Big Rigs 28 February 2025

2 NEWS

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Truckin in the Topics/Spy on the Road: Alf Wilson, 0408 009 301

David Vile, Graham Harsant, Geoff Middleton and Jonathan Wallis.

Big Rigs National Road Transport Newspaper is published by Prime Creative Media. It is the largest circulated fortnightly truck publication in Australia with 22,500* copies per fortnight.

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$50,000 fine for rollover that closed EastLink

A gas distributer has been fined $50,000 following a WorkSafe Victoria investigation into a truck rollover that shut down a major Melbourne tollway.

In January 2019, a Supagas truck driver was travelling on the EastLink toll road when a wheel dislodged and the heavy vehicle lost control and rolled, causing about 200 gas cylinders to spill across the roadway.

The driver was taken to hospital with minor injuries while the tollway was closed in both directions for a number of hours due to the risk of explosion.

WorkSafe’s investigation found wheel nuts on the truck had not been properly tensioned, causing an outer

wheel to separate from the wheel assembly.

During the trial, WorkSafe alleged it was reasonably practicable for Supagas to have provided and maintained a system of work for ensuring wheel nuts of heavy vehicles were properly tensioned.

Supagas Pty Ltd was sentenced without conviction in the Melbourne County Court on Thursday February 13, 2025, after earlier being found guilty following a jury trial of failing to provide a safe work environment and failing to ensure persons other than employees were not exposed to health and safety risks.

WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety

Sam Jenkin said Supagas’ failure to implement basic safety checks of the wheel nuts had put the driver and members of the public at significant risk.

“The outcome here could have been catastrophic, not only for this company’s worker but for other road users and the emergency services members who responded,” Jenkin said.

“This case should serve as a warning to other companies that there is both a human and financial cost for those who fail to ensure the vehicles they are putting on the road are safe and not putting workers or the public at risk.”

Supagas has been contacted for comment.

Rock-throwing incident damages new truck

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

A truckie has expressed his frustration after the brand new truck he drives was damaged in yet another rock throwing incident.

The veteran driver contacted Big Rigs after reading about a truckie injured while travelling through the Saunders Creek overpass on the Bruce Highway, north of Townsville recently, when a piece of concrete was thrown at the truck’s windscreen.

The 52-year-old truckie revealed his truck was hit at

the same location, at around midnight one evening as he was heading to the nearby BP truck stop.

A truckie for over 35 years, he does interstate heavy haulage work for St George Freightlines in Toowoomba, Queensland, travelling across the country and was recently given the keys to a brand new Iveco S-way.

“A railway rock was thrown at my brand new truck and left a large dent on the passenger side door,” he said.

“It was in the exact same spot in the overpass over the

rail lines. They hide in the bushes on the edge of the overpass between the late hours of the night and the early hours of the morning.”

He says he was lucky the rock hit as he was merging.

“If I was in the left hand lane fully, it would have gone through the passenger window.

“I was heading north to Townsville and Cairns, with two 40 ft containers on.”

And this isn’t the first time it’s happened to this truck driver either. “I’ve had rocks thrown at the windscreen at “Both of those incidents

were many years ago but I’m hearing of it happening more and more now. It’s getting beyond a joke now.

EastLink was closed for hours after the 2019 incident. Image: VicTraffic

Calls grow for support after Qld floods NORTH QUEENSLAND FLOODS

lengthy detours – have been unprecedented. He joined several prominent colleagues in urging state and federal governments to step up and help ease the burden.

“The trucks have done one leg on a four-leg journey – the figures are just ridiculous,” said Brisbane-based Blennerhassett who overseas one of Queensland’s biggest fleets.

“That’s 2000km in a week when they should have done 6000-8000km.”

In anticipation of freight assistance being announced soon, Blennerhassett and his finance team were busy quantifying what that means to the bottom line when Big Rigs called.

But he didn’t bat an eyelid at the Queensland Trucking Association’s estimate of $100,000 a day losses for the bigger fleets such as Blenners

“We’ve got major contracted customers down south with return loads, but we had limited trucks down there.

“We were also running multiple trucks from Townsville to Brisbane empty each day to ensure we had equipment in Brisbane to service customers with return loads to North Queensland. We did our best to service flood-ravaged communities but impassable highways made it impossible to get food on the shelves.”

Blennerhassett said there are many flow-on cost ramifications that politicians need to be made aware of, from the extra wear and tear on trucks forced to take detours on poorly maintained western roads, to fuel costs, wages and rego expenses on parked up equipment.

“We have a longer route and that costs us more on every-

of that increased cost.

“We did a small surcharge for the detours, but it was only a portion of the cost. If we did it at cost, we would have had everyone screaming at us.

“We looked at it, but said we can’t do it. We’ll lose freight; people will go elsewhere.

“We need grants for what it’s cost us all.”

In addition to subsidy assistant, Blennerhassett said the authorities also need to get moving on fixing the floodprone zones of the Bruce.

“They all know where these sections are that flood north of Mackay every year,” said Blennerhassett.

Blennerhassett said a prime example is the infamous, flood-ravaged, S-bend section of the Bruce at Ingham.

“It’s had new bitumen put over the top of it, but the design has been like that for 50 years.

“At Seymour, just past there, they upgraded that about 10 years ago, but they did half a job. They didn’t put enough pipe work underneath it so now it’s like a dam.

“The water still comes up over the road. It flooded and the road was blocked only 12 months after they did it.”

MAKING THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY SHINE

exact hit the company took while the 76-truck fleet wasn’t operating at full strength.

“But I know that April is going to be scary for us with cash flow. The only thing we didn’t do was burn fuel but we’re still making payments, paying rego on a road we couldn’t use,” said Morgan, whose company services the “three blue-chips”, Woolworths, Tip-Top and Bega.

“We’re still paying wages, supers, insurances… the costs just escalate, and you had 11 days of no return.”

Morgan said he’s been running trucks in the region since 1994 and the recent floods caused the biggest supply chain disruptions he’s seen from Mackay through to Cairns and even out toward Mt Isa.

“Everything stopped at once – it’s never happened before. We’ve always had pockets we could get to.”

Morgan also called for more

can’t flood-proof everything, but if we prepared for the worst, and it wasn’t as bad, at least we’d get by.”

At present, a frustrated Morgan said there are just too many problem areas that keep flooding every year.

“We either get stuck at Gairloch, or Seymour River, or Murray River, or the other side of Innisfail, or the alternate routes are not up to scratch.

“There are just pinch points everywhere you turn, like at the Goorganga Plains down at Proserpine.” Brisbane-based OzWide General Manager Michael Miller agreed that the freight industry should be compensated for the extra costs incurred during the floods.

“They’ve got to start thinking about the supply chain industry. We took a big hit, and it’s not just OzWide, it’s every logistics business that hauls freight north,” said Miller

“We were forced to send a truck knowing he was going to be stuck on the side of the road, but we knew we had to get that there as soon as we possibly could.”

Miller said that’s the hidden cost that no one talks about – the mental health of the truckies who were stranded.

“Everyone forgets about the drivers. They were the ones stuck on the side of the road and couldn’t get access to essential services.”

“It was just a matter of our linehaul manager Brendon Edwards communicating with the drivers, trying to keep them upbeat and giving them a bit of hope. Miller also implored the governments to fix the source of the problem.

“That Bruce Highway, fair-dinkum, it’s just a bloody goat-track,” Miller said.

“The whole system up there needs an overhaul. They need to replicate the Pacific Highway up in North Queensland

Blenners kept the deliveries coming. Image: SPAR Babinda

NORTH

QUEENSLAND FLOODS

knowledges and supports the Australian Government’s announcement of an additional $100 million in funding being allocated to assist primary producers and small businesses affected by the catastrophic floods in North Queensland.

But added that the road freight industry was providing a critical and essential service in this natural disaster and suffered exorbitant losses.

It was the freight industry that came to the rescue of flood-stricken communities in the north with 164 trucks heading north in the eight-hour window to cross the makeshift Ollera Creek Bridge, with 114 returning.

When it reopened three days later, QTA CEO Mahon said the association helped coordinate another 200 up the Bruce and more than 50 more trucks up the Gregory Development Road, with operators having to soak up the increased costs.

‘Backbone’ of state missing out

road freight transport busi nesses are facing huge losses of up to $100,000 per fleet, per day due to trucks being stranded on flooded roads in North Queensland.”

Mahon said many fleets were continuing to face significant challenges, including trucks being stranded due to inaccessible routes, incurring additional costs related to extended travel distances, and unprecedented delays.

“The delays waiting for roads to open, translate to wages paid out and increased fuel and maintenance costs with no return.”

cial support to the road freight transport businesses will not only ease financial stress but will also facilitate the restoration of supply chains needed to support primary producers and small businesses throughout the state.

“The QTA calls on the government to recognise the critical role of road freight in responding to this flood crisis in North Queensland.

formation so they could write to the state premier and prime minister to lobby their case

“Our big push is to try and bring forward as much money as we can to try and get the critical areas of the Bruce worked on sooner than later,” Mahon said.

“This event has also shown critical this road is. We had a circumstance there for three days where Townsville was cut off, north, south and west.

“Far North Queensland was also cut off with all three routes we would use.”

“By including road freight in disaster assistance programs, the government will demonstrate its commitment to supporting all facets of the economy during this trying time.”

“The road freight industry is the backbone of Queensland’s economy, ensuring that goods are delivered safely and efficiently across the state.

“Amidst the recent flooding,

“We strongly urge the government to extend this support to the road freight sector which has been disproportionately impacted by these natural disasters,” said Mahon, who has been at the frontline of the industry flood response all the way through.

With the unpredictable nature of road access during floods, freight operators often have to reroute deliveries, resulting in longer distances, increased fuel consumption, and associated costs that are not currently supported with any existing funding measures, Mahon added.

“Business in the road freight sector deliver time and time again in natural disasters and expected to just absorb the losses and experience significant financial stress. Supporting the industry with funding

DRIVING SOLUTIONS

Mahon told Big Rigs that the QTA formerly made a submission for assistance to both the state and federal emergency management ministers on February 18.

The association also armed a number of backbenchers, including main supporter, Leichardt federal MP Warren

Mahon said operators are used to weather events in Queensland, but this latest one “has really hurt them”.

“It’s 10 days of sustained pressure. You’ve got capital equipment that can’t be utilised because you’re basically loaded and ready to go for up north so you can’t take it south.”

Mahon said the losses range from $10,000 to $100,000 a day.

“You’re talking very big fleets at the $100,000 mark,” Mahon said.

The QTA is calling for funding subsidies for operators impacted by the floods. Image: QTA

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

THIS heart-warming story of kindness is proof that not all heroes wear capes.

When Betina Wilks saw there were countless trucks lined up along the Bruce Highway in Ayr, right outside her doorstep, she quickly stepped in to lend a hand.

NORTH QUEENSLAND FLOODS

Truckies grateful for kind-hearted heroes

raiding her pantry for goodies that she placed in a box and left out for truckies to help themselves went up a notch, delivering home cooked meals straight to the truck drivers on the road.

At the peak of the North Queensland flood emergency, she spent her days preparing home-cooked meals and then heading up and down the highway with her neighbour and friend Christine. They offered food and snacks to the many truckies who had been queuing up and waiting to pass through the flood-impacted route.

“I’m a rural girl. I know what these guys mean to us and what they mean to their families back at home,” Betina said.

“These drivers are being ramped up for a kilometre, so they can’t just jump out and go to the toilet or stop to buy food. They are basically stuck in their trucks until they can start moving again. They can’t do anything, so I thought I have to do something.”

What started with Betina

“On the first day it was so hot, so I went and bought some Zooper Doopers for the drivers. One of the truckies I met gave me a donation. I said I didn’t want it as I was happy to be doing this. He said, ‘No you have to take this’. So I went to the shop and bought some bread and other supplies,” Betina explained.

“With the help of Christine, we made 45 sandwiches and delivered them to the drivers.”

As a disability pensioner, Betina struggled with all the walking, so Christine was quick to step up and help distribute the food along the highway.

Betina spoke to Big Rigs at the height of the floods, while she was in the kitchen preparing another meal for truck drivers queued up on the Bruce. She said she’s been overwhelmed by all of the support she’s received.

“The gratitude has been overwhelming. The truck drivers I’ve met couldn’t be more grateful,” she said.

“I also went to the Ayr Woolworths and the manager Matt gave me a $200 voucher

to use for supplies. Matt and Peter there were amazing. They also gave me heaps of fruit and vegetables. And Silly Sollys donated food containers and cutlery.

“Then the lady at the local coffee shop, Home & Style Store/Ayr Coffee Co, gave me heaps of mince, sausages, vegetables, stock and cash too so I could get what I needed.”

While the truckies are grateful for everything Betina is doing, Betina says she’s also grateful that she’s able to do what she’s doing. “You couldn’t ask for nicer people than these truck drivers I’ve met,” she said.

“I tell them without you guys, we’re stuffed. These truck drivers are the backbone of our country. We’d be lost without them. I really do appreciate everything our truck drivers do. I see them go past my house every day and see them honk their horns for the kids, and the kids absolutely love it.”

Betina has also been ensuring the police directing traffic at the nearby roundabout are fed too, dropping off sandwiches.

“I’ll endeavour to keep doing more. I appreciate how

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easy I’ve got it because I’m not flooded in, so anything I can do to help, I will.”

The kindness of Betina, Christine and everyone to helped them didn’t go unnoticed. When the story was shared on social media, many shared their praise and well wishes.

Ash Black was among the truck drivers to be treated to the warmth and hospitality of these kind-hearted ladies while travelling through Ayr. “I just met Christine there. She gave me a hot meal of meat, vegetables and mashed

potato. It was a real treat. They’re bloody legends. Thank you,” he said.

“What an absolutely brilliant job these ladies are doing to keep the truckies fed. Job well done,” added Trish Murray.

Jimmy Molyneaux wrote, “Well done ladies, it’s a thankless job sometimes and this makes your day!”

Sue Miller added, “What an amazing couple of ladies. Thank you for looking after those drivers. They are the backbone of this country. Well done.”

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sandwiches to truckies along the Bruce. Images: Betina Wilks

Betina with Matt from Woolworths at Ayr with the donated produce.

FOR truckies who were caught out by North Queensland’s flood emergency, local roadhouses became a place a refuge.

With so many truckies stranded and unable to continue on their journeys until floodwaters receded, stories that showed the true community spirit were wonderful to see.

NORTH QUEENSLAND FLOODS

Free truckie meals at Qld roadhouse

Dan and Julie Condon took over the roadhouse about two months ago, with the previous owners there for 14 years.

For a long time, Greenvale Roadhouse has had many loyal truckies stopping by.

Among these was at the Greenvale Roadhouse on the Gregory Development Road in Greenvale, 179 kilometres north of Charters Towers.

The popular stop helped to ensure truckies were fed and well looked after, with its owners taking donations to offer drivers free meals and coffees, along with friendly conversation and banter.

When Big Rigs called the roadhouse and spoke to Emma Naughton she said the roadhouse was cut off from Charters Towers and Townsville.

W hen the flood crisis hit North Queensland, Greenvale Roadhouse had been offering special $15 dinners for truckies stranded by the floods – and then thanks to the generosity of those who donated, truckies were treated to free meals.

“We actually never asked for donations at all,” revealed Emma. “It all started when

a truckie came in with $200 cash and said he wanted to pay for the Facebook updates. I told him that was lovely but totally unnecessary, and he said, ‘Well, then chuck it on for coffees so everyone can have one for free.’ So that’s what we did. I thought it was a really kind gesture, so we shared it on Facebook.”

After sharing that Facebook post, the roadhouse was inundated with people wanting to contribute and pay it forward.

“People started reaching out, asking if they could pay for a couple of meals, and it just grew from there. At first, people were calling up and paying over the phone, but with 40 truckies here, it became too much to keep up with, so we

put the PayID and BSB on Facebook. Since then, the generosity has been incredible,” explained Emma.

“The truckies are so appreciative – some walk in and are just blown away, saying, ‘Oh my God, I really needed that.’ When their wheels aren’t moving, the bills are still coming out, but there’s no money coming in. So it’s been really special to be able to give them something nice during such a tough time.

“It’s been absolutely amazing and we are all very grateful that there are still good people out there.”

Sunshine Coast-based truck driver Niell Graham was among those to enjoy the roadhouse’s hospitality, after

being caught out by road closures. With no phone signal when he arrived, he said the first thing staff did was give him the Wi-Fi password so he could call his wife and his boss to let them know he was

stuck, but all okay.

“The meals were fantastic and the staff did a fantastic job of feeding and entertaining us all. I have never been to such a nice family run roadhouse in years,” he said.

Tribute for pioneering former truckie killed in floods

RETIRED truck driver

Elaine Steley, 82, has been identified as one of the victims tragically killed in the recent North Queensland floods. Remembered as a hard-working pioneer of the trucking scene, Elaine loved trucks ever since she was a little kid – following in the footsteps of her father.

According to close friend Liz Martin, “Elaine was an old school truckie, a hard worker with a heart of gold and a bit if a larrikin who wasn’t afraid to tell it like it was.”

Taught by her father, Elaine learnt to drive in an old Blitz when she was just 11 years old.

“For all her life Elaine was known as a hard worker and

she credited those early years working with her dad for giving her that work ethic,” said Liz.

Elaine and her husband Neville bought their own truck in 1960, an old International AA 164 Series from her father.

“They operated it at the salt works at Bajool, Queensland,” said Liz. “Then in 1962 they moved to Mackay and start-

ed hauling cattle. Elaine was either behind the wheel or under the bonnet every chance she got.”

She went on to do two-up work with Neville, carting grain, cattle and hay, but he sadly passed away in 1979.

Ten years later Elaine met her second husband Ron, also a truck driver, and she returned

to the road. Before retiring, she spent time in the mines and then became a publican.

“In her retirement Elaine loved catching up with peo ple and sharing a few tall tales about her life in trucks,” said Liz. “With Elaine there was al ways a tall tale to tell, usually accompanied by her infectious laugh.”

Truckies get together for a photo at Greenvale Roadhouse to say thank you. Image: Greenvale Roadhouse

Elaine Steley pictured with her son. Image: Liz Martin

Stolen trailer and its load found intact

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

A trailer stolen in Melbourne on Monday February 3 was found perfectly intact – and with its load still on.

The highly customised purple trailer and its load, collectively worth approximately $250,000, were stolen on the Hume Highway at Somerton, Victoria.

The trailer belongs to family owned and operated business Flowers Freightlines. Based in Tahmoor, NSW, it specialises in long distance open trailer work, travelling east to west, and across the east coast.

Company owner Doug Sproule told Big Rigs this trailer – a 41ft flat top produced by Moore Trailers –was purchased around two and a half years ago.

“That’s the first brand new trailer I ever bought. Everything up until then was second hand,” said Doug, who operates a fleet of eight prime movers, seven rigids and 15 trailers.

The trailer, loaded with a Toyota Hilux ute and steel, had come in from Perth and was on its way back to Sydney, via Melbourne.

“It’s a heavy-duty outback series trailer with a BPW lift axle, belly tanks, has clearance lights every 2 feet down the sides. It’s a top of the range bit of gear so it does stand out,” Doug told Big Rigs.

“I purpose built this trailer to be used with a bonneted truck as a B-double. Most of these types of trailers are 45ft, so this one is considered quite a short trailer but it

works well with what we use it for.”

The driver dropped his B trailer so he could go and load his A trailer. “When he came back, the B trailer was gone,” Doug revealed. “It happened at about 7.30am that morning.”

Doug was able to obtain camera footage from a nearby business, which showed the trailer being towed away by a white Scania – but as it was a side view, the registration plates weren’t visible.

When news of the theft was shared around social media, the trucking community rallied behind Doug in the hope of a good outcome. Thankfully, that came to fruition when the trailer was located safe and well just three days later on February 6.

A story published on the Big Rigs website about the theft amassed over 65,000 views and counting – the story that followed about it being found had been viewed close to 100,000 times as we went to print.

“It was found thanks to a good Samaritan and a lot of support from the trucking industry,” said Doug. “I reckon they got spooked and dumped it.”

Doug received a few phone calls that day with tip offs about the trailer’s whereabouts, with police then calling to confirm it had been placed in a holding yard in Melbourne.

On hearing the news, Doug said, “I just can’t believe they found it with the load still on it.

“This trailer is probably one of its kind – and one of the only 41ft trailers like this Moore has built and it’s fully optioned too so it had everything. I had bought it on finance just before the interest rates went up, so it’s a real sigh of relief!”

