Trucks and trailers june 2015 (low res)

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VOLVO BUILDS FLEET pages 8–9

Lower speed limit considered for trucks page 3 Alexandra Truck Show winner page 10 Driver profiles pages 12–13

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Talking trucks

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NatRoad pilots Youth Driver Training Scheme I am pleased to report that the National Road Transport Association’s youth committee has been busy selecting a registered training organisation to deliver the NatRoad Youth Driver Training Scheme. The scheme is being designed and co-ordinated by the committee in conjunction with the successful partner RTO. In order to attract and retain young people in the road freight transport industry, NatRoad believes it is essential that suitable training and development opportunities are made available as well as employment.

The youth committee has identified this scheme as a way of contributing to the upskilling of the road transport sector by way of a driver training scheme aimed at the youth population. The program will see host employers invest in suitable new entrants within their businesses with the outcome being licensed and capable heavy vehicle drivers.

NatRoad believes there is scope for improvements on the current training framework within the Certificates II and

III Driving Operations qualifications in order to draw youth into the industry.

Participants must complete heavy vehicle licence upgrades as part of the program, and would also acquire any relevant tickets. Nationally recognised qualifications must be obtained by the participants at the conclusion of their training. State and federal-based funding opportunities are to be utilised where applicable to the benefit of host employers.

The initial roll-out will involve a pilot program for the NatRoad Youth Driver Training Scheme in two key locations, one regional and one metropolitan, run by the successful RTO, which has a longstanding relationship with the transport industry.

It is envisaged that a similar scheme will be introduced for administration and related roles in the road freight transport industry at a later date.

I look forward to NatRoad‘s youth committee working with the RTO to implement a successful driver training scheme to encourage both youth recruitment and retention in our industry.

Contents NatRoad pilots Youth Driver Training Scheme.....................2 Shifting the attitude of road users..........................................3 Transport national compliance forum....................................3 Kenworth show truck shines..................................................4 Milk tankers: Now bigger can be a whole lot better..............6 Productivity to be improved...................................................7 D & D Roadtrans rebuilds with Volvo...................................8 Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show...................................10 Driver profile: Darren Peters................................................12 Driver profile: Doug Tait......................................................13 Increased auditor training a result of NHVAS review.........14 Thai delegation visits DECA................................................14 Efficiency boost from Scania................................................16 Order up: Health-conscious food for truckies ....................18 Tax changes benefit small transport businesses...................19 Deniliquin Truck Show and Industry Expo.......................19 Editor: Corinna Boldiston Ph: 5820 3183

email: corinna.boldiston@sheppnews.com.au Advertising manager: Jamie Gilbert Ph: 5820 3184

Griffiths Goodall Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd (ABN 52858454162)(AFSL 237533) are licensed to apply for, acquire, vary or dispose of a general insurance product on behalf of a retail or wholesale client. Any advice given on this advertisement is general only and may not be right for you. To decide if an insurance product is right for you please carefully read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and our Financial Services Guide. These are available on request from our office.

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email: jamie.gilbert@countrynews.com.au Editorial content: Sharon Wright, Alexandra Bathman, Rhiannon Gavalakis, Darren Linton, Cathy Walker and Elaine Cooney Photography: Ray Sizer, Julie Mercer, Geoff Adams, Holly Curtis and Sophie Burge Editorial design: Brendan Cain Graphic artists: Brendan Cain, Bella Considine and Warren Goater Published by: Country News, 7940 Melbourne Rd, Shepparton 3630 Ph: 5831 2312

www.countrynews.com.au

Country News Reaching Australia’s richest agricultural region

News

By Darren Linton

Shifting the attitude of road users

Acting Superintendent David Griffin delivers the message that the speed limit must be obeyed.

Victoria Police Acting Superintendent David Griffin addresses the Victorian Transport Association forum in Shepparton.

A number of regional transport companies are considering enforcing a 90 km/h limit for their trucks on most highways.

The Victorian Transport Association forum at DECA in May brought together transport operators and representatives from safety and enforcement authorities.

VTA chief executive officer Peter Anderson said he wasn’t surprised more trucking companies were considering the move to a lower speed given the safety improvements and savings in fuel reported by those

operators who already have the limit.

Mr Anderson said the discussions showed how responsible most operators were but he said the attitude of other road users had to shift for it to work.

“It is getting the community to understand that trucks are not the enemy,” he said.

“There are also other pressures like loading and unloading slots; we have a complexity of systems and they have to all work together.”

Acting Superintendent David Griffin who heads the specialist State

Victorian Transport Association chief executive Peter Anderson says trucks are not the enemy on the roads.

Highway Patrol told the gathering that police did not target the trucking industry but they did conduct specific campaigns to improve road safety.

He said a speed tolerance enforcement program being rolled out was designed to change the prevailing attitude that drivers can drive 10 per cent above the speed limit without being booked.

“We’ve reduced tolerance,” he said.

