A family-owned Rutherford business which transports three million litres of milk a day has been recognised with a national award for safety and innovation.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
SRH Milk Haulage has won the TruckSafe John Kelly Memorial Award in the Australian Trucking Association's 2020 National Trucking Awards.
Owners Scott and Regina Harvey and their daughter Blair are celebrating the "milestone" after surviving 25 years in business, suffering through droughts and now a pandemic.
The business started with one tanker in 1996 and has grown to a business with 63 trucks and 110 tankers, servicing areas in NSW, Western Australia and Victoria.
They cart three million litres of milk a day - more than a billion litres a year.
While the awards are usually a glittering, black-tie event held over three days, thanks to Covid, this year they were livestreamed across Australia and the world.
The Harveys held a low-key celebration at their home.
"It's the most prestigious transport award there is," said Mr Harvey.
"After 25 years of business, that's hard enough as it is, especially with droughts, and now Covid, this (award) is a bit of a milestone for us that's for sure," he said.
Mr Harvey believed what secured the award for them was using the latest technology in their fleet with SRH Milk Haulage installing special seats in their new trucks which monitor the driver's eyes.
"We want people who go to work to come home from work," said Mr Harvey.
"Everyone wants that. It's what you actually put in place so that it does happen that way."
SRH Milk Haulage has been a member of TruckSafe since 1998 and believes that their accreditation has helped shape the business by ensuring they are doing the right thing for their employees and customers.
ATA Chair David Smith said while we are in the midst of unprecedented and stressful times, it has never been more important to celebrate the valuable contribution of the trucking industry.
"Trucking is essential to the Australian way of life and is connected to every industry from agriculture to construction and retail," he said.
"That's why it's important we recognise the outstanding businesses and individuals whose actions inspire others and make a positive impact.
The 2020 National Trucking Industry Award winners are:
Outstanding Contribution to the Australian Trucking Industry: Robert Cavanagh, Cavanagh's Transport / Stockmaster, Inverell NSW.
National Professional Driver of the Year: Russell Lee, Directhaul, Darwin NT
National Trucking Industry Woman of the Year: Roslyn Anderson, Wales Truck Repairs, Smithfield NSW
National Training Excellence Award: Chemtrans, Truganina VIC
TruckSafe John Kelly Memorial Award: SRH Milk Haulage, Rutherford NSW
"While we were unable to present our national awards in the usual fashion, I am thrilled we were able to welcome so many people to our livestream to share in our celebrations," Mr Smith said.
"Our award recipients were extremely well-deserving, and I thank each winner for their contribution.
"I would also like to extend thanks to our award judging panel, led by former ATA Chair Trevor Martyn OAM," he said.
The National Trucking Industry Awards are proudly sponsored by BP, Volvo, National Transport Insurance, Cummins South Pacific, Sutton Road Training Centre TISC, and AEI Transport Insurance Brokers.
In other news:
While you're with us, do you know the Maitland Mercury is now offering breaking news alerts and tri-weekly email newsletters? Keep up-to-date with all the local news - sign up here.