WA Transport Magazine

THE TRANSPORT AND MACHINERY MAGAZINE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA ISSN 2202-6193 100007516 August 2017 | price $6.95

WA

TRANSPORT

magazine

PAGE 16

RACING AHEAD OF THEIR COMPETITORS in This Issue: Failed drug tests

(above) Graham Lusty and Jason Yerbery

When Patience is more than a virtue

Roadside Infringements

Bindoon Bypass

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Our Heavy Vehicle Helpdesk is available 7 days a week.

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Tel: 138 486 Fax: 9475 8455 Email: hvs@mainroads.wa.gov.au www.mainroads.wa.gov.au AUGUST 2017 | WATM

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WA

TRANSPORT

magazine

VOLUME 23 | NUMBER 7

From the publisher Angry Chicken Publishing Pty Ltd Telephone 0430 153 273 Facsimile 08 9296 0388 www.angrychicken.com.au ABN: 35 486 530 095

PUBLISHER / COMMISSIONING EDITOR Karen-Maree’ Kaye T: 08 9296 4488 Fax: 08 9296 0388 Email: karen@angrychicken.com.au WRITERS Russell McKinnon CONTRIBUTORS Carol Messenger, Peter Swift, Vince Ziino, Ray Pratt, Cam Dumesny ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Angry Chicken Head Office T: 0430 153 273 E: karen@angrychicken.com.au DESIGN / PREPRESS Cally Browning | Bare Creative ACCOUNTS T: 08 9296 4488 Email: accounts@angrychicken.com.au PRINTER Vanguard Press SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions available directly from the Publisher.

T: 08 9296 4488 E: karen@angrychicken.com.au Australia:  1 year $65.95 (inc GST) 2 years $127.55 (inc GST) Overseas subscribers: Airmail postage will be added to subscription rate.

Editorial Submissions: The Publisher welcomes editorial submissions. Once received they will become the property of the Publisher who reserves the right to edit the or adjust the content to fit with the format of our publication.

West Australian Transport Magazine (WATM) is published by Angry Chicken Publishing Pty Ltd ABN: 35 486 530 095 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, adapted or transmitted in any form by any process (graphic, electronic, mechanical or storage and retrieval system) or sold, resold or otherwise exploited for any purpose without consent of the Publisher.

The publisher, contributors, editors and consultants disclaim any and all liability and responsibility to any person or party, be they a purchaser, reader, advertiser or consumer of this publication in regards to consequences and outcomes of anything done or omitted, or being in reliance whether partly or solely on the contents of this publication. No person, organization or party should rely on or on any way act upon any part of the contents of this magazine without first obtaining the advice of a fully qualified person. The Publisher shall have no responsibility for any action or omission by contributor, consultant, editor or related party for content within WATM. The opinions and content within WATM does not necessarily reflect those of the Publisher, editor or their agents. No responsibility is accepted for damage or loss of material supplied to the publisher.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE LRTAWA and members on another successful annual conference held in Bunbury the last weekend of June. We will bring you full coverage of the event and speakers in the next edition.

In this edition starting on Page 4 is a story on well known WA regional transport company - Patience Bulk Haulage. Many thanks to the Directors and Management for letting us see first-hand how a WA company is dealing with the present economy and how they are moving ahead into the future.

Congratulations to West Australian locally owned Truck Dealership - AV Trucks on securing the Iveco and International range of trucks for their dealership (Page 11). Later in the year we will bring you a full profile on them.

In this month's edition, we welcome the popular Australian brand Graham Lusty Trailers (Page 16) to our state. GLT now has a dedicated sales show room, service and manufacturing facility in Western Australia.

Thank you for the feedback I receive on the magazine. Many of you contacted me saying you enjoyed the story on B & J Catalano in the last edition. If you would like to be profiled, I would love to help you. so please contact me on 0430 153 273 or email karen@angrychicken.com.au Best,

Karen

CONTENTS 4 When Patience is more than a virtue 8 Roadside Infringements 10 Help improve the Load Restraint Guide 12 Toll finalises acquisition of Dampier Supply Base 16 Graham Lusty Trailers: Racing ahead of their competitors 20 WARTA: Tough decisions 24 Project savings allocated to Bindoon Bypass 25 Fleet safety survey 26 NTC to address transformational change in Australian transport

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WATM | AUGUST 2017

27 2017 Annual Wage Review Every Month 9 Questions to the Minister 12 Bird's Eye View 14 Fair Go for Owner Drivers 22 Dangerous Goods 28 HCVC 30 WA Transport History 32 Model Trucks

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FOCUS - Patience Bulk Haulage

When Patience is more than a virtue

By Russell McKinnon

R

eshaping a business is never easy, but with the aid of new commercial arrangements, Geraldton-headquartered Patience Bulk Haulage aims to consolidate its immediate economic future.

The company is positioning itself to remain at the leading edge of the MidWest transport industry.

As one of the largest family owned businesses in the region, the company has more than 100 staff keeping the wheels of industry turning.

The business that John and Nola Patience pioneered in 1994 had its roots many years earlier and has grown to what it is today.

There have been transitioning times, especially with the expansion of Port Hedland, and the boom days of the iron ore and oil and gas industries. John and Nola have experienced the highs and the lows that accompany these business cycles.

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In recent years the Patience brand has trimmed somewhat from the 150 predominately Kenworth quads operated during the boom years to the 50 or so units of today.

It’s a much leaner operation and working within the boundaries of the current economic climate. Shutting down Port Hedland operations assisted the company to find new ways to become more productive and efficient.

The company will continue to review its operations in the Mid-West, Gascoyne, Murchison and adjacent Goldfields to seek new market opportunities.

While John and Nola Patience keep a watchful eye from a short distance, General Manager Doug Gorman is also helping to bring a fresh perspective to the business and, together with his strong team, has steered through a number of changes in his first year in office.

Doug has an ingrained knowledge

of the transport industry spanning more than 30 years, initially hands on crisscrossing the nation as a heavy transport industry driver before moving into management about 15 years ago.

On the verge of finishing a Master of Business Administration, Doug believes in doing things right, empowering the staff and urging them to join in the decision-making processes.

“Many of the crew are long term with the average age of our drivers about 55, pretty close to the national average.”

This is something Doug wishes to redress with more training of younger people to get involved in the industry.

“We need to bring younger people up through the ranks to help sustain our future,” he says.

On the business and how he sees it moving forward, Doug says: “Our success will depend a lot on the people around us and how we work together

Country people are unique and the Geraldton area is a great place to live and work, so one of our primary aims is to make Patience Bulk Haulage a great company to be part of for the years ahead.”

Doug worked as a supervisor and regional manager in QLD before moving to WA to work with Patience.

He had visited WA several times while on the road and always intended to make it his home.

“I spent the last 10 years in Mt Isa, so to come from the desert to tranquility is a huge step,” he says.

Working in bulk transport is a different type of haulage from what he has been used to — general freight and bulk dangerous goods.

However, Doug has been exposed to the mining industry for some years, something Patience is also heavily involved with.

“I have definitely come up a level from operations to the business side of things and it has been helpful with the final project of my MBA.” A major aim was to rein in on cost

has been done to get it right,” he says.

“Getting the staff to accept and understand why we need safety and to meet and exceed our customers’ safety requirements is paramount. There are different levels (of safety) at different mines, so we have to be across the board.”

Doug also brings a caring attitude to the business. “I’ve been there as a driver and know all the pitfalls. I know what it’s like for my staff. It’s a case of building relationships. That’s what it has been like all my working life. I still talk to customers of 20 years ago. It’s all about networking — personal and business.”

The company pulled back and consolidated, making a strategic decision for the new economic climate as opposed to the boom climate, selling 70 quads.

A lot of the trucks operated by Patience are Kenworths as they stand up to the rugged conditions that Patience often works in.

“They’re a great truck and the reason we are still using them is that

control and cost identification in all areas.

I knew what parts make the money and I implement controls to do so.”

Doug says a new contract with a major customer will greatly help with the sustainability of the business.

Safety is the forefront of the business and the appointment of a new OH&S Manager has assisted the company move forward. “A lot of work

they are so robust and some have lasted more than five years out on the mine site, operating 24 hours a day.”

What remains are mainly Kenworths and about 200 trailers sourced from G & A Lombardi in Perth.

The trailers are also top of the range and very reliable.

“About 90 percent of the trailers are used for carting iron ore and that can

General Manager - Doug Gorman

as a team.

“There is definitely a challenge in the current economic environment and it’s vitally important that we have a cohesive group of people who work well together. It means including people in conversations, decision making, empowering them to believe in themselves. I like to greet our staff with a simple ‘gidday’ whenever I can.

AUGUST 2017 | WATM

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FOCUS - Patience Bulk Haulage

be very hard. The grit is hard on the bowls when they tip, but we have had very little trouble with them. We have some that are more than 20 years old and still going strong.

The Edward Road headquarters on the Geraldton-Walkaway road spans along the side of the major East/West highway, just before the Geraldton Airport. The yard has a hardstand area for about 30 quads, if required, and 12 hectares of hardstand right next door is also owned by the company.

Patience has an engine rebuild shop, a major workshop for all mechanical repairs, a training room, a business development manager and occupational health and safety and compliance managers. There are

two apprentices, six mechanics and a workshop manager while the rest of the facility has loaders, crushers, graders and bulldozers.

Patience uses CJD for the majority of its Kenworth parts, situated “just down the road”. Doug says: “The staff is extremely helpful and helped us refurbish a new parts store and re-categorise it, doing a full inventory check.”

