Josh drives a 2007 Kenworth T904 powered by a CT16 motor. Image: Alf Wilson Owner-operator Josh Miller was realistic about the effect of the cost of fuel when Big Rigs saw him parked up earlier this month. ‘’Fuel is an expense we all have to incur and you just have to get on with it and pass on costs where you can,” he said. Josh, 37, is based at Charters Towers and has been an owner-driver for five years. He drives a 2007 Kenworth T904 powered by a CT16 motor and with an 18-speed Roadranger gearbox. “I have picked a load from Roseneath west of Townsville for the Port here. Also, I just did a job from Mingela,” he said. Josh said he has been all over Australia with his work including travelling into the Northern Territory and WA. “The worst highway I have been on is the Tanami Track but I know it is being upgraded. Also the Flinders Highway between Townsville and Mount Isa is bad in places,” he said. This friendly driver said he had spent a lot of time at Cloncurry in the outback and likes the roadhouse at Julia Creek which is 150km from there. As for rest areas, Josh said there was not enough for drivers with decent facilities. “Not many good ones for us, but heaps which need a lot of love,” he said. His favourite meal is T-Bone steak and Josh recommended an NT establishment which always serves him a good one. “It is the Heartbreak Hotel in the NT where lots of truckies stop. Another place is the Croydon Roadhouse in Queensland,” he said. What does Josh like about being a small operator in this vast country? “I do the job for love and have seen Australia,” he said. [signup] The post Charters Towers truckie takes challenges in his stride appeared first on Big Rigs.