Martins Stock Haulage has completed a successful takeover of Camrandale Transport at Quilpie, a significant family-built livestock transporting company in South West Queensland, Beef Central can confirm today.

Camrandale Transport was launched in 2004 by Tim and Theresa Welk and today operates eight prime movers and triple road trains operating from a large, professional depot in Quilpie.

Beef Central understands negotiations had been underway between the two livestock transporting businesses for some months, with the acquisition formally settled this week.

In a statement to Beef Central today, Martins directors Gordon and Jason Martin and Adam Ross paid tribute to the quality of the business the Welk family, which includes sons Cameron and Dale Welk, has developed over the past 21 years,.

All staff will be retained in the business, with Cameron Welk staying on to run the depot in Quilpie.

“We have long admired the professionalism and reputation of Camrandale,” the Martins’ statement said.

“This is a company that has earned the trust of its customers through consistent, high-quality service.

“What Tim and Theresa have built is truly impressive, and we see this as a continuation of their outstanding work, and we’re committed to maintaining the high level of service that their customers have grown accustomed to.”

In addition to the quality of the Camrandale fleet and depot, Quilpie was a “geographically perfect” fit for Martins’ operations.

A 21 year family growth story

With 48 decks in total uplift capacity, Camrandale Transport was just outside the 51-deck capacity of the final position on Beef Central’s list of Australia’s largest livestock transporting companies in 2025 that has been published over recent weeks, ending today with Martins in number one position nationally.

The Welk family’s contribution to the livestock transporting sector was recognised earlier this year when the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association named Tim Welk as an Icon of the Road.

Tim Welk

The LRTAQ captured the story of Camrandale’s background and growth over the past 21 years in annonucing the honour back in February:

“In the early 1970s, a ‘Boy from the Bush’ dream became a reality. From hauling triple singles to transporting bullocks in mono six decks, Tim has traversed every Channel Country track that most have forgotten. The principles and values learned from the arrows remain true. As a family man, cattle carter, and businessman, you have made a lasting impact on the entire Southwest community.

“Tim learned to drive trucks as a young boy in Windorah. Older truck drivers from Quilpie would pick him up while passing through Windorah and allow him to drive to their destination in the Channel Country.

Upon turning 17, Tim obtained his Heavy Vehicle license and began working for D’Hennin’s Transport, Quilpie, driving a Mercedes Benz and pulling triple single decks at the age of 18 in 1973. Tim recalls that large Channel Country properties would send a telegram with the year’s dates for all their trucking and adhere to those dates. In 1984, McIver Brothers acquired D’Hennin’s, and Tim had his first experience driving a Kenworth SAR. Tim managed the McIver’s Quilpie depot for 10 years until 1994, when he decided to own his truck.

Establishing Tim Welk Transport was challenging, with a second-hand truck and frequent breakdowns. After six years, he took a brief break to work as a newsagent, but the allure of trucks and the bush never faded, prompting his return to Quilpie.

In 2004, Tim launched Camrandale Transport, and nearly 21 years later, he operates eight prime movers pulling triple road trains. After 48 years of driving road trains, Tim finds the over-regulation of the industry to be increasingly burdensome and wishes any young newcomers to the industry the best of luck.

“Congratulations Tim. It was great to have you recognised for the contribution you’ve made to the livestock transport industry over the years.”

ALRTA in partnership with PACCAR and Dealer Industry group launched Icons of the Road, to recognise, capture and showcase the heritage of Australia’s livestock and rural transport industry, before it is lost.