Patience also operates from Perenjori where it has 17 quads carting iron ore and camp accommodation catering for all the drivers, six mechanics, three supervisors and a site manager.

The company also has two sandpits, a loam pit and a gravel pit from which to draw raw materials.

Patience also owns a depot yard at Mt Magnet, which facilitates the business if working in that area.

All Patience’s trucks are tracked 8

WATM | AUGUST 2017

by satellite and have forward-facing cameras. The company is currently outfitting each of its trailers with automatic tarpaulins to make it easier for drivers and reduce delivery times.

Seeing-eye cameras, which monitor drivers’ eyes for tiredness, are next on the list of technological developments for the company.

The generosity of John and Nola Patience stretches far and wide into the community. They sponsor the Chapman Valley Football Club, the Perenjori, Mullewa and Morowa Shows, the Perenjori Blues in the Bush, Variety WA, the Mid-West Chamber of Commerce and the Mid-West Road Safety Alliance, to name a few.

“The company also sponsored Steve Grace who rode a specially built Harley from Steep Point, WA across the desert to Byron Bay, NSW to promote

suicide prevention at communities along the way.

The future is looking brighter, according to Doug. “The economy is on the upturn and my gut feel is that it is slow, but will definitely not get back to where it was with the boom and bust.

That’s a good thing.”

Doug describes Patience as being good operators with professional employees. “We’ve certainly got the expertise and we are certainly there for the long haul.

“We like to say that now we have settled down and reduced our business after getting out of the Pilbara we look forward to expanding in the Mid-West and other areas.”

One customer told Doug: “I want solutions, not problems.” That’s the attitude that drives Patience Bulk Haulage. ■

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NEWS

ROADSIDE INFRINGEMENTS Heavy Vehicle Compliance Calendar 2017 - 2018 Month

Compliance Focus

July 2017

RAV’s travelling off route

August 2017

Roadworthiness

September 2017

Permits

October 2017

Mass, Dimension and Load Restraint

November 2017

Roadworthiness

December 2017

RAV’s travelling off route

January 2018

Mass, Dimension and Load Restraint

February 2018

Permits

March 2018

Roadworthiness

April 2018

Mass, Dimension and Load Restraint

May 2018

SPV

June 2018

Accreditation

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9-10 Wagin Woolorama

This Calendar has been produced with an aim to influence road user behaviour and to remind the transport industry of their obligations and requirements prior to travelling on the WA road network. Compliance and enforcement activities are key factors in ensuring effective and safe management of heavy vehicles on the road network.

The Road Transport Compliance Branch is the on-road enforcement division of Main Roads WA and forms part of the Heavy Vehicle Services Directorate.

Transport Inspectors are authorised under the law to intercept and inspect vehicles and patrol the State’s road network primarily for the purpose of checking heavy vehicles suspected of being in breach of regulatory requirements. The main task is checking compliance with mass and dimension limits, and ensuring that high productivity and oversize vehicles are operating in accordance with the conditions set down under Main Roads' permits, notices and accreditation. Other tasks include inspecting vehicles for roadworthiness, load security, driver and vehicle licencing conditions, and under an arrangement with the Department of Mines and Petroleum, ensuring compliance for the movement of dangerous goods. Transport Inspectors also perform the important role of educating and working with the transport industry and other agencies and stakeholders to improve compliance standards.

T

Transport Inspectors also perform the important role of educating and working with the transport industry and other agencies and stakeholders to improve compliance

ransport Inspectors have an important role in educating and working with the transport industry, other agencies and stakeholders to improve compliance standards, road safety and road asset protection.

The key tasks undertaken by Transport Inspectors are checking compliance with mass and dimension limits, and ensuring that high productivity and oversize vehicles are operating in accordance with the conditions set under Main Roads permits, notices and accreditation.

Other tasks include inspecting vehicles for roadworthiness, load security, driver and vehicle licensing conditions, and under an arrangement with the Department of Mines and Petroleum, ensuring compliance for the movement of dangerous goods.

Transport Inspectors also perform the

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WATM | AUGUST 2017

important role of educating the transport industry and other stakeholders to improve compliance standards.

Currently Transport Inspectors undertake the necessary compliance checks when a vehicle is intercepted.

If an offence is detected, details of the offence and necessary evidence are collected and an infringement is processed and mailed.

A new process for issuing infringements at the roadside has been introduced that allows the Transport Inspector to issue roadside infringements. There will be no change in the way Transport Inspectors check a vehicle. However, drivers may receive an infringement at the road side as opposed to it being mailed.

The issuing of road side infringements will provide the transport industry with certainty and time savings in relation to the infringement

in question. It will also allow the transport industry to discuss any questions or concerns they have with an experienced Transport Inspector at the time the infringement is issued.

For more information about the new process please call Main Roads Heavy Vehicle Services Helpdesk on 138 486 or visit www.mainroads.wa.gov.au Road Transport Compliance has published a Heavy Vehicle Compliance Calendar. Compliance and enforcement activities are key factors in ensuring the effective and safe management of heavy vehicles on the road network.

The calendar outlines what will be the Transport Inspectors enforcement focus for each month, and aims to influence road user behaviour and remind the transport industry of their obligations and requirements prior to traveling on the WA road network. A copy of the calendar can be found on the Main Roads website. ■

OVER TO YOU

Q&A

Our West Australian Minister for Transport has kindly agreed to answer your most pressing questions for publication in the WA Transport Magazine. Our thanks go to the Minister for her time and readers, we hope you will take advantage of this opportunity. Please send your questions to the publisher at karen@angrychicken.com.au, or fax to 08 9296 0388.

FROM THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT - HON. RITA SAFFIOTI B BUS MLA Minister: Main Roads believes that the AMMS system is an efficient concessional loading scheme. What are the measures and evidence of this efficiency?

Answer: Main Roads WA is currently conducting a review of AMMS, which includes the functionality of the Scheme, and I’m looking forward to seeing the outcome of the completed review.

The Accredited Mass Management Scheme (AMMS) was introduced as a way ensure operators meet the requirements of the Chain of Responsibility (CoR), Road Traffic (Vehicles) Act, and the Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations. In particular, given the impact of excessive axel loadings on the roads – and importantly, on the cost of maintaining them in a safe condition – Main Roads is taking

compliance with axle loading seriously.

Main Roads identifies the benefits of the AMMS as: • Three concessional mass tiers.

• No restriction on the type of commodity which can be transported under AMMS. • Greater flexibility in the type of loading control used. Requires operator to declare their chosen loading method and have a loading plan in place.

• Network approach, which eliminates the need for operators to regularly add roads to a permit.

• Dedicated RAV Mapping Tool, outlining the Concessional Networks available to industry.

This allows operators to quickly check which route is appropriate for their transport task.

Minister: Will the review of the AMMS system include a comprehensive investigation of the additional record keeping burden that has been introduced to level 1 for no additional benefit?

Answer: Record keeping requirements are included within the scope of Main Roads’ review.

Minister: What plans are in place to prevent improper parking at the Kewdale parking area?

Answer: The Abernethy Road Train Assembly Area has clearly delineated parking bays. If vehicles are being parked inappropriately, this needs to be reported to the Local Government or WA Police who are the primary agencies responsible for parking enforcement. ■

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NEWS

NTC calling for feedback to improve the load restraint guide

T

he National Transport Commission has released a new draft version of its Load Restraint Guide which is designed to provide drivers, operators, and other participants in the transport chain of responsibility with practical advice on how to safely transport a load.

Acting Chief Executive of the NTC Dr Geoff Allan said the agency was seeking feedback on the draft guide to make sure it is clear, user friendly and based on the best available evidence about how to safely move the majority of loads carried by trucks in Australia.

“We have listened to our stakeholders who have told us the biggest issue is that the current guide would be easier to comply with if it was easier to understand,” Dr Allan said.

“Items falling from trucks can cause collisions, deaths and injuries and contribute to congestion and environmental damage. The aim is to improve freight operators’ understanding of how to properly restrain loads.”

Dr Allan said it was important make sure the new guide was accurate, up to date and reflected the practices that had developed since the last edition was published in 2004.

The draft third edition of the guide is available at the www.ntc.gov.au/ current-projects/load-restraint-guidemaintenance/ and consultation is open until 5pm, Friday 4 August 2017.

Dr Allan said after conducting a technical review the NTC was not proposing to change the current load restraint performance standards for heavy vehicles that is the force that is required to be applied to keep a load on the vehicle.

“Over the past twelve years, the power of vehicles and their braking ability has improved significantly and this places greater stress on the load restraints.

“However, our technical advice is that we need to increase the force required to restrain a load in the forward direction for some light vehicles from 0.8g to 1.0g,” Dr Allan said. ■

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Works begin on central section of NorthLink WA Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the NorthLink WA project would support over 1,000 jobs, and provide a new transport link from the Perth Airport area to Muchea.

“This project will be a vital part of Perth’s freight network, with 80 per cent of heavy vehicles to be redirected from Great Northern Highway onto the new route,” Mr Chester said.

“NorthLink WA central is a vital part of the $1 billion project that will improve safety and ease congestion on the roads.

“Road safety will also be improved by using a combination of median strips, and around 150 kilometres of road safety barriers to separate vehicles from oncoming traffic, as well as eliminating two of the State’s most dangerous intersections.

“This project will allow our farmers and primary producers to get goods to market quicker, while remaining competitive in global and domestic markets.”

