Big Rigs 6 December 2024

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CONTRIBUTORS

Truckin in the Topics/Spy on the Road:

Alf Wilson, 0408 009 301

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

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

*12 month average, October 2022

Fined for parking concrete truck in driveway

TECHNICAL manager Rod Evans had to double-check the date on the infringement notice when it first arrived in the post – he thought it was someone’s idea of a belated April Fools’ joke.

The Toowoomba Regional Council had sent his company, Neil Mansell Concrete, a fine of $64 for parking in a homeowner’s driveway while pouring concrete at the same quiet suburban address on October 3.

An incredulous Evans was left scratching his head – surely there must have been a mistake?

Evans has never had any is-

sues with the council before, there were no complaints from the client who had ordered the delivery, and the truck driver had not even spoken to the council officer who took the supporting pictures.

But no, a review was unsuccessful and the fine still stands, said the council in response to Evan’s request for a second look.

“Please be advised that parking on or across a driveway may obstruct the view of other road users,” the officer wrote in the reply on October 29.

“It is also important to consider the significant risk to persons, including personal

including the information you have provided, and the evidence gathered at the time by our authorised officer, and can confirm the ticket has been issued to your vehicle without error.

“The reasons you have outlined in your review have been considered, and the situation were placed in is noted and understood. However, this does not relinquish your responsibility to park lawfully.”

liability, should an incident or damage occur where it can be shown an unlawful activity had contributed to the cause.

“Council has investigated all aspects of this infringement,

Evans told Big Rigs he’d never seen or heard of anything like it in 30 years in the industry and worries where the council’s stand might end.

“For a $64 fine we first

thought it’s not worth worrying about, but we’re subject to that every day of the week,” Evans said.

“They could start doing this kind of thing to anyone who delivers anything – it’s crazy.”

Evans said there was nothing else the driver could have done differently.

He was under the direction of the customer and had backed up to a tarp from where they were barrelling in the concrete ordered.

“The truck wasn’t stopped. He was discharging the concrete at the time – it’s bewildering in all honesty.”

Protesters target truckies at Melbourne port

TRUCKIES have again found themselves dragged into pro-Palestinian protest action in Melbourne’s port precincts.

In a November 22 incident outside the Victoria International Container Terminal in Webb Dock, protesters came armed with tyres, accelerant and matches to light fires to block road access and allegedly brought sharp tools to slash truck air lines.

“In what is a very worrying trend, these criminals have taken to targeting trucks by cutting air lines between the prime mover and trailer sets, leading to deflated tyres and

immovable combinations,” said Neil Chambers, director of peak body, Container Transport Alliance Australia (CTAA).

“Cutting the air pressure also has an impact on braking systems.

“This shows the premeditated nature of these acts with protesters coming armed to commit criminal damage.

“Innocent truck drivers and transport operators, just trying to go about their lawful right to earn a living and keep Victoria’s vital supply chains open, are being targeted.”

CTAA has joined a growing chorus seeking the implemen-

tation of a Protest Permit System in Victoria.

The Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has previously ruled out introducing a permit system saying that police “already have the tools and resources they need” to deal with rallies.

“However, we believe that the Allen government needs to think again,” Chambers said.

“Container transport operators and drivers in Victoria are feeling increasingly vulnerable to attack, criminal damage and delayed operations costing thousands of dollars in insurance claims and lost productivity.

“A transport worker or a protester are going to get hurt, or worse, if these acts continue.”

Shadow Minister for Ports and Freight, Roma Britnell, said the Allan government needs to stand up to “these thugs” and hold them to account.

“After the Port of Melbourne was shut down during violent protests in January, we are unsure as to whether any charges laid on individuals have stuck,” Britnell said.

“This is a concerning new trend, where protesters who claim to be peaceful instead show the intent to cause deliberate harm to property. This

time by cutting the brakes of heavy vehicles – placing the lives of the drivers and other road users at risk.”

The photo taken by the council that was attached to the infringement notice. Image: Toowoomba Regional Council

The crude tyre puncture device used by protesters at the Melbourne port. Image: CTAA

Heavy-handed fines force truckies to quit

FOR veteran NSW truckie Dean Holt, the final straw was an abbreviation in his logbook that cost him a $650 fine.

For longer than he cares to recall over 35 years on the road, Holt felt “haunted, hounded and hunted” by authorities at every turn.

“Every time I got pulled up, I never left without paying $250,” said Holt, now 63, and 12 years removed from an industry he still keeps tabs on as he travels Australia in his converted Hino.

“It was more so the cops; transport blokes were a bit more human.”

Holt said he tried to fight his final clash with authorities, sparked by the seemingly trivial oversight of writing ‘Blk Mnt’ instead of ‘Black Mountain’ in his logbook.

“They crucified me in court; I think I lost an extra bloody point, and that’s when I just went, na, that’s it, and sold the truck, trailers, the lot and got out of it.”

Sadly, this scenario has grown increasingly common in recent years, said South Australian Road Transport Association executive officer Steve Shearer.

As submissions closed for the National Transport Commission’s (NTC) review on the draft new Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and its penalties, Shearer also

shared a story from one of his members about a police intercept that led to a promising young truckie leaving the industry.

The operator said the former driver was travelling through NSW in a B-double when she was pulled over by NSW Police.

“They found no breaches, except a minor admin issue that was utterly absurd.”

The operator said the truckie in question always put the registration number in the correct box on each page and on the comments section immediately after any rest break.

“The registration number therefore appears several times on each page, so there can be no mistake what vehicle she uses.”

On one page, almost two months before the interception date, police allegedly found that she forgot to place the registration number in the box at the top of the page.

“No opportunity was given for her to add it (because it was painfully obvious what truck she had been using), just a fine.

“I made an application to review it on the basis it was trifling, she had complied with the spirit of the law, it was a once off administrative error, not wilful disobedience and there was no safety risk whatsoever.

“That was rejected, and the

matter was to proceed.

“She became despondent after that encounter and eventually left trucking citing police and NHVR behaviour towards truck drivers as a catalyst.

“She was a very good and very compliant driver worth her weight.”

Shearer said this story is a classic example of the “police mindset of find a breach, no matter how technical, no matter how absurd”; no matter what other information is available that actually meets the intent of the requirement of the law.

“Only the most moronic or desperate stats-driven officer would have issued that infringement, when blind Freddie could ascertain the required information, the rego number, from the multiple entries on that page,” Shearer said.

“Yet they gleefully waste limited tax-payers money and limited police resources to trawl for the most insignificant technical breach they can find whilst displaying zero grasp of the intent of the law.”

Shearer said this scenario is so common that it’s damag-

ing the industry and its workforce.

“It’s driving safe, compliant drivers, who as normal humans will make an occasional minor error that is really of no consequence, out of the industry. “Police should get with the program or get out of enforcing the Heavy Vehicle National Law [HVNL].”

Shearer said it was exactly these types of ‘tick-and-flick’ technical infringements the six-year long review of the HVNL was supposed to eradicate, but now fears that opportunity may have been lost [see column on page 44].

In his submission to the NTC’s review last month, Shearer also called for a far more balanced and “fair” penalties regime, including a warning only for first technical, administrative or clerical work diary breaches.

In its submission to the NTC, the National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) also called for transport ministers to reduce fines that don’t improve safety outcomes or admit that six years of reviewing the HVNL have been a failure.

“The proposed changes to penalties would see 21 reductions, but another 50 increases to penalties,” said NatRoad CEO Warren Clark.

“In some cases, it is proposed fines are increased by 100 per cent, taking maximum penalties to almost $30,000.

“The review is a missed opportunity to eliminate minor fines, which are not improving safety, or delivering meaningful reductions to these penalties to make the roads fairer for our drivers.”

Following public consultation on the draft law and regulations, the NTC will present the law reform package to ministers in early 2025. If approved by ministers, the amended law will move through to Queensland Parliament to consider and enact, as the host jurisdiction for the law.

NatRoad said more penalties should be reduced and the proposed increases should be rejected. Image: NSW Police

Cohort unites for driver training scheme

FRUSTRATED by years of talk but no action from governments, a group of industry associations has joined forces in a bid to finally get a truckie apprenticeship scheme off the ground.

Already most state associations have started their own driver development programs, embracing industry calls to do more to create trained, job ready drivers.

But none provide fully funded apprenticeship pathways into a driver’s seat from school, ensuring youngsters aren’t lost to other industries.

With more than 25,000 driver vacancies on Seek.com. au each week and the domestic freight task predicted to increase by 16.4 per cent by 2030, the newly formed

Heavy Vehicle Licencing and Employment Pathways

Working Group believes the issue is now at a crisis point.

“We’re really trying to get this message through to those bureaucrats who just don’t get our industry, who don’t understand what we’re really trying to achieve,” said Peter Anderson, CEO of the Victorian Transport Association (VTA), one of 11 peak bodies to join forces.

“There’s no personal gain in this for anyone in our industry except the individuals who will get a career in their lives.

“Yet we can’t get this through to the bureaucrats –the administrators administrating administration.”

Anderson said providing a career pathway into a truck driver’s seat has been the number one issue for the VTA for the last decade.

The association has had enormous success with its Driver Delivery Program, an eight-day training course that provides individually tailored training, mentoring, and behind-the-wheel practical heavy vehicle driving experi-

But that doesn’t go far enough to help entice school leavers, or anyone else looking to progress through the ranks and learn from the ground up.

“Training people to drive heavy vehicles is not only better for our industry in regards to attracting people, but

it’s safer for the community, and why don’t we have that common goal? Why is that so hard to share?

“The industry wants this. This isn’t a couple of trucking companies going, ‘Oh, hang on a sec, we reckon that if we could do this, we could make a couple more bucks ahead of somebody else’.

“This is the industry saying, ‘We’ll fund this, we’ll do this. Just give us the ability to be able to get people into our industry. And they keep stopping it, they keep blocking it.”

After following the traditional routes to get the message across with no success, Anderson said it’s now time “to go rogue”.

“Now we have to start talking about coming from different directions, getting different stakeholders, trying to force this conversation to be something that will generate interest.

“We need a strong voice of united representatives from different organisations, as many companies along the way as we can to get our voice louder and louder.

“We can’t be quietened down by just ignoring us.”

To illustrate the bureaucratic roadblocks he’s encountered over the years, Anderson cites the story of the time he was put in charge of a state government review of the way truck drivers were trained and licenced in Victoria by a for-

mer roads minister.

He had a VicRoads representative tell him that you can’t train 18-year-olds to drive trucks because their brains aren’t developed enough.

“I said, ‘Where did you get that from?’ He said, ‘Oh, there’s been studies.’”

Anderson said he’d love to stand up in a group of Year 12s and tell them that when they leave school they could be earning $60-80,000 a year in the logistics industry within 2-3 months.

“In three to five years I’d tell them they could be earning $120,000 a year and own their first investment property at 35.

“All of a sudden, we start to see 18-year-olds, smart young people building careers in our industry.”

At present, Anderson said operators are more focused on staff retirement levels, rather than career development.

So, how would that pathway into a heavy-duty truck seat look for a school leaver?

“It could be two years as a forkie, learning of the inside, paperwork, how to allocate, how to run a warehouse, how to manage books, how to be part of a team.

“Learning about what working in an environment with other people is all about, then at 18 they can get their truck licence, and they’ve got their career well and truly underway.

icated to actually improving the road toll and building a better environment upon which our community lives, then this is the sort of thing that needs to change.”

In Queensland, the state government did green-light an apprenticeship scheme in 2022, but the employer, or employee, are still left carrying the cost.

Gary Mahon, the CEO of the Queensland Trucking Association, which is also part of

the new working group, said he now plans to lobby the new LNP government for more support.

“Employers within road freight should get the same treatment that employers of a broad range of other apprentices get and be supported in developing those capabilities with a new cohort of people coming into the industry,” Mahon said.

To rub more salt into the wounds, the federal government also recently announced it had partnered with states and territories to deliver over

VTA CEO Peter Anderson said it’s time for the industry to try a different approach.

Image: Prime Creative Media

The QTA is already having success with its school programs. Image: QTA

$1.5 billion in funding for 500,000 Fee-Free Tafe and vocational education and training (VET) places across Australia to 2026.

But Queensland’s trucking apprenticeship wasn’t included in that list of approved courses.

“So, what we’re asking for is our employers to be treated the same as other employers who are training apprentices and get funding support while those people are in training.”

Mahon said the QTA’s Job Ready program proves the difference a training subsidy can make to employers.

Using an $8000 grant from the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative, employers were able to place licence holders into a practical training program incorporating up to 160 hours of supervised onroad driving experience.

The QTA has also had success with its Driving Townsville’s Future Program, a scheme funded by Jobs Queensland through the Grow Your Own (GYO) Funding Program which is designed to tackle regional workforce challenges in

The program aims to create a pathway into the Heavy Vehicle Driving Apprenticeship, Bus Driving and Supply

“Parents in particular will ask the question, over and over, ‘If my kid goes into your industry, what qualification to they get?

“And I can assure you, saying a driver’s licence is no longer good enough.

“We’ve got to get on the job now and open up these channels to get a feeder group coming through.

“It’s time for us to acknowledge that the days of 30-40 years ago are long gone, but you still need a tremendous sk illset to function as a truck driver, and that deserves and warrants an apprenticeship and to be formally recognised as a trade.”

The new working group was formed after a recent roundtable of 37 industry heads at Parliament House called by WA Senator Glenn Sterle to address the industry’s biggest issues.

The former truckie turned politician told Big Rigs that the industry has a crisis on its hands if it doesn’t solve the skills shortage quickly.

“I don’t know who we’re

going to move freight in this nation safely in five, six,10 years; I shudder to think what this is going to look like.

“I’m sick of the talk, and I’m sick of being told by the likes of NTC and Austroads what’s good for the industry.

“We know what the problems are, and we know what the solutions are. This working group that’s industry driven will now take all the solutions to the relevant minister.”

Sterle said it’s clear the industry can go back to the “good old days” of new drivers being trained by other family members.

“But my goodness me, look at the value of having youngsters trained on trucking companies’ forklifts, in their yards, with their trainers, with their workers, with their systems, with their clients’ product in their warehouses.

“This is what we’ve got to do – on the job training but done properly and to an extremely high standard.”

The other parties in the Licencing and Employment Pathways Working Group are: National Road Transport Association, National Road Freighters Association, Australian Trucking Association, Australian Furniture Removers Association, Bus Industry Confederation, Western Roads Federation, Tasmanian Transport Association, Transport Workers Union and Northern Territory Road Transport Association.

ISRI SEATS

SYDNEY

510 Victoria Street, Wetherill Park NSW 2164

Ph. 02 9756 6199, email: isri@isri.com.au, www.isri.com.au

BRISBANE

Truckie frustated over visa system

ITALIAN truckie Marco Marciano, 33, would love to drive road trains full-time in Australia if he could.

The former hospitality worker fell in love with the trucks on a trip to WA’s northern region a few years back and promptly set about getting his MC licence.

He started out in a heavy rigid, delivering home appliances and white goods around Perth.

He graduated to MC a year later and moved into the mining sector driving triple and quad road trains and delivered mining equipment from an Esperance base all the way up to Newman and Port Hedland.

“I was lucky because the company put their hopes in me and threw me in the deep end,” Marciano said.

“I was working hard - it was my dream job.”

After seven months he had to return to Perth for personal reasons but quickly found work again with Zenith Low Loaders as a float and oversize driver where he developed his skills even further.

When his work visa expired, however, he had to leave Australia for a month and return on a student visa – he’s now studying mechanics – which only allows him to work 24 hours a week.

Zenith got back in touch

when the WA Government launched a state-wide Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) visa system for truck drivers earlier this year.

The DAMA provides access to more overseas workers than the standard skilled migration programs, which currently exclude truck driving.

But after a few months of no word back from authorities, Marciano said Zenith was sadly forced to fill the vacant seat with someone else.

He’s since found driving work again for Cahill Transport doing local general freight driving singles and B-doubles, and is grateful for the opportunity, but would love to return to full-time road train work one day soon.

Ideally, Marciano would like to see truck driving recognised as a trade and put on the Skilled Migration List, providing foreign drivers pass a strict local testing regime.

Meanwhile, he said the state government needs to make it easier for companies to access the WA DAMA system.

“It’s very hard for companies to actually get the level of agreement with immigration to get approved.

“We need people for the industry, it doesn’t matter where they come from, as long as they know how to operate the vehi-

cle. I struggle to stay in Australia, even though I have the skills highly required here.

“I think we [foreign drivers] need to join the table to help the industry.”

WA’s Department of Training and Workforce Development told Big Rigs the new WA DAMA is the fifth DAMA for WA and will complement the existing four visa options and support the whole state.