Doug got in the truck and made the eight-hour trip from Tahmoor to Melbourne to bring the trailer home.

“I went down on the Sunday and grabbed it. It was all there, it even had the dogs and chains in it. I couldn’t believe it. Now it’s straight back on the road again!

“I wasn’t shocked they found it, I was shocked they found it with the load still on. I thought it was long gone, the ute in particular.

“Our poor driver took it really hard because he thought it was his fault. So he was over the moon when it got back here in the yard.”

Doug thanked the trucking community for getting behind him and helping to spread the word.

“I think it was the fact that he was splitting a B-doublesomething a lot of people in this industry can relate to. It’s something we all do,” he said.

“He was just unloading the A trailer and then the B trailer was gone. All it took was

30 minutes – you can’t even have a shower and a feed in 30 minutes. When you’re running B-doubles and road trains, we’ve all been in that position where you have to drop a trailer. But most of us just haven’t had it stolen.

“It makes me re-think how we do our road train work. They won’t provide any facilities to park with some sort of security, so our options are extremely limited.”

The truck being used to tow

the trailers at the time was the pride of the fleet. “It was a 950 Legend that was towing it. I had my best truck doing that job when the trailer was stolen,” revealed Doug. That prime mover along with the other trucks in the fleet are all fitted with GPS tracking and Doug is now in the process of rolling this out across the entire trailer fleet too.

Police investigations into the theft are continuing.

the trailer being found. Images: Flowers Freightlines

This 41ft Moore trailer and its load were stolen in Melbourne in broad daylight.

Industry

EDITOR JAMES GRAHAM

dustry had been passed over for specific government assistance, despite road freight operators being tasked with getting North Queensland’s flood-stricken communities back up and running. How do these pollies think the medical supplies get to the hospitals and the food on their shelves? It’s always the operators who have to take the biggest hit on the balance sheet. How is this even remotely fair?

Let’s not forget also the impact on truckies’ mental health as they sit stuck for days on the side of the road.

Thank heavens for heroes like Betina Wilks and her friend Christine – see cartoon on right and story on page 5. This big-hearted duo, and dozens more like them, bent over backwards to help stranded truckies.

If only those in power gave the industry the same respect.

HOT WEB TOPICS Celebrating a 100-year milestone

An interesting wiper solution

A truck caught by the NHVR with an interesting windscreen wiper solution has caused a lot of chatter online.

According to the regulator, the driver had rigged up ratchet straps to operate their windscreen wipers. Upon inspection by their safety and compliance officers, it was found that a loose nut was the cause of the issue. And once fixed, the wipers were working again.

An NHVR spokesperson told Big Rigs, “Our officers spoke with the driver of the heavy vehicle and provided some guidance on preventa-

tive measures to be taken in future. No fines or penalties were issued to the driver.”

When the story was shared on Facebook, Niell Graham wrote, “If it gets you out of a sticky situation then it’s not wrong and not everyone would know how to fix or maybe they didn’t have the right tools to fix the problem.”

Nick Stokes agreed, “If it gets you out of trouble and to somewhere you can get it fixed properly I don’t see an issue.”

As did Ian Cann, “If it was a fix to get home or to the depot, not a problem, good on him for getting the job

done. But if it was in place for multiple trips, get what you deserve.”

Support needed after Qld floods

THE effects of the recent Queensland floods are still being felt by many. Along with the physical damage to infrastructure, transport operators have had to grapple with increased costs caused by massive diversions. From extra hours required to complete freight tasks, to extra costs in fuel.

Various industry associations have voiced their concerns, calling for more government support for those in the freight industry who have been impacted. And many others have also weighed in.

Shane Whenan commented, “Once again the transport

industry comes to the rescue of the ungrateful masses. No one will truly thank the men and women of the transport industry for getting the freight to the supermarket shelves… The government departments in charge of roads and infra structure are decades behind the times with repairs and improvements to our roads, Australia wide.”

Truck driver Bruce Skelton wrote, “This is the reason I refuse to drive during flooding and other events – have been caught out too many times in the past.”

in the first place was a joke, the fact the Bruce Highway still hasn’t been flood proofed is a joke.”

Kerri Gerchow added, “The 2000km plus diversion issued

AS Russell Transport celebrates its 100th anniversary, the Russell family took readers on a trip down memory lane –from how it all started to the business it is today, now in its third generation.

“What a wonderful history Russell Transport, I love reading stories of family businesses’ success, it says a lot about the people involved. Congratulations and I wish you continued success for the next 100 years. I wonder what you will be driving in the future, technology is moving so fast,” said Cheryl.

Richard Lloyd commented, “Great story on Russell Transport. You have done a great job and congratulations to Russell Transport for their outstanding company. Nice and very smart looking fleet. Well done, really enjoyed read about your history and company.”

Hori added, “An Aussie beaut – shows how to keep it simple and planning for the next stage. Your father’s legacy deserves the utmost respect and innovation to keep moving towards what have been challenges and hardships of time.”

While Brendan Nicholas pondered, “Can’t imagine what it would’ve been like 100 years ago... I’m sure the road conditions haven’t changed!”

No need for an explanation

WHEN Followmont Transport boss Mark Tobin took to social media to explain why his company imposed a temporary surcharge on its flood-impacted North Queensland services, many were supportive and understanding about the move.

Tony Stephens commented, “No apologies needed, the roads are flooded, trucks have to drive many kilometres further to get through, everyone in the chain has to bear their share of the costs involved to get the goods

and supplies through.”

Tom Puckett shared a similar sentiment, “Stop running your trucks like a charity. Raise your rates and don’t apologise for it.”

Mousey Pfingst added, “Should be no explanation in it . Got to go thousand or more kilometres out the way. Someone has to pay.” Vietkong Ace agreed, “This approach should be used at all times. Costs go up the customer pays. Do mechanics wear any increased costs? Do builders wear any increased costs? No. So why should the transport industry?” Rob Smith added, “You can only absorb so many expenses and for too long this industry has been expected to do so.”

This driver was caught with a rather unusual windscreen wiper fix. Image: NHVR

Governments need to recognise the sacrifices truckies make and step in and provide the necessary economic support. Image: Alf Wilson

Mark Tobin says the temporary surcharge was a difficult but necessary decision. Image: Followmont Transport

Ken, Julie, Phil and Michael Russell. Image: Chris Smith

Truckline stocks over 13,000 quality parts for Isuzu, Hino, Fuso, UD and more. From top brands to expert advice, we have what you need to keep your Japanese trucks on the road and your business moving.

A win for truckies at 16 servos

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

THANKS to a story pub

lished in the February 14 edi tion of Big Rigs, a new policy has been put in place for truck drivers requiring the use of showers at 16 BP service sta tions across Melbourne.

Earlier in February, MC li cenced interstate truckie Ka tie Watson contacted Big Rigs after an incident at the BP service station in Scoresby, on Victoria’s EastLink.

She had parked her truck at the nearby depot and then drove to BP Scoresby in her car, where she showed her truck licence and asked for a shower key. Her request was however denied.

This was brought to the attention of AA Holdings Pty Ltd, the BP dealer group that owns 16 BP truck stops across Melbourne – including the two Eastlink service centres.

A spokesperson for AA Holdings contacted Big Rigs

WE REALISED THAT TRUCK DRIVERS, BETWEEN DRIVING SHIFTS AND/OR REGULATED FATIGUE BREAKS, COULD COME TO OUR SITE WITH THEIR PERSONAL CARS AND WANT TO USE THE SHOWERS.”

AA HOLDINGS

to advise that after hearing Watson’s story, an updated shower policy was put into place at all of its sites.

“After investigating we can assure the driver that there was a policy in place that all truck drivers who are accom-

panied with trucks can use the showers. This policy was put in place so it was exclusive to truck drivers without any exceptions due to public abuse by people who were using the showers and inconveniencing truck drivers who were legitimately driving trucks,” the spokesperson said.

“In assessing what occurred we realised that truck drivers, between driving shifts and/ or regulated fatigue breaks, could come to our site with their personal cars and want to use the showers. This situation had not been previously realised by management.

“We now have changed the old policy to a new policy and have informed all our teams at our freeway centres of regulated fatigue breaks and/or between driving shifts which

may mean that the driver does not have to come with their truck to ask to use the showers.”

AA Holdings said that if a truck driver arrives at one of their service stations in a car, they can show their truck licence and be given shower access.

The company also reached out to Watson to apologise for the incident and thanked her for making them aware of the issue.

Watson says she’s thrilled with the outcome, “They called and said thank you for bringing the issue to their attention and advised why the policy was originally put into place.”

Commenting on the new policy, Watson added, “This is a win and I didn’t expect it. I’m really happy with the result.”

Parking bays not for maintenance work

WA’S roading agency is asking transport companies to refrain from doing maintenance work in the state’s 1600 roadside parking bays. The d irective by Main Roads WA follows reports of these activities occurring in the Goldfields.

A Main Roads spokesperson told the Kalgoorlie Miner that it was aware of some heavy vehicle operators doing truck maintenance in parking bays or rest areas on the Goldfields Highway.

“The agency regularly engages with known companies

a nd the transport industry to deter these activities from occurring,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson added that while it was not against the law to undertake vehicle maintenance work in rest areas, it was not encouraged.

Main Roads also said it was an offence under the Environmental Protection (Unauthorised Discharges) Regulations 2004 to allow materials such as oil to be discharged into the environment.

Penalties of up to $5000 apply if proven.

Main Roads said it encouraged members of the public to report any sightings of maintenance works occurring in parking bays by calling 138 138 for further investigation. The topics brought about much discussion on the Big Rigs Facebook page.

Tony Stephens posed the question, “So you have a mechanical fault which in the eyes of the law say it shouldn’t be driven on the road due to safety, so a mechanic comes out and fixes it which makes it safe to drive. But the nearest workshop is maybe 50km

or more away, so what do they expect?”

Melissa Wheeler agreed, “Trucks break down and need fixing on the side of the road. You don’t need to tow every truck!”

While Mitch Imber said, “It’s not about a quick breakdown repair here and there. It’s the companies who use the bays as their own depots and do engine swaps, services and everything in between. I have personally seen engines being swapped in parking bays, and seen over the course of a week a bloke rebuild his engine.”

Truckie shut out by servo parking policy

INTERSTATE truckie Simon Thomson didn’t think he was asking for too much when he pulled into the busy BP Eastern Creek truck parking area in Sydney earlier this month in his B-double.

All he wanted to do was unhook so he could go and visit his son and grandchildren and do a bit of shopping for a few hours, before returning later that same day to carry on his way.

But the management there had other ideas, said Thomson, telling him flatly that anything he left on site –trailers and/or his prime mover – would be towed at his expense.

Thomson isn’t opposed to tighter parking controls at servos – he’s been a vocal supporter of measures to crack down on those using these sites as makeshift depots.

“But there’s got to be some give somewhere,” an exasperated Thomson told Big Rigs

“I went into the BP and told them I just wanted to go see my grandkids. I’ve only seen them twice in their little lives, and I don’t want to be sitting in the truck all day in the heat – and they didn’t give a shit.

“If BP want us to use their fuel and buy their expensive

food, then we should be entitled to drop our trailers off and go shopping so we can go away for the next trip.”

After a few hours rest at the BP, and with nowhere else to turn, Thomson took the risk of parking both trailers in a Mount Druitt industrial area while he visited his family and had a rest break out of his truck.

He later relocated the back trailer to Peter Brock Drive in Eastern Creek, but when he did return, a car owner had removed the witches hats he’d placed as a deterrent and blocked him in.

It was only through the generous help of road workers in the area who acted as impromptu traffic management that he was able to deftly manoeuvre the prime mover in to get the trailer back on so he could carry on his way.

When he did eventually arrive in Brisbane, he encountered a totally different attitude from staff at the BP Archerfeld.

Thomson said he was told that as long as truckies leave their phone number and rego in the book on the counter, they can leave trailers on site for up to 24 hours.

“Where are we supposed to split our trailers in Sydney?

There is still a fair bit of land in the industrial areas. Why can’t they do an area like they have out at Gatton where you split up your road trains?

“If I couldn’t get a spot at the BP, I would have been driving around out of hours to try and get a parking spot where I can park my truck, use the toilets and get food.”

BP announced last December that it will begin towing unhitched trailers and illegally parked vehicles at Eastern Creek.

In a statement shared with BP Plus customers, the company said: “We understand the frustrations around parking availability and want to

assure you that we’re committed to resolving this issue.

“We are actively working to ensure that our valued BP Plus customers have reliable parking options.

“We apologise for the inconvenience caused and thank you for your continued support.”

Big Rigs has approached BP for further comment.

NSW Roads Minister John Graham has also been promising truckies a new rest area in West Sydney since 2022.

“We are committed to providing a new heavy vehicle rest area in Sydney for truckies travelling the two hours between Pheasants Nest and

Wyong,” Graham said that year.

“Truckies are the backbone of our economy; we all rely on our goods getting to us in a timely, efficient, and safe manner.

“Current arrangements are simply not good enough for drivers, and we are working with the industry to do better.”

Lengthy ‘Have Your Say’ surveys were commissioned, detailed reports published and committees formed, but still not a single sod turned on a new site at issue deadline.

“Transport for NSW has listened to the industry feedback and we’re currently in the

process of evaluating six local government areas to find the most suitable site for the new rest stop,” said a Transport for NSW spokesperson in response to a request for an update.

Correction:

An earlier online version of this story featured a picture of an Alpha Heavy Towing vehicle, incorrectly depicting it as being on site to tow equipment from BP Eastern Creek. The driver of that vehicle was in fact at the location for a mandatory rest break, not for towing vehicles out of the premises. Big Rigs apologises for any distress this may have caused.

To add insult to injury, Thomson later found his rear trailer blocked in by a car. Image: Simon Thomson

Truck driver Katie Watson was thrilled to hear of the new truckie shower policy that’s been put into place. Image: Katie Watson

Main Roads WA said it encouraged members of the public to report any sightings of maintenance works. Image: Andreas Edelmann/stock.adobe.com

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Well placed for further growth

In just 10 years, this business has grown quickly, with its latest acquisition bringing the truck fleet to almost 400 vehicles.

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

IT was back in 2014 that two friends who had met at university and drove trucks part time, decided to take a huge leap of faith.

Amrit Paul and Harmanpreet ‘Harry’ Singh, both 39 years of age, came to Australia from Punjab in India in 2006, with less than a few thousand dollars to their names – and big hopes and dreams of a better life.

While studying, they began working for a laundromat, delivering linen to hospitals and nursing homes. They decided to pool their money together and buy their first truck, an 8-pallet rigid, to do the same line of work as sub-contractors. Amrit would drive it in the day and Harman would take over for the night run.

From that one contract, they soon secured others, sub-contracting for a number of big transport companies. And with that, Hawk Logistics was born.

As Hawk Logistics CEO Miguel Vitug told Big Rigs, “Those early years, from 2014-2018 were the formative years of Hawk Logistics – and probably the hardest years. Up until then it was all sub-contractor work for companies like Linfox and Toll.

“Then in 2018, Amrit and Harry were fortunate enough to secure contracts directly with customers – the first one being with a family owned meat business. They had bought a refrigerated trailer to help procure that contract and to this day, that meat business is still a customer of ours, which is quite humbling.”

Miguel continued, “Then from 2020-2023 were our

were really able to expand. Amrit and Harry invested in good talent and were able to scale their business. Through providing great levels of customer service, they started landing bigger contracts.”

According to Miguel, 2023 was when the business began investing heavily in trying to attract and upskill staff. A restructure in January 2024 saw Miguel employed as CEO.

“I’ve been in supply chains my whole career. I was with Linfox for nine years and before that was at Toll for nine years,” he said.

“What attracted me to the company was the vision of the two directors. They’ve been true to their word on investing in people and being agile in the industry. Our people are at the head of our success. Now we have a team of managers driving the business forward.”

Hawk Logistics currently employs around 550 people, who work across its nine locations: four sites in Victoria, which is where it all started, and sites in Brisbane Sydney, Griffith, Tamworth and Adelaide.

“Hawk Logistics started out in Truganina and we’re currently building a brand new head office and 30,000 pallet storage warehouse in Laverton, about five minutes down the road,” revealed Miguel.

“The company is also building a 15,000-pallet warehouse in Sydney, and we have a few land investments we’re going to develop too, along with other business opportunities we’re working on now.”

Part of Hawk Logistics’ growth has also been through acquisitions, with the first

THE MORE RED, WHITE AND BLUE TRUCKS AND TRAILERS ON THE ROAD, THE MORE BRAND AWARENESS IT CREATES.”

MIGUEL VITUG

cember 2023, where it took over AR Logistics – including over 100 vehicles and a depot in Adelaide – allowing the business to expand into South Australia.

“There were smaller acquisitions before AR, but that was our biggest. It was a strategic acquisition that cemented our presence in Adelaide,” added Miguel.

More recently, in December 2024, Hawk Logistics acquired Farragher Logistics, a family business with over 90 years in the game.

With the sale comes 14 prime movers and 22 refrigerated trailers, which will be rebranded as Hawk Logistics.

“Our strategy is to build brand equity, so the more red, white and blue trucks and trailers on the road, the -

ates,” said Miguel.

He also revealed that the majority of truck drivers employed at Farragher have since come across to Hawk Logistics. “So we’ll have the same driving team,” he said, however Hawk Logistics won’t operate out of any of the Farragher sites. Instead, it has transferred these operations to its existing facilities.

This brings the Hawk Logistics fleet up to roughly 850 assets – including around 400 trucks and 450 trailers.

Miguel revealed there’s currently a pipeline of about 20 new orders, including Kenworths, which he says have been instrumental to the company’s growth in recent years. Hawk Logistics currently looks to replace its trucks every five or so years.

Commenting on this latest move to acquire Farragher, Miguel said, “I’ve been familiar with Farragher for some time, through my dealings with their managing director Rory Farragher.

They have great equipment and great drivers and a small pocket of loyal customers they were serving – so it just fit. We’d been working on this for three or four months and came to terms last November.”

Looking ahead, Amrit and Harry are hoping to expand the reach of Hawk Logistics into the Northern Territory. “It’s in our strategic pipeline to expand into that corridor, and having a depot in Adelaide will help us to facilitate that.”

University friends Harry Singh (left) and Amrit Paul (right) started Hawk Logistics in 2014. Images: Hawk Logistics

The trucks and trailers acquired through its most recent acquisition will be rebranded in this Hawk Logistics livery to match the rest of the fleet. Image: Truckspotting Ararat

A great shot of these Hawk Logistics’ trucks travelling through Truro, South Australia.

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It’s a Mack thing for passionate collector

Richard Wilken has commemorated his lifelong love of the Bulldog with a very special addition to his prized line-up.

BY GRAHAM HARSANT

RICHARD Wilken comes from a farming family at Warracknabeal, Victoria. But it was trucks that grabbed his attention and became his life from the day he gained his licence.

Operating commercially in 1982, Richard’s first truck was a Mack, and he still owns it.

“It’s tucked away in a shed and will be reconditioned at some stage,” Richard said.

“We are 270km from the port and it made sense to cart our own produce rather than pay others to do it. That first Mack truck treated me very well and so along came a second and then a third, etcetera.”

These days Richard consistently runs around 16 trucks and calls on others in the busiest times, under the banner of the Wilken Group and Wilken Grain, handling storage, marketing, transport and fuel distribution.

His hard work and business success has also allowed him to indulge in his passion. Surprise, surprise – Mack trucks!

“Well, I’ve now definitely gone too far to turn back, and I don’t wish to. The Mack brand and the Mack organisation have been absolutely sensational to us and we have no reason to change. That would be the last thing on our mind due to the history we have with the brand.

“We are fortunate enough to be very close to them and it has been a wonderful journey with that company.”

Richard’s love of the brand has turned him into a collector of Mack that would be the envy of any truck lover.

“Mack trucks are a little bit like lawn bowls. Once it gets into your system it’s pretty hard to get it out. I’ve been part of the Mack family for 43 years now, since 1982. I now own quite a few of the recognised Mack vehicles that are significant.

“I have the 2000 Centennial, and a 2013 Southern Cross which celebrated 50 years of Mack production in Australia.

“Then there is the 2019 Super-Liner that we also have, which commemorates 100 years of the production of

the brand from when Gus and John Mack started Mack trucks in the United States in 1919.”

Now Richard has completed (he hopes) his collection of historical Macks with his recent acquisition in October last year of possibly the most famous of all the limited editions – the classic and rare Bicentennial Limited Edition Mack Super-Liner II, ‘Captain Cook’.

