Big Rigs 18 February 2022 by Prime Creative Media

FRIDAY, February 18, 2022

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2 NEWS CONTACT US Address: 11-15 Buckhurst Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205 Phone: 03 9690 8766 Email: editor@bigrigs.com.au Web: bigrigs.com.au Accounts: 03 9690 8766 Subscriptions: 03 9690 8766 Classifieds: 0403 626 353 Circulation and distribution queries: 03 9690 8766 info@bigrigs.com.au EDITOR James Graham: 0478 546 462 james.graham@primecreative.com.au REPORTER Danielle Gullaci danielle.gullaci@primecreative.com.au GENERAL MANAGER Peter Hockings: 0410 334 371 peter.hockings@primecreative.com.au MEDIA SALES CONSULTANT Marie O’Reilly: 0403 626 353 marie.oreilly@primecreative.com.au CLIENT SUCCESS Katharine Causer: 0423 055 787 katharine.causer@primecreative. com.au CONTRIBUTORS Truckin in the Topics/Spy on the Road: Alf Wilson, 0408 009 301 Brent Davison; David Vile; David Meredith; Mike Williams; Jon Wallis Big Rigs National Road Transport Newspaper is published by Prime Creative Media. It is the largest circulated fortnightly truck publication in Australia with 26,023* copies per fortnight. *12 month average, publisher’s claim November 2018

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

HPFV and PBS coupling strength study

IN an industry and world first, the ARTSA Institute, Australian Trucking Association (ATA), Truck Industry Council (TIC) and Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) are investigating dynamic loads on the couplings of high productivity freight vehicles (HPFV) and PBS combinations. Chair of ARTSA Institute, Martin Toomey says the current Australian Design Rules cover heavy coupling requirements but don’t provide any guidance beyond a road train GCM of just 125 tonnes. “As increasingly higher productivity vehicle combinations enter the Australian heavy vehicle fleet, evidence-based guidance is required to support engineers, regulators and fleet managers, so that couplings can

be safely specified, inspected and maintained,” he said. HVIA CEO, Todd Hacking said, “Coupling failure on high productivity vehicles has the potential to lead to death and injuries, major traffic disruption and reduced public confidence in heavy vehicle safety. It is important for regulators and industry to be confident in the relevance and integrity of the Standards that guide the safe selection of components.” While TIC CEO, Dr Tony McMullan added, “Australia has always pushed truck equipment to its limits, doing what no one else does anywhere in the world. Couplings are a prime example with quad trailer road trains exceeding 150 tonne GCMs. This proj-

ect will help define coupling safety factors and requirements for multi trailer configurations around the world.” The coupling safety project is funded by the Australian Government through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative. NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto says the joint investigation will help accelerate the introduction of new safety technologies to support safe and securely loaded heavy vehicles. “The NHVR is proud to support this project that will help mitigate the safety risks posed by non-compliant couplings and enhance the safety of vehicles operating under higher productivity schemes,” he said. The project will conduct in-

Chair of ARTSA Institute, Martin Toomey says current Australian Design Rules cover heavy coupling requirements but don’t provide guidance beyond a road train GCM of 125 tonnes.

vestigations of coupling dynamic forces using on-road testing and follow-up laboratory testing to confirm the strength of the couplings. Couplings to be validated in the project include fifth wheel and automatic pin couplings used in heavy combination road trains including the various innovative quad road train combination types.

The ARTSA Institute has appointed Wayne Baker as project manager, citing his significant subject matter expertise and extensive industry experience. A working group from ARTSA-I, TIC, ATA and HVIA has been formed to provide project guidance. The project is expected to be completed by June 2023.

GoFundMe refunds $179K in convoy donations GOFUNDME has shut down a Convoy to Canberra fundraiser following failed attempts at gaining clarity over how the money will be spent, with a whopping $179,000 to be refunded to donors. This came just a week after the crowd-funding platform revealed it had frozen funds raised through the campaign,

titled “Oz to Canberra Convoy Official”. The Canberra anti-vaccination protests follow Canada’s Freedom Convoy, which attracted hundreds of trucks that made their way to Ottawa. Though in Canberra, trucks were few and far between. The event’s fundraising page, organised by “Ironbark

Thunderbolt on behalf of WA truck driver James Greer”, was vetted by GoFundMe’s Trust and Safety team, before being taken down for violating its terms of service. The fundraiser’s page said, “Money will be withdrawn into James’ account and the team will gather receipts and information from those in need for

reimbursement or transfer.” Big Rigs contacted “Ironbark Thunderbolt” for comment but did not hear back. The fundraiser raised over $179,000 in under two weeks. Greer, 44, was arrested at the Convoy to Canberra campground after allegedly being found with a sawn-off rifle and 24 rounds of ammunition.

A statement released by the Australian Federal Police said, “A 44-year-old man was arrested following the execution of a search warrant. A loaded modified rifle was located in his vehicle and he is expected to be charged with the possession of an illegal firearm.” Greer was released on bail and due to return to court as we go to print.

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BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18 2022

Urgent fix needed for unfair terms

THE National Road Transport Association says it will be a race against time for the Federal Parliament to pass unfair contract legislation, following its introduction into the House of Representatives last week. It has urged all sides of politics to back changes to Australian Consumer Law and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001. NatRoad CEO Warren Clark said his organisation was delighted to see the Morrison Government had answered its renewed calls to bring on the legislation. “We ask all sides of politics to show they’re serious about backing small business by passing the changes without delay,” Clark said. “After the struggles of Covid, unfair contract terms are a major concern for our industry where livelihoods are put at risk by the imbalance in favour of big corporates.” Clark said there had been ample time for law-makers to consider the changes. Treasury released an exposure draft of a reform Bill in August last year, proposing a number of significant reforms aimed at strengthening protec-

NatRoad strongly supports the amendments to provide more flexible remedies to a court when it declares a contract term unfair.

tions for small businesses in relation to unfair contract terms. In November 2020, Commonwealth, state and territory consumer Ministers decided to make unfair contract terms unlawful and give courts the power to impose a civil penalty, as well as strengthening the regulator’s powers. Clark said NatRoad wanted the regulator being given more power because small business members are reluctant to damage commercial relationships. “They don’t want to endanger future work and they don’t have the resources to pursue le-

gal remedies,” Clark said. The reforms are included in Schedule 4 to the Treasury Laws Amendment (Enhancing Tax Integrity and Supporting Business Investment) Bill 2022. Key reforms included: • Prohibiting the use, application and reliance on an unfair term • Providing courts with the power to impose a financial penalty for a contravention • Expanding the protections to capture a larger number of small businesses • Creating a rebuttable pre-

sumption that a term is unfair if a court has already found a similar term used in similar circumstances is unfair. “We’ve been waiting years for action on unfair contracts,” added Clark. “The urgency of reform cannot be underestimated.” Senator Glenn Sterle’s recent inquiry into the road transport industry also recommended more contract protection for operators, including the establishment of an independent body to help with dispute resolution.

Truckies ruled as contractors in landmark decision A landmark High Court judgment rejecting long-term contractors being treated as employees draws a line in the sand for the status of owner-drivers, said the National Road Transport Association (NatRoad). The High Court was considering an appeal against the Full Federal Court’s decision in Jamsek v ZG Operations Australia Pty Ltd. The appeal began in August last year. The case concerns two drivers who were contracting with a company and supplying vehicles for their work continuously for 40 years. The Federal Court found that written contracts presented as evidence showed that the relationship was an employment arrangement when other factors were taken into account, such as the fact that the contracts excluded the right of the owner-drivers to accrue goodwill. The High Court’s upholding of the appeal by the company means the drivers will not receive unpaid leave. The issue of whether they receive superannuation entitlements under statute has been referred back to the Full Federal Court. “The argument that the drivers had been operating in-

The case concerns two drivers.

dependent businesses has been successful: they were contractors,” said NatRoad CEO Warren Clark. “This is a hugely significant judgment for our industry. “It shows that owner drivers are independent contractors and that contracts with business entities should be upheld. The High Court found that the owner-drivers were not employed by the company. “They were members of partnerships which carried on the business of providing delivery services to the company. Paul Murray, an employment law specialist at Bristow Legal in Brisbane, said this decision should provide some welcome relief to many in the industry who had previously been uncomfortable about the possible employment status of some of their owner-drivers.

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4 NEWS

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Trains won’t solve supply issues, warns peak body

BY JAMES GRAHAM

ALTHOUGH relieved to hear that the flood-damaged rail line into WA was due to reopen as early as February 15, the head of the state’s peak road freight body warns the supply chain woes are far from over. Western Roads Federation CEO Cam Dumesny said it’s going to take at least 4-6 weeks to rebuild stocks and shelves in warehouses, by which time the state could be facing similar labour shortages that the east battled due to the Omicron surge late last year. “At the moment it’s a national fleet task and it’s stretching the transport industry, that’s for sure,” said Dumesny. “Trucks at this point in time are totally sustaining the state, and the problem for us is that Perth is effectively a DC for a third of the continent, and once it gets to Perth we’ve still got to try and push it up 3000km to Kununurra and out to remoter communities. “It’s a labour-intensive job and we can’t afford to lose labour.” Dumesny said the recent pressures on the supply chain

WRF CEO Cam Dumesny, pictured above speaking at another engagement, warns that the supply chain crisis is far from over.

in the west has only reinforced the need for a national rethink on how freight is moved around Australia. He said the fact there is only one sealed road across the bottom of Australia and one at the top highlights the need for urgent action. “The sealed one across the top was washed out during wet season and was cut for about a week and we were lucky that rain event didn’t close the Eyre Highway as well as the rail. “We’ve still got nine single

lane bridges through the Kimberley on a national highway that routinely gets flooded “And we only have one road up the middle to cover 60 per cent of the continent. It’s a joke. “There’s a whole series of things and we need a national approach to what we do.” Writing in his column for this issue (see page 33), Australian Trucking Association chair David Smith believes one answer is to allow the National Land Transport Network to be truly national and

include all major truck routes. “The Australian Government must also take responsibility for granting access approvals for heavy vehicles on national highways, rather than depending on the states to decide which trucks can run on freight routes,” said Smith. “We’re calling for the Australian government to take responsibility for funding and operating all major freight roads through the national highways program. “The current state-based system is dysfunctional and fragmented. It’s falling apart and failing Australians and has been since federation.” On a state level, Dumesny and the WRF were a vocal force in green-lighting temporary road train access to the state, but more needs to be done to make the long haul across the paddock more attractive to a wider range of truckies. He said the WRF is pushing to get the WA state government to pay for a dedicated, facility-packed rest area in Perth. “So, they can get out of their trucks and put their feet up. It’s only a minor thing, but it’s paying respect

to what they’re doing. “We’ve got to make it more attractive for drivers to do this east-west run. It’s not one of the highest paid legs, certainly from a WA perspective.” Dumesny also said it’s vital that WA start to relax the health orders when it comes to truckies crossing state lines, to and from the east. “WA-based drivers who go east have pretty much been living in self-isolation for the last six months. “What we’re saying is that if you’re triple-vaxxed, give them some freedoms and pay some

respect to them because we’re losing drivers on that route. “We also need a public campaign to say thanks to the drivers for what they’ve done. We just do not give enough credit to drivers, not just in WA, across the country, for what they’ve actually achieved in the last two years. “It’s just tokenism [at the moment] and it needs to be better than that.” Earlier this month, the Retail Supply Chain Alliance of transport, retail and agriculture unions joined forces in Canberra to call on MPs to endorse a

The first trains were due back in WA by February 15 to help restock the shelves.

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NEWS 5

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18 2022

Large sections of the washed-out Stuart Highway put truckies under enormous pressure.

bipartisan plan to fix crippled supply chains. It follows weeks of chaos from Covid and major floods “smashing worker pay and safety, and depriving Australians of vital goods”, said a joint media statement from alliance members, the Transport Workers Union (TWU), the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA), and the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU). The alliance’s supply chain safety principles include: • Job security commitment to regulate the gig economy and guard against the ‘Amazon Effect’ • Free rapid tests for all supply chain workers; and • Mandatory consultation on policy changes with a standing supply chain committee involving unions, workers and industry groups like ARTIO. The statement said the pandemic and recent flooding have exacerbated an insecure work crisis.

A TWU survey last month showed workers without leave entitlements are experiencing stress and hardship, pressuring them to work while symptomatic or potentially infectious. Many truck drivers stooddown due to floods are casuals or owner-operators already on wafer thin margins and with ongoing bills, the alliance added. “This year has begun with absolute bedlam across our essential supply chain network,” said TWU national secretary Michael Kaine. “In the east, workers are at home recovering from the federal government’s insistence to ‘let it rip’, while in the west, north and south, workers are at home without pay because of major flooding. “This is happening because the Morrison government has habitually ignored warnings from workers and industry. Critical supply chain workers need secure jobs, free RATs, and a seat at the table to make sure hair-brained decisions by

politicians won’t make their challenging jobs even more difficult.” Dumesny added his voice to the call for free RATs for the industry, and also reiterated the need for a national approach to solving staff shortages across the board in road transport. A customised WA recruitment program is seeing encouraging results – more than 87 per cent success with more than 200 placements – but Dumesny said more has to be done. Late last month, the national cabinet endorsed two major changes it said are designed to alleviate the truckie shortage in Australia: • As an immediate priority, all states and territories will enact arrangements to allow New Zealand citizens to use their equivalent New Zealand heavy vehicle licence in Australia for 12 months (or until the licence expires if sooner), before being required to obtain an Australian licence; ii) the states

and territories will extend equivalent arrangements to interstate (Australian) drivers to ensure Australian drivers are not disadvantaged. These measures will be a temporary Covid-19 response measure to be reviewed 12 months after implementation. • Austroads is to provide an interim National Heavy Vehicle Driver Competency Framework report by February 2022 to help jurisdic-

tions introduce a competency-based licensing framework for heavy vehicle license class progression, with the final framework due in mid-2022 following consultation on framework development and implementation arrangements. Commenting on news of the competency framework report, Queensland Trucking Association CEO Gary Mahon said, like WA, he already has an industry-endorsed job ready program for truckies ready to roll out now that’s designed to help plug the shortfall. All that’s needed is government funding. “The driver shortages are now and it’s a significant disappointment that this critical need has been sent off for further bureaucratic treatment,” said Mahon. Dumesny said the national cabinet’s announcement may sound good on paper, but in reality New Zealand has a driver shortage of its own, as do coun-

tries like the US, Canada and the UK. “We can belly-ache as much as we like as a state but nationally, we need truck drivers, mechanics, schedulers, and everyone else. “There’s a national shortage of these people and we’re going to have to start training them up and working out how we’re going to do it.” Ultimately, Dumesny said he’d like to see every international driver, regardless of where they come from, do some form of verification of licencing. “Just because they’ve got a licence it does not make me a truck driver,” he said. “So, when they come here they should go through a course to learn the rules of the road for Australia, and load restraint rules, and routes, and then have someone do a verification of competency that they can drive. “If we could do that, that would take out some of the animosity that’s on the road at the moment.”

The move to open a freight land bridge across the Nullarbor was a unique solution to the crisis.

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6 NEWS

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Have your say on NSW rest areas BY JAMES GRAHAM

Transport is working to improve both the quality and number of heavy vehicle rest stops in NSW.

TRANSPORT for NSW (TfNSW) is calling for truckies’ input on how to improve the quality and number of heavy vehicle rest areas in the state. In a newly released online survey, the TfNSW said it recognises that roads are heavy vehicle drivers’ workplace, and rest areas are important facilities that support driver wellbeing and compliance with mandatory rest breaks. The department is now carrying out a review of heavy vehicle rest stops across the state road network, and is planning for and prioritising future heavy vehicle rest stop initiatives that will “help to identify funding requirements and potential funding and delivery options”. “We would like your feedback to help us to identify the priority sites and initiatives we should focus on in the immediate term.” To take part, all you need to do is answer the below five questions by visiting yoursay. transport.nsw.gov.au. 1. Do you use the Transport for NSW online rest areas map as part of your pre-journey planning? 2. Do you use the Transport for NSW online rest areas map to make mid-journey

TfNSW wants to know if truckies would use or value signage that identifies real-time heavy vehicle parking availability/rest area capacity.

decisions about fatigue management? 3. What features or improvements could be made to the Transport for NSW online rest areas map, to ensure it meets your needs? 4. Would you use or value signage that identifies real-time heavy vehicle parking availability/rest area capacity, to make decisions mid-journey? 5. What other technologies would you like to see Transport for NSW investigate to assist drivers in managing fatigue? In the interactive feedback section you can also drop pins on a map where you would like to see new or improved rest stops and leave comments.