“The tolerance has been lowered, the speed limit is the limit, it is not an advisory number.”

Supt Griffin said 40 per cent of

truck-related deaths still involved drivers not wearing seat belts.

VicRoads Transport Safety Services officer Peter Ervin said his team would be taking a tougher stance on the side of the road with the issuing of rectification notices.

“If your truck doesn’t comply it won’t be moving until it does,” he said.

Of the 47 heavy vehicle fatalities in 2014–15 36 have been in regional Victoria.

Mr Ervin said education, technology to assist with compliance, and tolerance were other weapons

being used to lower the toll.

VicRoads is launching a three-year campaign called Travel Happy — Share the Road which aims to ease the tension between trucks, cars, cyclists and other road users.

“If your truck doesn’t comply it won’t be moving until it does.”

Peter Ervin

Transport national compliance forum The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator met with staff from Australia’s road transport agencies and police to set national priorities for heavy vehicle road safety at a forum in Brisbane in April.

NHVR chief executive Sal Petroccitto said 95 per cent of Australia’s road freight vehicles were governed by one Heavy Vehicle National Law and the time was right to develop a national approach to heavy vehicle compliance and road safety.

“That’s why I have called on the combined resources and intelligence

of all of Australia’s police services and road transport agencies, including Western Australia and Northern Territory, to form the National Compliance and Enforcement Operations Forum,” Mr Petroccitto said.

He described the Brisbane forum as an important first step towards developing a truly national approach to heavy vehicle safety and compliance.

“A national approach means sharing what we know across agencies and across borders to better target enforcement operations,” Mr Petroccitto said.

“It means taking the best in safety and compliance systems and practice from one state and rolling it out across other jurisdictions. It also means best value spend for the safety and compliance dollar, which adds up to a significant public investment across the country.

“While we are talking with road transport authorities and police services today, there’s definitely a place at this table for industry,” Mr Petroccitto said.

Australian Trucking Association chief executive Chris Melham commended the NHVR and members

of the new national group, saying industry had been calling for a national approach for years.

“The development of this forum will go a long way towards delivering the seamless, consistent national service provision and regulation of heavy vehicles that the NHVR has been working towards since day one,” Mr Melham said.

“It doesn’t make sense to have a law that is enforced differently on one side of the border than the other. Equally, it’s ridiculous for enforcement to be restricted by a change in jurisdiction.

“The trucking industry wants to

see an effective national approach to enforcement, both across state lines and throughout all parties in the chain of responsibility. It shouldn’t matter which job you do or where you are: the law should apply exactly the same to everyone,” Mr Melham said.

“We also need better targeted enforcement at the roadside. By sharing information across agency and state borders, enforcement officers and police can focus on the operators that do the wrong thing, not on the good operators who make up the vast majority of the industry.”

Trucks and trailers, June 2015

Page 3

Kenworth show truck shines

Kenworth’s K200 model specifications: GCM: 97 000 kg Engine: Cummins ISXe5 ADR80/03 550 hp at 1600 rpm, 1850 lb ft torque at 1150 rpm.

Transmission: Eaton FO-22E318B-MXP Ultrashift plus 18-speed overdrive Front axle: Dana E-14621 6.6 tonne capacity Rear axles: Dana D46–170 tandem drive at 4.30 ratio Rear suspension: Kenworth Airglide 460 Page 4 Trucks and trailers, June 2015

Wheels: Polished Alcoas Brakes: EBSS Prime Mover (incorporating ESP + ABS + ATC + DTC) Cab: 2.8 m Aerodyne with double bed mattress, 30 litre under-bed fridge and extensive storage Steering: “Smart Wheel” steering wheel incorporating cruise control and engine brake controls,

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The Kenworth K200 was purpose built for the Brisbane truck Show and sold by Graham Thomson Motors in Shepparton.

Graham Thomson Motors sales manager Gary Nickson said the show truck sat in the yard for just four days before it was sold.

An impressive K200 big-cab Kenworth, purpose-built for the Brisbane Truck Show, has been sold by Shepparton dealer Graham Thomson Motors.

The 2015 model, finished in Horizon Red with polished grilles, fuel tanks and side steps, is fitted with the latest technological advancements in safety and driver comfort.

Sales manager Gary Nickson said the prime mover sat in the yard for just four days before it was purchased by a northern Victoria transport company for the Melbourne to Brisbane route.

Mr Nickson said the spacious and well-appointed cabin measured 2.8 m from the windscreen to the rear wall and was fitted with a quality innerspring double mattress, 30 litre fridge and enough storage to accommodate drivers who were away from home for weeks on end.

“This truck is made for the longhaul drivers. The K200 has a flat floor, which allows the driver to move around the cabin with ease when they’re taking a break,” Mr Nickson said.

“It has an ISRI Big Boy seat, which is very comfortable; but comfort is not just about a good seat, it’s the surrounds as well.”

