James Nepia was taking a break in Sanson when Faye Lougher drove past and decided he‘d be a perfect candidate for a Just Truckin‘ Around profile. Driving a 2015 Kenworth K200 with an Eaton 18-speed auto gearbox, James was on his way back to home base in Ohakune. James has been driving for Lindsay Taylor Transport Ltd for about 13 years, but says he‘s been driving trucks for about 30 years in total. In winter he carries produce, but in summer he carries bees, saying they are often carted up from the South Island. 

Driving trucks was something James had always wanted to do. 

“I just wanted to do it,” he says. “I love getting to meet a lot of other drivers from all over the country.” 

A common refrain, James doesn‘t think there are enough young drivers coming through the industry. “ We need more drivers who start at the bottom and work their way up.” The vexing question, rugby or soccer, resulted in the answer “both”.

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