TRUCKS TRAILERS AND TRANSPORT
Health check of nation’s fleet
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has revealed the findings of the 2024 National Roadworthiness Survey, which ran for 12 weeks across all Australian states and territories, revealing critical insights into the nation’s heavy vehicle industry.
During the 2024 survey, there were 9082 vehicles and combinations inspected nationally, making it the largest in-depth health check ever conducted.
NHVR chief operating officer Paul Salvati said this meant NHVR safety and compliance officers (SCOs) inspected on average 103 heavy vehicles each day.
“The 2024 NRS was a monumental undertaking, and the important effort of our officers conducting these inspections has provided us with the most comprehensive data ever gathered on the mechanical health of heavy vehicles across the nation,” Mr Salvati said.
Nationally, 75 per cent of units passed inspection, which was the same percentage as the 2021 survey, continuing the strong improvement over the 2016 benchmark survey of 55 per cent.
“Unfortunately, the number of units having multiple defects was slightly higher in comparison to the previous survey, up to 33 per cent in 2024 from 31 per cent in 2021,” Mr Salvati said.
“However, the noncompliance percentage remains well below the 2016 levels which is pleasing to see.”
The most common defect across both metro and regional areas in Australia were brakes, with engine driveline and exhaust, steering and suspension among the top five.
“The NHVR is still concerned that defects in brakes remains a top issue, and I would like to take this opportunity to remind operators and drivers of their responsibility to ensure their vehicles are properly maintained and daily vehicle checks are conducted,” Mr Salvati said.
“The sheer scale of the 2024 NRS has allowed us to see where
the NHVR and industry are making improvements in safety and where more attention is needed to focus our regulatory efforts and future safety initiatives.
“We know that these inspections did result in a longer than normal intercept time, and I wanted to thank industry and drivers in particular for their patience and support while we undertook these crucial checks at the roadside.
“I know the impacts of this survey will enact positive results on the efficiency and productivity of the heavy vehicle
industry, including safer roads for all road users.”
The 2024 NRS is the third time the survey has been carried out, with the first one conducted in 2016 and the second in 2021.
• View a summary of the 2024 report at: www.nhvr.gov.au/ roadworthiness
Online Truck & Transport Auction
The NHVR has conducted the largest-ever health check on Australia’s heavy vehicle fleet.
Photo: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts.
TRUCKS TRAILERS AND TRANSPORT
New models tick all boxes
Graham Thomson Motors has the latest innovation of Australian transport engineering in stock.
e DAF XG and XG+ are new models, designed and engineered in Australia.
“It’s engineered and built in Australia, in Bayswater at the PACCAR plant in the Melbourne suburb of Bayswater,” general manager Gerard Michel said.
“From an engineering point of view, it’s Australian engineers together with European resources from DAF, together to design and engineer this truck, which is unique in the sense of that it has an American drive line, with the PACCAR PX-15 engine, Kenworth air glide suspension and Meritor drive axles, together with class leading European cab design standards that are without compromise and beyond compare.”
With the American drive line and European cab comfort, all engineered in Australia, the DAF XG and XG+ is an “engineering feat” he said.
“It’s been done to to cater for and to exceed the requirements of a prime mover in Australian conditions,” he said.
“It’s something that we’re really proud of from a company point of view, and we expect it to be hugely successful.”
One of the premium features of the truck has been the 15-litre engine.
“We’ve been looking for a long time to have that 15-litre engine in a DAF chassis,” Gerard said.
“ e engine is based o the Cummins X15 platform with PACCAR controls overlaid to produce increased performance levels that will really impress.”
e truck punches out 660 horsepower and a maximum torque of 3200 Nm.
“ ere has been up to 18 validation units travelling the country over the last 12 months, across all trailer combinations and vocations, and the results have been outstanding, particularly with fuel returns,” Gerard said.
“We’ve got production
happening right now, so the trucks are available.
“We have a demo truck out on the road, clocking up plenty of kilometres, and all the feedback has been very positive.”
Other feedback about the truck includes the feel of the engine and the quietness in the cab.
