Trucks and trailers november 2015 (low res)

ge e pa zin 15 4- ga 20

2 a er m mb e ov N

KENWORTH TIED TO GROWTH page 8

Fight for better port access page 3 Regional innovation impresses national market page 12 Driver profiles pages 16–17

Country News Reaching Australia’s richest agricultural region

Contents

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Fight for better port access ������������������������������������������� 3 Deniliquin Truck and Industry Expo a big success ������� 4 Truck show winners: Brad Russell ���������������������������������������������������������������� 4 Stan Quin ������������������������������������������������������������������ 5 Scott Congram ������������������������������������������������������������ 6 Forum highlights industry issues �����������������������������������7 New NatRoad chief �������������������������������������������������������7 Kenworth tied to growth ���������������������������������������������� 8 Shine a light on safety ������������������������������������������������ 10 Regional innovation impresses national market ���������� 12 Regulator board reappointed �������������������������������������� 14 Support for drivers’ mental health ������������������������������ 15 Hall of Fame inductees ����������������������������������������������� 15 Driver profiles: Cliff Heywood ������������������������������������������������������������ 16 Tom Myers ������������������������������������������������������������������17 Bridal party trucks to ceremony in a convoy ��������������� 18 Transport industry awards high achievers for safety ���� 18 Trucks fail safety checks ���������������������������������������������� 20 2015 Isuzu N Series ��������������������������������������������������� 22 Mechanic mates make top team ��������������������������������� 23

Cover truck: Kenworth T409 SAR model owned by Rendevski Transport.

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email: jamie.gilbert@countrynews.com.au Editorial content: Geoff Adams, Sharon Wright, Emma Carinci and Taylah Burrows Photography: Shepparton News photography department and contributors Editorial design: Brendan Cain Graphic artists: Brendan Cain, Bella Considine and Alysha Bathman Published by: Country News, 7940 Melbourne Rd, Shepparton 3630 Ph: 5831 2312

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Country News Reaching Australia’s richest agricultural region

News

(Top) The Committee for Greater Shepparton wants to see a quarantine container park established in the Goulburn Valley.

(Below right) Kreskas Bros general manager Peter Hill gave evidence to the Victorian Parliament Select Committee. Pictures: Holly Curtis

By Geoff Adams

Fighting for better access A Shepparton transport company has been among the key lobbying parties trying to improve transport access through the Port of Melbourne.

In September Kreskas Brothers Transport presented a submission to a Victorian Parliamentary committee urging easier access for high-productivity vehicles on the roads between the Goulburn Valley and Melbourne and raising questions about how the Port of Melbourne would be operated under a lease to a private company.

Kreskas Bros general manager Peter Hill pointed to the shift in preference by the valley’s food exporters from 20-foot to 40-foot containers.

He said one of their largest clients had moved in 10 years from 60 per cent 20-foot containers to 60 per cent 40-foot containers.

Every container coming out of the new Pactum milk processing factory in Shepparton was now a 40-foot container.

They were forecasting up to 500 of these containers per month next year which meant one truck for every container.

Mr Hill was giving evidence to the Parliament’s Port of Melbourne select committee.

He wanted port fees to be subject to independent control to avoid big price increases.

The Kreskas business started in 1946 as an orchard and today it has become a transport business run by third-generation brothers.

They are now the largest road carrier of containers to and from the Port of Melbourne from regional Victoria.

This financial year they expect to move 15 000 20-foot equivalent containers into and out of the Port of Melbourne. They employ 75 fulltime employees.

“Country Victoria is contributing in a significant way to the Port of Melbourne,” Mr Hill said.

Mr Hill also raised the issue of having an AQIS inspection depot in the Goulburn Valley which would speed-up handling of imported freight.

He told the committee the Port AQIS facilities were open between 7 am and 3 pm, Monday to Friday, which required the company to send trucks through the congested roads of Footscray and Newport in peak times.

Containers which couldn’t be cleared in those times had to be stored, at considerable cost, until the AQIS office opened.

“Surely there could be some desk audit done that would allow that container to be picked up outside of those hours and brought to a bonded facility within this area,” Mr Hill

told the committee.

“My company is more than happy to establish that bonded facility, obviously with AQIS personnel working in the establishment.

“That would allow us to get the trucks into Melbourne when we really want them — 11 pm at night, 1 am in the morning, 2 am in the morning — and off the roads of Melbourne during the day.”

(Above) Select committee members Harriet Shing, Daniel Mulino, chair Gordon Rich-Phillips, Craig Ondarchie and James Purcell hear evidence in Shepparton on the proposed lease of the Port of Melbourne. Picture: Darren Linton Trucks and trailers, November 2015

Page 3

Truck Show

Almost 200 people attended the first Deniliquin Truck Show and Industry Expo. Picture Lyn Rose

By Emma Carinci

Truck show gets it right first time The inaugural Deniliquin Truck Show and Industry Expo on September 12 proved to be a big success, attracting some impressive yet unexpected exhibitor and crowd numbers.

The Deniliquin Truck Show and Industry Expo committee treasurer and marketing manager Leesa Muir said that the show “exceeded expectations” with about 2000 visitors passing through the gates of Deniliquin Memorial Park.

Fifty trucks filled the trade sites and 30 motorbikes registered for the show and shine.

“Considering some truck shows have been going for almost a decade and have only recently hit 100 (exhibitors), we are really happy with the result,” Ms Muir said.

Trucks ventured from Melbourne, Shepparton, Echuca

and even as far as Dimboola, to park next to the Deniliquin trucks at the show.