“I was keen to show it, so it was a little bit of a push to be able to pick it up in Perth, transport it back to Warracknabeal and get it through the workshop to make it presentable for the Horsham Truck Show in the first week of November.”

Now Captain Cook has had its second outing at the Koroit Truck Show where this interview took place.

“What you see here, all the paint was done 13 or 14 years ago in Toowoomba and it has been under cover basically since then. It had not seen bitumen for a long time. Coming from Warracknabeal here to Koroit would be its longest trip in many years.

“It has over three million kilometres on the clock, which is not a heck of a lot for a 1988 build. It was partially reconditioned before we got it. A guy in Dalby had four of these and he reconditioned three of them, which included painting and all the major things needed for reconditioning. He unfortunately passed

away which is very sad, and that led to those three being moved on. The fourth one was in a million pieces but has also found a new home.

“All the Bicentennial’s came out with 500hp and Mack pushed the same engine out to 610hp in later iterations. Mack people will know, and the older generation which I fit into, that they are an extremely torquey motor, but they did get pushed to the limit going out to 610 and you needed a very good mechanic to look after them. If you did that then their lifespan was more than acceptable, but if you slipped up on the maintenance at that horsepower, you ay have paid the penalty.

“I’m more than happy with the 500 horses under the bonnet of Captain Cook, and as entioned, it has fantastic torque. Mack’s development of this engine way back in the ‘80s was at the forefront of engine development at the time

“Captain Cook complements the other classic Macks n my possession. We’d been looking for quite a while and just happened to be in the right place at the right time. I feel very honoured to have this truck in my ownership.”

Like any older truck, parts

can be hard to source, but Richard has the perfect connection.

“It isn’t getting any easier for us Mack people to source parts, particularly with older vehicles such this. But we are fortunate to have a contact in Mack spare parts who has been there for over 40 years in Gary Richards. Gary is a household name in Mack cir cles. He was there when this actual vehicle came off the production line in the late ‘80s - and the other 15 along with it. We are privileged to have become very good friends with him over the years.

“Gary’s knowledge is ex traordinary with, particularly the older models, right up un til and including when Volvo took over and bought Mack. So it is fantastic that there are still some of the old school there.”

The mystique of the Bicentennial Mack Superliners is aided and abetted by a superb interior covered in a pale green velour type material which extends through to the bunk area. It looks simply superb and extremely inviting.

With such an array of historical Mack trucks, we asked R ichard if/when there may be thoughts of a museum so the public can sample his delights.

“We do in fact have one in Warracknabeal – after a fashion. It is something on the to-do list that I’d like to professionalise a bit more. As my date of birth takes over, our young team and businesses are probably doing a better job than I’ve ever been able to do. One of my ambitions will be to upgrade the housing of these vehicles so that that they’ll be more available for people to come and have a look.”

Captain Cook is indeed a rare and beautiful beast that Richard has managed to obtain, and in doing so – along with the rest of his collection - is keeping alive what has been an integral marque in Australian trucking history. “It is our honour to be able to do it. We will continue to do our bit for the Mack brand and we are very privileged to be part of the Mack family.”

Velour interior is warm and inviting.

Unusually shaped bunk allows for room to move.

Looking good from any angle.

Captain Cook is rare and beautiful beast.

Richard Wilken stands proudly beside his beloved ‘Captain Cook’.

Karting legend keeps pedal to the metal

The Melbourne operator lives and breathes Mark Twain’s classic quote: “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.”

BY JAMES GRAHAM

WHATEVER you do, don’t suggest to Les May he should start slowing down and think about the ‘R’ word.

He may be 68 now, but this legend of the Australian superkart world, is a long way from his final lap and cruising into retirement.

When Big Rigs checks in with Les – new hearing aids and all – he’s setting a pace that blokes half his age would struggle to keep up with.

The new epicentre of his multifaceted operation at ALM Sales is a massive new 3000 square metre warehouse in Epping, Melbourne, where he also runs Dunlop Kartsport, the online and retail side of his business, which trades as DK17 [17 is a number that’s always been in the family, explained Les].

With a second-to-none reputation in the sport stretching back more than 40 years, it’s the first port of call for more than 300 dealers across Australia and New Zealand ordering Dunlop go-kart tyres.

From there, the “Mr Dunlop” of world karting also now runs a 3PL operation, 3PL Epping, in large part due to having about 1000 pallet spaces over and above what he needs for his industry-leading tyre stock.

“We work with National Logistics,” Les explained. “They do most of our linehaul stuff that we can’t do ourselves, and I sub-contract to another guy who is the building product part of things.

“We do a lot of Austral’s work and have a couple of other customers, and we pretty much do all of their Adelaide-Sydney-Brisbane bulk deliveries.”

roof, you’ll also now find ALM Engineering Solutions, DK17 Custom Printhouse, and Les’s tenants BMTG Technologies and Thompson Parts Group, a logistics operation for a large Riverina car dealership.

The icing on the cake, however, has to be Les’s dazzling new blue Freightliner Cascadia, parked out front of the warehouse when Big Rigs calls as a container is unloaded before being prepped again for a load of building materials to Adelaide two days later.

Look away now if you’re a fan of the bigger selling brands –Les rates his first Cascadia the best truck he’s owned in his 40 years behind the wheel.

He admits he didn’t start out shopping for a Cascadia with a -

ture comforts. His hand was forced by a two-and-a-half year waiting list for his first choices – but he hasn’t looked back since being handed the keys by Daimler Trucks Toowoomba in January last year.

“I think it might have been destined for the Brisbane Truck show because every box was ticked,” Les said.

“When I did the research on the internet for a new truck, I did it on the numbers – fuel economy, price and features.

“I’ve got to tell you that this is the only vehicle I have ever bought in 44-odd years where it actually does better than all of the manufacturer claims –it’s just sensational.”

The truck is a 126 model and uses a Detroit DD16 that is good for 600hp/2050lbft of torque, hooked up to a 12-speed automated manual.

It mainly tows a single trailer because some of the customer sites are just too tight for a B -double.

Les knows that might seem like overkill to have 600hp for a single trailer, but the Cascadia does run heavy under mass management.

“So that if Mr Plod got his tape measure out at Marulan we can shorten the thing up and it meets all the requirements and then we can get it out a little bit to get into driveways.”

Les says the Cascadia, which was $100,000 cheaper than the top-selling rivals with “all the same fruit”, is also a winner when it comes to fuel economy.

“Since the last press of the button it’s done 10,547km and the fuel average is 2.4. Another easy run out of Melbourne and it’ll probably click on 2.5 again.”

“The best I could get out of a Kenworth with the same load was 1.8. If you’re paying a truck off, that probably equates to a month’s payment [in fuel savings].”

In over 150,000km of use, Les has been the sole driver of his “toy” so far and he’s not about to hand over the keys anytime soon.

While his small team runs the day-to-day operations from Epping, Les can be on the road every chance he gets – the cavernous Cascadia so roomy, it easily doubles as a

Formula One car in terms of power to weight ratio and Les quickly become the best in the land winning a swag of Australian titles and also racing successfully at the highest level in Europe.

A highlight there included an against-the-odds fourth in the world champs in the late 80s after racing on “tired old engines” and being taken out on the first corner with the top spodium spot in his sights.

While competing, Les was also able to combine his passion with work, importing and selling truck mountable cranes in Australia from Europe during the late 80s, early 90s.

“I was in and out of the country all the time and it fitted with bringing in a few bits and pieces in.

When a recent video conference call request came through from Japan while on the road to South Australia, all Les had to do was pull over at Tintinara, change a shirt and pull the curtains.

“I set the laptop up on the passenger side, did the video conference and no one had any idea where I was.

“All I then had to do was relay all order the details back to our office. I’ve got the best phone booster we could get so we pretty much get good reception everywhere along the east coast and across to Adelaide.

“Like the karting, truck driving is a passion and it’s something I enjoy – that’s why I do it myself.”

Les has been involved in motorsport, in one way or the other, since he was born thanks to his engineer dad Joe who sadly passed away earlier this month, aged 91.

Joe built a lot for Ford “back in the early days” when they were rallying and Les, who grew up sweeping the floor of an engineer workshop after school, was hooked from year dot.

He got his start in motorsport behind the wheel of a rally car before a chance switch to superkarts.

With a six-speed gearbox and 250cc motor, they’re considered the closest thing to a

“In a container load of cranes, it’s pretty easy to put in a couple of chassis and some engines and the same time and we grew it to be the biggest wholesaler/retailer [LMR K arting Superstore] in that part of the market, and I was racing them at the same time.”

Despite his talent behind the wheel, however, Les was realistic about pursuing a fulltime career in the rarefied air of Formula One.

“The reality of motorsport is, if you haven’t got the sponsors or the money to back it up, you won’t go anywhere.

“Formula One was, in my opinion, beyond probably my age then, as well as anything we could comprehend, as far as dollars and cents went.

“I raced Super two-litre for two or three years, did a little bit of what is now the V8 Supercars that used to be called touring cars, and then really it was, do you keep spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on a pipe dream, or do you just put it into your business, and I chose the business track.”

Today, more than 40 years later, Les has no cause for regrets, with any talk of easing up quickly swatted aside.

“The old retirement thing is not in my vocabulary,” Les said.

“I’m one of those guys who can’t understand it when people say, ‘Oh f##k, I’ve got to go to work again’.

“I get up every morning with a skip in my step and enjoy going to work – I’ve got to tear myself away to not be here.”

Les May rates his new Cascadia as the best truck he’s driven. Main images: Daimler Truck

The Cascadia takes centre stage at the new Epping HQ.

Keeping the wheels turning

MACK trucks have been integral to Bordertown Haulage and Trading’s (BHT) operations since the business was first started back in 1980.

Based in South Australia and established by Peter K arger, BHT was taken over by his son Angus Karger in 2023. He says he’s been around the Macks for as long as he can remember.

“I joined the business in 1982, the day I was born,” said Angus. “There’s a picture of me when I was a baby [see below], standing in Dad’s old R600 with my hands on the steering wheel so I was probably always going to get a Mack myself.”

BHT’s operations extend as far afield as Esperance in Western Australia and Townsville in north Queensland, with its tippers and drop-deck flat tops used to deliver grain, hay, gypsum, gravel and general freight country-wide.

While the company has indeed tried other trucks from a range of other manufacturers, it’s remained loyal to the Mack brand.

When Mack introduced models that had disc brakes and the mDRIVE automated manual gearbox as standard, Angus knew their trucks were the right fit for the job.

“We’re only a small family business but we’ve always been all-in on safety. We started out early on putting disc brakes on our trailers, and we were always looking for automatics, so when Mack brought out the Super-Liner it fitted our requirements perfectly,” explained Angus.

He’s since added another two Mack Super-Liners into the mix, including one of the Centenary models, all maintained through Mack service agreements.

As Angus explained, “I’m a diesel mechanic, but I know my limitations so I look af-

ter a couple of the old trucks, but Mack do all our servicing, and that’s one reason they’re so reliable. I like that Mack take responsibility for the whole truck, there’s none of this ‘that’s someone else’s problem’ stuff.”

After growing up in the house that still sits in the front of the depot, Angus went to boarding school, then joined the army in the year 2000 where he trained as a diesel mechanic. After six years of service that included a stint in Afghanistan, he came back and joined the family business almost 20 years ago.

Along with the two Super-Liners, the fleet also includes one other Mack, a 6x6 ex-army tipper Angus bought at auction – and it’s still in its camouflage paint.

“I had my eye on it for a while, and one day it was up for auction so I took the opportunity, fixed it up and got it registered,” he said.

While the tipper is used mostly locally, the other Macks roam far and wide.

“We’ve got them set up as PBS A-doubles and a PBS rigid five-axle dog so we can handle a pretty wide range of loads,” Angus added.

A typical journey could be from the depot in Bordertown, just inside South Australia on the Victorian border, to somewhere reasonably local like Geelong, or as far away as north Queensland.

“We’ve always had a lot of work coming in and out of Brisbane,” added Angus. “A truck could be away for a day or two weeks, it all depends on the job.”

Angus also likes the fact that the Mack is Australian-made. “I like that these trucks come out of Brisbane.

It’s Australian-made and that’s pretty rare these days. Mack have made it easy for us too, they know what we need and they make sure when we order a new one that it’s got the same specs as

I JOINED THE BUSINESS IN 1982, THE DAY I WAS BORN.”

ANGUS KARGER

the last. There’s no surprises, and we know we can rely on them.”

Tony O’Connell, Vice President of Sales Mack Australia, added, “BHT are a perfect example of the kind of Australian family business that have made Mack trucks the icon they are in this country. A BHT Super-Liner B-double going down the highway is a fantastic sight, and all part of the rich heritage of road transport in this huge country. We’re honoured to be a part of it.”

Six new Macks for 50th birthday milestone

TO celebrate 50 years in business, family-owned and operated customs, freight and transport specialists, JJ Lawson, has taken delivery of six new Mack Anthems, including one fitted out in a special 50th anniversary gold livery.

Greg Lawson, who owns and operates the business alongside his brother Marty, said they wanted something eye-catching to commemorate the big milestone.

“We asked our signwriter Bear Signs for some ideas, and they came up with a gold livery wrap,” Greg said.

anniversary. As longtime supporters of the North Sydney Bears rugby league team, Greg had that truck outfitted in the reverse of the company’s usual red with black stripes.

“With this Anthem we’ve gone back to our usual red, but the gold livery really makes it stand out on the road. It tells the story of the company in a unique way.”

Company founder Jim Lawson decided early on that he wanted to provide a superior level of service and surety to

vos.

The whole fleet is on Mack Platinum Service Agreements, and this suits the company’s needs perfectly.

“Over the years we have considered setting up our own workshop and doing our own maintenance, but with the space and specialised equipment and staff this involves we have continued to decide to leave it to the experts,” Greg said.

The

just

was a

place

Anthems replace

The 50th anniversary truck

“With Mack there’s no need to bang your fist on the table, they understand our business and they sort things out, so we can focus on what we do best.”

and

new

four Mack Granites the company acquired back in 2020,

before the onset of the pandemic.

delivery

special day

took

with almost the whole Lawson family. Unfortunately Jim was unable to attend but his wife Jenny, two sons, two daughters-inlaw and six grandchildren all were there to celebrate the milestone.

Angus Karger took over the business from his father in 2023. Image: Mack Trucks Australia

Vice President of Sales Mack Australia, Tony O’Connell (right) congratulates Greg Lawson (left) on the new addition to the fleet. Images: Mack Trucks Australia

The handover day was a family affair under the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Macks in the fleet include two Superliners and a 6x6 ex-army

BHT’s operations extend right across the country. Image: Mack Trucks Australia

Angus says he was born into the family business – this shot was taken in March 1983. Image: Angus Karger

Start hauling with your new Cascadia knowing you’re already ahead, with complimentary Complete Servicing for three

Giving truckies a louder voice

Big Rigs had a front row seat for the annual conference of the grassroots association for truck drivers in Brisbane earlier this month.

BY GRAHAM HARSANT

AS most of you would be aware, there are a number of organisations that represent the trucking industry.

These groups are of paramount importance when making submissions to government for the advancement of goals that will make trucking a more viable industry in which to work and thrive.

The National Road Freighters Association (NRFA) is a body of trucking professionals dedicated to giving a voice to truck drivers and (mostly) smaller fleet operators since its inception in 2008.

Bipartisanship has been a tenet of the NRFA along its journey and the organisation has strived for joint representation from industry bodies to policy makers in Canberra, believing correctly that a united voice will be more clearly heard in the halls of Parliament.

The NRFA was at the forefront of the Closing the Loopholes legislation which passed in the Senate this time last year and is just now starting to bear some fruit for the transport industry.

The prominence of the NRFA as an industry body was again highlighted this year by the attendance of Senator Glenn Sterle, Chair of Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee, and his counterpart, MP Scott Buchholz. They were joined by Brent Mickelberg – Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Qld, Commissioner Scott Connolly – Fair Work Com-

mission, Paul Daly – Director Strategic Policy HNVR, Don Hogben – Principle Consultant NTC and Dr. Geoff Allan – Austroads CEO.

Re-elected President of the NRFA, Glyn Castanelli opened proceedings.

“Today we come together to discuss infrastructure, but not the kind that involves roads bridges or rest areas,” Glyn said.

“Today we focus on the infrastructure that holds our industry together: the people, the policies and the principles that shape our future.

“This infrastructure is built by all of us – drivers, owner-drivers, operators, industry associations, regulators, bureaucrats, governments both state and federal and even our customers. Each of us plays a role in building a transport industry that is safe and fair.

“At the NRFA we call this infrastructure Minimum Standards and they come in many forms. They could be minimum standards orders or contract chain orders, which are negotiated standards to ensure fairness throughout the contract chain. They could be licensing and competency training, ensuring only well-trained skilled drivers are on our roads. They come in apprenticeships and industry training, creating career pathways in developing the next generation of transport professionals.

“These minimum standards are the foundation of a strong, safe and vital transport sector and like any infrastructure they require continuous maintenance, updates and improvements. They can only be achieved when we stand together

so today I encourage open discussion, bold ideas and collective action. Let’s work together to strengthen the infrastructure that keeps this industry moving.”

When asked where the Closing the Loopholes legislation is at 12 months on, Glyn replied that the body had recently attended their first Rtag (Road Transport Advisory Group) subcommittee for Minimum Standards Orders. In simple terms these orders will address 30day payment terms as well as some unfair contract provisions and dispute resolution for the transport industry.

Board member, Gordo Mackinlay continued: “We always knew that the biggest hurdle was to actually get it (CTL) across the line and we always knew that was not the end, but just the beginning. Now through the hard work of the likes of Glyn they’ve started that next part of the process and definitely there’s been progress –although progress is always slow when bureaucracy is involved.”

It was apparent from the panel discussions held throughout the day that whilst many policies relating to the industry are under review, there is still a way to go before their implementation, perhaps reflecting Gordo’s passing comment.

lan discussed that body’s work in reviewing driver licencing standards and the development of training packages for HC licences and so forth.

Charged with this exercise in 2020, Austroads is now in the process of turning material into proper training materials.

“We intend to start working with industry on the training material to make sure it is fit for purpose and it fits in with state and territory systems,”

Geoff said.

“We expect the training material to be finalised around the second half of this year and rolled out through 202627.”

In a similar vein, Don Hogben, Principle Consultant for the NTC (National Transport Commission) discussed that organisation’s work for the National Heavy Vehicle Law review and associated reforms.

From commencement in 2022, the review of general regulations, mass dimensions, loading regulations and such will be forwarded to ministers within the next few weeks.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s Paul Daly is charged with implementing these changes, the biggest of which will be accreditation.

“Accreditation as we know it today will cease to be and we will have a couple of tiers of a different style of accreditation,” Paul told the conference attendees.

“General safety accreditation, which is essentially bringing in the mandate for a safety management system to be accredited, and then the removal essentially, of Mass, of AFM and BFM and maintenance, and bringing in alternative compliance accreditation. A lot of work will have to go into that space.”

The package goes to the ministers in February. The mass dimension and length regulations probably won’t be finished until much later in the year.

Licencing was also addressed and is being approached from the twin desires of safety on the road and enticing capable drivers into the industry. Methods and systems are being developed along these fronts.

Heavy vehicle driver licensing has two main reforms: The standard approach to driver training and the heavy vehicle assessment process. There are both online and practical components.

There is a second area being looked at called alternative pathways which involves driver supervision and other accelerated apprentice type schemes. These are expected to be investigated during the second half of this year.

An area of contention is the proposed overall length laws extending from 19 to 20 metres and possible height standardisation to 4.6 metres to gain cube. While the ability to carry more load is welcomed, those gathered made it clear that it should not be a choice between prime mover or trailer, where (particularly) long distance drivers are either restricted on living space or carry less cube.

Glyn Castanelli made it clear that the NRFA will lobby hard to advocate for the living space. Gordo Mackinlay backed him up.

Paul Daly, Director Strategic Policy NHVR.

Commissioner Scott Connolly of the Fair Work Commission detailing Closing Loophole provisions. Images: Graham Harsant

The irrepressible Chuck Snow, left, with Rod Hannifey.

“I just want to reiterate the absolute need for these length laws to be governed properly,” Gordo said.

“Extra cube! When you said that I just about back flipped. It is absolutely imperative that we need to get comfortable, safe driving environments for our drivers.

“A couple of days ago a person was killed in a cabover. A lot of people are forced to drive them because of the rules we have. In two trips to America I saw how they do it and it is a simple rule from the kingpin to the back of your combination.

