Truck talk march 2015 by Pastoral Times

MARCH 2015

TRUCK talk

SOUTHERN RIVERINA ANNUAL TRUCKING MAGAZINE

Neil’s restored Maple Leaf - page 12

Kelvin’s outstanding contribution

- page 5

Peter clocks up 30 years

- page 15

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Page 2 — ‘Truck Talk’, March, 2015

Welcome to our second edition where we announce....

Deni truck show The people of the Riverina don’t just rely on trucks and freight for their livelihoods, they genuinely love the transport industry. They love it so much, a new trucking industry event has been created in Deniliquin which will debut in September this year. The support of the industry has also allowed this magazine, TRUCKtalk, to become a bi-annual publication, to be released each March and September. In this issue you’ll meet some of the industry operators across the Southern Riverina who have made trucking their business and their life’s work. You’ll meet industry leaders like Berrigan’s Kelvin Baxter who has been nominated for the Australian Trucking Association’s Outstanding Contribution to the Australian Trucking Industry Award (page 5). There’s trucking Hall of Fame inductee and Deniliquin resident Neil Scott, who adopted his love of the industry from his parents and passed it on to his own children (page 7). Neil has also allowed us access to his prized 1936 Chevrolet Maple Leaf truck which has been lovingly restored after

being left to rot in a paddock (pages 12-13). This edition also delivers some of the newest information about advances in industry rules, regulations and safety requirements. But it’s the region’s love of all things ‘truck’ that has culminated in the creation of the Truck Show & Industry Expo, which will be held at Deniliquin’s Memorial Park on Saturday, September 12. Committee member Leesa Muir said the Southern Riverina’s reliance on the industry inspired the new event. Not only is the Southern Riverina home to some of the most revered trucking companies in the state, and even the nation, it’s one of the main thoroughfares to the north via the Cobb and Newell highways, which ensures heavy vehicles are always rambling through our towns. While the expo program is still being finalised, committee president John Creenaune says preliminary plans indicate there will be something for everyone. ‘‘We’ll have a show ‘n’ shine competition for prime movers, featuring various

categories, as well as demonstrations and trade stalls,’’ he said. ‘‘There will be heaps of information available about the heavy vehicle industry, including education, training, health and wellbeing. ‘‘We’re planning interactive around the grounds activities, including a series of events to test the sill of truckies. ‘‘We could even have some interstate competitions — pitting News South Wales and Victorian truck drivers against one another. ‘‘There will be live music, children’s entertainment and catering stalls and a licensed bar, and more.’’ Ms Muir said long-term plans for what is hoped will be an annual event include a local ‘wall of fame’ to honour truck drivers and industry leaders from the region. For further information or to register interest in being involved in the expo, go to www.denitruckshow.com or www.facebook.com/denitruckshow or phone Ms Muir on 0428 815 455.

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Ph: 03 5874 3293 ‘Truck Talk’, March, 2015 — Page 3

Operators: Register now for Trucking Australia 2015 Road transport operators are invited to make a difference and help drive the industry forward at Trucking Australia 2015. It will be held in Hobart from Thursday, March 19 to Saturday, March 22. Australian Trucking Association chief executive Stuart St Clair said the event is a vital opportunity for operators to provide input into the industry’s future. ‘‘Delegates provide suggestions and feedback through the open forum to develop industry action plans, which directly influence the ATA’s work priorities in its strategic plan. ‘‘This year, we’ve put safety, viability and workforce issues first on the agenda. ‘‘Australia’s roads are markedly safer than they

used to be, but there’s still more work to do.’’ In the first forum, NTI national manager of industry relations Owen Driscoll will start the discussion with a short briefing on the results of NTI’s latest truck crash research, followed by a case study on rollover prevention by Geoff Massey from Toll Mining Services. ‘‘Delegates will then focus on recruitment and workforce issues,’’ Mr St Clair said. ‘‘With the Australian road transport industry forecast to need more than 68,000 extra staff between 2013 and 2017, it’s essential for the industry to look at ways to attract and train new entrants to our workforce. ‘‘This session will discuss the VTA Academy and other programs that are generating

success in this area, what employers need to do to get the most out of work placements, and how the ATA and its member organisations can help. ‘‘And in the third open forum, delegates will plan out how the ATA and its member associations can work to improve productivity and viability for the road freight industry.’’ The Trucking Australia 2015 program will finish with an interactive workshop on fuel security, where delegates will take the role of government officials, fuel suppliers and trucking businesses to explore the implications of a fuel emergency and how businesses could respond to an interruption to the fuel supply. Trucking Australia 2015 won’t be all work, with plenty

of time to relax and network at an opening night auction event, the MTData business lunch, the BPW Transpec @ Henry Jones Art Hotel evening on Friday night and the Kenworth Legends Luncheon. The event will finish with a celebration of the ATA’s 25th Anniversary, with the gala dinner and announcement of the National Trucking Industry Award winners on the Saturday night. Full delegate registration for Trucking Australia 2015 is just $495, and accommodation is available at special event rates from $190 per night. To see the full event program or to register, go to www.truckingaustralia.com.au.

