WA TRANSPORT MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 2023 EDITION

JEFF BORG ACQUIRES 'THIRD

IN ROAD TANK REPAIRS WA – A

IS PLANNED

In an exciting development that promises to reshape the landscape of tanker repair and service industry in Western Australia, Jeff Borg owner of Liquip Vic, has acquired Brad Onley's shareholding in Road Tank Repairs WA

The landscape of employment has undergone significant transformations over the years, with the rise of labour-hire introducing both advantages and challenges to the traditional job market. Labour hire (temporary staffing/outsourcing) has become a prevalent practice across industries. While it offers flexibility and cost savings to employers, it has also raised concerns about the exploitation of a legal loophole that allows for the payment of temporary workers less than their permanent counterparts for performing the same tasks.

The Growth of Labour-Hire

Labour hire allows companies to swiftly adapt to changing market demands by hiring temporary staff during peak periods, avoiding the costs of permanent employment, such as benefits and long-term commitments. Seasonal work in some industries means that when volume of work increases, capacity of labour to fill the volume decreases. So, labour-hire is a solution for filling that gap when there’s more work, and likewise, a reduction of labour when there is less work. It also has benefits for workers who find opportunities for flexible employment, gaining exposure to various industries and expanding their skill sets.

The Exploitative Loophole

While labour-hire can provide mutually beneficial arrangements, an alarming concern has emerged. Some employers are exploiting a legal loophole that permits them to pay temporary workers less than permanent employees for performing the same tasks. This practice has sparked outrage and has led to debates surrounding exploitation of workers, fair wages and labour rights.

The Equal Pay Debate

A key issue stemming from labour-hire is the unequal wage rates for temporary and permanent

SAME JOB SAME PAY: Unravelling the Exploitative loophole of Labour-hire

By Tim Dawson | Branch Secretary

workers carrying out identical job roles. This blatant pay disparity contradicts the principles of fairness and equality that underpin modern labour practices. Temporary workers may find themselves in a cycle of underpaid employment, struggling to make ends meet despite contributing their skills and efforts to the same jobs as their permanent counterparts.

A prime example of exploitation of this loophole was Qantas. Once an Australian icon, Qantas worked out how to game Australian workplace laws, paying staff doing the same jobs vastly different rates of pay on vastly different conditions. Splintering into 21 subsidiaries and 17 labour-hire companies with workers on the same flights, loading or cleaning planes and preparing food for passengers doing the same job all being paid vastly different rates of pay.

Erosion of Job Security

Traditional employment often provides a sense of stability, as permanent employees benefit from legal protections against arbitrary termination. In contrast, temporary workers hired through labourhire agencies may face abrupt job loss once their services are no longer required, leading to financial instability and anxiety.

Exposing the Root Causes

The competitive nature of the global market often drives companies to cut costs wherever possible. Labour-hire presents an enticing solution to minimise expenses related to benefits, superannuation, long service leave accruals and other entitlements associated with permanent employment. Consequently, this approach fuels the exploitation of the wage loophole.

Owner Drivers DESERVE BETTER!

Closing the Gap: Potential Solutions

1. Legislative Reforms: Governments and labour authorities should review and update existing labour laws to close the pay gap between temporary and permanent workers. Implementing stricter regulations that ensure equal pay for equal work could discourage the exploitation of labour-hire.

2. Transparency and Accountability: Employers should be required to disclose the employment status and compensation of all workers, whether permanent or temporary. Transparent reporting can help shed light on pay disparities and prompt organisations to rectify inequities.

3. Collective Bargaining: Unions and labour organisations play a vital role in advocating for fair wages and labour rights. Strengthening collective bargaining power can help negotiate better compensation packages for temporary workers and hold employers accountable.

4. Skill Development: Employers should invest in the training and professional development of all workers, enabling them to enhance their skills and transition into more stable job roles While labour-hire offers flexibility and cost savings to employers, it has exposed a troubling gap in wages between temporary and permanent workers performing the same jobs. This loophole erodes the principles of fairness and equality and undermines the stability and security that traditional employment roles provide. TWU members continue to fight for reform to make Australia’s deadliest industry safer and fairer. A collaborative effort among governments, employers, labour organisations, and workers is needed to ensure that the transport industry is fair, safe and has sustainable standards.

Borg

‘third interest’ in Road Tank Repairs WA -

Perth, Western Australia - In an exciting development that promises to reshape the landscape of tanker repair and service industry in Western Australia, Jeff Borg owner of Liquip Vic, has acquired Brad Onley's shareholding in Road Tank Repairs WA.

The Tieman family, who continue to be share-holders, started Tieman Services WA, now renamed Road Tank Repairs, in 2012 alongside Brad Onley. They welcome Jeff Borg into the fold, marking the dawn of a new era of excellence and growth for this dynamic company.

Road Tank Repairs WA was initially established to cater for the after sales service needs of Tieman WA customers.

Over the years, they have carved a niche for themselves and evolved into the dominant `go to` tanker repair and service company in Perth, extending their expertise to serve all brands of tankers for many fleets.

Simultaneously, Tieman Tankers have continued to grow their market share in WA for bulk road tankers. With Jeff Borg's extensive experience in building pump/ fueling systems, trucks fit outs and scheduled

maintenance this partnership is poised to elevate Road Tank Repairs to new heights.

Colin Tieman Director of Tieman Tankers states, “We thank Brad for building Road Tank Repairs into the strong company it is today. Since we started, Brad and his wife Heidi have put in long hours with

absolute commitment to building the business and providing service to the WA tanker sector”.

“The transition is already underway with the new appointment of a General Manager for RTR and his success is underpinned by the extensive engineering and parts

Tieman Tankers have continued to grow their market share in WA for bulk road tankers

Jeff

acquires

A new era of growth is planned

supply resources of both Tieman Tankers and Liquip Vic, two family businesses who lead the industry in their respective fields. Spare parts for both liquid and dry bulk tankers are kept in stock at Road Tank Repairs so all WA customers can get the quickest supply possible.

“Jeff Borg's impressive 30 year journey in the industry has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, customer satisfaction, and innovation. As the owner of Liquip Vic which he and his wife Sharon started in 2012, his company has become renowned for its cutting-edge fuelling solutions and exemplary service, making him the ideal partner for Road Tank Repairs WA. This collaboration is expected to create synergy, where the strengths of both companies come together to offer an unparalleled service experience for all WA customers,” says Colin.

Jeff Borg adds, “We are excited with this new opportunity as it fits perfectly with our business model. We already have a lot of customers in WA having worked closely with Tieman over many years. We plan

to solidify our footprint in servicing and supporting national fleets and many other customers through our new investment in Road Tank Repairs”.

One of the primary drivers behind this strategic move is to capitalize on growth opportunities that align with Road Tank Repairs' customer-focused approach. By maintaining their commitment to meeting and exceeding customer expectations, the company aims to solidify its position as the `go to` service provider for tankers in Western Australia. With Jeff Borg's support and expertise, Road Tank Repairs WA is poised to increase their service offering doing more and building more locally in Perth. Growing the relationships with existing

key local suppliers is also critical and will underpin the future success of the business

The pending growth also presents exciting prospects for the company's workforce. As Road Tank Repairs WA gears up to expand its operations, they intend to attract, hire and train skilled individuals who share their passion for excellence and dedication to providing exceptional service. This influx of talent will enhance the company's capacity to deliver top-notch repairs and services, from major rollover and accident damage, truck and trailer pump fit outs and flame proofing to the smallest drive through service issue.