“Let us make up our mind up about what we need to do. If we are doing deliveries into the centre of Sydney we buy the prime mover we need to do that. If we are doing trips across the Nullarbor we will buy the equipment that we need for that.

“It is seriously about time it was about the driver. We all have driver shortages and we need to make an environment that is inviting. By just a time – we went from 23m

to 25m – it was all about the load. We went from 25 to 26m – it was all about the load. And now you’re looking at adding a metre to singles and it is going to be all about the load. It needs to stop!”

Gordo’s comments drew sustained applause from those assembled.

The international guest speaker was Dean Croke, an Australian who has spent the past 25 years in America.

Dean worked for Dial a Truck (DAT), a freight matching company that handles around two million loads a week through the spot market.

The company’s success comes partly from matching drivers with what we would call back loads, and catering to shippers that couldn’t find a truck to move their product after deregulation occurred in 1980.

A billion dollar business, Dean’s presentation was a fascinating insight into the American transport industry

an upcoming issue.

Another guest was Greg Casey, a 34-year veteran of the NSW Police – 25 of those as a Highway Patrol ‘Practitioner’. Upon retiring in 2021, Greg’s passion for road safety and concern about driver fatigue led him to commencing a PhD on the subject.

Rather than the traditional method whereby the only readers of PhD’s are the examiners, Greg decided to publish his works in parts in academic journals to reach a wider audience.

His PhD consists of four parts – one already published, two under review and the last still being worked upon. The first was an observation study of truck drivers’ rest stop behaviour and the prescriptive context in which they stop at these locations.

“Firstly we were able to show how loads differ in their time sensitivity. For example drivers of refrigerated loads generally had less rest

of their stock and drivers of oversized loads rested for longer at night because of the restricted operating hours. This allowed us to show that differing load types impact truck drivers’ rest stop behaviour - but the law doesn’t account for these variables.

“Clearly the efficiency of the changeover process relies on both drivers arriving at or near the same time, but the study showed that when one driver was late, the first driver’s overall journey time is extended because they have to wait for the second driver, and the second driver on 75 per cent of occasions had insufficient or no rest at all. They just unhitched, rehitched and took off.

“Now when parking is limited, truck drivers face a conundrum. They either continue driving or risk a fine for exceeding work hours or, if there is no legal space available they will park illegally and risk a fine. Interestingly, 58 per cent of those had more

that laws need to be amended to consider the effect of differing load types on truck driver’s rest stop behaviour. Changeover runs need to be better planned by transport managers and they need to build flexibility in to account for any delays. Parking availability for trucks at rest stops needs more consideration in both trip planning and at the stopping site construction stage.”

Greg went on to detail the law enforcement side of the industry and found that police officers had only limited understanding of the fatigue laws and more education needs to be done in this area.

Other guests included Scott Connolly of the Fair Work Commission (FWC), who took the audience through minimum standard orders as they relate to the industry as a result of the Closing the Loopholes legislation.

He stressed that decisions made by the FWC will be done in cohort with the industry via the Road Transport Advisory Group .

Other highlights includ-

ed the presentation of three awards. Chris Roe was presented with the NRFA Life Membership Award, former NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto received the Noel Porter Award for unwavering contribution to the transport industry and Casuarina Smith, the ‘Trucking with CJ’ social media identity, was awarded the Terrie Bradley prize, named in honour of the NRFA’s first secretary.

The award recognises those who go above and beyond to promote the industry.

The evening also saw the assembly entertained by Canadian trucking success story, Chuck Snow, CEO and founder of TRAFFIX, who paid homage to the best truck drivers in the world –Australians of course.

The NRFA National Conference will be held at Wollongong next year.

Put it on your calendar, and if you wish YOUR voice to be heard, go one better and join this dedicated group.

At just $11 per month, it’s an inexpensive and worthwhile investment.

Josh Ulbrich listened intently and then asked plenty of questions.

Grant McKean celebrates a great conference.

Casuarina Smith, aka CJ, received the prestigious Terrie Bradley Award from NRFA President, Glyn Castanelli.

An attentive audience of NRFA members and industry media gathered at the Waters Edge function centre in Hamilton.

Ally and Matt Nitshke winding down after a long day.

[L-R] Chris Roe, Gordo Mackinlay and Dale McDonald taking a break from proceedings.

Towering Volvo Globetrotter has been around the planet

With the big red F12 pointed out on a highway loaded with hay or headed to a show, the well-travelled and well-regarded truck has given its owner a new lease on life.

BY DAVID VILE

IT would be rare to not attend a historic truck rally or show somewhere throughout southern Australia and not see the towering Volvo Globetrotter F12 of Jeff Johnston lined up on display amongst the other attendees.

Jeff has been a stalwart of the historic truck community in Victoria for a number of years and the red F12 has been a part of the Johnston family fleet - in a working capacity initially as part of the family business and in later years as Jeff’s ‘retirement’ truck.

With the Swedish marque the feature truck brand at the annual Urana Historic Machinery Rally in late 2024, Jeff and the Volvo had ventured into the southern Riverina from their base at Montrose at the foot of the Dandenong Ranges on the outskirts of Melbourne.

The Johnston name has been closely linked to road transport for over 50 years, with the family establishing Bark King in the mid-1970s which saw the tipper fleet grow from one truck.

“Dad and I started off in 1976 - one vehicle, then two, and the customers kept on ringing, and we ended up with my two brothers joining the business and 26 trucks all up.

“Around the time Covid first hit we sold up the business and went into retirement mode,” Jeff explained.

“Over the years the fleet evolved with a variety of makes and models and the Bark King trucks with their green and white paint scheme stood out on the road, with one of the company’s Kenworths making a fleeting appearance in the film clip for ‘ song ‘Chained to the Wheel’ back in 1989.

the Volvo is quite a contrast

NOW I AM RETIRED I HAVE THE TIME TO DO THESE TRIPS, AND THE HAY RUNS HAVE BEEN REALLY GOOD; IT IS A GREAT FEELING TO HELP THE FARMERS OUT AND KEEP BUSY AT THE SAME TIME.”

to the Bark King colours, with Jeff having purchased the Globetrotter from another well-known operator in Melbourne.

“We purchased it from Thompson’s Transport in Huntingdale and done a bit to it, it got a bit of a polish up, and a roadworthy and I was off doing my first trip with it,” Jeff explained.

“I towed the tub grinders from site to site, and a float from time to time, it was never used as a tipper.

“Thompsons had a lot of Volvos in their fleet used to do a lot of concrete beams and panels. I have photos of this one towing a dolly and a spread trailer carting bridge

from new - it was the only Globetrotter they had, all their other Volvo’s were the conventional cabs.”

With the sale of the business, Jeff kept the Globetrotter and a drop-deck trailer which had been fitted out with a set of ramps by the Bark King workshop.

With a 1986 build date, the truck, like its owner, was just about due for retirement - or at the very least a lighter work schedule.

“It’s rated at 385 horsepower so it’s probably not the most powerful vehicle on the road these days, but it gets the job done,” Jeff said.

“Back then with that horsepower and the things such as the twin bunks and the air-conditioning they were over spec’d compared to a lot of vehicles on the road.”

Purchasing the Globetrotter turned the wheel full circle for Jeff who had previously experienced the driver comforts of the Volvo brand.

“In my younger days I rolled a Kenworth over and had an F-series from Avis Rental back in the early days of Volvo.

“In six weeks, I had five different Volvos - they had water ump issues, electrical issues and so on but they had good fuel consumption and you would do a trip and not feel

they were just so comfortable but being young and stupid all I wanted to do was drive a Kenworth so it came out of Royans and I was back in the Kenworth again!” he said with a smile.

These days both Jeff and the Volvo are kept busy hauling hay as part of the ‘Aussie Hay Runners’, which helps farmers with donations of hay and fodder in times of drought or after disasters such as bushfires.

Both truck and driver have chalked up a few longer trips in recent times including runs across to Tailem Bend in South Australia as part of a 24-truck convoy on the November Melbourne Cup weekend.

the hay runs have been really good; it is a great feeling to help the farmers out and keep busy at the same time,” Jeff said.

Jeff also has plenty on the go through his involvement with both the Historic Commercial Vehicle Club (HCVC) and the Australian chapter of the American Truck Historical Society (ATHS) and as such he is a regular contributor to various online forums and Facebook pages where historic vehicles are on the agenda.

“Social media has been a good thing as it keeps you in touch with a lot of people from all around the place and then you can go along to shows and meet up with them.”

Prior to Urana, Jeff had also taken the Volvo on a run

through far East Gippsland up the Cann River valley with a number of other historic truck owners.

Keeping the Globetrotter company in Jeff’s shed at home is his other pride and joy - a 1962 ‘Mark 2’ Atkinson which has been lovingly restored and is also wheeled out to attend historical rallies on a regular basis.

“That has been one of my loves as Dad had one of them initially and we travelled around all over the place - it is a similar model to the one he had, and it brings back a lot of memories when I am driving it,” he said.

Jeff’s F12 has been a faithful sidekick for a number of years and examples from that era are somewhat of a rarity on the road these days, however the Globetrotter styling and nameplate carries through today to Volvo’s latest XXL model cabover.

With the big red F12 pointed out on a highway loaded with hay or headed to a show, Jeff is content with his well-travelled and well-regarded truck.

“It’s been around the planet a bit. I can’t think of all the places I have been in it; you name it I have been there.”

“But I am going to hang on to it - my pride and joy, it pushes all my buttons, and I have enjoyed owning and driving it immensely.”

Jeff Johnston with his trusty Globetrotter at Urana.

The Johnston F12 with Haulmark spread-axle trailer heads towards Wodonga on the 2016 Crawling the Hume event. Main images: David Vile

Jeff and the Volvo are kept busy hauling hay as part of the ‘Aussie Hay Runners’. Image: Down the White Lines Truck Photography

The 1986 F12 shows the Globetrotter evolution parked next to Graham Troutbeck’s 2010 FH.

Johnston’s 1962 Atkinson is also a regular on the historic truck show circuit.

24 EVENTS

Save the date for these events

HERE’S a look at some of the truck events coming up throughout 2025.

MARCH

Lockhart Truck Show

March 1

Lockhart, NSW

Facebook: Lockhart Truck Show

Celebrate road transport history, past and present, at the annual Lockhart Truck Show. The event features historic and modern trucks and other vehicles such as motorbikes, and classic and vintage cars, on display in the pavilion. There will also be food and prizes for winners in a wide range of categories. Camping is available overnight for a donation and includes a Sunday morning breakfast.

White Hill Truck Drivers Memorial and Truck Show

March 1

White Hill and Murray Bridge, SA

Facebook: White Hill Truck Drivers Memorial S.A Inc.

Those wanting to take part in the convoy can meet at the White Hill parking bay at 10am or at the Memorial at 10.30am. the memorial service will run from 10.30-1130am, concluding with the opportunity to lay flowers. A convoy will follow to Sturt Reserve’s back oval, where the truck show will be held. The truck show will run from around 12pm-3pm. Entry is $25 per truck and $10 each for additional categories.

The event will feature food, a silent auction and entertainment for the kids.

Tasmanian Truck Owners & Operators Association Truck Run

March 2

Glebe to Longford, TAS

Facebook: Tasmanian Truck Owners & Operators Association

The Tasmanian Truck Owners & Operators Association will be hosting their annual truck run on March 2 – setting off from Launceston and winding up at Longford Showgrounds. Trucks will arrive at 9am at Joe Pintarich Glebe Yards on Boland St for a 9am departure, to arrive in Longford for 10am. Attendees can look forward to a great display of trucks, food and coffee vans and face

to the fun will be a monster raffle, auction, trophy cere mony and live music from S with all proceeds going to wards the Royal Flying Doc tor Service.

Big Rig Rumble

March 7-8

Toowoomba Showgrounds, QLD meatstock.com.au/bigrigrumble25

March 14-15

Bendigo Showgrounds, VIC

The Big Rig rumble is for any unique or custom truck. Supported by the Lowood Truck Show in Toowoomba and by Let’s Get Rural in Bendigo, the event is taking place as part of Meatstock Festival. Space is limited and pre-registration is essential. No trailers unless by prior arrangement.

Moonbi Truck Show

March 8

Moonbi Showgrounds, NSW

Facebook: Tamworth Truck Drivers Club INC

Come and visit the Moonbi Truck Show for a showcase of trucks – both working and retired. Hosted by Tamworth Truck Drivers Club Inc. in conjunction with Kootingal Motor Club, the event will run from 9am to 4pm.

Highlights of the day include a tug-o-war competition at 12pm, a special presentation at 3pm and there will be prizes on the day

Clunes Historic Vehicle Show

March 9

Clunes, VIC

Facebook: Clunes Historic Vehicle Show 2025

The annual Clunes Historic Vehicle Show is brought to you by the Historic Commercial Vehicle Club of Australia’s Ballarat branch. The

like-minded people display ing their vehicles, engines and collections.

Camp Quality

Newcastle Convoy

March 9

Maitland Showground, Newcastle, NSW fundraise.campquality.org. au/convoy/newcastle

Exciting times for Newcastle as the city is getting its first ever Camp Quality Convoy this March. The event will bring the transport community together to support kids facing cancer, providing them with moments of joy and fun. Supporters can cheer on the convoy on it rumbles around a 38km loop starting and finishing at Maitland Showground. A free family festival will follow.

Australian White Truck

Muster

March 15-16

Kyabram Showgrounds, VIC

Facebook: White Truck Muster

The 10th Australian White Truck Muster is a truck, bus, car, tractor and memorabilia display featuring White and associated brands, as well as an all-scale model muster (plastic, resin and diecast). Guests can look forward to a Saturday night dinner featuring a guest speaker, visual presentations, raffles and an auction. For more information contact Ray Grima on 0407 311 007.

Colac Truck and Ute Show

Colac Showgrounds, VIC

March 22

Facebook: 2025 Land Transport Colac Truck and

The Colac Truck and Ute Show is back, with something for everyone – from a show ‘n’

tertainment and more. Entry: dults $10, concession/pension $5, 12-18 years $5, under 12 years FREE. Families (two adults and two children) $20.

VTA State Conference

March 23-25

Silverwater Resort, Phillip Island, VIC vta.com.au

Registrations are now open for the Victorian Transport Association’s State Conference. The conference is a major event in the VTA’s calendar and unites key industry figures to discuss challenges and opportunities faced by the transport and logistics sector. This year’s theme is “Safety First: Empowering People, Boosting Productivity, Shaping Transport’s Future” and provides a valuable opportunity for industry leaders to have crucial conversations regarding safety both on the road for drivers and off the road for operators behind the scenes.

APRIL

National Rural Carriers Convention

April 4-5

Canberra, ACT lbrca.org.au

The 2025 National Rural Carriers Convention will be held in Canberra at Thoroughbred Park. LBRCA is hosting the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) to bring to you the largest gathering of rural carriers in Australia to celebrate 40 years of the ALRTA.

The event will provide a unique opportunity for the rural transport industry from across Australia to meet and reflect on the past 40 years and the future.

Haulin’ the Hume

April 12-13

Luddenham Showgrounds, NSW wshtc.com.au

Join the Haulin’ the Hume crew for their historic road run, following the Old Hume Highway out of Sydney to Yass.

From the new starting point at the Luddenham Showgrounds, the convoy will head up over the famous Razorback, through the Hole in the Wall at Picton, through Mittagong, Berrima and into Goulburn for lunch and a short display.

The convoy will then continue with a drive through the spectacular Cullerin

through the Gasoline Alley in Yass and then on to Gundagai, where the group will have dinner, sharing some photos and laughs as they relive the good old days. Sunday morning will serve up breakfast and farewells before heading back to reality.

Trucking Australia

April 28-30

Adelaide, SA new.truck.net.au/ta

Trucking Australia will return in April – and this time it’s coming to Adelaide.

Trucking Australia is the industry’s premier annual event and a great opportunity for industry professionals to meet face-to-face and collaborate on potential solutions.

Join over 400 other delegates at the 2.5-day conference, which presents ample networking opportunities to meet industry experts and a chance to build new connections.

MAY

Brisbane Truck Show

May 15-18

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, QLD brisbanetruckshow.com.au

The 2025 Brisbane Truck Show is the southern hemisphere’s largest festival of all things trucking, with over 30,000 square metres of exhibitions showcasing the latest trucks, trailers, technologies, and parts and accessories available on the Australian market.

The 2025 show from May 1518 will be part of Truck Week, a week-long festival incorporating an array of activations in nearby South Bank Parklands, including the Premier Boxing Series, Australia’s

Best Show N Shine, and The Depot careers and entertain ment hub – plus the Heavy Equipment and Machinery Show at RNA Showgrounds and the Heritage Truck Show at Rocklea.

JUNE

Alexandra Truck Show

June 7-8

Alexandra, VIC alexandratruckshow.com.

au The Alexandra Truck Show is back on the King’s Birthday weekend in June this year, with a Sunday Show ‘n’ Shine on the town’s main street, as well as live music, a Victorian woodchop tournament, exhibitions, trade displays, kids’ amusements and a raffle. Come down on Saturday for the local markets, a convoy and truck drivers’ memorial. For more details email trucks@alexandratruckshow. com.au.

AUGUST

Casino Truck Show

August 2

Casino, NSW Facebook: Casino Truck Show

The date is set for this year’s Casino Truck Show, one of the biggest events in Australia’s trucking calendar. Tens of thousands of people and hundreds of trucks are expected to descend on the town as usual – last year, truck entries had to be capped at 600. Attendees can look forward to a great day out with food, trade stalls, kids’ amusements and much more.

Have you got an event you’d like included in the next Save the Date? Email all the details to danielle.gullaci@ primecreative.com.au.

The Casino Truck Show in August will be an event for the whole

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Share your truck pics to win with Shell Rimula

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with there are even more reasons to send in your best truck shots.

team will choose a #PicOfT

heMonth, with the lucky winner r Coles Express Gift Card.

Keep an eye out for our regular posts on the Big Rigs National Road Transport Newspaper Facebook page, calling

Keep

coming!

Aaron Fuller Transport shared this stunning pic, “reflecting on the day’s activities at home” after a torrential downpour in Sydney.

photos in each edition of Big Rigs Newspaper, with one winner announced each month.

those amazing truck pics

Hayden Barton took this cool shot in North Queensland at sunset.

Hayden Semionov snapped this shot of the T909 with a load of concrete poles, while heading westbound on the Nullarbor.

Troy Valentine pulled over between Blackall and Barcaldine to take this shot of three trailers of packaged beer for Darwin.

Josh McEachran took this snap from his first trip in a B-double since upgrading to his MC.Aaron Maher sent this great shot of the Wickham Freight Lines K220 he drives.

Joel Warren took this ripper photo, while travelling from Perth to the Pilbara.

Luke Curtis shared this snap of a Lawrence Transport T904 and Bakewell Haulage Legend 900 SAR, while stopped for a catch-up on the border.

Great shot from Dave Hely “rollin’ out” of Pennsylvania State Forest in NSW.

Mark McGahey captured this stunning sunset at the northbound Rollingstone pads.

Ashley Petersen sent this snap of Petersen Farms’ Kenworth T659 leaving the pineapple farm at Hervey Bay with a freshly picked load of pineapples.

Blake Wheatley shared this great sunrise pic of his single drive Kenworth T358 at Byron Bay, NSW.

A lifelong love of Macks

FOR Dallas Fabian – a transport operator, farmer and vintage Mack parts specialist

– his affinity for the bulldog brand started at a young age. Back when he was just 11 years old, he attended the Penrith Truck Show and when he laid eyes on a B-Model Mack, it was love at first sight.

“When I saw that truck, I said I want one of those one day. Then I bought one when I was 17 and that started my love affair with Macks.”

Today Dallas is the proud owner of 18 Macks – seven are working models used as tippers to service his transport business DJF Haulage.

“The rest are my collection of old girls. I now have three B-Model Macks including that first one that I bought. That will never go anywhere – it’s part of the family,” said Dallas.

“When I was 25, I bought

a Mack Trident prime mover to actually use as a working truck, as an owner operator. Then I bought a couple of other old trucks too.”

Dallas’ Mack collection has some very rare finds. Speaking of his Macks, Dallas

said, “The original B-Model I bought was the first one to be brought into Australia with a turbo charged engine. Seven of those came to Australia and I have two of them, so they are really rare trucks.

“I also have the oldest B61

in Australia, which my mate gave me – it’s a 1954 model. This and its sister truck were the first B61s to arrive here. The other one has been all cut up, so this is the oldest surviving one.