Ms Muir said trade sites for next year’s truck show were being re-booked as early as the Monday following the show.

Attendees offered feedback on the event which will provide a good platform for future growth and improvements, Ms Muir said.

On the Friday evening before the truck show, the committee hosted a gala dinner to launch the Deniliquin and District Wall of Fame, attracting close to 100 people eager to find out more

about the nomination process.

The Wall of Fame will recognise any person who has made, or is making, a significant contribution to the heavy vehicle industry in Deniliquin and surrounding districts.

Nominations for the Wall of Fame 2016 need to include a 300word story about the nominee and why they should be inducted.

The committee is considering building a permanent structure in Deniliquin to recognise the Wall of Fame members.

For more information on next year’s show, go to www. denitruckshow.vpweb.com.au

Deniliquin Truck Show and Industry Expo winners • Truck of the Show — Scott Congram, Finley — 2014 Kenworth C509.

• People’s Choice — Stan Quin, Shepparton, — 2004 Kenworth KW104.

• Best Truck under three years — Scott Congram, Finley — 2014 Kenworth C509.

• Best Truck four to nine years — David Thomas, Wallan — 2008 Kenworth.

• Best Truck 10 to 25 years — Tim Gray, Finley — 1991 Peterbilt 379.

• Best Truck 26 to 39 years — Sonya Kelly, Bamawm — 1985 Kenworth W900.

• Best Truck 40 years plus — Neville Campbell, Cobram — 1956 Ford F500.

• Best Vintage Truck — Neville Campbell, Cobram — 1956 Ford F500.

• Best Local Truck — Brad Russell, Moama — 2013 Kenworth T909.

• Best Small Fleet (three or more) — Fellows Bulk Transport, Deniliquin.

• Best Rigid — Josh Leetham, Deniliquin — 2015 DAF. • Lights on the Plains winner — Andrew Dunn, Deniliquin.

A great job that offers plenty to see With 10 years of truck-driving experience, Brad Russell, of Moama, has seen a lot of interesting sights in his time, however one of his fondest and funniest memories is from his first interstate trip across the Nullarbor to Perth.

“I was driving through, then low and behold, there’s a thong tree in the middle of the Nullarbor,” Mr Russell said.

He stopped to have a look at the strange tree with thongs dangling from it and added one of his own to the collection.

With two truck drivers in the family, it is not surprising that Mr Russell wanted to work in the industry and he would spend his school holidays travelling interstate with his cousin and sometimes accompanied his father on local trips.

This year, the 29-year-old experienced his first win at his second truck show, the inaugural DeniliquinTruck and Industry Expo, taking out Best Local Truck with a 2013 Kenworth T909.

Working for ERH Refrigeration Transport in Deniliquin, Mr Russell spends a lot of time commuting between Melbourne and Brisbane delivering refrigerated and frozen goods.

One of the best parts of his job is getting out and meeting new people

and having the opportunity to see so many parts of the country.

“It’s sort of like a holiday you get paid for,” he said.

Mr Russell takes great pride in the trucks he drives.

“We have good equipment at ERH … People come up to me and say ‘That’s a really nice truck you’ve got there’ and it makes you feel good about doing the job.”

Mr Russell encounters daily challenges but he said the biggest one was the negativity that is often associated with truck drivers.

“I just want people to try to understand that we are only out there doing a job.

“We want to get home at the end of the week and don’t want to take anyone away for their families so we do our job as safely as possible.”

Brad Russell took out honours for the Best Local Truck at the Deniliquin Truck and Industry Expo.

Picture: Pastoral Times

Page 4 Trucks and trailers, November 2015

Truck Show

The impressive Kenworth truck at the Gattuso yard in Shepparton.

By Emma Carinci

(Right) Stan Quin is meticulous about cleaning the truck and ensures it is impeccably shiny.

The long haul Peak hour travelling to and from work is commonplace for many but for Shepparton truck driver Stan Quin a standard work day starts at 5 pm in the afternoon, runs through until the next morning and involves about 700 km of driving.

Mr Quin, 45, works for Gattuso Transport and Packaging and has been driving trucks for more than 25 years since he started working at Scott’s depot in Kyabram as a teenager.

“I just like being out on the open road. I’m not sitting in a factory or an office so I’m not stuck within four walls,” Mr Quin said.

“It’s just me and the radio.”

Mr Quin travels from Shepparton to Melbourne to Albury then back to Shepparton delivering wood and breaks up the long distances with rest stops at service stations where he will sometimes get a chance to catch up with fellow truck driver mates.

At the inaugural Deniliquin Truck Show and Industry Expo in September, Mr Quin exhibited one of Frank Gattuso’s trucks and took out the People’s Choice Award.

The Kenworth K104, 2004 model, was washed and polished to perfection for the expo thanks to the time and effort of Mr Quin.

“To do a good job, it takes one-anda-half hours to wash a truck,” he said.

Mr Quin is a regular exhibitor at truck shows and has accumulated

a decent collection of trophies, including another People’s Choice Award from a show in Kyabram in March this year.

With four sons, it might be surprising that none have followed in their father’s footsteps but Mr Quin is not fazed and more than content with the boys’ willingness to help wash the trucks.

During his spare time, Mr Quin swaps the multiple big wheels for two small wheels, and enjoys motorbike riding in the bush.

Sometimes, he gets away from the road altogether and hits the water for some fishing.

“I’ve got grandkids so they keep me busy too,” he said.

