Big Rigs Sep 18, 2020 by Prime Creative Media

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2020

ONLINE www.bigrigs.com.au

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DRIVERS HAVE SAY ON HVNL Page 3

BUMPER 20-PAGE TRAILER FEATURE Page 24-43

TRUCK EVENTS MAKE TOUGH CALLS IN COVID-ERA: PAGE 6

02 NEWS CONTACT US Address: 11-15 Buckhurst Street, South Melbourne, VIC 3205 Phone: 03 9690 8766 Email: editor@bigrigs.com.au Web: bigrigs.com.au Accounts: 03 9690 8766 Subscriptions: 03 9690 8766 Classifieds: 0403 626 353 Circulation and distribution queries: 03 9690 8766 info@bigrigs.com.au EDITOR James Graham: 0478 546 462 james.graham@primecreative.com.au REPORTER Danielle Gullaci danielle.gullaci@primecreative.com.au MANAGER Peter Hockings: 0410 334 371 peter.hockings@primecreative.com.au MEDIA SALES CONSULTANT Marie O’Reilly: 0403 626 353 marie.oreilly@primecreative.com.au CLIENT SUCCESS Katharine Causer: 0423 055 787 katharine.causer@primecreative. com.au CONTRIBUTORS Tassie Truckin: Jon Wallis, 0414 797 513 Truckin in the Topics: Alf Wilson, 0408 009 301 David Meredith; Brent Davison; David Vile; Ian Lee. Big Rigs National Road Transport Newspaper is published by Prime Creative Media. All material is copyright and no part may be reproduced or copied in any form or means. The opinions expressed in Big Rigs are not necessarily the opinions of, or endorsed by, the publisher.

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Truckies rally against NorthConnex tolls THE transport industry is integral to our lives and economies so the cost of doing business must be fairly shared, says the Transport Workers’ Union of NSW. The TWU says Transurban isn’t playing by those rules with its insistence on slugging truckies for using the new NorthConnex toll road in Sydney, and also increasing toll prices by four percent each year, even though the Australian economy is in recession. As we were going to press with this issue, TWU NSW was organising a protest rally in response, assembling trucks in Lane Cove on September 12, then rolling to the observatory park in Pennant Hills, opposite a NorthConnex site. “The toll road monopoly in NSW has paved the way for toll road bully Transurban to rort transport workers through tolls and administration fees,” says Richard Olsen, State Secretary of the Transport Workers’ Union of NSW. “This has left our members frustrated, unable to see

over the mounting pile of expensive toll notices on their kitchen tables.” Olsen says the TWU is now calling on the NSW Government to ensure: · No new tolls. · Compensation for any toll road increases from 2020 and that compensation scheme will remain in place until the pandemic is finished. · A cap on the tolls commercial vehicles pay. · In the future the NSW Government and Transurban will help operators of commercial vehicles facing hardship, even though Linkt and Transurban are currently refusing to do so. “Transurban is targeting heavy vehicles to raise profits for their infrastructure business. In the meantime, income for transport workers is shrinking while costs are accelerating. Drivers are in many cases unable to recover their costs from their clients.” For many transport workers, the costs are accelerating to the point that many can no longer afford to work and maintain a vehicle, says Olsen.

“In NSW toll roads are not providing a “congestion busting” solution. They are just a rort. Transurban CEO Scott Charlton plans to extend this rort and the debt he has created in league with the NSW Government out to 50 years. “Transurban wants the Sydney Western Harbour Tunnel project and the proposed connection of the M7 to Badgery’s Creek.” According to RFNSW Chief Executive Simon O’Hara, now is the time for the state government to review its current policies and offer incentives to use tollroads, for the benefit of both truckies and the wider community. “The government needs to incentivise truck operators if they expect to move heavy vehicles off suburban roads and on to expensive toll roads and motorways. It’s unfair that truckies, who are frequent users of toll roads, are given no relief, unlike other motorists,” he says. Once the NorthConnex toll road opens, O’Hara reveals there’ll be no toll-free

In NSW toll roads are not providing a “congestion busting” solution, says TWU NSW.

alternative roads for truckies to use. “That means they’ll be paying for additional tolls as part of their daily operations. It’s simply unsustainable,” he says. “These are tough times for our members, particularly small, family-owned businesses, operating one or two trucks. “The triple whammy of excessive tolls, higher rego costs and increasing port and container park charges,

is causing them enormous financial hardship. In some cases, their rates no longer cover their operating costs. “If the government is serious about getting the NSW economy moving again as part of its COVID-19 recovery plans, we believe it must restore a degree of equity for road-users and develop new solutions which will support the struggling transport industry and also the safety of the community.”

Class action launched against ‘un-Australian’ toll fees

Small business owner Dave Kitson joined the Queensland tolls class action after being stung by excessive fees.

BY DANIELLE GULLACI QUEENSLAND truck driver and small business owner Dave Kitson is among a growing list of disgruntled Toll users who are fed up with being charged excessive fees by Transurban. In late August, a class action was launched against Transurban’s Queensland business Linkt for its exorbitant fees on overdue notices. Within the first few days of being filed, the class action had already received thousands of people signing up – and the team behind it at Hilton Bradley Lawyers are expecting tens of thousands more.

Like many toll road users, Kitson was unknowingly stung by admin fees that were higher than the unpaid tolls. “The fees are over the top,” he says. “I think it’s a bit outrageous. If you don’t pay your phone bill or electricity bill on time, you usually get a reminder, but you don’t get charged for it so why is Transurban charging so much for it?” Currently in Queensland, when a motorist fails to pay a toll, Linkt charges them an initial administrative fee of $8.50 in addition to the toll. If that isn’t paid within 10 days, the administration fee goes up to $23.81 for every notice – and it very quickly adds up. “Monetarily, the impact

these sorts of fees can have on a small business can be pretty big, particularly if you’re not aware of it, and it just compounds and compounds,” says Kitson. “Most people are probably like myself. You get a bill in the mail and you just pay it – and that’s what I did. The bill came and I went streuth, I’ve got some unpaid tolls, so I paid them. Like me, I’d say a big percentage of people would pay the bill without realising the fees they are being charged,” he adds. Hilton Bradley Lawyers considers Linkt’s administrative charges “to be excessive and not reflective of ‘reasonable’ cost as permitted by Queensland law”.

Solicitor Luke Whiffen launched the class action after one of his clients received a notice from Transurban. “It was for a large amount of money and when I looked at the breakdown of it, I noticed it was largely composed of administration fees. I saw in the Transport Infrastructure Act that Transurban is only permitted to charge reasonable fees. “Here, we were talking about tens of thousands of dollars. I know of one client that was charged $24,000,” he explains, adding that many transport businesses are being especially hard hit. “With higher fuel prices and a tighter economy, the last thing you need is to be hit with unlawful administrative charges which can be 14 times the amount of the toll. “The issue is, if you’ve got a $10,000 bill from Transurban, are you going to go and sue a $43 billion ASX listed

Anyone who has paid administrative fees on overdue tolls in Queensland may be eligible to take part in this class action.

company? Go to court? Hire lawyers and pay an expert hundreds of thousands of dollars to determine what a reasonable fee is? It’s impossible to challenge because litigation like that is a massive scale.” Kitson hopes that this class action against Transurban

Solicitor Luke Whiffen says Transurban’s administrative charges can be 14 times the amount of the toll.

makes more motorists aware of the fees they are being charged and leads to changes in the way Transurban structures its fees. “I think this is the right thing to do. You’ve got to stand up for yourself, you can’t just be walked all over and turn a blind eye,” he says. Anyone who has paid an administrative fee on ‘non-payment’ or overdue notices issued for toll roads in Queensland in the last six years may be eligible to be part of this class action. “When people register, we also need them to enter into the funding agreement because if we don’t get enough people doing that, then we won’t be able to proceed with it,” says Whiffen. “What we really need is scale.” For more information or to register, please visit www. qldtollsclassaction.com.au.

NEWS 03

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020

Big Rigs and ATA link to give truckies louder voice

BIG RIGS and the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) have launched a new campaign amplifying the voice of Australia’s truck drivers. The Voice of the Driver campaign is an initiative that aims to gather feedback from Australian truck drivers on pro-

posed fatigue laws as outlined in the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) review Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS). “Following the success of the ATA and Big Rigs ‘Have Your Say’ campaign, we have teamed up again to amplify the voice of the driver as the

Big Rigs and the ATA have teamed up to give drivers a say on revamping the fatigue laws.

HVNL review progresses,” says ATA CEO Ben Maguire. “Seeking feedback from truck drivers during the review process is absolutely crucial, as they are the ones dealing with these issues every single day. “This campaign is about giving drivers the opportunity to share their views on the proposed fatigue laws in an easily-accessible way, through our online survey and a series of social media polls,” he says. The feedback gathered through the survey and wider campaign will be used to support the ATA submission to the consultation RIS. Big Rigs editor James Graham is thrilled to be resuming the collaboration with the ATA at this critical juncture in the reshaping of the fatigue regulations in the HVNL. “For too long drivers have felt they have been left out and that their opinions didn’t matter when it came to policy,” he says. “But the National Transport Commission is clearly now listening to their concerns and issues. We’re already seeing the difference the Have Your Say campaign has made with the RIS, and I’m confident that the

Voice of the Driver will only build on that momentum.” To thank drivers for sharing their feedback, each survey respondent will have the opportunity to win one of five Kenworth merchandise packs. “We know our truck drivers are busy keeping Australia moving, however we really appreciate them taking time out of their day to share their valuable feedback,” Maguire says. “Each week, our judges will select the best response to the open questions in the survey and award the driver with a Kenworth pack.” Within just a few days, there was an encouraging response from drivers, reports the ATA, with more than 240 responses. To take the quick survey, please visit surveymonkey. com/r/LB9L6F6. The National Transport Commission (NTC), the body charged with leading the review of the HVNL, says driver feedback is crucial to ensure it has the information it needs to finalise options in a decision RIS will present to transport ministers in May 2021. Aside from taking part in our campaign with the ATA,

Everyone who takes the quick survey is in with the chance to win a Kenworth merchandise pack.

you can upload a formal submission via the NTC website, ntc.gov.au/transport-reform/ ntc-projects/hvnl-review, or visit the microsite hvnlreview. ntc.gov.au to take part in polls, surveys and share your input on a message board. In a summation to accompany the consultation RIS

released a few weeks ago, Dr Gillian Miles, NTC CEO and Paul Davies, the NTC’s executive leader, productivity, didn’t hold back with their thoughts on the need for changes. “The HVNL’s regulatory approach – the way it regulates heavy vehicles – needs significant improvement,” they wrote.

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04 NEWS

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Volvo makes tough call to back out of Brisbane show

BY JAMES GRAHAM

WITH so much ongoing uncertainty around the pandemic, Volvo Group Australia is confident it made the right call to back out of the Brisbane Truck Show in May next year. Volvo made the difficult decision earlier this month, after much deliberation. “The current climate of uncertainty regarding travelling across state borders and the possible rapid implementation of social restrictions has created a challenging environment for all businesses to operate within,” VGA said in a written statement. “This uncertainty coupled with the associated risks has affected events and exhibitions all around the world. “These events require considerable resources and forward visibility to plan and execute. The recurring impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our society continues to affect planned events

and travel.” For the marquee acts at the Brisbane Truck Show (BTS), attendance doesn’t come cheap. By the time all associated marketing costs and events are factored in, Big Rigs understands the bill can run north of $1 million for the bigger players. But any suggestion that VGA is penny-pinching and winding-back in a challenging market is way off the mark. The Volvo Group does a lot behind the scenes you won’t read about in a media release, including donating $600,000 earlier this year to bushfire relief. Since then VGA CEO and President Martin Merrick has also invested significantly in the expansion of the Waco plant to double-down on his commitment to producing Australia-made trucks. In fact, a “significant” order for FM Euro6 460s was coming off the busy Brisbane

The new Australia Made Volvo Euro 6 prime mover on show in the foyer of VGA in Brisbane.

Volvo’s XXL Globetrotter was a star attraction at the Brisbane show in 2019.

assembly line when Big Rigs called earlier this month. “We’ve previously imported Euro 6s to meet customer demand, and we could easily have brought more in by boat, but we’re finding the market’s wanting Euro 6 level emissions more and more, and we take a lot of pride in the fact we build trucks here,” says a spokesperson. Volvo says it’s also excited about the demand for its medium-duty UD Croner, which was on show at the 2019 BTS, and the new 8x4 UD Quon (see story on page 16 for more). “There’s been a lot of interest in the Quon from large fleets operating in the agitator and tipper space.” The spokesperson stressed that VGA’s no-show at BTS 2021 isn’t a case of belt-tightening, but about being smarter and more targeted with how the money is spent. “These events are a fantastic opportunity to put your best foot forward and showcase what you have to offer, but we’re looking at the climate, and we’re not sure if

this is even going to happen.” Todd Hacking, CEO of BTS organiser, the Heavy Vehicle Industry Association, says it’s always disappointing when a major exhibitor pulls out. “However, it has happened before and we understand that COVID has impacted manufacturers to varying degrees, but the show will go on,” says Hacking. “In fact, the show floor is like a bucket of water – you pull out and the spot is instantly filled, as it is in this instance. That is how much demand there is for space and the 2021 show is a sellout.” Star act PACCAR, the biggest crowd-puller on the main floor with its Kenworth range, tells Big Rigs it’s fully committed to the show and well underway with its exhibition design. “We’re watching the situation, but we don’t have a reason not to go,” says marketing manager Kate Sykes. “The Brisbane Truck Show is the shining beacon for the industry that brings everyone together en masse,

and we’re really looking forward to it. “There’s no question for us about not going.” Daimler Truck and Bus President and CEO Daniel Whitehead had a similar message for fans of its Freightliner, Mercedes Benz and Fuso range. “Daimler Truck and Bus is fully committed to next

year’s Brisbane Truck Show, which is such an important event for the Australian trucking community,” he said in an emailed statement. “We feel it is even more critical to engage with the men and women who keep Australia moving and support the local industry that we operate in during these challenging times.”

Kenworth is committed to returning to Brisbane and is well underway with planning.

Report reveals reduction in truck crash fatalities in 2020 A recent report released by the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE) reveals a significant reduction in heavy vehicle crash fatalities over the 12 months to June 2020. During the last financial year, 157 heavy vehicle crash fatalities were recorded, down 17.8 per cent on the previous year. These fatalities included 95 deaths in crashes involving articulated trucks and 64 deaths in vehicles involving heavy rigid trucks. There was also an average decrease of 3.9 per cent a year in the three years to June 2020. In the 12 months to June 2020, there were eight fewer

deaths involving articulated trucks, down 7.8 per cent when compared to the previous year. In the heavy rigid truck space, there were 28 fewer deaths, a 30.4 per cent reduction compared to the previous year. There were also eight fewer deaths involving buses, down 40 per cent compared to the previous year. For the June 2020 quarter, there were 27 deaths in crashes involving articulated trucks, with the highest number recorded in NSW, with 11 fatalities in this category, followed by nine in Queensland, five in Victoria, one in South Australia and one in Tasmania. In the heavy rigid space, the

June 2020 quarter saw a total of 11 deaths – four in NSW, three in Queensland, two in Victoria and two in Western Australia. Though the data is encouraging, National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) CEO Sal Petroccitto says there is never room for complacency. “Of course, any death in a crash is one too many and we are always focused on what we can do to make our roads safer for all users. “We are continuing to remind drivers that we need space to keep you safe – targeting drivers of light vehicles, who are most often at fault in crashes involving trucks.”

Although the data is encouraging, the NHVR stresses that there is never room for complacency.

NEWS 05

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020

Media censured over crash coverage BY JAMES GRAHAM

A call from a distraught interstate Victorian driver was the final straw for former truckie-turned Labor Senator for WA Glenn Sterle. The driver, who did not want to be named, was the innocent victim of a prang with a car in Sydney that resulted in graphic chopper footage being broadcast later that night on 7News in NSW. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, or life-threatening injuries as a result, but at no stage did the report attempt to exonerate the distressed truck driver. The Senator, who is also the Shadow Assistant Minister for Road Safety, has now written to Bridget Fair, the CEO of Free TV Australia, which polices industry standards, asking her to review the report. Sterle believes that this incident is yet another clear breach of the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice that calls for media to present factual material accurately and ensure viewpoints are not misrepresented. “Not at any point did the report by 7News Sydney at-

tempt to say that the truck driver was not at fault,” writes Sterle. “It may, to you and others in the media, seem like this isn’t a ‘big deal’. I hope I am wrong, but to the owner and driver of the truck, to who many in the industry know and recognise, it is a huge deal.” At deadline for this issue, Sterle tells Big Rigs that he’s still to get a response to his missive, but he won’t be letting the matter rest. He says the truckie in the incident is already paying a heavy price from the crash. He had to stump up for a hotel that night, hire a car to get back to Melbourne and with his prime mover written off, his days as an interstate driver are now behind him. “I’ve seen this type of reporting too many times; it always makes us look like the baddie,” says Sterle, who was on the receiving end himself during his driving days when a motorist ploughed into one of his road train trailers. “I don’t think it hurts anyone to say the truck driver wasn’t at fault.” Sterle’s social media followers were quick to show their

A wide-angled screenshot from the 7News footage taken before the camera zooms in for a close-up of the truck and crash scene at Bow Bowing.

support when he posted the letter to Free TV Australia on his Facebook page. Writes Robyn Cooper-Radke: “How I hate major media with a passion who use their own choppers to hover & zoom in on any heavy vehicle accident involving smaller vehicle.

“Both Channel’s 7 & 9 were really bad for doing this in Brisbane a few years ago, with Channel 7 being the worst of the two. “For those who know me, I would instantly call newsroom, knowing full well the conversation was being recorded, and

give it to the News Producer with both barrels. “They made no attempt to block out the company name, and filming Emergency Workers attempting to extract deceased driver from wreckage. “Thank you to Senator Glenn Sterle for calling Chan-

nel 7 out on this particular accident footage.” Adds Cameron Byrom: “Good stuff mate! About time news journos were held to account. Fear mongering from one sided reporting does nothing to help us or the general public.”

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06 COVER STORY

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Show organisers look to the future with some hope

BY IAN LEE

WITH everything that has happened during the course of 2020, one notable absence from the calendar is the humble truck show. From Castlemaine to Casino to Clarendon, this mainstay of the trucking industry has taken a hit this year, which in turn will affect

the shows of the future. It’s not just fans of chrome and blinged up rigs who are missing out, it is charities and mental health that are affected as well by the current situation. Today we are looking at the current situation affecting truck shows, to see how we were, where we are now, and where we will have to to retain this import-

ant aspect of trucking life in Australia. Bruce Gunter is a man who knows truck shows, as one of the driving forces behind both Haulin the Hume, and the Kenworth Klassic truck show, he also knows the cost of cancelled truck shows. We spoke to him about the hard job of having to call a stop to a trucking show, and

The Bathurst event is now named in honour of the late Dane Ballinger, above. Picture: Ian Lee

what making that call entails. “It can be six months of planning, hours-and-hours of work trying to manage it all. Road rallies are harder to set up than static displays, talking to councils and police to plan routes and stops.” Merchandise is also a large part of the planning process, with pens, hats and stickers, deposits for caterers, all at risk if a rally is cancelled. Both Haulin the Hume and Kenworth Klassic together have donated over $100,000 to the Aspect charity during their time in existence. Those who have stalls at truck shows are affected at the moment as well, with caterers and food trucks, as well those who spruik their wares are unable to do business in their traditional manner. The social aspect of truck shows have been lost as well, with a recent road rally cancelled due to a fear that someone could introduce COVID-19 to a small town, and as Bruce puts it “we don’t want to bring any area of transport into disrepute.” Bruce’s last point on the matter is the most important one, he believes the greatest concern is for blokes’ mental health. “This is everyone missing a chance to forget their issues for a few days. “It doesn’t matter if it’s cat shows, car shows or budgie shows, none of us are getting that social aspect of being able to get out there, to talk about what we love. As for our group, old trucks are our thing, and we need truck shows and rallies, to know we are amongst friends. This helps keep a hold of your sanity, and it’s sad that we have to miss out.” The upcoming Bathurst Truck Show, now known as the Dane Ballinger Memorial, is at the point of go or whoa at the moment, with

This impressive Kenworth from Ballinger Transport was named Rig of the Show at the 2019 Casino Truck Show.

the show organisers expected to make a decision in early September as to whether to go ahead. We caught up with Dean Campbell, one of the organisers of the show, and ultimately one of the people who has to make a call on what could possibly be the first large truck show of the year. “I am keen on doing the show, but it all depends on what the current rules and regulations will allow us to do,” he says. “We are not going to halfdo the show. We have very good support from all over Australia, with organisers from Penrith and Casino truck shows assisting in the planning.” With approximately 180 trucks through the gate last year, Dean has full intentions of running the show, but it will need to be called soon to allow for enough time for planning. As it stands, the advent of the Casino Truck Show now being a virtual event

from October 3-10 is a first for Australia. Setting a precedent which will show the viability of running a truck show online, Casino Truck Show has a chance to break new ground. Alternatively, one could look at how the cancellation of the Penrith Working Truck Show has affected the Museum of Fire so strongly, that much of the outlay for the year has not been recovered, due to both the Working Truck Show and subsequent shows being cancelled. Without truck shows, the Australian transport industry loses so much. From a financial perspective, the viewpoint of mental health, so many standpoints are affected by the current situation. However, with Casino going on online, and the chance for Bathurst to proceed, it means that hope is not lost for the future, the calendar could again be filled with truck shows. Only time will tell.

