Peter Preston
Peter Preston was born in Leeton, NSW in 1946. He left school at 16 years of age to start work with his father Harold travelling in a Commer Knocker to Melbourne. When they over-nighted Peter slept on the floor and Harold on the seat. In 1964 Peter bought his own Commer Knocker which was his pride and joy. He carted sheep, grain, fertiliser and petrol; sometimes not knowing what or when he would load home. In those days it was hand loading or shovelling. When Peter turned 21 he partnered his father to form HA & PA Preston. Peter carted the fence posts and building materials to Quelch Fruit Juices who remain a customer of Peters company to this day; something he is very proud of.
In 1976 when Harold retired, Peter and his wife Sue purchased the business. P&S Preston Haulage Services operated until 1981 from Yanco NSW. In 1986 Peter purchased his first refrigerated van to cart for Quelch carting juice to Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Peter has also worked SunRice, Lion Nathan, Visy and Chep. He has taken road trains of gherkins to northern QLD, milk to tankers to Darwin and carried live chickens.
Peter grew his fleet to 25 prime movers, 53 trailers and 50 employees. The impact he and Sue have made on the small community of Leeton has been admirable. They have created many jobs for locals and stimulate the local economy by using local suppliers and producers. In 2014 Peter and Sue sold the line-haul component of their business keeping the bulk haulage business. They rebranded as PSP Bulk Haulage and currently run a fleet of nine prime movers, 19 trailers and employ 13 people.
Over the last 52 years Peter has proven himself to be a well known and respected leader of the road transport industry. He has participated in the two longest hauls for the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners. For ten years Peter and Sue hosted the Cancer Council 'Biggest Morning Tea' at their depot. Peter has shown so many young drivers the way to being successful in this industry. From the top Peter has steered his company to great success by always keeping his finger on the pulse and never asking anyone to do anything he wouldn't do himself. Congratulations!