Big Rigs 3 March 2023

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A TRUCKIE who crashed his 2016 Volvo FM tipper after the vehicle’s front tyre blew out will be covered for losses after a dispute ruling determined its “unroadworthy” condition could not have been reasonably detected.

The driver said the front right steer tyre “blew out”, which caused the tipper truck to collide with a concrete barrier. The vehicle was assessed as a total loss.

The driver’s parent company lodged a claim a day after he had been involved in the single-vehicle accident on April 5 last year.

The truck was assessed as a total loss, meaning the insurer would be liable for the sum insured of $150,000, or the market value (whichever is lesser).

But QBE declined the claim, referring to a policy exclusion that said it would not cover losses for vehicles in an “unsafe or unroadworthy condition unless such condition could not reasonably be detected by you”.

A QBE-appointed automotive engineering expert reviewed the vehicle and found that that the tyre suffered a

tread separation which caused the driver to “lose directional control of the truck and crash.”

The expert said the truck’s front tyres had defects that made it “unsafe and unroadworthy” and concluded the truckie “should have been aware of the condition of the steer tyres.”

They claimed that standard inspection protocols conducted by a professional truck driver would have raised the issue.

The complainant argued that the tyre defect could not have been reasonably detected prior to the accident. They noted that the vehicle was regularly serviced, including just six weeks before the accident, where no issues were reported.

They also said that all drivers were required to conduct “pre-start” checks before driving a vehicle.

The insurer said: “No reasonable driver inspecting the truck could fail to miss the tyre issues,” saying that the truck operators should have had “sufficient experience and knowledge” to identify and deal with it.

In its determination, dispute authority, the Australian

Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), accepted that the immediate cause of the crash was the defective tyres.

However, it was not satisfied that the exclusion applied because the complainant took appropriate steps to ensure the vehicle was in good condition by having it regularly serviced and checked before being operated.

It accepted that the issues could have been detected with a “close inspection” of the tyres but said it was not fair to expect the insured to identify it.

“Whilst I acknowledge a close or professional inspec-

tion of the tyres might have alerted the complainant to the issue, I am not satisfied the exclusion applies,” AFCA said.

“If it was reasonable for the complainant or its staff to have been aware of the issue, I expect such a problem should have been apparent when the truck was last serviced.”

“At worst, the complainant’s failure was an oversight. There is no persuasive evidence the vehicle’s condition was, or reasonably should have been, detected.

“There is nothing to show the front tyres should have materially deteriorated in the

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six weeks between the service and the accident. Records show the truck travelled only another 5000km or so. At the very least, if it was a developing issue, it is not unreasonable to expect that some form of warning or suggestion to monitor would have been issued to ensure the complainant was aware of an issue. There is no evidence of this occurring.”

The ruling required the insurer to settle the complainant for the total loss truck at the insured sum of $150,000 or a market value, whichever was lesser.

New driver distraction rules to come into play

THE Victorian Government is introducing new driver distraction road rules, which will come into play from March 31. The new rules will extend

existing mobile phone rules to cover modern technology, including in-built vehicle systems, mounted devices, wearable and portable devices like

smartwatches and tablets – and will bring Victoria in line with the Australian Road Rules.

Motorists caught driving distracted will receive penalties of four demerit points and a $555 fine. Community awareness campaigns will run over the coming months.

The Victorian Government is also investing $33.7 million as part of the Victorian Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 to introduce new mobile phone and seatbelt detection camera technology that will help catch people using their mobile phones and not wearing their seatbelts while driving.

Mobile phone and seatbelt detection technologies involve AI-enabled camera systems that can capture high-resolution images of passing vehicles in

TOO MANY DRIVERS CONTINUE TO PUT LIVES AT RISK USING MOBILE PHONES BEHIND THE WHEEL. WE’RE DETERRING THIS TYPE OF RISKY BEHAVIOUR ON OUR ROADS WITH THESE NEW ROAD RULES, AS WELL AS PHONE AND SEATBELT DETECTION TECHNOLOGY.”

ANTHONY CARBINES

all conditions, including poor weather and low light levels when distracted driving is even more dangerous.

The new camera technology will be operational on Victorian roads in coming months. A three-month warning period will apply from the technology’s activation before drivers face infringement and demerit penalties.

“Too many drivers continue to put lives at risk using mobile phones behind the wheel. We’re deterring this type of risky behaviour on our roads with these new road rules, as well as phone and seatbelt detection technology,” said Minister for Police Anthony Carbines.

“We need every motorist to make the right decisions when they’re behind the wheel.

“When they don’t, road safety cameras and Victoria Police are there to hold them accountable.”

The complainant took appropriate steps to ensure the vehicle was in good condition.

Fee hike groundless with roads in poor state: NRFA

ROD Hannifey has no problem with truckies paying their fair share for using the road freight network.

But the president of the National Road Freighters Association (NRFA) has two big issues with the National Transport Commission’s recent heavy vehicle charges consultation report paper.

The NTC asked industry for its views on a proposal to increase the roads component of heavy vehicle registration charges and the Road User Charge by 6 per cent per annum for each year from 2023–24 to 2025–26, or by 10 per cent for the same period.

In its submission, the NRFA stressed that neither option was considered fair because at present truckies are simply not getting value for money given the appalling state of the road network.

The association also flagged its concern around how the paper was floated to the industry.

“The release and the intent to seek industry consultation cannot be seen to be even realistically aimed to succeed,

given the time, the lack of industry press involvement and therefore the aim, from where we sit, must have been to put it out and hope no one saw it,” wrote Hannifey in his submission.

“This is a genuine concern, and we ask it be addressed and any such industry consultation be improved in the future.”

Less than 72 hours before the February 20 deadline there were zero submissions, and just nine in total were in by closing.

Owner-operator Andrew Hammond told us that he spent two hours trying to set up an account with the NTC to forward his submission and still couldn’t log in.

The NTC did not respond to Big Rigs request for comment.

Hannifey said it’s a bit rich for the NTC to propose charges go up by as much as 10 per cent when the roads are currently “destroying our trucks”.

“We recognise roads must be built to carry traffic, trucks are not the only users of these roads and if they were built and maintained properly, not

only would safety for all be improved, but transport costs could be reduced,” he added in his submission.

“Yet as a driver myself, I spend every minute avoiding potholes, road irregularities and have suffered not only increased damage, but increased fatigue and concentration levels due to bad roads, and not just those damaged in floods, etc.”

Hannifey said the NRFA believes a 3 per cent increase per year is warranted, which would not substantially in-

crease inflation, and will give time to see better value provided.

“It would seem from discussions with road staff and crews, there is a lack of knowledge and experience in some road authorities and road building agencies and this, along with insufficient oversight, sees much of the lost value.”

The National Road Transport Association, one of the nine to make a submission, supports broader industry calls for a freeze on heavy vehicle charges in 2023-24, a position

that aligns with the Australian Trucking Association (ATA).

“We are both asking for a freeze on charges next year and for increases in the two financial years after that to be limited to 2.75 per cent,” said NatRoad CEO Warren Clark.

“We also agree with the ATA’s call for a lower remote area road user charge set at half the national road user charge rate.”

Clark said continuing high fuel costs is just one of the burdens that trucking businesses are expected to absorb.

“Inconsistent and poorly communicated state border closures, purchasing Covid-19-related PPE, higher AdBlue costs and the impact of the previous government’s six-month fuel tax cut are all hitting our industry,” Clark said.

“From April 1 to August 18, 2022, some 2000 heavy on-road transport operators had to negotiate payment arrangements with the ATO because of the fuel tax budget decision.”

Clark said the existing heavy vehicle cost base is meaningless, as it uses state governments’ road expenditure figures without any audit or appraisal.

“It means spending is entirely driven by governments’ budget decisions with no direct link to industry needs or increasing productivity.

“It also leads to new projects being prioritised over road maintenance spending.”

Clark said Australia needs a more systematic approach to building, maintaining and funding resilient infrastructure so there is less need for emergency measures.

The NRFA believes truckies are simply not getting value for money given the appalling state of the road network.

Volvo gets green light to trial heavy-duty BEVs

VOLVO Group Australia has the green light to trial heavy-duty battery electric heavy vehicles (BEVs) in Australia.

Volvo has had medium duty battery electric trucks operating successfully in Australia since mid-2021.

The Palaszczuk government says that the agreement to trial heavy-duty BEVs in Queensland represents a significant next step in the electrification of road transport in Australia with the trial 3-axle prime mover operating at a gross weight of 44,000kg.

The vehicle will have the latest heavy vehicle safety features such as lane keeping assist, blind spot detection, passenger corner camera, dynamic steering with stability assist, underrun protection, collision warning with emergency brake and electronically controlled brake systems.

Electric trucks are quickly gaining popularity with Australian business owners and are an important step towards a zero emissions future, said Mark Bailey, Queensland’s Transport and Main Roads Minister.

“I am excited to see Volvo bringing the latest zero emission technology trucks to Queensland,” said Bailey.

“We know reducing transport emissions will play a key role in achieving net zero emissions in Queensland by 2050, and this trial is an important step towards that.

Bailey said his department had worked closely with Volvo Group Australia to facilitate access arrangements and

permits for the electric trucks being tested.

“The information available from trials like this will help our engineers make sure mass and dimension issues with the take-up of battery electric heavy vehicles are managed in a sustainable way to benefit all Queenslanders,” he said.

“This electric truck trial is another example of the Palaszczuk Labor Government’s

commitment to achieving Queensland’s net zero carbon emission target by 2050.”

Volvo told Big Rigs that it would be revealing more details about the heavy-duty truck being trialled in the “near future”.

“We see a shift in mindset and also a desire from companies to take on electric vehicles,” Volvo Group Australia CEO Martin Merrick told Sky News recently, adding

that 50 per cent of trucks sold by Volvo are expected to be electric by 2050.

Meanwhile, global logistics provider GEODIS has become the first operator in Australia to put the Volvo FE Electric to work, with the new truck hitting the road in Sydney.

The newly delivered 6×2 FE Electric is the first Volvo Electric truck to be sold in down under by Volvo

Trucks Australia.

It will be used to transport parts from GEODIS’s Matraville NSW headquarters to Volvo Group Australia’s Minto NSW Parts Distribution Centre on the southwestern outskirts of Sydney.

Daily energy demands are met by 50kWh AC charging at the depot end of the 47-kilometre route.

With a 7-tonne payload, the FE Electric is fitted with four batteries on board and offers 266kWh capacity. The truck also makes use of a 225-kW/850Nm dual-motor driveline and is backed by a 2-speed automated transmission. Operational range is quoted at up to 220km depending on battery configuration and application.

Energy usage for this route is in the vicinity of 69kWh. Utilising 50kWh chargers, total charge time from 0 per cent to 100 per cent battery is just over three hours. By opportunity charging while the truck is loading and unloading, Volvo Trucks Australia says the truck can be driven well in excess of its daily work demand.

Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden showed her support for Volvo BEVs during a recent trip to Canberra.

Photo: Tracey Nearmy/ANU.

The agreement to trial heavy-duty BEVs in Queensland represents a significant next step in the electrification of road transport in Australia.

Livestock body’s fears are unfounded, says Sterle

HIGH-profile truckies’ advocate, WA Senator Glenn Sterle, has vehemently denied that Labor is planning to resurrect a new version of the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal (RSRT) this year.

Sterle was reacting to the so-called “leaked document” that the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) had supposedly sighted.

The ALRTA told its members that the existance of the document confirmed Labor is “actively preparing to revive the powers of the disastrous RSRT abolished in 2016.”

The association also claimed that the leaked document indicates that additional powers will be given to the Fair Work Commission to do much the same job as the former RSRT.

ALRTA president Scott McDonald said it was important not to repeat the mistakes made by the RSRT.

“The RSRT was an absolute disaster for rural trucking. It created a two-tiered freight market in which owner-drivers became uncompetitive and tied up in red tape,”

said McDonald.

“Shortly before the 2016 Payments Order came into effect, our member owner-drivers began receiving letters from head contractors advising that their services would no longer be required. Almost immediately, people lost their work. Families lost their businesses. And sadly, some took their own lives.”

Sterle told Big Rigs that he was disappointed to read the recent ALRTA imputations and questioned the existence of the “leaked document”. The ALRTA did not respond to Big Rigs request for comment.

“We’re not going to stuff up like that again,” Sterle, a former owner-driver himself, told Big Rigs.

“All the way through I’ve not used the words RSRT. Christ Almighty, I put the bloody thing through the ALP Conference that we want some enforceable standards, there’s no secret and I’ve never hidden that for the last four years.

“But whatever we do will be in consultation with the industry. We want to do it

properly.”

Sterle got the ball rolling in November last year by convening a consortium of industry heads to be briefed by Employment Minister Tony Burke.

“I went out of my way to ensure Rod Hannifey from the National Road Freighters Association was in the room,

and there has been no secret meetings since then.

“The government actually started conversations again with industry this week [February 6-10] about the next tranche of its industrial relations legislation.

“Whatever we do in road transport will be in that but we haven’t sat down with in-

dustry yet to nut it all out.”

A spokesman for Minister Burke told Big Rigs that Labor had made commitments at both the election and at the Jobs and Skills Summit for workers who currently have no minimum standards.

“There will be extensive consultation on these measures before we introduce leg-

islation later in the year.”

Meanwhile, McDonald expects that the federal government will listen to association concerns and work constructively to avoid a repeat of the previous debacle.

“While I understand some small operators are struggling, fixing rates is not the answer,” he said.

“Fixed minimum rates cannot take account of different business circumstances and practices such as backloading, part-loading, multi-owner loading, empty running, vehicle modifications, business innovation, debt and complimentary business activities which are an important part of efficient freight movements in the rural sector.

“If someone can perform a task below the minimum rate because it suits their particular business circumstances, they should be allowed to do so.

“Instead, ALRTA would prefer greater focus on practical safety measures, financial education, elimination of sham contracting, maximum payment timeframes and accessible dispute resolution.”

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ALRTA president Scott McDonald, inset, says operators want more flexibility in the rural sector.

Parking crackdown puts truckies’ safety at risk

BY JAMES GRAHAM

A FRUSTRATED regional operator, whose fleet makes regular runs to Port Botany in Sydney, is calling for a relaxing of stringent parking rules in the busy precinct.

The issue reached a head for Paul McCallum, principal at Dubbo-based Inland Petroleum, earlier in February when one of his fuel tanker drivers pulled over temporarily on Simblist Road to change into overalls.

McCallum concedes it was in an area marked with no stopping signs, but there was ample clearance between the parked Kenworth and the traffic lane – as the pictures with this story clearly show –and dangerous goods (DG) vehicles are prohibited from parking in the truck marshalling zone.

According to an email sighted by Big Rigs, a manager

complaint from NSW Ports asking him to remind his drivers of their obligation to “comply with the road rules”, and to make sure the driver in question “must comply with a lawful direction.”

“It’s a situation that’s evolved at Port Botany over the last two months and I don’t think it’s one that many people are aware of,” said McCallum.

“I’ve started to get the regulatory authorities to look at it but I’m just not getting traction.

“Where are the drivers meant to put on their overalls? It raises the issue of Sydney as a whole, but Port Botany especially as a transport hub.”

McCallum understands that the state government gave the port authority money to build a rest area in the precinct but is yet to see, or hear about, any progress on that front.

The communications de

rest area for a truck than right where it’s going to load before it does a journey,” added McCallum.

“The facts are, the truck could go into the terminal and be held up for two hours because there’s a pump breakdown and then when they leave the terminal they might not have enough hours.

“If you look at the Sydney basin where can a DG vehicle pull up legally and have a rest break? There isn’t anywhere and the whole thing is being brushed under the carpet by the regulatory authorities.”

Simon O’Hara, CEO of Road Freight NSW, said there’s been a parking clampdown across the board at the port.

“Port Botany must be proactive and take positive steps to ensure that truckies get the rest they need and are required to take under legislation,” O’Hara said.

Leigh Smart, director at Sydney-based Formula Chemicals, one of Australia’s largest privately-owned chemical companies, said the parking issue right across the Sydney

but they’re all dangerous goods. They’re doing 14-hour days and there’s nowhere for them to park up.

“There’s nowhere for them to have lunch, there’s nowhere

Caltex refinery.

“There’s acres of land there and nothing’s been used. I know it’s private property, but it would be one good thing for the time being to give the boys

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The driver of this Inland Petroleum truck stopped in the port precinct to change into his overalls but was promptly told to move on.

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Truckies have say

AT least it’s an improvement on what we had. I’m talking about the rest area steering committee which convened for the first time in Canberra late last month (see page 11).

The truckie-dominated line up is tasked with helping to decide how $140 million is to be spent on various rest area projects over the next 10 years.

The only problem is, only local, state and territory governments can throw in suggestions for where those sites will be, the very bodies and bureaucrats that have made such a balls-up of the network in the first place.

While the ground rules are still being thrashed out, our understanding is that truckies outside the committee can still have a say by lobbying their local members, councillors, associations and state agencies. That information will help better inform those pitching the committee and hopefully lead to truckies being treated with the respect they deserve.

EDITOR

JAMES GRAHAM

Wangaratta-based operator closes doors after six years

STARTING out with a couple of trucks just six years ago, this transport operation has quickly grown, but its owner has now decided the time is right to walk away.

Newton Transport, based in Wangaratta, was started by Michael Newton in 2017. Working as a diesel mechanic for several years, Michael Newton, 45, had also spent time in the

bus and coach industry before deciding to purchase his first two trucks.