The Yarraman site is one that has attracted early feedback. “Both north and south bound use Yarraman as it is the only decent rest area between Narrabri and Coonabarabran but it fills quickly now a days with B-doubles and road trains, writes Ian Patterson. “May I suggest marking out parking bays including the centre of the bitumen to get more trucks in – toilets are getting to a point of needing replacement.” Big Rigs’ readers were quick to offer their suggestions when we first posted this story at bigrigs.com.au. “A trailer exchange yard or changeover area near Kempsey/ Clybucca is the most desperately needed piece of infrastructure

on the Pacific Hwy,” writes Trevor Warner, vice president of the National Road Freighters Association. “Transport for NSW were fully aware of this when the Kempsey bypass was in planning. We understand RTA went to the BP Clybucca site and asked if the Owner would donate land….(Citation req.) but that was the rumour. “Owner said bugger off. Our interpretation was the RTA would build adjacent to the BP and would link the by-pass to the back of the BP.” Niell Graham said a separate trailer exchange site somewhere near Nambucca Bp is needed. “Sometimes you have to do laps of the place a couple of times before you can get a park.”

Mount Lindesay Highway bridge opens to truckies

TRUCKIES are now travelling on a new northbound bridge over Norris Creek on Mount Lindesay Highway in what federal and state governments are calling a “significant milestone” for the busy Queensland road’s upgrade. Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the jointly funded $75 million Stoney Camp to Chambers Flat roads upgrade is widening the highway to four lanes, bringing safety and environmental improve-

ments for all road users. “The new bridge a crucial part of the upgrade, with more than 40 girders, each weighing 22 tonnes, craned in to form the bridge structure,” Minister Fletcher said. “The new bridge provides one-in-100-year flood immunity, keeping communities connected during wet-weather events. “Motorists are getting their first taste of the Mount Lindesay Highway upgrade benefits and work will now move on to building the southbound bridge over Norris Creek.”

Under the Urban Congestion Fund, the federal government is delivering 182 packages of work nationwide. The total number of projects that are now completed or underway nationwide is 78. By the end of 2022, more than 80 per cent of all packages are expected to be completed or under construction. Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the new bridge would provide a critical link along the four-kilometre highway upgrade which would transform jour-

neys for road users. “It’s part of the Palaszczuk Government’s $27.5 billion four-year road and transport plan creating 24,000 jobs and driving Queensland’s economic recovery from Covid-19,” Bailey said. “In addition to the new bridge over Norris Creek, lanes are being duplicated, safety measures installed, and fauna connectivity and protections delivered. “Not only are we delivering a safer journey for all road users, we are also ensuring a reliable road network now

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and into the future.” Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport and Federal Member for Wright, Scott Buchholz MP, said the project is providing an important safety and economic boost for local communities. “This project is about improving safety for our road users and flood resilience for the region,” Buchholz said. “These investments in road safety save lives and reduce road trauma, ensuring that all road users can get home sooner and safer.”

State Member for Logan Linus Power said the highway was one of Queensland’s busiest, with its upgrade demonstrating the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to the growing region of Logan. “There are currently between 25,000 and 45,000 people using the Mount Lindesay Highway between Browns Plains and Jimboomba daily,” Power said. “There is over $180 million invested in upgrades along the stretch as part of our 10-year strategic vision for the region.”

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18 2022

Heavy-hitter Isuzu gets off to a flyer

ISUZU picked up where it left off in 2021 with a strong opening to its 2022 assault on the heavy-duty truck sales sector. On recent figures provided by the Truck Industry Council (TIC), Australia’s highest-selling truck brand for the last 33 years on the trot notched an impressive 127 sales in January. That number was only topped by perennial sector leader Kenworth with 150 units in the opening sales salvo to the year. Volvo sits in third spot with 109, with a distant gap back to Mack in fourth after moving 58 units in January. Notable slow starters amongst the 2021 heavy-hitters were Scania and Mercedes-Benz, which recorded just 46 and 36 sales, respectively. Overall, however, the January result for the segment was considered very strong, the fourth best on record in fact, after 2008, 2019 and the record sales year of 2018. Coming off strong final quarter 2021 sales, it was expected that heavy truck sales

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would slow coming into in 2022 due to ongoing supply chain issues. However, 738 heavy duty trucks were sold, beating the January result of last year by an impressive 141 trucks, up 23.6 per cent. When compared with the record pre-GFC January of 2008 where 841 trucks were sold, this 2022 result is down by about 12 per cent, showing just how strong the market was back then. The medium duty segment was also up over the 2021 January result, with 421 truck deliveries, verses 366 units in January 2021, a solid gain of 15 per cent. Isuzu again led the way

with 210 sales, comfortably clear of second place Hino with 110 units, and Fuso on 73. This trio broke well clear of the rest, headed by Iveco on 10. In the Isuzu-dominated light-duty sector, January 2022 sales were very strong, up 5.5 per cent over 2021 January numbers, giving the segment a great start to the year. A total of 768 light-duty trucks were sold, that is 39 trucks more than the same month last year and that is a new sales record for the segment, eclipsing the previous best January sales figures, set way back in 2006, when 717 light trucks were delivered. Fuso (189) accounted for almost a quarter of the monthly tally, edging out Hino (160) to take second place behind Isuzu (285) in the opening month. TIC CEO Tony McMullan said it was very pleasing to see such a strong start to the year for all truck segments. “However, as I generally remark at this time of year,

NEWS 7

Australia’s biggest selling truck brand Isuzu picked up where it left off in 2021 with a strong start in the heavy-duty sector.

January and even February sales, are subject to fluctuations and some inconsistencies due to the transition of supplying trucks from one year to the next and the summer holiday season,” he said. “One should not read too much into the January result.

“We will have a much better indication of how the market is tracking for the year at the end of the first quarter, once January, February and March numbers are in and the market has had a chance to normalise. “We are also heading into a federal election year in 2022 and historically that

has the effect of disrupting sales, as some organisations await the election result before committing to significant capital expenditure. “But with strong government Covid financial incentives still on the table for 2022 and into 2023, times are good for purchasing a new truck, he added.

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OPINION 8

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18 2022

Must try harder

EDITOR JAMES GRAHAM

IT seems like ever since Covid began, we’ve been fighting to give truckies access to basic, clean amenities to help them keep retail shelves stocked. Yet, two years into the pandemic, and still we’re hearing disturbing stories of service providers who clearly aren’t getting the message. Like the one about the truckie who just wanted a shower and a meal, yet was denied access to both because no one at the servo believed she was who she claimed (see column on page 29). And she’s not alone. Another female truckie told us that she’s constantly asked to produce her HV licence for a shower, or toilet key. Even after they’ve just watched her fill her truck in the forecourt with $1500-plus worth of diesel. We understand it costs money to keep these facilities clean, and good staff aren’t always easy to find. But this kind of treatment is just not good enough.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Solution to driver shortage is ready to roll out now in Qld

RECENTLY a decision was made by the National Cabinet to task the bureaucracy with introducing more competencies into driver licence testing. While improving the testing assessment process is welcome, the bigger issue for the industry with the shortage of employable drivers seems to have been missed. Every member when they contact me to discuss industry issues raise their number one day-to-day issue, for a long time now as “Where can I find experienced drivers?” It is time there was an answer to give them. While the

apprenticeship model currently being developed holds some promise, this will be a long-term solution. We need action right now to fill the ever-growing vacancies in the industry. We need competent, job-ready professionals to drive road freight well into the 21st century. There are many factors inhibiting youth and new entrants getting jobs as newly licensed drivers. Firstly, the ability for employers to attract new entrants who identify the industry as a career of choice and secondly, the quality of training and with little op-

portunity for a newly licensed driver to gain the necessary onroad experience. Employers need evidence of on-road driving hours, and without providing an avenue for newly licensed drivers to obtain these, there will continue to be a long list of drivers not able to obtain employment which has led to a growing pool of potential drivers becoming disheartened and finding alternative employment. To prepare a licensed heavy vehicle driver as Safe and Job Ready for this industry, some classroom environment is nec-

essary before getting behind the wheel along with experiencing on-road and workplace-based instruction. The key point of difference and the gap in the training, is the need for a valuable mentoring and coaching component to achieve on-road experience. It provides critical behind-thewheel driving experience that must be undertaken to produce the calibre of drivers required by industry operators. This would include completion of 160 hours of supervised driving with an experienced driving mentor at their place of employment. These

verified hours would be completed over three months of attaining employment with support provided to the employer to subsidise the cost of this training. We are advocating strongly for funding for this training as a mentoring wage supplement to support employers. This key barrier to employing newly licenced drivers must be addressed, and this wage supplement is vital to give employers more confidence to employ these drivers. Small to medium businesses who make up most of the road freight industry do not

have the financial resources or capacity to allocate a driving mentor without it impacting productivity in their business. Our Heavy Vehicle Driver Jobs Ready program provides a solution to the long-term driver shortage. Our discussions with members has had overwhelming support for this approach along with support from insurers. Their only question is “When does it start?” There’s no time like the present. - Gary Mahon, CEO, Queensland Trucking Association

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10 NEWS

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Sterle back on the road for 5000km charity run

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

WA Labor Senator and former truckie Glenn Sterle was back behind the wheel for his fourth road train charity run in less than two months. Sterle left Perth in a Centurion Transport Kenworth SAR and triple road train on January 29 bound for Derby in WA’s Kimberley region, a 5000km trip that took four days. He was delivering essentials such as fresh fruit and vegetables, nappies and groceries to an area facing current supply chain issues brought on by extensive flooding. “In some supermarkets, the shelves are absolutely bare. At Centurion, like at many other businesses, the driver shortages are having an impact too. I offered to do a run up to Derby to deliver the essentials to Woolworths and with the wage they would pay a driver, I’m donating it to charity,” Sterle said. “There’ was a lot of water around and it was absolutely pouring down, but I was lucky that I was able to get in and out. At this time of year, with the wet, there’s a lot of uncertainty

POLITICIANS WILL TALK UP THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY WHEN THERE’S A PHOTO OPPORTUNITY IN A HIGH-VIS VEST, BUT I LIKE TO ACTUALLY GET OUT THERE AND DO SOMETHING. I’M LUCKY THAT I CAN GO BACK TO MY TRADE AND PUT IT TO A GOOD CAUSE.” GLENN STERLE

for the people of the Kimberley, and they live with that uncertainty every year.” The money raised from the trip will go towards two very worthy causes – a Perth-based charity called Dandelions WA; and a program being initiated by Fitzroy Crossing Police in a bid to help curb juvenile crime in the area. Dandelions WA is run by three women – Vicky, Jan and Jodie – and is centred around spreading kindness and growing hope. “They put together ‘Kindness Kits’ for disadvan-

Sterle with Dandelions WA lead organiser Vicky Young (second from the right) and her team.

taged kids and victims of domestic violence,” said Sterle. The Kindness Kits feature donated toothbrushes and other toiletries, underwear, thongs and items relevant to the gen-

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der and age of those receiving them. Last year, 100 of these kits were donated to those in need in Fitzroy Crossing, which Sterle transported. “There’s a beehive of volunteers at Dandelions WA. When I met with them, they said they have no shortage of items being donated, but what they don’t have is money, so they can’t go and visit people to see what they need – so that’s why some of the money I’ve earnt will go to this charity. I have a Dandelions WA collection bin in my office now too. It’s a very worthwhile, fantastic cause. What I like about this is that every single thing they get goes into the hands of those that need it – there’s no money spent on administration or brochures,” explained Sterle. The WA Senator says he has also been working closely with Fitzroy Crossing Police because

the juvenile crime rate there is “through the roof”. “There are 260 kids through the valley that are doing development stuff and are good kids, but there are 26 kids on the juvenile offender list who are giving them all a bad name,” Sterle said. “I asked the Fitzroy Crossing Police if there is anything they need and they said they want to start a boxing program to get the kids working together and off the streets, encouraging discipline. With some of the money I’ve raised, I’m going to purchase boxing equipment so they can get those classes started.” When asked if there were any more charity runs planned, Sterle said absolutely. “There’s definitely more to come when I get some more time off in the middle of the year – I’ll certainly be out there doing it again,” he said.

I OFFERED TO DO A RUN UP TO DERBY TO DELIVER THE ESSENTIALS TO WOOLWORTHS AND WITH THE WAGE THEY WOULD PAY A DRIVER, I’M DONATING IT TO CHARITY.” GLENN STERLE

“Politicians will talk up the trucking industry when there’s a photo opportunity in a highvis vest, but I like to actually get out there and do something. I’m lucky that I can go back to my trade and put it to a good cause. Whatever we do with the trucking industry, we have to consult and consult widely. Truck drivers and transport operators need to be heard and listened to.”

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Former truckie and current WA Senator Glenn Sterle was on the road for another charity run for a great cause.

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18 2022

Truck repair shop fined $210k after fatal crash

A Victorian truck repair shop has been convicted and fined $210,000 after a petrol tanker it had serviced only a week prior detached from a truck, killing three people. Heavy Mechanics Pty Ltd was sentenced in the Wodonga Country Court earlier this month after being found guilty in June 2021 of a single charge of failing to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, that people other than employees were not exposed to risks to their health and safety. The workshop had serviced a BP petrol tanker that de-coupled on the Wodonga-Yackandandah Road at Staghorn Flat in August 2014. The detached tanker veered onto the other side of the road and struck two cars travelling in the opposite direction, killing all three occupants: Lisa Turner, 33, her son Jack, 4, and Peta Cox, 67. A WorkSafe investigation found the tow-eye coupling that connected the prime mover and trailer, which at the time of the incident had been used for more than three years and 350,000 kilometres, was worn to excess

and had failed under load. The court heard Heavy Mechanics had serviced the truck just days before the incident, including testing the tow-eye coupling, however, this did not involve an accurate visual inspection and there was no testing conducted when the truck was detached from the trailer, which limited the ability to inspect the parts involved. A jury found it was reasonably practicable for the company to have conducted more accurate testing and inspections, which would have revealed the wear and tear to the coupling WorkSafe executive director of health and safety Narelle Beer said the company’s failure to do so had led to a tragic loss of life. “This is an absolutely horrific incident that not only claimed three lives but left countless others continuing to deal with grief and trauma,” said Beer. “What this case highlights is the terrible human cost of failing to follow the most basic of workplace safety procedures, including a thorough maintenance program and

NEWS 11

A WorkSafe investigation found the tow-eye coupling was worn to excess and had failed under load.

rigorous inspections of heavy vehicles.” After the incident in 2014, BP took its entire national fleet of BP-owned trucks (including approximately 30 in Victoria) off the road as a precaution. The Herald Sun reported that VicRoads inspectors proceeded to check the fleet for mechanical faults and found “nothing of a significant, unsafe nature”.

Following the crash, BP Australasia said the truck and dog trailer involved in the incident had been routinely serviced – with no faults found. At this month’s hearing, Judge George Georgiou said Heavy Mechanics had shown “no remorse” as it had not pleaded guilty to one count of failing as an employer to ensure other people were not exposed to safety risks.

According to court documents, two of Heavy Mechanics’ employees serviced the truck and trailer a week before the crash. The pair marked as complete the requirement to “check and report on the tow couplings (turntable and king pin) split and inspect”. They performed a tug test and stated that the coupling did not reveal anything that

required any immediate action. One of them said no wear was sighted on the inspection and the “whole tow hitch looked to be in normal working order”. However, prosecutor Andrew Palmer said the employees failed to detach the prime mover from the trailer to properly inspect the tow-eye coupling.

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12 FEATURE

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Truckie determined to drive again after rollover

Five months after a horrific accident on the Newell Highway, this Qld driver is fighting to get his shattered dream back on track. BY JAMES GRAHAM ALL that hard-working Qld father-of-three Tim Miller, 40, wanted to do was buy his own truck and set up a haulage business so he could provide for his young family. After a rocky start sorting finance and shrugging off the initial setback of a truck with a blown engine, RentFleet stepped in to save the day and backed Miller into a stunning Kenworth K104 that ticked all the right boxes. After several years of driving for others, Miller was finally doing what he loved in his own rig, with big plans to secure his young family’s future as an interstate driver.

Less than five weeks later, Miller’s dreams were crushed, and his world turned upside down in the blink of an eye in the early hours of September 24, 2021. Fully rested and on a routine run from Melbourne to the Gold Coast region hauling water testing tanks, Miller rolled his rig on the Newell Highway between Tooraweenah and Gowang. He initially thought the incident was due to a ‘micro-sleep’, but investigators now suspect a blown steer tyre was the cause. Miller was rushed to Dubbo Hospital with a broken neck (C6 and C7),

Less than five weeks after taking possession of his K104, Miller’s dreams were shattered.