“It ticks all the boxes in terms of what operators and drivers need and want in a truck,” he said.
“ e visibility is fantastic, the serviceability is tremendous at up to 80,000 km service intervals, and we’re getting a lot of good feedback about the fuel economy.
“It’s probably exceeded the expectations in terms of what we anticipated across the whole of the validation units, and it’s been accepted really well.”
e new DAF model is a feat in Australian engineering, however in local excitement, Graham omson Motors is planning an expansion of its own current facility.
“We’ve got preliminary plans to expand the premises here,” Gerard said.
“We’re looking to expand parts warehousing, service bay capacity and retail display with more showroom and o ce space.
“Plans are in place to expand and modernise.”
e team may be based in Shepparton, however they are there to support a much wider area.
“We cover basically an area right through northern Victoria and the Southern Riverina and up into the Mallee area,” Gerard said.
“ e strength of the Kenworth dealer network means that we can o er 24–7 back-up and support from a service and spare parts point of view.”
Getting drivers back on the road is always top of mind for Graham omson Motors,
and the Australia wide Dealer Network connections make that possible.
“If we haven’t got a part in stock, we can source it overnight because we understand the importance of making sure that our customers are on the road,” Gerard said.
“ at’s one thing that we’re really well known for is, for that
after sale support and back up because once you sell the truck, you need that support from our after sales department.”
If you can’t make it to their New Dookie Rd site, the team has spare parts sales representatives out on the road providing mobile support.
“We have people out on the road ve-days-a-week, touching
base with customers and making sure that their needs are met.”
• To learn more about the DAF XG and XG+ or to check out Graham omson Motor’s range of new and used trucks, spare parts and service capabilities, head to 138-144 New Dookie Rd, Shepparton or give their friendly sta a call on 5821 3977.
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Graham Thomson Motors general manager Gerard Michel with the new DAF XG and XG+ models, designed and engineered in Australia.
The Graham Thomson Motors team may be based in Shepparton, however, they are there to support a much wider area.
TRUCKS TRAILERS AND TRANSPORT
Off to a flying start
After just over 14 months of operation, Daimler Trucks
Shepparton has been awarded the 2024 Regional Dealer of the Year for Mercedes-Benz Trucks.
“Our business has only been going just over 12 months, and we have managed to win the award straight up, which is a phenomenal achievement for our team,” general manager Peter O’Dwyer said.
“It shows the great work our team as a whole does to achieve great results for our customers and the whole business.”
He said being at the award night was nerve-wracking and exciting.
“Being at the awards ceremony, to be sitting there not thinking that your name was going to be called out, as you’ve only been in business for 12 months, and to hear the lead up and then realise they’re talking about you, it’s great.
“To be able to get up and speak to your peers at the ceremony is fantastic as well.”
Peter said as the general manager, he sees first-hand the work his team puts into customer service, which he thinks is what won them the award.
“Our main goal is to put the customer first and offer great service.”
They were up and running on January 2, 2024, and Peter said the business had kept getting busier and busier.
“Looking at the figures at the end of each month and seeing that we’re growing monthly, obviously we have seasonal highs and seasonal lows which every business has, but for us, we started at ground zero, so to
be able to improve every month, is phenomenal.
The team’s dedication to selfimprovement is also how the dealership got the award.
“We do a lot of in-house training and also have a lot of training with Daimler, so our teams are up to speed with all the latest requirements,” Peter said.
“We’ve got a great parts team that have been in the industry for a long time, so they have
seen the changes of yesteryear compared to the way business is done today.
“Our team’s experienced but also young enough to embrace the new way that businesses are operating and to be able to keep on top of that to ensure the customers’ needs are met.”
Sure, they won a nationwide award in their first year of business, but that’s not enough for the team, it’s only upwards from here.
“That’s our new baseline,” Peter said.
“We’re looking to expand again, looking to grow the business further in 2025.
“We’d love to expand the workshop to give more opportunities, to bring more business.
“Everybody’s certainly up and about and wants to continue to grow.”