With the support of Road Tank Repairs WA owners and customers can expect a seamless experience when it comes to their tanker repair and service needs. The combined expertise of these industry leaders will enable RTR to cater to a diverse range of products, covering fuel, gas, Adblue, bitumen, chemical, milk, food grade and dry bulk tankers, all while maintaining the highest standards of safety, reliability, and efficiency.

Moreover, this collaboration is set to enhance the already robust network of support that Road Tank Repairs WA provides. Customers can rest assured that they will have greater access to a team of skilled and trained technicians and engineers, equipped with all the equipment and tools, ensuring quick and effective repairs to minimize downtime for their valuable assets.

As the Tieman family embraces this new partnership, they express their utmost confidence in seeing Road Tank Repairs WA embark on a new and exciting growth phase. The shared vision of customercentricity and commitment to quality between the Tieman family and Jeff Borg ensures a smooth transition and a bright future for the company.

L-R Colin Tieman, Jeff Borg, Brad Onley, Brodie Tieman

With Jeff Borg's extensive experience in building pump/fueling systems, trucks fit outs and scheduled maintenance this partnership is poised to elevate Road Tank Repairs to new heights

DESIGN / PREPRESS

Cally Browning | Bare Creative

ACCOUNTS

T: 0430 153 273

E: accounts@angrychicken.com.au

PRINTER

Daniels Printing Craftsmen

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Subscriptions available directly from the Publisher.

T: 0430 153 273

E: karen@angrychicken.com.au

Australia: 1 year $76.45 (inc GST) 2 years $152.90 (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.

Welcome to the new subscribers and as always thank you to everyone for your support. This month the TWU looks at the exploitative loophole that some employers are using that permits them to pay temporary workers less than permanent employees.

Tieman Tankers have continued to grow their market share in WA for bulk road tankers and in an exciting development that promises to reshape the landscape in WA, Jeff Borg owner of Liquip Vic, has acquired Brad Onley’s shareholding in Road Tank Repairs WA – Page 2.

The world-first fully autonomous road trains will be deployed from the Ken’s Bore mine site to the Port of Ashburton with a team of operators controlling the fleet from Onslow – Page 6.

Tyres technology is in focus with research highlighting the benefit of super single tyres and we look at the new airless tyres which could be a reality this decade.

Congratulations to everyone at the LRTAWA for another successful Annual Conference. We review what was said from Page 14.

The subject of visibility on long commercial trains is bought into question and why the rail industry is not required to provide appropriate lighting on them –Page 12.

Our popular This is ‘the Outback’ columnist Cliff Graham talks about the sharing of mishaps on Social Media. This is worth a read.

Best,

SUNDAY

8 OCTOBER 2023

JOIN US AT PERTH HOCKEY STADIUM

Camp Quality’s Convoy Perth is a fun way for anyone who drives a truck to show their support for kids and families experiencing the scary realities of a cancer diagnosis.

Invite your friends and family along to Perth Hockey Stadium for a trucking good time at our ‘Show and Shine’, with rides and entertainment taking place throughout the day.

HONK TO BRING LAUGHTER, FUN AND POSITIVITY BACK INTO THE LIVES OF KIDS FACING CANCER!

OR SCAN THE QR CODE FOR MORE

The world-first fully autonomous road trains

We need a mandatory fuel levy formula

The Australian Trucking Association says that their plan for fair trucking industry contracts would enable the Fair Work Commission to set a mandatory fuel levy formula.

ATA Chair David Smith said, “Under our plan, the commission would be able to make orders setting road transport contract standards, including a mandatory formula for setting and adjusting fuel levies.

“The commission should not be able set a percentage fuel levy rate, because the inputs to any formula would vary from business to business.”

Mineral Resources (MinRes) will deploy a fleet of 120 fully autonomous road trains equipped with an autonomous haulage solution provided by specialists Hexagon AB under a landmark agreement.

The world’s first fully autonomous road trains have been designed and developed for MinRes’ flagship Onslow Iron project in Western Australia.

The vehicles combine technological expertise from Hexagon’s Autonomous Solutions with MinRes’ operational knowledge and promise enormous benefits. This includes removing the risk of driver fatigue, increasing fleet availability, lowering operating costs and reducing fuel

design. Grade separation will ensure there is no interaction between the autonomous road trains operating on the haul road and vehicles using public roads.

Ore will be transported to a 220,000-tonne enclosed, negative pressure storage facility at the port. From there, 20,000-tonne capacity transhippers will move the ore to cape-size carriers 40 kilometers off the coast.

Testing of autonomous road trains has been progressing at MinRes’ Yilgarn iron ore operations since late 2021 ahead of the technology’s deployment at Onslow Iron. The project, which is the cornerstone of MinRes’ strategy to deliver low-cost, long-

A team of operators will control the fleet from a central operating centre in Onslow

use and emissions.

A team of operators will control the fleet from a central operating centre in Onslow. MinRes is also developing an artificial intelligence-powered monitoring system.

Autonomous road trains form an essential part of the cost-effective and dustfree supply chain that will unlock deposits in the West Pilbara that would otherwise remain undeveloped.

Each triple-trailer vehicle will carry 330 tonnes of iron ore about 150km on a dedicated private haul road from the Ken’s Bore mine site to the Port of Ashburton.

Safety is at the forefront of the project’s

life iron ore operations, will ship about 35 million tonnes of iron ore per year from mid-2024.

MinRes Chief Executive, Mining Services Mike Grey said, “We’re excited to cement our partnership with Hexagon to deliver the world’s first fleet of autonomous road trains, which will be an essential part of Onslow Iron’s safe, efficient and dust-free solution for hauling ore.

“Automation will remove the risk of driver fatigue, lower operating costs and reduce fuel use and emissions. There’s enormous potential for these vehicles to transform mining across the world.”

David said the fuel levy formula would need to factor in changes to the Australian Government’s road user charge.

“Some rate review clauses in industry contracts are based on the price of fuel, but changes to the road user charge don’t affect the fuel price – they change the fuel tax credits that trucking businesses can claim on their monthly or quarterly BAS.

“The Australian Government has just increased the road user charge from 27.2 cents per litre to 28.8 cents per litre, and it will go up another 3.6 cents per litre over the next two years.

“Any fuel levy formula needs to take these increases into account,” David said.

ATA research shows that only 34 per cent of trucking businesses are able to pass on increases in their fuel costs, including as a result of changes in their fuel tax credits.

Only 34 per cent of trucking businesses are able to pass on increases in their fuel costs, including as a result of changes in their fuel tax credits

TIC AND NHVR BACKED RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS BENEFIT OF SUPER SINGLE TYRES

The Truck Industry Council (TIC) and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) have released the findings of the latest research project investigating the impacts of the next evolution in tyre development – wide tyres, also referred to as ‘Super Singles’.

Wide single and ultrawide single tyres have been available for decades internationally, however until now, there has never been a substantial study focussing on Australian road construction, in particular sprayed seal unbound granular pavements.

This knowledge has always been a barrier to the adoption of next generation wider tyres in Australia.

To address the knowledge gap, a large-scale testing program using the National Transport Research Organisation’s (NTRO) Accelerated Loading Facility was conducted.

Nine identically designed pavements were constructed, with each loaded repeatedly to determine the relative rate of pavement wear for each tyre.

The results showed the pavement deformation rates for both the dual tyres and single tyres were within a similar range, and the 255/70R22.5 dual tyres caused the highest deformation rate.

The comparative pavement wear of super single tyres was not as sensitive to modest variations in inflation pressure, when compared to duals.