The brave truckie has made huge strides in his recovery, but still has a long road ahead.

broken eye socket, suspected brain damage, bruises and major cuts under his chin, neck and upper lip. But because he needed urgent surgery, he was quickly flown to Westmead in Sydney by the Flying Doctor Service. His fiancée Meaghan Stothers and their children, aged 5, 10 and 15, were hoping he’d be relocated to Brisbane to be closer to his family, but their request was denied due to tight Covid restrictions. When Miller was eventually discharged, he had no wallet, money, or ID on him, and no way of getting home to Caboolture. “I was not allowed to drive to Sydney to collect him because of Covid-19, and he couldn’t fly due to this broken eye socket and neck,” said Stothers. “Luckily, I was able to organise him a lift back across the border with a fellow truckie and I’m so thankful.” Five months after the crash and Stothers, now Miller’s full-time carer, said her fiancé faces a long road to recovery. She has to shower him, dress him, cut up all

Tim Miller can’t recall anything about the accident that turned his life upside down.

his food and take him to all his medical appointments. Although he can now walk and talk, and has made “massive improvements”, Miller still has numbness down one side of his face and his right eye will forever sit 2mm back due to the eye socket fracture. It is hoped recent neck surgery will alleviate the nerve damage causing the constant pain in his left arm. Due to the brain injury, the extent of which is still to be revealed, Stothers said Miller’s personality, and accent, have also changed. “My Aussie boy now sounds like a Kiwi, and no one can work out why,” said Stothers, referring to the little-known condition, foreign accent syndrome, which is most common in those who have suffered a head injury.

“I strongly believe that he also now suffers from PTSD and anxiety.” The only bright light in all of this for Stothers is that compulsory third-party insurance cover in NSW is helping off-set costs since Miller’s accident. But the family now has a $40,000 debt – truck and insurance payments are still due – and although Stothers has applied for carer’s payments, at the time of writing, she has had no word on when those might start. With nowhere else to turn, Stothers started a GoFundMe page last year, titled Help Tim rebuild his life!, and is humbled by the help from strangers so far. “You got me on a good day, put it that way,” said Stothers when Big Rigs checks in to see how the family is coping.

LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO ORGANISE HIM A LIFT BACK ACROSS THE BORDER WITH A FELLOW TRUCKIE AND I’M SO THANKFUL.” MEAGHAN STOTHERS

“Life has been a struggle. There are days when everything piles on top of you with 10 things to do, and there’s only one of me. “But we try to look on the positive side as much as we can.” Stothers said Miller still hasn’t given up hope of one day getting back behind the wheel. “It all comes down to the [neck] surgery and his recovery – he probably has a 5050 chance of driving a truck again.”

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14 COVER STORY

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Burke’s Transport to close its doors BY DANIELLE GULLACI

AFTER 40 years of service, Burke’s Transport’s vibrant skyblue trucks and trailers will travel the highways for the very last time, as owners Graeme and Connie Burke prepare to embark on their next chapter. Started by Graeme in his hometown of Bathurst in 1982 with just six trucks, he has grown his business in leaps and bounds. Over the past four decades, one depot has grown to four – Bathurst, Campbellfield, Orange and Sydney – and the fleet has grown to include 30 Kenworth prime movers, 94 trailers, 12 tray trucks and more. For the past 10 years or so, the company has also employed around 80 staff. At 67, Graeme says now was the right time to call it quits, but adds the decision wasn’t an easy one. “It was a hard decision because we have a lot of long-term employees. It’s been a great business for us. But I think everybody has a use-by date and I didn’t have family who could take it on. I’m 67 and my wife Connie is the same age,” he explained. “We’ve tried unsuccessfully for the last four to five years to try and sell the business. In

the beginning, there was interest, but we didn’t get it over the line. “Then with our last offer, they wanted to put a hold on the sale for 12 months due to Covid. “Because of Covid, it became too hard to sell the business.” Graeme started his career as an apprentice mechanic. He got his truck licence at the age of 18 and went on to purchase a Bedford tabletop truck in 1971. His father owned trucks too, but Graeme wanted to go down a slightly different path. “My father had tip trucks and used to do earthworks. I always swore black and blue that I wouldn’t go down that path, because every time it rained, as kids, we nearly starved.” So, in the beginning, Graeme would use the Bedford to transport general freight and timber. “It just progressed along from there. I never had any thoughts of it growing as big as what it’s got. I was content on being an owner driver. Then I got involved with a few businesses that were relatively small at the time and they grew, so I grew with them,” he said. “There are some customers we’ve had for 40 years and we still have them today. There are

“It’s been a great business for us. But I think everybody has a use-by date and I didn’t have family who could take it on,” said Graeme Burke.

After four very successful decades in business, Graeme and Connie Burke have called time on Burke’s Transport.

The trucks and trailers certainly stood out on the highways in their vibrant sky-blue colour scheme.

COVER STORY 15

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18 2022 also many others we’ve worked with for over 30 or over 20 years. “Once we have a customer, we’re pretty good at retaining them. “I guess it’s about trying to work out and solve problems for our customers before it becomes a problem for them. It’s about trying to understand their needs.” The business as it stands today services NSW and Melbourne, carrying general freight as well as some refrigerated and tanker work too. And though business has been booming – Graeme reports that since the pandemic began, work has increased by 10-15 per cent – the time has come for the couple to try something new. “To be successful in trans-

port, you have to get a lot of little things right and then all the big things will fall into place, but it’s a monumental thing to try and get all those little things right,” he said. Connie added: “At the moment I have mixed emotions, Burkes Transport has been a big part of our lives for a long time. “I feel incredibly sad to have to say goodbye to our wonderful and loyal staff. We have a lot who have been with us for a long time, and they are like family. “The other part of me feels glad to be retiring and able to spend more time with our family and especially the grandchildren.” Graeme says that ever since the pandemic started, everyone in transport has been busy but it’s gotten harder to find

people. “It’s been impossible to find workers in Melbourne. We have our own aeroplane, which we’ve had for years, so I’d work between Melbourne and Bathurst and fly back and forth. “I have no intentions of completely retiring, I just need to move on and do some other things and I can’t do them while I’m still running the business. I’m going to do some development work as I have a bit of land. We own all the depots so I’ll also lease them out. But what this means is that I’ll be able to have a bit of free time, because running a transport business just consumes six days of my life. It’ll be good to have a week off when I want to.” Burke’s officially closes on February 25 and all of its equipment will go under the

Readers’ reaction to closure Shaun Smith It has been an absolute pleasure to work for you, Graeme & Connie. I have enjoyed working for you the most above all the jobs I’ve had in my career. You both deserve to put your feet up. Enjoy your retirement – you have definitely earned it… #44 Cheryle Bonds Aww bless you both and thank you for all your dedication and efforts to keep them wheels turning. May the next chapter of life’s journey keep you both well and happy along the way. Thank you.

Ken Warren I had been dealing with Graeme for nearly all those 40 years and he is a true gentleman and a champion bloke. It was a pleasure always, enjoy retirement.

Andrew Pom Williamson Burkey gave a lot of young people a go, he had older blokes there showing them the way , they themselves had been with burkes for up to 40 or even more years, looked after a few who’d fallen on hard times and was a good man, I never worked for him but I’m a local and I knocked about with a few

of his old drivers, I worked in the yard for Mick Conroy many years ago and both Mick and Graeme are great mates which says a lot about em when they were both in the same type of business competing for work in the same town, all the best guys. Jess Scoins What an absolute awesome effort Graeme and Connie! Had the pleasure of working with your team a couple of years ago and you always went above and beyond! Best of luck for your next chapter and enjoy the life you’ve built.

FEB—MAR 2022

TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN TRANSPORT, YOU HAVE TO GET A LOT OF LITTLE THINGS RIGHT AND THEN ALL THE BIG THINGS WILL FALL INTO PLACE, BUT IT’S A MONUMENTAL THING TO TRY AND GET ALL THOSE LITTLE THINGS RIGHT.” GRAEME BURKE

hammer at an auction in Dubbo held by Ritchie Bros. in late April. The dispersal includes 30 Kenworth prime movers, 94 trailers, 12 rigids, 20 forklifts and seven utes. Workshop equipment and machinery will be sold later in the year.

Michael Simpson I wish you all the best of luck in the future, it’s a shame to see good genuine people close a business like this after so many years but you both deserve to kick back and relax. John Richard Waters I am truly saddened. Yet another icon trucking business being wound up. Another of many of late. I’m thinking we are approaching sad trucking times. Enjoy your hardearned legend retirement. Kim Rochester Thank you for your service to the community, your hard

Graeme says the decision to close the business was a difficult one.

work, dedication, big heart and just being fabulous all round people. Chris Marlow Worked for Graeme in the early 90’s at Sydney depot, absolutely great bloke to work for, the old 1418 Benz doing Saturday runs to uncle bens! Fantastic Christmas parties, great memories, great blokes! All the best Graeme and Connie! Victor Henderson I’ll miss seeing these trucks rumbling over the mountains. Sad the name can’t live on with a new owner.

Fiddle Briggs Another legend pulling the pin. Graeme and Connie I wish you all the best with your future. It has been an absolute pleasure to have met you. Julian Kilby A true gentleman and stalwart to the industry, people like myself admire and appreciate his contribution to the industry. Well deserved Graeme, unlike others who have “retired” that got their flash gear from dodgy crap, you’re a true blue hard working inspiration that did it hard but HONEST! Well done and best of regards for your next endeavours!

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16 FEATURE

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Those who grow together, stay together, says Exodas

A loyal customer base has helped this hard-working operator expand his business from one truck in 2001 to a fleet of 110 today. BY DANIELLE GULLACI AS a five-year-old kid, Brett Tynan was already dreaming of working with trucks. Though he would’ve been too young to envisage the success that would eventually come his way, sparked by hard work and a willingness to seize opportunity. “My dad drove trucks pretty much all my life. I’ve been around them and in them since I was kid,” he said. Now 46, Tynan began driving trucks when he was 24 and it wasn’t long before he went out on his own. “I started driving for SRV Road Freight Services – that was my first linehaul job.” SRV was started by Errol Cosgrove in 1997. “Errol helped finance my first truck, which I bought off him, then I bought another couple of trucks and towed his trailers, and then I bought my own trailers,” explained Tynan.

Exodas was started in Queensland in 2001 – and what a two decades it’s been. From an owner operator, Tynan has built the business up to a modern fleet of 110 trucks (predominantly Kenworths and Volvos, with some Scanias thrown in too), and around 200 staff across four depots in Queensland and NSW. So what does he attribute this success to? “Stupidity,” Tynan joked, before getting back on topic. “We’ve really grown with our customers. We’ve worked with our two biggest customers from early on. Now we have 15 or so trucks with each of those two customers, so we grew with that and picked up some more.” Though he admits he didn’t come into the industry expecting his business would grow as much or as quickly as it has. “I didn’t plan on having this many trucks, it’s just where we’re at and what’s hap-

Brett Tynan started Exodas in 2001 and has built the fleet up to 110 trucks.

pening at this point in time. Opportunities come along and you just take them. I believe we offer a great service, and you grow with your customers. “I started out in general freight and plants – I did a lot of plants in the beginning. When I first started, we did a lot of stuff through a loading agency, then over time we built relationships with some of our customers and have expanded with them in the general freight sector. I started working with our two biggest customers when we had only five trucks, so I’ve expanded as they have.” With this growth came the opportunity to grow even more. In October 2015, Evergreen Freight was incorpo-

Tynan with the recently purchased Diamond Edition K200, which was the 50th Kenworth for Exodas.

rated as a subsidiary. This arm offers transport and warehousing services for all Bunnings Greenlife across South East Queensland. In March 2017, Tynan acquired Malin Refrigerated Transport (MRT) to complement the company’s existing services and provide the ability to offer express return services from North Queensland. Today, Tynan says about 70 per cent of the fleet is refrigerated, with services offered across the eastern seaboard. Last year was a big year of deliveries for Exodas, which purchased 11 new Kenworths, 14 Volvos and five Scanias. While some were to cater to growth, others were purchased to upgrade existing equipment.

“Some drivers prefer one and some prefer the other. We like to have two different manufacturers predominantly. Both do the application we do pretty well. We like the trucks to be presented well too,” said Tynan. Among the new additions was a flashy Diamond Edition K200, the 50th Kenworth for the business and one of 75 limited edition Kenworths released to mark Brown and Hurley’s 75th anniversary. As for what’s in store for the future, Tynan is happy to take it as it comes but with plenty of new trucks already on order – another eight Kenworth K200s and eight Volvos so far – it’s shaping up to be another busy and exciting year.

The fleet is made up predominantly of Kenworths and Volvos, with some Scanias in the mix too.

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BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18 2022

Ritchies manages dispersal for Maranoa Haulage AFTER 23 years in the industry, Ian and Fiona French at Maranoa Haulage have chosen to sell their fleet with Ritchie Bros. Founded in 1999, the business has continued strong for over two decades. But now Ian and Fiona – respected figures in the transport industry – are looking forward to their retirement. Based in Orange in the Central West of NSW, Ian and Fiona have built Maranoa Haulage from just one CH Mack into a very respect-

ed transport company with a large fleet of specced out Kenworth prime movers and matching trailer sets servicing throughout Australia. “After a long-standing relationship with Ritchie Bros., we have entrusted them to sell our fleet at the Australian National Unreserved Auction on February 23-24. Fiona and I would like to take this opportunity to thank our customers, suppliers, and all our employees throughout our years of operation,” said Maranoa Haulage

Ian and Fiona French started Maranoa Haulage in 1999 and are excited about their next chapter.

managing director Ian French. Ritchie Bros. territory manager Simon Ward added, “We feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to manage the dispersal for Maranoa Haulage and are delighted they have put their faith in us. Maranoa Haulage has bought and sold with Ritchie Bros. many times in the past and from those successful experiences, that is what has given Ian and Fiona the confidence to entrust us with their retirement plans. “With our global customer base, decades of experience and commitment to our customers we’re confident the whole process will be a huge success. “Maranoa Haulage is a wellknown and respected transport company within the industry, with a fleet that is second to none. We encourage buyers to get online and check out this dispersal because it’s not every day the industry has an opportunity to purchase from a fleet of this quality.” Ritchie Bros. will manage the complete dispersal of Maranoa Haulage assets through the Australian National Unreserved Auction (February 23-

The immaculate Maranoa Haulage fleet will go under the hammer at the Australian National Unreserved Auction on February 23-24.

24). There are 12 Kenworth prime movers and 30 trailers in this dispersal including a 2019 Kenworth T610SAR and nine late model Kenworth K200 Big Cabs. The assets in this dispersal include: • 2019 Kenworth T610SAR • 9 x 2017-2018 Kenworth K200 Big Cabs • 2013 Kenworth T909 • 2008 Kenworth K108 • 2007 Iveco Eurocargo 225 E28 • 2 x 2015 Krueger curtain side trailers • 24 x 2018-2021 Vawdrey

curtain side trailers • 2 x 2020 Vawdrey drop deck trailers • 2 x 2018 Barker curtain side refrigerated trailer • Large quantities of spare parts, workshop and ancillary equipment “With over 500 assets already consigned to the National Unreserved Auction in February, and more being added daily, we’re expecting a lot of interest. “With record-high demand for quality transport equipment, Ian and Fiona have decided now is the perfect op-

portunity to sell their fleet with confidence,” Ward added. Bidders can expect to see items from the transport, construction, mining, and agricultural industries. The event will be held exclusively online, interested buyers are urged to register online to bid, with bidding opening on February 19. Day one of the auction (February 23) will be dedicated to construction and crushing gear, while day two (February 24) will focus on transportation and agriculture assets.

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ONE PHONE NUMBER TO CONNECT WITH 59 DEALERS AUSTRALIA WIDE Prices herein are recommended selling prices for both Privileges members and non-members, inclusive of GST. Recommended selling prices are a guide only and there is no obligation for Dealers to comply with these recommendations. Freight charges may apply. All items have been included in good faith on the basis that goods will be available at the time of sale. Prices and promotions are available at participating Dealers from 1 February to 31 March 2022 or while stocks last.

18 TRIBUTE

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Remembering Jim Cooper

Jim Cooper and wife Jenny on holiday in Ireland in the late 2000s.