Mr Nickson said driver comfort was paramount to reduce fatigue, assist transport companies to comply with stringent fatigue laws and ultimately improve safety.

The wrap-around dash is finished in stylish woodgrain with gold bezel gauges and the steering wheel is fitted with the controls for the cruise control and engine brake applications.

Mr Nickson said Kenworth’s continued investment in advanced safety systems ensured the Australian-

built trucks were leaders in the field, offering exceptional driver visibility and structural strength.

Automatic side steps, which can be fitted on the left and right side of the truck, allow ease of entry for the driver and LED daytime lights are fitted on the front.

Anti-Lock Braking System, Drag Torque Control, Electronic Stability Program, rollover sensors and lane departure warning alarms are other in-built safety features.

“The lane departure warning measures the distance between the white lines, and if the truck deviates an alarm sounds. The rollover sensor activates if you’re driving into a corner too hard and the truck starts to lean; the sensor will de-power the engine and in some cases apply the brakes,” Mr Nickson said.

The K200 is powered by a 550 hp Cummins ISXe5 engine, which meets the Euro V emissions targets, is fitted with an 18-speed Ultrashift Plus transmission and has a Gross Combination Mass of 97 tonne and can capably tow road train trailers.

Externally the Kenworth has a reinforced safety windscreen, stone guard, aerodynamic mirrors, Durabright Alcoa tyre rims and Ecopia tyres that are marketed as fuel saving tyres.

Mr Nickson said the entire Graham Thomson Motors sales team, which has an extensive knowledge of the industry, attended the Brisbane Truck Show and assisted on the PACCAR Kenworth and DAF stand.

Automatic steps enable ease of driver entry.

Trucks and trailers, June 2015

Page 5

News

Now bigger can be a whole A Moama company has orders for 50 new milk tankers that are setting the standard for safety, economy and pollution control.

By reconfiguring the B-double milk tankers and increasing their size to create an A-double, Byford Equipment is saving truck operators hundreds of thousands of dollars in tyre costs and reducing the milk transport footprint.

Responding to feedback from customers, Byfords Equipment has developed the A-double and AB-double tankers that can carry 20 per cent more milk because they are slightly larger and, importantly, the spacing of the axles makes them capable of carrying a heavier load.

Byfords’ compliance officer Chris Nisbet said although the prime mover doesn’t need to be much more powerful, the company is finding that clients such as Murray Goulburn and Blu Logistics in Queensland are putting new prime movers in front of them.

“The operators are looking at the latest safety and pollution control so they are putting the whole package together.

But it’s not just farmers and truck operators who are delighted with the Byfords innovation.

Shire engineers charged with keeping local roads in good condition are pretty pleased too.

“In Cobram, for example, they are permanently fixing broken roads because of milk tankers,” Mr Nisbet said.

Because the weight of the load is spread more evenly on the A-double and there is less braking stress, Byford Equipment has calculated that in the course of collecting 100 million litres of milk, a transport owner would save $330 000 in replacement tyres.

Mr Nisbet’s role is to liaise with councils and governments to gain access permission for the new tankers.

“My job as compliance officer is purely about getting access,” Mr Nisbet said.

“The B-double was given a very small footprint.”

Blu Logistics is using a new A-double tanker in Queensland.

He sees the irony in the fact that “we have to fight to get new tankers on the road that are better, smarter and safer”.

Murray-Goulburn is one of the main companies that worked with Byford Equipment in the development and has been the major purchaser so far.

Explaining the specifications, Mr Nisbet said: “These two vehicles

have been designed to have a total mass of 63.5 tonnes for the AB-double and 74.5 tonnes for the A-double.

“Currently in Victoria the 26 m is approved to 71 tonnes and the 20 m AB-double to 59.5 tonnes.”

To watch a demonstration of the tankers’ manoeuvrability online, search YouTube for Byford truck turn demo.

“The operators are looking at the latest safety and pollution control so they are putting the whole package together.

Chris Nisbet

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Murray Goulburn drivers tested the new tankers at the DECA facility at Shepparton and gave them a positive review.

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Productivity to be improved The Australian Trucking Association has welcomed the National Transport Commission’s commitment to improving trucking productivity, as outlined in its new 2015–19 work program.

The work program lays out plans for reporting on systems, tools and decisions that increase productivity, developing options to increase load volumes permitted for higher productivity vehicles, and investigating improvements to the Performance Based Standards system.

ATA chief executive Chris Melham said the NTC’s focus on productivity would help the trucking industry address the growing freight task in the safest, most efficient manner possible.

“The national freight task is expected to grow by 80 per cent between 2011 and 2031, with the trucking industry handling a large part of this extra freight,” Mr Melham said.

“Last week’s Australian Infrastructure Audit Report warned that governments must focus on policy reforms to improve higher productivity vehicle use and the performance of highway infrastructure. It’s fantastic to see the NTC taking this advice seriously.