“My other trucks include a V8 Super-Liner, a V8 Value-Liner, one of the last 1998 V8 Titans they ever built and a 1976 R-600. I also have a 1970-model Mack Flintstone. That was the first model Mack brought out after the B-Model. It’s unrestored in the shed waiting, but it will be done up one day.

“Then I have another one in the shed too, it’s a 2000 Mack Centennial. There were only 25 built and mine is number 25, so it was the last of those that were built.”

It was this passion for Macks

separate business alongside his transport operation called DJF Fabrications, trading as DJF Truck Parts Australia, which specialises in parts for older Macks ranging from 1960 to 2007 models.

The launch of DJF Truck Parts was a natural progression for Dallas, who began importing Mack parts when he bought his first vintage Mack all those years ago –first for his beloved B-Model and then for others who needed them too.

However it wasn’t until a few years ago, with old Mack parts becoming harder and harder to come by, that Dallas decided to take matters into his own hands.

From his home base of Mangrove Mountain on NSW’s Central Coast, he

driveline kits, engine rebuild kits, replacement air manifold, cab parts, window winders, door handles, interior trims and “pretty much everything,” according to Dallas.

“We sell nearly all the parts for Mack’s R-600 and Super-Liner models. And all the parts you can’t get any more we manufacture,” he said.

Among the most recently launched products at DJF Truck Parts are complete loaded R-Model Mack dashs, available in beige, grey and black, which are built entirely from scratch. Also available are aluminium replacement air manifolds for the firewall on Mack CH, CL, CX (Vision), Superliner LT, Titan or Trident models ranging from 1997 to 2007. These are manufactured inhouse and are designed to replace the plastic housing, which can wear much more quickly. These replacement air manifolds feature an aluminium housing with fully replaceable high quality brass air fittings. They are sold in a kit that also comes with three new low air pressure switches and a mounting gasket.

For more information or to chat about your parts needs for older Macks (1960s to pre 2007 models), visit facebook.com/djf.truck.parts. australia, email sales@ djftruckparts.com or call

DJF Truck Parts now sells complete loaded R-Model Mack dashs.

A new leader for Capricorn

BRAD Gannon recently took on the role of Group Chief Executive Officer for Capricorn Society, taking the next step in a 16-year career with the cooperative.

“I’m thrilled to be leading Capricorn as we start our 51st year of supporting our community of Members, Preferred Suppliers and our hardworking team members,” Brad said.

“Capricorn is an amazing purpose-led organisation that is genuinely committed to making a difference. Our purpose is not just written on the walls, it is lived each and every day.”

Capricorn was formed back in 1974, when a group of Golden Fleece Service Station owners met at a training session on how to run a business. Over the next four days, these 12 strangers got to know one another and decided to form a joint buying group to pool their resources and increase their buying power. The strategy worked, and their numbers

grew to 17, when they decided to officially register as a cooperative.

The early years were tough and it took over a decade for the cooperative to reach 500 Members. Now, over 50 years later, Capricorn has more than 30,000 Members and 2000 Preferred Suppliers who make up its community across Australia and New Zealand.

Capricorn Members include

mechanics, commercial truck and transport businesses, collision repairers, auto electricians and those from other related fields.

The Capricorn product range includes a trade account, fuel card, a generous reward program, a travel agency along with extended lending products. Capricorn Members a lso have the option to take out risk protection through

Capricorn Mutual which was launched in 2003.

Brad says Capricorn has survived and thrived because the organisation has spent half a century listening to and meeting the needs of its Members.

In explaining Capricorn’s long-term success, Brad outlines the very straight forward key strategies.

“Capricorn has always been driven by cooperative principles. Our Members and the broader community including our Preferred Suppliers and team always come first in every decision that we make,” Brad said.

“It is this spirit of cooperation that makes us unique because we are making decisions that are sustainable for all of our community across the long term. It is also important to note that our Members are not just our customers; they are also our owners.”

Like all business owners across the industry, Capricorn

Members are presently facing a number of challenges, with many continuing to be impact ed by the skills shortage along with feeling the pinch of the ever-increasing cost of living.

By introducing initiatives such as the Capricorn Rising Stars Apprentice of the Year Award to encourage and recognise apprentices in the industry, to promoting the industry and the opportunities that it provides, Brad says Capricorn is committed to working with its Members to look for solutions to ease the pressure of these and future

Making the trucking industry shine

AUSTRALIAN owned and operated, Armoury Group offers a range of premium truck wheels and accessories to keep your rig looking its best.

Driving trucks is a hard game, with long days spent on the road and time away from family and friends.

For many truck drivers, a truck is like a second home, so they want to make it something they can be proud of, showing the pride they have in their work.

Armoury Group understands that wheels and accessories are more than just nuts and bolts, they are a statement of who you are. The business has been elevating trucks for over a decade, with finishes that exceed expectations.

Armoury Group is a brand that takes the time to balance aesthetics with performance. Looking good is important, but truck wheels and accessories need to work hard out on the road, and they need to last too.

Manufactured from the company’s Penrith workshop in Sydney, Armoury Group’s

products are designed to stand up to the rigours faced by Australian transport operators, no matter the task or the terrain their trucks are faced with.

While Armoury Group’s offering has grown and changed over time, what’s never wavered is its commitment to the highest quality and exceptional customer service.

As Armoury Group’s Special Projects Manager Cameron Jackson explained, “This is a relatively young business that was started 10 years ago. Here at Armoury Group, we’re always innovating and looking at ways to improve our products and do things better.

“The business looks vastly different to what it did back when we started. But we still have a passionate team that believes in what they’re doing. We know the industry and know it well. At Armoury Group, our purpose is to make the trucking industry shine.”

Being a family owned company and a smaller business than some of its global com-

petitors, Armoury Group says it can offer a better level of care to its customers.

“We’re nimble and we can move fast to cater to our customer’s needs. Whether it’s someone who has a couple of trucks and trailers, or someone with 200 trucks and trailers, they will be treated the same,” added Cameron.

“We’re not in the market to be the biggest people in the game or the loudest. What we do want though is to offer value and develop personal relationships with our customers by getting to know them and what they do.”

At Armoury Group, the team is here to take the stress out of having your truck fitted with new wheels or accessories.

By increasing its production capacity, Armoury Group can ensure it maintains a consistent supply to the industry.

Over time Armoury Group has grown exponentially with two Sydney locations, and a Melbourne warehouse and fitting location opening in the first week of March.

“We have created a very strong and successful community within the industry that extends beyond business relationships and this continues to be our focus moving forward,” he said.

“It is our goal to help all members of the Capricorn Community through every step of their business journey, as ultimately their success is our success.”

To learn more about Capricorn, visit www.capricorn. coop.

“This means we can supply bigger quantities fast. What may have taken a couple of months in the past, we can now do in a week,” revealed Cameron.

This ability to meet customer demand has been fur-

ther bolstered by a change in processes. Always looking to innovate, Cameron says this ensures operators are back on the road sooner.

“The installation of our products has also been simplified, so that anyone can fit them themselves if they choose.”

Contact Armoury Group today to discuss the best products to make your trucks shine. Visit armourygroup. com.au or call 1300 005 576.

Armoury Group’s product development/drawing team creating new products.

The Armoury Legend: This truck was purchased as the company’s very own Legend SAR.

Inside the Armoury Stainless workshop. Images: Armoury Group

Images: Capricorn

New PBS A-double boosts productivity at Porthaul

PORTHAUL has taken its fleet to the next level with the launch of a new Performance-Based Standards (PBS) Lusty EMS A-double road train from Freighter Group, delivering significant productivity gains for the company.

Porthaul, a carrier of various commodities based in Portland, Victoria, made its first move in the transport industry by opening its doors on November 1, 1990. The business first started off carting bulk agricultural products such as grain, fertiliser and limestone, yet Australia’s ever-increasing demand for goods coupled with the business’ craving for more, saw new paths reveal themselves to the business.

“It started with my father, Brian Williamson, who was a subcontractor in those early days,” said Porthaul General Manager, Edward Williamson. “There was another company at the time called Bulkhaul which was going to close its doors, and he went to their customers and asked them if they would support him if he kept going. They said they would, and it’s basically grown from there.”

In the time that has followed, Porthaul has evolved even further to specialise in a larger range of freight types such as wood chips, fuel, refrigerated goods, general freight and containers.

Porthaul has entrusted Freighter Group for all of its trailing needs for over 10 years, and as a result has accumulated over a dozen PBS combinations ranging from skels to log trailers and tautliners.

“We’ve been working with Freighter Group for many

years now,” Edward said. “We’ve always had a good relationship with them, and it’s definitely been a relationship that has had many different applications. They have always looked after us and have helped us get the product that we need.”

In its latest trailer delivery from Freighter Group, Porthaul has deployed a new PBS Lusty EMS A-double road train combination which consists of two chassis tippers and a rigid drawbar dolly.

With a Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of 85.5 tonnes and a 55-tonne payload, the Lusty EMS A-double combination has been configured to comply with the Victorian high-productivity freight vehicle (HPFV) reference design and includes a plethora of features suited to Porthaul’s particular application. While the inclusion of a rigid drawbar dolly further enhances the combination’s on-road performance and stability.

The unit is primarily being used to transport grain to the Port of Portland for export, which sees it travel through the business’ hometown and the Wimmera region to arrive at its final destination. Around this, it also delivers fertiliser to various farmers which occasionally sees it end up in southern New South Wales.

According to Edward, the Lusty EMS road train has been showing extremely positive signs through its on-road performance.

“Driver reports are all very good,” he said. “The higher productivity and safety of the vehicle is obviously the big contributor to that. It rides well and has a good weight distribution, and the drivers

A few of

AUSTRALIAN Pump Industries has recently carried out an unofficial and completely off the cuff survey from truckies to find out what it is they like, and what drives them nuts. What we found is the two major gripes were not the long hours, or tight schedules. It is potholes and poorly maintained roads, and the boring task of a weekly clean of the vehicle.

The consequences of hitting a pothole at speed can cause real trouble to undercarriage and suspension but also has an impact on the driver as well. What you don’t need with long hours on the road is to run into bone shaking corrugated roads or potholes.

Cleaning those beautiful big trucks, Kenworths, Macks and the like, in spite of how much you may love them, isn’t that much fun.

The Aussie Pumps survey indicated that the normal

IT RIDES WELL AND HAS A GOOD WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION, AND THE DRIVERS HAVEN’T HAD ANY ISSUES WITH IT WHICH IS GOOD.”

EDWARD WILLIAMSON

haven’t had any issues with it which is good.

“Having the drop deck al lows for that lower centre of gravity and cubic capacity if needed. It gives us an oppor tunity to vary the products that the trailers are able to cart.”

Edward added that Freight er Group was chosen once again for this application due to its “proven track record of producing high-quality trailers”. For him, the aftersales service experienced following each purchase is the icing on the cake.

“Freighter Group has always built a good product, and now that the network is starting to open up in terms of PBS vehicles and road trains, it was time that we moved towards the bulk tippers.”

This venture into tippers from Freighter Group, Edward explains, has been well worth it, as the A-double’s deployment has resulted in increased profitability and productivity business-wide.

This new Lusty EMS PBS road train combination has also been given a massive role in Porthaul’s new business venture.

“We’ve just built a 4500-square-metre grain storage facility in Portland,” said Edward. “It’s being used to

store grain for export down here, so coming into Portland carting the extra capacity with the A-double is definitely an advantage for us because we can do it with less trucks and with bigger weights.

of grain that needs to come down here, so having the new trailers with that extra capacity definitely takes the pressure off.

“It’s exciting to finally have an A-double tipper in the to increasing them in the future. We’ve had Freighter Group PBS vehicles for over 10 years now, and this is just another one that we’ve relied on them to develop for us and to get us going. It’s certainly

the things that truckies hate

time to do a proper weekly clean is between 6 and 8 hours.

It depends on the size of the truck and the care you take but it just isn’t that much fun.

Aussie Scud – Here’s how we can help

Australian Pump Industries is Australia’s leading manufacturer and designer of industrial quality high pressure water blasters. Their Scud 4000 and 5000 psi machines come in stainless steel ergonomic trolley frames that feature real positive aspects that can cut the time dramatically. Here are some examples.

Enough pressure and flow: Aussie knows it’s the combination of pressure and flow that gets the job done. Try the Aussie 4000 psi Scud, Honda powered with electric start to make it as easy as possible.

The Scud 400 is widely used in the earthmoving and construction market as well as by

major hire companies. New innovations that come with the latest versions include a stainless steel hose reel with 30 metres of high pressure hose. That’s a gift from the gods because it gives you 60 metres of range without having to move the machine during the job. Add that to the 4000 psi pressure or for a “softer wash” a 3000 psi machine with 21 lpm (litres per minute) flow machine is available (Scud 351), designed specifically for truck washing.

A long telescopic lances giving 5.5 metres of reach is also part of the kit. That means you can clean the vehicle without having to balance on ladders to get the job done. The machines also offer detergent capability so you can spray the detergent on, leave it for a few minutes and then blast it off leaving the machine looking shiny and new. Turbos enhance pressure to

produce a great result fast! Yes, Aussie can cut your 8-hour clean to 2 hours, freeing up your weekends.

Aussie Pumps Chief Engineer, John Hales, sums it

up. “We can’t do much about potholes,” he said. “Replace cheap third world pressure cleaners with the real deal, Australian designed and made Aussie Scud, built

tough and equipped to get the job done fast!” For further information, contact Australian Pump Industries distributors or visit aussiepumps.com.au.

The combination has been put to work leading Porthaul’s new business venture.

Tyler Wood keeping his tipper clean with the Aussie Scud 400 complete with stainless steel reel. Image: Aussie Pumps

MaxiTRANS has changed its name to Freighter Group.

The new Freighter Group stands for something more powerful than ever before. It stands for being ready.

Ready to push boundaries, deliver excellence and to help you go further. Be part of a new era in transport.

freighter.com.au

Testing for steering issues

HYDROSTEER is Australia’s leading heavy vehicle power steering specialist and supplier.

Established in June 1981, the company has become a vital link between Australia’s heavy vehicle manufacturing and maintenance industries.

With over 40 years in the game, Hydrosteer offers the country’s largest selection of heavy vehicle power steering products, with options for all makes and most models.

Hydrosteer has established itself as a leader in the heavy

vehicle power steering industry through its technical leadership, extensive parts availability and engineering product enhancements.

The company’s expertise spans development, manufacturing, servicing, diagnosis and supply of power steering products.

Steering issues such as wandering, darting, or unpredictable steering, can be challenging for those behind the wheel – and these problems can also pose significant safety risks. Being able to

properly diagnose the issue and its cause allows for it to be addressed in the best possible way.

That’s where Hydrosteer’s latest release comes in – the Digital Hydraulic Tester, which has been introduced into its product line-up to help address steering issues. The Digital Hydraulic Tester accurately measures oil flow, pressure, and temperature, and includes a built-in loading valve to simulate normal vehicle operation pressures.

CUSTOMERS RECEIVE THE FULL RESULTS OF THE TESTING, SO THEY ARE LOOKING AT THE EXACT SAME DATA AS WHAT WE ARE.” TIMOTHY DAY

The state-of-the-art digital testing equipment provides both digital and paper reports and allows customers to receive real-time digital readouts their mobile phones upon test completion. By downloading the app onto their phones, ustomers can receive the reports almost instantly, which an then be downloaded as a PDF file for easy sharing and printing, serving as a reference for future diagnostics.

This advanced testing is ideal for reactive, proactive, and reventative maintenance, ensuring that the hydraulic system, especially pumps and steering gears, perform to factory specifications.

“Along with being used to diagnose steering issues, the Digital Hydraulic Tester is great for preventative maintenance too – identifying ssues before they become a major problem,” explained Hydrosteer Sales Manager Timothy Day.

“Customers receive the full results of the testing, so they are looking at the exact same data as what we are. They can then discuss the issue with us and decide how they wish to proceed.”

Hydrosteer offers a quick turnaround service focused on minimising downtime, leveraging their four factory-owned facilities in Melbourne (Bayswater and Laverton), Sydney, and Perth, a long with a third-party distribution warehouse in Brisbane and a network of dealers across the country. Their custom manufacturing service caters to one-off

to low-volume production, based on samples or specifications, and is underpinned by their ISO9001 manufacturing process.

Hydrosteer has already rolled out this new testing technology at its Bayswater branch in Victoria, with its Perth, Laverton and Sydney branches to follow shortly.

To find out more or discuss your steering needs, go to hydrosteer.com.au. You can also visit the Hydrosteer team at the Brisbane Truck Show, running from May 15-18, by visiting Stand 206.

The Digital Hydraulic Tester can diagnose steering issues, with reports sent straight to your phone. Images: Hydrosteer

The state-of-the-art digital testing equipment provides both digital and paper reports.

A trusted name in filters

IN the competitive world of automotive and industrial filtration, Sakura Filters Australia stands out as a beacon of quality and reliability. With 35 years of experience in the aftermarket filtration industry, Sakura Filters has established itself as a trusted name in Australia and New Zealand. Their truck filters and commercial kits are designed to meet the highest international standards, ensuring optimal performance and longevity for vehicles and machinery.

Comprehensive range of filters

Sakura Filters Australia offers an extensive range of filters tailored to meet the diverse needs of heavy-duty vehicles and commercial applications. Their product lineup includes:

• Oil filters: Essential for maintaining engine health by removing contaminants from engine oil, ensuring smooth and efficient operation. High-quality oil filters are crucial in extending the life of engine parts and providing optimal lubrication.

• Air filters: Designed to keep dirt and debris out of the engine, air filters improve engine performance and fuel efficiency. Proper air filtration enhances the combustion process, resulting in lower emissions and better

fuel economy.

• Fuel filters: By filtering out impurities from the fuel, these filters protect the fuel injectors and ensure optimal combustion. Clean fuel ensures smooth engine operation and prevents clogging of critical fuel system components.

• Cabin filters: Enhance the comfort of the vehicle’s occupants by trapping dust, pollen, and other airborne particles, improving air quality inside the cabin. Good cabin air quality is essential for the health and wellbeing of drivers and passengers.

• Crankcase (PCV) filters: Pre-

vent oil mist and other contaminants from escaping into the atmosphere, contributing to a cleaner engine and environment. Effective PCV filtration reduces the build-up of harmful deposits within the engine.

• Fuel water separator filters with mount and bowls: Crucial for removing water and contaminants from the fuel, protecting the engine from corrosion and ensuring reliable performance. Particularly important in preventing water-induced engine damage and maintaining fuel purity.

• Coolant filters: Maintain the purity of the engine coolant,

preventing rust, scale, and other impurities from circulating through the cooling system, thus protecting the engine from overheating.

• Hydraulic filters: Critical for heavy machinery and trucks with hydraulic systems, these filters remove contaminants from hydraulic fluid, ensuring smooth and efficient operation of hydraulic components.

• Urea filters: Used in diesel engines with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems, ensuring the purity of the urea solution (DEF) and preventing contamination that could damage the SCR system.

• Air dryer filters: Essential for removing moisture and contaminants from compressed air systems, these filters prevent corrosion and damage to air brakes and other components in heavy-duty vehicles.

Quality and standards

Sakura Filters Australia prides itself on producing filters that adhere to stringent JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) and SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) specifications. Each product undergoes rigorous testing to meet the ISO9001:2015 international standard, guaranteeing consistent quality and performance. This commitment to excellence is evident in the high-quality materials and sturdy construction of their filters, which provide superior en-

gine protection and reduce maintenance costs.

Longevity and performance

One of the stand-out features of Sakura Filters’ truck filters and commercial kits is their longer lifetime. Manufactured with highquality materials, these filters are built to withstand the demanding conditions of modern engines. This not only ensures optimal performance but also translates to cost savings for businesses, as fewer replacements are needed over time. The robust construction of these filters means they can handle high levels of contamination, protecting vital engine components and extending the life of the engine.

For more information, visit sakurafilters.com.au.

applications. Images: Sakura

Sakura Filters’ range of commercial kits.

15-18 MAY 2025 TICKETS ON SALE

Brisbane show shaping as the best ever

THE countdown is well and truly underway to the biggest and best show of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

By the time you have this issue in your hands, featuring this special six-page, longrange preview to the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show, there will be just three months left until the doors open at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC) for the May 15-18 extravaganza.

It’s already shaping up as the biggest and best show ever and is the climax to Truck Week 25, a new week-long festival of all things trucking, including the Heavy Equipment and Machinery Show at the RNA Showgrounds and the Heritage Truck Show at Rocklea.