Western Australian Transport

Minister Rita Saffioti said NorthLink WA would provide a vital, state-of-theart transport link between Morley and Muchea.

“It will reduce travel times, congestion and help support industry, motorists and the local community.

“When finished, the improved and extended Tonkin Highway will be capable of carrying more than double the current number of vehicles and the free flow of traffic will mean vehicles keep moving and travel times improve.

“Part of this project also includes the duplication of Reid Highway up to Altone Road, while the rest of the duplication will be completed as part of another Federal-State project partnership.”

Travelling from Kewdale to Muchea, NorthLink WA will potentially avoid up to 16 sets of traffic lights, two railway crossings, and 21 speed limit changes.

The Australian Government has committed $820 million and the Western Australian Government has committed $204 million for the NorthLink WA project.

All sections of NorthLink WA are expected to be completed by mid-2019. ■

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OVER TO YOU BIRD’S EYE VIEW

By Carol Messenger

The figures do not add up

D

uring a Senate Inquiry hearing, the Transport Workers’ Union has condemned the Federal Government for ignoring a claimed increase in deaths amongst transport workers and other road users in truck crashes. The Union highlighted exploitation in the industry which is leading to safety risks.

Whilst I applaud the TWU stance of highlighting the numbers of accidents involving heavy vehicles; I think that they are running a scare tactic as a means of garnering support for another push at a reworked and reworded RSRT. Transport Workers Union national secretary Tony Sheldon describes truck driving as Australia's "deadliest profession". Mr Sheldon said 330 people were killed each year in truck crashes on Australian roads. However, it appears that Mr Sheldon's figures just don't add up.

According to the Fatal Heavy Vehicle Crashes Australia Quarterly Bulletin, in the 12 months ending March 2017, 217 people died from 196 fatal crashes involving heavy trucks or buses. 118 of these involved articulated trucks, 87 involved heavy rigid trucks and 25 involved buses.

So after removing the buses, we are left with 192 deaths - and whilst I

agree that even one death is too many; these 192 are a far cry from the 330 that Mr Sheldon quotes.

According to Fatal Heavy Vehicle Crashes Australia - Quarterly Bulletin, June 2017, the number of deaths involving articulated vehicles has actually dropped nearly 25% in the last 10 years. Heavy rigids and buses remaining around the same.

Back in the 'old days' I used to think

CURRENTLY, THE NUMBER OF DEATHS INVOLVING ARTICULATED VEHICLES HAS ACTUALLY DROPPED NEARLY 25% IN THE LAST 10 YEARS. that the TWU was there to support and assist Transport Workers. unfortunately, somewhere along the way, this seems to have got lost and I think they seem to be running their own agenda to keep themselves in business.

Blaming truck drivers and companies that employ them, by stating that these accidents are caused by too tight schedules and underpayment of rates is not giving

the full picture. For sure there are some companies out there not paying correct rates and for even more sure there are cowboy operators out there who keep slashing their rates to the point where they have to overload and run illegally just to break even. These are the same operators who run in plain unmarked trucks, that are held together with a prayer and two lengths of baling twine, usually at night and more often than not, overloaded and oversize. And yes - more often than not, these are the drivers who fall asleep at the wheel or who fail to take a corner when they are coked up to the eyeballs. However, these type of operators will still be around regardless of rates and delivery schedules because they are cowboys and every industry has them.

But this is far from the whole story.

There are many good, honest operators that are running legally - abiding by fatigue management and safe driving schedules and with mechanically sound trucks that still end up losing their lives on the road.

So let's look at some of the other reasons that a Transport Operator may come to grief on the roads: • Cumulative kilometres: Purely and simply due to the number of kilometres that an operator drives compared to Mr average car driver, a truck driver is

Toll finalises acquisition of Dampier Supply Base Image: MMA Offshore

T

oll has confirmed its commitment to the Dampier region with the finalisation of its purchase of the Dampier Supply Base.

The purchase of the Dampier Supply Base from MMA Offshore, valued at $44 million, was announced in February 2017 and has now achieved the required approvals from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and Foreign Investment Review Board.

Toll Managing Director, Michael Byrne said that the finalisation of the purchase marked a new era for supporting the operations of oil and gas and mining participants in the region.

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WATM | AUGUST 2017

“This purchase adds to Toll’s already world-class assets supporting the oil and gas sector,” Mr Byrne said.

“It becomes part of an integrated network that provides seamless freight capabilities from origin to destination, covering freight forwarding, customs clearance and domestic transportation, storage and operations support.”

The wharf has six operational berths and one roll on, roll off facility.

Its berths have the capacity to accommodate vessels up to 130 meters, providing flexibility for existing and new customers. The world-class wharf facilities and infrastructure of the Dampier Supply Base will service not only the oil and gas industry but also the wider resources sector.

“Having Toll’s national and international capabilities as part of the Dampier Supply Base offering will give customers an opportunity to expand their current operations and explore new opportunities in partnership with an integrated supply chain solution provider.” ■

ten times more likely to be involved in an accident than a car driver - for a long distance driver this can easily double.

• Poor road conditions: Many of our West Australian roads are in shocking condition - they are narrow, full of potholes, no shoulders or shoulders that drop off suddenly. These bone jarring lengths of bitumen are not backstreets - they are our National Highways and until the Government (both Federal and State) get serious and put some real money into them, then people will continue to lose their lives.

• Suicide by truck: Yes this is a very real issue but one that is not discussed.

As a victim of this ourselves we found that suicides are not reported by the media and so most people do not have any idea of the number of incidents involved. A car driver committed suicide by driving straight into the front of our truck in July 15 years ago -

whilst my husband thankfully survived, the police officer told us that it was the 52nd such instance THAT YEAR. These incidents are still recorded as deaths from truck crashes.

• Other vehicles: Many accidents involving trucks are causing purely and simply by car drivers ignorance about trucks. They have no idea of the lack of maneuverability, the braking distance and the size of trucks. I have written before about the need for more public education on sharing the roads with trucks and that it should form part of getting a drivers licence. It should also be compulsory education for those tourists who come from overseas and want to go 'outback'. Many of these have never seen trucks as big as ours and many accidents have been caused by their inexperience.

• Wildlife: Kangaroos, emus, goats and to a much bigger extent, cows who wander out (unexpectedly) onto the

road certainly factor reasonably highly in the 'accident cause' chart. Whilst we all know that you shouldn't swerve to avoid them, it is pure instinct when they appear but that swerve can often have fatal consequences. Whilst we can't ever have control of the 'true wildlife', I think that in any accident caused by a cow, the farmer or owner should be totally responsible. It is not the truck drivers fault that the cow is out on the road unsupervised yet at the moment, when these accidents occur, the truck driver has to wear the cost.

I am not by any means, attempting to make light of the very serious and sad loss of life on our roads. I know first-hand of the devastation and grief of losing a family member in a vehicle accident. What I am saying is that this is a very complex problem and that everyone needs to work together to solve it - with practical solutions not just as a way to push their own agenda. ■

The views, experiences and opinions of contributors to WATM magazine are their own and the Publisher does not approve, agree or disagree with and/or condone those opinions. The Publisher believes the information to be reliable, however has not independently verified or otherwise investigated all such information or claims and therefore cannot guarantee accuracy or completeness of contributors copy. The Publisher can’t be held legally responsible in any form what so ever for contributors copy. If you have a dispute or agree with anything you may read by contributors, you may contact that person directly or email karen@angrychicken.com.au or fax 08 9296 0388 and we will pass your information on to the contributor for you. The Publisher welcomes the right of reply on any subject and encourages readers to respond with their own opinions. If an error has been made, the Publisher upon proof, will publish your reply.

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www.trsrentals.com.au AUGUST 2017 | WATM

15

OVER TO YOU A fair go for owner drivers

FAILED DRUG TEST

D

rug use is often associated with long distance truck driving and although that may have been true in the past it is a proven fact that truck drivers do not use drugs any more than the general motoring public.

With the big push towards safety and the duty of care by transport companies and their customers, more than ever, truck drivers are subjected to closer scrutiny concerning drug taking.

It only takes a couple of positive results from a couple of cowboys in the industry to give everyone a bad name and the solution is to ensure they take a drug test every time they turn up to do a trip. Some companies also take it a step further and drug test drivers as they arrive at their destination. Most truck drivers do not seem to mind the inconvenience of all this testing as they see it helps keep the transport industry clean of the undesirable element.

This brings me to something that happened to a friend recently regarding drugs and testing procedures.

My friend who I will call Bob to protect his identity specialises in express freight and with his wife as his second driver - they run a very professional transport business.

Bob and his wife do not take drugs or drink alcohol and have built a solid reputation as reliable operators who can be called on at any time to do a trip

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WATM | AUGUST 2017

BOB MADE THE POINT OF TELLING THE DRUG TESTER THAT HE HAD A COLD AND HAD BEEN TAKING OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATION FOR IT at a moment’s notice.

Recently, Bob got a call to do a express job. He was hesitant about doing the trip as he was suffering the effects of the flu and had been taking hay fever tablets and cough mixture; but not wanting to let anyone down he downed some more cough mixture and presented ready for work.

At work both Bob and his wife had to do a drug test which they passed and so they loaded the truck and headed to their destination with the load.

During the trip, Bob still had a sore throat so he stopped at a roadhouse and bought some throat lozenges which he took periodically till he got to his destination. As was normal with this customer they had to do another drug test before they were allowed to unload - which they did. Bob made the

point of telling the drug tester that he had a cold and had been taking over the counter medication for it.

