Trailer Mag February 2024 by Prime Creative Media

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From the Editor’s desk PUBLISHER

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03 9690 8766 subscriptions@primecreative.com.au Trailer Magazine is available by subscription from the publisher. Annual rates: AUS $99.00 (inc GST). For overseas subscriptions, airmail postage should be added to the subscription rate. The right of refusal is reserved by the publisher.

ARTICLES

All articles submitted for publication become the property of the publisher. The Editor reserves the right to adjust any article to conform with the magazine format.

Trailer Magazine is owned by Prime Creative and published by John Murphy. All material in Trailer Magazine 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 will not accept responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences arising from reliance on information published. The opinions expressed in Trailer Magazine are not necessarily the opinions of, or endorsed by the publisher unless otherwise stated. Officially endorsed by the VTA

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Trailer Magazine FEBRUARY 2024

Trailer Magazine Editor Peter White

Turn the tide Construction activity and demand for building materials, skills and labour is at a ‘historic high’. A recent report via statutory body, Infrastructure Australia, has found the nation’s infrastructure, housing and energy agenda is under threat amid challenges accessing local building materials and a shortfall of 229,000 public infrastructure workers. Infrastructure Australia CEO, Adam Copp, said that with so much construction activity underway the industry is finding it increasingly difficult to source key building materials and workers. A major pipeline valued at $230 billion is expected to be delivered over five years which is occurring alongside a plan to build 1.2 million new homes as well as major investment in the energy sector. With limited access to local steel and cement, as well as localised shortages of quarry products, Copp explained that this is contributing to price uncertainty in the supply chain and therefore leading to delays and cost overruns. To turn the tide, Infrastructure Australia’s report included 14 recommendations for the Australian Government to act in partnership with state and territory governments and industry to improve the demand-supply balance, and ultimately the long-term sustainability of the construction sector. For major road projects, its modelling suggested that close to a third of conventional materials (54 million tonnes annually) could be replaced with recycled materials. Engineers Australia responded to the report, highlighting

the significant focus that regional hotspots in Melbourne, New South Wales’ Mid North Coast and South East Queensland are experiencing labour shortages due to increased investment in infrastructure. Engineers Australia CEO, Romilly Madew, said these regions present unique opportunities to integrate migration policies with regional development, potentially stimulating local economies and enhancing skill development. On the topic of Australia’s migration policy, Madew said it must strike a balance between protecting the interest of local workers and harnessing the extensive pool of skilled migrants. Looking at the engineer shortfall that Infrastructure Australia noted, the data, according to Madew, indicates a number of qualified engineers are in specific hotspots but are not being fully utilised which could open opportunities for targeted migration and skill improvement to fill local skill gaps and improve development in those areas. For example, in New South Wales’ Mid North Coast, there were 1,836 qualified engineers, yet 35 per cent are not employed in engineering roles. More broadly, it is expected that up to 68,133 engineers across Australia will retire over the next 15 years, with 25,000 retiring in the next five years. Ultimately, the Australian infrastructure workforce, will need to grow by 127 per cent to meet demand.

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Industry news Business partnerships, people movements, developments that bolster freight productivity and more.

Economy Changes are afoot at Australia Post.

Rigid bodies Scully RSV has innovated and manufactured rigid bodied vehicles tailored for cold chain operations across Australia for three decades.

Trailer builder Oberon Quarries speaks to the quality of live bottom trailers from MaxiTRANS and Law Trailer takes delivery of its first Elphinstone EasySteer.

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Axles & suspensions BPW Transpec, and other industry partners, are helping IXOM to modernise its chlorine tanker fleet. Meanwhile, trailer builder, FWR, relies on a range of Fuwa K Hitch products as standard.

Lifting equipment Binotto hoists, supplied by Transport Engineering Solutions, take YLZ Truck Bodies’ builds to the next level.

Weighing systems Several suppliers weigh in with their services and solutions.

Trailer building materials/components A showcase of the products and services that keep trailers on the move.

Infrastructure spotlight What you need to know about Australia’s biggest road projects this month.

World map For more than 25 years Lecitrailer has led the Spanish trailer market.

Fleet of the month North East Bin Hire adds an Isuzu medium-duty truck to its fleet.

What’s on Upcoming shows and field days. Trailer Magazine FEBRUARY 2024

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News

DHL Supply Chain forms new 3PL partnership Queensland TMR DHL Supply Chain has been appointed by a major global manufacturer to manage its growing warehousing and logistics requirements in Australia. Fresenius Kabi Australia, a healthcare organisation which supplies a range of pharmaceutical products, has signed a five-year contract with DHL for storage, inbound and outbound functions which were previously managed in-house. DHL is managing the distribution of Fresenius Kabi Australia’s 400-plus product lines from its healthcare-grade facility at Horningsea Park, where a dedicated team is responsible for receiving, storing and dispatching Fresenius Kabi’s products in the country. According to DHL, the Horningsea Park site is Australia’s first carbon-neutral warehouse. It was first established in 2020 as a dedicated facility for storing pharmaceuticals, medical devices, vaccines, animal health, diagnostics and consumer health products. Temperature controlled for optimal storage of medical products, the site is powered entirely by green electricity. The 35,000-square-metre site has a 30,000-pallet capacity to manage future growth for customers. DHL Supply Chain Australia CEO, Steve Thompsett, said he is pleased to fulfil

Fresenius Kabi Australia’s 3PL needs. “Fresenius Kabi has a significant range of products that are used to save lives and help to improve the health of Australians and we’re proud to be trusted with their logistics needs,” he said. “We’re confident that we will deliver on Fresenius Kabi Australia’s quality requirements at our state-of-the-art healthcare-grade Horningsea Park facility, which meets all global regulations for storing life sciences and healthcare products. “The Horningsea Park facility also features a 5 Star Green Star rating to help our customers fulfil their sustainability requirements.” With the corporate mission of ‘caring for life’, Fresenius Kabi puts essential medicines and technologies in the hands of people who help patients. “DHL is the ideal partner to help us achieve our mission in Australia by providing state of the art logistic and distribution services to provide our products to our customers in a more efficient way,” said Fresenius Kabi Senior Vice-President North East Asia-Pacific, Juan Villar. “In addition, moving to a carbon-neutral warehouse supports our commitment to leaving a planet worth living on for future generations.”

Image: DHL Supply Chain

Trailer Magazine FEBRUARY 2024

appoints new Director-General

The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has announced Sally Stannard as its new Director-General. Stannard is a senior executive and transport professional who has worked in senior roles in the transport sector for over 16 years, including as acting Director-General of TMR since June this year. She has a wealth of experience across the public and private sectors and has deep knowledge of the department. Stannard has honed her experience in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria advising government agencies and operators across the transport sector. “Serving the people of Queensland as Director-General is a privilege and I am passionate about ensuring transport systems are fit for purpose and appropriately agile for the changing ways we live and work,” she said. “I am committed to furthering TMR’s vision of creating an integrated and sustainable transport system that is accessible to all Queenslanders and I look forward to continue working with the incredible team at the Department of Transport and Main Roads.” According to the Queensland Government, Stannard is known for her proactive approach to service delivery, operational management and reform, and industry engagement. Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey, welcomed the appointment. “Ms Stannard has a deep understanding of the Department of Transport and Main Road’s public transport, planning and investment decisions, as well as innovative learnings from the private sector,” he said. “I look forward to continuing to work with Ms Stannard to deliver the government’s priorities for Queensland as they relate to the transport and main roads portfolio.”

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News

QLD Government begins construction on second Bruce Highway The Queensland Government has started works on the Inland Freight Route, also known as the Second Bruce, through a $107 million early works package. The package will include priority upgrades along the critical freight route, brought forward by accelerated Queensland funding. This lays the foundation for major works as part of the $1 billion Inland Freight Route. The 1,185-kilometre Inland Freight Route will establish a viable northsouth alternative to the Bruce Highway, forming a critical freight corridor between Mungindi and Charters Towers. More than half of the State Government’s $200 million commitment is now on the table to accelerate early works delivery. This is kickstarted by a $19.7 million bridge upgrade over the Dawson River, north of Injune, that will widen the existing bridge from 7.4 metres to 10.3 metres.

Works will also realign the bridge approaches to improve safety and accessibility for heavy vehicles. This is the first of two bridge upgrades between Injune and Rolleston. The $107 million early works package will focus on addressing constraints north of Injune, and constraints in the vicinity of Belyando, including: • two bridge upgrades between Injune and Rolleston on the Carnarvon Highway • major culvert upgrades between Roma and Injune on the Carnarvon Highway • two road strengthening and widening projects (in sections) between Clermont and Charters Towers on the Gregory Developmental Road in the vicinity of Belyando. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said building the Second Bruce is essential as Queensland population continues to boom. “It will provide an alternative route

for truckies and keep communities connected during major flood events,” she said. “Our government wants to see this critical freight corridor built, so we’re honouring our commitment to this project and getting works started now.” With the Bruce Highway being the “single most important highway in the country”, according to Transport and Main Roads Minister, Mark Bailey, bringing forward the Queensland portion of funding for the Inland Freight Route between Mundgindi and Charters Towers is vital. “By building a better Inland Freight Route targeted at taking trucks off the Bruce, we are ensuring strong supply chains and driving economic growth for regional industries and communities,” he said. “Not only that, upgrades will improve connectivity and safety to help keep our state moving with a viable alternative to the Bruce Highway.” Image: Rob Hill/Adobe Stock

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Trailer Magazine FEBRUARY 2024

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WA Government shares container terminal plans The Western Australian Government has unveiled the preferred design and location for a new container terminal in Kwinana. Planning for a new container terminal has been ongoing for a number of years, with modelling consistently showing Fremantle Port and its surrounding roads will reach capacity within the next two decades. Fremantle Port currently imports and exports around 800,000 containers annually, but this is expected to grow to more than three million containers over the next 50 years. The preferred design and location have been established following 18 months of detailed design and consultation with key stakeholders, and the outcomes of the 2020 Westport Independent Taskforce Stage Two Report. The preferred design includes: • a container terminal adjacent to the

development of a new container terminal and supporting freight network would represent one of the largest infrastructure projects ever undertaken in WA. “Over the past 18 months, the Westport team has undertaken detailed options analysis and engaged with dozens of key stakeholders and experts to develop this preferred design for the port and freight network,” she said. “The modelling over a number of years has been consistent and shows Fremantle Port and its surrounding road network will become significantly constrained within the next two decades. “Having a port and freight network that can support the expected growth in Western Australia’s container trade is absolutely essential to the long-term health of our economy.” The project business case, including the recommended development timings and costings, is expected to be finalised in mid-2024.

shoreline of the current Kwinana Bulk Terminal; • a new breakwater to provide enhanced protection to the port and docked ships; • major upgrades to key freight roads leading to and from the new container terminal including Anketell Road, Kwinana Freeway and Roe Highway; • duplication of the freight rail between the container terminal and Cockburn; and • upgrades to key intermodal terminals (IMT) at Kenwick and Forrestfield, and the delivery of a new IMT at Kewdale – establishing a key logistics hub east of Perth where existing industrial land can support significant business activity. Design concepts were assessed against a range of criteria including environmental, long-term sustainability, efficiency of the supply chain network and port and financial value to the State and local economies. Transport Minister, Rita Saffioti, said the

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Image: fotobeam/Adobe Stock

NHVR releases Pavement Impact Comparison Calculator The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has launched the interactive Pavement Impact Comparison Calculator for consultation, to enable road managers to understand the long-term pavement effects of freight activity on roads. The beta release follows the successful introduction of Freight PASS and represents the NHVR’s continued commitment to empowering better decision making in the road transport industry. The Pavement Calculator is a stateof-the-art tool designed to estimate the vertical pavement loading impacts of heavy vehicles. It considers various factors like different pavement types, axle configurations, axle masses, tyre sizes and road-friendly suspension, offering a wide-ranging analysis. According to the NHVR, the resource is especially useful for road managers without pavement engineering expertise, allowing them to assess the impacts of freight vehicles on their infrastructure accurately. NHVR CEO, Sal Petroccitto, said the tool will help users understand that more productive vehicles can actually expand the lifespan of the roads, because fewer vehicles are needed to transport the

Trailer Magazine FEBRUARY 2024

same freight task. “The Pavement Calculator indicates that larger and heavy vehicles are not necessarily worse for roads than smaller vehicles, especially if they meet the requirements of the NHVR’s PerformanceBased Standards scheme,” he said. “This information helps facilitate discussions between road managers and industry to achieve the best outcome. “For example, a PBS A-Double at higher mass limits and fitted with road-friendly suspensions can cause 38 per cent less pavement wear than a B-double at general mass limits.”

The Pavement Calculator will assist road managers in making more efficient and favourable access decisions for higher mass vehicles, potentially leading to larger trucks being allowed on roads without compromising infrastructure sustainability. The tool’s development involved the use of trusted resources already used by road managers in road design and assessments, such as Austroads’ pavement research and transport agency pavement guidelines. Consultation on the Pavement Calculator closes 05 April 2024.

Transport Women Australia Limited announces new Directors Transport Women Australia Limited (TWAL) has made two major appointments to its Board. Tasman Logistics Services Chief Commercial Officer, Katharina Attana, has been named as Director, Victoria. Canon Logistics Safety and Compliance Manager, Jo Hansen, has been named as Director, Queensland. Attana and Hansen will join the team of TWAL Board members which consists of Jacquelene Brotherton as Chair, Coralie

Chapman as Vice Chair, True Ross as Company Secretary, Di Caldwell-Smith as Governance Director, Penne Murphy as Director Western Australia, Annastasia Denigan as Director Queensland and Simone Reinertsen as Director. “Our new Board members bring a wealth of transport and logistics experience to the board and will complement the current board members and strengthen the depth of knowledge available to our members,” a TWAL spokesperson said.

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The Victorian Government is delivering the state’s ‘biggest ever road project’, with the first contracts to deliver the Eastern Freeway Upgrade and M80 Ring Road Upgrade now signed. On 15 December, Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Danny Pearson, announced the new contracts for the two biggest freeway overhauls in Victoria’s history, which form a vital part of the North East Link Project. Nexus, made up of Laing O’Rourke Australia Construction, Symal Infrastructure, WSP Australia and Arcadis Australia Pacific– has been appointed to deliver the first part of the $5.7 billion overhaul of the Eastern Freeway from Burke to Tram Road. AMA, made up of Acciona Construction Australia, AECOM Australia and MACA Civil will deliver the $3.8 billion M80 Ring Road Upgrade. The North East Link will take 15,000 trucks a day off local roads, save 35 minutes in travel time from east to the outer north and create 12,000 jobs. Through six years of detailed design and planning work, significant additional scope has been added to the North East Link Project in response to community feedback. This includes a longer tunnel, a major upgrade of the M80 Ring Road, better interchanges and more public open space. The Government’s upgrade includes more than 45 kilometres of new lanes and new traffic management systems along the freeway to deliver 11-minute travel time savings between Springvale Road and Hoddle Street. In the north, a major upgrade will

Trailer Magazine FEBRUARY 2024

finally complete the M80 Ring Road at Greensborough, adding nearly 15 kilometres of new lanes from Plenty Road to the new North East Link as well as a more efficient interchange at Grimshaw Street. Work is also continuing on the North East Link Tunnels, with tunnelling to begin on the 6.5 kilometre stretch from next year. The first tunnel boring machine is being assembled with a launch area now built on the eastern side of Greensborough road. In a statement, the Victorian Transport Association (VTA) welcomed the long-term plans for the North East Link. According to VTA CEO, Peter Anderson, it will revolutionise Melbourne’s freight movements. “The North East Link will fundamentally change how freight is moved around Melbourne and to and from the south east of the state when it’s completed,” he said. “When we, along with the RACV, advocated for the then Andrews Labor Government to complete the missing link in Melbourne’s ring road, it was because we knew freight operators were desperate for a freeway connection that mitigated going into Melbourne to get out of Melbourne. “North East Link solves this by diverting traffic around the city on a technologically modern and safe roadway, which also returns arterial roads to commuter traffic.” The North East Link tunnels, Eastern Freeway Upgrade and M80 Ring Road Update are expected to open in 2028. “This project has been talked about for 60 years – we’re getting on and building the much-needed missing link because families in our growing state need it and jobs depend on it,” said Premier Jacinta Allan.

Image: Scott Donkin/Adobe Stock

Following a $4.4 million upgrade, the new Shingle Hill Way Bridge near Gundaroo, New South Wales, has officially opened. The ageing 25-metre bridge was replaced by a new, 45-metre crossing with a 166-tonne load limit and increased lifespan. The project also included upgrades to approximately 800 metres of road approaching the bridge to improve horizontal alignment. The new structure has improved flood resilience due to increased bridge height and is designed to better withstand being hit with debris, speeding up the ability to re-open the crossing after floods. With an increased load capacity, these upgrades will improve freight efficiency and productivity in the region. NSW Minister for Regional Roads and Transport, Jenny Aitchison, said the state’s road networks need to meet current and future demand as regional communities grow. “We want our regional roads to be resilient and reliable, which is why we’ll continue to support councils progress projects that create jobs and unlock economic growth and productivity,” she said. “This upgrade has been welcomed by people in Gundaroo and surrounding communities and I know they are looking forward to the lasting benefits this will bring.” The Australian Government contributed $800,000 to this project under the Bridges Renewal Program, with the New South Wales Government investing $3.6 million under the Fixing Country Roads Program.

Image: jovannig/Adobe Stock

North East Link to revolutionise freight movement in Melbourne

New $4.4M bridge to boost NSW freight and productivity

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News

NHVR launches National Network Map The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has reached a significant milestone, with the release of the National Network Map on 20 December. The National Network Map supports improved heavy vehicle access efficiency and decision making by bringing together the state-based heavy vehicle networks and displaying them in one location. The NHVR Portal now allows the heavy vehicle industry to map journeys across state and territory borders for their entire fleet. NHVR CEO, Sal Petroccitto, said the transition of these maps onto the NHVR Portal has been in the works since December 2022 and is the result of strategic planning, digital product development and delivery, and rigorous testing. “The NHVR’s National Network Map supports improved heavy vehicle access efficiency and decision-making, by bringing together the state-based heavy vehicle networks and displaying them in

one location,” he said. “We are providing a single authoritative map to enable the heavy vehicle industry to plan journeys across state and territory borders for their entire fleet.” The NHVR has worked closely with state transport departments in South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory to transition their networks and achieve this important outcome. “Significant work has been undertaken to get to this stage, and we are committed to making additional advancements during 2024, so we can work towards a safer and more efficient national road network,” Petroccitto said. “In delivering this map, the NHVR is delivering on our ongoing commitment to enhance and improve our services to all our customers.” NHVR Chief Data and Technology Officer, Cameron Stone, said the new technology enables industry to more

precisely determine access-availability across vehicle combinations. “Our new mapping solution provides the ability to search and view available networks for more than 1,000 heavy vehicle configurations, providing a level of detail that has never been available before through jurisdictional websites,” he said. “In addition to having the ability to see maps for all gazetted networks across the country, it is possible to apply individual layers to the map so to identify points of interest, such as rest areas, height restrictions and road disruptions.” The map provides real time changes to road networks to ensure availability of the most accurate network access information. Stone said this has been a complex piece of work achieved by creating a unified database of road ownership, combining all vehicle access networks owned by different jurisdictions, and providing Network Management tools to oversee the establishment and maintenance of these networks.

Image: FiledIMAGE/Adobe Stock

Trailer Magazine FEBRUARY 2024

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Linfox opens new Adelaide Freight Terminal Facility Linfox recently launched its new multimillion-dollar Adelaide Freight Terminal Facility in Regency Park. The site facilitates the movement of up to 450 shipping containers per week through the connecting interstate cargo link, removing an entire local road transport leg. The over 20,000-square-metre facility

stores and distributes goods for Linfox customers across the grocery, consumer goods, hardware, healthcare, apparel and parcel sectors. Speaking at the event, Linfox Executive Chair, Peter Fox, highlighted the importance of the new facility. “Given Australia’s dependence on road

Image: Linfox

transport, there is a growing demand for a sustainable, efficient, and resilient rail freight network,” he said. “This becomes even more critical as freight volumes rise each year. “Improving interstate networks is a key priority for Linfox, because so many local industries – from farming, retail and mining to grocery, can benefit.” The site was built to achieve 5 Star Green Start certification and includes: • 700kW solar PV array • 500kW battery storage • Smart LED lighting • Electric vehicle charging • Rainwater harvesting • Waste management initiatives According to Linfox, the facility is a significant investment in the SA economy. It employs almost 100 people in warehousing, driving, safety, administration and management roles, and reduces freight movements on local roads.

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Image: Port of Newcastle

Bridge expert joins NHVR

The world’s largest coal port was recently presented with a Large Business Sustainable Leadership Award. This award for the Port of Newcastle recognises effective action on climate change. Port of Newcastle Chief Financial Officer and ESG Strategy Lead, Nick Livesey, said the award is not only recognition of what Port of Newcastle has been able to achieve since 2018, but also the difference being made to achieve strategic objectives. “Port of Newcastle’s journey to embedding sustainability into everything we do is now five years in the making, with significant steps made and goals achieved,” said Livesey. “Having recently been made a Gold Partner with the NSW Government’s Sustainability Advantage Program and receiving a third consecutive 5-star rating through the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB), the 2023 Large Business Sustainable Leadership Award demonstrates our commitment to a sustainable future,” he said. Port of Newcastle Senior Manager of Investor Relations and ESG, Matt Stephenson, said the award not only

recognises what we have achieved to date, but the future commitments the port is making to a more sustainable future. “We’ve made some significant inroads in recent years, from switching our fleet vehicles to fully electric, partnering with a green energy supplier to be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy power and completing a port-wide lighting upgrade to more than 400 energy efficient LED lights,” said Stephenson. “However, this year alone the Port has increased its SBTi Scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction commitment to align with a 1.5 degree warming scenario, as well as continuing to lead the industry by setting a reduction target for Scope 3 carbon emissions. “We are also proud signatories to the United Nations Global Compact, the largest corporate sustainability initiative in the world, reflecting the Port’s commitment to aligning its ESG and diversification strategies with the principles of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. “We are reshaping and reimagining our future by making sustainability a priority, ensuring the Port is around for generations to come.”

Image: NHVR

Port of Newcastle wins 2023 NSW Sustainability Award

Stewart Garden has been appointed to the role of Chief Structural Engineer at the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), effective 8 January 2024. Garden has worked within a variety of bridge teams responsible for asset inspections as well as major infrastructure project delivery. NHVR CEO, Sal Petroccitto OAM, said Garden’s knowledge of bridge engineering and infrastructure management will help bolster the NHVR’s work in bridge assessments. “Stewart’s 23 years of experience in civil and structural engineering is a great asset to our team and will aid in delivering the Strategic Local Government Asset Assessment Project (SLGAAP),” said Petroccitto. “His appointment is well-timed, and his knowledge will support the team to provide greater support for councils as they assess the capability of their bridges and inform their heavy-vehicle access decision-making. “I congratulate Stewart on behalf of the NHVR staff and Board and look forward to working with him.”

Trailer Magazine FEBRUARY 2024

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Image: Americold Logistics

New QLD site for Americold Logistics Americold Logistics has officially revealed its newest site in Ormeau, Queensland. Conveniently located between the Gold Coast and Brisbane, the site has easy access to the M1 Motorway and is a short drive to the Port of Brisbane. With 11,000 pallet positions, the

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site also has the potential for future expansion, according to an Americold Logistics spokesperson. “We are thrilled to officially welcome our newest site, Ormeau, in Queensland, Australia,” the spokesperson said. “The Ormeau team is busy filling the facility and providing the highest level

of customer service for our customers in northeastern Australia.” The facility is Americold Logistics’ sixth location in Queensland and the company’s 21st across Australia and New Zealand. The site has 10 docks and easy access for B-double combinations.

15/12/2023 11:53:49 AM

News

Major advancement in Upper Hunter MR358 project Image: Upper Hunter Shire Council

Upper Hunter Shire Council has announced significant progress in the MR358 Merriwa to Willow Tree Road project, which will bolster the local freight industry in New South Wales upon completion. The Australian Government is contributing $38.6 million towards the Coulsons Creek Road Upgrade, following a commitment made in the October 2022 Budget to help restore the vital community connection that had been significantly damaged by heavy rainfall and subsequent land slips. The Coulsons Creek Road Upgrade will increase freight efficiency, improve overall travel times and boost safety for all road users in New South Wales. The construction contract has now been awarded to Daracon Group and will involve upgrading Coulsons Creek Road between Merriwa and Willow Tree Road. NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister, Jenny Aitchison, said improving this road will bring long-lasting benefits to the freight industry. “Coulsons Creek Road, also known as MR358, is a vital transport link, connecting

the New England Highway to the Golden Highway,” she said. “This will not only create a safer and more efficient connection for the local community but provide a crucial link for the local freight industry, especially local livestock producers.” Alongside the Australian Government,

the NSW Government contributed $9.7 million towards the project. According to the Upper Hunter Shire Council, the project – expected to take approximately 19 months – will be a gamechanger for the region, offering improved connectivity, economic benefits and enhanced community access.

Team Global Express supports Retail Fest

Trailer Magazine FEBRUARY 2024

Image: Team Global Express

Transport and logistics company, Team Global Express, has been named the official logistics partner of Retail Group and Retail Fest. The event will be held 16-18 April 2024 at the Gold Coast Convention Centre. Retail Fest CEO, Ashley Hudson, said the Team Global Express’ commitment to providing sustainable e-commerce solutions aligns with Retail Fest’s mission to provide a platform that inspires innovation and drives a retail revolution. Team Global Express Chief Consumer Officer, Taeressa Fawthrop, said the business offers unparalleled scale, speed, and reach through its unique multimodal network and enhanced e-commerce solutions to provide online retailers and consumers with greater confidence, choice and control. Retail Fest is expected to bring together the brightest minds in the retail industry to disrupt the status quo and dive deep into

the latest trends, strategies and insights that will elevate businesses to the next level. “Team Global Express has some interactive and creative experiences planned for Retail Fest,” said Fawthrop. “Attendees at the event can gain an understanding of the unique propositions and see why Team Global Express is your future direct-to-consumer partner.” As part of its sustainability commitment, Team Global Express is engaged in an

electric truck trial. It has invested more tham $24 million into the rollout of 60 Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) in Sydney for direct-to-consumer deliveries. “Our business is on a transformative journey, and part of that is a vision to be the most sustainable logistics company in Australia,” said Fawthrop. “Our 15,000 people work together as one, putting people and customers first and reducing our impact on the planet.”

Rentco, the first Australian Rental Fleet to bring to market the R/H Drive fully electric terminal tractor, the long awaited Terberg TY200-EV. After testing the first 12 units to be delivered into Australia we are very happy with the results and these have proven to be the most comfortable carbon free emission option we can deliver to market. The first four units were delivered in July of this year and have been tested by some of the counties largest freight companies in some of the busiest depots we have in Australia, with another 4 arriving this year and the remaining 4 will be delivered in Feb 2024. These 12 full electric terminal tractors will bolster what is already the largest terminal tractor fleet in the country. Rentco takes its responsibility to a more sustainable future and reducing carbon emissions very seriously and is leading the way by delivering a ready to go true 100% electric terminal tractor to Australia’s transport industry.

For Terberg Rental enquiries, contact Paul Scott: Tel: 0407 456 463 Email: paul.scott@rentco.com.au Web: www.rentco.com.au

Economy

Image: ymgerman/Adobe Stock.

Australia Post to undergo new regulations

Changes at Australia Post are expected to see the national courier juggle its priorities in an effort to provide a better service. The Federal Government is introducing new regulations at Australia Post to boost productivity, increase its focus on parcels and improve long-term financial sustainability. Following public consultation and co-designed workforce trials, Australia Post will undergo reforms in an effort to achieve more efficient letter delivery while supporting the jobs of postal workers. The reforms will allow Australia Post to invest in products and services for the future and boost the productivity of its workforce by freeing up its delivery and processing resources to support parcel delivery. The Government claims that ‘changing consumer needs and growing digitisation’ means Australia Post needs to modernise to keep pace with what Australians need and expect from their postal service. In light of these challenges, Australia Post has worked cooperatively with its workforce and the Communication Workers Union to trial a new model for mail delivery at selected sites nationally. The trials decreased the frequency of letter delivery, and in the initial stages have expanded delivery points by more

Trailer Magazine FEBRUARY 2024

than 10 per cent per round – enabling postal workers to carry up to 20 per cent more parcels and achieve real productivity improvements. Australia Post intends to refine the model for a national roll out over the next twelve months. This national expansion requires amendment to the current Australian Postal Corporation (Performance Standards) Regulations 2019. Informed by the public consultation and feedback from a discussion paper launched in March, the Government plans to amend the existing delivery standards so that: • Letter delivery frequency will be reduced to every second business day for 98 per cent of locations, whilst parcels will still be delivered daily; • to reflect the new delivery frequency, Australia Post will have an extra day to deliver regular letters across Australia; and • Australia Post can change the way it manages priority mail, which now accounts for around eight per cent of addressed letters, so it can deliver services at a more commercial rate and

work with customers to set appropriate terms and conditions. While Australia Post has kept businesses operating, supported local communities and brought Australians together for decades, Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland, said it can’t stand still. “Consumer and small business demands are changing, and Australia Post also needs to adapt,” she said. “These new processes will mean Australia Post continues to deliver the high-quality letter service many Australians rely on, while also growing its booming parcel business for the benefit of consumers, small businesses and its hardworking staff. “Modernising Australia Post will put it on a surer footing so it can deliver the essential community services Australians need – including those in rural, regional and remote areas.” The current geographic classification for Australia Post retail outlets will also be updated to reflect the modern Australian Statistical Standards Geography Standard Remoteness Areas, rather than the 1991 Census currently used. This is expected to have the net effect

of reclassifying approximately 70 outlets to Remoteness Areas other than ‘Major Cities’. The Government claims this will not impact the services provided at these outlets or the prescribed minimum numbers of post offices that Australia Post must retain, including in regional Australia. Minister for Finance, Katy Gallagher, said Australia Post’s viability is essential. “In an environment where customers are sending fewer letters and more parcels, it is important that the business structure of Australia Post reflects the needs of the modern Australian consumer,” she said. “The fiscal sustainability of Australia Post is vital to the government’s ongoing commitment to provide high quality postal services to Australians.” The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts will consult on the amended delivery standards regulations early this year before their implementation.

Australian Consumer Confidence 15

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The Government will continue to monitor how it can work with Australia Post to build on these reforms and modernise

operations to ensure the service remains competitive and delivers more for Australians.

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Rigid bodies

Local manufacturing for durability and performance With 30 years of manufacturing experience, Scully RSV is solely dedicated to the refrigerated transport industry. Scully RSV, a full-service manufacturer, servicing, sales and hire organisation has consistently been building on its refrigerated transport solutions which fully cater to frozen, chilled and ambient temperatures. For three decades, it has constantly tweaked its services to be able to offer an impressive end solution, demonstrating its commitment to industry. Originating in Brisbane, Scully RSV provides essential transport services Australia wide through key locations in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. The company manufactures vehicles of superior workmanship ranging from utes to trucks with up to 14 pallet capacities and it also offers a premium fleet of trailers for hire. As a result, customers can access a range of fleet options such as short- and long-term hire solutions, alongside new and used truck sales, all around the country.

Trailer Magazine FEBRUARY 2024

Scully RSV has become accustomed to building refrigerated trucks using industryleading OEMs, giving customers the latest in technology, innovation, safety and sustainability. Scully RSV CEO, Andrew

McKenzie, says this, as well as taking customer feedback on board, has allowed the company to refine a process that is built to Australian conditions. “We’ve been manufacturing refrigerated

Images: Scully RSV.

vehicles for over 30 years, so we know what works and what doesn’t from customer feedback,” he says. Scully RSV manufactures all of its units in Brisbane. It only uses Australian suppliers for its fridge panels, and its vehicles are built with reinforcements that make them more durable for the conditions they operate in. “We don’t use imported fridge panels as they simply don’t stand up to the Australian conditions,” Andrew says. “The durability of our Australian panels means we need to reinforce our manufacturing to support the structures used.” The advantage of this, Andrew explains, is that Scully RSV’s fridge bodies tend to last much longer and withstand more wear and tear. “The benefits of a Scully RSV fridge body over imported solutions includes greater thermal performance, reinforced panels that reduce lateral forces when travelling over long Australian distances, galvanised steel to protect against corrosion and additional reinforcements in flooring for greater longevity and durability,” he says. Scully RSV’s refrigerated bodies and vehicles are manufactured either to custom or standard fleet specifications. The product development process sees its

fridge bodies and vehicles feature heavily across the logistics, dairy, meat and food sectors – with customisable options across bodies and doors. Andrew says the options are endless for Scully RSV manufacturing no matter the refrigerated application. “Due to the intensity of the environment that we operate in, our materials are reinforced, providing greater durability in Australian conditions,” he says. “UV, heat, temperature, humidity and the extensive wear and tear from the long distances on Australian roads, are why our fridge body range is growing exponentially.” Scully RSV has seen a huge demand for refrigerated bodies in the last six months. As a result, the company has directly invested in its own safety solutions, such as SafetyCulture, which uses QR codes to its advantage in pre-start inspections. Scully RSV’s partnership with Inauro also gives customers access to GPS, temperature data and driver behaviour. Inauro seamlessly integrates with a wide range of technology systems across Scully RSV’s customer base. Last year, Scully RSV also opened a new Queensland facility in Rocklea to further grow its network. “In 2023 we ramped up our manufacturing capacity even further, following our move into our new production

facility at Rocklea in Brisbane,” Andrew says. “Our new 1,200-square-metre manufacturing facility now gives us triple the capacity and the ability to add new products with relative ease.” Ahead of its unveiling, Andrew claimed the facility would be “state-of-the-art for rigid body manufacturing” in Australia and it proved to be true by taking Scully RSV’s total rigid body output to 60 units a month. The Rocklea location houses a full production line and equipment obtained from the Scully RSV’s exposure and relationships with the biggest trailer manufacturers in Australia and Europe. Now, Scully RSV has a national branch network coast to coast, with key logistics hubs and a dominating presence all of Australia’s main capital cities – led by industry leaders like Andrew who understand refrigerated transport. “The industry has really been calling out for someone to take the lead in refrigerated rigid body manufacturing”, Andrew says, “and Scully RSV is perfectly positioned to do that.”

Contact

Scully RSV Ph: 1800 728 559 Web: www.scullyrsv.com.au

www.trailermag.com.au

Trailer builder

The Trout River experience Within Oberon Quarries’ fleet of 40 trailers are a number of recently acquired Trout River Live Bottom trailers from MaxiTRANS, which with their inherent durability and reliability have proven their dominance throughout some of Australia’s harshest road conditions. Oberon Quarries has over the last 28 years developed quite the relationship with Australia’s transport industry and the trailer builders that serve it. The company, based in New South Wales, offers high quality basalt blue metal for various applications such as roadworks, construction, concreting, road basing as well as aggregate, cement, pre-coat and gravel with reserves in excess of 100 million tonnes. All of Oberon Quarries’ products are also regularly tested by an independent laboratory. Because of this, it ensures its products are of the highest possible standard and will meet even the most stringent of engineering requirements. Now in its third generation, the family business is still thriving. “We kicked off in 1995,” says Oberon Quarries Transport Manager, Luke Hargraves. “Prior to that, my grandfather and father just had concrete plants and quarries. They then sold out back in the

Trailer Magazine FEBRUARY 2024

day and now we mainly focus on basalt. We crush it down to various sizes and supply mainly the Sydney market and the western region.” Oberon Quarries came across the Trout River product when it began supplying asphalt to one of its customers who requested the specialised trailer. Luke and his family had seen hundreds of truck and dog tipper combinations in the fleet over the years, but this offering was new to them. “We were a bit sceptical because our trucks run over the Great Dividing Range every day and out west, and it’s hard going,” Luke says. “It’s not like B-doubles running Brisbane to Melbourne. They get punished pretty hard because the roads are really harsh.” After reaching out to MaxiTRANS’ NSW dealership, Oberon Quarries gave the product a chance. “We didn’t have a relationship with them like we had with the other body builders

for many years,” Luke says. “But that being said, we didn’t have to go and find them. They were there to sell the trailer and they were there to please, like the old-school salesmen you used to get.” Oberon Quarries purchased its first Trout River Live Bottom trailer in 2015, and after being convinced of its capabilities due to its impressive performance and longevity, Luke recently went back for another one. “It’s just a good thing,” Luke says. “I thought they would wear out a lot quicker than what they did. There is a lot more moving parts in them, but I can’t fault them.” Opting for the Trout River trailer specifically, Luke says, was purely due to their simpler design and their renowned durability. “It looked stronger, and with the work we do over the hills and the rest of it, we need them tough,” he says. The latest unit since its delivery has

Images: MaxiTRANS.

clocked up over 156,000 kilometres in some of Australia’s most demanding operating conditions. The Trout River units mainly travel to the runways at the Western Sydney Airport for CPB Contractors, but they also go from Oberon down into Badgerys Creek in and out of Oberon Quarries’ concrete plants. Throughout these freight tasks, Luke says it hasn’t missed a beat. “I can’t fault it,” he says. “The drivers love it because it lessens their workload. Plus, it’s safe, and safety is the main thing. We have a lot of council jobs out west that they request these trailers for, purely because they go under powerlines. We’ve also had them requested when we’ve done trotting tracks because you can run it out perfectly.” Oberon Quarries’ latest Trout River arrived with several enhancements on the first one. Luke explains that the latest Trout River was redesigned for better insulation. “When we do asphalt, it holds the heat

a lot better,” he says. “They’ve improved the rear tailgate compared to the previous models as well, but the simplicity of these units is what we like. “The airbags are easy to change too, and the Trout River units actually have a catch tray which stops all the residue when you’re carting asphalt from spilling down into the suspension. It’s just the little things that have made it 10 times better.” However, the most important aspect of the overall experience, Luke says, has

been the service delivered by MaxiTRANS’ NSW dealership. “We didn’t know them from a bar of soap, we just rung them up and they were more than helpful,” he says. “I think they’re the wave of the future, and we look forward to dealing with them in the time ahead.”

Contact

MaxiTRANS Ph: 03 5339 0300 Web: www.maxitrans.com

www.trailermag.com.au

Trailer builder

Steer your way

Order uptake for Elphinstone Engineering’s EasySteer trailer has exceeded initial forecasts. Law Transport has taken delivery of the very first one. Elphinstone Engineering’s EasySteer concept, as founder and designer, Graeme Elphinstone, reveals, emerged from research and development conducted with logging and pole trailers. From there, it has developed into an innovation recognised industry wide. “Initially, we were investigating ways to increase the manoeuvrability of our trailers, all the while minimising the ground impact of the trailer and at the same time achieving maximum payload,” Graeme says. “Many of our logging customers haul timber from private tree plantations, and the landowners don’t want trucks and trailers gouging furrows on their land during transportation. More and more, there is an emphasis on minimising the environmental footprint.” EasySteer has a single articulation point under the centre of the trailer turntable, extending the suspension travel range and creating more even load-sharing characteristics. Elphinstone

also connected the stinger pole to the trailer rather than the towing vehicle, enabling EasySteer to work in numerous applications other than just logging. In doing this, the EasySteer trailer can be towed by a standard prime mover. However, because the steering mechanism results in improved lowspeed turning performance, Graeme says EasySteer can potentially be longer than a conventional semi-trailer with more deck length and a greater load volume while achieving a better swept path than a traditional semi-trailer. The EasySteer trailer axle configuration consists of two axle groups, similar to a three-axle dog trailer, thereby giving the trailer axles a greater weight capacity of 25.5 tonnes compared to a conventional tridem axle group with only 20 tonnes found on a semi-trailer. Therefore, using existing legal limits, EasySteer has a potential gross combination weight limit of 48.5 tonnes compared to 42.5 tonnes for

a conventional semi-trailer combination at standard mass limits. Because of EasySteer’s natural selftracking ability, when used in a road train configuration, the Low-Speed Swept Path (LSSP) of 8.67 metres improves significantly compared to a traditional road train. “So, you can quickly see there are significant benefits for operators with EasySteer,” Graeme says. “With increased payload, fuel economy gains from the reduced drag of the trailer and reduction in tyre wear.” Queensland-based transport and logistics company, Law Transport, recently took delivery of the first EasySteer with Expanda-Skel deck for its pole transport operations. Law Transport founder, Lance Law, says innovation had always been a big part of his business and the EasySteer trailer suited the company philosophy perfectly.

Images: Elphinstone Engineering.

Trailer Magazine FEBRUARY 2024

“It is what puts us in front of our competitors, and our customers’ longstanding loyalty is evidence that delivering innovative transport solutions doesn’t go unnoticed,” he says. Right from day one, Lance says the EasySteer trailer demonstrated superior ride and handling characteristics. “Our main driver, Shane Palmer, loves the thing,” he says. “One of our other senior drivers, Ken, also remarked how well the truck handles with the new EasySteer trailer.” Law Transport’s new EasySteer trailer has been on the road for eight months now, hauling poles from Maryborough 1,500 kilometres north to Cairns. So far, Shane has nothing but praise for the EasySteer trailer, confirming a significant improvement in vehicle ride quality and handling. EasySteer also allowed Law Transport to save a significant amount of fuel and carry more payload. “The trailer uses approximately 178 litres less fuel per round trip, and we’re comfortably achieving a 28-tonne payload,” Shane says. In the log yard, Shane says the EasySteer left no discernible footprints of its presence in the dirt. Furthermore, when pulling around a sharp left-hand rise onto the weighbridge, the trailer rolled effortlessly on without any requirement for additional power.

The trailer’s dominance was also demonstrated in highway conditions – the Bruce Highway provided an ideal opportunity for Law Transport to experience the superior handling characteristics of the EasySteer trailer. With countless road works on different sections, Shane says the unique design of the EasySteer sliding pole system enabled the trailer to continue its steering function at high speed. “It’s by far the best trailer I’ve ever towed,” he says. “It’s indeed in a league of its own. When the prime mover turned, so too did the EasySteer trailer, and it followed almost the same path as the prime mover.”

EasySteer is especially beneficial to bulk haulage tasks with high product density. Graeme is licencing his patented EasySteer to other trailer manufacturers to enable a diverse range of applications to enjoy the benefits of EasySteer. Law Transport, Lance says, will make the most of what the trailer has to offer. “EasySteer trailers will play a bigger part in our business in the future,” he says. “In fact, I’m in the process of ordering more now.”

Contact

Elphinstone Engineering Ph: 03 9388 4400 Web: elph.com.au

www.trailermag.com.au

Axles & suspensions

Complete reliability

FWR turned to Fuwa K Hitch for its product reliability and fits more than 35 of its components as standard on its trailers. FWR commenced business in 2013 as a one-man operation when Director, Arron MacCue, saw the opportunity to make some extra money around his employment as a boilermaker welder in Brisbane, Queensland. Working into the late hours of the night in a workshop not much larger than his garage, Arron made an impression on a small customer base with his attention to detail, competitive pricing

Images: Fuwa K Hitch.

Trailer Magazine FEBRUARY 2024

and commitment to delivering a quality product on time. Today, Arron continues to run FWR with the same values set 10 years ago, only now it operates on a much larger scale. Its most recent expansion, for example, saw the business triple its size in capacity with a new 12,000-square-metre facility in Larapinta. Incorporating seven dual lift overhead

cranes, three spray booths with baking function, a large sandblasting booth, CNC brake press, a machine shop and 80 staff, the Larapinta facility opens yet a further opportunity for FWR to grow its trailer range. It has also allowed the company to significantly increase production, as demonstrated in its total number of trailer outputs over the past year which have risen from 30 units a month to 45. FWR now manufactures more than 500 heavy haulage trailers annually. In 2022, FWR decided to change its trailer components supplier to Fuwa K Hitch. Arron already had a well-established rapport with Fuwa K Hitch Assistant Manager, Dean Love, who he met six years prior when he started building trailers in 2016. This ultimately helped close the deal. “Dean has always been contactable, has great product knowledge and he communicates well,” Arron says. Halfway through 2022, Arron asked Dean to start supplying FWR with Fuwa K Hitch products. “We went through the process of working out exactly what Arron’s requirements were, which were fairly detailed,” Dean says. “We worked together for four to five months to get him to change over to the Fuwa K Hitch product. “He works really well with us like that. He

gives a lot of forward notice of what’s going on. He’s a good person to deal with, and all the staff at FWR are. It makes our lives so much easier when you get clients like him.” FWR now fits over 35 Fuwa K Hitch products as standard on its trailers. These include axles, spring suspension systems in both overslung and underslung configurations, Weweler airbag suspension systems and 15”, 19.5” and 20” drum brake axles. “The Fuwa K Hitch product performs well on our trailer range,” Arron says. “We have been using the Fuwa K Hitch product for a little over 12 months now and we haven’t experienced a single issue with it so far. We have built nearly 400 trailers this past year,

so we’ve used in the vicinity of 1,200 axles and suspensions from Fuwa K Hitch. This will increase significantly over the coming months and into the foreseeable future.” Dean’s availability and commitment to delivering exceptional customer service played a major role in establishing the business partnership. Arron says it all came down to Fuwa K Hitch’s position in the market and its ability to keep up with supply demand – which was evident in his early dealings with Dean. “FWR has become a highly sought after product and a blue-chip brand, and we want to deal with other blue-chip brands,” he says. “With Fuwa being one of the largest axle manufacturers in the world, we

feel that it was a good fit for our brand and product.” For Arron, the transition to Fuwa K Hitch was a very smooth process. He had the backing of Dean and Fuwa K Hitch who would follow up on orders and stock forecasts on a regular basis. “Fuwa K Hitch were forecasting that we needed 100 axles a month, so we started the process early and they were able to cover the shortfall from other branches,” he says. “Nothing really seemed to be a problem. We gave them about three months’ notice that we were going to change which allowed them to order components and increase their volumes. They kept us well informed through the onboarding process.” Reflecting on FWR’s performance over the past year, Arron says joining forces with Fuwa K Hitch has boosted its success. “The reliability of their product, the servicing on it, and the fact that the product is available from any spare part agent around the country benefits us,” he says. “You can go to the middle of the country and the mechanic there is familiar with Fuwa K Hitch and knows how to work on it. It’s a brand that is well known and that people like.”

Contact

Fuwa K Hitch Melbourne: 03 9369 0000 Perth: 08 9350 6470 Brisbane: 07 3372 2223 Web: www.khitch.com.au

www.trailermag.com.au

Axles & suspensions

IXOM embarks on fleet renewal Over the next few years, IXOM will replace its entire chlorine tanker fleet. Built by Liquip NSW and reinforced by BPW Transpec components, the first two tankers recently joined the company and have set the standard. Based in Melbourne, IXOM is a trusted industry leader in water treatment and chemical sourcing, manufacturing, distribution, storage, and use. IXOM manufactures liquid chlorine which it then supplies to customers with its fleet of bulk tankers. These units load out of IXOM’s Melbourne site and then travel to different destinations, typically on the east coast throughout Melbourne and Sydney. The bulk tankers are a pressure vessel specific for chlorine, which, according to Liquip NSW, make up the only chlorine fleet in Australia. While the tankers have served IXOM well since being built in the 1960s, the fleet is aging and due for renewal. This is where Liquip NSW comes in. Liquip NSW was named as the successful candidate for the project after IXOM initially reached out as a tender many years

Trailer Magazine FEBRUARY 2024

ago. Now, as IXOM’s new tanker provider, it will be responsible for modernising the fleet over the next few years. “The original vessels were built in the 1960s, so they were a few years old and the details around the original designs were not complete,” says Liquip NSW Operations Manager, Steve Hudson. “So, we interrogated the old drawings, engineered a new design and looked at what improvements we could make to ensure that the new fleet could provide service for the next 50 years.” The plan is to fit the new trailers with BPW Transpec’s tandem AL2 suspension and 10-stud 285PCD drum brake axles. Ahead of the setup, IXOM Project Manager, Daniel Marsic, says IXOM engaged Liquip NSW to choose the right running gear for the tankers. And, because

of its expertise in the field, IXOM was confident in Liquip NSW’s capabilities. “Liquip NSW specified the type and model for the BPW Transpec components,” he says. “The old leaf spring tankers have had various upgrades over the years but they’re old technology now. So, we engaged Liquip NSW to help us specify and install the BPW systems.” From Liquip NSW’s point of view, the BPW Transpec gear was very easy to implement in the first two units. “We worked with the customer originally on what sort of system they wanted to operate,” Steve says. “We just told BPW Transpec the application and what the units were up against, and then they made recommendations.” IXOM has just received the first two units, which were recently driven from Liquip

Images: BPW Transpec.

NSW’s workshop in Sydney to IXOM’s operation in Melbourne. The new chlorine tankers, Steve says, have already made an impression– mainly due to the AL2 suspension fitted. “The airbag suspension has reduced the impact through the pressure vessel from the road, so it’s a softer ride,” he says. “While the units are not yet into chlorine service, the initial feedback we’ve got from the drivers is that they’re tracking nicely on the roads and are a really smooth trailer to pull. That’s what we’re hearing.”

In dealing with BPW Transpec for these first two builds, Steve says the collaboration and service from the OEM was flawless. “BPW Transpec’s aftersales service has been immaculate,” he says. “The same goes for their communication throughout the process, even with the delays and difficulty sourcing parts through Covid. They’ve kept us up to date with everything that has been going on proactively, and they have delivered on their promises.” BPW Transpec visited Steve at Liquip

NSW itself prior to the launch of the tankers to explain the way the AL2 suspension and drum brake axles were designed and installed on the trailer. From there, it supplied Liquip NSW with a complete kit with all of the technical information to ensure both companies would be across the new builds – and those to follow. “Even when we had technical questions on the best way to fit them to make sure the customer was completely satisfied, they would come out and speak to us and make sure we were doing everything right,” Steve says. “They had the best solution for the customer.” Daniel is confident that Liquip NSW and BPW Transpec will deliver in the long-term for the project. “All the signs are positive from what I can see and from the feedback I’ve received so far,” he says. “We’re expecting them to be great and we hope to see that in the coming months.”

Contact

BPW Transpec Ph: 03 9267 2444 Web: www.bpwtranspec.com.au

www.trailermag.com.au

Lifting equipment

Trustworthy suppliers key for YLZ Truck Bodies

In the world of truck and trailer manufacturing, success hinges on a delicate balance of innovation, quality, and most importantly, reliability. Melbourne-based truck body and trailer builder, YLZ Truck Bodies, serves as a prime example of how making the right choices in products and partners can make a difference. YLZ’s growth is nothing short of impressive, evolving from building a handful of truck and trailer bodies in its initial years to producing close to 70 per year in the present day. YLZ Truck Bodies Sales Manager, Kyle Doswell, attributes this success to the company’s commitment to reliability. “Reliability means everything, it plays a big part in what we do,” he says. The key to YLZ’s growth lies not just in what the company manufactures, but in the reliability of the products and suppliers it chooses. A crucial component in YLZ’s success story is the use of quality Binotto hoists, supplied and supported by truck and trailer hydraulics experts, Transport Engineering Solutions (TES). Binotto’s

exclusive B3 technology cushions the transition between stages and at full extension and plays a pivotal role in the success of YLZ’s combinations. “The B3 technology is a point of difference that you can really see in practice in bigger builds,” Kyle says. “Especially when you push up to a fiveaxle, it does come into play.” Kyle says the hoist has proven to be a very durable option in the market. “If I put a Binotto product on a truck, I’m 99 per cent sure I am not going to have a hoist issue,” he says – adding that this level of confidence is invaluable for YLZ and its customers, allowing them to concentrate on their operations without wasting time or money dealing with faults. Choosing a supplier with a high level of technical knowledge and customer support that can be trusted is also important to success in the truck and trailer building industry. “I’m busy enough as it is, the less I

have to do the better and TES are quite good at that,” Kyle says. “If there are any issues, they’re quite good at handling it all without me getting too involved so I can concentrate on what I should be doing.” In the competitive landscape of truck and trailer manufacturing, the success of businesses underscores the importance of making sound choices. Reliability in products and suppliers is not just a preference, it is a necessity for sustainable growth. “The quality that TES sell is quite good, and the service they provide matches the quality of their product,” Kyle says. “I couldn’t be happier dealing with them.” In an industry where getting it right the first time matters, choosing the right partners and products is essential.

Contact

Transport Engineering Solutions Ph: 1300 300 375 (toll free) Web: transporteng.com.au

Images: YLZ Truck Bodies.

Trailer Magazine FEBRUARY 2024

Weighing systems

Bumper to bumper For a more reliable and successful operation, Riordan Group has standardised on TEBS Electronic Braking and iMass On-Board Mass technology from Knorr-Bremse. Riordan Group (RG) is a diversified business offering a range of solutions to Australian and international customers. Operating across the eastern states with a head office based in Lara, Victoria, the business has a total of 32 trucks and 75 trailers in various combinations for its grain and fuel applications. In its agricultural operations, RG sources grain from farmers primarily throughout New South Wales and Victoria, distributing the product through to international and domestic markets. Each year, RG transports up to nearly two million tonnes of grain, fertiliser, meals and around 100 million litres of fuel into a range of destinations. These include grain into the Tasmanian market via containers and bulk tippers as well as bulk products into the domestic market throughout Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland. On top of that, RG services domestic dairy producers and distributes fuel throughout Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia. For these operations, RG has a range of trailer combinations comprising singles, truck and dogs, B-doubles, A-doubles and AB- and B-triples. On the fuel side,

Trailer Magazine FEBRUARY 2024

the fleet has singles, B-doubles including Performance-Based Standards (PBS) variants and A-double tankers which transport diesel petrol and Dangerous Goods (DG). After changing trailer manufacturers, RG was in search of a technology package that would interact well with its trailer combinations and would be easy to operate and service from a maintenance point of view. Leigh says Knorr-Bremse was the only suitable candidate. “The Knorr-Bremse equipment seemed to fit that purpose,” says RG Operations Manager, Leigh Burgess. “We’ve now standardised all of our fleet to KnorrBremse because of the reliability of the product that we have experienced.” This is reflected in every single vehicle in RG’s fleet. Starting from the front of the prime mover, right through to the tail of the trailer, Knorr-Bremse has the safety solution. “It may be a cliche but they really have got it covered from bumper to bumper,” Leigh says. On the prime mover is the Bendix Fusion Active Safety System, and on each trailer

is the Trailer Road-Train Module (TRM), Trailer Electronic Braking System (TEBS) and iMass Smart On-Board Mass (OBM) system. As part of the Bendix Fusion package, the trucks have Active Cruise with Braking (ACB). In the scenario where an object may appear in front of a truck on the road, Bendix Fusion communicates with the rest of the Knorr-Bremse equipment fitted so that the the whole combination works in unison to ensure the safety of the driver and other road users at all times. “We’ve got all the TEBS and TRM modules through the truck and trailers at the moment which control everything,” Leigh says. “For us, it’s purely around the safety aspect – you’ve got stability control, emergency braking, all these sorts of things. If the Knorr-Bremse system, based in all of its calibrations, suspects that the trailer is unsafe or unstable, it will then apply the brakes on and bring it back down to a safe and stable condition.” RG has retrofitted complete truck and trailer sets with the new Knorr-Bremse iMass OBM system, which Leigh says has worked really well for the fleet.

Images: Knorr-Bremse.

“We’ve really struggled with getting continuity and frequency of correct weights in the load systems we have had before, where we’re nearly adjusting those weekly or bi-weekly just to try to keep them in line and right for weights,” he says. “Whereas we’ve had the iMass system in for two months now and we haven’t had to adjust it as yet. It seems to be performing perfectly.” The Knorr-Bremse TEBS module, Leigh says, has been the ‘end unit’ for RG. “The TEBS module interacts with the iMass OBM system and displays all the weights for us on all of our trailers, so that when we are loading axle groups we can

use that to effectively load each group on the combination to make sure it is right within spec, along with communicating directing with any Smart OBM equipment requirements” he says. “That becomes the display of any faults that are happening on the trailer, and it gives the driver a visual aid of what is happening via an anti-lock braking system (ABS) light on the dashboard.” It is in situations like these where Leigh believes the clever technology proves its value most. “It has definitely improved our safety from the truck combinations perspective,” he says. “We’re up to 85.5 tonne now

on these A-doubles, which we run eight of those across grains and fuels. We’re carting DGs as well with our fuel operations, so it’s really paramount to us from the safety side of it. If you get anything that fails, whether it’s a king pin or a drawbar or something like that, you’ve got a safety system that will pull it up really quickly and safely and you’re not going to have an impact on the driver safety or other road users.”

Contact

Knorr-Bremse www.knorr-bremse.com.au

www.trailermag.com.au

Weighing systems

Images: Sm

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lutions.

Right Weigh on the right path

Right Weigh and Smart Truck Solutions are committed to maximising payloads while taking the guess work out of driving and retaining legal weights. Smart Truck Solutions is the Australian and New Zealand distributor for Right Weigh Load Scales, a simple and accurate solution for trucks and trailers fitted with air bags and trailers fitted with spring suspension. Its user-friendly gauges read in kilograms and have a very simple calibration system for both analogue and digital gauges. These gauges can be mounted in the dash of trucks or externally on the trucks and trailers. Right Weigh’s digital gauges come with Bluetooth as standard with a free app that works on both Apple and Android devices. The driver app allows operators to easily view and record real-time weights from within the cab. It’s flexible, easy to use, and enables location and mass tracking. It offers extreme accuracy with payload weight checks – right down into small 10kg increments, which is a big advantage over analogue air gauges. From the driver all the way up to the

Trailer Magazine FEBRUARY 2024

fleet owner, Smart Truck Solutions is accustomed to all the pain points along the road, and it designs its products and customer support services around that understanding. Smart Truck Solutions owner, Leigh Noske, has a long history in the transport industry which allows him to provide customers with tailored weighting solutions and advice based on personal experience. “I have been in the transport industry for over 48 years first as an owner of trucks and now a supplier of Right Weigh Loads Scale,” he says. “I know how this industry works and what customers need from their weighing systems.” Right Weigh has partnered with Truck Tech-UK and will have a new range of gauges coming out this year to suit vehicles with rear drive axle spring suspension. The Right Weigh load scales maximise payload capacity to make the most of

vehicle cargo space while remaining compliant with weight distribution and load restraint regulations. Crucial for observing Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM), Right Weigh’s readout screens with digital displays are designed to be compatible with most truck and trailer air-suspension axle configurations. Right Weigh’s digital gauges are all TCAcertified for Type A and Type B and are also compliant with a range of telematics suppliers. A testament to its popularity and proven benefits is the number of operators across Australia who are using the solution to boost productivity and improve safety and compliance.

Contact

Right Weigh Leigh Noske: 0418622840 Jarrod Noske: 0488130481 Web: www.rightweigh.com.au

Weighing systems

Weigh with confidence

Loadmass continues to supply quality On-Board Mass solutions for Australian fleet operators. Following a change of hands, the business is as strong as ever and now leverages additional value propositions to streamline calibrations, fitments and installations.

Trailer Magazine FEBRUARY 2024

Images: Loadmass.

A father and son duo – Anthony and Chris Devereux – is taking Loadmass to the next level. Last year, effective 1 July 2023, Reux Holdings took over as the new owner of the On-Board Mass (OBM) system specialist. Both Anthony and Chris serve as Directors and bring decades of truck business experience with them. In addition to Loadmass, they also own and operate a Big Wheels truck alignment franchise in Sydney and have many years of heavy vehicle truck repair experience – working for many fleet operators, big and small. This next chapter for Loadmass honours the legacy of Frank Parker, the man who started the Loadmass business but decided to retire and travel Australia in a motor home he has been building for many years. “Loadman / Airtech products were represented for many years by Frank’s business and we saw it as a good fit to complement our existing workshop business and meet the needs of the ever changing industry,” Chris says – adding that the business has also upgraded to a 3,000-square-metre facility at 49 Holbeche Road. “We have integrated it with our existing workshop and truck alignment business. We have also invested heavily in stock to ensure we can meet the demands of customers to reduce lead times.” The company has since acquired two new vehicles for mobile fitting, covering Sydney, Canberra, the mid north coast and central west areas of New South Wales. It is also expanding its installation agent teams in major capital cities. “We have also installed in-house weighing facilities to speed up the calibration process and reduce fitment times,” Chris says. “We are looking to get installations completed within one week of order for standard systems, so the truck is in and out same day – fitted and calibrated.” Since taking over, Chris says the staff has effectively doubled to ensure the right

people are in the right place to service customers. The Loadman OBM systems that Loadmass provides are approved for all Transport Certification Australia (TCA) requirements. “We have worked closely with many telematics providers to ensure our systems are fully compatible,” Chris says. While the Loadman weighing systems are manufactured in the US with quality components, Loadmass is the Australian distributor which also engages in localised design and customisation to ensure they meet fleet requirements. “We are able to offer systems for rigids, prime movers, trailers and we can offer suspension-based systems to suit spring suspension and air bag suspension,” Chris says. “We can also offer muti-trailer systems and have supplied a number of large fleets with Performance-Based Standards (PBS) approved OBM solutions.” As an alternative to suspension-based systems, the team also offer Loadcell systems. “We are looking forward to a bright future

for the business and we are committed to supplying quality OBM solutions for our existing customers and new customers alike,” Chris says. “Give us a call to discuss your requirements.”

Contact

Loadmass 49 Holbeche Road, Arndell Park NSW 2148 Ph: 1300 562 362 Web: www.loadmass.com.au

Leading the way in vehicle safety and performance

Scully RSV is on a mission to have the safest vehicles on the road. Every day. Scully RSV and SafetyCulture have partnered to develop an industry leading initiative for transport safety. The digital safety inspection captures the performance of Scully RSV vehicles each and every time they are used on our roads. The SafetyCulture platform enables a more efficient and optimised inspection capture and reporting system for vehicle compliance and safety. Delivered via a QR code scan, users can launch and complete the vehicle inspection in less than 30 seconds. Scully RSV is proud to be bringing this initiative to market with Safety Culture and leading the way in keeping our communities and their families safe. It’s another great example of delivering on the customer promise, that Scully RSV fleet is managed to the highest levels of quality, safety and reliability.

QUALITY

RELIABILITY 1800 728 559

FLEXIBILITY info@scullyrsv.com.au

SERVICE

TECHNOLOGY

www.scullyrsv.com.au

Weighing systems

Achieving fleet compliance with Air-Weigh E-Max presents an in-depth look at Air-Weigh On-Board Mass systems which help fleets to run more compliant and efficient operations. In the complex realm of fleet operations where efficiency and safety are critical, Bluetooth wireless technology, though useful in some scenarios, often falls short in effectively pairing trucks with their trailers. This shortfall is particularly evident when the length of a vehicle surpasses the operational range of the wireless device, leading to persistent connectivity problems with the last trailer in a combination, and often resulting in vehicles being non-compliant with Performance-Based Standards or Smart On-Board-Mass (OBM) conditions. Additionally, the laborious process of manually selecting and pairing wireless devices with each trailer can be overwhelming and time consuming for drivers. More worryingly, research has shown drivers often neglect or forget to use the necessary applications, again

Trailer Magazine FEBRUARY 2024

resulting in non-compliance with PBS permits and Smart OBM requirements. On the surface, low-cost wireless OBM solutions might seem attractive due to their affordability, but their drawbacks become apparent when they are installed and put into use. These shortfalls often result in placing undue stress on drivers,

Fast fact Air-Weigh has worked with Transport Certification Australia (TCA) and other road authorities for more than a decade to test and improve its On-Board Mass (OBM) systems. This includes an extensive commitment for TCA’s Category B approved system for use in IAP-M, Smart OBM and VicRoads High Productivity Freight Vehicles (HPFVs).

compromising operational efficiency, and potentially leading to safety concerns and compliance issues within fleet operations. The apparent initial savings can be overshadowed by the long-term operational challenges and risks they introduce.

Air-Weigh uses a transformative solution

E-Max provides a value proposition that is far superior to conventional wireless or Bluetooth scales. Unlike traditional hardwired systems, its novel system eliminates the need for additional cabling between trucks and trailers, utilising the pre-existing 7-pin electrical suzie coils that power the heavy vehicle lights. As a result, fleet operations essentially become ‘wireless’, making it effortless for drivers who only need to ensure that the mandatory 7-Pin electrical Suzie coil is connected.

Fast fact Images: E-Max.

Determining specific axle weights at loadings sites is easy and precise with Air-Weigh On-Board Mass (OBM) systems. This technology helps fleets reduce expenses associated with fees, time, out-of-route kilometres, fuel, overweight penalties and delays in truck stops. In addition to being a superb product, OBM systems are generally provide its users with a rapid return on investment.

Fast fact Integration with all approved telematics providers within the National Telematics Framework is, according to E-Max, a seamless process. Once connected, the Air-Weigh system processes mass information within a secured network between the telematics device and the On-Board Mass (OBM) system. Air-Weigh’s world leading advanced system also automatically assigns trailers in the correct order every single time, ensuring that every trucktrailer configuration complies with your company’s PBS permits without any driver input. It’s as simple as this – no

extra cables (effectively wireless), and no driver input beyond turning the ignition key. Moreover, E-Max enables ‘hot swapping’ of trucks and trailers in fleets. Never worry about pairing or reprogramming trucks and trailers again – it’s all about plug and play, whether truck to trailer or trailer to trailer. Not only does Air-Weigh help to minimise driver distraction, it also creates a safer environment. Without the need for expensive mobile phones or tablets and data/phone contracts, it can lower the risk of on-road distractions and significantly enhance safety. “We understand the crucial role telematics play in modern fleet operations,” said E-Max. “Therefore, AirWeigh is compatible with all telematics

providers approved by Transport Certification Australia (TCA), offering a flexibility many OBM providers cannot match. Air-Weigh brings the future of fleet management to your doorstep, accommodating everything from small fleets to those numbering in the thousands. Embrace the ease of use, enhance safety, and ensure seamless fleet operations with Air-Weigh’s unparalleled OBM solutions. Call: 1300 850 575 or email info@airweigh.com.au and speak with an Air-Weigh Specialist today.

Contact

E-Max Ph: 1300 850 575 E: info@air-weigh.com.au

www.trailermag.com.au

Trailer building materials/components

Illuminating success Enhanced visibility and optimal safety is important for Tuff Trailers which is why it has specified Lucidity Australia lighting for more than a decade. Following a successful and ongoing supply arrangement, the custom trailer builder continues to strengthen the partnership by leaning on the lighting specialist’s other services. The team at Tuff Trailers – based in Crestmead, Brisbane, Queensland – have designed and engineered a variety of trailers since Denis and Nicole Di Pasquale founded the operation in 1995. Over the

Trailer Magazine FEBRUARY 2024

years the trailer builder has developed a solid portfolio of powered steer low loaders, platform trailers, tilt slide trailers and more. Some of these can be tailored to extend or widen depending on the

desired freight task and many of the options available make these Australian innovations stand out in the market – particularly the chassis lengths, axle groups and lighting and electronics. David Dengate of the Engineering & Design Department at Tuff Trailers says Lucidity Australia has been a key lighting supplier since November 2010 when a customer purchased a 3-in-1 LED combination of lights and requested fitment to a new drop deck extendable trailer. “We haven’t looked back,” he says. “Over the years we have utilised the large variety of Lucidity’s quality product in our trailers and have had great success. Recently we have transitioned towards utilising more of Lucidity’s expertise in system application and development.” Lucidity Australia helps to simplify lighting and wiring installations with 100 per cent

Images: Tuff Trailers.

Fast fact Lucidity Australia provides industry with a variety of lighting systems and products such as dolly kits, Electronic Braking System (EBS) electronics, sockets and lighting, links, LED lamps, OMP wire harnesses and other accessories. repeatable designs that are modular, versatile and adaptable. “Predominantly we have used Lucidity’s 26011 round combination lamps, Charge Plus DC-DC chargers and custom looming for back bars and head boards,” David says. “Recently we have been using complete PnP OMP Series and specific Lucidity link components.” Tuff Trailers invests in Lucidity lighting and wiring to provide a superior solution as well as a quality product for their customers. “Our customers use their Tuff Trailers

Fast fact Lucidity’s general electrical and wiring expertise is of great benefit to the transport industry. The Charge Plus range is ideal for protecting fridge plant batteries, while the OMP system, which allows all lighting and electrical elements of a trailer to plug into a common series of connectors, is especially handy for dangerous goods applications. Meanwhile, the Lucidity Link is a popular, durable and reliable lighting option for tippers.

every day and our highest priority is to ensure they operate efficiently with safety, are easy to service and simple to diagnose” David says. “Lucidity’s systems are robust and well designed for the conditions that Australia has to offer. The Australia-wide support network is great assurance to Tuff Trailers that we know our customers always have access to spare parts and the components they need to keep their equipment performing.” The specialised lighting, wiring and electronics that Lucidity Australia provides is backed by an aftersales support network but most importantly the business strives for solutions-based approaches. This mindset ensures a positive user and customer experience every time. “We have always had positive feedback,” David says. “Lucidity have been a support to customers directly and through our product support team,” David says. Our customers have seen first-hand our latest electronic developments and product enhancements with Lucidity’s products. Customers have even gone to the effort to specifically request that we use their complete OMP Series on their new trailers in research and development.” In addition to incredible service and

providing quality componentry, Tuff specifies Lucidity for its integration capabilities. “It’s the supporting network of electrical systems, visual diagnostics, compartmentalised junctions and PnP methodologies that elevate Lucidity beyond everyone else,” David says. “Lucidity Link Series, IDM Series, OMP and Charge Plus products are a game changer.” David commends Mathew Jenkins and Andrew Francis of Lucidity for their continued assistance while co-developing products and integrating their systems. “Matthew and Andrew are both passionate about their craft and are complete stand-outs in their field,” David says. “Lucidity’s support through R&D, manufacturing, end of line and aftersales has been beyond exceptional and we are excited to see what the future holds as we do more together.”

Contact

Lucidity Australia 37 Paraweena Drive Truganina VIC 3029 Web: www.lucidityaustralia.com.au Ph: 03 9219 4074

www.trailermag.com.au

Trailer building materials/components

Sloanebuilt embraces Capral’s LocAl In a major shift, Sloanebuilt has decided to switch 100 per cent of its aluminium purchases to Capral’s LocAl, including extruded and rolled products used extensively in its aluminium trailer builds. For over 35 years, Sloanebuilt has excelled in the manufacturing of custom rigid bodies and truck trailers. The Australian-owned family business prides itself on the design and manufacture of quality heavy vehicle trailers, nationally renowned for their strength, durability and reliability. However, with companies facing increasing pressure to prioritise decarbonisation and sustainability, Sloanebuilt’s dedicated leadership team is making strides towards more sustainable aluminium trailer construction with a switch to LocAl lower carbon aluminium from Capral. Lightweight, strong and resilient aluminium has become an increasingly popular material for use within the transport sector. Through its innate ability to achieve payload reductions, aluminium in particular offers great potential for reducing carbon emissions by replacing

Trailer Magazine FEBRUARY 2024

traditional steel and cast-iron components with lightweight aluminium. The weight of a vehicle’s body and chassis can be reduced by up to 50 per cent, and this reduction directly translates into lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions. While its versatility makes it a popular choice for trailer manufacturers nationwide, aluminium itself can be energy-intensive to produce with significant variations in the carbon emissions generated by smelters during the production of primary aluminium. The main contribution to the carbon emissions of aluminium comes from the electrolysis process used in aluminium smelting. Around 60 per cent of the aluminium sector’s Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are from the production of electricity consumed during the aluminium smelting process. The carbon emissions in primary

aluminium production range from under 4kg CO2e/kg Al to over 20kg CO2e/kg Al, largely dependent upon the energy sources used. The current global average carbon emission for primary aluminium is approximately 13.9 kg CO2e/kg Al. In October 2022, Capral introduced LocAl, its own lower-carbon aluminium option available across locally extruded aluminium products. At eight kilograms of carbon emissions per kilogram of aluminium, the LocAl Green offer has substantially lower carbon emissions than the current global average for primary aluminium. The offer was expanded to include rolled products in November last year with Capral LocAl aluminium plate now available. With a comprehensive lower carbon aluminium offer now open to Sloanebuilt, the business did not hesitate to make the industry-leading move to switch all its

Images: Capral.

aluminium purchases to Capral’s cleaner, greener option. “We view this as an exciting and important move for Sloanebuilt,” says Sloanebuilt Managing Director, Fred Marano. “Sloanebuilt trailers are used by some of the largest transport fleets in Australia, servicing some of the largest businesses in Australia across a wide range of industry sectors. “As more and more businesses prioritise decarbonisation, the ability to offer a lower carbon option for trailer builds is becoming increasingly important. This is a simple change Sloanebuilt can make that has a huge impact on the total carbon emissions associated with our builds without compromising the quality, durability or performance of our trailers.” By choosing Capral’s LocAl Green lower carbon aluminium, Sloanebuilt is demonstrating its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint while maintaining the high-quality builds it is known for. Capral Industrial Solutions State Manager NSW, Mark Murray, says this strategic move will allow Sloanebuilt to meet the increasing

demand for sustainable transport options and set an example for the industry. “Sloanebuilt’s commitment to supporting the Australian economy and using locally sourced materials is part of their ethos,” he says. “I’m not surprised they are the first trailer manufacturer in Australia to switch to locally supplied lower carbon aluminium for their builds, making them a clear industry leader in this space.” Part of the Sloanebuilt quality commitment is that the suppliers of materials and components used in Sloanebuilt trailers must pass stringent performance criteria – durability, reliability and sustainability are critical factors in the team’s material selections. Earlier this year, Capral became the first Australian aluminium extruder to achieve Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) Performance and Chain of Custody (CoC) certifications for the extrusion, warehousing and distribution of aluminium products and services. The certifications apply to all of Capral’s 26 facilities, composed of mills, distribution

centres and aluminium centres spread across every state and territory in Australia. These certifications recognise Capral’s commitment to responsible production, sourcing and management of aluminium products. “It was great to see Capral achieve their ASI certifications,” Fred says. “This ticks a box for Sloanebuilt, giving us added assurance about the responsible sourcing of our aluminium.” Sloanebuilt’s dedication to sustainability goes beyond just the choice of materials. It has implemented various sustainable manufacturing practices, including energyefficient processes, waste reduction initiatives and responsible sourcing. By integrating sustainability into every aspect of its business, Sloanebuilt is setting a new standard in environmentally conscious manufacturing within the Australian heavy vehicle transport sector.

Contact

Capral Aluminium Ph: 1800 258 646 Web: www.capral.com.au

www.trailermag.com.au

Trailer building materials/components

Safety in numbers Rentco supplies equipment on short, medium and long-term periods and backs its services with highly skilled personnel to provide customers with industry leading support anywhere in Australia. Due to its reliability and investment in high quality equipment and technology, Rentco is leading the way in the heavy-duty truck and trailer industry. Rentco Transport Equipment Rentals is a prominent equipment rentals company, providing fleet operators Australia-wide with trucks, utility vehicles and trailers along with 24/7 support. Rentco National Business Manager, Paul Scott, says the company’s position in the market is underpinned via its dedication to its services and its people. “We’re open for business, we’re the best because we’re very good at what we do,” he says. “We’ve done it through good leadership, loyal people, strong management and longevity.” Rentco is focused on continuing to service the Australian transport sector through its safe, current and compliant vehicles of varying types and specifications, and Paul explains that along with building further efficiencies in technology, tracking and lean leadership, the company aims to draw on the past 30 years and make good business decisions while catering to the market in the next 12 months. “We continue working closely with our

Trailer Magazine FEBRUARY 2024

customers and by listening carefully to the market and what it is telling us,” he says. “The next 10 years will be testament to that. The more the market speaks, the more we listen and the more we adapt to change.” The scene in 1994 painted a different picture for Rentco, then located in Kewdale, Western Australia. Paul explains that it was a basic operation, with basic principles and management systems. Clients spoke and acted according to budgets and finance constraints, and yearly growth was very difficult due to the large number of competitors in the industry. By expanding locations, applying an agile approach to its operations according to the demands of the market and sourcing strategic management teams for each depot, Rentco was able to pivot and take a leadership position within the industry, all the while developing its now long long-serving employees. “We’ve got depots in Townsville, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Darwin,” he says. “All but one

of our branch management team are long term employees and have grown with the business over the years of huge business and personal growth. The founding manager of Adelaide is still in Adelaide,

Fast fact The electrification of heavy vehicle equipment is in full swing in Australia. Rentco has committed to the supply of fit-for-purpose electric terminal tractors which are available for rent. The tractor designers describe the performance of the YT200’s electric motor as like that of a diesel engine, but with no CO2 and NOx emissions at the point of use. It also has fewer moving parts than both a diesel engine and any other previous electric vehicle generations, resulting in lower maintenance costs. Another benefit that is particularly relevant for terminal trucks which often operate indoors, is that they have a reduced noise level.

I Squared Capital’s investment in Rentco has accelerated the expansion of the business. It has also enabled Rentco to provide a stronger focus on customer service and better cashflow solutions for fleets to ease asset ownership, compliance and service costs.

one of the founding managers in Brisbane is still in Brisbane. Every one of our depots has a handful of 10-years-plus employees as does the senior management group.” Paul says the compliance and HPV aspect of the job has also grown significantly. “Technology has been a massive change in the business, particularly in the last 10 years,” he says. “Technologies played a huge part in our growth and capabilities in terms of reporting, operating systems, communication and our electronic platform

that we use is integrated and custom, and it’s being updated monthly to try and keep pace with the times.” Paul says that rather than focusing on a single niche in the industry, Rentco listens to the needs of the market. “We don’t focus on a specific industry, we follow the entire transport market and our customers, and right now there is opportunity coming from lower carbon emissions and high productivity vehicles via the Performance-Based Standards (PBS) high productivity scheme. There is

Images: Rentco.

Fast fact

also significant infrastructure and mining projects that are requiring additional equipment as is the Fast Moving Consumable Goods (FMCG) segment. We are geared to move and change direction very quickly and this allows us to service many market segments at once even new and emerging markets.” Paul says Rentco is in an enviable position in the market and is confident it will continue to grow at pace which has been made much easier by partnering with I Squared Capital. “Rentco is open for business and continues to grow because it has to – not just because it wants to,” he says. “We’re becoming more adaptable every year, and 30 years of success allows for such adaptability.”

Contact

Rentco Ph: 08 9353 9999 Ph: 1300 736 826 (toll free) M: 0407 456 463 Web: www.rentco.com.au

www.trailermag.com.au

Trailer building materials/components

JOST goes the extra mile To accompany its far-reaching coverage of fifth wheels and couplings, JOST has an established dedication to providing fleets with the best service possible. Traditionally, it was JOST’s standard JSK 37 series fifth wheels that it had been renowned for industry-wide. And, while the product still makes up around 80 per cent of its sales, JOST has ventured far deeper into the turntable area. It now has a complete product offering across the board with a wide range of fifth wheels readily available in both 50mm and 90mm configurations, with grease or greaseless options, and incorporated with the latest air and sensor technologies. From the original 37 series, JOST moved onto the JSK 42 range. This was developed with OH&S in mind to combat injuries when trying to open fifth wheels, and it features greaseless inserts, automatic greasing of the jaw (thanks to JOST’s LubeTronic), three-point sensors and air operation. The technology in this fifth wheel was the start of what progressed into JOST’s latest innovation, KKS – the fully automatic coupling that debuted into the Australian market at last year’s Brisbane Truck Show and which shows just how far JOST has come. JOST is also advancing further in its Heavy Duty series, with the JSK 38 and JSK 39 series 90mm fifth wheels. The 38 series has the advantage of being able to swap a 50mm jaw to a 90mm jaw,

Trailer Magazine FEBRUARY 2024

which comes in handy for operators using trailers for different applications as it saves replacing the casting or changing fifth wheels. In addition, JOST has the mining industry covered with the large JSK 52s and then the JSK 54s which it claims is the only fifth wheel in Australia with a four-inch pin. JOST also offers customers a greaseless casting (standard or sensor) with grease steel inserts for all applications, which can be changed from grease to greaseless when required. By fitting it, customers can avoid wearing castings out and then having to replace the fifth wheel. It is also cheaper to replace just the steel inserts than the entire casting once worn or if a miss alignment damages the top face. Jaw life on a dedicated combination is also improved with every greaseless fifth wheel casting as they are supplied with LubeTronic. The self-lubricating system dispenses controlled amounts of grease continuously to the jaw and king pin, ensuring that there is no over greasing which could cause contamination to the environment. Aside from the product, JOST has always had a major commitment to fleets in terms of understanding their applications and needs. Now, though, it is focusing

on working closer with these transport companies to ensure that they receive the service, backup and training that is required. “A key part of JOST’s ability to be trusted and preferred in the market is the service training that we go out and push,” says JOST National Fleet Manager, Shane Harbridge. “The customer service side is a big part of the business, as well as the driver training, workshop training and the parts interpreter training. We try and get all three aspects of the business so that everybody completely understands our products.” By doing this, JOST can help its customers specify the right product for the right application. “If we’re putting new equipment into fleets, we’ll find out when that equipment is going in there and we will go in to do the training to make sure they know how to use it,” Shane says. “We have a variety of fifth wheels, but the standard isn’t the standard. We need to ensure that when people are spec’ing a vehicle, we ask the specific questions on the application because some fifth wheels aren’t suited for certain applications. We want to ensure that we are a part of that fleet, and that we do give the best possible option for the application that

Images: JOST Australia.

they’re putting the vehicle into.” The same dedication is carried over to truck and trailer OEMs, where JOST will work with them on the first install. If these companies have a JOST product which they have never fitted before, JOST’s engineering department will work with theirs to ensure it can give them ample information and guidance to ensure safe and compliant installations. “We have a commitment to the industry to ensure that we train and have people understanding the product, because

that’s a big part of the issue – people not understanding the product properly,” Shane says. “So, with all the technology and everything that goes out there, we want to make sure that we train so that the workshops know how to maintain it and the drivers know how to use it.” In the long-term, this assures the end user that they will get the most life out of their fifth wheels. “We’ve had a lot of good feedback and appreciation of how much work we do put into it – the training that we provide, the

information that we supply, the advantages and sometimes the honesty of saying, ‘This isn’t going to work for you’,” Shane says. “We would prefer to ensure that we have the right equipment in the right application. We’re not there just to sell. We’re there to provide a service to the market to have the correct equipment.”

Contact

JOST Australia Ph: 1800 811 487 Web: www.jostaustralia.com.au

www.trailermag.com.au

Infrastructure spotlight

Road upgrades & new developments

What you need to know about Australia’s biggest road projects this month $500M Newell Highway upgrades now complete

The completion of 38 new overtaking lanes along the full length of the Newell Highway in New South Wales will mean faster, safer and more reliable journeys for freight operators. The overtaking lanes have been completed as part of a four-year project to build around 60 kilometres of new overtaking lanes between Tocumwal in the south of the state and Narrabri in the north. Eight of the new overtaking lanes have been built in the Pilliga, between Coonabarabran and Narrabri. They are now open at: • Pilliga, about 15 kilometres north of Coonabarabran • Dandry, about 30 kilometres north of Coonabarabran • Near the Pilliga Rest Area, about 63 kilometres north of Coonabarabran • Near the Sir William Bridges Rest Area, about 24 kilometres south of Narrabri Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, Catherine King, said the four Pilliga sites had been selected to maximise safety, efficiency and value for money. “Building overtaking lanes in pairs, as we’ve been able to do through the Pilliga, means we can maximise efficiencies in terms of the environmental and geotechnical investigations we carry out at each site, establishing one site compound instead of two and savings in terms of construction time and traffic control,” she said. “With all eight overtaking lanes now completed, road users have an extra 12 kilometres of overtaking opportunities between Coonabarabran and Narrabri.” The Newell Highway Program Alliance (NHPA) represented a $236.8 million investment in regional NSW by the Australian and NSW governments, with a focus on safety.

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It was created in 2019 to deliver the 38 additional overtaking lanes in four years, instead of the likely eight years it would have taken to fund and deliver this work using traditional procurement methods. As well as new overtaking lanes, the NHPA has also delivered six road safety improvements along sections of the highway including wider shoulders, centre lines and the installation of audio tactile line marking on the edges and centre of the highway. Now complete, the new overtaking lanes are expected to reduce travel times between the Victorian and Queensland borders by around 30 minutes.

Construction commences on Pilliga Road upgrade

Construction is underway on the new 20-kilometre stretch of Pilliga Road between Pilliga and Wee Waa, New South Wales. The $7.84 million upgrade involves reconstructing major flood ways and large sections of road pavement on Pilliga Road in Narrabri Shire. The upgrade will further provide improved transport efficiency, support increased freight movement and enhance integration with key freight networks. As a sealed regional road and part of the main East/West transport link, Pilliga Road connects Coonamble, Pilliga, Wee Waa and Narrabri, while also serving as a direct link to the Kamilaroi Highway. This forms part of the important freight route between Narrabri Shire and the ports of Newcastle, Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour), Port Botany and Port Kembla. Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said the project aims to improve safety for all road users. “It’s about making NSW road networks more efficient and accessible, more

reliable and better connected,” she said. “The Australian Government is committed to building transport infrastructure that connects communities and drives economic growth in our regions.” Construction is expected to be complete by October 2024, weather permitting.

Seven new heavy vehicletargeted road projects announced

The Australian Government has announced a series of new projects to boost heavy vehicle safety and productivity. Seven new projects have been approved under the latest round of funding applications for the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program (HVSPP). Two of these will each be allocated to Queensland, South Australia and Victoria, with one in New South Wales. The Australian Government will invest $18 million into these seven projects as part of its ongoing commitment of at least $65 million per year for the HVSPP program. “The Australian Government continues to invest in our country’s trucking industry through the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program, which funds projects aimed at increasing the safety and reliability of regional roads and freight networks,” said Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Carol Brown. “With this new round of funding we’re able to help more local councils improve their freight access and transport throughout the community so businesses can get on with delivering their goods and services in a more efficient way.” The HVSPP program provides funding to state, territory and local governments for projects to increase safety and productivity along heavy vehicle freight routes. These projects include widening and upgrading roads used along these key routes.

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Image: Lecitrailer

Lecitrailer’s steady success

Having led the Spanish market for more than 25 years, Lecitrailer has garnered a reputation for having a vast and versatile range of vehicles that meet the European demand for complex semi-trailer configurations. Lecitrailer has been manufacturing vehicles that offer an innovative and efficient solution for more than 30 years and the Spanish OEM always ensures it meets the personalised requirements of its clients, something it says is ingrained in its DNA. Along with manufacturing vehicles that give operators both safety and longevity, Lecitrailer sells second-hand vehicles and has a large stock of original spare parts for all its brands. All its offerings, the company said, are complimented by its in-house, aftersales services. Representative of its growth and ongoing success, Lecitrailer recorded 26.88 per cent market share in the first half of 2023 with its main product categories in Spain being curtainsiders, vans, container carriers, trailers, platforms, steel tippers and reefers. Its Evolution model reefer has made it the market leader in this category in 2023, thus far. With 57 per cent of its products being exported, it isn’t surprising that the Lecitrailer brand is the third most popular in France with almost 11 per cent market share and is currently a market

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leader in Portugal with a 26.35 per cent share. It has also consolidated its position as a benchmark manufacturer in other markets such as Italy, the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway and Finland. With so many countries to service, each with its own set of parameters, regulations and legislation, flexibility in design and manufacturing is a must for Lecitrailers, especially when it comes to configurations. “Production flexibility allows Lecitrailer to adapt its vehicles to the characteristics and regulations of each and every one of the countries in which it markets its vehicles,” Lecitrailer said, adding that all its semi-trailer chassis have been subjected to the cataphoresis process (KTL). This ensures a uniform coating of 50 microns over the entire surface, the highest chassis protection on the market, which offers a 10-year guarantee against corrosion perforation. Another of its competitive advantages is its after-sales service bases, where it repairs every type of semi-trailer, covering all different brands. In fact, Lecitrailer is the only manufacturer in

Europe that dedicates 30 per cent of its workforce of 1,000 employees, to the repair, maintenance and sale of spare parts. This is done through facilities located in three countries – Zaragoza, Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Sevilla, Lyon (FR) and Mangualde (PT) – and comprising a footprint that covers 500,000 square metres. Its most recently opened centre is in Mangualde, Portugal. They are all open 16 hours a day. Each service base is known for being customer oriented and are equipped with advanced repair technology including chassis straightening racks, shot blasting booths, paint booths, brake testers, laser tyre alignment systems and repair pits. These aftersales bases don’t just provide servicing, with customers able to access the LT Store which provides spare parts as well as personalised advice and expertise. Lecitrailer’s service bases provide more than 30,000 main brand spare parts and offer delivery services to individual premises with delivery vehicles equipped to ensure safe, efficient and quick delivery and unloading.

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Fleet of the month

Image: Arkajon.

Skip to the End

From domestic detritus to commercial off-cuts and everything in between, Tom Hogan of North East Bin Hire is passionate about recycling, reusing and minimising landfill. Albury-based North East Bin Hire offers services to southern New South Wales and north-east Victoria, and has 15 trucks in its fleet and 900 bins available. Co-owner, Tom Hogan, is convinced that skip trucks, also known as skip eights, are the hardest working trucks on the road, which makes him very fussy about what he purchases. “Skip trucks are unique little animals,” he says. “We are bouncing into construction sites, going from no load to a maximum load and sometimes we’re up a hill sideways. You just never know where you are going to end up.” For his latest truck, he decided to go for an Isuzu MY22 FRR 110-240, a medium-duty truck and a popular choice for commercial applications, including construction, distribution, and waste management. North East Bin Hire have five Isuzu trucks in their fleet, including its latest purchase,

Trailer Magazine FEBRUARY 2024

the Isuzu FRR 110-240. This model is powered by a 4HK1-TCH engine that produces 177kW and 765Nm of torque. Tom’s is a four-cylinder, six-speed manual with a gross vehicle mass of 11,000kg and a gross combination mass of 16,000kg. He purchased the cab chassis, but with a wheelbase of 4,006mm, it’s perfect for carrying a skip. A lot of Tom’s work comes from building sites and because of his growing fleet, he has had the opportunity to be on the frontline of moving away from landfill as a first resort. The company often works with builders who are consciously getting involved and taking part in recycling and reusing projects. “By no means are we eco-warriors, but there are just so many sustainability opportunities available where we can divert waste from landfill and even do some waste separation on site,” he says, recalling recently salvaging timber from

a heritage building that was reused by a cabinet maker. “Even just being able to divert steel off-cuts from roofing sheets and other construction waste is such a good thing,” Tom says. “It’s good for the environment and a win for everyone.” Meanwhile, Tom is pleased to know that in the unlikely event something goes wrong with one of the Isuzu trucks, the service at Blacklock dealership does everything to ensure it isn’t off the road for very long. With one of his trucks in need of a cap, Tom was offered a loan from another truck until the delivery arrived, so there was no downtime. “That’s the kind of customer service that makes you know that you are being looked after,” he said, adding that his next purchase will be an Isuzu. “It is just well planted on the road, and even with a load it is a great driving experience.”

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What’s on

Truck Shows & Field Days Pencil in some information on dates and venues of various truck shows, field days and road transport industry conferences both locally and internationally. Got an upcoming event? Then let us know about it – email editor@trailermag.com.au February Western Australia

April New South Wales

EvokeAG 20-21 February Perth, WA Visit: www.evokeag.com

National Diesel Dirt and Turf Expo 12-14 April Sydney, NSW Visit: www.dieseldirtandturf.com.au

New South Wales

Canberra

LBRCA Annual Conference 23-24 February Wagga Wagga, NSW Visit: www.lbrca.org.au/lbrca-events/conferences

Trucking Australia 17-19 April Canberra, ACT Visit: www.new.truck.net.au/ta

March Victoria Wimmera Machinery Field Days 5-7 March Horsham, VIC Visit: www.wimmerafielddays.com.au

South Australia South East Field Days 15-16 March Lucindale, SA Visit: www.sefd.com.au

Queensland 2024 LRTAQ/ALRTA Combined Conference 21-22 March Toowoomba, QLD Visit: www.lrtaq.com.au/annual-conference

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May New South Wales Tocal Field Days 3-5 May Tocal, NSW Visit: www.tocalfielddays.com

Victoria TruckShowX 13-15 May Cape Schanck, VIC Visit: www.hvia.asn.au/events ALC Supply Chain Summit 22 May Melbourne, VIC Visit: www.austlogistics.com.au/events

TWAL Living the Dream Conference 30 May-1 June Essendon Fields, VIC Visit: www.transportwomen.com.au/events

September Victoria MEGATRANS 18-19 September Melbourne, VIC Visit: www.megatrans.com.au

Germany IAA Transportation Hanover, Germany 17-22 September Visit: www.iaa-transportation.com/en

October Victoria Elmore Field days 1-3 October Elmore, VIC Visit: www.elmorefielddays.com.au

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