NatRoad auction success

NatRoad's MaxiTRANS & Thermo King Auction Dinner has been hailed a resounding success, with the 21 items on offer selling for a total of over $185,000 to deliver a net contribution of $105,000.

Held in Brisbane on August 14 as part of the annual NatRoad conference, fierce bidding ensued for the majority of items but especially for the two headline lots: a Freighter trailer valued at $97,900 and Thermo King's one-of-a-kind 'Black Panther' S-700 Precedent trailer refrigeration unit, the latter a one-off custom example bearing a striking black exterior and distinctive lighting.

In the end the trailer was won by Errol Cosgrove of Queensland-based SRV Roadfreight with a bid of $100,000. Errol can now elect to take the Freighter drop-deck semi-trailer on show at the NatRoad conference, or any other MaxiTRANS trailer of an equal or higher value.

The Thermo King Black Panther, meanwhile, was secured by Scott Davidson of Queensland Meat Carriers with a winning bid of $46,500.

Thermo King's Regional Manager, Australasia, Peter Lawrence, also took the opportunity to present out-going NatRoad President, Geoff Crouch, with a cheque for $15,600 to further assist the NatRoad's advocacy work – a result of a $100 donation made by Thermo King dealers for every refrigeration unit sold.

With the night assisted by master of ceremonies and cricketing legend Max Walker, and the auction conducted by professional auctioneer Tom Hyman, operators dug deep to support the NatRoad cause, bidding for a diverse selection of items spanning AC/DC concert tickets, a Karcher pressure washer, a Cummins-branded bar fridge, Penfolds wines, PACCAR merchandise and bespoke trailer curtains, among others.

The funds raised will now be used to help NatRoad go about its advocacy duties over the year ahead, as the body represents the interests of Australia's road freight operators on a national footing.