To everyone’s amazement Bob failed the drug test but his wife was ok. Everything then turned a bit ugly as Bob felt like he was treated by management of the company as though he was a criminal.

He was told that he was not to take any part of the unloading and he was not to drive the truck. After unloading, Bob's wife was then instructed to drive the truck from the yard and take Bob with her. Bob was very upset about failing the drug test and his subsequent treatment by the customer and was worried about what this would do to his reputation.

He then rang a drug testing establishment in the town where he was and they advised he would be able to go to them straight away and have an independent drug test. This test also came back as positive.

Bob was dumbfounded as he knew he was clean of drugs so he enquired further and was given a list by the clinic of cough tablets and mixtures that will cause the drug test to give a positive reading. So really through no fault of his own and by being a bit ignorant Bob's good driving record was tarnished after nearly forty years of being in the transport industry.

The outcome was Bob was stood down from being allowed to work for a week until he could provide a clean drug test.

If you think this would not happen to you then think again. Many years ago the same thing happened to me. I was in the transport yard where I worked, everyone on site that day had to do a random drug test. I also had been taking flu tablets which I told the drug tester. My test came back positive with a showing of opiates. My boss at the time, knew that I did not and would not take drugs so he asked me to present myself in a few days time for another test which came back negative much to everyone’s relief.

What can be learnt from this is that it is important to notify any drug tester if you are taking any medication and it is deplorable if you are treated like Bob was after his drug test came back as positive especially when there is an element of doubt. ■

Keep it safe, Ray Pratt.

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AUGUST 2017 | WATM

17

PROFILE - GRAHAM LUSTY TRAILERS

GRAHAM LUSTY TRAILERS (GLT) - Racing ahead of their competitors

W

hat makes Graham Lusty Trailers a cut above the rest? The answer appears simple: innovative design and meticulous attention to detail. The results are superb quality trailers – the Rolls Royce of the transport industry – whose low tare weights lead to greater profitability for the customer.

However, Graham himself says there is more to it than simply a great build.

“The secret to success,” he says, “is keeping our customers happy. We do whatever that takes, and will always stand behind trailers we have made”.

This is what has kept customers clamoring for trailers that bear Graham’s branding for more than 40 years and has led to this popular Australian brand to now having a dedicated sales show room, service and manufacturing facility

18

WATM | AUGUST 2017

in Western Australia.

The man behind the name is your iconic rugged Aussie, a car racing champion, aeroplane pilot, and plucky adventurer both on-road and off. His story is one that pays homage to the notion of ‘the lucky country’, where hard work, energy and determination are the seeds of success.

The Graham Lusty legend begins, like so many others, in Australia’s outback where Graham’s spirit of adventure and love of machinery was born. In his early teens, Graham’s father – a fitter and turner by trade – first taught Graham to weld, and when he finished school he took an apprenticeship with a farm machinery specialist which he became the Workshop Foreman of at only 19 years of age.

"It was not my first career choice,"

says Graham. “I wanted to join the Air Force, but my parents didn’t want me to after living through World War II,” he remembered. Despite the disappointment, Graham found he had a natural talent for engineering and "I decided that if I could run someone else’s workshop, I could run my own.”

This led to the establishment of a successful farm machinery business with his father which operated until his father retired in 1978. Graham then formed G & J Lusty with his wife Joy. In 1971, aged 29, Graham built his first tipper - based on a German designed tipper he had been impressed by. The tipper business took off slowly at first, then the company moved to Swan Hill and built a large shed with cranes to assist in production where they were able to manufacture more

tippers and specialise in tip-over-axle design. By 1985, G & J Lusty was producing trailers only, and growing at a rapid rate.

Looking to expand, Graham discovered that Alison Low Loaders was for sale and Lusty Alison, was born. While G & J Lusty continued to employ 75 staff, Lusty Alison had a staff of 45 people, making two low loaders per week.

However, in the early 1990s, Keating’s “recession that Australia had to have” hit. And it hit the Lusty companies – and indeed the entire transport industry – hard. This was a very difficult time for him, and it still pains Graham when he remembers losing the business.

The company offers customers more than 100 years of experience in the aluminium trailer industry, and their range includes tippers, side tippers, race car transporters, tankers, PBS truck and dogs, bottom dumps, belly tankers, flat tops, dollies and walking floors.

Those who are not familiar with Graham Lusty from the transport industry may recognise his name from professional car racing. A selfprofessed adrenalin junkie, Graham started racing in speedway and off-road rallies when he was 22 then switched to circuit racing in 1979.

Although aged 74, Graham has no intention of retiring from his racing career any time soon. “I race to enjoy myself now, but I’m still very

L-r: James Yerbury – Managing Director of Graham Lusty Trailers, Roland Dane – Managing Director of Triple Eight Race Engineering (Australia) and Graham Lusty – CEO of Graham Lusty Trailers

Graham's love of building trailers could not be held at bay for long. He subcontracted to EMS, a global player in equipment and machinery sales to build tippers. EMS’s management saw the potential of Graham’s tippers so together they formed Lusty EMS which they sold to Maxitrans in 2004; who still sell trailers under the Lusty EMS brand name today.

In 2005 Graham retired, however his great energy and love of a challenge, did not take well to that phase of his life. Within five years, he was thoroughly sick of the quiet life, so it was not too difficult for former colleagues to coax the now 67 year old to return to his former profession.

In 2009 Graham established Graham Lusty Trailers (GLT), together with Roger Hill, a qualified boiler maker.

WE ARE OFFERING OUR ENTIRE RANGE OF LOW TARE TRAILERS TO THE WA MARKET AND ARE ALSO DEVELOPING WA SPECIFIC UNITS competitive; I want to go out and win every race I’m in,” he said. “I’ll give it up when I feel I’m not competitive, and I certainly don’t feel like that now”.

His childhood dream to become a pilot in the Air Force was never forgotten and he earned his pilot's licence in 1975. Graham stopped flying about 12 years ago “because I had no real reason to. However, with GLT

facilities in Brisbane, Melbourne and now WA - the idea of flying again is becoming more tempting".

As Graham looks to reduce work hours, James Yerbury has been groomed to take over the operation.

James is the perfect fit for GLT having worked 'hands on' in all facets of trailer manufacture with Graham since 2003. His next transition was to the office where he took on drafting entirely for the Walking Floor production line, improving the design, working with the steel manufacturing team and improving the setbacks they had.

"By this time Graham had left the company, and Maxitrans had ownership but when Graham started GLT in 2009, I moved across into his new venture and starting in drafting. As this was a new small business, we took on many roles. I handled Sales and Customer Support, from there I continued to work with Graham and became his right hand man. By 2013 Graham entrusted me with the Managing Director role for the company and today I run the day to day operations," says James proudly.

"Since becoming Managing Director, we have doubled the size of the business, doubled production and are manufacturing in three states. My goal is to continue Graham's legacy of his high standard of customer support and craftsmanship," says James.

Graham and James acknowledge that having a capable and reliable workforce cannot be underestimated.

"Utilising employees' abilities is an integral part of the business and contributes to our overall success," says James.

"Equally as important are our suppliers who contribute to the performance and serviceability of GLT products. Our key suppliers for suspension and axle modules are Hendrickson, K-Hitch and BPW. "Customers develop close relationships with GLT through the way they are looked after by Graham and the GLT team and this has led to high levels of customer loyalty.

Communication channels are always open 24/7 allowing issues to be resolved quickly," says James.

"Each year, R&D expenditure exceeds $1 million dollars which helps GLT to stay ahead of our competitors, says Graham.

“We have been going through AUGUST 2017 | WATM

19

PROFILE - GRAHAM LUSTY TRAILERS

unprecedented growth since June last year; sales are at an all-time high.

Current success is brought about by endlessly adapting our trailers to a changing industry and listening to our customers. Customers rely on us to produce safe, innovative, low tare trailers and we do this very well, ” finishes Graham.

GLT IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA "GLT trailers have been embraced by customers in WA so the decision to expand operations to this state to support those customers and establish new relationships was logical," says GLT Business Development Manager WA - Brian Smith.

"Transport operators, whether they are from Eastern or Western states, all look for local support when they invest in trailers and WA businesses prefer to work with local suppliers to reduce downtime and enable easy access to sales, service and repairs. The 2016 venture into WA is a commitment to the sector and will greatly benefit local suppliers and end user operators.

THIS NEW MANUFACTURING, REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE PARTNERSHIP WITHIN WA HAS BEEN WELL RECEIVED BY EXISTING CUSTOMERS SUCH AS MGM BULK

20

WATM | AUGUST 2017

"We are offering our entire range of low tare trailers to the WA market and are also developing WA specific units.

These ‘WA spec’ units are in response to local customer feedback and field testing. Tare weights, body materials and pricing will reflect what local customers are wanting,” says Brian.

"To service the WA market, a partnership was formed between GLT, Regal Engineering and Line Boring Pty Ltd (Regal). This WA based company operates out of Perth, Kalgoorlie and Port Hedland. GLT’s WA headquarters is based out of Regals' Perth facility at Yangebup where the facility acts as a sales show room, service and manufacturing facility.

"Regal are the perfect fit for GLT as they have extensive industry experience in providing general fabrication, heavy equipment repair, service and maintenance within the mining and transport sectors. They have the servicing footprint GLT needs to maintain the high standard of after sales support," says Brian.

This new manufacturing, repairs

and maintenance partnership within WA has been well received by existing customers such as MGM Bulk.

