SEPTEMBER 2019 EDITION OF WA TRANSPORT MAGAZINE

THE TRANSPORT AND MACHINERY MAGAZINE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

WA

ISSN 2202-6193 100007516 September 2019 | price $6.95

TRANSPORT magazine

Page 16

PARINS –

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF BUSINESS SUCCESS

Vic Parin is not one or your sporty types, as he never had the time, but his captaincy of a major smash repairs business is second to none. And he trusts that his team will push on for the coveted century that everyone hopes to attain

IN THIS ISSUE:

WA Truck Drivers Deserve Better In-truck info system benefits are real, says Port Pilot Vehicles – more interaction needed Don’t drop your DG bundle WATM • September 2019

TRAN SP

UN

IO

N

WO RK

S‘ ER

T OR

By Tim Dawson | Branch Secretary

WA truck drivers deserve better

T

he vastness of Western Australian is unique. Long stretches of road that go on for miles. WA’s size is beautiful, but also presents some unique challenges.

Most Australians have no idea or appreciate the importance of truck drivers especially Long-distance drivers.

They are the link in the chain that keeps the wheels of industry turning and food on the table in the remote parts of WA. If the Australian public had any idea of what it takes to get the everyday essentials from seed to shelf, they’d have a greater appreciation for our industry.

And yet, truck drivers who connect the vastness of WA are operating in conditions that could only be compared to that of the third world.

It is time that politicians State and Federal did something about rest areas.

I will be taking a motion to the ALP state conference that will work to force the Government to move on lifting the standard of Rest Areas.

Part of the resolution that is specific to truck rest areas is: Proposed new Resolutions: 31. Given the WA Government’s tourism strategy named the “road-trip state”, is designed to increase intrastate tourism by encouraging people to drive, will inevitably see an increase in road traffic. To deal with

TRAN SP

UN

IO

WO RK

S‘ ER

T OR

this increase in use of major roads, which has been steadily growing over the past years, rest areas on these roads are being used by more people and as such proper facilities must be invested in by the State Government.

In light of this, the State Conference calls on the State Government to invest in two separate types of rest areas for country road users, within the next term of Government. The Government will consult with Industry in the implementation of rest areas.

Truck only rest areas must: 1. include plenty of parking for multiple trucks and road trains; 2. have personal care facilities such as showers and toilets, specific separate male and female facilities; 3. have outdoor rest facilities such as benches and tables; 4. be properly signed to say “truck only rest area” and may only be used by travellers and other road users in emergency situations; 5. be at regular intervals on the journey, for safety reasons; 6. Encourage facilities to be powered by Solar PV and batteries; 7. Have emergency communication equipment in the case of poor mobile phone coverage.

The union is also putting pressure on Mining companies, the big retailers and construction companies to put their hands in their pockets and pay for good, accessible facilities.

These big companies use our roads for their commercial gain so putting money back into making life better for truckies is the least they can do.

In 2019, it is an absolute ‘disgrace’ that the WA government has not progressed rest areas to a suitable standard.

The Transport Workers Union has been campaigning for improved rest stops and truck only rest areas for a number of years.

If this was any other workplace, Work Safe or the Department of Health would shut it down and demand adequate facilities.

The transport industry is the most crucial industry in Australia, if trucks stop Australia stops.

And yet, truck drivers who connect the vastness of WA are operating in conditions that could only be compared to that of the third world And we think it will stop if the Government and the industries that rely on transport don’t do something about bringing these rest areas up to standard.

It’s up to those behind the wheel, those who understand and experience the industry’s issues every day to do something to change its course.

It is time the Government put a timeline on to fix this.

It is time to stop talking and take action.

Truckies deserve better.

PROTECT YOURSELF & JOIN the TRANSPORT WORKERS UNION

N

The workplace representative for people who make a living working in transport

e: info@twuwa.org.au | Ph: 1800 657 477 | Web: www.twuwa.org.au | F: www.facebook.com/twuwa

FREMANTLE Over to you

PORTS TRUCK INFORMATION SYSTEM Drivers, do you have an in-cab telematic device but aren’t receiving free information on it from Fremantle Ports?

acorndesign.com.au

Wouldn’t it help to know about early slot openings, congestion and any delays, before getting to the port?

79612

If you’re not getting this information, contact your telematics device provider to arrange access. www.fremantleports.com.au

WATM • September 2019

1

News

IN-TRUCK INFO SYSTEM BENEFITS ARE REAL, SAYS PORT

G

etting better coordination of heavy vehicles moving in and out of a sensitive precinct is always important and Fremantle Ports’ North Quay is one of Western Australia’s best examples of that. Movements need to be efficient, have the least impact upon the community, make sense for truck operators and save time and dollars.

Fremantle Ports is keen to work with industry players to increase adoption of its information to in-cab devices.

The automated messaging system (also known as TIX - Truck Information Exchange) that forms part of the port’s Truck Control System (TCS) has been in

LIKE EAGLE JAMIE CRIPPS, 1 IN 17 AUSTRALIAN ADULTS LIVES WITH DIABETES. KEEN TO HELP CRIPPA’S DREAM FOR A CURE? Kick some WA diabetes research goals now. Donate at chuffed.org/project/help-crippa

All donations over $10 go into the running to win a signed 2019 West Coast home guernsey.

diabetesresearchwa.com.au 2 WATM • September 2019

live operation since April 2017 and the Port believes the information can be more widely accessed.

‘We’re aware that most truck operators already have in-cab telematic devices in their trucks, so it’s a matter of raising driver awareness of the TIX’s existence and encouraging its use,’ said Fremantle Port’s Principal Logistics Analyst, Michael Pal. The port is seeking for the trucking community to request this ‘value-add’ service from their telematics device provider.

‘If drivers have the right information about what’s happening at the port, they can make better decisions,’ he said.

Port information already available can let drivers know about early slot openings, truck turn-times and situations where trucks might benefit by temporarily avoiding the port precinct, for whatever reason, including unexpected changes in conditions such as congestion or even sever weather.

“Drivers obviously don’t want to be travelling to North Fremantle to find they need to wait unnecessarily - causing downtime and an opportunity cost for them and broader environmental and supply chain efficiency impacts,’ he said.

Mr Pal said fleet controllers generally worked from early in the morning until mid to late-afternoon, yet most early slotopenings occurred in the early evening, from 5pm onwards and on weekends. While this information is displayed on variable message boards at the port, the greatest

We’re aware that most truck operators already have in-cab telematic devices in their trucks, so it’s a matter of raising driver awareness of the TIX’s existence and encouraging its use potential for efficiency is if information goes straight to the driver, wherever he or she may be.

“Greater use of this system by drivers will certainly provide value for individual transport operators and enhance port and supply chain efficiency,” he said.

Fremantle Ports has consistently pursued innovation in the freight and logistics arena and is committed to ensuring freight access to the Inner Harbour is as efficient and seamless as possible. Its annual truck surveys have helped it better understand industry trends and identify priority issues for attention.

“Innovation is a collaborative journey.

We’ve long recognised that we will achieve the best outcomes by working closely and continuously with truck operators, fleet controllers, shipping agents, technology providers and relevant government agencies.”

Mr Pal said technology was transforming freight and logistics networks worldwide and ports were leading in this space.

There are about 30,000 approved telematic in-vehicle units in trucks in Australia and 500 target devices here in Western Australia that regularly receive automated messages from Fremantle Ports.

“If we can maximise the number of those drivers who get the port’s information, everybody wins,” Mr Pal said.

“We are better able to manage any congestion issues through being proactive in delivering information.”

“The greatest benefit is that drivers can act on information in real-time and make decisions that suit him or her, as well as benefit the broader freight and logistics chain’.

Fremantle Ports’ Truck Control System project has been conducted in collaboration with Main Roads WA and Transport Certification Australia (TCA), which is the national regulating body for telematic in-vehicle units. Most companies operate TCA-approved devices.

The system has won two State and three national transport and supply chain awards.

Mr Pal said the future was also bright in this area because, as the system expands, there will be more and richer information available to share, such as live truck turn times at key sites.

Research shows that best practice ports overseas are moving in this same direction, empowering drivers by delivering information direct to their cabs.

For more information, industry representatives can contact Mr Pal on 9430 3356 or John Gordon at the TCA on 03 8601 4600.

WATM • September 2019

3

WA

TRANSPORT

magazine

VOLUME 25 | NUMBER 8 Angry Chicken Publishing Pty Ltd

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Telephone 0430 153 273 www.angrychicken.com.au ABN: 35 486 530 095

PUBLISHER / COMMISSIONING EDITOR Karen-Maree’ Kaye T: 08 9296 4488 Email: karen@angrychicken.com.au WRITERS Russell McKinnon CONTRIBUTORS Jan Cooper, Cam Dumesny, Carol Messenger, John Milner, Ray Pratt, Peter Swift, Vince Ziino.

