Trailer Magazine May 2023

PUBLISHER

John Murphy john.murphy@primecreative.com.au

MANAGING EDITOR

Luke Applebee luke.applebee@primecreative.com.au

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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.

COPYRIGHT

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.

Some people just want to watch the world burn

Despite that damning 2019 Netflix documentary about the greatest party that never happened, word on the street is that Fyre Festival II might be happening after all. For those not in the know, Billy McFarland was convicted of wire fraud for his part in financing what became a notoriously horrendous fail of a music event back in 2017. Hyped attendees were sold a dream and found themselves, unfortunately, stranded and without adequate food or shelter on a remote Bahamas island. The entire saga is a masterclass in how not to coordinate and manage an event. It is essential viewing for the numerous lessons there are to learn from the chaos that ensued. Of course, the organisers sold tickets based on bold promises – the best food, art, music and access to celebrities –

and ultimately failed in execution on every front. Disgruntled ticketholders took to social media in droves, their testimony dismantled the fantasy. Instead of luxury accommodation and meals there were busted tents and barely enough potable water to go around. And where were the famous people? It is understood that some high-profile musicians bailed on the festival due to a lack of payment but it would seem many of those involved, including workers in the Bahamas, are still out of pocket.

How McFarland, who served four years in prison and is reported to owe creditors about $26 million USD, can whip up a media frenzy and attempt the same scam twice is absolutely wild. His response to the naysayers: ‘it’s in the best interest of those I owe for me to be working’.

I’ve been dealing with Vawdrey personally for 25 years and I have never had any issues. It’s always been run on the basis of mutual respect and ensuring that the high values and ethics of our companies are upheld for mutual benefit.

Toll launches ‘Curiosity in Motion’

A brand refresh and campaign for Toll will support brand awareness and repositioning as it expands across Australia, Asia and the US markets with $1.2 billion of investments planned over the next four years.

Toll Group unveiled ‘Curiosity in Motion’ last month which is reported to capture how the transport and logistics company delivers value for businesses in an era of change and disruption.

Toll Chief Corporate Affairs & Marketing Officer, Zed Ivankovic, said the new brand positioning and campaigns are a fresh, bold expression of how Toll makes an impact for businesses.

“Throughout Toll’s 130-year history, curiosity has been at the heart of our brand and the way we work,” said Ivankovic.

“Our new brand and campaign highlights how we at Toll push beyond the status quo to find new and better ways to deliver value for our customers.”

Informed by both external and internal research, the campaign creative ‘Think outside the box’ centres on how Toll makes an impact for customers.

The three creative variations show how Toll is creating solutions across three big supply chain areas: fast e-commerce logistics, supply chain visibility and simplifying complex shipping.

“At Toll, we know our brand and we understand the power of great ideas and creativity in the ever-changing supply

chain sector,” said Ivankovic.

“With our new brand identity and campaign, our people play a starring role, bringing their curiosity and spirit of progress to life with curiosity in motion.”

The campaign will run across social media in markets covering Australia, Asia and Europe.

Land earmarked for freight terminal operations in Melbourne’s north

A long-awaited freight terminal in Melbourne’s northern suburbs is one step closer to being realised thanks to Federal Government-owned National Intermodal Corporation exercising an option to acquire land.

The 1,100-hectare parcel has been identified as a suitable site for the Beveridge Intermodal Freight Terminal (BIFT) which will connect to Inland Rail on the Tottenham-to-Albury section.

Once developed, the site will offer double-stacked services for 1800-metre freight trains to Perth and, upon completion of Inland Rail, to Brisbane.

Early planning is looking at ways to support potential interstate rail services at Beveridge as soon as possible, with full terminal and precinct warehouse operations expected by 2028/29. The

precinct will also see upgrades to key road corridors.

Moorebank Intermodal Company CEO, James Baulderstone, said acquiring the land at Beveridge was an important milestone in the development of Melbourne’s modern, efficient intermodal terminals.

National Intermodal is also pushing the project forward by teeing-up large-scale support. It’s announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Aurizon, Australia’s largest freight operator, as the foundation customer for the pending terminal.

Meanwhile the City of Whittlesea is celebrating the news. It has been advocating to both Federal and State governments for funding, keen to see the plans get the green light.

Council Chair Administrator, Lydia Wilson, said the project will not only provide full terminal and precinct warehouse operations, and support interstate railway services, but also contribute $3.5 billion to the economy each year and create 20,000 jobs in construction and operations.

Schmitz Cargobull partners with MaxiTRANS

International trailer builder, Schmitz Cargobull, has invested in the MaxiTRANS business.

Schmitz Cargobull has today become a minority shareholder (26 per cent) in the Australian Trailer Solutions Group (ATSG), in a partnership that will continue to set the MaxiTRANS business up for long term success in the Australian market.

ATSG comprises a group of investors, including a number of Ballarat locals. Since ATSG purchased the MaxiTRANS trailer business in September 2021, its primary focus has been on supporting Australian manufacturing, its people and delivering a high-quality product for its customers.

“We are extremely thrilled to have Schmitz Cargobull onboard with MaxiTRANS as a partner,” said MaxiTRANS Executive Chairman, Greg L’Estrange.

“Schmitz Cargobull has a great reputation for high quality, innovative design and durability across its expansive product offering. To have a company with such an international reputation see value in our plans for the MaxiTRANS business is testament to our people and the on-going support of our customers who have helped continue to build the business since ATSG came onboard.”

The partnership with Schmitz Cargobull will allow the businesses to partner on technology, scalability and processes that can then be implemented into the MaxiTRANS operation.

“The backing of Schmitz Cargobull, coupled with our own investment into the business, will allow us to streamline our processes, deliver global supply chain

benefits and allow MaxiTRANS to continue to focus on delivering outstanding quality and support for our customers,” said L’Estrange.

“In addition, it provides access to worldwide trends and technology that we can utilise and leverage in the Australian market.”

Schmitz Cargobull CEO, Andreas Schmitz, said: “Our investment in MaxiTRANS offers great potential to unlock manufacturing synergies and introduce advanced technologies to support and contribute to the Australian trailer industry.

L’Estrange added: “We look forward with great excitement at the future of the MaxiTRANS business as we work together with our investment partners and continue to support our customers for the life of our product.”

Schmitz Cargobull Australia Managing Director, Les Lange, told Trailer this investment is a good fit for both businesses and is bound to have a positive impact on the Australian trucking industry.

“There is so much activity in the industry at the moment,” he said.

“With increasing demand for the timely and safe delivery of perishable goods, among other commodities and critical cargo, fleets are on the lookout for stateof-the-art trailing equipment that will best serve their customers and keep supply chains moving.

“We see a brilliant synergy in motion between Schmitz Cargobull and MaxiTRANS and will leverage our combined expertise and technologies to empower fleet owners and operators.”

Qube manages lead-silver concentrate shipment

Logistics service provider, Qube, has coordinated the first shipment of lead-silver concentrate from the Abra Base Metals mine for Galena Mining to Geraldton Port.

A pioneer in the containerised bulk supply chain, Qube deployed a system for rotating container tippers with integrated lid lifters.

In addition to achieving productivity gains with this technology, it also allows concentrates to be transported and loaded into vessels without creating a dust hazard and minimises the risk of spillage.

Qube said it facilitated the loading of the Papora Wisdom vessel in April with 5,019 dry metric tonnes of the concentrate bound for Asia.

“The Abra Base Metals Mine is a globally significant lead-silver project located in the Edmund Basin in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia (situated between the towns of Newman and Meekatharra),” Qube said in a statement.

“It is approximately 100km due west of the Great Northern Highway, which connects the remote towns of Meekatharra and Newman. Leadsilver concentrate produced at Abra is transported by road to the port of Geraldton in the mid-west of WA, where it is then prepared for export.”

Coles bolsters milk supply security

Coles Group has agreed to acquire two automated milk processing facilities from Saputo Dairy Australia (SDA) for consideration of approx. $105 million.

Each facility has the capacity to process around 225 million litres a year and they are predominantly used today to process Coles Own Brand 2L and 3L milk. The processing facilities are located in Laverton North (Victoria) and Erskine Park (New South Wales) close to Coles’ distribution centres.

“These facilities are state-of-theart, delivering exceptional production efficiency and quality through highly automated processes,” said Coles CEO, Steven Cain.

“Whilst improving security of our milk supply and our supply chain resilience in the dairy sector, these facilities also have sufficient capacity to facilitate further growth opportunities through new product innovation.

“The acquisition will build on the strong relationships we have developed with our dairy farmers since launching our direct sourcing model in 2019. Around 90 dairy farmers supply milk direct to Coles, allowing these farmers to invest for the future and ensuring the long-term sustainability of their farms.

“These processing facilities will complement our existing investments in

our Own and Exclusive brand portfolio and manufacturing capabilities in areas such as convenience meals and meat.”

SDA site-based employees at both facilities will be offered employment contracts with Coles.

Coles and SDA will also enter into customary transitional services arrangements to ensure a smooth handover to Coles.

Coles will continue its direct sourcing model and relationships with existing dairy farmers, with no expected impact on current arrangements.

Other examples of Coles bringing manufacturing in-house include:

• the construction in 2015 of a highly automated retail-ready meat and poultry manufacturing facility in Erskine Park (NSW) to secure supply and improve shelf-life of meat products.

• the acquisition in 2020 of the Jewel Fine Foods (now Chef Fresh) ready-made meals facility in Mascot (NSW) to expand the convenience meals range available to Coles’ customers. Additional automation has subsequently been added to this site.

To further its commitment to the dairy industry, in March, Coles announced a $3 million investment through the Coles Sustainable Dairy Development Group. Dairy farmers can apply for grants of up to $50,000 per year with funding to be

used on projects which enhance the sustainability of farms.

This grant funding builds on $2.2 million already provided through the Coles Sustainable Dairy Development Group for projects including heat stress research and foot-and-mouth disease guidance, as well as a roll-out of defibrillators on farms.

The acquisition will be funded from Coles’ existing debt facilities and is expected to exceed our investment return hurdles within three years.

The acquisition of these sites is subject to Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) approval and other customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed in 1H FY24.

According to financial results for 1H 2023, Coles Group reported total sales revenue growth from continuing operations of 3.9 per cent to $20.8 billion.

Meanwhile, Perth-based conglomerate, Wesfarmers, has sold all of its remaining interest in Coles Group.

Last month, Wesfarmers confirmed the sale of its remaining 2.8 per cent. It has gradually reduced its shareholding in Coles since the demerger in November 2018.

Wesfarmers and Coles will reportedly continue the Flybuys joint venture, with both groups retaining a 50 per cent interest in Flybuys.

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Flex Contract Logistics acquires Doug Hayes Transport

Flex Contract Logistics acquired Doug Hayes Transport (DHT) last month.

The acquisition is part of Flex Contract Logistics’ five-year strategy to become a leading player within the transport and logistics industry.

With warehouses in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, the DHT acquisition will allow Flex Contract Logistics to transport less-than-full truck loads with one-pallet to 36-pallet options.

Flex Contract Logistics Managing Director, Lachlan Boyd, said the acquisition will give the company a strategic advantage in its growth plan.

“It provides us with an expanded footprint along the eastern seaboard, much needed additional equipment and the ability to now provide customers a full service offering for interstate requirements,” he said.

“There are existing customers in both the DHT and Flex businesses who can now access a wider range of services.

“This is just one of the synergies we expect to extract from the acquisition and we are confident this will fast track our growth over the next 12-18 months.”

DHT Director, Doug Hayes, has agreed to stay on board and support the integration of the two businesses.

According to Boyd, this will play a major role in the growth of the business.

“Having Doug stay around is beneficial to the entire Flex business, and we will ensure that everyone gets the opportunity to spend time with him and learn as much

as possible,” he said.

“Through continued investment in our people, technology and safety, Flex will

Sturt Highway upgrade takes next step

The ongoing Sturt Highway Corridor Upgrade has now set its sights on the 55-kilometre stretch between Annadale and Shea-Oak Log in South Australia.

Pavement rehabilitation works will be undertaken at multiple locations along the highway and are expected to be complete by late 2023.

Rest areas will also begin construction and upgrading this quarter and should be complete by the end of the year.

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local

Government, Catherine King, said the Government’s funding is key in ensuring SA’s road network is as safe and efficient as possible.

“The Australian Government is addressing the need to improve safety for motorists and freight transport operators at multiple locations on the Sturt Highway,” she said.

“This project demonstrates our Government’s commitment to supporting more efficient, resilient and safer traffic and transport solutions for

continue to grow with our customer base and continue to go the extra mile to ensure our customers are well looked after.”

South Australians.”

SA Minister for Regional Roads, Geoff Brock, said there are plenty more improvements to come.

“The South Australian and Australian governments remain committed to improving safety, freight efficiency and supporting regional economic growth along this vital stretch of road,” he said.

Other related projects are taking place north-east of Nuriootpa, which will be followed by works west of Truro and northeast of Gawler.

Heysen Tunnels overhaul to improve road safety in SA

A refit of the Heysen Tunnels in South Australia will improve road safety, traffic management and incident response capabilities for the 50,000 vehicles that use the tunnels daily.

The project addresses current tunnel elements that are at the end of their service life, to improve safety, traffic management and incident response capabilities.

Works include: upgrading the tunnel lighting to a new LED system; installing a new automated fire suppression system; upgrading the tunnel ventilation system; repairing the tunnel lining and installing monitoring equipment; upgrading the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) equipment, including thermal incident detection systems, new and replacement CCTV, electronic speed and messaging signage and over-height vehicle detection; upgrading the traffic management system to restrict access to the tunnels in the event of an emergency incident; and upgrading emergency communication systems, including public address, radio rebroadcast, in-tunnel signage and help phones to improve safety and network reliability.

More than 50,000 vehicles travel through the tunnels each day, around 10 per cent of which are heavy vehicles.

McConnell Dowell Constructors (Australia) Pty Ltd has been appointed as the Managing Contractor for the works and where possible, local sub-contractors and suppliers will be engaged to deliver packages of works.

The Australian and South Australian governments have jointly committed funding towards the Heysen Tunnels Refit and Safety Upgrade Project, with the Australian Government contributing $120 million and South Australian Government $30 million, as part of a broader South

Eastern Freeway Upgrade, which also includes Stage 2 of the Managed Motorway Measures project.

Initial upgrades, including additional investigation works and the start of tunnel lining repairs, will kick off from Sunday, 19 March 2023, for a period of around two months.

To minimise the impacts to road users, works will be carried out at night from Sundays to Thursdays between 8pm and 6am.

The Crafers-bound tunnel will be closed during these periods, with the Adelaidebound tunnel to accommodate traffic in both directions.

During works, speed will be restricted to 40km/h in both directions on the approach to the tunnels and through the down-track tunnel.

Traffic will return to normal operation, with usual speed limits, for both carriageways each morning from 6am.

It is not anticipated that works will be undertaken on Friday and Saturday nights, or on public holidays, however advance notice will be provided via onsite message boards, project updates and social media if this changes.

Access for emergency service vehicles and to all safety ramps will be maintained at all times during these works and there is no change to public transport services. Both tunnels will reopen if required in an emergency.

“The Australian Government investment in this project will ensure people can continue to reliably and safely use this crucial and modern traffic link for years to come,” said Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King.

“This project demonstrates our Government’s commitment to supporting

more efficient, resilient and integrated traffic and transport solutions for South Australians.”

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Tom Koutsantonis, said: “The Heysen Tunnels have served South Australia well for more than 20 years now, but with technology evolving these upgrades are necessary to keep them operating as effectively as possible.

“The technology in these tunnels was cutting edge when they opened in 2000, but with much of it now reaching the end of its service life, we’re able to install modern, state-of-the-art equipment.

“With safety of the South-Eastern freeway a priority for the Malinauskas Labor Government, we are taking steps to future-proof the Heysen Tunnels, so that they can keep operating safely for decades to come.

“McConnell Dowell has delivered some key projects for South Australia; among them the Seaford Rail extension, O-Bahn City Access project and Granite Island Causeway.

“These works will cause some disruption to traffic, so it will be important that people plan ahead, check for updates, allow extra travel time where necessary and obey any of the temporary speed or traffic restrictions in place.”

There are two Heysen Tunnels running side-by-side. One is city-bound and the other is hills-bound.

Each tunnel is 500 metres long and 10.5 metres wide; has three lanes, each 3.5 metres wide; has a 90 km/hour speed limit, and takes about 20 seconds to drive through; has incident detection cameras that detect stopped or slow moving vehicles – these alert the Traffic Management Centre to any problems; as well as roadside emergency telephones every 50 metres along the tunnel wall.

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BPW Transpec welding team pass with flying colours

All seven members of BPW Transpec’s welding team have successfully passed the transport equipment manufacturer’s welding standards test.

BPW Transpec Product Manager, Steve Civelle, said the nature of the equipment that BPW Transpec manufactures, as well as its high durability and reliability standards, means specific welding knowledge is required.

“Because we manufacture trailer axles and suspensions, if the welding isn’t done correctly, cracks could appear in the product,” he said.

The company decided last year to unify their welders by coming up with an in-house standardised test and qualification. The test included a hands-on demonstration and safety quiz.

ACFS to proliferate B-triple use

Following successful trials of ACFS Port Logistics’ B-triple at the Brisbane AAT Terminal, the business is ramping up its high-productivity operations.

With permit consent from the Port of Brisbane Road Manager, ACFS Port Logistics has been running trials at the Brisbane Multimodal Terminal (BMT).

“ACFS will continue to run trials at other depots over the coming weeks with the aim to have approvals across more terminals,” ACFS Port Logistics said in a statement.

“The successful introduction to the B-triple in Brisbane has been widely accepted.

The welders were assessed by an external provider.

To recognise their achievement, the welders were presented with certificates.

“They were really pleased,” said Civelle. “They all passed and it’s been acknowledged that they’ve achieved a high standard and we appreciate their work.”

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Construction of WA Fitzroy River Bridge advances

Design work for the new Fitzroy River Bridge is progressing well, with the bridge scheduled to be operational by mid-2024.

Flooding caused by Tropical Cyclone Ellie last December and this January caused significant damage to the Fitzroy River Bridge along with 500 metres of road, cutting off access to communities east of the Fitzroy River and the East Kimberley and Northern Territory, a major agricultural region.

Along with the permanent restoration of connectivity between the east and west Kimberley, the bridge replacement project will also see significant investment into Western Australia’s economy.

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said the construction is an important step to the region’s recovery.

“Reconnecting the community is an important part of recovery and the start of the work to that will allow freight to move again and reconnect supply chains,” she said.

Meanwhile, the first temporary Fitzroy River low-level crossing has opened to traffic, with construction now completed.

The crossing was constructed with more than 10,000 tonnes of rock and will initially provide access for four-wheel-drive vehicles only.

According to the Western Australian Government, access may be expanded to heavier vehicles, such as single-axle trucks, if weather conditions remain stable.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt, said the second low-level crossing would provide a vital connection for the Kimberley region.

“The destruction of the Fitzroy River

Bridge has isolated much of the West Kimberley and cut off the East Kimberley, a major agricultural region, from its supply centres and markets in Perth for at least five months,” he said.

“The Albanese and McGowan

Governments are working together to support communities impacted by supply chain interruptions by rebuilding this low-level crossing and through a $42 million ongoing freight assistance package.”

Work will also start on a second temporary crossing suitable for higher traffic volumes and larger vehicles that are expected over the upcoming dry season.

The two-lane, temporary low-level crossing will have sealed approaches to cater for freight vehicles, caravans and campers.

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Capped road tolls and upgrades a priority for Minns government

IPL divests plant, scores ammonia supply deal

Incitec Pivot Limited (IPL) – the company that expanded its production and distribution of AdBlue last year – has agreed to sell an ammonia manufacturing facility in Waggaman, Louisiana, to CF Industries Holdings for approx. $2.5 billion ($1.675 billion USD).

Road Freight NSW (RFNSW) has welcomed the recently elected Minns government’s ministerial appointments and is buoyed by their quick delivery of key election demands.

The Labor government, headed by Chris Minns, announced a $1.1 billion package of road upgrades over the next three years, capped tolls for two years from 1 January 2024 and pledged $20 million in funding for truck rest stops around Sydney.

RFNSW had been advocating for major transport and road sector changes throughout the campaign said CEO, Simon O’Hara.

“We made it clear that our election priorities were aimed at supporting our hard-working truckies, as well as the wider community using the state’s roads each and every day.”

The new Government’s pledge to cap tolls will cut the truck toll by $8, saving a driver who does two trips a day, an average of $3,800 a year.

A review of the toll network, and the possible scrapping of an estimated $50 million in administration charges, should also result in some financial relief for truck drivers and, in turn, incentivise them back

to toll roads, O’Hara said.

Jo Haylen has been appointed Labor’s new Minister for Transport and John Graham appointed Minister for Roads.

Sweet deal for sugarcane transport route

A bridge replacement near Mossman in Far North Queensland has finished just in time for the 2023 sugarcane crush season – a welcome boost for heavy vehicle operators.

Warners Bridge, which passes over Cassowary Creek, south-east of the township, now has an increased 44 tonne load limit which can handle heavy vehicles such as sugarcane harvesters and tractors.

The previous single lane, timber bridge will remain open for passage by sugarcane trains.

Jointly funded by the Australian Government’s Bridge Renewal Program (BRP) and Douglas Shire Council, the $1.25m project is the second to have recently receive an upgrade, with the new Anich’s Bridge opening last year.

The Australian Government is encouraging state, territory and local governments to apply for funding from the BRP with applications open all year round.

IPL has also secured a 25-year ammonia supply agreement with CF for up to 200,000 short tonnes of ammonia per annum to support the Dyno Nobel Americas (DNA) explosives business. The ammonia supply agreement secures ammonia at producer cost for the DNA business.

The value allocated to the ammonia supply agreement is approx. $634 million ($425 million USD) which will be offset from the cash proceeds of the sale agreement for Waggaman.

The divestment of Waggaman remains subject to US anti-trust regulatory clearance and the completion of other customary closing conditions.