Calls to cut Hunter region curfew The NSW branch of the Australian Trucking Association is calling on the NSW Government to remove ‘‘productivity-stifling’’ heavy vehicle curfews across the Hunter region. It comes after NSW Premier Mike Baird announced a $273 million plan to fix congestion in the region in February. ATANSW manager Jodie Broadbent said existing heavy vehicle curfews prevented trucks from passing through the Hunter region quickly, creating an artificial

traffic backlog and therefore hindering the government’s plans to fix the problem. ‘‘In March 2014, the $1.7 billion Hunter Expressway was opened, diverting more than 20,000 vehicles per day off local roads in the Hunter region,” Mrs Broadbent said. ‘‘However, curfews that restrict the movement of over dimension vehicles through those local roads are still based on the previous traffic volumes. ‘‘The impact of this is considerable, with increased

labour costs and reduced returns on assets. ‘‘It also causes a build-up of heavy vehicles in areas where drivers are forced to wait between curfew windows, which defeats the whole purpose of having the curfew in the first place.’’ Mrs Broadbent said ATANSW had requested that Roads and Maritime Services remove the curfews to allow smooth heavy vehicle traffic flow through the Hunter region. ‘‘As a member of the Newcastle Freight Group, we

DUNNS Built local - built tough Semi-trailer stock crates and road train dollies Saleyards Road, Deniliquin. Phone 03 5881 5671 Page 4 — ‘Truck Talk’, March, 2015

have continually urged RMS to remove the curfews in this region, especially since the opening of the Hunter Expressway. ‘‘We have not been given any information as to why this has not been undertaken. ‘‘This flippant attitude towards a simple solution to improve productivity in a region suffering with job losses is baffling. ‘‘We will continue to work for members on these operational issues and make sure the government is held accountable.’’

Kelvin recognised for his outstanding contribution Local transport company owner Kel Baxter is a finalist in the Australian Trucking Association’s National Trucking and Industry Awards. Mr Baxter, who runs Kelvin Baxter Transport from his family farm near Berrigan, is a nominee for the Outstanding Contribution to the Australian Trucking Industry Award. Mr Baxter said it was ‘‘an unexpected honour’’ to be announced as a finalist for the prestigious award. Kelvin Baxter Transport was established in the early 1990s, inspired by Kel’s drive to provide a transport service that was more efficient and effective for the Australian conditions. He now employs more than 50 staff and has about 30 trucks covering the eastern seaboard of the country that mostly cart grain and grain by-products, as well as fertilizer. ‘‘I’ve always had a keen interest in making things go better,’’ Mr Baxter said. Like other fields he has worked in over the years, such as irrigation farming, Mr Baxter has immersed himself in the industry in more ways than one. He is currently the chair of the Australian Trucking Association Industry Technical Council — a group which looks at all components of trucking such as manufacturers and those involved in construction. ‘‘We try to get better (construction) materials better

■ Berrigan business owner Kel Baxter will travel to Hobart later this month for the Australian Trucking Association’s National Trucking and Industry Awards. suited to the Australian conditions,’’ he said. ‘‘Whether it’s looking at modifying safety features to make them more efficient or effective, or dealing with other trucking legislation issues, I try to remain involved as much as I can.’’ ATA chair Noelene Watson said the industry’s peak awards showcase outstanding people from a broad range of different sectors and

backgrounds across the road transport industry. ‘‘The trucking industry provides services to families and businesses right across Australia, and is an essential part of day-to-day life in our country,’’ she said. ‘‘Our award finalists have made exceptional contributions to the industry and the community. ‘‘‘Through these awards, we’re proud to acknowledge

some of the most dedicated and professional individuals and businesses in trucking.’’ The award winners will be announced on Saturday, March 21 at the ATA’s 25th anniversary gala dinner in Hobart, which forms part of the ATA national conference. Go to www.truckingaustralia.com.au for more details or to book tickets.

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89 McCrabb Road Deniliquin NSW 2710 ‘Truck Talk’, March, 2015 — Page 5

ATA: Scrap family capital gains tax

■ A photo of one of J Murphy & Sons’ trucks taken sometime between 1925 and 1930.

Geoff’s tracking trucking history Geoff Murphy has looked over old photos of his family’s trucking business for many decades, but only now is he taking his interest a step further. Geoff is researching the history of J Murphy & Sons, which was opened in 1922 and was based in Napier St, Deniliquin. It was started by Geoff’s grandfather James Murphy, before being passed down to his father Norman Murphy and then to Geoff and his brothers, Alan and John. Alan ran the company until 2003 and it was then taken over by his son David. The company now trades as Edward River Haulage Transport Pty Ltd in Hardinge St, Deniliquin. Mr Murphy said his family’s pioneering transport business worked in with the railway station, supplying country people with goods, from livestock to wool and general products. In the photo supplied

(above), Geoff believes one of the business’ trucks was used in a community event. He wants to identify the people featured in the photo, which he believes was taken sometime between 1925 and 1930. ‘‘We think it’s a football team maybe at a street parade or after winning the grand final,’’ Geoff said. ‘‘If you look under the truck you can see extra pairs of feet, so it seems the street was busy. ‘‘Anyone in the district who knows who’s in the photo would be of great help. ‘‘We are putting together information for our family and for the Deniliquin Historical Society.’’ People with any information on the history of J Murphy & Sons can contact Mr Murphy on (03) 9381 4616 or 0417 411 008.

The Australian Government should remove capital gains tax from business ownership transfers within families, according to Chief Executive of the Australian Trucking Association, Stuart St Clair. The change is one of the recommendations in the ATA’s submission to the Productivity Commission inquiry into business set-up, transfer and closure. Mr St Clair says the current capital gains tax (CGT) arrangements discourage family businesses from transferring business ownership to the next generation. ‘‘Family businesses are the heart of Australia’s trucking industry,’’ Mr St Clair said. ‘‘Previously, family businesses were able to use arrangements such as trust cloning to avoid triggering a capital gains liability when transferring ownership of the business within the family. However, this was abolished in 2008. ‘‘The intent of business taxes is to collect revenue in the simplest way possible, without preventing businesses from increasing employment and contributing to economic growth. CGT on family businesses works against this. ‘‘When a parent passes on their business to their children, they receive no benefit. ‘‘The children could be liable if they chose to sell the business outside of the family, as they then benefit

financially from the sale. But a change of company ownership within a family should not attract CGT.’’ The submission recommends the process for individuals wanting to start a business should be simplified. ‘‘The first step for individuals wishing to start a business is to obtain an Australian Business Number,’’ Mr St Clair said. ‘‘Currently, an individual cannot obtain an ABN unless they are carrying on an enterprise or have taken significant steps to commence one, such as signing contracts, issuing invoices or purchasing equipment. ‘‘In many cases, though, an individual cannot do these things without already holding an ABN. ‘‘The ABN arrangements should be amended to allow individuals to register for an ABN with the intent of carrying out an enterprise, avoiding this catch-22 situation.’’ The submission also argues that the Australian Government should increase the small business turnover threshold to $3 million to provide support to high-turnover, low margin businesses. The submission is available at: http://www.truck.net.au/advocacy/submissions/ productivity-commissionbusiness-set-transfer-andclosure-submission.