“However, NTC still needs to increase its focus on measures that will deliver productivity improvements in the short term.”

Mr Melham said the ATA was urging the NTC to develop projects to: • Increase the steer axle mass limit to reflect the increased weight of the equipment required to be fitted to vehicles for safety and environmental purposes.

• Properly investigate and then approve the use of ultra-wide tyres to save fuel and reduce growth in the industry’s greenhouse gas emissions.

• Support the recognition of third party heavy vehicle safety accreditation programs that meet a national standard.

• Reconsider the formula used to assess the maximum weight allowed on bridges. The formula is outdated and is restricting the use of high productivity vehicles, since it grossly overestimates the infrastructure wear caused by modern heavy vehicles.

• Examine an increase in vehicle length, particularly so the industry can handle the 45 foot containers that are now used in Europe and North America.

“We also urge the NTC to review and develop national guidelines on local noise curfews for the port, retail distribution and waste sectors,” Mr Melham said.

“Very often, well-meaning proposals by governments and bodies such as the Productivity Commission to increase industry productivity and reduce urban congestion are stymied by government regulation that restricts industry’s ability to do its work outside of peak periods.

“With these additional projects added to the approach outlined in the NTC work program, the transport sector would be well-positioned to support Australia’s growing freight transport needs.”

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Trucks and trailers, June 2015

Page 7

Sam Damianopoulos from D & D Roadtrans with the new Volvo.

D & D Roadtrans rebuilds with Volvo The immaculately maintained D & D Roadtrans fleet has been boosted with the arrival of a new Volvo FH540 XL Globetrotter.

Based in Shepparton East the business began as a part-time hobby for Sam Damianopoulos and Chris Dimit in 1991 and after increasing the size of their fleet to five trucks, and later downsizing, it is now in a rebuilding phase.

The cousins grew up on nearby orchards and their shared passion for trucks saw them go into business together, buying a repossessed Kenworth W model and carting general freight out of Shepparton and later on the Melbourne to Sydney run.

“We bought our first truck to start a part-time business. Chris was working on the family orchard and I was at Campbell’s Soups. We shared the administration and organisation and I drove the trucks occasionally when one of the drivers was on holidays,” Mr Damianopoulos said.

When he was offered a redundancy package in November 2013 Mr Damianopoulos took on a logistics role with another company for a month before deciding to swap the office environment for the open road.

He regularly travels from Melbourne to Sydney, a drive made Page 8 Trucks and trailers, June 2015

easier in the new Volvo.

“Comfort wise you can’t go past the Volvo. The driver’s seat is so comfortable; it’s standard in the Volvo where in other trucks that level of comfort is an extra. When I arrive home now I’m much less fatigued,” Mr Damianopoulos said.

He said ensuring drivers were less fatigued was important for transport operators — who must adhere to stringent fatigue laws — and ensured older drivers could continue to work with ease, thus maintaining an experienced workforce.

The extra-large cabin incorporates a fridge to store meals and drinks for several days on the road and the Bluetooth capabilities of the sound system allow Mr Damianopoulos to continue to operate the logistics element of the business while away from the depot.

Powered by a Volvo 13 litre engine with full automatic transmission Mr Damianopoulos said the Globetrotter used less diesel but more Ad Blue than his other trucks, a Kenworth K200 and Western Star, but overall was more efficient.

“Keeping a check on those running costs is important to our business,” Mr Damianopoulos said.

Reliability, he said, was also critical to ensuring the small business remained competitive and that meant putting quality trucks on the road and adhering to routine maintenance and servicing.

“This new Volvo will probably do 220 000 km a year so it needs to be reliable. We’re only a small operation, we don’t want breakdowns or to have major mechanical work done on the side of the road,” Mr Damianopoulos said.

D & D Roadtrans has put its own stamp on the new Volvo, customising the body with trademark red paint, adding offset rims to the front steer tyres, stainless steel skirts to the fuel tanks and stylish silver grille and chrome strips on the front.

Mr Damianopoulos said the competitive price package from CMV Truck and Bus in Laverton also swayed his decision to purchase the new Volvo FH540 XL Globetrotter.

“Comfort wise you can’t go past the Volvo.

The driver’s seat is so comfortable; it’s standard in the Volvo where in other trucks that level of comfort is an extra. When I arrive home now I’m much less fatigued.”

Sam Damianopoulos

Feature

By Sharon Wright

The new Volvo has boosted the fleet of Shepparton East based transport business D & D Roadtrans.

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News

By Alexandra Bathman

Mean machines and much more A fantastic atmosphere topped with perfect weather made the 19th annual Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show a roaring success.

A crowd of about 12 000 swarmed to the bitumen in Alexandra’s main street to witness the town’s popular event, which welcomed the addition of a Mini Moke display, vintage motorcycles and market stalls.

Show president Caolan O’Connor said this year’s event had 150 truck entries.

“We had the most entries ever,” Mr O’Connor said.