MGM Bulk and the 'Giacci' name are synonymous within the WA transport and logistics sector in WA. Over the past two years, MGM Bulk have purchased over 30 units from GLT ranging from pocket road train end tippers to side tippers.

“We are very pleased to be associated with Graham Lusty Trailers – their attention to detail and workmanship is second to none. They customise our trailers to suit our needs and are a very good company to deal with," says MGM Bulk Pty Ltd Director - Mario Giacci.

ALLISON HD Recently, GLT launched a new brand of drop deck-deck wideners and low loaders – Allison HD. The initial range of trailers will focus on 3x4 and 4x4 deck wideners. Suspension widening and rows of eight will be available soon and Spec trailers will be held in stock at Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth.

The name Allison is legendary in the trailer market. The Lusty Allison brand dominated the Australian market before the recession in the 90’s. Allison HD is a subsidiary of GLT and has already delivered a handful to trailers to interstate customers.

"Trailers come equipped with either spring or air bag suspension from K-Hitch, BPW and Hendrickson.

Decks widen out to an impressive four meters and a through beam design is used to increase strength and reduce tare weight. The tie down points are a 'clever design' and are load rated to six tonnes each. The points swing clear of the coaming, reducing the chances of scratching up your paint work, says James.

“The Allison HD trailer range will allow a broader range of customers to experience how GLT operates and their customer service culture. The GLT Regal facility will have our latest 3x4 on display - ready for immediate pick up and we have a large range of options available to customise your new Allison HD low loader," finishes James.

Graham Lusty on the track.

THE RED BULL HOLDEN RACING TEAM'S SPACESHIP HAS LANDED

G

LT is recognised for its innovation through various projects such as the Triple Eight Race Engineering – Red Bull Holden Racing Team’s B-Double transporter. Projects such as this highlight the exceptional engineering skills GLT has in its team members. The functionality of these trailers include iPad controlled roof pops, engine lifts, fold up stair cases, glass sliding door, side lift and tailgate – to see the video for all the trailer functions visit GLT’s FaceBook page: Graham Lusty Trailers.

“A race team lives and breathes in

a transporter,” said Red Bull Team Manager Mark Dutton.

“It is critical that everything arrives in the condition it needs to be in, everything is bespoke. The transporter is also the race team’s home away from home and, even though we don’t sleep in them, we live our lives in those trucks every race weekend.

“We chose GLT because we wanted an Australian company that was willing to go above and beyond,” said Managing Director of Triple Eight Race Engineering Roland Dane. “We had seen the work they had done recently on other trailers, and we liked their construction methodology, especially the use of aluminum to try and make the trailer lighter, and the quality looked very good.” ■

T: 1300 731 442

grahamlustytrailers.com.au AUGUST 2017 | WATM

21

OVER TO YOU - WARTA By Cam Dumesny WARTA FREIGHT AND LOGISTICS DIVISION

Things are Tough – and It May Take Some Tough Decisions

T

he decline in the WA transport industry continues, with rates falling as much as 30% in many sectors of transport. The fall of 30% is not from a highly profitable base.

Whilst there are a number of factors at play, the big one is that the transport industry is so disorganised. It is a soft touch.

WARTA joined with Road Freight NSW to fight the charges.

Yes we will put up a heroic fight, but you know it is most likely we will lose.

We will lose for the simple reason that as an industry we disunited and disorganised.

The stevedores along with other more powerful operators in the supply

chain know that.

They can impose such charges because they know that inevitably some transport operator will accept them and that is the end of the fight.

Or if we agreed to pass the charges on to customers inevitably some transport operator will not pass them on but absorb them and so in a very

We are a soft touch industry Over East, the stevedores recently imposed a $30 plus charge on every container. Why? Because the privatised ports had jacked up their rents.

Apparently the stevedores asked the shipping companies to pay more and were ignored.

So it then became, "Well we just impose a charge on the transport operators". And they did.

Despite a bit of noise basically it looks like Brisbane and Melbourne just rolled over and accepted it. Our NSW counterparts decided to fight it, and when the charge was announced here 22

WATM | AUGUST 2017

Ending the Freight Rate Carnage Another WA transport company of over 30 years standing announced it was closing its doors last month. This adds to a growing list of well run professional companies who are being forced to close or shed staff. The growing 'uberisation' of freight is one factor at play amongst others.

There 'are' actions the industry can take, but they must be taken 'now' before it's too late. Otherwise, many small to mid size fleet owners could see the decades of hard work in building their companies value simply wiped out; as has happened in the taxi industry.

WARTA is organising a meeting of industry leaders to put forward a plan to address this issue and others. If you are also interested and want to attend, email cam@warta.com.au

short time that becomes the 'new standard'.

So we may make a lot of noise, but without doubt, because we are so disunited and disorganised, we will end up wearing the costs.

And it is not just the stevedores that know it; what about the online freight brokers?

In WA, online freight brokers are reported to be one of the factors that have driven down freight rates as much as 30%.

Everyone I speak to about it is up in arms about some of these sites that effectively seem to place 'zero value' on transport operator compliance. But does it really matter -as there is always going to be desperate operators prepared to bid low in order to get cash to pay wages, fuel or the mortgage this month.

The problem is that this then trains the customer to expect such low rates.

“Watch TV and there always seems to be a store advertising 50 or 70% off rugs - so why would you pay full price?”

We have been trained to think as customers not to pay full price for rugs, because there is always someone advertising a massive sale.

Yes the industry has always been bad at under-cutting with back load rates etc, but you had to know who to talk too.

But in the digital age websites enable people to connect to transport operators and worse still spread the word on social media.

• And while you are at it, would you encourage your kids to join the transport industry?

Finally on another Matter – Fatigue Fines Fatigue is a serious safety issue and we at WARTA are strongly support measures to improve driver safety. ■

WARTA Transfers Training to TCE

F

ollowing a highly successful six month pilot with Training Course Experts, WARTA has decided to formally transfer its training division effective from 30 Jun 17 to TCE. "As the peak industry body, our commitment to training is to ensure the highest professional standards are maintained in the industry," says Cam Dumnesy.

"The trial has proven that WARTA can ensure these standards are maintained through its arrangements with TCE. This arrangement allows WARTA to focus on its core business of advocacy and representation of the transport and logistics industry in WA. "There are no changes to training schedules and off-site training services however the more central TCE location in Northbridge plus free parking is a real advantage to members," finishes Cam. ■

What are we going to do about it?

The chances of a new mining boom next starting next week are not good.

So we are stuck with the current market conditions of declining rates and being the 'soft touch' for anyone that wants to put a new cost on the industry.

• How would you fix the industry – what tough decisions do you think have to be made?

Award Rate Changes Effective 1 July 2017

T

hese new rates and allowances apply from the first pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2017.

If you would like a copy of the new rates please email cam@warta.com.au • ROAD TRANSPORT (LONG DISTANCE OPERATIONS) AWARD 2010 - This is the new modern award applicable to employers in the long distance sector (as defined) of the transport industry.

• ROAD TRANSPORT & DISTRIBUTION AWARD 2010 - This award applies to employers engaged in the Road Transport and Distribution Industry as defined in Clause 3 of the Award and operates in all states and territories of Australia from 1 January 2010.

• CLERKS - PRIVATE SECTOR AWARD 2010 - This is the modern award applicable to employers employing clerical employees in the transport industry. ■

W

“Private training options available.”

► Load Restraint

A

R T A

► Dangerous Goods Driver Licence

► Heavy Vehicle Pilot ► Dangerous Goods Warehousing ► Fatigue Management ► OH&S

For all training enquiries: Phone: (08) 9355 3022 Email: training@warta.com.au www.warta.com.au

Western Australian Road Transport Association | RTO 0298

AUGUST 2017 | WATM

23

FOCUS DANGEROUS GOODS

By Stephen Lane, Senior Dangerous Goods Officer

SWITCHED ON, TIED DOWN and ROLLING ALONG The triad of support

D

angerous goods (DG) regulators specify the minimum standards for packaging, consignment practices and road tankers through the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail (ADG 7.4).

However, transport operators should be cognisant that safe systems of transport are heavily influenced by driver alertness, effective load restraint and tyre performance.

In this article, Stephen Lane interviews three industry practitioners with expertise in these areas.

• Dr Nick Mabbott, principal fatigue specialist, Beyond Midnight Consulting, about strategies to promote alert driving practices • Paul Dore, load restraint engineer, Engistics, to discuss the inherent risks and controls for securing loads • Adam Gosling, principal consultant, TyreSafe Australia, regarding the benefits of tyre monitoring.

24

WATM | AUGUST 2017

SWITCHED ON (Dr Nick Mabbott) How can companies build a system and culture that promotes driver alertness?

• Fatigue risk-assess all schedules and operations. I recommend using the Western Australian Working Hours* and Fatigue Management for Commercial Vehicle Drivers codes of practice to get a better overall view of the risk involved in shift work, night work, demands of work tasks, information and training, and individual and lifestyle factors.

Better still, get a fatigue expert involved and workshop the risks that may not normally be identified.

• Provide fatigue management training to ensure all personnel are aware of how circadian rhythm influences sleep quality and quantity.

This can then be factored into schedules so that drivers can better manage sleep, sleep debt and how to discharge sleep debt.

• Promote discussions between drivers and schedulers so that the complexities of some drives and the tasks performed, not only on the road, but at client depots and facilities, are better understood.

