Driving through the decades

TRUE BLUE AUSSIE TRUCKERS... Keating's Transport epitomises the essence of Australian trucking: raw, unfiltered, and undeniably committed to a passion that transcends mere business. Pictured from left is Ken, Stephen, Mark and Ashley Keating. Photo: The Adviser

The legendary, living legacy of Keating’s

DRIVEN by a dedication to maintaining the integrity of the family’s name in business, and a determination to honour a century-long legacy; Keating’s Freight Line is more than just another trucking company.

It’s a story of resilience, family honour, and a long line of the Keating family men, seemingly born with diesel in their DNA.

Their story begins a little over a century ago in Bendigo, when William Keating, with his horse-drawn cart, first established respect for the family’s name in our state’s transport and distribution industry.

From humble beginnings, the business has withstood the changing tides of time and evolved with the industry, maintaining its role and significance in the state’s logistical supply chain throughout the decades.

TRUE BLUE AUSSIE TRUCKERS… Keating’s Transport epitomises the essence of Australian trucking: raw, unfiltered, and undeniably committed to a passion that transcends mere business. Pictured from left is Ken, Stephen, Mark and Ashley Keating. Photo: The Adviser

Still actively involved in the business and widely regarded as a legend in the transport industry, Ken Keating, son of William, recalls some of the most significant changes he’s seen in his time, “Back when I started out there was no air conditioning in our truck, no radio, no automated anything, and you’d keep driving until you were tired. If the engine got hot, you pulled over and waited for it to cool.”

The family of drivers have seen advancements in just about every aspect of business, from exclusively manual gearboxes in all rigs to the now, fully automated computerised systems with alarms and sensors for just about everything, but their commitment to maintaining integrity above all else remains unchanged.

“Our clients know they can rely on us. This trust is earned from decades of top-notch service,” Ken said.

Keating’s Freight Line currently employs 40 people who both value and contribute to the strong family-oriented culture of the business.

The family’s deep passion for preserving their chosen industry and its history extends to their involvement in the Shepparton’s Museum of Vehicle Evolution (MOVE), where one of their 1966 International trucks is currently on display, showcasing a significant part of their journey.

Ken reflects on his experience saying, “The business is in our blood. We’ve had to do a lot to keep the family going, but we’ve loved every minute.”

In 2024 the Keating family’s legacy continues, with Ken’s son Mark currently investing his time outside of the business, in the restoration of a 1927 Chevy which is destined to also take up residence once complete at MOVE.