Shepparton’s Scott Nind took home the Best Truck of the Show prize with a 1988 Peterbilt 379 while Maryborough’s Robert Humphries took home the Best Ute of the Show prize.

Mr O’Connor said an enormous Ace Tower 60 m crane truck that was on display pleased the crowd while the annual Victorian Truck Drivers’ Memorial service remembered those who had died in truck or transport related accidents.

The memorial was officially unveiled last year to offer a place for quiet reflection and this year another 50 plaques were added, including

for two women.

“It was a really great and sensitive service,” he said.

Mr O’Connor said the addition of 40 market stalls added another dimension to the show and, once again, local businesses and service clubs profited from the weekend.

He said last year the event helped the Alexandra community raise $34 000 and early reports suggest the 2015 show is on track to equal or better that figure.

Twelve different service clubs, two football clubs, churches and the Country Women’s Association raised funds for their groups by catering for the large crowds.

Next year the show will be celebrating its 20th year, and Mr O’Connor said the committee was committed to making the event another great success with more additions in the pipeline including live music at twilight.

“We are keen to celebrate by bringing all the best parts of the past 20 years back in any shape or form.”

Picture: Tim Shaw The winning truck, a 1988 Peterbilt 379 was exhibited by Scott Nind from Shepparton, second from left. Mr Nind is with Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show foundation committee member Gordon Simpson, Royans Melbourne sales representative Graeme Kemp and truck show committee president Caolan O’Connor.

Aerial views of the Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show.

Pictures: Caprice Photography Automotive Art

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Driver profile

Part of the team 120mm x 36.868mm

Darren Peters was born and bred into the trucking industry.

On and off the road during the Although he never planned on past three decades, Mr Peters said he driving trucks, Darren Peters has spent about 30 years behind the wheel. had also dabbled in other industries, and had completed a four-year “It just happened, I guess I was born and bred into the truck industry; plumbing apprenticeship.

He has worked at Frank Gattuso my dad and grandfather had stock Transport and Packaging for five-andcrates,” Mr Peters said. a-half years and said while he might He hauls parcel freight from be on the road by himself a lot of Shepparton to the Victorian Freight the time, the industry relied on the Specialist at Dandenong where he interconnectedness of employees. unloads his truck, then reloads and “A lot of team effort goes in, heads to Wangaratta, then back to especially on this run; once I leave I the Goulburn Valley base at Frank 86mm x 11.413mm need to get to Wangaratta on time so Gattuso Transport and Packaging.

I don’t hold up any workers there,” he “On a typical day I am on the road said. from about 4 pm to about 2.30 am,” he said.

“I like the hours, I have always done express freight night-time driving, and “I like the hours, I have I also like the run itself, it sort of suits the truck naturally.” always done express The Peterbilt truck he drives has freight night-time driving, been completely customised, with an extra-large sleeper cabin and custom and I also like the run dash for driver comfort and aesthetic 46mm x 21.01mm itself, it sort of suits the appeal.

“They are excellent trucks and we truck naturally.” go to all the truck shows and have won a few prizes here and there,” Mr Darren Peters Peters said.

Darren Peters was born and bred into the trucking industry.

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Page 12 Trucks and trailers, June 2015

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Driver profile

By Rhiannon Gavalakis

Happy-go-lucky truckie He may not have taken the direct route into the transport industry, but Kreskas Bros truck driver Doug Tait has found a career that drives him.

At 51, Mr Tait has only been driving trucks for 18 months, having previously worked as a butcher for 30 years, starting out in the South Gippsland seaside town of Wonthaggi.

From there he worked from Perth to Sydney and eventually moved into retail and bottle shops. What drove him to obtain a heavy combination licence was the desire to get off his feet.

He already held a semi-rigid licence from driving cattle trucks years

earlier, and on a successful application for employment at Kreskas Bros he obtained a number of specialised licences.

“Since I’ve been here I’ve got forklift, non-slewing crane, Mobicon, Combilift and side-loader licences,” Mr Tait said.

He can operate all the machinery on site from small to large forklifts and machines which weigh in more than 80 tonne — before they have anything on them.

A majority of what he hauls in the region is dairy products such as milk, cheese and milk powder.

“It is good having that variety. I work in mainly the local area. I’ve gone to get empty containers in Melbourne, but other than that it’s basically too busy here — there is plenty to do,” Mr Tait said.

A typical day could mean anything from eight to 12 hours driving the Kenworth Cabover truck — but no two days are really the same.

“You meet a lot of different people and it is a different industry. I am a happy-go-lucky person, I have fun at

whatever job I’m doing,” he said.

“There is a lot of team work. I am on the UHF radio and every time I come in here I am talking to somebody letting them know what containers are coming in and what I am taking out.

“It is just like any system, communication is huge. You’ve got to be careful as well, because you are using heavy equipment and machinery, but like any job you have to have fun and enjoy it or move on.”

“You meet a lot of different people and it is a different industry.

