Experienced northern NSW driver willingly adapted to new technology to aid his employer in maintaining a compliant operation
Tony Blair, a senior driver for northern NSW-operation Shoobridge Transport, laughs whenever he introduces himself. “Like the ex-British prime minister,” he smiles.
Tony has had two stints at Shoobridge, based in Murwillumbah, his current employment period extending to 13 years, although he has clocked up a total of 25 years. In between he took a complete break from the road transport industry.
Originally from Sydney, Tony moved to the Tweed area 28 years ago. These days he visits his former hometown five times a fortnight in a Kenworth T410SAR. “I used to do Adelaide but I’m leaving that for the younger fellas,” he adds.
Previously, Tony was behind the wheel of a T908. Before that he piloted three Western Stars. He admits preferring the T908’s Cummins over the Paccar engine in the SAR. “It’s not too bad, but a bit less power and the retarder I don’t think is up to scratch.”
However, he enjoys the SAR’s comfort factor, as well as the driving and safety features, including the Kenworth Wingman and, surprisingly, the Seeing Machine installed.
“There was a lot of opposition to the Seeing Machines from older drivers but once you get used to it, it’s not a problem,” he says, labelling himself as an “old fella and nearly 66”.
“You have days on the mic when you laugh and your head goes back, but other than that I’ve never had a fatigue issue with it. It sends a warning, just in case.”
Tony’s longevity with Shoobridge Transport speaks volumes for the company’s culture and its family-orientated approach.
“Every company has its good and bad and we try to get through the issues and be better at what we do.”
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Tony Blair drives a Kenworth T410SAR but still finds time to help train the younger drivers
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When I spoke with Tony he revealed he had not long returned from a couple of months off due to a severe bout of pneumonia. He says the company was extremely supportive to him during his absence.
“I’ve had death in the family [in 2022] and they accommodate all that sort of thing. They’re a good company to work for,” he says.
Tony has experienced first hand Shoobridge Transport’s growth over the years.
“We didn’t have these sheds, we didn’t have the workshop. Now we’ve got our own workshop and we’ve got all the accreditations and mass management.
“There’s many things that have been put in place through compliance and everything like that. It’s just the way of the day.
“They try to alleviate any disasters that anybody could have, or damage to freight,” he says.
Unlike some transport drivers, Tony says he has no issue with police and road authorities.
“When a vehicle leaves this depot there should not be any reason that they’re going to get an infringement. Logbooks, we’ve got MT data, all sorts of things, so they can’t run over hours.
“We’ve got onboard scales so they shouldn’t be overweight at any time and we’ve got maintenance management so the trucks are kept in pretty good condition and are serviced regularly.”
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Tony has had experience with owning a business. He knows the importance of customer service and presentation to clients, which is line with the Shoobridge philosophy.
“We try to instil that in some of these younger guys that come through,” he says.
“I try to help train young fellas; some of them will listen. I just keep trying to pass on the knowledge.”
He agrees that the biggest problem the industry has is trying to attract young people.
“They don’t want to get out of their comfort zone. They want to go to the gym, they want to have life after work in the afternoon.
“Yeah, it’s very hard to get interstate drivers, let alone local drivers. And COVID has made things worse,” Tony says.
“You can’t work from home being a truck driver.”
Photography: Greg Bush