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.
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Wow, what an impressive operation.
Well done, Wickham Freight. Back in an era in Australia, when rolling one's sleeves up, giving things a red hot shot… Personally, I remember the 18% /21% interest rate, well, many lost their homes .Working 6 or 7 days a week to keep a roof over one's head….."the recession we had to have." Thanks Fletch.
Great story,good on you Wickhams!!!!
A great story Flech.
What a brilliant operation Fletch, merry Christmas to you and family mate. Aussie Graham.
Great stuff fletch
Good story Fletch. Those Grey Ghosts were legendary, the biggest motor you could get and the tallest diff. They flew apparently. No one could keep up with them. I have seen the one in the Truck Museum in The Alice, I think #1 but I could be wrong. Wickhams trucks certainly stand out where ever you see them.
Happy work place. Happy life, Merry Christmas, and happy new year all. I'm looking forward to next year's episodes. All the best, Fletch & Donna
It is spelt Killarney!
I seem to remember the Grey Ghost story . Were they not in Kwikasair colours and ran Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide Express ? They were 8 wheel pans and were very fast You could hear the Detroit ages after it went past. I cursed that engine in later years after sitting on top of it in a Road Commander. I really think it contributed to my deafness …………………. .
Great story on wickhams copy southbound podcast
Very Interesting Fletch. 👍👍
Bloody good video mate I know the Grey Ghosts I use to chase them down the Hume ,a very fast truck in it’s time ,,,loved them times when men were men and Women were true blue ❤️🙏😀👍
Awesome Fletch, seems like a great company to be involved with, well done to the team
Diesel power, the only thing keeping us from going hungry. Well done.
Thanks Fletch what a great story, what great people!
Best looking fleet on the road
I worked next door to kenworth/paccar parts in outer Melbourne suburb.
Watching the rigs getting assembled from just a body transported in on trucks
Few years ago the big usa boss arrived in a helicopter 🚁 onsite
The site i worked on kenworth offered millions to buy to expand their operations but the 2 private owners /occupiers refused
Awesome story Fletch great work!
Great episode, Fletch. Have you considered going to see Hume Transport. They've just celebrated their 50th anniversary and is now in their 3rd generation. And they're a great bunch of people.
Great story and great company such a smooth operation! Thanks for the great content Fletch keeps getting better 👍
Another great yarn Fletch. Have a top 2025.
I worked in the gatehouse for ACFS at the Port of Brisbane and met Wickham drivers. the chap I had most to do with from Wickhams was Dale nice man.
Great video mate