Herbert (Jim) Miners

Inducted into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame at Reunion 2014.

Born in 1931 and raised in the small south-west New South Wales town of Nimmitabel, transport was always a huge influence in James (Jim) Miner's life. His great-grandfather operated a bullock team and his father later owned a rigid truck carting timber, wool and other loads around the treacherous slopes of the Snowy Mountains region. There is no doubt Jim was destined to become involved with the road freight industry in some capacity.

Jim started professionally driving vehicles when he was just 16 years old working on the family farm. Soon after he moved to Bega and where he was employed by Hayes & Kid (now Hayes Haulage) running up and down the coast and all around the area. He later moved to Dapto, NSW where he got a job with Dairy Farmers carting milk along the coast. It was while he was here married Pat and they had four children.

Jim went on to work for a number of local Illawarra companies such as Brambles, MHP and Lever Freightlines, hauling coal and long and wide loads all over Australia. During this time Jim made a name for himself as a professional driver and a true gentleman of the road dedicated to the industry. He is remembered for his loyalty to his peers and willingness to always give a mate a hand

It was Jim's passion and commitment for transport that made his eldest son Rob want to join the industry. Back in 1978, Jim helped Rob get his first driving job through the company DMKT, which he was also working for carting steel from BHP Port Kembla to Newcastle and Melbourne. Later in 1980, Rob decided he wanted to branch out on his own and with the help and knowledge of his father Jim and support of his mother Pat, he was able to achieve this owning a successful business in which Jim had a huge interest in for some 20 years until he passed away from a stroke in 2000.

Jim's legacy continues today through his son Rob, daughter-in-law Leanne, also a truck driver, and many grandchildren who aspire to one day be as successful and regarded in the industry as he was.