One of the criteria Peter was most proud of was breakdown attendance, with the Shepparton team sitting at 100 per cent.
The Shepparton branch is part of the Daimler Tristar Group, alongside Wagga Wagga, Albury and Canberra.
“The TriStar Group has been going for five years and the owner of the business and his family are very, very passionate about the trucking and transport industry,” Peter said.
“All we want to do is make sure the customers’ needs come first.”
Daimler Trucks Shepparton provides a comprehensive range of services, specialising in the sales, servicing, and parts of leading brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner and Fuso trucks.
• Daimler can be found at 212 Numurkah Rd, Shepparton or phone 4811 5300.
The Daimler Trucks Shepparton team has already achieved a best regional dealer award.
TRUCKS TRAILERS AND TRANSPORT
One-stop shop for trucks
Hamlyn Mechanical Repairs, owned by Clint Hamlyn, is a trusted mechanical repair and spare parts business serving Shepparton and the wider Goulburn Valley region.
With a solid foundation in heavy diesel mechanics, Clint completed his apprenticeship in Shepparton in 2005 before honing his skills at a Caterpillar dealership in Western Australia for seven years.
Now, armed with more than 20 years of industry expertise, Clint brings HMR to life, o ering unparalleled mechanical repairs and spare parts.
e vision at Hamlyn Mechanical Repairs is to be an a ordable alternative and onestop shop in Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley region for heavy vehicle parts and maintenance.
e team aims to exceed customer expectations, foster lasting relationships, and be the trusted partner for all parts and repair needs, leveraging their experience and knowledge to deliver excellence consistently.
Hamlyn Mechanical Repairs’ spare parts division is one of the largest in the Goulburn Valley.
With a wide range of all the major brands, they carry more than 30,000 line items catering
for most vehicle o -road situations.
ey also have a fully mobile service vehicle, used for onsite repairs when attending the workshop is not an option.
Services include:
• Truck repairs and maintenance: Specialising in truck and trailer repairs and maintenance, the team at Hamlyn Mechanical Repairs ensures vehicles stay road-ready.
• Hydraulic hose repair: In
August of 2022 the team added another service for customers by starting Pirtek Shepparton. Pirtek has 106 branches Australia-wide and now Shepparton has its very own.
• Computer diagnostic: Utilising computer diagnostics, the team of technicians at Hamlyn Mechanical Repairs provide precise and e cient assessments to pinpoint issues within your vehicle’s systems, ensuring accurate and e ective
repairs for optimal performance and reliability.
• Trailer repairs: Hamlyn Mechanical Repairs specialises in comprehensive trailer repairs, o ering expert solutions to keep your trailers safe, reliable, and roadworthy for seamless transportation of goods.
• Brake and suspension testing: e brake and suspension testing services guarantee safety and performance on the road,
ensuring a vehicle’s crucial components meet industry standards. With advanced equipment, rely on them for thorough assessments and precise adjustments to enhance your driving experience.
• Onsite servicing: e team has a fully mobile service vehicle that is used for onsite repairs when attending the workshop is not an option.
O ering convenient onsite and mobile servicing options, Hamlyn Mechanical Repairs delivers comprehensive vehicle maintenance and repairs at your location, minimising downtime and maximising convenience.
When the Fuso Canter rst hit Australian shores, it delivered on a promise: a safe and practical work truck to get the job done. Since 1971, Aussies have been turning to an ever-evolving range of Fuso Canters. The work carries on with our new-look Canter. An updated design combines brighter LED headlights, sleek exterior
styling and an enhanced 8” multimedia touch screen with the DNA of Australia’s hardest-working light-duty truck. Add in classleading payload across most models, advanced active safety systems* and impressive 30,000km service intervals, and you have everything that you need to get the job done.
Hamlyn Mechanical Repairs owner Clint Hamlyn has more than 20 years’ experience.
Hamlyn Mechanical Repairs’ spare parts division is your one-stop shop.
TRUCKS TRAILERS AND TRANSPORT
Call to boost road safety
The next Federal Government should resource the safety experts at the Australian Transport Safety Bureau to investigate serious crashes involving trucks, Australian Trucking Association chair Mark Parry said.
Mr Parry was releasing the ATA’s 2025 election campaign initiatives to improve safety for truck drivers and everyone who uses our roads.
“The trucking industry’s safety has improved markedly over the decades, but the number of crashes involving trucks will remain unacceptable until everyone who uses our roads gets home safely every day,” he said.
Mr Parry said the next Federal Government should resource the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) to undertake noblame safety investigations into crashes involving trucks where there are lessons to be learned.
“The ATSB is Australia’s independent transport safety investigator,” he said.
“It investigates aviation, commercial shipping and rail crashes and is recognised as a world leader.
“We don’t recognise the ATSB as the asset it is; we don’t take advantage of its expertise to
investigate road crashes.
“Crashes involving trucks are investigated by the police, regulators like the NHVR and the coronial system. These investigations may lead to criminal charges or regulatory action. In contrast, ATSB investigations are on a noblame basis.
“As well as looking at the details of a crash and local conditions, the ATSB looks at corporate risk controls, organisational factors that may have contributed to the crash and external influences such as regulatory requirements and how regulators do their jobs.
“Independent inquiries have repeatedly said that we need to extend no-blame safety investigations to road crashes. We need to start with crashes involving trucks; it needs to happen under the next government.”
Mr Parry also called on the next government to insist on national regulations requiring trains to have flashing beacons and side lights.
“Trucks are more likely to be involved in level crashes than cars, and more than 18,000 of Australia’s level crossings are not protected by lights or boom gates.
“There is no one solution to level crossing crashes, but improving the visibility of trains would be a significant improvement in safety, especially at night.
“There is now a voluntary code of practice to encourage improved train lighting, but it needs to be mandatory. Trucks are required by law to meet minimum lighting standards. Trains should be subject to
similar legal requirements.”
Mr Parry said the next government should also speed up the construction of new and upgraded truck rest areas.
“Building truck rest areas saves lives. The government is providing $140 million in funding over 10 years for the construction of new and upgraded truck rest areas, but it’s too slow,” he said.
“Our truck drivers need
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better rest areas now. The next government should complete the delivery of the current rest area program over five years rather than 10.
“If state or local government delays slow the rollout down, the government should increase its contribution for specific projects and consider changing the eligibility criteria to cover approval and preliminary project costs.”
• 16 Speed Hi-Tronix TX 2640 Automated Transmission
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• 10 Stud Brushed Alcoa Alloy Wheels • 1010lt Fuel Tank with 80lt AdBlue Tank • Telematics Equipped • UHF Radio • Full Trailer Brake Control With V Orlandi Towbar • Dog Trailer Controls • Electric Tarp • North East Engineering Tipper body 5100mmx2480mmx1000mm • Alemlube Central Greasing Unit
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The Australian Trucking Association has a wish list of road safety initiatives for the next Federal Government.
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Kenworth Trucks work harder for longer. Each truck is purpose designed for its intended task, like the T909 where fuel capacity and front axle weights are critical and the T610SAR with its classic styling is as tough as it is durable. All Kenworth models are manufactured to exacting specifications with uncompromising quality at the world class production plant in the Melbourne suburb of Bayswater.
TRUCKS TRAILERS AND TRANSPORT
Trusted experts for 30 years
GV Hydraulink is a leading and trusted hydraulic tipping systems supplier and installer in the Goulburn Valley, and it’s been that way for more than 30 years.
“We are the authorised distributor and service agent for for well over 50 years, and their products are second to none.
“We supply and install complete semi tipper fit outs to all makes and models of trucks, both new and second-hand.”
GV Hydraulink has a fully equipped workshop that caters for PTO installations and service of all hydraulic systems.
“Our purpose-built workshop is designed to ensure maximum efficiency and the very best qual-
ity of workmanship,” Angelo said.
“We have multiple service vehicles, which enables us to attend to your site for emergency breakdowns and on-site repairs.
“Our fully equipped hose truck is there when you need it, 24/7.
“Our fully trained and experienced team are ready to carry out your hydraulic needs whether you are in mining, agriculture, quarry, transport, forestry and all other industries
that need fast, effective and reliable hose and hydraulic service.
“We have been the established local hydraulic specialists with a sound knowledge of hydraulic equipment, whether it be a hay feed out machine, mixer wagon, harvester, front end loader, laser grader, air seeder, plough, rotary diary, tip truck or any other agriculture machine.
At GV Hydraulink, they keep
themselves up-to-date with the latest and greatest diagnostic equipment available, together with country Victoria’s largest stocks of spare parts including pumps, motors, valves, cylinders, seals, and hose and fittings to get customers back to work fast.
• Visit the friendly team at 78-80 Drummond Rd, Shepparton, or give them a call on 5831 5244 or 0402 166 354 outside of regular business hours.
GV Hydraulink offers 24/7 mobile service.
GV Hydraulink’s fully trained and experienced team are ready to carry out your hydraulic needs.
TRUCKS TRAILERS AND TRANSPORT Legacy of service and quality
For more than a century, Hartwigs Trucks has been a cornerstone of the Australian automotive industry, proudly offering top-tier truck and bus sales, servicing and parts.
With a legacy that began in Wagga Wagga in 1923, the Hartwig family has been at the heart of the business for five generations, delivering exceptional service to customers in Queanbeyan, NSW and Shepparton and the surrounding regions.
Founded in the early 20th century, Hartwigs Trucks has been a trusted name in the industry, continually adapting to meet the needs of a changing market.
Since the 1970s, Hartwigs has specialised in selling, servicing and providing parts for new and used trucks and buses.
The business has grown alongside the communities it serves, and as the company moves into its fifth generation,
led by Charlie Hartwig, they remain as committed as ever to providing the highest level of customer satisfaction.
Charlie, taking the reins of the family business, continues the progressive tradition set by his predecessors.
Whether it’s a new Western Star or a well-loved Hyundai truck, Hartwigs ensures that every customer, from large businesses to independent operators, gets the support and service they deserve.
With locations in Queanbeyan and Shepparton, Hartwigs Trucks boasts an impressive network, making it easy for customers to access topquality trucks, parts and services.
As an authorised dealer for Penske Australia, Hartwigs proudly offers industry-leading brands like Western Star, MAN, Dennis Eagle and Detroit engines, in addition to being a trusted dealer for Hyundai Trucks.
However, it’s not just about selling trucks.
Hartwigs understands that trucks are a significant investment and that keeping them on the road is crucial for business success.
That’s why the company offers comprehensive aftersales support, including regular servicing, repairs and a 24hour breakdown service in Shepparton, ensuring peace of mind for customers whenever they need it most.
At the core of Hartwigs Trucks
is a dedicated team of specialists who are passionate about what they do.
Whether you’re purchasing a new or used truck, getting your vehicle serviced, or need expert advice, the team is here to help.
The commitment to customer satisfaction has earned Hartwigs a reputation for reliability and professionalism, making them the go-to choice for truck and bus needs in the region.
To make things easier for customers, Hartwigs also offers a range of competitive finance solutions.
From corporate lending to commercial hire-purchase, novated leases and chattel mortgages, Hartwigs works with leading finance providers to ensure that every customer can confidently drive away with the right vehicle at the right price.
For Hartwigs Trucks, it’s about more than just selling trucks — it’s about building long-lasting relationships with customers.
As the business celebrates more than 100 years in the industry, the Hartwig family’s core values of trust, service and quality continue to guide the company, ensuring that customers for life isn’t just a slogan, but a promise.
Hartwigs understands that trucks are a significant investment and that keeping them on the road is crucial for business success.
Mobile service home and hosed
Pirtek Shepparton provides hydraulic and industrial services for multiple industries in the Shepparton area including, but not limited to, dairy, agriculture, manufacturing and transport.
