A LEGACY ON THE ROAD: FROM ONE TRUCK IN 1947 TO A FLEET BUILT ON FAMILY
FROM WORLD WAR II SERVICE TO THE BIRTH OF CAREY’S FREIGHT LINES
Born in 1924, Harold Carey was introduced to the transport industry through his time in the Air Force, where he drove trucks serving his country in World War 2.
At age 23 he returned from the war and bought his first truck in 1947, which is where Carey's began.
This truck was his pride and joy: a 1941 Ford table top he used to cart wood and wheat.
Harold grew the business, & his two sons, Michael and John, joined the business in the 1970s.
EXPANSION & GROWTH: BUILDING CAREY’S FREIGHT LINES FLEET IN THE 1980S
Michael, a qualified aircraft mechanic, ran the maintenance section, and John the freight side of the company.
During 1980 Mick & John bought their first trucks, a Flintstone Mack and an F700 Mack. These trucks were used for carting grain, cotton & gravel around the Northwest New South Wales subcontracting to their father.
During 1982 they purchased the business from Harold and had expanded the fleet to a dozen trucks by the mid-1980s.
Over the next decade, the fleet would double in size. Tautliners and fridge vans would become dominant.
MILESTONES, DIVERSITY & HALL OF FAME ACHIEVEMENTS
During this time the two got into the heavy haulage salvage business, bought a Mack tow truck, and became qualified tow operators.
During 1991 the first Kenworth was purchased, a T600. The 50th Kenworth was purchased in 2003. During 2012, Careys joined the exclusive Kenworth 100 club.
During 2010 Harold was inducted into the Road Transport Hall of Fame along with longtime employee Gerry McDonald.
During 2015 Mick and John were also inducted into the hall of fame. Along with long-term driver Willy Smythe.
Learn more about Carey’s Freight Lines’ history and legacy.
Call 02 6765 8201 today.