Long term truck driver, safety advocate and current president of the National Road Freighters Association Rod Hannifey has plenty of good things to say about a radio station created just for truck drivers
Rod Hannifey is no stranger to long hauls behind the wheel of truck bringing freight from state to state across Australia. Over the years, Hannifey says he has found music, radio shows, and more recently, audiobooks, have provided welcome company while driving, keeping his mind active and broadening his interests.
He recalls a time when there was really only the ABC, and as he’d pass through each country town he’d find the local version to hear what’s going on around him. There was also a comedy show at about 3am every morning he would tune in for, to have a laugh as dawn edged ever closer.
“We can be away for four, five or six days a week and we’re not in contact with a lot of other people really,” he says.
Asked about the recently launched Australian Truck Radio, Hannifey says having a national station designed specifically to cater for the needs and tastes of Australia’s truck drivers was a great idea and sure to be popular.
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Rod Hannifey believes a national radio station aimed at truck drivers is certain to be popular. Photo by Steve Skinner
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He said carrying content relevant to truck drivers and the industry throughout the entire day would mean drivers working the day shift would also have the opportunity to hear what’s going on in their industry – where previously they missed out as any truck-focused radio shows tended to find air-time from midnight to dawn.
And having it available via the internet, across borders, was another bonus for drivers who would be able to tune in from one end of the country to the other and enjoy the continuity of content, he says, reflecting on a time when he used to listen to radio serials but would miss multiple episodes as he crossed the borders out of the range of the stations that ran them.
“I carry fruit and nut mix in the truck to stimulate my body and give me energy, and it’s the same thing with the radio – only it’s for the mind,” Hannifey says.
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Australian Truck Radio’s Simon Smith says the station has had sensational support from the Australian Trucking Industry over the past couple of months.
“Australian Truck Radio is all about the people who move the Nation 24/7 – a huge mobile community,” Smith says.
“Truckies, we know, love something to listen to on the road, and are looking for great music, along with industry news and information to keep them up to date and entertained while on the road.
“At Australian Truck Radio, we know we have to be listener responsive to make sure we deliver the goods for our valued listeners around Australia.
“Radio is never `set and forget’ and we want the valuable opinions of drivers, to make sure our programming reflects exactly what they want to hear on their Trucking Radio Station – 24/7.
“We listen to you, so you will listen to us,” Smith says.
On the feedback front, Australian Truck Radio is contactable via the Australian Truck Radio Facebook page or its website at www.australiantruckradio.com.au
“So, if you have a favourite song you want to hear, maybe a birthday coming up or you’re celebrating an anniversary while on the road, drop us a line and let us know anytime,” Smith says. “We will get it on the air!”
He says the station is continuing to evolve and drivers should listen out as Christmas neared for the Truckies Top 500 countdown, competitions, giveaways and plenty of industry news.
“So, if you have a ‘Trucking Classic’ you want to hear let us know,” Smith says. “There’s lots more to do, but together, we will keep Trucking 24/7.”
The Australian Truck Radio app can be downloaded for free from the Apple app store or Google Play.