• Provide a “just culture” of fatigue reporting and applying fatigue countermeasures, so that drivers are not penalised for doing the right thing for themselves, the company and other road users.

• Provide information on mental health and have an employee assistance program provider to assist with mental health, sleep or family issues. Raise awareness of the common issues that impact on sleep at home and the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders.

What practical steps can be taken to minimise the risk from driver fatigue?

Good fatigue management training should help (drivers) to better understand and plan their sleep to

allow for changes in circadian rhythms.

Have the roster displayed at home and discuss with family the best way to manage sleep leading up to each scheduled drive.

Many drivers will stop at roadhouses to eat. If more time is built into schedules, drivers may be encouraged to wait for a good meal to be prepared, rather than opt for fast foods that are often high in fats and high-GI carbohydrates.

The feeling of sleepiness indicates a need for sleep. If a driver feels sleepy, it usually ends up in a micro-sleep or periods of mindlessness, indicating the onset of stage one sleep. Take 20-minute naps, if needed, in the passenger seat or bunk.

What does a pro-active long-haul transport scheduler need to take into account?

Ensure that the WA Code of Practice for Commercial Vehicle Drivers and other legislative requirements are being met.

All new schedules should be riskassessed for fatigue and feedback should be sought on all routes and schedules.

Know your drivers! If you know your drivers well enough, you are in a good position to better manage their driving – you will know when they are a bit tired or not in the right headspace to drive long distance.

TIED DOWN (Paul Dore) What are the challenges presented for load restraint of packaged DG? It’s easy to be complacent about load restraint – the high g-forces of heavy braking and accidents don’t happen every day. However, proper load restraint, compliant to the performance standard, is what will save lives in those emergency situations.

For DG, the consequences of a load restraint failure can be devastating.

Imagine bags of ammonium nitrate (AN) ending up on the road in a crash situation where diesel is also likely to be a by-product of the accident.

This scenario could result in multiple fatalities and severe damage to public infrastructure.

How can a transport company ensure their load restraint practices are effective and that principles are applied rigorously?

The National Transport Commission (NTC) Load Restraint Guide provides general guidance and methods for restraining loads. To ensure a load has sufficient restraint to satisfy the performance standard, a transport company and their consignors could: • undertake driver training to assist truck drivers in understanding the Load Restraint Guide and its tables • develop company procedures, which meet the NTC guidelines efficiently • use an engineer certified load restraint system to verify the suitability of the method for the load type; this may include calculations or full scale testing.

TRANSPORT OPERATORS SHOULD BE COGNISANT THAT SAFE SYSTEMS OF TRANSPORT ARE HEAVILY INFLUENCED

BY DRIVER ALERTNESS, EFFECTIVE LOAD RESTRAINT AND TYRE PERFORMANCE

What are your “Top Five” load restraint risks for operators?

• Confusion about what constitutes high friction – steel-on-steel and plastic-to-steel is obviously low friction and high risk. However, in mitigating the risk with rubber matting, not all rubbers are high friction, and operators need to be cognisant of the range of effective friction coefficients.

• Packaging – it is difficult to effectively restrain a load if the packaging is inadequate. Is stretch wrap going to hold 44-gallon drums to a pallet if it’s the only packaging?

Another concern for packaging is inter-layer friction. A stack of bags may have great friction at the base level sitting on a timber pallet, but if the inter-layer friction between bags is low, then loads can slide higher up in the stack.

• Limitations of a pipe gate for forward blocking – a 24 tonne load that is ‘blocked’ forwards and tied down for sideways and rearwards forces means that the pipe gate

must carry 7 tonnes.

• Relying on gates that are in poor condition to provide sideways blocking and containment.

• Complacency – thinking “she’ll be right”, “it won’t happen to me”.

ROLLING ALONG (Adam Gosling) What are the major transport hazards of running under-inflated or overinflated tyres?

Tyres are the foundation of the vehicle.

The prime function of a tyre is to contain the inflation. It is the air that supports the load; a flat tyre supports zero load. Tyres down in pressure on one side of an axle are a rollover waiting to happen. If the inflation pressures are not appropriate for the load and speed then the handling of the vehicle will be compromised. A steer tyre failure is a truck driver’s worst nightmare.

As a tyre engineer of decades I can see that a tyre is 20% down on pressure; the hazard starts when the tyre is under the recommended operating pressure, not at the 20%-under mark.

Can you explain the philosophy and benefit of in-transit tyre monitoring?

Tyres are, next to fuel, the largest cost for many transport operations. Tyres blow because we don’t know how they are performing when they’re in operation. Using real-time monitoring we can nip the issue in the bud before it becomes a problem, be it a tyre down, or a brake binding, or a wheel bearing generating more heat than it should. Tyres are the foundation of the road transport system, if the tyres are not in “spec”, the vehicle will not perform as the designer intended.

With a real-time system, tyres can be monitored from the driver’s seat, the same way engine temperatures, oil pressures, and even the temperature of the dangerous goods on the second trailer, can be.

The most valuable commodity a transport company owns is its reputation. The benefits of tyre management through monitoring are manifold. Find the right pressures for your tyres and operations and maintain these pressures vigilantly. ■ * www.dmp.wa.gov.au/Documents /Safety/MSH_ COPWorkingHours RiskManagementGuideline.pdf AUGUST 2017 | WATM

25

NEWS

I

Improved investigation and enforcement powers for police

nterstate transporters be aware that Police and other authorised officers will have improved powers to investigate breaches of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and, where appropriate, impose sanctions, under policy changes agreed by Australia’s transport ministers.

Chief executive of the National Transport Commission Paul Retter said improved investigative and enforcement powers would help to make Australia’s roads safer for everyone.

“The overwhelming majority of Australia’s transport industry complies with the law and works hard to keep everyone safe,” Mr Retter said.

“However we know there are a small number of people, whether they be operators, drivers or other parties in the chain of responsibility, who try to cheat the system. These changes to the HVNL will help the authorities crack down on illegal practices that put people’s safety at risk – not just people who work in the transport industry but anyone who uses the road.

“Where possible these policy changes have been designed to make the rules easier to comply with by more closely aligning them to existing workplace safety regulations.”

Mr Retter said the changes would help authorities investigate individual crashes and address the systemic causes of crashes. Designated authorised officers will be able to issue prohibition notices to address an immediate safety risk. In order to address systemic maintenance issues they will also be able to require that a whole fleet or class of vehicles be inspected if the authorities have a reasonable belief that they are defective. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator will also be given the power to publish the outcomes of successful prosecutions, giving the public and industry tangible evidence about the effectiveness of our chain of responsibility laws and providing important lessons for industry on safety. Courts will also have powers to issue injunctions to address ongoing safety risks. ■

PROJECT SAVINGS ALLOCATED TO BINDOON BYPASS

T

he State Government has secured $20 million of funding to start preparatory work on the proposed Bindoon Bypass.

The bypass will create a safer town centre for Bindoon, which is currently divided by the increasingly busy Great Northern Highway freight route.

It will also eventually provide a more reliable and consistent route for heavy vehicles travelling between Bullsbrook and Wubin.

Using $20 million saved from other joint State-Federal Government projects, the McGowan Government will now proceed with the planning and preliminary design process for the endorsed bypass corridor, seek approvals and protect the route through land acquisition.

This will ensure that the Bindoon Bypass is ready to be built as soon as funding for construction becomes available. It will also provide greater certainty for landowners and the wider Bindoon community.

The Bindoon Bypass corridor

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WATM | AUGUST 2017

was endorsed in January 2017 following a comprehensive consultation and assessment process led by Main Roads Western Australia.

It will provide 48 kilometres of new highway between Chittering Roadhouse and Calingiri West Road.

WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti says, "The Bindoon Bypass route is a flatter, more consistent route that will

THE BINDOON BYPASS ROUTE IS A FLATTER, MORE CONSISTENT ROUTE THAT WILL CONTRIBUTE TO GREATER FUEL EFFICIENCY, REDUCE EMISSIONS AND IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY BY REDUCING DANGEROUS OVERTAKING MANOEUVRES

contribute to greater fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and improve road safety by reducing dangerous overtaking manoeuvres.

"It will improve road network reliability, safety and amenity for the local community by reducing the number of heavy vehicle movements through the growing town of Bindoon.

"It will also provide the final link in upgrading the Great Northern Highway to the same standard between Wubin and the planned road train assembly area at Muchea.

"At the moment, these freight vehicles are required to terminate their journey at Wubin and break down into smaller units to continue their journey southwards.

"The project team has started further consultation with landowners and other stakeholders to refine the alignment and minimise the potential property impacts. A series of environmental, heritage and geotechnical surveys will also be completed." ■

NEWS

Employers with at-work drivers invited to take part in annual fleet safety survey

B

rake, the road safety charity, is inviting all organisations who employ or contract at-work drivers to take part in its annual fleet safety survey.

The survey, conducted by Brake Professional with the support of Licence Bureau, will focus on organisations’ policies and procedures for managing driver distraction caused by mobile phones and other technology in the fleet.

Distracted driving is a serious issue on our roads. In 2015, it was a factor in over 1,000 crashes, resulting in 31 deaths and 191 serious injuries [1].

Taking part in the fleet safety survey is free and anonymous, and

THE SURVEY WILL FOCUS ON ORGANISATIONS’ POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR MANAGING DRIVER DISTRACTION CAUSED BY MOBILE PHONES AND OTHER TECHNOLOGY IN THE FLEET provides organisations with an opportunity to benchmark themselves against industry safety standards. It’s

an ideal opportunity for organisations to identify ways to improve their occupational road risk management and take action to reduce the number of collisions on our roads involving atwork drivers.

