Wayne Knowles
Inducted into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame at Reunion 2014.
Wayne Knowles began his career in road transport in 1963 in a Ford 8000 driving for Rupe Julian Transport in Geelong. He was taught to drive by his brother Ronnie in a 7 series Dodge and also worked with friend Des Hannan in a White 9000. Wayne went into business for himself by purchasing a 1418 Mercedes Benz for $8000 when he was 28 years old. By 1964 he was driving a White 9000 for Preston Transport in Edwardson, SA, carting produce to Sydney markets. He drove many trucks over the years including Internationals, Whites, Bedfords, Commers, Kenworth K100 and SAR, ERF and Mercedes Benz 1418 and 2233.
Being an owner driver for 13 years and company driver for 38 years, Wayne has also driven for many of Australia's iconic companies such as East Coast Transport, Express freight, United Transport, Screenings Transport/Southern Quarries, Golding Industries and K Trans carting general freight, market produce, oversize-heavy haulage and dump trucks. Driving predominantly on interstate haulage he once took a 78 tonne load to Sydney on a dolly with a tri-axle float. He was also involved in moving Terex dump trucks from Birkenhead, S.A, all around Australia.
Wayne's life in trucking was at times very taxing but generally very rewarding and fulfilling. He offers special thanks to his wife and best friend, Kathy Knowles and their children for supporting him in his chosen career. Freedom and companionship along with a love of trucking and the mateship of the road has kept him in the industry for so long. It was and is hard work but Wayne thrived on it. Unfortunately the stress did take its toll eventually and Wayne is now recovering from a major stroke.
Known as Knowlsey to his mates on the highway, his last job was working back at Golding Transport Industries as a pneumatic tanker driver on local work in 2014. Like his work ethic, Wayne's approach to getting back on his feet is full of dedication and sheer determination. Wayne Knowles definitely deserves his place on the prestigious Shell Rimula Wall of Fame.
