Trailer Magazine July 2023

PUBLISHER

John Murphy

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Luke Applebee luke.applebee@primecreative.com.au

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ARTICLES

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Fit for a King

Outstanding Australian citizens from all walks of life, including road transport, were recognised last month as part of the King’s Birthday 2023 Honours List. This year, 1,192 individuals were awarded for their achievements and service to the country. They were also congratulated by His Excellency the Honourable Governor-General, David Hurley, who spoke of optimism, noting that the wide-ranging service of recipients spanned almost every field of endeavour imaginable. Sure enough, four familiar names were honourably listed: Duncan Gay, Sal Petroccitto, Julie Russell and Kevin (Mick) Pattel.

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) Chairman and former New South Wales Minister for Transport, Duncan Gay, was recognised for his significant service to the people, parliament and community of New South Wales. To our readers he has also been an advocate for improving road safety. Last year, he said there is nothing more important than ensuring heavy vehicle drivers get home safely to their families.

Meanwhile, NHVR CEO, Sal Petroccitto, was awarded for his service to the transport industry. Having met the man, he is passionate, committed and is driving positive outcomes for both business and community. It was

his presentation five years ago at a summit that I had the pleasure of attending that demonstrated his genuine, heartfelt approach to improving our lot. Fielding an onthe-spot question about delays with PBS access approvals, he seized the opportunity to do better on behalf of the regulator and to investigate the matter personally. Since that time, he has overseen a transformation of the organisation’s administration practices and streamlined the PBS process with the support of his team.

It takes team players like Julie Russell of Russell Transport to drive meaningful change, too. She is a Director of both NHVR and Australian Trucking Association Boards and was also awarded for her service to the road transport industry.

As for the former President of the National Road Freighters Association, Kevin (Mick) Pattel, he was also presented with the OAM in the General Division. He is also the owner operator of Pattel Transport.

Julie once told Trailer that she highly valued the time she worked alongside her grandmother who taught her about family duty, commitment to a cause greater than yourself and resilience.

southbound and northbound exit ramps, installing signs at the western roundabout, line marking, asphalting, installing safety barriers and removable kerb, vegetation removal, utility and pavement drainage adjustments and other associated works. The work will also include concrete grooving, which is a proven method to reduce noise coming from the road surface.

to a range of safety improvements for the M1 Pacific Motorway.

“Safety is the NSW Government’s top priority, and this work will improve safety for about 30,000 motorists who use the interchange daily,” she said.

“We are committed to ensuring every motorist and passenger experiences smoother and safer journeys and makes it home safely to their loved ones.”

Master Code of Practice to be updated

An update to the widely used Master Code of Practice is now underway according to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).

The Master Code is a registered industry code of practice that was first developed by the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) and the Australian Logistics Council (ALC) in consultation with industry and registered by the NHVR in November 2018.

As a practical guide to assist in achieving the standards of heavy vehicle safety and compliance required under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), it provides information for parties in the Chain of Responsibility (CoR) about hazards and risks which may arise from their heavy vehicle transport activities, and the control measures they can use to reduce those risks.

NHVR Director Regulatory Standards and

Policy, Paul Daly said the review of the code is an opportunity for industry and stakeholders to have their say on what should be added or updated.

“We invite industry to provide feedback for the current version and comment on whether the hazards, risks and controls in the code are still relevant, or to suggest new issues, safety methods or techniques,” he said.

“The Master code is a great regulatory tool that we can use to improve safety for all road users. We want the code to continue to remain an authoritative source of information for safety in the heavy vehicle transport industry.”

Since 2018, the industry has significantly matured in its understanding of primary duties and the skills required to manage safety. This review of the Master Code is intended to further support parties in the

days a week.

Work will also take place from 7am to 6pm from Monday to Friday and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays, weather permitting.

Short-term lane closures and traffic control will be in place for some construction activities, which will result in minor delays to traffic at the interchange, on M1 Pacific Motorway and Pacific Highway and Burns Road.

Chain of Responsibility and provide current and reliable information to make transport activities safer.

“The ATA and ALC consulted extensively on the original development of the Master Code. It was a huge job; we’re delighted that the Code is now used so widely,” said David Smith Australian Trucking Association Chair.

“This long-planned review will ensure that the Code remains up to date as the industry continues to improve its safety.”

The review of the code will consist of six phases, requiring input from stakeholders in multiple phases.

According to the NHVR, the review will commence in June 2023 and will use a variety of channels to seek industry feedback and comments.

The NVHR anticipates that the review will be completed by March 2024.

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300,000th axle in Australia

BPW Transpec is celebrating the production of its 300,000th axle in Australia.

The 300,000th product is a 10 Stud 285 PCD Brake Drum axle, which is going to Exodas Transport.

BPW Director, Achim Kotz, who was visiting from Germany was able to present the Australian production team with a sign to congratulate them.

BPW Transpec Production Manager, Steve

Civelle, told Trailer he was privileged to celebrate the product’s milestone.

“We started assembling axles in Australia in 1987, so it’s taken 36 years to get to the 300,000th axle,” he said.

According to Civelle, a lot has changed since he joined the BPW Transpec team 46 years ago.

“We started with a small crew of three people in the assembly area to now around 35 people,” he said.

“We were doing around five or six axles a day at the start, to now averaging around 50 a day.

“The assembly process back then was very basic compared to today – we had standalone workstations and all manual torque tools, whereas now it is fairly automated.”

Exodas Transport will be taking delivery of the new combination with the 300,000th axle fitted in the coming months.

Final Newell Highway upgrade announced

Work is underway on a new overtaking lane along the Newell Highway in New South Wales, as part of a final upgrade project to deliver travel savings and safety improvements.

The project, which construction crews have already started on, will see the construction of a southbound overtaking lane at Bundidgerry.

Work has already commenced or been completed on 38 new overtaking lanes along the full length of the Newell Highway, south from Tocumwal to Narrabri in the north.

In addition, overtaking lanes already under construction at Mirrool and Daroobalgie will be completed this week,

with work at the Pilliga rest area to be completed by the end of June.

According to the Federal Government, these new overtaking lanes are expected to reduce travel times between the Victorian and Queensland borders by around 30 minutes.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said the upgrade will improve safety for freight transport operators and motorists.

“The Australian Government has been working with the New South Wales Government to deliver these overtaking lanes on the Newell Highway, delivering smoother and wider road surfaces for

more efficient journeys along this key inland route,” she said.

“Our funding is key to ensuring the NSW road network is as safe and as efficient as possible.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said the $236.8 million investment is on the home stretch.

“The Newell Highway is a key regional route linking the south and north of our state, used by thousands of motorists every day,” she said.

“This is a particularly big benefit for freight operators who can more accurately plan their journeys and move valuable goods more efficiently.”

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JOST Australia hosts Toll Group training

Equipment specialist, JOST Australia, recently held training sessions at the Toll/Woolworths Michinbury, New South Wales, site for Toll Group’s drivers and management team.

The training session covered everything from the maintenance and operational aspects of JOST’s turntable systems to optimising their performance.

Toll Group Operations Support Manager, Mark Haworth, thanked JOST for partnering with Toll Group on this initiative.

“We’re grateful to JOST for partnering with us to provide these invaluable training sessions, and we’re confident that our drivers and management will benefit from the training they provided,” he said.

“We consider it our top priority to invest in the professional development of our drivers and management team to ensure that our customer receives the highest level of service and quality that they expect and deserve.

“These training sessions present an excellent opportunity for our team to learn

from the best and enhance their skills and knowledge.”

JOST Australia Managing Director, Guy Locke, expressed his gratitude to Haworth and Toll Group.

“Thank you Mark and Toll for taking the time to acknowledge the team and support the JOST product and service,” he said.

NSW Government announces Spring Creek Bridge upgrade

The New South Wales and Federal Government have committed $12.1 million to replacing Spring Creek Bridge on the Kamilaroi Highway, west of Narrabri.

Spring Creek Bridge is an important link for road users travelling on the Kamilaroi Highway between Narrabri and Wee Waa, as well as for the local community and agricultural industry.

The NSW Government is planning to replace the existing culvert structure with a new, wider bridge that meets modern design standards.

Upon completion, the new bridge will result in improved access for freight and increased safety for road users.

Plans to demolish the existing bridge are already underway, and construction of a temporary side-track is scheduled to commence in September.

ACCC opposes Woolworths’ proposed acquisition

A proposed acquisition has been opposed by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) due to the impact it could have on lessening competition in the supply of groceries in New South Wales.

The proposed acquisition of SUPA IGA in Karabar and its co-located Liquor Boss store would, according to ACCC Chair, Gina Cass-Gottlieb, would see Woolworths operate three of six supermarkets in the local Queanbeyan/Jerrabomberra area. Consumers would be left with one Coles and two ALDI stores as alternatives.

Woolworths already operates two supermarkets in the neighbouring suburbs of Queanbeyan and Jerrabomberra. The SUPA IGA is the only independent supermarket in the local area.

“The more supermarkets or grocery stores there are, the better outcomes for local consumers, who can change where they shop based on the most competitive offerings for their particular needs,” said Cass-Gottlieb.

The retail supply of groceries in the Queanbeyan and Jerrabomberra area is already highly concentrated and replacing the SUPA IGA with another Woolworths owned store would further increase this concentration.

The proposed acquisition will also affect the various suppliers who currently supply SUPA IGA, particularly those who provide those products that are not stocked by Woolworths.

The ACCC’s analysis found that the SUPA IGA Karabar, which is independent and locally owned, offers a different shopping experience to Woolworths, Coles and ALDI. This differentiated shopping experience generates competitive tension in the local area that would be lost if it was acquired by Woolworths.

“Supermarkets compete not just on the price you pay at the checkout, but the frequency and types of promotions they run, the range of products they sell,

the quality of these products, and the level of service delivered at the store,” said Cass-Gottlieb.

“The local SUPA IGA competes with its different product mix, service offering and store amenity, and different promotional cycles.

“It also has the ability to make decisions locally, and to dynamically adapt and respond to changes in tastes and preferences of local customers.”

The ACCC’s decision was informed by data analysis of the spending habits of local consumers, including how often and how much local consumers spent at different supermarkets in and outside the local area.

Throughout its review, the ACCC engaged with a range of businesses and industry bodies. The ACCC also received feedback from consumers, with over 700 responding to survey questions or providing written submissions.

Study looks to improve DG movements

Delivery, Gavin Hill, said the new initiative builds upon the success of an earlier data sharing arrangement with NBTA.

“What we found from the previous study was that many dangerous goods transport operators had not necessarily seen a macro view of their vehicles’ footprint across the network,” he said.

A new data sharing initiative between Transport Certification Australia (TCA) and the National Bulk Tanker Association (NBTA) is aiming to provide better understanding of vehicles transporting Dangerous Goods (DG) and bulk liquids.

Study collects regular telematics and associated data from freight vehicles to better understand DG movements across Australia.

Based in Victoria, FBT Transwest is one of the companies that has already signed up for participation in the study.

“This is required so we can have an informed discussion about network access with the Department of Transport and Planning Victoria.”

Speaking at the Bulk Tanker Day 2023, TCA General Manager of Strategy and

Steel deal to boost NSW manufacturing

Planning approval for a $182 million upgrade of three berths at Port Kembla will help to guarantee the supply of Illawarra steel for transport infrastructure.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, and Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully, said the move would help rebuild the domestic manufacturing industry in New South Wales and support more than 14,500 jobs.

“Our construction industry is the largest user of Port Kembla’s steel, using more than 70 per cent of the site’s total output,” said Scully.

“This approval provides more capacity to import coking coal for steelmaking and keep production flowing when local coal supplies are scaled back from 2028.

