Arthur “Joe” Burton

Inducted into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame at ReUnion 2012.

Arthur Burton, commonly known as Joe, was an owner operator trading under the name of Burton Haulage. Joe was known as an expert operator and mentored many a newcomer to the industry over his many years in the trucking industry. As a consequence, many have followed in his footsteps and become truckies for the whole of their lives. 

For many years Joe carted logs in the summer. It was hard and backbreaking work as there was little mechanical assistance for loading and unloading in the early days. In later years Joe also operated a low loader on which he floated logging machines. In the winter when the logging season stalled Joe would hook up to a tanker and cart fuel for BP. Joe applied for and was awarded a contract carting woodchips from the Bairnsdale mill to the Maryvale mill; a contract he held for the next twenty years becoming a house-hold name along the route.

During this time Joe proved himself an avid advocate of the Kenworth marque and operated only Kenworth trucks with walking floor trailers.Joe travelled the Princes Highway two or three times a day making a name for himself as a well respected and professional operator who maintained his trucks well. Everyone along the route knew Joe's trucks by the colour scheme and their tidy and clean presentation and many a friendly wave was exchanged. During this period of time Joe updated his trucks every five years. He was always excited at the prospect of owning a new Kenworth when he ordered it.

Joe preferred a cab-over prime-mover fitted with a Cummins engine and a Roadranger gearbox and of course, a sleeper cab for that well earned rest.Joe's favourite thing about trucking was seeing mates on the highways and catching up with them for a chat at roadhouses. His biggest regret is selling his pride and joy and retiring. Joe retired at 63 years of age in 2006.  In 2012 he is still an inspiration to his peers, mates and up and coming truckies.