Graeme Elphinstone inducted into Shell Rimula Wall of Fame

Elphinstone Engineering founder, Graeme Elphinstone, has been inducted into the Shell Rimula National Road Transport Wall of Fame, recognising his five decades of innovation in heavy vehicle design, safety and efficiency.

The Wall of Fame, held annually as part of the Festival of Transport in Alice Springs, celebrates the men and women who have helped shape the road transport industry through ingenuity, service and dedication.

Since its inception more than 20 years ago, the initiative has honoured over 1,700 trucking pioneers, from legendary drivers to visionary engineers, ensuring their contributions become part of Australia’s transport heritage.

A pioneer in the industry, Elphinstone made his mark in the 1970s when he and his brother fitted Australia’s first onboard truck weighing system to a log truck. This breakthrough gave drivers real-time load data, reduced overloading and helped shape today’s Chain of Responsibility principles.

Over the years, he went on to develop a string of engineering firsts — from the Tri-Beam suspension and stretch mudguards to self-loading road trains and early B-double configurations — many of which became industry standards and continue to influence modern trailer design.

His PBS-approved long-loggers, Easysteer™ suspension systems and award-winning Easyloader™ trailer further cemented his reputation as a problem-solver who prioritised safety, compliance and efficiency.

Reflecting on the honour, Graeme said he was humbled to join so many industry legends:

“I’ve always just tried to solve problems and make trucks, trailers and transport safer and more efficient for everyone. To have those efforts recognised by the industry I love is an incredible honour.”

His son, Grant Elphinstone, described his father as a “trailblazer” whose influence continues to inspire innovation across Australia’s road transport sector. Today, Elphinstone Engineering carries forward that legacy, producing advanced trailers, weighing systems and specialist transport solutions from its Tasmanian base.