Rigid Bodies

By the numbers

THE AVERAGE AGE FOR RIGID TRUCKS WAS FOUND TO EXCEED NINE YEARS, WHILE B-DOUBLES, BY COMPARISON, WERE THE NEWEST OF ALL INSPECTED VEHICLE CLASSES AVERAGING 5.5 YEARS. THERE IS MUCH TO GLEAN FROM THE NATIONAL HEAVY VEHICLE REGULATOR’S LATEST NATIONAL ROADWORTHINESS SURVEY RESULTS.

The mechanical health of Australia’s heavy vehicle fl eet improved in the lead-up to last Christmas, according to data compiled by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), however rigid-bodied vehicles stood out from all other vehicle classes on the grounds of non-conformity. The results of the National Roadworthiness Survey 2021 (NRS:2021) which inspected 13,325 heavy vehicle units across 8,338 heavy vehicle combinations in all Australian states and territories between May and June showed signifi cant improvements. NRS:2021 was successfully conducted from 5 May to 28 July 2021 without incident and is reported to be the second survey of its type following the National Roadworthiness Baseline Survey conducted in 2016 (which inspected 11,066 units). All jurisdictions including Western Australia and Northern Territory participated in NRS:2021. New South Wales recorded the most inspections per state at 3,327 whereas the Australian Capital Territory documented the least at 226. “In the last fi ve years, we have seen the rate of non-conformities drop from 48 per cent of units inspected to 31 per cent,” said NHVR CEO, Sal Petroccitto. “Importantly the most serious cases of major non-conformities and groundings has dropped from 12 per cent of inspected vehicles in 2016 to six per cent in 2021. “The continuing maturity of the industry in adopting better safety practices like whole of business safety management systems and daily safety checks have been a key contributor in driving the downward trend. “While it highlights progress made due to the hard work being undertaken to improve and monitor the Australian heavy vehicle fl eet, I’m determined as an industry that we continue to push on and ensure that Australia has one of the safest heavy vehicle fl eets in the world. “In particular programs that continue to drive down the age of the fl eet, such as the NHVR’s Vehicle SETUP plan will be vital going forward, as NRS:2021 again shows a strong link between vehicle age and mechanical safety.”

Key findings from the NRS:2021 survey included:

The rate of all non-conformities had dropped from the 48 per cent in 2016 to 31 per cent in 2021. • The rate of major non-conformities and grounding halved to six per cent of vehicles inspected; brakes remained the highest non-conforming components – reducing from 25 per cent in 2016 to 14 per cent in 2021. • Rigid trucks were the highest nonconforming vehicle type at 38 per cent, which has again reduced from 52 per cent in 2016. • The average age of the inspected fl eet was 10.2 years, compared to 9.2 years in 2016.

Petroccitto said the results would help inform the regulator’s modern approach to regulation that uses intelligence to address the greatest safety risks and keeps compliant operators moving. “I’d also like to thank the NHVR staff and staff from transport agencies across Australia for their assistance in conducting the survey, particularly with constantly changing operating condition due to local Covid restrictions,” he said. “Despite the challenges, officers across all states and territories inspected 17 per cent more heavy vehicles in 2021, and through the use of technology and consistent inspection systems we were able to reduce the average inspection time from the from 45 minutes in 2016 to 31 minutes in 2021.” Rigids topped the list for non-conformity by vehicle type (38 per cent – 52 per cent in 2016), followed by semi-trailer (31 per cent – 50 per cent in 2016), B-double/road train (24 per cent – 41 per cent in 2016), bus & coach (8.0 per cent – 30 per cent in 2016) and plant & SPV (13 per cent – 29 per cent in 2016). Trailer heard in a conference with Petroccitto on Tuesday 14 December that the NHVR will address the issue of nonconformity in rigid-bodied vehicles via targeted and ongoing national educational campaigns. Meanwhile, trailer conformity nationally has improved from 19 per cent to 30 per cent which was broadly conistent across different vehicle combinations from road trains (up 13 per cent to 79 per cent) and semi-trailer (up 22 per cent to 69 per cent).

Case in point

Heavy vehicle safety compliance continues to be a pain point for the industry and wider community. Through the diligent work of the NHVR, the police and other parties, their combined efforts are making the roads safer for everyone. Here is one example of a situation where the electronic brakes on a trailer were disconnected and blocks of wood were used between the chassis and suspension. The enforcement of heavy vehicle safety compliance will hopefully send a message to the trucking industry at large to obey the rules and ensure all road transport equipment is fit for purpose. This is one example of what a defect that had potential to cau A truck driver and trucking company were being investigated in November 2021 after a truck and trailer pulled into an arrester bed on the South Eastern Freeway in Adelaide. Officers from the SA Police Heavy Vehicle Enforcement Unit received reports from motorists advising that a heavy vehicle had entered the arrester bed on the South Eastern Freeway at Leawood Gardens. When police arrived they located a rigid truck and trailer combination on the arrester bed. Inspection of the truck identified that it had severely overheated brakes on all the axles. The temperatures reached were that high that they had started to burn and discolour the paint on the rims. The trailer was also inspected and found to have an inoperative braking system. The

electronic brakes on the trailer had not been connected and blocks of wood had been used between the chassis and suspension. The driver, a 33-year-old man from Victoria, and the company – both unnamed in the police media report – were being investigated for using an unsafe vehicle on the road, failing to keep and carry a work diary as required and whether or not the driver used an appropriate gear whilst descending the South Eastern Freeway. It is a requirement of heavy vehicles to be driven in a low enough gear to enable the vehicle to be driven safely on the South Eastern Freeway without the use of a primary brake according to the police. Both the truck and trailer were defected and towed from the scene. The arrestor beds, according to the Traffic Services Branch, are placed on the freeway to bring heavy vehicles to a stop in the event of brake failure or emergency.

A broader look at 2021 truck sales

Federal government financial incentives were a significant contributing factor to the market’s ‘stellar’ sales performance in 2021 according to Truck Industry Council (TIC). Australian truck and heavy van sales last year totalled 41,404 units which was up 6,928 vehicles or more than 20 per cent over 2020 sales (which were impacted by Covid-19). As 2021 drew to a close, some were predicting a new sales record and while December 2021 sales were a new record, with 3,528 truck and van sales for the month, the overall tally for 2021 fell a mere 225 trucks short of a new Australian

heavy vehicle sales record. Despite a close call that sales record is still held by 2018, when 41,628 heavy vehicles were sold. However, when the numbers are analysed in a little more detail, there are some notable differences between 2021 sales and those of 2018. For example, the split between segments. In 2018, the market was very much driven by the sale of heavy trucks. In 2021, the heavy truck sector was much weaker. Rather, sales were driven by light trucks and vans last year. Heavy truck sales in 2021 were almost 10 per cent lower than in 2018, as were medium truck sales. Conversely, light truck and van sales were up by more than 10 per cent last year, when compared to sales from 2018. This shows that while sales last year were at near record levels, the growth was at the bottom end of the heavy vehicle market, not at the top end. This may be due, in part, to supply chain issues effecting Heavy truck production, but more likely was a result of lacking business confidence to renew the greater value assets in their organisations. This being understandable, given the ongoing uncertain economic climate generated by the pandemic. “After the struggles over the past two years, it was pleasing to see 2021 finish with near record sales,” said TIC CEO, Tony McMullan. “This is testament to the hard work and resilience shown by all parts of the heavy road freight industry throughout the pandemic. However, there is no doubt that the leadership shown and financial incentives put in place by the federal government, has been the contributing factor in new truck sales last year. Overall, our economy is strong and that is no more evident than in the heavy vehicle sector. “The past few weeks have again highlighted that the road ahead is neither clear, nor certain. Covid remains an issue that we need to continue to live with and manage. For TIC members, domestic and global supply chain issues look to be the greatest threat to new truck and van supply over the next 24 months. This situation will not be resolved quickly and whilst the federal government’s financial incentives remain in place for over a year, TIC requests that government consider extending the ‘delivery to market’ phase of these incentives. Thus allowing new trucks to be delivered into service for a period of one year, beyond the current deadline of June 2023.”

A 14-pallet Thermaxx body with a Thermo King T1200R.

B&E reaping max quality benefits from Thermaxx

THE TEAM AT B&E FOODS IS VERY PEDANTIC ABOUT THE QUALITY OF ITS FLEET AND SO FAR, TRS THERMAXX BODIES HAVE TICKED ALL THE RIGHT BOXES FOR THE BUSINESS.

B&E Foods is not only one of the largest poultry processors in the country, it also specialises in food supply and distribution. B&E has over 130 refrigerated vehicles operating daily service to a vast customer base across Australia. Maintaining cold chain integrity is paramount for the operation of a food distribution business and the team at B&E are pedantic about the quality of their fleet, according to company CEO, Edward Dong. When it comes to refrigerated bodies for their trucks, B&E trust TRS and Thermaxx. Since 2020, all of the new truck bodies purchased by B&E have been from TRS. “We have already noticed a huge difference in the quality of the panels. The truck body is lighter than other similar brands in the market which makes a big difference in the tare weight for the trucks. Maintaining the right temperature is crucial for perishable food transport and Thermaxx delivers on that aspect. Its temperature control has been great so far,” Edward says. B&E’s CFO Alex Wang believes the quality of Thermaxx bodies is outstanding compared to its competitors and it was a key factor in his team’s decision to choose TRS. “We got a chance to visit the TRS factory where Ross Jones NSW Sales Manager showed me all their different products and the different materials used to build a TRS Thermaxx body. It gave me a very good first impression. We focus on high quality products in our business and so does TRS. There is a huge difference between TRS and its competitors and that’s why we believe we made the right decision to choose TRS as our supplier,” he says. Edward agrees that the team at B&E has been thoroughly impressed by Thermaxx bodies. Being in the food supply business, B&E uses a lot of pallets in the trucks and the high impact resistant panels by TRS are capable of withstanding the rigours of the

roads. “The design is good. There are no noticeable gaps between the corners which means the moisture from the meat and poultry doesn’t seep between the panels creating a risk for mould and bacteria that can damage the panels in the long run. Food hygiene is absolutely paramount for us. Having Thermaxx, we’re not worried about little edges not being sealed up properly. We’re not worried about exposed panels. We can clean the truck quite thoroughly and not worry too much about water trickling through the panels,” Edward says. With long-term benefits in mind, B&E is slowly moving all its fleet to TRS as well. “If you buy a Thermaxx product it’ll last you a lot longer, maybe up to 10 years longer than another brand. You might end up saving 10 percent on a cheaper alternative but in the end, it’s not going to last as long. After a few years it starts breaking down and then you’re not really saving any money with costly repairs. You save a lot more with Thermaxx in the long run,” he says. Alex says that when it comes to cost, he not only compares the initial cost but also the maintenance cost over the years, which is where TRS bodies outperform its competitors. “My calculation on the cost for the first five years is that you spend a bit more money on the TRS bodies in the first year, but if you talk about a total cost of maintaining the vehicle throughout the five years, your saving is going to be huge. Other competitors probably try to do the best in the price range to attract customers, but the truck body floors can be damaged in a short period of time, so when you add that maintenance cost for all the truck bodies, it can cost a lot more. TRS would be one of the best options out there,” he says. Another reason for choosing TRS is the

B&E Foods NSW head office and processing factory.

Long life EPDM rubber seals.

level of customisation their team offers to businesses like B&E. From doing the truck body, to the Thermo King unit, and managing servicing – all in one place results in less hassle for customers. “Whether it is arranging a build appointment or doing custom builds, TRS is there to help us. All our truck bodies have freezer and cooler compartments now so being able to custom-build something with TRS has been very easy. The product turns around very fast. We send the truck in and get it back almost right away. I think being a business operator, last thing you want is chasing different people to do servicing. Having TRS provide a high-quality service for a high-quality product, it is great. You might pay a little bit more but in the long run it saves you all the headaches.”

Thermally insulated one piece rice grain bonded floor with mild steel tapping plates. Contact

TRS Ph: 02 8822 8100 Web: www.trssservice.com.au Web: www.thermaxx.com.au