When Big Rigs saw driver Mark Chapman at the Port Access Road breakdown pad in Townsville, he was checking over his load of fertiliser.
Mark was driving a Kenworth T909 for United Bulk Haulage which is based at Mackay, about 390km south along the Bruce Highway.
“I have travelled from Phosphate Hill Mine out west,” Mark said.
The 50-year-old truckie has been a driver for 30 years and says he loves the job.
His favourite roadhouse is the Ampol near Bowen which ticks many boxes for drivers.
“The food is fine, staff friendly and there’s parking out the back,” he said.
The worst road he gets along is the Peak Downs in Central Queensland – an opinion shared by many others. The 270km route links the towns of Mackay and Clermont.
Mark added that there were not enough rest areas for drivers, however did praise one located south of Mackay.
“I also like the rest areas designed by Rod Hannifey along the Pacific Highway,” he said.
Originally from Newcastle in NSW, Mark barracks for the Knights in the NRL.
I asked Mark if he had any hobbies when he managed to get time off, and he responded quickly, “This is my hobby – truck driving.”