The annual Invercargill Truck Show took place in its usual slot on Sunday of Labour Weekend in October.

Photo: McAuley‘s Transport Western Star was King Rig.

One hundred and eighteen trucks assembled from early on Sunday morning at the traditional Woolstores site for judging for the coveted King Rig trophy and other categories they were eligible for. Hundreds of people take the opportunity to view the hard work that has been put into providing such a spectacle, as well as a catching up with like-minded people. As usual, thousands of truck enthusiasts lined the wide Invercargill streets to view the parade as it made its way from the industrial part of town to the Newfield Tavern for the prizegiving ceremony. This year the weather was brilliant, making for a very pleasant atmosphere. The King Rig title deservedly went to Jeremy Hodson from Masterton with the Western Star he drives for McAuley‘s Transport, also from Masterton.

In addition he won the Best Western Star and Furthest Travelled trophies. This is the first time in the nearly four-decade history of this event that the King Rig Trophy has left the South Island. Jeremy had just brought a load from Masterton to Cromwell and was about to reload for Kaitaia at the far end of the country. The Western Star is Detroit Diesel DD15 powered at 418kW (560hp), and has 52,000km behind it. Jeremy has been working for McAuley‘s for nine years and has had his share of successes at truck shows across the lower North Island. Many well-presented fleets were present, which made for difficult decisions on the part of the judges, balancing such things as application versus time to clean. The event was once again organised by Mark Purdue who was very happy with the overall result of the weekend, with 118 trucks judged in 34 classes. Mark‘s wife Dianne and mother Sylvia handle the results and administration duties, making management of the event a real family affair.

Photo: Best Volvo went to Dave King of DT Kings Transport.

Photo: Easy Bins of Invercargill showed off this new Fuso Fighter gantry truck and their commitment to the refuse industry with investment in new bins as well.

Photo: Best stock truck was deservedly awarded to Bradley Curtis with this Freightliner Argosy.

Photo: Eden Haulage once again took out the Best Fleet, among other titles on the day.

Photo: McEwan Haulage‘s classic Kenworths travelled from Dunedin for the show.

Photo: Several classics made an appearance, including this Volvo G88 restored to original by Chris and Sandra Russell as a tribute to George Hedley, who was a co-founder of Northern Southland Transport Holdings.

Photo: B & C cartage Mack CL was a crowd pleaser.

RESULTS Invercargill Truck Show 2018

TOP PRIZES:
King Rig: Jeremy Hodson, McAuley‘s Transport, Masterton;
Runner up: Rocky Cormack, Sinclair Transport.

BEST MAKE:
Best DAF: Nigel Mosely, Southern Logging;
Best Freightliner: Blair Chambers, Eden Haulage;
Best Hino: James Matheson, McNeill Distribution;
Best International: Joe Garrett, Eden Haulage;
Best Isuzu: Sam Gerring, Milnes Transport;
Best Kenworth: Leonne Weller, Southern Logging;
Best Mack: Sam Heathcote, Freight Haulage;
Best Mitsubishi/Fuso: Mark, Auto Logistics;
Best MAN: Hayden Campbell, Mainfreight;
Best Mercedes Benz: Mike Healy, Healy Transport;
Best Scania: Rocky Cormack, Sinclair Transport;
Best UD: Joe Petch, DT Kings Transport;
Best Volvo: Dave King, DT Kings Transport;
Best Western Star: Jeremy Hodson, McAuley‘s Transport;
Best Other: Nathan Bates (Peterbilt), Northside Sand & Gravel;
Best Classic Truck: Reagan Brown, McNeill Distribution

SPECIAL PRIZES:
New Truck (<20000 kms): Brad Lloyd, Waituna Transport;
20000-100000 kms: Dan Herman, McNeill Drilling;
100000-300000 kms: Darryl Shand, Freight Haulage;
300000-600000 kms: Cameron Johnston, Ferguson Trucking;
600000-1000000 kms: Andy Moffatt, Murihiku Haulage;
1000000 km +: Cameron Rangi, Anderson Linehaul;
Best Fleet: Eden Haulage;
Longest Distance Travelled: Jeremy Hodson, McAuley‘s Transport, Masterton;
Best Paint/Artwork: Nugget, Mainfreight;
Best Linehaul: Wade Baxter, Central Southland Freight;
Best Fuel Tanker: Darryl Peterson, Allied Petroleum;
Best Logger Truck: Robert Crosbie, Scott Transport;
Best Fertiliser Spreader: Allan Sinclair, Phillips Transport;
Best Stock Truck: Bradley Curtis, Hokonui Rural Transport;
Best Bulk Tipper: Nick Young, Southern Transport;
Best Curtainsider: Colin Wallace, Eden Haulage;