Ross Kitts
Ross Kitts, born in Perth, Western Australia, was destined for a career in transport. The son of Doug Kitts and brother of George Kitts—both respected figures in the industry—Ross grew up in the thick of trucking life. Doug owned a transport company, and the family’s Helen Street shed was a learning hub for Ross, enabling him to absorb information from all the transport activities going on around him. It was also a meeting place for drivers travelling from the East.
From a young age, Ross immersed himself in the business, loading freight, and driving trucks around the yard. His early experience carting cattle out of Warrawagine Station and hauling freight across the country with his dad set the foundation for a lifelong journey in transport. By the time he was a teenager, Ross was learning firsthand how to build and drive heavy loads. Driving with George on express mail runs in a V8 Mack further hardened his skills; an education and opportunity few get so young.
Ross bought his first truck, a 1418 Mercedes-Benz, and restored it in the family shed. It was tragically written off before he could legally drive it. While working on a bush job, Ross met Rex Ryles of Desert Sands, who offered him a position in Laverton the day he turned 18.
Once licensed, Ross jumped behind the wheel of a tough FR700 Mack concrete agitator. He quickly became a key figure in Rex’s operation, carting cement, blue metal, and plant equipment across the outback. When Rex handed him the reins of an ex-Bellway V8 Ultra-Liner Mack with a quick-hitch bowl and tipper body, Ross thrived. With multiple combinations running on a B-class licence, Ross’s ability to think logistically and act practically turned heads.
Working around remote Aboriginal communities and mine sites around W.A. cemented his reputation. Ross went on to get his C class and drive triples of potable water and fuel with pride at Desert Sands. Ross returned to Perth for the birth of his daughter Danielle (sons Aaron and Josh would follow). Ross also ran interstate with Time Road Express and later with Pacific Transport, carting all sorts of freight; general, oversize and extendable to everywhere in Australia.
With a completed family home and three young children, Ross was working at Lange Transport and at 24 was appointed Perth Depot Manager—a proud career highlight. Under his leadership, the depot grew to over 100 trailer movements a month. Following the sale of Lange to Macarthur Express, Ross returned to the bush, to run the Desert Sands’ road crew in the Shire of Ngaanyatjarraku. Overseeing side tippers, fuel runs to remote communities, and full camp setups in extreme weather, Ross once again proved his leadership and logistical expertise.
In 2015, Ross returned to the city, accepting the role of Operations Manager at Dananni Hotshots after a meeting with Danelle Kempton. Today, he oversees a national fleet of 30+ trucks, running critical freight Australia-wide, 24/7. Ross remains a trusted figure in the transport industry—resilient, skilled, and committed.