“I just like being out on the open road. I’m not sitting in a factory or an office so I’m not stuck within four walls.”

Stan Quin

Stan Quin won the People’s Choice Award at the Deniliquin truck show for this Kenworth K104 from Gattuso Transport and Packaging. Pictures: Emma Carini

Trucks and trailers, November 2015

Page 5

Truck Show

Scott and Riley Congram with the awards from the Deniliquin truck show.

Picture: Cass Savellis

By Taylah Burrows

Trucking across Australia — and loving it Scott Congram from Finley took home the awards for Truck of the Show and Best Truck under three years at this year’s Deniliquin Truck Show and Industry Expo.

Mr Congram grew up on a farm and said it was a lack of farming jobs that led to him and his two brothers venturing into the trucking industry when they were young.

He got his licence when he was 19 years old and has been working for himself for the past 25 years.

Mr Congram drives all over Australia and frequently takes in scenery from central Queensland and rural NSW. Currently a livestock truck driver, Mr Congram said there was not much else he would rather do.

“I love my job, I love doing what I do,” he said.

His new truck, which took out the awards, was his first truck purchase in four years.

“People told me to show it off,” he said when asked why he entered.

Mr Congram said he saw himself continuing to drive trucks in the future and joked he had no other option considering what he paid for his award-winning truck.

Scott Congram’s award-winning truck. Picture: Scott Curtis

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Page 6 Trucks and trailers, November 2015

News

By Sharon Wright

Assistance available for businesses

THE NEW DAF LF SERIES

Industry issues affecting Goulburn Valley transport operators were outlined at a regional forum conducted by the National Road Transport Association in Shepparton on Tuesday, October 13.

NatRoad policy director Grant Johnson and industrial relations manager Arthur Spottiswood addressed 42 people on a range of matters that could potentially impact business.

Mr Johnson said NatRoad was the largest member-based organisation in Australia’s transport industry and was a member of the Australian Trucking Association, the peak industry body.

He said the series of regional forums was a valuable platform to inform transport operators about industry issues as well as the role NatRoad played in advocating with government and regulators on their behalf.

Mr Johnson gave an update on the pursuit of reclaiming the millions of dollars the industry had been overcharged by the National Transport Commission’s heavy vehicle charging formula.

He also outlined how NatRoad could assist members with compliance matters and when issued with defect, penalty and infringement notices by road agencies and regulatory authorities.

The third element of Mr Johnson’s presentation related to the range of

internal committees that met regularly and reported to the NatRoad board, which in turn clearly articulated industry’s concerns to governments and their agencies.

The internal committees are heavy vehicle national law/regulation and compliance committee, economics and infrastructure committee, youth committee, safety and training committee, road train and high-productivity freight vehicle committee and heavy vehicle recovery committee.

Two major issues with the potential to impact business, the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal’s proposal to establish minimum rates for contractors and the modern award review process were outlined in detail by Mr Spottiswood.

He said NatRoad was not in favour of the tribunal’s proposal in its present form because it would be impractical to implement and could potentially force owner driver operators out of the industry.

The review of the modern award is now under way and brings together employer and union representatives to work through wage and conditions claims.

New NatRoad chief Business leader Warren Clark has been appointed chief executive officer of the National Road Transport Association.

Mr Clark takes the helm at NatRoad, the largest member based organisation within Australia’s transport industry, with more than 20 years’ experience leading and developing business for emerging companies.

For the past 14 years he has been chief executive at various companies and is a certified chartered accountant.

Mr Clark’s career in finance spanned 15 years before he moved into business management and working extensively with organisations in the not-for-profit sector.

Following a period working overseas, he moved back to Australia to help establish a national company, Livestock Biosecurity Network where he held the position of national manager.

NatRoad president Allan Thornley said Mr Clark would continue to build on NatRoad’s success in developing and building relationships between government, industry and individual livestock producers.

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“Warren’s experience in building associations and businesses will help ensure the continued growth of our association and strengthen NatRoad’s ability to support our members’ long-term viability in our industry,” Mr Thornley said.

Mr Clark assumed his role on Monday, November 2.

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Trucks and trailers, November 2015

Page 7

Feature Truck

By Sharon Wright

Kenworth tied to growth

Rendevski Transport’s fleet includes 27 Kenworth prime movers including two new T409 SAR models purchased from Graham Thomson Motors, Shepparton.

Page 8 Trucks and trailers, November 2015

Kenworth T 409 SAR model specifications: GCM: 97 000 kg Engine: Cummins ISXe5/03 580 hp at 1800 rpm, 1850 lb ft torque at 1150 rpm Transmission: Eaton 18-speed overdrive Front axle: Meritor FG941LA 6.6 tonne rating Rear axles: Meritor Rt46-160 gP rear axles at 4.30 ratio Rear Suspension: Kenworth Airglide 460 Wheels: Alcoa wheels Brakes: EBSS Level 1 (incorporating ABS + ATC + DTC) Sleeper cab: 91 cm integrated sleeper with recessed rear wall Fuel capacity: 2 x 530 litre fuel tanks, 1 x 360 litre fuel tank, 1 x 330 litre fuel tank

Shepparton-based Rendevski Transport has built its business on reliably delivering freight for its valued clients and the Australian manufactured Kenworth trucks are an integral part of the operation.

Shepparton-based operator Rendevski Transport has boosted its fleet with two new Kenworth T409 SAR prime movers purchased from Graham Thomson Motors.

