TRUCKING isn’t just a job, it’s a way of life for many people in Northern Ireland, where their lorries are a pride and joy. Country music, commercial haulage facts and the aesthetics of these huge vehicles combine in a new hardback publication.
Trucks of Northern Ireland is the brainchild of writer and truck driver Michael Wallace, and photographer James Lismore, who together with contributions from other photographers, provide a detailed A-Z of the firms behind the movement of goods around the north and further afield.
The Banbridge man, who drives for his father's company Wallace Bros Haulage Ltd, first got the idea for the book when truck fanatic and photographer James showed him some of his and also some of his 25,000 truck photographs.
"They included nearly every haulage business in Northern Ireland, and I believed that more people needed to see these," he says.
Their objective was to preserve and uncover the history of the haulage firms in Northern Ireland and also to raise funds for Cancer Fund for Children NI, which supported Michael's young cousin Emily during her battle with leukaemia, when she benefited from a stay at their Daisy Lodge therapeutic centre.
The first book of its kind, 83 haulage firms are documented, many of which have been in operation for decades.
"From doing the research for the book I would say that at least 70-80 per cent of all the firms in Northern Ireland are family run and many would be in their third or fourth generation," Michael says.
The book is full of fascinating facts – such as that Newry-based Re-Gen Waste Ltd processed 200,000 tons of waste and recycling in their trucks last year alone, or that Tyrone company Boyd Bedding, which transports globally, was chosen as supplier of equestrian bedding for the 2012 London Olympics.
It tells how Mar-Train Heavy haulage Ltd in Lisburn handled one of the longest loads ever transported, at 213ft, while 23.7 million tonnes of haulage goods were handled in Belfast docks last year. You can also see Craigavon company Manfreight's Gold Volvo FH, which was bought at a charity auction for £220,000, making it one of the most expensive trucks ever bought here.
In recent years truck runs and shows have become hugely popular, showcasing the dedication and pride truckers take in their vehicles, polishing and cleaning their lights and pipes.
Many trucks are embellished with intricate artwork. Ballyclare haulage company RS Carmichael is known for its distinct purple cabs and one of the trucks is dedicated to the late, great motorcycle racer Joey Dunlop.
Banbridge company K Mackin Transport which has grown in 15 years from one truck to a fleet of 25 vehicles and 40 trailers, is extremely popular at truck shows across Europe, with its vintage Scania fleet and the owner’s wife Carol’s fully customised luxurious truck.
Carol Mackin's Blue Scania 730 T-Cab, made famous this year by BBC NI's programme about Lorry Ladies, has won nearly every truck show this year.
Adding a touch of showbiz to our roads are the huge trucks of country music stars and included in this book are photographs of those of Hit the Diff singer Richie Remo and Nathan Carter. To transport Nathan's musical instruments and sound gear, he has a stunning black Renault premium lorry and trailer which travels with him everywhere.
Country music is extremely popular with truckers and also included is the lyrics of popular truckin' songs The Mighty 143, Keep ‘er Lit, The Scania 164 and Willie Nelson's classic On the Road Again.
:: To order a copy of Trucks of Northern Ireland – Through the Lens contact Michael Wallace on 0780 8800 909 or email mawdesign@hotmail.co.uk. For further information visit Facebook.com/nitruckbook