Predominantly carting timber and steel between Melbourne and Newcastle, Newton quickly built his fleet up to 10 prime movers and close to 15 trailers.

“We just got busier and busier. It wasn’t necessarily something I planned on from

the start. I originally thought just having a couple of trucks would be ideal, but I learned pretty quickly that to make it viable, we needed more than a couple of trucks,” he said.

“As our customers grew, we put more trucks on, and we’d use a few sub-contractors here and there too.”

The father of three teenage boys found that running his transport operation meant working seven days a week, so there was little time for family. Add to that the difficulties in finding good drivers, and he says the time was right for a change.

“I have a deep passion for trucks and the industry. However, we have reached a point where we can no longer attract drivers and staff. While it has been an incredible journey serving our valued customers, it’s time for a change,” Newton said.

“The main reason we’ve decided to close is family and lifestyle choice. The kids keep us busy with all of their various sporting pursuits. Then there’s the same reasons out there in the industry that everyone is struggling with – finding staff and drivers. I noticed that became a struggle particularly over the last 12 months.”

While there was no shortage of work available, Newton was

ready to move onto his next chapter.

“There’s plenty of work out there. Right up until we decided to finish up it was getting busier and busier. I think we could have put on a lot more trucks, but staffing issues would’ve have made it hard,” he added.

Looking ahead, Newton plans to work on the farm property he purchased about 18 months ago. “I bought a farm not far from Wangaratta and haven’t been able to spend any time on it. I’ve just been too busy with the business. There’s a lot of work there to catch up on so I’m looking forward to pur-

suing my farming interests. My wife comes from a dairy farming background and we’re looking to get some cattle on there.”

The entire Newton Transport fleet went under the hammer last month at Ritchie Bros.’ National Unreserved Auction, which was held on February 22-23.

Auctioneer launches state-of-the art Newcastle site

INDUSTRIAL auctioneer

Ritchie Bros. has launched its newest depot yard in Newcastle, comprising a 9000m2 state-of-the-art facility.

Ritchie Bros.’ Newcastle yard is strategically located to better serve the local mar-

ket, including the construction, agricultural and transportation industries.

The new facility will host online auctions, giving buyers the flexibility to bid on equipment from anywhere in the world.

Ritchie Bros. regional

sales manager, Simon Ward, said the company was dedicated to providing its customers with convenience and the best possible experience.

“We are thrilled to launch our new depot yard and bring our world-class equip-

ment solutions to the doorstep of our customers in the Hunter Region,” Ward said.

“The facility, which features ample parking, loading docks and on-site offices, is testament to our commitment to those customers and the local Hunter commu-

nity, and we look forward to serving their equipment needs for years to come.”

Ritchie Bros. has been a trusted source of equipment solutions over more than 60 years, with a proven track record of providing quality equipment at market value.

The new yard in Newcastle will join Ritchie Bros.’ network of locations around the world, helping buyers and sellers connect.

Ritchie Bros.’ Newcastle depot yard is located at 5-7 Foresight Avenue, Tomago, NSW.

Michael Newton started Newton Transport six years ago.

The entire fleet went to auction last month.

Dumped trailers staying put, says TMR

TRUCKIES’ watchdog Wes Walker was gobsmacked when Big Rigs told him the official response regarding the immediate fate of the trailers dumped at the Charlton pads near Toowoomba, Queensland.

Once the property of Emerald Refrigerated Logistics, which went into liquidation last year, leaving a long list of creditors, the fridge vans have been left to gather rust for months, and hog valuable space that working fleets would otherwise be using.

Walker sent us these pictures for this story as proof but

didn’t expect such a dismissive reply from the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) when we asked why they were allowed to stay there for so long.

“We are aware of the trailers parked at the Charlton Heavy Vehicle Decoupling Facility,” said a TMR spokesperson in an emailed statement.

“They are not impacting safety or accessibility and there is no time restriction for parking there.

“We will continue to monitor the trailers and take appropriate action, if required.”

Said Walker: “I can’t believe that. I’ve already had the boys whinge to me about them because it’s only a small site.

“They’re unregistered vans on public site for decoupling. If anyone runs into them who do they claim against? Or, if anyone is injured, who do they sue?”

Walker says using these types of facilities as storage yards is not good enough, particularly when there was extra strain on this site due to the long-running closure of the Toowoomba Bypass.

Emerald Refrigerated Logistics director Melissa Arm-

strong did not respond to a request for comment.

According to a notice sent to creditors by the administrators last year, Emerald folded with a mountain of debt, including $5.2 million owing to the ATO.

The company, whose main contract was with Linfox, also owed $2.9 million in employee entitlements to its 50 staff, which included 29 drivers.

Walker says the dumped trailers are in such a state of disrepair he doubts they could be used to pay back any of Emerald’s many unsecured creditors.

Ground rules established for new rest area committee

LOCAL, state and territory governments – rather than individual truckies – will be the ones allowed to directly pitch the newly formed rest area steering committee for a slice of the $140 million in project funds.

Committee chair, WA Senator Glenn Sterle, concedes that rule came as a surprise to most of the nine-strong group, made up four organ-

isational representatives and five truck drivers, when they met for the first time in Canberra on February 20-21.

But overall, he said it was a positive first gathering with every member rapt to be “at the table” and have the privilege of representing their peers.

“Whatever happens it has to be proposed by a state or local council, so I’d strongly

urge states and councils to go to the website and see what the guidelines are for a submission,” said Sterle.

“We can’t just make things up and say this is what we want to do. I’d love to do that, but I have my fingers crossed that there will be a mountain of proposals put forward to us.

“The committee will have a rating schedule, that’s no dif-

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Sterle said there will be a couple of tranches of funding for proposals, the deadline for the first closing in June and the second in September.

The committee will then assess and rate each one with the final decision on green lighting proposed sites rest-

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ing with Transport Minister Catherine King.

Other notable guidelines to surface at the initial meeting were the fact that there is a $5 million limit on each project and that there will be a 50:50 funding split with state governments on city sites.

Committee member and high-profile driver, Rod Hannifey, said the process will take longer than anyone ex-

pects, but is looking forward to kicking goals for truckies.

“We will still be asking for their input that will support applications,” he said.

“They should also use the normal numbers that we use to report road conditions. That will feed back to us and that will put more pressure on those people to apply and help us to get things going along a path.”

The Emerald Refrigerated Logistics vans have been on site for so long that birds (see inset) have started to build nests in them.

Photos: Wes Walker

Cementing their

path for three

anymore, so they don’t get to have that same experience – they’re basically coming in and having to learn everything from scratch,” John said.

“For me, I learnt from hanging around Dad all the time. It was just a matter of learning to drive the truck, I already knew how to do everything else. I was moulded pretty early on. I learnt everything I knew from watching Dad.”

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

THE family’s foray into trucking all started with Kevin McNeill, now aged 91. Starting out in a Commer Knocker, before progressing to an International ‘Butterbox’, a lot has changed since Kevin first got behind the wheel.

He spent the majority of his career driving concrete trucks with a company that operated out of Sydney called Farley & Lewers, until he retired when he was in his sixties.

“Back then, the agitator had its own 186 Holden motor, driven by a manual gearbox that drovae the chain to turn the bowl. The chutes were made of steel and were very heavy, with a hand operated hydraulic pump used to raise them. There were no luxuries like air conditioning and power steering,” said Kevin.

For around 17 years, Kevin worked as a company driver. Then he bought his own truck, a Ford Louisville and continued on with the com-

pany as a subbie for a further 17 years.

His son John McNeill, 53, has fond memories of growing up around his father’s trucks.

“I used to sit on Dad’s lap and drive the International around on building sites. Then I learnt to drive properly in his truck, the Ford Louisville. I was a builder’s labourer, working on construction sites until I could get my licence. I started driving at 21,” he recalled.

John drove concrete trucks alongside Kevin for several years before moving to Queensland around 20 years ago. He now works for Hanson, based at the Rockhampton site, where he does tipper work in a Mack Trident truck and dog, delivering materials to the company’s various concrete plants in Queensland; including to Brisbane and Emerald.

And now his daughter Shannon McNeill, 20, has followed in the family tradition too. She joined Hanson around three months ago, after successfully completing the company’s Women’s Driv-

er Training Program. She obtained her HR licence and is working full-time out of Hanson’s West End concrete plant, driving a concrete agitator. This training program has seen many new starters come through the doors. Last year alone, Hanson held an intake in Queensland, two intakes in NSW, two in Western Australia and one in Victoria. This has brought in 70 new faces to the business.

While John’s move into trucking didn’t come as much of a surprise, he says seeing his daughter move into the same field was completely unexpected.

“I was in the truck with Dad every chance I could get, it was every weekend. And then once I got my truck licence, I started working out of the same yard as him in Alexandria. But these days you can’t bring kids in the trucks

Kevin added: “A lot has changed for the better across the whole industry. The trucks are now mostly automatic, with power steering and all the bells and whistles. Concrete trucks have come a long way and are much more user friendly now.”

As Shannon was growing up, John often entered trucks into convoys. “Shannon always wanted to come along to these when she was a kid. But it’s only been in the last two years or so that she’s really become keen on getting into driving them. It’s great that companies like Hanson are now giving out these traineeships to help kids get their foot in the door.”

When Shannon first asked her dad John about getting a job with Hanson, he didn’t think she was that serious – however he was quickly proved wrong. When the traineeship opportunity came up, Shannon jumped at the chance. “She was keen as mustard,” John said. “She’s on a two-year traineeship and Hanson covers the cost of her truck licence and training.” A few months into the job and Shannon is loving every minute of it. “The conversation has changed in the way we talk – now we’re always talking trucks and everyone else is left out,” laughed John.

John McNeill drove concrete trucks alongside his father for several years before moving to Queensland around 20 years ago.

Third generation truckie Shannon McNeill has followed in the footsteps of her father and grandfather.

Now aged 91, Kevin McNeill was a truck driver throughout his working life.

John says Shannon enjoyed travelling in the truck with him when she was little.

This Ford Louisville was the first truck Kevin owned.

John loved being around trucks as a kid and learnt so much from his dad.

2018 DAF CF7585 6x4

2012 Kenworth K200 8x4

2012 Mack CMHT Trident 6x4

2015 Freightliner Argosy 6x4

2017 Freightliner Coronado 114 6x4

2018 JMC N800 4x2

2020 Isuzu NPS300 4x4

2022 AAA Trailers 4 Rows of 4 Hydraulic Deck Widening

2022 Anda Extendable

2007 SES Trailers 3 Rows of 4 Hydraulic Deck Widening

1999 Marshall Lethlean 53400 L B-Double Combination

2016 Hercules 6/Axle

A retirement of a different kind

Kelvyn

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

YOU see for Kelvyn, now aged 78, trucks have been a part of his life for as long as he can remember. He was already starting to hone his truck driving skills, under the direction of his father, before he could even reach the pedals. “This is not a job,” he said. “It’s a disease!

“I’d go out with Dad all the time so I could drive the truck home. I was driving on the Hume Highway without a licence from the time I was about 17. I’d pull up at the weigh bridges and they’d ask to check my logbook, but no one ever asked me for my licence.

“In the old days, it was great to be on the road, everyone was mates and pals. Even if you didn’t know their real name, we made up names and that’s what we knew them as.”

Kelvyn and Shirley started K&S Fuller Transport at Peak Hill in central NSW in 1966, with just one truck – a Leyland Comet. When asked how he initially got into transport, Kelvyn laughed, “I blame my father for it. He was mainly doing road building and farm work; and my brother Stanley and I drove the dozers and tip trucks. Dad bought the Comet when I

was a kid and it just sat in the shed. After Shirley and I got married, I told my father I wanted to buy the truck so I could cart wheat. That’s where it all started,” he explained.

One truck grew to two; the second truck was an International, which was used to cart livestock.

“When we had our son and daughter, I said to my wife, ‘how are our kids ever

going to find a job in this little town once they finish school’. So we moved interstate, partially for our children’s futures as well better work opportunities.”

The couple moved to south-east Queensland in 1973, where Kelvyn began working as a sub-contractor, running from Brisbane out into western Queensland, and as far as Roma. In 1988, with the fleet growing, they established a depot in Hemmant, which was their home base until 2022.

Shirley was always part of the business, initially doing the bookwork for the company as well as keeping Kelvyn fed and clothed. The size of the fleet outgrew the original depot and necessitated a move to a larger property, also in Hemmant, in early 2022.

Over the years the company grew and expanded. At its height, the business was running a fleet of 23 trucks and around 30 trailers, largely servicing western and north-

IN THE OLD DAYS, IT WAS GREAT TO BE ON THE ROAD, EVERYONE WAS MATES AND PALS. EVEN IF YOU DIDN’T KNOW THEIR REAL NAME, WE MADE UP NAMES AND THAT’S WHAT WE KNEW THEM AS.”

KELVYN FULLER

ern Queensland, primarily carrying chilled freight with custom built split system trailers. The main customers included grocery and convenience stores (e.g. IGA, Drakes, Foodworks) in outback towns. They were also able to keep smaller customers in the same towns supplied, including restaurants, clubs, pubs and butchers –sometimes with as little as one or two cartons.

Continued page 16

The couple at Kelvyn’s 21st birthday.

They purchased their first brand new truck, named ‘Miss Kelly’ in 1972.

Kelvyn and Shirley Fuller started their business nearly 60 years ago. Main photos: Michelle Williams Photography

and Shirley Fuller may have recently closed the doors to K&S Fuller Transport, but the name carries on, with one very special truck.

‘It was a tough decision: I didn’t want to give it up’

From page 14 FOR some of the smaller towns it was a big event when the K&S Transport truck pulled in.

Additionally, they serviced a number of McDonald’s stores, through a contract with Martin Brower, in northern NSW, and western and northern Queensland. The twice weekly run from Brisbane to Roma, Mt Isa and Charters Towers is the second longest McDonald’s route in the world (the longest is believed to be in Canada).

But recently, Kelvyn and Shirley made the heart wrenching decision to close their business and retire –well, sort of.

Kelvyn had been driving trucks almost on a daily basis up until earlier this year, so it was hard to give trucking up altogether. “I always had my bag at work ready to go, so if someone didn’t turn up, I’d hit the road,” he said. “It

was a tough decision because there are a lot of customers we’ve had for 40 years. I felt like it was important work to be able to supply all these stores with the goods they needed. I didn’t want to give it up. But my doctor told me that if I don’t stop doing what I’m doing, I’ll end up in a wheelchair – so I thought it was time. I gave all our workers and customers three months’ notice.

“I also had my own truck that I drove for a long time. It was a Kenworth K200 that was about 15 years old. That was the oldest truck we had. They only let me drive the old ones – they say I don’t look the part in the new ones!

“I didn’t want to retire, I’m embedded in the game. But my son and daughter didn’t want to carry on with the business, and with recent world events and a subsequent shortage of drivers, it was getting harder to fulfill

I DIDN’T WANT TO RETIRE, I’M EMBEDDED IN THE GAME. BUT MY SON AND DAUGHTER DIDN’T WANT TO CARRY ON WITH THE BUSINESS, AND WITH RECENT WORLD EVENTS AND A SUBSEQUENT SHORTAGE OF DRIVERS, IT WAS GETTING HARDER TO FULFILL OUR COMMITMENTS.”

KELVYN FULLER

our commitments. Having said that, we have had an excellent core group of staff who have been with us for many years and who have represented the company with pride, and helped establish our good reputation in the community.”

All of the company’s trucks were put under the hammer in early February, except for one, a brand spanking new Kenworth Legend SAR, with all the bells and whistles. It’s modelled on the iconic Kenworth

W900SAR, built and sold in Australia from 1975 until 1985.

“The Legend SAR looks exactly like the old models from a distance but it’s not the same of course. I purchased that truck when I was in a state of despair and I needed cheering up!” he joked.

Kelvyn ordered the truck back on July 8, 2021, when the limited edition rig went on sale for one day only, in celebration of Kenworth’s 50 years of manufacturing trucks in Australia.

Of course, at the time, Kelvyn and Shirley hadn’t yet cemented any retirement plans.

“My wife asked why I was keeping that truck and what I was going to do with it. We live in Bulimba now and there’s all these flashy four-wheel drives around. So I told her I was going to take my flashy truck out on the weekend to buy the paper and some bread!”

Though that’s not quite the case. The new truck has been put straight to work. It was delivered earlier this year and travels between Brisbane and Far North Queensland. But it isn’t Kelvyn who’s behind the wheel.

Instead, it’s long-time K&S Transport driver Mark

‘Jumbo’ Gaedtke, 69, who steers the new beast. “He’s been here a long time, just about as long as me,” said Kelvyn. “Everyone who has driven the Legend SAR tells me it’s absolutely beautiful to drive. Jumbo is in it all the time now. He’s like me, he has the disease and can’t stop. For the past five years I’ve been asking when he plans to retire and he says that as long as he’s healthy enough to do it, he’ll keep going. Trucks have come a long way, they’re easier to drive and a lot more comfortable now.”

In fact, the first time Kelvyn had the pleasure of driving his new truck was when he drove it down to Gibson Island for a photoshoot for this article!

There were also two older show trucks that didn’t make it to auction either, a 1977 Kenworth K200 and a 1986 Kenworth SAR. Instead Kelvyn and Shirley passed them onto their nephew Jason Fuller, who runs a service workshop.

“Jason has driven for us a fair bit over the years, especially over the last few years when I’ve been short on drivers,” said Kelvyn. “He has the bug too. He’s spent many hours on the old SAR and the cabover, which I used to drive. It looks better now

The truck is certainly impressive, inside and out.