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 E: accounts@angrychicken.com.au

C

ongratulations to everyone at Parins on your 50 year milestone and thank you for the opportunity to profile you in this edition.

This month, I welcome the TWU WA to the magazine with a regular column (inside front cover) on what they are up to in helping the WA Transport Industry. Thank you again for your support of WA Transport Magazine – it is appreciated.

Also in this edition (Page 2) Fremantle Ports are keen to work with industry players to improve efficiency of movements in and out of the Port and save operators time and money by increasing adoption of their information to in-cab devices.

Western Roads Federation (Page 14) highlights the need for kindness and

PRINTER Daniels Printing Craftsmen 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)

professionalism from the transport sector on Social Media. Recently, I have been sharing information on Social Media that is aimed at helping with trying to find solutions with ‘rock throwing’ at trucks in our state and thanks to Fitzroy Crossing Police Station there will be a BBQ for transport operators and locals in their town in August. For the most part, the response to this has been positive and it is a credit to this industry.

Lastly, welcome to all the new digital subscribers of the magazine. We are nearly at 2000 digital readers per month (plus the copies printed and posted to everyone).

Best,

Karen

CONTENTS 2...............................In-truck info system benefits are real, says Port 6............................................... Vehicle Ratings

Overseas subscribers: Airmail postage will be added to subscription rate.

8............................................... New report helps fleet managers identify and address driver fatigue

Editorial Submissions: The Publisher welcomes

13............................................ WRF and MTA refute Roe 8 levy fund claim

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.

44

WATM •• September September 2019 2019 WATM

14............................................ Western Roads Federation – Don’t expect anyone to respect you 16............................................ Parins – Celebrating 50 years of business success 24.......................................... Major Kalgoorlie road upgrade now officially underway 26.......................................... Emergency fuel reserve must be in Australia 30.......................................... Next steps critical for heavy vehicle reform

Every Month 9............................................... Questions to the Minister 10............................................ Fair Go for Owner Drivers 12............................................ Bird’s Eye View 24.......................................... Dangerous Goods 26.......................................... The Lone Wolf 28.......................................... HCVC 31............................................. WA Transport History 32.......................................... Model Trucks

Endorsed by

Government of Western Australia

Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety

Over to you Over to you

Questions about dangerous goods road transport?

The answers are at your fingertips Developed by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, the Dangerous Goods Road Transport Decoder App makes it easier to access dangerous goods transport information to help drivers safely transport dangerous goods on Western Australian roads.

Download the app for free from https://decoderapp.dmirs.wa.gov.au

KEEP UP TO DATE

CONTACT US

Subscribe to the Department’s email alert service to receive safety alerts as they are issued and find out about new publications.

For all other dangerous goods safety and licensing enquiries (including explosives, fireworks and major hazard facilities).

Visit www.dmirs.wa.gov.au to subscribe.

Telephone: (08) 9358 8001 Email: dgsb@dmirs.wa.gov.au

Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety

WATM • September 2019

WATM • May 2019 @DMIRS_WA

15

Focus

VEHICLE RATINGS

I

s the vehicle you’re driving over the mass or dimension limits prescribed in the Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations 2014? If it is, then it needs to be driven in accordance with a current Main Roads Western Australia Order or Permit. Main Roads is the sole agency authorised to permit access of Restricted Access Vehicles (RAVs) to public roads in WA (ie both State and Local roads).

WHAT IS AN ORDER OR PERMIT? Main Roads’ Heavy Vehicle Services uses two types of administrative methods to grant access of RAVs to the Western Australian road network: Orders (commonly referred to as Notices) and Permits. Approval for RAVs to access public roads in WA is given by either an Order or a Permit which provides information including the vehicle type that the approval applies to, the approved routes and operating conditions necessary for ensuring road safety, and road

6

WATM • September 2019

infrastructure protection.

Orders are published on behalf of the Commissioner of Main Roads in the Government Gazette. Main Roads uses these Orders as an instrument to publicly advise the granting of road access to certain types of RAVs. Once an Order is written and approved by Main Roads, the Order is published in the Gazette via the State Law Publisher, thereby replacing the requirement for an individual or organisation to purchase a Permit. An Order has no application process, no fees are charged, and it is published for a defined period of time, managed by Main Roads.

All RAVs require a permit, unless they are authorised under an Order.

Main Roads uses ‘Permits’ to grant access to RAVs on certain parts of the road network under specific operating conditions. Permits are issued to individual vehicles (usually the motor vehicle in a combination) for a defined period of

time upon payment of the prescribed fee.

A copy of the permit needs to be carried and be able to be produced by the driver of the vehicle. The transport operator is responsible for managing the currency of their permits.

The Order or Permit will also stipulate the lowest value required for components such as tyre rating, axle rating, gross vehicle mass (GVM), gross trailer mass (GTM), and gross combination mass (GCM). These are the ratings that a Compliance Officer will use during an assessment, to ensure that your vehicle is suitably rated to carry a particular load.

Not sure what your vehicle rating is? You can check that your vehicle is appropriately rated by looking at the Compliance/Modification Plate on each vehicle in the combination, or by checking the VIN-specific manufacturer’s rating letter. Remember, it’s your responsibility to ensure that the load you’re carrying is

in accordance with your rating, and that the load is distributed evenly and correctly positioned so that the allowed axle mass limits are not exceeded.

An understanding of the terminology as it relates to vehicle ratings can help you through the process. Some of the key terms are: Tare Weight - This is the un-laden weight of the vehicle only (ie no load). It’s important to know the tare weight of your vehicle so that you know the maximum load you can carry. If you are unsure of your vehicle’s tare weight, weigh the vehicle when it is empty to obtain an accurate tare weight.

Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) Rating - The maximum loaded mass of a vehicle.

Gross Combination Mass (GCM) – The maximum loaded mass allowed on a motor vehicle and any vehicles (ie trailers) that are being towed by it.

Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) Rating – The maximum allowed mass that can be transmitted to the ground via the axles of the trailer when the trailer is loaded and connected to a towing vehicle.

Tyre Rating - The load capacity of a tyre which, in turn, determines what

WireLess weight monitoring

SENTINEL

Remember, it’s your responsibility to ensure that the load you’re carrying is in accordance with your rating, and that the load is distributed evenly and correctly positioned so that the allowed axle mass limits are not exceeded

weight each tyre is able to carry. To determine your tyre rating, check with your manufacturer.

Axle Group Rating – The limit set by a manufacturer for the mass that can be transmitted through an axle group onto the road.

Regulation Axle Group Mass Limits are detailed in the Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations 2014. The table below outlines the most common axle groups: AXLES AND TYRES

MAXIMUM AXLE GROUP LOAD

Single steer 2 tyres

6.0 tonnes

Twin steer axle group 4 tyres

10.0 tonnes for non-load sharing suspension 11.0 tonnes for load sharing suspension

Single axle 4 tyres

9.0 tonnes

Tandem axle group dual tyres (8)

16.5 tonnes

Tri-axle group dual tyres (12)

20.0 tonnes 18.0 tonnes fitted to a pig trailer

For further information visit our website www.mainroads.wa.gov.au or call Main Roads Heavy Vehicle Services Helpdesk on 138 486.

WireLess: The most accurate, powerful, flexible and robust hand held display that fits in your pocket

QUICK DRIVE THRU FULLY AUTOMATED TRUCK WASH

Economical and accurate onboard weighing system Installs on all trucks and trailers including Airbag, Spring or Hydraulic suspensions – In any combination without modification to any of your equipment • Very competitive price • The most accurate weighing system on market • Supports up to 12 axle groups • Also controls axle lift with the scales • Easy swap trailer in combinations or order of display • Quick and easy installation • Choice of Remote handheld or in-cab display • Maintenance free

24 HR / 7 DAY ACCESS

WireLess Technology

Please contact us for an obligation-free quote or more information Equipment Manufacturer specials available

CLERAL Quality Canadian design and manufactured for over 20 years Chris: 0427 792069 E: chris57.lloyd@gmail.com John: 0433 037703. E: John56chambers@gmail.com

3 MINUTE EXPRESS WASH

• Road train friendly • Full chassi rinse standard • Credit card facility • Fleet accounts available

www.twepicton.com.au Roadtrain / truck & dog $140 inc gst Semi $110 inc gst 6 Wheel Trucks / Bus $88 inc gst

2 Nicholson Road, East Picton T: Darren 0417 909 128 | E: info@twepicton.com.au

www.cleral.com

WATM • September 2019

7

News

FEDERAL BACKING SOUGHT FOR WA ROAD SAFETY INITIATIVE

T

he State Government is calling for a Federal Government partnership to deliver a nine-year strategy to address single vehicle regional road crashes, saving lives and reducing serious injury on WA’s country roads.

