Since its founding in 1980, Bordertown Haulage and Trading (BHT) has relied on Mack trucks to keep its operations running smoothly. From hauling grain and hay to transporting gypsum and general freight across the country, the South Australian-based company continues to put its trust in Mack’s durability and safety features.
For owner Angus Karger, Mack trucks have been a part of his life since childhood.
“I joined the business in 1982, the day I was born,” Angus jokes. “There’s a picture of me as a baby standing in Dad’s old R600 with my hands on the steering wheel, so I was probably always going to get a Mack myself.”
While BHT explored other truck brands over the years, they found that many were unreliable, expensive to maintain, or lagging in technology. The introduction of Mack’s Super-Liner with standard disc brakes and the mDRIVE automated manual gearbox changed everything.
“We’re only a small family business, but we’ve always been all-in on safety,” says Angus. “We started putting disc brakes on our trailers early on and were always looking for automatics. When Mack brought out the Super-Liner, it fit our needs perfectly.”
Since then, BHT has added two more Super-Liners, including one of Mack’s Centenary models, all maintained under Mack service agreements.
“I’m a diesel mechanic, but I know my limitations,” Angus admits. “Mack handles all our servicing, which is why they’re so reliable. I like that Mack takes responsibility for the whole truck—there’s none of that ‘that’s someone else’s problem’ stuff.”
A Military-Inspired Fleet Addition
Before joining the family business in 2006, Angus served in the Australian Army as a diesel mechanic, with a deployment in Afghanistan. His military background influences his fleet, including a 6×6 ex-army Mack tipper he bought at auction.
“I had my eye on it for a while,” he says. “One day, it was up for auction, so I took the opportunity, fixed it up, and got it registered.”
While the military Mack is mostly used locally, BHT’s Super-Liners are set up for long-haul operations as PBS A-Doubles and a PBS rigid five-axle dog, allowing them to handle a wide range of freight.
A typical run could be from Bordertown, on the South Australia-Victoria border, to Geelong or as far north as Townsville.
“We’ve always had a lot of work coming in and out of Brisbane,” Angus says. “A truck could be away for a day or two weeks—it all depends on the job.”
Proudly Australian-Made
Another reason BHT sticks with Mack is its Australian manufacturing.
“I like that these trucks come out of Brisbane,” says Angus. “It’s Australian-made, and that’s pretty rare these days. Mack makes it easy for us too—they know what we need and make sure every new truck has the same specs as the last. There are no surprises, and we know we can rely on them.”
Tony O’Connell, Vice President of Sales for Mack Australia, recognises BHT as an essential part of the Mack legacy.
“BHT is a perfect example of the kind of Australian family business that has made Mack trucks the icon they are today,” says O’Connell. “A BHT Super-Liner B-Double going down the highway is a fantastic sight and part of the rich heritage of Australian road transport. We’re honoured to be a part of it.”
