Extreme truckers talk to Dennis Buntine talks about the old days.

Haulmark Trailer’s Outback Truckers visit Australian roadtrain operator, Dennis Buntine, from Road Trains Australia. Road Trains for Australia was originally created by Dennis’ father pioneering Territory entrepreneur Noel Lytton Buntine. His great-great-grandmother had built up a transport operation with bullock teams that forged tracks through the Gippsland bush a century earlier.
To this day the Buntine family remain involved in the outback pastoral and transport sectors. Dennis Buntine is the eldest son of Noel and he runs Territory Transport Sales, which services the industry. He says his family is relieved the iconic name will continue, despite the sale of the RTA fleet last week to Hampton's Transport.
"Our long association with RTA has been over the last 30 years,” Dennis said. “People move on but it's great the name Noel started is being retained. There will always be a strong demand for this service and we like being able to reflect on our involvement. When Noel started in the 60's the roads were dirt and gravel, there were also problems with mounting fuel costs then as there is now.
RTA formed out of Noel's original company, which was Buntine Roadways, and he sold this to southern interests. Unfortunately this company did not last, and he formed RTA in 1983 with the green and white colours. It has changed over the years, RTA was sold to Dick David and Ken Warriner (before the Cooper family purchased it). There are still a lot of people in the industry that know Noel and while that connection is there, people are slowly putting this to paper. Noel started with B61 Mack trucks and Haulmark Trailers.
"As we are today, we are still using Macks and Kenworths and Haulmark trailers. Back in the 70's we were one huge fleet, but people always come to the Top End to establish. Some stay and some go. Hampton's have come in and they will be regarded as the largest cattle transporter in northern Australia. It's a tough industry and when the opportunity arises to move on then you have to grab it. If the name RTA continues on then it will be good." Dennis Buntine - 2000
This video shows some of the original wildest toughest men and women truckers driving the longest semi tractor-trailers in the world on the worst roads through the Outback of Australia.
For more information on Haulmark Trailers visit ‪www.haulmark.com.au
For more great outback trucking adventures visit www.roadtrains.com.au

[@stevel1451]

RIP Dennis. I first met him in early 70s when my 237 was playing up and the heads had to be removed as the valves were sticking. Dennis told me he had the same problem with a few of his Mack’s. He told me it was due to the oil I was using in the engine, then said use my workshop and tools to do the job. We’re both about the same vintage and sad to hear his passing. Steve L

[@sean_bradley]

Thanks!

[@pauladams1156]

RIP uncle Dennis & Grandpa.

[@CalvinBuntine]

Dennis is my grandfather and a great man, I was there when he passed and I'm not going to lie it was hard but I know he's in a better place now R.I.P D.B

[@pauladams1156]

CalvinBuntine are you Shane’s son?

[@pauladams1156]

I’m Vicki’s son. So I guess we’re related.👍🏻

[@sirmartinfrobisher]

CalvinBuntine: I don’t know the story of Dennis but when my Dad went, it was long and he suffered, up to 22 cardiac arrests in a day. Immediately after his funeral, I went straight to my GP’s and the local hospital and had “DNR” (do not resuscitate) posted on my file. I do not want family to go through what we did. I also made it clear that after I die, I want there to be a celebration of life, not mass sobbing.

[@davidmarkersnr.1888]

Sad to hear Dennis has died. Our paths must have crossed but I don't recall meeting him. I drove a B61 semi + 2 for Noel for a short time in the late 60s. Wasn't there long but the experience of a lifetime. Thanks Noel for 'giving me a go'.
When I rolled up one morning to ask him for a drive he asked me 'have you ever driven a twin stick before?' I misheard him and thought that he had said a twin steer. I thought, funny, what's so special about an 8 legger? Soon found out though. Ha ha!
Lots of fond memories crammed into a short time (I had landed at Darwin and was anxious to earn a bit to get down south and see my mates).

[@melkoebes]

e travelled Buchnan Highway 1967 in a beetle from Dunmra via Fitzroy Crossing to Broome

[@cesaralemao6591]

🤩🇧🇷✌

[@RIPntr1]

Name Denis Buntine, who founded Victoria River Transport, after his father Noel sold Buntine Roadways (which subsequently went broke) Noel bought the business back and founded Road Trains OF Australia - not for! Denis NEVER worked for RTA. I acknowledge Denis's passing in 2010 with cancer, a long time mate, business associate and good bloke. RIP - DN. Heathy

[@AustralianRoadTrains]

+Peter Bassett Hi Peter, if you can get hold of DVD called Shrinking the Continent from a Kenworth Dealer it has the full version of Denis' interview.

[@blake9837]

My last name is Buntine

[@sean_bradley]

Thanks!

[@sean_bradley]

Thanks!

[@sean_bradley]

Thanks!