Though Kelvyn didn’t want to retire, with Shirley’s support he knew the time was right.

The new Kenworth Legend SAR travels between Brisbane and Far North Queensland and is driven by Mark Gaedtke, one of the company’s longest serving drivers.

than when I started driving it 30 years ago. I keep joking that it looks so good, I might get back into interstate!”

Though it’s just the one actively working truck Kelvyn has in his possession at present, he’s hoping it’ll soon be two. “I also have another SAR getting fixed at the moment because it was damaged by the floods in Rocklea about a year ago. The water went up to the roof. I still want to get that back one day.”

Over the years the K&S Transport trucks have been a familiar sight in outback Queensland, and at times have proved a lifeline for communities affected by floods, cyclones, bushfires, drought and whatever other disasters have been thrown their way. They have bent over backwards to ensure they could continue to supply their customers with what they needed. Kelvyn has always gone a step beyond

and has made many lasting friendships with his customers, to the extent that he and Shirley have been invited to weddings, parties, birthdays, golf tournaments and other social activities that exemplify the bond he has created with his loyal customers.

Kelvyn and Shirley will be missed in the industry, and particularly in the numerous rural and remote communities they serviced throughout Queensland.

waste unnecessary

The first time Kelvyn actually drove his new Legend SAR was for our photo shoot.

Kelvyn and Shirley passed this classic

1977 Kenworth K200 onto their nephew.

Retriever ready for duty

BY DAVID VILE

THE red and white Kenworths of Kelvin Baxter Transport are a familiar sight across eastern Australia as the 50 strong fleet hauls bulk commodities from paddock to port and all places in between.

However, back at the Baxter home base at Berrigan there is also a splash of khaki green with several big bulldogs all having a new lease on life after serving the nation as part of the Australian Defence Force fleet.

At the Berrigan Show and Shine in February, Kelvin Baxter had on display his recently acquired Mack R-600 6x6 tow truck, which in military terms is defined as a HRV (Heavy Recovery Vehicle). Its sheer size and tough stance made it stand out against the other trucks on display, and Kelvin reckoned the Mack would complement the other vehicles in his collection nicely.

“I have had an interest in military vehicles right from in the army cadets in school when we would drive a Jeep up to Puckapunyal. My grandfather and father were in the First and Second World War also and I am a member of the Khaki Vehicle Enthusiasts Club, where we have a get-together in Corowa each year and put amphibious vehicles in the Murray River.”

Kelvin purchased the 1986-model Mack out of Bandiana through the army surplus auctions in May last year, with the unit complete with all the wrecker/recovery gear and a four-axle dog trailer with ramps.

Given its intended use, the specifications on the Mack are a bit different as to what would be found on a highway truck from the same era.

“It has been heavily modified. It weighs 18 tonnes sitting there. It has a Maxidyne engine at 320 horsepower and has a 10-speed Roadranger gearbox which is unusual for a Mack.

It is constant drive with hi/low range, a lot of the Army spec Macks were only a 5-speed gearbox but this is built for offroad work” he explained.

Bolted to the front of the Mack are two stiff-bars whilst behind the cab is a full slew of recovery gear with the under-lift recovery unit manufactured by Miller Industries in Tennessee, along with two 13-tonne recovery winches each with around 100 metres of cable.

Completing the outfit is a Hiab crane with an operating arc of 210 degrees allowing for just about anything to be recovered from a tricky spot.

“It has been modified through the years so it can recover everything from a Land Rover through to a Unimog, S-Line Internationals and the later model Bushmasters so there’s all the bracketry and bits and pieces to hook on to all these types of vehicles…. it came with a 300-page instruction manual, I haven’t had much time to read that, but that time is coming!” Kelvin said with a smile.

With the MAN cab-overs becoming a regular part of the Australian Defence Force fleet over the last few years, the Macks are being phased out and as a result Kelvin has two other R-600 units along with the tow truck.

“I believe the Army had around 800 Macks in lots of different configurations over the years. I also have one as a tip truck and one with a tanker which we use for refuelling, so we use both of them on the farm. We will leave this pretty much stock. It’s not something to bling up, this one will get used in some form of recovery work in our trucking or farming operations” he said.

Given the wet year experienced in 2022 and the amount of off-road and farm work the Baxter trucks do, it is a given that the R-600 will be put to good use at some stage.

“Winching is the best way

to recover a bogged b-double or road train out in a paddockgoing with a snatch strap is not a bad way but with a direct pull from a winch it just does it slowly and it’s more controlled.” he said.

The Macks are the only representatives in the Baxter fleet which is dominated by Kenworth with a variety of T659/ T909/C509 and K200 models used on B-double, A-double and road train work.

The trucks are scattered across a wide part of the country especially during the harvest season as Kelvin explained: “We have just finished a big harvest run with a C509 up in Emerald for a good while which worked its way down to St George and Mungindi, Goondiwindi, Walgett and it has just finished up around Hillston.

“We had record floods, then a few good dry weeks and it’s surprising how quickly the wheat paddocks dried out. There’s still some challenging times with things getting stuck. In hindsight I could have had the Mack up there.”

The Kenworth product is held in high regard by Kelvin

with a Legend SAR soon joining the ranks, and like some of the older trucks in the fleet it will be put to effective use for a number of years.

“I have an old K100 at home I have had since the mid1980s which is still in use but it could do with a good makeover but then I would have to stop using it. It originally had a VT903 then another Cummins but jeez it’s been a reliable old thing; we just use it as a farm truck carting seed out at

sowing time and so forth.

“I also have a couple of T650s which were the first new trucks I bought. They still go to work. One has a Cat 3406 and one has a Detroit Series 60, both motors have never been out of the chassis. Kenworths are a highly rebuildable truck and they suit what I do.”

Back at the Baxter yard, Kelvin’s ‘toyshed’ is due for an upgrade to house his growing collection of vehicles and while the Macks have somewhat of a

toehold in the Kenworth-dominated fleet they will all be put to good use in the next phase of their working lives.

With the Mack tow-truck having the versatility and the ability to recover vehicles from a variety of predicaments, it will no doubt prove itself to be a handy addition to the fleet.

“You never know, you might see a red truck up on the back of that one day, but that’s trucking,” Kelvin concluded with a grin.

Not your average Mack. The rugged R600 is equipped for any off-road challenge.

Kelvin Baxter with his Mack in Berrigan. Photos: David Vile

The Mack has a full slew of recovery gear for a variety of vehicles.

The Kelvin Baxter fleet numbers around 50 trucks on bulk haulage.

This Berrigan operator, best known for his fleet of red and white Kenworths, is excited about putting the latest addition to his military collection to work.

ON-ROAD

FOR DRIVERS... THERE’S ONLY ONE CHOICE

With undisputable road presence and trusted reliability, there’s no place you’d rather be than behind the wheel of a Kenworth.

kenworth.com.au

Snake safety: What to do if bitten on the job

Health authorities have warned people to be wary of venomous snakes during a period of time when they become very aggressive.

This is particularly apt after floods in WA, NSW, Victoria and Queensland which has resulted in snakes being active.

Snake warning

Truck drivers who stop at rest areas or pull off sections close to the bush should be wary of venomous snakes during the next few months.

Some reports have found their way to Spy of snakes being found amongst freight as drivers make deliveries.

Also of snakes being close to facilities at numerous rest areas or pull over areas near bush.

A father tragically died from a suspected venomous snakebite at a private property in Queensland.

The man, aged in his sixties, was reportedly bitten on his hand at Lockyer Valley, about 50km from Brisbane before 10am on January 28 this year.

A Queensland Health spokesperson said that typically the highest number of presentations relating to

snake bites or contact with a venomous snake are between October and April, when the reptiles are more active.

“Hospital presentations typically peak towards the end of the summer months. Many bites occur when people try to kill snakes they find around the house. Medical and wildlife experts agree the best advice is to leave snakes alone. If a snake needs to be removed, don’t take the risk – call a snake catcher to relocate the snake,” the spokesman said.

I covered a story about a 47-year-old man who was bitten on the ankle by a snake on January 22 on the last day of the Goldfield Ashes cricket carnival in Charters Towers.

He was rushed to Charters Towers hospital by a friend after the bite occurred at a private property along Dalrymple Road where his team had been camping.

The Melbourne man travelled from Victoria to enjoy the carnival and catch up with family and friends.

Whilst local media reported it had been a venomous brown snake, Spy spoke to the man several days after the bite and he said the species of snake had not been identified.

“The tarp was near a fence and I didn’t see the snake but saw the puncture marks on my ankle. We had folded the tarp as we were packing up camp,” he said.

At Charters Towers hospital he was stabilised before being taken by ambulance to Townsville University Hospital 130km away.

“I had regular blood tests to see if the venom had spread but it hadn’t and then they took the tourniquet off,” he said,

He was released from hospital on the same night of the bite, at about 11pm, and he returned to Melbourne on January 27.

Spy contacted the Towns-

ville University Hospital for a general comment about snake awareness and received a reply from Emergency Department director Dr Deanne Crosbie:

“If you are bitten by a snake, the safest thing to do is assume you have been bitten by a potentially life-threatening species and perform first aid immediately. This involves both applying a tight pressure bandage around the whole of the affected limb and immobilising the limb. Don’t walk or move the limb. Get to the emergency department as soon as you can so we can assess and monitor you. Please don’t try to catch the snake or bring it to the ED after being bitten; it is unnecessary and knowing the species isn’t needed for the ED to treat you. Most snake bites can be avoided through simple precautions such as wearing heavy footwear while walking through bush or calling a qualified snake catcher to remove any snakes spotted,” Crosbie said.

Flashy Scania attracts job seekers

A flashy red Scania fire engine was a major highlight at a Welcome and Information Expo at Townsville’s Murray Stadium last month.

The expo was organised through the Defence Members and Families Service and was attended by thousands.

Some adults were checking out potential job opportunities whilst youngsters were looking at future careers.

There were over 100 exhibitors including local community and sporting groups, government organisations and other service providers.

The Queensland Fire Fighters display attracted lots of interest from adults seeking a well paid and secure career as well as youngsters making enquiries.

The Scania fire engine

on display is driven by Tim Grose from the Wulguru Station.

“There has been lots here today and recently the service had 7000 applications for jobs which has been trimmed to a shortlist of 300,” he said.

Grose said the Scania was excellent to drive and well suited to fire fighting. He recommends a career in the industry to youngsters.

One of his colleagues there said Grose had a nickname of “Hollywood” which certainly had me wanting to find out why.

However when I queried him, Grose said he knew nothing of it, but he did answer with a wide grin.

Another firefighter there was former boxer, boxing trainer and promoter Scott Lingdren.

“There has been a lot of people here today checking out the Scania,” he said.

Des Elliott from outback Boulia was in town and took the opportunity to see what the expo was all about.

“I saw the Scania and loved it. These firies do an amazing job and the truck

was really clean and appealing,” he said.

Palm gravel Palm Island Aboriginal Shire in north Queensland may be a water surrounded fortress with a bitumen road network of less than 10km.

However you will see lots of trucks there, operated by the local council, contractors doing work on the island, or visitors from the mainland which come across on a barge with deliveries.

One of my good contacts on Palm, which is 48 nautical miles from Townsville, is Vaughn Charles.

The 47-year-old former rugby league star sent me a pic of himself and another local Bryan Brown holding a stop sign near a Mack.

“It came over from Lucinda by barge with gravel for construction work and we were near the jetty,” Vaughn said.

Vaughn and his family love the fishing off Palm catching coral trout, red emperor and “anything else that gets on our lines,” he said.

The pair do some part time work for Gulf Civil.

Continued page 22

Vaughn Charles (right) with Bryan Brown holding a stop sign near a Mack on Palm Island.

A truck travels along Tasmania’s Arthur Highway.

Tim Grose from the Wulguru Station with the Scania fire truck.

SPY ON THE ROAD WITH ALF WILSON

From page 20

Level crossing angst

There is nothing worse than a truckie getting held up for a long period at roadworks or a railway level crossing.

One such level crossing which can be a proverbial pain in the “you know where” is in the city of Scone in NSW.

It is in the Scone industrial area and you can be required to stop there for 10 minutes or more at times.

It is especially annoying if work is being done on the boom gates or on the odd occasion when they are faulty.

One truck driver who stayed at a motel near the crossing told Spy you can also be woken from a deep sleep during the night by the rattling noise when a train passes.

Tenterfield travels

A large number of trucks travel through the main street of scenic Tenterfield in NSW on a daily basis.

Tenterfield is just 17km from the Queensland border and its position on the route between Sydney and Brisbane and nearby regional centres makes it a busy place.

But it is also one of the most heavily policed and often cops set up random breath testing beside the highway in and out of Tenterfield.

There are also the normal speed cameras, although these have warning signs outside town.

One of the biggest tourist attractions just north of the town is the heritage-listed former Sunnyside rail bridge over Tenterfield Creek.

Built in 1888 it has long been closed and is even restricted from pedestrian access.

Rest areas popular

Rest areas beside the Bruce Highway just north of Ingham have been popular with many truck drivers.

They are on both sides of the highway as you head towards Cardwell and Cairns and have only been there for a few years.

Although they are basic compared to many interstate ones, they have toilets which are cleaned regularly.

The closest rest areas are at Bilyana past Kennedy which is about 30km north and is often full of caravans, and 45km south at Frances Creek just past Ingham.

Before they were opened drivers who needed an urgent “Jimmy Riddle” or a number two had to stop at a pull off area or wait until a roadhouse at Ingham or Cardwell.

Practical jokers

The manager of a big roadhouse frequented by many

truckies has a restored Mini Minor car which he parks outside the eatery.

It has a customised number plate which is Wooky and it is in clear view of all patrons.

Several truck drivers who possess wonderful senses of humour were overheard talking about playing a joke on the popular manager.

They were going to cover the first letter W and stick some paper over it with a huge N.

Now you don’t have to be Einstein to know what Nooky means.

However they refrained from doing so when another patron told them it would be an offence.

The flashy mini is the pride and joy of the manager.

Humourous quote

This classic quote comes from a small fleet operator who was in a Big Rigs story trying to hire truck drivers.

When his picture appeared Spy received a call from a young lady who asked the question, “He is really handsome, do you know if he is married or has a partner?”.

Now Spy is privy to the fact that this gentleman is well and truly married and has children.

But nevertheless I did send him an email telling him of his admirer to which his reply came, “We are looking for truck drivers not wives.”

Spy almost choked on his corn flakes breakfast with laughter at such a witty and humorous comment.

Pig and deer alert

If you are travelling along the scenic Arthur Highway in southern Tasmania around Eaglehawk Neck, be on the lookout for feral pigs and deer.

Reports continue to meander their way through to Spy from truckies who tell me of the danger of these animals running across the road.

One well known small fleet operator’s truck collided with a wild boar, which damaged it severely.

It was off the road for months undergoing repairs.

I am told that there are many wild deer living near the highway, which is an important and busy link between Hobart and Port Arthur and other towns on the Tasman Peninsula.

Over zealous cop

From the far northern centre of Cooktown comes a report to Spy about a charity worker who was infringed by police for what could only be considered a very minor breach.

This gent was driving a brand new vehicle which had been by the Cooktown RSL Memorial Club to the Endeavour Lions Club.

He only travelled a short distance between the back of the RSL and Bowls Club to pick up cans for the charity.

“On the back I had two 120 litre wheelie bins and four plastic milk trays and, yes, they were uncovered. I was driving along Charlotte Street and when I reached the large dip in the road there were three police officers on either side of the road. They were stopping every vehicle. It turned out the officers were from Mareeba (they weren’t locals). After the usual licence checks and being put on the bag, the female officer looked in the tray of the ute and saw the articles. She immediately accused me of having an “unsafe” load. When I attempted to argue with her that I was travelling through the town for just one kilometre or so in a 50km/h speed limit and there was no chance of the articles being dislodged she said that the wind could come up and dislodge the articles causing a safety issue. Whilst Cooktown is normally windy, there was no wind on that day. I could see that I was in a losing situation as she whipped out her paperwork and booked me for having an unsafe load. No amount of protesting by me was of any use. I have no doubt the officers were sent from Mareeba for the sole purpose of revenue raising. Of course, you cannot argue that case because they always say it is in the interest of safety,” he told Spy.

I think that is very tough.

A truck cruises up the main street of Tenterfield, NSW.

The heritage listed old railway bridge in Tenterfield.

A speed camera sign beside the New England Highway.

A truck and cars held up at the Scone level crossing.

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

EACH fortnight, veteran outback truckie Kym Mozol, 62, makes the 1800km round trip to a remote Aboriginal community called Tjuntjuntjara, delivering supplies to its only grocery store.

Based in Ceduna, SA, the trip usually takes about 14 hours each way – if he has a relatively good run. Though the longest it’s taken him is 20 hours. “It depends on the road conditions, sometimes it’s longer, sometimes it’s less,” he said.

Tjuntjuntjara is home to around 100 people and is located approximately 650 kilometres north-east of Kalgoorlie, in the Goldfields-Esperance region of WA. Mozol has been doing this particular run for seven years. Of the 900km journey, about 600km is on the dirt. The run is about as remote as you can get. He’s more likely to see camels and kangaroos than people.

“You can do a whole trip without seeing anyone. Every now and then you’ll see a few, said Mozol.

run

“It’s damn beautiful up that way and there’s no phone service either, so it’s bloody peaceful. You haven’t got all these people ringing you and wanting something,” he laughed.

“When you get some rain out there it’s really beautiful, especially down through

the Great Victorian Dessert. Why they call it a dessert I have no idea, as when it rains there it’s very pretty.”