BY BRUCE HONEYWILL IN late January, Jim Cooper climbed the final jump-up and passed over the Divide. With his passing he leaves road transport with a legacy that will be remembered as long as we hear the rumble of road trains passing in the night, while rubber wheels roll on bitumen and bush tracks in remote Australia. Jim’s accolades are many, his company was the biggest road train operation in the world. He re-invented bulk transport in remote areas. He worked tirelessly with the governments and transport departments to make roads safer, to open multi-combination routes. To make remote transport more efficient. But it was the type of man who Jim was, that was the achievement of his 82-year life. Jim Cooper was a humble man. While building an empire that no one can refute, he would always pull up and have a yarn, his eyes steady, warm handshake and listen to whatever the other person had to say. Always as an equal rather than a high-powered businessman rushing off to some meeting. Innovation is the keyword for Jim’s career in road transport. The man thrived on chal-

lenge, whether in off-road bulk haulage, on-highway road train haulage or livestock transport where the conditions and distances always seem greater than what is possible for man and machine. Thinking outside the square and finding better ways, designing specialised equipment to haul a 1000 tonnes or a 100,000 tonnes from here to there: that was the essence of Jim Cooper. Matching gear to a job and finding a safe and efficient way to carry it out was more important than building a business empire. The business just came along for the ride. This is not to say Jim was not a canny businessman. He was. Helped with administration and accounting procedures by wife Jenny Cooper. It is well known that Jim Cooper was born a Kiwi. In the deep south of the South Island he was born to heavy machinery. Working as a plant operator until he turned 21, he made a modest venture into trucks, building Cooper Transport Ltd of Tapanui. Still only 21, a pretty young lass caught his eye and he married Jenny in 1962. He worked around the clock to build his transport business. Once running, it was a solid

Jim with the T1050 just delivered to Dampier Salt Port Hedland. The Powertrans truck is now an exhibit at the Road Transport Hall of Fame in Alice Springs.

little business and gave a comfortable lifestyle in conservative Southland. But he wanted more than an easy life. The great red expanses of remote Australia intrigued him. He wanted to taste the red dust of the outback, take on the challenge of transport in the big country. Jim ran an ad in the NT News and ended up buying what was predominantly a longhaul car carrying operation: Gulf Transport. Jim Cooper soon found out the challenges of running a truck operation in what was still frontier country. Truck drivers ‘bogged down’ for days on the grog, the tyranny of long-distance transport, rollovers of road trains were common, unsafe equipment on the road - Jim saw what many couldn’t: Things had to change. The three-truck fleet soon expanded, but early growing pains brought difficulties. Jenny Cooper played the balancing act between creditors and debtors. Banks were getting difficult. By the end of 1974 the situation was getting bad. Then on Christmas Eve a

change that no one expected. Cyclone Tracy. Darwin was flattened, the Cooper’s home destroyed, workshops crumpled like thrown-away paper. The children were evacuated to family in New Zealand. In less than 24 hours Jim had trucks assisting the recovery effort, and work became plentiful. In the late 70s Gulf diversified into bulk haulage winning a contract to bring large rocks from Mt Bundey to Darwin, building a haulage system that over time changed the face of Darwin Harbour. From 1979 to 1985 this diversification continued, from linehaul to infrastructure development and then into mining. Jim Cooper introduced side tippers to mining contracts, overcoming mine management resistance. He introduced flexible side tippers and started to win mine haul road contracts. With eyes still on the Territory’s far horizon and with GULFHAUL and then BULKHAUL running mining contracts across the NT, WA and Qld, the smell of cattle caught his attention. In April 1993, Jim signed on the bottom line for Road Trains of Australia. In so doing he bought more than a livestock haulage company, he was buying a great chunk of Northern Territory culture and probably his biggest challenge. RTA was set up by Noel Buntine, the father of road train livestock haulage in Australia. His drivers were largely ‘old school’, tough men who drove hard and played hard. The old Territory way was to drive like hell through the seven or eight months of dry season and back off and lick your wounds through the Wet. It was during the Wet the trucks were serviced, rebuilt, and trailers welded together getting ready for the next cattle season. Jim Cooper knew he had to change that, bring in regular servicing, introduce safety protocols for drivers, schedule trips to meet these needs. He did change it, not with-

out a bit of attrition and a lot of hurt. RTA was sold in 2006 as a very different, smooth-running fleet - well as smooth as you could hope with the vagaries of Territory climate and roads. Bringing more innovation, Jim and his life-long lieutenant Stui Strain designed the powered trailer. This configuration was an off-highway combination of a body truck and six trailers with one of the trailers powered by an underslung engine. This introduction increased efficiency on haul roads significantly. Underground road trains were introduced to compete with dump trucks in the underground mines. These design developments led to the establishment of POWERTRANS. Based in Brisbane, this company built specialised road trains, including the prime movers, for mine haulage work. On Australia Day in 2008 Jim Cooper was made a Member of the Order of Australia for

services to remote Australia. The GFC hit mining and the Gulf Group hard. In 2010 Gulf was sold to BIS Industries. The Cooper family kept POWERTRANS running until in 2013 when BIS also purchased the equipment manufacturer. Jenny Cooper passed away in November 2014 leaving Jim an empty spirit. He returned to New Zealand but travelled to Australia often. I was editing Big Rigs in 2017 and I had a yarn with Jim at the Brisbane Truck Show. Back in the office we were putting the show edition together and my offsider showed me a layout on the screen. A photo of Jim Cooper with two grandsons and two great granddaughters. “Met this nice old truckie at the show,” Kirsten said. “He said he was just a truck driver called Jim. What should I put on the caption?” “He’s trucking royalty,” I said. “Trucking royalty.” That’s the sort of bloke Jim Cooper was.

Jim Cooper was a former chair of the Australian Trucking Association.

Daughters Erynne, Robyn, Allison, and son Jamie with Dad at a recent family gathering.

NEWS 19

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18 2022

Cameron Group cuts ribbon on bigger Sydney depot

THE Glen Cameron Group, an interstate transport and contract logistics business, has officially expanded its logistics footprint with the new $20 million site opened in Marsden Park, Sydney. Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport, Scott Buchholz joined Glen Cameron, founder and executive chairman of the group, to officially open the new depot earlier this month. Buchholz said the new facility at Marsden Park was a signal that the Australian freight, transport, and logistics sector was growing. “This new, expanded location in Marsden Park is a clear investment in the future of road transport in Australia and I congratulate Glen Cameron and his entire team,” he said. “Right here, we are on some 30,089 square metres of land, 6100 square metres of which is under cover, and 10,750 square metres of yard area, providing greater capacity to move and transfer critical freight. “It is great to see the Cameron Group leading the way on investment in infrastructure for the sector. I am in-

formed we will see some 120 linehaul movements per week out of this site.” The site is almost double the size of the previous Cameron Sydney base at nearby Glendenning. Cameron thanked Buchholz for attending the site and reiterated the Victoria-based group’s commitment to road freight transport, the supply chain and to safety. “As you may know I have a long family history in road transport as my father brought Kenworth Trucks into this country way back in 1962,” Cameron said. “After 50 years, I am as committed to this industry as I have ever been and seeing this site come to fruition is exciting, it is double the size of the previous site and underscores the importance of road transport to the national economy. “On this site today we have 60 staff, supported by 65 contractors and each week we will see 120 or more loaded B-doubles move out of Marsden Park, an integral part of Cameron Interstate operations.” Plans are already in place to commence construction of

[l-r] Denis Blaney, GM/director Cameron Interstate, Scott Buchholz, Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport, Glen Cameron, Greg Smith, GM sales and marketing do the honours at the official opening.

an additional warehouse on an adjoining site within 12 months. “We’ve all had plenty of challenges over the last couple of years and for our business to remain focused and deliver quality services and to grow over these challenging times has been quite remarkable,” Cameron said. “I’m really proud of what

they have achieved collectively, and I am extremely proud of how the brand name has been held by the people in the industry and in this business. We’re very fortunate to align ourselves with great customers. We’ve got customers who started dealing with me in the late ’70s.” Buchholz thanked everyone across the supply chain for the

critically important work they were doing, from warehousing to road transport operators. “The road transport sector has helped build this country, no matter what part of history we look back on, trucks and transport have been critical to the growth of our nation and our economy,” he said. “Throughout the global pandemic, businesses such as

the Glen Cameron Group have kept Australia moving, getting vital product where it needs to be – every product in Australia has a road freight component. “Cameron’s Transport runs a fleet of around 1200 trucks and trailers supported by 600 sub-contractors, that is a big part of our road fleet and I thank them for their investment in our economy.”

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20 FEATURE

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Trucking timber for 40 years

A second-generation operator carries on a proud family legacy with one of the most familiar fleets in Eastern Victoria. BY DAVID VILE FOR four decades, trucks adorning the Blair and Campbell name and blue and white paint scheme have been a familiar sight throughout Eastern Victoria as they haul timber and woodchip out of the bush and to mills and ports over both sides of the Great Dividing Range. Today the Blair and Campbell (B&C) operation is owned by Adam and Courtney Campbell of Bruthen, who have 12 Kenworths scattered over a wide area on log cartage from the company’s depot in nearby Barinsdale. With a history in milling as well as hauling timber, the B&C operation kicked off in 1982 as a joint venture between Dave Blair and Doug Campbell. “My father Doug used to work for Dave as a contractor, he started out in Cudgewa and at the Gibb mill near Corryong,” explained Adam Campbell. “Dave bought a mill in

The B&C fleet is a mix of late model Kenworths.

Ensay and then in Bruthen and set up the joint business with the old man. They bought one truck then built that up to four trucks before they bought a mill in Corryong that was still going until

Dave passed away.” In the late 1980s, Adam worked at the Corryong mill for two years before hitting the bush tracks hauling timber into the mill in one of the company trucks which

at the time was a popular choice for many on log haulage. “I started out in a 500hp Mack Value-Liner when I was still on red P plates. I couldn’t drive a V8 car but was driving a V8 Value-Liner! “With a single jinker it was a pretty tough truck, and we also had Super-Liners and a W-model Kenworth. They then bought a CH Mack for carting woodchips out of Corryong to the port at Geelong, it was a body truck with a quad dog, and I did that for three years, chips down and fertiliser back which was a good gig.” With the passing of Dave Blair, the mill in Corryong was shut down, and having returned to Bruthen, Adam has since built the haulage operation up with the trucks carting hardwood timber to a number of mills. The fleet is a mix of T909, C509 and T659 models along with a lone 2001 model T950, with Kennedy the preferred choice for trail-

Flashback to earlier times: Adam’s V8 Value-Liner along with a Super-Liner loaded to go.

ers. The company also added a Drake 4x4 Deck Widener float to its inventory last year for transporting logging machinery and other heavy haulage duties as needed. Adam reckons the Kenworth and Kennedy combination for trucks and trailers is a good one, with the specification well-suited to their requirements. “The 909s get a flow of air through the cab and keeps the motor cool and with the T659 the turning capacity on that is really good - especially with the float. It’s a

bit shorter in the rails and we can run a 36inch sleeper so the boys can get a good sleep, with fatigue management and so on we have to be across that. We set them up with the air conditioners and so forth so when they run out of their hours they can go to bed,” he explained. Over the years logging trailers have evolved considerably, from sliding pole jinkers to the multi-trailer units common today, with all of Adam’s trailers built locally in Bairnsdale by Kennedy’s.

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FEATURE 21

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18 2022 “We have gone to stag trailers. We run a fold-up skel on the truck with a stag behind it. It’s not as long going into the landings to load, and they track like a single trailer. If you can get a single trailer out you can get a stag trailer set out - they are real robust, they don’t dance around like a bogie so for us going forward we will be running stags. The worstcase scenario if it’s wet up the bush or a bit dicey, we just drop the pup off and run out as a single, they are a good set up.” With the B&C trucks hauling timber out of the Great Diving Range to mills at Swifts Creek, Heyfield, Eden, Geelong and Corry-

Stag B-double sets manufactured locally by Kennedy Trailers are utilised by Blair and Campbell.

ong, the weather, particularly in winter is one of the factors which can bring the trucks to a halt, with Adam preferring to park a truck for a day or two than risk damage to trucks or injury to drivers. “If it comes in wet there’s no mucking around, we will just leave the truck at the side of the road. It’s a no-brainer for us. The truck will be there the next day, or the day after, at least you will get the truck back down and won’t be six months off work. “We can go through the winter working low volume bush up around Nowa Nowa, weather permitting, as the bottom end bush dries out a lot quicker than the higher volume stuff further up in the hills.

“Winter is also our time for big maintenance - if we need to rebuild a motor, or go over a truck from front to back, we get everything right, so it doesn’t affect us in the busy season.” With the timber industry in Victoria facing an uncertain future, B&C has log contracts in place until 2024. The company will later this year take delivery of a Kenworth SAR Legend which Adam is looking forward to, and hopefully it will see a number of years’ service. “We have a good bunch of blokes here at the minute, we have been pretty well on track since the [2019-2020] fires, and we are going pretty well. “We will go where the

IF IT COMES IN WET THERE’S NO MUCKING AROUND, WE WILL JUST LEAVE THE TRUCK AT THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. IT’S A NO-BRAINER FOR US. THE TRUCK WILL BE THERE THE NEXT DAY, OR THE DAY AFTER, AT LEAST YOU WILL GET THE TRUCK BACK DOWN AND WON’T BE SIX MONTHS OFF WORK.” ADAM CAMPBELL

work is, if there’s wood to cart, we will go with it. Let’s hope it keeps on going for a few more years,” he concluded.

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TRUCK REPAIR TOOLS AND WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT Adam Campbell (l) with company driver Kyle Lay (r) in front of Kyle’s C509 at the Bairnsdale depot.

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22 READER RIGS

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Reader Rigs proudly supported by

Shades of green – Cameron Gaskell shared a snap of this P3 Transport green machine.

Share your truck pics to win with Shell Rimula

SHELL Rimula has partnered with Big Rigs in a big way – so now there’s even more reasons to send in your best truck shots. Each month, the Big Rigs team will choose a #PicOfTheMonth, with the lucky winner receiving a $500 Shell Coles Express Gift Card. Keep an eye out for our regular posts on the Big Rigs National Road Transport Newspaper Facebook page, calling

for your best truck photos and add yours in the comments, or email them to editor@bigrigs. com.au. Don’t forget to include a brief note about the truck and where the photo was taken. We’ll feature some of the best photos in each edition of Big Rigs Newspaper, with one winner announced each month. Keep those amazing truck pics coming!

Nobby Smith captured this glorious sunset shot, featuring his T900 Legend, in Finley, NSW.

Transporting a load of bananas, Nicholas Dolan was north of Cunnamulla in this Blenners Kenworth T610 and surrounded by storms, when the sun shone brightly from behind the clouds.

Royce Norton carts iron ore from Wiluna to Geraldton, in this shot taken at the pads near Leinster, WA.

Peter Allbeury carts bitumen in the Kimberley in WA in this Cat-powered Kenworth K104B.

Dennis Perfrement snapped this stunning sunrise on the Plenty Highway after unloading and heading home.

Glenn Triplett shared this shot, moving the ‘Big Cow’ from Nambour to Highfields, Queensland.

Jack Adair snapped this pic near Victoria River, NT, while on the return trip to Darwin.

READER RIGS 23

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18 2022

When the going gets tough, truckies keep everyone going

After unloading hay, Andrew Maifredi captured this shot with the happy customers in the background.

This 2014 Kenworth T909 predominantly carts sheep to Dubbo from southern NSW and Victoria. Jai Perkins snapped the photo between Forbes and West Wyalong on the Newell Highway.

Paul Freeth was stopped at Cadney Park, heading southbound after a run to Darwin.

Chris Egan in the Kenworth T650 with his last load of the day at Valkyrie, Queensland, just before the storm hit.

Steve Kilgallon shared this snap taken at the start of the Strzelecki track, heading into outback South Australia.

Jamie Coyte and this Volvo FH16 700hp cart bulk powder up and down the east coast. This shot was taken at the Tripodi Transport Spring Farm depot in NSW.

Michael Foye sent in this snap of his late dad’s International S-Line, which he learnt to drive in, pictured next to the Kenworth he currently drives.

Kyle Nicholas-Benney’s load was playing camouflage, carting straw off the paddocks in south-east SA.

There was a mighty storm brewing in this snap sent in by Quinn Transport, in Cleve, SA.

Nathan Brock and his Kenworth stop at the boab tree near Willare Roadhouse in north west WA.

24 FEATURE

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

‘Every week there is evidence of another crash’ This 368km stretch is used by hundreds of trucks each day but is described as a ‘horror highway’ by many drivers.

Griffin Falknau at Belyando Crossing Roadhouse, a popular stop for truckies on this route.

A truck travels along the 110km/h section of the notorious Queensland highway.