The white trucks, emblazoned with the distinctive red and blue Rendevski colours will haul B-double drop deck trailer combinations on the busy Melbourne to Brisbane route, a round-trip of about 3500 km.

John Rendevski, who runs the family-owned business with his cousin Mary Rendevski said his philosophy for buying Kenworth was simple.

“Kenworths are the best on the market, they are built here in Australia in the factory in Bayswater,” Mr Rendevski said.

He said Kenworth’s reputation for reliability, coupled with Rendevski Transport’s stringent in-house routine servicing and preventative maintenance program, ensured the business achieved an enviable 98 per cent delivery target when assessing key performance indicators.

“The bottom line is the trucks are only making money if they’re out on the road,” Mr Rendevski said.

Kenworth’s reputation for safety was another critical factor for Rendevski Transport in order to protect its most valuable asset, its drivers.

“Our drivers are the key to our business; we employ mostly local people, they are reliable and experienced,” Mr Rendevski said.

The T409 SAR optimises driver comfort with a 91 cm integrated sleeper cab, an ISRI Big Boy luxury air ride driver’s seat and smart-wheel steering wheel with cruise control.

Mr Rendevski said these inclusions ensured drivers could sleep in comfort when they needed to sleep and drive in comfort with good vision and all of the controls at their fingertips to reduce distraction.

Sporting an aerodynamic design, the truck is suited to highway driving and has a powerful Cummins engine, four fuel tanks with a combined capacity of 1750 litres and an Ad Blue additive system that meets Euro V emissions targets.

The business has a long association with Shepparton dealership Graham Thomson Motors and Mr Rendevski estimates more than 70 Kenworths had been purchased since 1980 from former dealer principals, Bryan, Graham and Joy Thomson and present management.

“Kenworths are the best on the market, they are built here in Australia in the factory in Bayswater.”

John Rendevski “We have our own Rendevski spec with Kenworth, we’ve bought so many we just tell them to build it to our usual specs,” Mr Rendevski said.

The present day business and freight schedule is vastly different to when Rendevski Transport was founded in the late 1970s.

Mr Rendevski said his father Vasil and uncle Chris immigrated to Australia from Macedonia in 1958, bought their first orchard in 1961 and in 1977 their first truck, a used 1418 Mercedes truck to cart pears and apples to Sydney.

“They did two trips a week, taking 1050 cartons of pears at a time, then we started back loading general freight from Sydney and it just grew from there,” Mr Rendevski said.

In 2015, the business is a major operation with 30 prime movers; 27 of them Kenworth, 70 trailers and a staff complement of 50, including drivers, maintenance and administration personnel.

Trucks ply the eastern seaboard routes of Melbourne to Brisbane and Melbourne to Sydney transporting bottled water and beverages for Cadbury Schweppes, flour for Allied Mills and engine components.

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Page 9

Safety

By Sharon Wright

Shine a light on safety Installing LED trailer brake lights could mean the difference between a safe stop and an accident, according to a leading transport industry figure.

Australian Trucking Association chief executive Christopher Melham said when travelling speeds of 100 km/h, a LED brake light will come on 4.4 m earlier than a comparable incandescent light.

“This can easily be the difference between a rear-end crash and a near miss. But in order to achieve this safety gain, heavy vehicle wiring needs to be able to support these products,” Mr Melham said.

The ATA has released a new Technical Advisory Procedure on heavy vehicle electrical wiring, which includes guidance on trailer lighting system requirements.

Developed by the ATA’s Industry Technical Council the advisory procedure provides in-depth guidance for trucking operators and workshops to ensure efficiencies in their fleets’ electrical systems.

Mr Melham said the advisory procedure included extensive technical advice covering heavy vehicle wiring, lighting, voltage

levels, connectors, alternators, batteries and the towing vehicle power source.

He said the document also provided specific advice on preventing electrical failures that could spark a heavy vehicle fire.

“As truck electrical systems continue to increase in complexity, there have been a worrying number of incidents where worn or incorrect electrical components have caused truck fires,” Mr Melham said.

“Trucks and trailers often experience harsh conditions as they travel across Australia. We’ve listed the key areas that workshops and operators should check to make sure the truck electrical system stays safe and reliable throughout the vehicle’s lifetime.”

This is the latest in the ATA’s series of technical advisory procedures, which provide best practice guidance for trucking operators, maintenance staff and suppliers about key technical issues.

“Trucks and trailers often experience harsh conditions as they travel across Australia. We’ve listed the key areas that workshops and operators should check to make sure the truck electrical system stays safe and reliable throughout the vehicle’s lifetime.”

Christopher Melham

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AUSTRALIAN MADE

PROVEN RESULTS FOR RELIABILITY Kenworth K200

Kenworth T409 SAR

The Kenworth K200 cab over is your best choice when it comes to maximising your bottom line for B-Double applications.

• Fit into any application, very versatile • Ideal for up to 26 m B-Double and B-Triple applications • Up to 600 hp • Interior space and comfort, delivers easy sleeper access and room to move with a near fl at floor

The T409 combines renowned productivity, comfort and performance in a value package that delivers the goods in style, day in, day out.

• Setback front axle for greater manoeuvrability • Purpose built aerodynamic solution • 15 litre engine up to 460 hp with a 70 tonne rating for B-Double

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Kenworth T909

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• Available at 600 hp • Suitable for road train • B-Double and road train applications • Designed for maximum cooling engine efficiency • Up to 2500 litres fuel capacity • Rated up to 130 tonne

Gary Nickson

Warwick Talbot

From his formative years as an interstate truck driver to his present role in sales, trucks have been a part of Gary Nickson’s life for decades.