Todd Hacking, CEO of event organiser Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA), said Truck Week 25 – to be held from May 12-18 – will feature exciting new activations, including the first-ever National Show ‘N’ Shine Championship, with as many as 28 of Australia’s best blingedup trucks competing for the crown of the nation’s best.

The showcase will be staged at Little Stanley Street at South Bank and will be open to the general public.

An added attraction in 2025 will be the Premier Boxing Series to be staged at the South Bank Piazza on the Friday and Saturday nights of the show.

Telecast on the Seven Network, the series will feature six bouts involving elite amateur and professional boxers each night, culminating in a title bout.

Several thousand school students are also expected to flock to The Depot, a new interactive zone just outside the show at TAFE Queensland’s South Bank campus lawn which will feature an awesome array of interactive displays, cutting-edge simulators and other engaging activities aimed at showcasing careers in the industry.

Hacking said the response to the show’s strategic expansion into a week-long trucking festival has been “fantastic”.

“The opportunity to showcase our industry in this spectacular location provides the perfect opportunity to share our story with the community in a tangible and lasting way,” he said.

“We are extremely grateful to the Queensland Government and the City of Brisbane for coming on board to enable this initiative to come to life.

“They recognise that the

Brisbane Truck Show is a vital Queensland business, tourism and cultural asset, recognised internationally amongst the world’s leading industry business events.”

A nd like previous shows, there’ll be reciprocal ticketing and free bus transport from the show to the Brisbane Showgrounds for Queensland’s largest civil construction expo, the Heavy Equipment and Machinery Show; as well as a free shuttle run to Rocklea Showgrounds where there will be the most impressive display of classic trucks at the Heritage Truck Show.

“Back to 2018 HVIA received feedback from the major truck and trailer exhibitors of a need to get more inspirational, to push the envelope, to f urther their opportunities to showcase the industry and to utilise the industry’s largest asset they had to reach out to the community,” Hacking recalled at the launch.

“Up until then, the Brisbane Truck Show had been an industry show, proudly run by industry, for industry. It was the biggest in the southern hemisphere but it was preaching to the converted. That is still an important part of the event – it is a B2B [business to

THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHOWCASE OUR INDUSTRY IN THIS SPECTACULAR LOCATION PROVIDES THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE OUR STORY WITH THE COMMUNITY IN A TANGIBLE AND LASTING WAY.” TODD HACKING

business] event, but they saw it as a missed opportunity.

“So HVIA set about making it bigger, we approached the Queensland Government and Tourism and Events Queensland and explained our vision. An industry event inside the doors of the BCEC and a trucking family festival in the surrounding areas.”

Hacking said HVIA’s vision was simple – become the first B2B event to take over South Bank.

WITH less than 90 days until show time, punters are being urged to book tickets now for the much-anticipated 2025 Brisbane Truck Show, the southern hemisphere’s largest festival of all things trucking.

Building on the success of past shows, all exhibition space is already sold out, guaranteeing attendees over 30,000 square metres of exhibitions of the latest trucks, trailers, technologies, and parts and accessories available on the Australian market.

The 2025 show will be a critical component of Truck Week, a week-long festival incorporating an array of activations in nearby South

Bank Parklands, including the Premier Boxing Series, the first-ever National Show N Shine Championship, and The Depot careers and entertainment hub – plus the Heavy Equipment and Machinery Show at RNA Showgrounds and the Heritage Truck Show at Rocklea.

All tickets will also include free entry (and bus transfers) to the Heavy Equipment and Machinery Show at the nearby showgrounds.

A range of affordable ticketing options are available for the 2025 show, from single-day General Public tickets through to multi-day VIP tickets.

General public

General Public tickets can be purchased online at brisbanetruckshow.com.au for the same price as the 2023 tickets.

Single-day tickets are priced at $25 for adults and $20 for concession card holders. Multi-day tickets can be purchased online for $60 for adults and $50 for concession card holders.

Attendees will save $5 buying both single-day and multi-day tickets purchased online rather than at the door.

Under 18’s don’t require a ticket and will be given a wristband at the door.

“And so ever since 2019, we have been reaching out to the community to explain the importance of trucking. And it is important. Without the heavy vehicle supply chain working as intended, fresh food isn’t delivered, medical supplies aren’t replenished, bricks and mortar for schools and homes don’t get to site and major industries such as retail, hospitality, mining, construction literally ground to a halt.”

VIP passes

VIP passes can be purchased by exhibitors as either single day, or new this show, multiday passes which are valid for all four days of the show.

They are sold as bundles of 10 and can be purchased from the exhibitor dashboard by the primary contact of your stand.

Make sure your clients and prospects are at the show by sending them a VIP pass. They are a fraction of the price of a ticket at the door. They can be used as gifts for key customers, potential clients or as a reward for key personnel (the gift that keeps on giving).

VIP passes are $14 for sin-

• To be part of our bumper May 9 show preview issue, call Peter Hockings on 0410 334 371, or email peter. hockings@primecreative. com.au.

Wide range of show tickets now on sale CJ named as Brisbane ambassador

CASUARINA Smith, who runs the popular Instagram page Trucking with CJ, has been announced as the official 2025 Brisbane Truck Show Ambassador.

A truck driver for Merkanooka Haulage, she shares her life on the road, providing valuable insights into the trucking industry, and promoting the importance of safety and innovation with her following, which now exceeds 98,000 followers

Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) says that as the face of this year’s Brisbane Truck Show, CJ will play a

pivotal role in promoting the event, engaging with attendees and highlighting the latest advancements in the trucking world.

“It is such an honour to be asked to be the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show ambassador,” CJ said.

“Two years ago when I started sharing short videos of my life at work I could have only dreamed that it would lead to an opportunity like this.

“It brings me immense joy meeting others in this industry and learning from others’ experiences.

“This show brings together

A range of affordable tickets are now available.

gle day and $35 for multi day until March 14, 2025. After this date they are $16 and $40 respectively. Visit brisbanetruckshow. com.au for more details.

so many people from opera-

tors to allocators, small business owners to global operations. It’s a fantastic event that everyone should try to get to.

“I look forward to not only personally learning more but to getting to meet more people in person.”

The Brisbane Truck Show will be held from May 15-18, 2025, at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

It’s Australia’s largest and most renowned trucking industry event, showcasing the latest in trucks, trailers, equipment, and technology, drawing thousands of visitors

and exhibitors from across the globe.

“We’re incredibly excited to welcome CJ to the Truck Show family. She’s such a passionate advocate for the industry, and through her channel she’s been able to showcase the best that life behind the wheel can offer,” said HVIA National Manager – Partnerships & Member Engagement Harrison Hunkin.

“Her approach to sharing her journey align perfectly with the values of the Brisbane Truck Show, and we’re looking forward to the fans flocking to meet her.”

Truckie Casuarina Smith runs the popular Instagram page Trucking with CJ. Image: BTS

Mobile column lift debuts in Brisbane

MAHA Australia has cho-

sen the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show to debut its new C_ RGA mobile column lift boasting cutting-edge features designed to enhance efficiency and performance.

In today’s competitive environment, workshops need to invest in smart equipment to stay ahead – and the new column lift delivers just that, says Mick Lauster, Managing Director of MAHA Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands.

“We’ve chosen the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show as the debut event for this innovative column lift in the Pacific region,” he adds.

Advanced features

Simplified pairing

The C_RGA’s in-built LED control panel allows for operation of the columns individually, in pairs, or as a group. Data is transmitted wirelessly with zero interference, and for larger workshops, up to 16 columns can be linked via optional connecting cables.

Daisy-chained charging cables ensure continuous use without interruption.

ment and requires less main tenance.

Additionally, the lift’s slim design (just 180mm per col umn) and optimised chassis a llow for easy manoeuvrabili ty within tight spaces, and its hydraulic dolly offers ground clearance of up to 85 mm, making it ideal for all surfaces

Safety and durability

The C_RGA mobile column lift combines smart connectivity with proven technology. A lithium-ion battery, now

“This mobile column lift empowers us and our customers to step into a digital future.”

standard, ensures more lifts with fewer recharges, while also reducing the lift’s weight and size for greater mobility. Its double antenna system guarantees interference-free operation, even in busy workshop environments.

Smooth and precise lifting

Thanks to its electromechanical drive and maintenance-free worm gear motor, the C_RGA lift offers precision height control without overrun.

Its oil-free operation creates a cleaner workshop environ-

First look at XCIENT fuel cell truck

THE Hyundai XCIENT fuel cell truck will make its Australian debut at the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show.

Claimed to be the world’s first commercialised hydrogen fuel cell heavy-duty truck, the XCIENT showcases the evolution in Hyundai’s alternative fuel source heavy duty trucking solutions. The hydrogen fuel cell-powered heavy-duty truck will be showcased alongside the Korean brand’s MIGHTY Electric truck, a zero tail-pipe emissions vehicle with a range of up to 200km fully laden ideal for urban operations. The MIGHTY features in-

stant torque, delivered by the 120kW/320Nm electric motor for a more confident drive when loaded. Whatever the assignment, the MIGHTY Electric can be customised to fit the job. Available as a bare cab chassis, tipper and refrigerator Pantech it can be fitted with a Hyundai Genuine

Accessories aluminium tray.

The MIGHTY EV offers a 7300kg GVM requiring an LR licence, with an optional 4495kg GVM available for C-class licence holders.

Both trucks will be on display come next year’s show at the Hyundai stand 112 located in Hall 2.

Safety is a priority for MAHA. The C_RGA lift features H-profile beams for mechanical rigidity and in the event of a load failure, independent locking devices engage automatically.

The universal lifting carriage accommodates wheel d iameters from 550mm to 1.5 meters, making this lift

suitable for a wide range of vehicles, including trucks and heavy-duty vehicles. With a 7.5-tonne capacity, the MAHA C_RGA mobile column lift is designed to meet the needs of modern workshops, offering a combination of durability, safety, and smart innovation.

The C_RGA mobile column lift combines smart connectivity with proven technology.

With a 7.5-tonne capacity, the MAHA C_RGA mobile column lift is designed to meet the needs of modern workshops.

MAY 2025 TICKETS ON SALE

Cleaning up with Euro 6

WITH ICE trucks set to play a key role in long-haul transport well into the future, squeezing every last bit of efficiency from the 130-year-old diesel engine is key.

And the latest Euro 6 models set to be on display at this year’s show cut fuel use and emissions beyond what was thought possible just a couple of decades ago

The good news for Australian operators is that the latest Euro 6 trucks are not only cleaner than ever, but they’re more powerful too.

Modern turbocharger technology and precise fuel delivery means flatter torque curves, which ultimately improves productivity.

The horsepower on offer continues to jump too, despite contracting emissions regulations, with up to 780hp now available with Volvo’s new powerhouse D17 engine.

Let’s take a look at what some of the leading truck manufacturers are doing to clean up the diesel engines of tomorrow.

Western Star

Penske’s latest Western Star X-Series line-up and MAN TGX range of heavy-duty trucks bring Euro 6 efficiency across a range of powertrain options, with some of the best safety equipment in the game.

On the Western Star side, the X Series has showcased the latest Detroit Diesel Gen 5 engines since the range launched back in 2022. The 13-litre DD13 and 16-litre DD16 engines are both US EPA-10 emissions compliant, while also satisfying the Euro 6-equivalent ADR 80/04 regulation.

The Gen 5 DD13 in particular is a fuel-saving star, with outputs ranging from 450hp right up to 525hp, designed for longevity and economy rather than outright grunt.

According to Business Manager of Detroit at Penske Australia and New Zealand, Bob Gowans, customer testing of the new engines has seen be-

tween six and eight per cent fuel savings compared with older models.

The engine also uses less Ad-Blue than ever, freeing up chassis space while allowing operators to complete a trip without refilling.

“The DD16 is generally three to five per cent and DD13 tends to sit around five per cent (Ad-Blue use), as a percentage of fuel used,” he says.

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz has remained ahead of the emissions curve, launching its second-generation Actros range back in 2016 with various Euro 6 engine options (eight-, 11-, 13and 16-litre) and more safety technology than operators had seen in a heavy vehicle.

At the time, autonomous driver aids were found in

high-end passenger cars, but few trucks featured technology like lane-keep assist, so the Actros revolutionised the concept of advanced safety systems in heavy vehicles.

Onboard technology aside, the Euro 6 engines and ultra-smooth Powershift AMT transmissions won the applause of media and customers and continue to deliver.

Another major update in 2020 saw more revolutionary technology introduced like ‘MirrorCam’, which does away with traditional side mirrors in place of A-pillar-mounted cameras that have a far less detrimental effect on aerodynamics. Other high-tech features like Active Drive Assist, which is a car-like Level 2 autonomous safety system offering more proactive assistance, were also rolled out.

At the 2023 Brisbane Truck Show punters were given a look at the latest Mercedes-Benz 13-litre engine, which claimed fuel use savings of up to four per cent compared to the old model, slotting in between the 11-litre and 16-litre engines. The

engines continue to get clean er, but Mercedes- Benz isn’t stopping there.

More recently the truck maker lifted the curtain on its futuristic Actros L model in Europe, which brings a new design and new active safe ty systems. Despite sharing its sleek ProCabin cab with the all-electric eActros, diesel power will also be offered for the Actros L as it takes ICE efficiency to new heights.

The Actros L is a case study in aerodynamic design, from the pre-spoiler on the roof that sits before, you guessed it, the actual roof spoiler, to the various extended wind-deflecting flaps and panels around (and under) the cabin. Mercedes-Benz even extended the front of the cab by 80mm to allow it to cut through the air more efficiently.

Keen-eyed readers will notice the absence of a front grille, so how will the latest-generation 15.6-litre OM 471 stay cool? Mercedes-Benz says the engine compartment is ‘decoupled’ from external airflow using a range of seals, which improves aerodynamics, presumably funnelling air

in via a less traditional path. The result of all of the aerodynamic efforts? Around three per cent in fuel savings, according to Mercedes-Benz, which when coupled with its latest Euro 6 engines, will make it the most efficient ICE-powered Actros ever. Combine the four per cent fuel use saving of the revised 13-litre and the aerodynamic benefits of the ProCabin, and Mercedes-Benz could manage a total seven per cent fuel use saving with its latest ICE offering.

Continued on page 38

Western Star X-Series.

DD13 is a fuel-saving star.

Mercedes-Benz Actros.

Safer and more powerful

From page 37

Volvo Trucks

Volvo has long been a leader on the sustainability front, offering Euro 6 options across its 11-, 13- and 16-litre models for half a decade, as well as pioneering the battery-electric space in Australia.

However, it’s the truck maker’s willingness to continue to push the envelope that makes its latest Euro 6 range so impressive. The latest Volvo Trucks line-up boasts serious horsepower, efficiency, aerodynamic and safety improvements across models – especially the FH16 top dog.

Volvo also recently introduced the new 17.3-litre D17 engine, which is now the most powerful truck engine on offer in Australia. Based on the proven 16-litre engine, but with a larger cylinder bore, the Euro 6 D17 produces up to 780hp and a gargantuan 3,800Nm.

Keeping the D17 clean, Volvo opted for a new fuel injection system, low-friction cylinder liners and wave-top pistons for optimal combustion. On the exhaust side, the D17 features both exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR).

D16 – not offered in Australia due to cooling concerns – producing a maximum of 750hp compared to the D17’s 780hp, Volvo Trucks claims a fuel-use saving of around five per cent and the new engine is lighter too.

Combine this with Volvo’s slippery FH Aero cab, which it says offers an 11 per cent improvement over the last model, and energy consumption drops further.

Of course, by extension Mack Trucks also gains the 780hp powerhouse – albeit rebadged as an MP11. The engine offers unparalleled efficiency for heavy haulage applications, able to run a final drive that offers serious highway economy without sacrificing pick-up.

The best part? Volvo Group Australia says all power ratings of the D17 are HVO compatible and it is even planning to factory fill every new truck with renewable diesel from the end of this year.

Scania Scania is best known for thumping V8 engines and mountainous horsepower ratings, but the Swedish manufacturer’s latest range of Euro 6 engines is also incredibly clean as it aims to extend

The all-new 13-litre six-cylinder ‘Super’ engine was rolled out in 2021, before making its way to Australia in 2023, featuring double overhead camshafts (DOHC) –which is a first for the truck maker – offering fuel use savings of up to eight per cent.

Scania’s ‘Super’ six is available with 420hp, 460hp, 500hp or 560hp, with up to 2,800Nm available in top spec guise, and it’s mated to the latest-generation Opticruise transmissions designed to squeeze maximum fuel efficiency out of the 13-litre engine.

According to Scania, the DOHC four-valve cylinder head technology, coupled with the company’s TwinSCR system, offers serious engine braking performance and more precise emissions control.

For those wanting a couple of extra cylinders and a soundtrack to match, Scania’s latest 16.4-litre V8 range made its way to Australia in 2021 and has since proven itself as a serious high-horsepower workhorse with up to 770hp/3,700Nm on tap.

Scania redesigned the iconic V8 engine with a compacted graphite iron block, reduced internal friction, higher compression ratios, improved engine management and taller nal drive gearing to achieve

fuel savings of up to six per cent.

The brand is no stranger to clean engines, with the first Euro 6 Scania models touching down in Australia back in 2014 before being put to work by forward-thinking carrier TNT Australia around Victoria.

However, its new V8 and ‘Super’ six-cylinder engines are proof the Scania diesel has a long life ahead of it.

Like its fellow Swedish truck maker, Volvo, Scania Australia has marketed its entire Euro 6 range of trucks as HVO compatible but the manufacturer also offers FAME biodiesel compatible engine options capable of reducing CO2 emissions by as much as 80 per cent from well to wheel.

Kenworth

The king of ‘old-school cool’, Kenworth, is taking a newage approach to its trucks despite offering style that still ticks the box for long-time lovers of the brand.

Kenworth’s K220 cabover was launched back in 2022 with the option of a Euro 6 Cummins X15 15-litre engine coupled to the latest 18-speed Endurant XD Pro automated transmission, for operators chasing more efficiency and reduced emissions.

Further enhancing the

FOR THOSE WANTING A COUPLE OF EXTRA CYLINDERS AND A SOUNDTRACK TO MATCH, SCANIA’S LATEST 16.4-LITRE V8 RANGE MADE ITS WAY TO AUSTRALIA IN 2021 AND HAS SINCE PROVEN ITSELF AS A SERIOUS HIGH-HORSEPOWER WORKHORSE WITH UP TO 770HP/3,700NM ON TAP.”

K220’s clean credentials, Kenworth was able to improve aerodynamic efficiency by four per cent using a new ‘wind cheating’ roof profile designed using computational fluid dynamics.

Of course, Kenworth offers the Euro 6 red engine in its other models, like the popular T610 and big banger T909, but don’t worry – the clean diesel engine options don’t require any of the trademark Kenworth ‘bling’ to be removed!

DAF

Launched in late October, DAF Trucks Australia’s new flagship models, the XG and XG+, are powered by the

PACCAR PX-15 which sets a new standard for performance and efficiency.

The Euro 6-compliant new generation engine platform with a sculpted, ladder frame style block, significantly enhances the performance levels of the 15-litre engine. The PX-15 patented architecture allows it to operate at higher cylinder pressures, resulting in impressive performance – 660hp at 1,800rpm and 3,200Nm torque between 900-1,400rpm.

This exceptional performance leads to reduced fuel consumption, optimised efficiency, enhanced durability and improved driveability.

To harness the high torque output from the PX-15 engine, the Australian XG and XG+ are equipped with the ZF TraXon 16-speed automated gearbox.

L ocally developed calibrations for high productivity combinations ensure that the perfect gear is always available, making both flagship trucks a dream to drive.

What’s more, the new models are the first to leverage updated European regulations on cab dimensions and feature a redesigned front grille for improved cooling and aerodynamics, 220-litre toolboxes on both sides, and easy access with three evenly spaced steps.

Volvo has been at the forefront of the wave of Euro 6 trucks landing in Australia.

Kenworth, the king of ‘old school cool’, has been quick to take a new-age approach.

Scania’s first Euro 6 models touched down in Australia in 2014. Images: Brisbane Truck Show

DAF’s new XG and XG+ models set new standards for performance and efficiency.

15-18 MAY 2025 TICKETS

Show pioneer returns to big stage

HAULMARK Trailers – the host of the first-ever Truck Show back in 1968 – is return ing to the Southern Hemi sphere’s largest transport in dustry event in 2025.

It will mark the first time the specialist trailer manufacturer, which recently celebrated its 60th anniversary, has exhib ited at the show since 1999 when the then Queensland Truck & Machinery Show was held at Brisbane’s RNA (Royal National Association) Showgrounds.