The strategy target would be $100 million a year over nine years - $80

The program of works is estimated to create more than 500 direct and indirect jobs annually over its nine-year life

million from the Federal Government and $20 million from the State through the Road Trauma Trust Account.

The regional road safety initiative focuses on a capital intensive program of civil construction works to provide sealed shoulders, install audible edge-lining and where required metre-wide audible median or centre-lines on more than 17,400 kilometres of the regional road network.

The program of works is estimated to create more than 500 direct and indirect jobs annually over its nine-year life.

Of the 159 fatalities in WA last year, 100 occurred on regional roads with most involving a single vehicle running off the road or drifting into the path of an oncoming vehicle, causing a head-on crash. The annual community cost of this trauma is $900 million, while the emotional trauma cannot be measured.

Major routes initially targeted would include:

8

WATM • September 2019

New report helps fleet managers identify and address driver fatigue

D

riving while tired is a high-risk activity management can help reduce those risks. and fatigue is a factor in a large Identifying and addressing driver number of road crashes. Organisations fatigue features expert advice from key looking to reduce the risks associated players in road safety, including Paul with driver fatigue will benefit from new Jackson, head of impairment research guidance published by the Global Fleet at TRL. Jackson advises fleet managers Champions (GFC) campaign. to pinpoint the causes of fatigue in their Identifying and addressing driver workforce and use this knowledge to fatigue guides fleet managers through the create an effective fatigue management causes and consequences of fatigue and strategy to prevent fatigue becoming a the different measures that fleet managers serious risk to their drivers. can introduce to help identify David Lee, clinical director and reduce the risk of death or at Sleep Unlimited, explains Global Fleet serious injury resulting from a the symptoms of obstructive Champions is sleep apnoea, a common fatigue-related road crash.

Fatigue is particularly cause of fatigue, and gives free to join dangerous because it can affect advice to help drivers manage anyone, regardless of how the condition, explaining that experienced a driver they are. failure to do so could result People who drive for work are at particular in serious financial, reputational and legal risk, especially if they spend long hours consequences in the event of a crash. driving and drive at night. Young men (aged This essential new resource is available 17–30) and people who work irregular shifts free of charge to all Global Fleet Champion are more likely to suffer from fatigue. members at https://globalfleetchampions.

The guidance will help to increase org/resources/report-identifying-andawareness of the risks of driving while addressing-driver-fatigue/. Global Fleet tired and how technology and good risk Champions is free to join.

BIS SECURES FOUR-YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION FOR MINARA RESOURCES

S

ervice provider to the resources sector Bis, has announced the successful extension of its haulage and site services contracts for Minara Resources at their Murrin Murrin mine.

The multi-year extension will see Bis extend its longstanding partnership with Minara, where they have been delivering a range of services at the Murrin Murrin site since the operation begun in 1998.

Bis provide a range of services at Murrin Murrin including haulage and haul and road maintenance services, calcrete services, and bulk logistics services.

The Murrin Murrin site recently hosted Bis’ new innovative haul truck Rexx as part of its trials in working mines across Western Australia, reflecting its status as an innovative marker leader in progressing technology on site.

• Great Eastern Highway (Perth to Northam); • Great Northern Highway (Muchea to Wubin); • South Western Highway (Perth to Donnybrook); and, • North West Coastal Highway (Karratha to Roebourne).

Modelling undertaken using roads

where the same safety treatments have been introduced shows the strategy could reduce road trauma in regional WA by 60 per cent.

Works could begin on a large scale as soon as funding is available because Main Roads has all the required vegetation clearing permits and maintenance contracts in place.

Over to you QUESTIONS TO THE MINISTER with Hon. Rita Saffioti | B Bus MLA | Minister of Transport 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 we hope you will take advantage of this opportunity. Please send your questions to the publisher at karen@angrychicken.com.au Minister: With the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) undergoing a major rewrite, does WA Government foresee the day when WA might join in the National Law? Are the WA government making submissions to the HVNL law review?

Answer: While WA is not a signatory to the HVNL we stand to benefit from improvements to the national law, particularly if industry concerns about productivity are addressed. WA has been invited to participate in the review of the Heavy Vehicle National Law and will ensure that WA issues and opportunities for further national harmonisation are considered.

Minister: Who is charged with overseeing the use of road train assembly areas? The new area in Port Hedland along with the Kewdale assembly area are used by large local companies as yard overflow and lay down areas meaning they can’t be used to

assemble trailers or for fatigue breaks for long haul as there is often no parking available. Are there any plans to police these areas and will the new Muchea as-sembly be the same? Do any of these companies contribute to the capital cost of installing these areas?

Answer: Main Roads Regions are responsible for maintaining the physical assets at Road Train Assembly Areas (RTAAs). Pilbara Region is responsible for the Port Hedland RTAA and Metropolitan Region is responsible for the RTAA’s located on Albany Highway at Bedfordale, Apple Street in Upper Swan and Abernethy Road in Kewdale.

Any complaints about the use of RTAA’s should be referred to Main Roads Heavy Ve-hicle Services.

The new RTAA planned for Muchea will operate the same as the other RTAAs. No private companies have contributed to the capital cost of installing the RTAs.

When you need high durability and a good performance brake lining is youR besT opTion A Medium to high friction coefficient asbestos free brake lining. Made with the base of fibreglass is adequate for high brake performance when necessary. Recommended for aftermarket application as well as hydraulic use. This lining has a good resistance to fade, high durability and good compatibility with the drum. The performance and durability characteristics have been extensively evaluated in our testing laboratory as well as on the roads, demonstrating to be cost effective by giving increased lining and drum life.

4 Hopetoun Place, Welshpool, WA Tel: (08) 9353 4411 Fax: (08) 9353 5922

WATM • September 2019

9

Over to you A FAIR GO FOR OWNER DRIVERS by Ray Pratt

Pilot Vehicles – more interaction needed with other road users .

R

ecently, I left Perth on a Saturday morning and headed up the Great Northern Highway. It’s not my favourite day to be on this particular road as it appears to be a ‘popular’ time for trucks, especially eight metre loads to be leaving Perth and I prefer not to share the road with them unless I really have to.

The increase in the movement of all these big loads is a good sign that the economy in the mining sector is improving so we shouldn’t complain too much. They are really not too much of a problem as they do their best to keep the traffic moving but just lately there have been a rather lot of them.

Anyway, that wasn’t the first problem I encountered. I got to the Swan river bridge to find traffic banked up waiting because a truck had broken down right at the traffic lights in the south bound lane. To make it worse, a truck in the north bound lane was also in trouble as its engine had shut down to ‘limp home mode’ so it was very slowly crawling up the road trying to find a safe place to park.

In these circumstances, it didn’t take long for traffic to build up in both directions causing a lot of impatience for anxious motorists. It’s amazing how quickly small problems like this bring everything to a grinding halt.

Anyway, a tow truck turned up from one of the major towing companies and quickly, efficiently and professionally hooked up to the broken down truck and cleared the road. By then, the other ailing truck was also off the road and we were all on the way again. Not too bad a result but it did put everyone behind schedule.

Back on the road again I soon came across a wide load consisting of a dump truck and it’s tray on the second truck and they made it easy for the other road users by pulling up into a roadhouse so everyone could get past.

Next was a similar load south of New Norcia. I had to follow this one for quite a while as passing opportunities were limited but it wasn’t too bad as they were trying to keep their speed up where ever possible. But

10

WATM • September 2019

then word came over the radio that an eight metre load was heading south. This will be interesting to see how they manage this passing manoeuvre I thought.

We all pulled over to the left on a wide section of road and waited for the south

monitoring traffic coming up behind a wide load and his job to take the necessary steps to instruct the traffic. In this case he failed to do so.

The other issue here is that a lot of motorists are not used to trucks and wide

EDITORS NOTE: Many 4X4 and Caravan drivers have radios in their vehicles nowadays so Pilots and truck drivers can interact with them. bound load to come. While we were waiting a 4X4 that was behind me decided that while everyone was stopped he would take the opportunity to pass which was not a wise thing to do. He just about got level with the north bound wide load when he was met by the south bound wide load.

Don’t tell me that didn’t get the heart pumping for a few people. The rear escort pilot after a bit of gesturing and hand signals managed to get him off the road and the whole overtaking maneuver was successfully completed.

