There are many names associated with the golden era of Middle East trucking; Astran, Whittle International, Falcongate, Whitetrux, Carmen, Essex International and another Essex company i know very little about until i heard from my new friend Nazmi. Having been the main coordinator for OHS she knows a thing or 2 about the golden age.  Nazmi says; 

“OHS Transport Ltd was formed in 1975 , and  located in Rainham,Essex, in the same group we had  a Turkish Company -CONTEX – and a Munich based German Company-UNITED S TRANSPORT GMBH. In 1978 PIE’S trucking side was bought (with the F89 Volvo’s) . Fleet consisted of MACK – VOLVO -SEDDON ATKINSON  trucks., 125 trucks at the time in the  UK fleet. M/East Transports started in 1975 and 1976 , Iran-Iraq-Saudi Arabia-Kuwait-Jordan. I was the coordinator (trouble shooter as well) in the group ,worked for the group from 1974 until 1987 .”

Now what i didnt realise was that OHS used to run fridges carrying loads of chocolate from Mars and Rowntree, 5-6 loads a week! Who would have guessed that Seddon Atkinsons would be satisfying the cravings of many a sun worshipper in the M/E. This excellent pic shows a couple of Seddon’s having a rest in the dessert en route to Kuwait. I bet the fridge motors were working overtime to keep the temperature down. Any ideas who’s the yellow Mercedes with the tilted cab is??

As well as fridge OHS also ran normal tilts over land to the M/E as did all the rest, but i bet there weren’t many pulled by Sed Ak’s. Plenty of other English marques, yes, but can you think of other Atkinson’s?? leave a comment or email me the proof to; ben@truckblog.co.uk

Along with the Brits OHS/United/Contex were big fans of Mack’s. A good rugged truck, with a half decent cab and plenty of character! These pics are quality, even a little bonneted Mack made it to Europe.