In Truckers, We Trust
Do many Australians ever pause to consider the brave truck drivers who cover the vast 7.6 million square kilometres of our island continent? As we sit down to enjoy a meal—whether it’s a hearty plate of vegetables, lamb, beef, or exotic meats—do we think about the hardworking truckers making that meal possible?
While we are savouring our delicious food, a tired, sweaty, and dehydrated trucker could be stranded in the desert, hundreds of kilometres from help. It’s not unusual for truckers with their heavy road trains to be stuck for hours, or even days, waiting for auto mechanics or parts to arrive. Often, parts are flown in from cities, transferred to smaller planes, and delivered to the nearest airstrip. From there, they are driven for hundreds of kilometres to reach the stranded trucker, who can only hope the parts are the right ones.
But why is this the case? Shouldn’t these massive trucks be in perfect condition before embarking on long, rugged journeys across the country?
It’s important to clear up the misconception that all roads in modern Australia are sealed. As of February 2024, of Australia’s 817,000 kilometres of roads, less than 50%—only 355,000 kilometres—are sealed. The remaining 462,000 kilometres are unsealed, rugged, bone-jarring, corrugated roads, many of which stretch on for hundreds of kilometres. These roads include dry, dusty deserts, waterlogged surfaces, and slippery sand dunes that are nightmarish for vehicles without proper tires or traction. These harsh conditions cause the truck frame, engine, and cargo to shake violently, not to mention the discomfort for the truckers themselves.
We city dwellers often complain when we hit a pothole in the pavement, yet many of Australia’s rural roads are in such poor condition that even bridges are impassable to the massive trucks bringing food and goods to our tables. Think about it: While we enjoy the luxury of multimillion-dollar river walkways, many remote communities across the continent rely on truckers to bring essential supplies like food, medicine, and educational materials.
Take the infamous Pentecost River crossings in the Kimberley, for example. These remote areas, with their difficult road conditions, have been the same for centuries. The same routes were once traversed by the Indian Cameleers in the 1800s, who carried goods and explorers through this vast, unforgiving land. In these isolated regions, farms are often larger than countries like England or New York State, and some properties are as big as entire Pacific Islands. It takes truckers days—sometimes weeks—to reach these outposts with the vital supplies needed to keep these communities running.
And let’s not forget the incredible women who also drive these long, lonely roads. Women truckers like Sandeep Kaur and Heather Jones have proven themselves as leaders in this industry, taking on roles as drivers, navigators, auto mechanics, safety officers, and even chefs. They juggle their work with being loving mothers, wives, and pet owners. These women, just like their male counterparts, face all the challenges of the road, and we honour them for their contributions.
Couples who drive together as a team are common, and for them, it’s not just a job—it’s a lifestyle. Spending days on end together in a truck fosters strong relationships and is a testament to the power of teamwork. For solo drivers, like the seasoned Steve Grahan, their pets often accompany them as loyal companions, making the lonely journey a little less isolating.
Australia depends on its truckers. When they stop, Australia stops. So, in deep gratitude, we say, “In Truckers, We Trust.”
(And don’t forget to tune in to the Trucker TV program on your local TV station or YouTube.)
