Acknowledging longevity in the transport industry (48 years), reliable service to customers and an excellent work ethic, Jarramond’s Clyde Weir was recently inducted into the National Road Transport Hall of Fame in Alice Springs.
Born in East Melbourne in 1944, Clyde always wanted to become a ‘truckie’ and in 1966, secured his first driving job carting livestock for Roy McLeod. He then drove for Don Anderson for a while.
In 1967 Clyde met Vic Nelson, who was another livestock carrier. A job transpired, along with Clyde’s first nickname of ‘Curly’. In 1968 he met his bride-to-be, Bev, by which time he was driving interstate for Taylor-Dalton Transport, carting general freight followed by a stint with Downes Transport.
In 1970, Clyde was offered employment with McMullens Transport in Orbost. Bev transferred from her teaching position in Yarram. They married in 1971 and moved to Orbost, where they still reside on a small farm.
Clyde’s ambition was to become an owner driver, so in 1973 he purchased a Bedford prime mover and started towing a pantec for Dalmo’s 3D Transport. He updated his truck twice during the next 10 years, before purchasing his favourite truck in 1984 – an eyecatching Mack R600 with distinctive green, black and white colours.
As the business grew, a second truck was purchased and a driver employed. Both trucks transported timber, general freight, grain and vegetables.
In 1987 Clyde bought Orbost Super Spread with which came a spreader truck. He worked long hours, acquiring his second nickname, ‘Captain Snooze’, because he was frequently spotted parked along the Princes Highway, power-napping!
Clyde bought a new Volvo in 2000 and painted it to match the R600.
Two convertible trailers completed the outfit and were used to cart timber and grain for Orbost dairy farmers.
In 2004 he bought a B-Double rated Kenworth and employed a full-time driver. In 2005, Clyde lost control after striking a diesel spill on the Monash Highway. He hit the concrete barrier and jack-knifed before stopping. He received minor injuries, but sadly the Volvo was a write-off.
Despite this setback, Clyde continued his grain business, supplying Orbost dairy farmers until June 2014 in his prized Kenworth, which he sold on his retirement, aged 70, after a long and productive career.
Accompanied by Bev and friend, John Male, who now owns Clyde’s favourite truck – the Mack R600 – Clyde flew to Alice Springs for the memorable occasion of induction into the Hall of Fame.
The ceremony took place on Saturday, August 25, and was followed by a ‘Milemaker’ luncheon where transport legends mingled and exchanged stories.
The day’s celebrations culminated with a Shell Rimula Wall of Fame dinner where more camaraderie took place while guests enjoyed a delicious meal.
PICTURED: Clyde Weir always wanted to be a ‘truckie’ and with 48 years in the business was recently inducted into the National Road Transport Hall of Fame.