New plans for popular i98FM Illawarra Convoy in 2020

THE greatly anticipated annual i98FM Illawarra Convoy is the largest truck and motorbike convoy in the Southern Hemisphere, but due to current Covid-19 restrictions, the 2020 rendition will look very different. Since 2005, the Illawarra Convoy has raised over $16 million for various charities. The 2020 event was due to be held on November 15, however the convoy from Appin to Albion Park will not be able to go ahead, nor will the free family fun day at Shellharbour Airport. Instead, with the backing of the WIN Network and i98FM, the event will be replaced with a television special airing on November 15. “The special will feature historical Convoy footage, stories from the families,

charities and hospitals Convoy has supported over the years, interviews with our donors and supporters, and the magical moments Convoy has provided over the years,” says Illawarra Convoy Founder Marty Haynes. Illawarra Community Foundation Chairman Andrew Lancaster adds, “In an effort to minimise the spread of COVID-19, we feel this is the most socially responsible decision for everyone involved, and the Illawarra Community. “We know everyone looks forward to Convoy each year, but the current restrictions mean getting together in large numbers for events just isn’t possible at the moment, and we join a long list of events that have had to change their approach this year.

“Although there is an alternative; you can celebrate Convoy this year with those close to you, from your own home, without the crowds.” Fundraising activities including silent auctions, merchandise sales and raffles mean it is still possible to donate and help raise funds. The Illawarra Community Foundation is responsible for ensuring all funds raised by the event are distributed to charities and families in need “COVID-19 has affected everyone in 2020,” says Illawarra Convoy manager Mark Rigby. “Unfortunately, though, those patients affected by potentially life threatening medical conditions that Convoy supports, don’t get a year off because of COVID-19.

Their treatment still goes on, and the support we provide will not be affected by the decision to replace the physical event with the television event. For this reason we are pushing on with our fundraising. “We know many people and businesses have been affected by restrictions this year, and if all you can do this year is buy some Convoy merchandise or make a small donation, we totally understand that.” This will be the first time in its 16-year history that the truck and motorbike convoy and free family fun day won’t be able to go ahead as planned. For more information or to purchase merchandise online, visit illawarraconvoy. com.au.

The black KYECON truck that led last year’s convoy was built in honour of 10- year-old Kye Yates who sadly passed away in June that year.

NEWS 7

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020

Investing in a new freight corridor is crucial: QTA

WITH the Queensland state election looming fast on October 31, here’s an edited extract from the Queensland Trucking Association’s state election blueprint, calling for more investment in the Toowoomba to Port of Brisbane corridor, and an alternative inland highway. The upgrade of the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing (Toowoomba Bypass) as a key freight corridor between Toowoomba and Port of Brisbane has unlocked a large part of the enormous economic potential of both the South East and South West of Queensland that will deliver regional prosperity and support jobs. The Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd (PBPL) is the third largest, and one of the fastest growing container Ports in Australia, handling product worth around $50 billion each year. This represents approximately 15 per cent of Queensland’s Gross State Product (GSP) and approximately 50 percent of Queensland’s international trade by value. This freight task will continue to grow into the future, from 1.35 million TEUs

in the state to ransom for as long as it takes to replace it.

Activating an Inland Queensland Freight Route Queensland’s freight task is growing and evolving. The increased rate of freight volumes, coupled with the growth in population, employment and tourism, safety and capacity issues will be exacerbated on the road network, resulting in nationally significant productivity losses. As the Commonwealth Government and Queensland Government seek to increase economic performance of Northern Australia, and also expand the agriculture and resources sectors, there is an urgent need to establish a viable alternative to the Bruce Highway, which is known to be vulnerable to a raft of road safety, flooding, capacity and congestion issues. The advantages of a QIH include: • Inland high productivity vehicle (HPV: defined as any multi-combination vehicle used for the purpose of moving freight) route reduces road safety exposure on the

The next State Government needs to further invest in the Toowoomba to Port of Brisbane freight corridor, says the QTA.

in 2018-19 to over 5 million TEUs by 2050, requiring almost 13 million truck movements annually. Most importantly 97.5 per cent of containerised import and export freight movements are currently moved by trucks on the road network to the port. The A-Double combination at 30 metres in length is the optimal combination carrying two 40-foot containers (four TEUs on one vehicle combination). These safer

innovative vehicle combinations and two-trailer livestock combinations cannot currently be fully utilised on this corridor forcing significantly more truck trips. The next Queensland Government must acknowledge the vital role this key corridor performs in transporting road freight between and around the southern region as part of the National Land Transport Network and the National Land Freight Net-

work. Accordingly, the next Queensland Government needs to commit to a further upgrade of assets across the corridor to unlock capacity and allow increased access for the use of High Productivity combinations. The Bremer River Bridge restrictions on the Warrego Highway are a significant contributor to this cost and the Bremer River Bridge will continue to hold the most potentially productive corridor

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1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Bruce Highway. • Current inland HPV routes could form a QIH that offers time improvements of better than 10% over the Bruce Highway from Far North Queensland to Sydney and Melbourne. • Form a QIH with an efficiency advantage over the Bruce Highway from Far North Queensland to Brisbane, by designating HPV access on the full route. This route would take advantage of the new Toowoomba Bypass and be a ten year goal with clear HPV ambition by government. • Inland HPV routes can be more resilient to natural disasters, providing viable safe options. • Inland HPV routes currently experience lower freight volumes and traffic flows than the Bruce Highway, and a transfer of freight to a QIH would reduce network impacts on the Bruce Highway. • HPV vehicles on the QIH could lead to productivity gains of around 23% for PBS Level 3 and 49% for PBS Level.

Fund Bridge investment Upgrade Bremer River Bridge Activate Inland Freight Route Build a 'truck-way' from Acacia Ridge to Port of Brisbane Reduce price disincentive of toll road use Fund Heavy Vehicle wash down facilities

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08 OPINION

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Fight for respect

EDITOR JAMES GRAHAM

WE don’t have to tell you how much the mainstream media loves to point the finger at truckies for all manner of ills. Long before all the facts are established, drivers are routinely painted as the guilty party. After all, a big scary truck plays better on the 6pm news as the villain than the defenceless law-abiding motorist. Well, we have to agree with Senator Glenn Sterle in our story on page five when we say, enough-is-enough. For those of you who haven’t read it yet, the Senator is taking 7News Sydney to task for the way it unfairly portrayed a truckie in a recent report. The underlying issue here was a hot topic at Trucking Australia in Perth last year where it was suggested that the industry come up with some kind of media guidelines. I’m keen to hear your thoughts on this. Drop me a note at editor@bigrigs.com.au.

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WOULD YOU LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE TO READER CORNER? EMAIL US AT EDITOR@BIGRIGS.COM.AU

New lobby group to give truckies greater voice

Chair of the ATA David Smith is calling for more support for businesses.

Stop the super-

annuation guarantee increase

IN its 2020-21 budget submission, the ATA called on the Australian Government not to proceed with an increase in the superannuation guarantee planned for 1 July 2021. On our Facebook page, Daniel Fisk Hodgens writes, “After the year many employers have gone through this year with thousands of businesses about to close their doors for good and little movement forward in many areas, sorry to say but I don’t see many workplaces making massive money, though a few will. A super increase isn’t the best move. I’d rather have a pay increase of $50-75 per week.” In its submission, the ATA highlights the importance of expanding support for business investment. “COVID-19 is not a one-off economic hit – the impact will continue for years to come. The need to assist business and economic growth will continue beyond the end of 2020,” says Chair of the ATA David Smith. “The Government should support businesses by extending the $150,000 instant asset write off to 30 June 2021 and introducing a long-term investment allowance to support investment in new assets, including trucks and trailers.” As well as increasing support for business investment, the ATA submission recommends increasing the base rate of the JobSeeker payment by at least $100 per week.

TRUCK driver and compliance expert Roxanne Mysko has launched a new lobby group that aims to give drivers and small fleet owners a greater voice at the policy table. The United Transport Group (UTG) will cover all sectors of road transport. “I’m looking forward to working with everyone in the industry to unite to develop changes needed,” writes Mysko. The group intends to lobby government for better operating conditions, less regulations, reductions in fines and sustainable changes in regulations to provide more fairness. Reader David Howard was sceptical, though optimistic. “This could be a great thing for the industry as long as they don’t get corrupted and bought off by the unions, large trucking companies and others with vested interests. Only time will tell, good luck though and here’s hoping some good work and results for the truckies on the road actually happens.” Chad Kenny applauded Mysko’s efforts in trying to drive change. He writes, “Good to see someone having a go at trying to get things fixed.”

Big Rigs contributor Mike Williams, aka the oz trucker, is a board member of the new lobby group.

Yet another toll road nears completion

Director of Rocky Lamattina & Sons, Angelo Lamattina, describes roads in his region as “absolutely terrible”.

Urgent road upgrades overdue

AS we reported in our last edition, six local councils joined forces in Victoria’s west to form the Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Transport Group, which is seeking for a $50 million commitment from the state government to fix some of the region’s worst C-Class roads. Though reader Trevor Warner was unconvinced that these sorts of upgrades would take place any time soon. “If we can’t get the Hume sorted out around Kalkallo, and the Western Highway, regional roads don’t have a chance this century,” he says. Big Rigs readers echoed the same sorts of issues for roads in other parts of Australia too. “Shovels of hot mix don’t fix what’s underneath. Most of the Newell, the Burley Griffin Way, Goldfields Way and the Sturt need to be basically ripped up and started again! This is long overdue,” says Michael Blythe. Though Glenn Piper adds it’s not just the regional roads that are subpar. “Forget the regional roads, the A8 Western Highway is an absolute joke. Without a doubt the worst major highway/ freight route I’ve driven on in this country,” he says. According to Henry Nalder, there needs to be more accountability placed on road maintenance. “Governments happy to dish out fines for road safety compliance but who governs the road authorities on safe roads? Who hands out fines to road companies and local governments for not maintaining roads to a minimum standard?”

WITH Sydney’s newest toll road, Transurban’s NorthConnex tunnel, set to open in coming months, there have been growing signs of frustration among road users, including transport operators. The $2.9 billion project will link Sydney’s M1 Pacific Motorway at Wahroonga with the Hills M2 at Pennant Hills Road. Road Freight NSW (RFNSW) is calling on the NSW Government to provide financial relief to truckies struggling to keep up with excessive tolls, registration costs and other operational charges, as businesses try to navigate the current COVID-19 pandemic. RFNSW Chief Executive Simon O’Hara says the state government should review current policies and offer incentives to use tollroads, particularly for truckies. Big Rigs Facebook followers voiced their frustration. Gary Cleary writes, “Another example of how all revenue collected from the roads are not put back into the road network.” Bruce Skelton adds, “All boycot the toll roads, it’s called a mass civil disobedience and there must be a toll-free route available for all vehicles that don’t want to or can’t afford to.”

Once completed, NorthConnex aims to reduce traffic congestion by diverting up to 5000 trucks a day from Pennant Hills Road.

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10 FEATURE

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

New study needs your help A current survey centred around Chain of Responsibility is calling on truck drivers and the broader industry to share their views, to help drive change in heavy vehicle crash investigations

BY DANIELLE GULLACI IT’S something we see reported time and time again. Far too often, when a heavy vehicle crash results in a fatality, the blame is focused on the driver. News reports seldom reflect on the underlying causes of the crash. Now, Ivan Cikara has launched the Heavy Vehicle Transport Industry Chain of Responsibility Survey. Its purpose is to identify whether or not the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) and Compliance & Enforcement (C&E) legislation are having a positive impact on transport organisations and driving behaviours. Since going live, the survey has had hundreds of responses, and Cikara is hoping for many hundreds more. “We are reaching out to all of the industry – the drivers, managers, CEOs, schedulers, regulators, anyone who works in the industry. The more people that participate in the survey, the better, as it gives a far broader picture on individual perceptions and how opinions are based,” he says. Cikara has extensive experience in heavy vehicles, coupled with a strong background in safety investigation, largely centred around workplace, road and rail fatalities. His career began in the WA Police Force, where he specialised in road safety and investigating fatalities. Passionate about heavy vehicle safety, he transitioned

into heavy vehicle research and held various workplace safety roles across a number of transport and logistics companies. Along with holding formal qualifications in investigations, Cikara is currently involved in PhD studies centred around safety systems and investigations of fatal crashes involving heavy vehicles. “The way investigations are done in heavy vehicle transport are very different to what is done in aviation, maritime and rail. The root causes are not really being investigated – rather the blame is focused towards the driver,” explains Cikara. The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has long advocated for the provision of independent, no blame safety investigations for road crashes involving heavy vehicles; and has called on the Australian Government to extend the role of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) to include serious truck crashes where there are safety lessons to be learned. However, Cikara is advocating for an independent national Heavy Vehicle Transport Investigation agency to be set up with specialised investigators who have heavy vehicle transport industry knowledge and experiences, know how the industry operates, know heavy vehicles and know how to conduct investigations. “Drivers are being killed on our roads, year on year. And WorkSafe are unlikely

IF THE AVIATION, RAIL OR MARITIME INDUSTRIES EXPERIENCED 200 DEATHS A YEAR, AS THE HEAVY VEHICLE INDUSTRY IS EXPERIENCING, I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT GOVERNMENT WOULD BE CALLING FOR A ROYAL COMMISSION. IVAN CIKARA

to investigate heavy vehicle fatalities, if at all, with the exception of Victoria, which has started making some changes in that regard. The Standing Committee on Public Administration Inquiry into WorkSafe (Western Australia) were told by Worksafe that if it doesn’t happen inside the company’s gates, WorkSafe are unlikely to investigate it. “If the aviation, rail or maritime industries experienced 200 deaths a year, as the heavy vehicle industry is experiencing, I have no doubt that Government would be calling for a royal commission to identify why; and immediate changes would be made,” says Cikara. “My studies are all about identifying the background issues, underlying causes, and contributing factors such as governmental decisions like failing to provide appropriate sleeping bays for drivers to rest or appropriate driver facilities, testing regimes, client contracts, unrealistic sched-

Ivan Cikara is behind a new survey that looks at how heavy vehicle crashes are investigated.

ules, etc, rather than just putting it all on the driver. People are quick to blame the driver, but let’s look at who put the driver in the seat in the first place and what was going on in the background. Even the coroner is not being provided the full, complete picture for them to base their findings simply because investigation reports they receive are not completed to that level of detail. Investigators, unless they have specific industry knowledge would miss these

Ivan is advocating for an independent national Heavy Vehicle Transport Investigation agency to be set up with specialised investigators.

important underlying factors, and wouldn’t know what to look for, simply because they don’t have that specialised knowledge.” Cikara points to a tragic incident a few years ago, where an off-duty police officer was killed on their way to work after the motorcycle they were riding was hit by a truck. “That truck was serviced by unqualified mechanics, the vehicle was poorly maintained, had faulty or no brakes, it was overloaded by as much as 50 per cent and the driver wasn’t properly trained, but nothing was put on the company, the blame was all put on the driver.” Though we often hear these types of stories, it’s not always the case. “An incident in March 2014 resulted in a company director being imprisoned for a non-parole period of 10 years, after one of his drivers was killed in a truck crash. The director was aware that the truck’s brakes were faulty. Not to injure anyone else, the truck driver deliberately lined his truck up with a pole and basically sacrificed his own life,” says Cikara. As part of his research, Cikara has also interviewed investigators who have worked within the heavy vehicle crash environment. What has come to light, is that the responses from participants across various parts of the industry are, for the most part, aligning. “People want accountability and transparency. For someone who has lost a loved

one, they often want closure and want someone held accountable. Through this survey, there are plenty of areas of debate I’d like to see open up. I’d like to see it bring about discussion within the industry,” says Cikara. “There is still a focus on prosecution. With rail, aviation and maritime, there is specific legislation and standards that state how an investigation needs to be undertaken and what needs to be looked for. Rather than leaving it to police who may not have the skills and knowledge of the transport industry – not many know everything about load restraint, configurations, mass, dimensions, scheduling, fatigue management, etc, because they have so much to take in from other areas of policing and don’t get the opportunity to specialise in heavy vehicles. The background info about what led to the crash is often missed. “While things might be changing, there still needs to be a specialised skillset for those who investigate heavy vehicle crashes, much like there is in rail, aviation and maritime. People like Senator Glenn Sterle, Shadow Minister for Road Safety, are doing excellent work with respect to safety in the industry. He has been such a great advocate for safety improvement and change in the heavy vehicle industry and I have no doubt his voice will be heard.” For those wishing to complete this short survey, please visit www.surveymonkey. com/r/HVTICoR.

COLUMN 11

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020

Remember, as a collective so much can be achieved AUSTRALIAN TRUCKING ASSOCIATION CEO Ben Maguire

“WE’RE all in this together” has been the key phrase of 2020, as Australia suffered together during the devastating bushfires, before COVID-19 swept across the globe. While it may seem cliché, the sentiment rings true. The bushfires did not discriminate and nor has COVID-19, impacting all Australians, all industries and all workers. While the coronavirus has brought many businesses and communities to a standstill, trucking has had to press on, ensuring the delivery of the essential goods that we rely on like food, fuel and medicine. In a time of immense stress and confusion the trucking industry has come together, united and supportive of those on the frontline – drivers,

warehouse staff, schedulers, mechanics and support staff. Together with our members we have led the charge, working tirelessly with governments, regulators and health professionals to ensure industry members receive the support they need and deserve. Like the Queensland Trucking Association, who has developed educational COVID-safe infographics and delivered COVID safety training for truck drivers, while the Western Roads Federation and Northern Territory Road Transport Association are leading a WA Supply Chain Covid Response Group. As Victoria faces strict lockdowns, the Victorian Transport Association has been keeping industry informed and up to date with the latest requirements, while the South Australian Road Transport Association has been advocating for appropriate COVID-19 testing, and Road Freight NSW has been providing members with best-practice advice and support. Each of our members have keep their members informed

Our industry is filled with thousands of amazing people whose passion and resilience are something to be admired.

and stood up for industry in making sure operators have the support needed to get the job done. Their efforts have been incredible – representing the best interests of our industry as we face the coronavirus and the challenges that come with it. As my time with the Aus-

tralian Trucking Association comes to an end, I reflect on the strength of our united membership front and take pride in its success, as well as the many other achievements we have had over the last four years. I have fostered strong relationships with both sides

of politics and built and led a team that has delivered so much for our industry - the best association secretariat team in Canberra. In leading this team, I have seen our industry events increase their growth and relevance, and the voice of industry be heard loud and

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clear through our massive media reach. I have seen TruckSafe recognised for its high standards and provided our sponsors and partners with immense value and industry recognition through innovative and meaningful initiatives. Being able to ‘walk the talk’ and travel across Australia to meet the men and women who own, and drive trucks has been an absolute highlight and a privilege. While I enjoy the cut and thrust of donning a suit and representing the industry in the media or with our federal politicians, what really inspires me is the real feeling of being with people who are taking action every day to solve problems and keep our nation moving. Our industry is filled with thousands of amazing people whose passion and resilience are something to be admired. Although dealt with challenges, our industry does not see these as a barrier to success, but rather a motivator to strive for greatness. So, I wish you all farewell, thank you for your support and remember that as a collective, so much can be achieved.

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12 OPINION

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

‘Open your eyes to what in-cab surveillance means’

A veteran truckie debates whether the new safety tech that is taking hold really does have a driver’s best interests at heart.

DRIVER ADVOCATE Robert Bell

SURVEILLANCE cameras inside truck cabins are becoming increasingly common in the transport industry today. Electronic work diaries are hardly mentioned anymore, and the industry narrative is all about the Guardian Seeing Machine. They are being touted as a panacea, the solution for all that ails the industry. Most large and medium fleets have them now, and they are often installed without any consultative process with the drivers affected by their operation. This brings into play the matter of privacy and consent. A number of states have Surveillance Devices Acts which deal explicitly with the matter of express and implied consent. Criminal penalties can be applied for breaches of this legislation, yet they are rarely ever prosecuted. It can be argued that not even GPS, let alone these Seeing Machines can be installed in the workplace without the express consent of each and every individual affected by their operation. The Australian Government, through the Australian Law Reform Commission,

published a paper entitled, Serious Invasions of Privacy in the Digital Era in 2014. In this extensive report, The Commission makes a number of recommendations that encourage lawmakers to strengthen the laws surrounding surveillance devices and the reach, or overreach that comes with their implementation. It should be noted that Seeing Machines is potentially able to record private telephone conversations, in a workplace where a reasonable expectation of privacy could be presumed. Long distance truck drivers virtually live in their truck cabins when they are away working, and they are not only a workplace, but a home away from home. Drivers also get changed inside truck cabins, and they become bedrooms when they sleep. In some states, there is an absolute prohibition on optical surveillance devices in the workplace when they could be described as such. Simply telling a driver to cover the camera when getting changed would be tantamount to having a camera fitted in their manager’s bedroom and saying they could cover it “only” when absolutely necessary. Seeing Machines is widely regarded as the ultimate tool for detecting instances of fatigue and distraction by drivers today. The industry narrative is punctuated with constant references to this product, and they have almost become

a proprietary term for in cab surveillance, much like Google is to search engines. This is in no small part attributable to the massive publicity/marketing campaign, that is driven in part by the major insurance companies that have a vested interest in their uptake. One might ask, how do they have a vested interest? Seeing Machines has partnered with NTI insurance for instance, which now offers substantial discounts on heavy vehicle insurance premiums to operators that install these devices. To be fair, NTI insurance is also heavily invested in promoting a safety culture in the road transport sector. However, once you strip away the marketing and promotion, what are you left with? The Guardian Seeing Machines website, under the tax and insurance benefits tab, list some of the benefits to companies that install the technology. These benefits include: NTI Insurance Policy Benefits • No driver experience restrictions (All driver experience requirements are removed for vehicles with Guardian installed – applies to NTI Fleet policyholders only) • E xcess reduction (Excess for any accidents reduced on vehicles fitted with Guardian by $2,500) • Market value plus (In the event of a total loss of a unit

Most drivers will confirm that operations still expect drivers on BFM to complete runs that are described in terms such as “tight but achievable”.

installed with Guardian, settlement can be Market Value plus 20% to a maximum of the sum insured) • Reinstatement of Guardian hardware (caused by damage in the event of a loss) And this one: Data feed fee waived for individual data feed from Seeing Machines to NTI There appears to be a direct data feed to NTI insurance should operators take up this deal. This materialises to indicate that NTI insurance have access to the data/ images and are able to store and use them for their own purposes.

As an employed driver, you are not generally liable for damages or claims that occur as a result of an accident.

This is not readily disclosed, and only acts to feed the suspicion that NTI Insurance is encouraging the installation of the Seeing Machine for reasons other than safety. The financial benefits to operators that are on offer are substantial, and a return on that investment would be expected by any insurer. And as we all know, insurance companies do not give money away. Their business model is very simple in fact. Get more money in than you pay out. These seeing eye machines employ facial recognition technology, very similar to the type that is rolled out

across China. The Chinese model is used extensively in their social credits regime, and it is used to monitor behaviour and interactions with a view to grading citizens according to compliance. It is no coincidence that this technology is being adapted to monitor truck drivers in much the same fashion. In a 2017 article on the Australia Unlimited website, author Christopher Niesche goes into some depth to explain the technology behind, and the practical uses of the Seeing Machine. This quote from the article, (Continued on page 14)

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14 OPINION (Continued from page 12) “The technological goal is to understand what is going on in the mind of a person,” says Timothy Edwards, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Seeing Machines. “So, a machine can derive a high-level understanding of somebody’s intent, emotional state, level of fatigue or distraction.” Those words are chilling in their dystopian effect and go far beyond what most drivers would expect or believe of such a device. You can be sure that this was not explained at the inevitable toolbox meeting or memorandum that took place before their installation. Seeing Eye Machines record audio visual clips, and these files are saved and stored in databases over which drivers have no control. The database is managed by Amazon, who have established their data operations HQ at Virginia, USA. The Australian equivalent of that would be siting it next to Pine Gap. At the time of writing this article, The Seeing Machines website was proudly boasting that it had detected 7,047,080 distraction events and 170,394 fatigue interventions in the previous 12 months. These statistics speak volumes, and evidence would suggest that they are collated and matched for purposes not readily divulged. Transport companies that use this technology appear to have been lulled in a false sense of fatigue management and responsible scheduling. Often these Seeing Machines are installed yet scheduling and the like remain unchanged. Most drivers will confirm that operations still expect drivers on BFM to complete runs that are described in terms such as “tight but achievable” or “it can be done, if you watch your breaks” There are many examples of this type of scheduling that occur every day, by companies that have this Seeing Machines’ technology monitoring drivers. Responsible scheduling, within the protocols of fatigue management, is more of an encompassing task than simply installing a camera can mitigate. Often by the time the Seeing Machine detects instanc-

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

A number of states have Surveillance Devices Acts which deal explicitly with the matter of express and implied consent.

es of fatigue, the driver is at a point where legally he/she should not be driving. How often is the decision made to tell the driver to pull over immediately and rest for at least seven hours? In the days before extensive workplace surveillance was the norm, when there was a single vehicle accident, the insurance company would have to pay out on a claim, and there would be no other party that they could pursue for their loss. These are known as a no-fault accident. Insurance companies, for obvious reasons, are not fans of these type of claims. Fast forward to the present day, and there is a vastly different scenario at play. Some might even call it an agenda of sorts. There has been much discussion of late around the industry, of enforcement only being interested in the low hanging fruit, that is the driver rather than the owner/ operator. The Chain of Responsibility does not appear to be achieving its intended purpose, and drivers increasingly feel the brunt of the long arm of enforcement. What if these cameras were just another way to shift another liability back on to the driver, and were disguising that fact with an overwhelming publicity and marketing campaign designed to

deflect that assertion? As an employed driver, you are not generally liable for damages or claims that occur as a result of an accident. For example, you are driving a truck and accidentally clip a car in another lane, or you back into someone etc. The employer generally has what is known as vicarious responsibility for the reasonable actions of employees. Unfortunately, there have been many examples of insurance companies pursuing drivers when employers deny liability in the first instance. When this occurs, the insurer routinely pursues the driver which often results in a default judgement. This should not occur and is a glaring example of the unethical behaviour that insurance companies often display in their pursuance of claims. However, with these cameras now installed, they are watching you all the time and building up a dossier of files that show yawning, or blinking your eyes excessively, or even taking your eyes off the road momentarily. A virtual conscience sitting on your shoulder as you drive along. The current position in the civil jurisdiction presents some problems for drivers today, because the position on liability does have some exceptions. These exceptions

In some states, there is an absolute prohibition on optical surveillance devices in the workplace when they could be described as such.

include but are not limited to gross or wilful misconduct, and/or unlawful conduct These cameras could build a portfolio of blame, and under the civil burden of the balance of probabilities, it will be a relatively easy task for an experienced legal practitioner representing an insurer to persuade a court to find in their favour. After all, the law says it is illegal to drive if you are fatigued. So, bearing all this mind, the previous no fault accident may look completely different from an insurance liability perspective, and drivers may lose their houses and as-

sets as a result. These claims could range into the millions, and bankruptcy proceedings are very aggressive in their pursuance of assets. Drivers that are subject to this technology are often in a position of disadvantage, with low union membership and a general lack of advocacy in all areas. There is also widespread ignorance, in both meanings of the word, throughout this sector and companies regularly impose surveillance technology upon employees, despite consultative provisions contained within relative industrial instruments such as EBA’s and

modern awards. These factors combined with the legislative requirements in some states make for a powerful argument. About the author: Robert Bell, is a 35-year industry veteran who has now turned his attention to fulltime advocacy for the Transport Industry. He is now working with Fine Defender, which provides online legal services in Victoria and NSW. They are currently in the process of branching out nationally and creating a low-cost model for defending Heavy Vehicle drivers who are impacted by the enforcement regimes in place today.

We gave Seeing Machines and NTI a chance to reply

SEEING MACHINES:

POWERED by AI, Guardian (by Seeing Machines) monitors a driver’s face and eyes to determine alertness, drowsiness and attentiveness and serves to enhance the safety of the driver. Guardian does not employ facial recognition technology. It responds to eyelid closure and head position and intervenes in real-time when set thresholds around these factors are exceeded, helping drivers recognise their own potentially risky or dangerous behaviours as they happen. Guardian is not installed for the purpose of remote monitoring or surveillance. It cannot be accessed remotely under any circumstances. While the vehicle is running, the sensor is powered up to enable the capture of footage of unsafe driving behaviour which is available for review by the Fleet Operator online if an event such as drowsiness or distraction is detected. Seeing Machines takes the privacy of its customers and their employees very seriously. Outlined on the company’s website is our Policy which stipulates a range of measures designed to protect the personal information of anyone using its technology. Instantaneous detection

of driver state, in the form of driver monitoring technology, will soon become mandatory technology in Europe and North America. In fact, the European Commission, focused on saving lives and reducing the global road toll from a shocking 1.35 million per year, has already passed legislation and from 2024, all new cars, vans, trucks and buses, will be required to have some form of driver monitoring system (DMS) technology. Seeing Machines is a pioneer of DMS technology, developed over 20 years in Australia underpinned by deep R&D, facilitated by partnerships with universities and governments around the world. Finally, we are proud of our association with NTI, one of Australia’s leading truck insurers. Together, we are contributing to a safer driving environment for heavy vehicle operators, as well as the people in the cities and towns through which they drive. NTI’s endorsement of Guardian demonstrates their leadership in changing culture and contributing to improved conditions for all road users. This partnership has enabled more companies to implement Guardian across

their fleets by providing insurance policy benefits and financial incentives. The data that is shared between Guardian customers and their insurer is done so willingly and under strict data sharing arrangements with controls in place to ensure compliance with privacy and data protection laws. Seeing Machines is proud to be protecting over 23,000 commercial vehicles around the world with our Guardian technology and we look forward to further expanding our footprint in Australia, in partnership with NTI. NTI: NTI remains committed to a safer and more sustainable trucking and logistics industry. We have been supporting industry safety for decades and our runs are on the board. NTI is fully compliant with privacy legislation. The data we receive from driver monitoring technology does not identify drivers. It is disappointing that non-factual misinformation is being used to create fear and mistrust in lifesaving technology, and to diminish the work NTI is doing to invest in, and promote, safety initiatives.

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16 NEWS

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

UD does its homework with the new 8x4 model

BY DAVID MEREDITH

A virtual truck release and walk-around is nothing new in this era, mainly because nothing is the same as it was. It also means a drive of the latest UD market entrant is not on the cards, until a unit arrives in my home state and the dealer gets me on board. But in the meantime, Volvo Group’s Matt Wood presented the truck media with UD’s best opportunity yet at cracking into a sector almost the exclusive property of the Aussie truck market leader. It was only a few years ago that the country’s biggest truck brand decided to offer a contender in the 8x4 sector. The result was an avalanche of orders and, bingo, domination of the market. Now UD has jumped into the pool with its own 8x4 offering, matched to a thoroughly European engine and transmission, and the best heavy-duty cab coming out of Japan, bar none. The new truck offers two engines, two transmissions, three power outputs and

The first truck in the country is an 11-litre unit with air suspension.

three wheelbases, all packaged and designed for a slew of applications in construction, waste and distribution markets. The GH8 engine is a 360hp, 1,428Nm 8-litre unit originating in Sweden and can be ordered with the ESCOT-VI AMT (also originating in Sweden), or the Allison 3200 full auto. There

are no manual options on the list. Wheelbases of 4,500mm, 5,200mm and 5,700mm are available. Moving up the power scale, the 11-litre offers a choice of 390hp and 1,750Nm, or 420hp and 1,900Nm. The only transmission available here is the ESCOT_VI. Wheelbases for this model are 5,200mm and

5,700mm. Across both engines the longest wheelbase is aimed directly at 14-pallet distribution roles. Both drivelines offer either transmission or engine PTO drives. Both chassis are the same, with load sharing twin steer front suspension on parabolic springs (13-tonne capacity), and the option of 8-bag rear

air suspension or leaf springs. Disc brakes are standard as is electronic stability control, traffic-eye brake, lane departure warning, and brake blending. The driver support and alert system is optional. UD has said quite bluntly that it expects around 80 per cent of buyers to be first-time UD users. The marque has been absent from this sector and operators have not only had a limited range of brand options, they have recently lost access to Iveco’s ACCO, one of the most popular contenders. The first truck in the country is an 11-litre unit with air suspension and we were taken on a virtual walk-around from the Volvo headquarters in Wacol Queensland recently. Not a lot to see without a body on the back, but it did allow us to view the top chassis rails – completely flat and free of holes and bolts plus the L-shaped brackets allowing for frameless mixer bowl installation. That should keep the bodybuilders happy. UD has done its homework with this model. From user feedback, there’s now a

visibility window in the passenger’s door, along with a rear third-quarter window alongside the sleeper/storage rack. I’ve driven several Fusos with this feature and feel blind if I get into a truck without one afterwards. Inside the cab all the controls wrap-around the driver. A belt-in-seat option is there, and the infotainment unit has Apple Carplay and Android Auto as standard. The Volvo Group digital safety suite is all included, as are SRS airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners and door side beams. UD claims the tightest turning circle and lightest tare weight, but we weren’t given any figures to justify that. But here’s the puzzle – this truck was developed under the Volvo Group ownership and was aimed at Isuzu. Now Isuzu owns the brand. UD’s Quon 8x4 is now the biggest volume competitor to a truck built by the company’s new owner. As I said, nothing is the same as it was.

Both chassis are the same, with load sharing twin steer front suspension on parabolic springs (13-tonne capacity).

Quon has the best driver’s spot of all the Japanese 8x4s.

Kenworth takes win as truck sales slow further in August AUGUST proved to be another gloomy month for truck sales overall, with the only bright spot being the green shoots out of the heavy-duty sector. There were more big rigs sold than any other, although the 821 heavy duty models delivered was still 165 less than the same month in 2019. Kenworth in particular had something to crow about with a category-topping 159 sales, a number that made a sizeable dent in Volvo’s overall lead in 2020. Volvo could only manage third place in August, some 49 units adrift and 13 trucks shy of perennial overall chart-topper Isuzu in second place in the segment. Kenworth is now only 53

units behind Volvo (1121 v 1173) in the keenly contested annual race with just four months remaining. Overall, sales in all truck and heavy van categories were down on August 2019 results and the heavy vehicle market is now showing clear signs of significant and continued slowing due to the pandemic. August 2019 sales were down 14.3 percent over August 2018, that is a market reduction for the month of August of 35.0 percent over the past two years. Year-to-date heavy vehicle sales are tracking 13.5 percent lower than last year, whilst comparing to this time in 2018, two years ago, sales are down 20.0 percent to the end of August. In terms of actu-

al vehicles, 3,425 less trucks have been sold thus far in 2020 compared to year-to-date August 2019. Tony McMullan, CEO of Truck Industry Council, the peak industry body for truck manufacturers and importers in Australia, notes that with the latest month-on-month falls, the new truck market had slowed even further this year. “The August result continues the trend that has been building over the past few months, though the declining sales in the Medium truck and Light truck and van sectors appear to be accelerating,” says McMullan. “With signs that conditions in Victoria are improving, we hope to see truck and van sales recover a little in September

and October, over the August result lows. “I am pleased to see that for the first time in a number of months that the Heavy truck segment, though still notice-

ably down, outperformed the other heavy vehicle sectors. “Australia faces a long road ahead, however I have no doubt that the truck industry will continue to provide the

essential road freight services required during these difficult times. The Truck Industry Council and our members will continue to play our part in keeping those wheels turning.”

Kenworth at least had something to crow about with a category-topping 159 sales.

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18 EVENT PREVIEW

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU SEPTEMBER 23, 2020. VISIT TRUCK.NET.AU/ATALIVE TO REGISTER

Trucking Australia event moves online for 2020

WELCOME to the Australian Trucking Association’s annual Trucking Australia Conference in the Covid-era. With the annual soiree in Cairns cancelled at the 11th hour in March due to the pandemic, the ATA has adapted the usual three-day format into one jam-packed online afternoon broadcasting from the Sydney Convention Centre. Free to view from midday on September 23, the ATA LIVE schedule, hosted by Sunrise’s Mark Beretta, features special interest industry stories, interviews, an interactive Q&A segment, and the 2020 National Trucking Industry Awards. “2020 has been a tough year for the trucking industry,” says ATA CEO Ben Maguire, who leaves his post this month for a role in the navy. “With the support of our sponsors and partners we are committed to showcasing what makes our industry great and celebrating our achievements with an event that is accessible to anybody, no matter where they are located.” Maguire says ATA Live will showcase never-before-seen segments as well as industry favourites. “ATA Live will reveal the winners of the 2020 National Trucking Industry Awards and the 2020 Kenworth Legends, as well as showcasing participants in the Daimler Truck and Bus Future Leaders’ Forum.

Trucking Q&A with Tony Jones Meet the panellists:

Catherine Gary King Mahon Host of ATA Live, Mark Beretta

“We are excited for the return of Trucking Q&A with Tony Jones, an opportunity for industry to have their say on the issues that matter and put their questions to our expert panel. “Now more than ever, the trucking industry needs to be supported and recognised for its hard work.” To get your free ticket to this industry-first event, take party in the live interactive elements, and have the chance to win one of 250 merch packs, register at new.truck. net.au. ATA Live program Midday (AEST): ATA Live begins 2pm: Broadcast break 2.30pm: Trucking industry Q&A with Tony Jones 3.30pm: Broadcast break 5pm: National Trucking Awards begin 5.30pm: Ford Jailbar charity auction

Tony Jones

THE former host of popular ABC political panel program Q&A Tony Jones returns to mediate more lively debate between industry heavyweights. This year Jones, who made his debut in the same chair at Trucking Australia in Perth, will also be putting your curly questions to the expert panellists below. To have your say, just visit new.truck.net.au/trucking-industry-qa.

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Queensland Trucking Association GARY is the CEO of the QTA, an association that has been actively serving the industry since 1907. QTA is the pre-eminent industry association for road freight operators in Queensland and membership is well represented across all sectors of the industry and distributed across the state. Gary has a reputation as a trusted navigator in the transport industry and combined with his open engagement style, makes him a strong advocate for facilitating innovative changes for the road freight industry in Queensland and nationally.

KPMG BRENDAN is National Sector Leader of Transport and Logistics at KPMG Australia and a business performance specialist. Brendan has been engaged as a key strategic advisor across a variety of organisations including many of Australia’s largest transport operators. He has applied his unique logistics perspective to significantly improve their business performance and assist them in preparing for a future in which both logistics and technology play an increasingly important role.

Straightshot Transport ANGELA is the director of Straightshot Transport, a small freight company operating mainly in the east coast of Australia. Although Angela is a relative newcomer to the industry at just nine years, she has very close ties with many incredible truck drivers, owner drivers and small business operators on a daily basis. In 2019, Angela was elected as the small fleet operator representative on the ATA Council and advocates for drivers and small transport businesses at every opportunity.

Brendan Richards

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Federal Member for Ballarat Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development FIRST elected in 2001, Catherine King represents the electorate of Ballarat in the Australian Parliament. Following the 2019 election, Catherine moved to the key economic portfolio of Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development after serving six years as Labor’s Shadow Minister for Health and Medicare In Government, Catherine was in Cabinet as Minister for Regional Australia, Local Government and Territories.

Angela Welsh

Professor Catherine Bennett

Deakin University PROFESSOR Catherine Bennett is Chair of Epidemiology at Deakin University and has a distinguished career in public health practice, research, academic governance and teaching. Prior to her current role, Professor Bennett spent eight years with Melbourne University, following work with the New South Wales and Victorian State Governments in a variety of senior positions. Professor Bennett is also founding Chair and President of the Council of Academic Public Health Institutions Australia. Professor Bennett is recognised for her academic program leadership and academic governance expertise and has chaired national working parties on career and training pathways in Public Health and in Epidemiology.

The ATA’s Melissa Weller will also update viewers on the SafeT360 truck and how a successful social media campaign has reached more than one million people.

EVENT PREVIEW 19

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020 SEPTEMBER 23, 2020. VISIT TRUCK.NET.AU/ATALIVE TO REGISTER

National Trucking Award Finalists

Outstanding Contribution to the Australian Trucking Industry

Robert Cavanagh Cavanagh’s Transport/ Stockmaster Inverell NSW WELL known as an expert in livestock transport, Robert has more than 35 years’ experience in the industry and is an active and committed member of state and national rural road freight transport associations. He is a strong advocate for safety, technology and animal welfare and is often recognised for his future thinking, ability to adapt to change, and an early adopter of technology and

modern business practices. Robert has served as President of the Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association, and has also held the roles of President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary of the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association. In 2018 he was awarded an ALRTA life membership in recognition of his significant contribution to the organisation and to the promotion of rural transport as a sustainable, responsible and safe contributor to Australia.

Lindsay King Transking Wetherill Park NSW LINDSAY first worked in the industry as a motor mechanic in 1968. From its humble beginnings, under Lindsay’s leadership Transking quickly gained a reputation in the industry for its proactive approach in developing safer, more efficient products. Lindsay has led Transking

to be at the forefront of innovation for many years and has developed a range of innovative products that have contributed to the ever-growing need for a safer transport industry. Lindsay created the original concept and design of the Lockerliner, Tightwinder and the Quickloc Automatic Curtain system, the world’s first fully automatic curtain locking system.

Rex Chapman Total Insurance Agencies Strathpine QLD REX has had an interest in transport from a young age when he started his first business buying a bread run and delivering to customers around the Brisbane area. Throughout his career, Rex has gained a wealth of experience across many roles, purchasing Pacific Coast Trucking in 1988 with his wife Judy, before moving into the insurance business in 2006.

Rex has served on the Queensland Trucking Association board of directors and held the role of President, building his reputation as a dedicated advocate of the heavy vehicle industry. Rex is passionate about improving the transport industry and is committed to ensuring it remain viable and safe in the future. Rex continues to contribute to, and support, the trucking industry by attending state and national conferences and events.

National Professional Driver of the Year

Sarah Brosnan

Fonterra Farm Milk Cartage Latrobe TAS SARAH has been driving trucks for more than 10 years. She has had no incidents in her professional driving career. Sarah actively contributes to and follows all policies and procedures of her workplace. Sarah demonstrates excellence in her industry relationships, particularly those with customers - from farmers to factory, to pack houses to ports, and all her co-workers. Sarah is respectful and always

works to convey a professional image of her company and of the industry. Sarah is a strong supporter of initiatives to increase the representation of women in non-traditional roles in the transport industry. She is recognised as an ambassador for a strong and diverse future workforce and is a participant in the 2020 Teletrac Navman Driving Change Diversity Program. In 2019, Sarah won the TTA Tasmanian Professional Truck Driver of the Year award.

Philip Crowe Western Suburbs Concrete Penrith NSW PHILIP is a driver at Western Suburbs Concrete where he has worked for more than 17 years. Philip began his career in trucking in the 1970s hauling general freight in country NSW, before moving to Tube Makers carting steel tube and then on to Shell for ten years. Philip is recorded as the best driver in the fleet re-

garding fuel economy with 2.48km/L and is often called on to play the role of ‘fuel coach’ to help his colleagues achieve better efficiency. Philip is well regarded as a respectful and experienced driver and maintains a high standard of safety and productivity.

Russell Lee Directhaul Darwin NT RUSSELL is a road train driver with Directhaul and has served the business for more than 30 years. Russell is a role model at the company and is described by his colleagues and management as safe, dependable, professional, trustworthy and hardworking. He is wellknown for his extremely positive influence on Directhaul’s workplace culture. Russell is a well-respected senior driver in the industry,

and holds valuable knowledge and experience of driving conditions, job requirements, risks and challenges that can be faced in the various geographic regions of the Northern Territory. In his 32 years with Directhaul, Russell has driven an estimated 11 million kilometres and delivered more than 509 million litres of fuel. In 2019, Russell was a finalist for the ATA’s National Professional Driver of the Year award.

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20 EVENT PREVIEW

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU SEPTEMBER 23, 2020. VISIT TRUCK.NET.AU/ATALIVE TO REGISTER

National Training National Trucking Industry Excellence Award Woman of the Year Chemtrans

National Trucking Award Finalists

Bette Phillips-Campbell Uniting Victoria Euroa VIC BETTE is Manager of Uniting Victoria, a grief work service in Euroa. For more than 25 years, Bette has been a champion for reducing death, injury and disease in the trucking industry, and has provided free and professional counselling and support services to families and their communities impacted by death. Bette has been active in regional communities across Australia, working with individuals, families and industry

Truganina VIC CHEMTRANS is a wholly owned division of K&S Corporation, specialising in the safe delivery of dangerous and hazardous goods throughout Australia. In 2017, after experiencing an increase in minor incident rates and near-misses involving deliveries of Class 8 corrosive liquids, it was realised that the company’s current resources were lacking. As a result, Chemtrans developed a dangerous goods

to raise awareness of the risk associated with truck driving, and how to support bereaved families. Since 2006, Bette has provided service to more than 120 families in the trucking industry, and strongly advocated for truck deaths to be treated as work-related, which has now been agreed to by Work Safe Victoria. Bette founded the Victorian truck drivers annual memorial service and was instrumental in creating the Victorian Drivers Memorial Wall.

Truganina VIC BASED in Truganina, VIC, K&S Energy has fuel contracts across the country, as well as LPG and LNG gas distribution contracts in Western Australia performing a mix of bulk and multi-drop deliveries. Recognising the risks that are often involved in truck driving, in 2017 K&S Energy implemented a defensive driver training program: You & I can avoid crashes. The program uses five steps to

mitment to her business and relevant industry matters, Roslyn is a member of the Transport Women Australia and Women in Transport Australia networks. In 2018, Rosyln became a Transport Women Australia board member and was named winner of the Road Freight NSW Woman of the Year Award. Roslyn was a finalist for the 2019 National Trucking Industry Woman of the Year.

Candice Lureman

Wagners Transport

Women in Trucking Australia Ltd CANDICE is Co-Founder and Director of Women in Trucking Australia. She is Australia’s only profoundly deaf female road train driver and is the first deaf woman to drive super B-Doubles in Australia. Candice is actively involved in industry, working with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to estab-

Toowoomba QLD WAGNERS is an ASX-listed operator in domestic and international markets and one of Queensland’s largest construction materials and mining services companies. While Wagners has had inhouse driver trainers since the business was established, the company has developed an online driver training program for remote project drivers, as well as concrete agitator and local

lish how to best support deaf truck drivers, and lends her time and expertise to mentor others who need encouragement and support. Candice was named 2019

enhance drivers’ knowledge in Class 8 Corrosive Liquid distribution tasks, hazards involved and controls to be implemented. Since the simulator implementation, Chemtrans has recorded a 51 per cent decrease in incidents.

defensive driving, education drivers with the skills to better evaluate challenging situations while on the road. K&S Energy places significant emphasis on trainer development and has also delivered a Train the Trainer program which involves classroom-based learning, activities, and on-road practical application. To date, more than 340 drivers have been trained in the You & I can avoid crashes program, while 40 trainers

and mentors have completed the Train the Trainer program. The company has recorded a 25 per cent decrease in incidents across the division.

transport drivers. The program objective is to ensure all drivers are trained to meet legislative, company and customer requirements. New, inexperienced drivers are accompanied by a ‘buddy’ who is assigned to them until they are deemed competent. Then, an assessment with trainers or

subject matter experts will be conducted. The implementation of the program has resulted in a higher-skilled workforce and more internal job opportunities, as well as an improved safety culture among drivers as they understand their requirements and the requirements of others.

K&S Energy

Roslyn Anderson Wales Truck Repairs Smithfield NSW ROSYLN is Chief Financial Controller at Wales Truck Repairs. Roslyn grew up around trucks and has a longstanding passion for the industry. In her time with Wales Truck Repairs, Roslyn has been responsible for multiple divisions and keeps a pulse on the latest issues by attending a range of industry events. Demonstrating a proven com-

bulk tanker load/unloading simulator. The simulator enables the company’s trainers to place drivers in real-life situations without risk, enabling them to experience complex situations. The training involves theoretical and practical components to

Road Freight NSW Transport Woman of the Year and is determined to help others become involved in the transport industry and achieve their goals.

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EVENT PREVIEW 21

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020 SEPTEMBER 23, 2020. VISIT TRUCK.NET.AU/ATALIVE TO REGISTER

TruckSafe John Kelly Memorial Award

‘Black Beauty’ auctioned live for MND charity

SRH Milk Haulage Rutherford NSW SRH Milk Haulage is a family owned business that began with one truck and tanker in 1996 and has grown to a business with 63 trucks and 110 tankers, servicing areas in NSW, Western Australia and Victoria. SRH Milk Haulage has been a member of TruckSafe since 1998 and believe that their accreditation has helped shaped the business they are

today in ensuring they are doing the right thing for their employees and customers. SRH Milk Haulage is always looking at ways to use

the latest technology in their fleet and since February 2019 have installed Seeing Machines Guardian in all new trucks.

DT Rogers Bulk Transport Wallace VIC DT Rogers Bulk Transport was established in 1992, when David Rogers began working as an owner-driver carting fertiliser and grain. In 2000, David began to expand his workforce and now has three truck and dog tippers with drivers who have been with him for more than twelve years, and a livestock truck which he drives himself. DT Rogers Bulk Trans-

port has been a member of TruckSafe since 1998 and a NatRoad industry member since 1996. David has served on the TruckSafe board and is currently Vice President of the Livestock & Rural Transporters Association of Victoria. With a strong customer base, DT Rogers Bulk Transport pride themselves in understanding customer needs and requirements while providing efficient, safe and reliable service.

Brown’s Citrus Transport Gayndah QLD BROWN’S Citrus Transport’s beginnings stemmed from a sand and gravel family business in 1955, before changing to livestock transport and then transitioning to modern day freight, including citrus. Reg and Janette Brown have managed the business together since 2002 and are proud of the dedication and passion demonstrated by their staff. The business takes pride in how they operate, from the casual staff, drivers, and permanent employees who play

an important role in administration and operations. Brown’s Citrus Transport have been a TruckSafe mem-

ber since 2003, with a fleet that consists of 22 prime movers, 39 trailers and four body trucks.

This classic Ford is sold with 12 months complementary insurance with NTI, 12 months free roadside assistance and with relocation costs covered to the nearest east coast capital.

WHILE most ATA Live viewers are tuning for the industry issues and awards, for restoration enthusiasts it’s all about the 1946 Ford Jail Bar. Event sponsor NTI is auctioning the ‘Black Beauty’ from 5.30pm to raise much- needed funds for Motor Neurone Disease care and research. NTI’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Tony Clark says 2020 is the perfect opportunity to do something “a little different” to raise much needed funds for Motor Neurone Disease (MND). “Whilst 2020 has presented some challenges around fundraising, it hasn’t challenged our commitment to the cause. To date, we’ve raised over $330,000 for MND and we’ll continue to seek answers for this aggressive and indiscriminate disease that impacts thousands of Australians and their families, every year,” says Clark. NTI’s history of supporting research into MND lead to establishing an official research grant in 2019, in memory of NTI’s late previous CEO Mr Wayne Paterson. “Our restoration projects allow Wayne’s legacy to live on and for NTI to give back in so many ways – be it through

raising money for research, engaging with community or supporting local businesses,” said Mr Clark. “But the story is much bigger than NTI just building a truck. The truck is a culmination of dedication; a

passion project with a greater purpose. And in the current climate – we can all do with a little more sense of purpose.” Visit NTI’s 1946 Ford Jail Bar Charity Auction page to find out more and to register for bidding on the day.

1946 FORD JAILBAR

CHARITY AUCTION WEDNESDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 5:30PM AEST 100% OF PROCEEDS WILL BE DONATED TO MND RESEARCH AUSTRALIA

22 READER RIGS

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Joanne Foster captured this Blenners Transport road train perfectly in this shot, just south of Broken Hill.

This Kenworth looks the goods in this shot shared by Kaylene Button.

Share your truck pics THE trucking game is as diverse as the terrain on which our truckies travel. If there’s one thing we know many of you love, it’s a good looking rig – and sometimes life on the open road brings some golden photo opportunities. The Big Rigs #PicOfTheDay competition is a chance

to share your best snaps through our Facebook page (@BigRigs). We’ll choose a weekly winning shot to feature as our Facebook cover photo and a selection of the best pics will be featured in the next edition of Big Rigs Newspaper. So get snapping and keep those great pics coming!

Cory Bilderbeck took this shot in Bourke, NSW, while on his way back to South Australia, transporting cattle for Calomba Transport.

Stephen Rogan, who drives this Western Star for Neil Mansell Transport in Queensland, captured this while driving past the Olgas in NT, around 40km west of Uluru.

Matt Manning snapped this just near Lake Cullulleraine, Victoria, with two Kenworths and sets of side tippers cart materials being used to mend nearby roads.

Jan Yates shared this pic of Rutherford Transport Services’ Kenworth, unloading bridge girders in the Mid Coast Council region of NSW

With nothing but the wide open road in sight, Duncan Watts and his Kenworth enjoyed this glorious sunrise in the WA Goldfields.

Kev Cameron certainly knows his way around a truck – and a camera. He got this great shot of his 2003 Western Star is front of the Weethalle silos in NSW.

Justin Morris hauls a 25 tonne excavator out of a subdivision site at Gledswood Hills in Sydney.

READER RIGS 23

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020

Kyle Adamson with his Kenworth 610SAR and dry bulk tanker cart for Metro Mix Concrete around the suburbs of Melbourne.

Brett Hollyman snapped this Kenworth K200 in Waitchie, Victoria, while waiting to load gypsum.

After unloading at a feedlot in Dalby, Queensland, Nick Lang captured his rig in all its glory.

Craig Rawlings makes his way through the snow covered roads in Guildford, Tasmania, ready to be loaded up with plantation hardwood nitens.

Robert Stein carts nitrate into the Marandoo Mine in WA for T&M Road Haulage.

This road train packs a punch out in the Pilbara, WA, as captured by Lee Johnston.

Nate Temete stops for a breather along the New England Highway, while carting fuel for Monaro Fuel Haulage.

Taken at Brisbane wharf, Steve Nehoff was transporting a John Deere cane harvester to Bundaberg, Queensland. The ship behind brought it in from overseas.

Mick Feeney shared this pic of a K200 and T909 side by side in Murrurundi.

We sell Trailer Parts too! PACCAR Parts not only sells parts for all makes of American and European heavy trucks, we sell trailer parts too!

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FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

PACCAR Parts: A one-stop shop for your trailer parts

WITH over 350,000 parts on file, PACCAR Parts Australia works on a global scale to ensure customer “Up Time” by delivering what its customers need, when they need it, through its comprehensive national network of 57 dealer locations. Each month the business performs over 41,000 parts transactions – and what may come as a surprise to some is that around 10 per cent of that figure is for trailer parts. “We’ve always had a very strong presence in the trailer market, but it’s probably been one of the world’s best kept secrets. Now we’re starting to really un-

lock that and give our trailer products a greater presence. Amongst its many Catalogues and Product Information Bulletins, PACCAR Parts has a comprehensive trailer catalogue which lists over 5000 trailer parts. This catalogue features comprehensive product drawings, cross reference information, enabling quick parts selection all designed to help our dealers and customers easily find the parts they need,” says Niels Holm, Product Marketing Manager at PACCAR Parts Australia. “Our trailer parts range includes a great selection of axles, hubs, drums, brake hardware,

SAF-Holland king pins are a hot ticket item at PACCAR Parts.

airbrake systems, couplings, landing legs and lighting products. With the volumes of product we have, we can negotiate very good pricing with our suppliers and manufacturers. We’re then able to pass those savings on to our customers through our dealer network.” Holm adds that the business receives strong support from many of its key suppliers in the trailer space, including the likes of SAF-Holland, York, Meritor, Fuwa K-Hitch, BPW and Hendrickson. PACCAR Parts Australia’s global scale is amplified through its ability to source parts through an international distribution network, with many products in its range sourced out of the USA and Europe. PACCAR Parts is a division of PACCAR Inc. an American Fortune 500 company and counts among the largest manufacturers of medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles in the world. PACCAR is engaged in the design, manufacture and customer support of light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks under the Kenworth and DAF nameplates. PACCAR also designs

PACCAR Parts’ extensive trailer parts range includes a broad range of axles, hubs, drums, brake hardware, airbrake systems, couplings, landing legs and lighting products.

and manufactures powertrains, provides financial services and information technology, and distributes truck parts related to its principal business. PACCAR has offices, manufacturing facilities and a strong engineering presence in many countries across the world. With the strong support of global manufacturers PACCAR Parts has a range products under the TRP brand. TRP is the customer’s truck and trailer parts partner and through the extensive dealer network, offers up a one-stop shop for trailer customers. If we have a customer with trailers pro-

duced by different manufacturers, they can come into one of our dealers and get the parts they need for all of their trailer equipment,” Holm says. To support the dealer network and their end customers PACCAR Parts has distribution Centres in Victoria and Queensland and the business has also well-established training facilities in these locations. Through a comprehensive regular training program, Parts Managers, Parts Interpreters and Sales Representatives across Australia are kept up to date with the latest products and developments. With cur-

rent COVID-19 restrictions in place, PACCAR Parts has continued to provide ongoing training – virtually – through a series of webinars that are held each month. PACCAR Parts’ national dealer network is supported by a technical services team that can provide answers to any product technical enquiries and supply information wherever it’s needed. PACCAR Parts also has a special markets manager, who is focused specifically on the trailer parts range. PACCAR also proudly supports strong dealer networks in NZ and Papua New Guinea.

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28 AD FEATURE TRAILERS

Delivering the best of both worlds

WHEN reduced tare weights and streamlined maintenance are both at a premium, SAF-Holland’s range of axles and suspensions certainly deliver. The brand has proven itself as an innovator, supplying industry-proven equipment for heavy-duty and Performance-Based Standards applications. SAF-Holland’s axles and suspensions range covers two main product groups: INTRA and Modul. The INTRA range features a lightweight, fabricated trailing arm, rigidly connected or welded to the axle; while the Modul range has a Z-shape design, 100mm-wide spring (single or twin) attached to the axle with U-bolts. Since 2018, SAF-Holland has also incorporated York axles and suspensions to its portfolio, providing adding choice and flexibility for its customers. SAF-Holland Product

Manager Asia-Pacific (APAC), Nemanja Miletic, says the INTRA range is the lightest disc brake option on the market. “It is also the preferred choice for anyone looking to reduce tare weight and increase efficiency,” he says. “With a sixyear/one-million-kilometre warranty on major components (bearings, 3D bushes, shocks), the INTRA series is the best return in investment for every dollar spent.” Constantly working to enhance its product range, SAF-Holland is continuously engaged in research and development, striving to develop products that are more efficient, more reliable and suitable for purpose-built applications. “The most recent ‘iteration’ of the SAF INTRA range, such as SAF TRAK (the first hydraulically driven trailer axle) and SAF PC (SAF Premium Coating, featuring increased zinc-based anti-corrosion protection for the axle

and a 10-year warranty against suspension corrosion) are now part of the standard offering and not just an exclusive article developed for specific customers,” adds Miletic. “The offer for the Australian market is now standardised on a heavier spec with INTRA Custom Design (INTRA CD) which provides a thicker axle beam with HD – 3D bushes. At the moment, we are finetuning some components in order to customise them for tailored applications.” The SAF INTRADISC plus Integral premium axle also features a ten-spoke wheel-end design that is weight optimised. “The tenspoke wheel-end design is topology optimisation of the hub that has been in service for decades,” says Miletic. “Using special computer software, the weight was reduced, providing increased strength. Technically, you take material from the place where you need it

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

According to SAF-Holland, the INTRA range is the lightest disc brake option on the market.

The Intradrum is designed with both reliability and efficiency in mind.

the least and then transfer it where you could benefit the most. The design was then realised, tested extensively and validated. It is now part of the standard offering with 120mm offset wheels (suitable

wide/super-single tyres). This exercise proves SAF-Hollands’ motto that nothing is so good that couldn’t be better.” With over 500 retailers and 30 authorised service centres across Australia and New Zea-

land, SAF-Holland provides solid technical support and aftersales service. “Our technical services and engineering team are ready to answer your calls and technical queries,” adds Miletic.

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Low Maintenance (3D tutorial available) APPLICATIONS • Road Train, Truck & Dog, Truck & Pig • Designed for PBS applications The E550B0P not only has the ability to uncouple in “Jack Knife” position but it is one of the strongest and lightest couplings in the market.

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SAF-HOLLAND (Aust) Pty Ltd Sales: 1300 131 613 Email: sales@safholland.com.au

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Established in 1859, V.Orlandi has built a reputation on its ability to design and develop equipment to perform in the most challenging conditions. Towing systems range from 3.5 to 500 tonnes capacity supplying to OEMs, Military, Mining, Automotive and Agricultural players.

AD FEATURE TRAILERS 29

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020

Alemlube launches next level auto lube system

ALEMLUBE is pleased to announce the launch of its new Automatic Grease Lubrication System, ideally suited for use on mobile equipment. Following a long and exhaustive review process, Alemlube has formed an alliance with ILC, which designs, manufactures and assembles a wide range of grease and oil systems for use in close to every imaginable lubrication system application. Manufactured in Italy, and covered by a two-year warranty, the new Alemlube ALS system can be used on trucks, trailers, wheel loaders, excavators, mini skid steers, front, side and rear loaders, AG sprayers, hay bailers, waste recycling plants and many fixed plant applications. In the transport sector, fleet owners and owner operators benefit from their rigs spending more time on the road,

with less downtime and lower running costs. In the construction machine space, plant owners can again keep their machines running longer with pin and bush wear minimised and service lives extended. John Knight, Alemlube’s ANZ Lube Systems Product Manager, believes that the new system, manufactured outside Milan, is taking mobile equipment lubrication to the next level. “Designed 10 years ago and upgraded five years ago, the pump station has features and benefits that will set new standards and expectations within the industry in Australia and New Zealand,” he says. “The Alemlube ALS pump station is manufactured from the latest engineering polymer materials making it lighter, stronger and more durable and it can be used in the

Alemlube understands how important it is for trucks to be kept on the road, with minimal downtime.

harshest operating conditions with maximum exposure to the elements.” Designed and built to be used with NLGI2 grease – as specified by many OEM mobile equipment manufacturers – with this grease system, owners and operators can not only use the grease of their choice but can also use the

The Alemlube MAX-20 system uses precision progressive dividers to ensure accurate and reliable lubricant distribution to all connected grease points.

grease type specified by the relevant OEMs, in some instances keeping warranties in place and effective. Michael Jackson, Alemlube’s ALS Sales Manager for both Australia and New Zealand, says, “The systems are coming into the country from The Netherlands on some Dutch AG equipment and they have been operating successfully here and in Europe and the US for many years. “Add to the product quality the Alemlube know how, plant and equipment and truck and trailer owners can have peace of mind when they choose and install the new and innovative Alemlube ALS system.” Jackson continues, “Regardless of where you are, what industry you are involved in and how rough and demanding the operating conditions,

Alemlube’s Automatic Grease Lubrication System is a perfect match for use on mobile equipment.

one can be sure that grease is getting to where it needs to get, in the right volumes day in and day out. He says that having branches around Australia, as well as in Auckland enables Alemlube to support OEM equipment, inclusive of the Lube Systems, right across the Tasman. Another benefit of utilising the new Alemlube ALS system is that grease points can’t be missed, with difficult or hard to reach points kept perfectly greased regardless of servicing schedules. With trained and experienced BDMs and technicians located around the country

at the Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth branches, plus technicians strategically located in Townsville and Gladstone, when installations or service work are required, Alemlube will be there for you as and when required. If you would like to hear more about how the new Alemlube ALS system works and how it can improve your plant and equipment’s operating times, reduce running and maintenance costs and lift equipment productivity and profitability contact your local Alemlube Lube Systems branch.

30 AD FEATURE TRAILERS

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Premium customer experience with Krueger

FOLLOWING a series of in-house upgrades and the launch of a new website, Krueger Transport Equipment is well positioned amid COVID-19 to deliver a premium customer experience. This industry-leading move in the digital realm will ensure fleets can continue to specify high productivity trailers complete with optimised route access and more. Family-owned Australian business, Krueger Transport Equipment, is committed to increasing the profitability and productivity of Australia’s transport industry by providing dependable and innovative trailers nationwide. As Krueger produces equipment for a range of applications, from industrial machinery cartage to general freight haulage, fleets can specify precisely what they need and rely on Krueger Transport Equipment to deliver. In light of Stage 4 restrictions in Victoria, it is becoming increasingly challenging for transport and logistics operators to discuss their custom trailer builds. Since the early days of the COVID-19 outbreak, Krueger has been hard at work developing digital solutions and better in-house processes to tackle these challenges head-on. This commitment has led to the launch of a new website which showcases everything that Krueger has to offer. Krueger’s investment in its digital services also extends to its warehousing, inventory and ordering capabilities. Ultimately, Krueger is finetuning its processes to ensure a seamless customer experience from initial consultation right through to delivery. One of the most popular trailer types to roll out of Krueger’s facilities are its ultra-low profile, high payload and reliable skeletal trailers. Notably, the 40’ skel is considered by Krueger to be the most recognised ‘workhorse’ in the Australian trailer market, with thousands of these units in active service Australia-wide. For decades, the skel has been the hardworking foundation for many leading container freight operators. All of these trailers are engineered to be an asset and retain the best resale value. As the originator of the Super B-double – with the first Super B-double quad-axle combination officially launched by the Victorian Government at the Port of Melbourne in 1994 with a payload of 117 tonnes – Krueger continues to deliver the goods. In addition to skels, Krueger has refined its ‘Kurtainers’ which come in a variety of options – 53’ straight builds that epitomise optimal load restraint, 36-pallet drop

Krueger’s new website showcases its full trailer range, along with its national spare parts and Road Friendly Suspension (RFS) services.

THE 40’ SKEL IS CONSIDERED BY KRUEGER TO BE THE MOST RECOGNISED ‘WORKHORSE’ IN THE AUSTRALIAN TRAILER MARKET, WITH THOUSANDS OF THESE UNITS IN ACTIVE SERVICE AUSTRALIA-WIDE. decks suited for productivity and OH&S, 36-pallet triple drop Performance-Based Standards (PBS) options with self-lifting gates and 48’ drop deck mezz deck configurations for fleet flexibility. The load restraint that Krueger provides is the result of three-plus decades invested in the design and extensive testing and validation of curtain rollers, roof tracks, sliding side posts (a Krueger first) and curtain ratchet for superior tension. The Slide-A-Gate, an award-winning innovation, was designed 13 years ago and there are more than 10,000 of them currently in active service, a testament to their functionality. Meanwhile, the flat top and drop deck technology that Krueger brings to market ensures that operators can choose from extendable and heavy-duty variations and road train dollys. Krueger’s new website offering also includes its national spare parts and Road Friendly Suspension (RFS) services. With more than four decades of knowledge and experience in trailer design and development, Krueger

is poised to deliver built-forpurpose trailers with optimal suspension configurations. The manufacturer has recently doubled down on its spare parts availability and RFS solutions that ensure optimal tare weight and improved equipment longevity for the trailers it builds and services. Sourcing spare parts is now made simpler with Krueger. The list of available items include: air bags, axle parts, brake boosters, brake drums, brake fittings,

chrome accessories, cleaning products, curtain ratchets, curtain straps and rollers, electrical cables, landing legs, LED lighting, load binder straps, mud flaps, shock absorbers, wheel bearings, signage, decals and more – all available online. Given the popularity of high productivity trailer designs like the A-double, a key service offering that Krueger specialises in is PBS. Krueger’s in-house PBS team can consult with fleet operators online to discuss trail-

er specifications that enable lighter equipment for the tare weight advantages and/ or ensuring truck-trailer combinations have access to the most efficient routes. PBS also enables new opportunities with ‘interchangeability’ where operators can get the most value out of their road transport assets. With PBS optimisation, according to Krueger, the productivity gains are an additional bonus. Ultimately, Krueger is at the forefront of modern

trailer design, manufacturing its versatile Kurtainers, open decks, skeletal trailers, freezer vans, dry vans and other custom builds. These models stand out in the market for their engineering excellence, load restraint options and enhancements that optimise vehicle operator safety and promote higher productivity. Krueger consolidates its strong value proposition with a state-of-the-art digital presence that will become increasingly vital for the industry in the months ahead.

KRUEGER.COM.AU

SKELETAL RANGE

Krueger has continued to finetune its processes to deliver a seamless customer experience, every step of the way.

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KRUEGER YOUR ONE STOP SHOP. QUALITY PARTS ONLINE AND EXPERIENCED STAFF BACKED BY FULLY EQUIPPED WORKSHOPS TO MEET ALL YOUR NEEDS. PART NO 600151KIT Krueger Landing Leg mounting kit to suit straight deck application PRICE: $250.00 + GST per each

PART NO. 940357KIT Door kit suit Std door Inc hardware & seals PRICE: $795.80 + GST per each

PART NO JSTE220A48010 Jost landing leg set E110 19 inch c/w rocker feet PRICE: $550.00 + GST per each

PART NO. 63-0070-27 Skidplate assembly 8mm bolt-on with 50mm bolt-in kingpin with block provision PRICE: $1,999.00 + GST per each

PART NO. JSTSK3121/060Z Repair kit major suits jsk37e PRICE: $342.72 + GST per ket

PART NO. JSTJSK37EW/P Grease type fifth wheel pin and bush PRICE: $1,492.50 + GST per each PART NO 529017 K-Hitch king pin kit with bolts PRICE: $102.13 + GST per each

PART NO 55-0315-1 VPG mudguards all colours PRICE: $59.13 + GST per each

PART NO HENS-31624 Hendrickson wide bush kit PRICE: $166.07 + GST per kit

PART NO 295235 Krueger shock absorber PRICE: $182.75 + GST per each

PART NO 94-2526-1 Krueger curtain ratchet l/h PRICE: $266.81 PART NO 94-2526-2 Krueger curtain ratchet r/h PRICE: $266.81 + GST per each PART NO 879030 11m hand ratchet & strap PRICE: $28.06 + GST per each

PART NO 100032 K-Hitch axle 10/285 tapered bearing PRICE: $1343.00 + GST per each Melbourne Spare Parts / Workshop 275 Fitzgerald Road Derrimut, Vic 3026 Ph (03) 8353 7700

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PART NO LUC26007AK-V Lucidity indicator lamp PRICE: $54.83 + GST per each PART NO LUC26007CK-V Lucidity reverse lamp PRICE: $57.35 + GST per each PART NO LUC26007RK-V Lucidity stop/tail lamp PRICE: $54.83 + GST per each

(03) 9366 2133 | krueger.com.au

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32 AD FEATURE TRAILERS

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

KEITH: That’s a CleenSweep

The load sits on top of the CleenSweep tarp which runs along the inside of the trailer.

DESIGNED with safety in mind, the KEITH CleenSweep system works to keep drivers safe by keeping them out of their trailers when using the KEITH Walking Floor system to unload their trailers. An ageing workforce presents several challenges for the transport industry, not the least of which is preventing injuries that can cut a driver’s

career – or even their life – short. Some haulers require drivers to enter the trailer to manipulate a manual tarp for cleanout. This places the driver at risk of falling from the trailer or being buried by the load. Automating the trailer clean-out process with the KEITH CleenSweep tarp system keeps drivers out of the trailer, eliminating these risks.

Used in conjunction with a KEITH Walking Floor self-unloading system, the CleenSweep tarp system ‘sweeps’ out the residual material as the trailer unloads. Powered by a winch system, the CleenSweep tarp extends down the inside of the trailer, with the load resting on the top of the tarp. As the Walking Floor system unloads the trailer, the weight of the material

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The CleenSweep tarp system ‘sweeps’ product out as the trailer unloads.

pulls the tarp along the floor, cleaning it as it goes. Once unloading is completed, the CleenSweep tarp is retracted at the push of a button. With the CleenSweep tarp, driver productivity and safety increase because drivers can quickly get back on the road and never need to enter the trailer for sweeping. Using the CleenSweep tarp system is up to ten minutes faster than sweeping the trailer with a broom.

A clean trailer also offers several benefits. Among these is that payload cross contamination from one load to the other is minimised. KEITH offers electric and hydraulic versions of the CleenSweep winch system, depending on your needs. The Walking Floor system serves as the flooring of a trailer and is a self-unloading system. This ‘moving floor’ unloader is made of a series of floor slats, which are pow-

ered by a hydraulic drive. As the floor cycles through its phases, material can be loaded or unloaded. KEITH has provided a variety of industries with reliable and innovative Walking Floor technology for over 40 years. For more information on KEITH Walking Floor systems, please visit www. keithwalkingfloor.com or contact Zyggy Reinoga at 0404 041 883 to discuss your material handling needs.

AD FEATURE TRAILERS 33

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020

BTE’s PBS trailer solution always delivers the goods

With its new A-double from BTE, Arrow Logistics can achieve payloads of over 60 tonnes.

BTE’s Smart Tip B-double allows for both tippers to be unloaded without having to unhitch.

BULK Transport Equipment (BTE) was recently tasked with producing an A-double tipper combination operating under Performance-Based Standards (PBS) for grain transport business, Arrow Logistics. Based in Toowoomba, Arrow Logistics was established in 2010 and operates throughout Queensland, NSW, Victoria and South Australia. The business was seeking to add a new trailer combination to the fleet that ticked the boxes of efficiency and durability. Arrow Logistics Director, Ian Forster, says BTE was seen as the perfect option for the new build due to their proven expertise in constructing trailers that are durable and lightweight, along with its proximity to Arrow Logistics’ depot.

BTE produces a wide range of trailers and specialised equipment, catering to industries that include the bulk haulage, waste and services markets. The new A-double for Arrow Logistics was manufactured at BTE’s Toowoomba branch. The A-double’s light tare weight, coupled with the tri-axle dolly means Arrow Logistics is able to achieve a payload capacity of around 56 tonnes, operating under PBS, for deliveries to the Port of Brisbane. West of the Great Dividing Range, it can achieve an even greater payload of over 60 tonnes. “We needed to maximise our payload capacities to ensure the viability of the business. Payloads are increasing all the time and it’s necessary to keep up with the times in or-

der to remain competitive,” says Forster. He adds that BTE’s proximity to Arrow’s facilities, coupled with the manufacturer’s eagerness to take on the build, proved to be a winning combination. “The pricing is very competitive and the quality of workmanship is at least as good as any comparable tippers we’ve seen,” he says. No stranger to innovation, BTE also recently produced a brand new product called Smart Tip for Hercus Transport, which caters for the agricultural sector, transporting grain, fertiliser, lime and gypsum. The Smart Tip B-double allows for the lead trailer to be unloaded without having to unhitch the rear trailer. Hercus Transport Managing Director, Brett Hercus, says he and his drivers worked closely with BTE to develop the Smart Tip concept. Both trailers in the combination feature manually operated side to side roll tarps. The lead unit is also fitted with a right-angle drive system that enables it to be operated from the front of the trailer due to space restrictions at the rear. “We cart a lot of gypsum and lime for farmers so we can jack-knife the trailer around in the paddock and unload both trailers without the time and hassle of unhitching,” says Hercus. Through its extensive engineering and manufacturing capabilities, that make use of the latest in trailer building technology, BTE works closely with its customers to deliver innovative trailer designs and quality workmanship.

YOUR TRANSPORT MANUFACTURING SPECIALIST 5 Year Structural Chassis Warranty 12-16 Fowler Road Dandenong South, Victoria 3175

38-40 Carrington Road, Toowoomba, Queensland 4352

Phone: (03) 9794 0330

Phone: 0427 502 881

Email: admin@bte.net.au

Email: scotta@bte.net.au

34 AD FEATURE TRAILERS

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Covering all your needs

WHEN it comes to tarping systems and components, Brisbane-based Retractable Tarps has set the gold standard in Australia since brothers Bob and George Kulig established the business some 30 years ago. They’ve built their reputation on delivering customised, quality products that go the distance, in the toughest of conditions.

What’s more, they’re able to do the majority of it inhouse at their Brendale HQ; from design, testing, developing and finally manufacturing. Mechanical Engineer Sam Jones is excited to report that Retractable Tarps is bringing even more of its extensive product offerings in-house in 2020. Retractable Tarps has recently invested in new facility

The hollow shaft motor is one of two Roll-Rite motors that Retractable Tarps uses exclusively in its electric tarping systems.

upgrades and an expansion of the work areas, new long-life product testing equipment, and a brand-new large-scale CNC plotter cutter. Jones tells Big Rigs that the addition of the CNC plotter cutter results in some of the best possible waterproof PVC products. These systems can be fully customised to suit the customers application with a wide range of materials, colours, bow heights and drive options available. “The updated sewing and workshop areas have really improved our production capacity” “We’re also setting up longterm testing rigs for our electric drive systems, running them constantly to ensure maximum service life of our products before they go out the door.” Jones says Retractable Tarps has also just released a new updated standalone battery system. “The new standalone units are far more efficiently packaged and pair well with our premium Roll Rite tarp drive systems”

All of Retractable Tarps’ designs are fully customised to suit the customer’s application with a wide range of materials, colours, bow heights and drive options available.

The addition of the CNC plotter cutter results in some of the best possible waterproof PVC products.

“This new design looks great and seems to be really popular! We’ve got some more upgrades for it in the near future too.” Jones says the pandemic is definitely having an effect on the truck and transport industry. However, there has been

a recent noticeable spike in business from sole traders getting stuck into re-kitting their trucks, and getting on with the job. Jones is also looking forward to the imminent launch of a new-look website at retractabletarps.com.au.

“We’ll have a full digital catalogue up there and customers will then be able to order everything online,” he says. “You’ll even be able to measure up your truck online – it’s going to make a huge difference.”

AD FEATURE TRAILERS 35

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020

Coupled for towing success

FEATURING a host of recent advancements in safety technology, together with its renowned reliability and ease of use, the Rockinger 500 has been a staple product of JOST Australia’s towing hitch range for nearly a decade. First released onto the market in 2011, the Rockinger 500 was already ahead of its game, says Michael Garley, JOST Australia’s National Operations Manager. “When this tow coupling was first designed and released, it was already prepared for the sort of sensor technology that hadn’t even been invented yet. Now that the technology exists, the Rockinger 500 is ready for it.” Rockinger started in Germany in 1875 and was acquired by JOST in 2001. Rockinger produces a broad range of couplings for many uses in a variety of markets around the globe. “The Rockinger 500 is an all-rounder, because it’s so good, it works in all facets of the transport industry,” Michael says. “It’s fantastic in truck and dog applications, Performance-Based Standards (PBS) applications, and it works exceedingly well in road train operations too. Features, like the latest sensor

technology, are also great in dangerous goods transport. “For JOST, safety is paramount. It guides us to develop new products, and leads us into developing better and safer products,” he says. “Our research and development teams worldwide have that in mind. The global team is flying the flag for enhanced

operator safety, time and time again.” Among the product enhancements is a pneumatic

A true all-rounder, the Rockinger 500 has been a popular part of JOST’s towing hitch range for almost a decade.

upgrade. This enables the Rockinger 500 coupling to be released pneumatically, without the need for the operator to manually unhook from behind a trailer. “This is an important safety factor in the new design because it means the opera-

tor isn’t having to go behind the vehicle. In industries like roads and construction, where trailers could be carrying products such as asphalt, at 300°C or so, technology like this is even more important for operator safety,” Michael explains. Other new safety enhancements are an upgrade to the sensor that monitors the locking function of the coupling; and a jack- knife

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warning sensor that alerts the driver if there is the risk of a potential incident providing increased protection against drawbar damage. “Evolution is never a linear progression. Instead, it happens in steps, and last year was a big step forward for the Rockinger 500,” Michael says. “Here at JOST Australia, safety is always at the forefront of our minds and transport operators seek out products and equipment that are safer, more reliable and easier to use.” According to Michael, key to the simplicity of the Rockinger 500 is in its design. “We’re also value-adding through its ease of servicing and ease of use. When you look at the coupling itself, it looks so simple but there’s been a hell of a lot of engineering behind the scenes to make it function seamlessly. There are only a handful of moving parts in the Rockinger 500, it’s very easy to do a changeover or carry out general servicing and maintenance.” To further improve the performance and life of the Rockinger 500, when the coupling is locked, it is completely sealed. “This is super important, particularly for our friends over in the west using road

trains or operators using dusty outback roads, dust ingress protection is great for road trains because it doesn’t allow for anything to get inside and bind up the mechanism,” Michael says, adding that Rockinger prides itself on is its commitment to detail. “Rockinger operates on such a fine tolerance and only produces couplings that meet stringent guidelines. That commitment to detail is what makes its products so good and so reliable, our customers are only getting the best of the best. “Customers love the Rockinger 500 because it’s so easy to use, it’s simple and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand how it works. The ability to maintain it very quickly and easily is another winner.” The Rockinger 500 is well suited to fixed drawbar applications such as pig trailers with a download rating up to 2.5 tonnes and hinged drawbar applications such as dog trailers through to multiple road train combinations up to 285kN. While the new sensor technology is predominately suited to 24-volt European trucks, Rockinger is working on a 12-volt option to make it also compatible with American manufactured trucks.

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FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Pioneering high productivity trailer solutions at Vawdrey

A PBS approved AB-triple combination by Vawdrey was delivered to G1 Logistics last year, achieving a Gross Combination Mass of 108 tonnes.

AS the largest independent trailer builder in the country, Vawdrey Australia has been a pioneering force in extending the Performance-Based Standards (PBS) scheme into the general, container and refrigerated freight markets with a variety of specialised trailer designs from Super B-doubles to A-doubles and AB-triples. It was the design of a PBS-approved Super B-double in 2012 – capable of carrying two 40 ft containers at once – that catapulted Vawdrey onto the PBS stage. Fast forward eight years, and the brand has become a respected and trusted force within this segment, building on more than 46-years of trailer building expertise. In a joint report on PBS between Australia’s National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and ARTSA, it reveals that one in five new heavy vehicles are PBS ap-

proved, with the uptake of the scheme growing exponentially in recent years. Following that same pattern, demand for Vawdrey’s high productivity trailers have also been on the rise. This year, Vawdrey delivered a bulk order of B-double logging skels in record time for operator and exporter, Malec Bros. These new combinations, like all of the trailers that Vawdrey designs and manufactures, are built for their intended freight task. In this instance, the skels feature four bays capable of carrying 3.9m lengths of logs. With a tare mass of under 22 tonnes, including the prime mover, these high performance skels are PBS approved for a Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of 68.5 tonnes and a payload capacity of 47 tonnes. For Joel Rowan of Rowan’s Transport, it was Vawdrey’s

When Rowan’s Transport expanded into refrigerated transport, a 26-pallet PBS Iceliner from Vawdrey was the perfect fit.

ability to build a refrigerated trailer to specification, specifically with regards to optimal weight distribution made possible by PBS, that won him over. The perishable goods his business carts for various contracts are a substantial weight, so he needed to find a trailer solution that could handle at least a tonne per pallet space. With refrigerated vans that can be difficult to achieve, but with the help of the team at Vawdrey Australia, the Iceliner did just that.

Bulk liquid tank storage specialist, FBT Transwest, utilises lightweight 12.2m drop deck Tanktainer skels that operate as A-double combinations. Standout features on this trailer design includes three-way twist locks with 800mm high lift to suit the heavy 20’ central container for discharge purposes. The chassis is of lighter-weight construction comprising high tensile Domex which enables lighter tare weight for increased payloads.

Malec Bros has taken delivery of 22 PBS approved B-double logging skels, which Vawdrey Australia built in record time.

Additional safety features include full width walkway with access ladder and hinge-up grab handles. Another lightweight drop deck A-double combination was also manufactured and set up to carry high payload 20’ containers. A lightweight 20/20 skeletal B-double designed and manufactured by Vawdrey is also joining the FBT Transwest fleet to carry tanktainers. This set was designed with a slope in the chassis rail to comply with operating criteria of 64 degrees to the centre of the tanktainer along with all of the other safety features fitted as standard. G1 Logistics of the GTS Freight Group uses 42-metre AB-Triple combinations which, with Vawdrey’s support, access approved Level 3 PBS networks. These trailers are compatible with any of the fleet’s existing 36-pallet B-doubles when paired with a suitable prime mover, lead trailer and dolly. They also feature lightweight construction, load restraint systems, LatchLiner curtains and EBS. By taking advantage of the latest in high tensile, lightweight materials, Vawdrey has achieved an AB-triple solution with close to 72 tonnes of usable payload capacity. In the refrigerated segment, Vawdrey’s Iceliner freezer vans have undergone continuous development. Covering the full refrigerated transport segment, including chillier, super chillier and multi temp specifications, as well as customised solutions, the Iceliner emphasises efficiency, reliability and productivity. “With quality insulation and solid trailer design, the Iceliner can hold cargo

temperatures extremely low, which is ideal for fleet operators moving perishable commodities across great distances,” says Paul Vawdrey. By overhauling the axle configuration of the Iceliner, Vawdrey was able to develop a PBS-approved option, providing operators with greater payloads and increased efficiencies. “By implementing a quad-axle system, for instance, superior weight distribution enables vehicle operators to load trailers with higher allowable weight, which could maximise payload potential,” Paul Vawdrey adds. “Vawdrey Australia has embraced technological innovation, gradually implementing PBS across our entire product portfolio to suit various applications.” As well as being renowned for its quality range of trailer solutions and technical knowhow, Vawdrey’s products are supported by Australia’s largest network of trailer service and repair centres. “As a specialist in the design and construction of PBS trailing equipment, backed by a solid repair and service network, Vawdrey has, time and time again, strengthened the transport capabilities of businesses to maximise payload gains and improve vehicle operator safety,” adds Paul Vawdrey. “We believe in supporting Australian production and manufacturing for a stronger future. “Now is the time to ensure transport operators have reliable equipment that is serviced and repaired promptly to keep the deliveries moving. During these challenging times we can be relied upon to keep operators delivering the goods.”

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vawdrey.com.au

Vawdrey Victoria Ph: (03) 9797 3700

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FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Reducing your tyre and fuel costs is a balancing act

FOR many transport operators, larger trailer combinations mean higher payloads, which can work to increase profitability. As today’s rigs get bigger and more productive, multi trailer combinations have more tyres on the ground than ever before. Yet despite the number of tyres required to keep them moving, tyres are among the most overlooked areas to save on running costs. Often, operators only balance the prime mover’s steer tyres. But with fuel accounting for around 28 per cent of total running costs, tyre rolling resistance responsible for up to 33 per cent of fuel consumption, and trailer/drive tyres contributing for 90 per cent of this resistance, it makes sense to balance all of the tyres on a multi trailer combination. Centramatic Australia has developed a cost effective, simple solution for easy permanent balancing on all trailer/drive wheels. Centramatic balancers increase tyre life and improve fuel consumption, extend suspension life and reduce driver fatigue. They also

Larger, multi trailer combinations require more tyres on the road, so reducing tyre costs can equate to big savings.

decrease vibration by reducing the unbalanced wheels pounding effect, which causes side wall flex heat build-up in tyres. The balancers also act as a cooling fin to dissipate heat so the tyres run cooler and road friction resistance and rolling resistance is reduced, resulting in less horsepower and fuel being used. By bolting just two Centramatic balance rings in

between the dual wheels, all four wheels on the axle remain permanently balanced. Centramatic balancers are made for most wheel sizes including 15”, 17.5”, 19” and 22.5” rims; with most typical stud patterns available (from 5-8 stud and differing 10 stud Euro and US patterns). The company is also currently undertaking long term testing of its soon to be released patented drive/trailer

Centramatic balancers are a cost effective, simple solution to permanently balance all tyres on a truck and trailer combination.

spider balancer. The balancers work by utilising centrifugal force and deflection to automatically distribute movable weights precisely where needed to remove the imbalance of all the rotating mass of the wheel and brake assembly. According to Centramatic, switching from the typical non-balanced wheel condition to its automatic balancing of all wheels on a trailer combination and drive can result in tyre life increasing by 25-50 per cent. This is on top of a 1-3 per cent reduction in fuel costs due to a reduction in road friction resistance and

rolling resistance caused by the pounding effect of the unbalanced wheel, so less horsepower is required to keep things moving. Just as in other machinery like industrial fans and vehicle motors, an out of balance spinning part can quickly destroy itself and reduce the life of other components attached to it. Out of balance wheels are no different. They can affect the tyres on the opposing end of an axle, along with the axles themselves. The effects of vibration are a major source of wheel nut failure and suspension fatigue too. Less trailer bounce when

running empty and enhanced braking results in reduced wheel lock-up, therefore reducing the chance of flat spots and scalloping on tyres. With a life expectancy tested to over three million kilometres, Centramatic balancers are a cost effective way to save on tyre and fuel costs. Centramatic trailer balancers have the highest capacity counterbalance available. For example, its 22.5” balancers have approximately 750 grams of movable weight along with the largest cooling surface area, which is around five times the capacity of other comparable products on the market.

By fitting Centramatic balancers to all of the wheels, tyre and suspension life is increased and vibration is reduced.

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Centramatic explained

tyre life up to 35%+ • Increase vibration • Reduce tyre cupping wear • Reduce Smoother ride • Tyres run cooler: 10% • Extend suspension5 -life • Environmentally friendly US, Centramatic balancers are available for European and large Japanese trucks •

CIRCULAR TUBE DURAMETAL SPHERES OUT-OF- BALANCE POINT IN DAMPING FLUID

The Centramatic on-board balancing system is a patented harmonic device. The balancer uses centrifugal force and to automatically distribute balancing media precisely where needed to remove imbalance. The balancer consists of a mounting plate and circular tube, with small Durametal spheres and damping making up the balancing media.

Automatically balances your wheels while you drive

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AD FEATURE TRAILERS 39

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020

ASET releases the brakes on exciting new trailer axle

YOU could never accuse Ken Pitt and Gordon Crighton of resting on their laurels when it comes to designing and building game-changing trailer technology at All Size Equipment Transport Services (ASET Services). The brains behind bolt-on brake-shoe aligner Tru-Shu – the talk of the Brisbane Truck Show on its debut there last year – are now well down the track in developing their follow-up, a revolutionary new axle for ASET Services’ tri-axle and quad-axle low loaders. “The goal with the axle is to build a gold standard axle that has benefits that are beyond what is currently on the market,” says ASET Services business manager Stuart Wearne. Those include cutting brake shoe replacement time by over 50%, dramatically reducing brake maintenance time, as parts can be quickly changed without disturbing the hub, and lower inventory cost as superior parts are shared by the prime mover and trailer. The result, adds Wearne, is that you end up with longer lasting parts because the brakes always run true and drums are self-cleaning from unnecessary grit and brake dust, even stones and mud. Wearne says the design incorporates all the benefits of the Tru-Shu – a brake shoe support mechanism that fits directly on the existing shoe – with a host of other unique features.

The ASET low-loader also boasts a quad attachment taking it from a tri-axle to a quad low loader.

They include anchor pin plates that even the wear of the brake linings, an anchor pin lock that spells the end of worn spiders with anchor pins wearing through bushes and into the axle housing, and side removing s-cam hub end bush housing. Previously, if your s-cam bush housing was worn out there was no quick solution, says ASET Services. The removable s-cam bush housing gives greater axle life by turning a non-consumable part into a replaceable one. “We’re almost reinventing wheel with this new axle design, taking it from scratch and improving it from the ground up,” says Wearne. “Now, it could take us a few iterations of actually manufac-

ASET Engineering manufactured Widening, Lengthening Low Loader with Hydraulic Gooseneck Ramp.

turing to weed out any other issues, but there are significant improvements in it that just save a lot of maintenance time. “All the features are designed around making every part as good as it can be, but also when you come to do maintenance it should cut those costs by at least half, or more. So, these are significant improvements.” Wearne says the next stage is road-testing three prototype axles on low-loader trailers of their own design in 2021, while also exploring expressions of interest for a joint venture on the new axle design. ASET Services manufacture specialised low-loaders for their own use, transporting over-dimensional equipment around Australia. “These trailers are patented and are extending, widening and have features such as hydraulic goosenecks that become loading ramps,” says Wearne. “Building these trailers has led to development of various improvements such as the bolt-on Tru-Shu.” Interest in the Tru-Shu continues to grow since the product launch at the BTS last May where visitors where three-deep around the stall learning how a $350 part

TO WANT D TO N EN PUT A SHOES E BRAK TING? TWIS

could save a $1000 a year per trailer in damaged brake parts. Even if your brakes have started to twist out the side of the drum the 10-minute application of Tru-Shu will put them back into alignment without the need for replacing the brake shoes or drum. The shoes will simply bed back in and you will get maximum wear out of what is left. Once border-restrictions are lifted, Wearne is now looking forward to capitalising on the BTS interest and doing more demonstrations of how the Tru-Shu can bring immediate savings to a wide range of fleets. The company recently bought a high-tech 3D printer from Israel so they could create a 3D model of how the Tru-Shu works. “At the moment we have something set up on the back of a Ford F250, but we want to put this in a box and be able to fly it around Australia to demonstrate how it works.” Adelaide-based Whiteline Transport is an early Tru-Shu convert and has seen immediate benefits from its fleet, which regularly crosses the Nullarbor. Workshop manager Phil Cook estimates that the ad-

dition of Tru-Shu has at least doubled the life of the trucks’ brake shoes. “It actually was worth going through the motions of trying because it’s delivered

The 3D printed model is a full-size model of the modified axle and brake currently being developed.

Demand Tru-Shu® when buying new. FROM ONLY $350 PER TRAILER Makes any axle a premium axle.

Tru-Shu® attaches to new and existing brake shoe.

Physically holding brake shoe in alignment.

what it said it would,” says Whiteline boss Sharon Middleton. Visit www.tru-shu.com for more testimonials and information.

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40 AD FEATURE TRAILERS

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Panus Semi-Trailers finds niche in tough market

RON Gysberts has one clear message to the Australia transport industry – Panus Trailers Oceania is here for the long haul, offering some of the best trailer deals in the marketplace for the small and medium-sized operators. While the pandemic has presented the toughest test yet for the Thailand-based manufacturer since setting up shop here in 2012, the general manager was in buoyant mood about the future. “We still have stock and have new stock coming,” says Gysberts, who has been overseeing the Australian division since moving back to Victoria from Thailand 18 months ago. “We’re trying to negotiate our way through like everyone and we want to pop out other side [of the pandemic] and be a long-term contributor to transport industry. “We already have the runs on the board, and we have proven products that are heavily discounted at the moment.” Gysberts says the Skels are an especially good buy at present, some 15% cheaper

Panus drop deck semi trailers are designed for versatility, ready to tackle big loads and tough roads.

than they were pre-pandemic. Factor in the good finance deals around at the moment

and the extension of the $150,000 instant asset writeoff scheme until the end of December, and Gysberts says

there’s never been a better time to invest. “We have stock that we need to move to make way for new stock that is coming, particularly skels that would suit standard and lightweight applications, A-doubles, that sort of thing.” Gysberts adds that Panus is having its best year yet in and continues to gain a deeper foothold in the market, despite the obvious Covid-related challenges. He believes a lot of that success is due to Panus focusing on what it does best, selling trailers to the eastern seaboard that require little to no customisation. “We’re a good sausage factory where we can produce lot of product in a standard format and we can do that very well. “We can do the minor customisation at the dealer level, or we’ve got number of engineering shops that can do that for us.” “That’s been more successful for us because it’s allowed us to generate cash flow to run business. “It comes back to the old

Flat Tops

80/20 rule; 80% standard equipment and 20% is the niche-type builds. We had spent a lot of time in 20 percent area and learnt that is probably not the area we can afford to be in. “So, now we’re trying to spend time maintain our maximum volume opportunities along the eastern seaboard with standard equipment, and that’s what we’re going focus on. “We’ll build on that as our platform, then hopefully start to build more niche products.”

For more information on the products available, call 1300 467 268, or visit panustrailers.com.au where you’ll also find details on the dealership locations in the NT, Queensland, NSW, Melbourne and Perth. Gysberts is also in the early stages of finalising a partnership with another WA dealer. “We have more vacancies as well,” adds Gysberts. “We’re always on the lookout for some experienced dealers who want to put a shingle out the front and sell our product.”

Panus manufactures its skel trailers in both lightweight and standard options.

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AD FEATURE TRAILERS 41

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020

Flow-Easy vibrators give tipper operators a range of great benefits FOR operators carting bulk products like fertiliser, manure, stock feed, grains and sands, material clinging onto the inside of a tipper and slowing down the unloading process is a common issue. In many cases, the only way to get the load moving is by ‘shunting’ the vehicle or manually digging out compact product at the end of a shift – both risky and time consuming. Flow-Easy vibrators are designed to speed up the unloading of bulk products, providing an efficient, safe and controlled load discharge and alleviating the need for drivers to manually try and free the material. The vibrators provide numerous productivity and safety gains that improve driver and truck safety, lower fuel and maintenance costs and reduce wear and tear on the

truck and trailer. One of the biggest safety issues for tipper operators relates to the risk of truck roll over – and materials adhering to the tipper tray increase this risk. According to a safety alert released by VicRoads, the trailer’s centre of gravity moves upward when the tray is elevated. So, if any of the cargo becomes compacted in the tipper body, then the potential for the trailer to overturn increases. “All it requires is uneven ground conditions to tilt the trailer sideways and an overturning moment can be produced sufficient to roll the trailer,” Vic Roads warns. Fitting a Flow-Easy vibrator minimises this tipping risk. Typically, a lower elevation can be achieved to dispense the load, while the vibration breaks down material compaction, effectively eliminating compact, residual build up – a

costly and common issue. As well as being a simple, cost effective alternative to body liners, a vibrator significantly reduces the risk of cross contamination, particularly where grains and fertiliser are being transported. Over time, body liners expand and overlap, creating pockets where fugitive material can become entrapped, increasing the potential for material contamination. Flow-Easy vibrators are distributed by Melbourne based Enmin, an Australian market leader in the areas of materials handling systems and vibratory equipment. The vibrators were previously marketed under the Enmin brand but have recently been re-branded Flow-Easy. “Our Industrial vibrator sales have risen significantly over the last few years becoming a key product in the

Enmin range. Giving the vibrators their own individual brand name made sense from both a commercial and customer perspective,” says Anthony Gallaher, Enmin General Manager. “The name Flow-Easy clearly and immediately communicates what the product does – loosening compacted bulk material and speeding up the unloading process,” he adds. The Flow-Easy range includes 12 and 24 volt electric vibrators along with hydraulic and pneumatically powered options. Some transport applications require vibration to be applied for an extended amount of time, a scenario where the design characteristics of the hydraulic and pneumatic models come into their own. If required, they can be run continuously, rather than the more generally utilised

Flow-Easy vibrators speed up the unloading of bulk products by loosening compacted bulk material.

intermittent operation of the electric models. “The truck vibrators are easy to install and only require minimal modification to the trailer body, making them a simple, low-cost addition that provides a number of benefits. As companies update their truck and trailer fleet, the vibrators can be removed easily and quickly from existing trailers and installed on the new units,” says Gallaher. “Quite simply if you’re involved in transporting bulk

materials a Flow-Easy vibrator will ensure you spend less time unloading, and more time making money whilst minimising WHS risks.” In addition to truck vibrators, Enmin also has an extensive range of industrial vibrators to suit any industry that handles bulk material. The range is specifically designed to suit Australia’s environment and covers a multitude of industries such as agriculture, mining, quarrying, recycling, ports and terminals.

GET YOUR PROFITS MOVING WITH A FLOW-EASY VIBRATOR.

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A FLOW-EASY VIBRATOR:

Eliminates carry back It’s the simple cost effective alternative to body liners Lowers fuel and maintenance costs Reduces wear and tear on the truck and trailer Allows for lower discharge elevation height, minimising the risk of roll over Improves driver and truck safety Hydraulic and pneumatic options available

42 AD FEATURE TRAILERS

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

CIMC Vehicle Australia continues its expansion

CIMC Vehicle Australia has recently expanded its Australian operations into Queensland. The new venture sees it based in Wacol, one of Brisbane’s busy transport hubs. CIMC sees Queensland as an important part of the Australian transport industry with many transport companies based in the sunshine state. The new Queensland CIMC premises offers everything from new trailers sales of the CIMC Trailer and Marshall Lethlean Tanker products, to carrying out servicing and repairs. Stock trailers are also kept on hand

for immediate sale. This is in addition to the Victorian CIMC headquarters, based in Melbourne’s East, which sits at a purpose-built facility on a 51,000m² site, incorporating a 13,000m² undercover factory, offering production capacity for Semi-Trailers and Tankers with a CNC cutter, welding machines and startof-the-art heated paint shop; along with trailer repairs, servicing, modifications, refurbishment and insurance work. This is further supported by two dealerships in Sydney, proudly owned and run by JRB Diesel; as well as in

Perth, via General Transport Equipment (GTE), which is owned by CIMC. Each of these facilities offer sales and support. Since late 2016, CIMC has restructured with new management and a new direction to product standardisation and improvements. The main focus by the new management team is to strengthen the product range to be in line with market trend and demand. The product range consists of flat decks, drop decks, skels, curtainsiders and refrigerated vans; along with dry and liquid tankers by Marshall

CIMC keeps various trailer models in stock and ready to go, as well as offering customised trailing solutions.

CIMC’s AU10 Retractable Skel model is among the brand’s broad trailer offering.

Leathlean; and various other semi-trailer models by GTE. CIMC’s ability to keep various trailer models in stock reduces the long lead times that are normally associated with trailer purchases. Purpose built, custom orders are also welcome, incorporating new designs as well as offering different options such as suspensions, load restraints, paint schemes, etc. With payloads ever increasing and required, PBS (Performance Based Standards) is also offered with the

various CIMC trailer models, thus increasing productivity through clever and innovative trailer designs. Each trailer is designed and engineered in Australia to handle Australia’s unique operating conditions and meet all Australian Design Rules. CIMC Trailers come with many industry standard items such as Jost landing legs, Fuwa K-Hitch suspensions and LED lighting, together with standard frame inclusions such as three-way container twistlocks, roadtrain

brackets and services and side loader pads. CIMC has a long-term commitment to Australia by investing in infrastructure to provide high quality products, support and service. This is backed up with a comprehensive parts store stocking genuine CIMC parts and additional OEM sourced items. With a new website recently launched, CIMC is cementing its spot as a preferred semi-trailer supplier in Australia.

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Brisbane CIMC TRAILERS 1300 202 462 68 Tile Street, Wacol Perth GTE 08 9352 4000 159 McDowell Street, Kewdale Sydney JRB GROUP 02 9355 3400 1 Saggart Field Road Minto / 19 Hale Street Botany

44 SPY ON THE ROAD

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Truckies say the Covid rules

Our man in the know has all the latest gossip from the busy truck stops and roadhouses around Australia

SPY ON THE ROAD WITH ALF WILSON

TIMELY REMINDER TO ASK, ‘R U OK?’ DEPRESSION is rampant because of the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and truck drivers and road transport industry workers have not been exempt. That is despite some reports in mainstream media that road transport has been booming and that job losses were minimal. Whatever your experiences, Spy can reveal one disturbing incident. A WA Perth based transport identity received a disturbing communication in August from an interstate younger brother who was at rock bottom. He wanted to know “how to end it all and asked about the most painless way to commit suicide’’. Urgently the WA brother contacted their parents who live in Queensland with the depressed son. After that the parents arranged for a psychologist and from reports Spy received a week later, things are on the mend. A certain warning for anybody who needs help. • Lifeline, ph 13 11 14. Beyond Blue ph 1300 22 4636 SMUGGLE REQUEST DENIED A request to a truckie by

a man and woman asking would he “sneak them across the NSW border into Victoria” was sensibly denied and swiftly as well. The middle-aged driver with many years’ experience on the highways and byways was surprised but not entirely shocked to be asked to break the law after a major outbreak of Covid-19 in Victoria during August. “Basically, they asked me to sneak them or smuggle them over the border into Victoria even though they knew it was highly illegal,” he said. Even when truckies have all the permits required for such a solo trip whilst transporting goods or food, they face enforcement checks and waits at the border. “I told them they were not only trying to break the law but also put themselves and others at risk during the pandemic,” he said. This driver not only has a liberal sprinkling of highway expertise but also great knowledge of life and what is right. Spy wonders how many other truckies have been asked to do this. FOOTNOTE: Soon after, a Sydney couple, travelling in a truck, were fined more than $9,000 after allegedly sneaking across the Queensland border before being intercepted by police. BYPASS DEBATE A HOT TOPIC SPY has heard from some truckies that busy Campbell Town which is on the Midlands or Heritage Highway down in Tasmania may have

a road built which will bypass the town. Given the strategic location of Campbell Town that would certainly be big news for Apple Islanders. And it would be a hotly debated issue given the amount of heavy vehicle traffic which passes through there. It is 134km from the capital Hobart and 68km from the second biggest city Launceston and an official told me an average of 1000 trucks pass through daily. When you also consider that trucks travelling to the Tassie east coast leave the Midlands Hwy at Campbell Town that number would be higher. The word is that the local municipal Northern Midland Council has heard of approaches to the State Government to have Campbell Town bypassed. However, Spy is told that Council would prefer to have the traffic through so the town doesn’t die as it may if bypassed. There are lots of shops

Road sign on the Midland’s Highway in Tasmania near Campbell town.

there including a Banjo’s Bakery which is well patronised, and of course a park with excellent public toilets. I can recall (unfondly) having to queue up outside the loo waiting for an urgent call of nature. A bus carrying sporting teams had stopped ensuring a long wait for use of the male and women’s toilets. In the park there is also a shed with no walls which housed a large Tasmanian log and this is a genuine tourist attraction. Spy hears that new toilets are to be built there and completed by June 2021. Not far from a Service Tas office which would allow drivers to toilet and rest or get their new log book as this is the only service Tas office on

a major route in Tasmania. There are numerous cases of towns which have basically died when they have been bypassed. I’ll be keeping you posted as more info comes to hand. ATM REMOVAL CONCERNS THE removal of more than 2000 Automated Teller Machines (ATM) from around Australia in a lot of cases has caused great inconvenience for truck drivers. Whilst a percentage pay for fuel and food by card most also like to carry some cash. There had been hundreds of ATM’s strategically located where truckies working away from home could find a park nearby and withdraw some

Trucks in Campbell Town will be a thing of the past if the proposed bypass gets the go-ahead.

paper money. With these no longer operating that makes it much more difficult to find a convenient alternative machine. It has to be conceded that for the past eight years Aussies have been accessing a lot less cash. However, many of the older generations including veteran truck drives feel more comfortable with cash and still even have bank passbook accounts. On the subject of things monetary the closure of many bank branches has also been mentioned by truckies Spy has yarned to. In late August, one driver had to stand in a long queue outside his bank branch at a shopping centre in a big town waiting for his turn with a teller. Only a certain number of customers were allowed inside the bank and when one left another got the nod to enter. Making things worse, for some time there was a computer breakdown and he reported taking 90 minutes to finally get to a teller. There was a lot of very annoyed customers with many remarking banks want people to do electronic banking. Which results in less bank tellers employed.