I am a happy-go-lucky person, I have fun at whatever job I’m doing.”

Doug Tait

Kreskas Bros truck driver Doug Tait.

Trucks and trailers, June 2015

Page 13

News

Increased auditor training a result of NHVAS review Auditors will be required to undertake increased training as a result of a recently completed review of the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme.

Conducted by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator this is the first comprehensive review of the NHVAS since its formation in 1996.

Victorian-based transport consultancy MassManagement.com chief executive officer Greg Hough said the review process involved extensive consultation with the trucking industry, regulatory authorities including VicRoads and the NSW Roads and Maritime Services along with written submissions from heavy vehicle auditors.

“The changes are being implemented to ensure that the system functions properly and that the industry continues to benefit from the three accreditation modules (mass, maintenance and fatigue),” Mr Hough said.

“The major changes revolve around the routine auditing processes which are part of the accreditation process. Heavy vehicle auditors will be required to undertake additional training, however a transition process will enable this to be completed without impacting on the industry.”

Mr Hough said improvements in the auditing processes and reporting arrangements would benefit the industry and protect the integrity of the NHVAS. He said heavy vehicle auditors played a vital role in the NHVAS process, undertaking significant levels of training to ensure they remained expert in all aspects of heavy vehicle laws and regulations; a complex and important aspect of the safe and legal operations of heavy vehicles.

“The establishment of the NHVR,

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which is charged with simplifying heavy vehicle law across Australia, will, over time, bring significant benefits to the heavy vehicle industry. The NHVR will now be taking a more active role in certifying, administering and licensing heavy vehicle auditors,” Mr Hough said.

Heavy vehicle auditors are in the process of establishing the Australian Heavy Vehicle Auditor Association that Mr Hough anticipates will be the peak representative body for heavy vehicle auditors and will have muchneeded input into future changes and improvements.

The NHVR said the changes took effect from March 1 and a transitional period to July 1, 2016 would apply for existing auditors to meet the new criteria for registration.

Thai delegation visits DECA A delegation from Thailand spent four days in Victoria touring Driver Education Centre of Australia sites at Shepparton, Barnawatha and Altona North.

DECA Shepparton business manager Warren Smith said the three-member touring party had affiliations with a similar facility in Thailand and was eager to learn

more about heavy vehicle driver training.

During its time in Shepparton the group witnessed several demonstrations from advanced car driver training through to advanced heavy vehicle training.

“The group was very interested in the way we do things here,” Mr Smith said.

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Page 14 Trucks and trailers, June 2015

DECA Shepparton training co-ordinator Jon Cruickshanks, left, and business manager Warren Smith, right, with Thai visitors Chalat Wongsanguan, Syamrath Suthanukul and Nont Buprasanon.

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“Our R 730s are pulling 67-tonnes, at higher average “Our R 730s are pulling 67-tonnes, at higher average speeds, using less fuel, and covering 300,000km a year.” speeds, using less fuel, and covering 300,000km a year.”

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News

Efficiency boost from Scania Buying a new truck is a big decision for any business, and Australian customers are discovering that buying a Scania is a business decision that can yield unexpected benefits.

Scania Victoria’s regional sales manager Anthony Spence-Fletcher said Scania in Australia had developed a number of business-friendly concepts that improved the total operating economy of a vehicle; they reduced fuel burn and wear and tear on the vehicle, and also reduced driver fatigue which in turn had tangible lifestyle benefits.

“Buying a new Scania immediately delivers a very economical, reliable and durable truck,” Mr SpenceFletcher said.

“Our trucks are among the most fuel-efficient in the business and can offer the latest Euro 6 emissions control, a boon for businesses that are keen to present themselves as being environmentally friendly.”

He said Scania had a selection of five-cylinder, six-cylinder and V8 engines offering class-leading torque for effortless driveability. The flagship R 730 V8 delivers 3500 Nm of torque, or 2583 lb/ft, and is available in a variety of chassis configurations, from a prime mover 6 x 4 to a rigid 8 x 4,

depending on customer requirements.

“Scania is renowned for its commitment to safety. All our trucks feature crash-test proven all-steel cabs and driver airbags, while Lane Departure Warning, Electronic Stability Control and Adaptive Cruise Control are all available, as is the very latest Autonomous Emergency Braking system,” Mr Spence-Fletcher said.

“Scania Driver Services deliver vehicle and driver data that highlight exactly where businesses can save on operating costs. The data pinpoints deviations such as wasteful and unnecessary idling time, as well as harsh braking and acceleration that needlessly burn fuel.

“One operator recently saved 8000 litres of fuel across a fleet of nine trucks in just one month by applying some of our efficiency techniques.”

Scania also offers follow-up coaching to assist drivers to continue to excel behind the wheel, a program unique to Scania in Australia.

