Brian Smith

Inducted into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame at Reunion 2011.

Brian Smith has driven trucks for many different companies. His great reputation precedes him and his professionalism and dedication to the transport industry is a credit to him.
Brian started out in 1976 at the age of 25 driving an Austin tray truck delivering general freight locally before joining Bartrams Transport running from Bendigo to Melbourne in the old Albions, Austins, Bedfords and Commers. He started with G.J Johns from Bridgewater doing general interstate in a 1418, and then worked for other small firms in Bendigo doing both local and interstate. Next he worked for McDonalds of Watchupga carting grain and other general freight with a convertible flat top driving a T-Line and a ripper old Diamond Reo before pulling a trailer for Sneaths with Mcdonalds T-Line for years. A couple of relatively short stays followed with Starlight Express driving an LTL and for Crossmatch Holdings driving a CHR Mack. He drove interstate for both companies. He then worked for Success Freightlines for a number of years driving interstate. His boss asked if he would be interested in driving a B-double. He wasn't keen because he reckoned B-doubles were wrecking the industry. He changed his thinking soon after when he had to pick up a trailer in Melbourne and not having a double licence the other bloke had to drive. Brian was not happy in the passenger seat and asked the driver to move over. After he arrived at the depot he felt differently about the B-doubles. Success Freightlines paid for Brian to obtain his double ticket and he drove all over Australia towing two trailers and when Success changed hands to Blackneys Brian drove other trucks including Aerodyne, Western Star, Mack and Iveco. Today he drives for Thompsons Transport of Castlemaine where he proudly sits at the helm of a Western Star, pulling a B-double.