Gavin Myers was taking a break at Waiouru when he heard the approaching rumble of a Jake Brake. Turning around, he saw a Jackson Road Haul Kenworth K104 eight-axle dropside unit roll into the Caltex Diesel Stop.

Hugh Jackson was on his way back to Auckland from Hokitika. He’s been behind the wheel of No.11, a 2006 K104 Aerodyne, for about four years.

“It’s got the Gen 2 Cummins Signature 600 and has done 1,200,000km – not too high for its age. We bought it second-hand four-and-a-half or five years ago, gave it a full mechanical overhaul and a repaint and put it back into full-time work. It’s a good machine,” Hugh says.

“We’ve got a new one coming, one of the last of the K200s. I thought, ‘I’d better order one before they stop making them.’ But I love this. I’m happy as to keep going with it, and it will stay in the fleet.”

Hugh explains he has a history with this truck. “I used to wash it when in primary school. The owner-driver was with Freightlines – he used to go back and forth past my class window every now and then.”

From school, Hugh did his apprenticeship at Trucks & Trailers in Manukau. Once qualified, he joined the family business and started driving. Hugh is the third generation in the Jackson Road Haul ranks. “It was a natural progression. I grew up in the yard.”

Hugh’s advice for youngsters interested in trucking is: “Just get amongst it, jump in with someone when you can. Give it a go and work your way up. You’ve gotta have the passion for it, though.”

Hugh’s vexing question was, ‘Steak-and-cheese pie or Big Mac?’ “Big Mac!” was his answer.