A convoy of as many as a hundred trucks has paid tribute to a driver described as an industry legend in commercial road transport.
Dozens of prime movers have gathered at the Hallam Truck Centre to form a convoy in tribute of truck driver Stuart Baker.
The veteran truck driver was killed in a workplace accident at a Dandenong South truck depot on 23 April.
Baker was a beloved figure at Membrey’s Transport, a lifting and heavy haulage specialist, where he had worked for the last 30 years.
Managing Director of Membrey’s Transport & Crane Hire, Craig Membrey, said the industry had “lost a legend”, describing Baker as a “long-serving, loyal employee.”
“It’s a very sad day. We’ve lost a legend in our industry,” he told 3AW radio.
The trucks for the convoy met at Hallam Truck Centre. An initial expectation was for 60 trucks to join the convoy.
Initial reports suggest nearly one hundred prime movers took part in the procession down the Princess Highway in tribute to the grandfather as it travelled to Bunurong Memorial Park under police escort.
The logistics have not been a problem for Membrey who has helped plan it.
“If you knew how loved this guy was, how respected he was, not an issue at all.”
It’s a unique and rare honour for a revered transport worker, whose sons Shannon and Aaron also work for Membrey’s Transport as drivers.
The presentation of the trucks in the convoy, according to Membrey, are up to Stuart’s high standards — he always had a clean, immaculately presented Kenworth.
“You never know how many people are going to turn up to a funeral until you find out,” said Membrey.
Yesterday’s turnout suggests Baker’s legacy as a mentor and friend to many across the industry has not gone unnoticed.