SPY ON THE ROAD 45

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020

raise many privacy fears

HILTON HOTEL OUTBACK STYLE MANY truckies who keep Australia supplied would rarely get to stop off at a luxury hotel such as one from the famous Hilton group. Having said that drivers who frequent the Kennedy Development Road between Boulia and Winton can stop at an ‘Outback Hilton’. But not the style of Hilton that high rollers would be accustomed to when staying at one of the upmarket establishments in the global chain. This one is a camping ground named the Hilton and is situated at the small centre of Middleton deep in the Queensland outback. It is 170kms from Winton, the home of Waltzing Matilda, and 190km from Boulia and was created in the 1950’s.

If you are a truckie near Boulia you can stay at the Outback Hilton for free.

Spy has travelled that road many times and I recall back in 2004 stopping there and seeing a woman who had actually worked at an Aussie Hilton. Of course, this Hilton has no five-star rooms, no room service, and doesn’t even have WALLS. Many visitors who find out it is just a shed stay there for free and these include people in caravans and motor homes. Many wander over to the Middleton Hotel across the road. Some years back when a Camel Trek was passing through Middleton, hundreds of people gathered at the outback Hilton for a black-tie party. It is engulfed by rolling plains of Flinders and Mitchell grass surrounded by great stony ranges and with spectacular colours and magnificent sunrises and sunsets. Those who stop at this outback Hilton get free air-conditioning as a fringe benefit with no electricity cost. A BUTCHER’S BEEF DURING the Coronavirus Pandemic or during natural disasters you will find many supermarket shelves empty of essential items. In mid-August Spy was at a butcher shop which is very popular with drivers and members of the public. Whilst his display case was packed with most of the cuts we normally purchase, the butcher had a warning for regular patrons. “I am waiting for the truck to arrive with my supplies and it is already a day late. If it doesn’t turn up by this afternoon I will have nothing left,” he said. Whilst over at the nearby

supermarket Spy noticed the shelves which display all of the “specials” were bare. To add to that dilemma, there was no toilet paper left. Fortunately the trucks supplying the butcher shop and supermarket did arrive later that day. DOG SCARES TOUGH TRUCKIE THEY breed them tough in the Northern Territory and some truckies who well and truly know how to handle themselves hail from there. One who falls into this category is a middle-aged Darwin based driver who is known by his nickname of “knuckles” – for obvious reasons. The lad has fought in numerous tent boxing bouts and hardly ever was beaten. However, it seems the man with the power fists doesn’t always show the same toughness when it comes to dogs. Spy is told that on the way home after a long trip he parked his 4WD in a shopping centre car park and on returning saw another vehicle next to him which had a large German Shepherd in the tray. Although in a hurry to get home to see his lovely wife, he wouldn’t risk getting into his driver’s seat for fear of being bitten by the mutt. A young lady aged in her twenties came to the rescue and said she would drive his vehicle away to another parking space. As she proceeded to do that the dog gave her an affectionate lick in the most friendly manner.

carrying them travel over the ocean by barge. Spy has been aboard some of these including the ones to Bruny Island down in Tasmania, across Cleveland Bay in north Queensland to Magnetic Island and from Lucinda near Ingham to Palm Island. The views as you cruise on the barges and once on the islands are breathtaking. Louise Reed from the Palm Island Barge Company sent Spy a pic of a truck aboard the ‘Lady Fraser” vessel heading towards Palm Island and taken from the captain’s room. Then agent 99 (my trouble and strife or wife) visited Magnetic Island and took some pics of trucks there. There are numerous trucks on the island including the Townsville City Council DAF which was photographed at idyllic Nelly bay early one August morning.

The rubbish truck at Nelly Bay on Magnetic island

This rubbish truck was doing an early morning collection near the beach. When off work the island drivers enjoy some of the best fishing to complement the views. Another great experience is on the ferry/barge across Port Phillip Bay in Victoria from Queenscliff to Sorrento. JOE BLAKE ALERT AFTER hearing his pet dog barking loudly in his yard, a veteran truckie checked out what was the cause. “There was a large brown

snake under my back patio and my dog was going crazy,” he said. Being somebody with knowledge of snake species our man knew he had to get rid of the snake. Whilst also knowing it was a protected species and could not be lawfully killed. So, he called a bloke he described as a ‘snake charmer’ to trap the JOE BLAKE and release it into the bush. “It cost me $50 but was worth it in the end as I didn’t want my dog to be bitten and die,” he said.

TRUCKS BY WATER AROUND the country there are many islands which require supplies and the trucks

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PRIVACY CONCERNS BARS, cafes and other establishment which have reopened since Covid-19 rules were relaxed in some areas still have restrictions to ensure social distancing and public safety. Patrons have to sign in with their name and address and phone number which can be inconvenient but acceptable under the circumstances. However, at one seaside establishment in a city which is frequented by many off duty truckies privacy is a concern. Several road transport gents sat down at their table and were handed a form to sign which included the information on numerous other patrons who were there. “The form stayed on our table for about 20 minutes and it was easy to see all of the other names and their details. Somebody could easily take a pic of the form with a phone camera,” one told Spy. The food there is great and that is why so many people are customers. At another business which also serves delicacies you are given a single form which includes only your personal info and it is picked up promptly by waiters. “I place the forms in the safe and they are shredded after six weeks,” the manager said.

46 TASSIE TRUCKIN

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Philip Church STOPPING off at “Mood Food”, the convenient 24-hour Truckstop on the Midland Highway near Kempton the other day, it was a pleasure to catch up with Philip Church from Devonport. He was driving a ZAN Haulage (from Spreyton) 2016 85.460 DAF at the time and towing a single Tautliner loaded with general from Hobart on his way north. “This is only my 2nd day here with Zan,” he told us, “but so far I would have to say it all looks optimistic, the outfit seem great, the DAF is comfortable, the job seems good, and I am liking it fine. Previously I was driving B-doubles and the single trailer feels

unique just now! I originally came from Invercargill, at the southerly end of New Zealand’s South Island, and we moved over with the family, and I’d have to say that Tasmania and New Zealand are both truly beautiful countries. From the scenery to the way of life and standard of living there are so many similarities, and although I love living here, I still enjoy going back to New Zealand every once in a while. Originally I was a miner over at Roseberry on the West Coast, but about 6 years ago I had an accident and decided it was time for a change, and that’s when I decided to give driving a go, and so far I am really enjoying it,

Steve Watts

taking one day at a time, enjoying the freedom and especially seeing all sorts of places all over Tasmania.” Asked about his time off, he told us he takes every opportunity to go trout fishing up in the Great Lakes, “Just love it up there, the fishing, the peace and serenity, as well as catching a good fish or two!” he added.

John Hazzlewood

“WE have vehicles literally all over the place, including this one, a 1955 Dennis fire truck that has been sitting up at Saint Mary’s where we have been working on it, and we are now taking it in to Launceston.” John Hazzlewood from Bicheno, and currently from the Tasmanian Fire Service Museum, told us the other day, when we caught up with him at the Caltex at Epping Forest where he had stopped for a quick cuppa and a refreshment break. “As you can see, it has spent most of its life in Launceston, though in the mid 70’s it went

to work out of Westbury, and so now I am taking it back up to Launceston again.” John was driving a 2016 Fire Service Fuso at the time and he went on to tell us that now days he is a volunteer with the “Floating” Fire Brigade Museum, where they maintain and restore fire trucks and vehicles from the earliest times in Tasmania. “I was an active Firie for 38 great years and then when I retired, I became a Volunteer here and am really enjoying it. We have vehicles all over the place in all sorts of condition, and our priority is in restoring and main-

STOPPING over at Campbelltown at the Half-Way Deli for lunch, and to catch up with Janet and all the local gossip the other day, we were happy to meet up with Steve Watts from Launceston when he pulled over for a refreshment break. Driving a recent model DeBruyn’s FM 500 he was returning from Hobart to Launceston at the time, towing a tri-axle flat deck trailer with two containers on the back. In discussion with Steve and several small business owners in Campbelltown, it became apparent that the general consensus is that to go ahead with the long proposed by-pass would not only be a disaster for the town (as it

has demonstrably been recently for Perth) but it would also deprive truckies of the only opportunity on the Midland Highway to park legally and attend business matters. It was, however, also general consensus that there was no real expectation of this occurring in the near future. Steve told us: “I’ve been with DeBruyn’s now for 20 years and that tells you that I must be happy here! I have watched them grow into a big and diversified company, but they are still a great outfit to work for and haven’t lost the feeling of ‘family’, and they do look after their drivers. No I reckon it was a great move coming here, and I am happy

still with that decision and have no regrets. I did my trade as a butcher, but I always needed a bit of adventure and to expand my horizons a bit, so I went fishing for a couple of years out of Bridport, and then, about 25 years ago I took up driving, and I find that this suits me better and is still a good lifestyle. You could say I am rather keen on going out on the ocean sea fishing, so much so that I recently bought a boat.”

William Ferguson

taining them. That keeps me pretty occupied, but when I do take a bit of time off I enjoy mucking around with bits and pieces, but mainly I like to go fishing!”

HEADING north to the historic Low Head Pilot Station the other day, we called at the Epping Forest truck stop (open from early morning until evening) for a great cuppa, and were happy to catch up with William Ferguson from Triabunna when he also rolled in for a bite to eat. He was driving his recent model Freightliner Columbia with a C-13 Cat up front and towing a flat deck trailer. “I’m on my way from my farm at Triabunna up to Cressy for a load of stock food for the farm,” he told us, “and then I will take it back home,

there is a shortage are mostly the ones who cook their own meals at them,” he said. As a youngster Gary was a rugby league forward for the Campbelltown Kangaroos which is now a feeder club for the NRL’s West Tigers. All-rounder Gary was also a cricketer back then. Gary hopes to be an owner-operator for many years to come.

WHEN Big Rigs yarned to John Kelly, he was ready to leave the Townsville Port Access Road with sulphur boxes to be delivered to Mount Isa about 900km away. Aged 51, John drives a 2013 model Kenworth 909 for Aurizon Port Services and was expecting a backload from the western mining town. “Looks like I will be picking up concentrate to bring back to Townsville.” he said. Ipswich-born John, who has an impressive beard, is nicknamed “Ned” after the most known Australian bushrangers. “I picked up that nickname whilst serving in the Army for 30 years at places like Sydney, Brisbane, Darwin and Towns-

his work. “Meeting lots of different people and catching up with drivers who have been around for a long time. The old school blokes are great,” he said. Doomadgee is about 140km from the NT border and 95km west of Burketown.

ROBERTO Lopez possesses a great sense of humour as the first words he spoke when Big Rigs yarned to him indicated. “I am not related to famous actress Jennifer Lopez and I wouldn’t be driving trucks if I was,” he said. The 54-year-old Roberto works for TCB Transport and was parked at Townsville in his Kenworth K-104 when we meet him. The company has depots in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. “I have been a truckie for about 10 years and with this company for seven and have brought my wife Leigh and pet dog Jack with me,” he said. Brisbane-based Roberto had

and I find the Caltex at Epping is a good handy place to stop and grab a cuppa. I bought the truck four years ago mainly for farm work, and it is a good work horse and does the job admirably with trips like this one up to Cressy, making it also a good investment. We are having a good year with plentiful rain at the moment, so I would say it’s all basically good, other than for wool prices which are a bit disappointing just now. We’ve had trucks on the farm now for years, and I must admit that although I see myself primarily as a farmer,

I do enjoy getting out on the road and going for a drive from time to time, especially when the truck is comfortable, reliable, and economical like this one has been. It certainly adds to the pleasure on a spring day like this.

TRUCKIN’ IN THE TROPICS

Gary Simpson

WELL-KNOWN owner-operator Gary Simpson had delivered a train engine from south for Aurizon in Townsville when Big Rigs caught up with him. The 67-year-old Gary was in the cabin of his 10th anniversary Kenworth T601 powered by a Cat 15 motor and with an 18-speed gearbox and was waiting for news about a backload. “I think I may have a train alternator to take back and I have been a subbie for Jim Latter of Conshift,” he said. Gary is the President of the Lights on the Hill Memorial committee and has a long history of service to the road transport industry. “I have been an owner-driv-

er for the past 10 years and have been around trucks since I was aged five. My dad Eric Simpson was a truckie and I just love the lifestyle,” he said. Gary said he stops at roadhouses when hungry and doesn’t carry a gas cooker when away from his Acacia Ridge base. “I like to buy meals at roadhouses so that it keeps staff employed and my favourite food is fish and salad,” he said. Although Gary said he also enjoys stopping at cafes in small towns. Contrary to what many other truckies think, Gary reckons there is no real shortage of rest areas. “I think the drivers who say

John Kelly

Phil McNamara

FRIENDLY owner-operator Phil McNamara regularly delivers to remote Doomadgee which is on Cape York Peninsula in Queensland. The 54-year-old Phil drives a Western Star 6900 with a Cat15 motor up front and an 18-speed gearbox and loves his life. Big Rigs bumped into Phil at Townsville’s Port Access Road and he was delighted to be on the pages of Big Rigs. “The last section of the road into Doomadgee is bitumen and beautiful to travel on. The people there are great and the Mayor is a nice man,” he said. However, Phil did say that the road from Julia Creek to the Burke n Wills Roadhouse

needed work. “The Flinders Highway between Hughenden and Richmond also is difficult to drive along,” he said. Knowledgeable Phil has been an owner-operator for the past decade and has had the Western Star for seven years. “It is a reliable truck and good for what I do,” he said. Born at Ayr in the Burdekin region of the tropics, Phil said the road transport industry was difficult. “The over regulating is a big killer,” he said. Having worked in the Northern Territory for many years before moving to Queensland, Phil said there was many good things about

ville and drove trucks such as Unimogs,” he said. I asked John did he have a favourite roadhouse and he answered quickly. “I carry most of my own food and cook along the way,” he said. Although when pressed about roadhouses, John did praise the remote Burke n Wills deep in the outback. Outside work this North Queensland Cowboys supporter in the NRL likes to go shooting when time permits. “There are lots of feral pigs around the Greenvale area and also deer,” he said. The first truck John dove was a B61 Mack which he speaks highly about.

A big fan of Big Rigs, John was over the moon when told by me that the paper would be again published under new ownership after a two-month break. “I was sad to hear it was closing and have a copy of what was to be the final edition in my cabin,” he said.

Roberto Lopez

transported platforms for the Jeff Horn versus Tim Tszyu fight night held in Townsville on August 26. Roberto rates the Newell between Gilgandra and Toowoomba and the Gore Highways as the worst he gets along. Outside work much-travelled Roberto enjoys fishing for snapper in Victoria’s Port Phillip Bay and catching mud crabs in north Queensland creeks. Roberto likes stopping at the Shell Gilgandra Roadhouse when away. “They make the best rice pudding I have ever tasted there,” he said. The Kenworth had a large eagle painted on both sides

which attracted a lot of interest. “My boss is a big Elvis Presley fan and so am I. My favourite song is Blue Suede Shoes,” he said. The first truck Roberto drove was an Isuzu Wincher and he said there are not enough rest areas with facilities for heavy vehicle drivers.

RT ERTON

COLUMNS 47

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020

Transurban is targeting heavy vehicles to raise profits AT THE WHEEL DAVID MEREDITH

TRUCKIN’ ON THE BORDER DAVID VILE

EDITOR JAMES GRAHAM

TASSIE TRUCKIN’ JON WALLIS

contributors@bigrigs.com.au

james.graham@bigrigs.com.au

TWU NEWS

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

TRUCKS and cars rolled in protest, transport workers have called on NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian to focus on dealing with the financial pain NSW Government policies are bringing. The double dipping into the wallets of transport workers needs stopping. The Government’s focus on the next election is not helping the income of drivers and operators. Politicians are advised to look instead at stopping the dodgy deals that are going down between companies like Transurban and State Governments that are leaving us and our children in debt for the future. Transport workers had no say in the deal. Without consultation, without a thought for the struggles we already face, transport operators, including owner drivers who are

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running small businesses are bearing the brunt of Covid pain while Transurban increases toll prices and ignores the Pandemic. Transurban LEGAL EAGLE is targeting heavy vehicles ROWAN KING to raise profits Principal Lawyer RK Law for their infrastructure business and your State Government is letting them suck the money out of our wallets. The amount of money that Transurban has rorted from transport workers has left our members frustrated, unable to see over the mounting pile of expensive toll notices on their kitchen tables. Transurban CEO Scott Charlton will extend this toll road rort and the debt he has created in league with the NSW Government out to 50 years. Transurban wants the Sydney Western Harbour Tunnel project and the proposed connection of the M7 to Badgery’s Creek. It gets worse, there are reports now out that show this rapacious company through a trust fund is now avoiding tax, a burden that we all should bear – though less of it would always be nice. In the meantime, heavy vehicles in NSW are being

The future needs no new tolls, a toll compensation system for commercial vehicles for any toll road increases from 2020 and a toll costs cap.

forced to use the NorthConnex toll road, or face a fine. The duty of care for the transport industry is in the hands of a business who are after you for your revenue opportunities. Your take home pay is shrinking while costs are accelerating. Every day someone wants more of your money. Whether that be fuel excise, rego costs, the increasing costs of doing business.

The costs are accelerating to the point that many transport workers, small business owners in NSW can no longer afford to work and maintain a vehicle. Your income is under threat. Uber freight, Amazon Flex and Australia Post are among the many corporations working to undercut the industry and exploit workers to maintain their company profits. We must stand together

to lock in the standards for a safer and fairer transport industry. The future needs no new tolls, a toll compensation system for commercial vehicles for any toll road increases from 2020 and a toll costs cap. No owner-driver or employee-driver should have to pay for a toll out of their own pocket while working and Industry Agreements will include clauses that include

compensation for the costs of using toll roads. Payments times must be locked into legislation to enable business to continue moving and government can assist ensuring contracts include enforceable minimum standards and rates. The transport industry is an important part of keeping life and our economy going so the cost of doing business must be fairly shared.

Scholarship entries open

TRUCKIN’ AROUND OZ ALF WILSON contributors@bigrigs.com.au

REFORM LEADER GARY MAHON

Queensland Trucking Association CEO

INDUSTRY ADVOCATE BEN MAGUIRE Australian trucking Association CEO

TRUCKIN’ IN VICTORIA GRAHAM HARSANT contributors@bigrigs.com.au

WA CAMPAIGNER CAM DUMESNY

Western Roads Federation CEO

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LIFE WITH KERMIE GRAHAM HARSANT

WELCOME MESSAGE MARK BAILEY

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Safety solutions specialist, Teletrac Navman

Last year’s recipients of the Driving the Difference scholarships (l-r), Sarah O’Brien, Kerri Connors, Manjusha Vanarla and Katie Hannifey.

