John and Damian Doyle were among the many hero truckies taking part in the Burrumbuttock Hay Run.
Forty years have passed since John and Eileen Doyle of Oaklands, New South Wales, purchased their first truck.
In 1976 they bought an International to cart bulk clay from a local mine to Melbourne and Sydney.
“We were the first to have tippers in Oaklands,” John says.
“And [now] I look over my shoulder and there are tippers everywhere.”
Less than 250 people live in Oaklands, but John estimates there are about 50 trucks operating out of the Riverina town today.
“Our little community in Oaklands probably wouldn’t survive without trucks,” he says.
JA Doyle charges sustainable rates and fosters strong customer relationships.
Like many from the town, John will volunteer at the Oaklands Truck Show that takes place from 5pm on Saturday March 19 until 4pm on Sunday, March 20.
JA Doyle has five trucks and specialises in grain. The business also has a busy contract harvesting division. Its four headers travel as far as Moree.
The Doyles’ son Damien is operations manager. John and Eileen include Damien in all business discussions and welcome his input.
“I always go through the mathematics, the possibilities and the negatives with him,” says John, who is wary of debt and careful not to overcapitalise.
“I could go out and buy 10 trucks tomorrow and I could undercut the bloke down the road, but it’s not the right way to go.”
Instead he charges sustainable rates and fosters long-term relationships with loyal customers.
John Doyle bought his first truck in 1976. He now has five and specialises in grain.
Trucks from the JA Doyle fleet have taken part in all 10 Burrumbuttock Hay Runs organised by Brendan Farrell to cart hay from the Riverina to drought-stricken Queensland.
John’s Western Star was lead truck in the most recent convoy to Ilfracombe in January.
Radio announcer Luisa Pelizzari from 105.7 The River travelled with John and Damien, broadcasting interviews with drivers and farmers along the way.
The Doyles’ son Damien is operations manager of JA Doyle.
You can read the full story in the February issue of Owner//Driver.
Photography: Tamara Whitsed