Taig Brothers in Shepparton

Scania can help transport companies reduce running costs and improve profitability.

is the authorised Scania service agent. For more information, phone northern Victoria account manager for new truck sales Roger Lake on 0439 982 188 or go to www.scania.com.au

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Locally owned and operated Page 16 Trucks and trailers, June 2015

The layout of the Scania driver support dashboard delivers accurate vehicle and driver data.

Driver

Magnet Attracting good drivers is easy when you’re giving them a great truck to drive. Volvo trucks feature state of the art cabs that provide drivers with the safest and most comfortable working environment on the road. Volvo’s I-Shift gear change technology means they’re also easier to drive (and easier on your pocket as they’re more fuel efficient). Experienced drivers will arrive at journey’s end feeling fresher and more relaxed. New recruits won’t put your fleet through unnecessary wear and tear.

No wonder Volvo trucks pull in more drivers.

For more information from your local Volvo Trucks dealer, please call John McHale on 0417 441 461 or visit CMV at 326 Boundary Rd, Laverton. Ph: 03 9916 000.

Gemini Crs, Shepparton Ph: (03) 5831 2201 Mobile: 0409 344 778

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THE VOLVO TORQUE CURVE YOU’LL FEEL IT IN THE PEDAL. Excellent torque at low revs. An extremely wide max torque range.

Peak torque meets peak power. Volvo’s leadership in diesel-engine technology is clearly visible once you start comparing engine curves.

You’ll experience fast acceleration, excellent pulling power, comfortable low-speed handling and, not least, a fuel-efficient and pleasurable ride at cruising speed. Add to that the numerous specification options, making it easy to tailor to your exact requirements. Thanks to this flexibility you can always get a Volvo FM that’s perfectly prepared for your application. For further information contact Michael Waddington on 0438 315 718.

20/10/08 11:19:22 AM

Health

By Rhiannon Gavalakis

Order up: Healthy food for truckies When you’re on the road, convenience generally comes before health-conscious choices when grabbing a bite to eat, and fried takeaway food is often the easiest option on offer.

As a former truck driver himself, Kialla’s United Roadhouse owner Ivan Miles knows all too well the pressures of the job, and how fast food from service stations can become a staple diet.

However, he and partner/co-owner Lesley McLennan have set about changing the face of truck stop meals, one plate at a time.

They offer an extensive menu, focusing on good old-fashioned homestyle meals with healthy options and plenty of fresh ingredients sourced from the Goulburn Valley.

“Our logic is that our vegetables are always freshly cooked, they are not microwaved or cooked in the morning and held all day, they are cooked per meal — as is everything else pretty much,” Mr Miles said.

“We know what (truck drivers) are about and we know where they are at, you have to understand their lifestyle

if you want to understand what they want,” Mr Miles said.

“What they don’t want is to have to eat the same food every time they stop on the side of the road.”

Mr Miles said a lot of people associated a truck stop with fast food, and while the roadhouse did offer takeaway, the separate in-house menu was one of the biggest in the region.

The duo has owned the truck stop for seven years, and the door is open 24 hours, seven days a week, catering for specific needs including diabetic options and light options for weight management.

“I can think of one customer we had that was told he had to lose a lot of weight, so he came in a couple of times a day and had a cold meat salad for about three months,” Mr Miles said.

“He decided that was a good way to keep himself (healthy) and we were giving him the right food.”

The loyalty from their customers is a testament to what they aim to achieve at their business, 7 km south of Shepparton.

“We get plenty of characters coming through the doors and this is home to a lot of them; they come from all over Australia, from the top end right through to the west,” he said.

Ms McLennan is the cook and she said preparing meals that were reminiscent of what the drivers would have at home if they were there, instead of on the road, was key.

The atmosphere at the roadhouse is another point of difference — you might not even recognise it as a truck stop with the intricate rustic decorations, lounge setting and dining table fit for a family living room.

“These guys are on the road all day in a truck, they want to relax (when they stop) and you can’t relax in a chrome and sterile situation,” Mr Miles said.

“Interestingly enough, although it is a truck stop and we look after truckies, we get a lot of people that come out from Shepparton to have an old-fashioned hot dinner, and we have truck drivers who live in Shepparton that actually stop in and have a feed here before they go home.”

United Roadhouse owner Ivan Miles says it is important serve up a healthy dose of nutritious food to truck drivers.

full b

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Detroit DD15 engine, the Coronado 114 can turn its hand to almost anything. Ideal as a pocket B-double tanker, a tipper and dog, a 34-pallet B-double or a road train double, the new Coronado 114 is the full-bore answer to your business needs.

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CORONADO 114.

The Coronado 114 - is the truck to go full bore every day. Designed specifically for Australian conditions, it keeps hauling the biggest loads so you keep making money. With a low tare, a set forward front axle to maximise each payload, and the proven big bore power and reliability of a Detroit DD15 engine, the Coronado 114 can turn its hand to almost anything. Ideal as a pocket B-double tanker, a tipper and dog, a 34-pallet B-double or a road train double, the new Coronado 114 is the full-bore answer to your business needs.