TIC Technical Officer Paul Caus explained, “Taking a real-world

WA OWNED AND RUN

perspective on the comparatively small differences in pavement wear found, the pavement damage exhibited by the commonly used 11R22.5 dual tyre configuration was notably influenced by inflation pressure, with the highest damage observed when these tyres were over-inflated - a common occurrence in practice.

“In addition to the finding, day-to-day use of single tyres make it easier for drivers to check tyre conditions, monitor inflation pressures, and inspect brake components reducing the risk of overheating brakes and wheel end fires.

“It can be expected that in real world conditions, the wider adoption of wide tyres would not cause a discernible increase in road pavement wear.

“TIC’s view is that there is no justification in limiting axle masses when using appropriate wide single tyres given the improved vehicle stability and efficiency they bring. They should be permitted to operate at the same mass as equivalent dual tyred axles.”

From major truck workshops, heavy haulage, cranes, the mining industry and more… our team of knowledgeable and qualified technicians share over 100 years combined experience and focus on delivering prompt service alongside the supply of top name brakes and clutchesthroughout Australia and Asia.

With over 20 years in the industry we have a well-earned reputation for the development, manufacture and supply of quality standard and customised designs to suit a wide range of applications.

For the best advice and friendly service contact us today.

+61 8 9353 4411 ■ sales@knightbrakeandclutch.com.au knightbrakeandclutch.com.au

WA’s premier brake and clutch specialists proudly servicing the states industrial clutch and brake applications.

Is listening?anybody

Pick up any truck magazine and you will find that any article that is written by a truck driver is painting a picture of doom and gloom within the transport industry.

While truck driving is often seen as an easy glamorous occupation in reality it involves hard work, long hours and even danger.

Truck drivers have always had to deal with poor work conditions and long hours which is par for the course. Unfortunately, the realities of driving a truck for a living do have a detrimental effect on a driver’s health and family life.

Over my whole career as a truck driver there have been many attempts to reform our industry and try and make the industry safer and more sustainable.

These reforms have often been driven by transport industry associations, unions and sometimes by Government interventionbut the reality is that we still work in a very difficult occupation and rarely are there any changes that actually benefit the people that are literally doing the job.

Things that people in any other industry take for granted such as convenient, decent and clean toilet amenities and places to stop where you can actually have a proper ‘rest’ and the availability of satisfactory food and sustenance seem to come a poor second to the regulations imposed on the transport sector.

It appears that nobody really wants to rock the boat while we still keep the wheels turning and the freight gets delivered.

I’ve said this a dozen times that it’s difficult for well-meaning people and Government departments to implement change in our industry when most have never experienced living the life as we do in the confines of a truck.

It would be excellent if these decision makers started to think along the lines of if we look after the actual truck drivers more – perhaps the industry will become safer.

While it’s easy to paint a picture of negativity there are many positives that make it an interesting career.

I liked the challenges that came with the job and travelling to interesting places. I loved being my own boss and the comradeship with workmates.

But sadly those times have changed and it’s a real pity that the industry is now driven by big business that demands tight schedules and poor recovery of rates.

Most occupations work on a eight hour day five days a week which is a forty hour week but for some reason truck drivers are expected to work up to double that amount of hours and we have to -especially as an Owner Driver while we are trying to make payments on a truck and the myriad of other costs that we are burdened with.

The transport industry does need reform. It needs to be more sustainable. The schedules need to be more flexible and less demanding. We need to have better quality of life away from the truck for the sake of our health and family life. We need the big multi-national companies to be more accountable in the chain of responsibility.

No other industry works under such demanding conditions.

Rewind the clock back to 2008 when the National Transport Commission undertook and released a comprehensive report on the transport industry. The report was prepared by Professor Michael Quinlan and the Hon Lance Wright Q C and they analysed the whole transport industry and its problems and then made its recommendations.

What an excellent job they did. This report mirrors what I and many others have been preaching for countless years about the state of the transport industry. It makes very interesting reading.

Sadly the report was put into the too hard basket and nothing has changed. If only someone would listen to the plight of the truck driver and throw us some sort of life line for the future.

Who will listen and make changes? Is anyone listening at all? Keep it safe, Ray Prat

A FAIR GO FOR OWNER DRIVERS by Ray Pratt

HEAVY LIFT TOW TRUCK REQUIREMENTS

There is a mistaken belief that Heavy Lift Tow Trucks (HLTTs) are exempt from the requirements that all other heavy vehicle operators must comply with. In reality, a dangerous vehicle does not suddenly become less dangerous simply because it is connected to a HLTT. Similarly, a Restricted Access Vehicle (RAV) does not suddenly stop being a RAV because it is connected to a HLTT.

Individual regulations or sections of legislation cannot be read in isolation and

must be read together, in their entirety, to give the full interpretation of the law. This principle must be applied to the length requirements of a tow truck and the vehicle it is towing. Pursuant to the Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations 2014 (Regulations) the length of a tow truck and the vehicle it is towing may, in certain circumstances, exceed 16.8 metres but must not exceed 19 metres.

The same principle applies to mass limits. The mass limits are also prescribed

under the Regulations, and nothing exempts a HLTT from complying with those requirements. To assist in the understanding of these requirements, Main Roads Heavy Vehicle Services (HVS) developed some guidelines in July 2021 aimed at informing the HLTT industry of their obligations and introduced a 24/7 service to provide HLTT towing authorisations.

Recently, representatives of the HLTT industry requested HVS commission an

Work ramps up on the New Fitzroy River Bridge

The first sections of deck for the New Fitzroy River Bridge are on track to be installed in September, marking an important milestone in the delivery of the project.

When completed, the new bridge will be around six times as strong, almost 100 metres longer than the old bridge and will include two lanes and a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists.

The New Fitzroy River Bridge is funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Using an innovative engineering method, a launch pad is currently being assembled on the western side of the river from which the bridge deck will be moved into place to connect with the opposite

side of the river.

Launching the bridge deck in increments will mean construction should not be affected by rising water levels during the next wet season. This will allow the bridge to be completed even if the river is flowing.

Since early June, work has been ongoing to drive 34 piles into the riverbed to support the new bridge. Pile caps are currently being constructed on top of each set of piles to enable the columns to be put into place. Installation of the columns will commence progressively after the completion of the respective pile-caps.

Reconstruction works will also include the adjoining sections of the Great Northern Highway, which were severely eroded by flooding associated with Ex

Tropical Cyclone Ellie.

As well as restoring this critical link across the Fitzroy River, the bridge project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to develop skills and provide new economic opportunities to those who live and work in Fitzroy Crossing and the wider Fitzroy Valley area.

Main Roads Western Australia, together with the Fitzroy Bridge Alliance, are committed to working closely with local Traditional Owners, training and skills development agencies and other third parties to ensure opportunities for local workers and businesses are maximised and the project leaves a lasting and sustainable legacy.

To date, the project has provided employment for more than 100 members of

independent engineering report on the safety performance of HLTTs with the aim of developing an annual permit product to eliminate the need to obtain an individual permit every time there was a need to tow a heavy vehicle or vehicle combination. HVS saw merit in this idea and after extensive technical assessments, undertaken by an independent and qualified engineering consultant specialising in heavy vehicle safety performance, a revised Heavy Lift Tow Truck Period Permit was created.