His previous job was as operations manager for a Bendigo-based transport company and it was the excellent reputation of Graham Thomson Motors which prompted his move to the Shepparton-based dealership.

“I love the transport industry, I always have. The secret is to love what you do; it’s a good place to be and keeps you on top of your game.”

Book a test drive, for more information call: Gary Nickson 0427 213 977 or Warwick Talbot 0417 127 144.

LMCT 10869

Cnr Doyles & New Dookie Roads, Shepparton Ph: (03) 5821 3977 www.gtm.com.au

Growing up in the truck industry, Warwick Talbot has been driving trucks since he was a teenager.

His family’s business specialised in livestock transport, which has given him a unique and firsthand understanding of that facet of the transport industry.

Warwick has also worked in the general freight industry and held a key position in one of the region’s major commercial transport operations.

In his role at Graham Thomson Motors Warwick uses his understanding of what it takes to be successful in the industry to ensure his customers get the right model truck for the right application.

va

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Innovation

By Emma Carinci

‘First of its kind’ plugs into market A design and manufacturing company in Shepparton has designed a completely new, innovative product aimed at making life easier for truck drivers.

The team at Lucidity Australia launched a new plug-in socket kit as part of their Over Moulded Products (OMP) range at the Brisbane Truck Show in May and some of the country’s largest trailer manufacturers are already on board to have the product fitted.

Unlike previous designs, the new OMP plug-in socket does not require any manual rewiring or electrical knowledge — it plugs in with one simple motion, attaching the trailer to the truck.

Lucidity’s technical sales director Mathew Jenkins said the product was

not only the first plug-in socket of its kind in the Australian market but also internationally.

“There are parts out there that operate in a similar way for cars and smaller vehicles, but nothing has been specifically designed for heavy duty trucks in Australia,” Mr Jenkins said.

Sockets can be easily reattached to the harness assembly in less than 30 seconds, eliminating the chance of faults, saving manufacturers hours of installation, and lowering maintenance costs by using components that are fast to replace.

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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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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 12 Trucks and trailers, November 2015

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

The new harness and plug-in socket will take away the guess work for drivers with the easy to attach mechanism — no rewiring required.

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Production technician Jordan Stone and Mathew Jenkins in the Lucidity factory in Shepparton.

Mr Stone holds a harness for a full-size trailer and Mr Jenkins holds the test model of the plugin socket and harness.

“We have strength against our competitors because we manufacture locally and no-one develops products like us.”

Mathew Jenkins

Mr Jenkins said the design had taken into account all different types of trailers and trucks, including American, European and Australian models, and was still cost competitive to manufacture.

“When you consider the offset of labour costs, it’s worth it.”

The new product may look similar to the previous design from the outside but it has taken two years of research and development, plus testing and trialling, to finalise the product due to the complex technical engineering involved.

Mr Jenkins said Lucidity had done a lot of research and information on the technical components because of the company’s involvement in the industry, manufacturing for about 60 per cent of the trailer manufacturers in Australia.

“We have strength against our competitors because we manufacture locally and no-one develops products like us.”

Despite their competitive edge, Mr Jenkins said the industry was still challenged by the fact that the Australia market is small compared to international counterparts.

He estimated that about 14 000 trailers were built in Australia each year, compared to just one trailer manufacturer in the United States that built on average 30 000 trailers each year.

Nonetheless, Mr Jenkins said he was expecting good market growth because of the product and was also pleased that the manufacturing was supporting jobs.

“There are new prospects because of this extraordinary product.

“A lot of people said it couldn’t be done, but we managed to do it.”

After working for a similar manufacturing company in Melbourne, Mr Jenkins founded Phaser Industries in 2002.

Lucidity Australia bought Phaser Industries three years ago.

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Page 13

News

Regulator board reappointed The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator board of directors has been re-appointed for a second three-year term.

NHVR chief executive Sal Petroccitto said the re-appointment sent a strong message of support for the regulator and its reform agenda.

“We are delighted to have a wide breadth of business and industry expertise on our board to underpin our organisation and support the leadership team to deliver on the regulator’s goals over the next three years,” Mr Petroccitto said.

The announcement was welcomed by the Australian Trucking Association.

ATA chief executive Christopher Melham said the reappointment demonstrated a high degree of confidence in the NHVR board and its efforts to secure one national vehicle regular in Australia.

“This reappointment provides much needed reassurance to the industry on the progress and permanence of the NHVR,” he said.

Bruce Baird AM is chair of the board and deputy chair is Queensland Trucking Association chief executive Peter Garkse.

Other board members include

NRMA Motoring and Services director Coral Taylor; OH&S, IR and public administration expert Robin Stewart-Crompton; and senior business leader and chair of Business South Australia Vincent Tremaine.

The NHVR board was established under the HVNL following the unanimous recommendation by state ministers in 2012.

“This reappointment provides much needed reassurance to the industry on the progress and permanence of the NHVR.” Christopher Melham

(Above) National Heavy Vehicle Regulator board of directors: Vincent Tremaine, Robin Stewart-Crompton, Coral Taylor, deputy chair Peter Garkse and chair Bruce Baird.

(Left) National Heavy Vehicle Regulator chief executive Sal Petroccitto.

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Health

Support for drivers’ mental health A survey funded by Australian Rotary Health has revealed professional truck drivers have a seven per cent higher chance of experiencing depression than other Australians.

