Danny Lipman
Daniel John Lipman, known as Danny, was born in 1964, in the town of Traralgon, Gippsland, Victoria. Danny grew up in a transport industry family. His parents Bill and Mary Lipman operated trucks that transported logs, sand and lime throughout Bill’s career. Danny’s first job in driving trucks began in 1983, when at the age of 19 he drove for his father carting sand and lime.
In 1990, Danny and his wife Jane purchased their first truck from Bill and Mary, creating their own company and business D & J Lipman Transport. The Kenworth T900 was set up as a semi tipper and was then used to cart wood chips. Two years later, a brand new semi tipper trailer was purchased which carted spuds for Smiths Chips in Brisbane. From then, Danny and Jane upgraded the truck, purchasing their first new Kenworth T604 where they made a start in the grain industry.
In 2004, Danny and Jane purchased a new Kenworth T604 which was their first change from semi tippers to a truck and 3 axle dog. This is when they employed their first driver. From then they ran their business as grain supplies carting whole grains, mixes and pellets to dairy farmers in the local Gippsland area. Grain supplies were sourced from Melbourne and Northern Victoria.
Danny and Jane ran two trucks, which were upgraded/changed over throughout the years when the timing was right. The types of trucks they ran included a Kenworth T604 truck and 3 axle dog, Kenworth 404ST quad dog, Kenworth T908 quad dog, Kenworth T609 quad dog and Kenworth T909 5 axle.
In 2012, they had three trucks running and their eldest son Jack Lipman started driving for their business. In 2014, Jack suggested an upgrade to a new 2014 Kenworth T909 quad dog, which became Jack’s new truck to drive. As their other two sons were also eager to get into the family business, their middle son Whil Lipman become a driver. Whil expressed interest in a Kenworth K200. In 2018, Whil became the driver of a new 2018 K200 quad dog.
Following along, their youngest son Jess Lipman began driving for the business meaning all three sons were working for the family. In 2024, Jess expressed interest in a Kenworth 509, and from there they purchased a 2024 Kenworth 509 five axle.
Running a business always has its challenges. However, having all three sons driving for their business was a proud achievement for Danny and Jane. Giving the boys the opportunity to spec up and have a brand new truck of their choice at such a young age was another proud moment for Danny and Jane.
One of Danny’s unforgettable memories over the years was in 2005. He was away at grain harvest when one of their subcontractors rang to ask him what he should do as he was bogged in a creek with a load of canola. Danny jokingly told him to just tip it off in the creek. The subcontractor rang Danny back 15 minutes later and said, “Loads in the creek, I’m on my way Dan!”
Today Danny and Jane currently run four trucks with their two younger sons still being employed as drivers along with two other drivers. Their eldest son is a subcontractor to their business. Danny is now taking a small step back to organise and run the company but he still does the odd load in the truck when needed.
