Minus 1 Refrigerated Transport is a second-generation family-owned business, founded in 1989 by Dominic Barba. Starting as a one-man poultry delivery operation, Minus 1 has grown into one of Australia's most respected refrigerated freight providers.

A major turning point for Minus 1 came in 1996 when Dominic decided to expand into linehaul operations, marking the start of its evolution beyond Victoria’s borders. This step was more than a business move it was the beginning of a journey toward becoming the national operator they are today.

The partnership between Minus 1 and Hallam Truck Centre began in 2022, when our DAF Sales Consultant, Muza Syed, sold two DAF XF 530 FTT prime movers to Dominic.

“It took about five years to get him into his first DAF and they’ve never looked back,” said Muza.

Dominic’s eldest son, Billy Barba, took over the business as Managing Director in 2023, bringing with him a renewed focus on people, communication, and smart, data driven growth.

“Something that has been ingrained in me through my tenure working with my old man is the company’s focus on keeping our family values intact, and putting our people first as a result,” Billy said.

“At Minus 1, we’re always keeping business ethics front of mind, looking after our staff and doing right by our customers. This philosophy hasn’t shifted throughout my 16 years.”

Billy knew that to scale sustainably, the company needed equipment that could keep up with increasing demands without compromising on performance, efficiency, or driver wellbeing. He had a vision to be Australia’s leading refrigerated transport business, specialising in delivering dry, chilled and frozen goods.

Today, Minus 1 operate a fleet of 180 trucks across the country, yet despite the scale, the company remains firmly grounded in its original values.

With the rapid expansion of the business over the years, Minus 1 now have locations in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Billy and the Minus 1 have also announced that multiple projects are planned or are under construction, including a massive depot set for northern Victoria in 2028.

That’s where the new DAF XG 660 FTT has come in and before its launch, we were proud to offer Minus 1 the opportunity to demo these units.

Thanks to Muza’s close relationship Domnic and Billy, and his in depth understanding of their business needs, he knew that the new DAF XG would be a perfect fit for their fleet thanks to the noticeable differences in handling and available power.

“The DAF XGs provide a combination of European comfort and tech with the power of an American engine, and the handling of an Australian truck,” Muza said.

“The trucks’ ability to play these different roles with ease makes them a great and unique asset to any fleet.”

“Our good relationship with Muza from Hallam Truck Centre was the main reason for our choice to go with DAFs in the first place,” said Billy. “He supported us with DAF purchases in the past and is aware of our fleet needs.”

“The drivers who trialled these DAF XGs have been loyal operators of a variety of brands in their careers.”

“Everyone who drove the DAF had extremely positive things to say about it, and they all put their hands up to take on the XGs going forward. That’s a pretty solid indicator of the quality of these trucks,” explained Billy.

DAF Australia exclusively assembles the new DAF XG 660 FTT’s out of their site in Bayswater, Victoria. These Australian built, new generation DAF Trucks combine cutting edge European comfort and technology with the power of an American engine and the rugged handling you’d expect from an Australian truck.

Engineered for long haul journeys across Australia’s demanding roads, the DAF XG delivers exceptional drivability and superior safety thanks to their groundbreaking cab design, which has increased the driver visibility by 33% more than its previous models.

The DAF XG is equipped with adaptive cruise control, featuring frontal collision warning, advanced emergency braking, and a driver airbag. These advanced safety technologies are further enhanced by the cab’s 360-degree impact protection system, which enables the cab to shift backward in the event of a head on collision significantly reducing the force of impact.

“The DAF corner view camera is a new addition which provides drivers with 285 degrees blind spot view of the road, to enhance driver safety as well as other road users,” said Muza.

Following the great feedback received from drivers, Minus 1 placed an order for two DAF XG 660 FTT prime movers and took delivery of them in May 2025.

These trucks came equipped with powerful PACCAR PX-15 engine delivering 660hp, matched with 16- speed ZF Traxon automated transmission and rated at 97 tonnes GCM.

They have also been fully outfitted with premium additions, including JOST Australia turntables, cab cooler by Icepack Melbourne, and UHF radios by Waldron Communications. Hallam Truck Centre’s Pre-delivery Team also completed the customisation by installing a custom walkplate, microwave and PACCAR bulbar.

"DAF’s a great brand, part of a trusted group with CMV Group. They’re got a great name and they’re pushing a fairly new concept in the industry.” said Billy

Congratulations to Bill, Dominic and the team at Minus 1 Refrigerated Transport, and thank you for your continued support of Hallam Truck Centre and DAF Trucks Australia. We look forward to working with you well in the future.

Original Prime Mover article can be found here.