Mozol is also a farmer and has been all his life. His Ceduna property features wheat, barley, oats, cattle and Merino sheep. Like most Aussie farm kids, Mo-

zol grew up driving anything and everything. “I started driving trucks on the farm when I was nine years old. As a kid, dad had a sheep and wheat farm just out of Ceduna. Back then it was just part of life, you were always driving stuff you weren’t supposed to.”

Mozol ended up getting his truck licence at 22. “But then I went shearing. I didn’t think I was going to make it as a truck driver,” he admitted, revealing he didn’t start driving trucks for a living until he was 30.

He runs his transport operation together with his

wife Bethney Mozol, operating a fleet of five trucks. The Tjuntjuntjara trip is now the only outback run he does, with other work consisting mainly of carrying fertiliser, grain and general freight to Adelaide. Throughout his career though, the work has been wide and diverse, including running triples up to Darwin, demountables to mine sites and carrying grain across the whole country.

“Most times I have two drivers going too, but everyone is getting older and it’s getting harder to hire. I try to keep one of the other trucks running year-round,” he said.

Continued page 26

This job is definitely not for the faint hearted.

Watch out for the camels!

Kym Mozol travels the difficult route every two weeks.

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Truckin’ In The Outback

The best truck for the job

Continued from page 24

MOZOL drives a 2000 model Kenworth T604 and has no interest in anything newer or flashier.

“When they’re not all electronic, you have a better chance of being able to fix them when you’re out in the bush. It’s not as smooth as the newer stuff, but you don’t need a computer and qualified mechanic to get going again if you break down. It’s an ex Cleveland Freightlines truck – one of the “Mack Munchers” – with a few million on the clock,” added Mozol.

The journey to Tjuntjuntjara takes Mozol through Nundroo, up to Maralinga, northwest past Oak Valley and then west towards the WA border.

He leaves on a Wednesday and gets there on the Thursday. “It could be at 7 in the morning or at midnight, depending on conditions. Then you unload and turn around and I’m back by the Friday.

“It’s mainly bush tracks. They get graded every two years, but they’re still rough as guts. If it’s wet, I stop, have a sleep and go again the next day. The longest it’s taken is 20 hours – but it’s longer than

that if you get bogged,” Mozol explained.

On average, he says, he changes at least one tyre on each round trip. Though the most he’s had to change along the run is four. “And then if you break down, there’s only a satellite phone, but that doesn’t

really get you out of it. I’ve done centre bearings before, or had broken a wire and had to get someone out there to fix it. When it comes to the truck not starting, it’s frustrating.”

Yet despite all of that, he says one of the biggest challenges comes in the form of a

four-legged kind. The camels.

“Sometimes there are a lot of camels. On most trips you’ll see a mob of them, anything up to 15, sometimes there’s even 7080 of them. At night time they camp out on the road and just don’t want to get off. When I first started, one actually hit my

mirror, that’s how close he got!”

There’s no doubt that it’s a tough job and not for the faint-hearted. But Mozol says he still enjoys it. “I like the bush and I like driving out there every fortnight. When I get there, the storekeeper and managers come up, and they’re so glad

to see you and bring a cup of coffee and have a chat. Hopefully one day I’ll get a buyer as I want to retire at some stage.

“It’s a pity a few more city people don’t get out and do something in the bush, they don’t know what they’re missing!”

On the route, Mozol says it’s not uncommon to see groups of 70-80 camels.

The T604 is an ex Cleveland Freightlines truck – one of the “Mack Munchers” – and it’s certainly been put through its paces.

McColl’s big milestone

BY GEOFF CROCKETT

IN 1952, the Geelong Cats brought home a premiership flag after winning 26 games in a row and defeating Collingwood on Grand Final Day.

It was also the year Stuart and June McColl bought two F600 trucks, launched McColl’s Milk Transport and set about picking up milk from dairy farmers around Port Fairy and delivering it to processing plants to be made ready for retail shelves.

As proud Geelong residents, it’s only natural the McColl’s trucks would carry some blue and white – a tradition that carries on to this day, more than 70 years later.

Stuart and June’s vision and determination provided the foundation for a business that heads into 2023 with a turnover of more than $200 million, 26 depots all over the country, six major workshops, more than 250 prime movers, 800 trailers and 650 staff.

The couple started a journey which current CEO and part-owner Simon Thornton is determined to honour for the next 70 years.

Thornton’s passion for the

business and the opportunity it presents to show the world what can be done when a group of like-minded individuals are willing to take a long term, “generational” approach to business ownership is never far from the surface.

This is Thornton’s second time around at McColl’s. His first was in 2009 when he joined as CEO, hired by the private equity owners to help transform the business.

It was Thornton’s introduction to the truck and transport industry, after having built a career as a business leader focused on heavy

machinery, farm equipment and company turnarounds. He left in 2014 after five years’ service, which included the celebration of the business’ 60th anniversary,

attended by Stuart and June.

“I went away for four years and at the end of the four years, the private equity firm, which was KKR at the time, came back and said ‘you thought you’d be a good owner for this business, do you still want it?’ And I said, ‘yeah, I do’,” Thornton said. He rallied a bunch of friends, mainly alumni from when he started studying Commerce at Melbourne University in 1988, and the Friesians investment group

ing ride, kind of restoring McColl’s to the path it was on originally under family ownership.”

Since 2018 McColl’s has invested more than $30 million in high productivity state-of-the-art A-double tankers, and millions of dollars into new trucks, new depots, tanker washes and technology that enables the business to minimise downtime and reduce wasted kilometres across its nationwide network.

says are ingrained in the hiring, the processes, the purchases and the relationships the business has with its long-term partners.

“We have a saying here that you should never have a conversation that you wouldn’t be happy to invite your kids or your mum too,” Thornton said.

He adds that McColl’s has worked hard on its culture which shows in the nature of the team it employs.

“They self-identify – they know who fits and who doesn’t. They get the values, they love the industry, the dairy industry, the chemical

“You’ve got to love one of ly love it, and really believe

“People who don’t – it’s not that they’re not good people, it’s just that they’re

CEO and part-owner of McColl’s Transport, Simon Thornton, is excited about what the future holds, as the company celebrates 70 years.

Today, McColl’s Transport runs a national fleet of over 250 prime movers and 800 trailers.

LOTS OF OUR EMPLOYEES HAVE BEEN AROUND A VERY LONG TIME. WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON HAVING THOSE VERY COMMITTED PEOPLE, WHO JOIN MCCOLL’S AND THEY LOVE IT, AND THEY JUST WANT TO BE AT MCCOLL’S.” SIMON THORNTON

Celebrations will roll out all year at McColl’s Transport as the business celebrates 70 years of providing expert service in the delivery of liquid loads.

Australia’s largest independent carrier of bulk liquids.

Australia’s largest independent carrier of bulk liquids.

is just the beginning

He says it’s a business driven by family values rather than short term profit.

“McColl’s prides itself on having that long term approach to the world and long-term relationships with its customers and with its partners in various forms.

“We’ve been buying Kenworth and Volvo trucks for at least the last 25 years, almost exclusively.

“Lots of our employees have been around a very long time. We pride ourselves on having those very committed people, who join McColl’s and they love it, and they just want to be at McColl’s.”

He tells a story of another long-term relationship with Tieman Tankers who have supplied McColl’s with tankers since the early days and are also celebrating 70 years this year.

“Stuart McColl and Neil Tieman, who was the founder of Tieman Tankers, used to haggle over the price of tankers and famously they used a game of tennis as a way of deciding what the price should be,” Thornton said.

“And the people at Tiemans still tell that story, and so do the people at McColl’s, it’s kind of something from a bit of a bygone era.”

On the safety front Thornton says the company does everything in its power to minimise danger for its team and is constantly look-

ing for ways to improve.

“We’re proud of our safety record – we know though, that it’s something you earn every day. Something can go wrong at any time.

“When you drive out on the road, you’re in an uncontrolled environment. It’s difficult, because stuff

can happen that’s completely out of your control and out of the drivers’ control.

“We pay at the top of the industry for drivers, we buy the safest trucks, and we maintain them very well.

“We’ve got mechanics

who work very meticulously to make sure the trucks are right, but also keep very good records and we’ve got good systems.”

As for what’s planned in 2023 – Thornton says it’s important the longevity of

the company is celebrated.

“It’s happy news. We’ll be doing a series of events with our people and our customers around the country to celebrate.

“It’s a major milestone. Very few companies ever get to their 70th birthday. We really feel like it’s something that’s worth noting.

“It’s also worth noting and thinking about the people who have contributed along the way.

“There are people who’ve lived their entire lives in that time and people who’ve had entire careers in McColl’s –and we think about them too.

“They’re the people who’ve helped McColl’s to become what it’s become, which is exciting.”

And for Thornton himself, the McColl’s allure has certainly hit its mark.

“It was a little business,” he said. “Stuart and June started out with a little truck – they went on and lived long and happy lives around McColl’s – Stuart must have been around 90 when he stepped out.

“If I can be still around McColl’s when I’m 90…”

Safety First - Honesty & Integrity - Consistency Mutual Respect - Commercial Responsibility

A lot has changed over the last 70 years. Trucks and tankers have also come a long way.

Company founders Stuart and June McColl attended the 60th anniversary celebrations 10 years ago.

Reader Rigs proudly supported by #PicOfThe Month

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!

Matty J sent in this snap of the Kenworth C501 he drives for Neil Mansell Transport. “This old girl loves the environment and I love her,” he said.

Robbie Bell snapped this stunner, while delivering stockfeed in Central Queensland.

Michael Roels enjoyed a lovely morning out at Gurnang State Forest, near Oberon, NSW.

Kattie Risk shared this shot of the old Mack Superliner, gearing up to head southbound.

Brendan Nicholas shared this shot of four of Woody’s Transport’s finest, parked up in the Stables awaiting launch.

thunderstorms

Mt Magnet. Thanks for sharing Garry Button.

Congratulations to Josh Rigney, who has won a $500 Shell Coles Express Gift Card for this amazing shot, taken on the Barrier Hwy between Yunta and Mannahill.

LKDN Haulage shared this photo of their first prime mover, a 1994 FL10 Volvo, which now has 1.2 million kilometres on the clock. This shot was taken in Port Augusta on the way from Melbourne to Darwin.

Tommy Navara spotted this Earthmoving Creations T909 leaving a Cooma servo, carrying overburden for a local school’s new oval.

Tom Charlton snapped this great shot while heading southbound at Inkerman.

Dave Hely took this rig out for a photoshoot at Sunny Corner, NSW.

Sam Dix shared this shot of his “new girl”. Truckspotting Ararat got a snap of the Western Star while he was bringing it home.

“Calm before the storm.” Jacob Elliott took this ripper shot at Ban Ban Springs.

Tim Wilesmith took this picture at Bayswater Power Station near Muswellbrook, NSW, after delivering a load of sulphuric acid.

When the going gets tough, truckies keep everyone going

Heavy equipment bonus for truck fans in Brisbane

THE 2023 Heavy Equipment and Machinery Show is shaping up as the biggest and best event in its history, with organiser Civil Contractors Federation (CCF) Queensland revealing it will hold its state conference on the first day of the show – and, for the first time, feature a live machinery auction.

The live auction will be held by naming sponsor Pickles Industrial on Friday, May 19.

Further cementing the show’s position as one of the pinnacles of the civil construction industry’s event calendar, CCF Queensland will also be holding its conference on the first day of the show, Thursday, May 18.

Featured speakers will include alternative energy expert Dr Ben Heard, Brisbane 2023 Executive Director of Olympic Infrastructure – Aaron Broughton, demographer Bernard Salt, QIC Principal Economist Drew Klease, comedian Dave O’Neil and more.

Also returning in 2023 is crowd favourite ‘Trimble Inn’ eatery and bar, offering great coffee, food and drink options to enjoy during the show.

Previously the Civil Construction Field Days, the 2023 Heavy Equipment and Machinery Show also marks a shift to a new venue, the Brisbane Showgrounds, to better showcase the latest innovations for the civil construction and infrastructure sector.

Its new ‘forever home’ sees the big yellow machines return to the Ekka for the first time since 2009. From 1983 to 2009 they were a key part of the Queensland Truck, Trailer and Equipment Show – which was renamed the Brisbane Truck Show when it shifted to the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre in 2011.

CCF QLD CEO Damian Long says the new venue delivers a platform for a bigger and better show in 2023 and beyond.

Presented alongside the 2023 Brisbane Truck Show,

the event is expected to attract more than 6000 attendees and in excess of 80 exhibitors over the four-day showcase.

The 2021 show – which ran over three days at Hamilton Northshore – featured around 60 of the industry’s most well-known companies and drew some 3500 attendees, significantly up on the

first Civil Construction Field Days created by CCF QLD in 2019, a two-day event which was hosted at the Pickles Industrial site at Archerfield with approximately 40 exhibitors and 900 attendees.

Following the success of its official partnership with Brisbane Truck Show in 2021, including reciprocal ticketing

and free shuttle buses, Long says he anticipates significant growth in the show again in 2023.

“There are great synergies between the Heavy Equipment and Machinery Show and the Brisbane Truck Show, so we are thrilled to partner with them again for 2023 to provide Australians with ac-

cess to both heavy equipment, trucks and everything in between by just purchasing one ticket,” he says.

Positioned on the doorstep of the show’s official hotel, the 4.5-star Rydges Fortitude Valley, the new site is also conveniently placed in the lively and stunning heritage of the world-class Royal International Convention Centre and the Brisbane Showgrounds Precinct, with access to The Tivoli music venue and the city’s newest and most exciting restaurant and bar precinct, King Street, and on the fringes of Fortitude Valley, Brisbane’s entertainment quarter.

As well as free shuttle buses operating between the Heavy Equipment and Machinery Show and Brisbane Truck Show every 30 minutes, the new venue offers plentiful parking on-site. It’s also less than a 10-minute walk from Bowen Hills and Fortitude Valley train stations and close to numerous other public transport options.

Drake Collectibles to roll out new model trucks for fans

RENOWNED die-cast truck and trailer model maker Drake Collectibles is set to take the wraps off as many as three new model releases at the 2023 Brisbane Truck Show.

Anchoring a dedicated new Merchandise Zone at the event, the popular exhibit will also feature some “special guest appearances”, teases Bruce Hay, who has managed the highly successful division of The Drake Group since it was founded in 2010 in response to customer frustrations about the lack of proper die-cast models of Aus tralian trucks and trailers.

In addition to the new model releases, the Drake Col

lectibles’ stand will also feature recent model releases. Despite the ripple effects of COVID-19 putting model production 11 months behind schedule, Hay says Drake Collectibles still managed to unveil eight new Kenworth K200s, nine new C509s and one stunning Kenworth T900 Legend in 2022.

Possibly the standout release of 2022, he adds, was the Mactrans Heavy Haulage ‘Stop DV’ Kenworth K200, a stunning truck carrying a powerful mes

per-Liner, which in 2021 was awarded the prestigious ‘Model of the Year’ by Cranes Etc, which boasts a following of over 220,000 collectors throughout the world via its website and social media pages.

“All the new releases were very popular with the collector’s market throughout the world and the good news is, there are more to come in the future,” he said.

Hay notes the replica model trucks and trailers are a great

They love their Kenworths, they love their Macks. So, they see all these trucks, they see all these trailers, and while they can’t take the real one home, they can take something in miniature home.

“The collectability of them is very high; it’s sort of contagious. They start with one, they end up with two, and before you know it, they’ve got a cabinet, maybe two cabinets or three cabinets. It’s phenomenal.”

The Drake Collectibles’ stand will be located in the Merchandise Zone, conveniently located on the Mezzanine Level right above the main entrance at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.

The 1988 Bicentennial Mack Super-Liner boasts a following of over 220,000 collectors throughout the world.

Presented alongside the 2023 Brisbane Truck Show, the event is expected to attract more than 6000 attendees and in excess of 80 exhibitors.

It will be a spectacular display of classic trucks

COOL classic trucks will again be a feature of the Brisbane Truck Show, with the Heritage Truck Association Australia (HTAA) confirming its big annual event will take place on the weekend of May 20-21, 2023 at Rocklea Showgrounds.

HTAA’s Michelle Wilkie says the association is hoping to once again see the showground at capacity, filled with all different makes and models of trucks, tractors, cars, utes and machines. The showgrounds are just 15 minutes’ drive from the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC).

The return to the Rocklea Showgrounds follows the committee’s difficult decision to cancel HTAA’s annual show in 2021 for the second year running due to COVID restrictions – but one that ultimately had a silver lining with a “once-in-a-lifetime” offer to display a number of its members’ vehicles in a prominent location on the ground floor of the 2021 Brisbane

Truck Show.

In what turned out to be among the most popular exhibitions at the event, members displayed 12 classics: a 1946 Ford Jailbar ‘Roxanne’ painstakingly restored by show partner NTI, a 1948 Chevrolet Loadmaster, a 1954 International AR110, a 1962 Mack H673 ST, a 1970 International Loadstar, a 1971 Mercedes Benz 1418 LS, a 1972 AEC Marshal, a 1973 Kenworth W924, a 1975 Bedford KMR/XT5, a 1975 International D1310, a 1978 International 3070B, and a 1986 Kenworth W925 SAR.

“It was certainly a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity for our club to be an exhibitor at the 2021 Brisbane Truck Show. The amount of interest from other exhibitors and the public in the heritage truck display was wonderful to see and gave another dimension to the show,” Wilkie says.

