Roy Russell was born in Aubigny near Toowoomba and was the eldest of 5 children. By 1909, the family had moved to Kelvin Grove in Brisbane. In those days his father was a Steam Engine Driver at the CSR Sugar refinery at New Farm.
Roy was in the workforce by his 14th birthday, turning his hand to whatever work he could find. His first big break came at the age of 25 when he was given the opportunity to become the carrier for the Commonwealth Oil Refinery in Brisbane.
R.B. Russell Carrier commenced business in 1925 with one motor truck carrying motor spirit in 4 gallon tins, 2 packed in a timber box which had been shipped to Brisbane by steamer from Sydney. In 1930, Roy was invited to join the Master Carriers Association of Queensland and was then able to use the title of 'Master Carrier'.
Roy and his wife, Beryl, over the following 40 years grew the fleet to 20 trucks and extended operations to include carting wool, motor spirit in drums and bulk and general carrying.
Roy's son, Philip, took over the business in 1970 at the age of 24. Under the reins of his son, Roy's local master carrier business would be transformed into one of the larger private freight transport companies in Australia.
Pictured Above: 1970 - Roy hands over
Russell Transport to son Phil, aged 24