“It’s an investment in jobs, training, and the Illawarra community, but importantly it’s a vote of confidence in NSW manufacturing and construction, providing the locally sourced steel they need to build the homes, hospitals and transport infrastructure NSW needs.”

Minister for Illawarra and the South

Coast, and Member for Keira, Ryan Park, said the revamp of three berths would mean more local steel used for major NSW Government projects, supporting thousands of local jobs.

“Illawarra steel contributes around $10.3 billion to the NSW economy each year, and this decision secures the continued direct employment of around 4500 people, together with another 10,000 people in the supply chain,” said Park.

“Steel-supply certainty is vital for the home building industry as we work to fast-track ways to supply new homes in the Illawarra, in Sydney and across the entire state,” he said.

Member for Shellharbour, Anna Watson said the berth upgrades were essential to enable BlueScope to handle coal brought in from Queensland after 2028.

“BlueScope uses a unique blend of coal to operate the blast furnaces used to make steel and needs this type of product to be shipped into Port Kembla,” said Watson.

“The berths are more than 50 years

“So, instead of leaving that as a oneoff study, we’ve decided to launch an evergreen study, where we’ll work with the industry to make sure they get true benefits out of it.”

A key aspect of this new initiative is that the types of DG being carried by vehicles will be collected.

When combined with vehicle movement data, the collection of DG types will provide valuable insights into the movement of DG on the road network.

“We recognise that different operators may collect this information in different ways, and we’ll work with individual operators to ensure there’s streamlined process to share dangerous goods load information with us,” Hill said.

old and need improvements to meet the expected increase in steel demand as NSW continues to grow.

“The project will create 100 immediate construction jobs as the steelworks continues to support hard-working local families as it has for generations,” she said.

BlueScope Australia Chief Executive, Tania Archibald, said the planning approval demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to secure the future of steelmaking in Australia.

“BlueScope operates five berths at Port Kembla to import a range of raw materials such as iron ore, coal, limestone, recycled steel scrap, and export steel products to customers, and the continued supply of these raw materials is critical to the operations of the steelworks,” said Archibald.

“This infrastructure upgrade represents a significant investment to secure the asset for the long-term whilst supporting future technology options for lowemissions steelmaking.”

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Scully RSV and SafetyCulture have partnered to develop an industry leading initiative for transport safety. The digital safety inspection captures the performance of Scully RSV vehicles each and every time they are used on our roads.

The SafetyCulture platform enables a more efficient and optimised inspection capture and reporting system for vehicle compliance and safety. Delivered via a QR code scan, users can launch and complete the vehicle inspection in less than 30 seconds.

Scully RSV is proud to be bringing this initiative to market with Safety Culture and leading the way in keeping our communities and their families safe. It’s another great example of delivering on the customer promise, that Scully RSV fleet is managed to the highest levels of quality, safety and reliability.

Amazon new facility expected to boost capabilities

Construction of Amazon Australia’s new purpose-built fulfilment centre (FC) in Perth is nearing completion and is set to open this year.

The new FC spans around 20,000 square metres with capacity to house over three million items sold on Amazon. com.au, ranging from smaller to medium items like health, household and personal care products to larger items like TVs and gardening equipment.

Located in the Jandakot Airport Commercial Precinct, the new centre is more than double the size of the company’s existing site near Perth Airport which it will replace when it opens.

As a result, it is expected to increase Amazon’s operational footprint in Western Australia by more than 60 per cent.

According to Amazon Australia, it will also increase the storage capacity available to sellers by 500 per cent.

Director of Operations at Amazon Australia, Mindy Espidio-Garcia, said the company is investing in its Perth operations as part of an ongoing commitment to improve selection and delivery outcomes for customers throughout the state.

“Many Prime members in greater Perth will have already enjoyed free next day delivery from Amazon and the opening of this site will increase the selection of items

that can be shipped to local customers quickly,” she said.

“Nearly 1,000 construction jobs were created during the build and fit out, and we look forward to welcoming a team of more than 200 people working at the FC once it’s fully up and running.

“People are at the heart of our

safe and positive work environment and the opportunity for them to build their skills and grow their careers.”

More than 200 jobs will be based at the new FC once fully operational.

This includes around 100 new job opportunities in addition to roles filled by existing workers transferring to the new

Reforms in review for safer freight vehicles

The Australian Government has released reform proposals in hopes of reducing barriers in the uptake of safer technology in heavy vehicles.

According to the proposed Safer Freight Vehicle (SFV) reforms, any vehicles exceeding 2.50 metres in width would need to be fitted with a mandatory technology package.

This technology package includes features such as: Advanced Emergency Braking (AEB); Improved rear vision mirrors and systems; Lane Departure Warning; Side Underrun Protection (SUP); and improved conspicuity markings.

Once finalised in Europe, blind spot information systems and advanced systems that detect pedestrians and

cyclists on the passenger side of heavy vehicles will also be required as part of the mandatory technology package.

Following the announcement, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has released a Discussion Paper on how to implement the SFV reform proposals, including increasing the width of heavy vehicles fitted with modern safety technologies.

NHVR Chief Regulatory Policy and Standards Officer, David Hourigan, said the reforms would support the uptake of safer heavy vehicles.

“The proposed SFV reforms would increase the fitment of safety technologies to new heavy vehicles by aligning local width regulations with those

in major markets such as Europe,” he said. “These reforms will give industry access to a greater range of heavy vehicles fitted with the latest safety technologies.

“We want to hear from industry and further unpack how to implement these Australian Design Rule (ADR) changes into the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL).”

While the Australian Government is still finalising the details of these reforms, the NHVR is proactively considering how these changes might affect the HVNL.

“The heavy vehicle industry and truck manufacturers are ready for this next generation of safer trucks. The NHVR wants to make sure the HVNL is prepared to get these safer trucks on our roads.”

CRL Express opens new VIC warehouse

CRL Express has opened a brand new purpose-built warehouse in Dandenong, South Victoria.

The 11,500 square-metre facility features over 7,000 pallet bays of racking and a 2,500 square-metre super awning to facilitate allweather cross-docking and operations.

In a statement online, CRL Express said the state-of-the-art warehouse represents a fresh

chapter in its story.

“As a five-year-old business, this announcement of our new warehouse in Melbourne signifies our dedication to delivering exceptional service and surpassing your expectations,” it said.

“It’s been a year in the making, filled with both triumphs and challenges.

“We couldn’t have achieved this significant

VTA slams plan to eliminate freight access

The Victorian Transport Association (VTA) has criticised the City of Melbourne’s proposal to redesign the Hoddle Grid and further restrict freight access to key routes.

Under the Future Streets Framework proposal voted on last night, key freight routes in Melbourne CBD such as Flinders Street, Bourke Street and Spring Street would be closed to motorists.

Meanwhile, public transport users, bicycles and pedestrians would be prioritised for access.

VTA CEO, Peter Anderson, said the plan has a complete disregard for freight as well as small businesses and city traders

relying on the transport industry.

“Before COVID, transport movement to and from the city for cyclists was four per cent of total trips with cars representing 20 per cent of total trips,” he said.

“Since COVID, bicycle trips remain at four per cent with cars now representing 43 per cent of all trips.

“Such inward looking, insular and isolationist perspectives are effectively telling 43 per cent of city commuters that ‘we do not want you in our city’.”

Anderson said the proposal is oblivious to the consequences that could arise.

“Over 5,000 commercial vehicles service the city every day including the

milestone without the incredible support of our valued customers and the hard work of our talented team.”

Having withstood the tumult of COVID lockdowns and its impact on the market, CRL Express has remained steadfast in its approach to providing a personal solutionbased approach and transparent service nationwide.

garbage collectors, concrete trucks, delivery vans, rigid trucks and ancillary vehicles that need access, parking, and flexibility,” he said.

“These vehicles and their drivers work under tight timelines, growing congestion, and an expectation to live a normal life.

“The freight industry is the lifeblood for thousands of city businesses, commercial developments and public transport projects and its high time the City of Melbourne recognised the value of transport operators and their workers in upholding the vitality of our once great city.”

Freight monitoring cameras to roll out across NSW

The New South Wales Government will use new counting and classifying cameras to better understand freight movements to help reduce congestion, improve road safety outcomes and encourage more efficient deliveries.

Using world-first camera technology, Transport for NSW is continuing to install machine learning traffic cameras across the state in the north.

Transport for NSW said the new technology can be used to help manage increasing freight volumes which are

expected to increase by 28 per cent in the state by 2036, over a 2018 baseline.

The new cameras will be installed at the following locations:

• Golden Highway Putty Road/Mitchell Line of Road, Whittingham

• New England Highway, Liddell

• Pacific Highway at Raleigh, 1.5km north of Bellinger River bridge

High-definition pictures of heavy vehicles are taken by the cameras, which are then

classified into the type of vehicle in transit and the type of cargo being transported.

According to Transport for NSW, the cameras will not be used for “enforcement or monitoring people or private vehicles”.

“This heavy vehicle traffic information will enable Transport for NSW to better understand freight movements with the aim of assisting long-term planning for the movement of goods in NSW,” a Transport for NSW spokesperson said. Trailer will be monitoring this development with keen interest.

Popular intersection reopens with freight upgrade

The intersection at Farm and Alexandra Streets, Queensland, has reopened following major upgrades which have improved safety and congestion for heavy vehicles.

Funded by the Rockhampton Regional Council and the Queensland Government, the intersection has undergone significant enhancements.

Road works entailed increasing the existing pavement thickness to cater for heavy vehicles, widening corners to improve safety for turning vehicles,

installing left and right turning lanes on Farm Street for turning north into Alexandra Street, a new kerb and channel, concrete footpaths, additional drainage and new asphalt surfacing.

Infrastructure Councillor, Ellen Smith, said the project will primarily benefit the freight network.

“Safety has been at the forefront of this project as this area sees high traffic usage and heavy vehicle use,” she said.

Divisional Councillor, Donna Kirkland, welcomed the completion of the project.

“With more development in the area and more heavy vehicles, this intersection will only get busier which is why we needed to make sure it could handle the increase in traffic and population going forward,” she said.

“I know that local users of this intersection will be very pleased to use this popular route again.”

Over the next few weeks, crews will work on the final touches such as completing footpath works and cleaning up the site.

Khali Lake joins Centurion’s leadership team

Centurion has appointed Khali Lake as its new Executive General Manager of Operational Services.

Following his role as General Manager at The Drake Group, Lake has a wealth of industry knowledge and brings 13 years of experience in the manufacturing, OEM and mining supply industries.

In his new position at Centurion, Lake will

be responsible for leading the operational support functions on a national level. With a keen focus on assets, fleet management, procurement, marketing and properties, he will also play a vital role in enhancing Centurion’s overall operational efficiency.

Earlier this year, Centurion deployed B-triple combinations to move vital

supplies to Fitzroy Crossing and surrounding communities in East Kimberley as part of a relief effort due to floods. At the time major road access to the region was impassable as a result of record-breaking flooding. Damage to the Fitzroy River bridge, the only sealed road linking Broome with the rest of the Kimberley and Northern Territory, was flagged for extensive repairs.

ACCC green lights Armaguard-Prosegur merger

A proposed merger involving Linfox Armaguard has been authorised by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC).

Authorisation has been granted for the merging of Linfox Armaguard and Prosegur Australia Holdings Limited. A court-enforceable undertaking, which is a condition of the authorisation, has also been accepted.

ACCC said Armaguard and Prosegur are the two largest providers of cashin-transit services in Australia and both provide cash transport, management and processing services, which are predominantly provided to banks, retailers and independent ATM operators.

Under the Competition and Consumer Act, merger authorisation may be granted if the ACCC is satisfied that the merger is not likely to substantially lessen competition, or where the merger would or is likely to result in public benefits that would outweigh the public detriments likely to result from the merger.

“After conducting an extensive review of the transaction, we were not satisfied that the proposed merger would not substantially lessen competition,” said ACCC Commissioner, Liza Carver.

“However, we are satisfied that, provided the parties comply with the undertaking, the proposed merger is likely to result in a public benefit that would outweigh the likely public detriment.”

The ACCC’s review found that the cashin-transit industry is in structural decline due to the decreasing use of cash as a payment method across the Australian economy. However, despite this decline,

cash continues to be crucial to some parts of the economy.

“We accepted that, without the proposed merger, it was highly probable either Armaguard or Prosegur would withdraw from the declining cash-intransit market in the near future and this exit could occur very quickly,” said Carver.

“We were concerned that the rapid exit by either of these two major suppliers could cause significant disruption, including by reducing the availability of cash to their customers, and therefore the public.”

Public access to cash was an important consideration for the ACCC, particularly in regional Australia where internet access issues can limit electronic payment options and for vulnerable consumers who are reliant on cash payments.

“The ACCC concluded that the merger lessens some of the likely harms caused by the potential disorderly exit of one of the parties, and allows for a smoother transition to one provider, including by maintaining adequate access to cash,” said Carver.

The undertaking imposes obligations on the combined Armaguard-Prosegur and will be effective for the next three years. The ACCC considers the undertaking will allow time to consider whether any Government responses are needed to further regulate the industry and maintain adequate access to cash in the future.

The undertaking covers a range of obligations which together are intended to provide continuation of services,

reduce uncertainty about price and service levels and provide opportunities for other cash-in-transit providers to make use of excess equipment to expand their existing operations.

“To comply with the undertaking, the combined Armaguard-Prosegur will be required to continue offering cash-intransit services to all locations that are currently serviced,” said Carver.

“The undertaking also limits its ability to reduce service levels and raise prices for existing customers and sets minimum terms and pricing constraints for new customers.”

While the undertaking allows prices to be increased within limits over the next three years, this is against a backdrop of a declining industry with current lossmaking prices.

The ACCC considers that the undertaking appropriately balances the capacity for the combined ArmaguardProsegur to build a financially viable business against the potential impact of the proposed merger on existing and new customers.

In addition, the undertaking contains a commitment to create registers of surplus sites, employees and equipment. The ACCC believes this measure may assist other cash-in-transit providers to expand, which would increase the competitive constraint on the combined ArmaguardProsegur.

“The undertaking also includes commitments that cover services to ATM operators and is therefore likely to reduce the impact of the proposed merger on independent ATM operators,” said Carver.

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ACFS Port Logistics announces new Perth facility

ACFS Port Logistics has announced a brand-new 15,000 square-metre warehouse facility in Hazelmere, Perth. The multi-site warehouse will service Third-Party Logistics (3PL), freight of all kinds (FAK) and eCommerce.

It will also be supported by the ACFS Port Logistics Transport Fleet to deliver full container loads (FCL).

ACFS Port Logistics COO, Wayne Morris, said the new facility will largely benefit customers.

“We take great pride in our work and are always looking forward to creating warehousing solutions for our customers,” he said.

“Our customers products and needs are at the forefront of our initiatives, and growing our existing footprint is a testament to the loyalty our customers have shown us.

“We are very grateful for their ongoing support.”

With racking capacity to store 20,484

pallets at 1.4 metres and a FCL container depot providing 11,850 square metres of container rated hardstand, the new development will act as a hub and spoke solution for customers in the area.

It will also have a 5 Star Green rating with a 99kW solar system, as part of ACFS’ initiative to reduce its carbon footprint.

Being developed by ACFS’ strategic partner, LOGOS, the Hazelmere facility is expected to be completed by December this year.

Transport leaders acknowledged in King’s Birthday Honours List

The King’s Birthday 2023 Honours List awarded a number of influential figures in the heavy vehicle and transport industry for their services.

The King’s Birthday 2023 Honours List recognises and celebrates 1,192 recipients, including awards in the Order of Australia (General and Military Divisions), meritorious awards and recognition for distinguished and conspicuous service.

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) Chairman and former New South Wales Minister for Transport, Duncan Gay, was presented with the Member of the Order (AM) award in the General Division for his significant service to the people, parliament and community of NSW.

NHVR CEO, Sal Petroccitto, was presented with Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in the General Division for his service to the transport industry.

Director of both NHVR and Australian

Trucking Association (ATA) Boards, Julie Russell, was presented with the OAM award for her service to the road transport industry.

National Road Freighters Association (NRFA) Founding President, Kevin (Mick) Pattel, was also presented with the OAM in the General Division for his service to the road transport industry.

Announcing the winners in the Honours List, Governor-General of Australia, David Hurley, congratulated everyone recognised.

“Recipients have made substantial contributions and had a significant impact at the local, national or international level,” he said.

“Some are volunteers, others have had a remarkable impact in professional roles – many have done both.

“They are all inspiring and their service is valued by us all.”

Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) Chief Executive, Todd Hacking, also passed on his regards to each of the medal recipients.

“On behalf of HVIA and all of our members, I commend Julie, Duncan, Sal and Mick for this great and worthy honour,” he said.

“It is great to see that our industry is being recognised with honours like these.

“They recognise the importance of our industry to the community and the generous contributions so many of our industry-family make to their own communities in so many different ways.

“These recipients deserve every commendation for their work towards delivering effective reforms to the transport industry, particularly in facing down the challenges of a single national system of regulation, governance and oversight.”

$50M Bass Highway realignment completed

Another major section of the Bass Highway has been upgraded to provide a safer and more efficient road for heavy vehicles between Somerset and Wynyard.

Part of the $1.2 billion Tasmanian Roads Package and Bass Highway 10 year Action plan, this $50 million project saw 3.6 kilometres of the highway realigned from west of Cape View Nursery to the Old Bass Highway intersection at Doctors Rocks.

The upgrades have made this section of the highway safer with a number of sharp bends removed and new overtaking lanes in each direction which will improve traffic flow and safety.

Senator for Tasmania, Anne Urquhart, said the upgrade will benefit operators using the key freight link.

“This project will also boost productivity along this key freight corridor, keeping truckies and our economy moving during these challenging global times,” she said.

“Upgrading the Bass Highway is all about cementing opportunities for future growth across Tasmania’s north and north west.”

The realignment is one of many upgrades planned, underway or completed on the Bass Highway

between Cooee and Marrawah.

These projects include making junctions safer, road widening and construction of more overtaking lanes.

Tasmanian Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Michael Ferguson, said he was pleased to contribute to improving safety on the Bass Highway.

“The completion of these works marks

New laws in place for owner-drivers in WA

Updated laws introduced by the Western Australian Government to safeguard the rights of owner-drivers of heavy vehicles operating in the road freight transport industry come into effect today.

The amended Owner-Drivers (Contracts and Disputes) Amendment Act 2022 passed Parliament in October last year and is the result of extensive consultation with the Road Freight Transport Industry Council and the Road Freight Industry Tribunal.

The amendments will help improve business dealings between ownerdrivers of heavy vehicles who transport freight and the people who hire them, by clarifying the regulatory responsibilities of both parties.

The changes include the introduction of minimum notice periods of 90 days for termination of a contract longer than three

months, and seven days for contracts less than three months.

The role of the Road Freight Transport Industry Tribunal has also been clarified to make sure it can deliver fair and efficient outcomes in dispute resolution between owner-drivers and hirers.

Non-compliance with owner-driver guideline pay rates will now be factored into dispute resolution decisions made by the Tribunal.

This change places more responsibility on hirers to offer fair pay for owner-driver services.

In addition, workplace right of entry provisions have also been updated to allow an authorised owner-driver’s representative to enter a workplace to investigate suspected breaches of the Act.

WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti

a key step in our plan to upgrade the Bass Highway, which is a key link across major population centres, transport hubs and agricultural regions across the north and northwest of Tasmania,” he said.

Last month, the Tasmanian Government announced that the Bass Highway will see $2 billion worth of upgrades completed over the next four years.

said the updated laws protect the rights of small businesses and independent operators who own and drive trucks in the freight industry.

“These are the small operators who are making a big difference to our economy and our lives, by helping to keep our supply chains going and delivering goods across our State,” Saffioti said in a statement.

“Our new laws will provide them with better protection and improve their position in matters including job security and fair pay, as well as clear processes to follow to resolve disputes.

“We have consulted extensively with industry to update these laws which will result in more streamlined and reasonable business dealings between owner-drivers and people hiring their services.”

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Industry Skills Australia appointed Jobs and Skills Council for transport and logistics

Industry Skills Australia (ISA) has been appointed the Jobs and Skills Council for Australia’s transport and logistics (Road, Rail, Aviation and Maritime), Omnichannel Logistics and Space Transport industries.

Industry will, under these new arrangements, have a determinative role in identifying and prioritising its workforce development needs and designing highly effective solutions in collaboration with employers, unions, industry bodies, communities, training providers, universities, and schools.

With over 30 years of expertise, ISA is considered in a unique position to address the rapidly evolving needs and challenges faced by industry and its workforce.

“The Jobs and Skills Council for the nation’s transport and logistics industry demonstrates our commitment to strengthening Australia’s supply chains. Industry Skills Australia will play an important role in equipping our workforce with world class skills, fostering innovation, and driving collaboration between industry and stakeholders,” said Brendan O’Connor, Minister for Skills and Training.

ISA Chair Tony Wilks echoes this sentiment and emphasised the Council’s dedication to industry.

“Our model is proudly industry-owned and industry-led, and we’ve been genuinely overwhelmed with support from right across the many sectors that comprise Australia’s supply chains, from the multi-nationals right through to small business,” he said.

“Together, we’re committed to a ‘people first’ culture where a skilled workforce will enable better jobs, increased productivity and create real opportunity.”

ISA will now work to establish the Jobs and Skills Council and undertake a range of initial activities. It will be fully operational by January 2024.

Industry Stewardship which involves gathering industry intelligence to reliably represent the views and needs of industry back to the government and its decisionmakers will be one of four key roles ISA will have as a Jobs and Skills Council.

Others include workforce planning to identify industry’s current and emerging skills needs, culminating in development of a national Workforce Plan; training product development to build highquality, world-class skills for new and existing workers; and the implementation and monitoring of solutions, which involves working on the ground to support training providers, promote careers, and monitor just how well the system is meeting the needs of industry and learners.

Paul Walsh, CEO of ISA said collaboration would empower individuals to drive positive change.

“We’re genuinely honoured to be appointed by the Commonwealth Government as the Jobs and Skills Council for Australia’s transport and logistics sectors, and to have the opportunity to make a real difference to industry and its workforce,” he said in a statement.

“But we’re not alone. We believe that great ideas can come from anyone and anywhere, and that if we work together, we can drive smart, sustainable solutions right across the country.”

ISA will now work to establish the Jobs and Skills Council and undertake a range of initial activities. It willbe fully operational by January 2024.

Industry Skills Australia CEO, Paul Walsh.

Truckies gone to the dogs

Pippi, Prinny and Spud truly work like dogs. The three whippets love nothing more than joining their owners on weekly hauls between Gippsland and Brisbane. For partners and truckies, Carly and Adam, having them for company helps keep their mental health in check during the long, and often lonely, drives.

Adam comes from a family of truck drivers and has seen first-hand the tough mental load they have to endure. He said taking his dogs on the road with him has helped manage his own mental health during some difficult years as they offer companionship, affection and a good excuse for frequent rest stops and dog walking.

In recognition of National Take Your Dog to Work Day, Carly and Adam are teaming up with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to raise awareness surrounding the mental health issues that can impact truck drivers and how bringing a furry friend to work can help.

The NHVR said it is well-documented that pets in the workplace have calming effects on many people by reducing stress and offering a social support which in turn can improve employee health and well-being and increase productivity.

Carly and Adam say their dogs can sense when they aren’t in a good headspace and will give them a nudge.

According to a Work-Related Mental Disorders Profile by Safe Work Australia, the transport and logistics industry has one of the highest rates of claims for workrelated mental disorders, with 44.8 per cent its workers having experienced a mental health condition.

Analysis by the Coroners Court of Victoria (2008-2014) showed truck drivers had the highest number of suicides of any profession.

“We’re seeing several truck drivers, like Carly and Adam, taking their dogs to work with them for the positive impact it has on their mental, emotional, and social health,”

said NHBR Executive Director of Corporate Affairs Michelle Tayler.

“Truck drivers deal with numerous on-the-job stressors, including spending long periods of time away from family and friends which can create a sense of isolation.

“With shift work being a part of most truck drivers’ jobs, routine can be hard to maintain, so often poor diet and lack of exercise can all be contributing factors that lead to an increase in mental health conditions and suicide in the sector.”

Over the years the NHVR has partnered with charitable foundation Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds on several initiatives to ensure resources are available to reduce mental health issues in truck drivers.

“Transport and logistics workers are an often-invisible workforce that support the nation every day and through particularly challenging times as we have witnessed in recent years,” said Health Heads in Trucks & Sheds CEO Naomi Frauenfelder.

Arrow Transport opens new facility

Arrow Transport Logistics & Quarantine Services have opened its brand new Brisbane home at Fisherman Islands.

Part of the Port of Brisbane precinct, the purpose-built facility comprises a 7,900sqm warehouse, office, workshop and 35,000sqm, 100-tonne hardstand area on a 4.96ha site.

It also includes a washbay, fumigation pad and sustainable design elements including 100kW rooftop solar, recycled water and energy efficient lights and hydraulic fittings.

Construction was completed in under ten months.

This follows the Port of Brisbane agreeing to terms on a $500 million sustainability linked loan, to be financed by a syndicate of ten banks.

negotiated as part of larger $850m syndicated bank loan transaction in November 2022 and will take effect from June 2023.

The loan will be executed under the Port’s Sustainability Financing Framework and will be linked to KPIs across three key areas: Emissions reduction, biodiversity, and mental health first aid.

Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd’s (PBPL) Chief Executive, Neil Stephens, said the deal would support the port’s ongoing investment while cementing its place as an industry leader in sustainability.

“Sustainability at the Port of Brisbane is a whole-of-business strategy. Everything we do incorporates the principles

core,” said Stephens.

“Our ambitious sustainability targets across People, Planet, Prosperity and Partnerships drive not only our day-to-day business activities, but our future planning and our interactions with stakeholders.

“Tying an important part of our financing structure to sustainability sends a clear signal to investors and the community that our commitment to the global transition to a more sustainable future is deep and unwavering.”

Stephens said the port was particularly proud to include mental health first aid as a key focus area in the deal.

“We are working incredibly hard to drive down our scope 1 and 2 emissions, and we are working closely with our customer base as to how we can record and influence scope 3.

“We are also extremely proud of the role we play in managing the biodiversity of the port area. We work immediately adjacent to a Ramsar wetland site, and ensuring it thrives long into the future is a key goal of ours.

“But sustainability to the Port of Brisbane is also about the health and wellbeing of our workforce, which is why we have included ambitious goals on mental health first aid support.

“To be a sustainable business must mean having a healthy and engaged workforce, and we will be working hard to deliver on those commitments as soon as we can.”

NHVR encourages cooperation following offence surge

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is reminding heavy vehicle drivers to always carry their National Written Work Diary (WWD) or Electronic Work Diary (EWD).

At the Marulan Heavy Vehicle Safety Station (HVSS) last week, the NHVR addressed recent data which found over 120 offences of drivers not carrying their work diaries in Marulan, New South Wales during the past few months.

The latest Marulan blitz recorded 18 work diary-related offences from over 1,000 intercepts.

According to NHVR Director of Operations Central Region, Brett Patterson, this suggests that although education on work diaries is having a positive impact, there is still more work to do.

“It’s great to see the majority of drivers and operators in this latest operation doing the right thing by carrying their work diary, however there is still a small group who were not,” he said.

“We take fatigue related offences seriously and those who were not carrying their work diaries were issued a direction to stop and rest for a period of seven hours.

“As a driver, meeting your safety and fatigue management obligations, in accordance with the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), is imperative for not only keeping yourself safe, but those you share the road with.”

Other breaches recorded included 137 vehicle defect notices, with 48 per cent of

those being self-clearing and 26 to secure or adjust loads.

With a strong focus on educating heavy vehicle drivers on work diary requirements, NHVR wants drivers to know that they can carry either a WWD or an approved EWD – or a combination of both, if they are switching from using one format to the other.

“We received a number of enquires around carrying work diaries and we’d like to stress that it’s important to ensure drivers can produce records for the past 28 days,” Patterson said.

“If you change from using a WWD to an EWD, then you’ll also need to carry your WWD until which time you can show 28 days of records.”

$2B transformation project to follow recent Bass Highway upgrades

The Bass Highway, a major freight link for transport operators in Tasmania, will see $2 billion worth of upgrades completed over the next four years.

The Tasmanian Government recently released a strategy to improve safety and travel time between Launceston and Devonport. The Bass Highway Corridor Strategy – Launceston to Devonport identified 66 potential improvements for the 91-kilometre section of the highway from Hadspen to east of Port Sorell Road in Devonport. These include upgrading intersections to improve safety at Christmas Hills Road, Oppenheims Road and Cutting Road/East Sassafras Road, and the extension and creation of overtaking lanes at Parramatta Creek and Sassafras.

Other high priority works identified in the Bass Highway Corridor Strategy include the creation of heavy vehicle rest areas, widening shoulders, installing safety barriers and improving road conditions at various points.

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael Ferguson, said the next step will be to develop detailed designs and to construct the prioritised projects with the available funding.

“The strategy follows an extensive consultation period with key stakeholders and the local community, with the feedback received used to help determine what needs to be done and the priority,” he said. “In addition to community input, the strategy has also looked at current and future demand and the highway’s safety performance.”

The upgrades, Ferguson said, are part of the State Government’s investment in state roads and bridges.

“The Australian and Tasmanian Governments have jointly committed a total of $50 million in targeted upgrades between Deloraine and Devonport, $100 million in Safety and Freight Efficiency Upgrades between Launceston and Devonport, and $420 million for the Northern Roads Package Stage 2, which in part will fund improvements between Launceston and Devonport,” he said. “This complements the $150 million in joint Australian and Tasmanian Government funding that is currently being delivered to improve the Cooee to Wynyard and

Wynyard to Marrawah sections of the highway.”

Earlier this year in May, two significant upgrades were also completed on the highway between Wynyard and Marrawah as part of a $100 million investment. One of the completed upgrades has improved safety on the Bass Highway by removing a curve on a section between Boat Harbour Siding Road at Boat Harbour and Broomhalls Road at Sisters Creek. It has also delivered vital upgrades to the Bass Highway’s junction with Morris Road, significantly improving safety for road users.

The other completed works are located on the highway at Togari, between Pacey’s Road/Park Road and Salmon River Road. Upgrades for this stretch of the highway included shoulder widening and the improvement of the road structure between Pacey’s Road and Salmon River Road.

As well as meeting the needs of modern freight transporters, the construction of the new Montagu River Bridge has

provided training and employment opportunities for young tradespeople.

Ferguson said reliable road connections are essential for all Tasmanians.

“These projects are among a raft of upgrades between Wynyard and Marrawah, many of which have now been completed, including four new overtaking lanes, 10 sections of Highway realignment, 66 junction upgrades and up to 60 kilometres of road-widening,” he said. “The upgrades between Boat Harbour Siding Road and Broomhall’s Road will make all road users safer and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to improving the Bass Highway.”

Future work under the Bass Highway 10Year Action Plan near Crayfish Creek will include drainage improvements to Dunn Street, line marking and signage renewal. This project is expected to be completed this month.

Shortly after the Wynyard and Marrawah upgrades, the Tasmanian Government announced that the first stage of the $80 million upgrade to Illawarra Road link between the Midland and Bass Highways was also completed. The first stage included widening the lanes and road shoulders between the Longford roundabout and Bishopsbourne Road and improving safety at the Bishopsbourne Road intersection. A heavy vehicle rest area was also created near the Longford roundabout.

At the time, Ferguson said improving the efficiency and safety of transport networks is a priority for the State Government as it enhances productivity in the broader economy.

“The Tasmanian economy has been growing strongly and improving our freight transport infrastructure will ensure that growth continues,” he said. “We are investing heavily in upgrading key freight routes and strengthening bridges to cater for modern heavy vehicles. Illawarra Road is a key link between the north and south of the State. Its upgrade will benefit not only our freight operators but provide a safer, more efficient route for everyone using this road.”

Planning is progressing on the next stage of improvements, with detailed design underway on a 2.9-kilometre

section at the Bass Highway end of the Illawarra Road.

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said the completion of this road will provide a major economic stimulus to centres in the region.

“Improved infrastructure and enhanced safety will benefit all motorists travelling on this key transport link,” she said.

The project was jointly funded by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments and aims to improve productivity and efficiency in moving freight and increasing safety for all road users.

Decision of a lifetime

Vanstone Logistics is a family owned and operated business based in Queensland. Its original identity, Vanstone Produce, was established in Rochedale in 1912 and later relocated to Lockyer Valley in 2008. In 2021 the family saw the need for further growth and so Managing Director, Justin Vanstone, brought the transport version of the company to life for a better service level and flexibility in freighting. This is when Justin approached Brown & Hurley to build his fleet. Here he met Trevor Cox, who sourced his first trailer in the form of a Schmitz Cargobull B-double set.

“We were looking around and we were impressed by the insulation of panels with Schmitz Cargobull,” Justin says. “They seemed far superior to a lot of other makes on the temperature side, and that was very important for us.”

Since then, Vanstone Logistics hasn’t looked anywhere else when the time came for a new trailer. And while the fleet only has 18 months of experience with the Schmitz Cargobull product, it’s 18 months of an entire fleet worth.

“We’re solely Schmitz Cargobull,” Justin says. “We use different configurations and chassis, but our whole fleet is built by

them. There are two main reasons for this. Availability was definitely one and then the second was the way that their trailers are constructed, specifically the refrigerated box. We also quite like the design of the flat floor inside and it gives us a lot of flexibility with their load bar system.”

All of Vanstone Logistics’ trailers are fitted with Schmitz Cargobull’s double loading systems, which are well-known for their loading bars capable of sliding to the roof. This, Justin says, is very unique in the marketplace.

“They’re very quick to load and unload, which is critical,” he says. “It reduces driver

As soon as Vanstone Logistics expanded from a farming company to become a transporter, it made the decision to invest only in Schmitz Cargobull for its refrigerated trailers.

time while doing loading activities. That system is definitely what stands Schmitz Cargobull out from the rest for us.”

The Vanstone Logistics fleet is based on four Schmitz Cargobull trailer configurations – rollback A trailers, road train-capable 22-pallet trailers, a couple of B-double specific trailers to help with weight distribution and a 24-pallet European unit thanks to its latest order.

“We only just recently took delivery of the first of three European-built, 48foot trailers,” Justin says. “We’re pretty impressed with them. They’re a bit of a different design, they’re very dock-friendly on the rear end and there’s improvements on the dimensions inside.”

There are also more units in the delivery process onsite at Brown & Hurley Yatala, which Justin is eager to get his hands on.

These units, among the others, will run between Brisbane and Sydney carting produce primarily as well as anything refrigerated. With the Schmitz Cargobull trailers being matched up with Thermo King fridges, Justin has found the product to be very efficient in their operations.

“They’ve been pretty good,” he says. “Fuel economy on the fridge side of things has been great. There are no temperature issues or anything, which is very important. Also, the way that they actually tow and sit on the highway has been very good too. They are a little bit lighter as well, which improves the payload just a bit.”

Choosing to rely on Schmitz Cargobull solely, Justin says, seems to have been the right choice.

“It’s the reliability of the temperature control, honestly, which is the biggest tick of the box,” he says. “I’ve got a lot of

faith in them – their ability to have good temperature control is definitely the biggest benefit for sure.”

According to Justin, Schmitz Cargobull meets all of Vanstone Logistics’ demands.

“Overall we’re pretty happy with the product,” he says. “They’ve stuck to their delivery schedule, and that’s why we’ve continued to take new deliveries from them.

Contact

Schmitz

www.trailermag.com.au 35

Tassie cold snap

With a growing transport business and more trucks on the road with perishables, Troy Streefland’s recent investment in refrigeration technology was a natural progression. Now his cargo isn’t just cold, but he has the data to ensure it stays that way.

As summer sets in, Troy Streefland has embraced the technology involved in keeping his cargo cool. He is using the Tasmanian winter months to make sure his new Carrier Transicold equipment is ready to go.

His company, Launceston-based Streefland Logistics Solutions, supports a number of fast-moving consumer goods with beverages being the main product they deliver.

“We made a decision to improve our cold chain and have a unit that could run independent of the truck and could be operating when the trucks are stationary and we’re making deliveries,” Troy says.

Carrier Transicold’s Supra range of refrigeration units are designed for demanding distribution environments. They offer superior pull-down and accurate temperature control and are supported by a range of evaporators with electric fans, providing constant airflow independent of the engine.

Troy had previously owned some of the cold chain provider’s direct drive units that he was happy with, but they only worked when the engine was running. He decided to stick with the brand and ordered four Supra units for his rigid trucks.

“We are only a few months in, but so far the feedback from staff has been really good,” he says.

Troy’s business got its start as a country milk and bread run his parents bought in 1986. With time they added a furniture delivery business into the mix, but eventually decided to concentrate on client specific contracts. In 2008, Troy came on board helping transition the business to one that included logistics and warehousing. Today he has 40 vehicles in his fleet and more than 55 staff members.

To go with the Supra units, Troy has also acquired Carrier Transicold’s Lynx Fleet telematics system to monitor location and temperature. The Lynx Fleet digital platform offers end-to-end supply chain visibility, real-time monitoring, actionable analytics and improved sustainability for refrigerated transport operations.

“Telematics was an affordable bolt-on, allowing us to be able to monitor things remotely and ensure we remained within specification,” Troy says. “It’s an application that allows us to give our customers a safety net.”

For Troy, the winter is a good time to work with the equipment and build some data sets before the heat of the

summer set in.

“Hopefully we’ll have a good handle on what that data and information will give us ahead of our summer months and our peak periods for beverages as well.”

Troy says staying on top of advances in technology is a must in business and he’s pleased that any issues he or his staff have in learning about the new equipment is

met with timely, expert help from Carrier.

“They have a great team of contractors that look after their after sales service,” he says. “Even though we are on the island, we are well taken care of.”

The right cut

If anyone knows just how important quality refrigerated transport is, it’s Rob Hawthorn. As a former butcher, he understands the value of the product his trucks are carrying as they make their way from various abattoirs around the country.

“We can have up to 20,000 kilograms

of meat on a truck at any one time and that can add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars,” he says.

Rob’s progression from butchering to refrigerated transport evolved over time. He started with small delivery trucks and now owns road trains as the Managing

Director of Southern Refrigerated Transport, which is now in its 12th year. The company, which works primarily with butchers and abattoirs, specialises in handling chilled and frozen produce.

“I’d like to think that what I’ve done in the meat industry previously has enabled me to understand things like shelf life, and allows us to set a high standard,” Rob says.

“It’s the final consumer who’s the ultimate customer and it’s the end result that counts.”

For Rob, turning to MaxiTRANS for its refrigerated trailers was a natural fit and he appreciated the broad range of equipment it could offer.

“They are a one-stop-shop for us,” he says. “We can buy our A-double dollies from them, we can buy flat tops and meat hangers and then we can also get full freezer vans. They’ve got the versatility there to service everything we need.”

Trailer manufacturer, MaxiTRANS, has been an industry stalwart, providing trailers and equipment solutions for more than 75 years. Meanwhile its refrigeration brand, Maxi-CUBE, has been on offer for

Sometimes it takes a butcher to know exactly what a butcher needs. The owner of Southern Refrigerated Transport relies on his meat industry knowledge and the right trailer solutions from MaxiTRANS to ensure his customers are happy.

more than 50 years and are built locally to cater to Australian conditions. The MaxiCUBE range varies from Dry Freight to models that are capable of carrying frozen goods and come with a large offering of standard and optional inclusions, designed to give customers a leading edge and help them continue delivering industry excellence.

Southern Refrigerated Transport runs about 50 Maxi-CUBE refrigerated trailers, purchased over the years from MaxiTRANS in Derrimut, Victoria, and Rob says he is impressed at both their longevity and resale value.

equipment and how quickly can we resell

them,” he says. “They don’t battle scar and are a nice clean look that presents well even with a bit of age. They keep their shine a bit longer than the others.”

The opportunity to deploy PerformanceBased Standards (PBS) equipment is also a huge draw, Rob says, as the A-double combination gives him extra product space.

“All of our PBS A-doubles can be split up,” he says. “You get a lot better productivity on the highway from the doubles. We read that playbook and

aftersales service MaxiTRANS offers, getting support at any hour of the day.

“I’ve rung on a Saturday night just with mechanical questions and we got the guidance we needed and got it fixed.”

Although he misses butchering every day, Rob says he is now in the place where he belongs, and the challenges his job brings him, is what keeps him coming back.

“We all sell cold air at the end of the day. It’s just about who sells it better.”

Contact

MaxiTRANS

Ph: (03) 5339 0300

Web: www.maxitrans.com

Staying cool under pressure

There are many challenges in the transportation world, least of which is trying to get a trailer load of ice cream across the Nullarbor in 40°C temperatures. It’s just one of the many jobs Scully RSV must be prepared for.

“That’s the crux of what we do,” says Scully RSV CEO, Andrew McKenzie. “We are trying to get stuff that needs to be minus 20 across a desert.

“We are often talking about millions of dollars’ worth of product. We just can’t have any uncertainty.”

Scully RSV has been in operation for more than 30 years and is one of Australia’s leading providers of refrigerated transport solutions with utes, trucks and trailers all available on short- or long-term rental. It also offers new and used truck sales, available for up to 16 pallet capacity.

For Andrew, the challenges a of a large country and fluctuating ambient temperatures must be met with the very best in technology.

“This is where we choose to invest,” he

says. “Our suppliers must have capability and competency from a technical standpoint and be able to back what they do. We only go with companies that can invest in research and development.”

For Scully RSV, working with these

brands to bring the best in technology, safety and innovation to the market is paramount.

Scully RSV, for example, has been using Thermo King units in the manufacturing of its refrigerated trucks for decades, and now are using its products on its trailer fleet. Thermo King’s technically advanced products offer two-way communication and a system so customers can log on remotely and monitor position, speed and most importantly, temperature.

“It’s an extra level of safety and communication because it lets the customer see where their asset is and how it is doing,” says Queensland Thermo King Sales Manager, Colin Apps.

“It’s a massive challenge, considering this country’s conditions, to ensure the cold chain isn’t broken and that the technology and equipment is robust enough.”

Carrier Transicold is another Scully RSV supplier which puts research and development at the forefront of its

With precious cargo in various forms travelling the width and length of the country, keeping a controlled temperature is a fine art. This is why Scully RSV depend on key partners who are up to the job and have the technology to make sure everything arrives safely.

business model.

The temperature-controlled transport company’s newest offering is the Vector HE 19. The trailer system combines experienced technology with new additions designed to significantly improve performance and efficiency. Operators benefit from the improved fuel consumption by up to 30 per cent, reduced unit weight by 10 per cent and a noise emission lowers by 3 dB(A).

Kelly Geddes, Director of Product & Aftermarket Solutions, Carrier Transicold Australia, adds: “This is a huge step forward for the trailer refrigeration market and the most important refrigeration unit to be launched in the Australia for a decade. The new Vector HE 19 will deliver significant performance advantages for our customers in every area. We’ve combined existing and cutting-edge technology with a host of new features to help operators make a step-change improvement in fleet efficiency and sustainability.”

With the support of companies like Thermo King and Carrier, it isn’t surprising that today Scully has a fleet of more than 1,000 trucks and trailers, with key locations around the country. It has just opened a new branch in Perth which not

next few months, as will a new factory in Brisbane.

“Growth has been exponential over the past 12 to 18 months,” Andrew says. “It’s really exciting for us and the customer acceptance has been amazing.”

Andrew explains that Scully RSV doesn’t see itself as just a vehicle rental company,

but also as a technology provider who can offer surety through data and data management.

“We are able to offer our customers industry-leading vehicles, but also the data to demonstrate to them that the integrity of the cold chain has been maintained throughout the process.”

Raising the standards

Krueger Transport Equipment entered the 2023 Brisbane Truck Show with a completely different mindset, and to rise to the occasion, it displayed one of its semi-trailers in mid-air.

Krueger’s objective was to turn up to the 2023 Brisbane Truck Show differently to other years while creating an experience, and it did just that. On display – and off the ground – was one of its drop deck mezzanine trailers, with custom curtain artwork displaying its Australian-made heritage.

“I think our customers look forward to seeing the Krueger quality, but the way we presented the trailer this year was completely different,” says Krueger Marketing Lead, James Tamanika. “Our past attendance to the show has been a very standard approach with just trailers, tables and flags. Many manufacturers do

it, and it works, but in my background in events I have always made whatever stand I am working on have a purpose.”

The combination was held two metres up for the whole week using hoists provided by Levanta. This gave attendees the opportunity to go underneath the trailer for a view not usually available, and it allowed

Krueger to show off its well-known Road Friendly Suspension (RFS) as well.

“Having Levanta’s mobile hoists and trailer cross bar accessory lift our trailer up not only further showcased its product mix, but also our ability to show and talk about RFS in such a unique way,” James says. “I think both brands truly benefitted from this. And the fact that our RFS suspension is celebrating its 25th anniversary gave us that purpose. We wanted to focus on simplifying the stand while adding that experience to show RFS as the road would usually see it, and we pulled that off.”

With a brand-new feel to Krueger, attendees at the stand were given a new and unexpected experience all under the one roof. In addition, also accompanying the airborne trailer was a presentation by Krueger on what’s to come.

“Our screen had our new corporate reel, ‘Welcome to Krueger’, which was a way to

bring customers into the business much like going to the movies,” James says. “We wanted to give people an idea of the size and scope of Krueger in a fast-paced and informative way.”

As James explains, this included details on Krueger’s initial stages of brand change over.

“Our manufacturing plant has now moved to the new branding on all new trailers, and it’s great to see them out on the roads,” he says. “Our Spare Parts department has started its roll out, but we would be seeing more new branding being sold and less of the old branding. Our rental solutions division, Advantage Trailer Rental (ATR) has also just received a facelift. We will be looking to roll out its new branding toward the later parts of 2023.

“For us, this change is good, but we understand customers who want to keep their previous branding will have issues

with it. It’s inevitable, but it’s something we just have to work through.”

Following Krueger’s outstanding performance at the 2023 Brisbane Truck Show, National Sales Director, Grant Krueger, says it is a necessity to exhibit at such events in order to gain an extra advantage.

“Like any trade show, if you are a major brand you have to be there,” he says. “Krueger’s stand was a major draw card and point of difference, giving everyone a first-hand look at of our structural quality from underneath and all areas of the trailer. With such a captive audience, presenting ourselves the way we did had huge benefits.”

Contact Krueger Transport Equipment

Ph: 03 9366 2133

Web: www.krueger.com.au

Centre stage

Bruce Rock Engineering (BRE) designs and manufactures Performance-Based Standards (PBS) equipment as well as a range of other high-quality trailer combinations to suit various applications, including side tippers, end tippers and dog trailers. To promote its capabilities to the transport industry, BRE brought two prestigious units to the 2023 Brisbane Truck Show – a 13-cubic-metre side tipper and a 23-cubic-metre four-axle dog trailer combination.

Part of BRE’s Evolution Series, the combination mirrors the same footprint as a 20-metre PBS truck and four-axle dog trailer to be able to run in PBS applications.

“We made it of an attractive light tare weight so that it still gives a competitive payload with all the benefits of side tipping,” says BRE East Coast Sales Manager, Michael Booker.

Where this side tipper differs to BRE’s other combinations is in its size. Although it is on the smaller end of the spectrum, it’s a unit specifically targeted to the eastern side of Australia with an already-adopted vehicle configuration.

“We still wanted to display our breadand-butter product, but the configuration in this unit is targeted towards the eastern states and is already accepted,” Michael says. “That was the point of difference that people hadn’t seen before – that type of body in that configuration.”

The unit was designed to be a highperformance vehicle with a combination of safety aspects, and the end result is an extremely reliable vehicle with high productivity due to its operating speeds and heavy-duty side tippers which require very low maintenance.

“We are well known for the larger PBS combinations,” Michael says. “We quite commonly provide the PBS options on the larger units, but this one is a bit of a new spin on that 57.5-tonne, 20-metre truck and dog spec. It is different in that format because it’s quite rare to have the side tipping aspect on a truck and dog.”

As Michael reveals, this unit will be demonstrated in various fleets over the next few months. Starting now in Queensland, it will work its way down the east coast through to Tasmania where it

With one particularly unique combination on display at this year’s Brisbane Truck Show, Bruce Rock Engineering demonstrated its potential to the entire transport industry.

event, though, I thought it was going to be kind of a social show. But a lot of people had serious discussions about specs and timings for getting vehicles.”

Fast fact

Bruce Rock Engineering prides itself on offering a range of side tippers and dollies that offer great tare weights and build quality. Its dollies, for example, are manufactured with a unique ‘high-tensile sandwich style chassis’, to maximise both tare weight and structural integrity.

Bruce Rock Engineering

15 Swan Street, WA 6418

Ph: 08 9061 1253

Web: www.brucerockengineering.com.au

Changing gears

After a career of racing motorcycles around the world, the move to trucks could have seemed a lot less exciting, but for Troy Carroll the passion was still there.

The Director of Carroll Group, a Queensland-based heavy transport company, Troy has 24 Australian motorcycle championships under his belt, as well as a stint as the Kawasaki race team manager.

“Once the racing was done, I still had a

prime mover that we used for the bikes,” Troy says.

“I decided to jump in the truck and go for a drive and I absolutely fell in love.”

Not only did Troy get to embrace trucking, but also understand the outback and conditions it can throw at a truckie. Since then, he’s accumulated 27 trucks and a busy business.

“I always wanted to have trucks, but I got a bit distracted by motorcycles,” he says.

“I love what I do. When I go to work, it’s not a chore for me.”

He’s been heading up Carroll Group for six years now, primarily working within the oil and gas, mining and construction sectors. Based in Yatala, Queensland, the company provides a mix of transportation services including heavy haulage and project logistics.

As what often happens in the transport industry, it was word of mouth that brought

From the highspeed world of competitive motorcycle racing to providing transport to the oil and gas industry, Troy Carroll understands the need for quality vehicles and has discovered that CIMC trailers are just that.

Fast fact

CIMC begins the production process of each of its trailers in a ‘Light Tower’ factory, purpose-built, semi-automated production facilities located in China. The Light Tower has advanced technology to deal with gas, water and residue waste. With its own sewage treatment station, 66 per cent of wastewater can be reused, while a weld fume collection system reduces the emissions of weld fumes by 80 per cent.

CIMC and its offerings to Troy’s attention, having heard a positive buzz among his counterparts.

He acquired his first B-Double set of CIMC Flat Deck Curtainsiders and was so impressed, he quickly placed an order for another one.

For Troy, when it comes to deciding what he purchases to put on the road, safety attributes are a must-have including an electronic brake system with anti-roll

stability and air bag suspension. Durability is also a huge consideration because of the dirt and dust the vehicles must deal with during their travels.

“CIMC are well priced, and the build really impressed me,” he says. “That’s why after the first delivery, I said, ‘let’s go for another one.’”

CIMC is a provider of road transportation vehicles and services offering a wide range of products including curtainsider trailers, open flat tops, drop decks with and without ramps, skeletal trailers, road train dolly’s and tankers. Its Australian subsidiary was established in 2005 and is based in Cranbourne West, Victoria.

This is in addition to the Queensland arm of CIMC Trailers being introduced in 2020, located in Wacol, one of Brisbane’s busy industrial and transport hubs. The Queensland CIMC branch offers new trailer sales, servicing, and repairs.

While the curtainsider trailer is just one of several offerings, it can be customised with various options if required, or provided as different models. CIMC maintains that all its trailers are manufactured with emphasis on design, durability, low tare weights, reduced maintenance costs and resale value.

As well as the product itself, Troy has been impressed with CIMC’s in depth knowledge of their product.

“Aftersales has been great,” Troy says. “The Queensland Sales Manager for CIMC, Ashley Hayes, is really well-educated in the industry and is always there if there is anything I need.”

With the need for speed now out of his system, Troy’s transport business is his priority with all signs pointing to a bright future. Business is strong with 26 staff members and another four about to be hire for a new warehouse distribution centre in Brisbane.

Embrace the future with Air-Weigh

Gone are the days when fleet managers could rely solely on conventional wireless technologies like Bluetooth for on-board scales. An established, more efficient solution is now necessary to meet the demands of a modern fleet, whether small or comprising thousands of vehicles. This is where Air-Weigh steps in.

“Bluetooth technology, while effective in certain circumstances, has proven to be inadequate for the intricate task of pairing trucks with trailers,” says E-Max Business Development Manager, Phillip Carthew. “Manual selection and pairing can be time-consuming and taxing for drivers. What’s worse, research has shown that drivers often overlook or fail to use the necessary applications, leading to potential non-compliance with Performance-Based Standards (PBS) permits.”

According to Philip, Air-Weigh offers a value proposition that far surpasses traditional wireless or Bluetooth scales by bringing efficiency to the doorsteps of fleets looking to go wireless.

“Air-Weigh eliminates the need for additional cabling between your trucks and trailers,” he says. “Instead, our innovative system cleverly uses the pre-existing seven-

In the fast-paced, competitive landscape of fleet operations, finding a balance between efficiency, compliance and safety is more important than ever. Enter Air-Weigh and E-Max, gamechangers in the world of fleet management.

pin electrical Suzi Coils that power your lights. The result is an operation that requires minimum driver intervention. All a driver needs to do is ensure the legally required seven-pin electrical Suzi Coil is connected.”

But that’s not all. Air-Weigh’s cuttingedge system, which E-Max proudly distributes, also automatically assigns trailers in the correct order. This means that every truck-trailer configuration will be compliant with your company’s PBS permits, all without requiring any driver input. Philip says it’s as simple as turning the key and hitting the road.

“One of the standout features of AirWeigh is the ‘hot swapping’ capability,” he says. “With our technology, you’ll never have to worry about pairing or reprogramming trucks and trailers again. It’s all about plug and play, whether from

truck to trailer or trailer to trailer.

“What this means for drivers is reduced distraction and a safer environment. By eliminating the need for mobile phones or tablets, we drastically lower the risk of on-road distractions, thus significantly enhancing the safety of fleets.”

Understanding the vital role Smart On-Board Mass (OBM) systems play in modern fleet operations, Air-Weigh ensures compatibility with all telematics providers approved by Transport Certification Australia (TCA). For over a decade, Air-Weigh has participated in testing, improving and working with TCA and other road authorities – with a major commitment including TCA’s Category B approved system for use in IAP-M, Smart OBM and VicRoads High Productivity Freight Vehicles (HPFVs). Due to this, Phillip says E-Max and Air-Weigh are

Fast fact

Air-Weigh has been a major player in the onboard weighing space in Australia for the past two decades, and E-Max Australia has been a leading distributor for the product the whole way through.

both very dedicated to servicing the industry all while offering unmatched flexibility.

“We have been providing advanced products for a critical industry for a very long time,” he says. “E-Max services the market with its Category B approved OBM products used in conjunction with all of the major telematics providers. Whether your fleet is small or numbers in the thousands, AirWeigh is the future-proof solution you need. Embrace the ease of use, enhance safety, and ensure seamless fleet operations with Air-Weigh’s pioneering solutions.”

Contact

E-Max Australia

69 Acacia Road, Ferntree Gully

VIC 3152

Ph: 1300 850 575

Web: www.e-max.com.au

Is your load to scale?

Data protection is a serious topic which seems to be ignored when it comes to truck loads and protecting the data and software. According to Roger Sack, Managing Director of Tramanco this is a serious mistake because, many other OnBoard Mass (OBM) systems are at risk of being hacked because their technology is not protected.

“You wouldn’t let a stranger drive your truck, so why let a stranger get access to your office computers via your trucks.”

As the developer of CHEK-WAY smart OBM, Roger understands the importance of OBM functionality and the risks of buying inferior products at cheaper prices.

“With many other systems, your data and software updates are uploaded and downloaded via a mobile phone or tablet also used for browsing the internet and receiving emails. This has proven to be the simplest way to lose data and be held to ransom.”

Tramanco, a family-owned, Brisbanebased business since 1975, specialises in the manufacture, supply, and installation

of Static and OBM weighing systems. CHEK-WAY smart OBM monitors loads and daily activities of vehicles from any location in real time with data downloaded, recorded, and protected on an approved

system. The INS-COM cloud server allows access via a unique username and password where data can be viewed and downloaded but cannot be changed.

CHEK-WAY systems have proven,

Weight compliance is critical to the transport industry with several facts to consider. On-board mass system manufacturer, Tramanco, wants owners and drivers to take a deep dive into what’s available and to choose wisely, it is your money you are spending.

in-service, repeatable, accuracy within +/- 1.5 per cent or better, of the applied load. Being software-based, as opposed to hardware-based, is also a benefit in that it can be removed and re-installed as vehicles are replaced. CHEK-WAY also has its own unique internal monitoring for

with CHEK-WAY it’s a desktop operation,” Roger says. “You don’t lose productivity or nervous clients.”

Being truly made in Australia, CHEK-WAY is designed for the Australian conditions vehicles must operate in, says Roger, adding that it is compact and securely mounted inside the chassis rails to protect it from theft, damage, vandalism, and includes tamper-evident copper wired lead seals, which other cheaper systems do not do, or have.

With so many imported products on the market for such a critical aspect of transport, Roger knows, that what a truckie needs and what he gets, are often two different things, and simply asks industry members to do their homework.

“When you buy any approved OBM system I suggest you look under the bonnet to see what is missing, regardless of the price.”

A new solution

Airtec has always been dedicated to providing reliable On-Board Mass (OBM) solutions with the latest technological advancements. The new addition to its SmartOBM series, for example, meets industry demands with features built to save time, increase payload and support remote staff.

The AXS SmartOBM System is Airtec’s brand new, 100 per cent Australian designed and manufactured OBM sensor – and it’s available to pre-order now.

“We’ve listened to our customers to understand what the industry needs and wants from their OBM units, and we believe that the new AXS will deliver a better experience for our truckies, operators, fleet managers and truck

and trailer manufacturers,” says Airtec Co-founder and CEO, David Hewett. “Put simply, this means that when customers are discussing their SmartOBM needs and ordering an AXS system from us or one of our suppliers, they are communicating directly with the people who made the product.”

Airtec’s AXS SmartOBM System is Transport Certification Australia (TCA) Category B approved and is designed to support all airbag suspension in trucks, prime movers, trailers and dollies – as well as being suitable for both dual and single sensor ride height controls.

The AXS is also the smallest and most durable product in the Airtec range. At only 80mm in diameter, the reduced size

makes mounting the sensor on trucks and trailers easier. And, with specially designed mounting brackets available, customers can rest assured that the sensor will be safe and secure in any application.

“This small but mighty piece of technology is an industry first with its wireless, Bluetooth-mesh capability allowing for faster mass updates and over-the-air calibration,” David says. “This means you can weigh in no matter where you are. Be it in the field, on the road or at your docking station, the AXS SmartOBM System is ready to perform, allowing you to check your weights from your smartphone and save them for later reference.”

Airtec has kept the bright LCD screen that customers love in the AXS SmartOBM

Innovation continues to be at the forefront of Airtec Corporation’s product range, as seen in the arrival of its new SmartOBM system at the 2023 Brisbane Truck Show.

• 30 + years in the market place

• Clean, grease-free fifth wheel

• More cost effective

• Easy to fit

• Consistent steering characteristics

• Environmentally friendly

• Australian designed & manufactured

• Used by some of the most highly respected companies since 1990

to retain visibility for both day and night readings. The new LED ring interface, though, makes it easier than ever to determine if a combination is under, within or over the legal weight with three different colours that change according to the load. And although the in-built accelerometer turns the lights off when a vehicle is in motion, the sensor will continue to read weights through the app and an integrated telematics provider.

Made with an aluminum base and polycarbonate cover, Airtec’s AXS SmartOBM System is 100 per cent waterproof and guaranteed to withstand the harshest conditions of the Australian outback. But it’s not just the hardware that has had a makeover.

“Airtec has ensured the TruckOBM app is ready to integrate seamlessly with the AXS SmartOBM System product range,” David says. “Once updated on your smartphone, the app will be able to support the overthe-air (OTA) firmware and calibration upgrades to allow you to calibrate gauges in the comfort of your cab via the app

rather

than via the unit front panels. In the long run, this increases productivity by a large margin by saving operators time on the road.”

Airtec’s latest new product is packed with the smartest technology and compliance accreditation, and with increased functionality backed by local support, the AXS SmartOBM System will ensure operators are prepared for any freight task.

Contact

Airtec Corporation

Ph: 1800 818 884

Web: www.airteccorporation.com

Airtec Corporation Director, David Hewett, and Transport Certification Australia (TCA) General Manager Strategy and Delivery, Gavin Hill.

Beat the heat

Replacing his trailer tyres too often was becoming a financial burden and wasting time, leaving this car transport company owner looking for a solution. A simple switch to BPW Transpec’s AirSave tyre pressure management system did the trick.

says. “The problem was, we weren’t getting enough mileage from the tyres because, as temperature goes up, the pressure goes up.”

He explains that tyres leaving Adelaide could be at 100 PSI, but travelling north and getting warmer, could hit 120 PSI. When temperatures drop again the tyres might be at 80 PSI.

“It was tricky for us,” he says. “We had to carry a lot of tyres with us because most places wouldn’t have that size.”

The answer to his problem was found during a catchup with a BPW Transpec sales representative who suggested BPW

BPW Transpec has been providing parts and equipment – including axles and suspension systems – to the transport, mining and agricultural industries for more

Its AirSave product aims to improve the

the pressure deviate considerably from the norm, for example in the event of tyre damage, a warning light informs the driver,

also noticing the cost savings. Previously, with his smallest tyres, they were lasting approximately 60,000 km.

“With this new system, which I’ve only

facilitating vehicle transportation across the country. The company prides itself on competitive prices along with dependable service and support.

Weighing up new options

A combination of a love of trucks and good mentors has given John Ryan the opportunity to service state-of-the-art mass management systems such as Knorr-Bremse’s iMass OBM.

The Victorian owner of Ryan’s Diesel Maintenance & Repairs, John says the welcoming atmosphere and ongoing guidance and support from Knorr-Bremse was instrumental in him becoming a TruckServices partner and expanding his knowledge and passion for all things trucks.

Fast fact

In order to achieve the required Transport Certification Australia (TCA) mass accuracy of 98 per cent, the system was engineered, designed, developed and tested for compliance by the Knorr-Bremse engineering and sales team at the Keysborough branch in Victoria.

“I’ve been around trucks all my life,” John says. “Even as a kid I worked on trucks in the family business, so I really love what I do.”

John’s business specialises in trailer EBS diagnostics, compliance checks and truck and trailer repairs and servicing. His client base is rapidly growing thanks in part

to his iMass knowledge, with Toll Group becoming a recent customer.

John was introduced to Knorr-Bremse two years ago, after reaching out to the company for some technical help while servicing a fleet that carried KnorrBremse’s electronic braking system. There was an opening for a truck service partner

By teaming up with Knorr-Bremse and becoming an expert in their onboard mass management system, John Ryan has opened himself up to a whole new truck maintenance opportunity.

opportunity.

“They were really helpful and offered a training program,” he said, adding that he credits, David Oliver and Robert Bonnefin, both from Knorr-Bremse, for guiding him.

“I bought all the diagnostic equipment and then just started to play around with it and just got more and more involved,” he says.

John, having recently invested in a new tool trailer will now be even more independent and capable of providing a greater variety of on-site services to his clients in Melbourne and the Gippsland area of Victoria.

“This trailer will be used specifically for EBS, diagnosis and installation as well as anything to do with Knorr-Bremse products,” John says, adding that the dual branding is a great way to promote the company and what it does.

“They’ve been great to me as a service partner which has allowed me to grow the business.”

Knorr-Bremse is a global manufacturer of braking systems and a leading supplier of safety-critical sub-systems. Their iMass onboard mass management (OBM) system is designed to measure the pressure in the air suspension of the vehicle and relate this to a vehicle mass estimation using the Knorr-Bremse TEBS G2.2 trailer electronic braking system.

The system comprises a driver interface unit (DIU), an electronic control unit (ECU), a pressure sensor and deflection or level sensor installed on the truck, while on the trailer it utilises the Knorr-Bremse G2.2 TEBS, coupled with Knorr-Bremse iLevel suspension control plus iLevel sensor.

The electronic levelling control on the truck and the TEBS on the trailer receive

electronic signals from the pressure sensor which is interpreted as a mass value. These mass values are transmitted via the CAN signal for the trailer or the CAN bus for the truck. The driver interface unit is connected to the CAN bus to obtain the truck data and uses a CAN reader to obtain the trailer data.

Consistent and accurate, iMass can be integrated into the existing infrastructure. Being a hardwired system, it ensures connectivity is easily maintained and stays reliable.

In fact, last year Knorr-Bremse won the Application of Technology Award at the Australian Freight Industry Awards ceremony for the system, recognising

the use of innovative technology and commitment in providing cost effective and productive solutions to support the freight industry.

John says the training and accreditation the company has provided, which included both theory and practical work, has been invaluable and he appreciates the continued support network available to him.

“If I have any technical difficulties on a job they are just always there to help,” he says. “It’s been great.”

Contact Knorr-Bremse

www.knorr-bremse.com.au

John Ryan.

Hard as steel

Compared to many manufacturers in the transport arena who have been around for a few generations, Bulk Transport Equipment (BTE) could be considered a bit of a newcomer. Established in 2007 and as new kids on the block, the truck and trailer manufacturer needed a way to make itself stand out from the crowd.

“Like many companies starting out, it was never going to be easy to gain acceptance in a growing transport market, so we needed to have a strong point of difference in product and service,” says BTE Director, Alan Griffiths.

The company, whose executive team have a combined 90 years of industry experience, determined that the best course of action was to focus on quality over quantity.

“We decided that the business needed to specialise in a quality range of products, rather than be everything to everybody,” Alan says. “We don’t want to be the biggest, but we want to be the best. There is a real element of pride in building products that put a smile on a customer’s face.”

With quality products come quality materials which, as Alan explains, is why BTE has been using SSAB, and its Strenx

range of steel, for its trailer chassis from the very beginning.

The Swedish steel manufacturer specialises in steel and related services, and its Strenx range is made up of highstrength structural steel.

Investing in building a long-term relationship with the SSAB team was essential, so BTE sent engineers to Sweden to learn more.

“We figured if the Europeans were doing it, then there must be some merit in using this product,” Alan says.

Strenx has a yield strength between 600 and 1300 MPa and comes in thicknesses between 0.7 and 160 mm. All the grades and dimensions are covered by Strenx guarantees for thickness, flatness and bending properties. The steel’s consistency is a result of carefully controlled chemical and mechanical properties.

For manufacturers, using Strenx steel results in a truck or trailer that delivers superior mechanical properties, lower tare weight and great payload, which in turn provides a more competitive and cleaner run.

For Alan, finding proof of the product’s exceptional abilities is as easy as looking

To be an exceptional truck and trailer builder, you need an exceptional material. Sending engineers to Sweden to find that material was one of Bulk Transport Equipment’s most critical moves.

at BTE’s five-year structural warranty, which he says he has never had to exercise in all his years of business.

As he explains, the Strenx product gives BTE the advantage to design a product that meets the expectations of the customer. His engineering team can strip out tare weight and still retain strength or build additional strength

into a design without penalising it with excessive tare weight.

“SSAB is a very professional outfit with a high level of technical support, but we feel their greatest strength lies with their products,” Alan says.

While its headquarters is in Melbourne, in 2019, BTE opened a Queensland manufacturing site in Toowoomba to

better service the growing national market. With the repercussions of COVID finally disappearing, the company’s focus is now on increasing production and increasing the workforce in Toowoomba.

Fast fact

Bulk Transport Equipment offer a five year chassis warranty on all Strenx products.

JOST goes to show

Following its success in Europe, JOST’s≈KKS automatic coupling system is now available for the Australian transport industry.

“We are showing the JOST KKS system here for the first time,” says JOST CEO, Joachim Dürr, at Brisbane Truck Show 2023. “There’s a lot of interest from Australian customers as safety in operations plays a big role in Australia. So, we’ve invested in it and we’ve brought it to the Australian market now.”

The KKS system automates the entire coupling and uncoupling process with the push of a button. In addition to being a big efficiency gain, it also eliminates the potential for error on a large scale.

“All of the operations where you could hurt yourself or you are exposed to risk or injury are reduced,” Joachim says. “In this industry drivers are scarce as they’re hard to find. If you lose a driver from an injury for a few months that’s easily a few $10,000 Australian dollars. Therefore, fleets really

appreciate our technology as it makes their operation safer and more efficient.”

Based on first-hand experience, it also makes the job of a truck driver much more attractive.

“We have a few customers in Germany and one told me the other day that when

he only goes six kilometres and then he has to couple and uncouple them again,” Joachim says. “There are competitors of his that are exchanging trailers, and there are drivers knocking on his door and asking if they can start with him because they look at the KKS and say, ‘I want that.

JOST’s new KKS automatic coupling system was revealed to Australia for the first time at Brisbane Truck Show 2023. While attending the event, JOST CEO, Joachim Dürr, reflected on JOST’s dominant global market position which led the KKS’ arrival down under.

sudden, he said it has helped him attract or keep good drivers because they just like to operate efficiently and safely.”

JOST also has camera systems available that can support the coupling process with its ROCKINGER couplings and fifth wheels. These tie into its solutions which were presented at the show in three categories – Assistance, which included sensor solutions and the KKS automatic coupling system; Sustainability, with weight-optimised products and biodegradable high-performance lubricant; and Digitalisation, which includes online identification systems, catalogues, spare parts, and the JOST Truck Stop.

A consistent global supply chain is ultimately what has made JOST so successful. Its reputation for reliable products and its ability to withstand recent market conditions therefore saw opportunities for further growth follow.

“The key is what I call local for local operations,” Joachim says. “We like the competence close to the customers and close to the market, and that helps us. We don’t have a very central organisation, and when we have these fluctuations or moments when supply chains break like they did with Covid, we’re not as exposed as some companies would be that have a more central approach.

“We have our own engineering workforce in Australia, and we produce our

own fifth wheels here to make sure that we have the right application, for the right product, for the right administration. And I think the customers really benefit from that and I think they really value that.”

Joachim believes everybody should be able to do their daily business without the help of their central office. In JOST’s case, it doesn’t need its Neu-Isenburg headquarters to run its operations in Australia, Brazil or Asia.

“We are not affected as somebody would be who has a more centralised operation, because we tend to have the competencies on the ground,” Joachim says. “It is also very customer orientated. If a sales guy goes to a customer and makes a commitment, he knows that he has the ability to fulfil that commitment. He’s not going to go there and say, ‘I’ve got to ask the headquarters if I can do that’. He can

just commit to something, and he knows if he will be able to commit to it or not because he has the ability to fulfil.”

The next step for JOST, Joachim says, is to continue doing what it does best.

“We’re always developing,” he says. “Our engineers are very creative when it comes to new technology, so there’s a lot of things that we are working on that I can’t speak about. However, what we are launching for the KKS is a new integration system into the trailer that will make it easier for existing fleets to convert to KKS. The so-called KKS-U Connector is easily retrofittable to trailers that already are on the rods of this world.”

Contact

JOST Australia

Ph: 1800 811 487

Web: www.jostaustralia.com.au

JOST World CEO, Joachim Dürr, and JOST Australia Managing Director, Guy Locke.

Excellence in Transport award winner announced

Transport Women Australia Limited Vice Chair, Coralie Chapman, won the Excellence in Transport award at the 2023 Women in Industry Awards.

During her acceptance speech Chapman took the opportunity to highlight the importance of making women feel invited into the industry rather than intimidated.

“If there is a takeaway tonight, I hope is that instead of saying ‘male dominated industry,’ which can sound very threatening – especially for young women – we change it to ‘predominantly male’,” she said.

“’Predominantly male’ sounds more inviting. If we can learn to change our language when we’re talking to women, it’s a big step towards getting more women into any predominantly male industry.”

Chapman is well known within transport for working tirelessly to ensure the safety and viability of the industry, as well as encouraging women to choose transport as a career path and advocating for diversity and inclusion.

Since accepting a traineeship at Linfox almost 25 years ago, she has worked her way through the ranks to her current role as National Logistics Manager at Humes Concrete Products.

“I love working in transport and have

loved it since day one,” she said.

“I’m quite lucky these days. I work for Humes Concrete, so I also do construction manufacturing, but I also get to play with my trucks every day.”

Following the 2023 Women in Industry Awards, Chapman told Trailer she is excited to see what the future holds for the industry.

“I think the future of the industry is in good hands,” she said.

“We need people who are passionate whether they are male or female. There is so much more to this industry that meets the eye and so much more to do.”

The 2023 Women in Industry Awards were held at Aerial South Wharf in Melbourne.

Fast fact

This year’s Women in Industry Awards were sponsored by Fulton Hogan, SEW-Eurodrive, Atlas Copco, Weir Minerals, Komatsu, National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and PACCAR Australia.

Coralie Chapman.

Claire Hooper.

production World Map

In 2019, Fuwa invested about 0.3 billion euros to establish an intelligent and state-of-the-art production line for trailer axles, including the use of robotic arms, automatic equipment, and advanced facilities, and laid a solid foundation for the top value of quality-oriented development. This innovative step of digital transformation marks a significant breakthrough in both product quality and production efficiency. Following the ambitious target of high-quality development, Fuwa continues its leading role in and explores the field of intelligent manufacturing in further ways.

After three years of effort and preparation, the intelligent manufacturing workshop for brake pads was officially launched in October of 2022, with an overall investment of 14 million euros and the annual production capacity of more than 12 million pieces. Currently, it is the largest production workshop of trailer

Intelligent XXX Trailer Magazine

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Scan the QR code to find out more.

Our online marketplace is dedicated to the sale and hire of trucks, trailers and other transport equipment Australiawide. From low loaders and tag trailers to rigid-bodied vehicles and prime movers, you’ll find it here. Whether you’re looking for a deal or keen to sell some high-value assets, we have you covered.

Home Run

Bruce Andersen, who delivers fuel from Brisbane to Hervey Bay, where he is based, up to six days a week, is a firm advocate of the product having had ample time to evaluate its performance. Evaluation has taken place on the 600km round trip he runs, fully loaded one way through both hilly and flat terrain and on roads, following unseasonal rains, of varying condition.

In some instances, Anderson is better off by as much as 50 litres per day when compared to some of his peers who are consuming 240 litres per day. Andersen’s Euro 6 DAF CF450 FTT is consistently sitting around the 195-litre mark per trip. It’s no small thing given the cost of diesel at present. In fuel costs alone it represents a savings of $1620 per month ($20K a year).

“It’s quite a surprise as DAFs weren’t even on my radar to buy when I was looking for a truck,” says Bruce.

The search for a new truck came at the height of supply upheavals for many OEMs including Kenworth, who he first

approached when wait times for a build slot were 18 months. This fuel haul spec 6×4 bogie drive DAF CF450 vehicle was delivered through Matt King at Brown and Hurley Caboolture. It features a Traxon 12-speed automated transmission paired with an MX11 engine.

The DAF is currently delivering 3.1 km to the litre (average fuel burn). On the return leg Andersen always runs full.

The terrain especially between Maryborough and Gympie and sections near Cooroy are challenging with steeper grades and requires frequent speed changes in the locations where he encounters road works. A proposed Gympie bypass can’t come soon enough.

“We’re on and off the gas a lot because of the speed changes that are enforced,” says Bruce. “The roads that we drive on right now, particularly between Hervey Bay and Gympie are just atrocious. They’re really busted up bad from the rains that we’ve had in the last couple of years. The truck is very good in handling those conditions.

“I’m really surprised how comfortable the truck is to drive.”

Andersen’s DAF CF450 is rated to 60 tonnes. Loading to approximately 43 tonnes, weight is distributed to 6.5t on the steer axle, 16.5t on the drive and 20t on the tri-axle.

Because the tare weight of the vehicle was so much lighter, he determined, after reading the legislation, that he could increase the weight on the steer by a further 500kg. So he proceeded to move the JOST turntable an extra 250mm forward from the original 100mm to facilitate this. It now sits 350mm forward of the centreline and according to Andersen handles, despite the extra half tonne on the steer, very well.

“I shifted the turntable numerous times to get the load spread right and once I got it into its final position, and we got the axle loadings right that’s when I knew it was going to work out,” Bruce explains. “I’m actually getting slightly more litres on board than some of the guys on mass management.”

Powered by

A new DAF CF450 has left Bruce Andersen, a Queensland owner-operator, with little to no doubt as to the advantages it brings his business.

Highly requested

Jackson Heil joined the team at Smedley’s Engineers in 2018 with a passion for the technical side of the industry. Since then, he has been primarily involved in Performance-Based Standards (PBS) certifications as well as helping large fleets get the most out of their combinations.

Prior to his role at Smedley’s, Jackson was working at Hercules for six years.

“Initially I was just trying to find placement work in general,” he says. “I left that to the

very end after I completed my degree, so I sort of just fell into it. Smedley’s then had a need for someone at the time, and I came in out of nowhere thanks to a mutual acquaintance with Ken Cowell –and here I am now.”

As the Smedley’s team tripled in size from just a few engineers when he started, Jackson has continued to work with a client base dedicated to what he and Smedley’s could provide.

“There’s been a lot of customers that have tried to explore ways to get more productivity than they were currently getting out of their vehicles,” he says. “I’ve got a few people trying to do different things to figure out if they’re viable concepts at the moment. There are also some significant fleets that were never on PBS to begin with but are now trying to merge a lot of their equipment down that path.”

One of these fleets was Cartage Australia, which turned to Smedley’s with two new A-double sets. After a series of long and careful considerations, the fleet devised an A-double combination it would use in future as a template across the tipper industry.

The 29-metre A-double was developed according to the Victorian High Performance Freight Vehicle (HPFV) reference to gain access to the HPFV network. Outside of that, Jackson and Smedley’s had the ability to come up with a solution in a timely manner which fulfilled these requirements – without reinventing the wheel.

“Hercules were involved to ensure it could be built as required for the networks needed,” Jackson says. “Being dependant on bridge assessments was the other major criteria.”

The next step for Jackson’s career, he says, is to get involved in more special projects.

“We’re working towards getting me to do less of the general work and a lot more for the bigger fleets,” he says. “This will ultimately see me helping them from start to finish with whatever they need to become fully functional on the road.”

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.

Smedley’s Engineers Pty Ltd

Web: www.smedleys.co smedleysengineers smedleysengineers Smedley’s Engineers

Since graduating from Swinburne University in 2013, Jackson Heil has been in demand as an innovative mechanical engineer with a background in heavy vehicle manufacturing.

Truck Shows & Field Days

Pencil in some information on dates and venues of various truck shows, field days and road transport industry conferences both locally and internationally.

Got an upcoming event? Then let us know about it – email editor@trailermag.com.au

August

Victoria

Sheepvention Rural Expo

6-7 August

Hamilton, VIC

Visit: www.hamiltonshowgrounds.com.au

Western Australia

Mingenew Midwest Expo

8-10 August

Mingenew, WA

Visit: www.mmwe.com.au

Dowerin Machinery Field Days

30-31 August

Dowerin, WA

Visit: www.dowerinfielddays.com.au

September

Western Australia

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

Victoria

Royal Melbourne Show

21 September - 1 October

Melbourne, VIC

Visit: www.royalshow.com.au

October

Victoria

New South Wales

Murrumbateman Field Days

21-22 October

Murrumbateman, NSW

Visit: www.mfdays.com

NOVEMBER

Brisbane

HVTT

6-10 November

Brisbane, QLD

Visit: www.hvttforum.org

2024

Victoria

MEGATRANS

18-19 September

Melbourne, VIC

The final countdown

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Hooklifts and skiploaders

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Agriculture equipment

Rigid body builder showcase

Booking deadline: 11 August 2023

CON ZAROCOSTAS

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M: 0422 222 822

E: conzarocostas@primecreative.com.au

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