The Team at Drake Trailers is saddened by the news that Australia’s trucking industry pioneer Edwin (Ed) Cameron has passed away at the age of 93.
The man that bought Kenworth down under
In a statement issued by Kenworth Trucks, Ed Cameron is recognised for his game-changing introduction of the Kenworth brand into Australia’s transport industry.
“Convinced there had to be an alternative to the under-powered trucks available in the Australia trucking industry, and hearing about custom-built Kenworths to suit specialised trucking needs in the US, Ed’s interest was sparked.
“Following numerous phone calls and visits to the US (far more difficult in the 1950s than it is today), and changes to Australia’s import rules, his hard work paid off and in October 1962, seven fully-assembled S-models were craned off the ship in Sydney. Kenworth had officially arrived in Australia.
“He invested considerable energy promoting Kenworth and gaining acceptance for the product among local transport operators, and was integral to the decision for Kenworths to be manufactured in Australia, remaining as a director until the early 1970s.
Inducted into the Road Transport Hall of Fame
In 2002, Ed was inducted into the National Road Transport Hall of Fame and in 2015 was named an Icon of the Industry at the Hall of Fame reunion.
Following the acquisition of his business by PACCAR in the late 1960s, Ed became actively involved in transport politics and was a founder of the Victorian Road Transport Development Association.
All of us at the Drake Group extend our deepest sympathy to Ed’s family and friends.
Drake Trailers wouldn’t be the company it is today without the work of pioneers such as Ed Cameron. Our own company began in 1958 when founder, Colin Drake wanted to design a trailer that met the needs of operators. We’ve been designing the highest quality heavy haulage trailers on the outskirts of Brisbane ever since. The Drake Group now provides the largest range of Australian-made transport trailers available. Contact us today to discuss your transport needs.
