Doug Hampton

Inducted into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame at ReUnion 2010.

Doug Hampton was born with diesel in his blood. His dad, Stanley Hampton, drove milk tankers throughout the Adelaide Hills with Dougie accompanying him. At sixteen, Doug obtained his heavy vehicle licence. He became a postie, a position which allowed him time to drive tip-trucks and to cart the Old Ghan line sleepers. During holidays he drove interstate with Bill Dawe in a '37 Eagle. Doug's first truck was cab-over Kenworth 350 which he used to do subbing work for various companies, hauling general freight and transporting containers and in between loads he carted sand and metal, grain and grapes in his tipper.

Various trucks and equipment have been purchased over the past 30 years to service a variety of jobs including road-train haulage to Ayers Rock, Alice Springs and triple work to Darwin, Cairns and Townsville. Refrigerated work all over Australia has kept Doug busy for a lot of years. His favourite truck is a 650 Kenworth which he dramatically changed. This truck featured in the magazine 'Kenworth Down Under'. A Kenworth K104 was bought to do B-double work. This purchase led to him being approached by a film company which required this truck for a movie 'To Catch a Killer', the story of the murder of Peter Falconio. What followed was one of the most memorable moments of his career: at the sudden appearance of Joanne Lees, Doug had to bring his truck to a screeching halt.

For Doug, the most enjoyable times were when he had the homing pigeon contract, carting their trailer all over South Australia and Victoria. Doug has never wanted his business to become a big company. Along his journey he has made many friends and earned the respect of colleagues he has dealt with, all with his renowned sense of humour. Doug is still Trucking.