Rolling canvases of personal expression, cultural tribute, and social advocacy.
In a world where the road often symbolises isolation, Imy Deen’s work ensures that his trucks, and the messages they carry, create connections and change.
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In the heart of Ipswich, Imy’s company HMT Bulk Services has a fleet of 10 trucks that tell a story that goes beyond their metal and paint.
Imy’s entrance into transport was inevitable, following in his father’s footsteps.
His early immersion came from hands-on experience, including a trade in heavy fabrication engineering.
This foundational knowledge proved invaluable when he transitioned from the workshop to the open road, manoeuvring road trains and engaging in various haulage tasks.
Imy’s passion for trucks led him to a personal project that would turn heads and tug at heartstrings — the restoration of his Kenworth T900.
“We stripped the truck back to nothing,” he says. “We got all brand-new brakes and bearings on it.
“The truck was originally red, so we fully re-sprayed it, redid the chassis and re-sprayed that, sandblasted it, painted it, and then painted the cab a pearl white colour.”
The result is a stunning display of craftsmanship, featuring a gleaming white cab and a unique colour scheme of green, gold and silver.
“I’ve always been a real fan of pearl white, and I really like green and gold, keeping it the Aussie way. The silver’s there to break it up a little bit.
“We airbrushed the back wall, we did the doors, the air cleaners, and on top of the bar.”
The front of the rig is just as impressive as the back, featuring a homage to music legends, with a ripped open wall that reveals famous rappers including Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Easy-E, Ice Cube, Biggie and Tupac.
The striking image is surrounded by smoke, lightning strikes, a black convertible and two growling dogs, making the rig an undeniably attention-grabbing piece.
Imy’s company name, HMT, is written on the rappers’ caps and license plate of the car, with the words, ‘Legends Never Die’ laid across the bottom of the graphic.
“The truck’s a legend and so are these artists,” Imy says. “That’s why we called it Legends Never Die.’”
Imy’s Kenworth 950 is a nod to Death Row Records, which was a groundbreaking record label in the 90s, celebrating its enduring influence on rap and hip-hop culture.
“This truck is named ‘Legends Forever’, as it has Snoop Dogg, Tupac and Suge Knight, the owner of Death Row Records.”
His favourite out of his fleet, though, is his restored rig for men’s mental health.
It sends a message that goes beyond the highway, with an intricate graphic of Crocodile Dundee with a reptile around his neck and a water buffalo.
“It’s got ‘It ain’t weak to speak’ on the side, along with our motto. It’s a reminder that no matter what you’re going through, you can rise above it.”
The side of the truck displays a series of tips on how to support men with their mental health, including, “encourage your mates when they share”, “acknowledge when they are in a difficult situation” and “don’t be afraid to ask, ‘R U OK?’ more than once”.
The rolling tribute to mental health also highlights the sad statistic that more than six men die by suicide in Australia every day.
Anyone who finds themselves isolated and struggling might see the truck while going about their day and be reminded that vulnerability is strength.
“I’ve had a lot of mates in the industry take their life, it’s a lonely road on the highway,” Imy says.
“If I can save one life just by putting it out there, then that means the world to me.”
Imy’s meticulous work was recognised at the Casino Truck Show, managing to snag trophies for Great Eight and Best Paint Scheme in testament to his trucks’ design and creativity.
“We didn’t expect to win, we took the working trucks how they were to the show, so it’s a good feeling.”
But Imy’s fleet isn’t just for show; these trucks are hard at work across Australia, from civil earthworks to grain hauling.
It’s clear that Imy’s journey in transport reflects a deep passion for his trucks and his cause, with an aim to help others.
Read more:
- Rediscovery of father’s 1953 international led to a 20-year odyssey
- Pair of Kenworth Legends stole the show at the Clarendon Classic
- Reigniting truck lovers’ childhood magic with Little Big Rigs
- Schmick rigs cruised into Queensland’s Wondai truck show
- NatRoad seeks creation of a $3 billion Clean Transport Fund
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