After this we all passed the north bound wide load and were on our merry way.

Reflecting back on this whole overtaking incident while everyone was blaming the driver of the 4X4 for being impatient I’m not sure it was really his fault.

It’s the Pilot at the rear who should be

loads so when they are confronted with one in their space then they are unsure of what is expected of them. I’m sure the 4X4 driver thought it was okay to overtake the wide load.

I’m often approached by motorists and caravan drivers at roadhouses saying to me they are unsure what is expected of them when they meet up with heavy vehicles. To me this points out that there is a complete lack of education with regards as to how motorists should interact with trucks. I know that there are pamphlets put out by the Government explaining how motorists and trucks should share the road but not everyone gets these to read. It would not be too difficult to run some advertising in the papers or on television and it would help make our roads safer.

Keep it safe, Ray Pratt

FUWA K-HITCH RUNNING GEAR FOR ALL APPLICATIONS AND ENVIRONMENTS

FOR ALL YOUR EQUIPMENT AND OE SPARE PART REQUIREMENTS, YOU CAN TRUST KHITCH MELBOURNE

13-21 Bliss Court Derrimut VIC 3030 p: 03 9369 0000 f: 03 9369 0100 melb@khitch.com.au

PERTH

77B Kurnall Road Welshpool WA 6106 p: 08 9350 6470 f: 08 9350 6570 perth@khitch.com.au

BRISBANE

41 Moreton Street Heathwood QLD 4110 p: 07 3372 2223 f: 07 3372 1022 qld@khitch.com.au

www.khitch.com.au WATM • September 2019

11

Over to you BIRDS EYE VIEW by Carol Messenger

The cut in number of Licensing Centres getting out of hand

T

he Government runs a monopoly when it comes to licensing. If you want to go food or clothes shopping, book a holiday, have a meal out or any other of the millions of things that we do on a daily basis; then we have a choice.

If we don't like the product, or more importantly the supplier or their service we can vote with our feet and go elsewhere.

But if you ‘need’ to do something with your licence - drivers or vehicle - then you have absolutely no choice but to deal with the Department of Transport. Despite having a captive market, the service and response is shocking in my experience.

Try phoning them up - after spending ten minutes on “Press One for vehicle licences” you are still doomed to a 30 minute wait before you get answered. That is if your phone battery doesn't go flat first, or the quirky system doesn't cut you off just as you get somewhere near the front of the queue.

The biggest nightmare though is if you actually have to visit a Licensing Centre which I had to do recently. With Welshpool now closed it was down to Cannington I went.

First step - try and find a parking bay within 500m of the centre - that is a trial just in itself.

Once that is achieved then go in and

12

WATM • September 2019

The biggest nightmare though is if you actually have to visit a Licensing Centre which I had to do recently. With Welshpool now closed it was down to Cannington I went. try and to work out which of the buttons covers what you are after then take a seat in the barn and try and remain awake until it is your turn.

“LC14 to counter Four”, “LC14 to counter Four”, “PN95 to counter 16” and it drones on and on... Each time a number is called people check their tickets in the hope that somehow miraculously their number has finally come up. When you finally hit the jackpot you grab all your gear and wander off in search of the elusive 'Counter Four'.

The system is seriously flawed. There are such long delays as people check and double check their tickets then make their way to the counter - so much time is lost between each customer and the queues are getting longer and longer. Surely, a plain and simple number would be so much easier. Number 18 is called and you are number 20 so you can get yourself ready.

Having to wait 30 or 40 minutes to be able to conduct your business is just so totally unacceptable. In most cases, you are

there to pay money and I think they should be getting you in and out much quicker.

The same goes for people trying to get a driving test. This is an absolute gold mine for the Government - the amount of money that you have to pay to progress through the various stages of obtaining a licence is bad enough but the waiting times to be able to book tests etc. is outrageous.

What is the answer? Put more staff on I say and get the waiting times down. The Government makes a fortune every time someone goes for a driving test but they make it so hard and so lengthy to be able to get an appointment slot. Why? It makes no sense at all. More staff means less on unemployment benefits, more tests so more money coming in and the ‘customer' is happier with shorter waiting times - do you need a degree in Economics to see this?

Working people do not have time to sit around all day in Government offices waiting to be served for an essential service.

It’s about time that someone looked up the words 'Customer Service' in a dictionary.

News

WRF and MTA refute Roe 8 levy fund claim

W

estern Roads Federation and The Motor Trade Association said they were not consulted before Liberal Leader Liza Harvey told Radio 6PR late July that the transport industry were ‘happy’ to pay a levy to help cover the more than $1 billion needed to build the controversial Roe 8 and Roe 9 extensions.

Ms Harvey said on Gareth Parker’s Mornings program the industry had been consulted and were on board with contributing to the cost of the shelved road project if the Liberals get elected in 2021.

Western Roads Federation said it would be a mistake to make one sector pay a levy.

"Our position is that we believe it is in the Opposition's best interest to talk to the industry ‘first’ to discuss the details of what they are proposing," WRF chairman Craig Smith-Gander said.

"Second, if the road is to benefit all West Australians, it is inequitable to apply a charge to only one segment - the road

transport industry."

MTA chief executive Stephen Moir said, "We need to send this back to the drawing board. We are supportive of Roe 8 – let’s not make that mistake - but we think there’s a better way of doing it."

Ms Harvey said in her interview, "The freight sector have said to us 'we're going to make so much … the savings to us are going to be so significant with respect to this piece of road infrastructure that we're prepared to put a portion of our productivity gains towards paying for the road'."

After issuing a statement ruling out her initial wording of ‘toll’ in the interview she

later stated, "There will be a levy exclusively paid by the heavy haulage industry—a levy which the industry has readily agreed to—because it knows Roe 8 and Roe 9 will mean significant productivity gains for their industry if it goes ahead under a Liberal government."

All this confusion prompted Transport Minister Rita Saffioti to claim Ms Harvey “was all over the place”.

The McGowan Government killed off the Roe 8 and 9 extensions to Fremantle as soon as it was elected in 2017, opting for a new outer harbour development south of Cockburn.

Our position is that we believe it is in the Opposition's best interest to talk to the industry ‘first’ to discuss the details of what they are proposing

Australia’s No. 1 truck insurer.

With more than 45 years as Australia’s leading heavy motor insurer, we know exactly what it takes to become #1.

Our specialised staff and expert partners, leading Premium Repair networks, along with our awardwinning claims solutions are second to none.

So talk to your broker about how NTI’s awardwinning claims solutions can protect you and your business. Because that’s what we specialise in.

For more information, visit nationaltransportinsurance.com.au

Insurance products are provided by National Transport Insurance, a joint venture of the insurers Insurance Australia Limited trading as CGU Insurance ABN 11 000 016 722 AFSL 227681 and AAI Limited Trading as Vero Insurance ABN 48 005 297 807 AFSL 230859 each holding a 50% share. National Transport Insurance is administered on behalf of the insurers by its manager NTI Limited ABN 84 000 746 109 AFSL 237246.

WATM • September 2019

13

Over to you WESTERN ROADS FEDERATION by Cam Dumesny, CEO

Don’t Expect Anyone to Respect You

O

k that is a headline designed to grab your attention. But I wish to discuss an important issue that has to be confronted.

We Want Respect But… One of the most common themes you get from people in our industry, especially drivers and Owner Drivers is that basically no one respect’s what they do.

They are actually right. They deserve ‘far more’ respect from the community and others for the essential service they offer.

The problem is they need to ‘respect each other’ before others will respect them. By that I mean, transport operators / drivers need to respect those in their ‘own’ industry who are volunteering their own time and even money to help make our industry a better place. These people invariably use Social Media to reach others in their industry.

To Highlight the Lack of Respect A couple of weeks ago, it struck me that I hadn’t seen or heard of an Owner Driver for a while; a person who was usually actively working on trying to make it a better industry for all. This Owner Driver was usually quite active on Social Media had gone very quiet.

So, I called him and got the answer that he had basically decided to take a break, as 14

WATM • September 2019

despite his best intentions and efforts to help other drivers on Social Media – for the most part, all he got was personal abuse.

Then if that wasn’t enough, I was working with another Owner Driver – someone who is a strong advocate for a better industry who told me that he had also been personally abused on Social Media from people in his own industry and that abuse had extended to him on work

have witnessed and had to assist in major accidents. Note she is a fully qualified Psychologist as well as being the part time NT RTA Executive Officer and hails from a Northern Territory road transport family.

Yet, even she cops personal abuse online from drivers bagging the project and what she is trying to do.