Under the terms of the sale agreement, these conditions must be satisfied within 24 months of execution of the agreement.

“The Waggaman strategic review was undertaken with our previously articulated objective of monetising the value of the excess ammonia production from the facility while retaining the strategic value of the Waggaman site to the competitiveness of the DNA explosives business,” IPL said in a statement.

“IPL has undertaken a robust competitive sales process to seek full value delivery for the excess commodity exposure and to secure a long-term cost competitive ammonia supply for the DNA business with a trusted and proven strategic offtake partner.”

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Rio Tinto supports Australian business with $15.3B

Mining company, Rio Tinto, has increased its spend with Australian suppliers to more than $15.3 billion as part of its commitment to supporting communities where it operates. This was an increase of almost 9.0 per cent on the previous year and was spent with more than 6,200 businesses, including Australian owned and operated businesses and locally owned and managed branches of global companies.

The spend has reportedly helped support tens of thousands of Australian jobs and delivered a significant economic contribution to communities across the country.

As part of this spend, more than $565 million was spent with Indigenous businesses across Australia – an increase of 40 per cent on the year before.

“Supporting local businesses in the communities where we operate is a key priority for Rio Tinto,” said Rio Tinto Chief Executive – Australia, Kellie Parker.

“We strive to employ local people, buy local products and engage local services – especially from Indigenous, small and regional businesses.

“We are working hard to improve our approach to Indigenous business development and engagement in

Sweet deal for sugarcane transport route

A bridge replacement near Mossman in Far North Queensland has finished just in time for the 2023 sugarcane crush season – a welcome boost for heavy vehicle operators.

Warners Bridge, which passes over Cassowary Creek, south-east of the township, now has an increased 44 tonne load limit which can handle heavy vehicles such as sugarcane harvesters and tractors.

The previous single lane, timber bridge will remain open for passage

by sugarcane trains.

Jointly funded by the Australian Government’s Bridge Renewal Program (BRP) and Douglas Shire Council, the $1.25m project is the second to have recently receive an upgrade, with the new Anich’s Bridge opening last year.

The Australian Government is encouraging state, territory and local governments to apply for funding from the BRP with applications open all year round.

Australia, and while there is still more work to do, last year we significantly increased our spend with Indigenous suppliers.

“We couldn’t do what we do without our local supplier partners and having good relationships with them helps us find better ways to provide the materials the world needs and innovate to decarbonise our operations.”

Rio Tinto engages with more than 20,000 suppliers globally.

In 2022, Rio Tinto increased its global spend with suppliers to $22.5 billion USD, up from $19.8 billion USD in 2021.

DP World opens refrigerated container facility in Sydney

Reefer World, adjacent to the DP World Sydney Terminal, provides refrigerated container cleaning and repair services.

This facility, according to DP World, is the largest of its kind in Sydney and is expected to enhance the quality of freshness of perishable cargo delivered to destinations around the world.

DP world has doubled its empty refrigerated container capacity following the opening of Reefer World. It now has capability to pre-trip and wash more than 100 refrigerated containers daily.

“As businesses continue to build agility, reliability and resilience into their supply chains, Reefer World will help to facilitate the timely and efficient flow of perishable goods while addressing increased export demand in the region,” said DP World Australia CEO, Andrew Adam.

“Its completion further expands DP

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TAS commits $100M to freight access

Work has started on further improving freight access on Tasmania’s state road network under a new $100 million program.

The Freight Capacity Upgrade Program is a jointly funded initiative, with $80 million committed by the Australian Government and $20 million by the Tasmanian Government.

The program will increase the freight capacity of critical and regional freight routes throughout Tasmania by strengthening or replacing various bridges and improving sections of roads.

The first stage includes the strengthening of 11 bridges, replacement of two bridges and road improvements at 14 sites.

When completed, there will be an additional 224 kilometres of state roads approved for access by Higher Mass Limit vehicles.

This will greatly assist freight operators in planning for the future and give them confidence to expand their operations.

It will also extend the lifespan of critical and regional freight routes throughout the state, improving access for operators of heavy vehicles and providing benefits for the state’s agriculture, resources and manufacturing industries.

It will also minimise the long-term maintenance costs to the state.

The Tasmanian economy has been growing strongly and improving freight transport infrastructure will ensure that growth continues.

Work has already started on several road strengthening projects and tenders closed on 15 March 2023 for the first two bridge strengthening projects: Pipers River Bridge on Bridport Road in the state’s north-east and Ring River Bridge on the Murchison Highway on the west coast.

An estimated 190 jobs will be created during the construction phase of the program, with an Indigenous employment and supplier-use target of 4.5 per cent.

“The Australian Government is committed to improving road safety and freight efficiency, and this investment will ease congested roads while also creating opportunities for Tasmanian,” said Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King.

“Our funding, by helping continue this successful economic productivity initiative for the next five years, is key ensuring Tasmania’s road network is as safe and as efficient as possible.”

Tasmanian Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Michael Ferguson, said: “The Freight Capacity Upgrade Program not only enhances the productivity of Tasmanian freight, but also increases efficiency and road safety. This investment in Tasmania great news for our community and will back local jobs while also supporting our freight industry.”

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plan for agriculture

The Low Emissions Agriculture Roadmap

2022-2032 charts a route for Queensland to achieve cleaner, greener food and fibre production as well as improved supply chains.

This Roadmap was released last month by the Palaszczuk Government and is the result of a productive co-design approach with industry, with key themes and actions identified in a CSIRO report.

Five focus pathways for a sustainable future in the state’s agriculture includes: livestock emissions, cropping and horticulture emissions, on-farm energy opportunities, carbon farming and landscape management, regions and supply chains.

“Those who implement plans to lower greenhouse gas emissions now will have fewer transition costs and disruption to their business than those who delay and find themselves urgently responding to market forces,” said Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities, Mark Furner.

“This Roadmap was written following an extensive consultation process between

the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and key industry partners.

“The aim is to provide a structured, smooth transition, while minimising dramatic changes.

“Now is the time to take action – adopt the roadmap’s strategies and yield the benefits of secure long-term economic and social prosperity.

“But this is not a set and forget approach—we will keep refining the roadmap as over time we develop even more emissions reductions solutions.”

The Roadmap, according to AgForce CEO, Mike Guerin, will help producers by providing key areas to prioritise their focus including natural asset management, business profitability and risk management.

“Queensland’s producers recognise the importance of adopting new practices and technologies to ensure the long-term sustainability of their industry,” he said.

“As proud and responsible contributors to the state’s economy, we recognise the importance of supporting the roadmap and doing what we can to lower emissions to promote long-term sustainability.”

Queensland Farmers’ Federation CEO, Jo Sheppard, said the roadmap will assist in providing clarity to farmers about options available as they embark on their own low emissions journey.

“As Queensland agriculture strives to respond in meaningful and sustainable ways to continuing global demand for a transition to low emissions production, the roadmap will help coordinate some of the messaging in what is becoming an increasingly crowded marketplace,” she said.

“A strong agriculture sector is important to us all and we need to make sure that farmers are supported to achieve environmental outcomes whilst still being able to do what they do best in producing the world’s best food, fibre and foliage.

“It is so important that Government works closely with industry to ensure the future economy of agriculture to safeguard the future of all Queenslanders to achieve our ultimate goals of a viable, sustainable agriculture sector, sound environmental outcomes and stronger regional communities.”

CBH Group boosts urea ammonium nitrate storage capacity

Western Australian grain growers are set to benefit from CBH Group’s new Kwinana Fertiliser Facility.

Minister for Agriculture and Food, the Hon. Jackie Jarvis MLC, the Member for Brand, the Hon. Madeleine King MP, and CBH Chair, Simon Stead, officially opened the facility on 17 March.

This project marks the start of CBH’s liquid fertiliser business and expands its granular fertiliser capacity by 15,000 tonnes.

Located adjacent to CBH’s Kwinana Grain Terminal, the new facility has capacity to store 32,000 tonnes of Urea Ammonium Nitrate (UAN) and 55,000 tonnes of bulk granular fertiliser.

Stead said this is an exciting milestone which will deliver significant value to the grain growers of Western Australia.

“CBH’s new Kwinana fertiliser facility provides a new liquid offering, and bolsters our granular offering, across a wider catchment for the benefit of all growers,” he said.

“Ultimately, it enables us to reduce our handling and freight costs through efficiencies, which can be passed on to growers through competitive prices.

“Increasing our fertiliser storage capacity will also improve consistency of supply for growers when they need it most.”

CBH Chief Marketing and Trading Officer, Jason Craig, said the facility

enables the growth of the cooperative’s fertiliser business in line with grower demand.

“CBH Fertiliser continues to experience year-on-year growth and outturned a record 204,000 tonnes last year – our best result since entering the market in 2015,” he said.

“Increasing the scale of our Fertiliser business, and allowing for further expansion, reflects the ever-increasing demand for CBH fertiliser.

“It also supports CBH’s Strategy target of holding a 15 per cent market share in WA by 2033.”

CBH is expected to commence outloading UAN and granular fertiliser to WA growers next month.

Centurion announces new CFO

Centurion has named an experienced executive to the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

The company today made it public that Harry Singh has agreed to join the Centurion Executive Leadership team.

Singh brings 23 years of financial experience, having worked extensively across the oil and gas, mining services, manufacturing and logistics industries.

No stranger to Centurion, Singh previously worked for both the CFC Group and Centurion between 2007 and 2012 in senior commercial roles.

Prior to his appointment he was with energy and resources infrastructure company Altrad.

Mondiale VGL names new Chair

A major new appointment has been announced at freight forwarder Mondiale VGL.

Justine Smyth CNZM will join Mondiale VGL as Independent Director and Chair the company has confirmed.

Announced to coincide with the twoyear anniversary of the successful merger of Mondiale Freight Services and VISA Global Logistics, Smyth’s appointment will support the company’s next phase of growth in the global freight forwarding sector.

Smyth brings extensive commercial and governance experience to Mondiale VGL and is currently the Chair of Spark NZ and Chair of The Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. She was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) for services to governance and women in 2020.

“Having Justine Smyth join Mondiale VGL to chair our Board is another important step forward for our business,” said Mondiale VGL CEO, Ray Meade in a statement.

“Smyth’s appointment to the Mondiale VGL Board of Directors supports the firm’s strategic commitment to leveraging its increased capabilities, cementing long-term customer partnerships, and expanding its global reach,” he said.

On joining the Board of Directors, Smyth recognised the opportunities that the merger has created for the business.

“Mondiale VGL has built Oceania’s leading freight forwarder by bringing together two highly experienced industry

leaders in the supply chain and logistics sector,” she said.

“This has established solid strategic and financial foundations, with current and expected market dynamics creating further opportunity to scale,” said Smyth.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Mondiale VGL team at such an exciting time in their expansion journey.”

The merger in 2021 helped secure the company’s place in the world’s top 30 freight forwarding services in addition to supporting the strategic acquisition of Customs Agency Services (CAS) in South Australia.

With further strategic investments in China, Spain, Germany, and India completed, Meade said it had been a significant two years for the business.

“We are seeing clear evidence of the advantages that the merger and acquisition of CAS have delivered through increased international trade lane access, enhanced technology, and the achievement of the growth milestones we mapped at the outset,” said Meade.

“Our goal was to build a global supply chain operation with its roots in the Asia Pacific region, and we are firmly on the path to achieving that with our strategic position across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Europe, and America,” he said.

“Growth by acquisition is an important part of our strategy to build scale in our business and the merger positioned us well to take this forward.”

Meade said the acquisition of CAS, made in December 2021, had enabled the

Northline marks 40-year milestone

The unveiling of a commissioned artwork on the side of a shipping container was the highlight of Northline’s 40th anniversary celebrations in Adelaide last month.

More than 250 guests, including customers, suppliers and employees gathered at Victoria Park Social Club to mark the global logistic company’s milestone with an outback themed soiree – a tribute to Northline’s beginnings.

The traditional indigenous painting

by local artists Kelly Taylor and T’keyah Ware, which was reproduced and vinyl-wrapped onto the shipping container, depicted Northline’s historical journey.

Northline CEO, Craige Whitton, said the artwork held a special place in the business.

“[It] is a true representation of where we started and highlights the connection and strong roots we have servicing the remote communities in northern Australia,” he said.

business to consolidate Mondiale VGL’s national footprint in Australia while building further scale in the Australasian market.

“CAS has given us valuable access to the highly strategic Defence and eCommerce industry verticals and our Australian customers have benefited from greater access to contested sea and air cargo space,” he added.

Mondiale VGL has transitioned into a global entity, and today, the rapidly growing freight forwarding company employs over 1500 staff across 39 offices in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Europe, and the USA, supported by 1000 agency offices worldwide.

Following a particularly challenging period for the industry during the COVID-19 situation and continued supply chain constraints, the forming of the new combined entity of Mondiale VGL, according to Meade, had allowed it to provide increased commercial value to customers.

“While the sector faces ongoing pressure, our united volumes, long-term relationships with carriers and suppliers, and combined 40 years of industry knowledge have enabled us to solve complex supply chain issues and innovate at pace,” he said.

“A key factor of our success has been the way our people have come together and embraced the merger. We’re thrilled to watch them grow their careers within a global organisation and have made several senior appointments to support our expansion ambitions.”

In support of those same remote communities, Northline also handed The Royal Flying Doctor Service a cheque for $40,000, raised by team members from across the country.

Founded in 1983, Northline began with specialised freight services to customers in the Northern Territory, connecting them to the rest of Australia.

Today it operates an industryleading network and has international reach into more than 100 countries.

Port Lincoln freight route improvements get greenlight

A key freight route in Port Lincoln, South Australia will receive important upgrades as part of the latest Federal Government funding release.

The upgrades are aimed at increasing safety outcomes and productivity for heavy vehicle operations in the region.

The intersection of Porter Street, Liverpool Street and Railway Place, at the end of the Lincoln Highway, will receive traffic signals, a dedicated right-hand turn lane, improved drainage, widening and pavement works.

“Investment in segments of our roads which are well-utilised by heavy vehicles has never been more important, with many of our communities grappling with ongoing flooding and tightening supply chains,” said Carol Brown, Federal Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport.

The $3.6 million put towards the project

comes from the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program which has committed

This builds on the Federal Government’s $140 million commitment to upgrade heavy

New project approaching for Tasman Highway

Two new overtaking lanes will be included in new improvements along the Tasman Highway between Scottsdale and Branxholm.

Team Global Express partners with FIFA

Intermodal logistics provider, Team Global Express, has been named the Official Logistics Services Provider of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand.

To support the event, Team Global Express will be utilising its lead logistics capabilities to meet the requirements of the biggest global sporting fixture of 2023.

“Team Global Express is proud to provide innovative transport solutions to best meet the requirements of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023,” it said in a statement.

Team Global Express Group CEO, Christine Holgate, said the partnership further demonstrates Team Global Express’ high level of commitment to diversity and inclusion.

“As a passionate advocate for women in the workplace and the development of women in sport, I am very excited for Australia and New Zealand to host the

single biggest women’s sporting event in the world,” she said.

“We have a vision to be at the cuttingedge of the transport and logistics industry in both Australia and New Zealand and a crucial part of this is supporting women’s participation, both within the industry and further afield.

“Team Global Express and the FIFA Women’s World Cup are significantly aligned on these values.”

FIFA Secretary General, Fatma Samoura, said she was pleased to see increased commercial support for the event.

“Team Global Express has sustainability and diversity at the heart of its operations, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 looks forward to partnering with an entity that shares common values,” she said.

According to Team Global Express, its strong sustainability focus and commitment were pre-requisites for FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 when assessing the partnership.

The improvements, part of the Tasmanian Government’s $4 million Dorset Roads Package, will include new passing opportunities in each direction with the construction of an overtaking lane for eastbound traffic near Rocky Gully and another for westbound traffic near Billycock Hill.

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael Ferguson, has signed a contract with Launceston-based construction company, Show Contracting, which will see work begin in the coming weeks.

According to Ferguson, the upgrades will improve freight in Tasmania.

“They will contribute to making transport in the North East safer and more efficient, providing benefits to residents, freight operators and businesses and the growing tourism industry in the region,” he said.

“The improvements address local concerns about the lack of overtaking opportunities on this section of the highway and follow extensive consultation we’ve done with the Dorset community and the Council.”

Following extensive repairs to damage caused during floods last October, the Tasman Highway through the Sideling recently reopened to traffic.

The completed repairs involved the rebuilding and reinforcement of a steep embankment which collapsed due to severe rainfall, undermining the highway and requiring its closure.

WA Government expands heavy vehicle training

The Western Australian Government is rolling out its Heavy Vehicle Driving Operations training program in Kimberley and Pilbara.

Funded as part of the 2023-24 State Budget, the expansion into the Kimberley and Pilbara regions is expected to result in more truck drivers hitting the road.

The Heavy Vehicle Driving Operations (HVDO) training program has been available in metropolitan WA since April 2021, and it was later expanded to the southwest and midwest regions over the past two years.

The program was developed in collaboration with industry to address the truck driver shortage during the Covid-19 pandemic, and provides theoretical and practical hands-on truck driver training to train job-ready workers for the transport industry.

The additional $3.5 million investment will help North Regional TAFE deliver training to around 350 participants in Pilbara and Kimberley over a four-year period.

Training Minister, Simone McGurk, said the program – the first of its kind in Australia –will help create a highly skilled workforce.

“Participants are given practical, handson experience, ensuring they’re job-ready when they complete their course,” she said.

“The Heavy Vehicle Driving Operations training program has helped hundreds of people gain employment in the heavy haulage industry, and I’m confident that success will be replicated when it’s expanded to the Kimberley and Pilbara.”

Transport Minister, Rita Saffioti, said the expansion will provide a much-needed boost to the transport industry.

“With 350 participants expected through the course over the next four years, the McGowan Government is helping to create a pipeline of skilled workers for this essential industry well into the future,” she said.

“Supporting economic growth, industry diversification and greater regional engagement, remain our key priorities.”

Since February 2023, of the 552 participants enrolled at a TAFE College to undertake the program, 282 had achieved either a Heavy Rigid, Heavy Combination or Multi Combination licence.

Upgrade underway for TAS freight bridge

Critical work will be undertaken to bolster a key bridge in Tasmania’s metropolitan road network as the first stage of the Freight Capacity Upgrade Program gets underway.

A strengthening project will be undertaken on Charles Street Bridge in Launceston as part of the $100 million Freight Capacity Upgrade Program.

Charles Street Bridge is among 11 bridges to undergo strengthening during stage one alongside two other bridges and road improvement works at 14 other sites.

The program is being delivered over five years with design for select Stage 1 projects already underway.

Tenders for the Charles Street Bridge strengthening, along with other bridge sites, are expected to be called during mid-2023, with construction starting later in the year.

The Australian Government has committed $80 million to the transformational program, with the Tasmanian Government set to contribute $20 million.

According to the Tasmanian Government, it will increase the freight capacity of critical and regional freight routes across the Apple Isle by strengthening or replacing various bridges and improving sections of roads.

Assistant Minister for Regional

Development, Anthony Chisholm, said the Federal Government is committed to keeping the freight transport industry moving.

“We are proud to partner with the Tasmanian Government to deliver the Freight Capacity Upgrade Program, which over the life of the program, will open up to 224km of State road and bridge network capability to increase freight productivity for critical state industries such as agriculture and manufacturing,” he said.

“This is among the first of many projects to come that will prove a game-changer in terms of building a safer, more productive transport network benefiting all Tasmanian road users.”

Toll opens new $10M Brisbane warehouse

Toll Group has announced the opening of a new healthcare warehouse and distribution facility in Richlands, Brisbane.

The cutting-edge facility is part of a $10 million investment over the next 10 years that will support the delivery of patient-critical healthcare products to Queensland communities.

The facility, officially opened on 21 April by Queensland’s Assistant Minister for Health and Regional Health Infrastructure, Julieanne Gilbert, has a storage capacity of 4,600 square metres across ambient and cool-room facilities including ultra-low freezers for the storage and distribution of specialised vaccines.

The Richlands facility is Toll’s fifth healthcare facility in Australia and will be the primary distribution centre of National Immunisation Program flu vaccines for Queensland Health in 2023.

“This investment reflects Toll’s commitment to creating advanced warehouse management solutions to meet the changing dynamics in the healthcare sector,” said Toll President Government & Defence, Perry Singh.

“The facility provides fast, accurate and compliant delivery for our customers.”

It has been custom designed to store and manage inventory of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, vaccines and consumer health products.

Located 24 kilometres from central Brisbane and close to major highways, it is licensed with the Therapeutic Goods Administration. According to Toll, it is also the only healthcare facility in Queensland that is Good Management Practice certified.

In addition, the warehouse has a 5 Green Star Rating and features recyclable water usage, energy efficient/motion-sensor LED lighting and a roof solar power system to provide green energy.

In the statement, Toll also announced that it is investing $400

Casino Truck Show rolls into its 10th year

Excitement is building among organisers and exhibitors as the countdown to the 2023 Casino Truck Show begins.

Celebrating its 10th year, the event will showcase transport-related products and services in Casino, New South Wales.

The show has given naming rights to local area business, North Coast Petroleum.

Last year’s event, according to Richmond Valley Council, welcomed 8,000 guests and is expecting to beat that figure this year.

Casino Truck Show celebrates a decade of showcasing industry which keeps the country moving.

“We couldn’t be prouder to host such a dynamic event, which over the past 10 years has opened up our beautiful town and the Richmond Valley to the rest of Australia,” said Richmond Valley Council Director – Service Delivery, Angela Jones.

“As a community which is passionate about its transport industry, we welcome all and sundry to Casino on Saturday 5 August.”

Online registration and market stall applications for the event open on 1 June.

MGM Bulk launches same day FIFO

To encourage driver recruitment, Western Australia commodity transporter, MGM Bulk, has announced same-day fly-in fly-out.

So that employees can return to loved ones quicker, same-day FIFO has been introduced with what MGM Bulk describes as a straight forward signup process and supportive work environment.