An estimated one in five Australians are likely to be experiencing a mental health condition at any one time but the long working hours of truck drivers can lead to stress and an increased risk of illness.

To coincide with national Mental Health Week in October the Australian Trucking Association released an exclusive fact sheet for members, developed in partnership with SANE Australia, outlining strategies and services for supporting mental health and wellbeing.

The fact sheet is part of a wider Mindful Employer program aimed at supporting mental health for people in all types of working environments.

Program manager Eliza Oakley said the isolation and fatigue experienced by truck drivers from working long hours was stressful.

“In addition to the long hours and isolation, drivers can feel the additional pressure of leaving their loved ones behind. In many ways

they experience similar issues to that of FIFO workers, or people living in regional or remote locations,” Ms Oakley said.

She said that on top of job fatigue, irregular sleep, sedentary work and limited access to regular healthy meals could negatively impact physical and mental health.

Ms Oakley said working with the ATA was important in gathering information about the day-to-day life of truck drivers and reaching those on the road.

“The local community may be the closest support link for truck drivers, but too often a lack of understanding about mental health can stop people from reaching out when they really need help. We hope to provide positive support information to drivers,” Ms Oakley said.

ATA chief executive Christopher Melham said it was important for truck drivers to stay connected to family and friends and in the event of drivers feeling isolated on the road

the fact sheet listed support services available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Drivers are encouraged to contact their ATA member association for a copy of the fact sheet.

Stresses The following factors can have a negative effect on physical and mental wellbeing: • Long working hours • Hard work • Financial pressures • Sedentary work • Isolation including missing family • Being unable to provide daily support to family • Stigma, a lack of understanding about mental health • Stress at home • Limited access to support

News

Trio transported into Hall of Fame Three southern Riverina transport luminaries were recognised for their contribution to the industry at the National Road Transport Hall of Fame’s induction ceremony in August.

Finley’s John Milne and Lois Harley and Berrigan’s Kelvin Baxter were honoured in front of a gathering of their peers in Alice Springs.

Mr Milne, who has more than 50 years’ experience in the transport industry attended the ceremony with his wife Kay and former employer Mary Rendevski from Rendevski Transport in Shepparton.

He received a medal and certificate and acknowledged the support of his wife during the long periods of time spent travelling away from home.

Retired Harley’s Road Freighters’ manager Lois Harley was nominated for her persistence in helping develop a business in a male-dominated industry.

Harley’s Road Freighters was established in 1964 by Lois’ fatherin-law, Jack Harley, and she joined the business after her marriage to Allan Harley in 1958.

Harley’s trucks carted farm commodities interstate, to Melbourne and Geelong returning to Finley with supplies for the district.

Mrs Harley’s nomination praised her commitment to her company and ensuring the operation ran smoothly, with her often unloading trucks and making deliveries herself.

Kelvin Baxter Transport operates 30 trucks, carting mostly agricultural commodities across the eastern states and farms 8093 ha of prime cropping land around Berrigan.

Owner Kelvin Baxter operates the

John Milne

business with his wife Marilyn, two of his three sons, Glen and Noel, and their wives, Fiona and Amy. He was described in his

Kelvin Baxter

nomination as someone willing to be the champion for industry improvement and growth.

Mr Baxter has been involved

Lois Harley

with peak industry bodies including National Road Transport Association, Australian Trucking Association and Road Train Association.

Trucks and trailers, November 2015

Page 15

Driver Profile — Cliff Heywood

No job like truck driving Despite having no plans to be a truck driver when he was younger, Cliff Heywood has been driving trucks since the 1970s.

The 63-year-old started at Rendevski Transport when he was in his 20s, but Mr Heywood said he had experience driving trucks before then.

“I’d driven trippers before, but my first job at Rendevski was discarding produce to Melbourne.

“The job just came along, when I started here I was just working on the weekends and I ended up with fulltime employment,” he said.

Mr Heywood said he enjoyed being on the road, and that he didn’t know anything else.

“I don’t mind being on the road, to me it’s just a job and I’ve never known anything different,” he said.

Mr Heywood has worked for Rendevski Transport three times, as well as having driven for other companies.

His current route with the transport company takes him to Queensland and back three times a fortnight.

“At the moment I’m doing interstate from Shepparton to

Cliff Heywood with the truck he drives to Brisbane three times a fortnight.

Brisbane and then back through Sydney,” Mr Heywood said.

Due to the amount of time he spends on the road Mr Heywood said he did not get to spend much time at home, however he enjoyed the time he had to himself.

Mr Heywood said the trucking community had a teamlike atmosphere with the option to keep in contact with other truck drivers on the radio.

During the past few years Mr Heywood has noticed more roads have become worse with reckless drivers.

He also believes there are too many new rules and regulations facing truck drivers.

Regardless of the changes Mr Heywood has seen come into place over his years driving trucks, he said he couldn’t see himself doing anything else.

“Truck driving suits me, I couldn’t do another job anyway.”

— Taylah Burrows

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Driver Profile — Tom Myers

Long-time love for trucks 120mm x 36.868mm

Tom Myers has been interested in the truck-driving industry as long as he can remember. to spend time working in the The 62-year-old said he had yard first — now you can go always loved trucks and had wanted to DECA, get a licence and to drive one since he was a child. you’re off,” he said.

