Trevor Tarrant
Trevor Tarrant is a dedicated professional whose journey in the transport industry began long before he started his own business. Born in October 1955, in Glen Innes to farming and trucking parents, Vena and Herbert Tarrant, Trevor's early life forged his fundamental values of hard work and resilience and built his unwavering devotion to supporting the community. Trevor has been driving trucks for over 53 years and is showing no sign of slowing down.
As the eldest of four children, Trevor grew up in Llangothlin NSW, surrounded by agriculture and transport. Trevor’s grandfather was a farmer. While working the farm, Trevor’s father also created a transport business to support his efforts on the farm. Trevor often spoke about the work he, his parents, and grandparents did to run their farms and operate their transport business. Driving became second nature to Trevor. When he turned 17, he decided to obtain his semi licence. He drove his father’s truck to the Guyra Police station. When he got there, he reversed down the narrow drive to park it. When the officer came out for the driving test he was amazed and asked, “Who parked this truck here?” Trevor proudly replied, "I did." This encounter not only showcased his driving skills but also led to the officer writing out the driver's licence without Trevor taking the test.
In 1979, Trevor and his wife Deirdre took a significant step in their professional journey by acquiring a second-hand C1800 Acco and establishing TC & DA Tarrant Transport. This venture marked the beginning of a successful transport business that has been, and still is, deeply committed to the New England community.
Over the years, Trevor demonstrated his passion for trucks, particularly for International models, with the S-line being a favourite. Trevor and Deirdre also owned various other makes, such as Dodge, Volvo, and Mack.
The business primarily focused on transporting sheep, cattle, wool, hay, and earth-moving equipment, but there were also some interesting loads along the way. One memorable load involved transporting camels from Walcha to Guyra. After remodelling the cattle yards and spending all day loading a dozen camels, Trevor finally got on the road back to Guyra. It was a bumpy ride. Upon arrival at the farm, getting the camels up onto their feet proved to be a challenge, with one needing to be lifted out with a tractor and slung up in a tree!
Trevor’s unwavering commitment to the industry and hard work enabled TC & DA Tarrant Transport to grow. In 1993, the business made a pivotal investment by purchasing a second prime mover—a single drive International S2650 S-Line. This truck is still with the business today, having been converted into a 21-foot tabletop. The business continued to expand and now has a fleet of four prime movers and the tabletop and includes a 4x2 convertible cattle/sheep crate, 2x1 cattle/ sheep crate, 40-foot step deck trailer, low loader and 2x1 21-foot crate for the tabletop.
Throughout their journey, Trevor and Deirdre's dedication to hard work and support of their community has remained steadfast. Trevor regularly transports cattle and calves to the local camp draft as well as sheep, cattle and hay to the local Guyra show - free of charge. This commitment has continued every year. Trevor and Deidre have instilled these values in their three children, and now their eight grandchildren that affectionately call Trevor, ‘Boss’.
Through all the years of driving trucks on highways, major trunk roads, roads less travelled and rough bush tracks, Trevor has faced his fair share of challenges. Through ramps that aren’t wide enough, cattle yards that must be re-engineered, fallen trees and break downs, Trevor has always been able to ‘MacGyver’ his way out. He always carries the tools necessary for a bush mechanic but when he lacks the right equipment you would be surprised at how wire, bailing twine, tie down straps or bits of rubber have been used to save the day.
Respected by all who know and deal with him, Trevor has embraced the camaraderie that comes with this line of work. He can draw a map (be it on a truck stop serviette) to get you safely to most any property in and around the New England and most clients know Trevor enjoys a sugar in his cup of tea.
Trevor and Deirdre built TC & DA Tarrant Transport through their hard work, sacrifice and determination and it has created a lasting impact on the local transport and agricultural communities, contributing in their own way to building Australia.