Why would anyone in their right mind volunteer their time and even their own

“The damage caused by relentless cyber trolls and online bullies goes well beyond the emotional and physical, with a new report putting a dollar figure on the economic impact.

New research conducted by the Australia Institute found 39 per cent of people have experienced one or more forms of online harassment, equivalent to 8.8 million Aussies”

sites – all from him posting online.

This was yet another driver who has over the years, committed not only his time but his own money to trying to make a better industry for drivers.

Another example is my counterpart in the Northern Territory who secured funds to identify how often Remote Area Drivers are first on scene at accidents and then have to provide First Aid etc. for prolonged periods until the Paramedics arrive.

My Northern Territory counterpart is a person who also has provided ‘free’ post-accident counselling for drivers who

money to help other drivers and people in our transport industry; when all they get is abuse for it?

Yes, it is a small minority of people that seem to make the most noise on Social Media platforms. Unfortunately, the good drivers, who let’s be honest are the vast majority of the industry are not standing up and calling out these toxic elements.

It’s Fine and Even Right to Disagree Transport Operators don’t have to agree with

Why would anyone in their right mind volunteer their time and even their own money to help other drivers and people in our transport industry; when all they get is abuse for it?

what others are proposing, doing or suggesting.

That is perfectly fine and understandable.

But ‘respect’ is needed for those who ‘care’ about making our industry a better place and are willing to put themselves out there personally on Social Media within members of their own industry in order to inform, open dialogue and share ideas.

If you disagree, put up a ‘sound’ argument as to ‘why’ you don’t think it will work based on your own experience. If you have a ‘better idea’ or a solution – share it and open an ‘adult’ dialogue so that something can be ‘gained’.

Abusing people for having different views, making non-constructive comments does not do our industry any good and as

above; the people who care will wonder why on earth they bother.

So to close You don’t have to agree with everything, but respect those other drivers / operators who have the guts to stand up and have a go at trying to make it a better industry.

If you don’t agree with them, give them a call or message them in private or if you are going to respond for all to read – be constructive.

If you contact them personally, start with…”Good on ya mate for having a go, but….. This is my opinion”.

To close I am going to quote the words

of a driver that has put himself out there having a go at trying to make this a better industry for all drivers.

“We as industry won’t change if we don’t start to come together. The general public will always probably have a negative view of the industry, so maybe we as an industry should try and look after each other.”

And his words are far better than anything I could say.

WESTERN ROADS FEDERATION IS THE UNITED VOICE OF WA TRANSPORT COMPANIES 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.

For a membership application form Email cam.dumesny@westernroads.com.au ◆ Phone 08 9365 7799 or 0481 064 371 180 Hay St, East Perth WA 6004

WATM • September 2019

15

PARINS - Celebrating 50 years

PARINS

Celebrating 50 years of business success 16

WATM • September 2019

W

hen someone goes 52 not out it is a pretty good sporting achievement.

When someone goes 52 years in business before pulling stumps, it is equally amazing.

Vic Parin is not one or your sporty types, as he never had the time, but his captaincy of a major smash repairs business is second to none. And he trusts that his team will push on for the coveted century that everyone hopes to attain.

It will be business as normal at the Malaga company and the familiar faces will

still be there, except for Vic's.

Vic has pulled stumps and, apart for some consultancy work with the company he built from scratch as a 22-year-old, he is now free to pursue family matters and other business interests.

Retirement for Vic is just shifting offices, doing other things.

Parins, which specialises in heavy vehicle smash repair and rebuilds, has seamlessly shifted into the hands of a Melbourne-based company looking to expand into the truck and bus business.

In fact, Parins was the first and only truck repairers in Australia to be awarded premium repairer status because of its hi-tech workshop

WATM • September 2019

17

PARINS - Celebrating 50 years AMA Group is a public company with more than 135 outlets nationwide.

Vic said that the existing management and staff have been retained by the new group and will continue to operate as an independent business under the Parin name.

Vic is proud of what he leaves behind.

"Parins has been a leader in high-tech workshop equipment, which was recognised

by NTI on the concept of the premium repairer status implemented 11 years ago.

"In fact, Parins was the first and only truck repairers in Australia to be awarded premium repairer status because of its hi-tech workshop. This was a milestone," Vic said.

And he has no regrets about stepping aside, saying he tried to do it eight years ago, but it did not eventuate.

"It has been an enjoyable journey since I started the business at the age of 22, however, a very tough one and not without many hours building it up to the present level."

He said that the area of expertise required for truck and bus smash repairs was very high and Parins would continue to keep taking apprentices and train them accordingly.

18

WATM • September 2019

He is also proud of the number apprentices he has put through the system — 18.

With a staff of 28 now, many of whom are long term, Vic said that it was one of the "very good success stories".

The company also trained estimators and some of these were snapped up by insurance companies.

He said that the business had been very successful "due to the service given and the loyal customers we have gained over the years".

Vic was always true to his word and he gave everyone a fair chance. "I'd give them the chance and it was up to them to take it or leave it."

There were some tears at Vic's farewell party on April 18 with compliments coming from staff and customers alike.

One staff member said it was fantastic to work for a company that had had its roots in the community for so long.

When Vic married his wife Fay at the age of 21, it was the start of a successful and long-lasting bond that continues to this day.

Vic's parents were vignerons and winemakers, so when his dad passed away the business was closed and Vic began his apprenticeship at the age of 16 as a panel beater, motor body builder and chassis straightener. It was a difficult period and he relied heavily on his bicycle to travel the

Through his vision, Parins purchased heavy-duty Josam chassis straighteners, complete with all the accessories, including computercontrolled induction heaters

MAJOR MOTORS • ISUZU TRUCK SALES • NEW & USED TRUCKS • PARTS & EQUIPMENT • SERVICE & REPAIRS

“Congratulations to Vic and the team at Parins on your 50th Anniversary” FORRESTFIELD

BIBRA LAKE

MALAGA

789 ABERNETHY ROAD

2 SELKIS ROAD

65 CROCKER DRIVE

9365 6333 9331 9331 9241 7999 DL 1141

Visit our website at www.majormotors.com.au WATM • September 2019

19

PARINS - Celebrating 50 years

Congratulations to Parins on reaching their 50 year Anniversary!

From the Parts Team at Daimler Trucks Perth

Operated by AHG 4 Ulm Place, PERTH AIRPORT WA, 6105

Ph. (08) 9311 7400

www.daimlertrucksperth.com.au

20

WATM • September 2019

DL1571 MRB2731

11km to work each day and then home again.

Twenty four months after his apprenticeship was completed, Vic made the decision to branch out into his own business by converting the old winery premises into a workshop.

He was very concerned whether this massive undertaking would be successful or not, so he arranged a part-time job driving a school bus to make ends meet.

From the inception of the business, it was a roaring success, which warranted working late hours in the evening and skipping meals to complete his customers’ vehicles. At one time he actually fell asleep while working under a truck!

Fay was a great support, not only assisting with the paperwork, but also raising their four children almost single-handedly for many hours a day while Vic was at the workshop establishing the burgeoning Parins business.

They extended the ex-winery premises for many years, but there

came a time when the premises struggled to cope with the growing workload. This led to Vic designing and custom building the current workshop and office in Victoria Road, Malaga 33 years ago.

In more than five decades, the business has come to incorporate a substantial operation, commensurate with its longestablished reputation for precision and punctual performance — the Parins mantra.

The workshop is serviced by four huge overhead cranes, which run the full length and width of the workshop, providing the total movement of trucks and components

WESTRALIA SPRINGS 4wd & Truck Spring Specialists

Manufacture, Repair & Hot Reset Multileaf & Parabolic Leaf Springs Truck Spring Pins & bushes Custom Bent Ubolts Powerdown Shock Absorbers Family owned & Operated Since 1925

Proud supplier to Parins

2 DOWD STREET, WELSHPOOL WA 6106

☎ (08) 9451 5151 www.westraliasprings.com.au

WATM • August 2019

21

PARINS - Celebrating 50 years

He says having excellent staff who offer great trade capabilities and expertise, engenders the high quality of workmanship Parins constantly strives to achieve

22

WATM • September 2019

to the various departments for repairs.

With the specialist workshop, Parins is able to cover all aspects of heavy-duty truck/trailer/bus/coach smash repairs and rebuilds, incorporating mechanical repairs and refits as may be required.

During the last 20 years, Vic has travelled to the biennial Automechanika in Frankfurt, Germany, to learn modern techniques of repair procedures and view the latest trends and equipment available.

While in Europe, he has also expanded his knowledge by inspecting heavy-duty workshops in Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom.

