Above: Graham Gray of Garfield with his big rig, a 2004 Western Star Constellation 4864 FX.Left: Mr Gray’s truck has an 1800 litre fuel capacity, Durabrightfinished wheels with stainless steel and chrome on the air cleaners, exhaust pipes, fuel tank brackets and mudguards.By Paul Dunlop
GRAHAM Gray is a true king of the road.
The Garfield man is like a modern day drover, transporting sheep and cattle all over Australia.
Mr Gray carries livestock for Edyvane’s Transport of Pakenham and has driven trucks for more than 20 years.
His pride and joy is his rig, a 2004 Western Star Constellation that he bought at Christmas. Worth around $240,000, it is the first brand new vehicle Mr Gray has ever owned.
“Buying a new truck is a lifetime dream,” he said.
Mr Gray’s truck was recently named Rig of the Month in a competition showcasing the best in the industry.
It is now part of the $10,000 Shell Rimula Rig of the Year competition, a 12month search for Australia’s finest looking truck. The winner will be decided in November.
Mr Gray’s Western Star houses a 1.2 metre wide bunk, which comes in handy considering he spends five days a week on the road and sleeps in his truck three nights a week.
“I love the freedom that comes with being on the road. I wouldn’t swap it for the world,” he said.
“The rig is a workhorse. I travel between sale yards, feedlots and paddocks across Victoria, southern New South Wales and southeast South Australia.”
Mr Gray has driven trucks for Edyvane’s for almost eight years.
He said he owed the Pakenham firm a great debt of gratitude.
“They gave us a go, got us started,” he said.
Mr Gray’s truck has an 1800 litre fuel capacity, Durabrightfinished wheels with stainless steel and chrome on the air cleaners, exhaust pipes, fuel tank brackets and mudguards.
Inside, the rig features a wood trim steering wheel and woodgrain finish on the dash.
“It’s truck that anyone would be proud to own,” Mr Gray said.
And of course, it’s got a great stereo.
“I listen to any music, a bit of country, whatever’s on the radio.”
After 20 years driving trucks, the open road is Mr Gray’s kingdom. Behind the wheel is where he feels most at home.
“It’s more of a lifestyle than a job,” he said.
“I guess it’s like anything. When you’re driving you think you’d sooner be home but after a day or two out of the truck you start getting itchy feet to get going again.”
