45 minute read
What’s On
Truck Shows & Field Days 2021/22
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. E: editor@trailermag.com.au
NOVEMBER
France
Solutrans 21-25 November Lyon, France Visit: www.solutrans.eu
DECEMBER
Dubai
Automechanika Dubai 2021 14-16 December Dubai World Trade Centre Dubai, UAE Visit: www.automechanika-dubai.ae. messefrankfurt.com/dubai
2022
MARCH
New South Wales
Henty Machinery Field Days 15-17 March 2022 Henty, NSW Visit: www.hmfd.com.au
South Australia
South East Field Days 18-19 March Lucindale, SA Visit: www.sefd.com.au
SEPTEMBER
Germany
IAA Commercial Vehicles Show September TBC Hannover, Germany Visit: www.iaa.de
OCTOBER
Victoria
Wandin Silvan Field Days 14-15 October Wandin, VIC Visit: www.wandinsilvanfielddays.com.au
New South Wales
Murrumbateman Field Days 15-16 October Murrumbateman, NSW Visit: www.mfdays.com
Germany
Bauma 2022 24-30 October Munich, Germany Visit: www.bauma.de/en
Viewpoint
VOLUME 14, SPRING 2021
AUSTRALIAN
MANUFACTURING ON SHOW
It is pleasing to see first-hand how resilient the transport and logistics market has been throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Undeterred by extremely challenging circumstances, our industry partners have persevered admirably, and we cannot thank each and every one of the enough for providing essential services and playing their part in strengthening our economy and the future of this country. At this year’s Brisbane Truck Show, we shared that passion. That dedication to excel in business which is why the team at Vawdrey Australia are humbled by a dramatic surge in demand for our professional services. Setting up Australian business for greater successes in the interests of national prosperity is what it is all about. Leading by example at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, our trade stand showcased a 42-pallet Super B-double – a high productivity vehicle that is 4.6m high, has an interior volume of 215 cubic metres and a Gross Combination Mass of 68.5 tonnes. Also on display was our Iceliner, a 4.3m high freezer van with capacity for 22 pallets. Transport businesses today are demanding more Performance-Based Standards (PBS) equipment and we offer plenty of choice as a leader in the industry. What a memorable year it has been. Through adversity, we have achieved tremendous production milestones and tightened our processes, servicing our customers and reacting to their needs as quickly and efficiently as possible without compromise. Our high standards and unyielding commitment to our customers has positioned us to produce a great variety of trailing equipment that can be tailored for specific operator applications. This is an important consideration as fleets engaged in long-term projects will typically scrutinise their heavy vehicle mix and look for the most versatile, productive and cost-effective combinations. On the other hand, there are businesses that require robust equipment to complete niche contracts. Whatever you need, you can be sure Vawdrey Australia – the nation’s largest independent and family-owned trailer builder enterprise – has you covered. The need for Australian made road transport equipment, at a time when freight activity and local manufacturing is bouncing back, seems to be reaching a new peak. In fact, Australia’s manufacturing industries grew solidly as of late last year with production, employment, sales and exports all moving into growth territory. Even though Victoria endured a period of contraction in manufacturing, and continues to be hampered by snap lockdowns, Vawdrey Australia continues to come out on top. There are positive signs that our productivity boom will carry us well into the new year and beyond.
TIME TO TRY THE TRI
A leader in the design and development of high productivity vehicles, Vawdrey Australia rolls out a new flagship model, the split tri Super B-double.
The latest performance-Based Standards (PBS) approved design from Vawdrey Australia a split tri 30.0m Super B-double combination which boasts a Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of up to 75.5 tonnes. Each split tri-axle group can manage up to 26 tonnes whereas a conventional tri-axle group can only handle 22.5 tonnes. This Super B can operate on applicable level 2B network routes at 75.5T GCM where there are no sensitive bridge structures, offering operators a superior freight advantage over other conventional 30m Tri Tri truck and trailer combinations. In principle route assessments are recommended to ensure operators will be able to achieve the 75.5T GCM, otherwise could be restricted to
68.5T GCM subject to bridge structures. In addition to BPW suspension and axles, each rear tri-axle group features self-steer axles on the lead and tag trailers for optimal manoeuvrability and swept path. The units have a 42-pallet capacity and a combined load space of up to 215 cubic metres. With mezzanine decks fitted to the top and bottom, the total available volume can be effectively used simply by adjusting the mezz deck heights to suit the freight dimensions. The Lead trailer offers an 18 Pallet deck space with the tag trailers optimised to carry 24 pallets of deck space. Other features of note for the split tri Super B-double include WABCO Electronic Braking System (EBS), Intelligent Access Program (IAP) approved onboard weighing system. Overall, the split tri Super B-double is just one of numerous high productivity vehicle options that Vawdrey Australia has to offer. The uptake of PBS road transport equipment in line with the national freight task is rising and Vawdrey is committed to maintaining its place in the market as a leading supplier. PBS has been a major part of the Vawdrey business since the high-productivity scheme gained momentum in 2014. For these reasons, Vawdrey has a specialised team of engineers who are tasked with the design and development of everything from A-doubles and Super B-doubles to 42m AB-triples. These trailers can also be further enhanced with Vawdrey’s suite of innovations including auto buckleless curtains, auto mezzanine deck systems and Lift-A-Gate technology. Just over 48 Years ago Vawdrey built its first truck body – this laid the foundation for what would become Australia’s largest privately owned manufacturer of semitrailers across the nation. Today, the longevity of the Vawdrey product is a testament to the overall quality of the build as well as the meticulous work that goes on behind the scenes. Each trailer that Vawdrey builds is done so in close consultation with the customer for a specific job. The team at Vawdrey apply specialised knowledge and industry best practice to produce advanced road transport equipment for the Australian market. Following these pioneering developments on the trailer scene, the Vawdrey name carries a lot of weight in the commercial road transport industry. While the independent trailer builder is renowned for its outstanding PBS achievements, it also backs its customers with solid after sales support. Vawdrey will continue to lead the way with new ideas that improve safety, productivity and fleet utility, while also ensuring operators have the technical support they need to keep Australia moving.
TRIPLE FRONTIER
The challenge of launching new high productivity vehicles for G1 Logistics on a permit that demanded the highest in safety and productivity standards has been solved by partnering with Vawdrey Australia.
Against a backdrop of an escalating freight task compounded even further by global supply chain disruptions, G1 Logistics, the road freight wing of GTS Freight Management in Mildura, where it is based, has introduced two new Scanias into its fleet of over 150 prime movers along with Vawdrey B-triple combinations. Both Euro 6 emission rated V8s have been purchased to anchor a major contract for the business under special permit first granted by Transport for NSW at the height of the 2020 Covid-19 scare in Australia. The first of these, a Scania R 580, arrived in April last year, back when there were more unknowns than knowns regarding how industry was going to be affected. Looking back at the higher productivity vehicles launched last year one must bear in mind the context of which their operation on the Hume Highway was sanctioned. The permit for specialised Vawdrey B-triples now in action for G1 Logistics was granted to ensure products arrived faster to depleted supermarkets. At the time the supply chain for the sector was being stretched by uncertainties caused, roughly speaking, from the desperate behaviours of consumers stockpiling essential goods. With the oncoming Covid crisis soon came opportunity. To see larger loads transported northbound across Sheahan Bridge near Gundagai, the permits enabled direct trips into a key Woolworths Distribution Centre in Western Sydney. For G1 Logistics, approval for running a B-triple would give them 50 pallets capacity on the floor of each trailer, eight more each than a Super-B combination and 14 more each than a customary B-double. Mass loading on this route increased from 68.5 tonnes to 79 tonnes, an estimated 22 per cent gain in payload. So that it would comply to the conditions of the permit the company, needed to tick every box available related to safety when it came to committing to a truck. Scania, not surprisingly, soon emerged as the front runner. “PBS has been a massive change for us,”
FRONTIER
says Damien Matthews, Managing Director of G1 Logistics. “It’s given us so much more opportunity to achieve efficiency gains so we can offer customers more competitive solutions,” Damien says – adding that Vawdrey has been instrumental in helping the business take full advantage of the possibilities PBS offers. Vawdrey has been very helpful in getting our PBS approvals. We’re regionally based and the Vawdrey team has no issue getting on a plane and visiting us on a regular basis. If we have a problem, the response is very quick and the Australia-wide back-up service offers added peace of mind. G1 Logistics’ relationship with Vawdrey is very strong. “Vawdrey provide quick responses if we ever have any issues and are very flexible and accommodating to our needs,” Damien says. “We aren’t interested in an off-the-shelf trailer. We customise our equipment to best suit our customers’ needs, and Vawdrey is always very accommodating. When we have an idea for a trailer, we sit down together with Vawdrey to try and come up with the most innovative solution, thinking outside of the square to see how we can add value to our customers. My senior leadership team also has input into our trailer designs, so we can discuss what works for our needs and what doesn’t.” With over 400,000 kilometres of operation in a real-world environment the combined value of these high productivity heavy vehicle combinations can be measured in the proof of concept it has afforded operations on this approved route with all of its many preconditions. “A big part of the supermarket supply chain is the need to keep shelves at capacity. Without the special circumstances of last year I don’t think we would have got the permit,” Damien says. “Without doubt Covid was a drawcard for enabling these high productivity vehicles. There’s a lot of proof in the pudding that it should become normal instead of a special permit. As a freight carrier we want it to become the new normal.”
Aerial view of the new Vawdrey built B-triple combination departing Mildura.
THE PERSONAL
For more than a decade, Western Australian transport specialist, Freight Lines Group, has relied on Vawdrey Australia for efficient and reliable trailers which are often set up as pocket road train combinations and reconfigured for optimal fleet utility.
In the 1960s, a humble freight company commenced operations in Esperance to Perth. By the 1980s, it established a fuel distribution arm along with fresh fruit and vegetable operations. The business collectively known as Freight Lines Group (FLG) has since expanded into mining, bulk commodities, agriculture and specialised freight, boasting a team of about 210 staff. “The fuel business sold and then Harding Transport was born with the fruit and vege distribution – this evolved over time to the company that I took sole ownership of in 2010,” says FLG Managing Director, Michael Harding. “In 2003, I took over FLG in partnership with Colin Danks and then I purchased Colin’s share around 2010.” Today, the business specialises in general, bulk, express, freezer and machinery freight along with storage and distribution.
TOUCH
Over the years, FLG has opened depots in Albany, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Ravensthorpe and Esperance – bolstering its presence in regional Western Australia operating alongside its major Perth distribution centre. With a fleet of 140 prime movers and more than 450 trailers, FLG can dedicate equipment for the length of a contract or supply as required for loads as they are scheduled. All trailers, drop decks, curtainsiders, mill ball trailers and skels for mill ball containers, reefers and bulk trailers ride on airbag suspension. “We have worked with the team at Vawdrey Australia for about 12 years now,” Michael says. “To me, it is extremely important to build long-term relationships with companies and Vawdrey has really given us this in spades. Their Titeliners and Iceliners are great, reliable products with excellent backup service.” The most important features of the Vawdrey Titeliner and Iceliner trailers, according to Michael, are their ease of use, the quality of the builds and the fact that he has never had an issue with them. Vawdrey’s Titeliner is a sturdy curtainsider ideal for running freight day in, day out throughout Western Australia. Similarly, the Iceliner – locally engineered and manufactured for distribution and heavy duty applications – epitomises peak performance in terms of thermal efficiency and high productivity. The trailers that FLG specifies from Vawdrey are standard specification however they are often used in pocket road train configurations for greater flexibility. “Our Vawdrey trailers always perform well,” Michael says. “The efficiency gains we see are from the flexibility of sending multiple trailers at a time to regional areas. Our fleet travels all over Western Australia and providing essential services to our customers.”
Chris Harding, Michael Harding and Matt Harding.
AN ENHANCED
SERVICE OFFERING
Gilders Transport and Logistics has worked with great passion over the past four decades to enhance the experience of its customers. By partnering with suppliers such as Vawdrey Australia, Gilders is delivering on its brand promise to be adaptable, reliable and professional.
Founded in 1978, Gilders Transport and Logistics has developed into a premium service provider offering complete transport, distribution and warehousing services (palletised freight) nationally. It also manages specialised logistics including timesensitive freight, project logistics and oversized consignments. The family business began as a single truck operation in Kurnell, New South Wales, and today services customers nationally across a range of industries. Gilders, according to Managing Director, Brad Gilder, was founded with a single vision, ‘to keep the customer at the centre of everything we do’ and it remains a guiding ethos and vision for the team. “Gilders are committed to providing unparalleled service and value to our clients,” Brad says. “No matter the size or type of freight, our purpose-built vehicles, interstate branches, and cutting-edge technology offer quality services and the confidence of knowing that Gilders are an extension of your business. We also pride ourselves on our cultural diversity, our people and our commitment to safety, environmental sustainability and community work.” Gilders services the requirements of customers from a broad range of industries from common household products and food and beverages to electronics and other bulky goods. “We support some prominent brands and multinational companies through to every day mum and dad businesses,” Brad says. “In the last 12-18 months our customers have been going through some very challenging times. Our journey is to continue to deliver the same commitment but also improve our services to support our customers and give them a competitive edge in the industry.” Key to this competitive edge is investing in the best quality trailing equipment. The first trailer from Vawdrey Australia to join Gilders’ fleet was in 2004. “Our Vawdrey trailers are built to last,” Brad says. “Vawdrey’s attention to detail is second to none.” The most recent trailer deliveries include two 34-pallet B-double trailers that were custom built to specification for length to fit a new Kenworth T909. “The new purchase was required for company
SERVICE OFFERING
growth, new contracts as well as our ongoing commitment to modernising our fleet.” These B-double trailers feature stainless stripped guards, chrome rims, custom LED lighting, BPW axles, load restraint curtains and chrome hardware. “With the reliability and quality of the spec that Vawdrey offers, Vawdrey trailers were built for versatility,” Brad says. “These trailers will travel across four major cities, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide and anywhere else that is required.” The value that Vawdrey brings to Gilders’ business, according to Brad, is in the product being reliable, versatile and most importantly backed by a solid aftersales network. “Vawdrey has workshops across every state we operate in,” he says. “No matter where we need assistance, Vawdrey are there to help.” The new 34-pallet trailers also feature onboard weight scales which help to reduce load time by enabling greater efficiencies and accurate maximisation. Brad emphasises the importance of working with family owned and operated businesses like Vawdrey. “We share similar values as a family owned and run business,” he says. “The culture within the workplace is important to us and we feel Vawdrey uphold the same principles as Gilders. Our relationship is 17-years strong and the level of support we receive exceeds our expectations. With personal contact through Paul Vawdrey, we are spoiled with assistance directly no matter the time or hour. This includes placing new sales orders, repairs or latest information on Performance-Based Standards. Ultimately, our trusted long-term relationship and support from Paul Vawdrey has allowed our business to make fast, reliable and sustainable decisions.”
Custom spec Vawdrey B-double trailers for Gilders.
ON THE STRAIT AND NARROW
Fresh Freight is modernising its cold chain fleet with Vawdrey Australia. A new batch of Iceliner freezer vans are expected to boost productivity along Bass Strait.
Fresh Freight provides door-to-door freight forwarding services between Tasmania and mainland Australia. Michael Leonard, General Manager of the Fresh Freight Tasmania business, says the company specialises in the transportation of temperature controlled and ambient food grade products. “Since our inception in 2003, we have experienced significant growth and continue to service a diverse customer base which includes aquaculture, horticulture, agriculture, dairy and meat,” he says. Currently, Fresh Freight has four depots – three in Tasmania (Spreyton, Legana and Bridgewater) and one in Victoria (Laverton North) – and primarily focuses its operations on the Trans-Bass lane but also offers an Australia-wide service. “Our service and transit times in to and out of Tasmania sets us apart from the competition,” Michael says. “Fresh Freight’s
goal is to offer its customers a practical and efficient solution for their freight requirements.” Fresh Freight Tasmania, according to Michael, has experienced significant growth since it commenced operations in 2003. “We are committed to continuing to offer our existing customer base the highest level of service and strive for excellence across all aspects of our business,” he says. “We are constantly looking for ways we can innovate and develop as a business, this includes investing in and upgrading our equipment. Recently, we have installed 30 new Carrier HE19 model fridges on our trailers as well as working on the build of several new Iceliners to add to our existing fleet with Vawdrey Australia.” Vawdrey, according to Michael, are recognised as a reputable supplier within the industry. “Fresh Freight understands the importance of investing in the best equipment to service our customers’ requirements,” he says. “We appreciate the personal touch and better service that comes from working with family businesses like Vawdrey.” The Iceliner entered the Australian market in 2002 – on the back of the extremely popular Vawdrey dryfreight FRP van – and has since developed a strong presence in the refrigerated transport industry. This specialised reefer design is manufactured and assembled at Vawdrey Australia’s Dandenong South plant, offering fleet operators greater flexibility in specifications along with faster turnaround times. Vawdrey’s refrigerated trailer builds are robust and Australian-made, addressing the needs of the Australian heavy duty refrigeration market. Locally engineered and manufactured to suit the requirements of Australian refrigerated transport operators, Iceliner trailers are available in -18°C, -28°C and multitemperature specifications. These complete units, manufactured in-house at Vawdrey Australia’s Dandenong South plant, are well suited to both distribution and heavy duty applications. A full-length lightweight steel chassis, according to Vawdrey, gives the trailer the added strength and durability that is necessary for heavy duty applications without adversely affecting payload capacity. Other Iceliner features that come as standard include full width skid plate and lead in plates as well as cross member end cap side rails in one piece that provides a stronger join between the trailer walls and the floor. Also, laminated fibreglass internal joins provide a stronger, leak proof and more efficient body. A recent extension to Fresh Freight’s Bridgewater freezer has taken it from a 2,000 pallet facility to a 5,000 pallet facility. “Our sister company SeaRoad, which Fresh Freight has a shareholding in, has a new ship that has just arrived,” Michael says. “This will have a significant impact on the Trans-Bass shipping lane and will offer the Fresh Freight business greater flexibility and continued support for volume growth.” The Iceliners joining Fresh Freight’s fleet are engineered and manufactured for long-term use and optimised for high productivity.
GROWING
STRONGER
In 1996 the Glen Cameron Group bought its first Vawdrey trailer. The company has since purchased hundreds, with the latest batch featuring a raft of safety and operational features specifically required for supermarket and variety store deliveries.
It’s now 25 years since Glen Cameron Group Director, Glen Cameron tentatively decided to buy his first Vawdrey trailer. Vawdrey Australia, in those days, was located at Braeside, and Glen vividly remembers the day he walked in and spoke with the company’s founder Mick Vawdrey. “I recall being a bit reluctant at the time as this was Vawdrey’s first attempt to enter a big market with some big players,” Glen says. “But I also remember shaking Mick Vawdrey’s hand with him looking me straight in the eye and attesting that he would 100 per cent stand behind his brand and specifically the new trailer I was buying.” Glen adds that Mick proved to be a man of his word and the two men, and their respective companies, have had a mutually beneficial working relationship ever since. “The fact that Vawdrey was, and still is, a great family business gave me considerable comfort and confidence when I purchased the first trailer,” Glen says. “Since then, we have purchased hundreds of Vawdrey trailers and the support from Vawdrey remains as strong today as the day we shook hands 25 years ago.” Cameron’s latest Vawdrey trailer order includes 13 Titeliners (curtain-siders) and two Iceliner dry freight vans which are decked out with a very specific set of safety and operational requirements. “It was also critical that the trailers were delivered within in a very tight timeframe where the team at Vawdrey not only met, but exceeded our expectations on both fronts,” Glen says. He explains that the Glen Cameron Group has been providing logistics services for Woolworths supermarkets and variety store brands for about 16 years now, with the new trailers loading out of the new Big W distribution centre at Hoppers Crossing (Vic) delivering to Big W stores throughout Victoria. “Long held relationships, like we have
STRONGER TOGETHER
with Vawdrey and indeed our other key suppliers, are critical to providing us with the best in equipment so that, in turn, we can successfully maintain our long-term relationships with our customers,” Glen says. Also speaking about the recent order of 15 Vawdrey trailers for the Glen Cameron Group, Paul Vawdrey, Director at Vawdrey Australia and son of Mick, remarks that as a proud Australian trailer manufacturer, the company is pleased to be an ongoing supplier of top-quality equipment to a fine, long-standing Australian transport company like Glen Cameron Group. “We manufacture the fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) panels at our Dandenong facility that are used to construct the Iceliner dry freight vans – such as the ones ordered by Glen Cameron Group – as well as our freezer and chiller rated range of Iceliners,” says Paul. “As such, each of our trailers is specifically designed and manufactured to meet and exceed the requirements of our customers operating under harsh Australian conditions.” The 24-pallet space Titeliners ordered by Glen Cameron Group feature a number of safety features to satisfy the requirements of the transporter’s customers. For example, they have air-operated pop-up coaming rail barriers which prevent a forklift from careering off the side of the trailer during rear dock loading or unloading. Also used are Super-Strap curtains, load rated to 1,430kg per pallet space, which eliminate the need for gates in general freight applications. Another important benefit when loading is the wedge shape of the roof which tapers from the back to the front, thus providing more headroom as the trailer is loaded. The Australian manufactured Whiting rear roller door features a clever UBIS interlocking system which electronically interfaces with the WABCO Electronic Braking System, supplied by Air Brake Systems. This prevents the trailer brakes from being released if the roller door is open. External safety features include JOST landing legs with high visibility yellow painted feet and aluminium side under-run protection. There is also a set of steps at the rear to provide safe personnel access into the rear of the trailer. Hella LED lighting is used exclusively for both external and internal lighting, while Vawdrey Supalite polished alloy wheels set the trailers off nicely while also providing a useful reduction in tare weight over steel equivalents. With all the safety features incorporated into its new Vawdrey trailers, the Glen Cameron Group can satisfy the requirements of its customers and at the same time provide the safest possible equipment for its valued drivers.
Glen Cameron Group Director, Glen Cameron.
DAYS OF
FUTURE PAST
Victorian transport company, FBT Transwest, honours Peter Gunn and Mick Vawdrey – two founding fathers of Australia’s freight industry – and details the advantages of challenging trailer manufacturer and family business, Vawdrey Australia, with producing trailing equipment that increases the fleet’s safety and performance ratings.
Peter Gunn is a legendary name in what is today a world-class industry. His mantra for the past 50 years in transport has been ‘specialisation, innovation, standardisation’. Peter’s relentless way of doing things, his passion for trucking and building businesses, has been critical in contributing to road transport becoming a major driver for the Australian economy and, more broadly, influencing modern trailer design. On the back of WWII – decades before highproductivity schemes such as PerformanceBased Standards (PBS) were even ratified – Peter was at the forefront of genuine innovation, solving technical dilemmas and finding better ways to operate. To pay his way through university during the 1950s, he took up a trucking gig. His first job was with Fred Brown Transport. Years later, perhaps out of sentiment and a keen
FUTURE PAST
sense for business acumen, he would go on to acquire the company which is known today as FBT Transwest. By the late 1960s, Peter completed his tertiary studies (commerce at the University of Melbourne) and established his own transport services business, Cubico, where he single-handedly revolutionised the cubic freight market and introduced technologies and processes that are still currently in use. A seminal mover in railway, multimodal solutions, Peter pioneered the introduction of the 48’ rail container in Australia in the early 1990s. With the introduction of these containers for cubic freight came a purpose designed 5 pack well wagon with shared bogies. This design reduced tare weight and allowed containers to be double stacked between Adelaide and Perth. A quintessential inventor, Peter’s approach to optimising cubic freight in transport also saw other design changes such as low floors, drop decks and smaller wheels which have since been widely adopted by other innovative trailer manufacturers like Vawdrey Australia ever since. After decades of strong growth, Peter merged his business in 1999 with the logistics division of Mayne Nickless to build a powerful Melbourne-based investment firm, PGA Group. With a keen interest in trucking that continues to endure, Peter recently met with Mick Vawdrey for a factory tour at Vawdrey’s manufacturing facility in Dandenong South, Victoria. Between Peter’s acute attention to detail and Mick’s passionate ethos, both gentlemen exemplify what it takes to understand the national freight task and provide leadingedge trailing equipment that champions productivity gains and improved road safety. Mick himself has seen the Vawdrey family business grow from a small workshop to a national marquee brand supporting 400 staff, celebrating 45 years of operation in September last year. Seeing the two of them talk shop and reflect on their industry contributions was indeed a sight to behold. For FBT Transwest Managing Director, Cameron Dunn, investing in the latest Vawdrey trailer designs reinforces his mission: to maintain safe and sustainable business operations. By fostering reliable support networks, partnering with suppliers like Vawdrey is essential when reducing operational risk and maximising the potential of the fleet. Through his work with the Victorian Transport Association as President, to managing FBT Transwest, Cameron has forged a reputation for distilling often complex issues down to a simple message and leading by example. This commitment to taking action is a daily challenge as he firmly believes ‘if you talk the talk, you need to walk the walk’. The supply of Vawdrey trailers, built to specification, has been an important part of Cameron’s safety advocacy. FBT Transwest’s latest Vawdrey order includes lightweight 12.2m drop deck Tanktainer skeletal trailers that are Performance-Based Standards (PBS) approved and can operate as an A-double combination. Standout features on this trailer includes three-way twist locks with 800mm high lift to suit the heavy 20’ central container for discharge purposes as well as SAF Intradisc and WABCO Electronic Braking System (EBS). Stainless steel drip trays and hose carriers were also fitted. The chassis is of lighter-weight construction comprising high tensile Domex which enables lighter tare weight for increased payloads. Additional safety features include full width walkway with access ladder and hinge-up grab handles. Another lightweight drop deck A-double combination was also manufactured and set up to carry high payload 20’ containers. This set features Domex chassis, alloy wheels and SAF-Holland axles and suspension. For improved vehicle operator safety, WABCO EBS is fitted along with pull-out steps. A lightweight 20/20 skeletal B-double is also joining the FBT Transwest fleet to carry tanktainers. This set was designed with a slope in the chassis rail to comply with operating criteria of 64 degrees to the centre of the tanktainer along with all of the other safety features fitted as standard. By implementing a strict procurement policy with Vawdrey Australia – reinforced by the dedication of industry luminaries like Peter and Mick – Cameron is realising his vision for a safer, more efficient road transport business.
A LEADER IN THE
A-DOUBLE REVOL UTION
In a concerted effort to significantly and safely boost productivity on eastern seaboard linehaul runs, Visy Logistics has enlisted the expertise of Vawdrey Australia and Smedley’s Engineers in the unique design and construction of Performance-Based Standards–approved 30-metre A-double combinations.
The A-double in PBS guise is starting to make inroads in Australia as operators realise the substantial gains in payload capacity that can be achieved. However, for Visy Logistics, one of the largest logistics service providers in Australia, achieving worthwhile payload benefits required a good deal of ‘out of the box’ design and engineering due to the high centre of gravity nature of some commodities it transports. The firm currently uses its own equipment for 40 to 45 percent of its work, with the remainder done by subcontractors. The plan is to flip this figure as the company continues to grow, with the new A-double fleet being a strategic element in this growth plan. “As we continue to grow and win additional contracts, we will replace subcontractors with company owned assets and fully utilise those assets,” says Angela Kranjcic, GM Sales and Business Development at Visy Logistics. “Intrinsic to this is a change in our equipment model and obviously the advent of the A-doubles encourages further internalisation of our transport task on linehaul corridors where it’s commercially feasible to use these advanced pieces of equipment.” A key product carried by Visy Logistics, for which specific engineering and design elements of the new A-doubles were imperative, is large reels of paper that are transported on their ends; when loaded they stand three metres high and weigh three tonnes apiece. “It is a very awkward commodity to transport, and it posed one of the biggest challenges in terms of meeting the static roll threshold or high-speed off-transient manoeuvre test requirements for PBS approval,” says Visy Logistics Fleet and Equipment Manager, Glen Fulton. “This was particularly challenging because we were going from a roll coupled (B-double) to a non roll coupled (A-double) combination, so coming up with a design that would satisfy all the criteria was difficult at the start. “It took several attempts and a lot of work in close collaboration with specialist PBS engineers and Vawdrey Australia to come up with a solution that would work for us,” Glen says. “But in the end it was all worth it because we managed to achieve around a 20 per cent payload gain over the B-doubles we were using to transport the paper reels, with the opportunity to increase that figure further moving forward by adding some smarts in relation to vehicle design.” As for the considerable PBS-specific design and engineering work that went into the project, Robert Smedley, Managing Director of Melbourne-based Smedley’s Engineers, says lofty goals were achieved by incorporating some groundbreaking solutions.
A-DOUBLE REVOL UTION
“This is the first time a Concessional Mass Limit (CML) of 17 tonnes has been approved for PBS operation of a tandem axle dolly with standard 385/65R22.5 (low profile) supersingle tyres,” Rob says. “This is an absolute game-changer for the industry and along with the wide-track axles and suspension – which haven’t previously been used on trailers in Australia – enabled us to achieve the unprecedented level of stability that was required for the high payload height loads.” Rob adds that a lot of testing and validation work went into ensuring the super single wheels on the combination would be allowed the same mass limits as dual wheels. When it came time to start building the curtain-sided trailers, Vawdrey faced some frontiers of its own as compared with regular trailers the European sourced wide-track axles and suspension required wider spacing of the chassis frame rails. Vawdrey Australia Director, Paul Vawdrey, takes up the story. “We’ve designed and engineered unique frames to suit the cutting-edge axles and suspension that enables these units to meet the stringent PBS criteria – both the trailer frames and dolly frames were clean sheet designs for us,” he says. “The internal payload height and the minimal tare weights we were able to achieve were really, really good.” Paul is adamant that the Visy A-doubles are game-changers in the industry. He says that the latest super single tyres are technically far superior to the units of yore that failed to gain widespread acceptance largely because their maximum weight allowance was significantly less than duals. “These new super singles are a magnificent piece of engineering,” Paul says. “The fuel savings and the weight savings they provide, along with the extra payload height we were able to achieve – all these benefits would not have been possible with dual wheels.” Glen adds that in addition to the mandatory Electronic Stability Control (ESC) technology, other cutting-edge features include intelligent Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) that ensure correct tyre pressures are consistently maintained across the entire combination. “All of our prime movers feature state-of-theart fatigue management and all-around visibility camera systems and each of our drivers completes a specialised and comprehensive DECA training program to familiarise them with the new A-double combinations and the technology before their first journey,” Glen says. With a batch of Vawdrey A-double combinations set to be progressively introduced over the next six months or so, Visy Logistics is effectively raising the bar by a considerable margin in the safe and efficient transport of its commodities.
VALUE THROUGH INFORMATION
Palletised general freight specialist, Total Logistic Solutions, has partnered with Vawdrey Australia for more than 20 years to deliver consistent, impeccable service with a variety of Performance-Based Standards approved trailers.
Victorian transport company, Total Logistic Solutions (TLS), has recently taken delivery of several 36-pallet double drop deck Titeliners from Vawdrey Australia which will see extensive service from depot-to-depot along the eastern seaboard. Doug Painter, TLS Director, says the company has depots in Melbourne (Tottenham and Dandenong), Sydney, Brisbane and recently expanded with a new site in Newcastle. This growth was necessary to thrive during the Covid-19 pandemic. “2020 was extremely tough for TLS with the long closures of Victoria,” he says. “With a large portion of our business supporting major retailers we were hit extremely hard in Melbourne with little to no retailers being open. Port issues in New South Wales caused logistical hurdles for our major Sydney based customer where we were unpacking up to 10 containers a day in our Dandenong depot and sending back to our Sydney depot for storage.” In the past 12 months TLS have been working with Pet Circle, a 100 per cent online pet store. “Their continued growth has been incredible especially during 2020,” Doug says. “We are proud to support and help promote their business with two of our new 36-pallet Vawdrey Titeliners emblazoned with their livery.” Spotlight and Anaconda also joined the TLS customer base at the beginning of 2020, and to celebrate their support, Doug arranged for some of his 42-pallet Vawdrey trailers to flaunt their branding on the curtain livery. TLS has managed to persevere through tough times by leveraging its partnership with key suppliers such as Vawdrey. “We have had a partnership with Vawdrey now since 2001,” Doug says. “Over the past 20 years, a personal relationship with both Mick and Paul has grown. I have always been happy to embrace new technology and ideas with the best trailer builders in the country.” In addition to recently taking delivery of 36-pallet Vawdrey Titeliners the business has also invested in 42-pallet high cube double drop deck Titeliners which Doug says are absolute game changers. “The fleet also includes B-doubles which are 4.6m high, with a volume of 210 cubic metres, and are rated for a capacity of up to 42 pallets on the floor plus a load on top of the mezzanine decks,” Doug says. “The mezzanine decks ensure our heavy vehicle drivers are operating as efficiently and as safely
INFORMATION
as possible while loading and unloading.” As TLS’ customers are mostly retailers, the primary freight task is general palletised freight, Fast Moving Consumable Goods (FMCG). “The most important features of the trailers that we specify from Vawdrey are Performance-Based Standards (PBS), cubic capacity, safety and reliability which means less linehaul movement and greater savings on fuel,” Doug says. “As a business, TLS is committed to providing retail customers with the most innovative transport solutions while being mindful of our carbon footprint. Our partnership with Vawdrey has led TLS to running an efficient fleet by running fewer trucks and more productive trailers fitted with the latest PBS technologies.” Vawdrey Australia specialises in the design and construction of PBS trailing equipment and has bolstered the transport capabilities of businesses to maximise payload gains as well as improve vehicle operator safety with its innovative Auto Lock Deck and LatchLiner buckle-less curtain systems. “Every time our clients see a new set of trailers with Vawdrey livery – the smiles we see on their faces are priceless,” Doug says. “Most customers we have think Vawdrey are the only trailer manufacturer in Australia as this is all they have ever seen from TLS. Vawdrey are the best, and with more than 20 years of partnership that will never change.”
Fast Fact
Since Total Logistic Solutions commenced operations in 1997, Director, Doug Painter, has committed to a longstanding partnership with Paul Vawdrey. “I exclusively run Vawdrey trailers because the team at Vawdrey are proactive when it comes to Performance-Based Standards (PBS) and finding smarter ways to operate,” Doug says. “Vawdrey is a driving influence for keeping pace with the times and also staying focused on how to compete in the near future.”
LEVERAGING THE
BENEFITS
Auswide Transport Solutions has called upon the extensive experience of Vawdrey Australia for the production of high productivity Performance-Based Standards approved Titeliner B-doubles to further improve its operations.
Having commenced operations in 2007, Melbourne-based Auswide Transport Solutions has grown significantly to embody a fleet of more than 130 prime movers and 450 trailing equipment units. The core business model is to provide a safe and reliable nationwide freight service using semi-trailers, B-doubles and road trains. The company’s compliance requirements are maintained using Basic Fatigue Management (BFM) and Maintenance and Mass Management under the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) as well as Western Australian Heavy Vehicle Accreditation. Auswide claims to be the largest third-party logistics (3PL) provider in Victoria and among the top five largest 3PL providers in Australia.
Having grown to this size while maintaining a razor-sharp focus on operational safety and efficiencies, it’s hardly surprising that Auswide has embraced Performance-Based Standards (PBS) in a big way, as evidenced by its latest significant order of Vawdrey Titeliner B-double sets. The order includes a good number of tri-tri (axle) double drop deck B-doubles which are 4.6m high and approved to operate at up to 68.5-tonne Gross Combination Mass (GCM). The units are 30m long with a 42-pallet capacity and a voluminous 215m3 combined load space. Critically, mezzanine decks fitted to both top and bottom decks of both trailers mean that the total available volume can be effectively used by adjusting the mez deck heights to suit the freight dimensions. In addition, these combinations also feature sliding mezzanine deck posts to assist in maximising freight tasks. A full complement of BPW axles and suspension includes self-steerable axles on the rearmost positions of both lead and tag trailers, providing the dramatic reduction in swept path necessary for such a long B-double combination. Other features of note include WABCO EBS, Intelligent Access Program (IAP) approved onboard weighing system, Vawdrey’s load-rated Lift-A-Gate system fitted to the side gates along with load restraint rated curtains. According to Tom Pausic, National Operations Manager at Auswide Transport Solutions, the new combinations will be initially used on the linehaul route between Melbourne and Sydney carrying a wide variety of time critical general freight on behalf of its customers which includes parcels, palletised freight and cages. After the combinations are bedded in, they will likely be sent farther afield to the other mainland capitals including Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. Tom says the mezzanine decks are a critical component of the new combinations as they enable cargo volumes and payloads to be maximised on every trip. “We service a wide variety of customers and their freight often includes odd shapes and sizes ranging from parcels, pallets and caged freight,” he says. “As a result, the mezzanine decks make the trailers very versatile for our customers’ operations and their freight requirements.” In common with many operators seeking to take advantage of PBS, Tom says while the design, certification and manufacture of the new trailers has gone smoothly, the process of gaining route approvals and ‘final mile’ access has taken longer than anticipated. Despite this, Tom has glowing praise for Vawdrey in terms of how quickly the company was able to manufacture the trailers and deal with all the ins and outs of the approval process in the current climate of Covid-19. “Hats off to Vawdrey, they have done an excellent job of building the trailers and helping us get all our ducks in a row despite external circumstances beyond their control,” Tom says. “They have really made the process more bearable than it otherwise would have been.” He adds that the difficulties faced pale into insignificance compared with the valuable productivity gains that PBS has brought the company and that he expects these new combinations will be the first of many more to come. “Our clients will see significant advantages from the use of these trailers,” he says. “The eight additional pallet spaces (compared with a standard 34-pallet B-double) coupled with greater internal capacity and added weight allowances will mean far fewer incidences of split consignments and freight being left on the floors. The indirect cost savings to these customers due to their pick-up and delivery (PUD) trucks not having to circle back for the remainder of the consignment, from other linehaul arrivals, will be evident almost immediately.” Paul Vawdrey, Director of Vawdrey Australia, says it’s great to see companies like Auswide embracing PBS and making the considerable investment in new equipment that has a positive effect on productivity, thus helping them to better manage the growing freight task. “We are pleased to be able to work with Auswide to manufacture these high productivity trailers that will make a huge difference to the company’s operations,” Paul says. With the help of Vawdrey Australia, Auswide will continue to procure state-of-the-art trailing equipment to keep it at the cutting edge in terms of productivity and safety – two critical elements of today’s road transport fleet.
Transport and logistics provider, Hi-Trans Express, has announced its intention to become carbon-neutral by 2025. Working with long-term and valued partner Vawdrey, the company is showcasing its commitment to this initiative with a new batch of Vawdrey B-doubles featuring ‘green’ graphics on the curtains.
Having been in operation for more than 50 years, Hi-Trans Express is an Adelaide-based independent familyowned company with a national branch network. In its infancy, the company’s focus was on the provision of a customer-oriented freight service between Adelaide and Broken Hill. The freight carried to Broken Hill was largely groceries and mining equipment, while back loading was primarily wool. Today, Hi-Trans Express supports its Australiawide operations from head office in Adelaide, with branches in Adelaide, Broken Hill, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne and agents in Perth, Darwin and Hobart. Both companies are proud family-owned concerns that strive for innovation and quality of workmanship in everything they do. These, according to Hi Trans Express CEO Tony Mellick, are prime reasons why Hi-Trans has standardised on Vawdrey trailers across its operation. “The innovation and quality of the Vawdrey products are second-to-none and the fact they are Australian made also rates highly with us,” Tony says – adding that his previous experience with an imported brand of trailer prior to working for Hi-Trans left him in no doubt about the truth in the old adage ‘you get what you pay for’. “Yes, they do cost a bit more than some of the others but I know that we will get an extra five or six years out of them which is what really counts in the long run,” Tony says. Speaking about the latest Vawdrey B-double sets to join the fleet, Tony elaborates on the strategy of continually striving to exceed customer expectations while staying abreast of the latest trends in technology and environmental care. Thus, he says, the company has committed to becoming carbon-neutral by the middle of this decade and, as part of this commitment, has emblazoned the curtains of the new Vawdrey B-double sets with striking ‘green’ graphics. “Part of our operational strategy for some time now has been to investigate how we can become carbon-neutral in our company-owned fleet by 2025,” Tony says. “As a result, we have determined that all our equipment purchases such as prime movers and body trucks will feature Euro 6 exhaust emissions standards, at an absolute minimum, moving forward. Hence, we have chosen Euro 6 Mercedes-Benz prime movers to pull our new Vawdrey B-doubles. “Dovetailing with this is our strategy for customer engagement and enlightenment, so we decided that the livery on the trailers would pair with the Euro 6 prime movers to provide a firm statement about our commitment to carbon dioxide reduction.” “We’re currently standardising on Euro 6 compliant trucks and looking towards
hydrogen fuel cell power for our linehaul trucks and battery electric for pick-up and delivery (PUD) vehicles where appropriate,” he says – adding that the latter has limiting factors around range and recharging. Tony also mentions that the disposal or recycling of the lithium-ion batteries must be factored into the carbon-neutral equation. Talking about the new Vawdrey B-double sets, Tony reiterates they are a visual statement about the company’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality over the next few years. “I’ve instructed our people to ensure they are only pulled by our Euro 6 or better prime movers moving forward,” he says. “This is a consistent message we want to portray to our customers and the general public.” The Vawdrey 34-pallet drop-deck combinations feature height-adjustable mezzanine floors on the lower decks of both lead and tag trailers. With Work Health and Safety (WH&S) being another high priority at Hi-Trans Express, the trailers are also equipped with the Vawdrey Lift-A-Gate system as well as suspended bungee straps – six on the lead and 11 on the tag – which retract the load binding straps close to the ceiling while loading and are then easily pulled down and tightened. This eliminates the risk of repetitive strain injuries. As for running gear, the trailers are fitted with BPW axles and air suspension riding on a full complement of alloy wheels. Completing the picture are the striking curtain graphics applied by Vawdrey Visual which set the scene for the direction Hi-Trans Express is heading with its vision to become carbonneutral by 2025.
Fast Fact
A family-owned company established in 1969, Hi-Trans Express has acquired Vawdrey trailers for the last 27 years due to their high levels of product innovation, quality of workmanship and market value.
SUPPORT
YOU CAN COUNT ON
To maximise fleet uptime, especially when demand for essential goods has peaked, Vawdrey Australia provides industry leading service, spare parts, repairs and more.
Since its founding in 1974, Vawdrey Australia remains a family owned and operated trailer building powerhouse which employs more than 400 people nationwide. The business is headquartered in a purpose-built site in Dandenong South, Victoria, and runs other state-of-the-art facilities Eastern Creek, New South Wales; Larapinta, Queensland; Gepps Cross, South Australia; and Welshpool, Western Australia. Due to growing demand from industry for quality and high productivity vehicles, Vawdrey Australia has had to make considerable investments to its in-house facilities and equipment. Through continuous development and innovation, the trailer builder has introduced new plasma cutters, presses and tooling to its facilities along with improved warehousing and new factories panel manufacturing and the assembly of suspensions and axles. Each site is also equipped with spray booths, trailer bays and more to ensure transport businesses big and small have access to timely refurbishment, repair and retrofitting services. All Vawdrey service (Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney and repair facilities have the capacity to carry out mechanical repairs and servicing by qualified and trained technicians, fibreglass repairs, qualified welders and body builders for all types of trailer repairs, full trailer refurbishments, trailer pits for servicing and mechanical work, chassis crush and straightening equipment for carrying out smash repairs; paint booth and onsite paint mixing for all painting repairs. By providing the best possible service and support, fleet operators enjoy the benefits of investing in Vawdrey road transport technology that drives greater safety and efficiency outcomes.