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Page 6 — ‘Truck Talk’, March, 2015

A tribute to Neil Scott Transport Trucks are in the Scott family’s blood. Their love for heavy vehicles spans at least three generations, starting with Harry and Sylvia who then passed the passion on to their son Neil and his three children. Neil, who is now well and truly retired at 88 years of age, operated Neil Scott Transport from 1951 to 1988, with his wife Olive becoming involved after their marriage in 1954. Neil and Olive’s three children — Bruce, Wayne (dec) and Lynda (Danckert) — all eventually became involved in the business too. For their passion for the industry, both Neil and Wayne have been inducted into the National Road Transport Hall of Fame, in 2009 and 2011 respectively. They were both recog-

nised for their contribution to the industry, particularly through the family business, Neil Scott Transport. Neil Scott Transport’s first truck was a WC22 White with a two-deck sheep crate and trailer. It marked the beginning of the business, which at its height managed a fleet of eight trucks. The company mainly carted livestock but also had a contract to cart fuel to Deniliquin and Hay for Shell, as well as carrying new Holden cars from Dandenong to the local dealership. Neil became one of the first in NSW and Victoria to use tri-axle and drop deck trailers in livestock cartage. The technique was successful in minimising injury to cattle because of the high deck height and provided room for decks of sheep.

Neil was also the first in the local area to use computers for accounting and for fleet costing. He installed HF radios to keep in contact with the trucks to provide a better level of service to his customers. ‘‘Neil made valuable contributions to the livestock carrying industry through his vision of implementing new ideas and being involved in various transport committees including the Livestock Carriers Association of New South Wales,’’ Neil’s Hall of Fame induction outline said. Wayne followed in his father’s footsteps, leaving school at the age of 16 and joining the family business. At 19 he received his rigid driver’s licence and started behind the wheel of the company’s tray truck,

delivering livestock across the countryside. But Wayne was desperate to drive bigger trucks and so he became the youngest semi driver in NSW to have received his licence. He was also one of the youngest drivers in NSW to carry four decks of sheep. Wayne worked for the family business right up until it was sold. He would later drive for prominent Deniliquin businesses Deniliquin Freighters and Lumbar’s Transport, as well as for local operator Ian Hood, and also drove fuel tankers and school buses for Purtills. Wayne died on March 11, 2010. ‘‘He just loved trucks and could always be seen at school lifting his head whenever one of the trucks went by,’’ Wayne’s Hall of Fame induction outline read.

■ A Neil Scott Transport truck pictured in Deniliquin ■ An F600 Ford, which was part of Neil Scott’s fleet, in sometime between 1956 and 1960. 1959.

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Safe fuel access 24 hours a day Riordan Fuels has made life a lot simpler for truck drivers and farmers all over Victoria. The Geelong-based business, which has now expanded its reach to southern NSW and South Australia, recently opened a new diesel tank facility in Deniliquin, to complement the existing Jerilderie facility. The 68,000-litre tank can be used for commercial and personal vehicle use. Situated on the Barham Rd (opposite Ennor Engineering), the unmanned facility is part of an innovative new system from Riordan Fuels. It is accessible 24 hours, seven days a week, and customers can use any type of credit card or a Riordan Fuel card. Mick Atkins from Riordan Fuels says he is proud to offer this new service to the Deniliquin area. ‘‘We find there is a lot of demand for our tanks in rural areas as many farmers and truckies work through the night and need access to fuel, and the pumps are high flow so there’s no mucking around,’’ Mr Atkins said. ‘‘Also, because they are unmanned sites we can keep the price down so it’s a winwin for our customers.’’ Mr Atkins said the development ensures there is no damage to the environment, with a state-of-the-art retention separator meaning any

■ Fellows Holdings general manager Paul Fellows with Deni’s first Riordan Fuel card holder Danny Stanmore. run-off becomes clean water. The site is owned by Deniliquin business Fellows Holdings with the fuel arranged in conjunction with Riordans. ‘‘There’s good truck access, with plenty of room to turn vehicles around,’’ Fellows Holdings general manager Paul Fellows said. ‘‘It’s off the main road and in a safe location.’’ Riordan Fuels operates 25

bulk diesel facilities in regional areas, each of them catering for truck drivers through to customers wanting to safely fill a trailer tank. With convenient credit card facilities or the use of a Riordan Fuel card, customers also benefit from being able to access fuel on a needs basis. Riordans can also offer onsite fuel storage tanks for

private businesses for all fuel products and AdBlue. Tanks are available in sizes from 1000 to 100,000-litre capacity, are fully transportable and encompass fast flow bowsers, and all that’s required is a tank. Trailer tanks of the same quality and sizes down to 1000 litres are available, which can be adapted for utes and trucks.

‘Truck Talk’, March, 2015 — Page 9

Red tape reduction to save truckies $8.3 mil. The trucking industry will save $8.3 million per year as a result of the Australian Government’s decision to untangle the red tape around interstate registered B-doubles. Australia Trucking Association chief executive Stuart St Clair said until now, federal regulations have required interstate registered B-doubles to be fitted with spray suppression equipment – a series of extra guards, flaps and in some cases bristles around their wheel arches. The equipment is in addition to the normal wheel guards that must be fitted to truck wheels, and is intended to improve visibility for nearby drivers in wet weather.

