About Sludge

Paul "Sludge" Andrews was born and raised in Freshford, NZ. His parents started a transport company (Andrews Transport), and then moved to a station in Waikia, NZ. Sludge had a happy childhood, spending time between the farm and the company.

Tragedy struck in Sludge’s early teens, losing his brother in a motor vehicle accident and a year later losing his father in a transport accident.

He left New Zealand and travelled to Australia, staying with family friends and pursuing his dreams in motocross championships. He did eventually return to New Zealand, but later returned to Australia where he has lived since.

He began his career in the transport industry as soon as he could drive a truck, and was mentored by Derek Murray who had earlier worked for Sludge’s parents. After working with Derek in Narrogin for some time, he started his own company, Paul Andrews Transport.

Sludge has spent over 30 years in the industry, working tirelessly and spending hours, days and weeks away from home. Sludge has gained experience in all kinds of freight Australia wide.

11 years ago he took up delivering oil & fuel within the North and South of Western Australia. A job he still carries out today.

A friend nominated him to film with outback truckers. Initially he was quite reluctant, but in season 3 he decided to give it a go, and he’s been a regular favourite on the show ever since. He’s currently involved with the filming of season 9, so watch this space!

Sludge has always loved the adrenaline rush he gets from anything with big horsepower. He races his nitro Harley Davidson at the dirt drags, loves his Honda motorcycles and has quite a few quirky motorised toys at home, including a scooter, an esky, a skateboard and even a picnic table!

The artwork of the Phantom, which has now become iconic, carries it’s own interesting tale. Sludge had originally envisaged having the truck themed after the song "Phantom 309" by 18 Wheeler. The artist asked if he could paint his own ideas, and Sludge was surprised when the truck came back painted with The Phantom comic book character! He fell in love with the design, and so we now have The Phantom we all know and love!

Sludge loves to stop and say hello to his fans from Outback Truckers, and gets a real buzz out of making people happy. Alongside The Phantom, the pair will always put a smile on your face!