Prior to that it exhibited at every show from its inception in 1968 when the company – along with 20 other exhibitors – staged the first event at Haulmark’s premises at Ipswich Road, Rocklea.

of Queensland (CVIAQ), is looking forward to returning to the “phenomenal” Brisbane Truck Show.

Sparking its return, he says, is the desire to showcase two new products with broader market appeal than its traditional range of specialised railers.

Over the past six decades Haulmark has built a reputation as a designer and manufacturer of high-quality trailers targeted at the livestock, earthmoving, mining, construction and general freight sectors.

“Back in 1999 [when we made the decision to stop exhibiting at the show] we got to the point where we had other priorities. We have a very loyal client base and you can only do as much as [your production] capacity allows,” he notes.

“But you evolve as you go and we have now got one to two new products that we want to get out there and the Brisbane Truck Show is the best way to spread the news and connect with potential customers.”

Constructed with Hardox 450 wear-resistant steel plate and premium fibre-strand, moisture-resistant insulated walls, the units are ideal for asphalt/hot mix as well as a wide variety of other bulk products.

“The combination of insulated walls and a custom-designed retractable tarp mean more usable product is delivered to site even in adverse conditions with temperature staying more consistent than other options in the marketplace,” Johnston says.

In 1970 the show moved to the nearby Rocklea Wool Stores before relocating to the RNA from 1983-2009 and then to its current home of the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre in 2011.

National Sales and Marketing Manager Mark Johnston says the company, the first member Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia’s (HVIA) predecessor, Commercial Vehicle Industry Association

From locations in Brisbane, Darwin, Townsville and Adelaide, it designs and manufactures a range of specialised products, including cattle trailers, road-train dollies, low loaders, drop deck trailers, skeletals, side tippers, prairie wagons and dangerous goods tankers.

Among the new products, Johnston reveals, is a live bottom floor trailer developed in conjunction with Canadian company Gincor.

The purpose-built trailers are equipped with a durable two-ply heat-and-oil resistant conveyor belt which allows for safe unloading in various locations, preventing any risk of contact with overhead power lines or structures.

“We’ve got some [of the trailers] out there already but we’re now trying to ramp things up.”

More broadly, Johnston says Haulmark’s show return is also driven by a desire to “re-engage with the industry”.

“We have had a long and productive relationship with the industry and I’m really

looking forward to getting back to the Brisbane Truck Show and seeing where it leads us,” he says.

“We’ve also got some new people at Haulmark who haven’t had the joy of [exhibiting] at a Truck Show.

“The thing that blows me away, as someone who was an active member of CVIAQ, including time as president, is to see where it’s all gone in terms of the [growth of the] HVIA. It’s phenomenal!”

Pushing the boundaries for side-loaders

THE first showcase of the Hammar’s new flagship model, the Hammar 500, will be at the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show on May 15-18.

This year marks 50 years since Bengt-Olof Hammar developed the first Hammar side-loader and founded Hammar in Sweden – and the company is marking the occasion with the launch of two new models.

The company, which has grown into a global player at the forefront of the industry, unveiled the Hammar 550, the world’s first side-loader with a 50-tonne safe working load, and the new flagship model Hammar 500, which will be on show for the first time at next year’s Truck Show.

Hammar Maskin AB was founded in 1974 and the first Hammarlift was built in the same year. Fifty years since manufacture, it still can be operated and lift heavy containers!

“Performing the first lifts with the first side-loader I built is one of my strongest memories during my 50-year journey with the company,” says Bengt-Olof Hammar, CEO and owner.

“We are proud of its history and what it says about Hammar. It demonstrates the principle we stand behind, high quality and satisfied customers.”

Hammar’s singular focus on side-loaders has earned it an estimated 65-70 per cent share of the global market

TRUCKING CAREER STARTS

Over the years, Hammar has had one single focus: side-loaders. This dedicated focus has earned the company an estimated 65-70 per cent share of the global side-loader market.

With five subsidiaries and more than 50 service stations worldwide, Hammar side-loaders have been sold into more than 122 countries, and can today be found on all continents, including Antarctica. Today, Hammar continues its focus on further growth.

The next significant development is the Hammar 550 model. It comes with a worldfirst 50 tonne safe working load (CE-marked) and will be the world’s strongest side-loader model. Initially developed for handling large cable drums, the design will be usable for many more applications.

Another major innovation is Hammar’s new flagship model, the Hammar 500, which is based on a range of proven technologies that have been merged and optimised. No load will be too challenging with a 45-tonne lifting capacity.

The 500 model is unique in its ability to stack containers weighing up to 17.1 tonnes two rows deep, achieved with an incredible six-metre reach.

The Hammar 500 is built on the foundation of triad-and-tested Hammar technology, ensuring reliability and longevity.

Its capabilities push the

boundaries of what’s possible for side-loaders, making it a unique offering on the market.

“Hammar’s 50th anniversary is just the beginning of a new chapter in the company’s history. We very much look forward to continuing to be the driving force in the industry, with a focus on service, innovation, quality and sus-

tainability,” says Bengt-Olof. The first showcase of the Hammar 500 in Australia will be at the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show.

Join Hammar at stand 77 in the Great Hall to experience first-hand how its advanced design and features, including extended crane reach and innovative stabilizers, improve heavy-duty lifting!

The purpose-built trailers are equipped with a durable twoply heat-and-oil resistant conveyor belt which allows for safe unloading. Image: Haulmark

Returning to the show after more than 20 years, Haulmark will showcase an innovative new live bottom floor trailer.

The world’s first side-loader with a 50-tonne safe working load, and the new flagship model Hammar 500 will be on show for the first time at next year’s show.

This year marks 50 years since Bengt-Olof Hammar developed the first Hammar side-loader and founded Hammar in Sweden.

Cheerful Victorian truckie enjoys busy life on the road

HAPPY Victorian driver

Dallas Borer had a bigger smile on his face than the size of the tank he was hauling when Big Rigs saw him on February 7.

Based at Drouin in Victoria’s Gippsland region, the 52-year-old truckie was driving a Kenworth K200 for Stephenson Transport.

He was parked up at the BP Cluden in north Queensland

with a pilot escort near him and they were just about to leave.

“I picked up the tank at Parkes and it is being delivered to Stuart which is nearby here.

It’s for a sewerage treatment plant,” he said.

Dallas added that the worst highways he encountered on the way up were between Moonie and Goondiwindi and the Gregory Development

Road which is also known as the Belyando. “They were both terrible – I got held up on the Belyando,” he said.

Dallas also likes stopping at the BP roadhouse at Jerilderie for one main reason. “They look after us truckies there,” he said.

Outside work Dallas enjoys helping with the family farm where a variety of vegetables are grown.

In the AFL, Dallas barracks for the Carlton Blues.

Whilst he doesn’t follow any NRL team in the rival code he does support NSW in the rugby league State of Origin series.

Just as we were finishing our chat, Dallas got a phone call and, along with his escort, departed from the roadhouse parking area – still with the same huge smile on his dial!

Truckies band together during Queensland floods

JOSH Drayton and Ross Ja cobson were held up by flood ed roads when I saw them in North Queensland on Febru ary 8, early in the afternoon.

Josh was in a flashy Mack An them and Ross was behind the wheel of a Mack Trident; with the duo parked up at the BP Cluden Roadhouse yarning to other drivers as they waited for news of roads reopening. “The highways north and west are closed,” said Ross. They both work for Richers Transport, based at Maryborough in southern Queensland, and were destined for Innisfail, carting product for Kmart.

Josh was fortunate to be behind the wheel of a pride of the fleet. “I have been a driver for 25 years and love the job,” he said.

While Ross has been a driver for the past 12 years, most f them on Tasmanian roads until moving to Queensland recently.

Ross had a swift baptism into driving in the tropics after heavy rain and floods closed many northern mainland roads. The previous day e had been held up south of Townsville and waited for four hours for the water to subside from over the Bruce Highway.

“The most frustrating thing about being held up due to rain is the unknown. And when the roads will be clear to travel on,” Ross said.

With his experience in the most southern and northern states of Australia, Ross was an ideal driver to ask what where the worst roads he got along are.

“It would have to be the one at Elephant Pass in north east Tasmania. And the road to St Mary’s is challenging,” he said. It is 17km up a range to St Mary’s from the A3 highway on Tasmania’s mid-east coast, and it’s 10km back down to the same road.

Elephant is the southern pass with larger radius corners but gets slippery at times.

St Mary’s is steeper with

quite tight corners and can have heavy traffic volumes which slow you down.

On the subject of roads, Josh added that he rates the high way between Maryborough and Rockhampton as amongst the worst he has to travel along.

Josh also said that more rest areas were needed for drivers, a sentiment shared by many.

“Especially near and around Cairns.”

While Josh nominated his favourite roadhouse: “The one at Paget in Mackay has great food and they look after drivers. I used to stop

Young Victorian owner-operator follows his dreams

Hayden Bennett who runs Bennett Bulk Haulage from Portland, Victoria, has been driving trucks for a little over two years now.

Aged 24, he got his foot in the door with Kalari doing the mineral sand run from Ouyen to Portland.

These days you’ll find him behind the wheel of his Freightliner Columbia 120

with an ISX Cummins under the hood.

Hayden says he’s had a fascination with trucks since he was a kid, which led him to go up through his truck licenses as soon as he legally could. And being his dream job, Hayden didn’t want to waste any time getting into the driver seat.

His advice to other young people wanting to get into

truck driving is that if it’s a career path you want to pursue, don’t be scared to give it a go – even if it’s starting in a rigid doing local work.

“Everyone gets a start somewhere. Don’t give up. You will get to where you want to be if you put in the hard work!” he said.

Asked about his favourite roadhouse, Hayden said it’s the Werrigar in Warrack-

nabeal, where he can always go for a reliable good feed and a shower.

On the weekends as a wind down, Hayden enjoys spending quality time with his partner and going camping when they get the chance to.

He also added that his dream truck would have to be a Peterbilt 379, but a more realistic goal is a Kenworth T659.

at Epping Forest along the

Josh Drayton has been a truckie for 25 years.

Ross Jacobson spent most of his truck driving career in Tasmania before his move up north.

Unsealed stretch of Hann causes havoc

THE Hann Highway which runs between outback Hughenden and the Lynd Junction has just 11km that remains to be bitumen sealed – and this needs to be done as a matter of urgency.

It is part of the Kennedy Development Road in Flinders Shire and when the coastal Bruce Highway is flooded is a great inland route.

However when the recent floods created havoc in the north, trucks stuck and banked up in the vicinity could not use it.

That’s because the 11km of dirt were unpassable.

The unsealed sections remain a critical bottleneck, preventing a continuous inland highway connection from Cairns to Melbourne.

Flinders Shire Mayor Kate Peddle emphasised the importance of completing the final 11km of sealing to strengthen regional connectivity and supply chain resilience.

“In times of need, we Queenslanders want to help out a mate, and in this instance, we can’t due to 11km of unsealed road. If the Bruce Highway is cut, business is impacted, supply chains suffer, and inland communities lose the ability to support the coast. Right now, if they go down, we go down,” Peddle said.

Given the recent funding allocation of $7.2 billion for Bruce Highway upgrades, Flinders Shire Council is urging all levels of government to a lso invest in strengthening alternative routes.

“Ensuring timely and cost-effective transportation to southern markets is essential for our economic vitality,” Peddle added.

Since the early 2000s I have travelled the Hann several times including when most of it was shifting dirt.

An action group was set up

to lobby governments for an upgrade and one meeting I attended during 2008 was at Clothes Peg Station along the Hann.

I am sure when the remaining section is sealed truck drivers and road transport companies will be delighted.

Longer Tasmanian route safer

Negotiating the Lyell Highway in Tasmania between the west coast town of Strahan and the capital Hobart is challenging for truck drivers – as many have told Spy.

It is a 286km trip which takes in a treacherous range which has 99 bends between Strahan and Queenstown.

A lot of work has been done on the Lyell in recent years by authorities and, despite this, many drivers who don’t make deliveries along it prefer to travel extra distance. They opt to go along the highways from Strahan to Burnie on the east coast along the Murchison and Ridgley Highways.

There has also been a major upgrade of the Murchison Highway.

To get to Hobart from Burnie is at least another 250km, depending which route they take.

Despite this extra distance, many consider it to be worth the journey for safety reasons.

Sign angers truckies

A no standing sign placed across the road from a busy NSW roadhouse has angered drivers.

It was put there recently and anybody who parks there is generally breached by local cops.

“There is no reason why it should even be there and quite a few drivers have been fined,” one truckie told me.

It is understood that numerous grey nomads in vans have

a lso received parking tickets.

Nicole popular at Cobar Roadhouse

Drivers who travel through Cobar in NSW tell Spy they like stopping at the Ampol Roadhouse there, praising the friendly staff, especially Nicole Burley.

“She is a real live wire and so helpful and I like pulling up there,” one truckie told me.

So I phoned the roadhouse and Nicole answered but being a modest type didn’t want to self praise herself.

She passed me on to the manager Jody Collier who also was delighted with Nicole’s work.

“She is a real gem and such a hard worker,” Jody said.

The Cobar Roadhouse employs 15 staff, mostly locals with three from overseas.

“We get on average 20 trucks a day stopping here and the drivers favourite foods are a big breakfast, steak and a mixed grill,” said added. It is open from 5am until 9pm from Monday to Saturday and between 6am and 8.30pm each Sunday. “The kitchen is ready at opening time,” Jody added.

No decent places to stop

It was just after 1pm on January 29 when Spy was finishing off his rump steak, washed down with an icy cold beer, when I received a call from a Northern Territory truckie.

“I am 69km from the Queensland border on the Barkley Highway and need a rest but there were no decent places to stop. So I had to park my road train at a pull off area and have a break,” he said.

Even though there wasn’t much traffic on the highway, our man considered it not the safest place to stop.

“It was always in the back of my mind that somebody could hit me as it was a nar

roadhouse A baby kangaroo was rescued from beside a NSW highway as Christine Howes was travelling near the Little Topar Roadhouse building.

It had been hit by a vehicle and was wrapped in a rug and then driven to the Little Topar which had been a popular stop off for drivers for many years.

“I didn’t realise it has closed and was no longer open for business,” she told Spy.

So Christine drove on to the next roadhouse which was the BP at Willcannia, 120km away.

“Neal Koorndyk was a passenger and held the kangaroo for the drive. They took it from me there and looked after it,” she said.

Christine said after the kangaroo’s mum was hit and k illed, he had come out of her pouch.

“Council workers in Wilcannia – especially the Animal Control Officer ‘Kingy’ – steered us to the BP there,” she said.

Christine was keen to find out how the kangaroo had fared so Spy phoned the roadhouse.

I was told by a woman there: “Sadly the roo died about six hours after it was left there. I even had some kangaroo milk here and gave it some and would have handed it over to wildlife people in town,” she said.

50 not out and going strong

The lady who took my call at BP Willcannia was long time operator Pat Barraclough.

A half century is a well used term in cricket for anybody

and with my husband John used to have our own road transport company. Our son also drives trucks,” Pat said.

She added that the roadhouse was a 24-hour fuel stop which was well patronised by truck drivers.

“We don’t sell food here and there is plenty of parking nearby. Even if 20 road trains stopped there would be ample space for more,” she said.

Bike truck gets a big audience

When Spy asks truck drivers what their hobbies are, many nominate either restoring or riding motor bikes – or both.

There is a lot of interest in bikes amongst the general motoring public as Spy saw in late January.

A truck pulled up along a busy road in a big town and the driver walked into a storage unit facility.

Soon after he wheeled a high powered bike to the back of his truck and using a lifting device placed it in the trailer.

Unbeknown to him, a large audience watched from across the street through windows of a popular café.

He then wheeled at least three other bikes outside and did the same.

Lots of cars travelling past had a gander.

The hard working driver seemed oblivious to being a star attraction. So Spy snapped a pic.

Nostradamus truckies’ military tip

With all of their experience travelling the highways and byways around Australia, truckies knowledge enables them to offer good advice.

In the weeks before the rain fell, at least 12 truckies asked me to suggest in this column that the Army be called up for road and bridge repairs. When bridges on busy highways are closed for a length of time due to damage the effects on the road transport industry are enormous.

“Get Army engineers in to construct one of those temporary floating bridges which has often happened during wartime,” one driver told me. That certainly came to fruition when Army engineers built a temporary bridge over Ollera Creek on the Bruce Highway after some of it had been washed away.

Perhaps these lads should now be referred to as Nostradamus.

Freight dilemma

Spy hears that during the big wet in the far north many trucks were parked up at a Charters Towers roadhouse chock a block full of vital supplies.

The parking area was full and these vehicles were waiting to travel through to Townsville on the coast or to towns along the Flinders Highway heading to Mount Isa in the opposite direction. A driver told me that some of the food and other goods he was to deliver to Townsville 130km away on the coast could have been picked up locally in Charters Towers.

“Some of what was being carried was to be put on other trucks in Townsville and brought back to Charters Towers,” he said. Seems like double-dipping and a waste of money.

The narrow pull off area beside an NT highway, 69km from the border. Image: Supplied

A kangaroo rescued by a truckie which sadly later died.

The Cobar Roadhouse in NSW.

Braced for a new adventure

This experienced diesel mechanic has thrown himself straight into the deep end, taking on his first ever truck driving gig – on one of the country’s most remote and difficult runs.

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

GETTING to the remote Aboriginal community of Tjuntjuntjara is no easy feat. There are only two roads into the town and both are extremely treacherous.

Think ungraded red dirt tracks – and if there’s rain, there’s a good chance of getting bogged. Plus there’s plenty of wild camels to look out for, just for good measure. Tjuntjuntjara is home to around 100 people and is located approximately 650 kilometres north-east of Kalgoorlie, in the Goldfields-Esperance region of Western Australia.

For seven years, the town relied on veteran outback truck driver Kym Mozol, 64, to keep their only community store stocked. For years he did the fortnightly1800-kilometre

round trip, battling some of the most trying conditions. Since retiring from his only outback run in December to focus on the rest of his freight work as well as running his Ceduna-based farm in South Australia, he’s passed the baton on to young go-getter Jordan Lambeff.

A ged 34, Jordan has spent his career honing his skills as a diesel mechanic. Now he’s expanded his horizons from under the hood to behind the wheel.

Also based in Ceduna, Jordan has been a heavy diesel mechanic for all of his working life. He developed a passion for trucks early on, inspired by his father Chris Lambeff who was an interstate driver for Harris Refrigerated. Jordan recalled the trips he and his older brother Dion Lambeff – also a diesel

mechanic – would take with their dad when he headed over to Perth. “That really planted the seed in my head about getting into trucks,” said Jordan.

A fter completing his diesel mechanic apprenticeship, Jordan spent eight years working as a heavy diesel mechanic, doing workshop and field work across the Nullarbor for Hokko’s Mechanical Repairs in Ceduna. In 2019 he moved to Western Australia, where he worked at various mine sites across the Pilbara as a mobile plant fitter, working on diggers, drill rigs and dump trucks.

Then in late 2024 he returned to Ceduna and began contracting to a gypsum mine site as a fitter. He’s on a two week on/two week off roster, working around the fortnightly Tjuntjuntjara trip.

“I am still predominantly

Trucking, Transporting…

stops

a mechanic but I’m also now doing the Tjuntjuntjara run once a fortnight,” said Jordan. “Having that field service work experience has been really handy – but I didn’t have much experience driving trucks.”

In fact, Jordan only got his HC licence in December 2024 and plans to upgrade to his MC later this year, as soon as he’s able to.

“I got my HC licence about three weeks before the first Tjuntjuntjara run I did on January 8.”

Admittingly, he did already had a fairly good idea of what he was getting himself into, as his brother Dion did the odd Tjuntjuntjara fill-in run for Kym every now and then. “We got chatting one day, and now here we are,” said Jordan. “I’d always thought about having my own trucks but this

first Tjuntjuntjara run. Image: Jordan Lambeff

just happened on a whim. I bought a 2010 Western Star 4900 FX off a friend, so I’ve been using that for now. But I’m going to buy the red Kenworth from Kym. I’ve also bought Kym’s trailers but can only tow the one for now until I get my MC.”

That Kenworth is a 2000-model T604 that Kym has owned for years. However it needs a little love, after Kym’s final run in December didn’t quite go to plan. There were a few hiccups along the way making for a memorable last hoorah on the route Kym describes as being “rough as guts”.

The trusty old T604 is currently still in the workshop being repaired. “It was defected before I bought it,” said Jordan. “So once they get that up and running, that’ll be the truck I use for the Tjuntjuntjara trips. And then I’ll use the Western Star for other runs. I’ll try and focus more on the harder bush sort of jobs and remote work.