“Being a first-time exhibitor, the process was daunting at first but all went smoothly,

from bump in to bump out and everything in between.”

Wilkie says the exceptional response to the exhibition reflects an increase in interest in historic trucks in recent years, a trend also mirrored by steady growth in the number of trucks on show at its events as well as HTAA membership.

“These historic trucks are a piece of our history and if not restored, we will lose those pieces of history,” she says.

“There is a passion to keep the past alive for the men and women who started the transport industry, along with those wonderful hard-working old trucks that worked on not-so-good roads. Many travelled extraordinary distances on highways throughout Australia.

“Some of these vehicles have been lovingly restored to their original glory and create a spectacular display. There is a pride and passion by all members in their vehicles.”

Gates will open from 8am on both days.

The herculean effort that goes on behind the scenes

DESPITE uncertainty caused by Covid, Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) and

its partners managed to not only stage the 2021 Brisbane Truck Show but entice more

than 30,000 attendees from around Australia to Australia’s premier on-road transport business and networking event.

What’s more, the show also maintained its strategy to expand beyond the walls of the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) to engage the broader community and share some of the industry’s inspiring stories.

Building on 2019, the 2021 showcase included a raft of activations and parallel events at the South Bank Truck Festival and across the city.

While punters only saw the world-class end product, behind the scenes a massive

logistical effort went in to delivering the show – the largest such event held in the southern hemisphere.

At close to 270 exhibitors occupying all three levels of the BCEC, it is the largest event staged at the venue, bar none.

Led by Brisbane Truck Show manager Noelene Bradley, the herculean bump-in task kicked off the weekend before the show, with the initial focus on the trucks and trailers occupying the main halls on the ground level.

More than 1100 vehicles entered the loading docks down a single road access

point in the days leading up to the opening. Some stands required up to five trailer loads each!

Over one-third of the trucks carrying freight were semi-trailers requiring an average of 60-120 minutes to unload and reload.

This massive undertaking was handled by Agility Logistics, which was responsible for managing the freight forwarding, dock marshals, road-runners and 10 site managers who were contracted from three different states for 1300 hours day and night.

To handle the large truck movements, around 1000 me-

tres of truck staging on outside roads was controlled by traffic marshals and special police. An additional 16 trailers were utilised for offsite storage.

Once unloaded, the real work began. Approximately 45 forklifts, 12 elevated platforms, six boom lifts, more than 1.5km of rigging and some 12,000 carpet tiles were employed to get everything into place – with the help of 3000 contractors.

Come Sunday, the show’s final day, the mammoth bump out began. Amazingly, before midnight the vast majority of the trucks, trailers and ancillary components were gone.

More than 1100 vehicles entered the loading docks down a single road access point in the days leading up to the opening.

The exceptional response to the 2021 exhibition reflects an increase in interest in historic trucks in recent years.

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This suite of business management modules is designed and configured to meet business’ individual requirements providing a complete solution for any use case or asset type.

“We own the trailers, but not the prime movers. What was important to us was having tracking on the trailers. We’ve noticed close to a 20 per cent increase in driver productivity,” said Mark O’Keefe, Local Roadways.

The Cat-M1 Solar Tracking Unit utilises the Cat-M1 (LTE-M) technology on Telstra’s IoT network which reaches around 3.5 million square kilometres of Australia, so you can track your assets on a low-power, wide-area network in some of the most remote locations.

tions and details from the field and a user can access a range of functions, including pre-start checklists and fault logs, maintenance reporting or requests.

“This is a huge advantage for businesses where assets are utilised by many different people,” added Hartley.

Drivers can easily access instructions and owners can view usage information in real-time

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THE management of fleet equipment, such as trailers, dollies, containers and rail wagons, is experiencing a shift towards the adoption of smart tech.

“Installing a tracking unit onto an asset immediately transforms it into an intelligent, connected piece of fleet equipment that can deliver valuable insights to improve the efficiency of business operations,” said Dylan Hartley, director of operations at WHG Technologies.

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Truckin’ In The Tropics

Peo Uiduldam Chad Booker

‘DR HOOK’ is the name of an Isuzu driven by Peo Uiduldam who is passionate about recycling.

I saw Uiduldam after he pulled up at a rest area on the Flinders Highway at about 9am one morning.

He has worked for Townsville company Reef Recycling for the past four years and enjoys the work.

“I do the out of town runs from Townsville, west to Charters Towers, south to Ayr and north to Ingham picking up recycling bins,” he said.

Born on Thursday Island in the Torres Strait and with descent from St Paul’s Village on Moa Island and also Badu Island, he has lived in Townsville for 16 years.

“I get back up to the Torres Strait when I can. My last visit was two years ago,” he said.

Fishing is a major recreation for this happy truckie and he gets to do lots of that near his home at Saunders Beach, just north of Townsville.

“I catch barramundi, mangrove jack and john dory

using prawn bait,” he said.

His favourite tucker outside seafood is steak and salad. “I carry food with me on my trips,” he said.

I asked Uiduldam why the truck had a Dr Hook name on the front, thinking it may have had some connection to the famous singing group.

“I don’t know,” he said.

Uiduldam said that when he appears in Big Rigs he intends to send a copy to his mother Dora and sisters Catherine and Gina who live in the Torres Strait.

His favourite rugby league football team is Erub United which is Queensland’s champion Allblacks carnival side.

“The organiser is my relative Elia Ware,” he said.

In October Erub United won the prestigious Arthur Beetson Foundation Murri Knockout at Redcliffe, as well as the Gordonvale Indigenous carnival and the last Zenadth Kes carnival on TI.

The side consists of players of Erub (Darnley Island) descent and officials living in Cairns and recently took their trophies back to the island.

Uiduldam is proud of his Torres Strait heritage and also his job.

OWNER-OPERATOR

Chad Booker, 40, who runs More Water, was pumping water into a tank on the back of his Mack Fleetliner Elite when Big Rigs saw him near Cessnock in NSW.

“I am taking on water for delivery to rain water tanks in the region. I go around the Lower Hunter region including to Singleton and Maitland,” he said.

Born and bred in Sydney,

Booker moved to Cessnock in 2009 and loves the 2001 Mack.

“I bought it three years ago and had the tank built by Allquip at nearby Rutherford. I support local businesses,” he said.

His wife Lauryn helps with the administration side of the business. “She does all the behind-the-scenes work,” he said.

Booker barracks for the

with Alf Wilson

repair of the customer’s unit.

Newcastle Knights in the NRL. I asked him the worst road he gets along.

“It would have to be the Wollonbi Road near Cessnock. It is rough as hell,” he said.

His favourite stop off is the Kearsley Servo in the region.

Booker says he loves the paper. “I am a big fan of Big Rigs,” he said.

Outside work Booker likes camping at Lightning Ridge.

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Peo Uiduldam works for Reef Recycling in Townsville.

Chad Booker purchased his 2001 Mack three years ago.

Truckin’ In The Tropics

Gavin Ellis Audie Sparks

FOR the past eight years Gavin Ellis has worked for Trinity Petroleum and says he loves the job.

Ellis was driving a Kenworth T409 when Big Rigs saw him parked at a pull off area near

Mareeba on a steamy hot summer day.

“I have been carrying fuel from Cairns to Cooktown and enjoy working for the company,” he said.

The first truck Ellis drove

was a Freightliner Argosy when he worked for Tuxworth and Woods.

“I used to do the run to Karumba back then and the biggest red kangaroos you would ever see were around Croydon,” he said.

Based in Cairns, Ellis enjoys camping and fishing when he gets time off.

“I go fishing for freshwater barramundi around lake-lands,” he said.

Ellis added that he doesn’t stop at many roadhouses for food.

He rates the highway most challenging to drive on as the one between Mount Molloy and Mareeba.

His New Year’s resolution is, “To spend more time with family. I have two kids aged 13 and 15,” he said.

Another Trinity Petroleum employee – named Nathan who works at the Tolga service station and roadhouse – also came to the attention of Big Rigs.

On the same day, a distraught woman stopped there with a flat tyre, and even though Nathan was busy and it was not part of his normal duties, he pumped the tyre up for her.

She was glowing in her praise of Nathan when this writer pulled up there.

HAPPY driver Audie Sparks, 59, was heading towards Guyra in NSW when Big Rigs saw him at Warwick recently.

He had stopped off at the Ampol Warwick in the Scania he drives for Multiquip, which has a depot at Kingston in southern Queensland.

“It is a new Scania R620 with just 11,000km on the clock. I am going down to Guyra empty to pick up chickens for delivery to Ipswich,” he said.

Sparks lives at Ipswich and

has been a driver for 20 years and with Multiquip for 12 months.

“They are a good company to work for and the boss is great,” he said.

Sparks said there are not enough rest areas in Queensland but there is sufficient across the border in NSW.

“But many of the NSW ones are not marked properly advising their location and it is easy to drive past,” he said.

His main hobby is watch-

ing and competing at speedway and he has his own vehicle.

“It is a super sedan and I am chasing a sponsor for it,” he said.

His favourite roadhouse is the Ampol Warwick where I saw him purchasing some takeaway food.

“They serve good food here and the staff are very courteous,” he said.

This contented truckie was looking forward to eating his bangas and mash.

Gavin Ellis drives a Kenworth T409 for Trinity Petroleum.

Audie Sparks has spent 20 years behind the wheel.

Let’s get ready for action: Getting the industry moving

Vehicle Safe Driver Project, funded by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative, supported by the Federal Government. This is a training program that will create ‘Job Ready’ drivers who will gain much needed on-road driving hours and training required by employers. Commencement of training will be towards mid-year and there will be a pilot program offering a limited number of places. This program will support fleet owners who urgently need to fill driver roles.

IN 2023, the Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) is creating new approaches to energise the industry workforce. As part of a Workforce Strategy, the QTA has established a new engagement project “Get in2 Transport and Logistics Program”, focussed on increasing industry awareness to school staff and students through industry tour experiences.

The first of these tours for the year was held in Townsville involving local road freight, heavy truck and trailer manufacturers and warehousing businesses experiencing challenges

around staff attraction. The second part of the program is an industry orientation tour for high school students and local job seekers who will get to experience the industry first-hand.

The QTA’s successful Livestock and Transport Handling Workshops are also continuing this year with the first two courses for 2023 recently held in Charters Towers.

Designed by industry for industry, these workshops were sponsored by Charters Towers Regional Council and supported by livestock transport companies and other stakeholders

who see immense value in supporting the welfare and safety of the beef supply chain in the region. This program is providing drivers and other stakeholders involved in the transportation of beef with valuable knowledge and skills, including practical demonstrations of cattle handling techniques and training that reinforces industry best practice. There is a strong commitment by employers in this sector to ensure that staff are offered opportunities to upskill and refresh their knowledge.

The big-ticket program for the QTA this year is the Heavy

QTA CEO Gary Mahon said: “We know that there are many people out there who hold a HR or HC licence and are unable to secure a truck driving job due to their lack of driving experience. This program will fill that gap by offering employment, a practical training program incorporating 160 hours of supervised onroad driving experience.”

This type of program is an industry first in Queensland and will be evaluated by Grif fith University to measure the effectiveness of the training.

The QTA is now seeking ex pressions of interest from peo

ple that hold a valid HR or HC licence, not currently working as a heavy vehicle driver because they don’t have enough experi

A livestock handling workshop offering practical training in Gracemere.

Career pathways and employment providers at Harbourside Cold Stores in Townsville.

Career pathways and employment providers at the Get in2 Transport and Logistics Tour in Townsville.

New partnership creates complete tech solution

us to offer one of the most comprehensive LTE enabled telematics solutions to the Australian market,” said Sean Killen, vice president Latin America, Asia and ANZ at Geotab.

Managing director of Logmaster, Josh Saunders, added, “The partnership with Geotab represents a significant step for Logmaster’s ambition to provide the best Electronic Work Diary to the most well-managed fleets in Australia.

“We are excited to deliver a world-class solution that meets and exceeds the high standards of the Australian trucking industry.”

COMBINING GEOTAB’S EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE IN THE HEAVY TRUCK INDUSTRY AND LOGMASTER’S COMMITMENT TO SAFETY COMPLIANCE WILL ALLOW US TO OFFER ONE OF THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE LTE ENABLED TELEMATICS SOLUTIONS TO THE AUSTRALIAN MARKET.” SEAN KILLEN

GEOTAB, a global leader in connected transport solutions, has announced a partnership with Logmaster, which provides Electronic Work Diary (EWD) and fatigue compliance management systems.

Geotab says the new partnership marks a major milestone for its investment cycle in the Australian market and

represents a commitment to delivering a world-class experience for every fleet type.

Through deep product integration and a collaborative marketing model, Geotab and Logmaster will create a complete telematics and Electronic Work Diary solution for Australian fleets of all sizes.

According to Geotab, this

partnership with Logmaster will result in one of the most compliant and feature rich unified transport management platforms in Australia.

The company says the move will also bring the entire Geotab ecosystem to the market, enabling fleet managers to future proof their longterm telematics approach ahead of the Telstra 3G net-

work shutdown in June 2024.

Geotab currently has more than 3.2 million connected vehicles globally, including 750,000 connected heavy trucks and some of the biggest fleet customers in the world. “Combining Geotab’s experience and expertise in the heavy truck industry and Logmaster’s commitment to safety compliance will allow

Regulator to launch Priority Route Map for local roads

THE National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has announced its plans to launch a new Priority Route Map for local government roads.

The purpose of the yet-tobe-launched tool will be to assist local government road managers with heavy vehicle access-related asset data to support their decision-making.

The NHVR says the map will also be used to prioritise funded engineering assessments

of local bridges and culverts located on key routes, in a bid to deliver improved road network access for heavy vehicles.

Back in 2015, the National Key Freight Routes Map was established to provide a detailed picture of the road and rail routes connecting Australia’s key freight runs.

The NHVR’s Strategic Local Government Asset Assessment Program (SLGAAP) needed a national map of heavy vehicle

routes that were local government-owned to support the project in identifying and prioritising engineering assessments for local government assets. According to the NHVR, this was the catalyst for the decision to build the new Priority Route Map for Local Government.

Program lead at NHVR, Todd Wellard, says this emphasises the role of local government roads in connecting areas of primary industry production

with the broader national network of federal and state roads.

“This map is an important tool for our project to ensure we are funding engineering assessments for local government assets on priority routes that play a critical role in heavy vehicle transport and connecting our regions and communities,” he said. “We aim to provide the best benefit across the network in terms of productivity, access, and network connectivity, espe-

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cially for larger or special-purpose vehicle configurations often used in agriculture, livestock, and forestry industries.

“With 2000 priority heavy vehicle routes already identified on local-government owned roads, we are confident our national program of asset assessments will deliver positive outcomes for industry, and the map will be a valuable resource for future planning and investment.”

The NHVR says the Priority Route Map aims to highlight local government asset assessments to support existing access and provide new access opportunities. It will also be used to identify strategic corridors and provide local government road managers with heavy vehicle access-related asset data.

The Priority Route Map for Local Government is expected to be available in the NHVR Portal by mid to late 2023.

Through deep product integration and a collaborative marketing model, Geotab and Logmaster will create a complete telematics and EWD solution.

According to Geotab, the partnership with Logmaster will result in one of the most compliant and feature rich, unified transport management platforms in Australia.

Calling for regulator to support changes to PBS

members who have spent large amounts to have PBS vehicles designed and approved, only to mothball them because route access has not been granted.

“That does nobody any good,” he said.

“We support the immediate development of a fast-tracked PBS approval for heavy vehicles that are built with safety features

IT’S time to address high Performance Based Standards (PBS) regulatory costs and expand the as-of-right access to agreed networks, the National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) has told the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).

NatRoad calls the NHVR’s Performance Based Standards 2.0 discussion paper, which was released in November 2022, “a mixed bag”, conceding that many of its proposed reforms are improvements.

But it says that reducing charges and expanding as-ofright access to agreed networks

ANYTHING THAT ALLOWS MANUFACTURERS TO TAKE ON ASSESSOR AND/OR CERTIFIER FUNCTIONS TO MINIMISE TIME AND COST BARRIERS TO INDUSTRY WITHOUT COMPROMISING SAFETY HAS TO BE A GOOD THING.”

WARREN CLARK

need to be higher priorities as the current arrangements stifle innovation.

NatRoad CEO Warren Clark says there’s no clear path for PBS vehicles to exit the PBS scheme into the ‘as-ofright’ fleet.

“We know that these are issues that the NHVR has to refer to the National Transport Commission (NTC) under current legislation,” Clark said.

“So let’s get on with that and change the scheme so it’s based on performance requirements and not prescriptive ones.”

Clark said NatRoad has

that allow a maximum vehicle width of up to 2.6 metres as-ofright access to the road network.

“Anything that allows manufacturers to take on assessor and/or certifier functions to minimise time and cost barriers to industry without compromising safety has to be a good thing.”

Clark said NatRoad also backs the NHVR proposal for

a High Performance Fleet as a separate, quasi-prescriptive category of heavy vehicle, allowing older PBS vehicles to transition out of the scheme.

“Having a designated High Performance Fleet can achieve this, but allowing further access without requiring a permit remains our preferred option,” Clark said.

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The NHVR says it released the discussion paper and began a consultation process in a bid to reform and modernise the PBS scheme. Photos: NHVR’s Performance Based Standards 2.0 discussion paper

As at December 31, 2021, truck and dogs represented 52.21 per cent of PBS vehicles on our roads –which is more than three times the amount of any other PBS combination type.

