Old School Trucks: South Otago Transport
South Otago Transport have long specialised in all aspects of rural transport, from livestock cartage to fertiliser spreading
Lying near the end of the mighty Clutha River, Balclutha is the biggest town in South Otago, boasting a population of a touch over 4000 people.
Nestled about halfway between Dunedin and Invercargill on State Highway 1, Balclutha is also the home of South Otago Transport.
The South Otago region is rich in luscious rolling green hill country, making it a farming mecca in the area. Enter South Otago Transport, who have long specialised in all aspects of rural transport, from livestock cartage to fertiliser spreading.
The International brand was common in the fleet back in the ’70s and early ’80s, however, when I first photographed South Otago Transport trucks back in the late ’80s and ’90s, Mitsubishis dominated the dark green and cream liveried fleet.
Fast forward a decade or so and sister company Clutha Valley Transport from Clydevale (some 30km inland and upriver from Balclutha) entered the fray and truck brand loyalty became apparent in both fleets, which remains to this day.
In more recent times, Freightliners and Isuzus have dominated both fleets, and this is apparent on any weekend visit past the Balclutha depot where both brands are lined up side by side.
Keep up to date in the industry by signing up to Deals on Wheels' free newsletter or liking us on Facebook.