Peter Cruse
Inducted into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame in 2018.
Peter was born on March 25 in 1947 in Greymouth, New Zealand. He left school at 15 years of age to undertake a diesel mechanic apprenticeship with Ferguson's Earthmoving. At age 18 he obtained his heavy traffic licence and started his driving career on a Leyland Comment 90 with tippers and log trailers. He also drove a Ferguson's LF 90 International carting their heavy machinery around the west coast
In 1968 Peter moved to Australia and lived in central west NSW, driving from Condoblin to Melbourne with wool and general goods for Frank Turner in a R190, then a 760V8 Dodge . Peter bought his first truck, an A3 Bedford, which he soon upgraded to a TK Bedford carting fuel, stock and fertiliser. Around 1973 Peter bought a cabover 1418 Benz and subcontracted to Alan Beattie Transport carrying stock around NSW and general freight to Melbourne.
Next he purchased a 903 Bogie Louisville and secured a permanent Adelaide to Brisbane and return contract. After some time, Peter started pulling a road train until Alltrans were amalgamated back into TNT. He then began working on his favourite run, Toowoomba to Darwin. No power steering or air conditioning in the Louisville, but Peter had a lot of fun
In 1980 Peter decided to try an easier life style and returned to New Zealand , where he drove log trucks for T. Croft Ltd. After 3 years the pull of the Northern Territory was too great and Peter returned to Australia to live in Toowoomba. The following years saw Peter working for Ray Coop on the Jack the Slasher run with double and triples for RTA, mostly with fridge vans.
Ext Peter went to work for Holders Brothers and where the work was hard and consistent but Des Holder was a great boss and a good friend. When Holder Brothers ceased trading Peter started working at Wickham Freight Lines, Peter says he saved the best until last and loved his time with WFL. When Wickhams bought a new 909 Kenworth , Peter drove what he calls the best truck he has driven until he semi retired at age 68. Even now at 71 years of age. When needed Peter is still able to complete a Warwick, Sydney, Melbourne triangle arriving on time and with no damage.