Tom Collins
Inducted into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame at ReUnion 2015.
One of three brothers, Tom Collins was the one with the greatest passion for trucks. Tom's father, Les, was a driver for his entire life. The majority of Les's work history was driving for Cobb & Co. Tom, from an early age would often go with his father.
Tom's first driving job was a body truck around Brisbane, then at age 17 he obtained his semi licence. A driving job with Bill Johnstone of Strathpine was next, driving a UD Nissan within Queensland. This involved wide loads and extendables, eventually driving a UD with two flat tops to Darwin. When this company folded, Tom and his brother Les bought a second-hand Volvo and commenced carting for Lysaghts from Brisbane to Cairns. This led to a tow job with Simons Transport running from Brisbane to Cairns.
Tom then secured his own contract, carting for Nerada Tea from Innisfail to all southern capital cities. This contract grew and Tom put on a second truck. After the Nerada contract finished, Tom began carrying bananas from North Queensland to southern markets in refrigerated vans.
After some years Tom, together with his brothers Les and Bob formed an association with Toll companies NQX and QRX. This involved carrying refrigerated goods throughout Queensland and eventually towing triple roadtrains from Townsville to Mt Isa and Darwin.
Over the years, Tom and his brothers increased their fleet to over 60 vehicles, carrying many types of freight including stock feed and other goods whilst sill hauling high volumes of freight for Toll. Tom was responsible for operations and had always continued to drive truck in the fleet from single trailers to triple roadtrains.
The business ceased operating in 2010 but Tom carried on with a single prime mover carting consumer goods for a major distributor. To this day Tom completes two round trips from Townsville to Brisbane each week.
Tom has had over 40 years in the industry and is widely respected and liked within the transport community. He continues to provide exceptional service to his contractor and it is this service which should see Tom continue working within the industry for years to come.