Dave Pancino
David (Driver Dave) Pancino was born in Brisbane, November 1973 and attended Grovely Primary and Marist Bros secondary school with his younger brother, Steven.
David spent a lot of his younger years working between different occupations, both as a trade assistant at Enoggra Barracks, washing and working on trucks and time at a family farm in Tenterfield.
Starting an apprenticeship with Emolium after finishing year 10, David was mentored by Derrick Webb during his trade who could no doubt see his ambition, which continues with his work today. After a small break in Canada and the U.S, David’s early career included multiple roles with plant, heavy vehicle mechanics and maintenance and led his into his transport career. With the help of John and Simon driving trucks from TDG Car Carrying, Dave was able to purchase his first rig and take to the roads.
His passion for the roads didn’t stop here though and, amid the ups and downs of ownership and different skill sets obtained, he soon moved into the heavy haulage industry, cutting his teeth with some of the greats in the industry.
It was his attention to detail, integrity in his work and his can-do attitude that caught the eye of Jon Kelly, who was hitting the heavy haulage market with big impressions. David soon became an integral part of the success with the team that was created. During his heavy haulage career, there have been a few slippery, sideways movements, but also many great career highlights or memorable ’Megamoves’! These have included 8-week journeys delivering LNG gas tanks to Tasmania (only to get to the last corner and find someone had installed new railings they couldn’t pass!) and moving huge gas plant assemblies, weighing into the multiple 100s of tonnes on trailers with 100s of wheels and tyres. Despite it all, Dave is best known for his professionalism in the industry and keeping a cool head with any job, mentorship and teaching great skills to newer operators.
Whilst earlier working for HHA, a very popular ’Driver Dave’ appeared on a well-known T.V. series and was shown all across the world! He will always stop to say g’day and help others but his true spirit is shown when young fans and their parents get to meet him at shows. Dave will always help get them up, give them the royal tour of the big trucks, take photos and sign autographs with tears and smiles all round.
During his very busy career all over Australia, he has also been a very proud Dad to Olivia and Nathan who are also following in Dad’s footsteps. With his induction to the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame, Dave’s family and colleagues thank him for his endless hard work, craftsmanship, and dedication to his industry, friends, colleagues, children and partner, Vanessa.
