Trucks and trailers march 2014 (low res)

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Dealership best in business page 5 Intersection cause for concern page 3

Macks muster crowd pages 20

Country News Reaching Australia’s richest agricultural region

Talking trucks

By NatRoad policy director Grant Johnson

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Heavy vehicle law reform must succeed NatRoad — while being a strong proponent of National Heavy Vehicle Law (HVNL) reform and of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) — has expressed its extreme disappointment regarding the recent ‘false start’ by the NHVR on commencement of stage two.

The road transport sector has every right to be angry because industry livelihoods are being affected.

The full introduction of the HVNL on February 10 has been problematic for much of the industry, with it falling way short of the stated aims of HVNL reform of increased productivity, efficiency and safety, as enshrined in the Intergovernmental Agreement on Heavy Vehicle Regulatory Reform.

Nonetheless, as NatRoad noted in its media release on February 21: “Despite heavy criticism of the NHVR in the media it is important for the transport industry to stand firm in its support for the NHVR and not to demand blood.

“There is no doubt that there have been problems associated with the full launch of the NHVR. But what is the alternative, to go back to the situation of dealing with separate state and territory jurisdictions?

“To do this would be playing into the hands of those who have a vested interest in keeping things as they were.”

Against this background we must ask ourselves if the blame for the ‘false start’ should be levelled 100 per cent at the NHVR, or are there other factors at play? NatRoad notes the following:

• With the introduction of the HVNL came new requirements for local government to be much more fully

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Country News Reaching Australia’s richest agricultural region

Page 2 Trucks & trailers, March 2014

involved in the permit approvals process. This has created a vast new regulatory requirement, quite the opposite to what was promised under the HVNL. This needs to be reviewed as a matter of urgency.

• Did the NHVR get the support it needed from jurisdictions during the planning phase? Was the volume of permit applications received by the NHVR in line with the projected workload expected?

• In letters dated September 27 and November 12, 2013, NatRoad suggested to Federal Infrastructure and Regional Development Minister Warren Truss that as a matter of urgency he move to establish a high level stakeholder consultative committee to address and progress issues associated with the HVNL reform. On December 3, 2013, the minister replied advising the suggestion had merit, but we have yet to receive a firm decision.

It is critical for industry to have a seat at the table with equal status to government entities. After all, industry will be paying 100 per cent of the cost of the NHVR under full-cost recovery arrangements.

Governments at all levels (federal, state and local) have an obligation to get this right. Too much is at stake both for Australia and the industry as a whole.

News

By Jenna Bishop

Jeftomson workshop manager Scotty Wallace stands at the notorious intersection of Poplar Ave and Orrvale Rd. Picture: Simon Bingham

Transport corridor intersections causing concern Goulburn Valley transport companies have identified Shepparton’s eastern transport corridor as having some of the most dangerous intersections across the region.

Intersections along the alternative transport route, including Doyles, Orrvale, Old Dookie and Grahamvale Rds, have been identified as concerning.

Company managers are calling for increased signage and warnings on the dangerous intersections, saying it’s only a matter of time before the crashes become more serious.

On March 12, Dookie man Richard Horton died in a collision at the intersection of Grahamvale and Ford Rds. Jeftomson transport manager Mark Herrick said the intersection of Poplar Ave and Orrvale Rd was a particularly dangerous one for drivers.

On February 6, a truck carrying diesel travelling towards Lemnos on Poplar Ave collided with a Jeftomson truck carrying tomatoes at the notorious intersection.

“We’ve had five significant crashes, and there’s been three personal vehicles all but written off and two trucks

significantly damaged,” he said.

“Poplar Ave is a 100 km/h speed limited road. People get on it and don’t see the intersection and just go straight through it.

“We’ve been extremely lucky that there have only been minor injuries.”

Safety measures such as stop signs and rumble strips appeared to be ineffective, Mr Herrick said.

He said the company was willing to work with council and road authorities to ensure the intersection was safe for all road users.

Kreskas Bros Transport compliance manager Peter Hill said the company’s drivers had identified the intersections of Doyle and Channel Rds and Florence and Old Dookie Rds as potentially dangerous.

“The drivers tell me that it’s particularly dangerous around the beginning and end of school when people want to cross Doyles Rd. They tell me a number of people take risks

in jumping across traffic breaks,” he said.

“It’s a very rough surface (near the intersection of Florence and Old Dookie Rds) and the drivers see a lot of people taking risks on Florence St crossing over Old Dookie Rd.” Hicks Hunter Transport and Brian Hicks Transport managing director

Brian Hicks said while there were a number of intersections in the region which could prove troublesome, the danger could be mitigated with cautious driving.

“There are a number of intersections with trucks that could be considered dangerous, but it’s the same as with cars,” he said.

“All intersections are bad and we have to be aware and cautious in how we approach them.”

VicRoads north eastern regional director Bryan Sherritt said the authority would be working with police to address issues behind the Ford/Grahamvale Rds intersection where the fatality occurred.

Trucks & trailers, March 2014

Page 3

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News

By Alexandra Bathman

Gerard Michel and some of the Graham Thomson Motors Shepparton team with their fifth Kenworth Dealer of the Year Award trophy.

Dealership wins prestigious award Graham Thomson Motors Shepparton has won the prestigious Kenworth Dealer of the Year award for the fifth time at PACCAR’s annual dealer event.

The dealership won its previous Kenworth Dealer of the Year award 16 years ago.

PACCAR is a multinational technology company which manufactures Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF vehicles.

Graham Thomson Motors manager Gerard Michel believes the dealership won the award by ticking every box of the judging criteria from sales and service to spare parts.

“I think the main reason why we won was because of our consistency across all departments and the total dealership itself,” he said.

“Also, through the presentation of the dealership and the way we go

about things. But ultimately it comes down to our customer service.”

The dealership outperformed 26 other dealers from Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea who entered in the Kenworth and DAF awards.

Mr Michel said the team at Graham Thomson Motors went above and beyond the norm with their customer service.

“We don’t just sell trucks, service them and supply spare parts. We are a partner to our customers,” he said.

“We are part of their business and we grow with their business as well.

We don’t just sell them trucks and forget about them.”

Mr Michel said all of the 53 staff, half of which are employed in the workshop, including 18 mechanics and apprentices, were to be congratulated for the award.

“It’s not just one single person. It’s a team effort within the departments,” he said.

“From the person who has been here for three weeks to the person who has been here the longest — which is 37 or 38 years.”

Speaking at the event, PACCAR Australia’s managing director Mike

Dozier recognised Graham Thomson Motors as being one of Kenworth’s top performers and congratulated the business for raising the bar across all dealerships.

“I think the main reason why we won was because of our consistency across all departments and the total dealership itself.”

Gerard Michel, Graham Thomson Motors manager.

“The fact that Graham Thomson Motors has won Kenworth’s highest award five times over the course of three decades shows its ongoing commitment to customers and its success with the Kenworth brand in regional Australia,” he said.

“It is an extraordinary dealership and a worthy member of Australia’s

PACCAR Australia managing director Mike Dozier, Graham Thomson Motors general manager Gerard Michel, Graham Thomson Motors dealer principal Glenn Leake, PACCAR Australia director of sales and marketing Andrew Hadjikakou.

top dealer network. It has been a strong performer over the years because it continually invests in modern facilities, staff training, and specialist equipment.”

The dealership won the Kenworth Dealer of the Year award in 1982

(at the time it was named Bryan Thomson Motors), 1985, 1987 and in 1997.

It services many regions within northern Victoria including towns as far away as Swan Hill, Deniliquin, Benalla, Seymour and Bendigo.

Trucks & trailers, March 2014

Page 5

News

By Laura Griffin

Call for funding to allow in-depth crash investigations A national trucking body wants the Federal Government to provide extra funding to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau so it can investigate serious truck crashes as well as aviation, marine and some rail accidents.

Seymour police’s traffic advisor Senior Sergeant Ralph Willingham said extra funding to investigate heavy vehicle collisions was welcome, but he questioned whether an extension of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau’s responsibilities would be the most effective way to improve road safety.

Australian Trucking Association chairman David Simon said applying the bureau’s expertise and insights to truck crashes would build on the safety improvements the transport industry had achieved in the past decade.

He called for the Federal Government to provide the bureau with an extra $4.3million during four years to establish national databases of coronial recommendations about road safety and serious heavy vehicle accidents.

“Setting up these databases would be the first step toward the Australian Transport Safety Bureau taking on the role of investigating serious truck crashes and making safety recommendations,” Mr Simon said.

Sen Sgt Willingham said the bureau had highly regarded expertise in investigating a broad range of incidents and could possibly develop that same expertise into the heavy vehicle industry.

He said increased funding towards collating data on heavy vehicle collisions and subsequent coronial

recommendations could be a support to Victoria Police units, including the Major Collision Investigation Unit, which already investigates serious collisions.

He said the idea of establishing a dedicated heavy vehicle investigation unit by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau had merit but would need to be further investigated to ensure it did not conflict, inhibit or interfere with Victoria Police’s legislative requirements to investigate these collisions.

“As well as the Major Collision Investigation Unit, the Heavy Vehicle Unit which is primarily involved in enforcing the legislation relating to heavy vehicles may undertake their own investigation, particularly if there are concerns regarding the Chain of Responsibility compliance,” Sen Sgt Willingham said.

“They also have qualified mechanics within their unit who undertake mechanical inspections of heavy vehicles to ensure they are/were roadworthy.”

He said all Victoria Police Highway

Patrol members were being trained in the latest collision investigation techniques that gave a greater depth of understanding of what may have contributed to a collision.

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News

Memorial to mark lost lives Families and friends who have lost loved ones in truck and transport-related accidents will soon have a memorial site to commemorate their lives, as construction on Victoria’s first permanent Truck Drivers’ Memorial continues.

The memorial will be located in Alexandra at Rotary Park, on the corner of Grant and Vickery Sts. The 2.6 m-high structure has a base width of more than 6 m and is expected to cost $50 000.

Alexandra Tourism and Traders Association president Andrew Embling said locals were chipping in to help with the construction.

“We have been fortunate in receiving the support of 10 or more local tradespersons including builders, concreters, bricklayers and electricians, who are contributing their time as volunteers in building the memorial,” he said.

“In addition, virtually all the construction materials are being donated by local and other Victorian suppliers.”

The purpose of the nondenominational memorial site is to provide a place for families and friends to honour drivers who have lost their lives in truck or transport-related accidents.

Forty families have expressed their wish in having plaques for their family members placed on the memorial.

About 70 people attended the official blessing of the memorial in February by Creative Ministries Network Reverend John Bottomley

Alexandra and district tradesmen met on site at Alexandra’s Rotary Park for a preliminary progress meeting for the first permanent Victorian Truck Drivers’ Memorial on February 15. Construction has started on the $50 000 community project.

and Toll Transport Group chaplain Dan O’Farrell, including Transport Hall of Fame chief executive Liz Martin.

“Having a permanent place for recognition is judged as a real social and community benefit,” Mr Embling said.

An official unveiling of the memorial is planned for Saturday, June 7 at 2 pm, the day before the 18th annual Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show.

People can also contribute items of personal significance for a time capsule, which will be retrieved in 20

years’ time.

The memorial site is a joint initiative of the annual Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show and the Work-Related Grief Support Services of the Creative Ministries Network, with support from Murrindindi Shire Council.

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Feature

By Alexandra Bathman

New truck to be the star of Whitelock fleet It was a timely occasion for Whitelock’s Bulk Transport to buy Western Star’s 30th anniversary 4900FXT model as the business celebrated its own 30th year in the transport industry.

There were only 60 anniversary models made by Western Star with 30 painted blue and 30 painted grey.

Business owner John Whitelock and his son Daniel Whitelock preferred the blue model and bought the truck as their fifth Western Star for the business, making it their 16th truck overall.

Daniel Whitelock, 30, said they bought Western Star because the Page 8 Trucks & trailers, March 2014

brand built trucks suited for their business.

“We do a lot of farm work and offroad work and the Western Stars are probably built a bit heavier and seem to handle that job quite well,” Mr Whitelock said.

The business operates in Bendigo and hauls general freight, and travels interstate to depots in Adelaide and Sydney while working for companies

such as Hazeldene’s chickens farms and Allied Mills.

While the attraction to the limited edition truck is understandable, the 4900FXT has a Detroit Diesel DD15 14.8 litre engine with ratings of 560 hp.

Mr Whitelock believes it to be a future keepsake.

“It was just to have a sort of one-off truck. It will stand out on the road and it will be good advertising and customers like to see it,” Mr Whitelock said.

“When the truck drives up into a customer’s yard I’m sure that they will think it looks all right and be glad their freight is on the truck.”

The Whitelocks chose additional features for the Western Star

4900FXT including a custom bumper on the front and an auxiliary diesel motor/generator for bunk cooling.

“The driver can pull up on the side of the road in North Queensland when it’s 40-plus degrees and fire the little motor up and he can go to bed in the comfort of airconditioning,” Mr Whitelock said.

Sign Mob from Bendigo painted the logo on the truck which is usually blue but was painted orange to be visible against the blue of the truck.

“I was a bit worried when I found out it was going to be done in orange but I don’t actually mind it – it turned out all right,” Mr Whitelock said.

“We have a matching trailer at home; it’s all been painted the same.”

Whitelock’s Bulk Transport bought

the truck from Hartwigs Trucks Shepparton.

The Hartwigs branches have sold 12 out of the 60 anniversary models.

Branch manager John McCarroll said the model was well sought after.

“It’s a bit of prestige. It will also hold its value down the road,” he said.

“They paint the fuel tank when that’s usually polished aluminum. It’s all the one colour all the way through.”

All 20 employees at Whitelock’s Bulk Transport are looking forward to the newest edition of the fleet.

“There is a bit of excitement through the camp at the moment; they’re all dying to see it. We’ve got a fellow that’s going in it so he is pretty excited about it,” Mr Whitelock said.

Feature

By Alexandra Bathman

Western Star’s 30th anniversary 4900FXT model specifications

“When the truck drives up into a customer’s yard I’m sure that they will think it looks all right and be glad their freight is on the truck.”

Daniel Whitelock

Engine: Detroit Diesel DD15 14.8 Litre 560 hp Transmission: Eaton Fuller RTLO20918B, 18-speed overdrive manual Front Axle: Meritor MFS73 Front Brakes: Wabco Antilock Braking System (ABS). Meritor 419mm x 127mm (16.” x 5”) FG941 ‘Q-Plus’ cam; automatic slack adjusters Rear Axle Option: Standard Meritor RT-46-160GP R-series rear axle, 46,000 lb axle capacity, synthetic lube standard Main Driveline Option: Meritor RPL25SD heavy-duty series — non greasable Air Compressor Option: BW Model BA-921 19.0 CFM single cylinder compressor with safety valve (Detroit) Rear Suspension: Airliner 46,000 lb capacity rear suspension

Air Cleaner Options: Dual stainless

steel 13” Donaldson cowl mounted with inline separator and extension rams and water resistant element Fan Clutch: Kysor Radiator: 1875 square inch, heavyduty copper/brass radiator core Exhaust: Dual vertical and stacks with polished perforated stainless steel exhaust shield with logo Battery Box: (4) size steel battery box mounted in rail Sleeper Cabin Option: 54” Stratosphere Walk Through Window: Clear laminated two-piece windscreen, tinted optional; tinted safety glass side and rear, powered LHS and RHS door windows Instrument Panel: Cherry simulated standard, optional vinyl ‘Woodgrain’ in Royal Rosewood available.

News

New work diary will simplify record-keeping The National Driver Work Diary, introduced on February 10, is easier to use than previous diaries.

The new work diary developed by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator in partnership with the National Transport Commission explains the national fatigue laws, has examples on counting time and requires less information to fill out.

Truck drivers can use their current work diary until August 10 – six months after the Heavy Vehicle National Law was implemented. When their current diary is finished, they must use the new work diary.

Where to buy a new work diary The National Driver Work Diary is $20 and is available at VicRoads customer service centres and agencies in Victoria, and Roads and Maritime Services motor registries in NSW. For outlets in other states and territories, visit www.nhvr.gov.au

• Drivers will only be required to record their operator’s Basic Fatigue Management or Advanced Fatigue Management accreditation number once in the diary (or again if it changes), rather than on every daily sheet.

What has changed?

• Drivers will only have to record their vehicle registration once a day or if their vehicle changes, rather than at every break.

• Drivers will only have to record the location and odometer reading at the start of a rest break, and not when finishing their rest break.

• A new optional comments section is also included to allow recording of information such as delays and notes made by authorised officers.

• Solo drivers are no longer required to record the state or territory where their licence was issued.

• Simplified records for two-up driving.

Who must use a work diary?

All drivers of fatigue-regulated heavy vehicles who drive more than 100 km from their home base must complete a work diary to record their work and rest times.

Those driving in Victoria, NSW, South Australia or the ACT are unlikely to need to start using a new work diary if they did not previously use one.

Those driving in Queensland and travelling between 100 km and 200 km from their home base will need to use a work diary.

For more information including the regulations in other states and territories, visit www.nhvr.gov.au

NO.1

A sample page of the National Driver Work Diary

What if a work diary is lost, stolen or destroyed?

If a work diary is lost, stolen or destroyed, you must notify the NHVR or your local road transport authority within two business days.

Until a new work diary is bought, drivers can make their own record and

carry it with them as a work diary for up to seven business days.

A temporary record must be treated the same way as your work diary. You must keep a copy of all temporary records with you in the vehicle for 28 days and give a copy to your record keeper within 21 days.

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News

By Alexandra Bathman

VicRoads takes up the slack as regulator blamed for permit delays VicRoads has temporarily taken over processing heavy vehicle oversize and over-mass permits in Victoria from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to ease delays in accessing permits.

Victorian Roads Minister Terry Mulder said the Victorian Government and VicRoads had stepped in to ensure heavy vehicle operators and businesses kept operating.

“We are concerned that the heavy vehicle industry in Victoria is being hampered by not receiving access permits from the federal regulator in a timely manner, to allow them to operate,” Mr Mulder said.

He said the Victorian Government and VicRoads had worked hard in the lead-up to the federal regulator taking over on February 10, however there were delays in permit applications being processed.

So as of February 25, VicRoads is the point of contact for oversize,

over-mass and special purpose vehicle access permits for travel in Victoria on behalf of the national regulator.

“If an operator needs to travel interstate, they will still need to apply for the access permit through the NHVR,” Mr Mulder said.

Mr Mulder said he understood the frustration from the industry and thanked people for remaining patient. He said the responsibility of processing access permits would only be handed back to NHVR once capability had been established.

“While there is no time frame on this temporary measure, the NHVR needs more time to get its operational processes and technology in order so it can support the industry in the right manner,” Mr Mulder said.

“We are absolutely supportive of the national laws and the one point of contact. It’s just disappointing we have encountered some issues in this transition period.”

Australian Trucking Association’s Stuart St Clair said operators submitted 2050 permit applications to the national regulator between February 10 and 18, but only 258 permits were issued. He said some of those permits were issued with the wrong details, leading to further delays.

“Some operators are facing costs of tens of thousands of dollars per day. Some are laying off staff. In the mining sector, some of the world’s largest manufacturers of mining equipment are facing contract penalties because they haven’t been able to get their specialised equipment to mine sites in time,” Mr St Clair said.

He said the national regulator’s budget should be better focused on its core task of issuing permits.

“We are concerned that the heavy vehicle industry in Victoria is being hampered by not receiving access permits from the federal regulator in a timely manner, to allow them to operate.” Terry Mulder

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driven by quality Cnr Doyles & New Dookie Roads, Shepparton Ph: (03) 5821 3977 www.gtm.com.au Page 12 Trucks & trailers, March 2014

News

News

Permit system a ‘disaster’ for farmers The Victorian Farmers Federation is calling on VicRoads to permanently take back control of heavy vehicle registration and the issuing of over-size permits from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.

VFF president Peter Tuohey said the national body had taken up to a month to issue permits to farmers, which meant a harvest contractor or grower trying to move onto the next job was either stuck or risked being fined if they took to the road.

“It’s been an unmitigated disaster for farmers,” Mr Tuohey said.

“With VicRoads it used to take 24 to 48 hours to get a permit to move your header or any other oversize vehicle on to the next job.”

He called on Victorian Roads Minister Terry Mulder to make it a permanent arrangement because a national heavy vehicle regulator was a”failed experiment” that risked delays

and loss of local knowledge.

“Harmonisation was established to assist the interstate freight movements, which only represents 15 per cent of freight movements,” Mr Touhey said.

“The fact is 85 per cent of freight movements are within Victoria and need to be dealt with by our local regulator — VicRoads.”

He said if interstate operators wanted the national reform, they should pay for it.

“The vast majority of agricultural commodity movement in Victoria is within the state. Yet we’re contributing to the NHVR’s $135 million budget and gaining essentially nothing from its operation.”

Industry regulator chief calls it a day The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator chief executive Richard Hancock resigned earlier this month, citing personal and family health reasons.

Australian Trucking Association chairman David Simon said Mr Hancock had worked hard to build effective relationships with the trucking industry.

“Richard was a breath of fresh air when he joined the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, because of his strong consultative approach and his willingness to try new techniques for reaching out to trucking operators,” Mr Simon said.

“Richard made an important contribution to untangling many of the problems with the original draft of the Heavy Vehicle

National Law. The original draft had more than 1020 issues. Many of those were fixed before the law came into effect, although there are still serious problems.’’

Mr Simon said under Mr Hancock’s leadership the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator had also tried new ways of talking to trucking operators, who were always busy and often on the road.

“The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator pioneered the use of webinars and YouTube presentations so trucking operators that did not have the time to go to traditional forums could still hear about how the new truck laws were intended to work.’’

Mr Simon said although the Australian Trucking Association supported the national regulator and laws, it was essential the regulator focused on getting its permit systems correct.

The national regulator was criticised for failing to process heavy vehicle permit applications for access to the road network in a timely manner, when the new national law came into

effect on February 10. The new requirements under the national law had a significant impact on the heavy haulage sector, which often requires turn-around within hours.

To ease processing delays, the national regulator has put in place temporary arrangements for state road transport authorities to process a limited class of permits for oversize/over-mass and special purpose vehicles. For more information, operators can call the NHVR on 1300 MYNHVR (1300 686 487) or visit www. nhvr.gov.au Chief financial officer and general manager of corporate services Melinda Bailey will take on the responsibility of acting chief executive of the NHVR until a permanent replacement is announced.

Richard Hancock

Trucks & trailers, March 2014

Page 13

News

News

Industry credits to offset fuel tax and registration A national trucking body has called for the Federal Government to increase the trucking industry’s fuel tax credits in the May Federal Budget.

An increase of 1.04¢/litre for the fuel tax credits is one recommendation in the Australian Trucking Association’s 2014–15 prebudget submission.

Chief executive Stuart St Clair said increasing the fuel tax credits and essential tax cuts were ways of addressing the fact the trucking industry had been overcharged since 2007 for the amount it paid to use roads through fuel tax and large registration charges.

Mr St Clair said the National Transport Commission, which determined the taxes and charges applied to the industry, had recognised the industry paid too much because the system used to calculate the charges underestimated the number of trucks on the road.

“As a result, trucking operators will be overcharged by $800 million in 2013–14 alone,” he said.

Increases to fuel tax credit was one option the National Transport Commission included in its draft regulatory impact statement last year to compensate for the lost revenue.

The Australian Trucking Association submission also recommended slashing truck registration charges in the longer term and providing the Australian Transport Safety Bureau with $4.3 million more during four years to establish national databases of coronial recommendations about road safety and serious heavy vehicle accidents.

Cootes’ maintenance dramas continue Since October, when two people were killed and five injured when a Cootes Transport fuel tanker driver allegedly lost control on Sydney’s Mona Vale Rd and hit oncoming vehicles, the company has been under intense scrutiny.

When Trucks & Trailers went to print, NSW Roads Minister Duncan Gay was yet to publically announce whether the beleaguered fuel haulage business had convinced the NSW Government not to suspend or ban its trucks from NSW roads, after NSW road authorities found serious faults in eight out of 15 Cootes Transport vehicles.

The truck driver at the centre of the fiery crash on Sydney’s northern beaches last year has been charged with dangerous driving and is due to appear before Manly Local Court on May 28.

In the past six months, Victoria and NSW transport authorities have issued Cootes with hundreds

of defect notices, which had pushed Cootes to ground its state fleets. On February 16, Cootes grounded its 200-vehicle fleet in Victoria after VicRoads found 25 of 32 trucks tested at one of its depots were found to have major safety faults.

VicRoads acting chief executive Peter Todd said vehicles had also been tested in October when snap inspections were carried out as part of a full audit on the company. He said the vehicles had also been found to be faulty at that time, but the faults discovered last month were new.

“It appears to us that there is not enough being done — that seems to be the evidence of what we have found,” Mr Todd said.

A Cootes Transport tanker at Shell.

Picture: Holly Curtis

“They were repaired and we were sure they were repaired.

They are working and they are travelling significant distances, but they do need to be maintained.”

Also in February, Cootes’ parent McAleese announced about 540 jobs would be cut from Cootes Transport, mostly from Victoria and NSW during the next six months as contracts end.

The Cootes fleet has lost contracts with Shell and BP, and has withdrawn from supplying 7-Eleven in several states.

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News

Industry awards the worthy Driver Education Centre of Australia director Brendan Tenison-Woods is calling for nominations for the 2014 National Trucking Industry Awards.

The prestigious awards recognise individuals in a variety of roles and businesses who have gone the extra mile to improve their workplace and industry.

A new National Training Excellence Award sponsored by DECA will be included in this year’s line-up, to encourage businesses to ensure their drivers have the skills, understanding and attitude required to operate safely in any situation.

This award will recognise excellence in a different safety topic each year, with this year’s focus on minimising truck rollover through prevention and appropriate speed for conditions.

Mr Tenison-Woods said a suite of industry awards was not complete if it did not recognise the role of industry-relevant, high quality training.

“Rollovers are too common, often tragic and always costly,” he said.

“Both the causes and the solutions relate to training, attitude and the operating environment, such as road conditions, equipment and technology.

“Training is a significant contributor to competence, which makes our roads safer and businesses more efficient and profitable.”

Australian Trucking Association Page 16 Trucks & trailers, March 2014

chairman David Simon said the awards were an opportunity to salute those who had developed something new or shown exceptional dedication to the industry and their community.

Mr Simon said the new training excellence award encouraged businesses to develop effective programs to minimise risk in their workforce.

Nominations are now open for the current round of the 2014 awards, including: Outstanding Contribution to the Australian Trucking Industry, National Trucking Industry Woman of the Year, National Professional Driver of the Year and the new National Training Excellence Award.

Nominations close on Monday, April 28.

The awards will be presented on Saturday, June 7 at Trucking Australia 2014 gala dinner, sponsored by the ATA’s foundation sponsors: BP Australia, National Transport Insurance and Volvo Group Australia.

The Don Watson Memorial Award and the TruckSafe John Kelly Memorial Award will also be presented on the night.

For more information or to make a nomination, go to www.truck.net.au/ awards

DECA director Brendan Tenison-Woods said safety training would be at the forefront of the 2014 National Trucking Industry Awards.

Health and wellbeing are priorities Trucking Australia 2014 will be held on Hamilton Island on Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7 with health and wellbeing on top of the agenda.

Linfox safety and sustainability group manager Andrew Niven will share his strategies in an attempt to promote healthier lifestyles, early detection and intervention of serious illnesses and how to create support networks for mental health.

“We are at the crossroads every day — our people, our industry, each one of us. For me, that crossroads is what I eat or don’t eat, what exercise I do or don’t do, what medical checks I do or delay,” Mr Niven said.

“At Trucking Australia 2014, I’ll be going over some of the ways we can start instigating this change towards better health and wellbeing.

Ultimately, any change starts with us.”

Mr Niven also aims to encourage forum participants to discuss their own ideas and strategies on how to

create healthier working environments in order to improve the trucking industry.

Media and political experts Jannette Cotterell and Glenn Milne will share ideas that everyone in the industry can use to improve its public perception.

The ideas discussed in the forums at Trucking Australia 2014 will be used by the Australian Trucking Association to help create its strategic plan including lobbying, communications and research priorities.

The event will also give participants the opportunity to network at the Kenworth legends lunch and at a barbecue hosted by BPW Transpec.

The National Trucking Industry Awards will be held at the ATA Foundation Sponsors Gala Awards Dinner on the Saturday night.

• Full delegate registration costs $475 and accommodation costs $270 a night. For more information about Trucking Australia 2014 or to register go to www.truckingaustralia.com. au

News

Industry adopts new standards The Australian Trucking Association is pleased the Federal Government listened to industry by requiring all new heavy vehicle trailers to be fitted with anti-lock or load proportioning brakes.

The new standards were announced in January and will take effect from July 1 for all new model trailers and January 1, 2015 for all new trailers.

ATA chief executive Stuart St Clair said the requirement would help truck drivers retain control of their vehicles in emergency situations, such as when braking hard on a wet road.

“The government’s own regulation impact statement shows that requiring ABS for heavy trucks, trailers and buses will save more than 50 lives on our roads over the next 30 years,” Mr St Clair said.

He said there would only be minimal exemptions from the standards, with very heavy trailers, road train converter dollies and special purpose trailers with more than four tyres per axle or more than four axles in a single group, to be exempt.

“We will also keep lobbying for

the introduction of even stronger brake standards in the future. As the next step, the government needs to mandate electronic braking systems with roll stability assist for trucks carrying bulk loads of flammable or combustible liquids, explosives and radioactive substances,” Mr St Clair said.

Federal Member for Murray Sharman Stone said the new rule would create more modern braking systems for the Australian heavy vehicle fleet.

“There are growing numbers of trucks and other heavy vehicles travelling on our regional roads and highways, so it is extremely important to make the roads safer for all,” Dr Stone said.

The Federal Government will continue to help the industry to create a code of practice for drivers to set the best performance when matching vehicles with trailers.

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News

By Laura Griffin

Truck run rolls back the years Truck enthusiasts will have a trip down memory lane next month, when more than 200 historic trucks will be driven on the Old Hume Hwy from Campbellfield to Albury.

Many of the people set to participate in the “Crawlin’ the Hume” event on Saturday, April 12 were retired truck drivers who would be driving trucks 25 years and older along the routes they or their fathers had driven years before, organiser Roger Marchetti said.

“Like me, many were born into trucking — my father and uncles were all in the transport industry,” Mr Marchetti said.

“A nostalgic run down the Old Hume Hwy will be a chance to relive a bit of history.”

The historic truck road run will start at the Ford factory in Campbellfield and travel through towns including Wallan, Kilmore, Tallarook, Seymour, Euroa and Benalla.

Mr Marchetti encouraged people of the towns now by-passed

by Hume Fwy to wave the trucks on, some of which date back to the 1920s — including TT Fords — all the way through to the mid 1980s.

American Truck Historical Society’s Australian chapter will host the event, which will include a lunch break at Winton Motor Raceway from about 10.30 am to 1 pm. The break will allow the trucks to catch up and re-group, and members of the public to have a closer look at the restored vehicles.

“Winton Motor Raceway has been fantastic — the first time we held this event two years ago, the crowds at

Page 18 Trucks & trailers, March 2014

Winton far exceeded our expectations and we’re hopeful to have big crowds there again,” Mr Marchetti said.

The trucks will then make their way to Albury Racing Club in small groups. Registrations have closed for the entrants’ dinner that night.

On the morning of Sunday, April 13 until about 11 am, members of the public will have another chance to see the trucks that will come from across Australia. Mr Marchetti said many of the vehicles were restorations of models to which the drivers had personal connections — for example, they could be the same model as a driver’s first truck.

“A nostalgic run down the Old Hume Hwy will be a chance to relive a bit of history.”

Roger Marchetti

The public events have free entry, but a gold coin donation with proceeds going to the national charity Trans-Help that helps transport personnel and their families is welcome.

For more information, phone Robert French on 0409 380 090 or Roger Marchetti on 0428 581 729.

Truck show is bigger and better than ever

News

Images supplied by Clinton Hendry.

The International Truck, Trailer and Equipment Show (ITTES) will take place from April 3 to 6 at the Melbourne Showgrounds in Flemington.

The show is the largest exhibition dedicated to transport in the Southern Hemisphere and free to the public.

This year, major truck and trailer manufacturers are expected to showcase more than half a billion dollars of technology and equipment.

Show director Clint Hendry said it would be the largest collection of trailer and body manufacturers ever to be displayed at ITTES. “We’re very excited to be able to bring some exclusive gear to Melbourne for the show that has never been seen in Australia before,” Mr Hendry said.

“Everything from heavy-duty and refrigerated equipment to general and containerised freight will be on display.”

For the first time, ITTES will host a show and shine event with 50 of Australia’s most customised trucks.

“This is an invitational only event focusing on attracting and showcasing the ‘A’ list of customised trucks in

Australia,” Mr Hendry said.

“Many of these truck owners also have significant transport businesses in their own right and invest heavily with many of the suppliers who exhibit at ITTES, so it’s a nice fit.”

Exhibitions on display at the show include the return of transport efficiency and safety products specialists Groeneveld Australia and the V8 ute racing team Macmahon Racing and driver Gerard ‘Maverick’ McLeod.

The grand pavilion will display new technologies from leading brands such as BPW Transpec, Fuwa, K-Hitch, SAFHolland, Meritor, Alcoa and Cummins.

Also on display will be a collection of Australian heritage and vintage trucks and vehicles.

The Thursday and Friday of the show are for traders with gates open to the public over the weekend.

For express entry register at www.trucktrailershow.com.au

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News

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Macks pull in a big crowd About 120 Mack trucks from across the country, including one that was 95 years old, were rallied for the second International Mack Muster held for the first time at the Kyabram Showgrounds on March 15 and 16.

About 2000 people attended to view the trucks, which ranged from a 1923 AC through to current models, including a limited edition 1988 bicentennial Superliner.

One of the event’s organisers, David Willis, said the trucks came from across Victoria, NSW, Queensland, South Australia and even two from Tasmania — and no matter the distance they travelled, they shared a connection to the brand.

“Mack trucks are such a unique truck that it creates a talking point, and people with Mack trucks are pretty passionate about them,” Mr Willis said.

“It was great to have so many like-minded people together.”

About 120 of the Mack enthusiasts gathered for a roast dinner on the Saturday night, and the friendly atmosphere was heightened on both exhibition days by a musician playing country tunes and a roving microphone that let the crowd hear people’s stories.

Kyabram orchardist and former transport operator Jim Ristovich got into the trucking industry when he bought his 1984 Mack R900,

and since then he has won the Shepparton Truck Show nine times as well as shows in Brisbane, Newcastle and two in Tasmania with this same vehicle.

“I bought this truck new in 1984. It’s done 3.6 million kilometres and I’ve decided to keep it as it is with the original paint job, stone chips and all,” Mr Ristovich said.

“It’s a 30-year-old workhorse, it’s still going strong and I don’t intend to ever part with it.

“It’s got a double-beam chassis with roadtrain specs and an original McGrath trailer, which is about 40 years old and still has most of the original light fittings on it.”

Mr Ristovich said he had found modern trucks were not built to handle tough road conditions like some of the older ones were.

Mr Willis said he and the other organisers were “rapt” with the support from exhibitors and spectators at the event, which was held in conjunction with the Kyabram Vintage Engine and Machinery Rally, and hoped this year’s event would start a pattern that would see the International Mack Muster alternate with the bi-annual Australian White Truck Muster.

Mansfield’s David Daws with his 1923 Mack Model AC, the oldest Mack in Australia.

“I bought this truck new in 1984. It’s done 3.6 million kilometres and I’ve decided to keep it as it is with the original paint job, stone chips and all.” Jim Ristovich

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The convoy of Mack trucks rolls into Kyabram.

Above: Another of David Daws’ trucks — a 1929 Model AB.

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News

Limited edition vehicle release celebrates a milestone Isuzu Australia Ltd has launched new S model and limited edition trucks to celebrate 25 years of leadership in the truck market.

Isuzu has introduced three S models to the medium duty F series range, and five Limited Edition versions.

The S models feature a 7.8 litre SiTEC Series III engine giving a higher horsepower than the regular models — 15kW and 55Nm to 191kW at 2400 rpm and 761Nm at 1450 – 2400 rpm.

The Limited Edition models feature upgraded two-way coaxial speakers, satellite navigation and a steering-wheel-mounted remote control for the digital audio visual equipment unit.

There is also a range of visual features including LED daytime running lamp fittings, polished Alcoa alloy wheels and limited edition badges.

Isuzu marketing manager Jeff Birdseye said the limited edition models provided extra value at a competitive price.

“Those who spend long hours in the cabin will also appreciate the premium speakers and satellite navigation,” he said.

“We expect these models to be quickly

snapped up by value-conscious buyers who also want to stand out from the crowd.”

The models offer a choice of transmissions such as Isuzu’s second generation automated manual transmission and the Allison LCT2500 full automatic to help suit heavy stop-and-start conditions in metropolitan areas.

They also feature rear Hendrickson HAS200 airbag suspension for sensitive loads.

Isuzu chief engineer Simon Humphries said the models would be welcomed by a range of customer operators.

“The new models will appeal to tilt-tray operators who often tow a trailer to carry additional cars, and need extra power for the job,” Mr Humphries said.

“Similarly the additional power will benefit owners who fit full size van or Tautliner bodies with large frontal areas — these customers may wish for more power to maintain highway speeds in windy conditions.”

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News

Call for awareness of wages and entitlements Transport operators are being urged to be fully aware of minimum wages and entitlements that apply to their employees, after 12 truck drivers at a Perth transport business were back-paid a total of $93 000.

The voluntary payments followed an intervention by the Fair Work Ombudsman, who found the workers were underpaid the cents-per-kilometre rates they were entitled to for longdistance trips during a 12-month period in 2011–12 as a result of their employer not applying the correct minimum rates when calculating their pay.

Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James said she was satisfied the underpayments were inadvertent.

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“If left unchecked over time, a small underpayment can result in a hefty bill when discovered — a bill that most small businesses have not budgeted for,” Ms James said.

She said the inspectors helped the employers to voluntarily rectify the underpayments and put processes in place to ensure they complied with workplace laws in the future.

For more information, visit www. fairwork.gov.au or phone the Fair Work Info-line on 131 394.

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Freightliner is a registered trademark of Daimler Trucks North America LLC.

CORONADO 114.

The Coronado 114 - is the truck to go full bore every day. Designed specifically for Australian conditions, it keeps hauling the biggest loads so you keep making money. With a low tare, a set forward front axle to maximise each payload, and the proven big bore power and reliability of a Detroit DD15 engine, the Coronado 114 can turn its hand to almost anything. Ideal as a pocket B-double tanker, a tipper and dog, a 34-pallet B-double or a road train double, the new Coronado 114 is the full-bore answer to your business needs.

Freightliner is a registered trademark of Daimler Trucks North America LLC.

We've done the heavy lifting.

Hartwigs Trucks Shepparton 320 Midland Highway SHEPPARTON, VIC 3630 Ph (03) 5820 7800 LMCT 7583 www.hartwigs.com.au

CORONADO 114.

$885p.w.

*

• Actros 2644 Prime Mover

The Coronado 114 - is the truck to go full bore every day. Designed specifically for Australian conditions, it keeps hauling the biggest loads so you keep making money. With a low tare, a set forward front axle to maximise each payload, and the proven big bore power and reliability of a Detroit DD15 engine, the Coronado 114 can turn its hand to almost anything. Ideal as a pocket B-double tanker, a tipper and dog, a 34-pallet B-double or a road train double, the new Coronado 114 is the full-bore answer to your business needs.

Freightliner is a registered trademark of Daimler Trucks North America LLC.

• Fully maintained operating lease • 12 months registration and stamp duty

Hartwigs Trucks Shepparton 320 Midland Highway SHEPPARTON, VIC 3630 Ph (03) 5820 7800 LMCT 7583 www.hartwigs.com.au

Mercedes-Benz has made owning an Actros 2644LS 6x4 Prime Mover even more attractive with a sim $885 p.w.* This simple weekly payment covers the truck lease and maintenance and repairs for 5 yea Mercedes-Benz has made owning an Actros 2644LS 6x4 Prime Mover even more attractive guesswork out of running your business.# Our 'Peace of Mind' approach will ensure there are no unexp with a simple weekly payment of $885 p.w.* This simple weekly payment covers the truck Contact nearest Mercedes-Benz visitthe www.mercedes-benz.com.au/justdrive lease andyour maintenance and repairs for Truck 5 yearsDealership so you canortake guesswork out of running

A Daimler Brand A Daimler Brand

youris abusiness.# Our of Mind’ approach will ensure noonly unexpected surprises *This manufacturer’s ad.

This‘Peace offer is available from participating Mercedes-Benz Truck there dealers toare buyers on new orders placed and delivered between 1 Ma available in conjunction any nearest other offer. Vehicle distributed by Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific Ltd www.mercedes-benz.

ACN 004 411 410. Offer available on new Mercedes-B for you.

Contactwith your Mercedes-Benz Truck Dealership or Pty visit with hub reduction only on Safeguard Platinum Advantage. Offer restricted to approved business customers of Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Australia Pty Ltd A com.au/justdrive to find out more. maintained Operating Lease with monthly payments of $3,835 and total finance payable $230,100. $390 documentation fee is payable upfront. Standard credit # Exclusions apply. Full terms and conditions and details of Safeguard Platinum Advantage maintenance and repair cover available at your preferred partici *This is a manufacturer’s ad. This offer is available from participating Mercedes-Benz Truck dealers to buyers only on new orders placed and delivered between 1 March and 30 June 2013. This offer is not available in conjunction with any other offer. Vehicle distributed by Mercedes-Benz Australia/ Pacific Pty Ltd ACN 004 411 410. Offer available on new Mercedes-Benz Actros 2644 LS 6x4 Prime Mover with hub reduction only on Safeguard Platinum Advantage. Offer restricted to approved business customers of Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Australia Pty Ltd ABN 73 074 134 517 on 60 month fully maintained Operating Lease with monthly payments of $3,835 and total finance payable $230,100. $390 documentation fee is payable upfront. Standard credit assessment and lending criteria apply. #Exclusions apply. Full terms and conditions and details of Safeguard Platinum Advantage maintenance and repair cover available at your preferred participating Mercedes-Benz Truck Dealer.

Mercedes-Benz Lorem ipsum dolor, Samplestreet 23, 12345 Samplecity, Tel 01234 56 78 90, Fax 01234 56 78 90, info@sampledeale

Hartwigs Trucks Shepparton 320 Midland Highway SHEPPARTON, VIC 3630 Ph (03) 5820 7800 LMCT 7583 www.hartwigs.com.au MER0316 Actros Trucks TCO Campaign_A4_Dealer Template_V1.indd 1