He said experts have found no evidence that the extra equipment works. Mr St Clair said the decision would bring the rules for interstate registered B-doubles into line with the rules for B-doubles with state number plates. ‘‘Western Australia and the Northern Territory have never required B-doubles to be fitted with spray suppression equipment,’’ he said. ‘‘The requirement was removed in the other states when the Heavy Vehicle National Law started earlier this year, but until now the federal regulations have still required interstate registered B-doubles to be fitted with the equipment. ‘‘Removing the require-

ment will save interstate trucking operators about $5800 on a typical new B-double set and a further $1640 per set per year in maintenance costs. ‘‘The decision will not affect safety. Extensive independent research, including by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has shown there is no evidence that fitting extra spray suppression equipment results in visibility improvements for drivers travelling near trucks. It’s one of those technologies that works in the laboratory but doesn’t appear to translate into the real world.’’ Mr St Clair said the ATA raised the issue with Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss

as part of its TruckWeek 2014 parliamentary delegation program. ‘‘I’m very pleased that the Deputy Prime Minister listened so closely to the evidence. The decision will reduce red tape and costs for trucking businesses,’’ he said. A B-double consists of a prime mover and two trailers linked by fifth-wheel turntables. B-doubles will still need to be fitted with wheel guards in accordance with the vehicle standards rules — the decision will only affect the extra spray suppression equipment that has needed to be fitted until now. The government decision is effectively immediately.

Driver diary exemption extends to SA The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has extended a primary producer work diary exemption currently in place for Queensland and NSW to drivers in South Australia. NHVR chief executive Sal Petroccitto said as of February, heavy vehicle drivers in South Australia who carry out primary production journeys will no longer have to carry and record information in a National Driver Work Diary if travelling or working under 160km from their base. ‘‘While the ACT is yet to commence the fatigue provisions of the national law, drivers operating under this

work diary exemption will be compliant with current ACT laws. ‘‘The exemption will also apply in Tasmania from March 20, 2015, when the fatigue provisions of the Heavy Vehicle National Law will come into effect. ‘‘With this national approach in mind, the NHVR and VicRoads will continue to work together to consider the implications of a 160km primary producer exemption in Victoria.’’ The exemption does not change the hours a driver can work or must rest. Record keepers for drivers carrying out primary produc-

tion work must still keep records of work and rest time, as well as a copy of payment records relating to the driver, including time sheet records if the driver is paid according to time at work. These records must be kept at the record location for a period of three years. All other heavy vehicle drivers are still required to keep and record a work diary for work outside the standard 100km radius, as set out in the Heavy Vehicle National Law. The NHVR also released the NSW Restricted Access Vehicle Enforceable Networks Schedule Amendment (Notice) 2015 (No.1).

TREVOR HEATH – Managing Director, Senior Heavy Vehicle Driver Trainer and Assessor: “Very impressed, thankyou for taking the extra time to persevere with me, couldn’t have done it without that little bit of extra patience” Robert 2014 Page 10 — ‘Truck Talk’, March, 2015

This notice amends seven existing notices to point to a single source for published routes in NSW. Roads and Maritime has now transitioned from using routes published in NSW Government Gazettes, to enforceable networks for eligible vehicles published on the RMS website. Changes to road network restrictions and approved routes for use by heavy vehicles in NSW can now be viewed directly at www.rms.nsw.gov.au/ravgml-networks. You can access the full list of state and national notices at the NHVR website — www.nhvr.gov.au.

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‘Truck Talk’, March, 2015 — Page 11

Restored Chevrolet Maple Leaf Neil Scott’s 1936 Chevrolet Maple Leaf truck has been in his family for almost 80 years. The Scott family purchased the truck brand new in 1936 for £468 and used it to transport wool and stock. It was the only vehicle the Scott family owned and was a working vehicle up until 1960. In the years that followed, the truck almost met its demise when it was left abandoned on the family’s property, ‘Clare Corner’, about 150km north of Balranald. ‘‘It deteriorated extensively in those years,’’ said 88 year-old Neil, who owned and operated Neil Scott Transport from 1951 to 1988. ‘‘I left Clare Corner, which was owned by my parents (Sylvia and Harry), in 1951. ‘‘My sister and her husband, Grace and Tom Comitti, took over the property, so the truck was in their hands. ‘‘I came back in 2007 to pick it up, which was when their son had started managing the property. ‘‘We had to dig it out because it was buried in sand. We towed it out, then its restoration started.’’ And what a big job the restoration was. About 25 bullet holes are scattered throughout the cabin from shooters taking ‘pot shots’ at the abandoned truck while on the property. And many parts, including its doors, were missing too. ‘‘It took me about three years to restore it all,’’ Neil said. ‘‘The panel work and paint was by Balranald panels, while the mechanical work was by John and David McMillan (DLS Engineering). ‘‘My two sons — Bruce and Wayne (dec) — and I did the tray, which is almost four metres by more than two metres, and Jamie King at Deniliquin did the auto electric work. ‘‘The interior was done by Upholstery by Stacker Hay of

Albury and signwriting by Papercut Unlimited Deniliquin. ‘‘It has a 216 Chev motor, which is 29 horsepower. ‘‘The truck runs on petrol . . . we drive it about 60km/h, although it could reach 80km/ h.’’ Neil’s wife Olive estimates about $30,000 was spent on the truck throughout its restoration, but Neil prefers to call it ‘‘more than $20,000’’. What they can both agree on, however, is that the truck is ‘‘priceless’’ in terms of family value. Since it was restored, the Scotts have entered it in several show and shine competition, and taken out first prize more than once. It is kept under protection at Neil and Olive’s Deniliquin home, and remains in immaculate condition.