“Registrations for the WA DAMA are in place and it will be operational in the coming weeks,” said a spokesperson. Truckies can now connect with WA employers by signing up for the Migration WA Portal and creating a profile.

DEALERS

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MELBOURNE

Unit 1/569 Somerville Rd, Sunshine West VIC, 3020 Ph. 03 9311 5544, email: sales@isrisunshine.com.au, www.isri.com.au

MACKAY

110 – 120 Maggiolo Drive, Paget QLD 4740 Ph. 07 4952 1844, email: admin@isrimky.com.au, www.isriseatsmackay.com.au

PERTH

408 Welshpool Rd, Welshpool WA 6106

Ph. 08 9362 6800, email: info@mmtisri.com.au, www.mmtisri.com.au

DARWIN

Mobile Sales and Service

Ph. 08 8927 0986, email: info@isridarwin.com.au, www.isridarwin.com.au

ADELAIDE

TAMDELE, 21 Hakkinen Road, Wingfield SA 5013

Ph. 08 8347 1222, email: sales@gitsham.com.au, www.gitsham.com.au

NEWCASTLE/HUNTER VALLEY

Unit 2/13 Hinkler Ave, Rutherford NSW 2320

Ph 02 4932 0600, email: sales@hvss.com.au www.isri.com.au

Marco Marciano is grateful for the opportunity he has with Cahill Transport. Image: Marco Marciano

QTA CEO Gary Mahon said truck driving apprenticeships should be fee-free.

IN BRIEF

Common sense prevails

A truck driver fined $1636 and four demerit points for driving too close to the truck and dog that cut him off, has had his penalties dismissed in court.

Garry Hall had dashcam vision and GPS data from the truck, showing his attempts to slow down, but when he approached Revenue NSW to contest the fine, he was unsuccessful.

Though he attempted to get a lawyer specialising in heavy vehicle law, due to the high fees, he decided to represent himself in court – and expressed his relief at the outcome.

“When I got to court, the judge didn’t even look at the dashcam footage. She said she could clearly see from the photos that he pulled out in front of me. They also had the GPS data printed out from work too, which showed the speed.”

A new chapter

For the first time in its 78-year history, Brown and Hurley will be led by its first non-family CEO, with Ryan O’Doherty taking the reins from January 1, 2025.

This follows the retirement of current CEO Paul Hurley, who will remain with the company as a board member commencing July 2025.

Ryan said he’s honoured and excited to join Brown and Hurley as CEO. “I look forward to working closely with the team to continue driving the company’s growth and to build on the solid foundation laid over the past 78 years.”

Brown and Hurley is the Queensland and Northern NSW distributor of Kenworth and DAF trucks.

CMV expands network

Through an expansion of its Hallam Truck Centre Kenworth and DAF dealership operations in Victoria, CMV Group has announced the acquisition of the sales territories of Somerton and Ballarat.

The expansion will see the company take over the existing TRP Ballarat and TRP Somerton parts outlets from January 1 and build a new state of the art Kenworth and DAF Truck dealership at Mickleham, in Melbourne’s north.

The dealership will be known as Melbourne North Truck Centre (MNTC) and will open in 2028. CMV Group managing director, Daniel Crawford, said the new centre will support the ever-growing customer base to the north of Melbourne, along with the inner west, including Ballarat.

Heartfelt fundraiser

Friends of truck driver Luke Vella, who tragically died in a work accident last month, held a special fundraising event for his family.

Luke Roberts and Jake Cusbert arranged a truck meet at Marsden Park in Sydney on November 23, with truckies invited to come along with their rigs.

Luke Vella had planned to marry his high school sweetheart Bec next year. The couple had been together for 15 years and also have four kids under the age of 10. The NSW father died after two trucks collided at the intersection of Agnew-Leinster Road and Agnew-Vivien Road in Leinster on October 21.

Livestock blitz results

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

THE National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) recently released the results of a week-long blitz that targeted the Queensland cattle transport industry.

The compliance operation took place in October, with 173 livestock intercepts taking place. A total of 487 heavy vehicle units (trucks and trailers) were inspected.

An NHVR spokesperson told Big Rigs, “The objective of the operation was to ensure the livestock industry understood their safety obligations under the Heavy Vehicle National Law and state-based legislation, with NHVR safety and compliance officers focusing their compliance and enforcement efforts on fatigue, mechanical safety, loading and access on major travel routes, feedlots and saleyards.

“During the operation a number of compliance issues were identified and addressed, with fatigue management and mechanical compliance the most likely to be recorded.”

Of the vehicles that were intercepted in the blitz, the NHVR claims 24.9 per cent were found to be non-compliant.

Throughout the operation, there were also 44 defect notices were issued, with the NHVR revealing 12 per cent of these notices were deemed to be major defects relating to brakes and body/chassis non-compliance.

NHVR safety and compliance officers also issued 15 infringement notices, most of which were for “fatigue-related offending”.

In addition, 56 mass checks were completed.

The NHVR spokesperson said this blitz was “part of our ongoing commitment to boosting road safety outcomes for all motorists”.

“We are pleased to report the operation’s focussed inspections and educational initiatives were both significant in number and well-received by industry, with close to 500 heavy vehicle units inspected and more than 50 education sessions held,” the NHVR continued.

“Such operations provide a boost to the livestock industry’s understanding of its safety obligations, which in turn contributes to overall road safety outcomes.

“Prior to the operation commencing the NHVR held consultative meetings with Transport and Main Roads, operators, industry

groups and stakeholders such as the Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of Queensland.”

Speaking to Big Rigs, president of both the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) and Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of Queensland (LRTAQ), Gerard Johnson, said he was happy with the overall results of the blitz.

Along with his roles heading up the state and national livestock associations, Johnson also runs his own livestock transport business too, Gerard Johnson Transport, based in Tambo.

“There were 44 defect notices issued, but most of those would have been for very minor things. I think the livestock sector has come up pretty well compared to some of the other transport sectors,” he said.

“With infringement notices, most were fatigue related, and the majority of driver education was done roadside.

“I think livestock operators are doing a pretty good job. We’re underrepresented in accidents as a whole and just need to continue doing what we’re doing. Of course there are some areas we’ll keep working on, but we’re pretty happy with the results as a whole.”

He added that from the feedback he’s had, interactions between drivers and the NHVR’s safety compliance officers also went really well.

Online, Big Rigs readers also shared their thoughts, with many revealing they’d like to see more detailed information around compliance issues and defect/ infringement notices in future, when results like this are shared.

“NHVR should state what every defect was for – A tail light out? A clearance light out? A simple brake imbalance,” asked one commenter.

“I bet it was 24 per cent trivial crap that has no bearing on road safety.”

Another said, “59 mass checks were done? But de tails as per usual weren’t pub lished.”

While numerous other readers commented on the issues around the state of our road network.

One reader wrote, “As usu al our vehicles need to be checked in these so called blitzes… No shortage of money to build huge gantries and millions on high tech cameras for everything from number plate recognition to peer through your windows

– but oh sorry we don’t have enough money or resources to fix these disgusting piles of busted up rubble we call roads.”

Another said, “If you’re so worried about safety for the motorists, how about fixing the Bruce Highway where there’s the majority of accidents in Queensland. You expect the vehicles to be compliant – What about the roads? How about rest areas with public conveniences like lighting?”

And this driver shared a similar sentiment, “The whole fact that we are driving on roads built to 1950s-60s standards is a joke. Population has more than doubled in 2024: traffic on roads has tripled. And we’re still on goat tracks. It seems more important to government to hand out millions to overseas countries than to spend on infrastructure. All capital cities should be linked with four-lane dual highways.”

Cash surplus dips due to Queensland transition

THE takeover of all heavy vehicle regulatory services in Queensland has contributed to a $5 million dip in the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) total surplus for the last financial year.

In its recently released annual report, the NHVR recorded a surplus of $5,017,000 in 2023-24, down from $10,200,000 in the 2022-23 period.

“The NHVR’s total surplus decreased in the 2024 financial year due to increased staffing and other associated costs relating to the transition of heavy vehicle regulatory services in Queensland, which has already provided significant productivity and safety benefits for the heavy vehicle industry,” said an NHVR spokesperson.

“Any surplus is used to help fund future assets and projects in line with the NHVR’s Corporate Plan, which also outlines the NHVR’s budget. This includes delivering focused national operations to address identified risks to enhance safety for the heavy vehicle industry as well as all road users.

“The NHVR has always valued safety over infringements, and our main priority is informing and educating drivers on how to comply with their safety obligations and to change driver behaviour.”

Another item of interest to truckies might be the income derived from work diaries, down from $4,746,000 in 2023 to $4,138,000 in 2024.

According to the annual report, it costs the regulator $2,741,300 to distribute the diaries to various outlets.

Outgoing boss Sal Petroccitto used much of his final CEO report – his last day in the role is January 24 – to reflect on the NHVR’s achievements in its 10 years of operations.

The NHVR’s total income for the year was $244,861,000, up from $235,041,000 yearon-year.

Regulatory income – the regulatory component of heavy vehicle registration charges from the Heavy Vehicle National Law signatories – is the biggest component at $184,308,000, up from $182,133,000 in 2023.

Grants and fee income were much on par, year-on-year, but ‘other income’ spiked from $30,014,000 in 2023 to $36,339,000 in large part to a full year of service in annual heavy vehicle inspections on behalf of Transport for NSW and the equivalent inspections in Queensland from April 20, 2024.

Sundry revenue, which includes penalty revenue and court fee reimbursements, decreased from $7,734,000 in 2023 to $6,812,000 in 2024.

“Since our inception in 2013, the safety of our customers and the community has been at the centre of all that we do,” Petroccitto writes.

“A 10-year journey to a single national heavy vehicle regulator In April 2024, we completed our National Services Transition program, bringing in Queensland as our final jurisdiction which now sees the NHVR ensuring compliance with the Heavy Vehicle National Law across 6 Australian jurisdictions, namely, the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and Victoria.

“The transition of Queensland was a significant achievement for the NHVR. We can now take a consistent approach to compliance and enforcement from the roadside to interventions, border-

less operations and delivering timely, national responses to critical compliance issues right across the country.”

Petroccitto said he is now confident that, through the NHVR’s “forward looking national approach to heavy vehicle compliance”, we will see a safer and more productive heavy vehicle industry across Australia.

He did, however, acknowledge that in 2023–24, 192 people died in crashes involving heavy vehicles, including 99 deaths in crashes involving articulated trucks and a further 81 deaths in crashes involving heavy rigid trucks.

“These tragic and alarming figures tell us that we need to be doing more to ensure greater safety outcomes for all road users,” he said.

“While we continue to work constructively with the heavy vehicle industry, we know that more education needs to occur with light vehicle drivers who remain the at-fault party in most fatal crashes involving trucks in Australia (77.4 per cent).

“In response to this, we are continuing to undertake public road safety campaigns. These are aimed at educating and informing all road users how to share the roads safely with trucks. We have a particular focus on high-risk cohorts such as learner and

provisional platers.”

Another highlight for Petroccitto in the last financial year was the release of the National Network Map (NNM), consolidating road network information across Australia into the NHVR online Portal.

“This key initiative improves heavy vehicle access and decision-making by combining state-based heavy vehicle road networks and displaying them in one online location, the first time that this has been achieved,” Petroccitto said.

“It is the single and authoritative location for the heavy vehicle industry to map journeys across state and territory borders for their entire fleet.”

The Advanced Fatigue Management digital application was upgraded to the portal in 2024.

24.9 per cent of the livestock trucks intercepted were found to be ‘non-compliant’. Image: 169169/stock.adobe.com

Gerard Johnson was recently appointed ALRTA president for the coming term. Image: ALRTA

The report highlighted some major industry numbers. Graphic: NHVR

CEO Sal Petroccitto is confident he’s leaving with the NHVR in good shape. Image: NHVR

SAFE SAFER CASCADIA

FREIGHTLINER IS SERIOUS ABOUT SAFETY.

Every Cascadia comes with a complete suite of connected technology and fully integrated safety features to help you get on with your work.

Equipped with a driver airbag, Side Guard Assist, forward-facing camera that automatically sends footage for incident reports, and Active Brake Assist capable of detecting moving pedestrians, the Cascadia sets a new standard for safety.

Respect

EDITOR

JAMES GRAHAM

in Toowoomba recently in which a company was fined for parking a concrete truck in a suburban driveway (see page 2). Our cartoonist Ryan-Lee Taylor has brilliantly captured just how farcical following the letter of the law can be at times in his latest drawing on the right. It’s a shame this kind of message isn’t getting through to police.

While the NHVR must be commended for its education over enforcement policy, all that good work seems to unravel with the police. We can only hope that the long-awaited revamp of the national law will take on board what industry is saying (see page 3) and reduce, or eradicate, penalties for trivial things.

There’s more than enough pressure on drivers as it is.

Letters to the Editor

REGARDING the new technology, and seeing these things have been out for a while now, if they are so good why is there a 27 per cent rise in accidents in 12 months?

They can’t be that good then. Or is it just the fact that the drivers are s##t these days and don’t give a f##k? Can it be too much regulating by the NHVR? I believe it is. How is all this technology being invested into the industry, but the people are getting more stupid.

Can someone show me the percentage of accidents from 2000 to 2010? I bet it’s bugger all. There were still hundreds of kilometres of single lane highway, 50 per cent of the trucks had 110km on the pedal, that was just standard.

Everyone would mostly communicate with each other, it was a game of cat ‘n mouse with the highway cars and the biggest thing, everyone drove, cause you had to, otherwise you were

going be a one of the small percentage of drivers that did come undone.

So, stop the bullshit safety argument, it’s not about safety at all, not with the NHVR and all the tech companies selling this s##t to these managers telling them about all the good stuff it does … please. It’s all about money, that’s it. So, my argument is, stop manufacturing and selling automatic trucks.

That’s the first way to weed out the ones who have no de-

sire to actually want to drive and actually do something about the ones who contin ually stuff up, and we know who I’m talking about.

Just let people drive and get off everyone’s back about going over a 100 off a hill, etc. Just let the true passion of truck driving come back and let it be fun again.

We’re all adults and we don’t need to be told that we are tired.

Matty

Travelling Jackaroo starts his next big adventure

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

THE Travelling Jackaroo is now behind the wheel, working as a contractor for Queensland towing company Clayton’s Towing.

The Travelling Jackaroo –whose actual name is Sam Hughes – recently completed his 27,000km charity trip around Australia and returned home to Maleny on the Sunshine Coast in August, after three and a half years on the road in his trusty old 1957 Chamberlain tractor.

The 21-year-old was able to raise a whopping $260,000+ for three charities, sharing his adventures with his Facebook followers, which have now surpassed 274,000.

While most of that time was spent behind the wheel of a tractor, Sam is no stranger to tilt tray and recovery work, having spent some time

working for Berry Springs Mechanical, while in Darwin earlier in the year – as he saved up for the final stretch of his trip.

Hughes started with Clayton’s in early November and says he’s really enjoying the new role.

He’s behind the wheel of an Isuzu dual cab, which is a far cry from the vintage tractor he was used to. “It’s bloody fantastic to drive. Any vehicle post 2000 feels new to me,” he laughed. “It’s got every little thing in it like air conditioning and air suspension.

“The work has been fantastic. I enjoy doing it because I get to help people – and I get a few coins in the kitty as well.

THE WORK HAS BEEN FANTASTIC. I ENJOY DOING IT BECAUSE I GET TO HELP PEOPLE – AND I GET A FEW COINS IN THE KITTY AS WELL.” SAM HUGHES

really great on the training side – I did a week’s training before heading out, so it was nice having that.

were to begin working on it very soon, Hughes says he doesn’t want to rush it.

“It’s very similar to the work I did in Darwin. When I spoke to Mike [Clayton’s Towing CEO], he said if I was looking for work, they had an opening here in Maleny. They get a lot of work up here with breakdowns and repairs, and they needed someone to help out, so they offered me a job as a contractor.”

“Kev is the trainer there and he’s really knowledgeable. Everyone at Clayton’s has been really supportive and helpful. And there’s someone we can call to talk to 24/7 too.”

Hughes says the training offered at Clayton’s Towing was second to none. “They’re

The work sees Hughes travel through the mountains and down to the coast, all within the local area.

“I can do as many or as few

jobs as possible but I prefer to do as many as I can to keep busy. The Clayton’s team as a whole is great, especially dispatch who work hard and do their job to a very high standard to keep the wheels rolling!”

With the tractor trip completed earlier in the year, Hughes’ next project is a mobile museum he plans to put together, which he’ll then take across the country. It will be centred on the people who helped to shape Australia.

Though his initial plans

“I’ve worked out what I want to do and I want to make sure I do it well – so I’ll probably work with Clayton’s for a year or two so I can save up a bit of money for it. If I put in the hard work and put a few miles under my belt, I should be able to make it all happen.