The revised Heavy Lift Tow Truck Period Permit Operating Conditions are aimed at improving the safety of the HLTT industry. Key aspects of the revised Operating Conditions include:

- displaying “Under Tow” warning signage, so motorists are aware the vehicle in front of them is connected to a HLTT;

- ensuring there are adequate loading controls to prevent overloading the HLTT;

- ensuring there is sufficient mass on the steer axle of the HLTT, so there are no adverse effects on the steering and braking performance of the HLTT;

- ensuring the coupling ratings of the vehicle combination are adequate for the mass being towed;

ensuring heavy vehicles and vehicle combinations are only towed on approved routes; and

- ensuring vehicle combinations are being towed at a safe speed.

HLTTs operating under the Heavy Lift Tow Truck Period Permit will be monitored via in vehicle telematics and will be required to have a Smart On-Board Mass Management (Smart OBM) system fitted. HLTT operators will be provided a 6-month moratorium to allow for the compliance telematics and OBM requirements.

Transport operators are also reminded that they continue to play a key role in ensuring their heavy vehicles and vehicle combinations are towed in a safe and compliant manner, as the transport operator remains a liable party under the Chain of Responsibility for the mass, dimension and loading requirements.

There are some simple steps that transport operators should follow to assist in ensuring their heavy vehicle or vehicle combination is towed in a safe and compliant manner. These include:

1) ensuring you engage a reputable HLTT operator who has the required permit;

2) wherever possible, meet the HLTT

operator onsite with a replacement prime mover, so the disabled prime mover can be replaced, rather than the vehicle combination needing to be towed;

3) ensuring your heavy vehicle or vehicle combination is within the statutory mass and dimension limits before it is towed;

4) ensuring all tow couplings in your vehicle combination are adequately rated, noting the D-rating requirements will change when connected to the HLTT. The Main Roads D-rating Calculator can assist in determining the tow coupling requirements; and

5) ensuring you provide the HLTT operator with the relevant permit the heavy vehicle or vehicle combination is operating under, as well as the relevant mass and dimension information, to ensure the HLTT operator is aware of any access restrictions.

The revised Operating Conditions are available on the Heavy Lift Tow Trucks page on the Main Roads website.

D-rating Calculatormainroads.wa.gov.au/globalassets/heavyvehicles/rav-access/d-rating-calculator. pdf?v=4a3259

Heavy Lift Two Trucks Pagemainroads.wa.gov.au/heavy-vehicles/permitorder-scheme/heavy-lift-tow-trucks/

the local community, with around a quarter of total crew hours worked attributed to Aboriginal people. There has also been $7 million committed by the Fitzroy Bridge Alliance to Aboriginal-owned businesses in the Fitzroy Valley.

WA Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti said, “Construction of the New Fitzroy River Bridge continues to make excellent progress, despite unseasonal heavy rainfall in late June, which required both the project's construction causeway and the temporary crossings to close.

“From early September, the community will start to see the segments of the new bridge taking shape, just nine months after the devastation of Ex-Tropical Cyclone

Ellie. This is an outstanding outcome and I thank all those involved in our efforts to reconnect the Kimberley.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said, “The Albanese Government is continuing to work hand in hand with the Cook Government to build better transport infrastructure in one of the remotest areas of the country, following recent devastating flooding events.

“I understand construction of the new bridge is progressing really well, with demolition of the old bridge complete and construction of the new bridge foundations underway.

“This is a vital piece of infrastructure f or the community and I look forward to seeing the completion of project works as soon as possible.”

Launching the bridge deck in increments will mean construction should not be affected by rising water levels during the next wet season. This will allow the bridge to be completed even if the river is flowing

There is a mistaken belief that Heavy Lift Tow Trucks (HLTTs) are exempt from the requirements that all other heavy vehicle operators must comply with

WHY ARE LONG COMMERCIAL TRAINS NOT REQUIRED TO BE APPROPRIATELY VISIBLE?

WA Transport Magazine recently spoke to Lara Jenson who is the spokesperson for twelve Australian families who have all lost loved ones in trucks and passenger vehicles as a result of collisions with long trains at level crossings.

After listening to the horrific and sad stories it is obvious that not only for the general public but also the transport sector that this be addressed and we hope you, the WA Transport Sector will join the campaign for improvements to train lighting and passive level crossing safety.

Lara has made it her life mission to campaign for rail safety and when you hear her personal story you will understand why this is subject is of utmost importance to the transport sector to be involved with.

“I have a tragic and personal reason for this and a strong motivation to continue this hard work so more precious lives aren’t lost in our regions,” Lara begins.

“The triple fatality claimed our loved ones and was the start of our families’ journey lobbying for rail safety improvements. This lobbying has met with resistance from the powerful and profitable

rail industry at every turn along the way.

“My brother Christian Jensen and two of his friends, Jess Broad and Hilary Smith were killed 23 years ago ‘on-dark’ at an unlit passive level crossing near Jennacubbine in the Western Australian wheat belt when a grain train loaded with 28 wagons of wheat struck them on their way to a 21st birthday party on July 8th, 2000.

“A ‘perfect storm' of factors contributed to this tragic triple-fatality at a notorious crossing that had already claimed the life of another young man just three years prior.

“My brother was not speeding or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, he was an experienced, careful, and conscientious bush driver who took the responsibility of having passengers on board extremely seriously.

“The 28-wagon loaded grain train hit them in darkness at the crossing (that was protected only by a Give Way sign) and was positioned on an obscure angle.

“There were conflicting tractor lights adjacent to the unlit crossing (spraying was taking place in nearby paddocks), the roadside vegetation on approach to the crossing was overgrown and the signage at the crossing was not sufficiently

conspicuous to warn motorists of the presence of a ‘railway crossing’ - in the words of an independent consultant who gave evidence to the coronial inquest.

“My brother’s vehicle was pushed for over a kilometre before the train could come to a complete stop.

“I can only begin to imagine the horror the train drivers on duty, local emergency services volunteers and local farmers first on the scene must have faced. This horrific scenario weighs heavily on our families to this very day.

“A year after the accident, Western Australian State Coroner Alastair Hope concluded in the 2001 inquest into my brother and his friends’ deaths that the train was not lit with any form of ‘alerting lights’ and that inadequate train lighting was a factor in the crash and resulting deaths.

“This observation formed the basis of his recommendations that all locomotives be fitted with external auxiliary lighting in addition to ditch lighting to effectively warn motorists of oncoming trains.

“These recommendations were completely ignored by the rail industry and remain unacted on to this day.

“It is extremely difficult to be heartened by current train lighting trials being carried out by rail companies as a directive by the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) following our sustained lobbying on this issue.

“Sadly, history has proven rail companies will use trials as an excuse to do nothing or simply propose more research,” Lara tells us.

“This is exactly what happened in 2002 that resulted in this fateful accident. The then Western Australian Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan commissioned a train lighting trial at the Yarramony Level Crossing - the scene of the fatal accident in July 2000 where my brother and his two friends were killed.

“This trial was undertaken by Australian Road Research Board (ARRB) Transport Research Ltd and had a price tag of $80,000 at the time. The report that ensued following the trial had only one recommendation - that the motorist be educated to actively scan for trains when approaching a crossing, which I believe absolved government or railway groups from taking any action whatsoever.

“An independent assessment our families had carried out on the research undertaken by ARRB at the Yarramony Road crossing found there were several significant flaws in this trial, including sample bias and inadequate statistical power.

Three crosses for the young lives lost.

In her press release dated 25, January 2002, Ms MacTiernan stated the trial would help the government decide which lighting system is best and that, “We will then move to ensure that the estimated 280 locomotives on Western Australia’s railways are safely lit.”

“The trail was later deemed by Ms MacTiernan to be ‘not robust enough to be used in a ‘national forum’ and effectively amounted to nothing.

“Here we are nearly 22 years later and there still have been no improvements to train lighting, just further planned trials,” finishes Lara.

