Most 12-year-old girls are more interested in TikTok than trucks, but growing up in the transport industry, Ruby Rose Bamford-Reid has developed a soft spot for rigs.
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Recently she was lucky enough to get escorted to her Year 6 graduation in a very special vehicle, Craig Arthur Transport’s “Optimus Prime” Western Star.
With its distinctive red flame design on a blue background, Optimus Prime caught Ruby Rose’s eye.
Ruby Rose’s mother Ally tells Deals on Wheels: “We gave her the option of any kind of car she wanted for her graduation, and all she wanted was Optimus Prime!
“She liked it because it’s different — no-one she knew had gone to their graduation in a truck, and I don’t believe anyone had gone to their formal or graduation in that particular truck before either.”
Optimus Prime was driven to Ruby Rose’s school, Elizabeth East Primary in Adelaide, by Craig Arthur himself.
“Ruby Rose’s stepdad is a truck driver who works for Craig Arthur Transport, and Craig offered to drive her,” says Ally.
“He’s really good like that, he’ll go above and beyond if he can help out.”
Sadly, the truck got stuck in traffic on the way to the event, so Ruby Rose didn’t get the big entrance she deserved.
However, she did get plenty of photos — and was chuffed with her choice of transport.
“It was a really cool truck to go in,” Ruby Rose says.
“It felt extra special because it was my stepdad’s boss driving me. I had a great day.”
Ally says 12-year-old Ruby Rose used to be shy around trucks, but her interest in them is growing over time.
“My dad used to be a truck driver as well, so we have a strong background in the transport industry,” says Ally.
“I believe one day she might very well be interested in a career involving trucks.
“I would be very happy if she was — there’s no better life than the freedom of being in a truck.”
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