Mr McCarthy, who has been driving trucks for 24 years, was recently announced as a finalist in the 2015 National Trucking Industry Awards.
As a child, he would join his dad, who owned trucks, on the road.
‘I grew up around them and always wanted to do it,’ he said.
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READ NOW‘It’s the freedom of being out on the road I suppose.’
Mr McCarthy said the biggest challenge for him was being away from his family.
‘It can be up to 10 or 12 days sometimes,’ he said.
He was headed up to Karratha for his new employer, Centurion, when speaking to the Times.
‘It’s very hard on the family so you need a wife who is very understanding, independent and can tolerate a truck driver’s life,’ he said.
‘I just want to say a big thank you to my wife Joanne for tolerating me and basically doing everything for the past 10 years while I’ve been on the road.’
In his new role, Mr McCarthy handles heavy haulage, general freight and bulk dangerous goods.
‘Centurion is a WA family owned business and they’ve been in business for 40 years, so it’s the company to work for,’ he said.
And he has a strong passion for mentoring young drivers keen to get into the game.
‘My passion is mentoring young people and imparting knowledge and wisdom so they can come into the industry and be good operators,’ he said.
But he said his own children had not shown interest in following in his footsteps as he had his dad’s.
‘It doesn’t really bother me; I said to them if it’s not in your blood then you don’t want to do it,’ he said.
‘And they can’t come with you these days so they’ve never really had the chance to get the diesel in their veins, so to speak.
‘I went with my dad all the time.’
Australian Trucking Association chairwoman Noelene Watson said the awards showcased outstanding people from across the road transport industry.
‘Our award finalists have made exceptional contributions to the industry and the community,’ she said.
‘Through these awards, we’re proud to acknowledge some of the most dedicated and professional individuals and businesses in trucking.
Award winners will be announced at the ATA’s 25th anniversary gala dinner in Hobart on March 21.