Stephen Cruskall
Jungle began his trucking career in 1979 at the age of 18, driving an 8-tonner for Brambles and making deliveries around Perth, WA. After just two years, his growing passion for the industry led him to a new opportunity with Bellways in Dampier, WA. From 1981 to 1984, he operated a Mack truck doing tipper work out of Intercourse Island.
From there, Jungle went to work for the well-respected Doug Kitts—known to many as Kitsy. What a change that was, and it didn’t take long for Kitsy to whip Jungle into shape and put him to the test. It was a defining period that would either cement or shake Jungle’s passion for life on the open road. Between 1984 and 1987, Jungle drove extensively across Western Australia, hauling cattle from Warrawagine Station along the Telfer Road, as well as from other remote cattle stations along the Kalumburu Road.
In 1987, Jungle took a bold step and purchased his first truck—The White Road Commander—running east-west routes across the country. But his time with the Commander was cut short when the truck was destroyed in a fire. Undeterred, Jungle dusted himself off and got back on the road, this time in an ex-Mack Muncher (LT8) Kenworth Cabover. He continued running east-west and freelancing until 1991, when he began subcontracting for Malcolm Nial of N&L Transport.
From that point, Jungle spent the next 25 years crisscrossing the Australian outback, hauling general freight to remote locations such as Granites on the Tanami Road, Telfer, Woodie Woodie, and Nifty. Along the way, he had the privilege to also cross paths with the Bilato family (G&S Transport). Another respected family of the industry. During this time, he upgraded his rig—first to a Kenworth T900, and later to a Kenworth T904—earning his reputation in the industry as a seasoned and respected driver.
In 2016, when N&L Transport was acquired by K&S, Jungle decided it was time for a change. He made the move to work as a contractor for Ken and Bradie Hall at Kalgoorlie Power Stations (KPS), where he hauled freight supporting power station operations across outback Western Australia.
Jungle is a well-known and highly respected figure in the transport industry—nearly everyone in the field knows his name. But beyond the road, he’s a devoted father to four children—Benjamin, Tamie, Daniel, and Taylar—who love him deeply. While Jungle was out conquering the highways as king of the road, his wife Rhonda was the unwavering force at home, holding down the fort.
The family became accustomed to his absence during birthdays, Easters, and Christmases, but Rhonda was always there raising the children, running the household, and ensuring Jungle stayed on track, both literally and figuratively. Together, they made countless sacrifices in pursuit of building a strong, loving family and a meaningful life together.
In 2024, after an incredible 45 years in the transport industry—including 38 years as an owner-driver—Jungle hung up the keys and retired. Now, he’s enjoying a well-earned retirement, spending quality time with his beloved 12 grandchildren and embracing the slower pace of life he worked so hard to achieve.
