Copy Southbound Podcast

Anyone raised on a farm is almost destined to have an interest in machinery and the Divall Brothers are no exception. With a strong work ethic thanks to their old man, Mick, followed by Andy, moved into trucks, quarrying and earthmoving and developed a highly respected and successful operation with many long term employees. This is their story.......

We often get asked to interview more women in transport so we were really happy when Liesl Hales was recommended to us due to her unique career in the industry. Liesl is very well known and has catalogued plenty of her early days both as a base station operator and as a driver, steering for some iconic names from all over the country and always with a camera in hand.  

The Wettenhall name has been synonymous with the transport industry for decades so we were thrilled when Scott Wettenhall, son of founder Moss, approached us to tell the family story. Scott's memory of detail was right up Bruce's alley as he recounted each truck that came into the fleet along with the names of some of their legendary drivers. History at it's absolute finest in this one.......

The Hutchins Family have been well known in transport with a history spanning three generations. They live a breathe the industry and have a love of the freedom and the awesome 80's when anything was acceptable. Gary gives a wholehearted view of a career that took its toll on him, but to this day, he would have no hesitation to do it all again. We hope you guys enjoy this as much as we did.

Bruce was contacted by long time friend and truck enthusiast Tony Kent or TK, about interviewing a Goulburn local, Mac Webster. He said "you'll like him Bruce, he's opinionated, vocal and if you get him going he'll lose his filter before too long......but he's an absolute legend!!! Well TK, you couldn't have been more on the money if you tried.

Well once again, Bruce has gotten excited over an endless photo stream of Eastoe's trucks on social media which lead him to contact Dean Jennion who jumped at the chance to explain his love affair with trucks. Both Dean's father and stepfather were linehaul drivers which, like plenty out there, resulted in a lifelong obsession with trucks and history and a passion for the old days.

With an unusual introduction into the transport industry, Adam Hotchin – Lefty – worked his way through the trials of long distance trucking with the help of some Legends in the game while battling some personal trauma that no young person should endure. Lefty wears his heart on his sleeve and wanted to share his story including his private struggles, purely with the hope that it could possibly he...

When you think of 70s and 80s on the Hume, rarely a conversation goes by without mentioning Gasoline Alley and the famous, Robbie's in Yass. Along with their well known hospitality, there was also a strong connection transport that involved some legendary companies and a love of Peterbilt Trucks. You'll absolutely love this chat that Bruce has with Robbie Wright.

Lex Gordon is one of those names synonymous with the transport industry and he led, until his passing late last year, a proud family business that spanned over 70 years. Ross Gordon is one of Lex's 13 children and he joined us on Copy Southbound to share some of the stories of this pioneer of country haulage who was renowned for his big equipment and major contributions to the Narrabri district, w...

Long time Driver and Owner Driver Magazine contributor Ken Wilkie was recommended to us and what a great discussion it turned out to be. We love anyone who's passionate about road transport but some people go above and beyond to fight for Drivers conditions, protest laws and challenge decisions that have been made against the good of the industry. Ken is one of these people and his support of Rod...

Being Born in 1940 and raised in outback Western Australia would certainly have had its challenges and produced some tough, hard working people. Brian Brookes is one of those blokes who knew nothing but work, heat and dust but persisted with it right through his working career.  Brookesy is retired now but still very proud of his past and loved by many of our mates here at Copy Southbound. I'm sur...

Bruce has always been in awe of Liz Martin ever since he read about her and the National Road Transport Museum Hall of Fame in Alice Springs. She was at the helm of the Hall for 25 years where she managed the day to day running's, volunteers and spectacular reunions that were recognised worldwide. But his admiration for Liz also extends to her single handed research and recording of our outback pi...

Bruce has been waiting to interview Paddy Ward ever since Copy Southbound kicked off and has always sung his praises. A talented businessman, exceptional operator and gifted restorer, Paddy was also known as being one of the nicest people in transport and is still very active in the old truck scene following his retirement some years back. We couldn't have thought of a better way to kick off 2022.

Bob Thompson did his first tow at the age of 16 while his boss was at the pub, not realising that it would lead to him becoming one of NSW's most iconic tow and salvage operators in one of the Blue Mountains most notorious pieces of road. With his wife Marion by his side, this incredibly talented craftsman has helped out countless operators for over 50 years and become a legend of the Mountains!!!

Geoff Rudd, or Ruddy as he's commonly known, kicked off in transport earlier than most of us. With his gentle nature and strong work ethic, he formed some strong bonds and lasting relationships with customers back when a simple hand shake meant more than a written contract. Now in his mid 80's Geoff is now enjoying retirement but happily shared his experiences with us.

When we approached 'Pedro' to come onto Copy Southbound he agreed on one condition, he had to be our last ever interview because quite simply, he's the best there is. With more starts than Phar Lap,  Pedro ended up investing in his own truck & trailer and built up Primo Transport into a well oiled machine, as would be expected because, in his own words, he's a Legend......an Icon of the Industry....

Geoff Cootes, son of Ian Cootes recounts point by point the start of Ian's career, the build up of the business, the vehicles, the people, the sale and the anguish after the collapse of the I.R. Cootes name under different ownership.  This is a great yarn about one of Australia's success stories in transport and a lovely tribute to a man that was said to be one of the countries finest employers. 

At 94 years of age, Rexxy Shiel is still as sharp as a tac and positive about life after over 60 years driving trucks. This heartfelt interview left Bruce in tears as Rex recounted the ups and downs of life while also recounting his years behind the wheel of some the countries most iconic brands and whilst working for some legends of the industry. But the biggest legend in our eyes was Rex, a true...

You will absolutely love this chat with Glenn Reedman and his famous hero and alter ego 'Leo Wanker'. An absolute Pie-On-Ear of the industry. Just when you think this one is over, it delivers a very special surprise that we are extremely grateful for. Thanks Glenn.

Well Bruce has always referred to Frank Amoroso as a bit of an urban legend but after 5 hours of chatting to him, we now know the legend is true. With his famous Fate Express, Frank was well known on the Highway for many years with his consistently quick trucks. We're sure you'll enjoy his story. Catch us if you can!!!!

In this episode, Bruce sits down to chat with Mick Evans after receiving a tip off from some mutual friends. Mick's a pretty humble person but once the interview gets rolling you'll get to hear stories of some legendary characters in the industry, along with some raw opinions from this likeable bloke. He's like so many others who were simply out there doing their job........and loving every minute...

In this episode, Bruce catches up with his good mate, Robbie Marshall, son of Ray Marshall. The iconic Ray Marshall Transport Kenworths ran our highways for almost 30 years and Robbie explains how they got into transport and what led to the beginning of Marshall's, as they were known, with their unique fleet of trucks and drivers.  They were immaculate, fast and from an era that will never be revi...

At almost 77, Barry 'Sleepy' Grimson is still behind the wheel and preaching transport and praising the industry that he loves has fought for over the years namely as one of the 6 original instigators of the now famous Razorback Blockade in 1979. His account of the blockade is as raw and as passionate as it gets. If you think Bruce wears his heart on his sleeve, wait until you listen to 'Sleepy'.....