“I want to buy some tippers and a flat bed trailer too. Mum has a farm, so I’ll be able to use the tippers to cart grain.”

Asked how his first Tjuntjuntjara run went earlier in the year, Jordan laughed: “I don’t

know what I’ve walked into here. I’ve put countless hours into the truck and trailer already.

“The first run I just winged it. I broke down three times. First it was a couple of airlines. Then the air drive shit itself. And then one of the radius rod bolts that hold the axle in line broke on the trailer.

“That run normally takes 14 hours but the first one I did was about 16-17 hours by the time I got all those things sorted.”

Jordan also revealed some of the things he carries on each trip – including some items you might not expect. “I carry every spare part you can think

of and I take all my tools, as well as a chainsaw.”

He soon revealed why. “On that first trip I went out there, it was such a beautiful night and I could see a storm in the distance. Then I got closer and there huge trees that had fallen all over the road, so I had to stop and move them – some were too big so they had to be moved branch by branch. Now I carry a chainsaw just in case!”

Though he hasn’t been bogged – yet – Jordan goes out prepared. “Everyone gets bogged out on that road so I’ve bought myself a huge truck winch which I’m going to fit onto the truck and

a two-inch water pump, so depending how big the puddles are, I can pump them out when it rains.”

Over the last few trips, Jordan has had the opportunity to familiarise himself with the road – if you can call it that – and do a few things to make for a slightly smoother journey. “The 350-kilometres of road from Oak Valley in South Australia to Tjuntjuntjara is just terrible. It’s that last bit into the town, you really shouldn’t be driving a truck on that road!” he said.

“I’ve been putting my drive tyres and trailer tyres down to 40 psi and the steers down to 60 psi when it’s hot and that’s

made a huge difference. On the first trip I didn’t let the tyres down enough and was worried about the truck getting damaged. Some of the time I was at 50km/h and the rest was at 20km/h – so it was hours of shaking and rattling, I thought the truck wasn’t going the last!”

It has undoubtedly been a steep learning curve, and with three trips now under his belt, we asked Jordan if he thought he’d made the right decision. And so far, he has no regrets. “I do love the outdoors and the outback. I love the bush and the sense of adventure. I’m having a lot of fun out there.”

Kym’s 1999 Kenworth T604 was damaged on his final Tjuntjuntjara run, however Jordan plans to buy the truck from him once it’s repaired. Image: Kym Mozol

Trucking legend Kym Mozol has retired from the Tjuntjuntjara run after doing it for seven years. Images: Kym Mozol

When Jordan spoke to Big Rigs recently he had already completed his first three trips. Image: Jordan Lambeff

It’s time society talked about

SADLY, this industry has known for a very long time that, some people in society with suicidal ideations choose trucks (or trains/buses) to end their life.

After their death, typically there are numerous emotive reports on TV and radio and in printed media about the tragic loss of life and often loving testimonials are published about how great the person was and the devastating impact of their loss on their family.

Very seldom do the media re-

ports give any indication that the truck (train/bus) driver was not at fault.

Virtually never is there any recognition of the life-long devastating impact on the utterly innocent victims of these fatalities: the truck, train or bus drivers.

Those impacts on the truck drivers often end their careers and none of them, including those who do manage to return to work, are ever quite the sa me again.

In today’s industry, these drivers typically are provided with professional counselling which helps, but we know from decades-long experience that one of the most harmful impacts for these drivers is the media’s complete lack of empathy and recognition that it was not their fault.

The South Australian Road Transport Association (SAR-

TA), got sick and tired of the usual line: “Oh, we mustn’t talk about it because it’ll encourage copycats,” which is what the psychologists call the Werther Effect.

So, in a first in Australia, we decided to take the issue on and lift the discussion and focus on the health and well-being of our industry’s backbone, the drivers.

We came across information about the current psychological understanding which is that there is an opposite to the Werther Effect.

This alternative approach actually works to discourage suicide and gets those contemplating it to consider the devastating and lasting impacts that would have on others, like the innocent truck/train/bus drivers.

This strategy of dissuading people considering suicide

through appropriate language is called the Papageno Effect: and it works.

We arranged a high-level meeting within the relevant arms of the state government, including politicians and very senior officers.

Our first meeting, held in Parliament House was on November 1, 2023 at which we established the need for serious discussion to develop strategies to help the drivers and tackle the problem by applying the Papageno Effect.

That lead to a meeting on February 23, 2024 with a broader group of relevant agencies and a media representative. We need to get the media onside and working with us because they are the main conduit for the public awareness and discussion and for reaching those contemplating suicide.

Since then? ZIP! Despite several attempts to move this ahead, nothing has happened other than a draft from one agency on which we made significant comments because it completely failed to adopt the principles of Papageno Effect and would have continued to sweep the problem, and our driver’s mental health, under the carpet.

We are aware, however, that government agencies have all been required to develop policies and strategies to reduce the risk of suicide and the associated harm to others. That’s great but what about this nation’s several hundred thousand truck drivers and their families and all those who may seek to end their lives via a truck?

Recent incidents again bring this to the fore and we are fed

government’s side of the court. Priority must be given to safeguarding and supporting the welfare of the truck (train/ bus) drivers. We, society and government, must break loose from the outdated and ineffective practice of silence and its vain hope of avoiding copycats, especially when there is clear scientific evidence of a more effective approach.

SARTA calls on the government and its agencies to progress the critically important life-saving discussions that SARTA initiated in 2023 and work with us to develop and implement strategies that include effective collaboration with the media to apply the Papageno Effect.

• For support, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14, Health in Gear on 1800 464 327, or Beyond

Helping shape transport’s future at state conference

THE VTA’s annual state conference is under a month away, and focussing on three key pillars: safety, people, and the future; this year’s event promises to be invaluable for all transport industry stakeholders.

These pillars are not just themes; they are the driving forces behind our industry’s success and sustainability.

Safety is the cornerstone of the transport industry. It is imperative that we continually strive to enhance safety measures to protect our workforce and the communities we serve.

At the VTA State Conference 2025, we will delve into

the latest safety innovations and best practices. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from industry experts about cutting-edge technologies and strategies that can significantly reduce risks and improve safety outcomes. By prioritising safety, we not only safeguard lives but also enhance the overall efficiency and reliability of our operations.

Our industry is powered by people. From drivers and logistics coordinators to managers and support staff, every individual plays a crucial role in keeping the wheels of transport turning.

The VTA State Conference 2025 will highlight the importance of investing in our workforce. We will explore ways to attract and retain talent, provide ongoing training and development, and foster a culture of inclusivity and respect. By empowering our people, we ensure that our industry remains resilient

and adaptable in the face of challenges.

The future of the transport industry is brimming with potential. Technological advancements and sustainable practices are transforming the way we operate.

At the conference, we will discuss the latest trends and innovations that are shaping the future of transport. From AI to autonomous vehicles to smart logistics solutions, attendees will gain insights into how these developments can drive efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Embracing these changes is essential for staying competitive and meeting the evolving demands of our customers and society.

While safety, people, and the future are critical pillars, productivity remains a fundamental aspect of our industry’s success.

The V TA State Conference 2025 from March 23-25 will address the productivity challenges that transport op-

erators face, such as regulatory burdens, compliance costs, and workforce shortages.

By participating in the conference, you will gain access to tools and knowledge that can help you overcome these obstacles. Learn from experts about strategies to enhance productivity without compromising safety, network with peers to share experiences and solutions, and explore new technologies that can streamline your operations.

In addition to these key themes, the conference will feature important updates on major road infrastructure projects, including the North East Link and West Gate Tunnel. These projects are set to transform Melbourne’s transport landscape, providing vital alternatives to existing routes and significantly improving traffic flow and connectivity.

Attendees will receive the latest information on the progress and impact of these projects, ensuring they are

well-informed about the future infrastructure developments that will shape our industry.

I encourage all transport industry professionals to join us at the VTA State Conference 2025.

This event is an unparalleled opportunity to gain valuable insights, connect with industry leaders, and

explore the latest innovations that will help you enhance safety, empower your people, and shape the future of your operations.

Together, we can build a thriving and successful transport industry that meets the needs of today and tomorrow. Register today at www. v ta.com.au to be part of this transformative event.

The conference will feature important updates on major road infrastructure projects, including the West Gate Tunnel, pictured. Image: Victorian Government

Instructors play vital safety role

DRIVER TRAINING

ANDY HUGHES

Director, Hughes Training Group

ISN’T it fascinating to consider what others are thinking? How they process information and why they hold certain beliefs and opinions?

For a driving instructor, mastering this understanding isn’t just interesting – it’s essential.

For a dedicated heavy vehicle driving trainer, one of the greatest challenges is identifying each student’s unique learning needs and determining the most effective way to support their development. Recognising differences and building independence.

If you do it right, your candidate enters the transport industry as a safer operator – one who might survive Australia’s most dangerous workplace.

Perspective refers to the way an individual views or interprets a situation or concept, shaped by their experiences, values, and knowledge. Attitude describes a person’s established way of thinking or feeling about something, which influences their actions and behaviours.

Attitudes can be positive, neutral, or negative and have a profound impact on decisionmaking, relationships, and, critically, road safety.

A road user’s choices are influenced by the dynamic interplay of both perspective and attitude. A heavy vehicle licence candidate’s perspective is largely shaped by their personal circumstances, while their attitude is refined through effective training.

Road safety in the heavy vehicle transport sector is not a single-issue concern, it intersects with public safety, workforce shortages, regula-

tory compliance, economic demands, and cross-jurisdictional challenges. It impacts every industry sector and involves countless stakeholders, each with their own distinct perspective.

A professional heavy vehicle instructor must acknowledge and work with these differing viewpoints to help students achieve a positive outcome.

While we may not be able to change perspectives, with patience, dedication, and a commitment to quality training, we can help shape attitudes – and that could make all the difference.

Drivers are driven by a combination of personal, professional, and financial motivations.

Many are compensated based on the number of kilometres driven, shifts completed, or loads delivered, directly impacting their earnings.

Most take pride in their work, seeing themselves as essential custodians of road safety and highway performance.

They play a vital role in keeping road freight, public transport, and the broader economy moving.

The freedom and independence of the job are significant motivators. The opportunity to work autonomously, combined with a love for driving, draws many to the profession. Their unique perspective is shaped by the view from behind the wheel, influenced by the realities of long hours, time away from home, and the challenges of managing fatigue and compliance requirements.

For new drivers, job security, financial stability, and building a professional reputation are key concerns. In an industry where reliability and expertise are paramount, building a strong personal reputation is as important as meeting basic safety and regulatory obligations. Most candidates enter the industry as novices, equipped

with minimal training and a shiny new licence. However, a driver’s licence is not a qualification – it is permission to drive. To ensure they develop the skills and awareness needed for the job, it is crucial that new entrants receive comprehensive industry training under the mentorship of experienced drivers who can guide, coach, and instil safe driving practices.

Truck driving instructors operate in an industry that lacks consistent standards, making uniform training difficult. They must navigate an ever-changing landscape of regulations while striving to uphold high training and assessment standards within tight timeframes.

Despite these challenges, dedicated instructors remain committed to professionalism and road safety, ensuring that students are not only competent but also prepared for the realities of life on the road.

However, the high demand for qualified drivers and the financial pressures on training providers create an ongoing challenge: the temptation to fast-track students through the licensing process at the expense of thorough road safety education.

A driving instructor’s unique perspective is shaped from the passenger seat, where they must balance personal, professional, and ethical responsibilities while preparing students for work in one of Australia’s most challenging jobs.

Their role goes beyond teaching technical skills; it involves instilling attitudes and behaviours that can ultimately save lives. Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) operate within a highly regulated environment.

Managers must ensure compliance with national training standards, as failure to meet these requirements can result in severe penalties, including the loss of accreditation. At the

comprehensive training, the hiring of skilled instructors, and the promotion of a strong safety culture.

However, in cases where financial pressures take precedence, road safety outcomes can suffer. The unique perspective of an RTO manager is shaped in the CEO’s chair. One that is affected by demands of business leadership. They must balance commercial growth, regulatory compliance, and ethical responsibilities while ensuring their organisation remains competitive in an industry driven by student demand and funding constraints.

Transport business owners face the constant challenge of balancing financial sustainability, regulatory compliance, workforce management, and road safety responsibili-

Recruiting and retaining skilled drivers is a major challenge, particularly as the workforce ages and fewer young people enter the industry. Providing extensive road safety training, managing fatigue risks, and prioritising driver well-being are crucial but can be resource-intensive – especially for smaller operators, who make up the majority of Australia’s road freight sector.

Some owners prioritise safety by investing in training, telematics, and proactive risk management, while others feel pressured to cut corners under financial strain. However, those who take a long-term view recognise that a welltrained workforce, regulatory compliance, and a commitment to road safety ultimately lead to greater operational effi-

In addition to the unique perspectives outlined above, there are many more across every area of industry and -

tives about how to improve road safety in our transport sector as there are people involved in it.

So how do we create consensus on reforming Australia’s training and licensing systems to help promote positive road safety outcomes? Heavy vehicle instructors play a vital role in shaping the next generation of drivers, influencing attitudes, and ensuring students develop the skills necessary to navigate Australia’s road networks safely.

Instead of striving for a single viewpoint, we must acknowledge that everyone sees road safety through a different lens, shaped by their experiences and responsibilities. While perspectives differ, we should work towards harmonising attitudes toward road safety, fostering a shared commitment to prioritising it in every decision we make

Andy Hughes, above, believes heavy vehicle instructors play a vital role in shaping the next generation of drivers. Image: Andy Hughes

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

Go-getter living the dream

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

FOLLOWING in the footsteps of her father, who was a truck driver when she was little, 23-year-old Madi O’Bryan has well and truly found her calling.

“I’ve always loved trucks and growing up around them, I was always keen to get into the bigger vehicles,” she told Big Rigs “I enjoy having the freedom to get out there and not be confined to a desk – and get-

ting to meet all the new people that I do.”

Madi works for Qube, which she says has offered exceptional training and the opportunity to progress into various roles.

Since mid-2024, Madi’s been steering a Mercedes-Benz cabover and A-double skel for Qube, carrying two 40ft containers filled with wine and liquor for export.

She makes the 160-kilometre return trip from South Australia’s Outer Harbor on

the Lefevre Peninsula to the Barossa Valley twice a day.

On that run there are two drivers on the day shift and two on the night shift. Doing the day run alongside Madi is Paul Everett. “He’s been doing it for a very long time and he’s always willing to help me out, share his knowledge and have a chat. I’m very lucky I get to work alongside all these blokes with enormous amounts of experience.” into truck driving four years

ago, Madi explained that she was able to go straight from her car licence to her heavy combination (HC) through the Training in Lieu of Experience (TILE) course offered in South Australia. She completed the course with Qube and undertook theory components, before er with experienced Qube truckie Ray Gilbert in the passenger seat, doing single skel work. “I drove with him for about four months. Ray is

a wonderful man. He showed me how to do the job with integrity and dignity, and taught me the skills I needed to make it through – so I was very lucky,” explained Madi. “I wanted to get all my skills

Along with Ray teaching her early on in her career, she credits another experienced truckie with helping her to get where she is today.

Ian McMillan at McMillan & Sons Haulage is friend of

After securing her MC licence in 2023, she moved into B-doubles and then progressed to A-doubles.

Family friend Ian McMillan let Madi borrow his trucks on weekends to practice her skills before going for her HC and MC licences.

HE SHOWED ME HOW TO DO THE JOB WITH INTEGRITY AND DIGNITY, AND TAUGHT ME THE SKILLS I NEEDED TO MAKE IT THROUGH – SO I WAS VERY LUCKY.”

MADI O’BRYAN

He let me use his trucks to practice reversing and everything like that,” said Madi. “If it wasn’t for him letting me use his truck to practice in, I wouldn’t have passed my HC or MC licences!”

Madi added that she’s thankful to Qube for giving her a go.

“Qube has been really good to work for. I’m very grateful for the opportunity they’ve given me and the faith they’ve had in me. I was one of the first female drivers on the day shift four years ago when I started there, when I was on my HC,” she explained.

“I’m very grateful they had faith in me and believed I could do the job and do it well.” Being so young, she says there have been some in the industry who have tried to bring her down. “Everyone at Qube has always been brilliant but there were some other drivers who thought they could intimidate me because I was younger, but I

don’t tolerate any of that!”

young people considering a career in trucking, Madi’s re sponse is “just go for it”.

industry and if you find a good company to work for, you’ll never be short of work. “I do believe there should be more training opportunities available where you get to spend more time spent with experienced drivers so you can hone in on your skills – instead of just going out into the world in a triple after getting your MC, with no actual experience.”

LEARN FIRST AID

While she understands there’s still so much more to learn, Madi is passionate about getting on with the job and making use of the skills and knowledge she’s learned. “I find that driving atal fatigue though because I’m not just driving my 80 tonne vehicle but also trying to predict what other drivers around me are going to do.

“But I just get on with it –it’s water off a duck’s back.”

For Madi, she says it’s been quite the journey – and she’s had a lot of fun along the way.

As a professional driver, you are likely to come across a person in need of First Aid. Did you know there’s a lot that you can do before the emergency services arrive?

Your actions within the 3 first minutes of an accident, can drastically reduce injury and preserve life.

Truckie First Aid training takes about 30 mins to complete,

Learn

Promise of $17.4m WA training facility

A re-elected Cook Govern ment in WA has pledged $17.4 million to establish the state’s first dedicated Heavy Vehicle Training facility at Neerabup, in Perth’s north.

The new site would provide the metropolitan area with a new dedicated, TAFE-run training facility with the ca pacity to train 170 students a year from 2026, Labor said in a media statement on Febru ary 6.

It would include heavy rig id trucks and trailers, forklift trucks, a high-tech Heavy Ve hicle Driving Simulator and wide roads that are suitable for providing practical onroad skilled driver training.

The centre is seen as an extension of the highly successful state-funded Heavy Vehicle Driving Operations Skill Set program devised by the Western Roads Federation (WRF) that has trained hundreds of much-needed transport and logistics, civil construction and mining workers in partnership with industry.

WRF CEO Cam Dumesny welcomed the news and told Big Rigs that the WRF and the Transport Workers Union in WA had been working together to establish a dedicated facility for some time.

“This investment is a direct response to the critical shortage of skilled heavy vehicle drivers in Western Australia and follows extensive lobbying by the TWU for better training pathways and industry reform,” added TWU

WA State Secretary Tim Dawson in a statement.

“The TWU has been fighting for years to ensure proper training and career pathways for heavy vehicle drivers. This announcement shows that the Cook Government is listening to industry voices and taking real action to address the driver shortage.”

Dawson said the TWU

has also been calling for an apprenticeship-style career path, accredited training, and the introduction of a skills passport to ensure that transport workers receive relevant, standardised, and portable training throughout their careers.

“This funding is a great start, we need to build a long-term plan that includes full-time employment, better wages, and stronger industry regulation to make transport a safer and more attractive career option,” Dawson said. WA goes to the polls on March 8 with Labor heavily favoured to regain power.

Easter Group Pty Ltd Easter Group Pty Ltd

73 Formation St, Wacol

Easter Group, located in Wacol, provides time sensitive road transporting solutions to many companies throughout Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria. We are a family owned business, operating since 1976. We currently have the following positions available:

OPERATIONS

ALLOCATORS (Brisbane based only)

You will be required to work on a rotating roster including Days-Nights-Weekends

Previous Operations experience preferred.

MC LOCAL, LINEHAUL & 2-UP DRIVERS WANTED

(Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide Based)

Come and work for us as we are committed to:

• Training and further education • Your safety

• Maintaining an impressive Fleet

On offer are permanent full time and roster positions including paid leave entitlements and public holidays. Drivers will need to be available to be scheduled for work falling across the 7 days of the week.

The successful Applicant will:

• Hold a current MC licence (minimum two years) • Have knowledge of the HVNL and Load Restraint • Be professional • Be reliable

To apply for the Operations/Driver positions please contact Operations Manager or by emailing your resume to

WORKSHOP MECHANICS & TYRE FITTERS WANTED (Brisbane

based only)

To apply for Mechanic positions please forward your resume to Workshop Manager via email to employment@kseaster.com.au

Labor hopes the new centre would help plug the driver shortfall in WA. Image: beau/stock.adobe.com

Madi O’Bryan currently does container work for Qube, steering A-doubles filled with wine and liquor for export. Images: Madi O’Bryan

TOP CHOICE

AUSSIE TRUCKERS’