PBT was formed in 1972 when Peter Baker purchased a 1964 Bedford truck and began as a general carrier in and around the greater Wellington area. We take a look at its early fleet.
Peter Baker Transport (PBT) was formed back in 1972 when Peter Baker himself purchased a 1964 Bedford truck and began as a general carrier in and around the greater Wellington area. After building a reputation locally for a commitment to service, Peter ventured to Auckland and began a freight run between Auckland and Wellington. The rest as they say is history.
Scanias were frontline units in the late 80s and the big V8 142m models were big gear back in the day and popular in the fast freight era of the time.
The South Island and inter-island freight were next on the list for PBT and a branch was then commissioned in Christchurch.
As well as road freight, PBT utilised Pacifica Shipping, who offered a roll-on roll-off shipping service between Port Auckland and the Port of Lyttelton. Full trailers were loaded at each end and towed to and from the ports utilising block truck Ringfeder-mounted tractor units, a combination that would no longer be legal on New Zealand roads.
PBT became a nationwide transport provider and by the year 2005, couriers, container cartage and logistics were all part of the PBT repertoire. The growth of the PBT juggernaut was truly phenomenal.
Contractors/owner-drivers have been utilised by PBT almost since their inception, which made for a varied array of makes and models that have graced the PBT livery over the decades.
From a one truck operator to a nationwide freight provider recognised in every city in the country, Peter Baker and the PBT brand is a legacy in its own right and as the L&P slogan goes, they are now world famous in New Zealand.
Over the next couple of months, we will take a look at two of PBT’s major linehaul network contractors.
Images by Dean Middleton