For a complete hydraulics

Where the company used to concentrate solely on the hydraulic equipment that goes onto the trucks, now it encompasses the trailers also, providing the complete solution.

The range of hoists available includes well-mount, outer cover front mount and under-body versions. These hoists were selected due to a number of factors aimed directly at the installer and end user.

Firstly, quality seals and the highest grade heat treated alloy steels are employed in the construction to provide longer life and greater lift capacities. All stages are hard chrome plated, a must for the demanding Australian market.

diameters result in higher lifting capacities; this equates to possible heavier payloads to yield a higher return per load.

Body hardware including the tailgate rear pivot and side swing (two-way tailgate) kits are also available from Hydreco. As are tailgate and dolly lock pneumatic cylinders for tipper and dog applications which allows these functions to be operated remotely from the cab.

SINCE 1959, Hydreco has been manufacturing power take-offs (PTO), pumps and valves for trucks and equipment used in the transport, construction and mining industries.

Over the past few years, Hydreco Hydraulics has re-defined its business, making significant investments to strategically move it from a component supplier to a total hydraulic system solu-

tions provider.

The expansion of the product portfolio was achieved by adding several highly engineered and tested products, including an array of telescopic hoists. Hydreco’s ancillary range of hoists, tanks, controls, and piston pumps are sourced from some of the world’s leading manufacturers; the business is proud to associate the Hydreco name with these brands.

Secondly, the last stage is blanked so that no “bleeding” is required during installation, ensuring that installation is quicker for lower fit up costs.

Next, the overlaps of the stages have been optimised to provide low closed heights. This enables the “well” to be built smaller and lighter; to aid in interchangeability with other brands; and to lessen the oil required for full extension.

Finally, having larger stage

Hydreco recently produced a new hose burst valve; it is installed to the hoist so that if a hose ruptures, the body is prevented from falling. The new design was based on customer feedback and requirements for a fail-safe product that has additional contrasting features such as providing for a controlled lowering of the body in the event of a hose failure or alternatively ultra-fast lowering in normal conditions.

These are just a few of the examples of the diverse range of products and services provided by Hydreco as part of a total hydraulics solution for truck and industrial equipment operators.

All Hydreco Power Take-

Off units (PTOs), gear pumps and valves are designed and engineered in Australia – manufactured by Hydreco under ISO9001 standards to endure the harshest conditions from mine sites in some of the toughest areas in the world to construction sites and agricultural applications where reliability is paramount.

Hydreco Hydraulics is located at Unit 12, 167 Prospect Highway, Seven Hills, NSW. For more information, please call 02 9838 6800 or visit hydreco.com.

An outer cover telescopic hoist, fitted to an Isuzu.

The well mount telescopic hoist, with cutaway to show its construction.

Expanding efficiencies with moving floor systems

IN the solid waste and recycling sectors, efficiency and safety are always top considerations when purchasing equipment. Trailers equipped with moving floors offer flexibility in where the trailers can unload, while eliminating the safety risk of tipper trailers.

Moving floor trailers unload horizontally, with a series of hydraulically driven floor slats that “walk” material out the rear of the trailer. This allows them to safely unload on uneven ground and during windy conditions, resulting in a much larger area at the landfill at which they can unload.

“When the landfill is busy, trailers can also position themselves closer to each other without compromising safety, which helps with operating efficiencies,” said Zyggy Reinoga of KEITH WALKING FLOOR Australia Pty Ltd.

Another area in which

operators can benefit from versatility is how the trailer is loaded. Depending on the type of floor slat installed in the trailer, trailers can be top loaded or compactor loaded.

“A slat like KEITH’s steel J-MAX slat holds up well to compactors,” added Reinoga. “Because it is made from high strength steel, you can expect a longer slat life over our standard aluminium profiles.”

KEITH WALKING FLOOR systems are designed for durability in the waste and recycling industries. The hydraulic drive system easily handles the high volume of waste and multiple loads that transfer trailers haul each day.

“It isn’t unusual for trailers to handle six to eight loads per day,” said Reinoga. “The wear and tear the floors need to be able to absorb is substantial.”

According to Reinoga, a slat such as the J-MAX profile can also expand the types of materials that can be un-

CUSTOMERS

ZYGGY REINOGA

loaded. In addition to MSW, trailers can unload products as diverse as wood waste, gravel and glass.

“Glass is a product that can be tricky to unload using standard aluminium flooring,” said Reinoga. He explained that most operators use a slip sheet for the occasional load of crushed glass. “The steel slat is better suited for handling recycled glass, with no slip sheet needed to protect the floor.”

A versatile floor slat can also contribute to the financial bottom line. “Customers tell us that in addition to giving them more choices for backhaul options, the trailers quickly pay for themselves because they are able to haul larger volumes.”

Reinoga added that WALKING FLOOR systems have been used in the waste industry since the early 1980s, with the unloaders gaining popularity for their safety features. “Worker safety is a major concern for the industry and the horizontal unloading of a moving floor system not only prevents toppling over like a tipper trailer, but also eliminates the risk of hitting overhead utility lines or trees during unloading.”

For more information on KEITH WALKING FLOOR systems, visit keithwalkingfloor.com or contact Zyggy Reinoga at 0404 041 833 to discuss your material handling needs.

The steel J-MAX slat stands up well to top or compactor loading.

KEITH WALKING FLOOR systems are designed for durability in the waste and recycling industries.

Australia’s most affordable wireless truck scale

IF you haven’t heard of Appweigh yet, you may be rapt to hear about this fantastic and affordable no-scale load weighing solution.

You no longer have to fork out thousands of dollars for a load scale fitment, calibration and maintenance. Nor should you have to spend hard-earned money

for a mechanic to install your weight scale.

The trucking applications of this product span from the all-important harvest to quarries and cement, to contractually required truck scales for subbies. Hello Appweigh!

The kit is simple to install, with a basic understanding, and a sharp pair of hose cutters the only requirements. The free app based solution requires a laden and an unladen reading from a weighbridge – and there you go.

Low battery notifications within the app will alert you for a battery swap out, which is simply done by unscrewing the protective cap and swapping them out. That’s really it. No monthly fees. No recalibrations. No maintenance.

Delving deeper into the technicalities, Appweigh is a Bluetooth-enabled weight sensor and app for air suspension trucks and trailers. Using push-to-connect fittings, the kit is fitted onto the air suspension lines, and with clear line of sight you can expect a Bluetooth read-

APPWEIGH IS A BLUETOOTH-ENABLED WEIGHT SENSOR AND APP FOR AIR SUSPENSION TRUCKS AND TRAILERS. USING PUSH-TO-CONNECT FITTINGS, THE KIT IS FITTED ONTO THE AIR SUSPENSION LINES, AND WITH CLEAR LINE OF SIGHT YOU CAN EXPECT A BLUETOOTH READING RANGE OF UP TO 30 METRES.”

ing range of up to 30 metres. With your truck weight clearly and safely displayed on your smart phone or tablet (Apple or Android), you don’t even need to leave your seat.

For those harsh and rough trucking environments –we’re talking quarries, outback and cement – TRAILLINK has created a Tough Kit. The resin-potted metal

casing fully encloses the pneumatics to ensure that no water, stone or sun damage can occur to the push-to-connects, ex posing only the durable Ap pweigh sensor for Bluetooth contact. This offers peace of mind for tough conditions.

Not to leave out any cor ner of the market, TRAILLINK has gone even further and engineered a steel sus pension solution. This nifty kit leverages the Load Sensing Valve to measure the pressure change between loads to de termine load weight.

Appweigh is proudly of fered to the Australian market by TRAIL-LINK, which has done the hard work to adapt and engineer specifically for the varied and unforgiving Australian environment.

If you’ve read this far, and are keen to purchase, please head over to the website at appweigh.net.au, and enter code BIGRIGSMARCH for a 10 per cent discount for the whole of March 2023.

The Appweigh kit is simple to install.

Over 20,000 trailers strong at Krueger

A RELIABLE and quality supplier for hundreds of Australian fleets, Krueger Transport Equipment recently delivered its 20,000th trailer to CTI Logistics.

Family owned and operated, the Victoria-based manufacturer is committed to maximising profitability and productivity in the transport industry, while providing reliable and innovative maximum capacity trailers.

Throughout the changes to the Krueger portfolio, the core of the business has held true, revolving around founder and managing director, John Krueger, who started the busi-

ness in 1976 after finding himself unimpressed with the state of the market. Taking matters into his own hands, John designed and built his very first trailer in the front yard of his house – marking the beginning of what would become one of Australia’s most prominent trailer manufacturers.

“This year, we are celebrating 45 years of operation,” said Krueger general manager –manufacturing, David Grant.

“Eight years ago, we migrated to where we currently are in Truganina which is purpose built for our operations.”

Grant has been involved

with the company for almost 20 years, joining the team in 2005 as a service manager at Krueger’s Laverton site. The role saw him responsible for running the service department which resulted in his second promotion in 2020 to lead the National Service division.

In September 2021, Grant was promoted to the role of general manager of manufacturing. This enabled him to deliver Krueger’s 20,000th trailer – a remarkable achievement for the company.

“I think it’s a huge milestone, when you think of making 20,000 trailers,” he said. “And, we still have upwards of 13,000 registered Krueger trailers in Australia. It just goes to show the longevity of our trailers and their resale value.”

CTI Logistics general manager, Mark Cameron, said it was a pleasure to receive the milestone piece of equipment. “CTI has developed a good working relationship with Krueger over the years. For us to take delivery of the 20,000th trailer was a privilege and something that we are really proud of.”

The trailer was delivered to

ern Australia late last year and is being used to service linehaul runs from Perth to Broome, Port Hedland and Karratha. The 20,000th trailer is one of the many units recently added to CTI’s fleet to cope with growth in the WA regional operation over the last 10 years.

“The quality of the trailers is really important to us,” Cameron said. “With Krueger, we know they are engineered and manufactured in Australia to a very high standard. We have been to the Krueger facility a number of times over the past 10 years, and we like the work that they do.”

Grant Krueger, the company’s national sales director, was entrusted with selling the 20,000th trailer. The delivery was a big deal for the

opportunity to see it through to the end.

“I am proud to have grown up in a family business with strong values with a brand that has forged its reputation into history based on innovation, reliability and quality,” he said. “Even though 20,000 is a grand milestone, we take pride in every new Krueger that hits the road.”

While Krueger has remained loyal to its values over the last four decades, Grant explains that the thing that stands out between trailer one and 20,000 is Krueger’s structural integrity.

“Krueger trailers have always been built to last but the biggest difference with the 20,000th trailer is the advancement in technology and making the trailer user friendly,” he said.

load restraint curtains, self-lifting gates, mezzanine decks, and Electronic Braking System (EBS).”

What remains similar between each and every trailer though, are the processes originally set up by John.

“John’s manufacturing strategy is to build the trailers in jigs and rotary jigs,” he said. “By controlling tolerances we have been able to make dimensions 100 per cent accurate which has seen our early manufacturing days turbo charge us into the future. Our company philosophy is continuous improvement, so during the production of our 20,000 trailers, we have always had a strong engineering background to ensure our designs and products are refined and updated to advance with

The 20,000th trailer was purchased by CTI Logistics and is being used at CTI Regional Freight in Western Australia.

Grant and John Krueger have built quite a legacy at Krueger

Upgrade your truck’s accessory power with RedVision by REDARC. The award-winning system combines smart battery management and centralised accessory control in one powerful package. Eliminate flat start batteries and reduce downtime. Centralised cabin accessory control helps drivers rest and prepare for the next day, while the RedVision phone app promotes the safe operation of external accessories such as lights and hydraulic tippers. Backed by REDARC’s hassle-free warranty and industry leading support, take control of your truck’s power with RedVision by REDARC.

SAF-Holland on coupling safety and innovation

THE ELI-te Fifth Wheel Coupling Assistant from SAF-Holland is optionally available on the company’s FW331 and FW351 models. It features a rugged and simple design with LED lights mounted on the fifth wheel that assists the heavy vehicle operator with the coupling process.

Incorrect coupling of a prime mover to a semi-trailer or B-double can be a very costly error.

Aiding drivers with bright white lights to allow the visual inspection of the jaws around the king pin day or night, ELIte features a red alert light to warn unsuspecting drivers to a concern if the coupling hasn’t been completed successfully. This, according to SAF- Holland, will help to greatly reduce the instances of missed couples resulting in expensive dropped trailer incidents.

Good driver training on proper coupling procedures is imperative for all professional operations but even the stron gest training will not alert a driver that something has inad vertently gone wrong with that coupling procedure.

Whatever the cause of a mis-coupling ELI-te can alert the driver to a concern, pro viding five minutes of bright illumination so the safety conscious driver can easily in spect and ensure that the jaws are firmly closed around the kingpin.

Also, there is no need for torches or chassis mounted inward facing lights that drivers may accidently forget to switch off – it’s all automatic with ELI-te.

SAF-Holland’s ELI-te (Electronic Lock Inspection – technology enhanced) Fifth Wheel Coupling Assis tant still requires the driver to get out of the cab to ensure a successful coupling. The driver is out of the cab to couple air lines and electrical cables so the ELI-te system helps with positive reinforcement of the required coupling procedure

SAF-HOLLAND is one of the leading global manufacturers and suppliers of high-quality axles and suspension systems, fifth wheels, kingpins, coupling products and landing gear to the commercial vehicles industry.

When coupled successfully, four bright white LEDs shine onto the lock jaws for five minutes, allowing the driver to visually confirm that all is well.

A failed coupling triggers a red flashing light on both sides of the fifth wheel.

One simple electrical connection to the vehicle is all that’s required to operate ELI-te.

The fleet mobility solutions brand trusted nationwide

GOODYEAR Fleet understands that maximising efficiencies are essential for every business, therefore offers a complete tyre and related services solution to companies operating in the transport industry.

If it rolls, we fit it

Goodyear Fleet has one of Australia’s largest ranges across all major categories to cater for any tyre needs and to meet any applications.

Goodyear Fleet is always there to help make the appropriate decision about the right products to suit any fleet.

The newest addition to Goodyear Fleet’s product range, the Goodyear FUELMAX S 116 is the result of Goodyear’s relentless innovation and development of new tyres to help fleets meet evolving expectations.

Goodyear FUELMAX S 116 provides higher fuel efficiency combined with enhanced mileage, traction, and reduced noise emissions.

It is the ideal choice for fleets looking for a balanced long-haul tyre.

With its wide tread pat-

tern with opened grooves, the Goodyear FUELMAX S 116 delivers higher milage with im proved handling. Its fuel saving tread com pound with low rolling resis tance optimises the balance between higher mileage and lower fuel usage, which – in the long term – helps stay on top of the operating costs.

If it rolls, we service it

To increase the productivity of companies and lower operating costs, the Goodyear Fleet team is committed to delivering con sistently high standards and tai lored service solutions nation ally to keep businesses rolling. With warehouses across Australia, Goodyear Fleet can quickly and easily facilitate dis tribution to a national network of 500+ aligned tyre service providers.

If it rolls, we know it Goodyear Fleet with its tech-driven solutions delivers valuable insights that matter to increase operating efficiencies and maximise the life of tyres –giving the power to know how the tyres are performing any place, any time.

Goodyear Fleet is committed to safety and sustainability measures. To enable mobility well into the future, sustainable sourcing, responsible operations, advancing tyre performance and shaping the mobil-

inspiring, inclusive and ethical culture are key focus areas for the team.

If it rolls, let’s talk about it! Call 13 18 98 or visit the website at goodyearfleet.com.au.

Andrew is one of the tyre leaders and store managers, who rolls with Goodyear Fleet.

Loadmass discusses heading in two directions

LOADMASS has been addressing two market segments with Loadman products over the last 10 years.

TCA applications

Having participated in the TCA Approved applications beginning with Interim OBM in Queensland and IAP in NSW, Loadmass is now a Smart OBM Supplier for the recent requirements for TMA in Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales and Queensland.

The Loadman product is basically the same since the first approved application installation.

Loadmass, trading as Loadman Australia, was the first supplier to obtain TCA Category A On-Board Mass Type Approval back in August 2018 with Category B Approval in January 2021.

The TCA Approved system is based on the Loadman LM300 Can Coder range.

The ECU is the LM300 meter and the MSUs are the C317 Can Coder; which are available in single, dual,

triple, and quad sensor versions.

The company is providing TMA systems to fleets in the eastern states.

The Loadman LM300 was designed for multi combination applications and can scale up to seven axle groups, plus the steer.

The LM300 Can Coder System provides a solution for truck and dog installations with an actual measured weight for steer axles using an LMA530 deflection transducer.

Rigid truck applications

With the Chain of Responsibility law for mass compliance, the requirement for scale systems to suit rigid truck applications has increased considerably.

Loadmass is now supplying systems to government departments, local councils, fleet operators and owner operators.

Loadmass has systems to measure steer and drive axle group weights for both spring and air suspensions on

rigid trucks.

The sensor technology for spring suspension used by Loadmass is built in-house, starting with the LMA530 Deflection Transducer for steer axles in 2007.

The LMA530 measures

the deflection in the steer axle as the load increases. The unique design clamps on the axle and enables preload adjustments on the load cell.

Over 1500 LMA530 Deflection Transducer kits have been sold since their intro-

duction.

In 2019 Loadmass started building the LMA2020 Rotary Sensor for spring suspensions, with the release of a second version, the LMA3030, in 2020, which is a more compact design.

These sensors are used to measure spring travel to provide a weight reading; and are suitable for both steer and drive axles.

