No. 19: Morris Livestock Transport

WHAT began with a single tray truck in 2011 has transformed into one of Australia’s 25 largest livestock transport companies, with a fleet of distinctive purple-bodied trucks that have become icons of the Colac region.

Peter Morris was just 23 when he lease-purchased his first cattle tray truck from a local livestock agent. From farming roots near Colac in Victoria’s southwest, Peter has steadily expanded his operation, adding one or two trucks annually to build a fleet that now boasts 16 Kenworth prime movers and 32 Byrne, Cannon and Truck Art trailers.

“Pete’s love for the business is what’s made it successful,” explains his wife Christine (Murphy) Morris, who also plays an integral role in running the growing Morris Transport business today. “He doesn’t do a great deal of much else really apart from the business. It’s his initiative and desire to grow in the livestock industry.”

The company’s eye-catching purple and grey trucks have become a signature brand that takes pride in its public image. The modern vibrant design has a heart-warming origin. Purple is the favourite colour of Pete’s eldest daughter Lila. “Pete asked her when she was two what colour dad’s next truck should be, and it has just followed on from there.”

With a merchandise line including caps, t-shirts, jumpers and footy shorts the company has become a favourite among a growing group of dedicated followers and is also has a popular social media presence, with people often sharing pictures and TikTok videos with their trucks.

Morris Transport predominantly carts cattle, sheep, and more recently pigs for the Pastoral Pork operation that underpins the Otway Pork brand.

Their routes span Victoria, South Australia, and New South Wales, servicing farmers, abattoirs, feedlots, saleyards and stud stock to shows.

More specifically, loads by delivery location as a percentage comprise 41pc farm (paddocks, showgrounds, piggeries, sheep studs, hobby, crop, dairy and beef farms), 38pc meat processing abattoir facilities, 18pc into saleyards and 2pc into feedlot and live export boats.

Today Morris transport moves on average 2400 cattle per week, which is approximately 125,000 cattle per year; 9400 sheep week, approximately 480,000 sheep per year; and 3000 pigs per week, approximately 155,000 pigs per year. Murphy said each prime mover travels approximately 4400kms per week.

Addressing the driver availability challenge

Finding and training drivers remains a challenge in the specialised world of livestock transport.

“A truck driver also needs to be a livestock handler,” Murphy notes. “They have to be able to load livestock on and off the truck by themselves, at any time of day or night, and monitor livestock welfare during the journey.”

The company is addressing the challenge by developing young talent, and offering opportunities to local kids with livestock experience. “We have the ability with the tray trucks, truck and trailers to train up younger drivers, then once they turn 21 and get their B-Double ticket, they can head off on interstate work.”

Morris Transport’s commitment to the Colac community runs deep, supporting local sporting clubs and sponsoring speedway cars. When Beef Central spoke to Murphy in March the team was busy polishing up 10 prime movers to have them sparkling for the Colac Truck Show.

In April Morris Transport trucks will be seen by an even wider audience when the company appears on Nine Rush “Big Rigs of Oz”, hosted by former Hawthorne Brownlow medallist Robert (Dipper) DiPierdomenico.

Morris Transport drivers hold the Victorian Livestock Loading Scheme (VLLS) certificate, which during training informs transport operators of loading weights, penning densities, policies on electric prodder usage, Australian Animal Welfare Standards and handling, Fit to Load Guide for Sheep and Cattle, rollover prevention and driver safety.

“We are all also members of Livestock and Rural Transport Association of Victoria (LRTAV), which represents hundreds of hard-working business’ and drivers in the agricultural sector based in regional and rural communities of Victoria, we work together to achieve a more productive, efficient and safer industry,” Murphy said.

“LRTAV advocates members views to government, participates in industry conferences and keeps members informed with newsletters, social media, text messages and meetings.”