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A U S T R A L A S I A’ S T R A I L E R I N D U S T R Y R E S O U R C E
DECEMBER 2020
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FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK PUBLISHER
John Murphy john.murphy@primecreative.com.au
MANAGING EDITOR
Luke Applebee luke.applebee@primecreative.com.au
JOURNALISTS William Craske william.craske@primecreative.com.au Paul Matthei paul.matthei@primecreative.com.au
ADVERTISING
Ashley Blachford: 0425 699 819 ashley.blachford@primecreative.com.au
DESIGN PRODUCTION MANAGER
Michelle Weston michelle.weston@primecreative.com.au
Trailer Magazine Editor Luke Applebee
ART DIRECTOR Blake Storey
Pressure at work New research has found that pandemic has become a major ethical issue in supply chains. The Australasian Supply Chain Institute (ASCI), in a statement released last month, urged Australian business leaders to heed its poll results and encouraged staff to be registered under its scheme for access to an ethics management program. Industry leaders participated in a poll for Global Ethics Day and 94 per cent of respondents cited at least one unethical issue in their supply chain when presented with a list of options ranging from misconduct (16 per cent) and black market (16 per cent) to bribery (13 per cent) and modern slavery (9.0 per cent). The top supply chain issue by a huge margin was Covid-19 at 68 per cent. Indeed, the coronavirus crisis has not helped the transport and logistics industry. As Alexandra Riha, ASCI President, says, supply chain managers are feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities from their end-to-end global supply chains. By her reckoning, 60 per cent of the survey sample claimed they have access to experts and other resources including legal advice whereas 16 per cent admitted their resources did not allow appropriate confidentiality to protect them. Meanwhile, 40 per cent of the group did not have adequate access to resources. The solution, ASCI affirms, is the implementation of an ethics management
6
program which would include a code of conduct to ensure confidential third-party resources while de-escalating unethical behaviour. In line with the Global Ethics Day theme ‘Ethics In Action’, Riha encourages business leaders to empower their supply chain staff to be registered under the ASCI Professional Accreditation Scheme for free access to the Ethics Management Program which comprises the ASCI Code of Ethics and supported by a comprehensive complaints management process that provides guidance. ASCI’s Professional Accreditation Scheme is reported to provide industrywide standards and consistency in the profession. This Professional Accreditation Scheme, through which individuals can register as Professionals, Practitioners and Associates, provides recognition of professional achievement against a globally aligned, industry accepted set of standards, on par with other professional disciplines. In February 2021, ASCI will host its annual conference in Sydney which is expected to provide clarity around what is expected of supply chain managers particularly in relation to how to futureproof a global supply chain into the new decade.
DESIGNERS
Kerry Pert, Madeline McCarty
CLIENT SUCCESS MANAGER
Justine Nardone justine.nardone@primecreative.com.au
HEAD OFFICE
Prime Creative Pty Ltd 11-15 Buckhurst Street South Melbourne VIC 3205 Australia
SUBSCRIPTIONS
03 9690 8766 subscriptions@primecreative.com.au Trailer Magazine is available by subscription from the publisher. The right of refusal is reserved by the publisher. Annual rates: AUS $99.00 (inc GST). For overseas subscriptions, airmail postage should be added to the subscription rate.
ARTICLES
All articles submitted for publication become the property of the publisher. The Editor reserves the right to adjust any article to conform with the magazine format.
COPYRIGHT
Trailer Magazine is owned by Prime Creative and published by John Murphy. All material in Trailer Magazine is copyright and no part may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic or mechanical including information and retrieval systems) without written permission of the publisher. The Editor welcomes contributions but reserves the right to accept or reject any material. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information Prime Creative will not accept responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences arising from reliance on information published. The opinions expressed in Trailer Magazine are not necessarily the opinions of, or endorsed by the publisher unless otherwise stated.
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www.trailermag.com.au Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 20
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December 2020
26
10 Industry News
The latest news in the commercial road transport industry.
24 Economy Sanitising workplaces comes at a great cost, especially during a pandemic. Anti-viral specialists weigh in on how this impacts the road transport industry. 26 Special Report Australia’s world-leading high productivity scheme continues to gather momentum as more operators realise the benefits. 32 PBS Equipment A look at the latest Performance-Based Standards (PBS) road transport combinations carting freight around Australia. 36 Trailer Builder
34 40
Australia’s trailer building scene is as busy as ever.
42 Trailer Building Materials/Components The latest developments and innovations in trailer building equipment and componentry. 50 Industry Leaders Trailer Magazine speaks with Philippa Stewart, Volvo Trucks Retail Sales Manager at Volvo Commercial Vehicles Australia.
42
52 Industry Icon Hew McDonald, Operations Manager at Evolving Workshop Technologies, has a wealth of mechanical and engineering experience behind him. 54 Fleet of the Month JCM Spreading is a specialist business whose remit requires reliable four wheel traction for its fleet of MAN commercial vehicles. 56 World Map
Testing manager at Edbro talks tipper cylinder safety.
58 What’s On
8
Upcoming shows and field days.
Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 20
54
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NEWS
Sydney-Brisbane transport link opens A new bridge at Wardell has enabled B-double Higher Mass Limit (HML) vehicles to
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole (pictured left).
travel directly between Sydney and Brisbane along the Pacific Highway. Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole, said the opening of the new bridge across the Richmond River means the last remaining load-restricted bridge for HML vehicles on the Pacific Highway has been bypassed, transforming the way freight is moved along one of Australia’s busiest road corridors. “We are on the home stretch of duplicating the Pacific Highway between Hexham and the Queensland border – a $15 billion multigenerational project that will deliver safer, smoother journeys right up and down the coast,” said Toole. “Motorists are already saving more than two hours driving that section, and time savings will continue to grow as we hit the finish line later this year. “This is a huge win for the freight industry. Productivity gains like this don’t come along every day,” he said.
the same amount of freight, which improves
the route, bringing significant productivity
Member of the Legislative Council, Ben
productivity, reduces transportation costs and
and safety benefits for the community and
Franklin, said since it opened in September,
means less trucks on the road,” said Franklin.
industry.
the new bridge has allowed the trucks
On completion of the Pacific Highway
The upgrade of the Pacific Highway is a
moving the most freight on our highways to
upgrade at the end of the year, 30-metre
joint initiative between the Australian and
carry 15 per cent more on this key corridor.
Performance Based Standards (PBS) Level 2B
NSW Governments, and is one of Australia’s
“This means less vehicles are needed to carry
heavy vehicles will be able to travel along
nationally significant transport links.
Prime Creative Media acquires Powertorque The publisher of CRT News, Trailer and Prime
Mover, MHD and Trailer.
investment in journalism, technology and
Mover – Prime Creative Media – has added
The ongoing rationalisation within the
database management are critical to deliver
to its transport portfolio.
truck magazine market, according to Prime
premium products.
Prime Creative Media has acquired
Creative Media, will ensure that the industry
Prime Creative Media is committed to
Powertorque and Delivery magazines and
has a well resourced multi-platform offering
growing industries, organisations and
associated digital and social assets from
across print and digital representing all
individuals and this latest acquisition for the
Motoring Matters magazine group.
sectors of the market. In the increasingly
group will ensure they continue to deliver
The magazines will join leading industry
competitive and demanding publishing
outstanding journalism and exposure to the
publications including Big Rigs, Diesel, Prime
landscape it is necessary that ongoing
industry’s decision makers for its partners.
10
Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 20
Border Express triples capacity at new Brisbane facility Express freight company Border Express has
we wanted including inground fuel tanks,
greater access to regional and in particular
commissioned a new facility at Underwood
truckwash, office and hardstand space – it
north Queensland,” said Kara.
on Brisbane’s south side with around three
accommodated us like a glove,” said Kassaby. That said, Kassaby noted that the company
“Another thing we’re very proud of is
Richlands. Located at a former Australia Post site,
had spent a considerable sum in redeveloping
created and will continue to be created due
the site to suit its needs, particularly in
to the establishment of our new facility at
the new Border Express facility has been
relation to the interior of the facility.
Underwood; not only throughout the project
developed to cater for the increased demand
“Being in a new facility with room to grow
phase with tradespeople coming in and out
for the company’s services, particularly in
into the future is one important factor, along
but also due to the growth in the business
E-Commerce, across the Sunshine State.
with improving our service levels through a
that will create long-term employment
“This certainly is a significant step forward
number of key initiatives in our new service
opportunities.”
for our Queensland operations, said Border
platform.
Kara said the company had employed more
Express CEO, Mostafa Kassaby.
“We now have the ability to release those
than 70 additional staff members at the new
“The new facility is three times the size of
new services because we don’t have the
facility compared with the previous site in
our previous site at Richlands and will give us
capacity constraints. This gives us the
positions as diverse as truck driving, freight
significant leverage in our future planning. It
capability to grow in the space where we
handling, administration, workshop and
will also enable us to cement our space in the
need to grow in Queensland,” said Kassaby.
truck wash.
Brisbane and greater Queensland network
Reinforcing the comments of Kassaby, Border
On top of this, Kassaby said, there will be
and maintain the high levels of service for
Express COO, Ozan Kara, said the company
opportunities for a raft of subcontractors
which the company is renowned.”
has experienced upwards of 50 per cent
from a local perspective, using a range of
Kassaby said the old site at Richlands had
growth in the last three years and that the
different sized vehicles from one-tonne vans
been outgrown for some time and that the
new Underwood facility was step one in
to heavy-rigid trucks.
company had been searching for a suitable
a three-step infrastructure and expansion
“Our substantial growth through the Covid
replacement when the ex-AusPost site came
project.
period, particularly in E-Commerce, means
up for sale. “We were pleased to be able to secure a
“Brisbane was a real bottleneck for us, so the
we will need to fill a significant number of
beauty of this facility is that it has tripled our
positions in both company-employed and
site that already had many of the features
capacity and gives us speed to market and
subcontractor roles,” he said.
times the capacity of its previous premises at
the amount of local jobs that have been
Border Express’ new Underwood facility.
www.trailermag.com.au
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NEWS
Centurion moves milestone engine module for Komatsu Engine module loaded and ready to go.
involving Komatsu 830E and 930E haul trucks and autonomous mining vehicles being upgraded with the latest technology Cummins QSK60 MCRS Advantage Plus engines in the Pilbara region, the companies have been supporting and fundraising for mental health support service Beyond Blue. To celebrate the program on each site, all three companies have hosted BBQs to raise money for Beyond Blue. The engines have also been painted blue to support and highlight the Beyond Blue fundraising efforts. Centurion confirmed the 830E Module pictured is destined for Rio Tinto’s Brockman 4 Operations, a 1500km journey North of
Transport and logistics company, Centurion,
transported its 150th engine module for the
has moved a milestone engine module for a
MCRS engine module repower program.
Perth. The 3.3-metre-wide module weighs 17.5
major client.
The engine module program is the result of
tonnes.
Centurion were joined by mining and
a collaboration between Rio Tinto, Cummins
Centurion anticipates it will deliver the
industrial machinery specialist Komatsu
and Komatsu which began in mid-2017. As part of a new technology roadmap
200th Module for Komatsu sometime in
earlier this week to celebrate having
Q4 2021.
Regional Australians to benefit from local roads funding Round 2 of the accelerated Fixing Local
projects in 84 Local Government Areas in
key to helping regional communities recover
Roads program opened last month.
the first round of funding and this latest
from the impact of bushfires, drought and
Regional communities, according to Deputy
round will see another $136.4 million
the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Toole.
Prime Minister, Michael McCormack, are
injected into regional New South Wales
“This round will prioritise projects that
set to benefit from the Australian and New
to generate more jobs and stimulate local
are shovel-ready and can start in the next
South Wales Governments’ commitment
economies,” he said.
six months because we know regional
to improving local roads and creating
“This is money for small projects that make
communities need this investment and job
thousands of local jobs in various regions.
a big difference in people’s everyday lives
creation right now.
The Australian Government committed
right across regional New South Wales.
“Communities are already starting to see
$191 million in June to build on the NSW
“It will mean smoother, safer trips to
projects from Round 1 commence around
Government’s $500 million Fixing Local
school, work or even the shops and most
the state, and they can expect to see even
Roads program, ensuring even more
importantly, it will create much-needed jobs
more in the coming months as we continue
regional communities benefit faster.
in hundreds of communities.”
to turbocharge this initiative.”
McCormack said the Australian
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and
Applications for Round 2 of the program are
Government’s commitment would ensure
Roads, Paul Toole, said the program marked
open from today until Friday 4 December
that more local road projects were delivered
a major investment in the roads that
2020.
to create more local employment.
regional communities use every day.
The Australian Government committed
“We’ve already seen $243.6 million of
“We know how much better roads mean
$191 million in June to build on the NSW
joint funding go towards 253 shovel-ready
in the bush – and projects like these will be
Government’s $500 million program.
14
Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 20
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NEWS
Woolworths transforms transport business Primary Connect is growing its operations.