The majority of systems supplied are the Loadman LM200 system which was first introduced in Australia in 1998. The latest option is to move to an app-based system using C371 Can Coders in dual, triple and quad versions, subject to the sensor requirements.

Using the Loadmass sensors and applicable Can Coder, the weight data can be displayed on an Android tablet or phone using Bluetooth or hard wired.

The Loadman App enables the axle and GVM to be displayed with the applicable truck graphics. Programming and calibrations are completed using the app, so there is no traditional meter required.

The Loadman App enables the axle and GVM to be displayed with the applicable truck graphics.

The LMA530 measures the deflection in the steer axle as the load increases.

The Loadman LM300 was designed for multi combination applications and can scale up to seven axle groups, plus the steer.

PT Blueboys gets invention patent in China and the US

PT BLUEBOYS, a coupling connector cover start-up from Goondiwindi, has just been awarded their patent registration in China and in the United States, adding to their existing patents in Australia and New Zealand.

Husband and wife founders, Darren and Anna Dillon, said they are over the moon with their achievement and

highlight resilience as key to success.

“This is a milestone achievement for us and gives us the sole right to manufacture and sell our product in some of the largest transportation markets in the world,” Darren said.

Anna added, “We knew from the start that we had to go big or go home and filed

for patents worldwide.”

Darren is a diesel mechanic by trade, with over 20 years of experience. He is the owner of Dillon Mechanical and founded PT Blueboys together with Anna in 2017 after observing frustrated truckies coming by his mechanics business to change broken coupling connectors.

He said there was nothing in the market that would completely protect the coupling connectors from the elements, so they decided to do something about it.

“Australia’s climate is unforgiving, and trucks get exposed to all sorts of harsh weather conditions causing the coupling connectors to tear down frequently,” Dar-

“We decided to change that, and invented a high-

grade silicon cover, specifically designed to seal out air, moisture and dirt, reducing maintenance downtime and costs for truck owners.”

Anna said the feedback from their customers has been great and she hopes the sentiment will be the same when they start introducing the connector covers in other countries.

“We have gotten really good feedback from our customers in Australia,” she said.

“With these new patents we hope our fellow truckies overseas will be as excited when the products are introduced.”

PT Blueboys provides market leading coupling covers for air hose and hydraulic connectors in the trucking and transportation industry. All products are designed and manufactured in Queensland. For more information, please call 0417 608 796 or visit ptblueboys.com.au.

(l-r): Tyler Dillon, Anna Dillon, Parker Dillon and Darren “Dillo” Dillon.

ptblueboys.com.au

PT Blueboys manufactures its coupling covers from Goondiwindi.

After years of inaction, our industry needs a shake up

week is completely unacceptable, especially when many of those crashes are avoidable.

It was reported recently that in Victoria, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator issued over 1000 fatigue breaches in 2022.

TRUCKING is the lifeblood of the country. Yet despite the crucial role truck drivers play in every part of our economy, years of inaction and unchecked commercial power at the top of supply chains has year on year kept transport in the top spot as Australia’s deadliest industry.

On average, from 2017 to 2022, 28.4 per cent of all workers killed in Australia worked in transport. That is a horrific statistic, made worse by the knowledge that many of those fatalities could have been prevented if deadly pressures in the industry had been addressed.

So far this year, 34 people have been killed in truck crashes, including eight truck drivers. At the time of writing, that is at least one a week. A worker killed in their workplace every

That is shocking, but not surprising. We know truck drivers are pressured to drive tired – the important question is: why?

No truck driver chooses to be on the road too long, to skip rest breaks or falsify logbooks. This happens as a result of commercial pressure and unrealistic deadlines. It happens because operators and owner drivers fear losing contracts, and employed drivers fear the loss of their job.

When the status quo is killing people at alarming rates, just imagine the destruction of the Grattan Institute’s recent proposal to smash the fuel tax credit lifeline.

We sprung into action the moment we saw this report to ensure the government knew that it was dangerous and shortsighted.

As the wealthy at the helm of supply chains squeeze trans-

port contracts, they have already factored in the fuel tax credit scheme. These wealthy retailers, manufacturers and oil companies profit from the razor-thin margins of operators and drivers.

Attacking fuel tax credits only hurts those already under great financial pressure to cut corners in safety to make ends meet.

It came as a great relief to TWU members to see the federal government take up our

call to leave the fuel tax credit scheme in place, in full.

The federal government will not be tampering with the credit scheme.

But this is not about a government choosing not to act or take notice of our industry. This is a government choosing to act in the right way – following years of in-depth consultation with the industry.

After a decade of inaction from the former government, we now have a federal govern-

ment which has committed to act in the right way.

The commitment to set fair, safe and sustainable standards in transport is about tackling the commercial supply chain pressures that leave operators and drivers scrambling to make ends meet. It’s about making sure the wealthy owners of freight are paying their fair share.

These are changes that will make a real difference. They will save lives and businesses.

They will put a stop to unfair competition from the likes of Amazon Flex and other gig models which avoid rights like minimum wage to take work off traditional operators and owner drivers.

Our industry needs a shake up, because the status quo is a complete power imbalance which is killing people and driving small businesses into insolvency. It’s time for reform, while we still have an industry to salvage.

Following a decade of inaction, we now have a federal government which has committed to act in the right way for truckies.

Expert line-up at summit

Greatest Asset as our theme, which has been inspired by the enormous challenges freight operators have had in recent years when it comes to attracting, hiring, and retaining staff – especially drivers.

THE VTA team has made great progress planning for our annual state conference, being held at Silverwater Resort, Phillip Island in a little over two weeks.

The conference is a unique opportunity to hear from experts on a wide range of topics and issues. It’s also a chance for operators to engage directly with key decision makers from government and regulators, making them active participants on the issues that matter most in our industry and helping to bring about meaningful change.

In this column I thought it timely to share some of the content we will be presenting at State Conference 2023 in the event you or part of your team can join us. VTA conferences are known for being fast-paced and content-rich, and with close to 30 confirmed speakers, this year continues that tradition.

We’ve selected People First – Managing Transport’s

The pandemic has caused labour shortages in numerous industries, but for freight and logistics, it merely added additional challenges to a sector that has experienced entrenched worker shortages for decades.

Why has this been the case? Is it because transport workers aren’t paid well enough? Is it because of a perception heavy vehicle drivers spend days and days on the road? Is it because people don’t see a career path in freight and logistics. Is the industry still shrouded in the stigma that driving a truck or working in a warehouse is just a job, as opposed to the profession it is?

These are some of the questions that will be asked and answered at State Conference 2023, which pleasingly has attracted the interest of the key Commonwealth and Victorian government decision-makers.

WA Labor Senator Glenn Sterle will address delegates at our welcome dinner, with his remarks likely inspired by work from the Senate Rural

Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee he chairs. Sterle has long held a passion for safety and improved conditions for drivers and operators and we look forward to his remarks.

Also addressing our welcome dinner is Nationals deputy leader and Victorian Senator Bridget McKenzie, who was appointed Shadow Minister for Infrastructure,

Transport and Regional Development after the last federal election. It’s important we get a range of perspectives and we’re thrilled Senator McKenzie is joining us for the first time.

The conference formally gets underway with a keynote address from Victorian Minister for Roads & Road Safety and Ports & Freight, Melissa Horne. Minister Horne

leads an influential Victorian public service delegation that will address delegates across a myriad of issues. Among this will be presentations from the Department of Transport and Freight Victoria on the VTA’s successful partnership with government that is recruiting, training and then placing new people into our industry.

When it comes to infrastructure, Victoria has one

of the biggest road and rail building programs in Australia, with much of this work well advanced or about to step up a notch. All the major road authorities will be at State Conference 2023 and it will be especially interesting to have project updates from the West Gate Tunnel Project and the North East Link Project.

We know heavy vehicle access is a critical issue for operators so having the project managers of these two multi-billion dollar tunnelling projects will be timely, particularly for drivers and operators working in and around the Port of Melbourne, and traversing between the Eastern Freeway and Metropolitan Ring Road. The remaining sessions will cover off important issues like safety and industrial relations, equipment and technology, where delegates will hear from industry experts like the Queensland Trucking Association’s Gary Mahon, Michael Kaine from the Transport Workers’ Union, Transport Certification Australia’s Gavin Wood, and Victoria Police Superintendent John Fitzpatrick.

You can register for all or part of the conference and review the full program by visiting vta.com.au.

Former truckie, WA Senator Glenn Sterle, has long held a passion for safety and improved conditions for drivers and operators.

Toots inspires special event

primary caregivers and more often than not – don’t have that added layer of critical support others enjoy.

WITH International Women’s Day sailing over the horizon, I cast my mind back 12 months to WiTA festivities celebrating the work, grit and determination of Australian female truck drivers and the arrival of a post that quietly landed on the WiTA Facebook page.

In it, the writer expressed his belief that the REAL heroes of the industry are the wives – the women who keep the home fires burning – the women who keep the kids in school, who get the bills paid and keep family life on track.

Whilst we wholeheartedly applaud these dedicated women who farewell their partners each week before turning their focus to assuming the role of single parent while their men are out on the road – let’s pause for a moment to consider the fact that – as well as driving heavy vehicles, female truckies face the added challenges of managing work and family life from behind the wheel. We are the wives, the partners and the

It was not uncommon during the pandemic for us to hear from female drivers seeking advice on how to home-school their children in their trucks – or from sisters, daughters and grandmothers –primary caregivers involuntarily parked up or locked out of their home states for extended periods of time – while authorities navigated issues previously only imagined in the pages of science fiction novels.

That simple post spoke volumes to the harsh reality that the efforts of these incredible women go largely unnoticed. Often, female drivers are unseen and unheard in the workplace. Many are taken for granted or overlooked for the enormous sacrifices they make to earn a living and support their families.

One of WiTA’s core projects was to establish a networking platform for female drivers, and as a result, today thousands of women now come together to share ideas and to support and uplift each other on the organisation’s Facebook page.

WiTA was also established to empower these women, to capture their authenticity, strength and diversity and

to shine a light on the work being done out there on the nation’s roads in the hope that their inspiring stories will encourage more Australian women to consider trucking as the viable and rewarding career path it is.

Across a busy and challenging three years, these women have spoken volumes about their capabilities, skills and resourcefulness in seeking to establish successful careers in one of the nation’s most colourful and challenging vocations.

In the spirit of continuing to honour and recognise the exceptional women, WiTA has a number of major initiatives to announce on International Women’s Day 2023.

One of those is the establishment of a National Female Heavy Vehicle Drivers’ Day –set down for July 5 each year – the birthdate of legendary Australian female truckie Toots Holzheimer.

Toots’ family have given their blessing and say they are honoured by her appointment as the inspiration and

MUM BELIEVED WOMEN COULD SUCCEED IN NON-TRADITIONAL ROLES BUT ALSO RECOGNISED THE ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF GRIT AND DETERMINATION IT TOOK – PARTICULARLY 50 YEARS AGO - TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED AND ACCEPTED AS A FEMALE TRUCK DRIVER. SHE WAS A PERSON WHO DID NOT ALLOW THE NORMS OF HER DAY TO GOVERN WHAT SHE COULD OR COULDN’T DO.”

DONNA VAWDREY

luminary of this special annual event.

“Whilst she didn’t like being in the limelight, Mum had all the time in the world for everyone – particularly women willing to get the job done,” said Toots’ daughter Donna Vawdrey.

Author of ‘Toots – Woman in a Man’s World’, Vawdrey said her mum always led by example, conducting herself at all times with dignity and integrity.

“Mum believed women could succeed in non-traditional roles but also recognised the enormous amount of grit and determination it took –particularly 50 years ago – to be acknowledged and accepted as a female truck driver. She was a person who did not allow the norms of her day to govern what she could or couldn’t do.”

Moving forward, National Female Heavy Vehicle Drivers’ Day will celebrate the work being done by every woman out there driving, because each is doing a job that historically we’ve been told we can’t.

It’s a day where female drivers will stand together to tell the world, “This is who we are and this is what we do” and, in doing that, encourage other women to join and swell our ranks out on the nation’s roads.

This is a day where together, we will continue to work as one to smash the glass bullbar, to showcase the nuts and bolts of the industry and all its diversity from a female perspective, and to show women considering trucking careers that it’s not about winning but rather about not giving up.

Donna Vawdrey said her legendary mum always led by example.

A week-long celebration of Australian trucking

BY HEAVY VEHICLE INDUSTRY AUSTRALIA

YOU would be hard pressed to find anyone in the Australian trucking industry that isn’t well aware of the Brisbane Truck Show.

Every two years it rolls around – rain, hail or even pandemic. The sense of anticipation for this year’s show is palpable, especially for those who couldn’t be there in 2021.

Over recent years truck show week has grown to become a full-blown festival, bringing together the industry with the broader community.

There is no doubt that Brisbane in May is an attractive prospect for just about anyone. The weather is at its best, and the city is growing from strength to strength as a destination of choice.

There is already an endless array of options for how you might happily spend your time, but for anyone involved in our industry, that becomes extra satisfactory in a truck show year.

2023 will be the third edition of Australian Heavy Vehicle Industry Week. While that name doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, it does capture its very important purpose.

It is about everybody and everything that is involved in making the industry tick.

That includes our vibrant manufacturing industry –producing world-leading trucks, trailers and technology – to the sales, service and support sectors, and of course the operational aspects, taking in every role from drivers to fleet managers, dock crews and the logistics and administration teams that hold it all together.

At the time of the last truck show there is no doubt that the Australian population had become much more aware of our vital industry, but we were still hampered by border restrictions ad lockdowns.

We were lucky enough to fit the truck show into a window where everything went our way. The result was a sensational week for those that were able to be there. But we missed those that couldn’t.

The week is always an amazing reunion for old friends and a wonderful place to make new ones.

All of that is why we launched the South Bank Truck Festival in 2019. The riverside parklands are stunning at the best of times, but when you shut down the main street to host a truck and trailer display and add a whole bunch of live entertainment – it is irresistible.

That’s not to mention the plethora of great bars and restaurants, all sharing their warm hospitality with a seamless mix of fun-loving industry folks, tourists from far and wide and friendly Brisbane folk.

Bringing the community to interact with our industry is a vital part of our ongoing quest to improve the industry’s image. It is generally a quiet and

humble industry that just gets about getting on with business.

That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t tell our story and tell it proudly. There are six themes to Australian Heavy Vehicle Industry Week – safety, sustainability, innovation, careers, knowledge and community.

They are pretty self-explanatory, but every event and activation provides us

with an opportunity to showcase those themes (or values) as part of telling our industry’s story.

For instance, the truck and trailer display along Little Stanley Street will feature a large component of low and zero emissions vehicles, high productivity designs, Australian-made trucks and trailers and stories about the people that make and use them – to deliver the goods the community take for granted every day.

One of the big drawcards will be a Mack Anthem, alongside its full-scale replica, being built from Lego bricks – celebrating 60 years of Mack Trucks manufacturing in Australia. That’s a great story in itself.

And we can’t wait to tell you more about the exciting events coming to the South Bank Truck Festival in coming weeks.

Australian Heavy Vehicle Industry Week is presented with the support of the Queensland Government, Tourism and Events Queensland and the Brisbane Economic Development Agency.

The popular truck and trailer display along Little Stanley Street will this year feature a large component of low and zero emissions vehicles.

We have wonderful leaders in trucking

rested in the past, so where do we look to now?

Luckily for the trucking industry we have wonderful leaders and so many talented second and third generations coming up through the ranks. The leadership is looking good for the immediate future.

Trucking Association awards in the Woman of the Year, Driver of the Year and the Outstanding Contribution to Industry categories, so we shall wish the nominees every success. And we hope that we will be celebrating in the coming weeks.

AUTUMN is here and we have more small to medium trucking companies closing their doors. The weather is still playing havoc with roads and peoples’ lives and we are still confronted with disruptions in so many parts of our lives and businesses. It seems that 2023 will continue to challenge our fortitude.

Some other countries’ leaders resigned because they “didn’t have enough left in the tank” and we will wish that

At Transport Women Australia Limited (TWAL) we are always nominating amazing women amongst the TWAL membership for awards; but so many deserving women think that they are not worthy and don’t want to be nominated.

We all need to be proud of our achievements, to show anyone wanting to enter the industry that they too can reach the same heights and achieve the same success. We can only change the image of our indus

As soon as we have celebrated international Women’s Day (IWD), we will be announcing a speaker for the Brisbane Truck Show breakfast and planning activities around National Safety Week.

The speakers have been announced for the Wollongong IWD dinner. They are Louise Azzopardi, Orlane Mortimer and Karen Bonenfant. In Melbourne, we have Wendy Mawoyo, Suji Sanjeevan and Sonya Comninos. In Dubbo, we have Sharon Hourn, Sher

-

en Australia Limited about initiatives, membership or events – please email chair@ transportwomen.com.au or

16

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PACCAR dealership award winners

PACCAR Australia has celebrated its top performing dealerships for 2022 through its Kenworth Dealer of the Year and DAF Dealer of the Year awards.

Taking out the prestigious Kenworth Dealer of the Year 2022 accolade for the first time is Brown and Hurley Kenworth DAF Caboolture.

Since becoming the first dealer group to distribute Kenworth trucks in Australia in 1964, Brown and Hurley has expanded operations over the years with dealerships throughout Queensland and New South Wales’ Northern Rivers. Caboolture is their latest full-service dealership, opening its doors in 2015.

Strategically located to service trucking routes north of Brisbane and the largest of the Brown and Hurley Group dealers, Caboolture provides another link in the chain for Brown and Hurley’s dealerships.