Through his vision, Parins purchased heavy-duty Josam chassis straighteners, complete with all the accessories, including computer-controlled induction heaters.

As part of the purchase, Vic was offered a training session at the manufacturers’ premises in Sweden, which he eagerly attended. In fact, Parins was a trailblazer, becoming the first Australian company to install the hi-tech Josam equipment and accessories.

More than a decade ago, National Transport Insurance (NTI) foreshadowed a premium-repairer status and invited all heavy-duty truck repairers in Australia to apply, subject to their equipment, facilities and trades expertise meeting the exacting required criteria.

Parins applied for, and was awarded, the first premium-repairer status in Australia, meeting all the criteria the application sought. Since then Parins has maintained that high standard and continues to offer clients those same premium services.

Vic was a founding member, along with Barry Wales, in forming the Australian

Heavy Duty Repairers’ Association, which is now a very successful organisation with membership across Australia.

Vic was also awarded life membership in recognition of his support and contribution to the association.

Vic’s outside community work includes being a founding member of Wanneroo

Rotary Club, which he has been a member of for the past 44 years, and has been awarded honorary membership for his services as well as a Paul Harris Award.

Vic was also a councillor for the Shire of Wanneroo from 1972 until 1977 and is a member of the Australian Croatian Chamber of Commerce.

Vic Parin has put the success of Parins and its solid reputation down to being client-customer focused. He says having excellent staff who offer great trade capabilities and expertise, engenders the high quality of workmanship Parins constantly strives to achieve.

Vic will be missed, but his legacy means the company should be around long enough to "knock up a ton".

T: 08 9249 3888

www.parins.com.au

Hitch to Haul, we have it All! The team at City Truck And Trailer Sales & Complete Steering WA Would like to Congratulate Parins on their 50th anniversary celebrations.

Thanks for your valued custom and ongoing support.

318 Victoria Road, Malaga WA 6090 | T: (08) 9249 3399

citytrucktrailer.com.au

WATM • September 2019

23

Focus DANGEROUS GOODS By Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS)

DON’T DROP YOUR DG BUNDLE Packaging requirements for dangerous goods Non-approved containers damaged during transport

\

An example of a packaging approval number

T

he Department’s dangerous goods officers are tasked with checking a large number of items when they inspect a truck or site. One item that can be overlooked by operators when storing or transporting dangerous goods, is the packaging.

Packagings have a maximum lifespan stipulated by the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail (ADG7.6). Plastic drums, plastic

jerry cans, rigid plastic intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) and composite IBCs with plastic inner receptacles have a life of five years. This means that after five years they can no longer be used to contain dangerous goods. Plastic packaging used for nitric or hydrofluoric acid has a lifespan of two years from the date of manufacture.

Packaging that has passed its use by date has an increased risk of failing, either during normal operations, or in the event

of an accident.

Packaging that is used for dangerous goods is required to be tested and meet certain criteria (with the exception of packaging for limited quantities). This testing must be performed by a recognised testing facility, as defined in regulation 57 of the Dangerous Goods Safety (Road and Rail Transport of Non-explosives) Regulations 2007. A report is then submitted to the competent authority

News

Major Kalgoorlie road upgrade now officially underway

24

WATM • September 2019

A

key State Government election commitment to duplicate the 2.43-kilometre section of Great Eastern Highway between Anzac and Gatacre drives in Kalgoorlie-Boulder is now underway.

Highway Construction Pty Ltd was recently awarded the $15.8 million contract to upgrade the last remaining section of single-carriageway highway in Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti and local member Kyle McGinn visited the work site in July to turn the first sod for the project, which is anticipated for

completion in early 2020.

The project includes the upgrade of Great Eastern Highway to two lanes in each direction, better drainage, new lighting and improvements to two intersections.

The intersections of Hunter and Atbara streets will be upgraded to include rightturn pockets, reducing congestion and decreasing the risk of rear-end crashes.

Meanwhile, access to local businesses will also be enhanced with new kerbing and replacement of the existing surface drainage system, which currently overflows during heavy rainfall.

for approval. In Western Australia, the competent authority is the Department’s Chief Dangerous Goods Officer. Once the packaging is approved, it is issued with a packaging approval number that contains information to enable those responsible for the transport of dangerous goods to quickly identify if the goods are packaged in the correct container.

WHAT DOES THE PACKAGING APPROVAL NUMBER TELL US? The packaging approval number is preceded by (the UN approval mark) and contains package marking codes separated by slashes. It designates the type of packaging and its construction material, a code for the packaging group and mass or density, whether it contains a solid (S), or the test pressure of the container for liquids, the year of manufacture, the country of manufacture, and the approval number.

In some cases the packaging approval number will also have extra information.

For example, packaging approval numbers for IBCs may also list the approved stacking weight.

See Section 6.1.2 of ADG7.6 for more information on packaging codes.

Understanding the safety requirements for dangerous goods packaging is essential for suppliers, consignors, prime contractors and drivers, all of whom are involved as part of the transport chain of responsibility.

Suppliers – only sell or supply suitable packagings that meet the requirements of Parts 4 and 6 of ADG7.6, and have been approved by a competent authority in their state.

Consignors – only offer for sale or transport dangerous goods that have been

• For more information on dangerous packed into suitable packaging. goods packaging requirements, visit the Prime contractors – ensure that no DMIRS article for September WATM.docx Page 1 of 1 Department’s website at www.dmp. defective or damaged packaging is wa.gov.au/Safety/Dangerous-goodstransported.

Drivers – make sure the packaging remains safety-16164.aspx undamaged during transport.

• Beyond the gate – site USEFUL RESOURCES responsibilities for transporting • Australian Code for the Transport of dangerous goods – pamphlet Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail Edition 7.6 (ADG Code) www.ntc.gov.au/heavy• Six pillars of dangerous goods vehicles/safety/australian-dangeroustransport – packaging – toolbox goods-code/ presentation.

The upgrade will improve both safety and accessibility for approximately 8,000 vehicles using this section of Great Eastern Highway every day, 15 per cent of which are heavy vehicles as long as 53.5 metres.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said, "It's been rewarding to oversee this project from its inception - listening to the heavy transport industry before the election, watching the design take shape, dealing with service relocations and now reaching the much-anticipated construction phase.

"The end result of a safer, more efficient road will be worth the wait for local

businesses and residents."

Mining and Pastoral Region MLC Kyle McGinn said, "I'm regularly hearing from residents and businesses who are eager for this road upgrade to get done.

"The upgrade of the Anzac Drive to Gatacre Drive section of Great Eastern Highway comes 25 years after Anzac Drive itself was constructed by the infamous 'Rebel Roadbuilders'.

"It's been a great effort by all involved to get the project to the stage it's at now and I look forward to seeing the contractors finishing the job over the next few months."

Understanding the safety requirements for dangerous goods packaging is essential for suppliers, consignors, prime contractors and drivers, all of whom are involved as part of the transport chain of responsibility

The upgrade will improve both safety and accessibility for approximately 8,000 vehicles using this section of Great Eastern Highway every day, 15 per cent of which are heavy vehicles as long as 53.5 metres

WATM • September 2019

25

News

30% increase in rail freight

T

EMERGENCY FUEL RESERVE MUST BE IN AUSTRALIA

A

ustralia’s emergency fuel reserves must be held in Australia, Chair of the ATA Geoff Crouch said, following reports the Australian Government is seeking access to the United States’ strategic petroleum reserve.

“Liquid fuel is critical to trucking and critical for our economy. This is both a national economic issue and a national security issue,” Mr Crouch said.

“The United States is on the other side of a very wide ocean. The proposal to meet Australia’s fuel security obligations by tapping into the US reserve is, as a result, simply not viable.

“It would not provide security for the Australian economy if there is a disruption to international supply chains.

“Australia must have emergency stockholdings that meet our international obligations and they must be in

Australia,” he said.

The Australian Government’s interim fuel security report found that at the end of last year, Australia had just 18 consumption days of petrol and 22 consumption days of diesel in stock.

The report also found that Australia’s fuel stocks were not available equally across the country and that there were significant regional variances, meaning the chance of a regional shortage could be

Australia must have emergency stockholdings that meet our international obligations and they must be in Australia

he State Government's policy to raise the container rail subsidy has resulted in a 30 per cent increase in the amount of freight taken by rail to Fremantle Inner Harbour.

Over the last 12 months, it is estimated the 20.2 per cent rail share equated to around 110,000 one-way truck movements, helping reduce congestion on arterial roads connected to Inner Harbour.