BY ALF WILSON THE Gregory Development Road between Charters Towers and Clermont in Queensland has been described as the ‘horror highway’, the ‘good, bad and ugly’, and as one of the most boring routes for truckies in Australia. This 368km stretch is used by hundreds of trucks each day and is a vital inland link servicing the mining and livestock industries, as well as many others. When floods close the coastal Bruce Highway, the Gregory Development Road becomes even more important to enable trucks to supply places like the Atherton Tablelands, and Far North Queensland. The route is now fully sealed but much of it has rough shoulders, the surface is uneven or “up and down” as truckies describe it, and it is flood-prone after extreme heavy rain. A Transport and Main Roads (TMR) spokesman told Big Rigs the Gregory Developmental Road is a designated B-double and type 2 road train route. “It has been recognised as a significant link, along with the Clermont-Alpha Road and the

Peak Downs and Capricorn Highways, as a strategic connection for agricultural and freight, as well as energy resources in the Galilee Basin being developed over the next 20 years,” he said. Most of the highway has a 100km/h speed limit but there are three short “good” sections where you can travel at 110km/h. I drove the highway in early January after being told by numerous truckies over the past year that it was a ‘horror highway’. They say there are good, bad and ugly parts, and describe it as boring because of the few buildings along the way. Veteran driver Garth Roots had parked his Kenworth T909 Director at several places along the road. “The surface is up and down and especially hard to travel on when you are loaded,” Roots, 72, told me when he stopped at a pull off area closer to Clermont. Driver Jimmy Tatham rated the Gregory Development Road as amongst the worst he gets on. “The Towers to Clermont Road has rough shoulders in

many places and is dangerous and truckies have to try and stay out of them. And it is up and down and bouncy,” Tatham said. Gold Coast-based driver Terry Sharp also said the road needed care when negotiating it. “I noticed about two months ago, that whoever looks after the Gregory north of Clermont put up signs in eight or nine places, warning of ‘deep edge drop-offs please drive safely’,” said Sharp. “Would have been a whole lot safer to fix the shoulders than leave a known hazard on a road used by type 2 road trains 53 or more metres long.” The narrow rough 60km long stretch of bitumen, 30km north of Belyando Crossing with less than second-rate shoulders is another disgrace. An insult to all who have to use the road, he added. “We’re obliged to drive roadworthy trucks, how about an obligation to provide truck-worthy roads.” Another driver who didn’t want to be named said there was a standard joke between many truckies regarding the highway. “We are asked, ‘have you

One of the many bad sections with rough and dangerous shoulders which cause tyre blowouts or damage.

taken your sea sickness tablets?’ when you drive it because it is so up and down like ocean waves in bad weather. About 50km is like going up hill and down the dale,” he said. Testimony to how the rough shoulders affect drivers are the numerous parts of truck tyres beside the highway, interspersed by a liberal sprinkling of dead animals. Cape River rest area There is only two stops along the highway with toilets for truckies and these are the Cape River rest area and the Belyando Crossing Roadhouse. There are no other buildings of note with some station properties and mining operations off the road. The Cape River rest area is 105km from Charters Towers and has a clean serviced toilet, concrete tables and seats and parking space for some trucks. It has a Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) intelligence transport systems (ITS) device, which are now at selected locations around Queensland. The ITS devices, in conjunction with signs on approach to the rest area, alert approaching heavy vehicles to the current status of them. The ITS devices also include cameras which can provide a live feed back to the Townsville Traffic Management Centre for traffic monitoring purposes. Belyando Roadhouse is 192km from Charters Towers and 172km from Clermont and is a popular stop for trucks. It also is the only fuel stop along the route with the closest being the Gold City Roadhouse on the outskirts of Charters Towers and the BP Gregory Highway Roadhouse at Clermont. To be fair there are regular

A road train parked at the Cape River Rest Area.

pull off areas for trucks with no facilities. The TMR spokesperson said there is dedicated heavy vehicle rest areas, motorist rest areas and dual-use rest areas so drivers can stop and rest as required. “There are two dual-use and two heavy vehicle rest areas on Gregory Development Road, between Clermont and Charters Towers. A total of 26.79km of sealing works have been carried out across six sections between Clermont and Charters Towers, completed in October and November 2021,” he said. Traffic volume TMR provided traffic volume data below. 100km/h sections: The average daily traffic from the Clermont Connection Road to the Clermont Coal Mine Access section is 2053 vehicles (2019), with 24.45 per cent of these being heavy vehicles. Of this, trucks and buses made up 13.59 per cent, articulated vehicles were 3.99 per cent and road trains 6.7 per cent. The average daily traffic from the Clermont Coal Mine Access to the Peak Downs Highway intersection is 1059 vehicles (2019), with 30.59 per cent of these being heavy vehicles. Of this, trucks and buses made up 15.01 per cent, articulated ve-

hicles were 5.75 per cent and 10.01 per cent road trains. The average daily traffic from the Peak Downs Highway intersection to Kilcummin-Diamond Downs Road is 520 vehicles (2018), with 34.04 per cent of these being heavy vehicles. Of this, trucks and buses made up 10.58 per cent, articulated vehicles were 6.73 per cent and road trains 16.73 per cent. 110km/h sections: The average daily traffic from Kilcummin-Diamond Downs Road intersection to Belyando River – Noel Burnett Bridge is 621 vehicles (2020), with 45.89 per cent of these heavy vehicles. Of this, trucks and buses made up 18.84 per cent, articulated vehicles were 6.60 per cent and road trains 20.45 per cent. The average daily traffic from Beylando River – Noel Burnett Bridge to Windsor Road is 608 vehicles (2020), with 38.16 per cent of these heavy vehicles. Of this, trucks and buses made up 13.82 per cent, articulated vehicles were 7.57 per cent and road trains 16.78 per cent. The average daily traffic from Windsor Road to Charters Towers is 861 vehicles (2020), with 16.84 per cent of these being heavy vehicles. Of this, trucks and buses made up 7.9 per cent, articulated vehicles were 2.67 per cent and road trains 6.27 per cent.

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On average Meritor shocks experienced less than 10 per cent reduction in dampening force when tested to 1 million cycles. Customers can feel confident that their ride will feel smooth and controlled time and time again. Another design upgrade includes a special application-specific valving system to compensate for aeration and maintain consistent forces throughout the shock absorbers lifetime. It is known that shock oil can foam, and it does so at a predictable rate which equates to consistent performance no matter the age of the shock. Bushings are often overlooked but play an essential

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The new shock absorbers have been rigorously tested and validated by in-house labs and third-party testing facilities.

role in the shock’s functionality and longevity. Meritor uses high-quality rubber that is equipped to withstand the forces imposed on the shock; this ensures the bushings will perform with the shocks during its lifetime. Hydraulic stops are important to prevent damages to the shock and suspension components as they approach maximum extension. Meritor’s hydraulic stop is designed with application-specific valving and an inner limit sleeve to prevent damage to the piston and the

valve, further extending the life of the shock. “We are thrilled to kickoff 2022 with a re-launch of our shock absorbers range and very proud to be able to offer customers a premium product for the aftermarket,” said Patrick Jose, product manager, Meritor Australia. “These new shocks have been rigorously tested and validated by in-house labs and third-party testing facilities located in USA and approved by Meritor HQ, giving us the confidence stamp of approval from a global

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BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18 2022

Increasing network access safely REFORM LEADER SAL PETROCCITT CEO, National Heavy Vehicle Regulator

THERE is a significant opportunity to open-up access to thousands of bridges and culverts across the country that are currently unavailable to the heavy vehicle fleet and greatly impact the productivity of the road transport task. This access constraint can be due to undefined load limits, asset condition, or lack of original asset information, such as construction drawings. This makes it difficult for local government road managers to coordinate network access for assets they are responsible for under the Heavy Vehicle National Law. To help deliver informed road safety and access decisions, the Australian Government provided the NHVR with $7.96 million in grant funding to launch the first phase of the Strategic Local Government

Asset Assessment Project (SLGAAP) in late 2019. Through SLGAAP, the NHVR works with engineers and road managers to undertake assessments of local government infrastructure across rural and regional Australia. By better understanding the condition of their assets, road managers can confidently open up more networks and move to pre-approved routes and gazettals – reducing the need for permits. In close to two years, SLGAAP has delivered more than 390 bridge assessments, across 74 council areas and we are seeing the benefits, with access opening across previously underrated or uncategorised assets, enabling drivers to use shorter, safer routes. In particular, the Bega Valley Shire Council’s Greendale Bridge was restricted for OSOM and Performance Based Standards vehicles as the structural capacity was unknown. This meant combination such as A-double milk tankers were required to travel an extra approximate 8 kilometres using alternative unsealed roads, causing wear to both vehicles

road managers to work together to identify assets that could be assessed through SLGAAP and apply for Phase Two (applications open from April). To get involved, or if you have any questions, you can email the SLGAAP team at roadassetproject@nhvr.gov.au.

ing modules, webinars, frequently asked questions, templates, and tips to support local governments throughout the assessment process and inform asset-related access decisions. You can access these useful tools at nhvr.engagementhub.com. au/page/road-manager-toolkit

Digital Road Manager Toolkit To help road managers interpret the SLGAAP bridge and culvert assessment and engineering report against a range of vehicle configurations, the NHVR developed a suite of free resources as part of a digital Road Manager Toolkit. The Toolkit includes learn-

NHVR Portal The results of the bridge asset assessments, along with existing infrastructure information is combined for the first time in a national database of road and bridge asset conditions. This information is available for industry and road managers to view in the NHVR Portal. An Asset Rapid Assessment

HARD WORK |R ET A I

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and infrastructure. Once the bridge was assessed against 112 vehicle configurations under a Tier 2 structural assessment, it was identified to have enough capacity to safely carry an extended range of OSOM vehicles. The shorter route is now being used and is safely providing productivity benefits while reducing infrastructure wear and damage. To keep building on these successful outcomes, in May 2021, the Australian Government provided the program with an additional $12.1 million funding over three years, which will allow another 1000 assessments to be undertaken. I encourage industry and

RD A W RE

The NHVR works with engineers and road managers to undertake assessments of local government infrastructure across rural and regional Australia.

Tool (ARAT) is also being built into the Portal and will be available in the next few months. The tool will allow road managers to enter in specific details of the vehicle requesting access and compare it to a reference vehicle – providing bridge assessment results in minutes. This seeks to enable road managers to make more informed decisions and deliver timely access turnaround times. Ultimately, we want to get to a position where we can deliver a modern access regime that removes the need for permits through increased knowledge of infrastructure (and where upgrades are needed) to provide greater access certainty, efficiency and improved safety.

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FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Backhanders are a real and sad transport reality BUSINESS GURU GRAHAM COTTER Author of Don’t Suck the Pencils

I purposely left this subject of backhanders out my book Don’t Suck the Pencils because it is a very real yet difficult subject to handle as a business operator. No matter what business or industry sector you are involved in, this issue of backhanders is a very real and sad reality. For me the basic foun-

dation of any successful business is TRUST and RESPECT. Backhanders have no part in this basic business foundation. Backhanders are a very slippery pole that once you become involved, tarnishes your reputation as being a reputable small or medium-sized business operator. For a number of years, I have sent some of my customers and suppliers cases of mangoes as a token of appreciation. The mangoes come from our farm so I picked and packed them myself. They are always a well received and appreciated. There is

Graham Cotter’s new book is packed with invaluable business tips.

NO REAL SOLUTION TO THIS ISSUE OF BACKHANDERS APART FROM YOU STAYING TRUE TO THOSE VALUES WHICH DEFINE WHO YOU ARE AS AN INDIVIDUAL AND A BUSINESS OPERATOR.” GRAHAM COTTER

never any expectations on my part from this gesture of appreciation. For me, the best way to describe a backhander would be when the gift or consideration shifts from appreciation to expectation. From hard-earned experience, with expectations will always come the need for additional consideration and bigger expectations. When the foundation of the gesture shifts from appreciation to expectation it starts to compromise you’re personal and business Values. When this happens the business relationship begins to be compromised and trust and respect start to be eroded away. I am yet to be convinced that when big business in this country makes political donations this is not a backhander. With the consideration of big donations will come big expectations that will indirectly impact on us a small business operators. I recall watching an interview with the Prime Minister at time sitting in his office in Canberra a few years back. Over his left shoulder was a large and obviously

The best way to describe a backhander would be when the gift or consideration shifts from appreciation to expectation.

expensive model truck with trailers. On the side of the truck was the branding of a very large transport company. For this to be displayed in such a prominent position in the office of the Prime Minister, I asked myself at the time, what expectations came with this gesture and how have these expectations impacted on my business? Small to medium-sized operators in the road transport sector in particular are continually having to accommodate the demands of government legislation that impacts directly on our dayto-day operations. More often than not, this legislation appears to be designed to make the job harder for the smaller operator. When I managed the trans-

port operation, I continually questioned the motivation behind most of the legislation as a small fleet operator. Those small operators who were involved in the industry a few years back when the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal (RSRT) was in operation can testify to this political interference. Safety and remuneration do go hand in hand but when in this case with the RSRT, we would have seen Australia crippled by the stupidity of this legislation. Big considerations with big expectations that would have destroyed owner drivers and small fleet operators. No real solution to this issue of backhanders apart from you staying true to those values which define who you are as an individual

and a business operator. If you would like a copy of my book Don’t Suck the Pencils purchase it from my website kissbusiness.com.au or contact me on my email graham@kissbusiness.com. au or mobile 0458 743 500. About the author: Graham Cotter’s passion is for small business, especially the road transport sector, and the significant role it plays in the Australian economy. Having both managed and owned a small-fleet operation for a number of years, Townsville-based Cotter has witnessed first-hand the difficulties small-business operators face in the day-to-day aspect of running a transport business and has now dedicated his life to assisting other business owners.

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BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18 2022

All we ask is that truckies get the respect they’re due INDUSTRY ADVOCATE SIMON O’HARA CEO, Road Freight NSW

ON January 27, 2022, one of our operator’s truckies was heading to Lightning Ridge with a B-double load. The truckie had been driving for hours in the hot weather from Sydney. Nothing unusual, and part of the job. As any responsible truckie does, they wanted to stop at a service station to use the showers, facilities and grab something to eat for dinner before heading off again. Not only to get clean, but also to rest and eat and minimise fatigue. The truckie pulled up in their Kenworth at Shell Gunnedah at about 7pm and was one of only a few other truckies pulled up.

The truckie entered via the front entrance and went to the counter to ask for the key to use the toilet and their shower. The Shell attendant said words to the effect of: “the facilities were only for truck drivers.” Our truckie said to the Shell attendant: “I am truckie and I just pulled up in a B-Double.” Our truckie was dressed in a high vis company shirt, work pants and boots. The Shell service station attendant again reiterated that the facilities were only for truckies and asked for our truckie to point out their truck on the video camera monitor. Our truckie leaned over and pointed it out on screen and said words to the effect of: “you would have seen me pull up. I’m the white Kenworth B-double just there”. The Shell attendant’s offsider said to the attendant serving our truckie that ‘they are a truckie’. The keys for the toilet were handed over by the

Shell service station attendant. Five minutes later our truckie returns and requests to use the shower. Again, the same Shell attendant said words to the effect of: ‘these are only for truckies.’ Our truckie then explained again they were a truckie. The Shell service attendant seemed to not believe our truckie. Again. The Shell attendant asked for proof re-iterating that the facilities were only for truckies and asked for proof and for our truckie to show their licence. A valid licence was produced and handed over. Further conversation ensued whereby our truckie again pointed out which truck they were driving and that they wanted to use the shower facilities because it was a hot day and they had to head to lightning ridge for a delivery the next day. And requested again with words to the effect of: “can I have the keys, please?” In the end, the truckie had

enough. Access to showers didn’t seem to be forthcoming. Our truckie left humiliated with the way they had been treated. Afterwards at or about 10pm, I had a chat with the truckie as they were travelling close to Merah North near Wee Waa and had a text exchange with the freight owner about their experience. Our operator texted me to say: “They carried on that much that our truckie walked out. This is not right! After all the good our industry is doing in this pandemic and the crap we have to go through this is another blow and shouldn’t happen.” That night our truckie used an old bucket from the truck and filled it up with water from a tap on the side of the road and used one of the old microfibre clothes (used to wipe down the truck) to try and clean themselves down before getting some rest in the cab for the delivery and splitting of the loads the next day.

The truckie was dressed in a high-vis company shirt, work pants and boots.

The driver for Winston Express Haulage was forced to take a cold shower from a bucket after being refused access to the facilities.

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The truckies dinner was a snack bar found in the cab as nothing is open at Lightning Ridge at 1am in the morning. Denying a truckie the human right of the use of basic facilities with some dignity is bad enough. But, would your view about their refusal to treat our truckie with dignity be any different if I was to reveal that the truckie was a woman. A woman who has raised three kids and has driven trucks for years. A woman who knows and loves trucks and is a part of a family of truckers. Our operator asks whether

our truckie was not able to use the shower facilities because she is a woman, or a truckie? If our truckie was a 6-foot bloke asking to use the facilities, whether they would have encountered the same problems? I will let you be the judge. All RFNSW asks is that individuals and companies act respectfully to all truckies. Shell publicly supports female truck drivers, and we respect their work on this front. However, we believe there are bona fide and substantive questions here for examination.

