Trucking company Ron Crouch Transport has been placed into voluntary administration, leaving many concerned about the state of the regional freight industry. Photo: Ron Crouch Transport.
Wagga-based trucking company Ron Crouch Transport has been placed into voluntary administration, raising further concerns about the regional road freight sector.
Ron Crouch Transport provided transportation services between Australia’s major eastern cities with stations in Wagga, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.
Ron Crouch Transport will now seek a buyer while under administration.
The company’s executive director, Geoff Crouch, made the announcement via his LinkedIn page.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have had to take the necessary action of placing Ron Crouch Transport under the control of a voluntary administrator,” Mr Crouch said.
“For the purposes of clarity and to ensure facts are not misrepresented, I stress that this is a voluntary action.
“Whilst I love and have a passion for the Australian transport industry, as we all know, it is a tough one that takes no prisoners.
“Challenging economic conditions, pressure on rates, driver shortage, and the never-ending burden of government overregulation all have played their part.
“Ultimate responsibility, of course, though, is mine.”
Member for Riverina Michael McCormack blasted the Federal Government.
“The Federal Government has placed unnecessary burdens on the trucking industry, making it harder for the sustainability and success of this vital industry,” he said.
“Companies such as Ron Crouch Transport, Rodney’s Transport Service, and Ron Finemore Transport want to expand their business, but they’re met with obstacles imposed by the Labor Government.
“When you have family-owned and operated companies that have been operating for generations, going to the wall, something has to change.
“I have reached out to the Crouch family, whom I have known for many years, to offer support. They are active participants, not only in industry and business but also in local community life. This will be incredibly upsetting for them and their staff, particularly so close to Christmas.”
Mr McCormack said more needed to be done to address the industry’s concerns.
“Things have to change. Without trucks, Australia stops,” he said.
“When a long-standing and highly-respected company such as Ron Crouch Transport makes such an announcement, you know things are parlous.
“I have given speeches on the floor of Federal Parliament and written pieces in national newspapers warning of how bad things are in the road freight sector.
“Despite this, the trucking industry is being constrained by the conditions set by this Labor Government, including the road infrastructure cutbacks, fuel prices and the truckies’ tax.
“They are the lifeblood of regional Australia.”