The awards was presented at PACCAR’s annual dealer event with Brown and Hurley Kenworth DAF Caboolture being announced victors amongst PACCAR’s 93 locations across Australia, New Zealand, and

Papua New Guinea. During the proceedings, the dealership was also named Cummins Dealer of the Year for 2022.

Highly sought-after, the Kenworth and DAF Dealer of the Year accolades are awarded to the dealerships with the highest ranking across five main areas: customer service, truck sales, finance and leasing, parts support, and overall dealership performance.

At the awards ceremony, PACCAR Australia’s managing director, Andrew Hadjikakou, applauded the Caboolture dealership for its outstanding performance and unwavering commitment to customers.

“In an extremely competitive and challenging environment, customers continue to expect more from dealers. Brown and Hurley Kenworth DAF Caboolture have not only excelled in meeting these expectations but have also gone above and beyond in providing the highest standards of customer service and professionalism,” Hadjikakou said.

“Highly deserving of this award, on behalf of PACCAR Australia, I would like to congratulate everyone at the deal-

ership for their hard work and dedication, and I know they will enjoy continued success, upholding their exemplary standards for years to come.”

Humbled to be accepting the award, newly appointed Caboolture dealer principal, Dylan Hurley, dedicated the award to outgoing dealer principal, Darryl Evans, thanking him for his leadership and overall contribution towards the success of the dealership.

“On behalf of the entire Caboolture team, it is with great pride that I accept this award, and we are especially honoured to be recognised as the top performing dealer by Australia’s leading heavy-duty truck manufacturer.

“I would like to thank our dedicated team of sales, service, and support professionals. It is great for them to be recognised for their outstanding efforts.

“Thanks also to the team at PACCAR for providing incredible products that enable us to deliver for our customers,” Hurley said.

Also taking out top honours for the first time was Kenworth DAF Adelaide, named DAF Dealer of the Year 2022, with the award presented to the dealership’s managing director, Jonathan Crawford.

Kenworth DAF Adelaide is situated on a large 12-acre site, boasting the latest, state-of-theart truck sales, truck rental, service and parts facilities.

Hadjikakou presented Crawford with the trophy, congratulating him on winning the hotly contested DAF award and crediting the team for its outstanding performance.

“In a year that still showed remnants of the pandemic and presented challenges due to global supply chain issues, Kenworth DAF Adelaide continued to not only exceed expectations, but also demonstrated the team’s drive to deliver an excellent customer experience in service and support to our DAF customers,” said Hadjikakou.

Crawford was delighted with the win, “Despite a challenging year, the result is worth it. I couldn’t be more proud of the entire team across our three

locations for going that extra mile every day. To win feels like a well-deserved reward and one that certainly belongs to every member of the team. This award also belongs to our great DAF customers, who continue to place their faith in us.

“The strength of our relationship with the PACCAR team certainly contributes to this success. I want to thank everyone at PACCAR for their highly valued levels of support.”

Kenworth DAF Adelaide, also known as CMV Truck Centre, is part of the CMV group, a fourth-generation family-owned business established in 1934, employing over 1600 people in South Australia and Victoria.

Michael Long, director sales and marketing PACCAR Australia; Dylan Hurley, dealer principal Brown and Hurley Kenworth DAF Caboolture; Andrew Hadjikakou, managing director PACCAR Australia; Mike Dozier, executive vice president PACCAR Inc.

Michael Long, director sales and marketing PACCAR Australia; Jonathan Crawford, managing director Kenworth DAF Adelaide; Andrew Hadjikakou, managing director PACCAR Australia; Mike Dozier, executive vice president PACCAR Inc.

THIS article is the ending of an era for the transport industry with the demise of this magazine under the restructure and rationalisation of News Corp

It is a sad day for all of us in the industry as Big Rigs magazine has been a part of our lives for almost 30 years.

For some, their entire careers so far.

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 people, 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 many successes and achievements.

It has expanded the relationship with Girl Guides Australia and been involved with several successful projects with them, the Victorian Snoozefest in April 2018, the “Great Bag Migration” for the International Jamboree in Sydney in October 2018 and other interactions that are expanding the knowledge of the transport industry.

We launched the Women Driving Transport Careers initiative with our partners Wodonga TAFE and Volvo Group at the 2018 TWAL Creating

Across

3 Which Turkish city was formerly Constantinople (8)

7 Name the Australian engineer who invented the automatic totalisator, Sir George ... (6)

8 Dealing with a disease in order to provide a cure, is what (8)

9 Which nationality was Georges Bizet (6)

10 What do we call the driver of a car (8)

11 Which city was the host of the 2004 Olympic Games (6)

14 Name another term for an account book (6)

17 What are marinated fillets of herring, served as hors d’oeuvres (8)

18 What is an earlier name for silver (6)

19 Name another word for a large advertising billboard (8)

20 Who are amongst the most caring people in hospitals (6)

21 Name Australia’s national health scheme (8)

Down

1 What is a small seedless raisin (7)

2 What do we call a woman engaged to be married (7)

3 What is a narrow strip of land connecting two larger masses of land (7)

4 Name a univalve marine mollusc (7)

5 Which water makes the best cup of tea (7)

6 Name an unpowered, flat-bottomed barge (7)

in Melbourne.

In November 2019 we celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the organisation (TWAL) with a fabulous gala dinner at The Windsor Melbourne where we also presented our first four winners of the Driving the Difference scholarships with our amazing sponsor, Daimler Truck and Bus Asia Pacific.

We also presented the inaugural Trish Pickering Mem-

orial Award, 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 longest serving director and chair of Transport Women Australia Limited.

This is an annual award and the recipient of the 2020 Trish Pickering Memorial Award

11 In the Bible, who was the traditional founder of the Hebrew people (7)

12 Which country is known as the Netherlands (7)

13 To be a wandering type of person is to be what (7)

Sad day for all in transport

14 What is a form of pasta cut into flat sheets (7)

15 Which term describes Australian soldiers (7)

16 What is a preacher of the gospel (7)

Nomadic, 14 Lasagne, 15 Diggers, 16 Evangel.

Down: 1 Currant, 2 Fiancee, 3 Isthmus, 4 Abalone, 5 Boiling, 6 Lighter, 11 Abraham, 12 Holland,

Argent, 19 Hoarding, 20 Nurses, 21 Medicare.

10 Motorist, 11 Athens, 14 Ledger, 17 Rollmops, 18

Across: 3 Istanbul, 7 Julius, 8 Treating, 9

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

will be announced later 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 and 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-

gram. I would like to thank the fantastic team at Big Rigs newspaper for their incredible support and wish them ongoing success.

I hope that I get the opportunity to continue to work with some of them and so work towards making the trucking industry a better appreciated, and a safer place for our people.

Fighting to end the inequality: Big Rigs and TWU played their parts

policy that should be keeping safe one of the most dangerous industries in Australia.

To quote one truck driver turned Australian senator, Glenn Sterle, “a death at work or on the road should not be the price of doing business”.

losing their contracts and the ability to support their families.

It appears the government does not care.

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,

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,

The TWU puts it to governments that we must stop the inequality that exists between truck drivers and clients.

Drivers must be paid proper 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

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

There are unsafe vehicles, 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.

A final reminder to all Big Rigs readers: now is the time to unite, now is the time to ensure equality in this industry. Together we can stand on common ground working to ensure the government continues to support transport workers and the industry they support.

The TWU will continue to voice the needs of transport workers to the employers, their industry bodies and the clients.

Better standards mean job security and ultimately a safer and fairer industry for all. We can lift the standards we need together – our lives depend on it.

(from left) Rachel Hesse, Paul Fleiszig and Coralie Chapman.

Followmont honoured to help improve young lives

FOLLOWMONT Transport is set to support national not-for-profit organisation, the Clontarf Foundation, improving the lives of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men.

The 12-month partnership which launched last month, sees Followmont contributing $75,000 to assist the Clontarf Foundation’s mission of providing education and employ-

ment opportunities to young men from communities across Australia.

Followmont’s managing director, Mark Tobin, was joined by Clontarf’s partnerships manager for Queensland, Anthony Mitchell, at their Eagle Farm head office in Brisbane to officially announce the new partnership.

A key focus for Follow-

mont Transport is its commitment to giving back to the community and making a difference in people’s lives, explained Tobin.

Tobin said that he and the board of directors are passionate about “building a better future for the next generation and using profit for a purpose.”

“Personally, it’s what gets me out of bed each day, striving to provide opportunities, pathways, job security, prioritising diversity and adopting new sustainable practices, all so we can build a better future,” he said.

“We are honoured to contribute to this incredible foundation that is making a significant difference to so many lives.”

The Clontarf Foundation exists to improve the education, discipline, life skills, self-esteem, and employment prospects of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and by doing so, equips them to participate more meaningfully in society.

Launched in 2000 with a single academy located at the Clontarf Aboriginal Col-

Easter Group Pty Ltd Easter Group Pty Ltd

73 Formation St, Wacol

Easter Group, located in Wacol, provides time sensitive road transporting solutions to many companies throughout Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria.

We are a family owned business, operating since 1976. We currently have the following positions available:

OPERATIONS ALLOCATORS

(Brisbane based only)

You will be required to work on a rotating roster including Days-Nights-Weekends

Previous Operations experience preferred.

MC LOCAL, LINEHAUL & 2-UP DRIVERS WANTED

(Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide Based)

Come and work for us as we are committed to:

• Training and further education

• Your safety

• Maintaining an impressive Fleet

On offer are permanent full time and roster positions including paid leave entitlements and public holidays. Drivers will need to be available to be scheduled for work falling across the 7 days of the week.

The successful Applicant will:

• Hold a current MC licence (minimum two years)

• Have knowledge of the HVNL and Load Restraint

• Be professional

• Be reliable

To apply for the Operations/Driver positions please contact Operations Manager or by emailing your resume to

WORKSHOP MECHANICS & TYRE FITTERS WANTED

(Brisbane based only)

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

lege in Waterford, WA, the programme catered for 25 students and was operated by two staff members, including founder and current CEO Gerard Neesham.

More than 20 years on, the foundation operates 148 academies in WA, NT, QLD, NSW, VIC and SA, supports more than 11,000 participants and employs over 560 dedicated staff members.

Through the use of supportive relationships and environment, the boys develop improved self-esteem and

confidence which enables them to participate in education, employment and prepare for their future.

Since 2000, Clontarf has helped more than 6300 young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men complete Year 12 and find employment.

Many of them have gone on to have successful careers, purchase property, start their own young families and maintain healthy and fulfilling lives.

Commenting on the work of the foundation, Tobin said

he was impressed with Clontarf’s program and connection at grassroots level.

“Witnessing their approach and meeting some of these young men myself, I was blown away by the warmth, enthusiasm, and energy, not only of the boys but the team behind Clontarf,” said Tobin.

“They have created an amazing model that sees these great young men receive mentoring and support to help them successfully transition through school to the workforce.

Clontarf’s partnerships manager for Queensland, Anthony Mitchell, left, and Followmont CEO Mark Tobin at the official announcement of the new partnership.

Clontarf’s Anthony Mitchell, far left, and some of the foundation’s students get a tour of the Followmont operation at Eagle Farm.

Former beautician says she’s found her true calling

Third-generation

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

THOUGH she grew up around trucks, Ashlee Hollett, 29, never thought she’d be driving them.

After finishing school, she began working in the beauty industry. “I did that because I had no idea what I wanted to do. It was on and off for about eight years. I’d do it for a while then try something new and go back into it. I was never really happy doing that,” she said, adding that when Covid hit in 2020, it forced her to venture out of her comfort zone – and ultimately, gave her the chance to find her passion.

“I was looking for a career not impacted by lockdowns and shutdowns, etc, so I decided to get my HR licence.”

Her first foray into truck driving was in a rigid tipper, carting gravel, sand and blue metal for an earthmoving company. From there, Hol-

McGraths Hill in NSW. Reporting to the NSW Transport Manager your primary duty will be the transportation of bitumen products to our plants and customers.

You will be Responsible for

 Adhering to all Safety procedures to operate the Tanker

 Ability to work effectively to deadlines

 Accurate completion of all trip paperwork

 Work in accordance with all Fatigue laws

 Ability to work as part of a small team

 Delivering hot bitumen to required sites and ensuring all safety regulations are adhered to during transportation

What we need from you?

 Dangerous Goods License

lett got her rigger’s ticket and started rigging for a local crane hire business called Capel Cranes, where she has worked for around three years, based in Capel in the south-west of WA.

“When I started with Capel Cranes, my partner Jacob was working there. He’s a rigger, so he got me into

Her late father was a livestock truckie but tragically passed away in an accident over 20 years ago.

rigging and I’ve flourished from there,” said Hollett, a woman of many talents – a rigger, crane operator and truck driver.

“When I first started rig-

ging, I was always talking to the truck drivers and asking questions when we were unloading the trucks. I knew that’s what I wanted to do. I thought it was so cool, so

Fulton Hogan Philosophy

We build and maintain critical infrastructure that connects and enhances communities across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. Everything from roads and bridges, to airports and utilities. We’re committed to ensuring the Good Work we do will make a positive difference to the quality of life for our people, our customers and the communities we all call home. Our continued success relies on generating new and diverse ideas, which is why our ‘Good Work’ culture encourages ownership and empowerment, while never forgetting the importance of balancing life’s priorities.

Sound like you?

If this sounds like you and you would like to help build on our Good Work culture, then we would like to hear from you.

In the First instance please contact P Phillip Martin@fultonhogan com au

Manager

Ashlee Hollett began driving trucks about three years ago.

I LOVE THE SATISFACTION OF MY JOB AND SHOWING OTHERS THAT GENDER

truckie Ashlee Hollett hadn’t initially considered

jumping in the driver’s seat, she hasn’t looked back.

carting counter-weights and gear to various jobs. I also do a lot of oversized work under pilot. My widest load so far was 7 metres. I enjoy the trucking side of it most of all.

“I never thought a female could do that sort of stuff. It never really crossed my mind but as soon as I started doing it, I realised that this is where I should’ve been all along. I love my job.”

that’s what I pushed for. As soon as I got my MC, I was thrown straight into it.

“I love the satisfaction of my job and showing others that gender has no bearing on the work you can do.

The bigger the gear, the longer the trailers, the greater the challenge – and I love every minute. Backing into tight spots is a favourite,” she added.

Hollett secured her MC

licence about a year ago, which added another level of diversity to her role. “Every day brings different work and going to new places, which I really love. I drive singles, B-doubles and road-trains

Fuel Driver Opportunities NATIONALLY

The Role

Toll Group have full time permanent opportunities for experienced MC/ HC drivers and new drivers wanting to expand their career path for our Fuels Business operating nationally.

Benefits:

• Permanent Full Time Opportunity

• Great hourly Rates and allowances

• Career advancement and training opportunities

• Safety Obsessed Culture

• Modern Fleet with replacement programs

• Varying Rosters to provide a work/ life balance

• 5 Weeks A/L

Skills & Experience

• Current MC/HC driver’s license

• Current Dangerous Goods (DG) license preferred

• Experience in bulk fuel is preferred,

Both her late father Brett Hollett and grandfather Michael Hollett were truck drivers too, working in livestock. But tragically, Brett passed away in a truck accident when his daughter Ashlee was only five years old. “We used to go in the truck with him when we were younger. What’s creepy is that I actually do a lot of oversize work

over the bridge which was the site of his accident. Trucking is definitely in my blood and I know my dad and grandfather would both be proud,” she said.

“When I had a look through old photo albums my dad had of his trucking days, it made me want this even more. As much as it’s scary knowing this is what killed my dad, I want to carry on a family of truckies and follow my passion.

“Back in the day my dad taught my step-dad Paul how to drive trucks and then Paul taught me how to drive trucks, which is something very sentimental to me.”

As the only female with Capel Cranes who is out in the field, Hollett added that she’s grateful to the company

for giving her a chance. “I have the best crew. They’ve been so accepting of me. I don’t think I would’ve been able to do this without them. I give credit to my boss too because they gave me the chance in the first place. I understand bringing a female into a male dominated field is hard and they’re taking a risk as well. I’ve learnt so much with them. They’re honestly the best group of people I’ve worked with. That’s why I’ve stuck with them,” she said. “I love proving people wrong. Unfortunately, there are still a lot of guys in the industry who aren’t accepting. They look at me and I get judged on my appearance. But that quickly gets shut down once they see me doing my job.”

but all training will be provided

• Basic Fatigue Management accreditation preferred

• Experienced MC and HC Drivers

Working at Toll

At Toll Fuels we are proud to be a leading logistics provider of bulk liquid, you name it we do it from Metro service stations, Jet and Avgas to Mine site distribution with local and linehaul options.

If you are interested in any of these roles, please contact John Markham via email at john.markham @tollgroup.com or phone 0402 965 715 to discuss further.

INDUSTRY LEADING RATES OF PAY & SUPERANUATION OF 15% ROSTERS THAT PROVIDE WORK/ LIFE BALANCE

IF YOU WANT TO LEARN FUEL WE’RE WILLING TO TRAIN THE RIGHT PEOPLE

Toll embraces and celebrates a variety of cultures. We continue to build a business that reflects the values of equality, built on the knowledge and understanding that everyone is welcome including the First Nations Peoples, and those of all ages, genders, and abilities. Women are actively encouraged to apply.

All applicants must be entitled to work in Australia and be prepared to undergo a criminal history check, pre-employment medical and/ or drug & alcohol testing as required.

“The bigger the load, the better,” she says.

The role is wide and diverse – covering truck driving, rigging and crane operation.