Classic Pix - Transpac

Shot in Invercargill in the late eighties, this line-up of what were previously Freight Haulage Mercedes-Benz trucks – now freshly painted in Transpac livery –  showcases that the Australian- based Transpac meant business – and they gobbled up many a great name in the process while establishing their empire.

Alas, Transpac’s star shone oh-so-ever-briefly, and they left chaos in their wake as the company imploded with a top-heavy management structure, a lack of understanding of the New Zealand road transport environment, and a policy of buying business that put many small operators to the wall causing damage that took decades to rectify.

History does not look upon Transpac kindly, and while some names disappeared for ever, others such as TNL and Freight Haulage managed to claw their way out of the rubble.

Now part of the HWR Group, we are happy to report that Freight Haulage is doing well, but these trucks are now also part of history.

transpac merc_TA
CC-Moonlight_Raider_Foden-40

Moonlight Raider, a Transpac Foden

CC-Silver Streak Freight Haulage -R-series_Mack_Gore-43

‘Silver Star’ – a Freight Haulage R-series Mack tipper combination, with an Alister Ross Tructor in the background.