“But Clayton’s is something I could be looking to do long term. It’s a family business and they’re really supportive and really look out for you.”

Roadhouse opens free gym for truckies

BY KAYLA WALSH

THE Balranald Roadhouse on the Sturt Highway in New South Wales has had a major revamp, now offering a free gym for truckies.

The small gym features some free weights, an exercise bike, and a selection of other weight training machines –handy for truckies who often struggle to get enough exer cise while on the road.

The roadhouse, which is open 24/7, also has an up graded 70s-inspired diner with a free pool table, arcade games and a massage chair.

Plus there’s a comfortable lounge area with a TV and leather couches.

Singh said there is B-double access and plenty of truck

When Big Rigs shared the news of the gym online, several truckies said it was a great idea.

Manager Dajinder Singh told Big Rigs that the new faago, and he’s had great feed back so far.

“Truck drivers have been using the gym, they are very

“We also have 24/7 barista coffee, toilets and showers, and a mini mart offering groceries, engine oil, and

If you can’t stay long, the roadhouse has fresh takeaway meals like spaghetti bolognese, sausages and veggies,

“That’s what they need, all we hear about is rest time!” commented Linden Watson.

“If they have to have a long break, nothing better than an hour limbering up!”

While others suggested focusing on diet rather than exercise due to time constraints during breaks, Damien Martin argued: “A 10 to 15 minute walk on a treadmill every day won’t hurt.”

Sam Hughes started the role with Clayton’s Towing in November. Images: Sam Hughes

He’s traded from driving a 1957 tractor to a modern Isuzu dual cab.

The small gym has a selection of cardio and weight machines,

The revamped retro diner has a free pool table, arcade games and more.

‘This is as good as it gets’ Trucking wasn’t always on the cards for this third-generation truckie, but he’s glad he made the switch, as he takes to the road in a brand new K220.

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

LUKE Read, 40, admits he always had a thing for trucks, sparked by his grandfather Alick Earl, who ran a transport business.

“Pop had his own trucks, carting sand in the tippers. So as a kid, on the school holidays, the highlight for me was getting up at 3am and getting in the truck with Pop,” Luke fondly recalled.

“As he was an owner driver, they were his trucks, so he was paying for them and doing all the maintenance, so I think that instilled a good mindset for me about the importance of really looking after the gear.”

Despite his early introduction to trucks, life led Luke on a different path – working in medical imaging for 10 years.

But when Covid hit, it forced him to re-evaluate what it was he really wanted to do.

“I was working at a hospital in a job I enjoyed – and then Covid took all the joy out of it. I decided to pack my family up out of Wollongong and we moved to Young,” said Luke.

And he and his wife, along with their four children –aged eight, six, three and almost two – have called Young home ever since.

MC in December 2023. He says he’s lucky to have had such exceptional mentors, teaching him how to do the job – and do it right!

His first driving role was with Madden’s Transport, where he was mentored by trucking veteran Jeff Gunning, who Luke describes as “an old school truck driver who just loves being out on the road”.

It was general freight work, with Luke starting out with his HR licence. “Tony put me in the truck with Jeff and for the next three months, he was there with me, in the passenger seat,” Luke explained.

NEVER IN MY WILDEST DREAMS DID I THINK THIS WOULD HAPPEN SO SOON. I’VE NEVER BEEN HAPPIER IN A JOB – THIS IS AS GOOD AS IT GETS.” LUKE READ

“Jeff taught me everything tails about driving a truck and

everything else that goes with it, even how to use the pallet jack. He’s still driving trucks and is such a good operator. Jeff was the best person to have as a mentor. Even today when I’m working, I still hear Jeff’s voice in my head.

“I used to collect apples with Jeff in the mountains and he taught me about driving on inclines and on the goat tracks they call roads. I got to spend all that time with Jeff, who shared his years of experience, and he was really good at communicating all of that.”

In early 2023, Tony Madden decided to close his doors, after almost 50 years in business, so he could retire. “I was given an opportunity at Paul Lawton Freight through Jeff Gunning, who had already started there. He put in a good word for me and I worked there until I started in my current role with Rocky Lamattina & Sons,” revealed Luke.

“Even though Jeff and I don’t work together anymore, I still speak with him nearly every day. I’ve been able to work through so many different scenarios in this job because of what Jeff taught me. I owe him for a lot of the confidence I now have in the truck.”

It will be one year this month since Luke started working with Rocky Lamattina & Sons.

“I finished with Paul Lawton Freight on December 23 last year and the next morning was up at 6am to do my first B-double run in a Lamattina truck, delivering my first load of carrots on Christmas night.”

Rocky Lamattina & Sons operates a fleet of 16 trucks – all Kenworths, including K200s, T909s, and five new K220s all delivered since July.

Family owned and operated, Rocky Lamattina & Sons is the country’s largest carrot producer – growing the product all year-round and processing up to 1000 tonnes of carrots each week.

It was started by Rocky in 1991 and is now run by his sons Angelo, Phil and John.

In the colder months of the year, the company’s carrots are grown from their 6000acre home base property in Wemen, on the banks of the Murray River in northern Victoria. In the summer months, carrots are grown at a cooler climate 6000-acre property at Kaniva, Victoria, right near

the South Australian border. Along with a third property at St George in southern Queensland, on the banks of the Balonne River.

Rocky Lamattina & Sons operates quite the unique fleet of trailers – from innovative PBS-approved 30-pallet singles up to B-triples and B-quads. These B-quads can operate at 107 tonnes gross with a payload of 74 tonnes.

Interestingly, Luke and the Lamattinas go way back, with both families heavily involved in racing Top Fuel Dragsters – with Phil Lamattina, and Luke’s brother, also named Phil, tasked with racing them around the country.

Luke’s father Jim Read also has his own truck – an ex-Lamattina 2004 Kenworth K104 – which is used as a car transporter, travelling the dragster circuit.

“Both the Lamattina and Read families have Top Fuel Dragsters, 11,500hp fire breathing machines that reach speeds of over 500km/h in just 3.7 seconds so we’re

talking drag racing royalty with my dad Jim being an international drag racing hall of fame member and along with his dad, both Phil Lamattina and my brother Phil have won Australian Championships,” explained Luke.

“I’ve known the Lamattina family for years through the drag racing. One day my dad was speaking with the Lamattina guys about the work I was doing and then they called and offered me a job. I put in my two weeks resignation without hesitation that day and then started with them.

“I always looked at the Lamattina trucks and thought to myself, man they’re beautiful – and I put that as being my benchmark for being able to say I’ve reached my goal. Now I’m driving the trucks I admire most. The trucks are immaculate at Lamattina, their maintenance schedule is pretty first class.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I think this would happen so soon. I’ve never been happier in a job – this is as good as it gets,” he added. Luke started out in a 2015 model single steer K200, pulling B-doubles filled with carrots from the company’s farms to produce markets and supermarkets; as well as occasional runs with a B-triple from the Wemen farm to a processing facility in Adelaide.

His role sees him travel predominantly to Sydney, Mel-

and

Continued page 16

bourne, Brisbane

Adelaide.

This month marks a year since Luke started his current role. Luke Read was thrilled to be handed the keys to one of Rocky Lamattina & Sons’ new K220s.

The truck owned by Luke’s father Jim Read is an ex-Lamattina truck, used to transport their dragster.

His family is heavily involved in racing dragsters, with brother Phil behind the wheel of this machine. Image: John Bosher

Luke with his son James and the previous truck he drove, a 2015 model K200.

Luke’s passion for trucks was sparked by his truckie grandfather Alick Earl.

Passion for trucks helped teen through health battle

Jayden Pooley was unable to finish high school due to various health issues, but his love of trucking has been a welcome distraction

BY KAYLA WALSH

AN 18-year-old with autism, ADHD and epilepsy has told how he had to drop out of school because of his health struggles – but his passion for trucking has helped him maintain a positive outlook on life.

Jayden Pooley from Caboolture in Queensland was diagnosed with autism and ADHD at the age of four. A few years ago, doctors also discovered that he had epilepsy when he began suffering from seizures – and at one point they got so bad that he ended up in intensive care.

He struggled to keep up in school and had to drop out in the middle of Year 10, when he was 16.

“It was very hard for me last week, because that’s when I would have been graduating,” he told Big Rigs.

“I didn’t really have friends in school, but knowing my classmates all graduated without me was tough.”

Academia wasn’t the right path for Jayden, but he has a keen interest in the transport industry.

His dad Mick has been a truckie for the past 15 years, and the young truck fan loves hopping in the passenger seat of his Freightliner Coronado.

“I started going out in the

truck with dad because when I was having seizures, I wasn’t allowed to be home alone,” he said.

“I used to go every day, but now my seizures are under control, I just go with him on weekends.

“Dad carts fresh produce and I help him unload at the markets, and every few weeks I’ll also go on a run to Townsville with him.”

Jayden likes the opportunity to explore Queensland and spend time with his dad, while also being captivated by the impressive size and pow-

er of trucks. He’s also a big fan of truck shows and has attended several in the past year, including Casino, the Lowood Truck Show, Lights on the Hill and the Brisbane Convoy for Kids.

The shows are an opportunity to check out cool rigs, but also to socialise with truckies.

“I have made lots of friends in the transport industry now, there are some really good people,” said Jayden.

“I have more in common with them than I did with my classmates in school.”

He has picked up truck

I HAVE MADE LOTS OF FRIENDS IN THE TRANSPORT INDUSTRY - I HAVE MORE IN COMMON WITH THEM THAN I DID WITH MY CLASSMATES.”

photography as a hobby and set up his own Facebook page (Snap that Shot Photography) to showcase his work.

“Every now and then I will take photos at shows or from the side of the highway,” he said.

“It’s a passion of mine.”

Because the teenager has not suffered a seizure for the past 18 months, he has been able to get his car licence –and one day he would love to upgrade to a truck licence.

He also dreams of becoming a diesel mechanic.

“I would love to be a mechanic, so I could be around trucks and learn to fix them.

“I want to do an apprenticeship and I’m in the process of

trying to figure it out.

“It’s a bit confusing, but I have a support worker to help me.”

Jayden is grateful that his interest in trucks has given him an outlet to help him through his health battles.

“Things have been hard sometimes, but my passion for trucks has given me something to focus on.

“It helps to take my mind off things!”

Innovative single trailer has same payload as a B-double

From page 12

SINCE last month, Luke’s been in a new twin steer K220 with a single trailer – and it’s not just an ordinary set-up either. As Luke explained, “The trailer set-up for the company’s twin steer trucks was designed by Angelo. These 30-pallet singles can carry the same payload as the B-double, but with one less trailer.”

The 30-pallet units run at a length of 22.5 metres, replacing the 32-pallet B-doubles being purchased previously.

The design was Angelo

from point A to point B.

The trailers were manufactured by Southern Cross Trailers and just like the B-doubles in the fleet, can achieve a payload of around 36 tonne.

As Angelo explained, “It’s getting hard to get drivers so having a vehicle like this means the operator doesn’t have to worry about connecting and disconnecting the trailers, which isn’t as hard on the back.

“The beauty about this particular vehicle is that even though we’re carrying the

these ones are 62 tonne GVM – because you’ve got less axles, one less fridge motor and the trailer isn’t as long.”

Interestingly, the Lamattina brothers had kept Luke’s new truck completely under wraps. “It was all kept secret, I had no idea. I knew this truck was the latest one that came in. After it turned up, Lamattina put all their bells and whistles on it, but it hadn’t been allocated to a driver yet,” Luke revealed.

“When I got there, I saw it had ‘Road Train’ signs on it. Phil and Angelo put their

wouldn’t be driving my truck anymore, I quickly worked out what the good news was.

“I’ve driven a lot of mod ern trucks, but this is the first brand new one I’ve ever had. You don’t always get the brand new truck when you first start somewhere, so this was a pretty nice reward.”

The new K220 features Kenworth’s Big Cab and is equipped with all the crea ture comforts including a television, fridge, freezer and more. “It’s like a small bed room in there, which is great because I spend more time in the truck than I do at home,” said Luke.

“It could be a booming 30 degrees outside, but in the truck with the air con on and curtains closed, you wouldn’t even know it’s not nighttime.”

The truck also features an automatic transmission and though Luke admits he was a little apprehensive at first, after coming out of a manual, he quickly came around. “I was used to the Road Ranger and when you’re driving long hours, it gives you something else to do. I got used to the auto pretty quickly though –it’s one less thing the driver

has to worry about.”

Going from two trailers to one has also had its advantages too. “The first night I had to unload was really nice. When you have to split up your trailers two or three times in a few hours, having the single trailer really makes a difference. It makes the job easier and more efficient – and there are lots of advan-

tages on the maintenance side of things too.”

Angelo added that it’s great to see his drivers happy in their role – and their trucks. “We do a lot of work to try and please our drivers. I’m really happy to see that in this case, Luke is happy with the new truck – that means we got the result we’re looking for!”

Jayden loves hopping in his dad’s Freightliner Coronado. Images: Jayden Pooley

Luke Read is now behind the wheel of one of five new K220s at Lamattina, all delivered since July. Images: Luke Read

The teen enjoys practicing his photography skills at truck shows.

Improved aerodynamics in Volvo’s new fuel-saving Aero

Our test driver is thrown the keys to Volvo’s latest cabover to hit the Australian market for a fully-loaded run from Brisbane to Sydney.

BY GEOFF MIDDLETON

IT’S hard to make a heavy-duty cabover truck aerodynamic. Simply by design, they have the drag co-efficient of a dunny door.

It’s a lot easier to make a bonneted truck slippery through the air than it is to make a cabover streamlined.

However, the big European truck manufacturers have done their best over the years to get the most efficient aero shapes out of their trucks to eek out the last few percentage points of fuel savings through aerodynamics.

The latest of these is the Volvo Aero which will be able to be ordered as this story goes to press.

We were fortunate to be offered a drive of one of the first Volvo Aero cabs in the country for a run from Brisbane to Sydney.

Aerodynamic improvements have been achieved by extending the front of the existing FH cab by 240mm, allowing for a smoother more rounded frontal area to reduce drag and energy consumption whilst remaining within the 26-metre B-double limit.

The Aero will be available in Australia with a choice of 13-litre and 17-litre Euro 6 diesel engines well as Volvo’s heavy-duty electric driveline.

Our test truck was powered by the I-Save turbo-compound 13-litre engine which is rated at 500hp and puts out an impressive 2800Nm of torque.

Volvo tells us that this engine is ‘the ultimate fuel saver’ and in testing it proved to be up to 14 per cent more economical than the regular 13-litre engine.

The new Aero cab also adds to the fuel savings and in European testing, we’re told that the Aero cab got 5 per cent better economy than a regular cab.

So, what we’re looking at here, on paper at least, is a fuel saving of nearly 20 per cent.

THE TORQUE IN THIS TURBO-COMPOUND VOLVO WAS IMPRESSIVE FROM THE START WITH THE TRUCK SKIPPING UP THE GEARS TO THE TOP OF THE BOX IN NO TIME.”

The proven 540hp engine also remains an option for Aero as does the new D17 powerplant in ratings from 600hp and 3000Nm up to 700hp and 3400Nm. Aero cab options span sleeper, Globetrotter XL and Globetrotter XXL cabs.

To add to the aerodynamics and subsequent fuels savings, the Aero cab has no external mirrors. In their place is Volvo’s recently released Camera Monitor System (CMS) which comes as standard equipment on the FH Aero. CMS has digital cameras instead of mirrors. Two screens mounted on the A pillars in the cab provide a great view down the sides of the truck. They feature a zoom-out function, automatic panning that tracks the rear of the vehicle while negotiating intersections, fixed reverse panning and an infra-red mode for low-light conditions.

Externally, all you can see are two stalks high on the cab which house the cameras. The camera lenses are heated and will automatically activate depending on the outside temperature to give a clear view in all weather conditions.

Our test truck was also fitted with Volvo’s Dynamic Steering which is an electrically assisted steering package that helps in low-speed manoeuvring as well as being more accurate on the highway at higher speed.

The Dynamic Steering also enables the Aero to have the new Pilot Assist feature which is Level 2 autonomous steering that ‘reads’ the line markings on the road and actually

steers the truck for you.

It is actuated from the cruise control buttons on the steering wheel and not only gives the active steering but also radar cruise control, so it really does make the driver a steering wheel attendant!

I used this a bit on the highway and found it actually gives the driver a break when there isn’t too much traffic about.

Of course, being a Volvo, the FH Aero is fitted with all the other latest safety features. These include air bags, downhill cruise, hill hold, Collision Warning with Emergency Brake, Driver Alert Support, corner camera, lane departure warning, ESP, and more. Inside, the FH is familiar territory. The expansive dash has everything close to the driver and the view is great –

especially so in the area of pe ripheral vision as there are no mirrors to impede the view.

