Dated –07-08-2012
Linfox truck driver Jason Hagar prepares for his three-day, 2,800 kilometre round trip from Perth to the Pilbara with a rigorous safety check and a keen eye on the weather forecast.
Jason drives a 550 hp freightliner prime mover road train to deliver essential goods to mine operators in Western Australia’s iron ore rich Pilbara region.
“The 53.5 metre triple road train configuration hauls anything from heavy machinery to pallets and oversize loads,” Jason said.
“A typical week might include a 2,392 kilometre round trip to the mining town of Newman, a day’s break and a 3,232 kilometre round trip to Port Hedland.”
A truck driver since he was 18, Jason qualified for his road train licence six years ago.
“Driving a road train carries massive responsibility, for my own safety and that of other drivers and for the delivery of expensive loads,” Jason said.
For Jason, the key attraction of Linfox is its professionalism and commitment to safety.
“We have a driver trainer on staff who provides support and conducts regular training. There’s a strong community of Pilbara drivers who communicate by radio and look out for each other.”