Guiseppe (Joe) Carbone

Inducted into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame at ReUnion 2009.

Joe and wife Filomena founded their trucking business, Carbone Transport, in Buronga, NSW in 1953.  Joe went on to service the Sunraysia Districk for 42 years before retiring in 1995.

Joe focused on overnight line-haul of local fresh fruit and vegetables to Melbourne's Queen Victoria Wholesale.  Travel from Mildura to Melbourne on treacherous dirt roads with narrow bridges was hazardous.

Mechanical breakdowns,  little means of communication and sparse repair stations added to the problems.  Winter periods were the worst with muddy roads and washed-away bridges which required  inspection before  traversing to ensure the wood planks were still in place and safe enough to cross.  During these times camaraderie was alive as all travellers, at one time on another, were dependent on being assisted either on mechanical or road issues.  Joe was much reliant on his favourite, loved and treasured first truck, an R162 International which he drove for many years.

Over time, the family-run business, expanded from a one truck, self-employed trader to one of the largest transport companies in the Sunraysia District.  It employed over 30 people, ran 20 semi-trailers, some being refrigerated vans, nine small trucks and had depots in Melbourne and Adelaide.  Line haulage consisted of fresh produce, frozen goods, general freight, building products, export containers and the CUB Sunraysia district distributor.  Joe's excellent rapport with all his customers and suppliers was reflected in being acknowledged as a man-of-his-word who was trusted and respected in all his dealings.  He is well renowned and respected for his honesty, integrity and warm generosity and love of family.

Due to the tragic loss of his son, Domenic, in a trucking accident in 1993, Joe and his family decided to exit the industry in 1995.