Page 12 — ‘Truck Talk’, March, 2015

■ TOP: The Maple Leaf truck in the paddock at Balranald before being restored; BELOW: What was left of the Maple Leaf truck before being rebuilt.

■ ABOVE: The e Maple Leaf in 1950.

‘Truck Talk’, March, 2015 — Page 13

Power to our truckers By STEVE POWER The Australian Trucking Association has been an important part of the trucking industry landscape for 25 years. In this time, it has fought for a better go for operators, and worked to improve the safety, professionalism and viability of the trucking industry. As the peak body for the trucking industry, the ATA uses three main tools to achieve its goals: ■ Member advocacy to governments, parliaments and regulators; ■ Research and the development of best practice standards; and ■ Communication with the industry and the community. Advocacy is a term that can cause some confusion due to the wide range of activities it covers. ATA advocacy activities

include submissions to government, parliaments or regulators, meetings with key people through all of these organisations (and many others), and provision of expert advice when trucking industry issues are at stake. The ATA’s members include transport industry associations, major logistics companies and businesses with leading expertise in truck technology. These members are represented and consulted with through the ATA General Council, the Industry Technical Council, Trucking Australia events, and various surveys throughout the year. In 2014, the ATA achieved a number of major victories through its advocacy activities. As a result of the ATA’s lobbying for fairer truck charges and taxes, the government did not go ahead with the 2014 increase to the

Phone

road user charge paid by trucking operators. This followed six years of persistent effort where the ATA proved time and time again that our industry was being overcharged due to an error in the charging model. When we know something isn’t right for trucking, we don’t give up. The government also agreed to vital technical amendments to the Fuel Tax Act to ensure that trucking operators were not inadvertently affected by its plan to reintroduce fuel tax indexation. Of course, there’s always more to do. Every year, the ATA updates its strategic plan, which outlines its planned activities for the next three years. The strategic plan is available on the ATA website, www.truck.net.au. In 2015, the ATA’s plans include campaigning to re-

duce the complexity of the national heavy vehicle laws through the NTC’s review of chain of responsibility duties, without reducing safety. The ATA will also continue its campaign to extend chain of responsibility to vehicle maintenance, press for better systems for issuing and clearing defect notices, and seek progress toward a national truck registration system and the implementation of the promised one-stop-shop for issuing road access permits. The ATA exists to serve the trucking industry. To get involved, contact your closest member association, register as a delegate for Trucking Australia 2015 at www.truckingaustralia.com.au, or subscribe to the ATA’s free weekly e-newsletter, the Friday Facts, at www.truck.net.au. ■ Steve Power is the National Manager, Communications & Corporate Relations with the ATA.

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■ Peter Huntly has been with local fuel distribution company Purtills since 1986.

Peter to clock up 30 years since joining Purtills team The success of a business hinges on skilled and loyal employees. Deniliquin transport business Purtills has been going strong since 1951, when Keith Purtill bought his first school bus. It now employs close to 100 people with about a dozen of them dedicated to fuel distribution. It isn’t surprising then that the Deniliquin business has had its fair share of long-term employees. One of them is truck driver Peter Huntly, who knows the business inside and out and in 2016 will celebrate the 30-year anniversary since he started with Purtills.

‘‘I’ve been working with Purtills in various roles for close to 30 years,’’ Mr Huntly said. ‘‘I’ve done a bit of everything, from logistics to driving fuel tankers and school buses. ‘‘It’s a seven-days-a-week job and I’m constantly on the phone, but I enjoy it. ‘‘The friendly staff and the people I work with are great.’’ Mr Huntly has been involved in the trucking industry for most of his life. He first started at Purtills as a fuel tank driver in 1986. The following year he took on management of the business’ Jerilderie depot.

‘‘My wife Maree and I made the move to Jerilderie and we were there for about three years,’’ Mr Huntly said. ‘‘We ran the depot and the roadhouse, and I also drove a school bus.’’ A change of scenery saw Mr Huntly move to another Purtills depot in 1990, and for the next two years he ran the company’s site in Hay. Driving buses remained a daily activity, with Mr Huntly providing safe transport for school children until 1992. ‘‘I moved back to Deniliquin in 1992 and have been here ever since,’’ he said. ‘‘I was working in logistics for a while before moving on

to fuel distribution, both onfarm delivery and retail.’’ Throughout his time at Purtills, Mr Huntly has worked closely with fellow truck driver Brett Roe. ‘‘Brett has actually been at Purtills longer than I have,’’ Mr Huntly said. ‘‘He drives the trucks to and from Melbourne and then I distribute the fuel to the farms and service stations. ‘‘We’ve been doing that together for many years.’’ Another feather in Mr Huntly’s trucker’s cap came last year when multi-national fuel distributor Caltex recognised his 25-year association with the company.

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■ Peter Huntly has been with local fuel distribution company Purtills since 1986.

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‘Truck Talk’, March, 2015 — Page 15

First to provide on-farm fuel Purtills has long been at the forefront of bulk fuel distribution across southern NSW and northern Victoria. From keeping up to date with the newest technology to introducing the versatile 19m B-double tanker to its fleet, the family-run Deniliquin business is a true industry leader. As well as carrying iconic status as a bus company, Purtills Petroleum has been associated with fuel company Caltex for more than 40 years, and Golden Fleece before that. ‘‘A lot of people associate Purtills with buses, but there’s also a substantial trucking side to the business,’’ general manager of Purtills Petroleum Glenn Carr said. ‘‘Our drivers distribute fuel to retail sites like service stations and we also have an on-farm delivery service. ‘‘We also do bulk cartage for other clients throughout the area.’’ Purtills has four trucks moving fuel across the Victorian border 363 days a year,

■ A Purtills Petroleum tanker fuelling up at the upgraded Cobb Highway Caltex Roadhouse in Deniliquin. clocking up a combined one million kilometres. They load at Melbourne every night before heading back to the Southern Riverina for on-farm deliveries and retail stops. Making the most of this convenient service are clients from Myrtleford, Barham and Wakool to Lavington, Wagga, Griffith and Ardlethan — and a lot of places in between.