In conclusion, you must wonder ‘why’ the rail industry has not been made responsible for higher safety and visibility practices as is the transport industry.

You must wonder ‘why’ especially after a Western Australian State Coroner concluded in the 2001 inquest into this fatal accident that the train was not lit with any form of ‘alerting lights’ and that inadequate train lighting was a factor in the crash and resulting deaths – that nothing has been done by anyone – government or otherwise to make these long commercial trains more visible to road users.

Western Roads Federation has been formed to give a strong unified voice for companies who use WA roads for commercial benefit.

Western Roads Federation is a membership driven organisation. If you believe in the industry and what you do, then make sure your company is a member, and get involved.

Western Australian State Coroner Alastair

Hope concluded in the 2001 inquest into my brother and his friends’ deaths that the train was not lit with any form of ‘alerting lights’ and that inadequate train lighting was a factor in the crash and resulting deaths

Left, Christian Jensen, and above l-r, Jess Broad and Hilary Smith who sadly lost their lives in the 2000 accident.

LRTAWA 43rd Annual Conference Review

Rural Transporters Look to the Future

The transport industry of the future was the focus of the annual Livestock and Rural Transport Association of WA (LRTAWA) conference when it kicked off in Busselton on the 4th August followed by a day of presentations. This year the LRTAWA hosted the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) in a combined event.

LRTAWA Immediate Past President, David Fyfe in welcoming delegates thanked a growing list of sponsors. He drew attention to his concerns that the panel making recommendations about the implementation of the ban on live sheep exports had not taken on board what they had been told about the impact of the decision on transporters. On a positive note however he applauded the constructive liaison between Main Roads

WA, the Western Roads Federation, the Transport Workers Union and the LRTAWA in identifying safety bay sites for upgrades and facilities. He said he was pleased that funding was now starting to filter through to southern areas of the state.

In introducing the theme of the conference Mr Fyfe said, “There are exciting prospects ahead for the industry particularly with regard to alternative fuels.”

“We just have to hope that transport policies keep pace with the speed of change; and that the benefits the industry and the community derives from these innovations will be recognised through compatible policies and transport networks.”

Fuelling the transport industry of the future was a popular session with presentations from Andrew Booth from Cummins, PACCAR’s Ross Cureton and

Volvo Australia’s Shayne Commons. While all speakers had a unique perspective on decarbonising the transport industry and the path-way to a net zero emissions future, in line with their own companies’ R & D, they all agreed this task is a marathon not a sprint. Notwithstanding impressive research and development into the commercialization of battery electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles and hydrogen internal combustion engines, speakers shared the challenges of bringing products to market that overcame weight, charging, re-fuelling limitations, and the cost of ownership of the next generation of engines. While there may be a long way to go, it was reassuring to understand the level of technical expertise that is being invested in a low-carbon transport future.

Business Development Manager at bp Australia, Alex Davis shared insights from bp’s report on the global energy titled bp Energy Outlook 2023 Edition. It’s worth looking up if you’re interested in an analysis of how the industry might transition to low-carbon fuels and the impacts the

LRTAWA by Jan Cooper, Chief Executive Officer, Livestock and Rural Transport Association of Western Australia (Inc)

An impressive range of vehicles on display at the conference

Above: Grant Robins, Kulin Transport receives his life membership award from the Minister for Agriculture, Hon Jackie Jarvis and ALRTA President Scott McDonald.

Below: Main Roads Materials Engineer Les Marchant helps delegates understand the finer points of pavement design and selection.

Fig

transition may have. The report focuses on three scenarios: Accelerated, Net Zero and New Momentum. According to the preamble of the report these scenarios explore the possible implications of different judgements and assumptions concerning the nature of the energy transition and the uncertainties around those judgements. The scenarios are based on existing technologies and do not consider the possible impact of entirely new or unknown technologies.

In her presentation, Ms Davis pointed out that as the road transport fleet becomes more efficient and switches to low carbon energy sources, the role of oil, globally, will

The role of oil in transport declines as the world switches to lower-carbon alternatives

diminish. A point made well by the graph (Fig. 1, below).

Ms Davis also noted that Western Australia is well poised to make a significant contribution to the Australia and the Asia Pacific region’s energy transition through the Asian Renewable Energy Hub (AREH) in the Pilbara.

In July 2000, the Jensen, Broad and Smith families were shattered by a shocking tragedy when the vehicle in which their children Christian, Jess and Hilary were travelling hit the side of a loaded grain train near Jennacubbine and all three were killed. The crossing only had a Give Way sign and was partially obscured by vegetation. The side of the train was not lit. It was impossible not to be moved by the powerful, personal account from Christian’s sister, Lara who told delegates of their fight to have passive level crossings upgraded and for trains to have side lighting and improved front lights. Since that fateful day other families that have experienced similar tragedies have joined their advocacy group. Twenty three years later, despite numerous reports, investigations and coroners’ recommendations, the regulation so desperately sought still eludes them and all other regional road users.

The CEO of the National Heavy

Lara Jensen, Improve Train Lighting and Passive Level Crossing Safety during her presentation

ALRTA Treasurer Alan McKenzie makes a point

John Mitchell, Mitchell Livestock Transport presents outgoing president David Fyfe with a thank you gift

Dathan Rowe, Swan Towing, and the Member for Forrest, Hon Nola Marino MP

Vehicle Regulator, Mr Sal Petroccitto OAM tapped into the theme of the conference and explained the NHVR use of data technologies to improve compliance in addition to tried and tested methods of surveillance. Five risk assessment areas are the focus of the NHVR’s attention – drivers, the supply chain, vehicles, operators and infrastructure. The question of the camera network on roads inevitably arose. Mr Petroccitto said the NHVR ‘used a network of 221 cameras around Australia.’

He said that although the NHVR provided funding to WA to install cameras, no data was collected and shared with the NHVR.

Mr Petroccitto pointed out that WA Police have installed a number of cameras around the regions as part of normal law enforcement activities.

The Minister for Agriculture and Food, the Hon Jackie Jarvis touched on biosecurity, electronic identification tags and the phase-out of live sheep exports by

sea. The Minister outlined the planning activities that have been undertaken by industry and the department in the light of recent scares around foot and mouth disease and lumpy skin disease.

At the completion of her presentation Ms Jarvis presented the former President of the LRTAWA, Grant Robins with life membership of the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association.

Mr Robins who owns Kulin Transport is known in rural transport circles as the quintessential ‘quiet achiever’. His business predominantly transports grain, fertiliser and lime, growing from one truck in the 1980’s to around five trucks today.

In 2013 Mr Robins was elected to the Kulin Shire in WA’s wheat belt. He has been Shire President for the last two years, as well as chairing the Regional Roads

Group. In addition to these roles he is a long serving member of the LRTAWA management committee including seven years as president becoming a life member in 2015. He has carried this commitment through to the national association. He was elected ALRTA president in 2014.

In paying tribute to Mr Robins, outgoing LRTAWA President David Fyfe said Mr Robins is a person who rarely says no when a job needs to be done. He doesn’t like being a ‘passenger.

“He is a deep thinker and is considered in expressing his opinions.”

On hand to see Mr Robins presented with the award were his wife Katharine, daughter Shae, and son Tim who made a surprise appearance for the event.

