John Whyte

Inducted into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame at Reunion 2004.

John Robert Whyte, YT to his friends, was an active member of the Northern Territory transport industry for over 24 years. During that time YT was involved in just about every aspect of the industry.

While much of that time had been as a driver and owner/driver, he has also done time 'on the tools', truck and trailer sales and, more recently, as the fleet manager of Bulktrans where he was responsible for a fleet operating across Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and the Territory.

YT was born and raised in Oamaru, New Zealand, where he did his apprenticeship with Tempero's Motor Body Builders before taking the wheel of his first truck for Wataki Transport in 1974. His work in New Zealand mainly involved stock as well as hay and fertilizer (bales and bags in those days) which was good conditioning for his favourite pastime, rugby union. He played representative against visiting sides including against Tonga for North Otago.

In September 1980, YT moved to Darwin where he first worked for Transvisa, Ascot Haulage and Direct Mix Concrete before taking up a driving position with the then BP distributor, Darwin Petroleum Pty Ltd/Fleetmaster. YT continued delivering fuel with BP and Australian Fuel Distributors as a driver, then owner/driver until 1999. During his years in the industry John was a very active member of the Transport Association.

In 1999 YT decided he wanted to spend more time with his family so became a truck salesman at Agsery Industries. In 2001 he joined Mick Murray Welding selling trailers and a year later rejoined the AFD team as fleet manager.

John married Cheryl in 1976 and they had two sons, Allan and Hadlee (yes after the Kiwi cricketer). YT was one of the 'big men' of the transport industry and his induction into the Road Transport Hall of Fame acknowledges his contribution. John died of cancer leaving a large legacy.