Work is progressing on the High Street Upgrade and replacement the Fremantle Traffic Bridge with a combined road and rail solution which will allow for additional rail freight capacity into the port.

Meanwhile, the Westport Taskforce continues planning towards the longer term Outer Harbour freight solution for WA.

higher than a national shortage.

“In our submission, the ATA called for domestic fuel security as well as the need for the government to address legal uncertainties that trucking businesses would face if expected by government to prioritise the delivery of particular goods during a fuel emergency.

“During a fuel shortage emergency, there is no guarantee that trucking businesses would have the commercial ability to implement government priorities, and with our supply chains increasingly operating on a just-in-time delivery model, once trucks stop we quickly start running out of consumer goods,” he said.

Over to you THE LONE WOLF by John Milner

R

ecently an article I read on Facebook made me think about how many times I have been driving at night and a Police car is coming towards or up behind me and I thought, what now… Even worse, is if they have their lights flashing which has causes for me, a longer than momentary blindness.

Keeping the sun visor down at night helps with this matter, but does not help with oncoming vehicles who are towing;

26

WATM • September 2019

usually caravans have not adjusted their lights. Times like this, you don’t see one patrol car on the road.

It’s all about light placement. The unmarked Police cars seem to have it right - the lights are at the bottom of the windscreen front and back and in the front grille. The only thing we can do is complain to the ones running the show – the Department of Transport. I am joking.

I have noticed a big increase of wide loads lately which is a good sign for the state. As always, they are interesting to watch but not conducive with getting from A to B in a timely manner if you encounter one at 10.20 in the morning and traffic is banked up to the traffic lights. Thankfully, I was going in the other direction.

Keep it safe and make sure you get home – just to annoy everyone.

SUBSCRIBE Over to you

TO WA TRANSPORT MAGAZINE

ONE YEAR $65.95 inc gst (11 editions) TWO YEARS $127.55 inc gst (22 editions) * Receive digital editions free of charge Name ................................................................................................................................................................... Company ....................................................................

Postal Address .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... p/c ............................................................................................................ Phone........................................................... Fax .....................................................................

Email.......................................................................................................URL ................................................................................................................................................

Date ...................................................................................................... Signature ..................................................................................................................................

WA

THE TRANSPORT AND MACHINERY MAGAZINE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

TR ANSPORT TRUCK TR AN SPO DRIVING RT Is this an attractive career choice? magazine

Email this form to karen@angrychicken.com.au or post to address below and you will instantly be subscribed and will be sent a tax invoice in due course. Please make cheques out to Angry Chicken Publishing Pty Ltd

ISSN 2202-6193 100007516 January/February 2019 | price $6.95

WA

TH E

TR AN

SP OR

T AN D

MACH

PAGE 8

mag

Angry Chicken Publishing Pty Ltd 115 Park Street, Henley Brook WA 6055

MAGA

ZIN E

OF WE ST

2202-6 193

RA LIA

March 201

e $6.9

DELIV E HOPERING

The N SW H ay R un

In a ma worke mmoth log set ou rs, six su istical

• Stay safe with fuel containers meeti t on the pport ve exercise ir 48 hicles full co ng up in No 3,700 kil and trucks, 35 • Safer bridges for Albany om nting ov Highway ent, rseman on etre jou er 100 vo suppor • Payment time’s review aiming luntee t the 22 rney fro IN TH to arr m IS IS • $2.6 Billion Koodaideri ive in nd Janua Esperan rs SU iron ry to Coba ce E: ore mine • xx for r on x Austr m the alia Da • xx x y.

• xx x • xx x

T 08 9296 4488 www.angrychicken.com.au WATM • September 2019

AU ST

9 | pric

2

It is now widely acknowledged that we have a truck driver shortage. Transport companies and the Government are concerned and are making efforts to fix the problem with talk about ways to encourage newer and younger drivers to get behind the wheel of a truck

IN THIS ISSUE:

ER N

100007 516

e

PAGE

If you wish to use your CREDIT CARD – please visit www.isubscribe.com.au and search for WA Transport Magazine.

INE RY

ISSN

azin

27 27

5

Over to you

By Kevin Toovey

Van Dongen Visit O

n Thursday 4th July, the wettest day of the year so far we headed south to brothers Eddy and Herbie Van Dongens yard. Many people know of it as it has a full length Kenworth road train welded to the front fence.

After being white for many years the Kenworth has had a spruce up in pink, a timely reminder for breast cancer awareness month coming up in October.

Eddy has been involved with many worthwhile fundraising campaigns' over the years and this pink truck is being used to raise money for this worthwhile cause that affects so many lives and families.

The truck is already drawing plenty of attention on Thomas road and has been photographed many times. You can actually get a picture in the truck and the message “Truckies care for breast cancer” will be shared on social media.

We had a good roll up of 25 members for the event. Eddy had made up a new fire pit the day before out of anchor chain and a large fuel tank end. The fire was complimented with hot tea and coffee for morning tea while the rain continued to tip down.

In a rain break we ventured on a tour of the yard which is home to a variety of working and retired vehicles. All of them have a different story to tell, many are still working and some were going to be fixed by Christmas, just not sure which year. Some HCVC members have their old trucks and working ones at the yard.

There is a vast collection of road work

28

WATM • September 2019

Eddy Van Dongen and Jim Piercy with the Mack truck that Eddy still occasionally drives for Bert and Donna of Lake King Transport

signs inside and outside the sheds. Eddy obtained a shipping container a few years ago and it was full to the brim with signs, enough to line the entire back wall of a long shed.

Members really enjoyed the day with many staying on long after the BBQ lunch sitting around the fire talking while the rain kept coming down. Thanks to the Van Dongen families for a great day out.

Where to from here?

Members looking at Herbie’s latest project a 1932 Albion motor and chassis

The open fire draws the members in

Full length pink road train

Eddy’s Cat D2 in the shed

Not going anywhere soon with three flat tyres

How many tyres do you need for a retired Ford LTL

The pink Kenworth road train

Lou Sadik and Steve Falconer with a couple of Lou’s trucks parked in the yard

WATM • September 2019

29

News

NEXT STEPS CRITICAL FOR HEAVY VEHICLE ROAD REFORM

G

overnments need to focus the Heavy Vehicle Road Reform agenda on supply side road funding reforms, ATA Chair Geoff Crouch said in response to the launch of the small-scale charging trial by the Australian Government.

“In November 2018 Transport Ministers agreed to develop nationally consistent service level standards for roads, to categorise roads by their functions and set customer-focussed service levels. This is intended to improve transparency and the evidence base for road funding decisions,” Mr Crouch said.

“As the Government takes the next step in considering change on heavy vehicle charges, they need to prioritise reforms on how roads are provided which is where the largest economic gains from reform will be found.

“For both the small-scale charging trial and the planned large-scale trial the ultimate test will need to demonstrate an overall net benefit for trucking operators,” Mr Crouch said.

“Luke Vesey, Chief Financial Officer at Ron Finemore Transport identified that 99.5 per cent of the projected economic benefits from heavy vehicle road reform were a result of supplyside, road funding reforms.

“Only 0.5 per cent – or $17 million – was a result of changing the charging system, and it’s not clear that governments have considered all the impacts on trucking operators.

This figure was drawn from and also highlighted in the July 2018 Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) prepared by Jacobs Marsden.

“Direct distance-based charging is incredibly complex and it is not yet clear that the right framework in in place for next year’s proposed largescale trial,” Mr Crouch said.

“The Government should continue to engage and consult industry before launching the proposed large-scale trial.

“Ultimately, if governments don’t make real progress on supply side road funding reforms then there is no case for the charging trials to continue.”

30

WATM • September 2019

Reform agenda must boost trucking safety and productivity

A

TA Chief of Staff Mr McKinley has released the ATA’s submission to the Productivity Commission National Transport Regulatory Reform issues paper, highlighting the need for measures to improve industry productivity and safety.

“Fundamental reform is required for road access decisions under the national truck laws, to recognise that local roads are part of a wider network and that decisions to refuse access have significant impact on the economy,” Mr McKinley said.

measurable service level standards when building roads,” Mr McKinley said.

Mr McKinley also highlighted the need to protect the productivity of Western Australian and Northern Territory trucking businesses. These businesses operate under their own state laws and not the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).

“There is much to be learned from the successful truck laws in Western Australia and the Northern Territory,” he said.

“There is no case for extending the HVNL to these states.”

There is much to be learned from the successful truck laws in Western Australia and the Northern Territory “The national truck laws and regulatory reforms have failed to boost trucking industry sector-wide productivity and there must be reform.

The laws were predicted to deliver up to $12.4 billion in economic benefits, but since their introduction in 2014, productivity has gone backward according to the independent report from Deloitte Access Economics.

