Featured Stories
G&S Transport
A Family Legacy
In the rugged outback of Alice Springs, where the terrain can be as challenging as the climate, two brothers are steering their family business, G&S Transport, with determination and a deep-rooted passion for their work and their Kenworth trucks. Frank and John Bilato are not just business partners; they are brothers who embody the spirit of resilience and pride that defines their family legacy.
A Family Affair
G&S Transport is a family-run operation that specialises in providing comprehensive transportation solutions, including tippers, float work, and flat tops, particularly in remote areas of Australia. “There are three of us Bilato brothers—Robert, John, and me,” Frank explains. While Robert manages a quarry in Western Australia, Frank and John head the Alice Springs operation. “It’s definitely a family business,” John adds, highlighting the support from their wives, children, and their sister, who all contribute to the company’s success.
Their son, Ryan, has also joined the family tradition, now serving as the Workshop Manager at the CJD Kenworth dealership. The Bilato family’s roots in transport run deep, stemming from their father, a post-war immigrant who taught them the value of hard work and perseverance. “He was certainly not scared of hard work,” says John, reflecting on their father’s influence on their work ethic.
Thriving in Harsh Conditions
Operating in Alice Springs presents unique challenges, with summer temperatures soaring to 45 degrees Celsius and winter plunging to minus five. “A lot of the infrastructure consists of dirt roads, especially during drought times,” Frank explains. “When it’s not dry, you’re battling mud, and the trucks get back covered in mud—from the bull bar to the last trailer.”
It’s in these tough conditions that Kenworth trucks truly shine. “That’s where the Kenworth product has really excelled because it’s been so strong,” Frank states. The Bilato brothers have seen firsthand how Kenworth trucks handle the rigours of their work, earning the respect and admiration of fellow transport operators. “A lot of people look at us because of what we do with them,” he adds.
“People wonder why we wash the trucks and clean them to the best of our ability. It’s just our family pride, and we try to instil that pride in our drivers.”
Pride in the Fleet
Frank and John share a profound appreciation for their Kenworths, acknowledging that “a lot of things you get in a Kenworth you don’t appreciate until you don’t have one.” The brothers value their direct line to the Kenworth factory, where they can communicate with designers and engineers. “The product has gotten better and better over the years, and I think we’ve made it a better product with the modifications we’ve helped with along the way,” Frank notes.
Their connection to Kenworth goes beyond mere function; it’s also about pride. “It’s a lonely old existence out on the Tanami at night,” John remarks. “People wonder why we wash the trucks and clean them to the best of our ability. It’s just our family pride, and we try to instil that pride in our drivers.” This commitment to maintaining their fleet is a hallmark of their business philosophy, emphasising that pride is essential for success in transport.
Humble Legends
Recently recognised as Kenworth Legends, Frank and John approach the accolade with humility. “I personally don’t think that I’m a Kenworth Legend. The Legend is the brand name itself,” Frank states. “The product is probably a lot more of a Legend than we are. It was here before us, and it’ll probably be here long after we’re gone.”
G&S Transport stands as a testament to the power of family, hard work, and a steadfast commitment to quality. Frank and John Bilato are not just transporting goods across Australia; they are carrying forward a legacy rooted in pride, determination, and the love of Kenworth trucks. In doing so, they exemplify what it means to be a part of the Australian transport community, navigating the challenges of the outback with a smile and a truck that they wholeheartedly believe in.
