Wickham Freight Lines - A Trucking Story: Classic Restos - Series 57

Wickham Freight Lines is a family-owned transport company with a rich history that spans over seven decades. Established in 1950 by the Wickham family in Kalani, Queensland, the company initially focused on farming, growing, and packing potatoes. The Wickhams were one of the largest employers in the area, with up to 40 local workers involved in farming, processing, and administration. What began as a small family farming operation has now grown into a diversified business employing over 400 people from North Queensland to Melbourne. Brothers Peter and Angus Wickham launched the company's transportation division in 1978. In 1984, they purchased their first Kenworth, a C500 892 20-speed truck, to transport potatoes. By 1985, the fleet had expanded to six trucks, and in 1988, the company made history by purchasing Kenworth’s 1,000th truck from the iconic Brown and Hurley group. In 1993, Wickham Freight Lines was officially registered as a freight company, marking the start of its expansion beyond farming. Under the leadership of Angus Wickham and Graham Keogh, the fleet grew rapidly. By 2000, the company opened a new terminal in Warwick, Queensland, with 38 Kenworth Prime Movers. Tragically, Angus passed away later that year, but his legacy continued to drive the company forward. Wickham Freight Lines' expansion continued in 2004 with the opening of a new building in Warwick, housing a fleet of 76 prime movers. By 2024, the company had grown to operate 160 prime movers and had a new depot in Albury. Wickham Freight Lines began as a small operation focused on parcel delivery and later shifted to refrigerated transport, a segment that now plays a key role in the business. Wickham Freight Lines takes immense pride in its reputation for quality vehicles and service. The company has built a strong partnership with Kenworth, a trusted Australian brand known for its reliability and resale value. This long-standing relationship reflects the company’s commitment to quality, as all vehicles and trailers are made in Australia. Graham Keogh emphasises that Wickham Freight Lines is more than just a freight company – it’s a diverse, integrated operation. In addition to its transport services, the company also operates its own internal Fleet management program, including mechanical, body fabrication, painting, electrical work, and more. The company’s workshops are staffed by skilled technicians, including mechanics, spray painters, and panel beaters, all working together to maintain the fleet in-house. A highlight of Wickham Freight Lines is its restoration section, where vintage Kenworth trucks are meticulously restored. The collection includes fully restored trucks such as a 2006 104B, a 1997 T650, and a 1984 C500, with several others in progress. Today, with almost 500 staff, Wickham Freight Lines continues to focus on delivering exceptional service to its customers. As CEO Darren Eather and Director Graham Keogh note, the company’s strength lies not only in its fleet but in its people. The teamwork and dedication of their staff are what make Wickham Freight Lines a standout in the transport industry.