“Governments should also adopt supply side road funding reforms that set clear and

The ATA submission to the issues paper has called for improved safety measures, highlighting the need for governments to better understand why crashes occur.

Mr McKinley said the ATA was also calling for governments to act to increase the use of advanced safety technologies.

“All new rigid trucks should be included in the Australian Government’s decision to mandate stability control, and autonomous emergency braking should be mandated for all new trucks,” he said.

CARAVAN TRIPS INCREASE IN POPULARITY

A

ustralians’ love for caravan and camping is well documented, and the latest figures from Tourism Research Australia have revealed the total number of trips came to 12.9 million in an increase of 8.5% from the previous year.

In terms of age demographics, the family segment (i.e a parent with a child living at home) accounted for the largest numbers of trips at 4.4 million, with the

younger midlife demographic (no children) following with 4.2 million trips.

When it comes to total nights, older non-working ‘grey nomads’ demographic are leading the way with 32% of total nights, and the family segment at 30%.

Growth was experienced across all states and territories in terms of trips so just a heads up to the transport industry that you will be experiencing more caravaner’s on the road.

History

The History of the West Australian Road Transport Industry

1960 BY 1960, a fleet of three Leyland Super Hippos, each hauling two trailers and carrying 80 cattle, plied the Anna Plains-Meekatharra route in 40 hours — something that took four months on the hoof. The 50-tonne road trains had “sleeping quarters”, but this was an overstatement as it was in reality a recess in the cab floor in which the relief driver could doss down. A smaller Leyland Beaver, known as the “Low Flyer”, could cut this time to 25 hours.

The West Australian reported that haulage companies received a boost when rail services were curtailed at a time of expansion of primary production. “The past few years (the road transport industry) have demonstrated its ability to handle large volumes of grain, fertiliser and other goods. These have not only been handled efficiently, but in some districts at rates below railway rates. During the last season government-organised road transport moved about 200,000 tons of grain and 20,000 tons of fertiliser over distances ranging from 30 to 120 miles.”

Specially designed vehicles equipped for perishables saw the introduction of delivering produce from Carnarvon to Perth for local and Eastern States markets, in 22 hours.

The Federal Treasurer said he had an open mind about the payroll tax and would be prepared to abolish it if another form of tax could be levied. In 1958-59, the tax collected £49.6 million with an increase this year to £55 million. To make good the lost money an increase on income tax would have to be in the region of 12 percent. The growing tax was due to higher employment (88,100 more jobs), higher level of wages and salaries (a hike of 4.8 percent in wages),

By Russell McKinnon

By 1960, a fleet of three Leyland Super Hippos, each hauling two trailers and carrying 80 cattle, plied the Anna Plains-Meekatharra route in 40 hours — something that took four months on the hoof and an increase in personal taxation.

The increase in the home unit trend was causing a headache for furniture removalists. The main concern, especially for the Sydney and Melbourne market, was the lack of thought given to ways and means of moving furniture into and out of these buildings. Most units have high-speed lifts that could carry only one piece of furniture at a time. Other concerns were lack of space for pantechnicons to operate and the lack of room to accommodate all the furniture with some heading off to stores. Reports were that a shift to a flat cost anything from 30-700 percent more than a normal house.

Transport was the second biggest industry in Australia, absorbing 26 percent of the national income. One Australian worker in five works in transport; every Australian covers 4000 miles a year on average in some form of mechanical transport.

Complaints were received about the Lord Street traffic boom, with several carriers reporting it fell on their trucks as they were crossing. The Association Secretary took the matter up with the Railways and Main Roads Department and on a check it was found that the timing mechanism was faulty and it was adjusted.

Members were asked not to use the crossing during peak hours because of the number of trains passing, not allowing quick truck movement, thus causing traffic hold-ups.

Concerns were raised over the WA Government Railways competing with members’ workloads by offering cheaper WAGR trucks at “a ridiculously low figure and the free cartage of certain goods being carried into the Perth yard”. The Association wondered whether by saving on sorting and shunting costs, if the use of the trucks with small loads was cost effective. It thought not .

WATM • September 2019

31

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.

ULTRA-SHORT CITY HAULER BUILT BY BOB RILEY and based on AMT’s 1/25 scale

The trailer is the optional short version of the 1/25 scale

Ford Louisville Short Hauler kit, the left hand drive

IMC/Testors/Lindberg box trailer kit and has been built

‘Around Town Clown’ boasts a scaled 100 inch ultra-short

straight-from-the-box.

wheelbase. The kit engine has been painted and detailed

Around Town Clown epitomizes a short wheelbase

as a small Cat motor and is coupled to the kit supplied

prime mover and short box van trailer combination that

gearbox. A single drive air bag rear axle from a Peterbilt kit

might have been seen on short haul inner city and urban

has been fitted at the rear.

deliveries in a big and busy US city in the 1970s and 1980s.

COMMISSION BUILDS Vince Ziino is available to do commission builds for companies or a personal model of your truck .

Please contact Vince on 0408767755 or ziinos@iinet.net.au 32

WATM • September 2019

REPAIRS

LIVESTOCK AND RURAL TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION OF WA THE VOICE OF WA RURAL TRANSPORT SINCE 1980 - PROMOTING SAFETY, PRODUCTIVITY & EFFICIENCY Membership Enquiries

T: 08 9478 3655 TYRE EQUIPMENT AUSTRALIA

YOUR SPACE

ASSOCIATIONS

TRADER

YOUR ONE STOP TYRE EQUIPMENT SUPPLIER

TRUCK TYRE CHANGER

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

18/9 Inspiration Drive Wangara WA 6065 PHONE: NEVILLE BAKER 0419 515 151 www.tyreequipment.com.au sales@tyreequipment.com.au

Ph

08 9296 4488

ON THE ROAD TRUCKS

Now infor transport The available ‘must have’ book operators giving you the locations DIGITAL format

(distances) of Transport Parking HARD the locations (distances) of transport parking bays, bridge information, Bays, Bridge information, roadside COPIES NOW roadhouses and their facilities and dirt tracks suitable for parking throughout AVAILABLE ~ facilities and their services mainland Australia. $ throughout mainland regional 35 EACH PRINT or use on your TABLET Australia.

Hurry Limited copies left On the Road - Trucks is now available in high resolution PDF format which means you can use it on your TABLETOnly as well as$30 print it. plus You will postage be sent an invoice with EFT details, and once payment is received the book (5 The ‘must have’ publication for anyone in the transport industry requiring

mb) will be emailed to you.

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

ace in rest areas?

Having trouble finding sp in this edition WA GRAVEL TRACKS

TO ORDER visit www.angrychicken.com.auCompany Name karen@angrychicken.com.au • Ph 08 9296 4488

Name........................................................................................................................................................................................

..................................................................................................................................................................

Address (for invoice) ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Email Address (to email book)..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Telephone / Mobile....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Angry Chicken Publishing Pty Ltd T: 08 9296 4488 or 0430 153 273

Climb aboard for strong, long-term performance Over the past seven years, our Equity Plus investment option has achieved an average annual return of 11.48% p.a.*.

Investing in Equity Plus is about understanding the risk-reward trade off.

Growth assets held in Equity Plus such as Australian and International shares will move up and down, as investment markets do, so can be riskier in the shortterm. But in the longer-term, growth assets should out-perform defensive assets and provide better long-term returns.

towards risk. For example, if you are within 5-10 years of retirement and are uncomfortable with a higher level of risk, you may prefer to stick with a ‘balanced’ or more defensive investment option.

Being too conservative can also be a risk, because even when you retire you may have many years ahead and need your super to keep growing, or you may be young with decades of investment ahead – so if you are unsure give us a call.

Your investment strategy may be influenced by your age and attitude

Climb aboard at twusuper.com.au/join or call 1800 222 071 today.

SUPERRATINGS GOLD 2019 MYCHOICE SUPER

SUPERRATINGS GOLD 2019 PENSION

Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance and should never be the sole factor considered when selecting a fund.

This information is of a general nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, situation or needs. Before acting on this information, you should consider your objectives, financial situation and needs. *Quoted investment return is calculated as at 30 June 2019 and is net of fees, costs and (where relevant) estimated tax.

A copy of the product disclosure statement should be obtained from TWUSUPER (at www.twusuper.com.au or by calling 1800 222 071) and considered carefully before you make a decision to acquire the product or continue to hold the product. TWU Nominees Pty Ltd, ABN 67 002 835 412, AFSL 239163, is the trustee of TWUSUPER ABN 77 343 563 307 and the issuer of interests in it. 55259