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Hartwigs Trucks Shepparton 320 Midland Highway SHEPPARTON, VIC 3630 Ph (03) 5820 7800 LMCT 7583 www.hartwigs.com.au Page 18 Trucks and trailers, June 2015

Hartwigs Trucks Shepparton 320 Midland Highway SHEPPARTON, VIC 3630 Ph (03) 5820 7800 LMCT 7583 www.hartwigs.com.au

News

By Elaine Cooney

Working to prioritise the bypass Federal Member for Murray Sharman Stone said the Shepparton bypass would have received funds in this year’s federal budget if the Victorian Government had listed it as a priority.

“The Federal Government would like to support it,” she said. “(But) it’s got to be a priority listing by the state government — we need it on there to allow the (Federal Government) to come on board.”

State Member for Shepparton Suzanna Sheed and Committee for Greater Shepparton chief executive Matt Nelson were confident the Victorian Government saw the merit of the bypass and would regard it as a priority.

A delegation from Shepparton met with Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss in Melbourne in March to discuss the project.

Ms Sheed, Labor’s State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes and Shepparton bypass committee chairman Peter Johnson attended a meeting with Victorian Roads and Road Safety Minister Luke Donnellan in April.

Ms Sheed said the group left the meeting feeling the minister understood the need for the bypass and would work to get it listed as a priority.

“The Federal Government would like to support it,” she said. “(But) it’s got to be a priority listing by the state government — we need it on there to allow the (Federal Government) to come on board.”

Sharman Stone

Mr Nelson said he needed $20 million commitment from the Victorian Government to get the preparatory works done, which included some acquisition of land — most has already been bought.

Once this foundation work was complete, the area would be “shovel ready” and works could be completed in 18 to 24 months. It would then need $140 million for construction costs from the federal and Victorian governments.

Largest range of truck spare parts in country Victoria

Tax changes benefit small transport businesses Small business tax changes announced in the May federal budget could potentially benefit 45 000 trucking businesses.

Australian Trucking Association chief executive officer Chris Melham said small businesses with a turnover of less than $2 million per year would get an immediate tax deduction for every individual asset they purchased up to $20 000 in value.

“There are almost 49 000 trucking businesses in Australia. More than 45 000 come in under the $2 million turnover threshold announced by the government,” Mr Melham said.

The budget announced the reduction in the company tax rate for small businesses with a turnover of less than $2 million per year from 30 per cent to 28.5 per cent.

Mr Melham also said individuals who received a business income from unincorporated small businesses with a turnover of less than $2 million per year would be able to claim a tax offset of up to $1000.

“These small businesses operate on tight margins, and the ATA welcomes this reduction in their tax burden,” Mr Melham said.

Wheels in motion for first show The planning of the inaugural Deniliquin Truck Show and Industry Expo is still under way to showcase the town’s rich agriculture history and reliance of the transport industry.

After a successful public meeting last year, it was decided the new event will be held on Saturday, September 12 from 10 am at Memorial Park.

Deniliquin Truck Show and Industry Expo committee member Leesa Muir said the town was home to several wellestablished transport companies so it was the perfect fit to host a major trucking event.

“There are some very long-term businesses in town that are freight businesses. They have grown carting rice, wool, general freight and fuel,” Ms Muir said.

She said the expo would have more than 10 truck show’n’shine categories with trophies and prizes for winners and a massive goods and services auction to be held in the afternoon.

The event will be fully catered with bar facilities, and local artist Lachie Downes and local coverband duo Fallout are booked to play from the afternoon until 11 pm.

With many more trade and industry displays yet to be announced, the list currently includes Graham Thomson Motors, the Caltex Red Bull racing car, the Australian Trucking Association’s safety truck, and displays and demonstrations by emergency services.

Ms Muir said trade site bookings would be available until June 30.

The committee will host a gala dinner on Friday, September 11 to launch the Deniliquin and District Wall of Fame, with tickets available from July.

Admission prices to the expo are $10 for adults, free for under-16, and show’n’shine entry is $20 and includes the driver.

For more information or to register interest for the expo, go to www. denitruckshow.vpweb.com.au or contact Leesa Muir on 0428 815 455.

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Page 19

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This offer is available until 30/06/2015 or while stocks last to business buyers only (excludes national fleets, government and rental buyers). #The recommended maximum sale price advertised applies to the model(s) specified with features described. ~30,000 km or 12 months, whichever occurs first. These intervals are based on normal operating conditions and may be reduced when operating under severe conditions. ^For a limited time, Fuso manufacturer’s warranty extended from 3 years/100,000 km to 5 years/200,000km on trucks purchased during this promotion, excludes third party goods and services (e.g. bodies). +Fuso Agility is restricted to approved business customers of Fuso Financial, a registered business of Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Australia Pty Ltd ABN 73 074 134 517 and is subject to standard credit assessment and lending.

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