Our test vehicle was in a ‘fleet spec’ which included dash-mounted transmission buttons as opposed to the usual small T-bar shifter close to the driver’s seat.

This meant that the fridge was closer to the driver which isn’t a bad thing, but it also meant that if you wanted to manual-shift, you have to reach for the buttons rather than drop your hand down beside your thigh.

On the road

Getting comfortable in the big Volvo is easy with the steering wheel being multi adjustable, as is the driver’s seat.

The seat itself is a beauty with arm rests on either side

and a heater for those chilly morning starts. Fire up the 13-litre six and you’re greeted with a lovely burble and next to no vibration. Hit the button on the auto shifter and flick of the electric park brake, give a little tug test and we were off in the early morning on our way to Sydney from Volvo’s HQ in Wacol.

Wacol, incidentally, is where these trucks will be built starting next year.

Our truck was towing a B-double set of tautliner trailers weighing in at just a smidge under 60 tonnes which is a pretty honest load for a 13-litre.

However, the torque in this turbo-compound Volvo was impressive from the start with the truck skipping up the gears to the top of the

box in no time. This partic ular version of Volvo’s I-Shift transmission is an overdrive box meaning that 12th gear is overdrive and 11th gear is direct 1:1.

The diff ratio is 3.09 and it all translates to a very low-revving engine. In fact, at 100km/h in top gear, the engine is spinning at just 1250rpm and on the hills it will lug down below 1000rpm before kicking down to a lower gear.

And it’s quiet. With no mirrors and no external visor – it has a very effective pulldown internal visor – there is next to no wind noise, and the insulation from the engine bay is fantastic.

There is no problem having a conversation with your passenger or listening to some music on the newly-upgraded stereo. In fact, as we were cruising down the coast we could hear the cicadas in the trees, it was that quiet.

The ease of driving is worth noting too. It seems that heavy-duty trucks are getting easier and easier to drive, and once I got used to the controls and the steering wheel buttons, I found I was basically driving with my thumbs.

Setting the cruise and the downhill speed on the steering wheel and using the engine brake stalk for slowing – it was a breeze.

Then, if you factor in the Pilot Assist which steers the truck, there really isn’t much

to do. I admit to being initially sceptical about these semi-autonomous options on big trucks but I admit that if they’re used frugally, they can be a big asset.

The Pilot Assist doesn’t let the driver fully take their hands off the wheel, you have to apply some pressure or input or the system will flash up a message on the screen. If you fail to acknowledge the message or put your hands back on the wheel, the system will assume that something has happened to the driver, and it will bring the truck to a stop and turn on the hazard lights. So, it is actually a safety feature.

It is difficult to say what benefits to economy the Aero cab actually has without doing a back-to-back comparison test with a regular FH cab, for that we’ll have to go with the European testing and accept their five per cent figure.

But we did keep a record of the fuel figures we achieved on our run from Brisbane to Sydney.

On the run, which totalled 944 kilometres, we achieved a best fuel figure of 2.2 km/ litre (45.5 litres/100km) and an overall fuel figure for the run of 2.17 km/litre or 46.6 litres/100km which is very good considering we were at 60 tonnes.

It’s also worth noting that this truck was new. When I picked it up from Wacol, it had less than 2000 kilome-

tres on the clock, so as the engine loosens up, the economy is sure to improve.

After my drive, what was really noticeable was how I felt after 12 hours in the saddle (minus the mandatory rest breaks, of course).

The smoothness and quietness of the truck really make it easier to do long runs, and after this run, I came out feeling great.

In the final wash-up, the combination of the Aero cab and the I-Save turbo-compound engine works on a number of levels.

Firstly economy. There is no doubt that this is an economical truck for doing me-

Specifications:

Engine: D13K Euro 6 Step E

Max Power: 500hp (368kW)

dium-weight line-haul work. Secondly, it’s a comfort able truck. Driver comfort is all-important these days and if the driver is comfortable, he or she is more likely to en joy their job and stay in the truck.

Finally, safety. Volvo has always had safety at the forefront of its truck designs and this truck, with all its features and now with Pilot Assist and Front Short Range Assist for detecting vulnera ble road users such as cyclists and pedestrians, has to be one of the safest trucks on the market today. And that is surely what we’re all after.

Max Torque: 2800Nm at 900 to 1250rpm

Transmission: I-Shift 12-speed overdrive auto

Front Axle: 7.1 tonne

Rear Axle: RTS2370B single reduction tandem

Axle Ratio: 3.09:1

Wheelbase: 3100

Fuel: 970 litres

AdBlue: 150 litres

Max GCM: 70 tonnes

Safety: Volvo Safety Platform incl adaptive/downhill cruise, air bags, ABS/EBS disc brakes, auto hold, collision warning with emergency brakes, driver alert support, camera monitoring system, corner camera, rear camera, lane keeping, ESP

Extending the front of the FH cab by 240mm allows for a smoother, more rounded frontal area.

Castlemaine draws a crowd

BY GEOFF CROCKETT

THE competition was tighter than ever as the trucking community came out in force at the 36th HHA & Larsen’s Castlemaine Rotary Truck Show in Victoria.

Braving the 32-degree heat on Saturday November 23 and a good smattering of rain on Sunday 24, thousands of spectators turned out to be part of one of the last truck shows of 2025.

More than 250 trucks registered at the two-day event which saw Campbells Creek Recreation Reserve come alive with trucks, truckies and their families out to celebrate the transport life.

It also featured a truck convoy on Sunday morning through the main street of Castlemaine that saw the streets lined early as locals sheltered under shop awnings to enjoy the parade of chrome that took nearly half an hour to roll through.

Heavy Haulage Australia boss Jon Kelly, who has co-sponsored the event for three years with Larsen’s Truck Sales, told the crowd this year’s judging was ex tremely difficult.

scoring process. Lots of trucks to get through, over 250 reg

istered trucks, 300 trucks on the ground,” he said.

When it came to the Truck of the Show, things became particularly challenging.

“Just to give you some background, top score in terms of truck show presentation is you can have a score of 30 out of 30. We had two trucks with a score of 30 out of 30,” Jon said.

“Normal truck shows, I suppose you see around the country, push the trophies around to share them around to different people. And I think the results should lie, where the results lie, and that was the decision we left with this weekend.

“As the result of that we’ve actually done a first, second and third place for the Truck of the Show here, for the first time ever at Castlemaine.”

The Truck of the Show went to 2023’s champion truck, a stunning 2022 Kenworth Legend SAR, owned by the Cornwill Transport. Second place went to Colli Timber and Hardware’s 1981 White Road Boss from Western Australia, while third place went to Maloney Bulk Transport’s

phies were handed out on the day across a range of categories, with Daniel Booby’s Peterbilt 379, owned by Spinefex, the most celebrated truck of the day, taking out the People’s Choice category, along with Best Paint (artwork), Best Interior and Custom categories.

Rotary Castlemaine president Terry Walsh said about 150 volunteers from Rotary and the local community helped to make the event a success, involved in everything from traffic management to cooking food, registering trucks, setting up and packing down the site.

“The Rotary Club here in Castlemaine consists of around 40 members, and we have a few honorary members who turn up to anything that’s got a Rotary badge on it, so we probably number about 50-ish,” Terry said.

“But there are a lot more people who’ve contributed across the weekend. So, all the community groups that we support through the year with funds have supplied their labour across this weekend, and we thank them enormously.”

Funds raised from the event are used to support a range of

Tony Whelan’s 1986 Kenworth W-Model took out Best on Ground on Saturday.

Truck of Show runner up Cesare Colli with Colli Timber and Hardware’s 1981 White Road Boss.

Daniel Booby with Spinefex’s Peterbilt 379, which won four awards over the weekend.

Andrew Derham’s popular Mack, which already has plenty of awards under its belt, won Best Restoration.

2024 Castlemaine Truck Show winners

People’s

Keatings Transport Bendigo brought this beaut along.

This International Transtar – nicknamed ‘Black Betty’ – stood out from the crowd.

D&S Darwin showed off this flash Kenworth.

Bates Ag and Haulage had a few well-presented rigs in Castlemaine over the weekend. This Fair Freighters Ford was a looker.

Whopper Illawarra Convoy raises $2.5m

BY KAYLA WALSH

THE 20th anniversary of the Illawarra Convoy was a huge success, with an incredible $2,502,020 raised for sick children and their families.

Over 700 trucks took part in the event, making their way from Illawarra Coal’s West Cliff Colliery at Appin through the streets of the Illawarra, winding up at Shellharbour Airport for a jam-packed day of family fun.

A whopping $1.6 million was raised for the Illawarra Community Foundation through the auctions for the convoy’s Lead Truck and Lead Bike, before a single engine even revved.

For the first time, the team from Tiny Tins and Wollongong Crane Trucks were given the honour of leading the convoy after donating $300,020 to the cause.

Tiny Tins, a family business who deliver skip bins throughout the Illawarra, has organised a series of fundraising events over the past year, including two major boxing events called Battle of the Businesses and a Halloween disco for kids.

Tiny Tins co-owner Karlie Zec told Big Rigs that the team were over the moon to have been able to donate such a large amount.

“We’re absolutely amazed,” she said. “It’s been a really tough year for fundraising, and we’ve worked really hard over the last 12 months to get to that figure.

“We were actually sitting at around $200,000 on the morning of the lead truck bidding, and we raised $100,000 in a couple of hours thanks to the help of the local community.”

Karlie described the atmosphere on the day as “beautiful and overwhelmingly emotional.”

She continued: “We’ve been doing the convoy for the past few years and I think it was the biggest crowd that we’ve seen yet.

“We were a bit worried it was going to rain but it was really sunny. It was just great to see so many people from the local community, the trucking community and the motorbike community coming together.”

Karlie said Tiny Tins wanted to support the Illawarra Community Foundation, which helps families battling

life- threatening and life-lim iting illnesses, for a number of reasons.

selves and lucky to have happy, healthy children but not every one is in the same position as us and needs a little bit of extra support,” she said.

“We’ve always loved to give back to the community now that we are in a position to do that, financially.”

Tiny Tins also has a personal connection to the cause as the six-year-old son of a family friend has a condition called

to his central line overnight that gives him everything he needs to survive. He’s had a real tough life but he’s the happiest, most energetic little boy you’ll ever meet.”

Ase was the star of the show on Sunday, leading the convoy out of the West Cliff Colliery in a miniature truck.

“He was leading until we actually got on the road, of course!” Karlie added.

“He had the best day ever.”

Hot on Ase’s heels, the lead full-size truck was an Isuzu Npr 200 driven by Orlane Mortimer from Wollongong Crane Trucks.

“Orlane and I are best friends and we’ve been a team for the convoy from the start,” Karlie said.

“We started fundraising

together four years ago. The first year we only raised $8000, the second year was $35,000 and then last year was $261,000 so we just keep

“The Illawarra Convoy will always be part of our work

ra community that sees this event grow each year.”

Ross Transport are major supporters of the convoy every year. Image: Moorey’s Photography

Murrells Freight Lines dressed up for the occasion. Image: Moorey’s Photography

The convoy featured 715 trucks and 672 motorbikes. Image: Illawarra Convoy

Little Ase, aged six, led the Illawarra Convoy in a miniature truck this year - until it got to the road, that is. Image: Tiny Tins

Tiny Tins raised a whopping $300,020 for the Illawarra Foundation through fundraising. Image: Karlie Zec

SJR brought their fleet along. Image: Moorey’s Photography

Share your truck pics to win with Shell Rimula

SHELL Rimula has partnered with Big Rigs in a big way – so there are 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 kayla.walsh@ primecreative.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 win ner announced each month.

Keep those amazing truck pics coming!

Congratulations to Kimberley Milczarek, who has won a $500 Shell Coles Express voucher for this great shot featuring the Aurora Australis.

Brett Mann sent us this lovely photo - heading south from Mount Isa.

Dennis McKenna took this incredible pic at Wagga after just missing the storm.

Thanks to Josh Rigney for this striking shot - waiting for a mate at GrainCorp Werris Creek.

Jake Lacey took this amazing shot near Quambatook, Vic after a storm came rolling through. Mike Conway got the drone out for this ripper pic in Kumarina, WA.

Michael Cook snapped this early morning pic near Agnew mine on the Sandstone Road, WA.

When the going gets tough, truckies keep everyone going

Dave McCarthy took this pic of “Chuppa Chup” the Mack Super-Liner sitting pretty at sunrise near Roma.

Zena Zee Malahoff snapped this while coming out of Tanbar Station, near Windorah, Qld.

We love this sunset snap from Tony West, taken near Marla, SA.

Trevor Wilson took this ripper pic while taking a quick break at Gunnedah.

Cheers to Reece Turvey for this amazing pic taken before an early morning departure from Melbourne.

Aaron Maher took this cool shot of a Wickham’s K220.

Zoran Naumovski took this great snap at the OTR Truck Stop in Bordertown, SA.

Truckies rally round in Bathurst

BY KAYLA WALSH

THIS year’s Dane Ballinger Memorial Truck Show in Bathurst was a smash hit, with over 170 rigs registered and many more turning up to join in the fun.

Event organiser Haylie Osborne said the crowd was the biggest one she’s seen since the show started in 2016.

“It was a great day,” she told Big Rigs. “We changed the layout of the event this year, moving the stage and the trade stalls to a central area, so it was quite different.

“We were a bit nervous about changing something that’s been running for so long but it went really well, everyone seemed really happy.

“And the weather was glorious, which was a bonus.”

Haylie said truckies came from far and wide to take part in the show, with some even travelling from as far as Tasmania.

Over 50 awards were handed out on the day, with the same rig as last year taking out Truck of the Show – Adrian Fenech’s immaculate 2013 K200.

“For him to win two years in a row, it’s just a testament to the truck,” Haylie said.

“The judge said that for a truck that works like it does, for Adrian to have it in that condition – you couldn’t pick anything else.”

After successfully adding a heritage section to the show last year, the organisers decided to bring it back again, with the trophy for Best Restored going to a 1970 C-Line International owned by Peter and Val Fitzpatrick.

Proceeds from the event will go to the 2bs and B-Rock Toy Appeal.

“Through multiple charities, they put together toys and hampers for local children who would otherwise not go without for Christmas,” Haylie said.

“We were happy to support such a great cause.”

Category winners

Best Tanker

Fenech Haulage

Best Stock Crate

JAJ Trucking

Best Curtain Sider

JDN Transport

Best Tray Top

Chris Watkins Furniture

Best Tipper (2021 – 2024)

Hangan Transport

Best Tipper (Up to 2020)

Diamond Excavations

Best Intrastate

Dawsons Removals

Best Interstate

Chris Watkins Furniture

Best Tilt Tray (2021- 2024)

GRS Towing

Best Tilt Tray (Up to 2020)

GRS Towing

Best Heavy Tow Truck

GRS Towing

Best Prime Mover (2021-2024)

Dawsons Removals

Best Prime Mover (2016-2020)

Ball Haulage

Best Prime Mover (up to 2015)

Fenech Haulage

Best Tanker – Painted

Brookes Transport

Best Pantech (2021 – 2024)

Lawrence Transport

Best Pantech (Up to 2020)

Chris Watkins Furniture

Best Tautliner (2021-2024)

Winston Express

Best Tautliner (Up to 2020)

Lawrence Transport

Best Flat Top

Tytan Transport

Best Logging

Combination

C & T Dwyer Transport Best Tipper

Hangan Transport

Best Tipper / Dog Combination

Topsoil Organics

Best Interstate (2021 - 2024)

Tyton Transport

Best Interstate (Up to 2020)

Lawrence Transport

Best Intrastate (2021 – 2024)

Brookes Transport

Best Intrastate (Up to 2020)

JDN Transport

Best B-Double (2021-2024)

Schaeffers Transport

Best B-Double (Up to 2020)

Chris Watkins Furniture

Best Prime Mover & Low Loader

Winston Express

Best Old Working (1995 - 2011)

Tri Clark Brothers

Best Old Nonworking (1995 - 2011)

Robert Starcic Best Specialised (2021 – 2024)

Schaeffers Transport Best Specialised (Up to 2020) Davtrans

Tarp

Transport

DA Campbell’s 2018 Kenworth T900, Boogie Nights, stood out from the crowd.

The show now has a heritage section, with plenty of retro rigs turning out.

Cranstons Transport took out Best Fleet.

Les Bird’s 1986 Mercedes Benz took out Best Working Condition in the heritage section.

Sydney operation Winston Express Haulage brought these well-presented rigs along.

P&G Trucking’s orange T409 SAR was gleaming in the sun.

Getting your vehicle back on the road

IMAGINE if you could get your vehicles repaired quicker, and back on the road faster.

That’s where NTI’s in-house Repair Management Team comes in.

