Transport Hall of Fame – Ken Mead

KEN MEAD

In 1984, Ken purchased a 1982 M112 Scania and 40ft trailer, and his love of driving and trucks was realised

Ken Mead was born in Narembeen, Western Australia in 1938, but grew up in Chowerup where his father farmed and drove the district school bus.

In 1954, Ken began driving an International L162 carting short logs for the local timber mill. He purchased his first truck in 1958; a 5 tonne AR 162, followed in 1960 by an International 162AA.

In 1974, Ken managed the local timber mill and bought a 1967 Commer CC. He upgraded in 1980 to a C1900 International, with VT190 V8 Cummins engine, and tip trays. In 1984, Ken purchased a 1982 M112 Scania and 40ft trailer, and his love of driving and trucks was realised. He rebuilt the engine himself and the truck was well known in the district - the kids loved it. Ken carted wool to Perth and returned with general freight. In 1988, Ken and his son purchased a small business which included a 1979 UD.

In the early 1990’s Ken travelled between Western Australia and Victoria carting farm machinery. Over the next 20 years several more Scania’s were purchased. Loads were typically wool, grain, sheep and cattle and sometimes included deer and grapes.

In 1997, driving a Scania H144 Ken with his wife Peggy, travelled weekly from Western Australia to Brisbane carting farm machinery to the east and returning with general freight.

One unusual load was two date palms from Adelaide to the Gold Coast. One memorable trip was driving a road train around Australia in 2000, leaving from Boyup Brook and going to Townsville, via Adelaide and Brisbane. Then to Karratha via Mt Isa, Katherine and Kununurra, then to Perth, back to Karratha again, and lastly home. It was a momentous trip, dealing with floods and all the north of Australia can throw at you.

In 2018, Ken no longer had his trucking business, however he was not yet ready to retire. Whether co-driving, picking up new trucks from the East or driving for a few mates locally he took any opportunity to get behind the wheel. Otherwise he’s tinkering with engines or restoring his 1950’s Fordson tractor.

Such a life in trucking deserves a place on the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame.