Craig Andrews caught up with Bradley Curtis from the Hokonui Rural Transport stable recently in Gore. It was the end of a busy spell, and as always, his 2013 Argosy was spotless. He wasn‘t even aware it was getting its photo taken, not that it mattered, as he likes keeping it in that condition. It‘s incredible to think it has covered 630,000km. Bradley grew up around trucking. “It‘s in my blood,” he says. His Dad worked at Trans West Freighters and Bradley was often away with him in the school holidays. At one stage there were six family members working there. “What‘s not to love, eh? The driving, the trucks, the people, the banter, the freedom, and something different every day.”

He‘s not a big fan of all the technology going into gear these days. “Just too much of it.” He believes it does make things a whole heap safer and easier, but it‘s taking away some of the common sense. “The ability to stop and fix it yourself aspect is going out the window and it takes away the thinking for yourself aspect a bit,” he says. He would like to see more people getting into the industry especially before “all the old school knowledge disappears”, saying it‘s this knowledge that‘s got him to where he is today. Bradley started off at the bottom as a wash boy for Steve Murphy and says he owes a lot to Steve and Chris Murphy, both for putting up with him and getting him through his licences. He says he feels very humbled for the opportunity. Steve James, Graeme Dempsey and Stu McKenzie are names that spring to mind when talking about people who have helped him get where he is today.

Brad has been with HRT now for five seasons and really enjoys it. “Good gear, good bosses, and good workmates make a brilliant combo,” he says. “There‘s a lot to be said for starting at the bottom mucking around the yard and working your way up; it‘s amazing what you can learn.”

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