As Australia’s largest heavy vehicle insurance specialist, their 24-person Repair Management Team is made up of experts with industry backgrounds, including mechanics, panel beaters, spray painters and more. The team operates nationally, meaning someone can be on the ground assessing vehicles across the country – while liaising with their claims teams and repairer network to ensure time off the road is kept to a minimum.

“Our team motto is we insure Australia-wide, and we assess Australia-wide,” said Dion Cooper, NTI’s manager – repair management and assessing.

“Our team specialises in heavy vehicles, so customers aren’t dealing with assessors that don’t understand the industry. We’re from the industry, and we know heavy vehicles inside out.”

Thanks in part to the work of NTI’s Repair Management Team, NTI on average gets heavy vehicles back on the road many days faster than other insurance providers.

WE ALWAYS TRY TO MAKE EVERY CLAIM GO AS SMOOTHLY AS POSSIBLE AND AIM TO GET OUR CLIENTS BACK ON THE ROAD IN THE SHORTEST AMOUNT OF TIME.”

DION

COOPER

The team in action

When a claim comes through to NTI, it gets directed to the most suitable team member, who gets in touch with the customer and arranges an in-person visit.

Dion explained: “It’s a big part of our service offering that we are there in person and assess exactly what needs to be repaired. “Also, if customers need any refurbishment work done at the same time, or any new accessories fitted – for example, a bull bar put on – this can be arranged. That’s the type of relationship we have with our customers and our repairers.”

The sum of many parts

While NTI’s Repair Management Team is located around the country, the team recently travelled to Brisbane for their

three-day in-house conference.

“We shared insights, trends, and discussed the stress points we’re seeing in the industry at present,” added Dion.

“We did some training on new technology, and had experts come and talk to us about braking applications on trailers.”

The new technology Dion refers to is a new tablet-based application that will help the team collect information more efficiently, helping to further optimise their processes.

As keeping up with the latest developments in the in-

dustry is invaluable, the team also went on site visits to gain knowledge and new insights.

“We went out to look at a few repair facilities, including one for mobile plant equipment, to enhance our knowledge of the intricacies involved in mobile plant repair,” explained Dion.

“We got insights into new repair techniques and discussed some of the new challenges that come with repairing electric vehicles, too.”

“We’re constantly looking at areas of development and

improvement that can create a positive impact,” Dion said.

“Insurance can be fairly intangible a lot of the time, and sometimes it’s at claim time when people find out their insurance product might not have been the most appropriate for them. We understand that this time can be challenging, that’s why we always try to make every claim go as smoothly as possible and aim to get our clients back on the road in the shortest amount of time.”

* NTI insurance products are administered on behalf of the insurers by NTI Limited ABN 84 000 746 109 AFSL 237246. This article contains general information only and you should obtain your own professional advice based on your personal and business circumstances. NTI bears no responsibility, and shall not be held liable, for any loss, damage or injury arising directly or indirectly from your use of or reliance on the information in this article.

World of benefits with Ryco fleet support

NOW more than ever, business and fleet owners everywhere need to get the most out of every dollar spent.

To ensure your fleet is Ryco Ready, our staff and contact centre are always prepared to assist you with specialist support, filtration expertise and more.

The Ryco team can review your fleet’s needs and requirements, provide technical information and assist with providing quotes through

It’s why Ryco have a dedicated sales team to assist workshops, distributors, and fleets around the country to ensure they get exactly what they need, when they need it. Every Ryco filter also comes with a world of unseen benefits. It means that when workshops and fleet managers use Ryco filters, they can be sure the filters they’re using meet or exceed OE standards. This ensures that when a truck is serviced utilising Ryco, you can be confident your new vehicle warranty is protected. Ryco also has the most comprehensive range of vehicle filters and specialist filter programs, meaning that no matter what vehicles are in your fleet, Ryco has you covered.

our distribution channels.

To make shopping for Ryco products even easier, you can access Ryco’s Commercial Filtration Guide by visiting www.e-book.rycofilters.com. au. The 68-page guide showcases product images with cross references across popular North American, European and Japanese models, making it super easy to identify your truck filters. So, when you need to get the job done, be Ryco Ready.

Contact Ryco on 1800 804 541 or fleetsupport@ryco filters.com to find out more about how we can help.

NTI’s manager – repair management and assessing Dion Cooper.

NTI, on average, gets heavy vehicles back on the road many days faster than other insurance providers.

Successful new student program creates truck drivers of the future in Townsville

THE first intake of students has successfully completed the first intake of the QTA Driving Townsville’s Future Program with a 100 per cent employment outcome.

North Queensland’s transport and logistics sectors are facing a critical shortage of skilled workers, with the lack of truck drivers and logistics personnel becoming a growing concern. As the demand for freight services surges, especially in the rapidly expanding Townsville region, the industry is struggling to keep up. This shortage is not just a local issue but a nationwide challenge, threatening the efficiency of supply chains and the timely delivery of goods across Australia.

ville’s Future Program, funded by Jobs Queensland

through the Grow Your Own Regional Workforce Progust and is a timely initiative

by the Queensland Government’s Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022-2032, this program is set to create a vital pathway for new entrants into the transport and logistics industries.

Creating opportunities through targeted training

The accelerated pre-apprenticeship and traineeship initiative is aimed at equipping participants with the skills and qualifications necessary to succeed in the transport and logistics sectors. The pro-

ing units from the Certificate III in Driving Operations (TLI31222) and the Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations (TLI30321). These qualifications are highly regarded within the industry and provide a strong foundation for a career in heavy vehicle operations or supply chain management. Registered training organisation Saltera Training specialises in training for the transport and logistics industry in Queensland and designed an immersive and interactive training program for the students.

Practical engaging activities, as well as over eight site visits to transport businesses around Townsville gave students an excellent view into the industry. The student cohort included participants between the ages of 18-63 and all eligible students also achieved either their MR or HR licence.

Get Involved in intake 2

The QTA is seeking interest from people looking to start a career in the transport and logistics industry. The QTA Driving Townsville’s Future Program offers a unique opportunity. Participants will need to meet certain eligibility criteria, including the ability to work in Australia and pass necessary screenings, but the

rewards are significant. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a program that is not only shaping careers but also driving the future of Townsville’s transport and logistics sectors.

For more information, head to qta.com.au/driv ing-townsvilles-future or contact Angela Mottram at angela@qta.com.au or 0401 712 516.

*Note: Participation in this program requires a commitment to meeting the employment standards and expectations set by employers. Financial investments for medical screenings may be required, and participants must have their own transport options to attend the training and work experience.

Graduating students pictured with QTA’s Lisa Fraser.

Introducing the Capricorn Confidence Index

AS part of their ‘50 Years Strong’ celebrations, Capricorn has launched the Capricorn Confidence Index, released in their fifth annual State of the Nation report. With over 30,000 members across Australia and New Zealand, Capricorn is uniquely positioned to share the perspective of business owners in the automotive aftermarket industry, capturing how they’re feeling about an industry that keeps over 20 million motor vehicles safely on our roads and in our communities.

“The Capricorn Confidence Index is a barometer for the health of the automotive aftermarket industry, and we believe it’s the most accurate measure of business owners’ confidence in the future of the automotive aftermarket,” said Brad Gannon, Capricorn’s Incoming Group CEO.

“Business and industry confidence is often used as an indicator of the overall condition of an industry and is a helpful tool in anticipating and preparing for future challenges.”

The Capricorn Confidence Index combines the responses to three questions, confidence in the automotive industry, confidence in their own business’ future and plans for business growth, to calculate a single score out of 100 points. This score reflects the overall business outlook of respondents, and with four years of data and insight, offers Capricorn and the automotive industry a stable and reliable metric.

In 2024, the Capricorn Confidence Index for Australia is 71.3 points. This shows, that whilst the industry is facing significant change and current economic conditions may be challenging, the majority of

business owners are confident in the future of their industry and their business.

Over the past four years, the Index in Australia has improved by three points from 68.3. This reflects growing optimism amongst Capricorn Members regarding their current position and economic outlook.

“We are pleased to be able to publish the Index, and hope our members, suppliers and the wider automotive community will find this measure of confidence in our sector useful in the years to come,” shared Brad.

“At Capricorn, we take great pride in working in an industry that is prepared to tackle the future, whatever it may be, with enthusiasm and optimism.”

The State of the Nation report is a resource for anyone interested in automotive and mobility in Australia.

The data shows that Australian business owners in the automotive industry are not only resilient but look forward to the industry’s growth and future.

Read more about the Capricorn Confidence Index in the 2024 State of the Nation report. Visit cap.coop/SOTN

The expert team at Wembley Autocare. Images: Capricorn

The Glynde Garage at Glynde, South Australia.

Aussie Truck Rehab star Jon Kelly’s top picks for a range of truck upgrades

THE Silverback crew bumped into Jon Kelly and his team at the recent Casino Truck Show. Their line-up of massive trucks was super impressive, attracting a crowd of truck drivers, owners, and fans from all over.

During our chat, Jon gave us detailed insight into the 379 Peterbilt and T659 Kenworth trucks. He also shared what makes these trucks unique and described the hard work required to complete the setup just in time for the event.

The Silverback team lives and breathes everything related to trucks, so it was interesting for our team to catch a glimpse of the Aussie Truck Rehab television series. Seeing our Silverback gear prominently shown on national TV reinforces our reputation as the top choice among truck enthusiasts.

The rise of Silverback Tri-Ribbed Fenders

Every year, new trends roll in, but some styles just have that timeless vibe. Take the Silverback Tri-Ribbed Fenders, for instance. They’re catching more and more eyes as classic vintage style makes a big comeback in the trucking world.

The blue Kenworth T659 pictured was custom-crafted by the Heavy Haulage Asset team (HHA). It’s not just a pretty face for shows – this legend is a fully functional work truck that’s ready to hit

the road! Decked out with a 7” Chrome Stack in straight cut style, complemented with Silverback Ribbed Fenders. Another impressive addition to HHA’s portfolio is Daniel Booby’s 2002 model 379 Peterbilt. This custom-built powerhouse features 8” Silverback Monster Stacks, standing at 4.2 metres tall, with 1.6mm thick Smooth Fenders, showcasing its formidable presence.

Jon Kelly says most of their working and show trucks are equipped with 7” and 8” Silverback Chrome stacks in Monster Set Up, creating a sleek, continuous look that

enhances the rigs’ appearance while preventing stack discolouration.

The Silverback Fenders were the preferred choice, featured in the 379 Peterbilt and T659 Kenworth rigs.

As Jon noted, “Silverback Guards are significantly thicker, made of quality stainless steel with two highend material options, and are durable enough to stand the test of time.”

Get to know the Silverback Armour Brand

Silverback Armour is the Aussie trucker’s top choice

for the ‘Ultimate Beast’ upgrade, sourcing and manufacturing the toughest truck gear around the globe, and selecting only the finest to offer in the Australian trucking community. It does not matter where the products are born, only where they are raised and perfected. And anything raised in Australia has a fair dinkum upbringing!

As part of the CSC Group Australia, we leverage over four decades of experience in exhaust and emission control, vehicle protection and compliance, and aftermarket enhancements. We

believe in the importance of continuous innovation and rigorous testing with the latest technology to ensure our products can withstand the harshest weather and the toughest roads, earning us a

reputation as one of the leading providers in the automotive industry. Keep an eye out for new upcoming products that Silverback will soon be releasing into the wild.

Wallmek tools now available at CSA

COMPLETE Steering Australia (CSA) has recently been appointed as the distributor and stockist of Wallmek time saving tools for Australia and New Zealand.

Wallmek is located in Sweden and has been manufacturing time saving tools since 1978, producing and designing specialty tools for cars, trucks and buses.

The Wallmek research and development department works in close cooperation with workshops to ensure the best possible productivity, ergonomics and health. “We are very good at designing hydraulic tools that enable repairs directly on the truck and bus,” the company said.

Today Wallmek is develop-

ing tools directly for car, truck and bus manufacturers, the aftermarket and garages.

As the company continues to expand, it is now also involved in customer segments like trucks, trailers and construction machinery. Wallmek products are developed, produced and marketed in a direction where the products make the best use for the customer.

Today’s workshops want skilled and experienced technicians that don’t get injured during their job. Ergonomics and working environment are the basic things that makes it possible to keep the best technicians in the workshop, loving what they do. The workshop will then increase in productivity and the skill level can rise every day.

The right tools are not a cost, it’s the best investment in the technician’s potential to get the job done quicker and safer. The expensive tool is the one that doesn’t get the job done at all

or breaks due to bad quality when you need it the most. Wallmek produces a wide range of products, from rod end and king pin hydraulic removers to basic truck and bus garage packages.

To save time in your workshop contact Complete Steering Australia for demonstration videos or on-site representation on

The Silverback team chatted with Jon Kelly at the recent Casino Truck Show. Images: CSC Group Australia

King pin remover.

Ball joint remover.

Pneumatic variable hydraulic pump pedal.

This Kenworth T659 was custom-made by the Heavy Haulage Asset team with 7” Silverback stacks and SS ribbed fenders.

Daniel Booby’s 2002 model 379 Peterbilt features 8” Silverback Monster Stacks, standing at 4.2 metres tall.

Exciting times ahead for Northside Diesel

AS Northside Diesel celebrates 12 months under the ownership of husband and wife team Michael and Chris Sage, they revealed they’re excited about what lies ahead.

Based at Caboolture in Queensland, Northside Diesel operates from a 10-bay workshop, specialising in providing top-quality servicing, repairs, and maintenance for trucks of all makes and models.

situated on a one-acre piece of land, with 1000 square metres of undercover sheds. The business is also a service agent for Volvo, Mack and UD Trucks, along with having service agreements with various other suppliers too. It can cater to a wide variety of customer needs, specialising in diesel engines – from trucks, cars and four wheel drives, to machinery and motorhomes. The site features a six-bay truck workshop, a three-bay automotive

Michael says he and Chris took over the business on December 5, 2023, and since then have been firmly focused on driving the business forward.

“Some positive changes have occurred, as we’ve reinvested in our people and in our workshop equipment. We’ve also had two new apprentices come on board in the past month,” he revealed.

“In November, Ashley joined us as a second-year apprentice, and Quinn has signed up as a first-year apprentice. Quinn had previously come here for work experience while he was studying and asked if we could put him on, and we were really happy to have him join the business.”

Michael continued, “In the past six months, we’ve also had Mitch come on board. He’s a Toyota-trained mechanic but joined our business in June, as a parts interpreter. And we’ve had light vehicle mechanic Connor join us too, in our light vehicle department.”

Northside Diesel currently employs nine full time staff, with Chris overseeing the administration side of the business and long-time employee Dirk Neale – who Michael describes as his right-hand man – serving as Northside Diesel manager. A qualified diesel mechanic, Dirk oversees the entire

workshop operation and spare parts division.

Along with being firmly focused on its people, Northside Diesel has also invested heavily in its workshop equipment. “We’ve upgraded some of our equipment, modernising our workshop to make it easier and more efficient for our workers. At Northside Diesel, we’re always trying to improve and put more money back into the business,” explained Michael.

While he admits the first

six months brought some challenges, as he and Chris worked to grow and improve the business, Michael says the second half of 2024 has been going really well. “It’s been quite good. We’ve all found our own place now within the business. Getting the right staff in the right area can be a challenge for any business, but I’m proud to say we’ve got a really great group of staff with us.

Over the next 12 months, Michael says he’s looking forward to really growing the

business and expanding it even further.

“We’re also looking to employ two more mechanics – one in the heavy vehicle division and a light vehicle mechanic.

“There’s still plenty more to come in the new year. We’ll be redoing all the building signs out front, so our building will get a makeover too.”

For more information, please visit the website at northsidediesel.com.au or call 07 5495 4133.

Northside Diesel is based at Caboolture in Queensland. Images: Northside Diesel

Northside Diesel manager Dirk Neale shows mechanics how to

Free filtration training from the experts

ON Australian roads, your truck faces a lot of challenges

– dirt, sand, dust, and even dirty fuel all take a toll on your engine’s performance over time. But what we often overlook are the microscopic particles within these materials. While they don’t immediately demand your attention like a misfiring engine, a sudden decrease in acceleration, or a leak under the cab, they’re just as critical.

These hidden particles contribute to many of the immediate problems you may notice in your truck, and they all trace back to one thing: dirty, clogged or outdated filtration technology.

While you might not think about your filters as often as you should, Atmus Filtration does.

As a leading designer of air, fuel, hydraulic, lube filtration, and coolant filters, Atmus Filtration is dedicated to helping you keep your truck or fleet running at peak efficiency. Their mission is to help you combat those troublesome microscopic particles that can cause long-term damage to your systems and performance.

Atmus Filtration’s flagship technology, NanoNets, is built to tackle these challenges. Made from woven nanofibers, NanoNet filters capture contaminants more effectively than traditional filters, reducing unnecessary wear on

MADE FROM WOVEN NANOFIBERS, NANONET FILTERS CAPTURE CONTAMINANTS MORE EFFECTIVELY THAN TRADITIONAL FILTERS, REDUCING UNNECESSARY WEAR ON YOUR ENGINE.”

your engine and improving your system’s performance by up to 13 times than that of standard filters.

But Atmus Filtration’s focus isn’t just on providing top-quality filtration products. They’re also committed to improving industry-wide knowledge, which is why they offer a range of training courses designed to boost understanding around this vital aspect of the trucking business.

Their training programs will equip you and your team with the expertise you need to understand the importance of filtration, and how selecting the right filter media can benefit not only your fleet, but also your clients and customers. Without this knowledge, you might be unknowingly causing harm to your engines and systems every time you refuel, change lubricants or start the engine.

While this might sound alarming, it’s a real concern, which is why Atmus Filtration is so passionate about delivering cross-industry training.

The benefits of this training extend beyond keeping your fleet running smoothly. With the right education,

you’ll gain a deeper understanding of filtration as a whole, empowering you to confidently discuss the best filtration solutions for your customers’ machinery.

This upskilling process benefits both you and your team, giving you a broader knowledge base that can be

applied across different roles and industries – should you be looking for a new challenge in the future.

Atmus Filtration offers training for all levels of expertise, so no matter where you’re at, there’s an opportunity to learn. Best of all, their training programs are completely free. Their goal is simple: to improve the industry’s understanding of the critical role filtration plays in keeping trucks and machinery running smoothly.

If you’re interested in learning more, visit fleetguard.com and go to the Support tab/ Product training to explore easy ways to fit training into your busy schedule:

• Webinar Series – Atmus Filtration offers a free monthly webinar series on topics like coolant fundamentals, NanoNet technology, air and lube filtration, and more.

• Fleetschool Online Learning Programs – For those looking for a flexible learning option, Fleetschool’s self-paced online courses allow you to dive into various filtration topics at your own convenience. It’s the perfect

option for those aiming to become experts without the need to leave the office.

• Technical in-person training – Atmus Filtration experts can visit your workplace to conduct TAFE and toolbox talks, bringing valuable insights to your team directly at your site. Terry Duncan, parts manager at Transall Motors, participated in one of Atmus Filtration’s recent webinars on Filtration Fundamentals. As he shared, “I found the webinar was well presented and easy to follow, and the content was very helpful. Atmus Filtration always delivers informative and engaging technical sessions, and this one was no exception.”

So, if it’s been a while since you have updated your filtration knowledge, or if you want to enhance your customer service by adding filtration expertise to your offerings, get in touch with Atmus Filtration.

Visit fleetguard.com to find out more and see how they’re training the industry – one NanoNet at a time.

Atmus Filtration’s training programs will equip you and your team with the expertise you need to understand the importance of filtration. Image: Atmus Filtration

Atmus Filtration’s products perform even in the harshest environments.

The destination for parts

VOLWRECK started in the northern suburbs of Melbourne in 2001 by current company directors John Lirosi and Graeme Troutbeck.

It operates from its Glenbarry Road site in Campbellfield – where it serves its growing customer-base, Australia-wide.

In starting the business, they used their knowledge of Volvos, learned during their apprenticeships with the brand, with operations centred on dismantling old Volvo trucks.

Though they started out selling second-hand parts, they soon branched out into new aftermarket truck and trailer parts – now catering to both the new and used parts market.

While Volvo remains at the centre of the Volwreck business, it also supplies numerous parts for a wide range of European trucks, including Mercedes-Benz, DAF, MAN, Iveco and Renault – importing from Europe and Asia for the Australian market.

Volwreck stocks parts from various brands including Diesel Technic, Sampa, Vaden, Sachs, Wabco, Meritor, etc. And if they don’t have the part you require in stock, the team are happy to source it for you.

The team at Volwreck prides itself with providing excellent customer service –its sales team aims to answer all customers queries as soon as possible.

Offering a same-day service, Volwreck can help its customers quickly get back on the road – whether it be engine components, brake parts, suspension products, propeller shaft parts, fuel filters or air compressors to name just a few, Volwreck has you covered.

Working with numerous freight companies that service all areas nationwide, Volwreck remains firmly focused on providing a prompt and cost-effective delivery service of your order. Volwreck will also remain open throughout the entire Christmas/New Year period, only closing on the public holidays.

At Volwreck, we’re your ultimate destination for truck

WHILE VOLVO REMAINS AT THE CENTRE OF THE VOLWRECK BUSINESS, IT ALSO SUPPLIES NUMEROUS PARTS FOR A WIDE RANGE OF EUROPEAN TRUCKS.”

parts, offering unmatched expertise, an extensive product range, and unbeatable reliability.

With years of experience in the trucking industry, Volwreck understands the unique needs of truck drivers and strives to exceed their expectations at every turn. They are also ready to offer advice, to ensure you get the parts that best suit your needs.

Experience the difference and keep your fleet running smoothly – for the long haul. Volwreck is located at 3/55 Glenbarry Road, Campbell field, Victoria.

For more information about Volwreck or to get in touch, visit volwreck.com.au, call 03 9357 7081, email info@ volwreck.com.au or like us on our Facebook page.

CHRISTMAS TRADING HOURS

Normal Trading Hours

Monday 16th December to Saturday 21st December 2024.

Open on Monday 23rd December 2024.

Closed from

Tuesday 24th December to Thursday 26th December 2024.

Re-open on Friday 27th December to Tuesday 31st December 2024.

Closed on Wednesday 1st January 2025.

Normal Trading Resume on Thursday 2nd January 2025.

Images: Volwreck

Volwreck stocks a wide range of new and used parts.

The Volwreck sales team.

Tyre pressure is critical to safe operations

TYRES are the only contact between you and the terrain being travelled. Air pressure regulates and controls that contact patch. Without that air control, road grip is unpredictable. Here’s why you should make AIR CTI your choice of Central Tyre Inflation System.

AIR CTI is tough

Whether your vehicle is working desert tracks, ice and snow or national highways, the AIR CTI wheel rotators, air lines and brackets are built to survive the worst conditions.

AIR CTI is smart

Our bright, easy-to-use pressure tracking technology keeps drivers informed about tyre condition, with advanced slow leak detection and blowout alarms. Store your favourite pressure preferences for different roads and situations.

AIR CTI gives you choices

There are three types of Central Tyre Inflation kits AIR CTI has available:

• TRADESMAN HYWAY

AIR CTI System: This is an ‘up & down’ system matching the majority of CTI systems on the market.

• PREMIUM AIR CTI System: This system works for every situation and working

• ues both in psi or Kilopascals (Kpa).

A smaller dashboard control, at 9.5cm (L) x 3.5cm (W) x 1.5cm (D), a little bigger than a credit card, is available and it supports two tyre zones. It is suitable for trucks where the driver wants a more basic inflate/deflate pressure tracking system. It automatically dims at night for night driving and can fit most places on a busy dashboard. It is also ideal for four-wheel-drive vehicles or leisure vehicles in conjunction with any reasonably capable

ety of situations. It comes both as an on-dash box mount or a flush mount version that can recess into a dashboard, ensuring limited interference to your driving vision.

With separate or bound-together multi-tyre zone controls, tyres can be arranged into independent zones of drive wheels, steer wheels or trailers, or can be bonded together so one touch by the driver can adjust some of the wheel pressures or all of them, from the comfort of the driver’s seat.

The types of bonding avail-

derstand that not all vehicles are made the same. AIR CTI hardware is versatile, to apply to almost every vehicle in every situation, from emergency services, trucking, agricultural equipment and other vehicles.

AIR CTI will save you every time

We support what we sell. We have dealers around Australia who can fit and support our product with a 500,000km/ three-year warranty.

loads is restricted. AIR CTI technology reduces the likelihood of flat tyres and provides technology to ensure individual tyres can be isolated, keeping you moving.

Steer wheels/drive wheels/

For a B-double: Drive

For a road train: Trailer 1/

AIR CTI has safety outcomes

AIR CTI allows shorter braking distances with correct tyre pressure. Unique air distribution hardware ensures the un desirable effect of cross-flow of air between tyres during cornering and unbalanced

AIR CTI display units also support the addition of a ground speed sensor, which uses GPS technology to determine how fast the vehicle is travelling. If maximum safe speeds for low and medium pressures have been exceeded, this sensor can make the CTI system automatically jump to medium or high tyre pressures, in case the driver forgets to do this manually.

AIR CTI provides positive environmental

and allows you to traverse unstable terrain, assisting you to keep on schedule, reduces compaction of soil for maximising profits and reduces tyre waste. The AIR CTI system improves driver health outcomes and reduces mechanical issues caused by vibrational impacts.

AIR CTI support locals Made in Australia. All system components and electronics are designed, built and tested right here in Australia since 1998. Our long history in the industry means we understand the advantages and challenges of this technology.

And finally… At AIR CTI we do just one -

(L) x

(W) x 1.5cm (D), the Hyway controller is a little bigger than a credit card. Images: AIR CTI

The evolution of excellence

AT Superchrome Wheels, we don’t just manufacture wheels – we craft experiences.

Every driver knows that wheels are more than a functional component, they’re a statement of power, precision and personality.

For decades, Superchrome Wheels has been at the forefront of innovation, delivering high-performance wheels that marry cutting-edge technology with head-turning aesthetics.

But what truly sets us apart? Our commitment to quality and durability.

In today’s trucking world, drivers demand more.

Whether it’s the ability to navigate tough terrain, endure harsh weather conditions, or simply turn heads at the next truck show, wheels are the unsung heroes of the road. Superchrome Wheels understands this responsibility. That’s why we invest in rigorous testing and advanced engineering to ensure our wheels don’t just look incredible – they perform flawlessly under the most demanding conditions.

However, it’s no secret that performance comes with challenges. As with any product subjected to high stress, durability is critical.

At Superchrome Wheels, we take this challenge seriously.

By working with industry experts and leveraging innovative materials, we constantly refine our manufacturing processes to enhance the longevity of our product. Every wheel undergoes meticulous quality checks, ensuring it meets our strict standards before it reaches your rig.

Looking ahead, our mission is clear: to keep pushing boundaries. Whether it’s through sustainable materials, advanced manufacturing techniques, or de-

signs inspired by the future, Superchrome Wheels will continue to lead the charge in revolutionising the wheel industry.

To our loyal customers, thank you for trusting us to be part of your journey. For those just discovering us, welcome to a world where innovation, durability and style collide. Together, let’s keep moving forward – one revolution at a time.

Superchrome Wheels: Where performance meets perfection.

Lawrence Transport looking the goods with Superchrome Wheels. Images: Superchrome Wheels

Superchrome Wheels provides some added shine for G & D Richards Transport.

SPONSORED CONTENT WORKSHOP FEATURE

Best tools for all your Driving innovation and enhanced safety

AS a cornerstone in the trucking industry, ABS Trailquip excels both as a supplier and a trusted manufacturer. Specialising in essential components for both trucks and trailers, ABS designs and manufactures axles, suspensions, towing equipment, trailers, and braking systems to meet the demands of specialised applications. By focusing on high quality, durable parts, ABS continually raises the standard for reliability and safety in heavy duty transport.

ISO 9001-certified, ABS Trailquip operates with a steadfast commitment to quality management, competitive pricing, and customer service, ensuring that every delivery meets the highest standards. This commitment is evident in the continuous expansion of their product line, specifically designed to enhance safety and efficiency in heavy vehicle maintenance.

One of ABS Trailquip’s more recent innovations is its workshop safety stands for raised tipper bodies, with over 500 sets now in use across the industry. This advanced safety stand is engineered to secure the tipper body in a raised position, placing it between the body and the chassis to prevent any accidental lowering. Designed for mechanics’ peace

of mind, this stand replaces makeshift supports, offering a dependable, purpose-built solution that is 100 per cent Australian-made, tested rigor ously to Australian Standards, and adjustable to fit a variety of tipper sizes. Additional ly, a safety chain attachment ensures secure positioning. Locally manufactured, ABS guarantees consistent stock availability to meet industry demand without delay. Through innovation, qual ity, and a dedication to saf er work environments, ABS Trailquip’s workshop safety stand reinforces their lead ership in delivering superior, Australian-made solutions to the trucking industry.

SERVICING truck workshops right across the country, Trucktools is fully Australian owned and operated. Having been in business for close to 25 years, Trucktools knows the job and knows it

As the name suggests, the company provides all the tools you need to work on your truck/s – whether it be for maintenance or repairs.

Engineering Design Services – update existing designs or develop new products SERVICES WE OFFER:

Manufacturers

Parts for Heavy Equipment

It’s range of products continues to grow and expand, with two warehouses fully stocked with truck specialty tools and equipment, all available to order online –and shipped Australia-wide.

For those working in truck or trailer workshops, Trucktools can supply all the tools you need to get the job done.

Trucktools stocks a broad range of brands. Whether it be truck engine tools, truck filter tools, truck injector/fuel line tools, truck brake/steering/suspension tools, truck hub pullers and axle tools, truck workshop equipment, truck axle sockets, truck wheel service tools, gear/ bearing pullers/seal drivers, hand tools, torque wrenchers, or truck diagnostic tools – Trucktools has you covered.

It stocks its own brand of truck tools, as well as products from a wide range of other manufacturers.

Among the latest product offerings in the portfolio is Trucktools’ heavy-duty King Pin Press, which enables you to remove kingpins in just minutes with relative ease and efficiency.

Despite being able to gener ate 46,000 lbs of force, this innovative piece of equip ment is lightweight, weigh ing just 30 lbs.

The King Pin Press has been engineered for use with up to a 1” impact tool and features anti-torque arms to prevent twisting of the main body while under extreme force.

This product was designed

with a goal in mind: to build the best king pin press possible, that requires only one operator in order to use it.

Trucktools has also optimised the end plates, manufacturing them out of highgrade steel and into diamond shapes – drastically reducing the overall mass of the tool.

Coming in at 75 per cent lighter than its closest competitor, this clever design results in huge savings in the tool’s overall weight.

Trucktools’ King Pin Press includes three different forcing screw options, giving you the ability to service everything from 3/4 ton pick-ups through to Class 8 trucks.

A shortened 1 1/4” forcing screw allows you to access kingpins from the hardest

ABS Trailquip’s workshop safety stands are designed for raised tipper bodies. Images: ABS Trailquip

accidental lowering.

The King Pin Press is suitable for use on a wide range of vehicles. Images: Trucktools

Hydrosteer: Steering their future trucks

and tightest wheel wells –even on buses. Trucktools has also included its three most popular tie rod end removers: 7/8”, 3/4”, and 20mm.

This King Pin Press is suitable for use on a wide range of vehicles, including brands like Kenworth, Peterbilt, Freightliner, Mack, Volvo, Isuzu NPR, Ram 3500/5500, Chevrolet 3500/5500 and Ford F-350/550 – and works with both straight and tapered kingpins from 7/8” to 2 5/32.

Optionally, you can service Isuzu NPR & GMC/Chevrolet W-series trucks with the 90151 adapter; and can also remove 2 1/2” King Pins with the 90153 Clearance Plate Adapter.

Trucktools has become a valued supplier to heavy duty diesel mechanics along with fleet service workshops across Australia, as well as overseas. Its growing customer base extends across the country, as well as to other countries, including New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.

To save its customers time, the easy-to-use online store means workshops and mechanics can order what they need, for timely dispatch.

But at the same time, Trucktools also understands not everyone wants to order online, so the team can also assist customers over the phone.

The warehouse is strategically located just 1km off the Princes Highway, with truck access available for all carriers who collect on a daily basis.

Trucktools also recently took over the adjacent warehouse next door, which doubled its previous footprint, allowing it to increase its product offering even further.

For more information, please visit the Trucktools website at trucktools.com. au, or call 1800 000 561 (Monday to Friday).

HYDROSTEER offers Australia’s largest selection of heavy vehicle power steering products, covering all makes and most models. The range includes top global brands such as R.H. Sheppard, TRW, ZF Aftermarket, Bosch, and Vickers, among others, and also custom manufactures to customer requirements.

In the dynamic world of manufacturing, few companies shine as brightly as Hydrosteer. Nestled in the heart of Bayswater’s industrial community, Hydrosteer’s head office and manufacturing facility have become synonymous with innovation and quality, specialising in the supply and local production of heavy vehicle steering products. The journey of Hydrosteer, marked by its commitment to excellence, has significantly impacted the heavy vehicle power steering industry.

Founded over four decades ago, Hydrosteer began with a straightforward mission: to provide high-quality truck power steering products that meet the rigorous demands of the transport industry. From these humble beginnings, the company has evolved into a leading supplier and manufacturer, renowned for its precision engineering and dedication to customer satisfaction.

A key differentiator for Hydrosteer is its commitment to local manufacturing. By keeping production close to

home, Hydrosteer ensures that every product meets stringent original equipment quality standards, supported by their ISO-certified product development and manufacturing process. This local approach not only creates jobs within the community but also reduces the environmental impact associated with long-distance shipping, This, in turn, shortens product lead times dramatically.

Innovation at Hydrosteer is more than just a buzzword; it’s a way of life. The company’s manufacturing facility is equipped with highly developed and enhanced machinery, enabling the production of cutting-edge steering products. From steering columns to complete power steering systems, Hydrosteer’s products are designed to enhance vehicle performance and safety.

Hydrosteer is committed to Australian made products and has the official seal of approval – our range of Australian made mitre gears, and dual steering control systems complement our reputation for reliability and excellence.

We also manufacture a large range of components that are utilised in our steering slip shafts and drag link and tie rod assemblies.

Hydrosteer’s success can be attributed to its unwavering focus on customer satisfaction. The company works closely with its customers to under-

stand their specific needs and deliver customised solutions. This customer-centric approach has earned Hydrosteer the reputation of being a recognised leader and vital link between Australia’s heavy vehicle manufacturing and maintenance industries.

As a local manufacturer, Hydrosteer takes pride in giving back to the community. The company regularly supports charitable initiatives and collaborates with educational institutions to promote education. By fostering a strong connection with the community, Hydrosteer not only enhances its brand image but also contributes to the

overall well-being of the area.

As the heavy vehicle industry continues to evolve, Hydrosteer is poised to lead the way in steering product innovation. The company is investing heavily in research and development to stay ahead of industry trends and meet the changing needs of its customers. With a growing focus on electric and autonomous vehicles, Hydrosteer is developing next-generation steering systems that revolutionise the driving experience.

Hydrosteer is more than just a manufacturer of steering products; it’s a pillar of the community and a leader in heavy vehicle steering inno-

vation. By prioritising quality, sustainability, customer satisfaction and the industry’s topnotch after-sales support. Hydrosteer is steering the future of the heavy vehicle industry. Whether you’re a heavy vehicle specialist, professional driver or a car enthusiast, you can trust Hydrosteer to deliver the best in steering products and technology. Hydrosteer has four factory owned facilities, with a third-party distribution centre in Brisbane.

Contact any one of our friendly team members to discuss your steering needs or visit hydrosteer.com.au.

Drag link assembly tubes.

Isuzu hopes to tackle driver crisis

BY KAYLA WALSH

ISUZU Australia has said it is hoping to do its part to combat the nationwide driver shortage with its new range of trucks, set for release next year.

Addressing members of the media at a briefing in Melbourne yesterday, Isuzu Australia’s chief of Product Matt Sakhaie acknowledged that there are a complex range of factors affecting driver attraction and retention.

However, he said one “critical aspect” that Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) like Isuzu can influence is “the continued development of safe, comfortable and professional workspaces for drivers to ply their trade”. With a raft of improvements to in-cab driver comfort as well as new active and passive

safety features, Isuzu’s MY25 range seeks to deal directly with this issue.

Starting with a reimagined cabin structure, Isuzu’s design team have sought to dramat ically improve overall safety, dimensions, visibility and stor age.

Central to the design is driv er wellbeing, with a larger in terior space and driver seating “closely considered” to reduce fatigue.

New ergonomic suspension seating has been added to a wide selection of the range as standard, and seat positioning has been optimised, accom modating greater visibility, easier access to driver controls, stalks and other dash func tions.

An extension of this is a re vised driving position with a wider STRG tilt and telescop

vehicle and exterior tempera tures, fuel, charge, tyre pressure and AdBlue levels, as well practical shift mode indicators. Rounding out the in-cabin changes is an updated glass specification, with the new

Australia’s Chief Engineer, ex plained: “All of the new model trucks for Isuzu will have much improved windscreen glass and side glass.

“They go from having about a 90 cent level of UV protection

skin cancer risk.” Humphries added that the new glass also offers improved infrared protection, which reduces the temperature in the cab on hot days.

“You then have an air con-

“These ergonomic and com fort features are going to help the driver. A new truck could attract a driver and stop them going elsewhere.”

Meanwhile Sakhaie said that while in-cabin comfort and

Isuzu’s three-piece bumper bar. Images: Isuzu Australia

control features might be seen as periphery compared to other headline features, “the little things matter”.

He continued: “Unpacking some of the thought and consideration that has been channelled into these new cabins really drives home just how central driver wellbeing has been to their design and development.

“Put together, the overall benefit to the driver is as compelling as it is reassuring.

“It’s this granular attention to detail, however small it may appear, that goes a long way to getting more people into the

truck driving profession and hopefully keeping those already there behind the wheel of an Isuzu truck for many years to come.”

Safety

At yesterday’s launch, Isuzu also drilled down into the safety features that will be employed in their new range.

N Series Safety

All models within the MY25 N Series range will include seven all-new active safety features alongside the eight systems already available in the Advanced Driver Assistance

System (ADAS) found in current model 4x2 N Series variants.

Key additions at the lighter end of the spectrum include Full Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (F-ACC) on all two-pedal models, Miss Acceleration Mitigation (MAM) on selected models and Bi-LED headlamps with integrated Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).

The new N Series also receives Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) using stereo camera technology and combines this with an Intelligent Speed Limiter (ISL) function to assist the

driver to stay within posted limits.

F Series safety

For medium-duty applications, the MY25 F Series is perhaps the bigger winner when it comes to a safety boost.

In a substantial upgrade from previous systems, every model across the F Series range, including Isuzu’s famed 4x4 models, benefits from a comprehensive baseline suite containing 12 active and passive systems, including the Auto Lighting System (ALS).

Depending on the application, some models come equipped with more, such as a typical FV variant, which receives a total of 17 active and passive safety features - as an example.

Full Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (F-ACC) also finds its way into nearly every model in the F Series range except 4x4 and manual transmission FRR and FSR models.

FX-FY Series safety

At the heavier end of Isuzu’s new line-up, the FX-FY Series also comes up trumps with an all-encompassing safety arrangement that matches its lighter cousins in medium-duty.

As per ADR regulations, all models now come fitted with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and the addition of F-ACC in this weight range, across all models, offers a host of safety actions for highway driving in and around major cities.

Of note is the addition of the

Lane Keep Assist (LKA) to this market segment, a boon for fleet customers mindful not only of driver and road user safety but of compliance obligations too.

Launch schedule

The MY25 is Isuzu’s first new range since 2008, and last year we reported that some of the models would be coming into the Australian market from 2024.

However, the original launch timeline has been delayed due to the breadth of model variants, along with product and supply timelines out of Japan. Andrew Harbison, director and chief operating officer at Isuzu Australia, told Big Rigs: “Isuzu Australia Limited are continuing to work closely with parent company, Isuzu Motors Limited, to expediate launch timelines for the Australian market.”

MOBILE CAMERAS IN USE

ANPR cameras are improving heavy vehicle safety in South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Queensland. Operating in New South Wales from 2025.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator is boosting heavy vehicle safety across Australia’s freight network with the use of mobile Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.

Roadside trailers and vehicle mounted cameras automatically detect the number plates of passing heavy vehicles, allowing Safety and Compliance Officers to better detect and interrupt potentially high-risk behaviour and unsafe practices.

For more information visit nhvr.gov.au/anpr

The wheel has been enhanced using electric actuators for advanced driver support functions and ease of use.

Simon Humphries, chief engineer at Isuzu Australia.

Isuzu’s new cab has driver comfort and safety front of mind.

Sad excuse for Heavy Vehicle National Law reform

THE drawn out and problematic six-year long review of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) is reaching a critical and troubling point.

South Australian Road Transport Association (SARTA) and others in industry including the Australian Trucking Association, have made submissions to the National Transport Commission in response to the Exposure Draft of the HVNL Amendment Bill.

It’s the actual draft legislation to amend the HVNL. It will implement the dismal remnants of the reform proposals that were left after the appalling and often self-in-

terested turf wars between the various states’ agencies, including police and between them and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).

Industry did have a say throughout the six years of the review, but we were never allowed in the same room as the state agencies, including police.

No, they refused to meet with industry, despite very persistent requests and pushing by SARTA and others. Why? Well, there can only be one answer to that, as there is no other credible reason: they did not want industry to hear what the agencies were considering or saying about the industry and our views/ proposals.

Refusing, repeatedly, to meet jointly with industry has resulted in watered-down and essentially ineffective proposed changes to the HVNL. It would be wrong to label the proposed changes a reform of the HVNL. A

tinkering perhaps, but not a reform.

The NTC has had the unenviable task of securing agreement of ALL the jurisdictions and this has meant that we have repeatedly been told when we have challenged the NTC on various proposals, “Well this is what we can get the jurisdictions to agree to!”

So guess what, any opposition from one or more jurisdictions has been the death knell for any particular proposal. To make matters worse many of the sensible, effective and significant proposals for improved safety were effectively vetoed by police agencies, all of which seem stuck in the Mesozoic Era, when the dinosaurs were the dominant form of life 245 million years ago. If this seems to be a strong statement, that’s because the out-dated and counter-productive typical police mentality, the adversarial cops-androbbers philosophy, is itself that outdated and needs to be called out for what it is.

Police want what makes their life easy; the opportunity to continue to enforce simplistic black-and-white letter law that provides zero flexibility because tolerances and flexibility are just too hard to enforce, or so they think.

Perhaps more accurately the police agencies think it’s too hard to train their officers on anything that’s not black and white. As stats-driven agencies they believe that racking up countless infringements and fines is proof they’re doing a good job in keeping the industry safe.

The reality of course is that well over 90 per cent of those infringements issued by police are at best tick-and-flick technical matters that are utterly inconsequential for safety and risk. It’s mindless counter-productive rule enforcement.

That is precisely what the proposed reform of the HVNL was supposed to eradicate, by shifting the law to a risk-based and safety-focussed law that facilitated safe and

productive road freight movement, for the benefit of the economy which our industry underpins.

Transport agencies and the NTC have allowed the police to scuttle that at virtually every step and the almost laughable proposed reforms to the fatigue management rules is a classic example.

Police have more than adequately proven in recent matters in court that they do not know what they are talking about.

They are on record as being against the use of fatigue and distraction detection technology (FDDT). They argue, incredibly, that FDDT is ineffective because it kicks in when people are fatigued, instead of preventing it.

That extraordinary statement to us was made by a very senior police officer who obviously misses the point entirely:

1. FDDT technology is not designed nor intended to

Why isn’t the road freight industry being heard?

the swift and responsive support it deserves?

TRUCKING LOBBYIST

PETER ANDERSON CEO, Victorian Transport Association

THE road freight industry

is a cornerstone of Australia’s economy, supporting over 40 different supply chains and moving goods that sustain nearly every sector. Yet, despite being critical, this industry struggles to gain the ear of decision-makers. Bureaucratic systems are bogging down essential improvements, creating frustration and inefficiencies. The question is, why can’t our road transport sector—composed of highly skilled and disciplined professionals—secure

Modern truck drivers are among the most skilled and professional drivers on our roads. They’re adept at handling complex technology, maintaining high standards of customer service, and navigating an array of stringent regulations. Despite the sector’s demands for safety, productivity, and efficiency improvements, bureaucratic processes repeatedly fail to keep up.

The government has set up numerous channels for industry engagement, including advisory groups and consultation forums. In theory, these are meant to make our systems transparent and inclusive, giving industries a direct line to policymakers.

However, while there are ample discussions, decisions seem perpetually stalled, and

tangible outcomes are elusive. Government departments oversee the direction of our industry—determining how safely, efficiently, and productively we operate.

But when engagement is marred by delay after delay, it hurts not just transport businesses but also the economy as a whole. The road freight industry is a multi-billion-dollar sector that needs timely support to keep delivering for Australia.

The National Transport Commission’s review of the Heavy Vehicle National Law is one example of this sluggishness. Despite the law’s original intent to boost productivity, efficiency, and safety, its first review—which was meant to happen every five years—has stretched over seven years with no significant updates.

Meanwhile, the indus-

try still participates in engagement sessions, awaiting change that feels perpetually out of reach.

Similarly, efforts to update heavy vehicle training requirements remain stagnant. Back in 1996, a report highlighted the need for standardised heavy vehicle licensing, and a review was commissioned again in 2013.

Despite three separate studies spanning over two decades, Australia still lacks a national standard for training heavy vehicle drivers before they are licensed.

This failure to implement a fundamental requirement speaks volumes about an administration that favours bureaucratic inertia over practical action.

Road transport companies and associations, including the Victorian Transport Association, have been vocal, offer-

ing clear, practical solutions for improving productivity, efficiency, and safety.

Industry leaders consistently put forward detailed recommendations, yet the response from government bodies is slow at best, indifferent at worst. These organisations don’t want to bypass safety measures or cut corners; they simply want to be heard.

The industry’s demands are straightforward: introduce necessary updates, improve training requirements, and reduce the red tape that holds back essential progress. Yet, time and again, the road freight industry is told to wait for bureaucratic processes that don’t deliver.

This is not about avoiding compliance or seeking shortcuts; it’s about ensuring our industry is equipped to meet today’s demands.

Road transport professionals

prevent fatigue; 2. It’s designed and very effective at preventing fatigue-related crashes and incidents by detecting the early signs of impending fatigue and alerting the driver and the truck operator; and 3. There is no better way of achieving those massive life-saving safety gains. The work diary, whether paper or electronic, do not and can’t do that that because they don’t manage fatigue. They just managed compliance with a poor ineffective substitute set of work/rest rules. It’s time the NTC and ministers stood up and pushed back against their agencies who are choking the reform process, and they need to tell the police that their job is to enforce the law that governments enact, not to get in the way of needed progressive genuine reform that would actually improve safety and productivity.

work tirelessly in an already complex and challenging field, navigating red tape that often adds more strain than support. For the road freight industry to thrive, we need bureaucrats to recognise the urgency of industry needs. We need decision-makers who are brave enough to cut through procedural delays, prioritise effective communication, and act on industry feedback.

By listening and responding in real time, our government can help make Australian roads safer and our economy stronger.

The road freight industry isn’t asking for special treatment; it’s asking for the respect and action it’s earned as one of Australia’s essential sectors.

The call to action is clear: let’s work together to unlock the industry’s potential.

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Truckie looking forward to the Christmas break

FRIENDLY driver Bob

Burns is following in the footsteps of his father of the same name who is also a truckie.

I saw the 57-year-old parked up in the 2007 Freightliner he drives for Dynamic Car Carrying out of Brisbane.

“I do three return runs three times a fortnight between Brisbane and Cairns,” he said.

Bob enjoys stopping at the Golden Nugget Roadhouse at Gympie, a popular spot with

truckies, and said they serve good food. Over Christmas, Bob is looking forward to having time off to relax with the family.

“I have five grandchildren and four children,” he said.

Bob added that he rates the Bruce Highway – especially the Marlborough stretch – as challenging to drive on.

Fed up with state of the Bruce

WHEN asked what was the worst road he had travelled on recently, Baz Poirrier answered with a classic and apt reply.

“I would have to say the section of the Bruce Highway between Rockhampton and Mackay.

“There were some huge potholes on it and the authorities just do a band-aid fix. It is like putting chewing gum on it,” he said.

business JVB Transport. Baz has been a truck driver for the past 30 years.

“I do the run from Brisbane to Cairns and up to Mareeba – the job is great,” he said.

The roadhouses he likes most are the Caltex at Portsmith in Cairns and the BP Cluden at Townsville.

“They are both good and have facilities for drivers,” he said.

With Christmas fast looming, Baz is hoping to get some time off to spend with the family.

He says he’s also like to see more rest areas for truckies

The 55-year-old was parked up in the Western Star 4800 he drives for a family-run

However Baz added that there were not enough rest areas for drivers with decent facilities.

Transplanted truckie loves his footy

LONG-TIME truckie Shane

Collett was enjoying a well-deserved day off watching the Northern Australia Beach Rugby 5s Championship held on Townsville Strand, when Big Rigs saw him.

The 53-year-old truckie drives a 2021 Iveco for Griffin Distributors and does a regular run between his home in Townsville to Cairns, which is 350 kilometres north along the Bruce Highway.

Trucking,

“I have been driving trucks here and in New Zealand for 35 years and this is a good company and the boss is great,” Shane said. He added that he carries a variety of general goods and rates the highway between Ingham and Innisfail as rough.

“I am here at the Beach Rugby watching my son and it is very hot in the middle of the day,” he said.

Previously Shane drove a

Kenworth T408 for Mendi.

“I have been in Australia since 2002. For many years in New Zealand I carted logs and I meet lots of Aussie drivers who are from over there. Some I went to school with,” he said.

