Mike Verran recently spent a day with Graeme (Grimmy) Roebuck, who drives (and is an all-rounder) for J Swap Contractors, based at Mt Maunganui. For Mike, the attraction of a day on the road was made even more desirable as the journey was in a CAT-powered Kenworth T900, towing a five-axle B-train bulk tipping unit.

Graeme grew up in a trucking family. Truck driving was all he ever wanted to do, and he now has an impressive 42-year history behind him.

His career started in a three-tonne TK Bedford at Hookers, based in New Plymouth. Then, after 25 years driving a Western Star bulk unit for RMD at Mt Maunganu, Grimmy thought he’d reached the end of his driving career when he moved to despatch for the following 12 years. Work then took him to J Swap, where he has been for the past five years.

Grimmy mentioned his favourite truck was an American Kenworth W900B, with a 600 Cummins and 18-speed Roadranger, owned by RMD. The extra bling made this unit an impressive sight. J Swap’s T900 comes a close second with the great vibes these old school trucks give out.

Grimmy enjoys being out on the road. He loves just “cruising”, finding it relaxing. He says it’s frustrating that current health and safety regulations prevent young fellas from riding along with their dads, which could encourage them to become drivers themselves.

Vexing question No.30 had Grimmy choose cabbage, with kale not an option.