Jim & Helen Savage

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

Jim Savage is an innovator and industry leader who, together with his wife Helen, has built a widely respected livestock carrying business and worked tirelessly to make gains for rural trucking.

Based at Westdale near Tamworth NSW, they bought their first truck in 1968 and initially traded as JT & HM Savage but the business is now known as Stockmaster. Helen coordinated the business from home while Jim was on the road. They specialise in livestock but also carted anhydrous ammonia for 32 years until 2005 when they downsized from 40 trucks to 28.

In 2010 Stockmaster runs 30 trucks, employs over 50 people and carts over one million head of sheep and cattle annually. Jim and Helen are known as respectful and generous employers. They recruit school-based and full-time apprentices for the Stockmaster workshop and encourage aspiring young drivers to join their team.

Jim has served on the committee of the Livestock & Bulk Carriers' Association for over 27 years, including 11 years as president. He is a member of the Australian Livestock Transporters Association and of the NSW Road Freight Advisory Council. Helen, an active supporter of the Livestock and Bulk Carriers Association, is a member of Transport Women Australia Ltd.

Jim's fascination in stock crate design dates back to his apprenticeship as a boilermaker, and he continues to think of ways to make trailers safer, lighter and more efficient. He played a role in gaining acceptance for the 20ft/40ft B-double combinations on Australian roads.

Stockmaster was an early participant in accreditation programs including the RTA Alternate Compliance Scheme, Farm Link, Truck Care and NHVAS, and is currently involved in the livestock loading pilot.

Jim's work with the LBCA often takes him away from Tamworth, but he knows Helen and the Stockmaster team can manage the business in his absence. He once told ATN Magazine: This is a team effort. They might call me managing director but I'm just one of the boys when it comes down to it.