During his travels Shane likes stopping at the Ginger’s Roadhouse in WA and barracks for the North Queensland Cowboys in the NRL.

“I played rugby union when I was a young bloke in New Zealand,” he said.

When he gets time off, Shane loves playing his guitar and riding his Harley motorbike. Whilst the temperatures were in the thirties the day I saw Shane, he enjoyed watching the action. And to cool off he could have a swim in the enclosure nearby.

Baz Poirrier has been a truck driver for 30 years.

Bob Burns is a secondgeneration truckie, who shares the same name as his father. Images: Alf Wilson

Shane Collett has driven trucks for the past 35 years, both in Australia and New Zealand.

Empty load debate flares up

OWNER-OPERATORS

from different Aussie states have spoken to Spy about being offered unfair rates for backloads.

About half of them tell me that on principle they would rather go back empty than to accept a low rate for a backload.

The others take the load so they at least have some revenue on the way home.

Drivers from Tasmania and Western Australia have told Spy they have refused such low and unfair rates from clients for normal runs they have done for years.

Both knocked back a rate when the company advised that another operator had offered to undercut them.

Each time the company had come back to them after the cheaper rate truckie didn’t perform the job to satisfaction.

A long-time driver said that when he made deliveries his rates factored in having no backload.

Heated exchanges in South Australia

Reports finding their way to Spy indicate there have been some “interesting” conversations over the radios between van drivers and truckies.

Most of it hasn’t involved exchanging pleasantries.

A lot of it has been on the Copper Coast Highway between Adelaide and Port Wakefield.

A hot subject has been about overtaking and the words exchanged have been nasty.

Port Wakefield is a town at the mouth of the River Wakefield, at the head of the Gulf St Vincent in South Australia. It was the first government town to be established north of the state capital, Adelaide.

Port Wakefield is a major stop on the Adelaide to Yorke Peninsula, and Adelaide to Port Augusta road routes. Travellers between Ade-

laide and any of the Flinders Ranges, Yorke Peninsula, Eyre Peninsula or the Nullarbor Plain will likely travel through Port Wakefield.

Due to its strategic location, Port Wakefield is known for its roadhouses and truck stops.

Waste of money?

Down in Tasmania authorities have placed many large electronic signs beside highways to advise people how long it will take them to reach a town.

But these haven’t been welcomed with open arms by many truckies down there.

“I reckon they are a big waste of money which could be spent on road safety. We already know how long it will take to get to a place 10 minutes up the highway,” one said.

In fairness though the signs do advise if there has been a crash and if delays may occur.

Heat wave at Marble Bar

Spy felt for several drivers who had to load or unload at Marble Bar in WA on November 13.

A couple phoned me to advise the heat outside of their cabins was unbearable.

“I checked the temperature, and it was sitting on 46 degrees and the sun was burning. Sweat was pouring off me,” the NT driver told me.

Another said he waited for a few hours until later in the day before picking up a load.

They were both glad to have air conditioning in their cabins.

Marble Bar, located 304km north of Newman, has earned a reputation as Australia’s hottest town, owing to the consistently high temperatures experienced during the summer months when the mercury climbs over 40 degrees for days on end.

Speeding driver saved from fine

A truckie heading along the Sturt Highway about 20km from Narrandera in the Riverina region of south-western New South Wales was saved

The Good Samaritan saw someone he described as “an idiot” in the process of overtaking him.

“I knew there was a speed camera just up the highway –I was sitting on the legal limit and he had to accelerate to get past me. So I warned him

on the radio and he pulled back in behind me. If he had continued, he would have been right under the camera and faced a heavy fine,” he told Spy.

Despite the kind act the fellow never even thanked him over the radio.

“I also saw him at a nearby roadhouse and he never said a word to me,” he said.

Remote NT roadhouse great for drivers

The remote Erldunda Shell Roadhouse in the NT is a welcome and popular stop for truck drivers.

It is located at the intersection of the Stuart and Lasseter Highways, south of Alice Springs.

Drivers who contacted Spy said it was good to stop there with plenty of parking, a truckies-only shower, clean toilets and home-style cooking.

I spoke to manager Jody Bushby who said the number of trucks stopping there varied.

“We get a lot and some park out the front and sleep in their boxes overnight. The truckies-only shower is popular,” she said.

The roadhouse employs 18 staff, some long-time locals and the others from overseas.

I asked Jody what was the drivers’ favourite food there.

“At night it is scotch fillet steak and our mixed grill.

A truck travels towards Port Wakefield. Main images: Alf Wilson

The remote Erldunda Shell Roadhouse in NT.

Whilst at breakfast it is bacon and eggs and we also offer free coffee to truckies,”

Jody said.

he turned to Mr Google for an explanation.

The roadhouse is open from 7am until 9pm seven days a week and fuel is available 24 hours a day.

The roadhouse is owned by Nullarbor Holdings.

Sheep dog enjoying life in trailer

One of my contacts sent Spy a great pic of a dog with its head out of a trailer which was carrying sheep in WA.

The pic was snapped near Lake Cowan about 30km north of Norseman.

“There were multiple decks with sheep and the dog was happy and seemed to be enjoying itself,” the woman said.

No doubt the mutt would be of great help to the driver when loading and unloading.

Norseman is the southern gateway to Western Australia. It marks the end of the epic Eyre Highway that spans 1675 kilometres across the Nullarbor Plain.

Circadian rhythm

Spy was intrigued when a long-haul driver said he suffered from “circadian rhythm”.

Now old Spy had never heard of such a condition so

“It is the 24-hour natural, internal clock in our brain that controls alertness and sleepiness. It is based on light changes in the environment. Circadian rhythm is also shaped according to the earth’s rotation around the axis. The word originated from Latin which means around a day,” it read.

I was assured by the truckie that it is a genuine condition which assists him with fatigue management and sleep patterns.

Robots and races

Senior staff of Brown and Hurley from around the country were treated to a trip to Melbourne to check out the Kenworth factory.

Another highlight was being guests at the Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse.

“We were treated like royalty and travelled to the course up the nearby river and then it was a short walk from there. It was an amazing experience but very busy,” the partner of one of the managers told Spy.

She added that a visit and tour of the Kenworth factory was also a great experience.

“There were robots and plenty of races at Flemington,” she said.

To add to the fun, her partner backed the Cup winner Knight’s Choice at odds of 66-1.

Inspection station pothole

When Spy drove into the Townsville Port Access Road, which doubles as a heavy vehicle inspection station and trailer hook up area, I noticed a giant pothole.

several drivers had told me they had damaged a tyre when driving over it.

This pothole is difficult to see until you are right on it.

Strange request

When I saw the bonnet up on a Kenworth at a roadhouse, the driver was working on the truck.

After asking him if he’d he mind posing for a pic he replied “no”.

Army truck and soldiers who end up in a paper have to shout a carton of amber fluid at their barracks mess.

They also are not permitted to speak to media without permission of a commanding officer. But then came the unexpected request, “Can you take a pic of the motor and use it in Big Rigs?” So, I did.

Are you a cop?

a truck driver who was parked at a roadhouse to do a random interview, I was stunned when the suspicious lad asked, ‘‘Are you a cop?”

Obviously the answer was no and then he asked for some identification so I handed him a card.

But he still was not convinced and wanted more proof before agreeing to a yarn and to have his pics snapped.

The only way I could assure him that I was writing for Big Rigs was to show him a copy of the paper.

After that it was all good and the driver turned out to be friendly and interesting.

Truckies have a sweet tooth

It seems many of our Victorian drivers have a sweet tooth and when in the area stop off at Kookas Country Cookies factory in the small country town of Donald.

One of my good contacts was there recently and saw a steady flow of trucks pull up nearby.

The drivers then purchased some tasty biscuits for a treat. Even delivery drivers indulged in some of the home style goodies.

It was wide and deep and

The reason was it was an

When Spy stopped near

The company started in 1991 with five staff and has since grown, now employing 25 people.

Under the bonnet of the army Kenworth.

A truck parked near the biscuit factory.

An enthusiastic dog keeps a lookout on a sheep trailer near Lake Cowan in WA.

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GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

Tassie truckie gears up for Sweden

BY KAYLA WALSH

THE winner of the Volvo Trucks Oceania Driver Challenge 2024-2025 has said he’s looking forward to heading to Sweden to compete in the global final of the competition next year.

Volvo said truckie Anthony Marshall showed “remarkable skills, precision and commitment to safe and efficient driving”, landing him the top spot at its recent contest in Brisbane.

The Driver Challenge saw 16 of the best drivers from across Australia and New Zealand competing against each other with the goal of completing a 5.4km course around Volvo’s test facility while using as little fuel as possible.

The difference between first and second place came down to just 20ml of fuel – the equivalent of just over a tablespoon.

Anthony, who works for De Bruyn’s Transport in Tasmania, was reluctant to boast about his driving ability.

“I don’t really know that I’m all that good – I’m just good at saving fuel!” he said.

“But I guess some of the credit for teaching me would have to go to John De Bruyn Jr, who gave me a few tips and pointers when I first started driving for him almost 12 years ago.”

When asked if he could share a few of those tips, he said it’s all about paying attention to what’s going on in front of you.

“If you’re looking well ahead, you don’t end up with surprises and you’re not dra matically slowing down or trying to speed up,” he added.

“A lot of drivers follow too closely and they’re always in a rush – that’s all road users, not just truck drivers.”

Anthony said he loves his work because he’s normally left alone.

“No-one’s pestering me, and I’m just left to do my job,” he said.

He will be heading to Gothenburg, Sweden in May 2025 to compete against drivers from all over the world.

“I’ve never been out of Australia before – I’m just in the process of getting my passport sorted,” he said.

“I’m a little bit excited be-

cause I’ve done some research and the winner from 2014 got handed a $15,000 cheque!”

Also taking place on the day of the Volvo Trucks Oceania Driver Challenge was the famous “Teabag Challenge”, which was won by Dean Herring.

The Teabag Challenge in-

volves reversing a B-double with a teabag attached – either to the back trailer or the front trailer – and attempting to get it as close as possible to a mug of water, with the help of Volvo’s camera monitoring system.

In theory, the winner would be able to dip the teabag into the water, making a cup of tea.

Dean, who managed to get the teabag about a half an

inch away from the mug, was the closest out of all the contestants – despite having never driven a B-double before.

“We didn’t really have to do the Teabag Challenge, they were just encouraging everyone to have a go,” he said.

“I was trying to get out of it all day but they eventually talked me into doing it.

“I was really surprised when I won – I’m just glad they didn’t ask me to do it again.”

TWAL announces Driving the Difference winners for 2024

TRANSPORT Women Aus tralia Limited (TWAL) has announced the winners of its 2024 Driving the Difference scholarships.

The scholarships have been awarded to a group of women who have enrolled in courses that will aid them in advanc ing their careers in the transport, logistics and supply chain industries.

The successful applicants are Nellie White and Cinamon Bohr from Albury/ Wodonga, Ashleigh Anderson and Emma Manton from

Brisbane, and Jo Tomaszewski from Sydney. The candidates will be presented with their certificates at end-of-year functions in

the city closest to them.

TWAL Chair Jacquelene Brotherton said the quality of applicants was outstanding this year.

“Applicants are always of an extremely high standard and the choice of the final recipients is a very debated and difficult one for the board,” she said.

“The candidates are very varied and show the depth of talent in our industry.

“The recipients over the years have been from every state apart from the NT and

Easter Group Pty Ltd Easter Group Pty Ltd

73 Formation St, Wacol

ACT and all sectors – road transport, rail, maritime and manufacturing have been represented, but not yet aviation.”

Brotherton said the scholarships allow the successful applicants to undertake study that might otherwise be out of reach for them, while advancing their leadership skills.

“The recipients are also encouraged to participate in TWAL events and given networking and speaking opportunities to further broaden

their experience and given ex posure to leaders and mentors within the wider transport community,” she added.

Brotherton encouraged anyone who missed out on a scholarship this year to try again.

“We remain committed to providing enduring support for these amazing women and encourage anyone who has missed receiving a scholarship with their first application to reapply as there is always the opportunity for success the following year.”

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

We are a family owned and operated company who carry bulk commodities mainly throughout Queensland and Northern New South Wales.

We are looking to sell our 2018 T659 Kenworth with work towing company trailers. We are willing to provide finance to the operator.

This position would suit an enthusiastic, self-motivated person looking to get into truck ownership.

Our business was established in 1996 and over that time we have built up a large client base over which we can source our work.

Brisbane is one of the winners. Images: TWAL

Dean Herring won Volvo’s Teabag Challenge. Image: Dean Herring

Anthony Marshall from De Bruyn Transport with a giant version of his ticket to Sweden. Image: Volvo Trucks

Lawyer turned truckie loving new life

BY KAYLA WALSH

WORKING at a law practice or playing bassoon in an orchestra might seem like somewhat lofty endeavours compared to carting lime and fertiliser across Western Australia in six-wheeler C-trains.

But for former apprentice lawyer and professional musician Julie Gooch, the transition to trucking came naturally – and now she’s just as comfortable in the paddocks as she is dealing with the bureaucrats at Main Roads.

Julie, 53, had completed a law degree and was in the process of undertaking an apprenticeship with a law practice when life took an unexpected turn.

“My late husband and I had a farm, and he needed a truck driver for the harvest,” she said.

“So, he taught me how to drive a truck, but I never thought I’d be driving for more than a few weeks each year.

“I had just started an intense law apprenticeship when my husband decided we were selling our farm, buying a yacht and sailing the world.”

Despite the tragic loss of her husband, she never gave up on trucking.

In fact, she decided to jump in at the deep end and buy her own rig – a Mack Super-Liner.

“It was really exciting, buying my own truck,” she said.

“It was a big purchase for a woman on her own, but many

truck drivers say you’re buying yourself a job – and that’s what I did.”

tracting for a local company called Broomehill Bulk Haulage, after meeting the owner Barry Baynes while running the farm with her husband.

“Barry, the owner, gave me the opportunity to drive the largest vehicles allowed in our area - six-wheeler C-trains grossing up to 118 ton.

“And so began my huge learning curve.”

ing of trailers was tricky, as the hydraulics and airlines for the dog trailer were recessed at the back of the lead trailer,” she said.

“This was when I discovered I needed much longer arms and a truck load of strength.

“Instead, I used my brain and invented a tool that enabled me to use both hands to take the

hydraulic in and out. Bliss!”

Another issue she has come across is sexism in the transport industry – especially as there are so few female truckies in her area.

“Most of the men were wonderfully supportive, keeping a close eye on me as I honed my skills and gained the confidence to do things on my own.

“The flip side, of course, were the minority who didn’t believe women should drive trucks, and these blokes had no problem saying so.

“Instead of swearing, I’d hit them with lawyer speak and walk off leaving them standing there scratching their heads. I always knew that law degree would come in handy!”

companies for Main Roads, and her law experience serves her well there too.

“Coming from the ‘white collar’ world of law and music, to then going across to what would be considered the blue collar world, it certainly opens your eyes to everybody’s point of view.

“The heavy vehicle section of Main Roads – none of them actually know how to drive a truck,

“So I can speak to them in a language they understand, but I also understand the truck driver’s point of view.”

Over time, Julie’s professional relationship with Barry, the owner of Broomehill Bulk Haulage, blossomed into a romantic one and the pair now run the business together.

the perfectionist in me,” she said.

“When I was a musician in the orchestra, if you made a mistake, you were seriously frowned upon.

“Make too many mistakes, you might get the sack.

“You can’t really afford to make a mistake in a truck, because people’s lives are at stake.”

Sharing her advice for other women who might be interested in entering the transport industry, she said:

“If you have a burning passion for something, nothing should hold you back.

“I lost my mother and my husband when they were both quite young, and it taught me to just go for what

About the position:

• Semi, road train and truck & dog combinations

• Water and vac tanker operations e.g., dust suppression/road watering, transporting drilling fluids, water etc

• Specialised landspray operations

• Managing fluid transfer operations on the lease

• On the job training provided

• 12-hour shifts

• Roster is either 2/2 or 2/1 weeks (depending on the operation)

• Meals and accom provided

• This role can be labour intense which requires applicants to be physically fit and have a sound knowledge of positive manual handling techniques

• Sign-on incentive/bonus (conditions apply)

• Above award wages, with the potential to earn up to $52/hr plus super

Requirements of the positions:

• Heavy vehicle licence required

• Min 2 years (recent) heavy vehicle driving experience

• Competently drive an 18-speed road ranger transmission

• Mandatory medical assessment and traffic history checks

• Commitment to health, safety and environmental practices and standards

• Knowledge and understanding of heavy vehicle maintenance

“There’s no sequel to your

HEAVY VEHICLE DRIVER/OPERATOR POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Due to company expansion, we have multiple positions available providing heavy vehicle support to CSG field operations in South West QLD. Please

READY TO UPGRADE?