‘‘Purtills was the first to offer on-farm deliveries in this area,’’ Mr Carr said. ‘‘The business then branched out into retail with its own service stations. ‘‘All of it is coordinated in the office at Deniliquin.’’ Mr Carr described the recent introduction of 19m B-double tankers to the Purtills fleet as a ‘‘game changer’’. ‘‘We’ve got two 25-metre

and two 19-metre B-doubles,’’ he said. ‘‘No one was using the 19-metre B-doubles for fuel distribution, but they are just so convenient for general access. ‘‘They still carry a lot of fuel and can legally go anywhere a single trailer can. ‘‘That’s a great advantage when it comes to on-farm deliveries.’’ Purtills also works towards improved access for local truck drivers. Recent upgrades to the Cobb Hwy Caltex Roadhouse in Deniliquin have made it a dedicated area for heavy vehicles. Up to three B-doubles can now safely fuel up without blocking part of Hardinge St, and the site also has a dedicated AdBlue dispensary. To find out more about Purtills Petroleum or its service station fuel cards, phone (03) 5881 9000.

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Barham Rd upgrade to cater for more truck traffic Deniliquin Council has received funding for a $1.1 million upgrade to Barham Rd to improve road train access to its industrial estate. A two kilometre section of the road from the Hardinge St roundabout is being widened, strengthened and resurfaced for the use of road trains. The total project cost is $1.148 million, of which $574,000 will be funded through the Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program. The remainder of the project cost will be funded by Deniliquin Council. Deniliquin Council general manager Des Bilske said the funding allows council to upgrade a section of road which was getting more heavy transport use, and as such would help keep the town’s road network safer. ‘‘We have welcomed the re-opening of the rice mill and, more recently, the Deniliquin Abattoir,’’ he said. ‘‘Council is also continuing to assist wherever possible in a project of state

■ A section of the Barham Rd, starting from the Hardinge St roundabout, is being upgraded. significance to establish an ethanol plant. ‘‘These developments have increased heavy vehicle activity on Barham Road so the upgrade is important to cater for this.’’ The government support for the project was jointly announced in late February by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Region-

al Development Warren Truss, along with NSW Minister for Roads and Freight Duncan Gray. Under the Australian Government Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Programme, truck drivers and other heavy vehicle operators in NSW will benefit from $119.6 million in new road upgrades, with funding announced for 27 projects. The Deniliquin project is one of only six across the state which is council controlled. ‘‘Our competitive merit-based selection process has identified almost $120 million for projects through to 2019, as yet another example of the Australian Government’s commitment to building safe, productive infrastructure to meet the needs of today and well into the future,’’ Mr Truss said. Mr Gay said the projects would ‘‘improve the safety environment for heavy vehicle drivers and increase road transport productivity. ‘‘Councils across New South Wales will be a vital part of the implementation and roll-out of many of the projects selected for funding,’’ he said.

$120m to build better roads Truck drivers and other heavy vehicle operators in NSW will benefit from $119.6 million in new road upgrades as part of the Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Programme. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss announced the Australian

Government would contribute up to 50 per cent of the total project costs for 27 projects across the state. Six projects are on state roads, and the remaining 21 are council controlled. ‘‘Our competitive meritbased selection process has identified almost $120 million in federal funds for projects to make heavy vehicle use on NSW roads

safer and more efficient,’’ Mr Truss said. ‘‘Nationally, the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Programme will provide $200 million for projects through to 2019, as yet another example of the Australian Government’s commitment to building safe, productive infrastructure to meet the needs of today and well into the future.’’

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New operator auditing provisions The National Heavy Vehicle Register has implemented changes to the auditing provisions of the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme. The changes were made as part of the National Transport Commission and NHVR National Heavy Vehicle Roadworthiness program. The NHVAS Standards and Business Rules February 2014 were replaced by

amended NHVAS Business Rules and Standards as of March 1, 2015. The changes will affect the way in which NHVAS auditors are recognised and audits are conducted. Auditors will need to seek registration with the NHVR, and meet new additional criteria. Provisions aimed at reducing the potential for conflicts of interest have been added.

Speeding reforms Roads & Maritime Services has introduced new ways to tackle the issue of speeding heavy vehicles. The reforms aim to make NSW roads safer for everyone by improving the behaviour of drivers and encouraging operators to take more responsibility for realistic schedules and vehicle speeds. Slowing down saves lives and your life.

TRUCK talk

Catching up with speeding heavy vehicles: ■ Increased penalties for damaged, obscured or tampered number plates. ■ Bi-directional speed cameras – vehicles can now be photographed from the front and back. ■ Heavy Vehicle Rating System – all road offences will be centralised so that both repeat driver and operator offenders can be identified.

SOUTHERN RIVERINA & MID MURRAY ANNUAL TRUCKING MAGAZINE

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FRONT COVER: Deniliquin trucking icon Neil Scott stands proudly next to his restored Maple Leaf truck. Information contained in this magazine is presented only after being carefully researched. However, there are differences in state and regional regulations and conditions. TRUCKtalk can assume no responsibility for the contents.

