After over sixty years transporting grain and sheep throughout Western Australia, Terry Bairstow has exited the cabin of his large truck for the final time.
“It was quite emotional… It feels like losing a limb, really, but that’s life,” he shared.
“I still possess my car and light rigid licenses for towing a caravan.”
The Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure mandates that heavy vehicle drivers undergo a yearly medical assessment starting at age 80 and an annual road test from age 85.
Now at 83, Mr. Bairstow, hailing from Wagin in WA’s Wheatbelt, has been advised it’s time to retire from driving.
“I went to Perth for a road test a year ago and passed, but they cautioned that this year would be more challenging,” he explained.
Despite his disappointment about relinquishing his truck license, Mr. Bairstow believes the regulations are reasonable.
“You simply can’t drive until you fall asleep at the wheel… it’s something you have to accept when it’s time to stop.”
A Family Legacy
Looking back on his trucking career spanning more than 60 years, Mr. Bairstow stated that, aside from acquiring a few subpar trucks, he wouldn’t change much.
He attributes his satisfaction with the lifestyle to his wife Maree, with whom he married in 1970. They raised three children: Todd, Darran, and Jodie, all of whom followed their father into the trucking business.
“I couldn’t have accomplished any of this without my wife Maree,” he emphasized.
“She was the backbone of our family, managing the business and raising the kids.”
The New Generation
As Mr. Bairstow bids farewell to his trucking career, 26-year-old Marko Savic is at the beginning of his journey in the industry.
A director at Western Roadtrain Driver Training, Marko has been involved in truck driving training from a young age.
“I was practically born and raised into this profession,” said Savic, who obtained his training accreditation at 22, making him one of the youngest trainers in recent times.
Though his age surprises his students, it quickly fades once they see his enthusiasm for teaching.
“I never had the chance to pick up bad habits, unlike many out there who need to unlearn them.”
Attributes of a Good Truck Driver
At their driving school in Wangara, north of Perth, Marko and his team offer various truck driving courses.
Mr. Savic believes that, along with technical skills, a critical part of being a good truck driver is maintaining a safe attitude and staying composed.
“You need to be the bigger person in tricky situations… it might not be rocket science, but driving can feel overwhelming under pressure,” he noted.
The Future of Truck Driving
For those exploring new career options and willing to work long hours, Mr. Savic sees truck driving as a “dream job.”
“Many people of retirement age come in because it pays well and isn’t overly labor-intensive,” he highlighted.
While technology may transform the trucking industry in the future, Mr. Savic emphasized the ongoing demand for skilled truck drivers.
“Without trucks, Australia stops — that’s a true statement.”
