Goldstar Transport has become a mainstay of the transport industry in Western Australia.
Sean and Dot Carren started the business in 2004, with plenty of challenges coming early. They originally had just two prime movers in their fleet, which has since grown to over 250 trucks and 260 trailers.
They recently took delivery of their 100th Mercedes-Benz truck, a special anniversary 25 Driver Edition model.
It was a fitting way to celebrate the company’s 20th year in operation, which has seen another stunning year of growth for the Kewdale based operator.
While the trucks keep everything moving, from major projects like delivering materials for the construction of Optus Stadium and the Perth rail tunnels to carting soft drink and produce for major retailers, it’s the growth of their people that Sean is most proud of.
He and the team take great satisfaction in watching young people come through the business, developing their skillsets and learning about what it takes to be in the trucking games, and growing in their roles and confidence.
OwnerDriver heard from two of Goldstar’s younger team members, Sean Harfield and Maddison Leaman, who have taken on their roles within the business and excelled with flying colours.
Sean is the more tenured of the two, having worked with Goldstar since 2017 when he joined as a trade assistant.
“I was on the lookout for a job and came across an opportunity at Goldstar Transport as a trade assistant in the workshop,” he says.
“The location was convenient, the benefits were appealing, and it seemed like a great fit with plenty of opportunities to learn and grow. So, I applied and got started.”
And learn and grow Sean did. Within a year of starting at Goldstar, he had the opportunity to take up a heavy diesel mechanic apprenticeship, which he jumped at immediately.
Shortages are affecting all areas of the transport industry – not just drivers. Having a young mechanic like Sean learning the ropes of what it takes to keep a truck moving is vital to moving transport forward.
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“I started my apprenticeship in February 2018,” he says.
“As technology advanced, I wanted to keep up, so I decided to further my skills by taking on an mechanic and auto electrician apprenticeship, which I aim to complete by February 2026.
“So far, I’ve been with Goldstar for eight years, and I’ve loved it so far.
“I’ve enjoyed the variety of work, from servicing and addressing defects to mechanical and electrical diagnostics. The work environment is excellent, and I’m fortunate to be surrounded by supportive people.”
Sean says that since he’s started at Goldstar, he’s been well supported in his ambitions to grow his skills and across his apprenticeship.
It’s a key reason why he’s spent nearly a decade already with the business.
“Goldstar has given me the opportunity to complete multiple apprenticeships, which have been crucial in helping me develop valuable skills and industry knowledge,” Sean says.
“The company’s supportive environment and opportunities for growth have pushed me to expand my capabilities, take on more responsibility, and ultimately become a more confident and capable professional.”
No job within the transport industry comes without its challenges – embracing them is where Sean finds enjoyment in his work.
He encourages anyone who has any interest in getting involved to jump in as fully as they can, to get the most out of it.
“I appreciate how busy the industry is — there’s always something to do,” Sean says.
“I’ve also enjoyed the diverse range of work, including offsite and regional projects involving long-haul trucks.
“I’d absolutely encourage anyone to seek out a career in transport. If you’re eager to learn and willing to work hard, the transport industry is a great fit.
“My advice is to jump in and stick with it. It won’t always be easy, but the rewards are worth it.
“Goldstar has provided me with a stable, meaningful career, and the industry’s constant demand for skilled professionals ensures long-term opportunities. After all, without trucks, Australia stops.”
Keeping people moving
When you think trucking, most would envision the hands-on jobs — getting behind the wheel and driving for hundreds of kilometres, throwing straps, getting your hands greasy under the truck and so forth.
But there’s a dedicated team behind the scenes wherever you look, keeping everything moving on the operations side.
Maddison Leaman is one of those people, currently working with Goldstar in the accounting team.
She made the leap into transport world fresh out of TAFE at just 17, completing a Certificate 3 and 4 in Accounting and joining the team as her first job.
Coming up to two years since starting as a junior accounts clerk, Maddison says she has found being involved in transport incredibly rewarding so far.
“I enjoy challenging myself to learn new things and keeping myself busy with a high workload,” she says.
“My favourite part of the job is working in my team with liked minded people who are also highly motivated to work hard.
“Goldstar also provides flexibility with work hours and being able to work from home when necessary.”
Transport is not necessarily the specific path that Maddison was aiming to go down, but now that she’s in the thick of it, she’s loving every minute.
She says it has been incredibly welcoming as a teenager fresh out of studying, and has put her on the right path.
“I enjoy seeing the complexities of each division of the business and how they manage different challenges,” Maddison says.
“Learning an accounting program that is specific to the transport industry and incorporates each department has been really helpful too.
“When I started working at Goldstar, I was a lot quieter, and I have definitely become more confident in talking to new people and developing friendships. The Goldstar team is incredibly supportive and I am lucky to work alongside them.
“At any stage that I want to advance my skills Goldstar offers to pay for relevant courses.
“The world will always need the transport industry so staff will continue to be indispensable. There is currently a high demand for jobs in the industry so now is a great time to get involved.”
Celebrating 20 years
Bringing up the ton with their 100th Mercedes-Benz model was just one part of Goldstar’s 20th anniversary celebrations.
Going from just two trucks at the start, one of which was even stolen, it was a great reminder to Sean Carren and the team just how much the business has grown since those humble beginnings.
It now has more than 450 employees to go with its ever-growing fleet, also welcoming its first electric truck in the form of a Fuso eCanter in 2022.
Goldstar continues to operate the 100 Actros models, which have been added to the fleet since 2016, as well as 27 Freightliner Cascadias and 62 Fuso Fighters and Shoguns.
“Mercedes-Benz make trucks that drivers what to drive, that is why we have 100 of them,” Sean says.
“As a fleet truck there is no better for our most important asset – our people.”
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