Southpac Legends

For many, driving a grunty Kenworth, across the seemingly endless Aussie outback, miles from civilisation and barely-ever passing another truck, is a thing of dreams.

Well, not only has Nelson Transport stalwart Bryan Austin ‘conquered’ the barren Aussie wasteland, but he’s also returned to create an impressive business in Nelson too. He loves to hunt and still finds time to restore classic trucks with his wife (and business partner) Lisa – and for that, he’s a Southpac Legend.

Bryan Austin’s life has been one of grit, adventure, and a deep connection to the transport industry. Born and raised in Nelson, New Zealand, Bryan’s roots in trucking trace back to h... ... 

Not only does Darrell Hoskin of Dave Hoskin Carriers believe in teamwork within his business, but the former Whanganui and Harlequins rugby player is evidently a big fan of it on and off the field too.

 He has a ‘treat people how you want to be treated’ mantra, coaches the local 1st XV Collegiate rugby team and is a proud supporter of the Life Education Trust - for that and much more, he’s a Southpac Legend.

Born and raised in Whanganui, Darrell Hoskin’s story is interwoven with the fabric of his hometown, a place he fondly celebrates for its accessible lifestyle and rich sporting culture.

As a young man, he excelled in rugby and rowing, eventual... ... 

Barry Hermansen (of B&P Hermansen Logging Ltd fame) may have entered the transport and logging industry a little late, but that doesn’t diminish his valuable contributions. Over three decades, he’s worked tirelessly throughout the central North Island, trained multiple new drivers and even lost his hairline, and for that, he’s a Southpac Legend.

“I was always Hermy in the factory days,” says Barry. “And then I suppose when I came into transport, I was receding quite badly and the guys just started calling me Baldy. And then came my wife’s wicked sense of humour – she bought me personalised plates for the ute, and I’ve been ‘Bawldy’ since.”

Barry grew up in t... ... 

Renowned for his standout choice in footwear, plus his ability to ask ‘posing’ questions, Gary Johnstone (of Brenics food transport and logistics fame) is a South Island transport stalwart who is known to many. He’s a self-proclaimed optimist and, together with his wife Barbara, has created a true, family-run business – and for that reason, he’s a Southpac legend.

Gary was born in Dannevirke but did his schooling in the Tauranga/Te Puke area, shifting around because his dad was (at that stage), a sharemilker or farmer. He says he “always had an obsession with trucks,” however, he left school early and went on a farm-cadet scheme. Fortunately, he quickly discovered ... ... 

The ID Loader family business - A legacy of excellence in Whanganui

Celebrating its 70th this year, ID Loader Ltd is a proud testament to what dedication, passion, and family values can achieve. Based in the quaint region of Whanganui, it’s a civil contracting company that has evolved from rather humble beginnings. Despite its evident growth, its third generation owners, cousins Justin and Hayden Loader, have created a vibrant modern business while retaining its core ‘close-knit’ integrity – and that’s why they are Southpac legends.

The story of ID Loader began in 1954 when Ian Douglas Loader, the founder, and grandfather to both Justin and Hayden, made a b... ...