Outgoing president, David Fyfe was also presented with a gift to thank him for

Flexitrans' patriotic livery

Craig Mitchell, Matthews Transport and Carmen Bairstow, Flexitrans

The Livestock & Rural Transport Association of WA

DIAMOND

Ausquip Industries

CJD Trucks

Cummins-Meritor

Daimler Trucks

Perth

Evertrans

Forch Australia

Fuwa K Hitch

General Transport Equipment

K Craft Bullbars

KRU Engineering

Michelin Australia

Atsure

Truck Centre WA

Truckline

THANK

YOU TO THE FOLLOWING 2023 SPONSORS

PEARL SAPPHIRE

Air Brake Corporation

All Truck Spares

Bunbury Tyrepower

Capricorn Society

City Panel Beaters

Truck Repairs

Fuel Distributors of WA

Great Southern

Fuel Supplies

Hendrickson Asia

Pacific

Jost Australia

KRU Engineering

SAF Holland

Scania Australia

Swan Towing

Truck Art Trailers

Alcoa Wheels

Eco Blue

International

Global Autocoat

Lake Grace

Tyrepower

Orrcon Steel

National Tyre & Wheel

WA Bandag

Western Meat

Packers Group

Western United

Financial Services

12 Volt World

Albany

NATIONAL

bp Australia

Byrne Trailers

Cummins South

Pacific

National Transport Insurance

PACCAR & Dealer Industry Fund

Repco Australia

Lowes Petroleum

SPECIAL

Equipment Finance Services

Montague Transport

The LRTAWA & ALRTA greatly appreciates the support & ongoing commitment of the following sponsors at the 43rd Conference.

his three years as president. In making the presentation John Mitchell from Mitchell’s Livestock Transport said Mr Fyfe typified passion and perseverance.

The Main Roads presentation at the conference is always widely anticipated and this year was no exception. In addition to presentations on the road network and compliance from Chief Operating Officer, Des Snook and Director, Heavy Vehicle Operations Mike Buba, Manager Materials Engineering, Les Marchant provided delegates with a crash course in pavement engineering highlighting the science behind various pavement types and the selection of road base dependent on the geographical location.

Mr Snook later gave an update on the Fitzroy Crossing bridge noting that the first sections of the new bridge are on track to be installed in September with completion expected in 2024. The new bridge will be around six times stronger than the previous bridge and is designed to withstand a one in 200 year flood.

A large proportion of LRTAWA members transport WA’s grain harvest so they are always keen to hear from Cooperative Bulk Handling on key findings at the end of each harvest. Chief Operating Officer for CBH, Mick Daw said that some of the highlights from the 22.7mt harvest in 2022/23 was setting a daily network record of 603,000 tonne and receiving more than 500,000 tonne on 15 days. CBH is 21% ahead in shipping compared to the same time last year.

Mr Daw said that tonnes moved by rail are on average 36% greater than road, with the exception of FY22 and FY23 where more was moved by road due to the record

harvest, engagement of sub-contract pool and grower trucks.

Safety remains a key focus for the organisation. Mr Daw said CBH was seeking uplift in improvement opportunities towards transport industry best practice.

A stimulating day of presentations was rounded out with an appearance from former test cricketer Mitchell Johnson who spoke about his career and some of the

ways in which cricketers manage to work under extreme pressure and how these methods can translate to every workplace.

At the Association’s annual general meeting the previous day Darran Bairstow from Flexitrans in Dumbleyung was elected president. David Fyfe had previously indicated his intention not to renominate. Mr Ben Sutherland from 5k Livestock and Bulk was elected vice president livestock and Mr Timm Lange from Tianco was elected vice president rural. Mr Rob Anspach from Anspach Agricultural Contracting was re-elected secretary with Mr Wade De Campo of De Campo Transport elected treasurer.

Later in the evening at the gala dinner transport industry generosity was writ large. It has been a tradition for more than twenty years to auction a novelty tie and donate the proceeds to the Perth Children’s Hospital. This year the tie, which was donated by Tim Montague of Montague Transport, exceeded all expectations with the winning bidder paying $32,000. An impromptu auction for the Improve Train Lighting and Passive Level Crossing Safety campaign also raised $11,860. During the previous evening’s entertainment more than $11,000 was raised for the Royal Flying Doctor Service in WA.

Forty-one businesses sponsored the event in Busselton and helped make it a weekend to remember. The ongoing support of a loyal group with the welcome addition of new sponsors ensures the Association can continue to make its mark in advocating for improvements for the industry, its drivers and products it carries. We’ve said it before, but we’ll say it again, “We can’t do it without you, so thank you.”

Jade and Shaun Williams, Badgingarra Transport and Nathan and Natasha Harley, Harley Transport

MC Cliff Reeve interviews former test cricketer Mitchell Johnson about how to work under pressure

What we don’t need in the transport industry

By Cliff Graham

With so many camera phones and social media it's too easy to video somebody who's made a mistake. Their gear may not be up to scratch or they have made a mistake and nowadays, someone will find it necessary to video them and post it all over social media with the purpose of hanging crap on someone to see how many likes they can get.

For the 50+ years I have been on the road, there has always been equipment that shouldn’t be there.

The problem as I see it with posting this stuff is it is only attracting the attention of law enforcement agencies and regulators and, worse still, has the person taking the video on their phone, especially when driving, not thought of their own consequences?

What it says is that law enforcement agencies aren't doing their job right so they need a hand from the Facebook police and secondly, it is not a good look for the Facebook police to try and point out that they run a perfect show and everybody else seems to be incompetent gooses.

There seems to be a ‘hero status’ in being the first to post someone else’s stuff up on social media whether it be for the self-gratification of how many likes you get or to see how many people agree with you – or to bully somebody because they made a mistake.

I find the comments on these posts are usually in the realm of stupidity from people who shouldn’t be commenting. We have all made mistakes – that is usually how we learn and those who haven’t are probably not worth employing – because if

they do make a mistake, it’ll be somebody else’s fault.

I also notice a lot of comments now with a racist tone - to belittle a certain class of driver.

Driver professionalism standards have dropped, partly due to experienced drivers leaving the industry due to excessive regulations put in place by people sitting

always been people who should not be driving trucks. Thankfully in the past, there wasn’t anyone finding it necessary to video you on their phones and post on social media – because they can.

Recently, I saw a driver trying to do a U-turn unsuccessfully and I said, “Mate we got to get you out of here because someone is going to take a photo and post it on social media. Sure enough, somebody did just this and all because he made a mistake thinking the ground was harder than it was.

Why is there this necessity nowadays to bully other drivers?

There is a term called ‘mind you’re on business’. If this is not impacting on you and you are not going to be helpful then just move on and do your job. If somebody's doing their job, even if it's not the same way you do it what does it matter?

Drivers used to support each other and would talk and banter on the two-way to help the km’s go past. Nowadays, if you talk on the two-way some people think you're weird or they don’t even reply.

In ending, maybe have a think about it before you post something on social media. Do you really think you are going to be of benefit to somebody in your industry by doing this or are you doing it to hang crap on someone because you think you will get a few likes?

in offices. More trucks are on the roads needing more drivers and with many of our good operators taking a career change to the mines I fear one day we will run out of quality drivers.

Nowadays, everyone thinks they are entitled to huge wages and there have

Take time to think about is it really worth posting something on social media without knowing what kind of day that person is having or how it will affect them by being bullied. It might be that person you bullied might be required to help you out one day.

This is ‘The Outback’

The problem as I see it with posting this stuff is it is only attracting the attention of law enforcement agencies and regulators and, worse still, has the person taking the video on their phone, especially when driving, not thought of their own consequences?

Airless tyres could be rolling out onto public roads before the end of this decade, according to a Michelin executive.

The concept of punctureless rubber has been around since the first motorists were confronted with the inconvenience of flats. However, a safe, durable, and cost effective example has never gone into mass-production.