Page 18 — ‘Truck Talk’, March, 2015

For example, if an operator’s choice of auditor appears to be inappropriate, the NHVR may stipulate a list of alternative auditors the operator must choose from. The new standards also provide updated audit tools for conducting and reporting on audits, including a new independent audit framework, audit matrix and audit report template. Transitional provisions

will apply for existing auditors, who will be able to continue providing auditing services under their existing certification until July 1, 2016. However, all NHVAS audits must be conducted in accordance with the amended Business Rules and Standards from early 2015. Direct enquiries can be sent to info@nhvr.gov.au.

Fuel tax credits increased The fuel tax credits rate has increased by 0.3 cents per litre for fuel acquired from February 2, 2015, due to an increase in the consumer price index. The rate has increased to 12.76 cents per litre, up from 12.46 cents per litre. The rates are indexed twice a year in February and August. Trucking operators are advised to check the rates at the Australian Tax Office’s ‘Fuel tax credit rates and eligible fuels’ page before completing each BAS, as they may have more than one rate in a BAS period. Operators can also use the ATO’s ‘Fuel tax credit calculator’ to calculate the correct rate. Fuel schemes provide credits and grants to reduce the costs of some fuels, or to provide a benefit to encourage the recycling of waste oils. Fuel tax credit rates vary depending on what fuel you use and the activity you use it for. Fuel tax credit rates increased for fuel acquired from November 2014 and another CPI increase will come into effect from August 1.

When calculating your fuel tax credits, including fuel used in heavy vehicles, you need to use the rate that applied when you: ● acquired the fuel; ● imported the fuel; ● entered the fuel for home consumption (that is into the Australian domestic market) if you manufactured the fuel. There are time limits for claiming fuel tax credits – generally, you must claim within four years. The four years commences from the day after you were required to lodge the BAS for the tax period in which the fuel was acquired. Liquid fuels are petrol, diesel and other combustible fuels such as kerosene, mineral turpentine, white spirit, toluene, heating oil and some solvents. Liquid fuel is taxable if excise or customs duty must be paid on it. It does not include fuel ethanol and biodiesel, which in most cases have no effective fuel tax. For more information about fuel tax credits, visit the ATO website, www.ato.gov.au.

Get the most out of your tyres With a heavy load behind you, it’s a relief to know your truck tyres are capable of handling changing road and weather conditions with minimal performance alterations. Beaurepaires provides truck tyres that are reinforced for high durability over a variety of road challenges to give you a long life span whether in highway service or city traffic. Having the best tyres and keeping them well maintained is key to safety, and that’s where Beaurepaires in Deniliquin and Finley can help. Both provide services at the workshop as well as offsite with a 24/7 call-out service. Deniliquin Beaurepaires manager Wayne Gretgrix recommends all drivers get in the routine of regular tyre condition monitoring. ‘‘As a general rule, you should rotate your tyres every 20,000km or so — having a good rotation routine is definitely a good idea. ‘‘Tyres should be checked at every wheel service and

■ Beaurepaires Deniliquin employee Jason Van Drunen at on an off-site call-out for a local transport company. tyre pressure should also be checked every month. ‘‘At Deniliquin, we can fill your tyres with air, rotate them, align them and provide a full wheel service. ‘‘We have Goodyear and Dunlop tyres, as well as a budget brand. ‘‘We also offer on-site repairs and also stock Excite batteries.’’ Some basic tips to get the most out of your tyres are:

■ Check pressure regularly — For the greatest accuracy, check your tyres when they are cold with a reliable tyre pressure gauge. ■ Rotate tyres regularly — To even out the wear and obtain the best possible life from your tyres they should be rotated on a regular basis. For trucks it should be done every 20,000km. ■ Do not mix tyres — it is potentially dangerous to mix

tyres of different sizes as they have individual handling characteristics. ■ Avoid curb impact — Every time you hit the curb with your tyres, you increase the likelihood of fractures occurring in the sidewall of your tyres. So it makes sense to drive and park carefully to avoid contact with curbs. ■ Do not drive on bald tyres — Once tyre tread wears down to around 1.6mm, your tyres may be unsafe. Beaurepaires celebrates its 90th year of meeting the needs of all Australians this year. Mr Gretgrix said as a trusted national brand, Beaurepaires accounts opened in Deniliquin and Finley are accepted at all stores across the country. Beaurepaires Deniliquin is located in Hardinge St, near the Cobb Hwy roundabout, and the Finley store is located in Murray St. To contact your nearest Beaurepaires store, phone 13 23 81 or contact the Customer Service line on 1800 809 514.

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Freighters helps deliver food for those in need More than 1.43 million serves of Riverina grown rice were delivered to Australian families over the Christmas season with thanks to a joint SunRice project. Riverina rice growers and local trucking company Deniliquin Freighters teamed up with the leading Australian branded foods company to assist people in need. The special project resulted in a donation of 100 tonnes of medium grain rice to Foodbank, valued at $100,000. Foodbank coordinates emergency food supplies across a range of charities and community groups, with the rice donation aiming to help the 60,000 Australians who these charities are unable to assist each month, many of whom are children. Doubling their charitable offerings from 2013, SunRice CEO Rob Gordon said the efforts were a result of the partnership between SunRice, growers and Deniliquin Freighters. ‘‘The SunRice and Foodbank project has involved the whole of the rice industry supply chain with paddy rice being donated by growers, milling and packaging donated by the company and the freight costs associated with transporting the rice from Leeton to Melbourne donated by Deniliquin Freighters. ‘‘I would like to thank the generous support of these partners in making this do-

■ Freighters driver Greg Westerdale delivered the rice to Foodbank. nation possible which equates to around 1.43 million standard servings.’’ Deni Freighters owner Russell Tait said the donation was the result of productive water use, which feeds people worldwide. This is the second year Deni Freighters has taken part in the now annual initiative. ‘‘We are happy to be part of the process and support the less fortunate,’’ Mr Tait said. ‘‘The farmers donated the rice, SunRice milled and packaged it and, as the carrier for SunRice, we distribute the packages free of charge. ‘‘Foodbank is such a great initiative, especially at Christmas time.’’