Supermarket company, Woolworths, has
platform, we need to deliver world-class
eat salad bowls from Houston’s Farm’s
rebranded its internal supply chain function.
customer service and build on our digital
Tasmanian, Western Australian, South
Woolworths has dubbed Primary Connect
offering to deliver safer and smarter supply
Australian and Queensland processing
as its evolution into an end-to-end service
chain solutions for partners. We’ve never
facilities to Woolworths distribution centres
provider for the Woolworths Group retail
been better placed to do so,” he said.
across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane,
business.
Woolworths’ existing Primary Connect
Adelaide, Perth and Launceston. The salads
This move follows a proposed separation
transport business is reported to service
are stocked in all Woolworths supermarkets
of Endeavour Group from the Woolworths
more than 1,000 external customers,
and replenished daily.
Group. Primary Connect, as a result, has
including Ingham’s, Kimberly-Clark, Marley
“Primary Connect is a premium supply chain
become a full-service supply chain service
Spoon and Diageo. All team members within
service provider with a vision similar to our
provider to liquor supermarket chains BWS
Woolworths Group Supply Chain will now
own,” said Houston’s Farm CEO, Richard
and Dan Murphy’s.
form part of the expanded Primary Connect
Hopkins.
“Establishing the Primary Connect platform
team.
“We’ve established a close working
is a key step in our ambition to build
Primary Connect’s transport business works
relationship with them over the years and
Australia’s next generation supply chain,”
with more than 70 trusted carrier partners
are able to share and implement ideas to
said Primary Connect Managing Director,
to optimise freight movements and improve
improve our offering for customers.
Paul Graham.
utilisation across its end-to-end network.
“Working with Primary Connect has made
“We run the largest and most distributed
In FY2020, Primary Connect moved more
transport and logistics much simpler for us
retail supply chain network in Australia.
than 8.4 million pallets across 4,000
to manage and allowed us to focus on what
“This size and scale provides us with a
locations for more than 1,000 suppliers with
we do best – growing the best quality fresh
unique opportunity to deliver a lot of value
high service levels.
produce for Australian families,” he said.
to business partners both within our group
Tasmanian-based salad grower Houston’s
Woolworths said in a statement there are
and beyond.
Farm has been a Primary Connect transport
no changes to the existing Supply Chain
“But it’s not enough to have a best-in-class
customer since 2017. Primary Connect
management team and Primary Connect will
network. To be successful in growing the
transports bagged salads and ready to
remain a key part of the Woolworths Group.
16
Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 20
Intermodal container terminal project reaches next stage To ensure the state remains competitive in
Transport Minister, Rita Saffioti, market-led
domestic and international markets, Western
proposals streamline ways for businesses and
Australia has advanced to Stage 2 on the
government to work together to create a
Bullsbrook Intermodal Container Terminal
stronger economy and jobs.
project.
As moving metropolitan freight from road
Currently under consideration by the
to rail helps reduce road congestion and
McGowan Government, a Market-
improve efficiency, safety and productivity of
led Proposal by Harvis Capital for the
the freight network, it would also boost the
development of a new Bullsbrook Intermodal
economy in the north-east corridor.
Container Terminal could unlock future
An intermodal terminal, as is being projected
development in Perth’s north-eastern
at present, would bring containerised
corridor, facilitating economic activity and
freight from Fremantle Port to unload in the
attracting job opportunities to the area.
Bullsbrook industrial area, where it would
With the Government entering the next
be transferred from rail to the regional road
stage of its project assessment process, it
network.
will further investigate the feasibility of the
“One of our key election commitments was
proposal, with the proponent to now submit
to move more freight onto rail to help ease
a detailed business case on the project.
road congestion and improve safety,”
According to a statement released by
said Saffioti.
Transport Minister, Rita Saffioti.
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NEWS
HVSI to boost wine supply chain safety The Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI) is
National Law (HVNL) include ensuring that
chain understand the practical steps they can
helping to fund a new code of practice for
goods are not overloaded, that they are
take to meet their heavy vehicle obligations.
the safer transportation of grapes on heavy
secured properly and that drivers are not
AGW CEO, Tony Battaglene, said the project
vehicles.
encouraged or pressured to speed or drive
was an opportunity for the Australian
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has
while fatigued.
wine industry to be at the centre of the
contributed a grant of $226,888. The funds are being facilitated by the South
“Of particular concern are grape spills on
development of the code of practice.
public roads which can create a community
“This is a great opportunity for all members
Australian Wine Industry Association (SAWIA)
safety hazard,” he said.
of the wine industry to collaborate to
and Australian Grape & Wine (AGW).
The SAWIA and the AGW said the code will
develop measures that can be adopted
SAWIA CEO, Brian Smedley, said heavy
take two years to finish with the first round
nationally to ensure the safe transportation
vehicle use was a key part of the wine supply
of industry engagement meetings to be
of grapes, byproducts and finished wine
chain.
carried out across South Australia between 9
on public roads, so that we comply with
“At a large winery in the Riverland wine
November 2020 and 17 December 2020.
the Chain of Responsibility laws,” said
region in South Australia, for example, there
Sessions in Victoria, New South Wales,
Battaglene.
can be up to 10,000 truck deliveries over an
Tasmania, Queensland and Western Australia
NHVR CEO, Sal Petroccitto, said heavy
eight-week vintage period,” said Smedley.
will reportedly follow in 2021.
vehicle safety is everyone’s responsibility.
“We know there were 30 grape spills in
Following these meetings, a draft Wine
“Through local safety programs, supported
Barossa and Riverland in 2019. Across
Industry Code of Practice will be created and
by local experts, we can make our roads
Australia, that number would be much
released for industry feedback.
safer for all road users,” said Petroccitto.
higher. These spills constitute a public safety
A final Wine Industry Code of Practice will
“We’re looking forward to working with the
risk and methods for reducing that risk must
be released by the end of 2021.
South Australian Wine Industry Association
be explored.”
Stage two of the project will see training
and Australian Grape & Wine to deliver
Smedley said the Chain of Responsibility
delivered across the 23 regions in 2022-23,
safety outcomes for all road users in grape
(CoR) obligations under the Heavy Vehicle
to ensure all members of the wine supply
growing regions of Australia.”
Action on grape spills will improve road safety.
18
Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 20
Mental health initiative targets construction workers A new initiative has been launched to address
cultural change in the construction industry
according to Transport for NSW.
suicide in the construction sector.
– highlighting that suicide is something
Young workers in the construction industry
Minister for Transport, Andrew Constance,
everyone has a responsibility to look out for
are reportedly more than twice as likely to die
officially opened the ‘MATES Stronger
and prevent.
from suicide than other young men.
Together’ program on 23 October 2020.
Minister for Mental Health, Bronnie
The ‘MATES Stronger Together’ program is
“We know that construction workers
Taylor, said the program would embed
run by MATES in Construction, a partnership
are at significantly greater risk of suicide
and normalise suicide prevention within a
between building companies, unions,
than workers in other industries, sadly a
vulnerable population.
employer groups, and mental health
worker takes their life every two days,” said
“We know over 40 per cent of people
organisations working to raise the standard of
Constance.
who die by suicide have not reached out
mental health in the industry.
“2020 has been one hell of a year, so it’s
for professional help, so creating a web of
MATES in Construction NSW CEO, Brad
particularly important at the moment to do
support within high risk communities like the
Parker, said the program was about giving
everything we can to safeguard the health,
construction industry is critical in encouraging
workers the tools they need to support their
safety and wellbeing of our workers,” he
help-seeking behaviour and saving lives,” said
mates on site. “MATES Stronger Together is
said.
Taylor.
about more than raising awareness, it’s about
Workers on Australia’s biggest public
Across Australia, 190 construction workers
providing workers with practical tools to help
transport project, Sydney Metro, attended
take their lives each year, six times the
them identify warning signs and act with
the program’s launch which aims to deliver
number killed in workplace accidents,
confidence,” he said.
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NEWS
Hogans Heavy Haulage takes on jet fighters for defence force A pair of recently decommissioned F/A-18A Hornets are set to take up residence at their
F/A-18A Hornet A21-022 in transit.
new home at the Australian War Memorial. The first of which was moved with the assistance of Hogans Heavy Haulage from RAAF Base Williamstown to Canberra as part of a heritage display. Retired on 14 May, 2020, the F/A-18A Hornet A21-022 had completed 30 years of service and 6131.5 flying hours with the Royal Australian Air Force. The aircraft, partially disassembled for transport, began its journey yesterday supervised by Hogans Heavy Haulage which deployed a 685 horsepower Mack SuperLiner pulling a Tuff drop deck extendable trailer. Gross combination mass according to the office of the Australian Defence Minister weighed in at around 35 tonnes.
step in the preservation of Australian war
Australian War Memorial.
Next month the aircraft will be reassembled
history.
“This will be a fantastic opportunity for
at the Treloar Technology Centre by
“This is a special aircraft for the RAAF,” said
generations of Australians to view and
Boeing Defence Australia before an official
Price.
appreciate example of Australian Air Force
handover ceremony to the Australian War
“It employed the first Australian weapon on
capability.”
Memorial planned in December.
Operation Falconer in 2003 and was also
The A21-022 left RAAF Base Williamtown
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price
deployed on Operation Okra in 2016-2017.
yesterday and is expected to arrive at the
said the expected arrival of the F/A-18A
“It is very fitting that it will now spend
Treloar Technology Centre in
Hornet A21-022 today would be a major
its next life on permanent display at the
Canberra today.
NorthConnex opens Australia’s deepest road tunnel,
easing congestion and improving safety.
generations to come.
NorthConnex, completes the missing link
NorthConnex opened on Saturday 31
“This is one of the most significant and
in the country’s national transport network
October 2020.
eagerly anticipated road infrastructure
according to Transurban.
Premier of New South Wales Gladys
projects ever delivered in Australia,” said
The dual nine kilometre tunnel in Sydney,
Berejiklian was joined by the Federal
Morrison.
linking the M1 Pacific Motorway at
Minister for Federal Minister for Population,
New South Wales Premier, Gladys
Wahroonga to the Hills M2 Motorway at
Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge,
Berejiklian, said the project has been a major
West Pennant Hills, features large 3.5 metre
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew
driver of employment, creating around
lanes that accommodate vehicles up to 5.1
Constance, Transurban CEO Scott Charlton,
8,700 jobs for the state.
metres high.
local MPs and workers at the official
“Around 300 businesses from the Western
New South Wales Minister for Transport and
opening event.
Sydney area and another 50 from the
Roads, Andrew Constance, said drivers will
Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, said
Central Coast have also contributed to the
bypass 21 sets of traffic lights along Pennant
NorthConnex had delivered thousands
project, highlighting the opportunities this
Hills Road and up to 5,000 trucks a day will
of jobs to support hard-working families
project has created for local suppliers and
be removed from this busy road corridor,
and now motorists would benefit for
contractors,” said Berejiklian.
20
Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 20
WA trailer builder co-wins Business of the Year award Western Australian trailer builder, Bruce Rock Engineering, and Pingelly-based Whitney Consulting were joint winners of the major award at the Wheatbelt Business Excellence Awards (WBEA) organised by the Wheatbelt Business Network (WBN). In celebration of the organisation’s 10th year, the WBEA awards night was held
Pingelly
got together, they were very much aligned
• 11-Plus Employees – Bruce Rock Engineering, Bruce Rock • People’s Choice Award – Bedford Arms Hotel, Brookton
in their thinking and each had the same top three businesses in each category, and their orders were all the same,” said Robinson. The WBN was founded at Merredin in 2010
• Innovation Award – York Community Resource Centre, York • Business of the Year – Equally awarded
and subsequently relocated to Narembeen with a primary purpose of bringing businesses together to network, as well
on 17 October at Cummins Theatre in
to Bruce Rock Engineering and Whitney
as to give them a voice and enable useful
Merredin.
Consulting
information to be disseminated.
Winners of the various Awards categories
The finalists were narrowed down from
“We decided to celebrate our 10th
included: • Start-up Business – Family Access
over 50 entries and according to WBN
anniversary in Merredin because that’s the
CEO, Caroline Robinson, the judges did an
town where we started and there are a
excellent job of collaborating to choose the
number of fantastic businesses there that
• Owner Operator – 14k Brewery, Muchea
winners.
helped me when we kicked off and that are
• One to Four Employees – Whitney
“Interestingly, one of the judges – Cathy
still members today,” said Robinson.
Wood from Stumpy’s Roadhouse at
“Hopefully we will be celebrating our 20th
Brookton – said that when the judges all
year in another decade’s time,” she said.
Services, Northam
Consulting, Pingelly • Five to 10 Employees – Pingelly Transport,
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NEWS
Online sales power Australian businesses through Covid-19 Research has found that Australian businesses
with up to 19 employees.
Australian eCommerce, but one we are
that invested in e-commerce have been
The findings come ahead of the upcoming
preparing for.”
buffered from the impacts of Covid-19
Christmas peak season and what is expected
Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety
compared to those that did not.
to be the largest eCommerce event in
and the Arts, Paul Fletcher, said the Deloitte
Deloitte Access Economics in partnership
Australian history, generating $4 billion in
analysis highlighted the role Australia Post
with postal service company Australia Post
spending or 25 per cent higher than last year.
had played in driving economic activity
shows that while revenue fell by up to 67
Australia Post Group Chief Executive and
through a trying period.
per cent for some industries at the height
Managing Director, Christine Holgate, said
“Small businesses have done it tough this
of the pandemic, the shift to additional
the research reaffirmed the unprecedented
year and Australia Post has provided many
online activity saw non-store revenue for the
demand Australia Post had experienced
with a critical connection to customers and
average small businesses increase by between
through Covid-19.
communities right across the country,” said
$105,000 and $708,000.
“We have seen e-commerce accelerate
Fletcher. “By focusing on the opportunities of
The positive impact of e-commerce from
through this pandemic, with Australia
eCommerce, businesses say they have been
March to August 2020 also included:
Post providing a valuable lifeline to many
able to protect not only their bottom line, but
Helping 73 per cent of businesses to
businesses, as our people work tirelessly to
the livelihoods of millions of Australians who
retain employees; allowing 61 per cent of
help deliver the additional $4.2 billion in
rely on our business sector for employment.”
businesses to keep operating through the
online spending activity,” said Holgate.
Deloitte Access Economics partner, John
crisis; assisting surveyed businesses to limit
“Australians are embracing home delivery
O’Mahony, noted that while 51 per cent of
overall revenue losses to 7.0 per cent, despite
in record numbers and this analysis shows
businesses expect economic recovery from
in-store revenues falling by 21 per cent;
that over the next 12 months home delivery
Covid-19 to be at least 12 months away,
and increasing non-store revenue by 17 per
is expected to remain 25 per cent higher
there are three areas of focus for businesses
cent for small businesses with up to four
than pre-Covid levels. That is a significant
in the months ahead, including digitisation,
employees and by 23 per cent for businesses
challenge for us as the engine room of
supply chain resilience and business strategy.
ARTSA-i releases Q3 2020 heavy vehicle market report ARTSA-i has released its latest heavy vehicle
seven years. Total registrations, however,
registration count and a greater slowing in
market report which reviews the September
mask what is actually happening as this
retirements pushes up the median age of
quarter and longer term changes in heavy
number varies according to the number of
the fleet. While rigids and prime movers
rigid, prime mover and trailer registrations.
new equipment being registered and older
median ages have increased marginally over
The pool of registered medium (4.5- to
equipment being retired.
the last seven years, trailers have increased
12-tonne Gross Vehicle Mass – GVM) and
The growth in new registrations over the
significantly and are now approaching the
heavy (>12 tonne GVM) rigids, prime movers,
last 12 months across rigids, prime movers
median age of rigid vehicles at around
trailers, special purpose vehicles and buses
and trailers has been negative, ranging from
14 years.
has reportedly grown from 896,000 units at
9 per cent to nearly 17 per cent compared
Note that the median age of a fleet is the age
the end of 2013 to 994,000 at the end of
with the previous year’s new registrations.
for which there are equal numbers of newer
September 2020.
When compared with new registrations for
and older vehicles.
Total registrations, according to ARTSA-i,
the same quarter of the previous year the
Last quarter, ARTSA-i commented:
seem to be immune to economic cycles with
reductions are similar.
“The Federal Governments tax write off
an almost unbroken and steady increase in
When compared with the immediate prior
incentives as well as their commitment to
the total pool of registered heavy vehicle
quarter (Q2 2020) the reductions are smaller
accelerating the expenditure on infrastructure
equipment over the last seen years. It
while prime movers registered a small
projects is expected to provide a kick along
represents a 10 per cent growth in the total
increase of 1.0 per cent.
for heavy vehicle purchases in the third and
park of registered equipment over nearly
The inevitable impact of a slowing new
fourth quarters of 2020”.
22
Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 20
Independent advocate for small business owners aims to block Woolworths’ fleet purchase.
Ombudsman opposes Woolworths’ ‘opportunistic’ acquisition plan Kate Carnell of the Australian Small
opportunities in the large supermarket
“I share ACCC Chair Rod Sims’ concerns
Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman
space, it is moving into the smaller
about companies that have too much
has urged the Australian Competition &
supermarket arena. Allowing Woolworths
market power,” said Carnell.
Consumer Commission (ACCC) to oppose
to buy PFD would significantly improve
“Independent Food Distributors Australia
Woolworths’ proposed takeover of PFD
its competitive position against other
(IFDA) estimates Woolworths – which
Foods Services.
smaller supermarket operators. Claims
already accounts for about a third of
The Ombudsman is urging the regulator to
by Woolworths about plans to establish
supermarket sales – would pick up a large
block Woolworths’ proposed $552 million
Chinese walls to prevent PFD passing on
chunk of the food services market as a result
purchase of a controlling interest (65 per
information about small supermarket
of this deal, setting smaller competitors up
cent) in PFD, saying the deal would be
competitors is questionable.”
to fail.
detrimental to small businesses in the food
This deal, according to Carnell, would
“The ACCC should also consider the impact
distribution space and the economy more
dramatically impact the food distribution
this deal could have on manufacturers and
broadly.
market – many of which are small and
farmers. The last thing they need right now
“Woolworths has described its push into
family businesses.
is a dominant market player putting price
the food services sector as a ‘strategic
“Small food distributors are only now
pressure on suppliers.
investment’ but the timing is opportunistic
starting to get back on their feet after
“Australian small businesses have been hit
at best,” said Carnell.
months of heavily restricted trade due to
hardest by this pandemic and now is not
“Woolworths has been a beneficiary of
the forced closure of pubs, clubs and other
the time for opportunistic takeovers by large
Covid restrictions, with its supermarket
commercial venues,” said Carnell.
corporations. Intervention by our regulators
operations seeing a significant upswing in
Job losses is also a concern for Carnell as
may be the only way to stop it,” she said.
sales, while independent food distributors
smaller suppliers and distributors would be
In August 2020, Woolworths was one of
have struggled.
hard pressed to compete if a major player
the first conglomerates to emerge from
“Now that Woolworths has exhausted
like Woolworths muscles in.
lockdown with a landmark transaction. www.trailermag.com.au
23
ECONOMY
What you need to know in December SANITISING WORKPLACES COMES AT A GREAT COST, ESPECIALLY DURING A PANDEMIC. ANTI-VIRAL SPECIALISTS WEIGH IN ON HOW THIS IMPACTS THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY AND THE BROADER ECONOMY.
0.25%
0.82%
3.4%
INTEREST RATE OCTOBER 2020
GOVERNMENT BOND 1OY OCTOBER 2020
INFLATION EXPECTATIONS OCTOBER 2019
A new study has found that three in every
as best they can.
New research has found that 59 per cent
five Australians have been expected to clean
Shared spaces of transport depots and
of employees in a recent survey admitted
their workplaces this year at the height of a
truck cabins, long considered the office of
their organisations have asked them, or
global pandemic.
the heavy vehicle operator, have naturally
their colleagues, to clean areas of their
Throughout the tumult of 2020, many road
come under additional scrutiny as workers
workplace.
transport companies have been required to
and management have had to take a non-
The findings come from an independent
work right through the uncertainty of the
negotiable attitude to reducing the chances
survey of a nationally representative
Covid-19 pandemic mitigating safety risks
of spreading the virus.
panel of 1,000 Australian employees,
There is increased scrutiny on hygiene and workplace health and safety due to Covid-19.
24
Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 20
AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS CONFIDENCE
20
1
0 0
-1
-3
-6
-2 -14
-8
-4 -20
-21 -40
-46 -60
-66 Oct 2019
Jan 2020
Apr 2020
Jul 2020
-80
Sources: tradingeconomics.com | National Australia Bank
commissioned by Cleancorp, a specialist anti-viral commercial cleaning company. According to the survey, more than half (55 per cent) of Australian workers have been asked by management – or think they will be asked when they get back to work – to take responsibility for sanitising their own workspaces so that it becomes a normal part of their workday, and doesn’t burden the company with additional cleaning costs.
According to the survey, more than half (55 per cent) of Australian workers have been asked by management – or think they will be asked when they get back to work – to take responsibility for sanitising their own workspaces so that it becomes a normal part of their workday, and doesn’t burden the company with additional cleaning costs.
It also appears the larger the organisation,
figure climbed to 73 per cent of those in
light switches, elevator buttons and taps –
the more regularly their workplaces are
the media and entertainment industry.
at least once daily, a concerning 34 per cent
being cleaned.
This compares with 46 per cent working in
of respondents admit their workplaces are
More than half (54 per cent) of respondents
IT, energy and telecommunications services,
not cleaned that often. Concerningly, more
in organisations of 501-1000 employees
and 40 per cent in financial and insurance
than a fifth (22 per cent) say they have
and 51 per cent of respondents in
services.
not seen any additional cleaning efforts to
organisations of 51-500 employees said
No figures had been provided from the
reduce the risk of Covid-19 infection in their
their workplace is being cleaned more
logistics and road freight industries where
workplace.
regularly. This compares with 44 per cent
staff are often, as part of Covid-19 best
According to Lisa Macqueen, co-founder
of those in small organisations (15-50
practice, required to disinfect and sanitise
and Director at Cleancorp, it is cause for
employees), and 34 per cent micro-
shared facilities from warehouses to mobile
concern to see such a high number of
businesses (up to 15 employees).
equipment.
workplaces asking their own employees
Forty-four (44) per cent of respondents
Two-thirds (66 per cent) of respondents
to do the cleaning work as many are not
indicated that their workplace is being
also said their workplace is being cleaned
implementing daily cleaning practices.
cleaned more regularly, while 15 per cent
daily. In fact, a higher proportion of those
“Given the current climate, cutting
say their workplace is being cleaned more
working in the education industry say their
corners by using untrained staff and
thoroughly, and a fifth (20 per cent) reveal
workplace is being cleaned every day, at
failing to enforce appropriate measures
it is being cleaned more regularly and more
79 per cent, along with 74 per cent of
in the workplace can have a devastating
thoroughly.
those in healthcare. This compares with
impact on your organisation, as it not only
Those working in the media and
56 per cent of those in IT, energy and
opens staff up to the risk of contracting
entertainment, healthcare and retail
telecommunications, and 54 per cent of
Covid-19, but to injury as well,” she said.
industries are more likely to have been
those in the building and construction
“Organisations have a responsibly to keep
tasked with such responsibilities.
industry.
their staff safe and it is extremely important
Sixty-four (64) per cent in healthcare and
Despite Safe Work Australia advising
to hire a professional anti-viral cleaning
retail are taking responsibility for the
workplaces clean frequently touched
service to undertake the cleaning of the
sanitisation of their workspaces while that
surfaces – such as counters, door handles,
workplace on a regular basis.” www.trailermag.com.au
25
SPECIAL REPORT
New traditionalists AUSTRALIA’S WORLD-LEADING PERFORMANCE-BASED STANDARDS SCHEME CONTINUES TO GATHER MOMENTUM AS MORE OPERATORS REALISE THE BENEFITS. THE NATIONAL HEAVY VEHICLE REGULATOR CHIEF ENGINEER, LES BRUZSA, PROVIDES AN UPDATE OUTLINING JUST HOW MUCH THE HIGH PRODUCTIVITY SYSTEM HAS IMPROVED AND GROWN IN RECENT TIMES, WHILE SMEDLEY’S ENGINEERS RAMPS UP ITS OPERATIONS TO MEET MARKET DEMAND. In spite of a decidedly lacklustre year
PBS scheme over the past decade is a clear
Enter the Quadfather
on a number of fronts, the uptake of
testament to the freight industry’s desire to
As an Automotive Mechanical Engineer, his
Performance-Based Standards (PBS) by a
innovate and be smarter.
background includes over three decades
broad cross section of the trucking industry
As the freight task continues to grow, PBS
of experience in various fields of the road
has continued unabated as operators
will be an essential tool in meeting this
transport industry both locally and overseas.
seek out ways to improve productivity
growth in the safest, most productive and
Between 1995 and 2013 he was employed
and efficiency. PBS is a world-leading
efficient manner possible.
by the Queensland Transport Department
program that enables Australia’s heavy
The Australian Road Transport Suppliers
and Transport and Main Roads as Principal
vehicle industry to use the most productive
Association Institute (ARTSA-i) and the
Engineer, responsible for assessing new
vehicles for specific freight tasks. It fosters
National heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR)
vehicle combinations, developing technical
innovation in vehicle design to improve
want to see further barriers removed that
standards, policies and guidelines for vehicle
productivity while achieving safer operation
potentially limit this innovation to ensure
use, access and management.
and making minimal impact on road
future generations of PBS vehicles are safer,
In his current position, Les provides
infrastructure.
cleaner and even more productive.
engineering and technical leadership to the
To achieve that goal the current scheme
strategic development and improvement
A PBS retrospective
framework needs to be continuously
of the PBS Scheme and leading the
The National Transport Commission (NTC)
improved and hurdles to the use of PBS
development of NHVR engineering and
implemented the current PBS scheme in
equipment need to be tackled to ensure
technical standards related to heavy vehicle
2008. Now 12 years down the track, it is
Australia continues to lead the world in
safety and productivity.
more than delivering on the opportunities
innovative regulation of heavy vehicles.
Speaking about the current state of play
that were foreshadowed at the outset
When it comes to talking about PBS and
with PBS, Les says a significant milestone
to unlock productivity gains and improve
the benefits it can deliver to the industry,
was reached early this year with approval
safety outcomes. Indeed, it would appear
none are more passionate than Les Bruzsa,
granted for the 10,000th PBS combination.
the exponentially increasing success of the
Chief Engineer at the NHVR.
“That number has continued to grow
26
Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 20
Powered by
ERH operates split quad-axle semi-trailer fridge vans with 28-pallet cargo capacity. A tri-axle group at the rear is complemented by a single self-steerable axle located forward of the tri.
significantly this year, reaching 11,350 at
three years around 20 per cent of the total
means that around 93 per cent of the PBS
the end of October, and it’s very important
new heavy vehicle market has been PBS
fleet are the shorter combinations in the
to celebrate that achievement because it
approved which he describes as very good
general access vehicle and B-double classes,
far surpasses original predictions when the
market penetration.
with 56 per cent coming in under 20m
Scheme was first implemented,” he says. Les explains that when the fledgling PBS Scheme had its first review in 2009 the prediction was that there would be 12,000 PBS combinations registered by 2030. Instead, that number is set to be reached some ten years earlier.
The fact that the PBS uptake rate is still increasing, rather than reducing in line with the drop in new vehicle registrations, shows that the industry is supporting PBS and selecting these PBS vehicle options when available.
Has Covid-19 impacted PBS? In addition to the higher than expected
Innovative combinations have their
overall length and largely comprising truck
uptake over the last decade or so, Les also
perks
and four-axle dog combinations.”
notes that the effects of Covid-19 and a
“What’s also interesting is that the median
He adds that this should allay any fears that
weaker economy have not significantly
age of PBS vehicles is 4.3 years compared
some road managers may have had that PBS
lowered the PBS uptake this year. In fact, he
with 11 years for prime movers – and around
would be responsible for putting ‘monster’
states that year-on-year results comparing
13 years, for rigid trucks and trailers.
trucks on the road.
this year’s forecasted total with that of 2019
“What this means,” he elaborates, “is that
Of the common criticisms of the PBS
are surprisingly similar.
the PBS fleet is fitted with superior safety
Scheme, excessive time taken to grant
“I estimate that this year we will end up
technologies and designed to higher level
approvals has been arguably the most
with a total of 1,600 to 1,650 combinations
technical standards.”
prevalent. However, Les is adamant that
compared with around 1,700 last year,” he
This observation aligns with data garnered
big strides have been made in this area,
says. “This is no mean feat considering the
by the NTC which suggests a 46 per cent
particularly over the last three years, and will
whole country is in an economic downturn
reduced crash rate can be attributed to the
continue to be made moving forward.
with around a 20 per cent drop in new truck
use of PBS-approved heavy vehicles.
“We have made a lot of internal process
registrations.
The split between the four PBS levels (L1, L2,
changes and improvements to help make
“The fact that the PBS uptake rate is still
L3 and L4) of different PBS combinations is
the approval process more efficient. In
increasing, rather than reducing in line with
also a point of interest.
terms of the design and vehicle approvals,
the drop in new vehicle registrations, shows
“L1 accounts for 16 per cent while 42
we are monitoring our response times to
that the industry is supporting PBS and
per cent is L2 and 35 per cent has dual L1
ensure expediency,” Les says. “We have
selecting these PBS vehicle options when
and L2 approval, the latter being vehicles
also introduced the PBS pre-advised design
available.”
approved for two different levels,” Les
approval process.
Expanding further, Les says over the past
explains. “Adding these figures together
“For instance, more than 70 per cent of the www.trailermag.com.au
27
SPECIAL REPORT
Nolan’s Interstate Transport operates a variety of high productivity vehicles including PBS quad axle trailers, FTE split quad axle and Volvo FH16 as well as PBS A-Doubles.
Case study: Nolan’s Interstate Transport Longstanding transport company, Nolan’s Interstate Transport, specified a FTE quad axle trailer (26-pallet capacity) which is paired with a Kenworth T610SAR prime mover. The combination length is 20,560mm with a mass limit of 50.5 tonnes. New vehicle approval, at the time of writing, is also underway for a PBS split quad and prime mover combination. Other PBS combinations the fleet has invested in, with the support of Smedley’s Engineers, includes PBS A-double, two FTE tri-axle trailers (paired with either a Kenworth T610SAR or T409SAR) spec’d at 22-pallet capacity and combination lengths of 35,384mm or 35,389mm. Mass limit is 85.5 tonnes. There are also two FTE tri-axle trailers (22-pallet) paired with Volvo FH16 with a combination length of 34,954mm and a mass limit of 85.5 tonnes. The PBS quad trailers with prime mover are approved to run between Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia – as per state-approved road networks and conditions as well as point-to-point nominated routes such as markets and Nolan’s depot access. As for the PBS A-doubles, they are clear to run between Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. “Smedley’s knowledge, advice, experience and contacts in the industry has assisted with recommendations on the route access and submission to the NHVR for road access permits,” says Nolan’s Director, Flea Nolan. He added that there are numerous important features across these PBS combinations, including the ability to move a greater volume of produce/product per combination within the same timeframe, fewer vehicle movements for greater volume, a reduction in running costs per pallet space movements and increased productivity. The quad, Flea explains, provides better access to sites where lay parking, access and coupling/uncoupling times can be an issue. “Over a 12-month period, this saves hours of wasted time at point of loading and unloading,” Flea says. “Some sites do not provide parking and have your drivers coupling and uncoupling in streets within a few blocks around the site.” He says that for every three A-doubles there is one fewer B-double trip. Similarly, over a 12-month period this means a large decrease in the number of heavy vehicle movements on highways. “These PBS-approved truck-trailer combinations, with the implementation of ABS and EBS, means greater safety for our drivers as well as other road users and the general public,” Flea says. “In addition to improving safety, we are also minimising our impact i.e. wear and tear on the road networks as we’re running fewer truck trips as a result of streamlining our operational efficiencies.” Flea is also pleased with Smedley’s assistance with the submissions to the NHVR for vehicle approval. “Smedley has assisted with achieving a shorter route access approval times by submitting an application for a Notification of PBS In-Principle Access Support during the build stage,” he says. “During the build and approval stage you are reliant on efficient timeframes form all parties for a time effective and seamless approval. “Smedley’s has been extremely knowledgeable and forthcoming with information to assist with seamless approvals. Overall, top notch customer service and ability to work in with our needs and requirements.”
28
Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 20
Powered by
With four metres of extra deck length, and 11 tonnes of extra mass over the standard 26m B-double, this combination achieves similar access outcomes.
PBS design applications are now handled
industry,” he says.
Smedley’s Engineers on staying ahead of
under the pre-advised process which
In sum, from the comprehensive rundown
the curve
means that the NHVR is able to approve
Les Bruzsa provides, it appears that trucking
As the industry continues to gain more
the combinations for these specific designs
operators and the NHVR are working more
confidence in the PBS system and the
within two to three business days.”
co-operatively than ever before to achieve
National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR)
Les points out that this is a huge
the best PBS outcomes.
that controls it, more innovative and larger
improvement compared with just a few years
It seems that the industry has recognised
PBS combinations are hitting the roads
ago when this same approval process took
that selecting pre-advised designs is a
around Australia.
20 to 25 business days.
sure-fire way to ensure a speedy approvals
While the relatively straightforward designs
“I think the industry really appreciates
process which, in turn, enables operators
and route access requirements have made
this process improvement and is generally
to get the most productive combinations
truck and four- or five-axle dog tipper
trusting the NHVR to be responsive and to
quickly on the road and earning them better
combinations the bread-and-butter of the
deliver reliable and quick services to the
profits.
PBS Scheme since its inception, new larger combinations like quad-quad B-doubles, split axle group tri or quad semi-trailers and over 30m A-doubles are becoming more popular. According to Robert Smedley, the Managing Director of Melbourne-based Smedley’s Engineers, these three combinations are starting to cause more interest in terms of productivity benefits among operators. “We’re seeing in the split quad semis as much payload mass although not quite the payload height of standard B-doubles,” Robert says. Innovative combinations such as these are not as easy to get on the road compared with truck and dog combinations where access requirements are still rather complicated, particularly in Victoria. ERH Refrigerated Transport is a Victorian based company that runs a number of split-quad National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Chief Engineer, Les Bruzsa.
semi-trailers. “The NSW and QLD permits came in within one month but the Victorian permits took www.trailermag.com.au
29
SPECIAL REPORT
well over six months to be granted, which
ourselves busy, but our revenue for that two-
indicates that PBS uptake is well and truly on
meant it took a lot of effort on our part to
month period was probably the lowest we’d
the rise.
get these combinations on the road,” he says.
seen for about two years.”
“New vehicle registrations are down but
Robert says this is a good example of
Robert says after the stimulus packages were
PBS approved vehicles now make up an
how an organisation such as Smedley’s
announced by the Federal Government the
increasingly larger proportion of the overall
Engineers – that covers everything including
rate of enquiry and subsequent business
truck market and this is a trend we expect
access permits, assessment and certification
growth quickly bounced back and has stayed
will continue,” Robert says.
in-house – can make the whole process
buoyant ever since.
“Further to this,” he adds, “we believe our
much less complicated and achieve better
“We have seen a 40 to 50 per cent growth
market share in terms of PBS approvals and
outcomes for operators than if they tried to organise everything themselves. “We have a lot of experience with the access requirements of PBS and are able to manage the whole PBS process every step of the way in a very streamlined manner,” Robert says.
We have a lot of experience with the access requirements of PBS and are able to manage the whole PBS process every step of the way in a very streamlined manner.
In line with many businesses connected with road transport, Smedley’s Engineers
in the amount of work coming in this year
certification work has increased markedly
has actually seen a marked increase in its
and in the month of October we employed
this year because we as a business are a lot
workload this year, as opposed to other
three new engineers, bringing our total
busier this year compared with 2019.”
industries that have been plagued by the
number of engineers to ten,” he says. “Even
Robert concludes that the growth and
detrimental effects of Covid.
with three additional engineers, we are still
operations of Smedley’s Engineers is being
“When Covid first hit there was a lot of
struggling to catch up with the backlog of
carefully monitored to ensure the high
uncertainty because no one really knew
work, meaning we will probably need to
standards of customer service the company
what was going to happen and whether
employ another engineer before too long.”
is known for are maintained as employee
or not road transport would be deemed an
Robert mentions that being a member of
numbers grow to meet the
essential service,” Robert says. “Especially
ARTSA-i means he’s across all the new truck
increased demand.
from a consultancy point of view and
registration data which shows there’s been
in regard to vehicle inspections and
a significant slump in new truck sales this
certifications there was a period of a month
year. He contends that the rise in workload
or two where we weren’t sure which way
his company has seen this year in the face
it was going to go. Nevertheless, we kept
of a downturn in new heavy vehicle sales
Vawdrey 30m A-double combination features 11 axles – two tri-axle semi-trailers linked by a tandem-axle converter dolly.
30
Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 20
Contact Smedley’s Engineers 110 Highett Street Richmond VIC 3121 Ph: 03 9421 6697 Web: www.smedleys.com
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E
PBS EQUIPMENT
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,
Auswide has embraced Performance-Based
trailers, providing the dramatic reduction
Melbourne-based Auswide Transport
Standards (PBS) in a big way, as evidenced
in swept path necessary for such a long
Solutions has grown significantly to embody
by its latest significant order of Vawdrey
B-double combination.
a fleet of more than 130 prime movers and
Titeliner B-double sets.
Other features of note include WABCO EBS,
450 trailing equipment units.
The order includes a good number of tri-tri
Intelligent Access Program (IAP) approved
The core business model is to provide a safe
(axle) double drop deck B-doubles which are
on-board weighing system, Vawdrey’s
and reliable nationwide freight service using
4.6m high and approved to operate at up to
load-rated Lift-A-Gate system fitted to the
semi-trailers, B-doubles and road trains. The
68.5-tonne Gross Combination Mass (GCM).
side gates along with load restraint rated
company’s compliance requirements are
curtains.
maintained using Basic Fatigue Management
The units are 30m long with a 42-pallet capacity and a voluminous 215m3 combined
(BFM) and Maintenance and Mass
load space. Critically, mezzanine decks
Operations Manager at Auswide Transport
Management under the National Heavy
fitted to both top and bottom decks of both
Solutions, the new combinations will be
Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) as
trailers mean that the total available volume
initially used on the linehaul route between
well as Western Australian Heavy Vehicle
can be effectively used by adjusting the mez
Melbourne and Sydney carrying a wide
Accreditation.
deck heights to suit the freight dimensions.
variety of time critical general freight on
Auswide claims to be the largest third-party
In addition, these combinations also feature
behalf of its customers which includes
logistics (3PL) provider in Victoria and among
sliding mezzanine deck posts to assist in
parcels, palletised freight and cages. After
the top five largest 3PL providers in Australia.
maximising freight tasks.
the combinations are bedded in, they will
Having grown to this size while maintaining
A full complement of BPW axles and
likely be sent farther afield to the other
a razor-sharp focus on operational safety
suspension includes self-steerable axles on
mainland capitals including Brisbane,
and efficiencies, it’s hardly surprising that
the rearmost positions of both lead and tag
Adelaide and Perth.
32
Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 20
According to Tom Pausic, National
Tom says the mezzanine decks are a critical
He adds that the difficulties faced pale into
embracing PBS and making the considerable
component of the new combinations as they
insignificance compared with the valuable
investment in new equipment that has a
enable cargo volumes and payloads to be
productivity gains that PBS has brought the
positive effect on productivity, thus helping
maximised on every trip.
company and that he expects these new
them to better manage the growing freight
“We service a wide variety of customers and
combinations will be the first of many more
task.
their freight often includes odd shapes and
to come.
“We are pleased to be able to work with
sizes ranging from parcels, pallets and caged
“Our clients will see significant advantages
Auswide to manufacture these high
freight,” he says. “As a result, the mezzanine decks make the trailers very versatile for
from the use of these trailers,” he says. “The
productivity trailers that will make a huge
access has taken longer than anticipated.
We service a wide variety of customers and their freight often includes odd shapes and sizes ranging from parcels, pallets and caged freight. As a result, the mezzanine decks make the trailers very versatile for our customers’ operations and their freight requirements.
Despite this, Tom has glowing praise for
eight additional pallet spaces (compared with
difference to the company’s operations,”
Vawdrey in terms of how quickly the
a standard 34-pallet B-double) coupled with
Paul says.
company was able to manufacture the
greater internal capacity and added weight
With the help of Vawdrey Australia, Auswide
trailers and deal with all the ins and outs of
allowances will mean far fewer incidences of
will continue to procure state-of-the-art
the approval process in the current climate
split consignments and freight being left on
trailing equipment to keep it at the cutting
of Covid-19. “Hats off to Vawdrey, they have done
the floors. The indirect cost savings to these
edge in terms of productivity and safety
customers due to their pick-up and delivery
– two critical elements of today’s road
an excellent job of building the trailers
(PUD) trucks not having to circle back for
transport fleet.
and helping us get all our ducks in a row
the remainder of the consignment, from
despite external circumstances beyond their control,” Tom says. “They have really made
other linehaul arrivals, will be evident almost immediately.”
the process more bearable than it otherwise
Paul Vawdrey, Director of Vawdrey Australia,
would have been.”
says it’s great to see companies like Auswide
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’
Contact Vawdrey Australia 1-53 Quantum Close Dandenong South Vic 3175 Ph: 03 9797 3700 Web: www.vawdrey.com.au
www.trailermag.com.au
33
PBS EQUIPMENT
Collaboration delivers success for Tiger Spider DESPITE A YEAR OF TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS – SOME OF WHICH THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY HAS WEATHERED TOGETHER – THE PERFORMANCE-BASED STANDARDS SPECIALISTS AT TIGER SPIDER HAVE ONCE AGAIN TRIUMPHED THROUGH INNOVATION, PERSISTENCE AND PASSION. 2020 has been an eventful, if not surreal
Performance-Based Standards (PBS),
“We’ve kept a close eye on the reforms and
year for all people throughout the world.
engineering and software services.
are always keen to work with road managers
As the first wave of Covid-19 took hold in
Despite the pandemic, it has been a
and regulators to support PBS reforms. This
March, Tiger Spider’s principal engineers
very busy year for PBS, both in terms of
includes collaborating with the NHVR digital
Marcus and Brendan Coleman mourned
market activity and regulatory reform. The
products group to improve the NHVR portal
the loss of their father, Leo, who died after
National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR)
processing of PBS applications.”
complications from heart surgery. As the team at Tiger Spider adapted to new
has undertaken reviews into PBS tyres and
Collaboration, according to Marcus, is in
pavement horizontal loading standards and
Tiger Spider’s DNA.
work at home arrangements, Marcus and
Tiger Spider provided technical inputs and
“We recognise that to be successful in
Brendan made funeral arrangements in
advice on both projects to the NHVR in
transport you need to work with and
Mollymook, New South Wales, where only
2020.
develop strong relationships with customers,
months earlier they hunkered down with
“A key consideration for us was whether
help them support their customers, and
their parents wondering whether they would
our existing clients and approval holders will
work with all complimentary resources in the
survive the impeding inferno of summer
be disadvantaged by any changes to PBS
supply chain, including regulators and road
bushfires. Happily, the archbishop provided
standards and processes, and to ensure the
managers,” he says. “No one business can
last minute dispensation for the funeral to
scheme doesn’t take a backward step, to
go it alone in transport. We are blessed with
proceed and the Coleman family were able to
keep delivering on safety and productivity,”
a strong network across the industry, which
lay Leo to rest overlooking Mollymook beach. Fortunately, the capable Tiger Spider
Marcus Coleman, Tiger Spider founder and
means we can confidently push the limits of
Managing Director, says.
innovation, safe in the knowledge that the
engineering, software and road access teams
“It was therefore pleasing to see that the
end-user won’t be let down.”
were able to press on and maintain seamless
National Transport Commission (NTC) review
Tiger Spider is also committed to research
business continuity during this time, quickly
recommended that productivity and safety
and development and this year was happy to
adapting to working remotely from home.
are maintained as dual objectives and PBS
mint its first PhD with Dr Joshua Allwright.
After the initial shock in March the year
is a key focus of the heavy vehicle law –
Tiger Spider sponsored Joshua’s PhD in
progressed steadily for Tiger Spider
improving both productivity and safety is
electric traction systems which investigated
with increasing growth in demand for
central to everything we do at Tiger Spider.
the viability of electric traction systems for
34
Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 20
Bruce Rock Engineering B-quin.
collaborative environment like Tiger Spider.
Spider Path a useful tool when making
I’m so grateful to be working with Marcus
purchase and access decisions for PBS
and Brendan who have so much engineering
combinations.” Marcus says.
experience and expertise.”
Spider path allows a user to check any PBS
This year also saw the engineers at Tiger
combination over a Google map image and
Spider hard at work harnessing their
will soon include high-resolution Nearmaps
knowledge and processes into reconfiguring
images for more accurate swept path
their software products.
analysis. Fleet Form is a customisable PBS
Tiger Spider reconfigured three Software
management system designed for businesses
I’ve been fortunate to work on some really interesting projects at Tiger Spider – trailer design automation using Autodesk inventor, a hybrid powertrain along with some innovative drawbar designs have been highlights.
PBS Vehicles.
as a Service (SaaS) products this year –
that produce or maintain large PBS fleets.
Joshua now works full-time at Tiger Spider,
Hevi Spec, Spider Path, and Fleet Form.
Tiger Spider in collaboration with partner
while continuing his research into heavy
Hevi Spec is the flagship PBS Assessment
Computational Mechanics have also released
electric vehicles along with mentoring the
product which has been developed to make
a new pneumatic systems module in 2020
Swinburne Formula SAE team and teaching
PBS assessment more accessible to truck
developed in response to Hendrickson
Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Joshua has
and trailer manufacturers and equipment
Australia’s desire to have a more advanced
worked on several key client projects and has
suppliers. Complementing this is Spider Path,
suspension modelling capability.
boosted Tiger Spiders structural design, FEA
and online swept path analysis tool aimed
Aside from the behind the scenes work
and consulting capacity.
at transport companies and road managers
that goes on in supporting the PBS Scheme
“I’ve been fortunate to work on some
to give them the tools and confidence that
perhaps the most interesting things Tiger
really interesting projects at Tiger Spider –
a longer PBS combination will work in their
Spider has been involved in this year are the
trailer design automation using Autodesk
yard and on their required route.
new PBS combinations and concepts they
inventor, a hybrid powertrain along with
“We’re had really positive feedback from
have been involved in.
some innovative drawbar designs have
state road managers who’ve adopted Spider
Most notably the Europantech Mega Van
been highlights,” Joshua says. “Doing a
Path after careful testing to ensure that it
with multiple tandem axle groups, the
PhD is a very solitary pursuit. It surprised me
was reliable and met their needs. We believe
Snowy Hydro 2.0 B-triple pipe segment
how much can be achieved working in a
fleet and local road managers will also find
carrier with 6x6 prime mover designed to transport pipe segments from Cooma deep
Spider Path swept path image using aerial imagery technology, Nearmap.
in the Snowy mountains and various WA road train concepts like the Bruce Rock Engineering B-quin and Howard Porter and Tieman quad-axle road trains. “Seeing the new concepts move from idea to reality and pushing the limits of what we can do is what PBS and the Australian transport industry is all about,” Marcus says. “If 2020 has proven anything it is that it will take a lot more than a global pandemic, draconian lockdowns or global geopolitical crisis to stop the Australian transport industry moving forward.” Contact Tiger Spider 106/181 St Kilda Road St Kilda VIC 3182 Ph: 03 9537 1027 Web: www.tigerspider.com.au
www.trailermag.com.au
35
TRAILER BUILDER
Rolling out the rollback BRUCE ROCK ENGINEERING HAS EXPANDED ITS COLD CORE MSC RANGE OF REFRIGERATED TRAILERS TO INCLUDE A 12-PALLET ROLLBACK B-DOUBLE LEAD TRAILER. STRONG, LIGHT-TARE ULTRA HIGH-TENSILE STEEL CHASSIS AND CLASS-LEADING THERMAL EFFICIENCY ARE BIG DRAWCARDS. Since launching its Cold Core MSC 45’
The company is also able to custom-build
in outback Australia.
refrigerated trailer at the Brisbane Truck Show
units to individual client requirements and
BRE is the sole Australian distributor for
last year, Bruce Rock Engineering (BRE) has
deliver its products Australia-wide through its
Wabash National, North America’s largest
been busy developing a number of variants
national dealer network.
trailer manufacturer, which produces the
including rollback lead trailers for B-double
With low tare weight and extremely high
Moulded Structural Composite (MSC) panels
operation.
thermal efficiency performance, the Cold
that are imported by BRE and assembled
Other available versions include a 48’
Core MSC refrigerated trailer range by BRE
to make the Cold Core MSC bodies at its
(24-pallet) van along with Performance-Based
has been designed and tested to operate
manufacturing facilities in Bruce Rock and
Standards (PBS) approved units including 30m
under the harshest of conditions – typified by
Forrestfield, Western Australia.
A-doubles and longer quad-axle semi-trailers.
mid-summer temperatures in excess of 50°C
According to BRE, Cold Core MSC van bodies
Bruce Rock Engineering has expanded its Cold Core MSC range of refrigerated trailers to include a 12-pallet rollback B-double lead variant.
36
Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 20
thermal efficiency result ever achieved by an
manufacturers.
Australian manufactured refrigerated trailer.
Wheel choice includes Alcoa or BRE forged
“Many Australian freight operators are
polished alloy wheels with 11R 22.5” tyres,
familiar with the Wabash name and the
while a dual spare tyre carrier is standard.
Fast Fact
benefits that weight reductions in its
The single-piece moulded structural
BRE had thermal performance testing
products can have in increasing their payload
composite floor, roof and front wall panels
undertaken by Supercool in Brisbane
capacities,” says Damion Verhoogt, Bruce
have an insulation thickness of 100mm,
to AS4982 standards on its 45’ (22
Rock Engineering Managing Director.
while the side wall insulation thickness is
pallet) Cold Core MSC van, which
“We are now able to bring the same
40mm.
reportedly verified a coefficient of
reliability, temperature control and weight
The body features a white gelcoat seamless
insulative effectiveness or K Value of
performance to our new Cold Core MSC
interior with bonded 300mm wide aluminium
0.44 W/m2K.
12-pallet rollback lead trailer, which also
side scuff bands and a knurled aluminium flat
features outstanding build quality, a
floor with a 7.0t forklift rating.
comprehensive options list and smooth gloss
Front cold air return bulkhead, guard and
are capable of maintaining temperatures as
sides that Australian operators demand.”
pallet stops along with three rows of Ancra F
low as minus 30°C and the company says
According to Damion, the Cold Core MSC
Channel galvanised logistic track ensure load
thermal performance testing undertaken by
is a game-changer in the industry, with 25
security,
Supercool in Brisbane to AS4982 standards
per cent better thermal efficiency than the
A stainless steel rear frame and bumper
on a 45’ (22 pallet) van revealed a coefficient
conventional Wabash Arctic Lite reefer.
house 75mm thick barn doors with double
of insulative effectiveness or K Value of
He says the same efficiency gain can be
stainless steel lock rods, four-finger seals,
0.44 W/m2K. This is claimed to be the best
expected from the new 12-pallet rollback
a three-chamber air lock and emergency
compared to its Arctic Lite equivalent.
interior release mechanism.
“This gain is increased to 50 per cent better
Exterior aesthetics are enhanced by the
than some rival products, which is based on
gloss Ice White gelcoat MSC panel surfaces
field test data, not just theory,” Damion says.
complimented by mill bright alloy perimeter
BRE’s new Cold Core MSC 24’ (7.2m)
extrusions and polished stainless steel trims.
12-pallet, tri-axle rollback lead trailer
Either polished stainless steel mudguards or
incorporates a raft of features designed
Truckmate plastic radius mudguards can be
to make it as efficient and productive as
specified and the front wall is prepped for
possible.
either Thermo King or Carrier thermal control
For a start, the full-length chassis is auto-
units (TCU).
fabricated from Strenx 700 ultra high tensile
“BRE combines premium materials and
steel which ensures strength and light tare
components with stringent quality controls
weight. Following construction, it is abrasive
to ensure high-quality products that deliver
blasted prior to being epoxy primed and
sustained profitability for our clients,”
2-pack paint coated for ultimate corrosion
Damion Verhoogt says.
protection.
“The Cold Core MSC range continues this
The body deployment system features three
philosophy of combining global technology,
air-operated lock positions and a rack-and-
research and development with Australian
pinion drive mechanism which is said to
knowledge and expertise to bring to market
be lighter and contain fewer moving parts,
a refrigerated trailer that has superior
leading to superior reliability and lower tare
thermal efficiency, uses less fuel and reduces
weight compared with conventional chain
operating costs.”
drive units.
The availability of a 12-pallet rollback lead
There’s also a choice of axle and suspension
trailer means operators can now extrapolate
configurations from a number of brands
these benefits with a complete Cold Core
including BPW, Fuwa K-Hitch and
MSC 26m B-double combination, offering the
Hendrickson.
potential to save significant sums in running
Either drum or disc brakes can be specified,
costs over the longer term.
controlled by WABCO ADR 38/05-compliant multi-volt EBS with a yard release function. Fifth wheel options include ball-race and fixed plate styles – either greased or greaseless plate – from a variety of
Contact Bruce Rock Engineering 15 Swan Street Bruce Rock WA 6418 Ph: 08 90611253 or 1300 611 253 Web:www.brucerockengineering.com.au
www.trailermag.com.au
37
TRAILER BUILDER
Committed to keeping Australia moving TO DELIVER THE MOST HARD-WEARING AND INNOVATIVE TRAILERS IN THE MARKET, WHILE HELPING FLEETS MAINTAIN OPTIMAL UPTIME, KRUEGER TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT DOUBLES DOWN ON ITS SPARE PARTS AND SERVICE COVERAGE. THE VICTORIAN TRAILER BUILDER ADDS TREMENDOUS VALUE TO AUSTRALIA’S INDUSTRIOUS ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY WITH ITS NATIONAL REACH AND ENHANCED E-COMMERCE CAPABILITIES. Krueger Transport Equipment is helping
the business has also invested considerably
experience is complemented by company-
national freight carriers and smaller road
in its online presence to provide a level
owned brick and mortar sites that facilitate
transport operations across Australia
aftermarket service and support that leads
sales and rental options in Perth and
remain competitive and highly efficient
the market.
Adelaide along with a complete sales,
at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In-house upgrades and the launch of
service, parts and rental package in
With access to a vast selection of truck and
a spare parts website ensures that the
Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
trailer componentry,
trailer builder has every base covered for
Managing Director and founder, John
Australia’s fleet operators.
Krueger, is proud of his 100 per cent
In addition to leading the way in
Australian owned and operated enterprise
e-commerce, Krueger’s premium customer
that stands tall as a key supplier for transport and logistics businesses. For more than 40 years, Krueger’s expertise in technical development and manufacturing has resulted in the production of remarkably versatile trailers that deliver peak operational performance. “Our business has been built around offering a ‘one-stop shop’ for the country’s transport needs,” he says. “If operators are in a position to purchase a new trailer to add to their fleet or are able to utilise the current company tax incentives, we are ready and willing to take orders and can supply the highest quality equipment available in Australia.” In addition to its versatile curtainsided Kurtainer design, Krueger also manufactures and leases open decks, skeletal trailers and freezer and dry vans featuring state-of-the-art innovation in load restraint as well as improvements for optimal vehicle operator safety. Krueger also provides the road transport industry with used semi-trailers. “If a business cannot justify a new trailer right now but business demands have
Order trailer parts via Krueger’s new website.
38
Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 20
risen due to the unprecedented demand
Fast Fact Sourcing spare parts is now made simpler with Krueger. The list of available items include: air bags, axle parts, brake boosters, brake drums, brake fittings, chrome accessories, cleaning products, curtain ratchets, curtain straps and rollers, electrical cables, landing legs, LED lighting, load binder straps, mud flaps, shock absorbers, wheel bearings, signage Need parts on demand? Krueger has it covered.
and decals and more.
for services, our used trailers can be ready
conversions and chassis/body modifications
Australia’s fleets remain busy, especially
to add to a fleet in a matter of days,” said
for all trailer makes and models.
when they are in high demand.
John Krueger.
“At Krueger, we can promise quick
“Krueger provides full technical service and
Primed and ready to assist heavy vehicle
turnaround times so that fleets are back
parts support via a dedicated Australia-wide
operators across the entire essential services
on the road with as little disruption to their
network,” said John Krueger. “More than
supply chain – from linehaul to intrastate
business as possible,” said John Krueger.
ever we are committed to strengthening
to final mile – Krueger’s national support
“We have you covered.”
our customer relationships through
capabilities are extensive, including fixed
Krueger also provides onsite and
innovative customer service covering the
priced servicing, spare parts, refurbishment
emergency vehicle support as well as a
needs of our industry from top to bottom
options, smash and damage repairs,
dedicated spare parts division to ensure
for all our clients’ trailer requirements.” Regular trailer servicing, according to Krueger, not only helps to minimise costly downtime due to breakdowns but also ensures equipment is performing at its best. Vehicle uptime is especially critical in light of the country’s need to keep trucks on the move. For more than two decades, Krueger Transport Equipment has continuously developed the company-owned Road Friendly Suspension (RFS). This gear is optimised for low tare weight and improved equipment longevity, which John says is ideal for truck-trailer combinations operating under some of Australia’s harsher roads and weather conditions.
Contact
Krueger has facilities all over Australia to keep trucking businesses on the road.
Krueger Transport Equipment 275 Fitzgerald Road Derrimut VIC 3030 Ph: 03 9366 2133 Web: www.krueger.com.au
www.trailermag.com.au
39
TRAILER BUILDER
Covering the whole spectrum FOR OVER 40 YEARS SHEPHARD TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT HAS BEEN MANUFACTURING AND REPAIRING A VAST RANGE OF TRAILERS AND RELATED EQUIPMENT. WITH KEY ATTRIBUTES OF ATTENTION TO DETAIL AND ROBUST CONSTRUCTION AT THE FORE, THE COMPANY HAS GAINED A LOYAL FOLLOWING FROM ITS BROAD CLIENT BASE. Quad-axle dog machinery trailer.
Based at Larapinta in South-East Queensland, Shephard Transport Equipment (STE) has forged a solid reputation amongst customers across Australia as well as in Papua New Guinea. Specialising in custom builds comprising out-of-the-box designs, STE constructs both aluminium and Hardox steel truck bodies and trailers including semi-tippers in either tip-over-axle or chassis tipper designs. Trailers can be built for a broad range of applications covering everything from scrap steel to grain haulage. Skip bins, hook-lifts and scissor-lift trailers – some of which are built for palm plantations in Papua New Guinea – are also among the
shop for customers wanting to maximise
overhaul and replacement of axles,
custom-built work remit of STE.
productivity with PBS-approved equipment.
suspensions, turntables and tow couplings,
Dog trailers ranging from two to five axles
In addition to trailer building, STE employs
and hoist repairs.
in either tipping or flat-top configurations
a team of skilled technicians to perform a
In the hydraulics realm, STE performs full
are another of STE’s specialties, along with
variety of tasks in the workshop including
hydraulic kit installations on truck and dog
side-tippers in single, B-double and roadtrain
accident repairs and straightening of trailers
and semi-tippers including PTO and pump
combination formats. The company also
after rollovers. The company also modifies
installations and aluminium or steel tank
builds roadtrain dollies along with machinery
truck chassis for different wheelbase lengths
modifications and repairs.
and tag trailers, in addition to body trucks
and installs a wide range of accessories.
The company also stocks a comprehensive
and two-way tipper trucks and trailers.
Crack repairs and other welding work such
array of spare parts and components
Importantly, the company is well versed in
as resheeting tipper floors and installing
covering the full spectrum of hydraulics, fifth
Performance-Based Standards (PBS) builds
Okuslide tipper body liners are operations
wheels and tow couplings, tarps, axles and
and has the wherewithal to be a one-stop-
often carried out, along with tarp repairs,
suspensions. One of the original owners of Shephard Transport Equipment, Graham Weatherhog, still works for the company today and fondly recalls how he and two workmates – who in the late 1970s worked at Brisbane-based truck and coach body builder Domino Hedges – joined with John Shephard to form a new trailer building company called Shephard Transport Equipment. “STE was started in February 1979 after we met John Shephard who with his wife Val owned a second-hand trailer sales business and was looking to expand into trailer
Steel side tipping dog trailer.
manufacturing,” Graham recalls. “He invited the three of us from Domino
40
Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 20
Fast Fact Shephard Transport Equipment is a proud family-owned company that has been manufacturing a diverse range of robust and reliable trailing equipment for more than four decades.
Ringfeder coupling.
Hedges and another bloke he had working
Road at Coopers Plains.
western outskirts of Brisbane, and proceeded
for him to jointly acquire a 20 per cent stake
Over the ensuing years, Graham explains,
to construct the purpose-built facility it now
in the company while he retained 80 per
one by one the other partners in the
occupies.
cent.”
business decided for varying reasons to sell
Today, Graham no longer owns a share of
A few years later, Graham continues, John
their shares, making Graham the sole owner.
the company, having sold his remaining
and Val Shephard were looking to sell their
Then about 15 years ago one of STE’s loyal
share to his son Stephen and daughter-
stake in the business, so he and the other
employees, Stephen Erfurth, who was
in-law Blaine, but remains a dedicated
partners borrowed the necessary funds
working as Parts Manager at the time, was
employee in charge of the trailers sold to
through a venture capital provider called
offered the opportunity to buy a 25 per cent
Papua New Guinea.
Business Loans and Equity Capital (BLEC) and
stake in the company.
His passion for the business is as strong as
bought them out.
“Stephen decided to take the plunge and
ever, and his pride is palpable as he speaks
“After six years of paying them an arm and a
he’s still with us today,” Graham says. “At
about how the business is dedicated to
leg our company and BLEC had both grown
around the same time, I gave my daughter
manufacturing the highest quality product
considerably and BLEC was happy for us
Joanne and her husband Lincoln Salih the
for its customers.
to buy back the equity with some finance
chance to each buy a 25 per cent share
“Our strength is in the diversity of products
from the Commonwealth Bank,” Graham
which left me with 25 per cent ownership.”
we can build and our relationships with
says, adding that at that stage STE was still
Eight years ago, STE bought a block of land
customers,” he says. “We have some
located at a rented premises on Beaudesert
at Larapinta, an industrial precinct on the
customers today who I was dealing with at Domino Hedges in the ‘70s.” True to family-owned business form, Joanne and Lincoln’s daughter Chloe now also works for the company, adding a thirdgeneration family member to the successful enterprise. “I told them I’m not leaving until there’s a fourth-generation family member working here,” Graham says with a laugh.
Contact
Aluminium truck and dog end tipper.
Shephard Transport Equipment 31 Arc Place Larapinta QLD 4110 Ph: 07 3711 0400 Web: www.ste.com.au
www.trailermag.com.au
41
TRAILER BUILDING MATERIALS/COMPONENTS
Safe and secure
BPW’s SafeT locking device is fully self-contained and requires no external power source.
BPW TRANSPEC HAS INTRODUCED AN INNOVATIVE DOOR LOCKING SYSTEM FOR TRAILERS AND BODIES CALLED SAFET. IT IS TRIALING THE SYSTEM IN AUSTRALIA WITH SKYROAD LOGISTICS, A COMPANY KEEN TO INCREASE SECURITY FOR ITS HIGH VALUE CARGO. Security of freight carried in van bodies and semi-trailers is of utmost importance, particularly with high value items. German trailer axle and component specialist BPW has developed what it describes as a clever and reliable retrofit solution for added security. SafeT is easily mounted to the rear door of the vehicle and prevents unauthorised opening, thus effectively
Due to not requiring a power supply, SafeT
in trialling the SafeT due to the amount of
protecting both vehicle and cargo.
is completely stand-alone and is said to
high-value cargo the company carries.
As soon as the door is closed, the system
be easily and inexpensively retrofitted to
“We had been researching ideas on how we
locks automatically and can only be opened
vehicles without the need for special tools.
could increase our security; we’d been using
when the operator enters a code on a
In the event of an emergency, and to ensure
seals but we wanted to take it to the next
mechanical keypad. Since it does not require
personnel can’t be locked inside a vehicle,
level in terms of preventing unauthorised
a power supply, SafeT is said to be extremely
the system allows the door to be opened
access to our trailers,” Peter says.
reliable and robust.
from the inside.
“I looked for systems in Europe last year
According to BPW, SafeT is particularly
Skyroad Logistics is a company that regularly
and went to a big show over there called
beneficial for vehicles delivering
carries what are known as high-value
Transport Logistica. I also spoke with some
pharmaceuticals, high value items or
theft-sensitive cargoes as an alternative to
operators about the systems they use and
perishable food.
airfreight for its customers.
ended up going to the BPW stand and liked
The product is said to be compatible with
The company was founded by Managing
what I saw in the SafeT system – largely
a wide range of rear portals including roller
Director Peter Assel in 2015 as a special
because it was simple and didn’t need
and barn doors. Importantly, it meets the
startup project and has steadily grown over
technicians to deal with any issues.
requirements of the Transported Asset
the last five years.
“Some of the other transport operators told
Protection Association (TAPA) standard TSR
According to Peter, BPW Transpec reached
me they were using sophisticated systems
2020.
out to him to see if he would be interested
that were really good, but that they were
42
Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 20
having issues with malfunctions which meant trailers were off the road for a day or two while they waited for technicians to
Installation is simple. The SafeT unit is bolted to the back door and a hole is drilled in the rear frame to accommodate the pin.
He shares that the company is planning to change the build of its hard-sided trailers and include the SafeT locking system as a
come out and unlock the back door.”
standard feature.
Peter says he liked the look of BPW’s SafeT
“We intend to use the SafeT as part of our
lock because it was relatively simple and
security journey to achieve higher levels of
didn’t need a power source; yet provided
TAPA TSR 2020 security certification which
the high level of security that was necessary,
will also involve us transitioning to a new
along with being easy for the drivers to use.
style of high-security trailer we’ve designed
“Early this year BPW Transpec asked us if we
to suit our specific requirements,” Peter says.
would like to fit the SafeT system to a couple
He adds that the recent change in overall
of our new trailers to test its operation under
width regulations in Australia (from 2.5m
local conditions,” Peter says.
to 2.55m) means that hard-sided trailers
“It made sense to us to work with BPW
can now be further optimised for security
Transpec because our existing equipment has
as it gives more room to fit hardware taken
been well supported by the company across
for granted in other regions such as Europe
a number of components from axles, Vigia
where the overall width limit is 2.6m.
Central Tyre Inflation systems, through to our
Skyroad’s fleet primarily uses 16.6m tri-axle
use of Ringfeder couplings.
trailers that operate under Performance
“Product support really matters in our
Based Standards (PBS) and have the ability to
operation,” he says, adding, “So far we
carry five main deck aircraft unit load devices
haven’t had any problems with SafeT and
running between Melbourne, Sydney and
the drivers quickly became familiar with it
Brisbane.
and appreciate its simple operation.
Skyroad is expecting a smooth transition to
“Most importantly,” Peter adds, “our
the new standard of equipment, helped by
customers are liking it and we are also
reinforcement of the rear door where the
the simplicity and reliability of BPW’s SafeT
looking at some other security systems to go
unit is attached.
rear door locking system.
along with it to complete the package.”
“The only real adjustment we’ve had to do
He confirms that installation of SafeT to
was to make the hole a bit bigger where the
the trailers, which have barn doors, is
bolt goes through the rear frame so that it
a relatively straightforward procedure,
doesn’t bind due to racking of the trailers on
requiring a simple modification to the back
uneven road surfaces,” Peter says. “Apart
frame to accommodate the pin, along with
from that they’ve been hassle free.”
Contact BPW Transpec 1-11 Cherry Lane Laverton North VIC 3028 Ph: 03 9267 2434 Web: www.bpwtranspec.com.au
Skyroad Logistics transports valuable freight that needs to be kept secure at all times.
Fast Fact BPW’s SafeT locking system for rear doors of cargo vehicles offers a simple and reliable stand-alone solution for optimum freight security.
www.trailermag.com.au
43
TRAILER BUILDING MATERIALS/COMPONENTS
Strength coupled with safety SAF-HOLLAND IS KEEN TO PROMOTE ITS V.ORLANDI E551BOM 50MM TOW COUPLING AS THE STRONGEST IN THE MARKET – WITH A D-VALUE RATING OF 330KN – YET ALSO THE LIGHTEST AT 42KG. IT ALSO FEATURES THE HIGHEST VERTICAL OR S-LOAD RATING OF 2,500KG. Acquired by SAF-Holland in 2018, the V.Orlandi range covers a variety of different models of trailer couplings, but the core volume product in the Australian market is the E551BOM. According to SAF-Holland, the E551BOM has been sold in Australia for many years and is used by a number of major fleets in the field. Key features of the product include a 50mm diameter pin with metal wear pad and mechanical lock, providing a 330kN D-Value rating. Ensuring the pin cannot be inadvertently disengaged, there is a safety mechanism on the left of the unit that needs to be released before the handle can be moved. The unit uses an ISO (International Standard) bolt pattern of 160mm x 100mm for mounting to the truck chassis which means it is interchangeable with other brands of tow couplings in the market.
V.Orlandi E551BOM coupling.
Another particularly useful feature of the E551BOM coupling in tipper and dog
According to SAF-Holland, the encapsulated
by manual pin release. This includes an on-
applications is the ability to couple and
locking mechanism also makes the
box safety indicator that verifies correct pin
uncouple the trailer at any drawbar angle up
replacement of the pin an easy five-minute
engagement.
to the 1050 ‘jack-knife’ position.
job, as there are no loose components and
According to SAF-Holland Australia National
The mechanism box is fully sealed to
disassembly of the entire unit is not required.
Aftermarket Manager, Phil Crosbie,
minimise the ingress of dust and moisture
Further to this, the bell-mouth is a separate
the V.Orlandi E551BOM tow coupling
which can cause the pin to bind, thus
bolt-on casting and can be easily and quickly
has a proven track record in a variety
hindering pin release.
replaced in the event of damage.
of applications under harsh Australian
SAF-Holland says spare parts are stocked
conditions.
by all major truck and trailer wholesalers
“It’s a high-quality product made in Italy with
Australia-wide.
among the highest load ratings and lowest
A number of optional features can be
weight in the industry,” Phil says. “This is
added to the product including an externally
an important factor given that operators are
Fast Fact
mounted red and green indicator light
always chasing lighter tare weights in order
V.Orlandi tow couplings is one of
display which confirms whether the pin is
to maximise payload capacities.”
the key brands in the SAF-Holland
engaged or disengaged and a jack-knife
commercial vehicle component
indicator with acoustic warning mounted in
portfolio. The V.Orlandi E551BOM
the truck’s cab.
coupling is among the strongest and
There’s also the option of an air-release for
lightest of its kind in the industry.
the pin to maximise operating time and minimise the risk of operator injury caused
44
Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 20
Contact SAF-Holland 115 High St Melton VIC 3337 Ph: 03 9971 7900 Customer Support: 1300 131 613 E: marketing@safholland.com.au Web: www.safholland.com.au
PROVIDES AUSTRALIA’S ONLY END TO END PBS SOLUTIONS Only Smedley’s consult across multiple locations and has eight generations of engineering experience. Our engineers provide the most innovative solutions for the road transport industry.
• Performance Based Standards (PBS) all in house: • Assessments • Certification • Access Applications • Australian Design Rule (ADR) Certification
• Road Friendly Suspension (RFS) Certification • Instrumented Dynamic Road & Track Testing • Durability Testing • Dynamics Simulation
• Crash & Incident investigation
MELB: 03 9421 6697 | SYD: 02 9683 2266
www.smedleys.co
TRAILER BUILDING MATERIALS/COMPONENTS
Monroe launches Australian made heavy duty trailer shocks IN ANOTHER STRONG COMMITMENT TO AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURING, MONROE AUSTRALIA – A WORLD LEADER IN RIDE PERFORMANCE – IS LAUNCHING ITS HEAVY DUTY TRAILER SHOCK ABSORBER RANGE TO BE MANUFACTURED AT ITS ADELAIDE PLANT. Bucking the trend against local
duty trailer industry.
for all products included in the Monroe
manufacturing, Monroe has re-tooled its
Monroe Australia has made this important
Magnum heavy duty trailer range. All
plant and re-skilled its enthusiastic workforce
local manufacturing decision to ensure
reserve and pressure tubes are made from
to ensure that premium quality Australian
that its range of heavy duty trailer ride
Monroe Australia’s own tube mill with
made heavy duty ride performance products
performance products exceed all of
locally sourced material, producing high
are designed, manufactured and rigorously
the toughest requirements of this most
frequency welded tube at speeds in excess
tested locally to assure they meet the
challenging environment. This includes the
demanding requirements of the local heavy
sourcing of premium quality Australian
of 100 metres per minute. “Local manufacturing ensures we have
materials to meet Monroe’s heavy duty
the right design and quality to meet the
customers’ requirements for optimum
demands of the local environment, which
reliable performance and longer life.
are some of the harshest conditions in
The rationale behind this Monroe Australia
the world”, says Monroe Australia Plant
initiative included supporting the company’s
Manager, Pat Larobina.
loyal and highly experienced Adelaide plant
Custom designed rebound and compression
workforce, further developing the plant’s
valving assemblies and mirror finished
manufacturing capabilities and to provide
hardened inner tubes are some of the
new local employment opportunities.
unique manufacturing advantages of this
The Australian manufactured Monroe heavy
Aussie made heavy duty trailer range.
duty trailer part number range includes: • BPW short, front mount, inclined -
Each Monroe Magnum heavy duty trailer
Monroe Part number F5004 • BPW long, rear mount, vertical - Monroe Part number F5002 • KRUEGER ML300-OS/US, HD350-OS/US Monroe Part number F5015 • Hendrickson AA, HT, INTRAAX - Monroe Part Number F5491 • Hendrickson AAL230 - Monroe Part Number F5490
shock absorber is also 100 per cent damping force performance tested to ensure that they optimised for their specific trailer application. “Australian manufacturing of our heavy duty trailer Monroe Magnum shock absorber range has been met with exceptionally positive feedback from truck drivers, mechanics and distributors in the commercial Industry, the majority of which have a strong footprint across this country and in New
The quality that is synonymous with all
Zealand,” according to Monroe Commercial
Monroe ride performance products is
National Sales Manager, Chad Torok. “Our
assured with this locally designed and
commitment to local manufacturing is also
manufactured heavy duty trailer range. All
seen as a firm assurance to deliver high
ride performance products in the range
quality trailer suspension components that
are made using the latest IS09001 Quality
are specifically fit for purpose in meeting
System manufacturing processes and to
our unique Australian heavy duty transport
ISO140001 environmental standards, along
conditions.”
with design validation testing in compliance Local manufacturing ensures Monroe has the right design for Australia’s demanding environment.
46
Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 20
with the latest ISO9001-2015 standards. Monroe’s local manufacturing also delivers major design and performance advantages
Contact Tenneco Ph: 1800 088 205 Web: www.monroe.com.au
BUILT TO LAST
MANUFACTURING
Aluminium and steel
WORKSHOP
SPARE PARTS
A comprehensive range of repairs and installations
HYDRAULICS
We supply and ďŹ t hydraulic equipment
WE HAVE BEEN IN THE BUSINESS SINCE
www.ste.com.au Shephard Transport Equipment 31 Arc Place Larapinta Qld 4110
Ph: 07 3711 0400 E: accounts@ste.com.au
TRAILER BUILDING MATERIALS/COMPONENTS
BPW Transpec TS2 ECO Disc trailer axle.
Intelligent design BPW TRANSPEC INTRODUCES THE TS2 ECO DISC BRAKE SYSTEM – THE EQUIPMENT SPECIALIST’S LATEST INNOVATION. After extensive field testing in Australia,
achieves an ideal balance of the forces
Other features of the TS2 system include
BPW Transpec has introduced its new and
and moments acting on the brake pads.
a long service life thanks to the latest
enhanced TS2 ECO Disc trailer axles with
In conjunction with the aforementioned
single-tappet technology and cataphoretic
wheel rim sizes of 19.5” and 22.5” and
reinforced (thicker) steel backing of the
dip-coating with zinc phosphating.
respective disc diameters of 370mm and
inner pad, this configuration ensures
Easier brake setting is another claimed
430mm.
braking pressure is applied evenly between
advantage, requiring only a 13mm spanner
The TS2 variants replace the company’s
the pad and disc to ensure uniform pad
to turn the rear mounted adjustment screw
successful TSB ECO Disc offering and are
wear and consequently longer pad life.
back a quarter turn (90°) followed by 10
available with 9.0-tonne and 10-tonne
Due to the OTD, the calipers are now
brake applications.
load ratings.
directional, with an arrow cast into the
Importantly, the company states the TS2
The new brake assembly for eight-stud
caliper showing the direction that the disc
provides a useful weight saving of up to
axles with 275mm Pitch Circle Diameter
must turn when the vehicle is moving
2.0kg per axle which reduces unsprung
(PCD) and 19.5” rim size is model TS2
forwards.
and tare weights with the attendant
3709 Sub-Assembly Registration Number
Another improvement is the
benefits for operators.
(SARN) 50229 which replaces TSB3709
MultiFunctional Adjuster (MFA) which,
The company said new compliance
SARN 25677.
according to BPW Transpec, systematically
numbers and data apply for these brakes
The new brake assembly for 10-stud axles
integrates the key functions in just a few
and to ensure a smooth transition for
with 285mm and 335mm PCD and 22.5”
innovative components.
market introduction, trailer builders will
rims is model TS2 4309 SARN 50230 which
The company said this not only reduces the
be required to carry out new brake variant
replaces TSB 4309 SARN 31666.
number of interfaces, but also significantly
calculations and submit those documents
According to BPW Transpec, the new TS2
improves the brake’s reliability and
with the Department of Infrastructure,
system offers several unique advantages
performance.
Transport, Regional Development
over the TSB system it replaces.
Due to these improvements, BPW Transpec
and Communications, Canberra, for
The inner brake pad (active lining) and the
stressed that it is not permissible to fit a
compliance approval.
outer brake pad (passive lining) are now
mixture of TSB and TS2 disc brake axles
different. The inner pad has a thicker steel
on a single trailer as the new TS2 caliper
backing and must always be fitted in the
has a different SARN number to the older
inner position.
TSB style. For the same reason, it is not
The calipers feature an Offset Tappet
permissible to fit new TS2 calipers to TSB
Design (OTD) which the company said
axle beams.
48
Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 20
Contact BPW Transpec 1-11 Cherry Lane Laverton North VIC 3026 Ph: 03 9267 2434 Web: www.bpwtranspec.com.au
STEER 295/80 R22.5 X Multi Z
DRIVE 11R22.5 X Multi D+
TRAILER 11R22.5 | 275/70 R22.5 X Multi T
INDUSTRY LEADERS
Industry leader: Philippa Stewart TRAILER MAGAZINE SPEAKS WITH PHILIPPA STEWART, VOLVO TRUCKS RETAIL SALES MANAGER AT VOLVO COMMERCIAL VEHICLES AUSTRALIA, TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HER JOURNEY IN THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY. Q: What first drew you to the commercial
Q: What has been a highlight for your
Australian industry is comprised of owner/
road transport industry?
career so far?
drivers and small fleets and every one of
A: Having started my career with Ford Motor
A: I feel a particular sense of achievement in
these fleets and customers has an interesting
Company in the UK, I’ve always had an
having become the first female Retail Sales
story. People in this industry generally have
interest in the wider automotive industry. It
Manager in our organisation.
their own unique, pragmatic views of what it
was definitely the Volvo brand and its values
I also look back on my time in the not-
takes to get things done.
that drew me to the trucking industry. Safety,
for-profit sector as a career highlight. Any
environmental care and quality all strike a
role where you feel as if you’re making a
Q: What do you think could be improved?
chord with my own personal values, which
difference will provide you with much more
A: There’s always room for improvement,
made Volvo Trucks and Volvo Group Australia
than just a sense of purpose.
and for me safety will always be number one.
(VGA) a natural fit for me.
I am looking forward to being involved in the
It’s a Volvo Trucks core value and really, it’s
largest Volvo Trucks launch in history with
a human right. I’m passionate about road
Q: What does a standard day for you
the unveiling of four new Australian-made
safety and applaud any inroads made on the
look like?
models – that will definitely be another career
safety front.
A: I’m generally online early as I’m
highlight. Q: What do female-driven events in
responsible for a sales team across two states. This gives me time to tackle any queries from
Q: What is the best thing about the
commercial road transport mean to you?
the team and I can usually map out what the
transport industry?
A: Anything that celebrates and promotes
rest of the day will look like from there.
A: Being exposed to smart industry minds and
diversity in our industry is a good thing from
Between our six dealerships there’s always
new business ideas is a great part of this job. But overall it is the people, the stories and
my point of view. I might add that I’d include
plenty to do, from meeting with our own teams to meeting with customers.
the ‘can do’ attitudes. So much of the
diversity banner. Of course, as a woman
age, gender, race and sexuality under that in an industry that has traditionally been
Philippa Stewart pictured on the right.
considered male dominated, I’m fully behind any event that raises awareness around the significant contribution that women make to this industry. Q: How can people and companies in the transport industry better promote it as a career choice for women? A: By creating career pathways that embrace diversity. The industry is facing a dramatic labour shortage and yet I feel that the opportunities for women to carve out a long-term career in transport aren’t always immediately apparent. However, I believe if you create and promote a safe work culture that celebrates diversity you will attract a diverse range of people.
50
Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 20
WOMEN IN INDUSTRY AWARDS SPONSORSHIP ENQUIRIES NOW OPEN
WOMEN IN INDUSTRY.COM.AU P R O U D LY P R E S E N T E D B Y
MHD Supply Chain Solutions
SPONSORED BY
S I M O N . C O B U R N @ P R I M E C R E AT I V E . C O M . A U
INDUSTRY ICON
www.smedleys.net.au
Powered by
Elevation to success HEW MCDONALD, OPERATIONS MANAGER AT EVOLVING WORKSHOP TECHNOLOGIES, HAS A WEALTH OF MECHANICAL AND ENGINEERING EXPERIENCE BEHIND HIM. OF HIS MANY ACHIEVEMENTS, PERHAPS THE MOST NOTABLE IS HIS INVENTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE ELEVATING WORK PLATFORM FOR WORKSHOP PITS. Hew McDonald started life as a Queenslander, growing up on his parents’
Hew McDonald.
cattle property near Gladstone. This imbued in him a very strong work ethic, resilience and self-reliance in order to make things happen. He started an automotive apprenticeship in a car dealership in the late 1970s, later transferring to Perth to help out his brother in his expanding general mechanical workshop. “This was a huge step for me as we repaired everything from chainsaws to a racing Torana L34 touring car, trucks, tractors and my own race motocross bikes,” Hew says. Following the completion of his apprenticeship, Hew moved headlong into earthmoving equipment – both operating and repairing – in the Kimberly region of far north Western Australia. It was here that his inventive mind was piqued to the possibility of making things easier and safer for mechanics. “In the workshop there was a pit that was never the correct depth for the many different types of trucks, bulldozers, loaders, graders and Toyotas,” Hew says. “I’m surprised no one ever fell into it either
Computer Aided Design (CAD).
Hew says this has been a great partnership
as there were never any barricades put
“I bought a computer and taught myself
as BRE has introduced the innovative pit
around it. This is even more remarkable
entry level CAD and proceeded to
EWP to clients in Port Hedland who were
considering the many Friday afternoon
conceptualise my ideas for an Elevating
surprised to find great time savings and
‘sessions around the pit’ after someone
Work Platform (EWP) for pits,” Hew says.
morale boosts among mechanics through
rocked up with a ‘Kimberly cool carton’.”
“This took place after I moved to Darwin.”
using the product to service the huge
This got Hew thinking about how it could
He says the first designs and prototype had
number of road trains there.
be so much better with a height adjustable
some over-the-top ideas that were soon
floor that also acted as a lid when not in
refined into the very simple, robust unit
use.
available now.
Industry Icon
With a ‘hold that thought’ mindset, he
Hew’s company Evolving Workshop
Made possible by Smedley’s Engineers.
went on to study for a diploma in Business
Technologies subsequently appointed
Industry Icon is a series dedicated to
Administration before moving to the oil
Bruce Rock Engineering as an agent for its
honouring the unsung heroes of the
exploration industry in Canada where
pit EWP, and the company also builds the
commercial road transport industry.
he was introduced to the marvels of
pit shells into which the EWP is installed.
52
Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 20
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FLEET OF THE MONTH
The weather MAN JCM SPREADING IS A SPECIALIST BUSINESS WHOSE REMIT REQUIRES RELIABLE FOUR WHEEL TRACTION FOR ITS FLEET OF MAN COMMERCIAL VEHICLES. MAN TGM 18.340 4x4.
JOST
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t ens The ext stralian marke 4 Au le in 3, for the availab r range 3, 4 an
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Site access for fertiliser specialist JCM
“That can often mean working in paddocks
lighter than an IVECO or Mercedes-Benz
Spreading is an imperative part of its
and on the hilly mountain goat stuff.”
and a few other trucks weightwise,” he
operations and one it takes seriously. The
The carrying and towing capacity of the
says. “The power to weight ratio on the
fleet must move when and where it can as it
MAN TGM 18.340 makes it appealing.
MANs is very good.” The engine more than
cannot afford to get stuck.
Its low tare weight is considered ideal for
compensates for the relatively light 15 tonnes
Contending in all terrain environments
adding a spreader body. This part of the
cab chassis with 340 horsepower. The wheels
especially soft paddocks such as those likely
build is not performed by Westar Trucks in
can be locked via front and rear wheel diff
encountered around Melbourne during its
Derrimut where they were purchased but
locks, a given for the application. Pressure
six-month long winters makes the choice of
in Violet Town in Central Victoria. Once the
on each tyre can be changed from in the cab
commercial vehicle a simple one for Justin
cab chassis is ready the vehicle is sent to
through an air inflation system. Justin opts
McGhee owner of JCM Spreading. He runs
Comspread Engineering, who fit the bin,
for an aggressive radial Michelin super single
four MAN TGM 18.340 4x4s from his base
with electronics. From there the truck gets
tractor tyre rated to a 95 TLR index. It’s ideal
of Koo Wee Rup, a rural area on the edge
shipped back so it can be equipped with the
for softer ground and varying conditions.
of Western Port Bay. As a subcontractor
central tyre inflation system by CTI before it
“It gives you superior traction to get around
for Brown’s Fertilisers, Justin co-ordinates
enters service.
on site,” he says. “On farms we can’t afford
his team of drivers, of which he is also one,
The build and attachment of the spreader bin
to get stuck. My rule is don’t make a mess.
between orchards, golf courses, sports
takes around eight weeks. As the trucks are
We spread fertiliser not mud.”
grounds, dairies and beef farms from West
turned over every four years the process has
The automated ZF 12 9-speed transmission
Gippsland, the Mornington Peninsula, the
been mastered to the point the spreader bin
helps to squeeze the most from its low range
Yarra Ranges and as far west as Bacchus
is usually ready to go each time Justin invests
especially on steep embankments. Offroad
Marsh.
in a new model MAN.
the gearing approaches a ratio 1.6:1, almost
“We do anything really that requires fertiliser
“By the time you add on the spreader body
halving every gear for greater safety
that we can get trucks onto,” Justin says.
and the other bits and pieces they are still
and control.
54
Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 20
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WORLD MAP
At the tipping point of cylinder safety A FAILED LIFTING CYLINDER ON A TIPPER TRUCK WILL CERTAINLY DISRUPT OPERATIONS, MAY BE EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR AND COULD EVEN ENDANGER LIFE. NICK SANDBROOK, TESTING MANAGER FOR EDBRO TIPPING CYLINDERS, SAYS RIGOROUS TESTING DURING DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE IS THE ONLY WAY TO PREVENT SUCH SCENARIOS AND OUTLINES HIS COMPANY’S DEMANDING REGIMES. The lifting cylinder of a tipper truck is
Edbro tipping cylinder in action.
exposed to regular cycles of heavy loads. Yet it is expected to perform without fault over a long working life. In an industry where profit margins are narrow and equipment failure can be catastrophic, the quality of such equipment must never be in question. Thus, the testing standards set by Edbro for its tipping cylinders are designed to ensure safe, reliable performance under all conditions. For Edbro products, the ultimate aim is to create ‘fit-and-forget’ products that, once installed, require no servicing throughout a long working life other than an annual oil change. To achieve this level of reliability, Edbro, part of the JOST World, tests every design before production and every cylinder before dispatch, with the pass level far Edbro, part of JOST World, tests every design before production.
higher than is required in the field. In essence that is how we ensure long term performance and protect our reputation as a top-quality manufacturer.
A different philosophy is required in
be fully tested. For example: an endurance
Cylinder testing comes in two regimes,
manufacturing. Here the design has been
rig is used to cycle test cylinders across their
design and production. When a cylinder
proven, so the requirement is to test
full stroke length for extended periods;
is being designed the principle objective
the quality of build, looking for minor
typically this could be 10,000 strokes or
has to be a strong reliable cylinder that
imperfections that could compro-mise
more over a number of weeks. This is the
will perform faultlessly throughout a long
performance. The multiple Edbro tests
equivalent of a long working life and at the
demanding working life. The idea behind
carried out during production check each
end of this test a pass certificate is issued
the test procedure used by designers is to
cylinder for pressure, functionality and
only if there is no wear or damage of any
simulate the most extreme working life
leakage, and also check each component.
sort.
imaginable. The tests are long, to simulate
The objective is that any cylinder made by
Fatigue tests check all the components for
many years of use, and they create harsh
Edbro and passed by its test regime can be
signs of progressive wear or other failure
working environments to include shock
expected to perform flawless-ly, no matter
modes brought on by long term operation,
loads, impacts and side forces. In effect they
how arduous or long its working life.
while dynamic load tests are constantly
accelerate the test piece through the most
Edbro’s research and development program
undertaken on cylinder casings, telescopic
appalling working life conceivable and only
is world class and uses multiple specialist test
tubes, trunions, brackets, seals and all the
pass it if it is still going strong.
rigs so that every aspect of each design can
individual components of a cylinder.
56
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