last few years. When you’re in the thick of it, sometimes it’s difficult to step back and smell the roses.
“But now, four months into the year, I have been able to step back a bit. Watching some companies hit 30 years, 50 years, 80 years – it’s made me realise how big of an achievement 100 years actually is. I’m so proud of how far we’ve come.”
Recognising the scope of this journey, Russell has paid tribute to the company’s operators as much as his own family, acknowledging the effort of everyone involved.
His praises have extended to Russell Transport’s various partnerships, like that with truck dealer Brown and Hurley, which has been instrumental to the development of these custom trucks.
“I believe we are a reflection of our partners,” Russell said.
“The fact that we’ve made it to 100 years shows the quality of our partnerships. Brown and Hurley has been a partner with us for 30 years I’ve been working in the business, and they’re particularly helping us now with a lot of this project.”
Working diligently with Russell Transport, Brown and Hurley’s Yatala dealership has greatly assisted the operator in organising the cosmetics for its three custom trucks, including the featured murals, specific guards, tanks and more.
“They’ve been very supportive,” Russell added.
“We wouldn’t be able to make these types of specifications without their expertise. With Brown and Hurley, we know we’re doing it right.”
Russell Transport’s 100-year custom trucks pay tribute not only to the operator’s cemented position in the commercial transport industry, but to its dedicated staff and enduring partnerships.
