Sergio Casotti
Inducted into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame at ReUnion 2013.
Sergio (Serg) Casotti arrived from Italy in 1955 with no employment prospects and few resources. He began work shortly after with a local sanitation company. There was no deep sewerage back then and it was dirty and back breaking work. He met and wed his lifelong partner Angela in 1959 and together they went on to have six children.
From 1960 Serg operated as a log haulier but in 1965 changed from carrying logs to hauling general freight for Thomas Nationwide Transport (later TNT) where he drove his single drive International to and from the Eastern States for the Perth division. Serg was asked in 1969 to become the TNT W.A. Operations Manager which he accepted. As a side business while working for TNT Serg operated a Mr Whippy style ice cream truck on the weekends but laughs that the six kids ate the profit to that though.
In 1971 Serg left TNT and started Ashburton Xpress Service with a G89 Volvo. Serg operated a service up the various remote mine-sites starting to form up in the Pilbara region. With a growing workload he had a building/ depot built at Sheffield Road, Kewdale where K&S have been located for many years. The company serviced the Pilbara and then grew into Interstate Transport until in 1977 when Sir Peter Abeles contacted Serg in his European accent asked Casotti, you going to sell to me. Ables brought Ashburton Xpress Service and Serg became the TNT W.A. General Manager.
After 14 years with TNT Serg left and started W.A. Freightlines in 1991. W.A. Freightlines began in a small shed in Welshpool in Perth. At 54 years of age Serg was no longer on the road but spent his days driving the forklifts, tarping the loads, writing up the manifests, quoting on jobs and liaising with customers. His loyal customer base ensured that W.A. Freightlines soon became a well recognized and respected transport service provider and with the issue of company car number plates nominated from WAFL 1 upwards the company soon became iconic for service and vehicle presentation.
Serg had a sound understanding that a well maintained modern fleet always provided the ultimate solution for consistent travel times that meant the customer received their product on time and in good condition. Serg sold out in 2004 and retired to Surfers Paradise until he and Angela returned to W.A. in 2008.
Serg lives in Lesmurdie, W.A. His house is on the side of the hill and overlooks all of Perth.
