History of Trucks and Trucking Industry

Australian truck industry today is one of the fast-developing industries that have great impact on the growth and stability of the Australian economy. It is estimated that the Australian truck industry employs over 70.000 people directly as truck drivers or indirectly as administrators and mechanics. But this is not the final number, a significant growth of this relatively new industry is expected to take place in the near future.

While we cannot talk about final statistics about the truck industry in Australia, we can make a short research and learn how this industry has been growing through the years. For all of those eager to learn something more about the history of trucks and truck history, we have made a short overview. In short here are the most important facts in respect of the trucking industry in Australia, which everyone included in it should get to know.

1900 – 1910 – During this short span of period the freight transportation in Australia moved from animals (horses, camels and bullocks) in 1901 to over than 5000 registered vehicles for only ten years later.

1911 – 1920 – In the middle of this decade the number of motor cars in Australia reached 50,000, while there were over 40,000 bicycles. Also, there were the first transporting vehicles drawn by over a half million of horses.

1921 – 1930 – This is the time span of ten years during which one of the biggest advancements in the motor car and truck industry happened. Namely, in 1928 the first model A Ford was introduced on the Australian market. In the next five years the number of vehicles of this model increased to 30,000. Moreover this was the period during which traffic lights were installed on the Australian streets.

1931 – 1940 – The beginning of this decade was the time of the Australian engineer Howard Hobbs. He is has important place in the history of trucks and truck industry in his country. He is known for introducing the patent for the automatic transmission. In 1939 there were half million trucks operating on the Australian roads.

1941 – 1950 – This decade in the history of trucks and truck industry will is marked by the introduction of the first all-terrain truck, designed and manufactured by Mercedes Benz. Also during this period the three Mighty Antars massive-in-size truck appeared on the Australian roads for the first time.

1951 – 1960 – The British Motor Corporation took over the leading position on the Australian truck industry. It was the B-model Mack truck that has made a big advance and change in the truck industry in Australia.

1961 – 1970 – The number of heavy-duty transporting vehicles manufacturers in Australia grew to 25. There were mainly American and British companies that were competing to conquer the growing truck industry in Australia.

1971 – 1980 – The popular Scania was introduced on the market. The government took over the responsibility for the national highways. Also, this was the period when the Nissan UD range of vehicles arrived on the Australian market.

1981 – 1990 – This decade is marked by the constitution of the Australian Trucking Association and by the launching of road-railer trailer. Also, in this decade the millionth vehicle of Mack Trucks was launched.

1990 – 2000 – The Australian Rail Track corporation was founded in 1997. Kenworth’s T604 was a total winner among the competitors, which was an announcement for the increasing the standards for manufacturing powerful machines and the fast-pace growth in the t ruck industry that has continued till today.  

Reference: http://www.trucks4u.com.au/