All organisations who take part will receive a free copy of the survey report and results. Brake’s 2016 survey was completed by more than 200 organisations operating fleets of various sizes and types, and with responsibility for thousands of drivers and vehicles.

To complete the fleet safety survey online visit www.surveymonkey. co.uk/r/655XRMH. The online survey takes just 15 minutes to complete, and will close on Friday 18 August 2017.

Mike Reed, marketing director at Licence Bureau, says: “It is important for responsible employers to ensure that staff driving for work are fully aware of the dangers of distracted driving. I welcome this survey as it will help to make any efforts to manage distracted driving easier and more efficient – which will benefit businesses and safety.” ■

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NEWS

NTC TO CONTINUE WORK TO ADDRESS TRANSFORMATIONAL CHANGE IN AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT Foundation paper

Land Transport Regulation 2040 Technology, trends and other factors of change

T

he National Transport Commission (NTC) has released Foundation paper designed a new work program October 2016 to enable next-generation mobility through more responsive regulation.

Chief Executive of the NTC Paul Retter said next-generation mobility options, such as automated vehicles, ride-sharing and other ‘on demand’ transport services would be facilitated by increased access to digital information. These changes are likely to transform Australia’s transport sector over the next two decades.

He said the work program would help to deliver on a request from Australia’s transport ministers to identify and remove regulatory barriers that may prevent or delay the deployment of more innovative

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WATM | AUGUST 2017

THESE CHANGES ARE LIKELY TO TRANSFORM AUSTRALIA’S TRANSPORT SECTOR OVER THE NEXT TWO DECADES transport products and services in the future.

“Our new work program includes a number of new projects aimed at ensuring Australia’s transport laws can support the safe commercial deployment of more innovative

transport solutions, such as automated vehicles,” Mr Retter said.

The NTC also released a strategic analysis report called Land Transport Regulation 2040 which identified a number of plausible future scenarios Australia could face over the course of the next two decades.

“We have been meeting with stakeholders across Australia to find out how we could or should regulate transport in the medium and longer term future,” Mr Retter said.

“For example, Australia could choose to adopt less prescriptive road transport laws, like those that apply to national rail safety to further encourage innovation in our road transport sector.

“For sensible reasons Australia’s road transport laws were drafted in a prescriptive way.

“But we need to think about whether this is the right approach for the future. Prescriptive laws can take time to update as every new transport product and every new technology is rolled out. Given the likelihood of significant changes in technology, market structures and consumer demand for transport services over the next two decades, we need to make our road transport laws more resilient and more responsive.”

The NTC’s work program contains two further proposals to help deal with this key finding: one to look at ways to remove barriers in our road rules and vehicle standards rules to more innovative vehicles, and one to develop more technology-neutral road rules for driver distraction.

“We have a track record of partnering with states and territories, local governments and the Australian Government to design nationally consistent reforms to our laws.

In doing so we need to balance managing safety risk with encouraging innovation.”

The NTC’s new work program and the Land Transport Regulation 2040 Report are available at www.ntc.gov.au

NEWS

INTELLIGENT ACCESS PROGRAM (IAP) PASSES MAJOR MILESTONE

T

ransport Certification Australia (TCA), the national government body responsible for providing assurance in the use of telematics and related intelligent technologies, has reported that there are now over 4,000 individual vehicles participating in the IAP, electronically monitored for over 8,200 access conditions which may consist of location, time and/or speed requirements.

The IAP is a nationally agreed, technical and regulatory approach to the management of heavy vehicles utilising certified telematics, and forms part of the National Telematics Framework.

The IAP enables road managers and regulators, though the use of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) monitoring, to grant access to heavy vehicle configurations and/or loads, which improve productivity and safety.

Work Commission has handed down the 2017 Annual Wage Review Decision

T

he federal minimum wage and all Award based pay scales will increase by 3.3%. This equates to an increase of $22.20 per week to $694.90 for employees on the national minimum wage.

In hourly rate terms, the increase is $0.59 cents per hour for permanent employees to $18.29.

Graham Lilleyman, Director of Employment Services and Solutions Australia says, "The 3.3% increase must also be applied to each wage classification in each Award and as such, the amount of the increase will be higher than the minimum increase as the Award classification rate of pay increases. The increase in wages will flow on to employees that are less than 21 years of age proportionally depending on the junior worker provisions that are relevant to those employees.

Safety Alert: Possible dangers relating to trailer brake interlock safety systems

T

he ATA has released a safety alert on possible dangers relating to trailer brake interlock safety systems.

This safety alert was developed by the Industry Technical Council, a committee within the ATA, to assist trucking operators, workshop personnel and all other relevant parties of the possible danger.

The issue is that some brake interlock systems designed to prevent the vehicle moving during loading/ unloading may have the potential to apply the emergency brakes when the vehicle is moving at speed.

The emergency brake circuit of a commercial vehicle does not include any Anti-lock Braking System or other control system functionality, which could result in wheel locking, creating a dangerous situation.

This problem may arise if an element in the interlock system comes loose or fails when the vehicle is in motion.

The safety alert details the issue and discusses possible solutions. To read the safety alert visit: www.truck. net.au/resource-library/safety-alerttrailer-brake-interlock-safety-systems

AUGUST 2017 | WATM

29

OVER TO YOU Â

AZELIA LEY DAY OUT H

CVC members and friends met up for the annual Azelia Ley day at Manning Park recently where there was a good line up of trucks, cars, tractors, stationary engines and lawnmowers.

Azelia Ley Homestead is a very interesting venue to visit and they have a Wagon House Museum that houses tractors, machinery, tools and memorabilia from the areas past.

The homestead itself has been furnished with historical items from when it was first built in 1923 and all the buildings overlook Manning Lake and are surrounded by beautiful gardens. A top spot to visit for everyone in the state.

The Sain family brought some of their Fiat tractors and Studebaker cars in from their collections

(above left) Mel Taylor's Mack with Giulio's Ford ute and Allis Chalmer's tractor (above) The Holdens (left) HCVC members vehicles and guest motorbikes lined up.

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WATM | AUGUST 2017

Rod and Pauline Boyd’s Fiat and Kevin Lockyer’s International

A good selection of lawnmowers and stationary engines

Inside the Wagon House Museum

Herb Van Dongen's HUMBER UTE

W

hilst the HCVC was at Azelia Ley, we had the opportunity to look at Herb Van Dongen's one-ton Humber ute. What a great bit of gear; built to British Army standards and it can go virtually anywhere.

The Humbers were developed by the Roots Group from 1947-1950 and there was 3700 manufactured from 19501953. Herb's Humber is from the end of production and is numbered 3242.

A few made it to Western Australia and Herb found this one near Mt Barker. He restored the Humber in 1996 and he has taken it to many events where it always draws a crowd. It has a matching trailer and is all painted red to make it go faster.

SPECIFICATIONS Engine: 4.2 litre Rolls-Royce B 60, six-cylinder, waterproofed and tropicalised petrol producing 98 HP at 3750 RPM

Herb Van Dongen and his Humber FV 1600

Gearbox: Five-speed forward and one reverse, top speed 55MPH (88km/hr) Fuel Consumption: 10MPG range approximately 350 miles from its 35 gallon tank on a good day Electrical: 24 volt fully screened to prevent radio interference and waterproofed for fording Fording: Unprepared depth 2’ 6” Fully prepared 6’ 6” when fitted with a snorkel and a game driver Weight: Unladen and dry 8420 lbs (3819 kg) Loaded 11477 lbs (5206 kg)

Chev Bel Air

Suspension: Fully independent torsion bars, separately adjustable Cab: Insulation-filled double-steel skin for tropical and arctic conditions AUGUST 2017 | WATM

31

HISTORY

The History of the West Australian Road Transport Industry

1946

By Russell McKinnon

State Library -Aerial view over the Golden Mile, Kalgoorlie 1946

F

rom The West Australian of October 23: “FEDERATION CONFERENCE. Mr Marshall's Views. The annual conference of the Australian Road Transport Federation, which is representative of owners of goods and passenger-carrying vehicles throughout the Commonwealth, began yesterday in Steamship Building, St George's Terrace. It is being attended by more than 30 visitors from the Eastern States, in addition to West Australian delegates and officials.

The gathering was officially opened yesterday morning by the Minister for Transport (Mr W M Marshall), who envisaged possible developments in the various modes of transport and stressed the necessity for each to be so fashioned that it could render the most efficient service in its own economic sphere. ‘In Western Australia

32

WATM | AUGUST 2017

transport, particularly road transport, must ultimately play a most important part,’ said Mr Marshall. ‘However, we must not be unmindful of the many acute and speedy changes that are developing almost from day to day, and it would be unwise, I feel, for this organisation to become particularly wedded to one mode of transport without giving full recognition to the possibility of a challenge by some other mode. I find the problem most acute and I am called upon to be most watchful of what I set down as a Government policy in regard to transport. There was the time when railway transport stood supreme in the records of transportation, and until very recently none of us considered that it would be possible to challenge its right of supremacy as the transport medium. Though we may attribute the

speedy change in recognition of this fact probably to war, it is nevertheless here, and just as the railway mode of transport reached its zenith so it may be practicable and quite possible that road transport will reach its zenith and pass away as being the paramount factor in transportation.

No one could say today exactly what developments would be made in transport if scientists and engineers were permitted to have their way for the next few years’, Mr Marshall said.

