JOHN WANT. Shell Rimula Hall of Fame Inductee.
John began his driving career at Ulmarra, collecting cream cans from dairy farms in a four-ton Ford known as “Peggy Sue.” He soon progressed to a seven-ton Ford Sputnik, hauling general freight throughout the Grafton district.
After gaining his semi-trailer licence, John joined Notaras Brothers, transporting timber north to Brisbane and returning with heavy loads of roof tiles. Every tile was unloaded by hand, and on one memorable occasion his wife Jan rolled up her sleeves and helped unload the entire trailer, an example of the family effort that would become a hallmark of John’s career.
After fifteen years away from transport pursuing farming ventures, John returned to trucking in 1979, purchasing a UD tipper and subcontracting to Norco, carting grain from western New South Wales to coastal farming districts. This marked the beginning of Wants Transport.
As the business grew, John operated trucks including an International 3070, International T-Line and his favourite, a brand-new Ford LTL 9000 powered by a 350 Caterpillar. His son Matthew regularly rode along, sometimes skipping school and learning to drive between Casino and Tenterfield.
In 1993, Matthew’s decision to become a truck driver brought the family back into transport, establishing Wants Transport with an International Transtar and grain tipper. The business grew to fifteen prime movers, and today Matthew manages operations while Amanda oversees administration.
Now in his mid-eighties, John remains involved, keeping a close eye on the yard.
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