The world’s biggest tyre maker now claims that’s all about the change, revealing US automotive giant General Motors is looking to offer an electric car fitted from the factory with its nonpneumatic spinners.

Dubbed the Unique Puncture-proof Tyre System (UPTIS), Michelin’s existing prototype uses ‘a flexible load-bearing

Female truck drivers do not feel safe using rest areas

Women driving heavy vehicles on Australian roads do not stop at rest areas if they don’t feel safe, a new industry study by TMX Global has found.

Female drivers surveyed for the study said poor lighting, unenclosed shower facilities, a lack of security, and the risk of vandalism to vehicles prevents them from stopping at or using existing rest stops.

Women make up only three per cent of heavy vehicle drivers. Survey respondents said these conditions must improve if the industry wants to employ and retain more women.

Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds (HHTS), a not-for-profit which aims to improve the wellbeing of national transport, warehousing, and logistics workers, commissioned TMX Global to evaluate heavy vehicle rest areas across Australia.

structure made from glass fibre reinforced plastic’ to support the weight of a vehicle without compressed air.

Approximately 12 per cent of tyres are currently scrapped due to a puncture, while a further eight per cent wear out quicker than they otherwise could due to under- or over-inflation.

According to the French tyre maker, its new UPTIS product could save up to two million tons of waste each year by extending the average lifespan of tyres.

In 2022, Bridgestone announced it was developing an ‘airless’ or non-pneumatic tyre for the passenger vehicle market. Although this prototype is still being developed, the future looks bright for these revolutionary tyre’s which may progress to the transport sector in time.

Industry meets with Carol Brown

The NHVR has joined forces with Stanthorpe local James Blundell, as part of the ‘We ALL Need Space Campaign’.

James knows how important it is to drive safely around heavy vehicles, from his experience as a touring artist for the past 35 years and working on his farm.

James has joined the campaign

alongside comedian Jimmy Rees and Outback Trucker Glenn ‘Yogi’ Kendall, to help spread the word that whether you’re a comedian, musician, athlete, truck driver, car motorist, cyclist, or pedestrian, ‘We ALL Need Space’ to stay safe on the roads. Check out the campaign at weneedspace.com.au/

The study, which included surveying men and women drivers, a literature review, industry consultation, crash data analysis, and route analysis, found there are not enough fit-for-purpose rest areas for heavy vehicle drivers, which is impacting driver safety and mental and physical health.

Most survey respondents said they stop at rest areas due to fatigue and to use the bathroom. Fatigue and distraction/ inattention are the two leading causes of heavy vehicle accidents in Australia.

Commenting on the findings, a HHTS spokesperson said, “It is critical that heavy vehicles drivers are as mentally healthy as they can be so that they can maintain concentration and deal with the stresses of the road. To achieve this, it is critical that we provide the support they need while on the road: suitable rest areas are an important part of this support.”

Some of the report’s recommendations included:

• The establishment of a National Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Strategy

• Ongoing consultation of an industry ‘action group’

• Adding clean toilets and adequate parking to current minimum design standards for Heavy Vehicle rest areas

• Design and implementation of a Heavy Vehicle Rest Area pilot stop.

Road freight within Australia is anticipated to grow by about 56% by 2040, according to the report.

Airless tyres could be a reality this decade

Pulling out of my street the other day, I was confronted with a convoy of trucks, utes and cars flying the TWU flag and with placards statingSustainability, Safety, Accidents etc. The convoy was part of a TWU national protest convoy calling for industry reform and demanding better conditions.

There have been some transport companies that have collapsed recently. Scott's Refrigerated Logistics I guess being the biggest and most recent - but this is nothing new. Transport companies – like companies in ‘every’ other industry are going broke every second day however with the lack of drivers you can see there is an increased reliance on contractors and subcontractor labour, which could be more expensive than a wages driver. Other reasons include outdated fleets or in some cases getting too big too fast with greedy owners/managers receiving obscene salaries whilst the company struggles to pay bills.

It seems to me, the more they struggle, the more they drop their rates to try and obtain a bigger share of the available work.

Transport companies are actually one of the worst offenders of going broke and we have all seen some write off all the debts on Friday and reopen on Monday in the same yard with the same trucks and same staff and servicing the same customers.

They don’t lose anything but it is the poor subcontractor who has used his or her fuel, time and equipment who ends up wearing it. Unfortunately this

BIRDS EYE VIEW by Carol Messenger

Sustainable Rates and Subcontractors

can often have a domino effect as many subcontractors are subcontracting to other subcontractors and you may get three or four in the chain between the customer who pays for the job and the actual operator who does the job. Each of these links in the chain are taking their cut so whilst the customer thinks that he is paying a fair or ‘industry’ price, the person who ultimately completes the job is only receiving a small portion of that price.

We have actually been very lucky in the

getting a fair rate then go elsewhere. There are many companies offering all sorts of sweet deals to try and secure drivers. New trucks, your choice of runs and good pay –why stay where you are not paid your worth and have to put up with not up to scratch equipment or conditions.

If you are a subcontractor (or even a prime contractor) with any kind of business knowledge or acumen, then you know your costs; fixed and running per km and if you don’t then you should get out now.

Every operator will have different costs depending on their situation. If you are not being paid the rate to make a profit then you will go bust. You may bleed out slowly or you may burst an artery but you will go broke – it is simple maths – if your expenditure is more than your income then you cannot continue.

No-one should dictate to you what you will be paid – they can offer a rate and you can accept or decline it – that is entirely your choice.

Transport Industry. When COVID-19 hit, many companies and businesses in other industries closed down or lost everything. We were one of the few industries that continued at a normal pace – in fact for many – myself included; it actually was a bonus. Work increased and I was run off my feet with hotshots.

A wise old truckie once told me, “You might as well stay home and go broke than go up the road and make a loss.”

If you are a wages employee and not

By accepting a lower rate ‘you’ are the problem. And yes I understand that some companies will only pay the cheapest rate but then the operator has to try and ‘bulk it up’ in other ways. They can overload, run illegally or add extra hours on hourly hire.

My customers pay the quoted rate or I don’t do the job. In return I turn up on time, complete the job efficiently without padding the hours and I am polite and friendly. It is a win-win situation and we are still in business 40 years later.

A wise old truckie once told me, “You might as well stay home and go broke than go up the road and make a loss.”

Daphne gives MND Research a major boost

Australian research into Motor Neurone Disease has been given a major boost with almost $600,000 raised through the raffle of a restored 1950s Chevrolet truck, lovingly named ‘Daphne’.

Over the last four months tickets were in high demand for the lava-orange Chevvy,

Armadale Line shutdown to start 20 November 2023

The State Government has announced the Armadale Line shutdown will commence on Monday, 20 November 2023, paving the way for a transformational upgrade of the 130-year-old train line.

During the closure, 5.5 kilometres of elevated rail will be constructed, along with seven new stations, and the extension of the line to Byford.

The project will also see the removal of 13 level crossings which will be immediately removed following the commencement of the shut.

The Thornlie-Cockburn Link will also be completed during the shut. Two new train stations are being constructed along Nicholson Road and Ranford Road; and the delivery of the first east-west rail link connecting the Armadale and Mandurah Lines.

with the raffle drawn at the NTI Supercars round in Townsville in July. In over thirty thousand names, Queenslander Peter Rodney, was the lucky winner.

The restoration project will see an incredible $580,000 go towards MND research, bringing the total raised by

Australia’s largest specialist insurer, NTI, to more than $2 million over the last six years.