Mr Myers’ chance came when “I had to work in a he was hired by Kyabram’s Golden transport yard for six Fleece where he drove a small truck. months as a welder doing “I did that for six months, then I maintenance, then they give worked my way into the trade body you a trip to Melbourne for the fuel tanks that took fuel out 86mm x 11.413mm over the next six months, to the farms. then you’ve got your own “I then worked my way into truck and away you go.” the bigger tankers doing service Over time Mr Myers drove stations like Shepparton, Picola and trucks for various companies Kyabram,” Mr Myers said. including Geoffrey Thompson Mr Myers spent six months Cold Storage at Lemnos, Keating driving semi-trailers transporting Freightline at Lemnos, and Fred’s stock for one of the previous owners Interstate Transport at Shepparton. of Golden Fleece.

These days Mr Myers works for It took him a lot of hard work to Rendevski Transport where he drives get to that point, but Mr Myers said it was worth it just to get on the road. to Brisbane and back three times a 46mm 21.01mm fortnight.

“Back then youxhad to work your Mr Myers said truck driving was way up to being a driver, you had

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“I love driving trucks, the feel of the power, the motor running and the freedom.”

— Taylah Burrows

Tom Myers loves driving trucks.

Picture Ray Sizer

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Trucks and trailers, November 2015

Page 17

Feature

Emma Carinci

Bridal party trucks to ceremony in a convoy Most people think of limousines and Rolls Royces arriving at wedding ceremonies and signalling ‘just married’ as newlyweds depart, however, one couple from Benalla did things a little differently on their special day, arriving in style in a huge way.

A Mercedes Benz truck, a Freightliner Coronado and a Freightliner Argosy took the day off from driving in northern Victoria to transport Laura Johnston and Mark Pollard to their wedding ceremony at River Estate in Edi. Mark’s dad Graham Pollard established Pollard’s Transport 20 years ago in Benalla, starting with one three-tonne truck and developing the business from there.

The business has largely delivered treated pine poles from Benalla Timber Products and spent 15 years working for Australia Post delivering mail to Wodonga and Wangaratta six times a week.

“My dad has been involved with trucks since I was little so they’ve

always been a thing for me,” Mark said.

After spending three years driving trucks from 2009 to 2012, Mark ventured in his own direction and started Pollard’s Pest Control, but his passion for trucks remains and he still does some stand-in driving.

Mark said his bride-to-be had organised most of the details of the big day (with his input, of course), however he put forward the idea of using the trucks in the ceremony, which was almost non-negotiable.

While Laura was happy to take on her future husband’s suggestion, she was a bit apprehensive about transitioning gracefully from the passenger seat to the ground in her high heels.

“I was a little nervous. It was raining so it made it a bit scarier but it was so much fun and I mastered it.”

Laura could not have been happier with the idea in the end.

“It was a special touch. They looked great in our photos.”

The Freightliner Coronado was the latest addition to the Pollard’s Transport collection and was ‘done up’ especially for the bridesmaids.

The groom arrived in the Freightliner Argosy, while the bride arrived in the Mercedes Benz, the truck in which Mark spent most of his time when he was a full-time driver.

Graham Pollard said it was terrific to see the trucks as part of his son’s wedding ceremony.

(Top) Mark Pollard and Laura Johnston in front of the Freightliner Coronado on their wedding day.

(Above) Mark Pollard and Laura Johnston’s bridal party enjoyed being chauffeured in huge style to the wedding.

Pictures: Leticia Lopes Photography

News

Industry achievers honoured High achievers in all facets of the trucking industry were recognised for their role in improving the industry’s safety, efficiency or productivity at a conference in Melbourne in late October.

The Australian Trucking Association and Australian Road Transport Suppliers Association Technical and Maintenance Conference concluded with the presentation of three awards.

National transport operator,

Region Peak driver, Greg Camilleri was awarded the Bridgestone Bandag Highway Guardian award, which honours the community service performed by professional truck drivers to assist those around them during the course of their normal work.

In November 2014 Mr Camilleri was driving an unloaded B-double on the Princes Freeway, Melbourne, when a driver lost control of their car in front of him.

Page 18 Trucks and trailers, November 2015

Footage from the truck’s dashcam shows the car wildly swerving across four lanes of traffic before overcorrecting, crashing into the concrete freeway barrier and coming to a stop right in front of the truck.

Mr Camilleri reacted swiftly, bringing his unloaded B-double to a halt before checking on the car’s occupants.

For his active involvement in shaping a stronger, fairer and more productive transport industry in

Australia, Diesel magazine editor Tim Giles received the Castrol Vecton Industry Achievement Award.

Awards judging committee chair Trevor Martyn said Mr Giles was not afraid to speak his mind and challenge the industry and its peak bodies when necessary, earning him the reputation of a trusted industry watchdog.

“Tim actively pushes a positive agenda for the industry, championing

essential technical issues and practicalities that affect our industry as a whole,” Mr Martyn said.

De Bruyn Transport maintenance manager Damien Allison won the Craig Roseneder Award for Technical and Maintenance Excellence in the Workshop.

The award recognises exceptional skill and dedication in Australia’s professional workshop personnel with particular focus on innovation, mentoring and industry involvement.

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No wonder Volvo trucks pull in more drivers.

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20/10/08 11:19:22 AM

Safety

By Sharon Wright

VicRoads employees examine a truck during Operation Trishula in Shepparton. Picture: Ray Sizer

Trucks fail safety checks About half of the heavy vehicles tested by VicRoads’ Transport Safety Services in Shepparton in September were issued with major defect notices.