RT ERTON

AT THE WHEEL DAVID MEREDITH

30 COLUMN contributors@bigrigs.com.au

TRUCKIN’ ON THE BORDER DAVID VILE contributors@bigrigs.com.au

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Finding the real answers on the road EDITOR JAMES GRAHAM

TASSIE TRUCKIN’ JON WALLIS

james.graham@bigrigs.com.au

contributors@bigrigs.com.au

TWU NEWS

TWU NEWS RICHARDOLSEN OLSEN RICHARD TWU NSW State Secretary TWU NSW/QLD State Secretary

WHEN a transport worker dies out on the road, doing their job, police set up a crime scene, they notify the coroner who does not always hold an inquest. Too often, the death on the road of a heavy vehicle operator at work is a “stock-standard” road fatality. SafeWork does not get involved. A few weeks ago, the TWU on behalf of transport workers appeared at the NSW parliamentary inquiry into the jurisdiction, resources and scope of the coroner. The TWU has a keen interest as we advocates for the industry where heavy vehicle operators are over-represented when it comes to deaths at work. The TWU wants a reduction of the passivity of

authorities when it comes to investigations into the transport worker deaths on the road. We definitely want to see more LEGALSafeWork EAGLE involvement in investigations. Too often, ROWAN KING their Lawyer appearance is only at Principal RK Law the worst examples of a safety breach from a person conducting an undertaking or business in a yard. On the road, the investigation usually stops at the end of the skid marks. Our submission to the inquiry notes that when the police are investigating a road incident of any kind, whether it involves a truck or not, they are looking to who is at fault in the incident. What police are often unable to look at, even if the transport worker is at fault in an accident, is the circumstances that might surround that accident. A relationship between coronial inquests, police accident investigations and SafeWork should be at play ensuring the investigation of bigger issues like fatigue management, dodgy maintenance as possible causes.

THE TWU BELIEVES THAT WHEN A TRANSPORT WORKER DOES NOT MAKE IT HOME FROM WORK, THEIR FAMILY AND OUR TRANSPORT COMMUNITY NEEDS TO KNOW WHY.” RICHARD OLSEN

Transport workers have a unique workplace, but it is a workplace nonetheless, there is still an underlying duty that ensures a safe workplace, whilst they are at work on our roads. We are asking the question as to why transport workers get different treatment to those in other workplaces. We have seen the proof, worked with researchers and we know there are a number of factors that contribute to the high incidence of transport worker deaths. At the core of the issue is the increasing cost pressures facing road transport industry, from owner-driver small businesses right through to

On the road, the investigation usually stops at the end of the skid marks.

the major transport operators. Truck drivers and transport operators continue to face significant increases in many of their key costs of operation, including fuel, Transurban road tolls, registration and associated taxes, and insurance. These costs have steadily increased over recent years, but the remuneration of transport workers has not kept pace. In addition to

these cost pressures, transport workers are increasingly feeling the squeeze of extreme pressure from major retailers at the top of the supply chains. The TWU believes that when a transport worker does not make it home from work, their family and our transport community needs to know why, not just how the accident occurred. We need certainty to en-

sure that the causes of road transport deaths are properly determined and that the role of the bodies involved in workplace fatalities is properly clarified, including how they work together to help us make a safer industry. One witness to the parliamentary inquiry summed it up as follows: “We need to take care of every Australian because no Australian should ever go to work and die.”

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BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18 2022

Supply chain certainty high on conference agenda VTA COMMENT PETER ANDERSON CEO, Victorian Transport Association

I AM pleased to announce that registration is now open for the Victorian Transport Association’s State Conference 2022, being held at Silverwater Resort, Phillip Island from March 20-22. The conference is a fantastic opportunity for freight and transport industry participants to gather for important discussions on the big issues facing our industry, and after (another) year like no other, there is no shortage of things to discuss. Our theme for the Conference this year is Attaining Post Pandemic Supply Chain Certainty, and with national and international supply chains under immense pressure during Covid, strategies and tactics for preserving the integrity of supply chains in

Australia are more important than ever. Whoever thought we’d still be experiencing shortages of key consumer goods approaching two years of the Covid pandemic? But as we’ve all learned in recent times, circumstances can change very quickly. Consumers that were grappling with food, grocery and toilet paper shortages early in the pandemic are much more conversant with supply chains, even to the point where they can understand how things like fuel additive and labour shortages can impact the stable supply of goods and services. Attaining post pandemic supply chain certainty is about much more, however, than securing supplies of toilet paper and other essential goods. It’s about attaining policy and regulatory changes that means our economy is not at the complete mercy of supply chain disruptions overseas. The AdBlue crisis over Christmas is a great example of the vulnerabilities we face as an island nation that isn’t

as self-sufficient as we need to be. Attaining supply chain certainty is about ensuring we as a nation can produce and resource the basic things we need to keep our economy secure – reliable assess to fuel, food, water and energy are the basic inputs we need to attain this. For the freight industry, we’ve long known that labour shortages are among our greatest threats, which has been well and truly confirmed during the pandemic. It’s difficult to provide certainty about transport labour given the structural flaws within our systems and processes that discourages greater uptake of transport jobs, and this will be a key point of discussion during the conference. Licencing reform and changes to how we educate and skill our workers are critical to growing the pool of transport labour and attracting younger workers. Over two days, the conference will feature experts from state and federal governments and oppositions, industry regulators, operators, suppliers, and other experts for

important discussions on the issues confronting freight and logistics. Topics covered will include training, education and licencing, alternative fuels and technology, industrial relations and heavy vehicle transport law, human resources, safety and infrastructure, with a distinct focus on the key changes and reforms required for confidence and certainty in our supply chains. VTA state conferences are well-known for being content rich, and this year promises to be no exception with around 35 speakers confirmed to address delegates. The speaker line-up and program will be released over the weeks leading up to the conference as content is finalised. Another importance part of the conference are opportunities to make new contacts and reconnect with colleagues, customers, and others you likely haven’t seen for many months. We are especially encouraging operators to consider sending younger members of their team along to learn

This year’s VTA State Conference will focus on the theme ‘Attaining Post Pandemic Supply Chain Certainty’.

from their industry peers. It’s critical that we continue to attract and retain young people to the transport industry and professional development opportunities like the state conference are important for educating and training transport leaders of the future. State Conference 2022 is proudly supported by major sponsor TWUSUPER,

whom the VTA sincerely thanks for their ongoing support of the transport industry. To register and review the range of ticketing options please visit www.vta.com.au We look forward to welcoming stakeholders from the freight, transport and logistics sector to Silverwater Resort next month. I hope to see you there.

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FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Fatigue rules are driving me crazy

COST CUTTER CHET CLINE

AT THE WHEEL DAVID MEREDITH

AIR CTI founder/owner

contributors@bigrigs.com.au

WOMEN IN TRANSPORT TRANSPORT WOMEN IN JACQUELENE BROTHERTON JACQUELENE BROTHERTON Chair of Transport WomenWomen Australia Chair of Transport

Australia

JUST when we thought the industry was getting back on track after Covid and the AdBlue problems, we have been hit by our Australian summer weather conditions of severe flooding and bushfires. As an industry we are tougher than but it comes at a THE OZ most, TRUCKER price for our drivers who bear MIKE WILLIAMS contributors@bigrigs.com.au the brunt of these issues out on the road. As I continue my journey into compliance on the side of the transport companies, I become more confused. I understand that it is easy to comply the rules that are stated clearly like speed limits, no matter how often they change along a certain stretch of road and/or if we agree with them. There is little excuse for LOBBYIST speeding or for overloading STEVE SHEARER SA Road Transport Association as both of the axle and overall Executive Director weights are pretty clear. However, the fatigue rules

with the work/rest hours, long/ night work hours, night rest breaks, counting time etc. are driving me crazy. I thank the Lord that I am not a truck driver trying to EDITOR work this out along with all the JAMES GRAHAM james.graham@bigrigs.com.au other paperwork they are expected to do these days. As a consequence of my move into transport compliance, I have been contacting the National Heavy Vehicle Helpline for all types of advice and they have been fantastic and so patient with my enquiries. OnNEWS another subject, TransTWU port Women Australia LimRICHARD OLSEN TWU State be Secretary itedNSWwill hosting International Women’s Day dinners in Melbourne, Sydney and Wollongong. A breakfast is proposed for Perth and we are hosting two regional breakfasts and seminars in Dubbo and Albury/ Wodonga in conjunction with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator who is hosting the interactive seminars on enforceable undertakings with Belinda Hughes, chief prosecutor (NHVR). For any information on these events, please contact

TRUCKIN’ ON THE BORDER DAVID VILE contributors@bigrigs.com.au

TASSIE TRUCKIN’ JON WALLIS contributors@bigrigs.com.au

LEGAL EAGLE ROWAN KING

Principal Lawyer RK Law

I thank the Lord that I am not a truck driver trying to work this out along with all the other paperwork they are expected to do these days.

chair@transportwomen.com. au or 0417 422 319. These events are a prelude to our “Driving the Difference” Conference to be held in Melbourne in June, our conference has been rescheduled twice so we are so excited to be going forward with a spectacular programme planned for the weekend June 3-5, 2022. We have amazing keynote

speakers, Jacqui Alder and David Coleman, emcee Melissa Strong and others from Volvo, NTI, Viva Energy, National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, Wodonga TAFE, Daimler Truck and Bus Australia Pacific and TWUSuper, to name just a few. We have some fantastic auction items, random door prizes, our wonderful people

from Seated Massage to add to a stress-free weekend, both a coffee and a juice booth, all thanks to our wonderful sponsors – NTI, Volvo Group, Viva Energy, NHVR, SRT Logistics, PACCAR, Cummins, TWUSuper, Teletrac Navman, AEI Transport Insurance Brokers, MRT - Macheda Transport, Ron Finemore Transport, and Wards Accounting.

We have new initiatives to launch and will be updating everyone on our current ones, plus we have some surprises in store for our attendees, sponsors and members so you definitely need to attend this conference. For any information on this event, please contact chair@ transportwomen.com.au or 0417 422.

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BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18 2022

Time for a national approach to freight routes

WE’RE CALLING FOR THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR FUNDING AND OPERATING ALL MAJOR FREIGHT ROADS THROUGH THE NATIONAL HIGHWAYS PROGRAM.”

ATA CHAIR DAVID SMITH Australian Trucking Association

IT’S tough to be an Australian transport operator at the best of times. Our drivers are used to battling huge distances, harsh terrain, natural disasters, scorching days and freezing nights. But let’s face it, right now is hardly the best of times. And still transport operators keep delivering for Australia. The news headlines since last December say it all: • Truckies epic detour to stock shelves • Road freight a lifeline for the west as SA floods cut rail networks • Why the food supply chain is still struggling despite COVID changes • Crisis more terrifying than any Covid headline Covid-19, supply chain issues, the AdBlue shortage and the record-breaking floods

DAVID SMITH

Australia’s transport operators just keep on going, no matter what is thrown at them.

have combined to create what should be a perfect storm for the trucking industry. However, Australia’s transport operators just keep on going, not matter what is thrown at them. And while the resilience of our industry should be celebrated, it’s disappointing to realise that many of the issues we’ve been dealing with could have been avoided with some foresight.

For example, the floods exposed the fractured and backwards access situation across Australia, with inconsistent state-based rules dictating which heavy vehicles are allowed to cross borders. To get vital supplies from SA to the NT, operators had to divert thousands of kilometres through NSW and Queensland. However, drivers were going to have to stop at the

NSW border and drop off a trailer because NSW wouldn’t allow road trains up to 53.5 metres. The ATA lobbied hard for an emergency intervention. The lobbying worked and the emergency intervention was granted with help from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator. However, this is only a temporary fix and soon, the situation will return to the

status quo. The answer is to allow the National Land Transport Network to be truly national and include all major truck routes. The Australian Government must also take responsibility for granting access approvals for heavy vehicles on national highways, rather than depending on the states to decide which trucks can run on freight routes.

We’re calling for the Australian Government to take responsibility for funding and operating all major freight roads through the national highways program. The current state-based system is dysfunctional and fragmented. It’s falling apart and failing Australians and has been since Federation. I’d especially like to thank all operators for their perseverance over the past two years. The industry has done a fantastic job. That job would be so much easier if some of the dysfunctional issues plaguing the industry are resolved.

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34 SPY ON THE ROAD

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Heavy vehicles intercepted at Flinders rest area blitz SPY ON THE ROAD WITH ALF WILSON

Operation safe return One penalty infringement and two defect notices were issued by transport inspectors when 14 heavy vehicles were intercepted to check driver’s work diaries (fatigue management), load restraints and compliance with vehicle standards during a joint operation with police at the Mingela Rest Area beside the Flinders Highway. Transport and Main Roads (TMR) along with Queensland Police conducted “Operation Safe Return”, stopping heavy and light vehicles travelling towards Charters Towers on Friday January 14. “Transport Inspectors play an important role in the safety of Queensland drivers and protecting the state’s road infrastructure. This operation aimed to reduce mechanical-related crashes by making drivers and owners more aware of any safety concerns before travelling and provided opportunities to educate drivers on their legal requirements and how to comply. One penalty infringement notice and two defect notices were issued,” a TMR spokesman told Spy. The spokesman said inspectors provided on-hand advice and support to police and also checked light vehicles; issuing one penalty infringement notice and two defect notices. “Prevention is key, and the best thing any road user can do to ensure they have a safe vehicle is to perform regular checks,” the spokesman said. Spy was travelling to Charters Towers that day and was breath tested for alcohol as numerous police were involved at the rest area, which is about 43km from Charters Towers. This rest area is popular with many truck drivers including those with quads, tri-

ples and B-doubles. I asked a courteous police officer why that location was selected, as one of the light truck drivers was tested. “It is convenient because all traffic travels along the road. We have had trucks as well,” he said. At the rest area there are toilets and a shaded area under with two lots of concrete tables and chairs that are well used. The officers even had a barbecue set up on one table and at the other an officer was drug testing a driver. As this operation went on, scores of trucks whizzed past heading in the opposite direction towards Townsville about 87km away. The operation was a huge topic of conversation amongst truckies on their radio. Many advised other truckies of the police presence but they had no other route to take to miss it. Charters Towers Acting Snr Sgt Paul Breitkreutz told Big Rigs that 302 vehicles, mostly cars, were pulled up in the Police Operation the boys and girls in blue dubbed “Below 300”. “We targeted the fatal five things that cause deaths and not one car driver was over the legal alcohol limit. Nine traffic tickets were issued. Also we did five drug tests and one person was positive and charged,” he said. The 130km section of the Flinders Highway between Townsville and Charters Towers has improved considerably in recent years and much of it has a speed limit of 110km/h. A project on the Flinders Highway which was recently completed included widening sections of highway pavement to allow for the installation of one metre separations between oncoming traffic lanes. These wide centre line treatments have been shown to reduce the risk of head-on collisions, greatly improving road safety. Relief from WA Since the Coronavirus pandemic changed our lives most

of us have faced a situation when a shortage of toilet paper has caused some concern. That eased until recently when floods prevented supplies from being delivered around Australia. Spy went to his local supermarket in the far north and alas, there was no dunny paper or tissues, which are also a vital commodity in Covid times. So imagine my delight when a South Australian truckie phoned Spy to advise he was travelling along the Madura Pass Road in WA with a full load of recyclable paper. “I picked it up in Perth and it’s headed for Adelaide where toilet paper and tissues will be made from it. Some of that is coming up your way,” he said. Ironic as that may be, Spy pondered that this Western Star driver was indeed my knight in shining armour. “What a relief. I can enjoy a call of nature with an ample supply of toilet paper,” I thought. But then I pondered just how long it would take to arrive. So I borrowed a few rolls of the precious paper from a relative who had hoarded some.

AdBlue refusal While at a service station in Mackay, Spy spotted a 4WD owner who came in requesting to buy some AdBlue when he paid for his fuel. The worker, in a polite manner, refused him and said it was for trucks only and the 4WD man protested verbally. But the worker stood his ground and the 4WD lad had to go elsewhere. No fishy tale There is nothing worse stopping at a rest area for a fatigue break and finding rubbish and or graffiti there. It is difficult enough for our champions of the highways and byways to find a suitable rest area which has decent toilets, shaded areas with seats and tables, and enough parking space.

The recent blitz at the Mingela Rest Area beside the Flinders Highway in Queensland.

