19/03/2026
As we continue celebrating 50 years of PTS Logistics, we move now to the late 1970s.
The era of disco, denim and a popular slang phrase “Keep on Truckin’” - and that’s exactly what Peter did.
He purchased a V8 TK Bedford , fitted with a portable boom and hook to carry a second car. Things got really serious when he then brought a single axle semi car trailer that could carry 3 cars at one time!
Palmerston Tow Service were proud to be among the early line haul operators moving vehicles across the country. You were only allowed to travel a distance of 40 miles against the rail unless the vehicles were damaged. In those days ingenuity was everything - even to the point where distributors were removed in running cars to classify them as “non-runners” if ever stopped by the police.
There are plenty of connections from the road from back then, including a working relationship and friendship with John Crowther from C&E Motors. He would travel around the country sourcing damaged vehicles to sell to wreckers, operating himself out of Hamilton. Cheques were famously addressed to “Palmerston Slow Service” - a bit of humour that still gets a smile to this day!
From those early days to the modern fleet we operate now, the journey has been built on hard work, innovation and great people.
Here’s to 50 years of moving New Zealand - and to the road ahead 🧡
