It’s the same trusty workhorse, but not as you know it. Pairing a fresh new design with the features that have made it Australia’s hardest-working light-duty truck. The new look Fuso Canter is now bringing even more to the job site – including brighter LED headlights, a sleek new exterior, and enhanced 8” multimedia touch screen with wireless mobile connectivity. Plus, class-leading payload across most models, active safety systems*, and impressive 30,000km service intervals to take your business further.
Contents #383
8
ROAD UPDATES
Inside the latest funding and safety upgrades for Australian roads
16 TRUCK OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
It’s time to vote for your 2024 Truck of the Year
18 DAZZLING DENILIQUIN
The Deniliquin Truck Show and Industry Expo was home to many striking trucks last month
26
A HAND UP
Aussie Hay Runners completed a crucial 34-truck run to help South Australian farmers in early November
32
SHORT STATURE, BIG HEART
A custom designed K200 is making Henry Morrison and daughter Kristy Lee very happy
44 DRIVING ON THE GLOBAL STAGE
The annual UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge crown went to an Australian this year in Adelaide owner-operator Matt Modra
48
RUNNING FOR THE KIDS
This year’s Brisbane Convoy for Kids saw thousands of trucks give their all into raising as much money as possible for young ones in need
54 CELEBRATING
LEGENDS
Four district transport legends have been honoured at the Deniliquin and District Transport Wall of Fame
64
LOCK IN THOSE SHOW DATES
Find out what’s on for the end of this year and the start of 2025
66
TRUCK SALES
Check out the leaders from October’s truck sales data
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EDITORIAL
Editor Sean Mortell
E-mail Sean.Mortell@primecreative.com.au
Journalist Tiarna Condren
E-mail Tiarna.Condren@primecreative.com.au
Contributors Warren Aitken, Frank Black, Sarah Marinovic, Rod Hannifey, Michael Kaine, Glyn Castanelli
Cartoonist John Allison
PRODUCTION
Art Director Bea Barthelson
Print IVE Print
ADVERTISING
Business Development Manager
Hollie Tinker Ph 0466 466 945
E-mail Hollie.Tinker@primecreative.com.au
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Owner Driver is published by
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ISSN 1321-6279
OwnerDriver magazine is owned by Prime Creative Media. All material in OwnerDriver is copyright and no part may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic or mechanical including information and retrieval systems) without written permission of the publisher. The Editor welcomes contributions but reserves the right to accept or reject any material. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information Prime Creative Media will not accept responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences arising from reliance on information published.
Opinions expressed in OwnerDriver are not necessarily the opinions of, or endorsed by the publisher unless otherwise stated.
BEHIND THE WHEEL Sean Mortell
Community feel
The run home to the festive period has been full of events, get togethers and wonderful initiatives to keep the truck industry running at full throttle.
The theme that shines through for December in OwnerDriver is that the trucking community is stoking the flames of a family feel, with many in the industry giving their time, materials and hard earned to help others in need. Whether it be by completing arduous runs on the weekend for the sake of charity or attending some of the great truck shows that inspire smiles, laughter and genuine connections, the industry’s communal focus is on full display, and it’s been wonderful to observe.
Start with Aussie Hay Runners, who ran their 42nd truck convoy to rural towns in need in the space of five years. The group’s maiden run into South Australia to help farmers struggling through drought can be seen with some emotional photos and an in-depth chat with Aussie Hay Runners leader Linda Widdup on page 26.
On the events side, the annual Brisbane Convoy for Kids was successfully run yet again, with Warren Aitken on the ground to witness the beautiful fundraiser for children in need of some extra help in the fight against dreaded illnesses. His report of the weekend, on page 48, typifies the quality of people within the trucking game who are doing their bit for others less fortunate.
Our very own Tiarna Condren also got to head back to her hometown of Deniliquin for the constantly growing Deniliquin Truck Show, as well as the renowned Wall of Fame ceremony. Her coverage from the day, as can be seen on pages 18 and 54, provide a glimpse into the feel-good energy throughout the New South Wales town as the sun shone and the trucks rolled in.
The generosity in the industry isn’t just limited to the drivers and people on the ground – UD Trucks was in the giving spirit in October when it flew over Adelaide owner-operator Matt Modra to its Japanese headquarters for the Extra Mile driving challenge final. As can be seen on page 44, it was a wise choice by the team at UD, with Matt proving
his skills under pressure to take home the coveted crown for the Aussies.
Along with all of our consistently helpful columns that offer updates and advice for owner-drivers around the country, the December edition also gives us the chance to launch voting for the beloved Truck of the Year award.
With our final contestant in for the year in the form of a wonderfully restored Kenworth K200 owned and run by Henry Morrison and his daughter Kristy Lee, now is the time to choose your favourite truck for 2024. You can flip to page 16 for all of the finalists and the details on voting, with one lucky voter set to win $1000 worth of Ryco products. The prize value is based on the national retail price of Ryco’s products.
As always, we hope you enjoy this month’s edition and I look forward to hearing your stories and feedback for our Letters to the Editor section. Feel free to email them through to sean.mortell@ primecreative.com.au. Happy reading!
The trucking industry is coming together to help many Australians in need. Images: Jordan Hall
The Goods NEWS FROM THE HIGHWAY AND BEYOND
What’s new on the roads
First phases of major road projects are complete while a huge WA road is set to open this month
While a raft of new roadworks have been announced in some states and territories, huge openings and milestones have dominated headlines ahead of the year’s end.
From these latest projects to opening dates of Western Australian roads, there’s plenty to discover when it comes to Australia’s freight route networks.
FIRST PHASE OF COFFS HARBOUR BYPASS COMPLETE
The federal government has revealed the first phase of the multi-billion-dollar Coffs Harbour Bypass is complete.
The Coffs Harbour bypass tunnelling team working on either side of the 410m long Gatelys Road Tunnel broke through the northbound tube on October 28, with the team now breaking through the southbound tube to complete the first major phase of the three tunnels that will be built as part of the bypass.
“This is a major milestone for this nation-shaping project,” federal transport minister Catherine King says.
“During consultation ahead of the project in 2016, the people of Coffs Harbour were very clear they wanted tunnels instead of cuttings and it is great to see progress in bringing that to fruition.
“Being able to pass through from one side of this large hill to the other is a major achievement, and I look forward to the work over the next two years as the tunnels start to take their final shape.”
Each of the three tunnels will have two tubes, with each tube capable of carrying two lanes of traffic. There will also be room to accommodate cyclists.
In a sign of how quickly things are moving for the tunnelling teams, a breakthrough at the 320m long Shephards Lane tunnel is expected in mid-April next year.
The work comes despite a traditional tunnel boring machine not being feasible for use on the short tunnels due to the mobilisation time and cost.
Workers will now start excavating the tunnel floor, carry out the permanent tunnel lining works, install drainage, build the pavement and complete the fit-out of the mechanical, electrical, fire, safety and intelligent transport systems.
All the equipment will then be tested and commissioned before the bypass is opened to the public.
The bypass is expected to open to traffic in late 2026.
BUNBURY OUTER RING ROAD OPENING REVEALED
The Western Australian government has announced the date that the Wilmam Wadandi Highway, previously known as the Bunbury Outer Ring Road, will officially open to traffic in December.
On December 16, Bunbury locals and thousands of freight operators will receive an early Christmas present when the new road opens, slashing travel times to and from the south west by around 20 minutes while diverting an average of 15,000 vehicles around Bunbury each day.
“We’re thrilled that the Wilman Wadandi Highway will soon be open to traffic, marking a significant milestone for this massive $1.46 billion project,” federal transport minister Catherine King says.
“Our government is proud to be partnering with the Western Australian government to deliver a project that not only reduces congestion and travel times but also boosts efficiency and network reliability, benefitting every road user across the region.
“Beyond the road efficiencies, the highway will enhance connectivity for the region, providing economic opportunity and long-term regional growth for generations to come.”
The new road will separate freight and tourist traffic from local traffic, improving road safety, reducing congestion and providing more efficient travel.
The four-lane highway stretches 27kms, connecting Forrest Highway north of Bunbury to the Bussell Highway south of the town, with five new bridges and four grade-separated interchanges included.
The Wilman Wadandi Highway is the biggest road project ever delivered in the South West, becoming a major driver for economic stimulus and job creation in the region.
More than $530 million in funding has flowed to around 370 local businesses, while the project has created around 4,500 jobs.
Around $50 million has also been allocated to Aboriginal suppliers, and almost 200 local Aboriginal people received on-the-job training through the project’s award-winning Yaka Dandjoo program.
“This project has been a game changer in terms of its economic impact for the region, and it will continue to drive incredible outcomes
themselves with the new route before it opens.
from December when thousands of vehicles will be diverted from local Bunbury roads,” WA transport minister Rita Saffioti says.
“Locals and anyone that drives to and from the south west know how congested the roads around Bunbury can get, but that will be a thing of the past when this highway opens.
“This project represents the biggest change we’ve ever seen for the commute to and from the south west –with drivers looking at time savings of around 20 minutes, while they’ll now avoid 13 sets of traffic lights.
“It’s a massive win for Bunbury locals, who for many years have had to compete with freight and tourist traffic and will now see thousands of vehicles removed from the local road network.”
While the main alignment will be open, some minor works will still be underway across a range of areas including on some local roads, landscaping, artwork and minor tie-in works.
In the lead up to the opening, Main Roads will host a number of community drop-in sessions across the south west region, where members of the community will be able to go and learn more about the new alignment and the different access routes that will be available upon opening.
A community event will also be hosted the day before opening, which will provide residents in the region an opportunity to learn more about the new road and how it will change the way locals commute.
Residents in the metro area that travel to and from the south west are encouraged to head to the Wilman Wadandi Highway project page on the Main Roads website to acquaint
$964M TO MAINTAIN VICTORIAN FREIGHT ROUTES
The Victorian government has announced a new $964 million road maintenance blitz to improve one of the state’s most freight connections.
Starting in early November, large-scale road rebuilding works began on the Sunraysia Highway in Lascelles, which is a critical route linking grain and produce farms from around the region to key domestic and international markets.
The works will run through to late December, with crews rebuilding a one-kilometre section of road to ensure it is more stronger and stable to cater for high numbers of truck movements each day.
In order to repair and strengthen the road, the project will completely rebuild the road from the ground up –correcting any sub-surface issues and ensuring the road will last for years to come.
The works will support the ongoing economic viability of the region’s grain and fresh fruit producers, as well as supporting the state-wide freight industry.
“We know how crucial the Sunraysia Highway is to the people and economy of Northern Victoria – that’s why we’re getting on with these vital works,” Victorian roads and road safety minister Melissa Horne says.
“By making sure that key freight connections like the Sunryasia are up to scratch, we’re helping to keep goods on the move, supporting thousands of jobs and driving our state’s economy forward.”
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes says: “The road works along the Sunraysia Highway will ensure our leading grain and produce can reach the world for many years to come.”
Above: Numerous road projects will open soon, with more freight upgrades announced around Australia. Image: jovannig/stock. adobe.com
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NHVR CEO to depart
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has revealed it will farewell its longstanding CEO Sal Petroccitto after he successfully led the regulator for more than a decade.
Petroccitto will leave the NHVR on January 24 next year, with NHVR chair Duncan Gay saying the departure of Petroccitto highlights the great shape he will leave the regulator in following “an unheralded period of achievements” in establishing a modern and respected national body.
“On behalf of the NHVR Board, staff and the road transport industry, I want to share my sincere thanks to Sal for his outstanding
dedication in championing better outcomes for the safety and livelihood of the heavy vehicle industry and road users,” Gay says.
“Sal drove the successful transition of participating state-based regulatory functions to establish the NHVR. Under Sal’s leadership, we are now seeing consistent enforcement and education outcomes paving the way for more on-road consistency.
“This includes leaving a legacy of achieving genuine safety behavioural change and improved culture through the establishment of an inform, educate and enforce approach to compliance.”
Petroccitto informed the NHVR Board in October of his decision to resign as CEO.
Volvo Trucks unveils FH Aero
The newly released range of Volvo trucks in Australia includes Euro 6 ICE and electric driveline options
Volvo Trucks has launched its all-new fuel saving FH Aero range for the Australian market.
After debuting in Europe earlier this year, Volvo says the range has been impressing the industry with its on-road refinement and energy efficiency, with European testing showing it has efficiency improvements of up to five per cent.
The FH Aero will be available in Australia with a choice of 13-litre and 17-litre Euro 6 ICE powerplants as well as Volvo’s heavy duty electric driveline.
ICE powered FH Aero variants will be built at Volvo Group Australia’s Wacol manufacturing facility from mid-2025, with order books open December 2024.
Volvo Trucks says the ultimate fuel saver will be the FH-Aero in I-Save guise – this turbo-compound unit is rated at 500hp yet also punches out 2800Nm of torque.
“We’re super excited to be launching the Aero range here in Australia,” Volvo Trucks Australia vice president Tom Chapman says.
“This truck represents a critical step along the path to sustainable transport as well as lowering running costs for operators along the way.
“The drive experience of this vehicle is nothing short of astonishing, the performance of our new generation I-Shift transmission, coupled with our refined Euro 6 engine range or our powerful electric drivetrain, will find no complaints from drivers.”
The proven 13-litre 540 also remains an option for Aero, as does the new D17 powerplant in ratings from 600hp and 3000Nm up to 700hp and 3400Nm. Aero cab options span sleeper, Globetrotter XL and Globetrotter XXL options, with Volvo’s newly launched Camera Monitor System, or CMS, also being standard equipment on the FH Aero.
• CLIPLOCK features a TWO-STAGE locking mechanism. The industry standard and the Optional innovative GP LOCKING CLIP & LOCKING GROOVE (PATENT PENDING).
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Locking Collar
Above: Sal Petroccitto will depart the NHVR in January. Image: VTA
Above: The new range is available in Australia now. Image: Volvo Trucks Australia
THE GOODS NEWS FROM THE HIGHWAY AND BEYOND
Two new models for DAF
The two newly launched trucks, and another engine model, come courtesy of an Australian-led development project
DAF Trucks Australia has announced the release of two exciting new flagship models as it continues its goal to produce the most productive linehaul truck possible.
The new DAF XG and XG+ come equipped with the powerful 15-litre PACCAR PX-15 engine, delivering 660hp. Created through
an Australian-led project that also involved global PACCAR engineering teams and industry supplier partners, the new models boast superior safety, luxury and aerodynamics to deliver the power and torque that Australian applications demand.
“Throughout the development of the XG, we were eager to extend the
NHVR deploys number plate cameras
The regulator is reminding operators that being detected by these cameras doesn’t necessarily mean a driver will be fined
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) says it plans to deploy mobile Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras in all of its jurisdictions.
In a bid to boost heavy vehicle safety across Australia’s freight network, NHVR acting chief operations officer Michelle Tayler says the high-tech monitoring cameras will help the regulator obtain information on Australia’s heavy vehicle fleet while encouraging safer driving
practices on heavy vehicle freight networks.
“The NHVR has now invested in 40 mobile ANPR camera devices which are used by our Safety and Compliance Officers (SCOs), including roadside trailers and vehicle mounted cameras,” Tayler says.
“ANPR cameras automatically detect the number plates of passing heavy vehicles, allowing our SCOs to better detect and interrupt potentially high-risk behaviour and unsafe practices by heavy vehicles on our
capability of this truck to suit the high productivity applications that make Australian transport so unique,” DAF director of product planning Ross Cureton says.
“Through PACCAR’s global powertrain partnerships, we identified the perfect combination to deliver a step forward in performance,
roads, which helps focus our compliance and enforcement efforts.
“In line with the NHVR’s risked-based approach to compliance, using these cameras means we can increase efficiency for compliant heavy vehicle drivers and make Australia’s roads safer for all.”
Tayler says by being mobile, the cameras can be moved and used in different locations, with camera sites identified within the busiest freight routes to maximise heavy vehicle monitoring capability.
“Currently, these devices have been deployed by NHVR SCOs in South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Queensland and soon in New South Wales, targeting safety on key
fuel economy and durability, while preserving the outstanding comfort, safety and refinement of this next generation DAF.”
The two models are available to order now, with production happening at Kenworth DAF’s Bayswater plant from January 2025 onwards.
freight corridors,” she says.
“This is just one of the ways the NHVR is reinforcing efforts to make Australia’s major freight networks safer and ensuring the heavy vehicle industry remains productive and efficient.”
The NHVR is reminding industry ANPR cameras are not the same as speed cameras, and being detected by the cameras does not necessarily mean a driver will be fined.
“As a result of a camera sighting, a NHVR SCO may intercept a vehicle at a suitable location to undertake relevant safety checks related to potential highrisk journeys,” Tayler says.
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Our 24/7 transport accident response representatives will upload incident updates, accident photos and ensure we select the most appropriate towing company in the area to handle your recovery.
Isuzu teases 2025 model range
In a bid to make driving safer for Australians and curb the current truck driver shortage, Isuzu’s impending range coming next year includes a raft of safety system improvements
Isuzu Australia has revealed it will launch a new truck range in 2025 to the local market that will focus on safer road user and driver wellbeing.
The all-new model line-up will evolve Isuzu’s long established SEE (safety, economy, environment) engineering approach, continuing the product design philosophy used by parent company Isuzu Motors Limited (IML).
The foundation premise of the truck range is about driver societal wellbeing, with more advanced safety technology and a class-leading driver environment being pivotal to the line-up.
Both through active safety and passive safety, Isuzu’s new range includes a “vastly improved” safety suite that meets mandatory Australian Design Rule (ADR) regulatory changes for areas such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Advanced Emergency Braking (AEB)
and new emission levels treatment.
Although many Australian model N, F and FX-FY Series models already include these safety features, Isuzu says the latest models will take the overall concept of truck safety to a whole new level.
The new N Series will be underpinned by a new advanced electrical architecture, including seven all-new active safety features alongside the eight system already available in the Advanced Driver Assistance System, or ADAS, found in current 4×2 N Series variants.
Additions will include Full Speed Adaptive Cruise Control on all two-pedal models, Miss Acceleration Mitigation on selected models and Bi-LED headlamps with integrated Daytime Running Lamps.
The N Series will also include Traffic Sign Recognition using stereo camera technology, combining with the Intelligent Speed Limiter function.
For medium-duty applications, the F Series will receive a “substantial upgrade” to its safety systems, with 12 active and passive systems to be featured.
On the FX-FY Series that will arrive next year, ESC and Lane Keep Assist will boost safety systems onboard to ensure highway driving is made safer.
Isuzu Australia chief of product Matt Sakhaie says the current spate of driver shortage is also acknowledged in this new line-up, with little changes made to make driving more comfortable and safer for people behind the wheel.
“Challenges relating to driver attraction and retention is a global road transport issue, and one experienced by numerous countries
around the world,” Sakhaie says.
“There are of course a complex range of factors at play here but chief among them is a rapidly ageing global population – and at the other end of the spectrum – a lack of young people entering the profession.
“One critical aspect that Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) like Isuzu can influence is the continued development of safe, comfortable and professional workspaces for drivers to ply their trade.
“Well beyond the raft of new and exclusive active and passive safety features coming as part of its Australian release, Isuzu’s all-new line-up has amassed a string of critical in-cab improvements that rarely catch the headlines.”
Linfox opens Laverton supersite
The 70,000sqm site is part of Linfox’s commitment to environmental sustainability throughout its growing operations
Transport giant Linfox has officially launched its largest supersite to date in Laverton, Victoria, with Linfox founder Lindsay Fox on hand as special guest at the event.
The purpose-built, sustainable Linfox BevChain beverage distribution centre supports more than 14 major brands and valued customers across the beverage retail sector and Australian beverage manufacturers.
Spanning an impressive 70,000sqm, the site has a 5 Star Green Star certification from the Green Building Council of Australia.
“This site is an absolute commitment of our family’s endeavour to leave the environment in a better condition than the way we found it,” Linfox executive chairman Peter Fox says.
“Our crucial investment and the scale of this site reinforces our legacy as a trusted and safe partner in a competitive and growing market, as we work together to innovate and set new
standards of excellence.”
The ribbon cutting event involved Lindsay Fox, Victorian ports and freight minister Melissa Horne and Peter Fox, with Linfox Property Group managing director Andrew Fox joining Linfox CEO Australia and New Zealand Mark Mazurek at the ceremony.
Australian Logistics Council CEO and managing director Hermione Parsons was also at the event to showcase Linfox’s new beverage supersite.
Above: Linfox has unveiled its massive new space in Victoria. Image: Linfox
New models are on the way from Isuzu. Image: Isuzu Australia
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VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE AND YOU COULD WIN BIG!
WIN $1000 worth of Ryco products, based on the national retail price.
HOW IT WORKS
The 2024 Truck of the Year Award marks the latest instalment of the highly-popular Truck of the Month feature in OwnerDriver
The team here at OwnerDriver has chosen the 12 finalists, but the responsibility of selecting the winner is now turned over to you –our valued readers. Among the nominees are some amazing trucks – so we don’t envy the job ahead of you! Read on to find out how to vote, and what you can win for your efforts!
To be eligible, trucks must have appeared as a Truck of the Month in OwnerDriver over the past 12 months.
YOU CAN WIN TOO
THE CONTENDERS - VOTE NOW
The outright winner will be decided by popular vote –with the winner featured in the March 2025 issue of magazine as well as online at OwnerDriver.com.au!
Not only does your vote count towards your favourite truck getting the gong, but it also puts you in the counting vote to win $1000 worth of products courtesy of Ryco to go towards your operations. The prize valued is based on the national retail price of Ryco’s products.
HOW TO VOTE
Simply jump online and head to OwnerDriver.com.au/TOTY, follow the prompts to the promotion entry page and complete the entry form (including your full name, mailing address, telephone number and valid email address), and vote for your favourite truck.
Voting commences on December 1, 2024 and closes at 11:59PM on January 31, 2025.
To help you make your choice, you’ll also be able to view the original feature stories on all 12 finalists on the site. You can only vote once, so make it count!
Rafe Cornwall’s Western Series 48X
Rafe Cornwall grew up surrounded by trees, trucks and chainsaws. Starting on Queensland’s Fraser Island where his dad and grandad were logging, Rafe has since become involved in the logging game. When he ordered a new day cab Western Series 48X for logging work along the Fraser Cost, no one was more excited than driver Luke Josefski.
Gona Govender’s Kenworth T360
Having grown up around trucks in South Africa, Gona Govender is now a crucial part of Melbourne’s agitator business. With his two sons now part of the family business, Gateway Logistics, the professional operation has been taken to the next level with a two-year-old Kenworth T360 being pride of place in its fleet.
John Dufty’s Outlaw Mack
Ian and Hayden Einsiedel’s 2023 Kenworth W900SAR Legend
It only took John Dufty one quick test drive in the Outlaw Mack to convince him that a stunning and spruced-up Super-Liner would not just fulfil his on-road and off-road needs, but also look a million bucks. The end result is John’s Mack Outlaw #5 that is now a shiny star in his fleet.
The trucking industry is all about history, which father and son duo Ian and Hayden Einsiedel know all about in their cattle-carting business. Heading to the Victorian town of Sale, the pair’s new flagship truck is a beautiful 2023 Kenworth W900SAR Legend that 25-year-old Hayden now has the keys to.
THE CONTENDERS - VOTE
Constellation
Matt Kane’s Western Star 4964FX Limited Edition
Who doesn’t enjoy a good starry night? While Matt Kane, as a Mack man, had his heart set on a Cat-powered Mack Super-Liner for his next addition, he soon fell in love with the unique 2000 model Western Star 4964X Limited Edition Constellation. He’s since been pleasantly surprised by the model.
Suzy Snowden’s Kenworth C509
As a driver for major fleet operator Toll Energy, Suzy Snowden has rich trucking history coursing through her veins. While catching up with her, Warren Aitken got to meet the Kenworth C509 that she pilots for Toll Energy each day, and it doesn’t disappoint.
Dan ‘Hutcho’ Hutchinson’s Volvo XXL
Trucking has always played a part in the Hutchinson family business. As a third-generation truckie, he has both Kenworth and Volvo models in his fleet. His latest Volvo XXL addition, known as the ‘Moo-Chew Express’, is already catching attention around Australia. 08
Steve and Tracey Armstrong’s Kenworth T909
Known as ‘F##kin Perfect’ after the Pink smash hit, the couple’s new Kenworth T909 has proven a hit for STA Trucking. Beautifully presented in pink, the truck is allowing the couple to continue growing the business.
Durres’ Iveco PowerStar
After first hitting the roads in 2016, Warren Aitken finally got to meet one of his favourites in the form of the Iveco PowerStar. The origin story with the king of king size rigs in Gary Athorn out at Cunnamulla, Queensland, backs up the star quality of this truck.
VE Group’s Kenworth T909 Centenary special
Bronwyn and Nathan Howell are both humble members of the Australian trucking industry, and their latest truck model shows their dedication. The special 2023 release of the Kenworth T909 they’ve sported is a 100-year nod to the iconic trucking brand.
Keith Reid’s Volvo Viking
Described as a ‘battler-esque’ character, Keith Reid epitomises the resilience of Aquaholic Water Cartage and Transport Services. Having survived through drought and then floods, Keith’s new Volvo Viking model is as eye-catching as you can get.
Henry Morrison’s Kenworth K200
Henry Morrison is a well-known trucking legend, and his custom designed Kenworth K200 is testament to his passion and dedication. When travelling to check out the truck, Warren Aitken met his daughter Kristy Lee Morrison, who also has her own unique story in the industry.
DAZZLING DENI
The Deniliquin Truck Show and Industry Expo was home to many striking trucks last month, with every rig vying for Tiarna Condren’s attention
Living in Melbourne, any time I mention where I am from, I usually get one of two reactions.
Either it’s ‘where the hell is that?’ or a cheeky side smirk and the proclamation ‘Deni Muster’ dragged out into a holler.
While the small New South Wales town of Deniliquin is famed for its bogan activities and country music, there seems to be an event that could soon illicit another response.
The Deniliquin Truck Show and Industry Expo, proudly supported by the Rotary Club of Deniliquin, first kicked off festivities in September 2015 at Memorial Park, showcasing 50 trucks and 30 motorbikes while drawing around 2,000 attendees.
The inspiration for founding the Truck Show came when past president John Creenaune moved to Deniliquin in 2012.
“I’ve been in the transport industry most of my life. I fell in love with trucks at a young age and, as I got older, I loved meeting some of the trucking legends,” Creenaune told OwnerDriver
“When I moved to Deni in 2012, I saw all these trucks coming in and thought ‘why aren’t we recognising these people, these legends?’
“We decided that we needed a truck show, and an awards night for the Wall of Fame, so that’s what we did.”
Since then, through fires, floods and pandemics, the show continues to expand its reach and become known
List of winners:
Best Truck of the Show - Scott Congram, C509.
Best Truck 0-3 Years - Darren Marshall, K220.
Best Truck 4-9 Years - Darren Frankling, T909.
Best Truck 10-25 Years - McNaughts, T909.
Best Truck 26-39 Years - Gunn Freight, Transtar.
Best Truck 40+ Years - Dean Asworth, Mack R700.
Best Local Truck - Fellow Bulk Transport’s KW, previously owned by J Murphy & Sons.
Best Fleet (3 or more) - Frankling Transport.
Best Rigid - Marc Quarrell, T659.
The Muscles Gray Memorial Award - Geoff May Transport, 2013 Kenworth 909 Director Series.
Best Non-American Truck - Tony Rinaldi, Mercedes Benz.
Top: A stunning Congram Kenworth - Over the Edge
Left: Scott and Riley Congram with Scott’s 2014 Kenworth C509, which won Truck of the Show
Opposite bottom: The Healthy Heads team all set up at the show
within the industry. The 2024 festivities kicked off bright and early, as stallholders and vehicles were expertly guided into place by a hardy bunch of volunteers and professionals.
With a new home at the Deniliquin Festival Site, there was space galore for the stalls to spread out and stake their claim, with a whole manner of offerings on site.
“It’s been such a great turn out, with plenty of community groups and local businesses jumping onboard,” Deniliquin Fishing Club member Karen Martin told OwnerDriver
Local community groups like the Fishing Club ran the food stalls, with hot dogs, steak sangas and more up for grabs. I was even convinced to chuck on a pair of gloves and get some onions grilled for the occasion.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to raise a little bit more
money and get the word out to locals and people popping in to visit,” Karen says.
The Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds Foundation even managed to bring its truck down, educating truckies and show goers on the resources available to them.
“This is our first time at the Deniliquin Truck Show, but after hearing how many owner drivers and operators were going to be here, we knew we had to come,” Healthy Heads CEO Naomi Frauenfelder says.
“This is the perfect conversation starter for us. We are able to share our free confidential counselling service that is tailored to truck drivers, tradies and blue-collar workers.
“We’ve spoken to a number of drivers that haven’t heard of us yet, but now they are keen to look at our services and get involved.”
“It’s been such a great turn out, with plenty of community groups and local businesses jumping onboard.”
There was something for everyone on the truck side from classic Kenworths and Macks to slick looking DAFs and old Fords. All corralled into one area, it was the perfect way to ensure you saw every last one.
As was expected, competition was fierce this time around, with every entry vying to take home one of the coveted trophies.
Finley’s Scott Congram ultimately came out on top – his Kenworth C509 taking home ‘Truck of the Show’, meaning he became the first person to win Deniliquin and the district’s most coveted truck prize twice.
Top, L to R: The Fellows Transport fleet; Condell Park Produce’s cabover
Above, L to R: Graphics were a trend on display; Old Macks were also celebrated at the show; Check out the paint job on this Mack
From there, we saw Darren Marshall’s K220 take out ‘Best Truck 0-3 years’ while Darren Frankling’s T909 stole the ‘4-9 years’ segment.
Dean Asworth’s R700 Mack was awarded the win in the ‘40+’ category, and Frankling Transport took home ‘Best Fleet’ with its stunning red line-up.
It was a rough battle for ‘Best Local Truck’, with fanfavourite Fellow Bulk Transport’s KW – previously owned by J Murphy & Sons – ultimately taking top spot.
Families and kids were well looked after throughout the day, with a kid’s corner of jumping castles, petting zoos and face painting proving to keep even the most unsettled children entertained.
As the spectacular day came to an end, people gathered in the bar to socialise and ultimately throw their money at the annual auction. With hundreds of dollars being spent left and right, it’s safe to say they raised a fair chunk of change. I got lucky in the end, scoring a dramatic exit out of the site in a kitted-out Kenworth T600. Seeing my hometown from that height was definitely a different experience, but one that I’d happily see again.
Top: Bright red Frankling Transport line-up
Above left: The old and the slightly newer
MOBILE CAMERAS IN USE
ANPR cameras are improving heavy vehicle safety in South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Queensland. Operating in New South Wales from 2025.
The NHVR is boosting heavy vehicle safety across Australia’s freight network with the use of mobile Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.
Roadside trailers and vehicle mounted cameras automatically detect the number plates of passing heavy vehicles, allowing Safety and Compliance Officers to better detect and interrupt potentially high-risk behaviour and unsafe practices.
For more information visit nhvr.gov.au/anpr
TWU Michael Kaine
Recapping a powerful year
The transport industry has seen plenty of reforms throughout the year, with the TWU preparing for another momentous year in 2025
As we draw close to the end of the year, it’s the time people start thinking about the year to come. But it’s also useful to look at the year that’s been, to pause and look at where we’ve actually got to in the past 12 months. And what a year it has been.
This time last year we’d found out that transport reform laws would be tabled early in 2024. We were gearing up for a final push, making sure politicians heard from the people in this industry and what was at stake.
Federal parliamentarians of all political persuasions heard from people across road transport: drivers who’d been pressured to keep driving so their company could keep a contract; large employers under threat from the gig economy model; gig workers making below minimum wage. It was a powerful example of how the crisis in road transport affects all players.
In February this year, transport reform laws were finally passed.
We’ve come together like never before to pass laws that will make road transport better in Australia.
What we’ve achieved here is also having ripple effects across the globe. It was a huge privilege to join with other transport unions in Marrakesh in October for the International Transport Workers’ Federation’s Global Congress. It is not an understatement that the approach we have taken in Australia is now informing how other countries are reforming their own road transport industries.
It’s not just informing other countries –it’s informing other industries.
Take aviation, for example. If you’re an owner-driver or a transport operator you might not think you have much in common with a pushback driver or a cabin cleaner. But the attitudes of companies like Qantas can be found in every industry in every country in the world. It’s those wealthy clients with their profit obsessions that drag industries, including road transport, down. We had a recent success as a union with the Federal Court ordering Qantas to pay compensation to the 1700 workers it illegally sacked – all up it could be over a $100 million bill for the company.
The tide is shifting and the rest of Australia has seen what happens when those wealthy clients relentlessly cut costs – it’s bad for everyone except highly paid executives.
As the cost of living crisis continues, it’s time drivers and operators were paid their fair share. Many large clients recognise this and they’ve joined the push for change. It’s the outliers that will be pulled into line.
Of course, this year we’ve won a powerful tool to make that happen. So here’s a recap on that.
In February, the Federal Parliament passed transport reform laws that will allow us to start reshaping the industry. It was an absolute privilege to be in Parliament for the moment it happened, beside drivers who’ve been campaigning for 20 years for these laws, and now want to leave this industry in a better place
Transport House, 188-390 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW 2000. twu@twu.com.au
than they found it for the next generation.
In August those laws came into effect, and we got started immediately with first applications to the Fair Work Commission.
The first – to ensure drivers and operators are paid within a maximum of 30 days. For too long, payment times have often dragged on for months, making it even harder to run a business that was on thin margins to begin with.
The second – to put standards in place in food and beverage delivery, where we’re seeing some of the most exploited workers in the country. This will stop the gig economy dragging down the rest of the industry.
The third – to put standards in place in parcel delivery, where work is exploding but companies like Amazon are using models which undercut other decent operators.
We’re starting to see pushback from groups representing wealthy clients like Amazon – but we know that when we are united as an industry these obstacles can well and truly be overcome.
Since we’ve made those applications, the newly-formed Road Transport Advisory group has met to begin convening subcommittees. They’ll explore the applications and how best they should be actioned. Those subcommittees are a crucial part of the laws to ensure the industry gets a say.
Change can’t come quickly enough. This year we’ve seen over 40 truck drivers killed on our roads and close to 200 in total. We’re attacking this from all angles
“The tide is shifting and the rest of Australia has seen what happens when those wealthy clients relentlessly cut costs – it’s bad for everyone except highly paid executives.”
and we’ll need that industry unity as we go. So what happens next?
The applications we’ve made have all been in consultation with the broader industry. Now that process will be even more deeply embedded with subcommittees kicking off. While that’s happening, February will mark another milestone. That’s when automatic protections will apply – protections against unfair contracts and unfair terminations of contracts. For gig workers who can be kicked off an app by an algorithm, that will also apply to unfair deactivations.
We’ll continue working with the rest of the industry, as well, on other applications we can make to address critical needs. Countless people in road transport –from workers to industry associations to employers to academics – have had a hand in the progress we’ve seen this year. This year was the year we got transport reform laws passed.
As Global Express worker Margaret Harvey told the Prime Minister after Parliament passed the laws – “For years we’ve fought against the race to the bottom”. Next year we’ll start seeing the first changes put in place – and the start of a better road transport industry.
MICHAEL KAINE is the national secretary of the Transport Workers Union of Australia. Contact Michael at: NSW Transport Workers Union,
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Sean.Mortell@primecreative.com.au or 379 Docklands Drive, Docklands, VIC 3008
We prefer letters by e-mail, but handwritten letters will be accorded the same opportunity to be published.
Making them large
Recently, Transport for NSW (TfNSW) released the report NSW Heavy Vehicle Access Policy: Safe, sustainable and productive road freight, which details the introduction of both innovative (pp 63-67), super innovative heavy vehicles (p68) and intermodal vehicles (pp 69-70), with the length of the latter vehicles considerably over double the length of existing B-doubles!
In fact, so large are some of the super heavy vehicle combinations that both powered and steerable (lead and rear most) quad axled trailer combinations are proposed. The proposed combinations will greatly benefit from the introduction of 17-litre 780 HP engines (with there being reports that even larger and more powerful engines are on the way) when it comes to maintaining more consistent climbing speeds on steeper grade sections of the major highway network around Australia.
Despite the increased driveline power input, it would be more appropriate and safer for these larger vehicles to operate in additional dedicated climbing lanes where appropriate. The introduction of these super innovative PBS vehicles will certainly compound the recent observation of over 10 off triple B combinations operating along the Hume Highway. It’s expected the increased engine mass will demand the use of twin steer prime movers. The integrated benefit of the various mass incrementing
Little reader
It was great to hear from Milton, who featured in the November edition of OwnerDriver on page 20 as part of Warren Aitken’s wrap of the 2024 Kenworth Klassic behind the wheel of a mini truck.
Milton buys a truck magazine every Thursday and was lucky in November to find OwnerDriver with a photo of himself included! He was so excited that he had to go back and buy four more copies of the mag to give to his mates.
Thank you Milton for being part of OwnerDriver – we hope to see you in more editions moving forward!
individual details will assist in easing the current heavy vehicle driver shortage crisis. However, the suggested introduction of these high productivity vehicles suggests
FINANCE
technology to the nation’s highway network heavy vehicle fleet is considerably remote! Arnold McLean, NSW
Yass Newsagency’s most loyal truck magazine supporter
Image: Milton’s Mumma
truck run
OFFERING A HAND UP
Since 2019, Aussie Hay Runners has completed truck runs to Australian farmers in need of help. Their latest convoy into South Australia saw 34 trucks bring plenty of joy to local communities, as Sean Mortell found out
Linda Widdup will never forget the moment she rolled into the town of Tailem Bend in rural South Australia. Situated on the lower reaches of the Murray River and roughly 85km from Adelaide, the farming area surrounding Tailem Bend has been in desperate need of a hand up. Over time, droughts have ravaged crops, with one of the driest years on record leaving many Australians without much hope for the harvest season.
When Linda arrived in the town just on lunchtime in early November, representing the group she founded in Aussie Hay Runners (AHR), she immediately prepared to provide help to surrounding towns such as Mannum, Robertstown, Sutherlands and Dawesley. The sorrow on full display quickly took her aback.
“When I first heard what was happening in South Australia, I thought, ‘bugger, we need to help these people’,” Linda told OwnerDriver
“What I saw was heartbreaking – the suffering that people are going through is horrendous. The smallest we can do is provide some temporary relief.”
After enduring eight months of rainfall deficiencies, South Australian farmers needed help. That respite came in the form of a 34-truck convoy carrying $104,500 worth of hay and another
$20,000 of other supplies. It all started when the mayor of Mid Murray Council Simone Bailey wrote to Linda explaining the devastation that was occurring.
From there, Linda got moving, getting in touch with livestock and agricultural bodies to receive the information she needed to organise the origins of a run. Before she knew it, Linda was on the phone to farmers in the region, hearing about their struggles and what she could bring to make the tough times just a touch more bearable.
“I heard it all on the phone – we could’ve taken 100 truckloads of hay and it wouldn’t have been enough for some of these poor people,” she says.
The run, completely funded by AHR, was originally designed to have 26 trucks transport 832 bales of donated hay valued at $79,040 to 52 farmers and their families in need. The final number saw more and more people commit to action, with a total of 34 trucks participating in the run on the opening weekend of November, transporting a combined total of 1,100 hay bales valued at over $104,500 for 68 farmers.
“We’re extremely proud to help farmers – it’s not a hand out, it’s a hand up,” Linda says.
“A lot of people came and brought hay to donate because they know how desperate the situation is in the region.”
Meeting on November 1 in Ararat, the convoy headed to Tailem Bend the next day, with the Lions Club of Tailem Bend generously providing lunch for the helpers and local butcher Kane from
Below: Anne-Marie from Aussie Hay Runners and one of the drivers with food for the farm dogs and cats
Opposite bottom, L to R: On the oversize route around Murray Bridge enroute to the farms; Last check of the tie down straps before departing Tailem Bend to deliver the hay
“We’re extremely proud to help farmers – it’s not a hand out, it’s a hand up.”
Images: Down the White Line
Photography
Murray Bridge generously donating the meat for the BBQ. On the way through, Linda and the team passed numerous small towns where people were waiting for the trucks with signs, cheers and smiles.
It was a welcome change of pace for the devastation that Linda had heard on the phone in the lead up to the convoy.
“Our live tracker on our Facebook page meant people could follow us and be waiting for us when we passed through their community,” she says.
“I remember coming through Nhill and everyone was on the side of the road, cheering, beeping and air pumping.
“In Keith we had kids waiting out the front to greet us, and they squealed with delight when our trucks came through and the drivers began tooting away. It was so heartwarming to get such an unbelievable reception.”
The journey into South Australia also gave Linda the chance to receive more last-minute donations from truckies around the nation who wanted to do their bit. At the service station in Tailem Bend, a stranger came up to Linda and handed over money to buy some extra supplies for the farmers. It’s not an unusual occurrence for AHR, but it’s these small moments of kindness that justify Linda’s decision to
run the group. “When we finally got into Tailem Bend, it was incredible – people had big signs saying, ‘We Love AHR’, while so many others were waving and cheering,” she says.
“We met some really lovely people while having lunch.
“Once we left Tailem Bend, 27 of the 34 trucks went in all different directions, covering so much ground – one truck went as far up as Peterborough in wheat country.”
In the rural town of Sedan, about 100km east of Adelaide and 20km west of the Murray River, people immediately came to help with unloading.
Linda says carloads of kids arrived promptly, with many people helping to make the process easier for all involved. With various community members and companies also offering personal goods and stock feeds, the emotional day reinforced the importance of these truck runs.
While it was AHR’s maiden run into South Australia, it’s just another chapter of its growing history as a valuable relief provider.
Started back in 2019 by Linda in country Victoria, AHR only had four trucks to begin with. Quickly the network of people providing floats and trailers grew to allow the group to complete its first run into drought-stricken parts of rural New South Wales.
“I was seeing images and videos on Facebook of what people were going through and, from my place down in Carlisle River in the Otway Ranges of Victoria, which is always lush, green and drought free, I couldn’t help but think how hard it would be if I couldn’t feed my animals,” Linda says.
“After speaking to Lions Clubs and generational
“I remember coming through Nhill and everyone was on the side of the road, cheering, beeping and air pumping.”
farmers who had many years of animals on their farms, it broke my heart and I had to get involved, so we launched our first run.
“I wasn’t even out of Dubbo before I had 13 loads of hay, so we put them in utes and trailers and got them there.”
Since then, AHR has completed 42 runs around the eastern regions of Australia, including into the NSW city of Grafton on the Clarence River, as well as into south-west Victoria and King Island.
“For the Grafton one, the NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) put a declaration to us. As a project of the Heyfield Lions Club, we worked with clubs in the area and put 65 truckloads of hay together to head up there in 2022.
“It was our largest truck run to date, and it was incredibly tough to see how bushfires had impacted the region.”
The South Australian run is already having an impact in the state, with federal MP Tony Pasin calling on the state government to assist AHR and other organisations similar to it with fuel costs and rural financial counsellors. The Member for Barker joined AHR on the run, with his experience now leading to calls for the state government to provide help in any way and match the New South Wales government’s move of providing fuel cost help to these groups.
“Regions of our state are experiencing the driest conditions on record and our livestock producers are struggling as fodder prices soar with quality feed becoming increasingly difficult to find,” he says.
“Getting fodder to where it’s needed is no small task and the organisers of various hay runs do an amazing job to support livestock producers in times of drought. A helping hand to assist with fuel costs from our state government would be a modest but meaningful way of assisting drought stricken South Australian farmers in their hour of need.
“The drought is gripping, failed crops and the lack of feed for
livestock is extremely disheartening. Our struggling farmers need to know that their state government has their back when times get desperate and that’s simply not happening.”
For now, Linda and her team aren’t content with the maiden truck run into South Australia. Already, they are working hard to secure donations and get back into the state early next year to try and provide more assistance to farmers that need it the most.
“If we can get some donations, then we can go back,” she says.
“I’m currently ringing around trying to find some hay and some donations so we can put some fuel in our tanks and get up there during the harsh summer.
“I’ve got 74 trucks at my disposal if needed, and everyone is happy and ready to go. I’d love to fill 74 trucks with hay and help in whatever way I can.”
To get involved with AHR and help Australian farmers in need of help, contact Linda at aussiehayrunners@gmail.com or 0421 972 332.
From opposite top: Convoy pulling into Tailem Bend for lunch; Parked up for lunch Middle left: Departing Tailem Bend
Rocking the Roads Simon Smith
Christmas rock
As we run home towards the festive season, there are plenty of rock music milestones to celebrate
in December
December is a month rich in milestones and anniversaries for Australian rock ‘n’ roll. Here’s a look at some key events, album releases and notable birthdays that have shaped the Aussie rock scene over the years.
DECEMBER
1981: After being released by Australian band Men at Work, ‘Down Under’ quickly goes to number one in Australia on its way to also topping the New Zealand and Canadian charts in 1982. Just a year later it would also be the number one song in the US.
1986: While it was released in September, by December, ‘You’re the Voice’ by John Farnham was a clear number one on the Australian charts. It would soon become a historically beloved song, instilling Farnham as a cultural icon.
DECEMBER 1
1950: Often known by the nickname ‘Hanna’, Daddy Cool guitarist Ross Hannaford was born on this day. He was widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest guitarists, being part of The Pink Finks and Daddy Cool, with the latter known for hit single ‘Eagle Rock’.
DECEMBER 9
1958: Born in Benalla, Victoria on this day, Nick Seymour went on to become the founding bass guitarist and mainstay of rock group Crowded House. The younger brother of Mark Seymour from Hunters and Collectors, Nick was an instrumental feature on singles such as ‘Don’t Dream It’s Over’, ‘Fall at Your Feet’ and ‘Better Be Home Soon’.
2008: Founding member and original bass player in Cold Chisel, Les Kazcmerek, passes away aged 53. The Australian pub rock band originally formed in 1973, with the band rising to fame when it brought in front man Jimmy Barnes in the ‘70s.
DECEMBER 14
1949: Bass player for AC/DC Cliff Williams was born on this day in Romford, London. After starting his professional music career in 1967, he became the bassist and backing vocalist of the popular Aussie rock band and was inducted into the American Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as an AC/DC member in 2003.
DECEMBER
20
1948: Stevie Wright of The Easybeats was born on this day as Stephen Carlton Wright. Born in Leeds, England, Wright’s family moved to Melbourne when he was nine. The Australian singer was known as the nation’s first international pop star as the lead singer of The Easybeats.
1955: Ed Keupper of The Saints and The Laughing Clowns was born in Bremen, West Germany. The German-Australian guitarist, vocalist and songwriter co-founded punk band The Saints in 1973 before also getting involved with experimental post-punk group the Laughing Clowns and The Aints!.
DECEMBER 25
1950: Dave Tice was born. Tice was the founding mainstay of Australian rock band Buffalo since August 1971, while also being part of acts such as Headhunters and Tice & Evans.
DECEMBER 28
1947: Another The Easybeats member was born in December, with Dick
Diamonde being born in Hilversum, the Netherlands on this day. Born as Dingeman Adriaan Henry van der Sluijs, he would grow up to become the bass guitarist of the popular ‘60s band.
DECEMBER
30
1955: On this day, Mick Pealing was born. Pealing was a founding member and lead vocalist for Australian country rock band Stars, which formed in Adelaide in 1975 and disbanded in 1979 before reforming in 2019.
SIMON SMITH is the manager and producer of Australian Truck Radio. He has been in the radio game for 44 years and has been customising playlists for truckies for at least 20 of those. For great tunes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, download the digital app for your phone at www. australiantruckradio. com.au
DECEMBER
31
1973: Iconic Aussie band AC/DC played their first live show at the Checkers Nightclub in Sydney. This marked the start of a legendary career that would eventually take them to global rock superstardom.
December has provided countless pivotal moments for Australian rock and roll, with legendary album releases, unforgettable performances and the birthdays of musicians who have made lasting impacts on the global stage. From the hard rock of AC/DC to the popular releases of Crowded House and The Easybeats, the month of December is a tribute to the diversity and vitality of Australian music.
“The younger brother of Mark Seymour from Hunters and Collectors, Nick was an instrumental feature on singles such as ‘Don’t Dream It’s Over’, ‘Fall at Your Feet’ and ‘Better Be Home Soon’.”
HIGHWAY ADVOCATES
Rodney Boyd & Robert Bell
A shifting landscape
Highway Advocates is focusing on the NHVR and the future of heavy vehicle regulation to wind down the year
For heavy vehicle operators, the ever-evolving regulations and enforcement strategies of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) present a constant source of frustration and complexity. Navigating this maze requires both awareness and adaptability, particularly considering recent leadership changes that suggest potential shifts in NHVR priorities.
The resignation of Ray Hassall, Executive Director of Statutory Compliance, and the upcoming departure of CEO Sal Petroccitto in early 2025, signify a significant changing of the guard. The question remains: will these changes bring meaningful reform or merely reinforce existing regulatory inconsistencies?
A NATIONAL REGULATOR WITH LIMITED REACH
The NHVR’s name suggests a cohesive, nationwide approach to heavy vehicle regulation. However, in reality, its jurisdiction only covers about half of Australia’s landmass, with vehicle licences and plates still managed at the state level. Even the National Gazette notices, designed to standardise regulations, fall short of being truly national.
Western Australia and the Northern Territory remain outside NHVR oversight, while states within its jurisdiction often enforce rules differently. For example, the National Class 3 Road Train Prime Mover Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2022 authorises road train prime movers towing a B-double to operate at 27m. However, this allowance varies by region: in New South Wales, it’s only valid west of the Newell Highway, while Queensland permits it as far east as Gatton and Warwick. Such regional nuances transform national compliance into a complex, state-by-state puzzle that operators must navigate.
ADOPTED VS APPLIED –THE COMPLEXITY OF HVNL
The NHVR’s regulatory model is further complicated by how states either adopt or apply the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL). NSW stands alone in formally adopting the HVNL, while other states apply Queensland’s version of the law with regional adjustments. This difference creates unique compliance burdens: operators in Victoria, for instance, must adhere to Queensland’s HVNL as interpreted through Victorian amendments.
A helpful analogy is to think of the HVNL as a set of house rules: in NSW, the rules are adopted as the official standard, while in other states, they’re applied with local adaptations – creating subtle but impactful differences that complicate compliance across state borders.
STATE-BASED ENFORCEMENT VS FEDERAL STANDARDS
This fragmented regulatory framework has practical implications for operators, particularly around Higher Mass Limits (HML). For instance, a B-double combination weighing up to 68 tonnes with road-friendly suspension is legal within Victoria.
However, if that same vehicle crosses into NSW without enrolment in the
Intelligent Access Program (IAP) or Telematics Monitoring Application (TMA), it faces penalties. The NHVR may then reclassify the vehicle’s weight to standard mass limits, exposing operators to potential fines exceeding $100,000 – a costly consequence for crossing state lines.
ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTY DISPARITIES
Highway Advocates is a legal firm focused exclusively on dealing with offences directed at heavy vehicle drivers and operators, led by solicitor RODNEY BOYD and industry insider and former truck driver ROBERT BELL. Email info@ highwayadvocates.com. au or phone 0488 01 01 01
Inconsistencies in enforcement further complicate the landscape. Section 733 of the HVNL requires that National Regulations be published on the NSW legislation website, underscoring NSW’s unique role in the regulatory system. While centralised publication might help in theory, it does little to address the practical confusion caused by regional enforcement differences. For example, cases handled by Highway Advocates reveal that the NHVR often pursues charges even in situations where drivers acted responsibly. In one notable case, a client’s conviction and licence disqualification for safely reversing in the breakdown lane after missing the Marulan HVSS entrance was overturned on appeal. This outcome underscores the importance of proportional enforcement and highlights Highway Advocates’ success in securing fair treatment for clients, despite the NHVR’s aggressive stance.
ADVOCACY AT THE COALFACE
“A helpful analogy is to think of the HVNL as a set of house rules: in NSW, the rules are adopted as the official standard, while in other states, they’re applied with local adaptations”
In this challenging regulatory environment, Highway Advocates remains steadfast in its mission to protect operators and drivers from the potentially devastating financial and operational impacts caused by regulatory discrepancies. Recently, Highway Advocates represented nine clients facing combined fines of $461,550 and a potential loss of 44 demerit points. Through their advocacy, these fines were reduced to a mere $2,250, with no demerit points lost –an outcome that preserved clients’ licenses and livelihoods. This result, representing just 0.48 per cent of the potential maximum penalty, underscores the critical role of informed legal representation in an industry where penalties are often harshly disproportionate.
THE ROAD AHEAD
As the NHVR transitions under new leadership, many in the industry are watching closely, hoping for reforms that deliver true clarity and national consistency. The National Transport Commission (NTC) has recently announced plans to review penalty structures, and Highway Advocates intends to submit recommendations addressing the steep penalties that have become common practice. Their submission is expected to raise essential questions about the fairness and effectiveness of current enforcement practices, with the potential to influence future regulatory approaches. Until meaningful reforms take shape, Highway Advocates will continue to stand alongside operators and drivers, advocating for fair, practical enforcement grounded in realworld considerations.
For those navigating the heavy vehicle regulatory landscape, staying informed is essential. Follow Highway Advocates on Facebook and visit our website for updates on cases, regulatory changes and insights –because keeping you informed and on the road is our priority.
SHORT STATURE,
BIG HEART
While checking out a custom designed K200 with Henry Morrison, Warren Aitken also came across the radiant Kristy Lee Morrison and her unique trucking story
‘Y
ou have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own, and you know what you know. And you are the guy who’ll decide where to go.’ – Dr Seuss Those who have tolerated my rhetoric for a while know I love a good quote, and I will jump at the chance to throw one into my write-ups – I will jump extra high if I get the chance to use a Dr Seuss quote. The Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham – the guy was a legend.
The reason for the use of this quote in relation to today’s story is twofold. Firstly, it reflects the path undertaken by me in pursuit of this story. I had an angle on which I was chasing this story, only to find I would end up steering this story in a completely different direction. My original goal was to catch up with a trucking legend in Henry Morrison. I intended to focus this story on Henry, the stunning K200 live bottom eight-wheeler and the push among some officials to steer the future of construction cartage away from tipping units to the live bottom floor concept.
However, when I met the driver of this stunning rig, Henry’s daughter Kristy Lee Morrison, I decided, as Dr Seuss so appropriately surmised, to steer myself in a different direction. Kristy is a young lady that has not always had the option to choose her own path – living a life with serious debilitating health problems, Kristy hasn’t had things her own way. She has faced setback after setback and challenge after challenge but, spurred on by her almost hereditary passion for trucks, she has followed her dream. Through a lot of hard work, she has found herself behind the wheel of one of the coolest tip trucks in the country. That’s the two-fold part of my choice of quote. First, my complete U-bolt on the focus of this story and second, Kristy’s determination to lace up her work boots and decide her own path in the transport industry.
We shall take the opening chapter here to have a look at this stunning truck and the motivation behind it. Henry Morrison has been part of the transport industry for decades. He is as old school connected as you can possibly get. He is the sort of bloke who still does his deals and contracts on a handshake and a beer. His daily drive is a beautifully restored W-model – a project truck that he spent many years restoring with his daughter by his side. The W-model is as ambidextrous as Henry himself, set up to run as either a tractor unit or, with a quick hitch, it becomes a tipper and dog which is Henry’s bread and butter these days.
Focusing in on the tipping and construction arena for a minute, there has been a lot among politicians and industry professionals about the safety issues surrounding tip trucks and rear end tippers in particular. With so much civil construction going on around the ACT and surrounding areas, a lot of research and development went into investigating ways of improving safety. One
Images: Warren Aitken
of those ideas was the preference for live bottom units.
Although the name is fairly self-explanatory, the general overview is the live bottom unit has a unique belt driven floor that allows whatever material is on board to be unloaded out the rear door without any actual tipping involved.
Rear tipping units have been the mainstay of the construction industry since well before any of us were around, and will no doubt carry on being the most popular for a long time yet. However, they do have their drawbacks, particularly when it comes to safety and stability. That is where the popularity of live bottom units is now increasing. Being able to unload regardless of terrain and without the need to factor in overhead hazards, as well as the accuracy of the unloading, has led to many people investing in this new system.
Henry Morrison, who is more than happy with his decades old classic W-model tipper, also foresaw the advantages of having a live bottom unit in his arsenal when it came to sourcing work.
Above: I was only allowed portrait shots if Kristy could wear her side hustle hat, supporting the increasingly popular Truck Passion Facebook group she started
Left: If you look closely, you can see the tiny figure that is young Kristy-Lee behind the wheel. Apparently, she gets a lot of second glances when stopped at the lights and people are looking up to see if there is a driver onboard
From opposite top: ‘Belt it Out’ is a reference to the belt driven unloading system rather than Kristy’s affinity for karaoke; Kristy and her Dad with one of the many trophies he’s picked up with his trucks
Hence in 2021 he went and specced up a brand-new truck. The K200 Kenworth with a Muscat Trailersbuilt live bottom unit on the back would rock up with all the bells and whistles in early 2024. When Henry specced up the new truck, with just about every box ticked that he could, he wasn’t speccing it up for his daughter to drive, or so we are led to believe. However, it is hard to envision that wasn’t part of the plan when he has been watching and encouraging his daughter’s trucking passion since her first pair of work boots. What a great segue.
As I implied earlier, transport has been part of Kristy’s life since she was just a tiny trucker. Hold on, I need to be more specific here. I shouldn’t use any diminutive descriptions like a tiny trucker, for as you may have noticed if you have already skimmed over the photos, Kristy is still a technically a tiny trucker. I did promise her I would go easy on t he short jokes, and I promise to do my best, although she did confess to me that “one of the guys at work the other day was laughing his head off because I climbed out of the truck and walked straight underneath the door – he wanted me to go back and do it again”.
As I was saying, trucking has been an element of Kristy’s life since she was born. Along with her dad having trucks, her grandad had trucks and her uncle as well.
“My dad was on interstate when I was a kid. He was with the same business for around 25 years,” she says.
“It started out as Wilmotts, then became Discount Freight, then Star Track which it still is today.”
When I asked if her dad started as a company
“One of the guys at work was laughing his head off because I climbed out of the truck and walked straight underneath the door – he wanted me to go back and do it again.”
driver she laughingly admits, “nah, Dad has always had his own truck – he’s never been a ‘living on wages and being told what to do’ person”.
Kristy has fond memories of her primary school days when her dad was doing linehaul runs.
“Dad would usually leave about the time I’d finish school so I wouldn’t see him at night,” she says.
“I would only see him in the mornings when he would drop me at school. But then on a Friday after school, Mum would drop me at the depot and I’d jump in with dad to do the Friday run. I caught the love of it from there and would go as often as I could.”
That was the lifestyle of the young Kristy. All through primary school she would spend as much time as she could in the passenger seat of her dad’s trucks.
“I did grow up in a pretty adult world. I was always with my parents, I never really hung out at the mall or stuff,” she admits.
“But I loved it, loved being around the trucks.”
Kristy’s passenger princess days slowed down during high school as her health issues flared up.
“I was often really unwell and couldn’t really do much,” she says.
It also happened that her father was off the road after a serious motorcycle racing accident.
Above: I did shoot at an angle to emphasise the size of the K200 compared to little Ms Kristy. As the saying goes though – things only grow until they are perfect, some don’t take as long as others
Left: There is a handy little bunk in the back of the K200 although the truck is predominantly a local worker. It is handy to have somewhere to lay down between loads
Below: The Morrison K200 really looks too tidy for this messy kind of work, it’s a credit to Kristy and Henry for keeping it in such a stunning state
When Henry finally got back on the road, he had gotten so accustomed to the home life he opted to forgo the interstate work and go back to his roots.
“Dad bought a blue Louisville truck and dog to do local work,” Kristy says.
“At the same time, Dad had also bought the W-model and was rebuilding that. I would help with that, doing odd jobs as well as documenting the whole rebuild.”
Kirsty may have been out of the passenger seat, but the trucking bug had not diminished. She was loving the restoration role and she was loving the odd trip in the passenger seat of the Louisville. However, as her schooling days were coming to an end, the idea of getting her licence and driving herself was a definite no-go.
“I had no interest in driving back then. I think it was because I thought it wasn’t something I could do,” she says.
“I didn’t think I was capable of it, because I was a girl and back then I didn’t know any women doing it. I didn’t think I was strong enough because of my health issues – all of that I just never considered. I just loved trucks for what they were, I loved going to shows, I loved going with dad. That was all I thought I would have.”
Those health issues, like I mentioned earlier, all trace back to a severe debilitating immune disease. Beginning when she was younger with eczema and allergies, before developing into an even more severe secondary infection, Kristy’s immune issues make life extremely challenging for her. She was often out of action with issues that doctors and specialists still struggle to diagnose to this day. It has been a part of her life that Kristy has learnt to tolerate, but it has also taken a toll on her confidence when it comes to not just trucking, but other aspects of day-to-day living. Thankfully though, there are many others that have seen and experienced Kristy’s passion for our industry and have taken it upon themselves to ignore Kristy’s self-doubt and get her behind the wheel doing what she really loves. Leading that charge is the team from D-Group in Canberra, who are responsible for getting Kristy away from her role as a hairdresser and behind the wheel of her first paid gig in driving a mighty Hino.
“I was out with a girlfriend in town one night and she introduced me to a guy that owned a construction and truck
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company in Canberra. My girlfriend was busy telling him how much I love trucks and trucking, and I was trying to play it all down,” Kristy says with a laugh.
A couple of days later, she had an interview. She made sure she was there.
“Reluctantly I went along and I made it clear I hadn’t actually applied, but I walked out of there with a job,” she says. “That was D-Group and they have been amazing.”
As I stated earlier, Kristy never really believed she could or would get to drive for a living – she did hold an heavy rigid licence though.
“I only had my licence so I could drive Dad’s truck to shows and stuff,” she says.
“I had only really driven to a couple of shows before I got the job, so although I knew all about trucks and stuff, I really hadn’t driven that much when D-Group offered me a job.
“They were at a point where they were looking to employ more females and happy to train me. They started me in the old Hino, which was a rough old truck but a great one to cut my teeth on.”
For the first few months, Kristy was plonked on the ground at a local go-kart track that was getting done up.
“I was with such a fantastic crew, the boys there took me under their wing and just eased me into it,” she says.
“They chucked me in the Hino, and I’d just be moving dirt around the site, learning the truck. A few weeks in, I remember them asking if I wanted to go to the quarry that day and I was terrified, having to go out on the road with it. But I did, and after that I was away.”
For someone with the skills and passion that Kristy has, but not the confidence, D-Group was the perfect company to partner with.
“I am very grateful that they trusted me to come and work for them, they really changed my life,” she says.
“I thought it was something I’d never do and I couldn’t do. Now I’ve driven, I’ve been in the diggers, I’ve done so much I never thought I would.”
From that first Hino on the go-kart track, Kristy just kept growing with confidence and skills. She soon stepped up into an eight-wheeler T350 which she absolutely loved.
“I had steel bins on the little red rocket, so I got to do a lot of concrete and demolition stuff, as well as garden products, sand and stone,” she says.
“The stone was my favourite jobs as it got me out of town. I spent about two years in that truck, then I really wanted to step up and was looking at the semi-side tippers. D-Group encouraged me get my HC so I could.”
By this stage, Kristy’s infectious bubbly personality had made her a fan favourite at the D-Group site and she decided to parlay that popularity into trying to specify her next truck. She laughs as she recalls the hints and nudges she gave the allocator when he said they’d be replacing a truck and what would she like.
“I said I want an SAR,” she says – words that
Above right: Henry Morrison’s regular workhorse, the big W-model that Kristy helped restore
Opposite left: It took a fair bit of persuasion to get young Kristy in front of the camera. This young lady loves her trucks, but not being in front of the camera
Below: During Kristy’s medical hiatuses, she moved her trucking passion across to Facebook and started the Truck Passion Australia page, where you can catch plenty of cool looking trucks. Her Dad even added a little advertising to the side of the K200
“‘I said I want an SAR’ – words that would make her Kenworth-addicted father proud.”
would make her Kenworth-addicted father proud. Kristy was adamant it had to be a Kenworth SAR – for several weeks the allocator, the mechanic and Kristy were looking, all to no avail. Then one day, Kristy rocked up to work and there’s a Mack Trident sitting at the front gate.
“I was like, oh my gosh, what? This is not good for my image,” Kristy laughs.
“I even rung Dad and said I didn’t know how I was going to go with it, as it was so different. When I left that job, I cried for two days, I miss that truck.”
It wasn’t just the stepping into an unfamiliar truck that Kristy had to deal with – there was also the fact she was moving from an eight-wheeler to a semi side tipper.
“It was really different – the allocator came with me for a day and helped me through. Plus, all the guys at D-Group were like my fathers – they all helped and guided me,” she says.
Sadly, this was where Kristy’s medical past started to catch up with her. Having finally proven to herself that she had all the skills to do the job, and like a true truckie she even admitted she much preferred the manual trucks to the autos, she started to ignore her health in order to enjoy the job she was born to do.
“I was having a few fluid issues with my legs, but I kept
going against advice and figuring I’d just push through. I didn’t want to believe it was caused by driving so I ignored it. It didn’t help that I was so short,” she says.
“Most people have a gap from the seat to the back of their knee, but I’m so short mine are jammed up in the back. It was affecting my circulation and with the steroids I’m on for my immune disease, it has ruined my blood vessels. It got to the point where I had to leave because I wasn’t even able to walk.”
It was a heartbreaking decision for Kristy – yet again she commends D-Group for its support.
“They wanted me to have a year off and stay. I can’t speak highly enough of them,” she says.
It was a really tough time for Kristy, and I hate to sound narcissistic, but it turned out to be the best decision for me and my cameras – for while this medical negative put Kristy through a very tough year of recuperation, it would eventually put her behind the wheel of this stunning K200, in a job where she gets more flexibility to look after her health. She gets more of her favoured night work, while it also gets her a big shiny truck and, most importantly, it gets her a truck with a gearstick in it.
“While all the issues were going on, Dad had gone and bought a live bottom truck. I had nothing to do with it, I had no intention of driving it, I didn’t even know how he’d specced it, I just knew he was getting one,” Kristy says.
“Then Dad asked me to go drive for him, I joked with him and said I wasn’t sure if I wanted to work for him.”
With enough ribbing though, and with her health taken into account, Kristy happily took on the new truck and new challenge earlier this year.
“I did feel like I was stepping back a bit – I loved the semi side tipper and wanted more time with it – but this has been great. We do a lot of hot mix stuff and so it is really good. It can be very sporadic, but it’s good.”
Well, it is probably time to wrap this all up. I will still need to send this story off to get the go ahead from Kristy – no doubt she will want to remove most of the stuff I have written as she is an extremely modest young lady, but I will ask her to go easy. Kristy’s story is one of inspiration. She has had everything possible thrown in front of her to prohibit her from getting into the industry she loves, and when you can easily walk underneath a K200 door, then things don’t have to be very high to be a hurdle.
Kristy has epitomised Dr Seuss’s quote: ‘You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.’ Kirsty has chosen to steer herself and her stunning K200 Kenworth forward – well done.
KEEPING TRUCKIES HEALTHY - Healthy Heads
Caring for our community
Healthy Heads has technology in place to make sure you don’t feel alone this holiday period
As the festive season approaches, many of us are looking forward to the fun of celebrating with family and friends. However, if you’re working in transport, warehousing or logistics, that may not be the case. That’s because many in our industry will be out on the road or working late in warehouses, keeping the goods moving while others are at home. This type of dedication is admirable, but it can take a toll on your mental health, which is why Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds (Healthy Heads) is partnering with bp to support our hard-working community during a time that, for some, can be stressful and lonely.
An important resource that Healthy Heads has developed for those working in our industry is the Healthy Heads App, designed specifically for drivers and warehouse staff. This handy tool includes information, resources, exercises and links to support lines, and it can even get you a free meal thanks to bp if you’re out on the road this Christmas Day! Just pull into a participating bp truck stop, show the staff that you have the app on your phone and you’ll receive a warm, hearty meal to keep your holiday spirits up. It’s a small gesture in the grand scheme of things, but a token of our appreciation for all that you do over the holiday period.
But the app does more than just keep your bellies full – it’s packed with features that keep an eye on your mental and physical health. With the app, you can check in with yourself regularly and even learn some simple exercises to help improve your overall wellbeing. When you’re driving long hours or pulling tough shifts, having quick access to support helplines and mental health resources right in your pocket can make a world of difference. It’s like having a safety net in place, ready to catch you and provide you with support when you need it the most.
As we know, Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy, but the holiday season can be hard, especially when you’re away from family and friends. Healthy Heads is here to remind you that you’re not alone and there are services like TIACS (This Is A Conversation Starter) which offers free phone and text counselling tailored exclusively to you and your mates working a blue-collar job. The TIACS helpline is open and available, Monday to Friday, from 8am to 10pm AEST.
Speaking of mates, let’s not forget the importance of community this festive season. Whether it’s eating a meal together at a bp truck stop, sharing resources from the Healthy Heads App or just calling a mate you haven’t spoken to all year, there are many different and meaningful ways to reach out. Together, we can make sure everyone in transport, warehousing
ABOVE: Healthy
is
BELOW: The app allows for truck drivers to be connected while out on the
and logistics feels valued and cared for, especially during this peak time of year when you’re at your busiest.
So, as you dive into your holiday workloads, Healthy Heads will be thinking of all of you spending your Christmas behind the wheel, or in a warehouse. Be sure to do the same for others in your position and remember to encourage your mates to download the Healthy Heads App. By reminding them that help is just a click or a call away, we can create a festive season to remember, filled with hope, connection and wellbeing for everyone.
From all of us at Healthy Heads, we want to extend our best wishes to you – our dedicated drivers and warehouse team members – for a safe and joyful festive season. This time of year can be both busy and challenging, and it’s important to us that you know that your wellbeing matters. We’re committed to supporting you and ensuring that you have the resources and care you need. Remember, you’re not alone; support is available, always.
“This time of year can be both busy and challenging, and it’s important to us that you know that your wellbeing matters.”
Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds is dedicated to improving mental health and physical wellbeing in Australia’s road transport, warehousing and logistics sectors.
TOP RIGHT: You can get a free meal at bp truck stops over Christmas through the app
Heads
using technology to keep drivers closer than ever before
The annual UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge crown went to an Australian this year, with Adelaide owner-operator Matt Modra chatting to Sean Mortell about the experience of a lifetime
October is renowned as a fine time to visit the beautiful country of Japan. In the aftermath of typhoon season and in the early days of autumn, or fall, the fair and comfortable weather allows visitors plenty of chances to revel in the best parts of Japan – hiking, stunning views and incredible culture.
Adelaide-based owner-operator Matt Modra recently got the special opportunity to visit Japan, although his experience was more about tense truck driving challenges for UD Trucks rather than taking in the scenic surrounds of Mt Fuji and co.
In late October, Matt travelled to Japan with UD Trucks as part of the global final for the brand’s Extra Mile Challenge. Having finished first in the Australian competition for his skilful driving while at the helm of his very own UD Quon, Matt competed in the global final at the UD Trucks Experience Centre in Ageo, Japan, finishing first and taking home the coveted title for Australia.
“I’ve been quite humbled – it’s a bit surreal to have won the Extra Mile competition,” Matt told OwnerDriver
“Being able to go over to Japan and experience that final and meet amazing people in the UD family was incredible.”
Matt’s experience driving trucks dates back to 2001 when he decided to change careers and obtain his heavy vehicle licence. Prior to that he had experience as a diesel mechanic for the best part of a decade, yet the laborious challenge of looking after brokendown machines in arid Adelaide heat meant he began looking for a new challenge.
A friend hooked him up, putting Matt in touch with his uncle who was in the contract crane operating game, completing subcontract driving work for various companies. A week of leave from his mechanic gig gave Matt the chance to try his hand at
truck driving through a quick unofficial work experience stretch behind the wheel. His love for driving quickly grew from there, with Matt then deciding to get his licence and begin working as a subcontractor under the business name of MA & RC Modra.
“I began driving trucks at the very end of 2001, working for Fielders Steel Roofing for the best part of 14 years,” Matt says.
“I started off in a small light truck that could cart roughly 10 to 15m of material and progressively worked my way up to driving a full-size Volvo FE prime mover.”
From there, Matt then switched his business to working for Revolution Roofing. Five years later he switched to Apex Steel, who he still currently works for at MA & RC Modra. Since 2020, he has worked with the national structural and rainwater product company, helping transport material in a special UD truck.
“I bought my first UD back in 2020 not long before I started with Apex Steel,” Matt says.
“I bought a UD Quon from South Central Truck and Bus in Wingfield, who I had built a good relationship with over the years. I had a good gut feeling that I was making the right choice buying a UD truck from there, as they had superb service.
“The trickiest bit was trying to find a prime mover that could fit a crane onto it, as this limited down my options, but UD went above and beyond by measuring the truck to ensure the crane I wanted to use would fit. It was this desire that helped the deal get across the line.”
Thus started a flourishing relationship between Matt and UD Trucks through the South Central dealership, with Matt enjoying his UD Quon to this day. His close partnership with UD Trucks and the Adelaide dealership has continued to flourish, coming in handy when UD Trucks’ Extra Mile Challenge began once again in 2024.
Launched in 2015, the UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge is a skills-based driver competition that tests several key areas,
Images: UD Trucks
Above: Matt’s driving skills saw him invited to Japan for the Extra Mile challenge final
Opposite bottom: After enjoying the pressure, Matt took home the global crown from UD
aiming to demonstrate how improvements in driver behaviour can translate to safer driving, improved fuel consumption and reduced wear and tear on vehicles. By doing so, the competition aims to support UD’s Better Life purpose, and also seeks to recognise and celebrate the industry’s unsung heroes that keep the nation moving – truck drivers.
While Matt would go on to claim the Australian and global crown this year, his path to success was unique. In June this year, Matt emailed South Central Truck & Bus’ UD national fleet sales manager Bill Smith asking for a price guide for a new UD Quon, with the idea behind the move being to determine what his annual pay review should be.
A couple of days later he got a call from Bill, but the topic was about more than just a new Quon.
“I wasn’t interested in buying a new truck at that time, but when the time comes for a new model I wanted to make sure the cost of a new vehicle was reflected in my earnings,” Matt says.
“While on the phone with Bill, he quickly asked me if I was interested in participating in the Extra Mile Challenge. Once I asked some questions and found out there were no costs involved and it wouldn’t impact my work, I thought it was an easy decision to get involved.
“I had nothing to lose and everything to gain, so I decided to give it a red hot crack.”
Matt’s initial participation in the competition simply entailed UD Trucks extracting data from his Quon as he completed his daily runs through UD Connect telematics software, using remote satellites and other data such as fuel usage and idle time to determine Matt’s driving prowess.
At least once a week, Matt would also chat with Volvo Group Australia’s key account handover and delivery manager, and UD Trucks’ designated driver trainer, Patrick Ryan, about his driving habits and the data. By also using his UD Quon’s standard onboard coaching system, Nenpi Coach, Matt was able to enhance his overall driving technique, improving his safety and efficiency behind the wheel. The results saw Matt achieve an eight to 10 per cent improvement in his fuel efficiency in the local round, making him a standout winner of the Australian qualifying stage of the competition.
“Around the end of July, four weeks after I started the challenge, Pat called me and told me I had won the local rounds,” Matt says.
“I was told I had achieved the highest score across the performance criteria of power mode, manual mode, coasting and overall fuel efficiency – all of which were tracked remotely through UD Connect telematics.
“I was quite gobsmacked, to be honest. I didn’t think I would win it, so it was very exciting to find out I would be going to Japan to compete in the global final.”
En route to the global final at the UD Trucks Experience Centre in Ageo, Japan, Matt received a few video highlights of previous UD experiences from Pat to prepare him for the final. While Matt admits he was “a little in the dark” about what the experience would entail, he wasn’t too uncomfortable nor nervous going into it.
On the first day was an information day where Matt and his fellow global finalists went behind the scenes at UD’s global headquarters to meet members of the brand’s family, before local media descended on the site.
“UD Trucks in Japan employs around 4,500 to 5,000 people, so the final was a big deal in the area,” Matt says.
“The brand supports a lot of families, so people care. Seeing all of the hype around the final got my heart racing a little.”
Following test runs, the next day was judgement day for Matt as he began the final. Separated into two components, Matt started by partaking in a pre-start check test, where he was
Above: Matt Modra, son Jye Modra & Pat Ryan
Below: Matt Modra with Quon UDEMC Participants
Opposite top: After enjoying his UD Quon for numerous years, Matt was asked to participate in the challenge
Opposite middle: Australia’s victory
required to find faults within a UD Quon model. With the issues ranging from the brake lights not working to mechanical issues with the windscreen wipers, Matt was given a 10 minute window to find as many faults as he could on the truck.
From there, the practical component saw Matt jump behind the wheel of a Quon prime mover with 10 tonnes of concrete in the back. A long, thin tube container was also in the truck, with a bowl of water attached to the back of it. Throughout the 15 minute driving test, Matt had to negotiate the obstacles before him while trying to spill as little water as possible. Yet he couldn’t drive too slowly – fuel consumption and time constraints created a cacophony of challenges that meant only the most skilful driver would thrive.
For the 2024 final, Matt was that driver, finishing
his successful route with a tight reverse park to claim the victory. By that night, Matt had been claimed the global champion of the UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge.
“I was quite humbled – even now it’s still a bit surreal that I won the competition,” Matt says.
“The best part of it was that I was able to bring my 17-year-old son with me from Adelaide to Japan, so to have him come across and witness it all made it that little bit extra special.
“While it’s all a wonderful time, it makes it better to have a family member there to celebrate with you.”
The entire experience has quickly become a career highlight for Matt, as he is now revelling in the glory with the local UD Trucks team in Adelaide. Not one to stop and smell the roses, Matt is now hoping to use
his special crown to give back to the UD family and other owner-operators around Australia.
“I’m wanting to give back to UD after having that special experience – I may be able to help coach the next run of drivers who compete in the competition,” Matt says.
“Experiencing the world of UD Trucks in Ageo was very special. As an owner and operator of a UD Quon, it was interesting to understand UD’s history and operations in Japan and to meet the faces behind the brand.
“I’m a big believer in the idea that the day you stop learning is the day you get left behind, and by being a part of this competition, I’ve learnt more than I could have imagined and have met some fantastic people along the way.”
RUNNING FOR THE KIDS
This year’s Brisbane Convoy for Kids saw thousands of trucks give their all into raising as much money as possible for young ones in need, with Warren Aitken among the many attendees
Can I please have your attention for a few minutes?
short editorial. However, it would be great to set the scene a little and get you all to appreciate the magnitude and importance of the event that has heralded these images. I won’t drag it out and I’ll focus on the most important aspect – Hummingbird House. I’ll focus on the overwhelming aspect in the 844 trucks in this year’s convoy, while I’ll also focus on the positive consequences aspect – the hundreds of thousands of dollars raised. I shall also focus on the slightly obscure aspect – my first experience of Bin Juice –I’ll explain later. All I ask for is a few minutes now so we can shine a bit of an explanatory light on this truly humungous event.
We will start with the most important and motivating aspect of this phenomenal fundraising event – Hummingbird House. Hummingbird House is one of those places that we all wish we didn’t need, though thousands of families are grateful that we have it. It is Queensland’s only children’s hospice and one of only three in the entire country, a place that provides specialised paediatric care for little ones with life-limiting conditions. It is the sort of place us parents hope never to
people of Queensland. There is funding from the Queensland government, but events like the Brisbane Convoy for Kids play a huge role in raising much needed funds to ensure Hummingbird House continues to help Queensland families.
The next thing to focus on is the convoy itself and the lengths it goes to in order to raise as much money as possible. Gone are the days of entry fees and charity auctions being the sole source of donations, although with 844 trucks registered and rolling, as well as more than 100 items donated for the charity auction, there are plenty of donations raised for Hummingbird House. That has never been enough for the amazing crew behind the Brisbane Convoy for Kids, who have found new ways to help raise more money, starting with the lead truck auction.
This idea has been rolling for the past few convoys and sees entrants donating and fundraising in order to get prime spots at the head of the convoy. Simply put, once you register your rig, you make an opening bid for lead truck. You can get others to jump onboard with your bid or fundraise separately and throw it all onto your tally before the auction closes. It’s even attracted an online reality show with a final Facebook bidding war. It is a great idea, and I would love to tell you it was a close fought battle, but it wasn’t. Massive thanks go out to
Above, L to R: You cannot go past Bear Bolen and his big Iveco – it’s hard to find a man with a bigger heart or a bigger toy collection; The Convoy for Kids event at the Redcliffe Showgrounds wasn’t just for truckies – Coery, Chloe and Charlie were just out for the day and chose to stop in and check out all the big shiny show ponies, though Charlie seemed to be more attracted to the decorations
Left and far left opposite page: The Redcliffe Showgrounds from above – you really start to appreciate the volume of trucks. Taken late in the afternoon, there are a few gaps as many have left, but there is still plenty of shine on display; Trucks fill in a fair bit of real estate. Paradise road at Larapinta was absolutely chock-a-block this year
Images: Warren
Top, L to R: Ashleigh Stanton and Dianne Konza from Hop to It Transport made sure it wasn’t just the trucks that were dressed to impress; This year’s convoy saw 844 trucks take part
the lead truck auction from a lot of great people and stunning trucks.
The other innovative fundraising event borne from the Brisbane Convoy for Kids is the Trailer of Hope. This year, Exodas Transport donated one of its outstanding Vawdry Quad Quad B-double units to be used as the ‘Trailer of Hope’ – this setup allows businesses and people to have their names and logos added to the side and displayed on the nation’s highways, raising awareness for Convoy for Kids as well as Hummingbird House. The brand new set-up was unveiled and on display at Redcliffe Showgrounds, shining brightly behind one of Exodas’ brand new Kenworth K220s.
As this story goes to print, the amazing volunteers and committee members are still busy arriving at a final fundraising total, but it would be fair to assume, based on the amount of people at this year’s event, as well as the amount of dagwood dogs and Convoy for Kids merchandise on offer, that this year’s total will be pretty impressive.
As for the convoy itself, I can only speak from a truck lovers’ perspective and say it was a roaring success. While there was a bit of northside rain when the lead trucks left Larapinta, by the time the MPK Mack completed the 65km journey it was nothing but sunshine and lollipops. As is normally the case when you have 800 plus trucks trying to all park in the same rest area, it was a bit of a log jam once the convoy arrived in Redcliffe. It may have put a little strain on some of the air con systems, but it was a joyous sight for the hundreds of roadside fans who never relented in their traditional arm pumping air horn requests, keeping the air thick with bassy blasts until the last truck entered the show grounds.
Once the trucks and supporters did get parked up, there was
hat around. As I alluded to at the beginning, I can’t forget to mention the young Brisbane man who has started his own low sugar beverage company, naming it Bin Juice. How could I not enjoy a couple of those? Marketing 101 right there.
By the end of the day I was worn out, well fed and completely over stimulated, having walked the entire showgrounds several times in order to catch all the trucks rolling in. My multiple travels around the showgrounds appreciating all the amazing rigs made me feel nothing but sympathy for the judges. There was such a high standard at this year’s event that it was a cutthroat job to get winners for the 32 categories. They did get the winners sorted though, with the top prize going to Faadhil Deen and the amazing Mack Titan he drives for Mactrans Heavy Haulage.
Now it is time to peruse the photos and enjoy scenes of the day. I will ask that you look up Hummingbird House – the convoy may be over for this year, but this amazing Queensland institution needs our full support all year round.
on show this year; Dan Wyatt, lead truck, posed for plenty of photos for me but none more important than this. Flanked by Head of Fundraising for Hummingbird House Lucy Hirst on the left and Hummingbird House General Manager Ellen Whittaker on the right
Above, L to R: Another team with big numbers this year was the Snap-On Tools crew; The Brisbane Convoy for Kids is all about participation and raising funds and awareness for Hummingbird House. Plenty of companies lined up all they could, like the Polytec fleet, all keen to help raise as much as possible
Opposite bottom: Local transport company RHQ Logistics was on hand with a stunning fleet of Ivecos – I managed to get the drivers all in for one quick shot before the food trucks lured them away. Shaun Frederickson, Jamie Andrews, Jason Nilson, Jon Aver, Dennis McKenna and Andrew Cassidy
PLAYING IT SAFE WITH ISUZU GENUINE PARTS
While Isuzu is renowned for its medium and light duty vehicle options in Australia, its service and support network is proving popular for many local operators
With a multitude of options available in and around the truck market today, Australian businesses are spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting a fit-for-purpose truck tailored to their needs.
Once this investment is getting down to work, it simply makes good sense to sustain its value with a comprehensive service and maintenance plan, and when the time comes, high-quality replacement parts.
Isuzu’s genuine parts have been developed and manufactured to stringent quality standards, ensuring maximum productivity and a high level of performance for any truck they are properly fitted to – whether that’s an Isuzu-branded truck or another compatible truck model.
A MATTER OF TRUST
Relying on the proven performance of parts and accessories from Australia’s truck market leader provides a certain peace of mind that
money just can’t buy.
Aside from any financial considerations – such as optimising future resale value – choosing to use genuine Isuzu parts can assist with safety compliance and Chain of Responsibility obligations.
For many busy operators, ensuring critical parts and componentry are covered by an extensive warranty can also help to reduce any worry associated with truck maintenance, reducing potential downtime and associated costs, with more time for focusing on the important task at hand.
Isuzu offers a three-year warranty on its genuine parts range when fitted to Isuzu
trucks through its network of dealerships and Authorised Service and Parts Outlets, which also covers all workmanship conducted on the vehicle.
In further support, Isuzu’s huge National Parts Distribution Centre is situated in the trucking heartland of Truganina, Melbourne, and is recognised as one of the largest truck parts and component sites in the southern hemisphere.
To date, this super-site recorded a phenomenal 94 per cent fill rate on requested orders, processing up to 16,000 items per day.
Isuzu’s genuine parts range and other recommended truck consumables are available from more than 80 Isuzu dealerships and Authorised Service and Parts Outlets (ASPOs) across the country.
For more information, please contact your nearest Isuzu dealer today: isuzu.com.au/contactus/find-a-dealer.
TOP: Isuzu’s range of services and parts is expanding across Australia
ABOVE: The heavy vehicle brand is growing its national service and support network
LEFT: Isuzu’s National Parts Distribution Centre in Melbourne represents its dedication to aftersales
Images:
Isuzu
SHELL CARD NOW ACCEPTED AT 184 OTR LOCATIONS
In good news for transport operators, Shell Card is now accepted at more than 1,500 sites Australia-wide
The finalisation of Viva Energy’s purchase of the OTR Group in March has added more than 180 OTR petrol station sites to the Shell Card network.
This means the Shell Card is now accepted at 1,500 sites across Australia including Shell, Reddy Express, Coles Express, Liberty, Westside and OTR.
The OTR sites, heavily centred around South Australia and Victoria, are known for their strong convenience offerings and partnered fast food restaurants such as Subway, Wokinabox, Guzman Y Gomez, Krispy Kreme, Hungry Jacks and Oporto.
The changeover means BP Plus cards will no longer be accepted at OTR sites and will be phased out over the coming months.
For South Australian transport operator Justin Jaensch of J & E Jaensch Transport, otherwise known as Jet Trucking, the expanded footprint for Shell Card in his state and along key freight routes is great news. With eight prime movers in the Jet Trucking fleet moving a wide variety of freight interstate on a daily basis, fuel is a major expense.
Justin says his team operates a mix of road train and B-double tippers, tautliners and open trailers, with the majority of their regular routes taking them
to and from Adelaide, Western Australia, New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria.
He says with the OTR sites moving across to Shell Card, it made sense to have a look at what was on offer, and he was quickly sold with coming on board.
Having the vast majority of his business’ fuel cost recorded on one card was also of great appeal on the administrative side.
“When you’re buying a little bit here, there and everywhere, it doesn’t seem to be as cost effective,”
Justin says.
“It also helps at the end of the month with our BAS and our accounting side. To have the majority of the usage for all of the trucks on one card, it makes life a lot easier.”
For drivers, Justin says OTR sites are popular as most of them have toilets, showers and driver amenities – and they’re located on main freight routes out of Adelaide.
“Generally, they’re aligned with a Subway, Hungry Jacks or an Oporto or some sort of fast-food option, as well as the convenience store side of it. It definitely helps if you need to restock a few supplies,” he says.
Justin has found the Shell Card online portal very easy to navigate and was impressed by the data
available for each of his trucks.
“You just log into that, and it has everything in real time that’s going on with our account. You can lock cards instantly if one is lost, check your monthly spend, it’s a really good system. It’s good when you get on to a system like that, it just works,” he says.
The Shell Card is available for anyone who has an ABN and one or more vehicles identified as being for business use. It seamlessly connects with accounting software Xero and MYOB, making end of month reporting and tax time easier when it comes to fuel expenses – offering the benefits of no more lost receipts or manual calculations.
Other highlights of the Shell Card package include competitive fuel discounts, built-in fraud protection, an Australian-based customer service team and access to over 120 years of expertise in supplying high quality fuels.
To assist with the transition to Shell Card at OTR sites, Shell Card has some great offers available.
Visit shell.com.au/otr for more information or email shellcardsales@vivaenergy.com.au
CELEBRATING LEGENDS
Four district transport legends have been honoured by the industry, with Tiarna Condren revealing the people inducted onto the Deniliquin and District Transport Wall of Fame
Image: Ryan Heffer
Throughout schooling, we were always taught that if we do something well, we would be rewarded for it. Entering the job market, the sentiment remained: perform well and there’s a good chance a promotion could be heading your way.
For truck drivers however, they can often find themselves stuck in the same role for decades without much recognition. That’s why Deniliquin Truck Show and Industry Expo past president John Creenaune decided the industry needed a way to highlight those who have paved the way in transport.
The Deniliquin and District Transport Wall of Fame is just that – an honour celebrating those in the region who have made their mark on the industry. Always coinciding with the Deni Truck Show, this year’s nominees were celebrated at a lavish dinner held at the Deniliquin RSL Club.
Kickstarting the evening with their boisterous personalities, Creenaune and Evan Whitbourne MC’d the affair, telling tales of old times and introducing the nominees. Nominations were presented in person to Robert Gow, Louise Allitt, Dennis Beckton and Andrew McKean, while the plaque was presented posthumously to Ray ‘Tubby’ Brooks, Warren Barnes, John Eldridge, Kieran Pascoe, Simon Edmunds and Kevin ‘Stumpy’ Petersen.
While dozens have been recognised over the years, only four were officially inducted onto the Wall of Fame this year – which stands over on the north side of Deniliquin. Ray ‘Tubby’ Brooks was one of the lucky recipients. Nominated and inducted in the same year, his story goes back to the
1960s when he purchased his first Mercedes-Benz truck and formed Ray Brooks and Co. Tubby would then go on to develop the company into the largest private grain buying business in Australia. His love of the grain industry and transport in general was to span almost 50 years, where he remained “immensely proud” of his trucking and local roots. He passed away on August 27, 2012 at the age of 75 and the award was accepted by his family on his behalf.
The second inductee was Kenneth James Grimison, who was nominated in 2017. Joining the army back in 1940 at the age of 20, Ken spent the better part of five years serving the country. After returning, he started his livestock transport business, soon growing his singular 1942 Ford V8 side valve to a fleet of eight. Eventually easing out of the business in the ‘70s, Ken left it in the capable hands of his sons, who have grown it be a very successful business in Deniliquin. Ken passed away in 1989, and his award was accepted by his family on his behalf.
Another Deniliquin legend was then inducted in Ken
“The Deniliquin and District Transport Wall of Fame is just that – an honour celebrating those in the region who have made their mark on the industry.”
Top: The Wall of Fame recognises the best of the best in the trucking industry
Below: The night was held at the Deniliquin RSL Club
Left: Deniliquin was the home of trucks for one weekend in November; Terence Marcus ‘Grimmo’ Grimison and his family accepting the inductee award
Image: Ryan Heffer
“Our mission is to highlight, celebrate, commemorate and memorialise those locals who are and have been a major part of our local transport industry.”
‘Brambles’ Seignior, who was nominated in 2019. Getting his start in the industry at the ripe age of 18, Ken had a long and fulfilling trucking career that lasted right up until the end. His resume included carting stock, logs, grain, pencil augers and more for Deni Freighters, Deni RCL, Rick Mill and other companies. He attempted to retire from the industry at one point, only to miss it and re-join three months later. Ken passed away on July 2, 2012 with his family accepting the award on his behalf.
The final inductee for 2024 saw Terence Marcus ‘Grimmo’ Grimison take to the stage and accept his plaque. First getting behind the wheel at 14, Grimmo has spent his entire life driving trucks. Working for the likes of J Murphy & Sons, I & D Grimison, Clyde Bros, Road Train Australia, Deni Freighters and more, he has dipped his toes into most of what the
industry can offer. He spent 13 years driving road trains in the Northern Territory before eventually carting himself back to Deniliquin, where he has retired and now resides at Pretty Pine.
In the spirit of celebration, and as a way to break up the evening, the dinner also included some inspirational talks from National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) chair Paul Fellows and the daughter of legendary truckie Toots Holzhiemer, Donna Vawdrey.
“The support for the Wall of Fame has been incredible. People respond to it really well and it’s so important for the community,” Creenaune told OwnerDriver
“Our mission is to highlight, celebrate, commemorate and memorialise those locals who are and have been a major part of our local transport industry.”
Top: Some of the best truck industry members were recognised in Deniliquin
Above: The Wall of Fame ceremony came after a day full of socialising
Below: Deniliquin turned it on for the jam-packed weekend
Simple ideas for the road DIABETES AUSTRALIA Grace Conforti
From healthier takeaway swap options to perfect lunch inspiration while you’re on the road, Diabetes Australia has plenty of ways of keeping you healthy
Rev up your health with these savvy takeaway swaps and simple lunch ideas to keep you energised on the road!
In Australia, it is estimated that 180,800 people work as truck drivers in the transport and logistics industry. The work environment often involves prolonged periods of sitting, unpredictable schedules and time pressures which make it challenging to access healthy food options.
A survey distributed at an Australian Truck Show in Queensland found that almost 75 per cent of respondents recognised the need to make changes to improve their overall health. When compared to the Australian dietary guidelines, 88 per cent of respondents consumed fewer servings of vegetables, and half consumed fewer servings of fruit.
More than 65 per cent reported to drink at least one can of a sugarsweetened beverage per day, and more than 63 per cent reported at least one serve of unhealthy food each day.
So, if we’re able to recognise the need to eat healthier, why don’t we?
Healthy eating can often be perceived as expensive, difficult to do, or to involve following a strict diet. But what if I told you that healthy eating doesn’t have to involve going on a diet or missing out on all the foods that you enjoy?
Healthy eating can also be considered as opting for healthier takeaway choices and packing a simple, yet nutritious lunch for the road.
HEALTHIER TAKEAWAY SWAPS
• Replace a beef burger for a grilled chicken sandwich or wrap. Why?
Grilled chicken is often lower in saturated fats when compared to a beef burger patty.
• Replace hot chips for a side salad. Why? A side salad is a great way to get in extra nutrients, such as fibre.
• Replace your pastries or muffin for a small handful of unsalted nuts and seeds (e.g. walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds) and a piece of fruit. Why? Most baked goods contain high amounts of kilojoules and refined carbohydrates. Nuts are a rich source of vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. Fruit contains antioxidants and fibre.
• Swap your pie or sausage roll for a vegetable frittata or quiche. Why? Vegetables are packed full of nutrients, and eggs are a great source of protein.
Healthy snacks to pack for the road can include the following:
1. Unsalted nuts and seeds, or trail mix.
2. Tinned tuna and crackers.
3. Fresh fruit or a fruit cup in juice.
4. Unsalted popcorn.
5. Cheese and crackers.
6. Hard boiled eggs.
7. Hummus and cut up vegetable sticks.
8. No added sugar yoghurt and fruit.
WHAT ABOUT DRINKS?
• Try swapping sugar-sweetened beverages, such as soft drinks or energy drinks for sugar-free alternatives. Why? Any drinks that contain sugar will raise your blood glucose levels. When consumed in moderation, choosing sugar-free options is a healthier choice.
• Try swapping soft drink for sparkling or mineral water. Why? Sparkling or mineral water is a refreshing way to stay hydrated without the sweet flavour of a soft drink.
Other helpful tips when eating out on the road:
1. Check the nutrition information panel. Most fast-food outlets provide nutrition information either in-store or online. For prepackaged food items, the Eat for Health recommendations are:
- Total fat: Less than 10g per 100g.
- Saturated fat: Less than 3g per 100g.
- Fibre: More than 3g per serve.
- Sugar: Less than 15g per 100g.
- Sodium (salt): Less than 400mg per 100g is good, less than 120mg per 100g is best.
2. Monitor portion control. Even when you choose healthier options, being mindful of portion sizes is important when watching daily kilojoule intake.
3. Try to choose meals that follow the portion plate recommendations.
- Aim to fill ½ your plate with vegetables.
- Aim to fill ¼ of your plate with lean protein.
- Aim to fill ¼ of your plate with a low GI carbohydrate.
- Include a small amount of healthy fats.
4. Lastly, always try to plan ahead. Planning meals and snacks in advance can help to reduce the temptation of choosing less healthy options when on the road.
Making healthy food choices doesn’t have to be a challenge – think of it as a rewarding adventure! By planning ahead, you can stock your truck with nutritious snacks and make healthier swaps for your regular takeaway choices.
Healthy eating can decrease your risk of developing chronic health conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, prevent certain types of cancer and help you manage weight, improve mood and increase energy levels.
Every small change you make can lead to big health benefits, so buckle up and enjoy the benefits of healthy and nutritious eating.
GRACE CONFORTI –Accredited Practising Dietician
NRFA Glyn Castanelli
Fair standard advocacy
From fair work to minimum standards, the NRFA is celebrating a busy 2024 and looking ahead to another action-packed year in 2025
As we close out 2024, I am pleased to reflect on the NRFA’s impactful year, driven by our commitment to advocacy, engagement and the advancement of fair standards in the road transport industry. This year, our focus has been on representing drivers, owner-drivers, small fleet operators and all who make up the backbone of Australian transport. With the groundwork laid in numerous key areas, we look ahead to our 2025 NRFA Conference on February 15, which promises to be an outstanding event, bringing together industry voices, insights and future-focused discussions.
One of our most significant milestones has been the advancement of minimum standards in the industry through the Fair Work Commission’s recent establishment of the Transport Division. The passing of the Closing the Loopholes Bill has set the foundation for an era where fair treatment and operational standards are within reach. The NRFA has long advocated for minimum standards to level the playing field and halt the ‘race to the bottom’ in transport. The establishment of the Transport Division within Fair Work Australia marks a critical step in protecting owner-drivers from exploitative practices.
The NRFA envisions this initiative as a transformative shift where the Commission, in consultation with all stakeholders – especially owner-drivers –sets clear minimum standards. We believe that by setting a base of fair operations, we can eliminate the practices that reward risky behaviour, such as cutting corners to underbid on contracts. This structure promises a fair and competitive market where compliant operators are not disadvantaged and where the emphasis on safety benefits everyone. Through ongoing consultation, we aim to ensure the reforms are comprehensive and genuinely representative of the industry’s needs.
PROGRESS IN THE HEAVY VEHICLE NATIONAL LAW (HVNL)
While 2024 saw ongoing progress in HVNL reform, we recognise that these changes are an incremental step, and there is more work ahead to create an HVNL that truly serves drivers and small fleet operators. This year, our advocacy continued to push for the inclusion of the ‘Inform, Educate, and Enforce’ model into the HVNL as a vital component of consistent enforcement across states. This model, currently used by the NHVR, allows for proportional
responses to minor infractions, focusing on education over penalties – a marked difference from the rigid approach often observed in state police enforcement. We strongly believe that incorporating this approach into the HVNL would standardise enforcement practices and create a fairer regulatory environment across all jurisdictions.
As we approach the next phase of HVNL reform, we remain committed to ensuring that future regulations reflect the practical realities and challenges faced by ownerdrivers and small operators on the road.
NRFA CONFERENCE 2025: STRONGER TOGETHER
Our 2025 NRFA Conference, scheduled for February 15, will be a pivotal gathering. With the theme ‘Stronger Together’, the conference will focus on our unified vision for a safer, more equitable and sustainable industry. The NRFA will welcome distinguished speakers, including international experts Dean Croke and Chuck Snow. These leaders will bring insights into global trends and innovations that could guide Australian transport toward a data-driven and resilient future.
Dean Croke, renowned for his work in freight analytics, will share how data can drive safety and efficiency in fleet operations, and Chuck Snow will offer perspectives on establishing resilient and flexible logistics networks. We anticipate their contributions will not only inform but also inspire attendees to adopt progressive practices that ensure competitiveness and operational excellence in the long term.
Beyond expert insights, the conference will serve as a platform for members to voice concerns, discuss challenges and explore solutions tailored to ownerdrivers and small operators. This event is not only about sharing knowledge but also about strengthening our collective resolve to improve our industry’s standards, fairness and future direction.
KEY MEMBER INITIATIVES AND BENEFITS
In 2024, the NRFA expanded its member benefits significantly. A major highlight has been our partnership with Ampol, offering an 8.5 cents per litre discount to members. This benefit addresses the daily financial pressures faced by our members and reflects our commitment to providing tangible value in areas that matter most. Our member benefits program will continue to grow in 2025, with a focus
on services and discounts that directly support business needs and operational costs.
Our broader mission goes beyond discounts. Through partnerships, training resources and industry tools, the NRFA strives to be a steadfast ally for members navigating complex regulatory landscapes, cost challenges and operational compliance. In 2025, we aim to expand our offerings, providing even more robust support in safety, training and compliance management.
BUILDING STRENGTH THROUGH UNITY
The NRFA’s strength lies in the voices of our members. This year, we emphasised the importance of unity in effecting change. Whether advocating for fair pay terms, minimum standards or HVNL reform, the impact of our efforts is
“The NRFA envisions this initiative as a transformative shift where the Commission, in consultation with all stakeholders – especially owner-drivers – sets clear minimum standards.”
GLYN CASTANELLI is the president of the NRFA
RIGHT: The 2025 conference looms as a major event for the trucking industry
magnified when our community stands together. Our collective achievements –such as progress on fair pay terms and the recent advancements in the HVNL – are proof of what can be accomplished when we work as one.
To those who participated in consultations, attended meetings and shared their experiences, thank you. Your involvement is essential in shaping an NRFA that truly represents and meets the needs of its members.
LOOKING AHEAD – CONTINUING THE MOMENTUM INTO 2025
As we approach 2025, our focus remains on sustaining the momentum we’ve built in advocating for a safer, fairer and more sustainable transport industry. The path forward includes:
– Supporting the implementation of minimum standards: With the new Fair Work Transport Division, we are committed to active engagement in consultations that define and implement minimum standards. Our goal is to ensure these standards create a fair and competitive environment that benefits both drivers and operators alike.
– Driving HVNL reforms: While we recognise the progress made in HVNL reform, our advocacy does not stop here. We will continue pushing for practical, driver-focused solutions that prioritise safety and compliance in a fair manner. Ensuring the ‘Inform, Educate, and Enforce’ model becomes part of the HVNL remains a key objective.
– Expanding member support: In 2025,
we plan to introduce more targeted member benefits, with resources that support business management, compliance and operational efficiency. Our partnership with Ampol is just the beginning and we will strive to secure extra benefits that provide genuine value.
– Increasing member engagement: We encourage members to participate in the NRFA Conference and other events throughout the year. Engagement is crucial for an association driven by its members and we welcome everyone’s insights and experiences.
– Enhancing industry safety standards: We will advocate for improvements in driver training, fatigue management and vehicle maintenance standards, recognising that safety is the foundation of sustainable transport.
2024 has been a transformative year, but our journey continues. As we look ahead to the 2025 conference and beyond, I am inspired by the resilience, unity and dedication of our members. Together, we have a powerful voice, and together, we will drive the changes that our industry needs.
I look forward to seeing you at our conference in February and to a successful year ahead. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to the NRFA’s mission.
Together, we are stronger, and together, we will shape a brighter future for Australia’s transport industry.
Tickets for our 2025 Conference are now available for purchase via our website www.nrfa.com.au.
Image: Jackson Photography/stock.adobe.com
EYES ON THE ROAD Rod Hannifey
A sweet rhino
Rod Hannifey was recently at the wheel of an extraordinary wildlife transfer through Australia, carrying a rare and endangered species
Goodaye all, while this trip was done in October, I was asked not to talk of it until all was well with ‘Sentwali’. As per the first photo, I have carried a herd of white rhino, but these were very much inanimate and any of you who have been through Dubbo may have seen them in differing colours and liveries beside the road or in shopping centres.
The Dubbo Chamber of Commerce presents the Rhino Awards each year to honour the city’s most outstanding local businesses, with the Gold Rhino the highest award. The rhino represents both the Taronga Western Plains Zoo as a major part of the city and the strength of the animal itself.
I have previously taken a white rhino from Dubbo to Monarto Wildlife Park and brought another back, but this trip was to pick up one of the two male black rhinos, with possibly less than 6000 left in the world. The Dubbo Zoo is the largest breeder of these large and endangered animals outside of their home in Africa.
The two males had been breeding in Monarto and this one was headed back to service the three females in the Dubbo black rhino herd. He will hard be at work and not on show, as such, for some time. So, with the trip from Monarto to Dubbo being nearly 13 hours on the road, we had two drivers just in case, as running out of hours down the road would not have been the best for the animal.
A crew travelled from Dubbo to on return, becoming his keepers at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. They were in one car and four of the current keeper crew from Monarto came as well in another car for
the trip to Dubbo to care for and then hand over the rhino to the Dubbo team once on site. They are a large and serious animal, rare and worthy of both respect and good care.
He was, of course, given something to settle him for the trip and he, once loaded, except for some dents in the crate and the occasional movement felt in the truck, seemed to travel well, eventually settling down with his backside facing the front in case of any urgent stops – luckily none of which occurred. It was just the lousy roads that probably gave him the ‘willies’, as it does to us.
With the overall weight well down, I was also, thanks to the AIR CTI system fitted to the prime mover, able to drop the drive tyre pressures to assist and try to improve the ride and lessen the many bumps and dips encountered on the trip. From all reports, he is doing well.
Now, as you might imagine, seven people in two cars, both with UHF and us all using a separate channel to avoid using 40 for that long, got to looking for something to do, and this poem is the result:
There was a rhino being hauled by truckies by Daniel and Rod,
Being followed by zoomies with a big cattle prod,
They travelled through towns with painted silos,
But none that had painted southern black rhinos.
They drove all day and into the night,
Until one car had no trailer lights, They pulled up in Dubbo, a tired rhino crew, But bloody well relieved they arrived at the zoo.
In the outback sun, where the red dust flies, There’s a man named Rod with a heart so wise,
From Monarto’s Savannah to Dubbo’s plains,
Checking to ensure we stayed in our lanes.
ROD HANNIFEY, a transport safety advocate, has been involved in raising the profile of the industry, conducting highway truck audits, the Blue Reflector Trial for informal parking bays on the Newell, the ‘Truckies on Road Code’, the national 1800 number for road repairs proposal, and the Better Roadside Rest Areas Group. Rod is the current president of the NRFA. Contact Rod on 0428 120 560, e-mail rod.hannifey@bigpond. com or visit www.truckright.com.au
ABOVE: Rod transported this majestic rhino
BELOW, L TO R: The mighty beast that helped carry another; The long drive allowed Rod and his team the chance to write a poem
Alongside him rides Daniel, driver number 2, Together they navigate through endless skies of blue,
Today’s haul, a southern black rhino so rare,
A noble beast with a spirit to share.
Two zoo teams in tow, to provide ongoing care,
Sharing stories and banter on the long drive there,
The plan is to breed and Sentwali struts in, With a swagger in his step and a glint in his eye.
He’s ready to meet the ladies, OH MY! “Hey there beautiful,” he calls with a grin, “I’m the new guy here – let the games begin.” So thanks to the drivers and zoo keeping crew,
A new adventure awaits in Dubbo’s western Plains Zoo.
It was read out to us as we travelled and I asked for and was later sent a copy and given permission to use it here.
Other than trying to miss as many of the bumps as possible and drive as smoothly as we could, the zookeepers did all the work each time we stopped to check Sentwali. We stopped again at Ouyen for a check and a bite to eat and, while travelling well, Sentwali got another dose to have him gentler to unload and eventually exit his carriage container.
Then, as per the poem, the light plug came loose on the trailer being towed by the Monarto crew and we could not get a replacement at West Wyalong, so we put them in front of the other car and carried on to be in Dubbo round midnight. It had been raining there earlier, so it was decided to unload on solid ground and use the crane to carry the valuable cargo to the unloading point.
We unchained and, as it started to rain, we managed to do a three-point turn further into the zoo without getting bogged and headed off to the yard and bed. We were thanked on site by the Dubbo crew, but recently I got a call from the Monarto crew to also say thanks and sorry they had not been able on the night to get the rhino out and about within a confined area to be assessed and checked before being allowed to get acquainted with his new family much later. Something a bit different, you might agree.
So, it is approaching Christmas and I would like to wish you all a very trucking Good Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year. Keep on Truckin’ – Rod Hannifey.
Image: Taronga Western Plains Zoo
Image: Rod Hannifey
Image: Taronga Western Plains Zoo
THE LEGAL VIEW Sarah Marinovic
Duties of a driver
Sarah Marinovic looks into what drivers need to know if the worst happens and they’re involved in a collision
It happens to the best of us: We’re trying to navigate the narrow streets of Sydney’s Inner West, find a parking spot in a Westfield car park in the week before Christmas, miss someone who is in our blind spot while reversing in a busy petrol station and, oops, we’ve bumped or scraped another vehicle.
The ins and outs of what you’re supposed to do in these instances, and whether they go smoothly with the other driver or not, can get messy, so here’s a run-down of what the rules in New South Wales say.
If you’re involved in a ‘crash – and ‘crash’ covers everything from two vehicles touching, through damage done to vehicles or property, all the way to people injured or killed –
avoidance of insurance claims. Often, for example, collisions are so minor that drivers don’t realise they’ve happened at the time, particularly in trucks with the increased engine noise.
Instances like these are often detected after the fact – the owner of another vehicle might return to their parked car to find damage. The car itself might have taken video footage (cutting-edge electric cars do this), or if the prang happened in a car park, then there might be CCTV footage. A helpful third party might have witnessed the scrape and taken down your number plate. However, it happens. If there is evidence that points to you, then generally the police will come knocking. If they
is a principal solicitor at Ainsley Law – a firm dedicated to traffic and heavy vehicle law. She has focused on this expertise for over a decade, having started her career prosecuting for the RMS, and then using that experience as a defence lawyer helping professional drivers and truck owners. For more information email Sarah at sarah@ainsleylaw. com.au or phone 0416 224 601
“What happens if you don’t give your details according to these rules? This happens quite a bit, and often for reasons that are not active avoidance of insurance claims.”
then you have to stop and give these details to anyone else involved/ effected:
(a). your name and address, and (b). the name and address of the owner of your vehicle, and (c). the vehicle’s registration number (if any), and (d). any other information necessary to identify the vehicle.
Now, there are a number of reasons why you might not be able to do this at the time. For example, the prang is so minor that the other driver doesn’t notice and stop, or at the other extreme, they are so irate that it isn’t safe or sensible to try and give them your details. In those instances, your obligation is to go straight to the police and let THEM know about what happened. This must be done as soon as possible after the crash, but within 24 hours.
What happens if you don’t give your details according to these rules? This happens quite a bit, and often for reasons that are not active
move quickly, and it turns out that you did have a crash, then they will likely issue you with a ticket, carrying three demerit points, for negligent driving –this is the catch-all offence for falling short of ordinary driving standards. They may also give you a ticket, also worth three points, for failing to comply with the rules outlined above if they believe that you should have stopped and given your details to the other driver/property owner/etc. Things can become more of a headache if the police don’t move quickly. You see, there are strict deadlines for issuing tickets – police only have a few months after a prang to issue penalty notices. If they miss these deadlines, then they may end up sending you to court instead. I find that this happens quite frequently –the owner of the other car takes their time reporting the issue to police, police assign the event to a junior officer, who has extra supervision hoops to jump through at every stage of the investigation, and then the deadline is passed, but the insurer is breathing down their neck for a charge so that they know who to send the bill to, and before you know it, you’ve got a court date.
If the scrape you’ve had was so minor that you didn’t notice at the time and it didn’t do any damage to your truck or car, then there’s not an awful lot you can do to avoid all of this. That said, there is A LOT you can do to manage it. If you find yourself with a Court Attendance Notice in circumstances like I’ve mentioned above, then your first port of call is some good legal advice. A good traffic lawyer can also help you out if you think you are not guilty of driving negligently in the first place, or if those demerit points will cause a problem for your licence.
May your trip be without incidents like the ones outlined above. But if they should happen, remember what to do and, if you come into any difficulty, feel free to give Ainsley Law a call.
SARAH MARINOVIC
There are many things within your control if you get into a vehicle crash
DIVERSE DAY OF VEHICLE DISPLAYS
Yarra Glen Racecourse was home to horsepower of a different sort on November 10 as trucks, cars and buses rolled into the grounds for a day of showing off in front of Geoff Crockett
Sunday mornings are renowned as relaxed days filled with sleep ins, cozy breakfasts and a steaming cup of your favourite beverage. On Sunday, November 10, a Sunday morning of a different kind took place at the Yarra Ranges as a large variety of vehicles descended upon the Yarra Glen Racecourse.
The Historic Commercial Vehicle Club of Australia and the Chrysler Restorer’s Club came together to put on a show with a difference that made for a unique Sunday morning experience.
As the sun shone down on the
expansive grounds of the Yarra Glen horse racing club, a vast array of classic trucks, cars and buses rolled into place to present an eclectic mix of chrome, metal and machinery.
Classic Fords, stunning Chryslers, restored ambulances, a fire truck or two, a hearse, trucks and buses from all manner of brands, past and present, filled the grounds, as their owners and spectators mingled to the sounds of classic rock from a live band.
Fresh from a two-week stint driving hay to farmers in need from South Australia, Volwreck director Graeme
Troutbeck loaded up his Volvo FH16 with two of his restoration projects – a 1972 Volvo F86 and a Volvo FL10.
For Graeme, who missed last year’s show because of the timing of the annual charity hay run, Yarra Glen is a chance to catch up with friends and support the HCVCA, of which he is a member.
For Dennis Brooks, this year’s show presented an opportunity to showcase a rare piece of Australia’s transport history in the shape of his 1936 Scammell Mechanical Horse.
The three-wheeled green machine evolved out of a decision by the British railways in the 1930s to commission a light truck to replace the horses used to deliver goods and parcels from rail yards and stations.
Heavy truck manufacturer Scammell took on the challenge and developed a three and a six tonne Mechanical Horse that came with three trailers — one being loaded, one in transit and one unloaded.
Dennis says there were around 30,000 Horses built between 1933 and 1948 and 13,000 Scarabs of a similar design built between 1948 and 1967.
His Horse came from Tamworth in NSW and was bought, sight unseen, in October 2000.
“It has a number of interesting features, not readily visible is the double reduction rear axle,” he told OwnerDriver
“The ratio of this one is 9.25:1 which allows a six-tonne combination (with trailer) rating.”
The Horse has a two-litre engine producing 40 BHP.
Dennis attended the show for the first time with his daughter Sue Hargrave, with the pair intent on making the most of the day out and sharing the experience with family around the world who were unable to make it along on the day.
Among the other eclectic finds of the day was Paul Bedford’s 1973 Isuzu Bedford (yep, that was a thing back then). Paul bought the truck in 2012 with the intention of using it as a mobile home, and set about teaching himself about restorations, re-fitting the spacious interior to suit his travel needs while re-painting and updating the exterior to keep the old truck rolling along for a while longer. He says the time had come to sell the truck to give him more time to spend on restoring a vintage car he’d recently acquired.
For Matteo De Lorenzi, a day out at Yarra Glen offered a chance to dream and to marvel at the commercial vehicles of old. Still a young fella, Matteo says he hopes he’ll be able to find a way to become involved in the industry and own a truck of his own in the future.
On the business side of things, father and son team Sebastian and Karl Murray were along in support of Bayswater Truck Centre, happily sharing a range of Kenworth merchandise with a truck loving public keen to explore what was on offer.
Boxes of rare spares, tools, stickers, posters and diecast vehicles were on show at other stands on the day, providing guests with the chance to update their collections, decorate the shed or finally fix that annoying electrical problem that had popped up on their latest restoration.
For the car lovers among the crowd, there was a great mix of classic chrome the 1900s onwards, with the Chrysler section proving particularly busy. All up, about 100 trucks were on show, along with 50 buses and close to 100 cars. Historic Commercial Vehicle Club of Australia vice-president Frank Mercuri took to Facebook to reflect on the Sunday festivities.
“Thank you to all the people who chose to join the Historic Commercial Vehicle Club and Chrysler Restorers Club combined display day at Yarra Glen Racecourse,” Frank says.
“The weather was perfect, we had a great turnout, but there was plenty of room for more.
Opposite top: Bill Smith and Paddy Cox were swapping truck stories in front of classic Leyland truck that forms part of the history of the Bayswater-based Hi-Haul Transport business
Opposite middle: Sue Hargrave and Dennis Brooks with his 1936 Scammell Mechanical Horse
Opposite bottom: Paul Leonard with his 1973 Isuzu Bedford motorhome
Top: Matteo De Lorenzi was enjoying a day out at Yarra Glen
Above: Sebastian and Karl Murray at the Bayswater Truck Centre Stand; Volwreck’s Graeme Troutbeck brought along three trucks to the show including this 1972 Volvo F86
“The day went off without a hitch and everyone that came along, to display and the general public who joined us to have a look, appeared to enjoy the day.
“So, thank you all for making it a great day and we look forward to making it bigger and better next second weekend in November 2025.”
To find out more about the Historic Commercial Vehicle Association go to www.hcvc.com.au.
WHAT’S ON upcoming events
GEELONG
CLASSIC TRUCK AND MACHINERY SHOW
January 11-12, 2025
The Geelong Classic is back for another year in 2025, featuring trucks, classic cars and bikes, vintage tractors and steam engines at the Geelong Showgrounds for the two-day spectacle. Various clubs will also be in attendance, from Lego Club to Model Clubs. Entry for adults is $15, kids under 15 and exhibitors go free.
KOROIT TRUCK SHOW
January 25, 2025
Held at Victoria Park in Koroit, the town of Koroit will come alive once again for its annual truck show, with a large truck display being joined by a motorcycle performance and a state wood chopping competition. With live music, market stalls and more all ready to go for late January, don’t miss the popular truckie sprint and the tug of war in Koroit!
LARDNER PARK HERITAGE VEHICLE DISPLAY
February 1-2, 2025
Heading into February now, with the dates already set for next year’s Lardner Park Heritage Vehicle Display. Held at Lardner Park in Victoria, a range of historic, classic and veteran vehicles (25 years and older) are welcome, with vehicles ranging from trucks and cars, to tractors, motorbikes, caravans and more welcome.
ANGASTON TRUCK SHOW & SHINE 2023
February 22, 2025
Head over to Angaston in South Australia for the Angaston Truck Show & Shine in late February. Held on Saturday February 22 in conjunction with the Angaston Show, the space welcomes trucks of all ages, conditions and uses from all areas, both locally and from far afield. Keep an eye out for more details to follow.
CAMP QUALITY CONVOY GEELONG
February 23, 2025
The Convoy Geelong Family Festival is a free event packed with entertainment and experiences catering for kids and adults alike. Pack yourself up and head to Victoria’s Beckley Park for a range of food vans, rides, face painting, roaming entertainment, live music, a fundraising awards ceremony and, of course, the opportunity to cheer on the returning convoy and check out all the trucks and vehicles at the show’n’shine. Everyone is welcome for a great afternoon of activities, while showing support for kids facing cancer.
Plenty of trucks will be on display at various events in January and February.
Prime Creative Media
BELOW: Don’t miss the chance to check out trucks at either Geelong, Angaston, Lardner Park or Koroit in the New
ABOVE:
Image:
Year! Image: Prime Creative Media
While the overall truck sales market is lower than this time last year, certain segments are seeing growth at the right time
The latest Truck Industry Council (TIC) T-Mark sales data is out for October, with a total of 33,248 trucks being sold in Australia for the year to date.
While this number is about 3.4 per cent lower than the same time last year, where 34,420 trucks were sold, positive signs in the heavy and medium duty markets give plenty of cause for optimism.
Total trucks
The overall number of 3,538 trucks sold in October is allowing the industry to continue pushing ahead of 2023 numbers, with the nation’s leading brands leading the way.
With a further 1,186 October truck deliveries, Isuzu is far and away the leader in the overall market for 2024, bringing its total up to 11,066 for the year with two months still to go.
A strong October from Hino (434) allowed it to nestle itself into second place comfortably with 4,193 sales for the year, with Kenworth’s 375 October sales seeing it round out the top three with 3,157 for 2024 so far.
Outside of that, Fuso (3,078 for the year to date) wasn’t far behind after 343 October sales, with Volvo (2,755 for the year), Iveco (1,580), Scania (1,537) and Mercedes-Benz (1,266) all remaining strongly in four figures for the year.
A gap then opened between these heavy hitters, with Fiat, Mack and Renault all remaining mid-table in the race towards the finish line in December.
Heavy duty
A total of 1,527 heavy duty truck sales in October saw the market sector rise to 14,385 sales to date in 2024 –a 1.2 per cent growth from the 14,210 sales recorded this time last year.
Leading the way was Kenworth with 375 October sales to record 3,078 for the year to date, with Volvo’s 272 October sales seeing it take second spot for the year to date comfortably from Isuzu with 230 sales for the month.
Scania (120) was the only other heavy duty player to crack the ton in October, with Mack (84) recording four more sales than Mercedes-Benz (80) to close the gap on the overall yearly table.
Hino (77) and Fuso (57) closed the gap on UD Trucks (51), with the latter still prevailing with 704 sales for the year, Iveco (46), DAF (39) and MAN (32) all remaining consistent.
Medium duty
A total of 698 sales in the medium duty segment was enough to keep it ahead of 2023 comparisons, with the October numbers seeing the sector record 6,723 sales to date this year when compared to 6,723 at the same
time last year.
The sector was, once again, all about Isuzu, with its 347 October sales giving it a major lead on the annual figures with 3,448 for the year to date.
Hino snapped up second place, taking its tally to 1,934 for the year after another 215 October sales, while Fuso’s 102 October sales allowed it to sit in a comfortable third spot with 821 2024 sales in the segment.
From there, the gap was massive, with Hyundai and Iveco sharing fourth place with eight sales, highlighting the dominance of the top three in the sector.
Light duty
The hit was taken in the light duty sector, with the segment down nearly 11.3 per cent from 2023 results with 12,140 trucks sold so far in 2024.
A familiar face sat on top again, with 609 October sales for Isuzu bringing its 2024 year to date number to 5,582, staying comfortably ahead of its competitors.
The race for second tightened up, with Fuso’s 184 October sales seeing it hold onto second with 1,713 for the year, with Hino (142 for October and 1,612 for the year) breathing closely down its neck.
Iveco remained in the hunt with 138 sales in October, bringing its annual figures to 1,148, with the likes of Fiat (89 for October), Renault (68) and Mercedes-Benz (29) all following the leaders.
Kenworth continues to lead the heavy duty figures with 375 October sales
NO BULL
CHRISTMAS FUN
It’s all about Christmas this month, with jokes leading the way for some truck fun!
CHRISTMAS GAGS
If you’re no stranger to No Bull, then you know a list of jokes always goes down well. If you want to create some more laughter and cheer at the table on Christmas day, and you don’t trust bon bon jokes, then look no further than here.
What does Santa suffer from when he gets stuck in a chimney? Claus-trophobia. What happened to the person who stole an advent calendar? They got 25 days! What is the best Christmas present in the world? A broken drum – you just can’t beat it! Why don’t you ever see Santa in hospital? Because he has
private health care. Who hides in a bakery at Christmas? A mince spy!
STAR TREK ACTOR RESPONDS TO TRUMP TRUCK STUNT
In the lead up to the recent US election, you may have seen Donald Trump hopping into a truck. In response to former president Joe Biden calling Trump supporters “garbage”, the new US president hopped behind the wheel of a garbage truck with his orange vest on. In response, George Takei, who played Lt Hikaru Sulu in numerous Star Trek TV shows and films since 1966, said “it’s not really a Trump garbage truck until it’s on fire”. How’s that for a burn!
TOUCH A TRUCK DAY GOES WILD
In a Bethalto East primary school in Illinois, families were able to come out and enjoy Touch-A-Truck night to get kids excited about a career in the industry. Several big trucks, including fire trucks, were put on display to encourage kids to come out and explore the interiors of a range of big vehicles.
FOR THE OWNER-DRIVER Frank Black
Driving change
2024 has been a busy year for the transport industry, with key legislation and changes being pivotal to development in the sector
It’s been a big year for owner drivers and truck operators with key legislation getting passed to make the industry fairer, safer and more sustainable. For years, truck operators have felt the squeeze with deadlines getting tighter and working conditions getting cut into, as the big wealthy clients at the top of the supply chain get increasingly ruthless. One of the key points of focus for the Closing the Loopholes legislation is the road transport industry with legislative changes in place to allow for standards to be set to protect drivers.
On February 8, Federal Parliament passed the Closing the Loopholes legislation. While these unique worldfirst laws cover a range of areas, one of the key areas involved is the road transport industry. What is important is that the legislation stipulates that an expert panel which includes industry people with experience provides advice to the Road Transport Advisory Group. This could be for something like setting minimum standards for payment terms.
There are also provisions for dealing with disputes which makes the process fairer for truck drivers and transport operators. For owner-drivers, the legislation also introduces an unfair contracts dispute resolution function for independent contractors. The legislation also includes gig workers to protect our industry from going down the low road of the gig model.
This legislation has been a long time coming, with numerous lobbying delegations to Canberra, led by the Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) making it clear that legislative change was needed to make the transport industry fairer and safer for truck drivers, transport operators, gig workers and employers, as well as the general community with whom we share the roads. This process took the form of visible displays such as convoys and protests, as well as conversations had with politicians in Parliament from all sides. I’ve been part of what feels like dozens of delegations over the years and it was a pretty incredible feeling this year finally seeing the results of that work from everyone in the industry.
Last year we were involved in two national industry convoys calling on Federal Parliament to enact laws to make the road transport industry safer and fairer. These huge nationwide convoys generated a massive amount of publicity for the laws, with
the Prime Minister even commenting on the need for the laws. We addressed the media a few times last year outlining the challenges owner drivers have been facing and the need for meaningful legislative protection for not just us but the whole industry.
Importantly, a delegation comprising members of the transport industry – not just truck operators, but associations representing transport companies – lobbied federal politicians, making the case for the Closing the Loopholes legislation to get passed. Special mention should go to Senator Glenn Sterle who was instrumental in uniting the transport industry.
The new laws came into effect in August, when the first applications were made to the Fair Work Commission by the TWU in consultation with the industry. One application was for setting standards for last mile parcel delivery drivers carrying out local deliveries for companies like Amazon Flex and Australia Post. Another application calls for maximum 30-day payment terms, so industry players don’t have to wait long periods, such as 60-120 days, to get paid. In addition, the union will also be able to represent short-haul owner drivers and operators in the case of unfair contract terminations.
This year there has been further progress, with the approval of funds for the construction of new rest areas or the upgrade of existing ones as part of the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Program. I’m proud to be part of the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Committee as it focuses on a tangible solution to truck driver fatigue. New sites for rest areas have been approved and the committee is looking at applications for more sites. By improving things
“I’ve been part of what feels like dozens of delegations over the years and it was a pretty incredible feeling this year finally seeing the results of that work from everyone in the industry.”
such as suitable parking, toilet facilities, shelters and increasing footpaths which provide an exercise option for truck drivers and other road users, we are contributing towards a safer travelling environment for not just truck drivers, but ultimately all road users.
Whether it’s through significant legislative reform to change the transport industry or seeing practical changes to truck driver safety through the creation of rest areas, in 2024 we have definitely seen great progress in the trucking industry. I hope next year we can build on this and see some even greater changes within the industry and factors that affect us. I hope everyone has a fantastic Christmas and New Year’s and stays safe on the roads with all the extra traffic!
BELOW: Closing the Loopholes legislation is changing the way the trucking industry works
SAFE SAFER CASCADIA
FREIGHTLINER IS SERIOUS ABOUT SAFETY.
Every Cascadia comes with a complete suite of connected technology and fully integrated safety features to help you get on with your work.
Equipped with a driver airbag, Side Guard Assist, forward-facing camera that automatically sends footage for incident reports, and Active Brake Assist capable of detecting moving pedestrians, the Cascadia sets a new standard for safety.