The Buckland Roadhouse in Tassie has a long history.

At one such place frequented by many drivers, unknown culprits had cleaned fish obviously caught at a nearby river and left the bones and guts on the ground – even though there was a bin nearby. Spy stopped there and the place smelt like roadkill which had been on the side of a highway for days. Not long after a truckie pulled up for a call of nature and then proceeded to pick up the scraps, with gloves on, and place them in a plastic bag from his rig. He carefully tied up the top of the bag and placed the scraps in one of the bins, making sure the lid was closed. That made it a much more attractive place to stop for others. Spy asked if I could snap his pic and acknowledge his good deed but he declined and didn’t even want his name mentioned. I checked out his number plate and he is from WA which is a long way from said rest area. Buckland Roadhouse Numerous truckies who travel the east coast of Tasmania have praised the Shell Buckland Roadhouse which is located about 25km from Triabunna along the Tasman Highway. The town of Buckland oozes history and the oldest remaining house dates from 1826. The Buckland Inn was built in 1841 from local hand cut sandstone. The Inn was the first overnight stop for the original horse-drawn coach service from Hobart to the coast during the 1800s. Just across from the roadhouse is the historic Church of St John the Baptist which was built in 1846, and near there are many tombstones of deceased residents. Strategically placed about an hour from Hobart and around 150 minutes from Launceston, the Buckland Roadhouse is a popular café and serves takeaway food. Spy phoned the roadhouse and spoke to a lovely worker named Helen who said about 20 trucks a day stopped there. Helen said drivers’ favourite food was chicken or cheese hamburgers as well as egg and

One of the leaning power poles on the Gregory Highway.

bacon rolls with their coffee. “We give truck drivers a discount for their food and some of them even buy grocery items and the range has been expanded since new owners took over last December,” Helen added. Buckland may have a small population of 130 however the Buckland Inn was busy when Spy phoned there. I could hardly hear the worker there was such noise coming from inside. Leaning poles Italy has the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Spy discovered recently that Australia has its very own leaning power poles. Scores of them were located in central Queensland beside the Gregory Highway and they were all wooden poles. People were pulling up and snapping pics of them so they have become a bit of a tourist attraction. An Ergon Energy worker told Spy that the leaning was caused by recent heavy winds and rain which destabilised the ground at the base of the poles.

On the couch Spy loves nothing better than to see comfortable facilities for our truck drivers, especially at roadhouses which go beyond normal expectations to attract patronage. At the BP Gregory Highway Roadhouse on the outskirts of Clermont there is an expansive couch in the eatery room that’s reserved for truckies only. Up to four of our truck champions can sit on the couch in extreme comfort and watch a large screen television in front of them. When Spy visited there recently I heard some non-road transport customers discussing how they were envious of the couch. I asked one staff member if they had any feedback from truckies regarding the couch. “They just love it and remark about it all the time,” she said. Many roadhouses have special eatery rooms for truckies and one which also impressed Spy was at the new roadhouse in Warwick where lots of drivers stop.

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36 DRIVER PROFILES

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Truckin’ In The Outback

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David Dennehy

A third-generation truck driver, David Dennehy moved to Australia from Ireland.

FROM driving trucks across Europe to travelling Australia’s outback, it’s been quite the adventure for Irish-born truckie David Dennehy. He currently works for Xcav8 Plant Services, which is among Australia’s largest trenching companies, transporting machinery and equipment to industries that include mining, water, tunnelling, oil and gas. Started by two fellow Irishmen, Xcav8 has three trucks and approximately 20 trenchers, among other equipment. Originally from southern Ireland, Dennehy, 41, came

to Australia for what was supposed to only be a three-week holiday in 2008. “Then I met my wife, who is from New Zealand, and we now have three kids. I’ve been in Brisbane ever since and have travelled all over Australia with the truck – I’ve been everywhere but Tasmania,” he said. Dennehy is a third-generation truck driver. His grandfather had a transport company in Ireland, which has been run by Dennehy’s uncle for around 30 years. From one truck, the business now has over 20. And it was his uncle who gave him his first taste behind the wheel,

He currently works for Xcav8 Plant Services, transporting machinery and equipment.

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helping to teach him the ropes early on. “I first drove a truck when I was 10 – that was my uncle’s truck, moving around the yard and things at home. I got my truck licence at 19 and started driving full time at about 21,” he said. “Both of my brothers were truckies too – one of them did the ice road trucking in Canada. He always wanted me to do it with him and I said I would but then I came to Australia and still haven’t gone over. “From the time I was just five years of age, driving trucks is all I wanted to do. It’s in the

FROM THE TIME I WAS JUST FIVE YEARS OF AGE, DRIVING TRUCKS IS ALL I WANTED TO DO. IT’S IN THE BLOOD. EVEN MY MUM HAS A TRUCK LICENCE AND DRIVES FOR A LIVING TOO. IT’S IN THE GENES.” DAVID DENNEHY

blood. Even my mum has a truck licence and drives for a living too. It’s in the genes.” Back in Ireland, Dennehy

DRIVER PROFILES 37

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18 2022

Truckin’ In The Outback

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY WHERE TRANSPORT DOES BUSINESS

Ben Berry

Dennehy is behind the wheel of this Scania R620.

was a long-distance truckie, often travelling to Italy, Greece, Germany, France and Spain. “It’s a lot easier to do it here than in Europe. You don’t have to worry about the language barriers. Even trying to order from a menu was difficult when it was written completely in another language. Then there’s driving a right-hand drive truck in a left-hand drive country which had its own set of challenges, especially when you’re seated on the wrong side of the truck at a toll booth!” Dennehy explained. Nowadays, you’ll find Dennehy behind the wheel of a Scania R620, which Xcav8 took delivery of last September.

When we spoke with Dennehy he was on the home stretch of a two-week trip from Brisbane to Port Hedland, which involved transporting a sand hopper. As the father of three young daughters – aged 10, 6 and 5 – he says being away from home is one of the toughest parts of the job. “Being away from the family is really tough. The kids don’t normally get upset when I go away but this time they did and it preys on your mind,” he said. “My six-year-old is absolutely mad for trucks. If I’m doing a local pick-up, I can bring the girls which is a real highlight. I did five years with

Toll and there was no way I could bring the kids. Now it’s always an argument over who gets to come with me because I can only take one at a time. My six-year-old has spent nights in the truck with me and she loves the whole thing – so seeing her smile, that’s a big bonus too,” added Dennehy. Despite the challenges that come with the job, Dennehy wouldn’t have it any other way. “No two days are the same and I enjoy seeing different parts of the country. This trip is the first one where I’ve travelled through Fitzroy Crossing and it’s been nice and green. The Nullarbor is a real experience too.”

VARIETY is the spice of life as the old saying goes and truckie/mechanic Ben Berry, 31, is testimony to that, having been a jack of all trades in the Northern Territory and in Queensland. Berry grew up in Alice Springs and worked there as a mechanic and fill-in truck driver for the Gilbert Mining Group. “I drove a Kenworth 650 and worked there for about four years and loved it,” he said, citing the worst road he has travelled in the NT. “The Tanami Track sure was a nightmare to get along.” Whilst in the NT, Berry enjoyed stopping at Three Ways Roadhouse. But he left in 2014 and is now based in Townsville. He works for Queensland company RGM Maintenance, which has depots around Queensland and transports up and down the east coast. He was pulled up outside the popular Gin Gin Roadhouse beside his 2021 Mercedes Actros when he stopped to chat. “I am a company mechanic and leading hand and fill-in as a driver when some go on holidays. I love the variety as whilst I like doing the mechanical side and supervising,

Originally from Alice Springs, Ben Berry is now based in Townsville.

it is also great to get out of the workshop and on the road at times. I get to meet a lot of people,” Berry said. On rest areas, Berry thinks there is enough which is contrary to what many others think. I asked Berry for a comparison between driving in the NT and Queensland. “Overall the roads are much better in the NT. The Bruce Highway here in Queensland is not so good,” he said.

Outside work Berry loves 4WD recreation and fishing the creeks and rivers in his region. “The creeks around Rollingstone and the Bohle River are the best,” he said. The Bohle River abounds with different species of fish, mud crabs and more than an odd saltwater crocodile. A parochial North Queenslander, Berry barracks for North Queensland in the NRL.

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38 DRIVER PROFILES

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Truckin’ In The Tropics

with Alf Wilson

Dave Syson YOUNG small fleet owner Dave Syson, 34, is a second-generation owner of Pelican Freight, which is based at Hervey Bay in Queensland. His company has seven trucks consisting of four Kenworths, a Western Star, an Isuzu rigid and an Iveco rigid. Dave’s parents Andy and Sue Syson started the business in 1988 and he took over in 2016, together with his wife Alesha. Andy is still a vital part of the business and runs around in his blue Kenworth T350 rigid, which you can’t seem to get him out of. Many would know Andy for his great mullet, blue singlet and his friendly South African personality. “We are slowly moving our small fleet over to Kenworth trucks as we love their product. We currently have a great crew of operators working for us,” Dave said. He carts general freight and fuel around central Queensland. Big Rigs caught up with him at the popular Gold Nugget Truckstop at Gympie. “I like stopping here and they serve great healthy meals,” he said. Dave rates the worst road that he gets along as sections of the Bruce Highway between Rockhampton and Mackay, which includes the

WE ARE SLOWLY MOVING OUR SMALL FLEET OVER TO KENWORTH TRUCKS AS WE LOVE THEIR PRODUCT. WE CURRENTLY HAVE A GREAT CREW OF OPERATORS WORKING FOR US.” DAVE SYSON

Marlborough stretch. Regarding rest areas, Dave says many of the current ones don’t provide the facilities required by truck drivers. “A lot of rest areas are not big enough. By the time you get a couple of trucks in there they are full,” he said. Dave reveals that he and his employees had all received the Covid-19 jabs and abided by all regulations surrounding the pandemic. His hobby outside his busy work schedule includes fishing and his favourite spot is on Fraser Island and its surrounding waters. “I catch some reef fish and see a few dingoes on Fraser Island,” he said. Another passion is riding dirt bikes on his Hervey Bay property and spending lots of time with his family and friends. “I have two children – I have a nine-year-old

Dave Syson (left) was joined by Ryan Lovekin for the drive.

daughter Indi and a sevenyear-old son Blake,” he said. With Dave the day I yarned to him was Ryan Lovekin who was along for the drive.

I mentioned that I had never come across the surname Syson before in my long career and this enthusiastic young road transport operator did have a possible

explanation. “You won’t either because it is a South African surname. I was born in Australia,” he said. The average age of truck

drivers in this country is above 55 and I left Dave thinking that the road transport industry was in good shape for the future with impressive young operators such as him.

Garth Roots

Grant Mitchell

Garth Roots beside his impressive Kenworth T909 Director.

Grant Mitchell (centre) with assistants Nick Bignell and Trent Clapham.

VETERAN truckie Garth Roots had come out of retirement briefly to drive a Kenworth T909 Director for his son Dean Roots when Big Rigs saw him in North Queensland recently. But the 72-year-old tells me he was about to “retire again” when we yarned at a pull off area beside the Gregory Development Road. “I am just helping out my son and have brought up tractors from Wacol to Townsville.

I actually retired when I was aged 67 and intend on retiring again after another trip,” he said. Roots said the Kenworth was a good truck with plenty of grunt from a 600hp Cummins motor and with an 18-speed gearbox. His hobbies include doing a task that most of us dislike – mowing the lawn. “I have acreage at Purga in the Ipswich area,” he said. The quietly spoken Roots

said it was a trip where he had seen very few trucks on the highways. “It is not very busy on the roads and I have never seen it so quiet,” he said. Roots rates the Gregory Development Road as amongst the worst he has driven on. This gentleman of the highway was looking forward to getting home after the trip and who could blame him. “My son is going to shout me a carton of beer so I’ll enjoy that,” he said.

AN Isuzu driven by Grant Mitchell pulled up outside the Mount Larcom café in central Queensland and he was happy to have a chin wag with Big Rigs. With Mitchell were his assistants Nick Bignell and Trent Clapham. The trio work for Grant Opal Holdings Mowing and Slashing Contractors based at Calliope. “We do mowing all around the region and af-

ter recent rain it has been very busy. We go as far as Rosedale and Ragland,” Mitchell said. They may like their jobs but it is not all cool going. The temperature that day was a sizzling 38 degrees in the shade. “We hydrate a lot and drink a lot of water,” Bignell said. In the park across the road from the café are public toilets which are used by many

truckies travelling along the nearby Bruce Highway. “It is a good place to stop here as you can get food and use clean public toilets,” he said. The lads like buying a Big Mamas pie at the café and also stop at the Puma Mount Larcom Roadhouse when nearby. “They serve up very delicious takeaways and I consider them the best in the region,” Clapham said.

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40 PUZZLES

Sad day for all in transport

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE 3

8 9 10 11 12

Fill the grid so every column, every row and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

SUDOKU

THIS article is the ending of an 13 era for the 14 transport15industry with the demise of this magazine under the 19 restructure and rationalisation of News Corp. It is a sad day for all of us in the 22 industry as Big Rigs magazine has been a part of our lives for almost 30 years. For some, their entire careers so far. 24 It will leave huge gap as the editors and staff have supported the industry, provided fair and rational debate and given everyone a fair say in industry doings to all, as well as stories, pictures and news of our peoEASY ple, our trucks and our unsung heroes. Our lives will be the poorer for its demise; being a columnist for Big Rigs for the past year and half has allowed me to fulfil yet another childhood dream, to write, and it has given me great pleasure and I hope it has at least been enjoyed by some. While so many are focused on the negatives of the industry, I have tried to focus on the

positives aspects or those issues about which I am most passionate and have a chance of making a contribution to change. I began writing column when I was returned as Transport Women Australia Limited chair in November 2017. In the interim, TWAL has had many16 successes and 17 18 achievements. It 20 has expanded the relationship with Girl Guides Australia 21 and been involved with several successful projects with them, the Victorian Snoozefest in April 2018, the “Great Bag Migration” for the Interna23 tional Jamboree in Sydney in October 2018 and other interactions that are expanding the knowledge of the transport in25 dustry. We launched the Women Driving Transport Careers initiative with our partners Wodonga TAFE and Volvo Group at the 2018 TWAL Creating Connections conference. This initiative has been in hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic but all partners are excited to move forward to expand the program as soon as possible. We held a well attended and exciting conference in May 2018 and we have plans in place with the date saved and venue booked for our Driving the Difference 2021 conference

Across

1 Name the first Australian yacht to challenge for the America’s Cup (6) 8 What is a ceremony used in conferring knighthood (8) 9 In which enclosure are birds kept (6) 10 Name a substance used for treating disease (8) 11 What is respect, or reverence paid (6) 12 What is the given name of Ms Hazlehurst (4) 13 Name the inner of the two bones of the lower leg (5) 16 What is an enclosure for sports contests (5) 19 Which river in western Germany flows into the Rhine (4) 21 Name another term for a horse (6) 22 What are conceited dandies called (8) 23 Name a style of printing in which the letters usually slope to the right (6) 24 Which petrol motor is clamped on the stern of a boat (8) 25 To make protuberant, is to do what (6)

Down

2 Name small pieces of pasta, cut square, with a filling of meat or cheese (7) 3 What are the two egg-shaped masses of grey

matter at the base of the brain (7) 4 Which persons are not members of a particular profession (6) 5 La Paz is a capital of which South American republic (7) 6 Name the roe of the sturgeon, considered a great delicacy (7) 7 Which musical instrument is struck by hammers, and has a keyboard (7) 13 Name a farm vehicle (7) 14 Name the principal ore of aluminium (7) 15 What are steep-sided gullies or channels (7) 17 Name a garden plant with edible leafstalks (7) 18 What are nurses for children called (7) 20 To dwell for a considerable time, is to do what (6)

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Across: 1 Gretel, 8 Accolade, 9 Aviary, 10 Medicine, 11 Homage, 12 Noni, 13 Tibia, 16 Arena, 19 Ruhr, 21 Equine, 22 Coxcombs, 23 Italic, 24 Outboard, 25 Emboss.

Down: 2 Ravioli, 3 Thalami, 4 Laymen, 5 Bolivia, 6 Caviare, 7 Celesta, 13 Tractor, 14 Bauxite, 15 Arroyos, 17 Rhubarb, 18 Nannies, 20 Reside.

CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS: Jacquelene Brotherton (far right) enjoys a night of celebration at a Transport Women Limited event with (from left) Rachel Hesse, Paul Fleiszig and Coralie Chapman. Picture: Contributed

in Melbourne. 1 2 In November 2019 we celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the organisation (TWAL) with a fabulous gala dinner at 7 The Windsor Melbourne where we also presented our first four 9 the Difwinners 8 of the Driving ference scholarships with our amazing sponsor, Daimler Truck and Bus Asia Pacific. We also presented the inaugural Trish Pickering Mem-

orial 3 Award, 4 sponsored by the wonderful Wes Pickering. This was awarded for longterm outstanding contribution by a female to the road transport industry, the inaugural winner was Pam McMillan the 10 and longest serving director chair of Transport Women Australia Limited. This is an annual award and 12 13 the recipient of the 2020 Trish Pickering Memorial Award

will 5 be announced later 6 this year at an event still to be determined. We have also launched our Learning Initiatives Breakfast Series with several partners so far, including NTI, MOVE BANK 11and rt health. In early 2020 the Creating Connections Mentoring program was finally ready to commence with both mentors and mentees signing up to the pro-

Across gram. 1 I would Vibration like to thank the 5 Highteam mountain fantastic at Big Rigs 7 Provoke newspaper for their incredible support wish them on8 Laidand bare going success. 11 Energy I get the oppor12I hope Plantthat yielding aniseed tunity to continue to work with 14 Poem of heroism some of them and so work to16 Combine wards making the trucking in18 Yields dustry a better appreciated, 20 a Turn and saferaway place for our peo21 Draw forth ple. 23 Eggs 24 Impaired 27 Narrow beam 28 Distress call 29 Become more compassionate

Fighting to end the inequality: Big Rigs19 and TWU played their parts 20 18 HARD

T R E V W O P E O P I E D E V A L O S

M O R A E X M P N E D A N I S E M E R C V E E S D U C E M A R R R A Y R E L E

L P E E P P G E E R N E D O N T

HARD

22 24 27 29

industry as dry as they can. They want operators to meet their unrealistic deadlines and take on more freight for less or they face the risk of

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losing their contracts and the ability to support their families. It appears the government does not care. 25 are unsafe vehicles, 26 There dodgy licences, poor payment times, wage and superannuation theft – just a few of the many things we have called for to be stopped. A reminder to governments and the transport industry clients: the industry that has kept Australia moving during the pandemic is facing an uphill battle. Employer groups should be standing alongside transport workers to unite for a safer and fairer industry.

QUICK CROSSWORD Across: 1 Tremor, 5 Alp, 7 Vex, 8 Opened, 11 Pep, 12 Anise, 14 Epic, 16 Merge, 18 Cedes, 20 Veer, 21 Educe, 23 Ova, 24 Marred, 27 Ray, 28 Sos, 29 Relent.

E C H O E S

EASY

policy that should be keeping safe one of the most dangerous 21 industries in Australia. To quote one truck driver turned Australian senator, 23 “a death at work Glenn Sterle, or on the road should not be the price of doing business”. The TWU puts it to governments that we must stop the inequality that exists between truck drivers and clients. 28must be paid proper Drivers rates, owner-drivers must be able to trust they will be paid properly for the work they do and on time. Families depend on this. Many of the ongoing problems that occur are down to the big clients squeezing our

Down: 1 Two, 2 Eve, 3 Menaced, 4 Oxen, 5 Ampere, 6 Pepper, 9 Pope, 10 Dim, 13 Several, 14 Echoes, 15 Ideals, 17 Gene, 19 Sum, 22 Care, 25 Rye, 26 Dot.

THIS is the end of an era, the last TWU column in the trusted transport industry publication Big Rigs. Over the years the TWU and Big Rigs have played their parts in the role of keeping the top end of town accountable and doing our bit to look out for the rights of the little guy. It’s still about the voice that speaks out for the truck driver,

the owner and the employee. It’s been the voice that calls out for fair pay for the work you do, for safety in the drivers’ cab and on the road, the voice that seeks to relieve the pressure on the driver pushed by clients’ incessant cries for increased productivity for the same rates and conditions. It is obvious we still have a long way to go – we have been through countless road, freight and transport ministers and nothing changes. Truck drivers are still dying at work. It’s a pretty safe bet to say this is due to the lack of strong government policy in place,

A final reminder to all Big Rigs readers: now is the time to Down unite, now is the time to ensure 1 Numeral equality in this industry. 2 Together First woman we can stand on 3 Threatened common ground working to 4 Bovine animals continensure the government ues support transport work5 toElectrical unit ers the industry they 6 and Condiment support. 9 Church leader TWU will continue to 10TheObscure voice the 13 A fewneeds of transport workers to the employers, 14 Reflected sounds their industry bodies and the 15 Standards of perfection clients. 17Better Unitstandards of inheritance mean job 19 Result of additiona safer security and ultimately 22 fairer Be concerned and industry for all. can lift the standards we 25WeCereal need – our lives de26 together Morse element pend on it.

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COLUMN 41

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18 2022

Why we must get it right with driver training

BY JERRY BROWNSARRE

THE current conversation in the industry centres around drivers and driver training. As a person who has done over 60 years in the industry, along with those of a similar vintage, we are called dinosaurs, but that doesn’t detract from the knowledge acquired from those years in the job and kilometres travelled. I am concerned with the stupidity of some of the current drivers, especially multi-trailer drivers. It is not a statutory offence to do stupid things, but you should lose your truck licence when it endangers others or damages equipment. With dashcams and phone cameras, more and more evidence is showing up on so-

cial media pages that the stuffups are a major issue. I went for a job back in 1959 and the owner said to me: “If I want truck drivers, they are a dime a dozen and you can find them on any street corner, but I want long distance transport drivers. They are born, not just found on a corner. If you survive the first 12 months on interstate you might be good for my business. Now tell me why I should hire you.” Nothing has changed since that time. In fact, it’s worse. Truck drivers are still a dime a dozen. We have few competent heavy vehicle driver trainers in Australia. To quote from a submission to the last senate enquiry into the industry by the Australian driver training association: “We don’t have members who can teach heavy vehicle driver training.”

Now the government and the ATA have tapped the logistics council to draw up a criteria for TAFE colleges to teach accreditation courses for various transport subjects for future kids out of high school to take over the shortage of drivers and supply chain workers. That has to be the mostinane decision ever by a government and out-of-touch big business. Some over-educated person, with no knowledge of the facts of the industry, will teach kids how to read draconian fatigue laws. Some will teach them how to read flawed load restraint laws, but will they teach them how to tarp a load, how to change a flat tyre, how to hear a problem in a motor or drive train, and when to stop, and how to load legal mass on a trailer?

This not being taught by current heavy vehicle testers. These people will be given the job to procure kids into the industry from schools, romancing them with photos of big shiny trucks they could drive, stories of being their own boss, seeing the country as part of the job. However, these people also have a duty of care of full disclosure to these kids and parents, to tell them about the kids who have been killed in truck accidents. This is the most dangerous vocation in Australia and the risk of death and serious injuries in accidents are an inherent risk on any day, and it doesn’t have to be your fault. Will they disclose that wage theft is also how some companies survive with current freight rates? Wages for multi-combina-

This is the most dangerous vocation in Australia and the risk of death and serious injury is an inherent one on any day.

tions are a third of what they should be, and you will work up to 20 hours a week with no pay for unloading, loading and other jobs. Will they tell you that shiny rig will need to washed and polished weekly for no wage as part of your job and that it can take up to 10 hours a week? Will they tell them that human rights ‘provisions’ allowed to all other Australian workers are not allowed in this industry? That making a mistake and error of judgment, self-incrimination are a not defence under NHVL and civil law by claims from employers? Will they tell them that there are 12 offences in the NHVL law that carry fines that can equal a weekly wage that have nothing to do with driving offences? Will they tell them two of

Jerry Brown-Sarre believes the driving standards have slipped since he started out in 1959.

the most dangerous things in transport is complacency and over-confidence and has killed more drivers than records show. Back in the day we were told defensive driving tips to keep us alive. Some of today’s European trucks don’t have the in-cab provisions to allow you to do them, and other things we were taught are considered dangerous driving and land you in jail. They have spent billions on the Hume and coast road to prevent truck accidents and to prevent another Grafton and Clybucca accident. But the latest records for truck accidents on those roads show that has been a failure and it’s not if, but when it happens again, unless we get it right with driver training and keep experienced drivers on the road. About the author: Jerry Brown-Sarre started driving trucks in country Victoria when he was just 16 years of age. He went to Melbourne in 1959 and, just a year later, at 17, he started doing local and country heavy haulage driving interstate on the goat tracks for companies such as Mathersons, Bovalino, Mattock, Jack Leech, K L McKenzie, Barney Kerr, Blair Haulage, Ken McLean, and FrigMobile. He was inducted into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame in 2005.

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42 CAREERS AND TRAINING

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18 2022 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Ambitious young truckie sets her sights high

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

INSPIRED by her dad and step-dad, both of whom she now works alongside, 23-yearold go-getting truckie Aimee Booth is determined to learn as much as she can, while enjoying the ride.

Booth joined Ross Transport in early November 2021 and now drives a Western Star, hauling a live floor trailer, carting gravel, sand, asphalt, waste and more to quarries throughout Sydney, Illawarra and the Southern Highlands. “It’s a really good gig and I’m absolutely loving it – I

couldn’t be happier,” she said. When she chatted with Big Rigs, Ross Tranport’s youngest female recruit was in training to join the tipper team. “I work with my dad and my step-dad at Ross Transport. Weird, I know, but we’re all best mates. My dad works interstate and my step-dad

Ross Transport has been supportive every step of the way, helping Booth to further her skills.

At just 23, Aimee Booth says she’s scored her dream job.

TANKER

DRIVERS WANTED

Busy Transport company based in Oaklands, NSW is looking for Tanker Drivers. MC licence essential, previous experience an advantage.

We are a f rate of pay, good working conditions for well presented team players.

works in the tippers with me. I guess it’s always been in my blood to be a truckie. Hearing all about their adventures and challenges every day, I couldn’t wait to join in,” said Booth. “I’ve admired Ross Transport’s trucks for as long as I can remember. While I was meeting my step-dad after work for lessons, I got to meet a lot of the drivers and couldn’t believe how support-

ive they all were. It felt like home every time I drove into the yard and I hadn’t even secured a job with Ross yet. I knew it was where I wanted to be.” Booth started her truck driving career with a small waste company in 2020, delivering and collecting skip bins. As soon as she was able to, she obtained her HC licence in October 2021 and joined Ross Transport shortly after.

“It was a big jump from an LR to a HC, but driving a semi is something I have always dreamt of, so I put my mind to it and devoted my life to learning as much as I could, as quickly as I could. I spent a few weeks meeting with my step-dad after work while I was waiting for a truck to be available for me and he took me for some practice runs to get me used to the semi-trailer, which really helped out

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 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)

Email a copy of your resume to admin@daysoak.com Or alternatively call Peter on 02 60354 354 or 0408 477 661

To apply for Mechanic positions please forward your resume to Workshop Manager via email to employment@kseaster.com.au

CAREERS AND TRAINING 43

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY FEBRUARY 18 2022

‘Kickstarting’ truck driving careers in Geraldton

BULK haulage and logistics company Newhaul, and Fenix Resources Limited, have teamed up to launch their first Kickstart Training Academy in Geraldton in a bid to get more truckies on the road. A $250,000 state government grant has been awarded for a new state-of-the-art simulator that will be used to help train new truck drivers. Fenix-Newhaul were among five mid-west businesses to share in approximately $700,000 in the latest round of the state government’s Regional Economic Development Grants program. Fenix-Newhaul will build driving simulators to fast-track the development of trainees and upskill heavy rigid licence holders. Newhaul says the simulator is unlike any other currently

This Western Star with a live floor trailer is Booth’s current ride.

once Ross started training me for the job,” Booth said, adding that the training and support provided by her employer has been outstanding. “Because I’m so new to the industry, Ross Transport wanted to allow me to drive different tipper trucks with different drivers to really help extend my knowledge and experience for when I’m out on my own. “I was lucky enough to drive a Kenworth T909 truck and dog, which I think is the nicest truck I’ve driven so far. I learnt how to fold the trailers for tipping and nailed it first go; and I had a few practice runs up Mt Ousley while fully loaded. Getting the idea and feel of different trucks helped me gain confidence. I’ve been out on my own for a few weeks now and I adore the job and my Western Star.”

Booth adds that the support she’s received from Ross Transport has been incredible and overwhelming. “Words will never be able to express how amazing Ross Transport has been to me. I’ve had the warmest welcome into the industry. The boys I work with are the utmost gentlemen and management are too kind for words. The patience and support I have received is utterly incredible. It obviously can be a scary experience as a female joining a male dominated industry when you have no experience at all; but the workers and management have been insanely helpful. I’ll never forget what Ross Transport has done for me. “Every day is a new and exciting adventure, learning my truck and meeting different drivers from other companies who are also incredibly supportive and happy to see a chick

giving it a good hard crack. I also work with my step-dad, so it’s awesome to be making these memories with him that I’ll never ever forget.” Though Booth loves the job at Ross Transport and can’t see herself going anywhere else any time soon, she does have her sights set high for the future. “I’d love to buy my own truck one day. It seems a little far-fetched at the moment, as I’m just starting off, so in the meantime Ross Transport are stuck with me! I can’t think of a better company or bosses I’d want to work for. My hope for the future is to continue absorbing as much knowledge as I can about the industry,” she said. “Ross Transport is all about giving people a go and training workers from the ground up. I couldn’t have made it so far without them.”

used in Australia. It is mounted on a full motion system to recreate driving inertia forces with the highest fidelity and realism, similar to a flight simulator. Learners will train in a genuine dual seat truck cabin. It will be built in Melbourne using the cab of a Mack truck, which was donated by Mack Australia, and is expected to be running by the end of the year. “The contribution to our simulator investment by the state government is the second major coup in as many months for our first Kickstart Training Academy, having attracted respected transport veteran and passionate trainer Heather Jones to lead the Geraldton Academy,” said Newhaul founder Craig Mitchell. Jones is behind the Pilbara Heavy Haulage Girls driver training project that was es-

tablished in 2014. She says the opportunity to head-up the Kickstart Training Academy in Geraldton would provide a significant opportunity to continue her work in developing the next generation of safe and skilled drivers. “The Academy will offer two training pathways for youth leaving school and mature age drivers wanting to upgrade their licence to the Multi Combination class. Our industry is currently experiencing a significant shortage of suitably qualified and experienced MC licence holders, which is a real issue for industries like mining that rely on bulk haulage,” Jones said. It’s hoped that the first three youth trainees starting at the academy will be behind the wheel of 60 metre road trains within three years.

The Academy will offer training pathways for youth leaving school, as well as mature age drivers.

INTERSTATE GENERAL FREIGHT & BULK DRIVERS MELBOURNE & WAGGA WAGGA Rodney’s Transport Service is seeking experienced MC/B Double General Freight & Bulk Drivers to work out of Victoria and NSW • Permanent & Casual Roles • Great working conditions

POSITIONS AVAILABLE AVAILABLE POSITIONS

Depots: Brisbane, Sydney, Grafton, Port Macquarie and Taree Depots: Brisbane, Sydney, Grafton, Port Macquarie and Taree

Benefits include:

• Fulltime employment Benefits include: • Aboveemployment Award klm rates • Fulltime – paid weekly • Above Award klm rates • Paid Pickups – paid weekly & Drops

• Modern & well maintained fleet safe&working environment •• Drug Modern well maintained fleet • On going training • Drug safe working environment •• Uniforms On goingsupplied training

• Paid Pickups & Drops

• Uniforms supplied

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, PLEASE ROSS ON 0402 014 939. IFPHONE YOU ARE INTERESTED, PLEASE

PHONE ROSS ON 0402 014 939.

OWD-QV-5168668-TS-344

Wehave haveaanumber number of of driving We driving positions positions availablefor for HC HC & & MC MC LINEHAUL available LINEHAUL DRIVERS to be based at our depots DRIVERS to be based at our depots in the following areas: in the following areas:

Working within fatigue management guidelines you will perform interstate line haul duties whilst adhering to all OH&S, legislative, site and contractual obligations. RTS requires professional drivers with – • Strong customer service experience • A safe driving record • Mature attitude • Minimum 2 years’ experience MC endorsed Reporting to the Manager Group Operations this is an exciting opportunity for highly motivated and experienced MC/B Double drivers who will be required to display a commitment to RTS safety and compliance standards and values whilst maintaining your equipment in good order. You will be required to provide a copy of a current Licence and meet RTS employment criteria which will include a medical with drug and alcohol test. Experienced drivers who can demonstrate: • Proficiency in all aspects of B Double truck operations • The ability to work within a team • A clear understanding of road transport legislation. • A clean history of driving ability

If interested in applying for a position please complete the application form on our website www.rodneystransport.com.au or for further information please contact Anna on 03 9311 2300.

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