Flights from Cairns, Townsville and all Australian capital cities are provided and covers connections to New Zealand along with all meals, travel and accommodation.

“We know these are challenging times, but your work life doesn’t have to be,” the company said in a statement.

“As a family-owned transport and logistics business, MGM Bulk is driven to deliver competitive pay rates, upskilling opportunities, paid onsite inductions, and tailored shift patterns to suit your needs.”

This follows, as part of a driver recruitment campaign, a giveaway of 25 Matt Stone Racing Team memberships

valued at $200 each to the first 25 successful multi-combination licenced applicants.

The promotion is in conjunction with Supercars Raceweek.

MGM Bulk has been operating since

2014, however, sits within the wider stable of the MGM Group whose legacy goes back over 60 years in Western Australia.

It employs over 400 people across three sites.

Solid sleep for transport workers only an app away

A world-first sleep and mood mobile phone app could have a big impact on the transport industry’s vital shift workers.

Melbourne’s Monash University is hoping SleepSync, an app that personalises sleep-wake cycles for shift workers, will improve their sleep, mood and overall health.

Researchers from the University’s Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health trialled the app on 27 shift workers over a two-week period with results showing that 70 per cent reported it easier to fall asleep and more than 80 per cent reported better quality sleep.

Participants slept an average of 29 minutes longer each night.

Lead researcher, Dr Jade Murray, explained that work hours outside the nine to five standard can wreak havoc on the body’s circadian clock – something many transport workers understand well.

Shift workers, she said, report much more impaired alertness and sleepiness

compared to the general population.

“Shift workers are at greater risk of a range of long-term adverse health consequences such as gastrointestinal problems, cardiovascular disease, mood disorders and cancer, as well as the short-term increase in the risk of errors, accidents and injuries,” said Murray.

The app, the very first of its kind, is unique because it is entirely tailored to the individual user. Its functions include:

• I ncorporating a calendar for work and personal commitments.

• P roviding biologically viable recommendations for sleep, accounting for obligations.

• O ffering a daily log to record sleep/ wake times and correlating moods.

According to the research gathered from the trial, 82 per cent of participants reported the app was easy to incorporate into their daily lives.

This isn’t the first time Monash University has put its efforts into

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understanding the impact shift work has on health and well-being.

In 2018 they released findings specific to the transport industry that showed 19.9 per cent of accidents were caused by fatigue.

Similarly, a report released in 2019 by the National Truck Accident Research Centre, demonstrated that fatigue was the underlying cause of 34.8 per cent of crashes.

Meanwhile, the researchers who developed SleepSync are hoping it will aid behavioural change and provide practical advice to shift workers.

“This has the potential to improve shift workers’ health and wellbeing and how they function day to day,” Murray said.

“It also has the potential for development and integration with wearable devices, such as smartwatches and further help minimise the health costs associated with shift work to society.”

Coles officially opens automated distribution centre

Coles has announced the opening of its first Automated Distribution Centre (ADC) in Redbank, Queensland, which is the largest single capital investment in the retail giant’s history.

The ADC, also the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, will provide a safer, more efficient and sustainable supply chain.

The state-of-the-art facility spans 170,000 square metres, and with a building size of 66,000 square metres it’s reportedly one of the biggest and most productive ADCs in the world.

The facility, due to be opened today [27 April] by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, Coles Group Chairman, James Graham, and Coles Group CEO, Steven Cain, can process up to four million cases per week – the equivalent of 32 million units sold in stores.

Coles Group CEO, Steven Cain, said the opening of the Redbank facility will be one of the most significant moment since Coles was founded in 1914.

“Modernising our operations is how we improve efficiency and availability in our stores and deliver higher service levels for our customers, team members and suppliers,” he said.

“Our new ADCs can process twice

the number of pallets compared to one of our current distribution centres. The ADCs enable us to half our current total footprint, leading to a more productive and sustainable business model.

“Over 90 per cent of the cases processed in these automated distribution centres will be processed fully by automation or ergonomically which will be a step-change for the safety of our team as it eliminates almost 18 million kilograms of manual handling in the supply chain each week once the ADC is running close to full capacity.”

Coles has invested more than $1 billion in the ADC technology, with a second centre set to open in Kemps Creek, New South Wales in 2024.

The ADCs are designed to create safer and more sustainable outcomes for team members and suppliers and better onshelf availability for customers.

Albanese said the world leading technology will help advance supermarket supply chains.

“This technology is not only a first for Australia, but also a win for the state of Queensland,” he said.

“A facility like this one in Redbank shows how retailers and manufacturers can look to the future to improve the productivity, safety and sustainability of their operations

NSW crossing to suit oversize vehicles

The reconstruction of Wombat Crossing on Fitzroy Street, New South Wales, will make it accessible for oversize and over mass heavy vehicle loading.

Goulburn Mulwaree Council was informed by Transport for NSW that despite the crossing being installed to Australian Standards, it needs to be reconstructed to better cater for heavy vehicles – in particular wind farm trucks. Works to remove and reconstruct the raised crossing is scheduled to commence on 15 May and will take approximately four weeks to complete, weather permitting.

Goulburn Mulwaree Council said works will be undertaken from 7am to 5pm daily, as well as some night works from 6pm to 6am to ensure the project can be completed in a shorter timeframe.

“Council appreciates this can be temporarily inconvenient for residents and appreciates your understanding during these works,” it said in a statement.

Chain of Responsibility case in point for timber carrier

A consignor of timber goods has pleaded guilty to one category two offence under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), and was convicted and fined $75,000 at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) first charged the Victorianbased timber transporter with a safety offence after a truck rolled over onto a pedestrian island crossing in 2019.

The heavy vehicle was loaded with a 40-foot shipping container carrying 26 tonnes of imported timber plywood products when it rolled.

According to the NHVR, the consignor had breached its safety duty by “exposing drivers and members of the public to the risk of death or serious injury” by failing to comply with section 26G of the HVNL.

The NHVR’s investigation also revealed that the consignor had failed to comply with its own CoR policy, provide overseas suppliers with instructions

regarding compliance with Australian safety regulations, require records and photographs of the container’s load and restraint to be provided prior to shipping, and advise the driver and operator of the vehicle on how the load was restrained.

NHVR Executive Director Statutory Compliance, Ray Hassall, said all parties in the chain should take note of this court outcome.

“This is a significant decision that should be heeded by all duty holders under the HVNL, but particularly those involved in the consignment of imported goods,” he said.

“These obligations are in place to ensure all parties in the CoR manage the safety of their transport activities and can’t simply delegate responsibility to drivers and transport operators.”

The NHVR has resources available to assist with heavy vehicle loading requirements and risk minimisation.

NatRoad calls for renewal of Instant Asset Write-off

The National Road Transport Association has called for reinstatement of the instant asset write-off in the forthcoming Federal Budget.

NatRoad CEO, Warren Clark, said the previous Government’s decision not to extend the popular instant asset measure in its last Budget was putting strain on small road transport operators.

“The Morrison Government decided to let it wind down, despite it being a popular measure for small businesses with very little negative impact on the economy’s

bottom line,” he said.

“Buying a truck or trailer is a massive capital outlay and the biggest one that most operators will make,” said Clark.

“Any tax relief like that will be welcome as our industry is really feeling the pain of high diesel prices.”

In April last year, NatRoad supported the then Federal Opposition’s promise to introduce 30-day invoicing for 2.4 million Australian small businesses but Clark said an announcement is not considered likely to be in the Budget.

“It’s something we’ve been seeking for decades,” he said.

“The Albanese Government began a consultation process last year, but the report is not due until June,” said Clark.

“The 20 per cent uplift deduction for businesses spending on skills training and digitisation was made available to businesses with aggregated turnover below $50 million but is only available until 30 June, 2024.

“Extending the measure beyond then would be another modest bonus for our industry.”

Wimmera Highway improvements set to continue this month

Two more sections of the Wimmera highway, at Dooen and St Arnaud East, can expect repairs and upgrades to begin in the next few weeks.

Work on the highway, between Molyneaux Road and Max Johns Road and Forster Road and Kooreh Road, is expected to be complete by the end of May. Additional work will begin next month at Murtoa township.

These latest projects are all part of the Victorian Government’s $780 million

investment in maintaining the state’s road assets and build on road rehabilitation works undertaken last year on the same highway.

“Our regional highways across the state provide important connections for freight, agriculture and the community,” said Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Melissa Horne.

Since the start of the year, crews have been on-site repairing sections of the highway at Bates Lake near Hauslers-

Dundons Road, and between Quantong Cemetery Road and Vectis Station Road in Vectis.

In total, more than 3.9km of the Wimmera Highway will be repaired across five sections, benefitting the approximately 2,000 drivers who use it every day, including more than 200 trucks and heavy vehicles.

Lane closures and a reduced speed limit will be in place during the project, with traffic management on site.

Lindsay Australia sees surge in demand

The transport services for Lindsay Australia have experienced a surge in recent demand following the publicised collapse of Scott’s Refrigerated Logistics (SRL).

The demise of the cold chain carrier, who went into liquidation last month, has provided Lindsay Australia with additional opportunities.

Scott’s provided refrigerated trucks and warehouses for businesses including supermarket giants Coles, IGA and Aldi.

Initially touted as a potential buyer of the failed Scott’s, Lindsay Australia this week announced an upgrade of guidance for underlying Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) for the 2023

financial year.

The revised range is now expected to be between $85 million and $90 million, up from the range of $68 million to $71 million announced at its AGM held on 4 November 2022.

Q3 trading has been navigated without material adverse weather events.

The update is based on the strength of the Q3 trading results, along with a positive Q4 outlook.

The increased demand comes at a time of already tightening supply chain after the continued exit of smaller operators over the past two years.

The company said it had been able to accommodate the increased demand

through its improved road and rail equipment utilisation; acquisition of equipment under the FY2023 growth capital expenditure plan; and acquisition of selective Scott’s equipment predominantly comprised of rail assets.

“Lindsay is well-positioned to meet the increased demand for our transport services following the unfortunate collapse of SRL,” said Lindsay Australia CEO Kim Lindsay.

“Our positioning and agility, including the acquisition of new equipment and the integration of SRL assets, have enabled us to expand our operational capacity, maintain customer service levels and deliver strong financial results for FY2023.”

Automatic Trailer Coupling designed for the Australian market  Key safety device design within the main body for optimum protection

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Emergency volunteers to benefit from equipment grant

Emergency services agencies and volunteers will get the resources and equipment they need to keep serving and protecting their communities, with another round of the popular Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) which opened last month.

Minister for Emergency Services, Jaclyn Symes, announced applications are open for the latest round of VESEP, an annual grants program that provides funding to Victorian emergency services volunteer groups to purchase essential operational equipment such as chainsaws, generators, pumps and rescue and safety equipment.

VESEP funding can also be used by volunteer organisations to purchase vehicles and appliances such as 4WD vehicles, light and medium tankers, rescue trucks and lighting trailers and can also

fund minor facility improvements such as refurbishments and amenity upgrades.

This year almost $15 million in grants is available to volunteer organisations across the state from the CFA, VICSES, Life Saving Victoria, Volunteer Marine Search and Rescue units and other volunteer emergency service groups.

Victorian volunteer emergency service groups can apply for a grant of up to $150,000 with the Government providing $2 for every $1 of funding contributed by the local volunteer group.

Since 2015, the Andrews Labor Government has invested almost $110 million in VESEP grants to volunteer groups across the state, improving the service to local communities and encouraging more people to take up a rewarding experience as a volunteer.

Recent recipients include Newry and Wurdale CFA brigades, which received grants to support the purchase of ultralight tankers, Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club and Lakes Entrance Coast Guard which received grants for vehicles, and Cobden VICSES unit which received a grant towards a utility terrain vehicle and trailer. Applications close Friday 16 June 2023.

“These grants are all about helping ensure our selfless volunteers have the latest equipment to do what they do best – protect communities and save lives,” said Symes. “These grants have been going strong since they were first set up more than twenty years ago –communities will continue to proudly contribute to local fundraising efforts, but we want to help reduce that task and back our volunteers.”

Image credit: Dave Hewison Photography / Shutterstock.com

Dairy Code guidance update

Dairy processors have been provided with additional information on their legal obligations under the Dairy Code of Conduct in advance of the 1 June deadline for the release of new milk supply agreements for the 2023-24 dairy season.

The ACCC’s updated Dairy Code guidance provides further detail on how processors need to publish their milk supply agreements, when they can terminate an agreement with a farmer, how they can comply with the ‘single document’ requirement, and the meaning of a non-exclusive agreement under the code.

Importantly, it incorporates the Federal Court’s findings in the first ACCC proceedings brought under the Dairy Code.

The updates also simplify various aspects of the guidance to assist dairy farmers and processors to understand their rights and obligations under the code.

“The code has been in place now for almost three full dairy seasons and, generally speaking, we have seen compliance continue to improve. However, we urge processors to remain vigilant,” said ACCC Deputy Chair, Mick Keogh.

“We want processors to familiarise themselves with our revised guidance so they are completely clear on their obligations under the code. For most processors this won’t require any major changes to current practices.”

Ensuring compliance with industry codes of conduct in the agricultural sector is a compliance and enforcement priority for the ACCC in 2023-24.

“We’ll be conducting further compliance checks following the publication of new milk supply agreements on 1 June to ensure processors are complying with the code,” said Keogh.

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Program supports manufacturing jobs in Melbourne

More people are turning their hands to a career in engineering and manufacturing through an Andrews Labor Government program supporting disadvantaged jobseekers into work in Melbourne’s southeast.

Minister for Employment, Ben Carroll, announced a $2 million partnership last month between Jobs Victoria and Chisholm Institute to fill 100 engineering roles in manufacturing by April next year.

The Jobs Victoria Engineering Project is open to people facing barriers to employment, including women aged 45 and over, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with disability.

Roles will be based across southeast Melbourne including 70 production welder and machine operator roles and 30 fabrication and mechanical apprenticeships.

For people like Jawad Daneshwar, the program provides an opportunity to

gain Australian qualifications and build a rewarding career.

Daneshwar arrived in Australia in 2022 from Afghanistan. With a family to support and mechanical engineering qualifications not recognised here, he was struggling to find work in his field of expertise.

After discovering the Jobs Victoria Engineering Project while learning English at Chisholm Institute, he’s working full time as a machine operator at RS Centre in Noble Park and could start an apprenticeship later this year.

No experience is required for these earn and learn roles, with participants receiving 12 months’ secure employment and access to additional support to set them up for long-term careers in a fast-growing sector. Participants may also complete a Certificate II or III in Engineering Studies.

Victoria is home to more than 23,000 manufacturing businesses providing more than 260,000 jobs. The sector generates $22.9 billion in annual exports

and contributes 30 per cent of the nation’s manufacturing output.

“It’s great to see Jawad supported back into a career he’s so passionate about and for other jobseekers to get into an industry that has so many career paths,” said Carroll.

“Victoria is the heart of Australian manufacturing and a major source of jobs – we’re providing opportunities for people who have faced obstacles and making sure businesses can get the workers they need.

“Partnering with institutions such as Chisholm to deliver these programs with Free TAFE is ensuring we’re providing people with the training and skills they need to work in some of our priority sectors.”

Daneshwar said: “I would advise anyone who wants to work in this industry to go through this program. It’s great to get a foot in the door, meet new people and make new connections.”

DHL extends partnership with Nespresso

DHL Supply Chain will now provide logistics and fulfilment services in Brisbane and Sydney, Australia, for Nestlé Nespresso.

This builds on the existing partnerships in Italy, Brazil, Malaysia, Taiwan, UK and Ireland, with some dating back to 2014.

“We’re so pleased to be extending our relationship to cover Australia for the first time,” said DHL Supply Chain Australia & New Zealand, Steve Thompsett.

“This marks the beginning of a great partnership here in Australia and expands on the tremendous global partnership. The two facilities here will be a mix of manual and automation operations, featuring a pick-to-light system.”

Projected to handle more than one million orders in year one, the Australian operation will be based in omnichannel facilities in Brisbane and Sydney.

In all markets, DHL Supply Chain manage key aspects of the supply chain, including storage, warehousing, and picking and packing of individual orders.

“We’re thrilled to partner with DHL Supply Chain with the opening of our new Sydney site to enable faster and more efficient order preparation, improving the delivery experience for our customers,” said Nespresso Oceania Managing Director, Jean-Marc Dragoli. “Our new Brisbane site is also

Invest In The Best

With 30 years of industry experience providing customers with the best possible transport solutions, Allroads Transport Engineers are pleased to announce the addition of the Gincor Werx Live Bottom Trailer to our line up of trailer offering. Gincor’s reputation for manufacturing a premium product aligns well with our industry reputation for supplying premium built custom trailer transport solutions.

another important step for Nespresso in reducing our emissions locally as it minimises the need for airfreight from Sydney and Melbourne to Brisbane.”

The flexibility and capacity to scale up the operation is a key driver for Nespresso’s decision to partner with DHL Supply Chain in Australia.

To meet the brand’s growth in a key market, the Brisbane warehouse was strategically chosen to bring speed-tomarket efficiencies and contribute to the brand’s sustainability goals. The new Queensland location reduces the carbon footprint by shipping directly from the Brisbane port to the distribution centre nearby.

MODEL 323LBC-S Tridem Live Bottom Trailer

at the best of times. Rural locations, changing road conditions and cooling requirements are just a few reasons why. But now, new statistics show the industry is over-represented in crash numbers, adding even more of a spotlight on dairy tankers.

Potential loss of life or injury because of a rollover is a real risk. There is also the environmental damage caused by milk and diesel spills. Just last year, a trucking company and driver were found responsible for spilling 600 litres of milk into a storm drain in Footscray, Victoria. They were subsequently fined $5,500 and $727 respectively by the EPA.

These are just a few of the reasons why the $4.4B dairy industry is investing in understanding why this is happening, and developing a stakeholder supported education program that ultimately aims to reduce accidents and keep drivers safe.

Spilt Milk: A National Crash Reduction Program for the Dairy Industry is hoping to prevent rollovers and crashes by targeting the entire dairy supply chain including drivers, fleet managers and

maintenance providers. The initiative is funded through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative and supported by the Australian Government.

It is a unique, but unfortunate, combination of engineering and physical attributes, as well as operating environments, that makes dairy tankers specifically vulnerable – often to the point where even experienced drivers find them difficult to predict. Current data shows, on average, dairy tankers are 2.4 times more likely to be involved in a major crash than other freight transport. That’s the equivalent of one in 17 dairy tankers, compared to one in 41 other heavy vehicles. According to experts at National Transport Insurance, manoeuvring dairy tankers can be so precarious that often by the time a driver feels the trailer rolling, it’s already too late.

To both understand and manage this situation, two experts have already been dispatched, travelling the country on a fact-finding mission to undercover safety concerns and current best

practices. NTI Transport Research Manager, Adam Gibson, and Australian Trucking Safety Services & Solutions Director, Alan Pincott, have been both collecting information and encouraging stakeholders to share safety information among each other.

“A lot of people are doing great things in the dairy space,” said Gibson. “The opportunity is to find individual pockets of brilliance and share them more widely. There is a net benefit to all participants to share things they don’t compete on such as safety.”

With four of the largest dairy carriers and three of the largest processors now signed on, phase two of Spilt Milk is on track to roll out as early as June to front-line staff. The phase will involve workshops, onboarding resources and online supporting material including templates and instructional videos. There is good reason to believe the program will be successful. Figures show that a similar education program in Victoria’s forestry industry resulted in a 65 per cent reduction in rollovers in a year.

Wheel with MagnaForce® Alloy

Adam Gibson. Chris Hogarty.

Customised to perfection

In the six years since first trying out a Vawdrey trailer, Mitch’s business has solely moved to buying from Vawdrey. According to him there are specific reasons that drove him to that decision – robust builds, unwavering adaptability, and excellent aftersales service.

Mitch’s team currently operates a fleet of Vawdrey tautliners including straight backs, drop decks, mezzanine floor and moving floor models. Many of these trailers feature customised design aspects. He recently took delivery of a Performance-Based Standards (PBS) road train that has been carting general freight from North Queensland

to Melbourne. “We went for a PBS combination exclusively so we could get our road trains into Melbourne, because you can’t take road trains into Melbourne normally,” Mitch says. “Our new combination is a set of two 45’ Titeliners, a dolly and a prime mover. The road train goes to Melbourne under a PBS permit, so we don’t have to split up the combination when we get to the Victorian border and now we can just drive in.”

Mitch currently has a bulk quantity of Vawdrey trailers on order. New equipment fitted with state-of-the-art technology is hitting the road. “The

quality of the builds is excellent and once we put them to work, we don’t really have to worry about any major repairs except for general servicing. In the past, we’ve used other brands where the trailers have broken out airbags and things within a month of use, and by comparison we find our Vawdrey trailers are sturdier and more robust,” he says. Moreover, there has not been one ‘weird’ or ‘out of the ordinary’ design request that his team made that Vawdrey wasn’t able to deliver – that’s how Mitch puts it. “They’re really customisable and adaptable. Vawdrey has always been able to meet our design expectations

Third-generation owner and operator of John Kelly and Sons, Mitch Kelly, has been buying Vawdrey trailers exclusively for some years, with more to hit the roads soon.

and build for example, 4.6’ high trailers, or add things like posts on the perimeters of the floors. They were also able to customise the design when I specifically wanted movable rolling tracks. Their team has always come up with solutions for all the design requests that I’ve had so far.”

Mitch is equally happy with the aftersales service and support offered by Vawdrey’s team. “Vawdrey’s Queensland team take care of our latest trailer orders and it has been great dealing with them. Being a big company as they are, Vawdrey still continue to have that familyfeel and personal aspect added to their customer service, which is just great.”

Mitch’s fleet currently operates anywhere between North Queensland, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.

The business was started by his grandfather, John Kelly, in 1974. His father, Keith Kelly, took over in the 90s and since 2015 Mitch has taken on running the operations as the General Manager.

“We continue to be a family operated

business,” he says.” Our trailer fleet currently includes 50 trailers and dollies, including 18 Vawdrey Titeliners. Vawdrey really is a good brand and their products

JOST the two of us

In 1983 Chris’s Body Builders (CBB) started out as a small family business manufacturing tipping bodies and trailers. With the company now in the hands of the Debono family’s second generation, it continues to push the boundaries to gain increased productivity benefits through innovations and cutting-edge designs.

CBB prides itself on being a partner to rely on with every kilometre its customers travel. And by using a wide variety of JOST products including hoists, ball races, landing legs, fifth wheels, Rockinger tow couplings, oil tanks and other trailer components in its combinations, it ensures it is always giving customers the best end product possible.

CBB CEO, Chris Jnr Debono, says the reason the company originally joined forces with JOST and has continued to do so is because it is a superior product.

“JOST was chosen for their aftermarket support, for the quality of their products, and ultimately for being one of the market leaders in their industry,” he says. “We’ve used a lot of JOST’s products as a factory option on what we produce, and the quality and the service that you receive is second to none. Every product within their range is fantastic and that’s why we fit it as standard.”

The relationship between both companies goes back for many decades, according to Chris. And by working very

closely with JOST during this period he says its benefits have also played a part in CBB’s success.

“We’ve worked hand in hand, and as we’ve grown JOST has been there to support us in our truck and trailer manufacturing,” he says. “That commitment to a quality product and continual improvement has allowed us to focus on our business with minimal interruptions to production.”

Like CBB, Chris says JOST is always improving to offer a better product and service each time.

“From the design of their couplings through to how they process goods and orders, they’re just an ever-evolving

By working hand in hand with JOST and fitting its equipment as standard Chris’s Body Builders has been able to maintain a leading position in tipping solutions for 40 years.

grateful for the loyalty by the customers that have chosen CBB over the years and we look forward to dealing with them in the future.”

And having the opportunity to deal with JOST directly for such a long period of time has paid off, Chris says.

“JOST overall as a company is just fantastic to deal with and we love that they’ve got a local branch here,” he says. “We always get to deal with someone face to face and we love their product and everything about it.

“Our dealings with JOST have absolutely contributed to the success of CBB over the last 40 years. Through their improvements, that is support to us. We couldn’t just have anybody growing beside us because JOST have committed to growing with us.”

JOST Australia

Ph: 1800 811 487

Web: www.jostaustralia.com.au

company that is always there to make the customer’s life easier,” he says.

This year CBB is celebrating 40 years of operations since opening its small factory in Sunshine. While many of the company’s original principles and values for a highquality product are still in place, CBB has transformed to become a major contributor to Australia’s transport industry. Now offering three-axle to six-axle tipping dog trailers, semi tip trailers, sliders, tip over axles, jack knife B-doubles and converter dollies, CBB is a one stop tipper shop for fleets looking to propel their operations.

“It’s an absolute privilege and we’re very proud of what we have achieved over those 40 years,” Chris says. “We’re really

MaxiTRANS pumped to show enhanced look at BTS 2023

Leading Australian trailer manufacturer MaxiTRANS is back at the truck show proudly showcasing its enhanced trailer solution offering with its Freighter, Maxi-CUBE, Lusty EMS, Trout River and AZMEB product brands.

Albeit a lot has changed since MaxiTRANS Industries Limited (MXI) divested its Trailer Solutions Business to one again become a privately-owned company, the focus of the business continues to remain razor-sharp on one thing – delivering quality products that meet customer demands. Australian Trailer Solutions Group (ATSG), the new owner, has been investing significantly in improving and rationalising manufacturing operations, says Kevin Manfield, General Manager of Sales & Marketing for MaxiTRANS.

“ATSG has been a breath of fresh air. The Group has a very clear idea of what we wish to achieve with the MaxiTRANS brand, while also allowing the team to work quite autonomously,” Kevin says. “We are constantly trying to adapt our products and processes to meet the changing needs of the transport industry. ATSG has helped us streamline our processes and our product range so we can continue delivering

trailers that meet industry needs.”

MaxiTRANS continues to support Australian manufacturing and sources as much as possible from local material and component suppliers. The team has been working to enhance its existing product range with a greater focus on using leading components and brands across all

“One of our key priorities is to spend time with our customers to make sure that we understand what their wants and needs are. It is absolutely imperative that we listen to our customers very carefully and try and come up with the best solution for them because we really are capable of delivering that with our very broad range

and dealer network throughout the country is extensive. We cover all states and territories through our sales and service outlets,” Kevin says.

“In line with this, our display at this year’s show will sit under the common theme of ‘Freight it for Life’, which is a demonstration of our total commitment to supporting customers for the life of our product,” Kevin says.

The 2023 Brisbane Truck Show will be an opportunity for MaxiTRANS to showcase its enhanced product range that underpins its commitment to quality and customer support.

“This year we’re proud to showcase our enhanced introductory range to the truck show visitors. The functional and economical trailer offering has been developed to meet the specification of a wide range of transport segments,” Kevin says. However, because of space limitations at the truck show stand, MaxiTRANS will have five of its most popular trailers on display – two Freighter models, a Maxi-CUBE, a Lusty EMS, and a Trout River model. The company says its AZMEB product will be featured and sit proudly at the show’s South Bank display, which they encourage visitors to check out when strolling along the display.

full MaxiTRANS range with its experienced staff during the show.

Over the years MaxiTRANS has been supporting various social causes through community engagement, campaigns and awareness programs such as ‘R U OK?’ and ‘Movember’.

The team has also been involved with local communities near its manufacturing sites and its dealership network. “We want to make sure that we get the best input from investing in those local communities, for instance in Ballarat Victoria, where we

“We are very excited for this year’s Truck Show. The event has been proven invaluable over time as it offers the opportunity to meet as many customers as possible in one location,” Kevin says. “It also allows our industry to come together and celebrate, highlighting the importance of our local industry and the vital role we all play.”

MaxiTRANS will be exhibiting at stand 63 at the Brisbane Truck Show, 18-21 May 2023, at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Line in the sand

Epsom Sand & Soil, based in Victoria, has maintained its family-owned heritage established over 46 years ago in 1976 while continuing to deliver for its customers.

The business supplies and transports a range of materials, such as sands, soils, quarry products, decorative stones, gravel and mulches to the building industry

but also for home landscaping projects as well. Its operations also see it make mulch onsite by breaking down pallets and timber boxes to turn them back into a coloured mulch.

In addition, it offers a range of hire services for mobile mulching plants, semi-trailers and floats, excavators, trucks, heavy haulage, front end loaders, mobile

screening plants and bobcats.

The company prides itself on a promise to its customers; they will only pay for exactly what they receive. Bruce Rock Engineering (BRE) Sales Manager, Michael Booker, says this was evident in his first meetings with the business.

“Epsom Sand & Soil are good to deal with and know what they want,” he says. “The spec of the first trailer was well thought out, it suited their application and it performed very well. After liaising with the fleet’s Assistant Manager, Will Mayer, for the second and third trailer, a couple of extra options were also chosen to suit their operations.”

In order to continue to provide these services, Epsom Sand & Soil turned to BRE three years ago for a tipper semi-trailer and have had two more delivered since. And by investing in a trailer builder with similar values of delivering the utmost quality, its efforts have paid off in the form of success.

“We’ve just found their products to be really good for our operations,” Will says. “We can get a 30-plus-tonne payload on our semi-tipper which is pretty impressive.”

The units from BRE have proven to be

Bruce Rock Engineering makes it possible for fleets like Epsom Sand & Soil to deliver on promises by manufacturing units that can withstand the most punishing conditions during transport.

rocks and other bits of concrete,” he says. “There isn’t one crack in the first one we got from them, which does five or six loads a day and on average 2,500 kilometres a week in some pretty harsh conditions. It’s held up pretty well.”

Epsom Sand & Soil’s latest combination from BRE, a Single TaREX tipper trailer, arrived just one month ago and has already shown its value. The tipper is fitted with SAF-Holland disc brakes, like its siblings, and is tared in at around 5.8

excel in spaces where other units couldn’t.

“We can get them in anywhere,” he says. “We’ve found that they’re very easy for a lot of concrete plants where we can’t unhook trucks and trailers and where some of the bins are in a lot of awkward spots. This is one of the ways how dealing with BRE has paid off for us, as downtime is less when we get into some of those concrete plants. Before that we had to unhook trailers, and by the time you hook and unhook a truck and trailer you’re losing 15 minutes. Now

so it’s really streamlined our deliveries.”

In his dealings with Michael and the team at BRE, Will has admitted to the same claim many other fleets in Australia can agree with – that BRE also goes the extra mile in customer service.

“The customer service there is really good, we’ve found them to have very good service,” he says. “If there are any problems, we can just give them a ring. There’s good communication throughout the whole process, too. They tell us when each trailer is going to be built and delivery times have all been close to what they were quoting. Our latest one was actually ahead of schedule from what they had told us.”

With extensive experience in dealing with the trailer building industry, Will believes BRE have mastered the art of manufacturing.

“While driving these things up and down some horrible roads, I’ve found that from a maintenance point of view they’re not getting cracks anywhere. We get a good life out of them, and that’s the benefit of dealing with BRE.”  Contact Bruce Rock Engineering 15 Swan Street, WA 6418

Next-gen aluminium innovation from Alcoa Wheels

Alcoa Wheels, a global leader in aluminium wheel innovation, is all set to unveil a new product featuring revolutionary technology that will yet again reaffirm the company’s position as the lightest aluminium truck wheel manufacturer in the industry. The new Alcoa 22.5” x 8.25” 10-285 American Fitment wheel, ULT36x, will be officially launched at the 2023 Brisbane Truck Show.

The ground-breaking Alcoa ULT36x wheel is 1.6kg lighter than its predecessor, weighing just 16.3kg, and is equipped with proprietary MagnaForce alloy. Alcoa Wheels has revolutionised wheel design with its patent-pending wheel, which features no hand holes.

This departure from traditional design is sure to turn heads and make any vehicle stand out. Despite the lack of hand holes, the wheel has been tested and engineered to ensure maximum strength and durability.

Alcoa Wheels is inviting Truck Show visitors to check out the game-changing new design that combines style and strength for a winning combination.

Some of the highlights of the new wheel include:

• savings of up to 2L of fuel per 1,000km when converting from steel to aluminium on all positions;

• exceptional strength with a 3,355kg load rating;

• Alcoa advanced finishes LvL Oner and Mirror Polish;

• exclusive Alcoa Dura-Bright and DuraBlackTM surface treatments; and

• patent-pending wheel design – no hand holes, impact tested and designed for strength.

Innovative vHubTM Bore Technology

The new Alcoa ULT36x wheel also features vHubTM Bore Technology, which reduces hub-to-wheel contact area by up to 64 per cent versus other aluminium wheels on the market, leaving less surface area for corrosion to form. In addition, it is offered with unique valve access designed for ease of inflation and pressure checks in all positions. The system works with ATIS and Halo Tyre Inflator and brings both the inner and outer dual valves into the wheel well for improved access.

Maintenance-friendly valve system

Alcoa Wheels are available with dual valves. Featuring a second valve stem, a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

sensor can operate on one valve while air pressure is serviced on the other. No disruption due to equipment removal during airing up or maintenance means added peace of mind and optimum efficiency.

Alcoa Dura-BrightTM Surface Treatment

Alcoa Dura-Bright Wheels offer the same advantages as all lightweight Alcoa forged aluminium wheels. Manufactured using proprietary technology and production processes specifically required for appearance, easy maintenance, and durability. Alcoa Dura-Bright® Wheels feature a surface treatment that penetrates the aluminium, forming a molecular bond that becomes part of the wheel itself. That means it will not crack, peel, or corrode like coated wheels, looking newer for longer.

If you want to get more information about the world’s lightest, strongest heavy-duty truck wheel, visit Howmet Wheel System / Alcoa Wheels at stand number 86 at the Brisbane Truck Show from Thursday 18 to Sunday 21 May 2023.

Contact

Howmet Wheel System

Ph: 1800 955 191

Web: www.alcoawheels.com.au

Email: alcoawheels.sales@howmet.com

Facebook: alcoawheelsaustralia

The game-changing new design combines style and strength to deliver the world’s lightest, strongest heavy-duty truck wheel.

8” & 24” ULTIMA LIGHT BARS

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Manoeuvrability made easy with BPW axles for forced steering

Stattic Transport recently took delivery of its second power-steered 4x4 low loader and put it straight to work. Manufactured by Tuff Trailers, the trailer is fitted with BPW Transpec’s NMZML 12010 forced steer axle which provides full time active mechanical steering to 34 degrees. The 12-tonne axle capacity low loader is also fitted with double acting hydraulic suspension featuring auto raise to ride. The ‘sealed for life’ low-maintenance steering and suspension systems give operators like Stattic Transport the flexibility to go from one heavy haulage job to the other with ease.

Owner and operator of Stattic Transport, Harry Christou, assists his team with bookings and fleet requirements. Having built the business from the ground up in over a decade, Harry is privy to the needs of the local heavy haulage sector and so he has been building a fleet that is capable of handling any job – from moving earthmoving equipment, to mining and quarry equipment, agriculture and forestryrelated machinery, oversize shipping containers and other wharf transport machines, equipment related to fuel and gas engineering, and all specialised

transport equipment such as power generation machinery and construction gear. Featuring 16.2 tonne tare weight, 8mm heavy duty flooring, RUD certified lashing points, antilock braking system (ABS), electronic braking system (EBS), and digital suspension load scales, Harry’s new low loaders are equipped to handle all these jobs with great ease.

“Accessibility was a big thing when we were looking at options,” Harry says. “A lot of our work is very tight access, as we move equipment to different sites around the city in Melbourne, and suburban and

Accessibility and heavy weight handling were key concerns for Harry Christou when he was discussing low loader options with Tuff Trailers. BPW axles have hit the mark on both those aspects.

built-up areas. Our new quad axle low loaders give us that edge we need to navigate such places. The steering gives us excellent manoeuvrability, which is so important when you’re moving heavy equipment. There is also less wear and tear on the tyres. When you’re moving 4050 tonne equipment, narrow spaces like what we work in can be very rough on the tyres but the steering movement with our BPW axles makes it easy for the trailer and also the driver to navigate.”

Other axle specifications include 10 stud 225mm PCD Eco Plus hub hardware with a brake size of 3020 to suit 17.5” tyres. The 120mm solid beam with a 1940mm track is optimally adapted to the various forces acting on it, such as twisting and bending,

and offers low inherent weight combined with the highest possible stiffness for heavy payloads. It also results in even tyre wear since the axle beam has positive camber and a narrow toe tolerance.

“I founded the company in 2012,” Harry says. “We continue to be an Aussieowned, family-run business. In the last nearly 12 years we’ve been growing and have helped thousands of businesses move their equipment, to keep our customers’ operations running smoothly.

“Over the years we’ve had a great working relationship with Tuff Trailers. They’ve always looked after us and when they recommended BPW axles for our new low loaders, we had to try them.

“We took delivery of the first BPW-fitted

low loader in September last year and another one in February this year, and we’re very happy with both. The steering movement is very driver-friendly, and now that we’ve tried it, we will be looking at BPW axles for more low loaders in the future. The BPW team made sure our trailers were safe and well fitted at their 5000km inspection. The free inspection gives us great peace of mind that BPW back their product and ensure quality with each trailer fitted with their product.”

Revolutionary road

It was during the early ‘90s when John Krueger wanted a reliable, lightweight suspension coupled with ease of fitting. Being an innovator in transport manufacturing, he and his design engineers began work to release the first version of Krueger Transport Equipment’s own air suspension, Road Friendly Suspension (RFS), in 1997.

According to Krueger Operations Manager – QLD, Peter Grey, RFS has been a proven winner since its inception because it succeeds in all key areas of manufacturing, ease of fitting and servicing and manufacturing. This, he says, is why it continues to be a top-tier choice for fleets today.

“The vision and tenacity to design, test

that we are very proud of to be able to provide our customers,” he says. “The milestone of 25 years of RFS is testament to its original design function, ‘built for Australian conditions’.”

The difference between RFS and all other suspension units in the market, Peter explains, is seen in its simplicity of design.

“The RFS parabolic spring and U-bolts in both under and over slung configurations have not changed in 25 years because of their proven reliability,” he says. “Its genius in design is futuristic and testament to its 25-year service span utilising much of the original components. For example, trailer suspensions require different running heights for different applications, so in order for different ride heights to be achieved,

Peter says this means a fleet of six B-double trailers running the same brand of suspension may need to stock six different sized air bags and shocks to keep them on the road. Whereas with RFS, there is only one air bag and one shock absorber size being used due to its design in all ride height configurations.

To back up its RFS product, Krueger has a national spare parts department which carries over 15,000 product lines on shelves across the eastern seaboard with access to thousands more. Krueger Manager –National Spare Parts, Ben Raudino, says this has directly benefitted the RFS product by prevented shortages and supply issues.

“The benefit for us having our own suspension with a spare parts department is that we’re not relying on third parties to provide the product,” he says. “We’re in charge of our own importing so we’ve always got stock on the shelf. In the 10 years I’ve been here we’ve never run out of our own RFS product, whereas our suppliers tend to have shortages and delays with all of their importing and involvement with third parties overseas.”

Having the amount of stock that it does, Krueger’s spare parts department also minimises downtime for customers.

“We tend to carry as much as we can on the shelf to minimise that downtime,” Ben says. “We also have access to our manufacturing plant which is only a couple of kilometres down the road from us, so for anything we don’t have on the shelf that’s RFS or Kruger-specific, we are able to source parts from there as needed as

Krueger Transport Equipment’s Road Friendly Suspension (RFS) has stood the test of time over the last 25 years, and through extensive use in fleets like Diamond Bros., it is evident why.

for it to get packaged and shipped out.”

Adelaide-based linehaul carrier, Diamond Bros., invested in its first batch of trailers from Krueger in 1987 and hasn’t looked elsewhere since. The fleet has purchased a variety of trailer types ranging from 4.6-metre units, flat floors, drop decks, mezzanines and dry vans with Krueger’s K-Hitch suspension axles and RFS air suspension as well.

Diamond Bros. CEO, Kym McDermid, says having RFS suspension fitted to the fleet’s 4.6-metre trailers with higher centres of gravity has paid off.

“It gives a better ride to our trailers,” he says. “We’re carrying a lot of cages with loose freight so it stops it from moving around anywhere as near as much, and therefore there is less breakages and issues with movement of freight within the curtains.”

According to Kym, Krueger’s product is better in longevity – and that applies for RFS too. “They’re just really well-made trailers,” he says. “They last longer, they have less hassles and downtime on the equipment is a lot better because of that. They just do the right thing by us as we don’t have a lot of problems with them.

“RFS has made a massive difference to the industry as a whole, let alone just Krueger and Diamond Bros.”

Contact Krueger Transport Equipment

Ph: 03 9366 2133

Web: www.krueger.com.au

Zero emissions goals

Logistics company, Martin Brower, continues to grow and minimises its carbon footprint with the use of refrigerated transport technology from Carrier Transicold.

When they began their relationship more than 50 years ago, contemplating the transport industry’s environmental impact would have seemed a bit obscure.

But fast-forward decades later and, for both Carrier Transicold and Martin Brower, growing together to meet modern issues and demands is what their partnership is based on, and demonstrates how far they’ve come.

Martin Brower, a global leader in supply chain solutions, has commissioned its first Vector eCool refrigeration system from

Fast fact

In 1902, Willis Carrier submitted his design for the first modern airconditioning system, accomplishing a feat that was once thought to be impossible – control of the indoor environment.

global cold chain solution provider, Carrier Transicold. The new system produces no direct carbon dioxide emissions, helping Martin Brower significantly reduce its emissions on delivery routes, and reach its global environmental targets of 50 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030, and net zero by 2050.

“Our goal is to deliver innovative and meaningful solutions that create a more sustainable, ethical and responsible future” says Zac Lloyd-Jones, Transport and Network Analytics Manager for Martin

Brower. “Partnering with Carrier Transicold to trial these types of new technologies and understand how we can best leverage them in the future will help us realize our vision and reach our environmental goals”.

Martin Brower isn’t the only company looking at ways to reduce its carbon footprint. With an industry-wide push to take carbon emissions seriously by swapping to full electrification, the Vector eCool is in hot demand.

In fact, Carrier Transicold says the introduction of this technology reaffirms

its own commitment to reducing emissions, improving sustainability, and increasing efficiency across the refrigerated transport sector, calling it one of the most exciting products they have ever developed.

The Vector eCool 19.2kWh battery power can last up to six hours, depending on climatic and load conditions. The energy management system automatically switches on the axle-powered generator when the pre-determined charge level is reached. The system could also be plugged into the electrical grid, when a trailer is parked, and would be fully charged within two hours. The cell technology in the battery pack can endure a ten-year lifecycle.

Also, the Vector eCool refrigeration unit is significantly lighter than a diesel engine, and there are substantial reductions in operating noise levels.

Carrier says the new system helps support their 2030 environmental, social and governance goals which aim to help its customers avoid more than one gigaton of greenhouse gas emissions.

For Martin Brower, the relationship with Carrier is much more than one specialised unit.

Martin Brower Australia and New Zealand currently have more than 110 Carrier units commissioned across their fleet, servicing 1,000 locations and completing 14 million kilometres per year.

“To meet the needs of our complex and demanding logistics and supply network, we need to partner with organizations that can help us advance our solutions through new technology and reinvestment,” Zac says.

“Our partnership with Carrier provides us with the opportunity to do this by leveraging the understanding and benefits that both businesses possess.”

Adding to that, is the fact that the Carrier units that Martin Brower use are all backed by Carrier Transicold’s BluEdge fixed cost full-service maintenance package, which includes annual temperature control testing and certification, full regulatory checks, and access to the company’s OneCall 24/7 incident management service.

“Our commitment to customer service

them.”

As for the future, it is looking bright for both companies. With 50 years of cold chain and supply chain logistic services, provided amidst an ever-changing landscape of requirements and network scope, under their belt, Martin Brower ANZ is poised to continue their trajectory with Carrier helping them in that journey.

partnership with Carrier.”

Contact Martin Brower Australia

Web: www.martinbrower.com.au

Carrier Transicold Australia

Ph: 1800 448 166

Web: www.carrier.com.au

Improving performance all the way

Hydreco Hydraulics Pty Ltd (née Powauto, established in 1959), a specialist in the design and production of motion solutions for the transport industry, will be presenting its new products at the Brisbane Truck show to be held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, from 18 to 21 May 2023 (Stand 165, Hall 4).

Hydreco, long renowned for its heavy vehicle power take offs, is set to build on this reputation by releasing the most comprehensive range of PTOs for the new Eaton Endurant XD transmission, set to be used in the Kenworth T410, T610 & K220 trucks. Initially there will be two different bottom mount PTOs and three options for the rear of countershaft opening, with more variants in development. These PTOs will be available as a factory fit from Kenworth.

Hydreco is supported by a nationwide

network of long-term distributors; Malcolm Nixon of Nixons Engineering said “Nixons Engineering at Wagga have been selling Powauto products since the 1970’s and find their PTO, pump, valve and cabin switch range to be the best in the Australian market for the heavy-duty truck industry.”

A totally revamped light truck product range highlights Hydreco’s renewed focus on this important market segment. The new vacuum shift PTOs, that were released in January, was a re-imagining of what a Hydreco light truck PTO should be. The new Tank & Valve assembly (TKV) sets the benchmark for flexibility and user friendliness with its engineered polymer construction, multi positional hose connections and mounting configurations. While the renewed underbody range of hoists are the only nickel-plated hoists

in the Australian market. These products present the freshest innovative ideas on the market from the one supplier.

Hydreco, already a supplier of quality telescopic hoists, looked for ways to improve the performance of the whole tipping system. They examined the existing hose burst valves available and looked at all the issues (including flow restrictions) and requirements; and is introducing its new VA40 hose burst valve which has several unique design elements that offer increased safety, better performance and improved environmental impact. So, when combined with either of their S64 or S65 hoists and a VA105 or VA210 tipping valve, the entire system can be made to perform better with more options and flexibility.

An entirely new line of products, for Hydreco, will also be released; 20L and 40L oil coolers. These units, built to be used on walking floor®, live bottom and water cart applications. These units have a small “footprint” that allows up to 200kg weight saving over conventional bulk oil tank systems, while enabling consistent unloading times due to better oil temperature control. The use of much smaller quantities of oil has the benefit of cost and environmental benefits such as possible spills from hose bursts, component failures etc.

For further information on these products or Hydreco’s other truck and trailer products, please drop by at the Brisbane Truck Show or contact the sales team.

Hydreco is all set to show its technical expertise and launch some new products at the Brisbane Truck Show.

DURALED® BUILT TO LAST

HELLA’S growing range of DuraLED® lamps, incorporating the latest LED technology, have proven to be the superior economic and environmental choice for transport operators in Australia.

HELLA’S innovative DuraLED® lamps are designed for use on trucks, buses, caravans, emergency vehicles and specialty applications.

Continuous improvement & strenuous testing for an ultra long operating life.

GRILAMID®

Toughness

entry

Window of opportunity

An agreement made at Brisbane Truck Show 2017 would see Fruehauf NZ

distribute 42 refrigerated Schmitz Cargobull vehicles into the New Zealand market. These included nine truck and trailer bodies and 24 semi-trailers all with dual temp set-up and built with Schmitz Cargobull’s patented Ferroplast panelling.

As part of the collaboration, Schmitz Cargobull supplied the Ferroplast box bodies which were then fitted onto Fruehauf NZ’s own trailer and customerspecified truck chassis. At the time the agreement was said to equate more than a third of the annual market volume for refrigerated transport equipment in NZ. However, as a result of the single order Fruehauf NZ Managing Director, Jeff Mear, says Schmitz Cargobull was able to captivate around 50 per cent of the NZ marketplace in one year.

“Schmitz Cargobull came out here looking for a partner and they offered the product to us,” he says. “They didn’t expect to have a big start like with our launch customer, Hall’s, which took up a massive percentage of the market.”

Since 2017 Jeff says there’s been rapid growth for both companies.

“Over those six years the product has certainly stamped its foot in New Zealand,” he says. “The market has now seen what the product can do and its point of

differences with the other brands. This year its growth has exceeded.”

Jeff is confident the high standards held throughout the Schmitz Cargobull product had a major role in their success within NZ.

“It’s a very good product and it’s a strong product to have in terms of support for our business as well,” he says. “We found having a relationship with Schmitz Cargobull to be quite advantageous for us. It has given us access to their expertise, knowledge and support – as well as their efficiencies and how they measure it. So, it’s given us an insight on how we can improve our business.”

And with an approachable aftersales team supporting Schmitz Cargobull, Jeff says Fruehauf NZ has been able to learn from one of the best.

“Being one of the world’s largest trailer builders they’re good people to deal with,” he says. “You’re able to talk to their research and development department which puts our business in the forefront as well because they have that expertise there. They’ve been very friendly, helpful and supportive in terms of developing the product into the New Zealand market. We’ve definitely found them very professional and good to learn from.”

Schmitz Cargobull’s readily-available supply of units also played a big role in Fruehauf’s operations.

“Especially with all of the supply issues around the world at the moment, it’s given us another avenue to get that supply, because they have more readily access to it,” he says.

This year at Brisbane Truck Show 2023 the team at Fruehauf NZ will be reuniting with Schmitz Cargobull to once again join them on the stage in Brisbane. According to Jeff, this is a good opportunity to further expand the relationship to potential new customers.

“A lot of New Zealanders go over to Brisbane Truck Show and they always have,” he says. “It supports them as well as us to meet clients, identify who they are and introduce them to Schmitz. It’s a fantastic product which has been very good for our business. We see a lot of opportunity to grow with it. But at the end of the day, Schmitz Cargobull is so huge that our market is just not big enough to have what they have.

Contact

Schmitz Cargobull Australia

Unit 2, 221 Browns Road

Noble Park North 3174 VIC

Ph: +61 434 743 144

Web: www.cargobull.com.au

Fruehauf NZ

Ph: +64 027 442 8042

Web: www.fruehauf.co.nz

A partnership finalised between Schmitz Cargobull Australia and New Zealand trailer manufacturer, Fruehauf NZ , at Brisbane Truck Show 2017 saw the New Zealand transport industry gain access to something truly remarkable.

186.5 TONNE GROSS COMBINATION MASS GAME CHANGING PAYLOADS

INCREASED PERFORMANCE AT SPEED ROLL COUPLED STABILITY

AUSTRALIAN MADE

FUEL

AVIATION

WASTE OIL

MOLASSES

TALLOW

BITUMEN

CHEMICAL

MILK

WINE

WATER

DRY BULK

Tieman Tankers are proud to lead the industry in quality and innovation. Our Team offers experience, service and skills that have been passed down through over 70 years of manufacturing. Our new and proven PBS Designs with in house road access support will future proof your investment.

Tieman ‘QUAD TRAIN’ for Fuel Trans

TRP: Trusted, reliable and proven

PACCAR Parts’ new TRP Product Range

PACCAR Parts developed the TRP brand 29 years ago and after successfully launching in Europe and the United States, PACCAR Parts introduced TRP to the Australian market in 2013. Since that time, it has continued to grow its aftermarket product range.

The TRP range has been positioned to look after second and third owners of trailers and trucks – predominantly Kenworths – but also other makes and models with American drivelines.

These days the TRP range shares some similarity with the US product line

By continuing to look for new opportunities in the market, PACCAR Parts Product Marketing Manager, Niels Holm, says the TRP range has filled important gaps in product offerings that provide a quality part at a competitive price.

Products within the TRP Product Range Guide 2023 include general accessories, air conditioning compressors and associated HVAC products, engine mounts, coolants, wheel bearings, hoses and charge air coolers. Quality maintenance-free battery options along with alternators sourced from top OEMs

Guide 2023 is packed to the rafters with truck and trailer products which are industry-tested and ready to perform in the Australian market.

brake rotors which have all stood the test

“We’ve had very good success with the TRP brake drum range, and complementing that has been the brake shoe range,” Niels says. “We source that from a global manufacturer that also supplies into our DAF factory in Eindhoven. So, the braking area is very well covered

All TRP products are backed by either a 12-, 24-, or in the case of aluminium wheels 60-month warranty. Behind the warranty is a dedicated Product Management team conducting field trials, independent testing and certification while ensuring Australian and international standards are met before any TRP product is launched in the market.

“We’re very stringent on our quality,” Niels says. “We make sure that there are no products in the TRP range that may be questioned in terms of quality. We investigate all warranty claims and work with our suppliers to develop products that support the quality and value which TRP

The TRP Product Range is available at 57 locations across Australia and New Zealand, including 14 branded TRP stores. And, according to Niels, its presence is going to continue to get bigger.

“We’re growing the number of TRP

stores by three or four locations every year, giving customers new opportunities to conveniently access parts at more and more locations,” he says. “Our plan for TRP going forward is to continue to release new products that complement trailers, older Kenworths and DAF trucks.”

The new TRP Range Guide is now available from PACCAR dealers, TRP Stores and online. The new Range Guide will be available at the Brisbane Truck Show this year.

Contact PACCAR Parts

Ph: 1800 772 787

Web: www.paccarparts.com.au

A rich history inspires thirdgeneration tanker manufacturer

When Mark Stables was young, he loved nothing more than seeing his family’s Holmwood trucks on the road. Decades later, he’s realised the enjoyment still exists.

“I get a real kick from hearing stories about kids noticing a Homewood product and then saying, ‘daddy built that’,” says

so deep, that one of our workers’ kids can notice a tanker that daddy worked on. It’s exactly what I used to do.”

After more than 70 years in the industry, it isn’t hard to see where the Holmwood Highgate pride comes from. From its humble beginnings, the Queenslandoriginate company has seen a number of

name. They specialise in the manufacture of bulk liquid tankers including aluminium petroleum and chemical tankers; mild steel bitumen tankers; stainless steel chemical and food-grade tankers.

The last 10 years has seen steady growth, with the company expanding into global markets, in part due to the recent inclusion of aviation grade refuelers and defence deployable modules to their

From their earliest days of bringing aluminium welding to Australia, Holmwood Highgate is still on the cutting edge of liquid tankers.

They’ve also begun importing high quality dry bulk and LPG tankers for local use, allowing them to become a one-stopshop by providing design, production and delivery as well as ongoing product and customer support to local owners.

The history of Holmwood begins in Brisbane in 1950 when AMA (Adams, Mellish, Anderson) was formed and tasked to refurbish an ex-war tanker constructed of aluminium. Welding of light alloys was unheard of locally at the time, so AMA imported the first aluminium welding equipment and technology into Australia.

“They were the first to put an aluminium road tanker on the road in Australia which was a lot lighter weight than steel,” Mark says. “This was important because these new aluminium alloys were strong enough to suffer the punishment of driving around Australia without developing cracks or leaks.”

Fast fact

Company name Holmwood comes from the name of a park in England where founder Sid Mellish had once enjoyed spending time with his wife.

In the 1960s, off the back of AMA, Syd Mellish formed Holmwood Highgate and in 1985 merged with the Stables family, opening a Victorian branch in Derrimut. Holmwood Highgate tankers are built to a client’s requirements, ranging from on-site refuellers to latest PerformanceBased Standards (PBS) approved combinations.

Its production and workshop facilities at Loganholme, south of Brisbane, are now made up of qualified aluminium welders,

Today, the entire group of companies remains 100% Australian and family owned by the Mellish family in Queensland and the Stables in Victoria. They currently employee more than 200 people.

As for the future of Holmwood Highgate, it is looking bright with their focus on quality products and service unwavering. In fact, many of their tankers are surpassing three decades of operation, a feat even more impressive considering the harsh Australian conditions. For management, the proof is in the order book, demonstrating to them that buyer confidence in their premium bulk liquid transport solutions is solid.  Contact

Illuminating history

HELLA New Zealand announces its 50th anniversary in the Automotive and Marine lighting industry. Since founding in 1973, HELLA New Zealand has focused on designing and manufacturing premium quality products.

Over the past five decades, HELLA New Zealand has grown significantly as a business by incorporating modern production techniques and heavily investing in new lighting technology. One of the biggest achievements was becoming the first in the world to achieve ECE compliance for a high-level brake light using Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).

The foundational product range, DuraLED, has revolutionised the transport industry, offering energyefficient LED lighting with unparalleled reliability and durability. To date, the DuraLED and Jumbo ranges continue as benchmarks for transport operators across New Zealand and Australia. Every product that leaves HELLA New Zealand’s facilities is individually tested, and every order line is QA inspected. On-site testing facilities subject products to extremes of temperature, intense UV light, exposure to chemicals, and in humid and salt-laden conditions to ensure that they perform under stresses that greatly exceed those of most realworld situations.

For HELLA Australia’s commercial vehicle customers, around 70 per cent of the products come from these state-of-the-art electronics and lighting production facilities in New Zealand, where it has been at the forefront of LED lamps since 1990. These products have, to date, received considerable worldwide recognition in the road transport, automotive and safety lighting segments.

The Auckland facilities cover some 7,500 square metres and boasts state-ofthe-art, highly automated manufacturing

capabilities. Huge investment has been made in computer-controlled moulding machines that enable extremely precise moulding tolerances to be achieved, down to as little as plus or minus .02mm.

Additionally, the Waihi electronics plant, purpose built in 2007, boasts the latest automated, high precision assembly systems. In 2013 the plant became selfsufficient in Printed Circuit Board Assembly

HELLA Jumbo-S LED Triple Module with DT Connector.

(PCBAs) production. This facility places a staggering 53,000 LEDs onto PCBAs every working day, totalling 12.8 million LEDs per year (in 2022).

In accordance with HELLA’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the Auckland factory uses 100 per cent renewable energy and 95 per cent of waste material generated during the moulding process

gets recycled into packing trays and glue tubes, and for purging machines between different types of plastics. In HELLA Australia, the company has also transitioned to green energy, sourcing the electricity of the head office from solar power since early 2022.

Fifty years on, HELLA New Zealand is a world-class design and manufacturing facility with the latest hi-tech equipment.

With strong customers’ loyalty and support, the company looks forward to continuing to provide the transport industry with the best possible lighting solutions for many years to come.

Contact HELLA Australia

Web: www.hella.com

Ph: 1800 061 729

HELLA DuraLED Combi-SR.

Waihi manufacturing.

Thermal Camera.

The Hyva Pacific solution

At Brisbane Truck Show 2023 Hyva Pacific will be showcasing its market leading and strongest front-end tipping cylinders, along with all of its hydraulic componentry. These include hydraulic pumps, tip valves, hose burst valves, cab raise lower controls and a great range of hydraulic oil tanks to suit a side or rear mount fit up.

Along with its tipping solutions, Hyva Pacific’s capital equipment range will be presented at the event. The Ferrari F7215 A3 truck-mounted crane specifically will show off its Dynamic Load Diagram screen and Magic Touch auto unfold/fold system, which according to Hyva Pacific makes the range one of the safest available. Hyva Pacific have also fitted one of its hook lifts onto a 1962 J2 Bedford.

Loadmac truck mount forklifts are also part of the provider’s stable of capital equipment. The Loadmac 825 Cam Mast forklift will be displayed on the Hyva Pacific stand with Loadmac factory representatives present to discuss customer requirements.

In addition, Hyva Pacific will be introducing some new products to the

industry at Brisbane Truck Show 2023 –such as its new multi-rail hook lift system which will be fitted to a DAF CF 340. According to Hyva Pacific’s National Manager for tipping solutions and truck and trailer components, Darren Stocks, its double rear bin locks and single front bin locks to cater for bin widths between 680mm and 1200mm make it an industry best with unparalleled safety.

“It is also fitted with a Scanreco remote control system and HydraTarp to make this the complete unit,” he says.

Hyva couplings will also make their debut at the Brisbane Truck Show. Darren says the JK51 range of 50mm trailer couplings

and the Hyva-Fontaine fifth wheels can keep operators hooked up and moving. Hyva and Fontaine representatives will also be at the stand for this product to work with customers’ coupling requirements.

Contact Hyva Pacific

Ph: 07 3288 2688

Web: www.hyva.com/en-au/

Leading hydraulics provider, Hyva Pacific, will be exhibiting at the Brisbane Truck Show once again this year, on stand 131 in the main hall.

Maintenance-friendly axle and suspension with Tru Shu

Tru-Shu has been developing a long service interval, maintenance-friendly axle and suspension for heavy duty trailers.

The Tru-Shu axle was developed after comparing common trailer axles with American drive axles. The failure rate and service interval was much higher across all brands of trailer axle than that of the American drive. From this observation, Tru-Shu has designed trailer axles made with the best parts of American drive technology and a few new ideas to reduce failure, increase service life and streamline maintenance.

These premium axles will be on display at the Brisbane Truck show.

“We will be showing our 22.5 and 19.5 axles, both axles have American drive bearings and ten-stud wheel pattern,” says Mitchell Pitt of Tru-Shu. “Competitors 19.5 axles have smaller bearings that are prone

to failure and 8 stud patterns that overload the studs if they are not under correct tension resulting in damage and loss of wheels. Our hub has larger bearings than the competition and 10 studs for strong wheel location and operation tolerance.”

Running Tru-Shu in combination with American trucks will, according to Mitchell, simplify parts inventory as the axle runs the same bearings, seals, slack adjusters, and s-cam hardware.

All Tru-Shu axles have American drive bearings as they were found to be more reliable than conventional trailer bearings, have a long service interval, and are easily available.

“All our axles are recommended to be oil lubricated for long bearing life and

have an oil fill plug in the hub,” Mitchell says. “Oil filled hubs are susceptible to oil leaks, to prevent this our axle has been designed with two oil seals per wheel end. To monitor the oil level the hub cap has a well-protected oil sight glass for visual inspection of oil level.”

The wheel end is held on with Tru-Shu’s own 30mm wide nut that is locked to the axle with two grub screws that remove any play between the nut and axle. This new type of locking nut utilises more thread than other axle nut systems and is reported to prevent wear of the axle and potential loss of wheel ends.

“All Tru-Shu axles have our patented brake shoes with alignment tag for maximum life and braking performance,”

Mitchell says. “For heavy duty operations

Tru-Shu brakes can be run with two return springs to remove vibrations from the wheel end. All Tru-Shu brake components can be fitted without removal of the hub. Fitting of the shoes can be done with a simple loop of wire or cable through a hole drilled in the shoe and lining to tension the brake return spring while fitting the retaining bolt. The s-cam tube is double bushed and sealed each end. The S-cam is bolted in place with caps over a rubber bush, this means the S-cam can be fitted without a welder. All Tru-Shu brakes have a guide tag that runs down the face of the s-cam to prevent the shoes from operating out of alignment giving long service life and optimal braking performance.”

Tru-Shu suspension boasts two sets of side-by-side parabolic springs per axle, providing increased stability. All springs and saddles are u-bolted to the axle and require no welding or fabrication to fit or replace. Tru-Shu suspension incorporates two large-footprint airbags to reduce bag pressure and give a soft ride. Air bags mount directly over the springs and do not sit on a plate overhanging one side of the spring. Unlike other suspensions in the market, according to Mitchell, the bolton shock absorber brackets are easy to change if damaged or worn.

The Tru-Shu axle suits all types of transport operations and will hold particular appeal to those who operate in demanding conditions, our products have been aimed at stock, refrigerated and low loader operators. Tru-Shu will give long service intervals with large bearings and

brakes that are running in line, stability with four springs and bushes spread out across the axle, and a smooth ride with large airbags operating with low pressure. “When the time comes to maintain a TruShu axle the hard work has been done for you with maintenance considered in the design, every brake component can

Contact

565 North Bremer Road Hartley 5255

Mitchell says. “For more information see the Tru-Shu team at the Brisbane Truck Show.”

Narva introduces new light bar range

Several years ago, Narva revolutionised the driving light market when it introduced its Ultima LED range and more recently has refined its offering to provide improved performance and durability with the release of Ultima LED MK2.

Now Narva is providing the many benefits of the Ultima MK2 lamps in an LED light bar package with the introduction

of two new light bars, the 8-inch ‘Ultima 8’ and 24-inch ‘Ultima 24’. The bars are designed to function both as standalone auxiliary lighting, or in conjunction with Ultima LED MK2 lamps, for truly amazing lighting volume and penetration. An optional joiner bracket kit can also be purchased at an additional cost, allowing multiple bars to be connected and used

together to create a 40-inch (2x 8-inch light bar plus 1x 24-inch light bar) or 48inch bar (2x 24-inch light bars).

The Ultima LED Light Bars produce brilliant natural white light (5700°K) and precise beam control through the combination of precision optics in the form of highly polished, super-efficient aluminium metalised reflectors and precisely scalloped parabolas, while also using 9W OSRAM LEDs, which are among the most powerful on the market.

The Ultima 8 is equipped with 15 highpowered LEDs per light bar, delivering a long and wide hybrid beam. A pair of these light bars can provide up to 50m of width at 1 lux, all the way up to 450m, and with a longer distance beam penetration of up to 900m at 1 lux – this is comparable or even better than most 9-inch (pair) driving lights.

The Ultima 24 offers even greater performance with 38 high-powered LEDs, providing an amazing ultra-wide flood beam capable of lighting 95m wide at 1 lux, all the way to 500m ahead, with the long distance light continuing up to 750m at 1 lux. The Ultima 24 also features Narva’s signature ADR-approved, in-built LED front position light pipe.

Narva’s Ultima LED Light Bars offer brilliant natural white light (5,700°K) and precise beam control

Built to Last

Designed, engineered and tested in Australia, the Ultima LED Light Bar range is constructed from a super strong, single piece, pressure die-cast aluminium housing that is sealed to IP68 and IP69K with integrated DT connector, providing uncompromised ingress protection, strength and durability.

Additionally, the light bars feature UVresistant, hard-coated polycarbonate lenses and covers to protect against stone chips and yellowing, ensuring ongoing performance and good looks. Further helping durability is glass-filled nylon brackets that are lightweight and stronger than die-cast brackets, while mounting the lamps is simple via tough stainless-steel hardware. Narva is so confident in the long-term performance of the new Ultima LED Light Bar range that they are offering an unprecedented 10-year warranty.

Design a Custom Look

Along with the ability to combine the Ultima LED Light Bars to create a light bar system to suit operator needs, owners can choose from a variety of finishes and trim colour options to create a look that best suits their vehicle.

The Ultima LED Light Bar range offers a variety of bezels and lens protector options. The Ultima 24 ‘Satin’ kit includes Ultima LED Light Bar with satin bezel, clear

lens protector, four colour trims (blue, black, red and yellow), a 6 pin DT patch harness and stainless-steel mounting hardware. The Ultima 24 ‘Black’ kit includes Ultima LED light bar with black bezel, black ‘stealth’ lens protector, three colour trims (slate grey, electric blue and hyper green), a 6pin DT patch harness and stainless-steel mounting hardware.

The respective Ultima 8 kits feature the same basic content but double quantity on account of each kit includes two light bars. The wiring harness is also different, with 2x 4pin DT harness being used rather than a 6pin. (Full wiring harness is available for purchase).

Narva Marketing Manager, Dale McBride, said the Ultima LED Light Bar range highlighted the brand’s commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.

“The Ultima LED Driving Light range quickly gained an outstanding reputation following its release and has become well known for its superior lighting performance and tough engineering – this combination has seen it become a favoured lamp for extremely demanding applications such as high kilometre commercial vehicle work, competitive off-road motorsports and for agricultural duties,” Dale says.

“We believe the new Ultima LED Light Bars will be well received in the market by both existing customers and first time Narva buyers.”

Narva’s Ultima LED Light Bars and accessories are available nationwide from leading automotive, four-wheel drive and transportation outlets.

NARVA was established by Brown & Watson International Pty Ltd, a private company formed in 1957. Narva is Australian owned and is a leader in the development, manufacture and supply of automotive lighting and electrical components for the automotive, marine and transport industries.

Contact Narva

Ph: 03 9730 6000

Explosive storage solutions rely on UES Hardware

When the product you produce is designed to secure dangerous, restricted and sensitive materials, you need to have faith in the reliability of every single component – which is why Maglok chooses UES Hardware to supply a range of parts for its explosive storage solutions.

Maglok, based in Lonsdale, South Australia, has been creating purpose-built explosive storage and transport solutions for both government and private clients, for 30 years. Its range of explosive storage systems, magazines and lockers can hold anywhere from 5kg up to 20,000kg of explosives, detonators, military ordnance, fireworks, or other explosive materials. Maglok has been utilising UES hinges, latches and seals for their smaller storage

boxes, along with other ad hoc products, for more than a decade. These incredibly strong and durable boxes can hold up to 60kg of explosives. “UES products are completely reliable and perform exactly as specified every time,” says Maglok Technical Manager, Jon Wright. “This gives us and our customers complete confidence in our storage solutions, which is critical in our line of work.”

Beyond product reliability, Jon says UES is a trusted and reliable supplier who go above and beyond when Maglok need them. “In our industry, quality and trust are at the heart of everything. We choose UES as a supply partner because we know they offer premium products and because we can count on them to get us what we need,

when we need it.”

Trust is not just about the product but about the relationship, and Jon says UES has proven itself not only when things go right, but when they occasionally don’t go as planned.

“Mark from UES is fantastic. Whenever we need something from UES, we go straight to Mark, knowing he will give exceptional service. I remember a time when he personally delivered some stock parts that our client needed urgently. He dropped what he was doing and came that afternoon and really saved the day. That’s the kind of service we want to give our customers, so we really value it when our suppliers do it for us”.

Maglok is part of Aquirian Limited (ASX: AQN), an emerging global provider of integrated solutions, people and products to the mining and resources markets. Aquirian operates a multi-disciplined integrated business model and provides products and services to over 60 clients across 12 countries. Maglok, which operates under Aquirian’s mining solutions division, is Australia’s leading supplier of storage solutions for energetic materials and dangerous goods. Its explosives storage magazines, lockers, and ordnance storage, range from explosive day boxes to full installations on major mining and defence sites throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Dangerous and explosives substance storage specialist Maglok has been hinging on UES products for their quality for over 10 years.

Brett Wood, Maglok Operations Supervisor, pictured with one of their smaller red magazines which utilise UES hinges, latches and seals to help store up to 60kg of explosives.

HELPING YOU DELIVER EXCELLENCE

Through our leading brands and the backing of our unrivalled aftermarket service and support network, MaxiTRANS has a solution to service your transport needs.

What sets us apart? It’s MaxiTRANS’ ongoing commitment to understanding your business needs and providing even greater access to our high quality Australian made products to help you continue delivering industry excellence. Contact MaxiTRANS today to find out why more Australian road transport operators choose us as their transport solution partner. maxitrans.com

Since 1967, Fort Vale has provided industry with excellent engineering solutions which have always been at the cutting edge of technology. Such products include ISO tank containers, offshore equipment and rail tank wagons, with the latter being one of its biggest product ranges in the United Kingdom, Europe and America. The company also has a series of products to suit all liquid tank classifications including food and highly hazardous materials.

Fort Vale’s most recent creation, the 5A DN50 Rollover Relief Valve, will be introduced to the transport industry in May 2023. The product has been through over a year of research and development in the UK to prepare for its launch, and Fort Vale is certain it will excel once released into the market.

Manufactured in 316 stainless steel, the Rollover Relief Valve is ideally suited for

corrosive chemicals and acids but is also suitable for use with fuels. The product features a safe and reliable valve for re-seating after relieving with a six-hole flange bolting pattern to improve gasket sealing at tank connection, and with a robust and corrosion-resistant design, it will offer high flow rates to customers looking to gain an extra advantage.

The Rollover Relief Valve also provides a significant improvement on sealing performance due to an innovative sealing arrangement and O-ring design. In addition, alternative materials of construction such as high nickel and exotic alloys are also available on request.

To back up its product, Fort Vale owns self-sufficient manufacturing facilities which gives it total control over all processes – from research and development through to design,

investment casting, pressing, forging, plasma and laser cutting to assembly, testing and certification. Its newly acquired warehouse and office locates in Darra, Brisbane, which was established to form its position in the region, is a clear example of this goal.

“It’s all very well to have a quality product and be competitive in pricing”, says Wayne Mildenhall, Fort Vale Regional Manager South East Asia & Oceania, “but making the customer base aware of the Fort Vale brand is what we are about and why we’ve established ourselves here in Australia.”

Celebrating 40 years: Powerdown

Powerdown has been supplying the highest quality, innovative and cost-effective suspension components for commercial vehicles for four decades.

When Australia II was crossing the finish line in the America’s Cup in 1983 for a historic win, the roller doors at Powerdown were opening for the first time. From these humble beginnings, 2023 sees Powerdown celebrate its 40 year anniversary.

Founded in 1983 as part of a heavy vehicle wheel alignment business, Newcastle Truck and Bus, Powerdown started as an importer of shock absorbers from North America and Europe. It quickly became apparent though these shock absorbers worked well on concrete highways and autobahns, they were not up to the rigours of Australian roads and hot climatic conditions. This requirement lead Powerdown down the path to design and development shock absorbers specifically for our roads, our loads and our conditions.

Brisbane Truck Show 2023

From the early years at the RNA Show Grounds to the current location at the Convention Centre, Powerdown has been a proud exhibitor at the Brisbane Truck Show for the past 30 years. As Australia’s premier trucking event, Powerdown will

be showcasing the Enveero Supershock range. This exciting new product not only brings the green future closer but delivers big on comfort and ride performance. With a superior flash point of 210 degrees C, the Enveero Supershock is designed to maintain control in the harshest of environments. Powerdown Supershocks with Enveero inside are currently available for Kenworth, BPW, Hendrickson, Neway, ROR and York applications.

Powerdown will also be showcasing other innovations at the Brisbane Truck Show including the exclusive ride height indicator. In an industry first, Powerdown has released a select range of shock absorbers with a recommended ride height indicator. The indicator is strategically placed on the body of the shock absorber to indicate shock absorber stroke relative to vehicle ride height. Ask the experienced Powerdown team how a change in ride height can affect the life of your shock absorbers and equipment.

To celebrate Powerdown’s 40th anniversary, the ‘That’s Gold’ promotion will be launched at the Truck Show.

Between June 2023 and January 2024 ten

lucky customers will win a $500 gift cards each when they find a shock absorber with the golden 40-year anniversary sticker. To find out more about the promotion and to see Powerdown’s latest innovations visit stand number 116 at the Brisbane Truck Show from 18 to 23 May 2023. Powerdown’s friendly team looks forward to seeing the visitors and answering any questions.

Contact Powerdown

Ph: 02 4949 0000

Web: www.powerdown.com.au

Tieman’s PBS `Quad Train`

The world’s biggest fuel road train combination!

Fuel Trans operates a fleet of fuel tankers across the Northern Territory and northern Western Australia in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions.

One freight task is delivering fuel from the Darwin fuel terminal to the Fuel Trans depot in Alice Springs, a 1,500km one way trip along the Stuart Highway. The 3.5-to4 day return journey relies on drivers to operate road trains along the two-way highway used by many other freight

companies, tourists with caravans and general public vehicles. Prior to the Tieman `Quad Train`, the largest combinations were 53.5m long B2A combinations which for fuel carried an average of 135KL of diesel.

The 56.5m long `Quad Train` includes Tieman`s patent pending turntable connection that ensures all PerformanceBased Standards (PBS) measures including rearward amplification at speed are met. The combination travels at 90km/hr when

loaded and 100km/hr when empty. Roll coupling all four tankers eliminates the risk of the rear tanker rolling over due to the special designed horizontal drawbar with skid plate and king pin.

With a Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of 186.5 tonnes, Fuel Trans is achieving a payload of 157KL of diesel with mixed motor spirit and diesel products exceeding 160KL payload. Fuel Trans Transport Manager, John Campbell, says the extra 15 per cent payload is significant especially for this long distance.

“It carries more capacity and that’s one of the key reasons why we got it,” he says. “The fact that its payload is a lot greater means we can slash trips required and therefore optimise our efficiencies when travelling from Darwin to our depot in Alice Springs.”

For over 13 years Fuel Trans has been dealing with Tieman for its various range of quality trailer combinations. John says that due to the fleet’s previous experiences with Tieman, and its ability to work with them to develop a series of PBS combinations, the decision to return for a 56.5m `Quad Train` was an easy one to make.

Tieman Tankers is proud to introduce the new PBS `Quad Train` fuel combination which delivers game-changing payload gains for long haul fuel cartage in Australia. It is the result of direct collaboration between Tieman, the state road owner and Fuel Trans.

L-R: Steve Crawford (Owner) and John Campbell (Fleet Manager).

Passing all on road trials gave all stake holders great confidence in knowing payload improvements can be matched by increased safety in performance.

“Ticking all boxes in safety and performance allows Tieman to continue the evolution of our new tanker designs across Australia in the fuel, milk, food grade, chemical, bitumen and dry bulk tanker markets,” says Tieman Tankers Director, Colin Tieman. “Our end-to-end PBS support is a point of difference that allows our customers to future proof every new tanker investment.”

Fuel Trans Managing Director, Steve Crawford, agrees that the Tieman `Quad Train` has brought a bigger payload and

Tieman PBS innovation in motion.

One stop tipper shop

For the last 40 years Chris’s Body Builders (CBB) has continued to maintain its coverage of all areas within the tipper transport industry. In doing so, it has allowed the company to cement its legacy as a one stop tipper shop for many combinations and solutions.

Accompanying its wide range of unique trailer and truck body builds, CBB’s online spare parts store stocks and sources a wide variety of OEM parts to suit its tippers. With counterfeit parts becoming a bigger safety issue in the transport industry, CBB has available a range of genuine products including tailgate parts, towbars, couplings, lighting, electricals, accessories, tarps, suspension, braking, landing legs, guards, mudflaps, hydraulics, pneumatics, turntables and drawbars. Many of these components are manufactured onsite or are locally sourced to ensure they are of the highest quality.

And with Click & Collect options and shipping Australia-wide available, CBB has the transport industry covered.

With CBB being a distributor for multiple brands such as JOST, Narva, York and Hendrickson, there is a product available for everyone. CBB CEO, Chris Debono, says by backing up its quality product with a reliable spare parts division, CBB can truly offer its customers something others cannot.

“CBB stands by its product and guarantees that only the highest quality components are used,” he says. “In order to get the best performance out of your tipper we felt it important to offer these components to our customers over the life of the equipment. We only supply OEM components so customers can have the peace of mind that their vehicles are

Fast fact

Within CBB’s online spare parts store are a huge variety of CBB and OEM products which fleets can use to their advantage.

always at their best in terms of quality and reliability.”

With the capability to source OEM parts from hub to hub and everything in between, CBB can keep operators moving forward.

Contact

Chris’s Body Builders

2-24 Burwood Avenue North Sunshine, VIC 3020 Ph: 03 9311 6124

Web: www.chrissbodybuilders.com.au

To further back up its tipping equipment which have proven their worth in industry applications, Chris’s Body Builders has a large range of OEM products available online in its spare parts store.

Bespoke industrial vacuum tankers

The Air and Gas Industries (AGI) team is currently building another spills recovery vehicle for a customer, after having just finished a 23,000-litre capacity tipping semi-trailer for another customer. Both units, built at AGI’s Brisbane manufacturing site, champion design customisation and optimisation for the customer’s unique applications.

The AIRVAXX ST23 tri-axle semitrailer, featuring a 23,000-litre waste compartment, was built to order and adapted to suit the customer’s exact specification requirements. The tanker will be used to collect a broad range of general waste products such as muds and sludges.

“The vessel is fitted with a sample point, sight glasses and a mechanical level indication arrow for product fill level verification,” says Michael Fowler of AGI’s Manufacturing Group.

“To assist with operator safety and speed of operation the unit has been fitted with a hydraulically operated overhead suction boom, which carries a six-inch suction hose that can be positioned by rotating, raising/lowering, and extending/retracting of the boom. The waste vessel is fitted with tipping system that can tip to 25 degrees

as well as having a full opening rear door to allow for easy clean out of thick sludge type products.”

The electro-pneumatic control system provides safe, reliable and intuitive operation. It includes a wireless remote to operate the pumping system and suction boom. The tanker also incorporates a safety interlock that prevents tipping of the unit while it is full of product.

“The unit features a Pompetravaini TRVX1007 liquid ring vacuum pump system with a flow rate of 1000 m3/hr,” Michael says. “We have used this particular model of pump on a large number of tankers, it is frequently selected due to its tried and tested durability and longevity. It also offers a reasonable flow rate to tare weight ratio that makes it attractive for a broad range of vessel sizes and applications.

Flexibility and customisation, according to Michael, is central to the design principles at AGI.

“We custom-design equipment to make sure that all equipment we manufacture is safe, reliable and offers the best functionality for our customer’s application,” he says. “For instance, the semi-trailer features the latest remote-

controlled technology and exceeds all relevant Australian standards. It’s manufactured right here in our Wacol facility. The second unit, the spill recovery vehicle for the airport, is also built on a bespoke design. The AIRVAXX DGR Industrial Vacuum Tanker is a purposebuilt dangerous goods, aviation spills recovery vehicle. The one in build is identical to the unit we completed for the same customer in 2020. These units are split compartment to allow mixed product loads of aviation fuel and general waste as part of spills clean-up around the airport.”

AGI has been manufacturing customised road tankers for the transport industry for nearly 50 years. During this time the company has built road tankers covering a broad range of applications for the energy, agricultural and environmental management sectors. The core focus of the business is building safe and reliable road tankers of the highest quality for the benefit of its customers.

Contact

Air and Gas Industries

Ph: 07 3271 5899

Web: www.airgas.com.au

Air and Gas Industries has been manufacturing industrial tankers for nearly five decades and adapts its range to best suit the needs of its customers.

Allroads brings Canadian expertise down under

All trailer-manufacturing operations are carried out at Allroads’ 1,200-square-metre facility set on five acres in Albany.

Allroads exclusively owns the rights to purpose-built aluminium wall panels used in walking floors. The engineering team uses Solidworks application to customise trailers to suit specific road train specifications or other customer requirements. The Solidworks simulation program allows the team to replicate the life cycle of a trailer into the program which then gives an indication of whether there are any defects in the product or design. This allows the team to ensure that its trailers are made to last.

The family-run business has expanded its product range, bringing Canadian trailer brand Gincor Werx’s industry-leading live bottom trailer range to Australia.

Gincor Werx has been making heavy haulage and specialised trailers for four decades. Built to last and capable of handling even the toughest applications, Gincor’s cutting-edge design and advanced tech live bottom trailers are available in three- to eight-axle configurations.

Gincor’s live bottom trailer range

complements Allroads’ product offering which includes walking floor trailers, side tippers, steel and aluminium end tippers, triaxle and tandem dollies and six-axle dogs.

Speaking about the company’s 2022 partnership with Gincor Trailers, Allroads Transport Engineers Managing Director, Jack Spaanderman, says Gincor’s live bottom trailers offer a safer alternative to the local market. Equally importantly, the suspension is suited to meet Australian standards and road conditions.

“Live Bottom Trailers provide a safe alternative to tippers, virtually eliminating the chance of a tip-over,” Jack says. “Utilising a horizontal interior conveyor belt system and allowing you to unload at a controlled pace means you can safely unload materials. The versatility of the trailer allows product to be unloaded on uneven ground, indoors, under low structures and overhead power lines and in any weather condition. The insulated sidewalls allow hot mix products to be transported great distances while maintaining their optimum temperature, this is imperative when you may have one asphalt plant covering hundreds of kilometres of works across the state.”

Although Gincor’s live bottom trailers are a perfect fit for the asphalt transport sector, the range is versatile for all heavy applications including mining materials, gravel, sand, agricultural products including fresh produce and fertilisers.

From a technical and design perspective, the Gincor Live Bottom trailer range includes cutting-edge features. For example, the Gincor 61° V-shaped hopper reduces bridging and build up, and allows for easier clean up. The trailer body is made using 3mm Hardox 450, and features aluminium side wall sheeting, premium fibre strand moisture resistant insulation, and chain inspection door on each side. The Hardox 450 high tensile wear plate offers superior wear resistance and a lower tare weight.

The team at Allroads is there to support customers with any after-sales queries, and the company has authorised agents across Australia that offer service, repair and warranty claims.

Gincor Werx’s live bottom trailer range is available through Western Australia based Allroads Transport Engineers.

National aluminium routing solutions

Your single source steel and aluminium product, processing and service solutions provider

As one of Australia’s leading national steel and aluminum distributors, BlueScope Distribution has the product range, processing capability, and technical expertise to deliver on your project requirements.

Our national aluminium routing capability enables us to profile complex shapes with precision, ease and accuracy. Combined with our extensive aluminium product range and experienced programmers, we work closely with your business to deliver aluminium solutions that give you the freedom to do what you do best.

Talk to our team about your aluminium processing requirement including, profile cutting simple or complex custom shapes, milling, holes, material labelling and coding, and much more!

For more information visit bluescopedistribution.com.au

Tuff Enough

Aquaholic Water Cartage & Transport Services specialises in Queensland transport and water cartage solutions with the

Family owned and operated transporter, Aquaholic Water Cartage & Transport Services, is dedicated to providing the highest standard of water cartage, heavy haulage, machine relocation, pilot vehicle

and transportation services throughout Queensland and Australia-wide.

The fleet primarily services the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Caboolture, Sunshine Coast and Logan areas, as well as

providing national services depending on the project. Aquaholic Water Cartage & Transport Services offers a safe and modern fleet available for wet hire 24/7 with the ability to undertake water cartage, heavy haulage and transport projects of any scale. These include quad axle and 4x8 low loaders, eight wheel tilt trays, crane trucks and rigid, semi water, B-double and road train water tankers which are all well maintained and regularly serviced.

Aquaholic Water Cartage & Transport Services bought its first trailer from Tuff Trailers around seven years ago, which happened to be a second-hand vehicle. Director, Keith Reid, says Tuff Trailers’ commitment to support that product since day one has been very impressive, and the business’ ability to change and adapt according to his needs have built on the relationship further.

“The thing that stood out to us in the beginning was that Denis and the Tuff team does things outside of the box,” he says. “They don’t just say ‘That’s how we’ve done it for 20 years’, they’re willing to give new stuff a go. So, the fact that Tuff have been willing to be progressive has kept us a returning customer since.”

Keith’s list of combinations manufactured

help of units it can rely on from Tuff Trailers.

by Tuff Trailers include two self-tracking Super Tilts (also known as ‘Tilt ‘N’ Slides’), a full power steer 5x4, a mechanical power steer 4x4, a Tuff extendable drop deck along with a couple of regular extendables, and most recently, a brand-new power steer in 4x4 configuration. This unit will be primarily used for Metropolitan work in Queensland and has just been hooked onto an eight-wheeler truck to achieve a 38-tonne payload without a dolly.

While Keith has just accepted delivery of the trailer, he is already confident it will deliver to the fleet’s highest standards.

“It will be fine,” he says. “Accessibility is good because it’s shorter and because of the remote-control steering. Accessibility is what the trailer was built for – to be light

and so that it could access sites. It will get into anywhere that any other semi-trailer can’t get into, that’s for sure. The DL-S hydraulic suspension is great as well; it has a lot more suspension travel than the previous ones. Ground clearance is also a lot better.”

In addition to agreeing that Tuff Trailers’ combinations live up to their name, Keith says the company’s ability to support this product is what sets it apart.

“Tuff Trailers supports their product in the used market very well,” he says. “You will never see a Tuff trailer for sale, they will have a home for it and sell it into a home somewhere before it hits the market. There’s always demand for them, they hold their value very well.

Fast fact

Since being founded by Denis and Nicole Di Pasquale in 1994, Tuff Trailers has built a solid reputation for supplying trailers that live up to their name while suiting the individual needs of customers around Australia with different requirements.

With spare parts being quite accessible and a team that is always easily approachable and willing to help, Keith is optimistic in placing his trust in Tuff Trailers.

“At the end of the day, Denis and the Tuff team do 100 per cent stand behind their product,” he says. “And because of that it’s always a pleasure to be dealing with Tuff Trailers. The biggest thing I can see is they have changed things as we have asked them to be changed over time, and that’s something that is really important to us.”

Contact

Tuff Trailers

Ph: 07 3803 0232

Web: www.tufftrailers.com.au

Trust and a quality trailer

If there is one trend that crops up time and time again in the transport industry, it’s the longevity of the relationships. And those who benefit from those strong bonds will tell you it isn’t simply good luck.

“I think what transport is about these days is dealing with people you can trust,” says Paul Gallagher, Managing Director at tipper and trailer manufacturer Borcat Trailers, a company that has had many of the same clients for decades.

A range of high productivity trailer combinations, that can do multiple jobs, is one part the recipe for the Sydney-based manufacturer’s success, but according

to one of their longest-serving clients, it’s more than that.

“They are knowledgeable people who are also great to deal with,” says Damien Sultana, Purchasing, Facility and Logistics Coordinator for Camsons, who specialise in bulk transport.

“They are always there for us, and whether it is during the building process, a query on a new combination or just a simple repair, their communication is great.”

Camsons is a family-owned business with an extensive fleet, currently transporting in excess of 1.2 million tonnes of material per year. In their 71 years of operation, they have

been working with Borcat for the past 25.

“It started with my grandfather buying them first, then my father and now myself,” says Damien, adding that as Camsons’ needs grow, Borcat has been quick to support those needs.

In fact, Borcat have just built its first Tandem A-double trailer for Camsons, to be used for carting sand and gravel. It has a five-axle dog in tow, the perfect addition to a company that requires a product which can do multiple jobs around the clock.

Based on Borcat’s ultra-lite model, the under 26m Performance-Based Standards (PBS) combination will be towed by a Mercedes Benz 2663 six-wheeler prime mover.

Damien says working with Borcat on their custom builds, and being involved in the design and manufacturing has allowed him to see how far they have come in terms of keeping up with technology, and he receives a number of details, including 3D drawings, during the process.

The advantage of this newest addition, the tandem A-double trailer, says Damien,

It takes a special kind of relationship to last 25 years, but with a new custom trailer ready for action, these two companies are forging ahead together and for good reason.

the founders’ last names – Angelo Borg and Paul Muscat. In 1958 the pair began building trailers for their coal cartage company. By 1974, they had created Borcat and became the first manufacturer in Australia to perfect a tip-over-axle tipper trailer.

is that his clients will receive a delivery of 50 plus tonne loads.

Borcat has been designing and building heavy duty vehicles for more than 60 years. As specialist in higher payload tippers and trailers, each is custom-built to the clients’ specifications.

They also offer after sales support, as well as easy online spare part ordering. Steady growth pushed them from their original factory, and they are now set up in Wetherill Park, New South Wales, close to the M4 and M7 motorways.

Over the years Borcat has pioneered new technology including developing their use of aluminium, ensuring the thickness and grades were on point and resulting in high-quality trailers with longevity.

Contact Borcat

www.borcat.com.au

50 years of innovation: KEITH Walking Floor

When Keith Foster set out to develop the WALKING FLOOR unloader, he had one goal: design the lightest, simplest, most trouble-free self-unloading system yet devised. Fifty years later, KEITH Manufacturing Co. continues to help customers around the world make their work more efficient and profitable with its patented WALKING FLOOR trailer unloading system.

While other versions of moving floor technology existed, it was Foster who focused on creating a 100 per cent hydraulic drive unit that was powerful enough to unload a semi-trailer. In 1973, KEITH Manufacturing Co. introduced the first commercially viable moving floor unloading system under the WALKING FLOOR brand name.

Although Foster passed away in 2006, the company remains family-owned, led by the second and third generations of Fosters. Lindsay Foster-Drago, who serves as president of KEITH Manufacturing Co., explains why developing a dependable system was so important to her grandfather.

“Keith grew up in the state of Oklahoma and, as a farm boy, knew the importance of having reliable equipment,” he says. “You can’t make money if your equipment isn’t running. And many times being down can end your business.”

He took this notion to heart when designing the original WALKING FLOOR system and the company continues his philosophy when engineering its products. “We work hard to keep the total cost of ownership the lowest in the industry,” adds Foster-Drago.

This includes building a drive system with interchangeable components so that customers need less parts inventory and offering a two-year warranty on hydraulic valves. The overall design of the system also lends itself to longevity, such as a poppet switching valve that results in lower friction, less wear and a higher tolerance of dirt and foreign material.

The company designs, manufactures and assembles each system at world headquarters in Madras, Oregon. Manufacturing most components onsite means superior quality control.

Durability of WALKING FLOOR systems is also important because the company supplies customers globally. “With a majority of our haulers’ business being repeat and cross generational, it’s an incredible responsibility and privilege to be trusted by our global customers” says Foster-Drago. “One of Keith’s favourite sayings and mine is, ‘you can’t afford not to buy our equipment.’”

As KEITH Manufacturing Co. marks the 50th anniversary of the WALKING FLOOR system, Foster-Drago says the company is always looking to the future. “Our focus is on continuing to innovate and make our product even better tomorrow than it is today.”

For more information on KEITH WALKING FLOOR systems, visit www. keithwalkingfloor.com or contact Zyggy Reinoga of KEITH WALKING FLOOR Australia at 0404 041 833 to discuss your material handling needs.

Contact The Keith Walking Floor  Web: www.keithwalkingfloor.com Ph: 0404 041 833

Beggs Bulk trailer.

Foster-Drago says the focus for the business is to continue to innovate and make its products even better tomorrow than they are today.

An early KEITH Walking Floor trailer.

Lindsay Foster-Drago, President of KEITH Manufacturing Co.

LPG METERING WITH NO MOVING PARTS

SIMPLE:

• Venturi meter with no moving parts

• No differential pressure valve needed

• Delivery valves built in for easy installation

• Low pressure drop through the system

• Pair it with Alfons Haar hosereels and bottom valves

INTELLIGENT:

• PreciCONTROL delivery automation with complete integration to the prime mover (engine start/stop, PTO control etc)

• Automatic flow control

• Integrated density sensor can be added

• Runs the pump automatically, and only when needed saving run time

• Highly accurate with a large flow range

EASY:

• Automated modes - Simply choose a delivery path and a flow rate and PreciGAS does the rest

Talking Italian

It was a trip to Italy that made Michael Applebee truly understand how remarkable the product he was selling truly was.

While the food and the sights were predictably stunning, visiting the OMFB factory in the Lombardy region of Italy last year was what really opened his eyes.

“The facilities were second to none,” Michael says, who is the General Manager of Heavy Hydraulics, an Australian hydraulic transport product distributor.

“You could see it in how they manufactured, the materials they used, the quality assurances and testing. They were all really impressive. It’s the best I’ve seen yet.”

It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise considering OMFB’s global reputation for reliable hydraulic equipment. What started as a modest Italian family business in 1950 – three brothers working out of a small mechanical workshop – rapidly transformed into an international brand.

OMFB, which is short for Officina

Meccanica Fratelli Bianchi (Bianchi Brothers Mechanical Workshop), got its break by manufacturing spare parts for Italian, American, English and German trucks which were being used for post-war reconstruction efforts. In 1951, it became the first family business to produce power take-off units for various heavy vehicles.

Fast-forward more than 70 years and the company’s global reach has meant big benefits for its Australian suppliers.

The growth Heavy Hydraulics is currently experiencing, expanding from New South Wales and South Australia into Western Australia, can be attributed primarily to OMFB’s products and service, Michael says, adding that plans are underway to begin selling in Victoria and Queensland as well.

OMFB has an extensive product range that can cover all transport industry applications, from vocational trucks and tippers to truck-mounted cranes and vacuum trucks.

“Our customers rarely have any issues with the products,” Michael says. “They get all the information they need with lots of installation support. If there is an issue, it gets resolved easily and quickly.”

Heavy Hydraulics was established seven years ago off the back of its parent company, 30-year-old Heavy Automatics, which is the largest Allison Transmission distributor in the Asia Pacific Region. The Heavy Hydraulics arm was co-founded by Michael and Danny Guthrie, creating a unique combination of experience and expertise across transmission and power take-off products. Today it is known as a national distributor of globally recognised hydraulic products including those from OMFB.

“We supply these products to motor houses and body builder manufacturers who install them, but we also fit them ourselves through our automatics business,” Michael says. “We are quite popular with heavy duty vehicles that require hydraulics.”

When OMFB approached Michael two

From humble beginnings on the other side of the globe, more and more Australian vehicles are operating using OMFB’s hydraulic parts which is great news for its local distributors.

years ago to distribute, he couldn’t help but feel humbled knowing that it was such a reputable overseas brand.

“Since then, we’ve never looked back,” he says. “The product, service and support has been really good for our business.”

Michael explains that most of their stock comes directly from the OMFB Italian factory which they keep primarily at their head office in Adelaide.

“We keep stock here in Adelaide, but we also have a good stock holding in Sydney and Perth in order to offer quick service and efficiency,” Michael says – adding that they plan on doing the same in their new Victoria and Queensland markets.

The good news for Heavy Hydraulics is that OMFB products and the strong alliance they have with the company have translated into sales growth with benefits increasing every year. In fact, OMFB strongly compliments parent company Heavy Automatics which supplies Allison transmissions. The ‘Precision’ series of PTOs for Allison transmissions offers a significant noise reduction compared with standard models, and is said to be among the quietest on the market.

“It has been a great added value to what we do best,” Michael says.

OMFB also produces and distributes variable-displacement piston pumps in a range of sizes and controller options

with tandem configuration capability. These are often used with cranes and agricultural spreading applications. They also cater to the tipper market with a selection of valves, including models with a dual pressure relief valve option, ideal for trucks that interchange between towing semi-tipper and moving floor trailers.

For Heavy Hydraulics, its goal is to continue selling OMFB products and watch their business organically grow

Fast fact

In 2002 OMFB was awarded the innovation prize at the Transpotec Exhibition in Verona for its state-ofthe-art control system – a completely electronic management device for operating a tipper truck and all its functions.

“The goal is to grow and become more nationally focused and do a bit of work overseas hopefully as well,” Michael says. “Our partnership with OMFB has allowed us to push forward a bit quicker than we expected which is great.”

Contact OMFB

No sticking loads with QuickSilver truck liners

Automated retractable tarping system specialist PowerTarps installs between two to four QuickSilver truck liners in a week between its Sydney and Melbourne workshops. One of the most consistent

“The QuickSilver truck liners are engineered specifically for intense bulk handling applications and are capable of hauling and tipping any material with ease,” says Terry Pitsis, PowerTarps founding

abrasion and corrosion resistant material immensely increases the integrity of the original equipment, extending the life of the truck body for years. The premium UHMW-PE formula prevents loads from sticking and ensures dump clean without carry backs. “Reduced turn-around time means more loads per day.”

Authorised businesses like PowerTarps can fit the QuickSilver truck lining system in less than a day on trailers of any configuration. QuickSilver liners require no ongoing maintenance and are suited for application on new or old equipment.

“QuickSilver liners are both tough and durable and they help increase the longterm lifespan of trailers compared to other liners in the market. This eliminates huge replacement costs for operators and ends up costing much less in the long run,” Terry says. “They really are a great long-term investment. PowerTarps is a one-stop shop for all truck and trailer tarps and cover needs. The installation of QuickSilver truck liners fits in very well with our work and our team finds that the application is consistent across all trailer types whether we are using four-metre liners or 14-metrelong liners. A lot of the new equipment we handle are fitted with truck liners and QuickSilver is undoubtedly the most superior product in the market today. In terms of the material, it is easy and safe to work with. There are no nasty ingredients that can be toxic.” The continuous liner format is available in 31m length and 3.050m width, and thicknesses of 9.5mm and 12.7mm.”

The versatility of the QuickSilver linings systems is another aspect that the team at PowerTarps appreciates. The QuickSilver systems are ideal for tipper bodies / dump trailers, bottom dumps, gravel trains, chutes, transfer dumps, hoppers and more. The liners have proven their capabilities in across a wide range of applications including bulk handling, mining and minerals handling, agriculture and grain handling, and all other tipper and transport applications.

As an authorised QuickSilver distributor, E-Plas has been providing PowerTarps the ultimate state-of-the-art truck lining systems.

“The feedback I’m getting from the customers is that they’re all very happy with the product,” Terry says. “From an efficiency point of view if you had materials stuck at the front of the bin, they could be carrying that material backwards and forwards on the same job all day. The fact that everything falls out the tipper and there is no material stuck in any corner, means that operators can get efficiency benefits with fewer trips, and drivers don’t have to waste time getting the material dislodged from the bins.”

Established in 2001, PowerTarps is a family owned and operated business with its headquarters in Sydney. PowerTarps has designed an automated system for covering loads alleviating the need for drivers to physically climb onto the back of their trucks, reducing the risk of driver injury and improving productivity. Apart from its retractable tipper cover manufacturing unit, the company has full workshop facilities in Sydney to carry out installations and repair work. PowerTarps is also working to re-establish the brand in the Victorian market, with Terry working with the Melbourne team, managing operations and training the team to be on a par with the Sydney counterparts. In a short space of time the Melbourne team has already worked on a wide range of top systems and floor liner installation jobs with excellent turnaround times.

E-Plas was one of Terry’s first engineering plastics suppliers when he started developing the proprietary PowerTarps solution. What started as just an idea on a beer coaster went on to become a great product that is solving problems for operators. “The team at E-Plas helped us a lot in choosing the correct material, sharing tips and techniques on how to machine the material and how to clip it to make a great finished product,” he says. “It’s been an ongoing relationship and we’re very happy with their service, particularly here in Melbourne. E-Plas has a very reliable supply chain and they even hold the stock for us, which is not very common in the plastic supply industry. Their response time is phenomenal. With other suppliers you could sometimes be waiting for days for a response but with E-Plas we get a response to any inquiry within the hour.”  Contact

Lighten the load, gain more savings

The Australian transport and logistics sector has been experiencing inflationary pressures, labour shortages and supply chain disruptions consistently for many years and these inhibitors are predicted to affect business growth in 2023 as well. Meanwhile, other factors like digitalisation, increasing fuel and operations costs, and stricter emission guidelines means that T&L is under intense pressure. Little wonder then that more and more businesses are seeking to augment capabilities and introduce technical innovations.

Fleet manufacturers, truck and trailer OEMs and operators are all looking at

products that help improve productivity through the use of high-strength materials that result in lower tare weight and greater payload.

SSAB’s innovative high-performance Strenx steel delivers superior mechanical properties compared to aluminium or conventional steel.

As a result, commercial vehicles manufactured using Strenx performance steel offer a more competitive and cleaner running. Even components made of Strenx in thinner dimensions compared to conventional steel are not only stronger but also lighter. Lighter parts and components equate to an overall lighter trailer, which can help reduce the number of trips required to move the same material by increasing the payload. With less overall weight there is a reduction in fuel

High-strength structural steel Strenx 700 has proven to offer customers a lighter chassis, higher payload and greater revenues.

consumption and a lower life cycle carbon footprint.

provides optimum performance and durability, better road handling, and overall design and production improvements for higher efficiency and lower operating costs. One of SSAB’s Strenx innovation is Strenx 700.

MPa (101 ksi) and above and is the new normal when designing high-strength steel.

Upgrading to a steel with higher yield strength leaves room for more high performing designs with increased load-

Typical applications include a wide range of components and parts, such as demanding load-bearing structures. Strenx 700MC D/E comes in coils, slit coils or cutto-length sheets.

Strenx 700MC Plus is a Strenx grade

S700MC.

Contact SSAB

Email: australia@ssab.com

Web: www.ssab.com

Smart cookie

Distributed by Smart Truck Solutions (STS), 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 airsuspension axle configurations.

STS owner, Leigh Noske, says the 201 Series is one of the most versatile exterior on-board digital scale systems from Right Weigh.

“It is available with a dual air input that can be used to monitor a single axle group with two height control valves or it can be used to monitor two separate axle groups on the same vehicle,” he says.

The additional features of Right Weigh’s

Fast fact

Used in conjunction with the free mobile phone App, Right Weigh’s load scales can provide real-time data on payload weight for drivers and fleet operators without leaving the cab.

201 Series exterior digital load scales, including PIN code protection and an overweight warning feature, make the OBM system ideal for maintaining legal weights efficiently and safely. And by combining Right Weigh’s trusted weigh gauges with most smart telematics

Leading on-board truck scales and weigh gauges expert, Right Weigh, teams up with compliance telematics providers to create reliable smart on-board mass (OBM) management solutions.

BlueScope Distribution delivers aluminium product solutions to YLZ Truck Bodies

Operating in Pakenham, Melbourne since 2016, YLZ Truck Bodies manufactures steel truck beavertail trailers and truck trays for the construction transport industry. All products are built, fabricated, painted and assembled in-house, with a finished product delivered to the customer. During 2022, noticing a gap in the market coupled with demand from customers and their innovative culture, YLZ Truck Bodies began to produce aluminium tipper truck bodies.

“We only really became involved in aluminium tipper truck body manufacturing recently with BlueScope Distribution’s support. John McNamara and team have played an important role in getting this part of our business off the ground,” explains Nathan Whiles, Director of YLZ Truck Bodies.

“Our tipper truck bodies are made with high quality aluminium and supporting

components which are all made for the Australian market and to comply with stringent Australian standards.”

Superior aluminium truck bodies

BlueScope Distribution holds and supplies aluminium plate alloy 5083 in various thicknesses to YLZ Truck Bodies. Standard size plates are used for general fabrication, while specialist long plates are used for truck bodies.

The aluminium alloy 5083 contains 4.5 per cent magnesium, adding strength and corrosion resistance. Aluminium is the material of choice for manufacturers due to its high strength to weigh ratio as compared to other materials. It also retains a high value when it comes to recycling the metal at the end of the vehicle’s life.

John McNamara, BlueScope Distribution’s Account Manager explains, “Aluminium

delivers the benefits of being lightweight, corrosion resistant and durable. This makes aluminium a material of choice for heavy duty transport manufacturers.”

With BlueScope Distribution’s aluminium plate alloy 5083, there’s an added bonus; there is no need to powder coat or paint, providing additional savings in time and costs. Along with a PE film to protect the surface of the product, YLZ Truck Bodies enjoy significant production time and cost savings, while producing a fuel efficient, lighter and superior truck body.

This is immensely beneficial for YLZ Truck Bodies’ construction customers. Construction site transport is very demanding. “Our tipper bodies are more manoeuvrable on construction sites than semitrailers and ideal for different types of terrain” states Jamie Hallihan, Designer of YLZ Truck Bodies.

Aluminium delivers the benefits of being lightweight, corrosion resistant and durable.

Innovative two-piece aluminium extrusions

BlueScope Distribution also supplies YLZ Truck Bodies a selection of standard and customer specific aluminium extrusions. The latest product is a two-piece aluminium extrusion which clips together for the bottom coaming section. This was designed to meet customer requirements while fitting within the extrusion press parameters of the chosen Australian extruder.

John explains “We worked through several drafts of customer designed extrusions with the extruder to come up with finished products. The unique extrusions have been designed and developed specifically for YLZ Truck Bodies using Grade 6005A – a structural alloy that not only looks amazing, is light weight and corrosion resistant so you don’t have to paint it. It delivers a nice finish.”

To make the project viable, the aluminium dies were produced in a costeffective manner and within a reasonable time frame. Samples from the dies have recently been approved, with the first production run completed recently.

A powerful partnership

“The exploration into aluminium between BlueScope Distribution and YLZ Truck Bodies began just a year ago, and the impact on the business has been profound,” Nathan says. “John and the BlueScope Distribution team have been involved from start to finish. They have always been available to help with sourcing the aluminium extrusions best suited to our applications. They’ve helped us with all the groundwork.”

Jamie adds: “The innovative two-piece aluminium extrusion design, which meets customer and industry requirements, has also given YLZ Truck Bodies a unique look. And the design significantly reduces production and labour time,” he says.

supplier, but that of a partner which is there to help our customers in every way we can,” explains John. “We do that in many ways as in the work with Nathan and team where we have provided technical knowledge, supply solutions that enable YLZ Truck Bodies to grow without investing extensive capital in stock, plus value adds such as bespoke aluminium extrusions and high-quality aluminium products.”

BlueScope Distribution is invested in assisting local manufacturers like YLZ Truck Bodies to grow and is dedicated to ensuring they support their customers on that journey. “YLZ Truck Bodies is a great customer which is continually growing. They’re great for the construction industry and we’re very proud and pleased to support them,” John states.

First and last

Colli Timber & Hardware were the first to use Swedish-manufactured ExTe auto-tensioning load binders outside of forest log haulage, and after almost

safer, simpler and quicker. The system essentially tightens straps or chains and can continue to keep them tight and secure during freight tasks all on its own.

While ExTe’s load restraint equipment was originally developed for the transport of round logs from forest to mill, Forest Centre has seen ExTe auto-tensioners used in a variety of other applications including carting hay bales, building materials and power poles.

Based in Western Australia, Colli Timber & Hardware was the first customer in Australia and possibly even the world to

magazine in 2005, Director, Cesare Colli, bought his first three straps and hasn’t looked back since.

“Our background was logging and sawmilling and we also distributed timber to residential building sites,” he says. “I used to get all these forest magazines and I saw that they were advertising these selftensioning load straps, which back in those days were advertised for logging only. But I saw an opportunity there for us to do something better with our timber transport side of things and that’s where it started.”

Before swapping to the auto-tensioning

load binders, Cesare was restraining hardwood loads with chains – which he says was working well at the time. However, when the business transitioned to carting softwood, chains were no longer suitable for the application. And after resorting to using regular straps tightened with a bar, Cesare realised there needed to be a better solution.

“I found that the regular straps weren’t suitable because you’d get a kilometre down the road and you would have to re-tension them,” he says. “And another five kilometres later you would have to do it again. The risk of losing a load was just too great. So, I couldn’t see any downside myself to try out these self-tensioners as they just made perfect sense – and in the end they did.”

For operators carting fragile loads on a regular basis, Forest Centre offers the option of an air pressure regulator that enables the pressure to be infinitely adjusted to precisely the right level to suit the load being carried. The pressure can even be adjusted on individual straps to enable some to grip tighter than others in cases where different products are carried on the one trailer.

With air pressure doing the hard work of tensioning lashings and automatically post-tensioning as you drive, the ExTe auto-tensioner system therefore brings forward a series of unique benefits. By incorporating ExTe’s auto-tensioning

up any slack, turn on an air tap and walk to the next auto-tensioner position to repeat the same.

In addition, under-floor mounting can be achieved either via sliding brackets which fit conventional C-channel cargo winch tracks or fixed brackets for low clearance areas such as near axles or the turntable area. Special purpose-built trailer projects may also take advantage of unique options such as the remote operation kit. If there is need for auto-tensioners to be fitted somewhere inside the trailer frame, the

air supply and tensioning on/off to be controlled via remotely located air taps. The ExTe auto-tensioning system has proven to be a real game changer for Cesare.

“Unlike before, loads are now fully tensioned and will not move after travelling only 300mm down our driveway,” he says. “There’s no need to stop and check the load on inner-Metro runs as it is always fully tensioned, and the journey is just much safer as the load will not move and the product will not get damaged in transit.

“On country runs, vehicle and load checks en route are easy and efficient as load movement is no longer an issue. They’re just very low maintenance, and as a result the product being carries always arrives in good condition.”

Cesare says Forest Centre were very helpful after the initial enquiry as well by taking the time to run him through how the product works. And after giving it a go and then seeing the difference it made in his operations, he’s glad he gave Forest Centre and ExTe a chance.

“We haven’t had any problems with the binders, and whenever we’ve needed parts, they have been fantastic,” he says. “They’ve got onto it straight away and you would expect no less. We’ve had a good run.”

Blade

runner

– G&A Lombardi’s trailer range hits new heights

If you’ve ever had the opportunity to see a wind turbine blade carefully making its way along a highway, then you would know – it is an impressive sight.

But as transport trailer experts G&A Lombardi understand, those delicate 80-metre structures need a special kind of transportation, which is why their recent relationship as an agent for international trailer manufacturer Faymonville is so important.

“This type of new energy is a fastgrowing industry,” says G&A Lombardi General Manager, Paul McGovern –adding that transporting a wind turbine blade is a high specialised undertaking.

Ultra-extendable, four axle and steerable, Faymonville blade trailers can deliver any extreme-length cargo.

Along with specialised trailers, G&A Lombardi, a more than 50-year-old

Forestfield, Western Australia-based company, offers the sale, service and repair of flat tops, end tippers, side tippers, road train dollies, low loaders, refrigerated semi-trailers, grain tippers and extendables.

Choosing to partner with only quality brands and ensuring a solid relationship with their manufacturers is the key to their success says Paul, adding that providing

With a new European trailer brand now on offer, G&A Lombardi can cover the smallest trailer jobs right up to the largest, all without taking their eye off inhouse service and spare part offerings.

clients the right trailer for every job is what has made them such an important player within the WA transport industry.

“We cover the full range of required trailers, from plant trailers to semi-trailers to heavy loaders, and then there are our specialised trailers,” he says.

Among G&A Lombardi trailer brands are:

Faymonville – G&A Lombardi’s newest partner, this manufacturer is headquartered in Luxembourg and builds semi-trailers for the special haulage industry. Its brand portfolio includes transport solutions from 15 tonnes up to 15,000 tonnes.

MaxiTRANS – Ballarat, Victoria-based, this transport manufacturer initially began working with G&A Lombardi in 1982, re-establishing its relationship, after a break, in 2020. They now carry the

include Freighter, Maxi-CUBE, Lusty EMS, Hamelex White and Trout River.

Tag-a-Long Trailers – Manufacturers of tag plant and machinery trailers, dog and pig trailers and drop decks, this company, also located in Ballarat, has been designing and building for more than 35 years. They began supplying G&A Lombardi in 2022

Foton Mobility – A supplier of hydrogen buses and electric trucks, they provide G&A Lombardi with new energy options for its clients. Paul had the fortune of taking one of the first WA test drives of Foton’s T5 electric truck.

Road West Transport – G&A Lombardi is the sole WA dealer for their range of equipment, including the Steelite, HardLite, Contractor Tipper, and aluminium Bulk-Lite Tipper.

varied product are vital, Paul says G&A Lombardi’s parts and service departments are just as essential to the business. Readily available, operating from 7 am to 11pm daily, the service centre has ten full sized bays.

Meanwhile their spare part department is fully stocked with all makes of trailer parts and transport equipment. Making life even easier for weary drivers is the fact that the G&A Lombardi dealership is located on a double road train route.

“It’s convenient because it allows drivers to come in with multiple trailers without having to unhook them,” Paul said.

Victorian Transport Association (VTA) CEO, Peter Anderson, launched the VTA State Conference 2023 by addressing the need for heavy vehicle reform. At the opening of the event, Anderson encouraged state and federal legislators and regulators to embrace the opportunity to create lasting heavy vehicle reform that will help attract people to the Australian freight and logistics sector.

“Our conference theme has been inspired by the enormous challenges freight operators have had in recent years when it comes to attracting, hiring, and retaining staff – especially drivers,” he said. “We are a labour-intensive industry and people are our most important asset. People are also the hardest of our assets to manage, so it was only natural that our focus is directly on how to get the best from our people.”

Anderson said while the pandemic caused labour shortages in numerous industries, it added additional challenges for freight and logistics which has already experienced entrenched worker shortages for decades.

“With borders now open the situation will improve as the year goes on, however the transport industry can still expect shortages to persist because of structural issues the industry has long faced and is working hard to overcome,” he said. “An

VTA CEO, Peter Anderson.

Victoria Senator addresses transport issues

Victoria Senator Bridget McKenzie addressed delegates at VTA State Conference 2023 to outline the challenges facing the transport industry.

At the event, McKenzie said the transport sector’s performance impacts the entire nation.

“In an era of unprecedented change and challenge, the success of our transport sector will be crucial to the success of our nation,” she said. “Whether it’s a late night online shopping purchase, the milk we get from the local shop, or the petrol we buy; all of our goods are only accessible because of the transport industry.

“Cutting red tape is vital to boost productivity and ensure more product is moved more efficiently around the country. This means harmonising regulation across our states and territories.”

In addition, McKenzie addressed the issue of driver shortages by highlighting the importance for better recruitment.

“There is currently a short-fall of 6,0007,000 drivers in the transport sector,” she said. “I believe the real single greatest challenge as leaders is to engage, to train and to retain people in this industry.

“As policy makers and business leaders we need to work better, invest more and be more innovative in the way we recruit people into the industry.”

As Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, McKenzie intends to play a constructive role while using her position to challenge ‘impractical policy decisions’.

“This is why I have been so vocal about the current proposal to impose higher fuel taxes and registration charges on the nation’s truckies, that would cost the sector an additional $2.6 billion over three years,” she said.

Freight network at forefront

Minister for Roads & Road Safety and Ports & Freight, Melissa Horne, was first to deliver a presentation at State Conference following Anderson’s welcome. In her

speech, she addressed the impacts to Victoria’s road network following the devastating floods last year while highlighting the importance of keeping Victoria’s road network reliable.

“Potholes are a serious threat to the efficiency of the network and for the productivity of your industry,” she said. “If we accept that roads are a key economic generator, we must also accept that road maintenance is a critical component of that process, and that’s why we’ve been really quick to prioritise repairs to the road network.”

Horne said nearly half of the $351 million package helping regional Victorian communities recover from the flood has

VTA CEO, Peter Anderson, and Victoria Senator Bridget McKenzie.

challenged by last spring’s weather,” she said. “Right across the states, crews have been completing all the 937 kilometres of flood recovery activities, ranging from clearing debris and drainage to rebuilding repair works.”

And, according to Horne, a further 119 kilometres of work is underway.

“It’s a pretty remarkable achievement in getting roads back into a fit state and their normal speed limits,” she said. “We want to better prepare the network for the future.”

Horne said the Government is also about to rebuild two key freight routes in the southwest of the state, which the VTA have been vocal about for a number of years.

“Some of these roads are at a point where they’re affecting the productivity of the local dairy and timber industry,” she said. “That’s why we’ll be targeting four sections of the Glenelg and Hamilton highways in the coming weeks. We’ve already begun working on a section of the Glenelg Highway, east of Hamilton, and will soon begin to reveal a session between Casterton and Coleraine.”

The Hamilton Highway rebuild will include a 3.5-kilometre section between Mortlake and Darlington, and a second section at Hexam.

“In total we will be investing $780 million on more than 1,300 road maintenance projects across Victoria this financial year,” Horne said. “This regional road maintenance blitz will ensure smoother, more reliable journeys along these major highways which predominantly serve as prime freight routes as well.”

Minister for Roads & Road Safety and Ports & Freight, Melissa Horne.

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator update

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) CEO, Sal Petroccitto, took the stage to provide an update on the NHVR’s modern regulatory approach at the State Conference.

During the event, Petroccitto highlighted the NHVR’s progress during the last year and its effort to finalise an ‘almost national heavy vehicle regulator’.

He noted that in the last 12 months authorities have conducted over 2,000 roadside education sessions in Victoria which focused on areas such as fatigue, education and information about Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) changes and access issues.

“We will continue to do work related to issues around fatigue management and remain committed to ensuring that we a safe, efficient and productive heavy vehicle industry in this country,” he said. “NHVR looks forward to working with the industry and welcome your feedback.”

Petroccitto also discussed some of the key points from the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Strategy which sets out safety priorities for the next 12 months, including delivering safer and tailored fatigue risk management outcomes; empowering industry to better manage safety in their business; delivering tailored regulatory interventions to drive positive safety change; influencing the regulatory framework to promote the adoption of safer, cleaner, and more efficient vehicles and technologies; and providing input into government policy decisions that affect the safety and productivity of the heavy vehicle industry.

“The focus of this team is really about the people in this industry,” he said. “And if we have a respectful relationship between the role of regulatory authority and the operators, I think we do deliver far greater.”

The NHVR has also been working on a new compliance module which will be available through the NHVR portal. The compliance module will allow operators

to access their compliance and enter the information of their fleet in real time at the one location.

In addition, the NHVR is about announce its annual survey of which 50 per cent of respondents were from Victoria.

Shadow Minister savages carrier operating environment

The Victorian transport industry found itself at a crossroads according to Shadow Minister for Ports and Freight, Roma Britnell.

Speaking at the State Conference, Britnell savaged what she observed as a lack of planning on various infrastructure projects and the dire state of the economy, before she announced a new website launched for transport operators to share evidence of problem road networks and damages sustained to their vehicles.

“It’s frightening to know we are paying $10 million a day in interest on the state’s debt alone,” she said. “An interest bill daily of $10 million that should be building

NHVR CEO, Sal Petroccitto, and VTA CEO, Peter Anderson.

hospitals. That should be going to schools. That should be going to the challenges that we have.”

Britnell called the transport industry the backbone of the nation, highlighting its role in replenishing essential goods at supermarkets when shelves were empty and supermarkets were forced to regulate panic buying.

“You would have hoped at least the Victorian Labor Government would have realised the significance of the transport industry,” she said. “Yet, what we have is a government that remains focused on themselves. Rather than responsible management, planning or being outcome focused, what we are seeing is more hubris and press releases about removing level crossings and building tunnels.”

Cost blowouts that exceeded $30 billion for projects like the West Gate Tunnel and rail level crossing removals were also being felt by businesses. Travel times had tripled in some cases because of sudden road closures, often without adequate

be factored into crucial tenders.

These disruptions, according to Britnell, caused havoc with the ability of carriers to operate profitably and efficiently when delivering goods to warehouses and to supermarkets.

“I understand that when you do your

trucks will take to go from ‘A’ to ‘B’ but even with reasonable margins allowing for unforeseen events, road closures that should have been planned by engineers some years ago when shaping up big projects like the West Gate Tunnel are not,” she said.

Shadow Minister for Ports and Freight, Roma Britnell

Not enough was being done to assist with driver training and heavy vehicle licencing according to Britnell, who echoed sentiments shared by other speakers that the current system, as it was modelled on time accrued rather than competency, was not practical for the challenges facing industry.

“It’s an absurdity and it could be changed so very easily,” she said.

Earlier in the day, VTA CEO Peter Anderson, during his opening remarks said it was essential to change the narrative that experience alone makes for a better or safer driver.

“A safer heavy vehicle driver can only be achieved by introducing new laws that requires the training of young people that prioritises skills and training over experience,” he said. “Often overlooked is that transport operators and industry groups that advocate for reform are the customers of bureaucracy and as customers we have generally been poorly served in recent years.”

While it was generally agreed that there was no better time to attain the reforms that have evaded the transport industry for many years, Britnell viewed the present status quo in Victoria with less optimism.

“I’ve spoken about how easy a task it

would be for Government to streamline the permit process and I understand how frustrating it is for you to pay $50,000 and more sometimes on bridge assessments [and] for permits for new trailers yet there has been no progress made in this area,” she said. “It’s revenue raising. It’s opportunistic. I don’t see the intent from the Victorian Labor Government to use the information to prove the road access or improve the productivity which is what the government has been saying the costs associated with the permit process are used for. The Government ignores the cost, the administrative burden and the time this process takes. Other states have managed to improve the process but Victoria lags behind.”

Britnell acknowledged that many of the infrastructure projects currently undertaken by the Government, such as North East Link, were necessary.

“But what I don’t understand is why the opportunity to make your industry less inconvenienced are not being harnessed,” she said. “It appears there is no incentive for the Government to consider your needs despite how well you supported the state of Victoria during the pandemic. The respect this industry deserves has not been returned.

She said congestion remained a major issue in the cities while in regional areas the ongoing problem was the condition of roads, especially where freight movements were most prevalent.

Britnell described the Government’s lack of understanding regarding the condition of roads ‘breathtaking’ as it ignored how productivity was inhibited with the botched management of the road network demonstrably adding to the already high cost of production and ultimately reduced the state’s international competitiveness.

“The condition of roads caused significant damage to freight vehicles that were used to help export goods from the port,” she said.

Resurfaced regional roads were also deteriorating within weeks of repair and sometimes on main arterials like the Princes Highway and the Hume — important freight corridors.

Britnell’s office and colleagues have already received numerous complaints with photographic evidence made by established transport businesses.

In one case a high tensile steel axle had been severely fractured. On another, the Z Beam assembly had been ripped from the trailer on a blind bend which forced

truck drivers to cross double lines to avoid the knee-deep potholes.

That carriers might illustrate the extra burden of costs in repair and maintenance now demanded by the unsafe operating environment of these roads, Britnell has launched a website to collect data on damages sustained to heavy vehicles and trailers and where, on the road network, it occurred.

“I’ll use this information to demonstrate when it comes to roads and roads maintenance the Government is more concerned about photo shoots in high vis vests and does not care about the state’s economic survival or the safety of all road users,” she said.

North East Link Project update

An update for the North East Link Project was showcased with drone footage at the State Conference.

The North East Link Project is the biggest investment in Melbourne’s north-east, and involves the construction of two three-

lane, 6.5km-long tunnels to Watsonia.

At the event, North and East Link Project Delivery Director, Michael Caink, said the project was progressing according to plan.

“We’re really coming along here today to tell you about the project benefits for the industry long term, but also the opportunities that we see for the industry in the next few years in terms of procurement of new vehicles that can

service the project and also train our staff,” he said. “We know that this road will prevent a lot of potential accidents and improve efficiency particularly here in industry.

“We’ve considered all the bigger vehicles and all the different things, and we’ve taken a lot of lessons learned from other projects recently delivered not only in Melbourne but also in southern New South Wales.”

North and East Link Project Delivery Director, Michael Caink.

According to Caink, construction of the North East Link will take 15,000 trucks off the road every day, and in the process, will create 10,000 jobs for Victoria.

“There’s a whole lot of extra benefits of these putting the trade trucks and freight underneath the ground moving safely and predictably through the traffic network,” he said. “It gives us a lot of opportunities to improve traffic around the surrounding

West Gate Tunnel Project milestone

The West Gate Tunnel Project is 80 per cent complete and is expected to finish on time, as revealed at the State Conference.

The West Gate Tunnel Project involves the widening of four to six lanes each direction and the construction of dual 2.8-kilometre tunnels and a 4.8-kilometre, three-lane tunnel.

Gate Tunnel Project, revealed at the Conference that 10,000 segments have now been put in place as part of the southern inbound portal.

“The project has four main objectives with two of those around the freight industry base,” he said. “We’re trying to create additional east-west capacity to enter the West, and through to the east provide an alternative to the West Gate Bridge – while providing better connectivity and support.”

In addition, Smith said all bridges on the West Gate Freeway have now been strengthened to SM 1600.

“We’re trying to build six lanes in each direction all the way between the M80 and the West Gate Bridge, and we’re trying to do that while keeping four lanes of traffic operating at all times,” he said.

One of the project’s most significant changes, which is now in place, can be seen when heading southbound on the freeway.

“If you’re heading to Geelong you’ll be in the left hand lane, and if you’re in the right hand lane you will go to the M80, whereas before it was sort of the other way,” he said.

Further advancements are expected to be made over the next 12 months.

West Gate Tunnel Project Deputy Director Traffic & Network Planning, Paul Smith.

Setting new records in Dubai

Breakbulk Middle East 2023 stunning success by the event organisers.

This year saw 6,496 people attend Breakbulk Middle East 2023, a two-day event at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

“We are thrilled with the turnout and the engagement we saw from attendees this year,” said Ben Blamire, event director at Breakbulk Middle East. “The fact that we exceeded our own expectations in terms of footfall validates that there is a real appetite for knowledge-sharing and networking in the region’s breakbulk and project cargo sector, and BBME is playing a massive role in catering to it.”

Sponsored by Dubai-based port operator, DP World, Breakbulk Middle East 2023 also welcomed a record number of exhibitors from across the supply chain, including shippers, carriers, equipment manufacturers, forwarders, tech companies, port and terminal operators and heavy-lift specialists. Amid surging demand for exhibition space in the run-up to the event, the floor plan was expanded an unprecedented four times.

With a 94 per cent rebook rate for 2024, a third hall will be added to accommodate current exhibitors who have requested a larger stand, and to

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Pushing the boundaries

one, but it was an incredible learning opportunity nonetheless.”

Adam returned to Australia and joined an engineering firm, continuing to explore new horizons for the industry. One of his major projects during that time was field testing to investigate the dynamic impacts on truck and trailer combinations held together only by safety chains, in the event of a pin coupling failing.

Adam later joined international axle, suspension and coupling manufacturer, SAF-Holland, where he worked to bring several unique safety and productivity innovations to the Australian market in his role as Engineering Manager. To further round out his expertise, he also spent a few years at Australia’s largest fleet operator, Toll Group, and its recent offshoot, Team Global Express, in regulatory compliance management roles.

While studying mechanical engineering in Melbourne, Adam Ritzinger planned to eventually enter the automotive industry. He had already completed placements with General Motors Holden and one of Ford’s local suppliers. Adam loved the hands-on nature of the work and felt his career choice made perfect sense – the intersection between complex technical problems and real-world applications. However, it was at this point, he says, that the local automotive industry began to show signs of decline. So, he steered towards the trucking industry instead.

“I honestly didn’t know much about the trucking industry at the time, but my grandfather was a tip truck driver, and being a typical engineer, I loved heavy equipment,” Adam says. “My graduate

role was as a heavy vehicle research engineer at the Australian Road Research Board (ARRB). We undertook the technical research that would guide state and federal policies on truck and trailer size and weight.”

His next mission was to convince regulators in Germany to increase the size and weight restrictions of truck and trailer combinations.

“I did a 12-month secondment to the Federal Highway Research Institute, which is basically the German equivalent of ARRB, located near Cologne,” he says. “I had the highest level of youthful enthusiasm and confidence possible that I could convince them to adopt B-triples and road trains. Unfortunately, European Union politics got in the way of that

Adam has since moved to Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA), taking up the role of Chief Technical Officer which sees him responsible for looking after all of the technical concerns of HVIA’s member organisations, and both leading and contributing to HVIA’s advocacy activities. “I see my current role as a combination of everything I’ve done up to now, as I can continue to drive positive regulatory change, stretch the limits for the industry, and push the boundaries in ways that will benefit all of our members,” he says. “It’s the perfect place for me, and a dream come true.”

Industry Innovators

Made possible by Smedley’s Engineers, Industry Innovators is a series dedicated to honouring the individuals who are transforming the commercial road transport industry.

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Throughout his career Adam Ritzinger has continually used his skills to drive positive change for the heavy vehicle industry by working with a plethora of businesses, stakeholders and organisations.

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Truck Shows & Field Days 2023

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

March

Victoria

AgSmart Expo

20-21 April

Bendigo, VIC

Visit: www.acmruralevents.com.au/agsmartexpo/home

May

Tasmania

Agfest in the Paddock

4-6 May

Quercus Park, TAS

Visit: www.agfest.com.au

New

South Wales

JUNE

Victoria

Women in Industry Awards

8 June 2023

Melbourne, VIC

Visit: www.womeninindustry.com.au

JULY

New South Wales

The MHD Mercury Awards

6 July

Sydney, NSW

Visit: www.mercuryawards.com.au

August

September

South Australia

Yorke Peninsula Field Days

26-29 September

Paskeville, SA

Visit: www.ypfielddays.com.au

Germany

NUFAM

21-24 September

Karlsruhe, Germany

Visit: www.nufam.de/de

October

Victoria

PROMOTIONAL FEATURES JULY

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Showcase your products and services to decision makers Australia wide with an advertisement and editorial

Features include

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Booking deadline: 9 June 2023

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M: 0422 222 822

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