Deni Freighters driver Greg Westerdale, who delivered the donated rice in December, said it was a pleasure to be part of the food drive. ‘‘It’s always a good atmosphere at Foodbank,’’ he said. ‘‘People are there because they want to be there and they are grateful to receive the donations.’’ Foodbank CEO Jason Hincks says despite being the largest food relief organisation in the country, it is still a challenge to supply everyone in need. ‘‘Over two million Australians seek food relief every year and, in spite of the fact that we provide food for over 100,000 meals a day to front line charities, the need is still not being met,’’ he said.

‘‘This is why we’re extremely grateful to SunRice and its growers for their generous donation. ‘‘Rice is a key staple that is much sought after by the 2500 charities we serve and this donation will ensure that we have supplies well into the New Year.’’ SunRice and Foodbank plan to continue the donation process in 2015, with the benefits of adequate food supplies resonating in Australian society. ‘‘It’s clear that every meal provides people with more than just a full stomach today. It helps them and the community in which they live to achieve a brighter future,’’ Mr Hincks said.

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■ A locally-owned stock crate built by Dunn’s Engineering.

Expansion to get more work Dunn There are few corners of Australia that Dunn’s Engineering hasn’t reached. Specialising in semi-trailers and stock crates, the Deniliquin business’ work is sourced all over the country. ‘‘We’ve got clients in Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria; we’re basically Australia wide,’’ owner Andrew Dunn said. After completing his engineering apprenticeship at Byrne Trailers Wagga, where he spent six years, Mr Dunn returned home to Deniliquin to start his own business about 15 years ago. Dunn’s Engineering, which is on Saleyards Rd, now employs 10 people. However, it is about to undergo considerable expansion.

‘‘We’re in the process of moving to a new site on the Barham Rd,’’ Mr Dunn said. ‘‘We’ll be expanding our operation to about 20 staff so that we can service our customers more regularly. ‘‘The new shed is in the process of being built and we should be in there in another six months.’’ With the extra hands on deck, Mr Dunn hopes his team will be able to boost its production to one B-double trailer per month. In recent years, Dunn’s Engineering has already expanded to include semitrailer hire. For more information, contact An- ■ The rear of the stock crate built by Dunn’s. drew Dunn on 0408 281 493.

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Safe way forward TruckSafe, truckCare join forces The trucking industry’s own accreditation scheme, TruckSafe, and the Australian livestock transport industry’s quality assurance program, truckCare, have joined forces to provide a single streamlined safety program for the road transport industry. Beginning in early January 2015, truckCare is a voluntary module of TruckSafe, with operators now able to use both programs under a single administration and auditing system. truckCare chair Kevin Fechner said the arrangement would usher in a new era for the program and its members. ‘‘The Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association developed truckCare to provide a first class quality management system for businesses that transport livestock in Australia,’’ Mr Fechner said. ‘‘By incorporating truckCare as a voluntary module of TruckSafe, we will be reducing overlap and providing better value for trucking operators who put safety first in their business.

‘‘ALRTA will retain strong involvement with the truckCare program, nominating two representatives to the TruckSafe Board to provide continuing livestock transport input. ‘‘We understand that some of our members who are not accredited in TruckSafe may have some issues with transitioning to the program. ‘‘However, we feel that this will provide the best long-term outcomes for truckCare and our members.’’ TruckSafe chair Stephen Marley said truckCare was an excellent fit as a new TruckSafe module. ‘‘This consolidation is all about the industry coming together to improve our safety,’’ he said. ‘‘TruckSafe and truckCare are both leading safety management schemes developed by industry, for industry. ‘‘Members of TruckSafe and truckCare will now only have to have one audit, pay one set of fees and deal with one set of paperwork. It’s a great outcome.’’ Fraser’s Livestock Transport director Ross Fraser OAM said the merger would

make compliance much simpler for operators who were already part of both schemes. ‘‘TruckSafe is a very good system. It’s a fantastic management tool, and provides credibility for accredited operators. ‘‘If you aren’t in TruckSafe, you should seriously consider joining. ‘‘It’s the same with truckCare – it was set up by the livestock transport industry, and it’s a good plan for anyone doing this kind of work. ‘‘The merger is a great idea. It provides improved administrative support for truckCare, and allows operators to use the same audit for both programs.’’ Members of truckCare will be invited to continue their accreditation through the TruckSafe program in the coming months. Existing TruckSafe members will not be affected by the changes. ■ TruckSafe and truckCare members who have questions about the transition are invited to contact the TruckSafe office on (02) 6253 6900.

Farmers welcome Victoria upgrades Victoria’s peak farmer body has commended the Andrew’s Labor government for listening to the needs of farmers across the state in announcing key regional infrastructure upgrades. ‘‘It’s good to see the Labor Government is wasting no time in upgrading country Victoria’s regional freight and level crossings,’’ Victorian Farmers Federation president Peter Tuohey said. It follows the announcement in February from Premier Daniel Andrews to fasttrack $35.8 million in funding to strengthen 48 bridges in regional Victoria ‘‘One of our top infrastructure priorities in our prebudget submission was bridge strengthening works to enable higher mass limits on B-doubles,’’ Mr Tuohey said. ‘‘While we welcome the bridge upgrades, it’s critical they help support the goal of increasing mass limits on our major road freight network from the current limit of 68 tonnes for B-doubles to 74 tonnes. ‘‘Enabling heavier B-doubles would deliver substantial productivity gains to the dairy industry using existing vehicle fleets. ‘‘With the current mass limit of 68 tonnes, we’ve got dairy trucks operating below their capacity. ‘‘Higher mass limits would improve freight efficiency and ultimately result in better farm gate returns.’’

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