Driving the preferred model of his favourite truck brand is a dream come true for Darren Sheen.
There’s no hiding Darren Sheen’s delight at driving one of two Kenworth K200s in the Thompson’s Transport fleet, based in Castlemaine, Victoria.
According to Darren, It’s been his long-held ambition to be behind the wheel of a Keith Thompson rig, with its recognisable red, white and black colour scheme.
“It’s a great company to work for; I can’t see myself going anywhere else,” he smiles.
Darren is a fan of good looking gear, and he rates the K200 as “absolutely fantastic”, especially with the extra chrome and added lights.
“The other K200 is newer than this one but mine has a lot of shiny bits!”
All up, Darren has spent 16 years on the road, still enjoying every day of it.
“I absolutely love it!” he exclaims. “Even the bad days are good because it is just a bit of a twist to the adventure.
“Thompson’s are great. We are never pushed and they suggest the best way and the right way and we do that to the best of our ability.”
Darren admits there are a few downsides to the job, notably the heavy vehicle rules which he says are getting tighter and harder to follow. He adds that it’s also becoming more difficult to find decent amenities, something that the powers-that-be need to address.
“The amenities are there but some of them are well beyond their use-by date and need an upgrade,” he says.
Darren’s other gripe is the industry’s poor image among the general public. He says drivers aren’t given the recognition they deserve, despite road transport being a vital part of everyone’s life.
“We are out here to do a job, to supply everyone everywhere with their needs and requirements,” he explains.
“We make a living and support our families, the same as everyone else, but we are treated like second class citizens or criminals which is sad.
“And that comes from how we are portrayed in the media.”
Licenced to haul
Despite those negatives, Darren says he definitely has no regrets in following his father Neville Sheen into the industry.
“I’ve always had a passion for trucks, even as a kid with toy trucks and then going with Dad,” he recalls.
“When I was very young I always looked at the big trucks and then decided to get my foot in the door.”
Darren started out in rigids, doing meat lumping which he says was hard work. He soon obtained his single licence.
“I started pulling one around and then thought I wanted to be a big B-double driver and so I got that. Now I pull one,” he smiles.
“The B-doubles are a pain in the neck at each end, but they are more stable and a lot more comfortable to operate.
“With Thompson’s, it is pretty much straight freight.”
The K200 has a 600hp Cummins Euro 5 engine coupled to an automatic gearbox.
“I don’t mind the auto,” Darren continues. “I’ve been happy with the way it performs, the changes are smooth and overall the K200 is great to drive.”
Darren spends his days running up and down the eastern seaboard with the occasional run to Adelaide. While many operators are looking forward to the Pacific Highway road works being completed, Darren will continue to run up the New England.
“I’m not a fan of the Pacific, the New England is quieter. People say the road is windy but that’s what the steering wheel is for,” he smiles.
Showtime catch-up
Last year’s Kenworth Klassic, held at the Hawkesbury Showground outside Sydney, proved an ideal venue for Darren to show off the K200.
“What a great weekend! Everyone just goes along to show off their trucks and look at everyone else’s. No judging, no prizes, it’s wonderful,” Darren exclaims.
“You meet some of the older drivers and hear some of their stories.”
Darren says catching up with the industry veterans makes him aware of how easier life is for today’s drivers.
“We do a lot more kilometres but look at what we get to drive – 500 to 600hp trucks with air conditioners and air bag suspensions.
“The trucks have come a long way in a relatively short period of time.”
Darren has two young children, Brock and Alisa, and his appearance with the K200 at the Kenworth Klassic coincided with Brock’s birthday.
As well as the Kenworth Klassic, Darren also took part in last year’s Lights on the Hill Memorial Convoy in Queensland. Then it was back to Thompson Transports headquarters for the Castlemaine Truck Show in November.
“I decided to have the celebration at the Klassic,” he says. “It was a great day, family and friends came and we had a little party among the trucks.
“I miss them [the kids] so much but it’s all part of the game I guess,” Darren says. “It’s just important to make the most of the time you get with them.”
Photography: Peter Schlenk