NTI CEO Tony Clark said Daphne was the sixth truck to be restored and raffled by the organisation, with 100 percent of funds raised given to support MND research in Australia.

“Daphne has set a new record for the most funds raised of any of our restored vehicles, and we’re thrilled so many people have supported this important cause,” Mr Clark said.

“The MND cause is one very close to our hearts. Our former CEO, Wayne Patterson, lost his battle with the disease in 2018 and we are committed to supporting research to help find treatments and, ultimately, a cure for MND.

“Having Daphne’s raffle take place at the NTI Supercars round was fitting, with the project made possible by generous donations from Matt Stone Racing and Chevrolet Performance Parts.”

Matt Stone said he was thrilled to be involved in the Daphne project.

“Having such a big engine, usually reserved for sports cars, in what’s traditionally a workhorse truck makes Daphne unique.”

And of the fundraising record achieved, Mr Stone said, “We always like when records are broken, especially when it’s for such a good cause. It’s fantastic that it’s been so well received.”

Detailed plan for unfair contracts

The Australian Trucking Association has released its detailed plan for trucking industry contract standards and lodged the plan with the Government.

Aimed at delivering fair contracts for the transport industry, ATA Chair David Smith said, “Under our plan, the Fair Work Commission would be able to make orders setting road transport contract standards but would not have the ability to set freight rates.”

“The commission’s orders would apply to all trucking businesses and their customers. There would not be a twotiered system of rates or standards, which is what occurred under the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal.

“The commission or a court would be able to determine that a road transport contract term was unfair if the parties were unable to demonstrate that the term had regard to the costs faced by the business.

“In making the determination, however, the commission or court would consider the ability of businesses to purchase goods, services and finance at different rates, if the costs faced by the business were reasonable and if the business had chosen to spread its costs over multiple customers or more than one leg of a multi-leg journey,” he said.

To view the plan visit https:// cdn-au.mailsnd.com/49022/0lnjqqSM3hjQyBN0kfF-sHYu2MUiaWmmAYG M9WkqlI/1690416213/2465546.pdf

The Fair Work Commission would be able to make orders setting road transport contract standards but would not have the ability to set freight rates

Visiting an International Collection at Pinjarra

By Kevin Toovey

The HCVC met at the Pinjarra Bakery in July then a short drive out of town to Colin Taylor’s collection of Internationals which has grown since our last visit in 2018.

What a great collection and full credit to Colin for keeping the International history going. There are many fully restored tractors and we met a couple of mechanics who work on all the equipment.

Since our last visit some more trucks have arrived including a very nice Atkinson and some cab over inters. Who remembers the saying International owner and Atkinson dreamer. The Atkinson pictured had a Caterpillar 3406 motor and Spicer transmission and would have been a very desirable truck in its day. The fibreglass cab also solved the rust issues that many trucks from that era had.

All of the machines will have a story to tell and now Colin has placed a number on everyone and will be compiling a reference catalogue to keep track of them all.

International Transtar

Peter Johnston looking at a very good International TD 25

International 3070

Members checking out the Atkinson

A shed full of International beauties

History

The History of the West Australian Road Transport Industry

2002

At the June 27 Board of Management Meeting, Chairman Ian King said that the way the business is run now is “not sustainable” and the volume of work on Howard Croxon meant it took him away from securing funding and membership. Howard did say that he had secured a forklift sponsorship with Budget Forklifts, supplying two forklifts, meaning the Forum could sell its two old vehicles.

The School Bus Division of July 20 heard from Jim McGiveron, Secretary of the Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) about union membership while Government bureaucrat Kim Stone addressed the meeting about the Composite Rate Model (CRM). Chairman Max O’Dea said while he was going to step down this year, he stated that with the amount of negotiations taking place, it would not be fair to the new staff. Therefore he was re-elected and Phil Spencer remained as Vice-Chairman. Wally Gargano, the new Executive Officer attached to the School Bus Division, was introduced to the assembly and he spoke of his background.

The Gold Partner Programme

was flagged at the August 8 Board of Management Meeting, whereby companies would sign up for $5000 in “a more interesting way in which both industry (partners) and the Forum gain”.

One of the more interesting Board of Management Meeting motions passed was “that more varieties of cool drinks be put into the fridge.” This came at the August 8 meeting.

The Board of Management Meeting of October 8 recommended terminating the agreement with Croxon Management Solutions on March 31, 2003 and employing the services of a new CEO. It also moved that the incoming BOM “seeks expressions of interest from interested parties, with respect to the management of Transport Forum WA Inc beyond March 31, 2003”. Thoughts were that the position should be by contract only and not salaried.

The Annual General Meeting of October 11 at the Broadwater Pagoda Hotel was told of the tight budget for the coming year, the need for a lot of sponsorship to prop up that budget, and the need to increase training revenue for the Forum to survive. There was no nomination for Chairman,

By Russell McKinnon

but Frank Marley was nominated from the floor and he accepted. Robert Millar was declared Treasurer.

The annual awards luncheon was staged on October 11 at the Broadwater. There were 41 nominations.

The October 29 Board of Management Meeting, chaired by Frank Marley — “he hoped to get the Forum back on track and get someone to take over (as Chairman) at the end of 12 months” — heard that a fifth Gold Partner had been signed, Royal Wolf. Chairman Frank Marley aired his thoughts that the Forum should disband and re-form under different entities. He thought he Forum “was imploding from the inside and this may be the only course of action that could save each Division”. He called for “unity and harmony” and to dispense with personal issues affecting the smooth running of the Forum. Much talk ensued for no result. The mention of Howard Croxon having his contract terminated by June 30, six months before the original contract date, could be seen as detrimental within the industry. However, the Board sought to have a new person on board early in the New Year with Howard assisting in the handover. The November 26 Board of Management Meeting moved to advertise the position in the newspaper in January and set up interviews in February, instead of going through a recruitment agency, which it could ill afford.

Pilot operators made an approach to have a division, but it was seen that they would not have the numbers necessary and could be a sub-committee of the Freight Division.

The national Drive for Safety was staged on December 14, culminating at Langley Park. There were 25 politicians expected to attend and Transport Forum members were to volunteer trucks to drive them around..

Bali bombing memorial (Image Sardaka Wikimedia Commons)

This space could be your spot to reach over 12,000 readers in the Western Australian transport and associated sectors. Contact Karen at Karen@angrychicken.com.au or Ph 0430 153 273

We are looking for a person who would like to work their own hours from home talking to our ‘long established client base’ to secure sales.

If you like communicating with people, the WA Transport Industry is full of genuine people who will benefit from the magazine.

If you have never done anything like this before, all you need is computer, basic computer literacy (email, word etc) and the want to talk to people.

If you, or any of your friends are interested, please contact Karen Maree Kaye at karen@angrychicken.com.au

The ‘must have’ publication for anyone in the transport industry requiring the locations (distances) of transport parking bays, bridge information, roadhouses and their facilities and dirt tracks suitable for parking throughout mainland Australia.

PRINT or use on your TABLET

The ‘must have’ book for transport operators giving you the locations (distances) of Transport Parking Bays, Bridge information, roadside facilities and their services throughout mainland regional Australia.

Hurry Limited copies left Only $30 plus postage

HARD COPIES NOW AVAILABLE ~ $40 EACH

On the Road - Trucks is now available in high resolution PDF format which means you can use it on your TABLET as well as print it. You will be sent an invoice with EFT details, and once payment is received the book (6mb) will be emailed to you.

To order: Email this form to karen@angrychicken.com.au

TO ORDER visit www.angrychicken.com.au karen@angrychicken.com.au