Having referred to air transport, he said that the federation should not fail to recognise the capacity and possibilities of transport by water. He visualised in the near future very fast and upto-date ships operating around the Australian coast in competition with road transport, and no matter how economically railway transport and road transport were operated, it would be most difficult for them to compete successfully against ships, which had a much greater tonnage and carrying capacity. Legislation Pending. ‘Since I have been Minister for Transport those matters have been agitating my mind most intensely,’ Mr Marshall continued.

‘I do not believe that railways, shipping, or road transport is the only possible mode of transportation. There is legislation pending in this State, and it should not be too long before it is introduced, which will provide for control to the extent that it will be the desire and the intention to fashion each mode of transport into that particular section of economy where it can best and most efficlently render the service that the people require, irrespective of whether it is rail, road, sea or air. I think that all those modes of transport have a responsibility both State and interstate to fulfil, but we cannot carry on with the wasteful and uneconomic methods which are

applying today and each mode can be fashioned into its own economic sphere where it can render the efficient service that the people want and practically demand and are entitled to get. Viewing it from that angle, I feel that there is a place in the economy of Australia for which every mode of transport is by its very construction most suitable and into which it can be fitted, to the welfare of the people as a whole and to the advantage of those who own and control the means of transport.’ Moving a vote of thanks to the Minister, Mr L R MacKenzie, a vice-president of the federation, said that in the making of transport laws and regulations, the organisation would welcome the opportunity to place its assistance and experience at the disposal of Mr Marshall at any time it might be called upon to do so.

Responding, Mr Marshall said that he would closely watch the deliberations and decisions of the conference.

Officers of the Government who were attending the conference would no doubt be watching for educational points. The Acting-Director of the Commonwealth Department of Road Transport (Mr A Deacon) said that from the Commonwealth point of view there was a lot of meat in what Mr Marshall had said. The Commonwealth had set up the Australian Transport Advisory Council, comprising various State Ministers for Transport, to try to ascertain where the respective transport media started and finished.

From that stage the conference was closed to the Press. Social functions and visits to places of interest have been arranged for those attending the conference. At noon the delegates were tendered a civic reception in the Lord Mayor's parlour. The Lord Mayor (Mr J Totterdell) welcomed them on behalf of the City of Perth and expressed the hope that their deliberations would be fruitful an beneficial, and he was supported by Cr F D Book, Mr E H Gray, Honorary Minister, deputising for the Minister for Transport (Mr Marshall) who was attending another conference, welcomed the delegates on behalf of the State Government. ‘We have all been around your city and admire it immensely,’ said the president of the federation (Mr W H Dring) in response.

‘We have representatives here who left Tasmania last night at 6 o'clock

and they are at our conference this morning. I am sure our deliberations this week will be beneficial, as all members from all States are here to do a job for the Commonwealth and not for their States.’ Other speakers were Messrs C Joyce, W Sumpton and B W Adams, of this State.”

From The West Australian of November 15: “FAR-REACHING SERVICE. About 40 Trucks Operating.

The part private road contractors are playing in transporting goods to and from the country since the railway strike, was described yesterday by the secretary of the West Australian Road Transport Association (Mr J R Secombe). He said that since the State Transport Board had permitted the unrestricted use of road transport for all classes of goods, trucks had carried

Charges for freight carriage by road transport was based on the second-class railway goods rate plus 25 percent merchandise as far afield as Geraldton, Kalgoorlie and Albany. While trucks could not compete with the freight charges of the railways, Mr Secombe said, he believed that a more efficient service was provided in that double handling was avoided to and from the rail centre. Charges for freight carriage by road transport was based on the second-class railway goods rate plus 25 percent. About 40 trucks were providing a service to country areas. They were carrying from the metropolitan area market produce, general stores and groceries, fish, tyres, motor parts, oil fuel, newsprint for country newspapers and medical supplies. Yesterday urgently needed serum was delivered at Pinjarra. The trucks were back-loading with wheat, wool, hay, chaff, potatoes and empty petrol drums. To date, contractors had met demands for transport to Norseman, Merredin, Northam, Geraldton, Mullewa, Bruce Rock, York, Goomalling, Wyalkatchem, Doodlakine,

Dowerin, Kalgoorlie, Bunbury, Wagin, Lake Grace, Narrogin, Collie, Greenbushes, Balingup, Bridgetown, Manjimup, Busselton and Margaret River. Not all trucks of Association members were fully employed and if great demands for transport to country centres were made there would be no difficulty in coping with the situation. If the railways remained immobilised very much longer it was anticipated that the demands would be forthcoming for it was understood that city merchants had delayed the delivery of goods in the hope that an early settlement of the railway dispute would be reached.

There were about 550 vehicles owned by members of the Association and of these approximately 100 were idle, largely due to prevailing conditions in metropolitan industries. However, no men had been stood down and all vehicles would be ready for service if and when called upon.”

From The West Australian of November 18: “No Weekend Cessation.

Motor vehicles worked throughout the weekend transporting all varieties of goods to country districts, said the secretary of the West Australian Road Transport Association (Mr J Secombe) yesterday. Oil fuel was urgently required and the majority of trucks carried it in each load. Because of the shortage of fuel at Kalgoorlie trucks, which left Perth for Kalgoorlie on Saturday carried a 44-gallon drum of petrol for consumption on the return journey. Mr Secombe said there was no weekend cessation in the removal of Newcastle coal from the River Glenelg and the Koomilya at Fremantle.

There was no abnormal demand for road transport during the weekend and about 100 trucks were available at short notice if required. It is likely that road transport will be engaged soon in removing sulphur from the ship Hopecrown at Fremantle to the works of Cuming Smith and Mt Lyell Farmers Fertilisers Ltd, at Fremantle and Bassendean, and to those of Cresco Fertilisers (WA) Ltd, at Bayswater.

Normally it would be transported by rail. No information was available yesterday concerning the possibility of road transport undertaking the removal of coal in over 100 railway trucks at Brunswick Junction. This coal was bound for Perth when the strike began.” ■ AUGUST 2017 | WATM

33

OVER TO YOU MODEL TRUCKS

WATM welcomes your submissions to our model truck section.

If you have a model truck, trailer or anything else of interest, we want to know about it.

Please contact Vince Ziino on 0408 767 755 or email him at ziinos@iinet.net.au to discuss.

INTERNATIONAL PAYSTAR Built by Jan Kerckhofs of Boyanup this realistic International Paystar is painted in Boral colours. The model is straight out of the box with an Auslowe right hand dash and is coupled to a ERTL Tri Axle tipper and MMTA dolly.

34

WATM | AUGUST 2017

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AUGUST 2017 | WATM

35

The Isuzu reliability, backup and service are second to none

OFFERS MORE FOR LESS Rob Glerum

A

dislike of airports led former mineral exploration driller Rob Glerum into the transport industry.

More specifically, Rob stays close to home, rarely venturing out of the metropolitan environs and only visiting the airport if it requires deliveries.

After 25 years in the mining industry working all over Africa, Indonesia and Australia, Rob made the move from Kalgoorlie to Perth and established Mustang Transport in 2008.

In 2011, he made the switch to sub-contracting for Mainfreight, operating out of new premises in Abernethy Road in Hazelmere.

Yes, he has a Mustang car in the garage, but the company was named after the street in which he lives.

“I had enough of flights and airports and the political correctness involved. We used to work hard and play hard and then we couldn’t even work hard,” Rob says.

This led him to start up a transport company and he had up to four trucks on the road at one time, before scaling back to his one-man show, incorporating his new FVL 240 long wheel base truck.

“It has curtains, can accommodate 14 pallets, has a mezzanine deck and a tail lift. It does the job for me.

“It’s not an automatic. I like the manual changer as you have got more control over the vehicle and feel safer on the road.

“We have to change our trucks every 10 years (at Mainfreight),” Rob says. This means regular servicing will keep it in top condition so he can service clients with little down time.

Rob bought his first Isuzu off Peter Winch at the Major Motors O’Connor branch and his latest new truck from Richard Morosini in Forrestfield. That first truck gave him trouble-free travelling for seven years.

Rob says he looked around before his latest purchase and the prices were similar, but in the end Isuzu offered more for less — that and the Mainfreight discount.

“Richard was very helpful and knowledgeable and there were no problems with everything, (the order) going through seamlessly.

“The Isuzu reliability, backup and service are second to none. If there is a problem, Major Motors offers roadside assistance.”

Rob says there are more trucks on the road now with everyone trying to make money. Safety, he says, has picked up “a fair bit”.

“In the drilling business, it was rough and tumble, but safety conscious. I worked as an area manager for a big drilling company at a uranium mine in Roxby Downs. It was all about safety and service. That’s what I try to achieve with my company — delivered in full and on time — the Mainfreight motto.

“You have to be a lot more professional as there are too many cowboys out there.”

Rob is looking forward to when the Tonkin-Reid Highway road has been completed, citing travel delays and constantly changing roads as challenges in his daily deliveries.

“They need to have the flyovers at the major intersections for safety purposes with some causing major accidents.”

Even though Rob mainly confines himself to local deliveries, he recently had the chance to test his new vehicle on the open road to Geraldton. “The truck went really well, so I was happy.”

FORRESTFIELD | 789 Abernethy Road | 08 9510 3700 BIBRA LAKE | 2 Selkis Road | 08 9331 9331

MAJOR MOTORS “The Truck Specialists” www.majormotors.com.au