Operation Trishula, run in conjunction with Victoria Police and WorkSafe, resulted in 17 vehicles being immediately removed from the roads.

VicRoads TSS rural operations manager Peter Ervin said the results

were disappointing and many of the vehicles issued with major defect notices had faulty steering and brake components.

A further 19 vehicles and trailers had minor defects and only three of the 36 vehicles examined in Shepparton recorded no faults.

“As these numbers show, there are still too many heavy vehicle operators ignoring their business and social responsibilities,” Mr Ervin said.

“We ask heavy vehicle companies to operate stringent vehicle maintenance programs and many do, but it is clear from our testing that some do not regularly or adequately maintain their fleet.”

“Truck drivers are entitled to have a safe workplace and a vehicle that can get them home safely at the end of the day.

“Other road users should also be confident that the vehicle’s safety

condition is up to community expectations,” he said.

Vehicles detected with major faults during Operation Trishula were either removed from the road immediately or had one hour to travel to a repairer.

Minor faults identified during inspections had to be addressed within seven days; failure to do so resulted in the vehicle being taken off the road.

In October, transport operators at a National Road Transport Association regional forum in Shepparton were told by policy director Grant Johnson that the organisation was able to assist members with compliance matters and if they were issued with defect, penalty and infringement notices by road agencies and regulatory authorities.

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Page 22 Trucks and trailers, November 2015

Bonus for tradies Whether they are taking on heavyduty or lighter jobs, Aussie tradies can enjoy comfort and practicality with the enhanced 2015 Isuzu N Series.

Isuzu Australia’s chief engineer Simon Humphries said introducing the ‘Readyto-work’ trucks as standard models to the range, positions Isuzu as a compelling alternative to standard diesel utilities.

“Both of these trucks can be driven on a passenger car driver’s licence which is going to be hugely appealing to business owners wanting flexibility among their driver workforce,” Mr Humphries said.

The new and improved range now includes the Trade and Traypack models offering tradesmen the creature comforts of a passenger car, manoeuvrability suitable for the urban environment, and abundant power and torque from either the NPR 45/55–155 Tradepack or the more compact NLR 45–150 Traypack.

The manual ‘Tradepack’ features a

155 hp (114 kW) 5.2 litres 4HK1 diesel engine, 4.5 m x 2.1 m heavy-duty twotonne payload tray, two-piece drop-sides, ladder racks, tow bar, bulbar and a 3500 kg towing capacity.

Tradesmen after those extra features might prefer the Premium Tradepack model which comes with cruise control, six-speed automated-manual transmission, a lockable underbody steel trunk for keeping tools secure, and a striking cab exterior factory-painted in brilliant silver.

Mr Humphries said drivers would feel at ease sitting in one of the safest trucks on the road with all vehicles in the ‘Ready-toWork’ range coming with Isuzu Stability Control System.

The standard Traypack model offers a heavy-duty aluminium tray, Isuzu reversing camera, removable drop sides and rear tailgate, integrated load restraint anchor points, and an optional 2500 kg rated towbar.

Business Profile

Mechanic mates make top team Six months ago Matt Fitzgerald and Will Gooiker made a spur of the moment decision to go into business together and take over the Shepparton Roadworthy Centre.

The pair met eight years ago when they worked together at Graham Thomson Motors.

Mr Gooiker grew up around trucks and completed his diesel mechanic apprenticeship at the Shepparton Kenworth dealership.

He then moved on to Rendevski’s transport and spent time working on his own as a mobile mechanic before

ending up at Graham Thomson Motors.

Mr Fitzgerald completed his apprenticeship in Cobram at Jim’s Truck Repairs at 19 and then moved on to Graham Thomson Motors.

The pair worked together for four years before Mr Gooiker left the company and the duo remained friends for 15 years.

They had been casually looking at purchasing a business for a short time before coming across the Shepparton Roadworthy Centre.

The pair jumped at the

opportunity and purchased the business.

Mr Fitzgerald and Mr Gooiker currently run the business with the assistance of their wives but have plans to see the business expand in the future.

“We want to grow the business and provide a good cost effective, quality service,” Mr Fitzgerald said.

With just the two men undertaking the mechanic and roadworthy duties at the centre they say their experience makes the Shepparton Roadworthy Centre the

place for quality work.

“The person at the door is generally the one who will fix your vehicle,” Mr Gooiker said.

He said as a truck owner he understood what was important and required for thorough servicing and repairs.

The Shepparton Roadworthy Centre offers mechanic and air conditioning repairs and service cars, trucks and buses, and is able to provide roadworthy certificates for cars and trucks.

Will Gooiker and Matt Fitzgerald.

We’re Your First Stop For Sales, Service & Spare Parts

Trade & Service Directory

320 Midland Highway, Shepparton, Vic 3632 Ph: (03) 5820 7800

Largest range of truck spare parts in country Victoria • Cummins and CAT dealer • 24-hour breakdown service • Full range of trailer parts • More than 30 years’ experience

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• Body Tipping Systems Fax. (03) 5821 9412 Fax. (03) 5821 9412 email. gvhydraulics@ email. gvhydraulics@ • Semi bigpond.com.au Tippers bigpond.com.au • Truck & dog • Tray Bodies • All truck model radiators available • Walking Floors • All agricultural radiators, large and small • Over 60 years’ combined experience • Fleet discounts available • 1300 363 734

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OPERATING IN THE GOULBURN VALLEY

20 Campbell St, Shepparton | Ph (03) 5821 8500 | Natrad.com.au Trucks and trailers, November 2015

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