Tommy Smith was on a break when Faye Lougher spotted his rig on SH1 in Levin. Tommy had driven the 2014 Freightliner Argosy from Hamilton the previous day, and was carrying flues destined for Invercargill. When his break was up, he was heading for the ferry in Wellington. A panelbeater and painter by trade, Tommy‘s brother got him into the transport industry about 20 years ago. “I was getting a bit crook from all the dust in my job, and my brother took me out for a drive. I loved it, all that fresh air and scenery.” Tommy says he started out at the bottom with a class 2 licence, working his way up to driving a truck and trailer.

Along the way he‘s worked for a number of companies, including Booths and Tullochs, and has been with McAuley‘s Transport for about a year. “I just love the freedom, but the best part is the scenery. I‘ve driven all over the country, up and down the coasts of both islands.” Tommy says the industry is facing many challenges at the moment, but his biggest problem is encountering cyclists around blind corners and having to sit behind them if there is no safe place to pass. Despite the news they are pulling out of New Zealand and Australia, Tommy didn‘t hesitate to pick Holden when given the option of Holden or Ford, saying they‘ll be around for a while yet!

Brought to you by: