Ross Ellis
Inducted into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame at ReUnion 2003.
Ross Ellis started in the road transport business at the age of 21 at Dalmore (70 klms east of Melbourne). He transported peas from the local farms to the Dalmore Vining Station in a 1941 Maple Leaf. In 1951 he purchased a new Bedford truck and started carting potatoes, onions and carrots to the rail in Kooweerup and Melbourne.
Ross worked very hard in the early years hauling tomatoes to Heinz for processing and carting gravel and stone from the local gravel pits. Loading the trucks was all done by hand whether it was tomatoes by the crate or gravel by the shovel load. In 1953, with four trucks, Ross took on the Neptune Petrol Agency which later changed its name to Shell. He operated this for 27 years delivering petrol to many farming communities and transport operators.
In 1954 he took his first load of potatoes to Sydney, and interstate trips have since become an integral part of the business. In the 1950s asparagus was taken to the Victoria Market, Melbourne, arriving at 2am to be sold on behalf of the local growers. Ross became interested in buses after his first trip in a Pioneer bus on tour from Adelaide to Alice Springs in 1966. He gained his first two school contracts in 1981, followed by his charter licence in 1985. He has a sound knowledge of Australia and, in particular, New South Wales which he confidently draws upon when planning extended tours, pokie weekends and day trips. Ross believes he owes his longevity in the transport business to the loyal service of his many long-term drivers, the longest staying for 27 years before he retired. Most importantly Ross acknowledges the support and contribution from his wife, Mavis, and his family.
Ross Ellis's contribution to the Australian truck and coach industry over the past 60 years can be attributed to his business acumen, integrity, genuine principles and respect for others while being genuinely committed to the reliability and safety of his vehicle fleet and his devotion to family.