COST CUTTER CHET CLINE AIR CTI founder/owner

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

SO much is happening in the world today much of it very depressing so I’m going to try to concentrate on the positive. Transport Women Australia Limited has launched the second year of Driving the Difference scholarships with sponsor Daimler Truck and Bus Australia Pacific and have THE OZ TRUCKER had enormous MIKE WILLIAMSresponse from contributors@bigrigs.com.au the industry competing for the four scholarships. These scholarships are open until October 31 and winners will be announced on November 16. Four lucky winners will then be presented either at an end-of-year function in the closest capital city, or over a Zoom meeting, depending on the circumstances at that time. We had our Father’s Day LOBBYIST raffle with five lucky winners STEVE SHEARER SA Roadthose Transportprizes Association and will be sent Executive Director and hopefully the winners are enjoying their windfall. We always have a great response to

AT THE WHEEL DAVID MEREDITH

TRUCKIN’ ON THE BORDER DAVID VILE

our Father’s Day raffle, and we thank our sponsors who are so generous with their support. TWAL is carefully monitoring the Covid-19 restrictions as we want to hold some events as EDITOR soon as GRAHAM possible. JAMES james.graham@bigrigs.com.au Like other associations we have been restricted due to the pandemic this year. We will attempt to hold end-of-year functions in each capital city, possibly with localised members. We will also be announcing the second Trish Pickering Memorial Award in November and presenting TWU NEWS this at an event to be announced. RICHARD OLSEN This award is TWU NSWpossible State Secretary made by the generosity of Wes Pickering and is in memory of his late wife Trish. The inaugural award was announced at the TWAL 20th anniversary gala dinner last November and was awarded to Pam McMillan for her service to Transport Women Australia Limited. The award is to honour continuous outstanding contribution to the trucking industry by a woman, we are fortunate that we are not limited by choice available, with many outstanding women in the industry. We are well into the pro-

gramme planning for our 2021 Conference to be held May 28 to 30 in Melbourne. Any interested sponsors or potential speakers who wish to submit a proposal are most welcome TASSIE TRUCKIN’ to send it to chair@transportJON WALLIS contributors@bigrigs.com.au women.com.au Lockdown restrictions are continuing in both Metro and regional Victoria with the metro curfew and travel restrictions within five-kilometre from home to continue until October 26. These restrictions will continue to impact on the mental health of many people, to bankruptcy LEGAL EAGLE and permanent closure ofKING businesses and deny ROWAN Principal Law hope Lawyer to theRKunemployed. So many of the rules do not make sense, even with the re-opening of businesses as we move forward. With some allowed to open with restrictions, some not allowed to reopen until a later date with no certainty for anyone to plan. The economy needs to be restarted while protecting our most vulnerable. We have already done a very poor job of protecting them so far. Maybe it is time to start looking at how we do that and let the strong and healthy rebuild the economy and our businesses.

contributors@bigrigs.com.au

40 PUZZLES PUZZLES 48 1

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE 7

10 11 12

13 14 15

17 18

SUDOKU

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

QUICK 1

ACROSS 1 If you are a collector of Clarice Cliff, what do you collect? (7) 4 What Latin American dance is performed by several people in single file? (5) 7 What are lengthwise threads on a loom? (4) 8 What is the capital of Liberia? (8) 10 In 1982, who made the first televised 147 break in snooker? (5,5) Across 12 Which inventor (Thomas ____) took out more than a 3 thousand What ispatents the national legislative in his lifetime? (6) body of the USA 13 (8)What is the last word of “Rule Britannia”? (6) 15 The Misfits in 1961 was the last film starring Marilyn 7 Monroe Name and thewhich headother of aactor? Muslim State (6) (5,5) Nativemilitary to Centralstaff and South America, a tamandua is 8 18 Which officer assists the what type of animal? (8) commanding officerover (8)a coffin? (4) 19 What cloth is spread What in is an word for “a verypiece long time”? 9 20 What, theinformal USA is a five-cent (6) (5) 21 What disease is also known as lockjaw? (7)

Down 1 Name a tropical climbing orchid (7)13 17 216 Who wrote Oliver Twist, Charles ... (7) 3 Name a cup for the wine of the eucharist (7)

Down 1. Jail (8) 2. Initially (5) 4. Paddle (3) 5. Abstinence (5,7) 6. Dare (7) 7. Informant (colloq) (4) 8. Feeling, atmosphere (12) 12. Happen (5) 13. Leans (8) 15. Free time (7) 19. Punctuation mark (5) 20. Competent (4) 22. Low (3)

Across 1. Uncertain (colloq) (4) 3. Absolved (8) 9. Associate (7) 10. From inside (5) 11. Over time (2,3,4,3) 14. Night bird (3) 16. Succulent plants (5) 17. Immeasurable period of time (3) 18. Arranged by rank (12) 21. Violent person (5) 22. Tearfully sentimental (7) 23. Poll (8) 24. Colony insects (4)

SOLUTIONS

5x5

SUDOKU N I T R E

G E A R S

E G R E T

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

HARD

R E E D S

ALPHAGRAMS: LEASE, MYRIAD, NEARING, ORGANIST, PATRONESS.

GK CROSSWORD Across; 1 Pottery, 4 Conga, 7 Warp, 8 Monrovia, 10 Steve Davis, 12 Edison, 13 Slaves, 15 Clark Gable, 18 Anteater, 19 Pall, 20 Yonks, 21 Tetanus. Down: 1 Pawns, 2 Turmeric, 3 Yeoman, 4 Cardiology, 5 Nova, 6 Amadeus, 9 New Orleans, 11 Eva Braun, 12 Estuary, 14 Argent, 16 Ellis, 17 Eton.

DOUBLECROSS

HARD

How many words of four letters or more can you make? Each letter must be used only once and all words must contain the centre letter. There is at least one nine-letter word. No words starting with a capital are allowed, no plurals ending in s unless the word is also a verb.

C A

A T

U T

M I

TODAY: Good 13 Very Good 18 Excellent 24

Across 1 Scheme 4 Decays 8 By way of 9 Musical instrument 10 Prophet 11 Confectionery item 12 Repose 14 Female deer ALPHAGRAMS 15 Greek letter Solve the anagrams. Each solution is a one-word 17 Ship’s record anagram of the letters beside it, and the five solutions 19 Was ahead are sequential. For example, if the five-letter solution starts with J, the six-letter solution with K, and so 21starts Monkeys on. 23 Lid 26 Tool EASEL 27 Baking chamber DIM RAY 28 Meshed fabric GRANNIE 29 Musical group ROASTING 30 Tear TRANSPOSE Down 1 the Soft colour Insert missing letters to 5x5 make2ten words — five reading Above across the grid and five reading A G R down.3 Weary 4 Argument Note: more than one solution I G fat may 5 be Abnormally possible. 6 Digit S A E 7 Become firm R E 11 Precipitous 13 Of the All sun puzzles © T S S The on Puzzle Company 16 Wait 18 Donated 20 Postpone 22 Location 23 Male swan 24 Eggs 25 Finish

SOLUTION GENERAL KNOWLEDGE amir amrita aria arum atria atrium attar aura auric carat cart Across: 1 Plot,tart 4 Rots, cram curt marc maria mart raita rata rimu tarmac tiara 8 Via, 9 Oboe, 10 Seer, 11 Sweet, 12 Rest, 14 Doe, 15 Eta, 17 tract trait tram trauma TRAUMATICLog, trim 19 Led, 21 Apes, 23 Cover, 26 File, 27 Oven, 28 Net, 29 Band, 30 Rend. Down: 1 Pastel, 2 Over, 3 Tired, 4 Row, 5 Obese, 6 Toe, 7 Set, 11 Steep, 13 Solar, 16 Attend, 18 Given, 20 Defer, 22 Site, 23 Cob, 24 Ova, 25 End.

EASY

QUICK CROSSWORD Across: 1. Iffy 3. Forgiven 9. Partner 10. Inner 11. In the long run 14. Owl 16. Cacti 17. Eon 18. Hierarchical 21. Brute 22. Maudlin 23. Election 24. Ants. Down: 1. Imprison 2. First 4. Oar 5. Going without 6. Venture 7. Nark 8. Undercurrent 12. Occur 13. Inclines 15. Leisure 19. Colon 20. Able 22. Moo.

WORD GO ROUND

Paul

A S S E T

SUDOKU

EASY

6/6

10 To inoculate, is to do what (8) 11 Name a renowned movie dog (6) 14 What are beginnings known as (6) 14 To remain too long, is to do what (7) 17 What is a radio or TV broadcast of news reports 15 What is a metal urn for heating the water for (8) making tea (7) 18 Name groups of fish crowded fairly close DOUBLECROSS 16 What is a picture, as of a scene (7) CROSSWORD together (6) 5 3 4 6 7 19 Who often plays the music in a church (8) Find a ﬁnished crossword by deleting one of the two letters in each divided square. 8 20 Name a volcanic mountain in eastern Turkey, Mount ... (6) 10 21 What is a beginning or a development (8) 12

DOWN 1 Which chess pieces are most numerous? (5) 2 What bright yellow powder is used for flavouring in Asian cookery? (7) 3 In early England, what was a small landholder between gentry and labourers? (6) 4 What branch of medicine is concerned with diseases and abnormalities of the heart? (10) then gradually fades is 54 A star that suddenly brightens Name a French post-impressionist painter, called what? (4) (7) 1984’s Best Picture Oscar winner, was 6 Which...film, filmed (7) 5 inToPrague? be indirect, is to be what (7) 9 Where was Louis Armstrong born? (3,7) What arewas sofas alsoonknown (7)and died 116Which woman married 29 Aprilas 1945, the following day? 11 Name the(3,5) 16th President of the USA (7) 12 What is the widening channel of a river where saltwater 12 with What are waste mixes freshwater? (7) matters that pass through 14 In heraldry, is the(7) colour silver? (6) sewerswhat called 16 Millions of records from which US immigration entry 13 are Which aromatic island accessible on the substance internet? (5) is burnt for its 17 Which English odour college was founded by Henry VI in fragrant (7) 1440? (4)

QUICK CROSSWORD Across: 7 Caliph, 8 Adjutant, 9 Nickel, 10 Immunise, 11 Lassie, 14 Onsets, 17 Newscast, 18 Shoals, 19 Organist, 20 Ararat, 21 Nascency. Down: 1 Vanilla, 2 Dickens, 3 Chalice, 4 Gauguin, 5 Evasive, 6 Settees, 11 Lincoln, 12 Sewages, 13 Incense, 14 Outstay, 15 Samovar, Tableau.

G E N E R A L K N O W L E D G E

FRIDAY JUNE 12 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

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COLUMNS 87 COLUMN 49

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY JUNE 26 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020

Sad dayeasement for all in transport Curfew extension should feature in recovery THIS article is the ending of an era for the transport industry with the demise of this magazine under the restrucVTA COMMENT PETER ANDERSON ture and rationalisation of CEO, NewsVictorian Corp. Transport Association It is a sad day for all of us in the industry as Big Rigs magaTHE Victorian Government zine has been a part of our lives has released a roadmap for for almost 30 years. re-opening the state’s econosome, their entire camyFor as part of a phased withreers so far. drawal from the Stage 3 and It will leave huge gap as the 4 restrictions that have been editors and staff have supportin place across Victoria since ed the industry, provided fair early August. and rational debate and given For the freight and logiseveryone a fair say in industry tics industry, the roadmap is doings to all, as well as stories, remarkably like what the inpictures and news of our peodustry has followed all along, ple, our trucks and our unsung in consideration that as an heroes. essential service, transport lives will be the poorer hasOur continued unabated, alfor its demise; being a columbeit with businesses having nist for Big Rigs for the past to trade with a COVIDSafe year and half has allowed me Plan. to fulfil yet another childhood The roadmap confirmed dream, to write, and it has transport operators can congiven me great pleasure and I tinue to remain open with a hope it has at least been enCOVIDSafe Plan, which is joyed by some. consistent with VTA advoWhile so many are focused cacy in consultations leading on the negatives of the industry, I have tried to focus on the

positives aspects or those issues about which I am most passionate and have a chance of making a contribution to change. writing column up Itobegan announcements about when I was returned as Transno changes to freight. This port Women Australia Limited is to ensure the transport chair in November 2017. industry can support supply In the interim, TWAL has chains during the transition had many successes and and ensure Victorian conachievements. sumers have access to essenhas expanded the relatialItgoods. tionship with Girl Guides AusThe extension of restrictralia and been involved with tions on retail, hospitality several successful projects with and many other sectors of them, the Victorian Snoozefest the economy will be exin April 2018, the “Great Bag tremely difficult for these Migration” for the Internabusinesses to bear. All these tional Jamboree in Sydney in businesses are consumers of October 2018 and other interfreight, logistics and transactions that are expanding the port, and many are customknowledge of the transport iners of our members. dustry. To help them through launched the Women thisWe difficult time, it is essenDriving Transport Careers intial we support them as best itiative with our partners Wowe can by providing them donga TAFE and Volvo Group with the reliable and effiat the 2018 TWAL Creating cient transport services they Connections conference. will continue to need to best This initiative has been in service their customers. hiatus during the COVID-19 In advising the governpandemic but all partners are ment on re-opening the excited to move forward to execonomy, the VTA has recpand the program as soon as ommended curfew exemppossible. tions on heavy vehicles be We held a well attended extended beyond Septemand exciting conference in ber 21, when the temporary May 2018 and we have plans in change to the Road Safety place with the date saved and Act is due to expire. venue booked for our Driving the Difference 2021 conference

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

orial Award, sponsored by the will be announced later this in Melbourne. year at an event still to be deIn November 2019 we cele- wonderful Wes Pickering. termined. This was awarded for longbrated the 20th Anniversary of The freight transport industry is moving around the community on a regular basis every day. We have also launched our the organisation (TWAL) with term outstanding contribution a fabulous gala dinner at The by a female to the road trans- Learning Initiatives Breakfast The freight transport inOur industry has con- ensure drivers are protected Windsor Melbourne where we port industry, the inaugural Series with several partners so dustry is moving around scientiously responded to and disciplined in their daily also presented our first four winner was Pam McMillan the far, including NTI, MOVE the community on a regular COVID with operators activities to prevent the virus winners of the Driving the Dif- longest serving director and BANK and rt health. basis every day, has had very embracing directions and spreading. In early 2020 the Creating ference scholarships with our chair of Transport Women few COVID cases, and has restrictions, exceeding minThe industry had mainMentoring proamazing sponsor, Daimler Australia Limited. not been a mode of spread- imum standards, and apply- Connections tained an impeccable safeThis is an annual award and gram was finally ready to comTruck and Bus Asia Pacific. ing the virus. ing additional measures to ty record since temporary We also presented the in- the recipient of the 2020 Trish mence with both mentors and changes to the Road Safety augural Trish Pickering Mem- Pickering Memorial Award mentees signing up to the pro-

Act were made, and letting trucks use roads at night had been instrumental in keeping supermarket shelves stocked and averting panic buying. As an essential service the losing their contracts and transport, freight and logisthe ability to support their tics industry has been operfamilies. ating on a ‘green’ light since It appears the government COVID restrictions were does not care. enacted in March, except unsafe vehicles, forThere some are exceptions around dodgy licences, poor payment warehousing and distributimes, wage and superannution centres. We need our ation theft – just a few of the customers to get back to many things we have called for work as quickly as possible to be stopped. and we will be there to supA reminder to governments port their logistics needs. and the transport industry cliExtending changes to the ents: the industry that has kept Act would go a long way toAustralia moving during the wards ensuring continuity in pandemic is facing an uphill the replenishment of goods battle. for Victorian consumers. It Employer groups should be is essential our industry can standing alongside transport make deliveries to superworkers to unite for a safer and markets, pharmacies and esfairer industry. sential retailers, and support

gram. I would like to thank the fantastic team at Big Rigs newspaper for their incredible support and wish them onbusinesses and the economy going success. as they start to re-open. I hope that I get the opporWe will continue to adtunity to continue to work with vocate for this extension so some of them and so work tothat our industry can service wards making the trucking inits customers and consumers dustry a better appreciated, as we progress through the and a safer place for our peosteps towards the economy ple.

re-opening. Other recommendations we have made include manual or electronic ‘track and trace’ work diaries so drivers can record personal contact with individuals outside A final reminder to all Big their own base, and a review Rigs readers: now is the time to of current warehousing and unite, now is the time to ensure distribution restrictions to equality in this industry. one that takes into account we can stand on theTogether size of the building and common ground working to number of workers, rather ensure the government continthan just the blanket restricues to support transport worktions now place. ers and the industry they We will also advocate support. for the Victorian GovernThe TWU will continue to ment to provide additional voice the needs of transport financial support and relief workers to the employers, to businesses that have had their industry bodies and the longer restrictions forced clients. upon them through no fault standards mean job of Better their own, to give them – security and ultimately a safer and our broader Victorian and fairer industry for all. economy – the best possible We can lift the standards we chance of recovering when need together – our lives dewe reach a new COVID pend on it. Normal.

Fighting to end the inequality: Big Rigs and TWU played their parts

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

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

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

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

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It is essential our industry can make deliveries to supermarkets, pharmacies and essential retailers.

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50 CAREERS AND TRAINING

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Green’s big win at Hino

WITHOUT any prior knowledge of the industry, Kara Green decided to take a gamble. She accepted a job and soon went on to become the first female ever to win the Parts Category of the Hino National Skills Contest, which sees the best staff from the Hino Australia dealer network battle it out for the title. Despite her background in performing arts, the lure of the transport industry seemed too good to pass up. Green completed her apprenticeship at TAFE NSW and joined Adtrans Hino’s Smeaton Grange dealership in 2015 as a Spare Parts Interpreter. “I sort of stumbled across this job and I thought ‘why not?’ It was time to do something different and challenging, an opportunity to have a career and not just a job,” she says. For Green, winning a title at the National Skills Contest has been a clear career highlight. After placing second in the Parts Category in 2018, she came out on top in 2019. “It felt amazing,” she says. “I was up against people who had been in the industry for a long time and never thought I could actually win. I was even surprised to make it to the final. It shows that women can do anything. As long

as you put in the hard work and effort, you will succeed and do great things. Never doubt your abilities and never let others think you can’t or don’t deserve it.” Green says receiving great feedback from customers who appreciate what you’ve done for them is also rewarding. “That’s always a great confidence booster. The challenges I face is just my experience and knowledge of the industry. I’ve had to start from scratch. Not knowing what parts were called or what they did or even to suggest what parts to upsell to the customer if they were unaware of what they needed.” Green’s advice for those considering a career in the transport industry is aptly summed up in just three words – “go for it!” She says, “If you never try, you’ll never know. Take on the challenge and test yourself. Don’t settle for second best and always strive to be the best version of you. Read all the books, get your hands dirty, ask all the questions and never give up. There are so many opportunities in this industry so get into it. There will always be work. The industry is such a big part of Australia and trucks need to be on the road to keep the economy going.”

In 2019, Kara Green became the first female to win the Parts Category of the Hino National Skills Contest.

Easter Group Pty Ltd

Phone 07 3022 2800 • 73 Formation St, Wacol Easter Group, located in Wacol, provides time sensitive road transporting solutions to many companies throughout Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria. We are a family owned business, operating since 1976. We currently have the following positions available:

OPERATIONS ALLOCATORS (Brisbane based only)

You will be required to work on a rotating roster including Days-Nights-Weekends Previous Operations experience preferred.

MC LOCAL & LINEHAUL DRIVERS WANTED

I WANT YOU

(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

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 Leanne Braid (Operations Manager) or by emailing your resume to employment@kseaster.com.au

WORKSHOP MECHANICS & TYRE FITTERS WANTED (Brisbane based only)

To apply for the Mechanic positions please contact Michael MacRae (Workshop Manager) on 07 3022 2888 or by emailing your resume to employment@kseaster.com.au

FOR DON WATSON TPT

7180240aa

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.

You’re a driver that doesn’t look for work, operators approach you. If you needed a job, you’d already have it. We’re placing this ad to reach people like yourself, people that are interested in trying somewhere new. Email me direct, and lets chat about what we can do. Lyndon Watson - Lyndon@donwatson.com.au

CAREERS AND TRAINING 51

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18 2020

Apprentice finds his calling

“I’VE been in and around transport pretty much all my life,” says 21-year-old Liam O’Donnell, who joined the Scania Australia team as an apprentice at the company’s Richlands branch in Queensland, almost 12 months ago. “My dad was originally a diesel mechanic, then he went on to become a refrigeration mechanic. I guess I always knew I wanted to do something along the lines of transport. I started my apprenticeship doing light vehicle mechanics, but I knew I wanted to get into heavy vehicle mechanics, so I did that as a stepping-stone.” When asked what he loves most about the industry, O’Donnell’s passion clearly shines through. “I guess for me it’s the work – I love what I do, I love working on trucks. The whole workshop atmosphere has been a real highlight for me. Everyone that works here is really great, and I enjoy the work I do. There’s never a boring day here. I especially love the hands-on work, like diagnosis and repair. This is definitely my passion. It’s exactly what I want to be doing, it’s what I want to do with my life. I get a huge amount of satisfaction in putting something together and knowing that it works,” he says.

Inspired by his father, Liam O’Donnell has developed a passion for the transport industry.

O’Donnell’s day in the office – or should we say workshop – varies day by day. From performing service and maintenance on trucks and buses, working with gearboxes, assisting with engine rebuilds, to preparing new vehicles for delivery; with

guidance provided every step of the way. “The training system at Scania has been great. There’s never a blue area with anything and there’s always someone to talk to if you don’t understand something. It’s been great. “My role is definitely tech-

The GTS Group is a privately owned business & market leader specialising in freight movement & warehousing. Based in Mildura & employing nationally, we run a fleet of modern Prime Movers & B-double Taut-liner trailers servicing a range of blue chip customers. Due to ongoing expansion in freight movements we have the following positions available for experienced & diligent applicants with an immediate start.

MC Interstate Drivers • Fatigue compliant. • 5 weeks leave per year. • Modern equipment & facilities. • Responsible for deliveries & pick-ups. • Large client base nationally. • Full-time position for successful candidates. A current MC Licence (non-synchro) is essential. An Apply Fatigue Management Strategies accreditation would be an advantage, although not essential.

nically challenging but that’s what I enjoy. There’s a huge sense of achievement that comes with completing a job correctly and being able to use my brain to solve a problem,” O’Donnell adds. “Scania’s vehicles have a lot of electronics, sensors

and controls – which makes it more interesting. It’s great to have all these different components and aspects, and then being able to use your knowledge and work on it all. For me, it’s far more satisfying to work on something a bit more intelligent than

something that’s purely mechanical. “Joining the team at Scania has been great. It’s been a lot more than I could have ever anticipated – and I mean that in a good way – with the level of experience I’ve been getting from working here.”

TOW OPERATORS Exciting MC – B Double/Road Train Tow Contractor position in an established bulk commodity transport company. Ag-Spread are currently seeking expressions of interest from Owner Drivers for B – Double or Road Train Tow operating work for the harvest season. You will be operating throughout Queensland, New South Wales & Victoria, commencing in October. Operators will be towing new and well maintained trailers. To be successful, candidates must have; • Availability 7 days per week • Commitment to spend long periods of time away from home • Late model and well maintained Prime Mover with Hydraulics • Previous experience as an owner driver

All relevant Insurances and Company induction to be confirmed before engagement.

Successful applicants are required to complete a Company Induction which also includes a Driver’s medical with alcohol & drug screen. For further information please contact: Col Weeding on 03 5051 0152. Web based applications for this position can be submitted by visiting gtsfreight.com.au and clicking on the employment tab. Email: dmt@gtsfreight.com.au

Please contact Nick on

0499 003 603 Or submit your resume to drivingjobsaust@gmail.com

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