Richard “Ric” Browne

Inducted into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame at ReUnion 2006.

Richard Browne (Ric) grew up living opposite a local transport company yard and being mechanically-minded, it became obvious to him that he would finally end up driving trucks.

After spending most of his weekends and school holidays learning the basics of service, maintenance and how to load, tarp and drive, Ric, at the age of 18 acquired a Victorian articulate licence and was ready to rock and roll his way into a big rig.

The first ten years were spent mainly running Sydney to Brisbane and Adelaide, sub-contracting for firms such as Brambles General-Mercury Transport, driving for Foster Watling-Fletcher and Stradling and prime contractors, George Cruwys (CMA cables) and Aboods Transport (Metal Manufactures and copper products) from Port Kembla to Brisbane.  In the late 1960s early 1970s Ric drove roadtrains for EJ Burton to Mt. Isa and north Queensland.  He also drove the Copper City Transport hauling CUB (beer) to Mt. Isa. 

During the 70s he spent a few years driving tippers on coal haulage, sand and metal, fertilizer and grain.During the decade up to the late 1980s, Ric ran from Sydney to Perth and also did trips up to the north-west of WA including such places as Tom Price, Parraburdoo, Karratha and Cape Lambert.  He also drove down in the south-west of WA to places such as Bunbury, Busselton and Pemberton. 

After that, he went back driving coal trucks for Bulkhaul, later known as HBI Bulktrans where he stayed for 14 years on the grain and fertilizer.  In 2005, Ric started working again with Aboods Transport and in 2006 was still with the company. 

Over the years, Ric estimates he has driven over forty different types of truck.  The year 2010 marks his 50th year of driving trucks.Ric Browne has gained a solid reputation as being a truly professional and courteous driver who knows his stuff and will go anywhere. Ric Browne has most certainly earned his place in the Transport Hall of Fame.