Shepparton become Pirtek’s 104th service location nationally, embodying the company’s promise of responding as soon as possible whenever customers need help and demonstrating the resilience of the Pirtek system as the national franchise network continues to grow.
Clint Hamlyn is a Shepparton local, having grown up in the area before moving to Western Australia for further work opportunities as a certified Heavy Diesel Road Transport mechanic.
Clint returned home to Shepparton, and in 2017, established Hamlyn Mechanical Repairs, providing onsite service and repairs to all makes of trucks, trailers and machinery (construction, forestry, earthmoving and agriculture).
Clint saw a huge opportunity to join
Pirtek, with a mobile service franchise being a perfect fit to complement his existing business, further providing the option to extend on his service capabilities to existing customers as well as reach new customers in the area.
Give Clint and his team a call if you need hydraulic or industrial hose service and accessories in the Shepparton area.
Pirtek Shepparton is available 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week.
Since 1980, Pirtek has led the market in providing a diverse group of customers with an equally diverse portfolio of fluid transfer solution products and services.
Pirtek Australia is celebrating 45 years this year.
So no matter the job, Pirtek will have someone there to help you.
Servicing
We service all makes and models of heavy and light vehicles. We only use quality parts and tools.
Our efficient team ensure your vehicle is maintained to the highest standard.
Our commitment to high quality customer service ensure there are no surprises when it comes time to pay the bill.
Roadworthy Inspections
We are a fully accredited motor vehicle tester with VicRoads and provide roadworthy inspections for all light and heavy vehicles, including LPG.
We are also able to clear all interstate defect notices.
Fleet Maintenance
Our experienced team of heavy vehicle mechanics can take care of all your fleet maintenance requirements; from vehicle and trailer servicing to minor and major repairs.
us to discuss your fleet’s needs.
Expanding Storage Needs?
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Clint Hamlyn opened Pirtek Shepparton, Pirtek’s 104th branch.
TRUCKS TRAILERS AND TRANSPORT Keeping fleets on track
Northeast Auto Group, Shepparton is an Australian-owned and operated family business that is built on long-standing and loyal relationships with suppliers and customers.
Founded in 1978 by Charlie and Peter Emanuele, Charlie’s sons Tony and Joe continue to expand the business into multiple locations across the nation, including Shepparton.
Not only does the team pride itself on providing a great variety of truck makes and models, both new and used, but also servicing and parts, dealer principal Deane Crowhurst said.
“I have a lot of new faces here,” Deane said.
“We can deliver parts anywhere, and in exciting news, we’ll soon have a van on the road to be able to expand that arm of the business.
“Currently, we have 11 people in the workshop, including trainees and technicians.”
If you’re out on the road and
something goes wrong, Deane said they’re the ones to call.
“We o er a 24-hour breakdown service with two breakdown vehicles available,” he said.
“We’re one of the very few that does breakdowns in this area, providing support for Isuzu, IVECO and Scania trucks.”
In recent years, they have also put signi cant e ort into renovations to provide the best service to the Goulburn Valley area.
“We can provide European and American driveline products from our parts department, as well as airconditioning equipment for trucks.
“We also have invested in a state-of-the-art wheel aligner, to continually improve our workshop.”
Servicing Industries
• Transport
• Agriculture
• Mining
“ at truck’s been out nearly 18 months now, and with regards to reliability, we haven’t seen any issues, and have received great feedback from customers.”
For anyone looking to get
their hands on the new model and all its creature comforts, the S-Way 550 also comes with a one million kilometre warranty until the end of June.
“ e S-Way can be rated with approval in the prime mover range with the 550 to 90 tonne, which is your B-double road train style set up,” Deane said.
and accessories
• Environmental Range
• Grease
• Oil
• Air and Water
• Highest quality product
• Rapid response time
• 24 hours a day, 7 days a week service
• Tagging system identified Australia-wide
• On-site breakdown service
• Satisfying customers bulk supply requirements
• Equipment audits and hose management in the customer workplace
• Vendor managed inventory
• Hose and fitting kits
• Production hose making equipment
• On-site mobile hose making workshops
• Fire suppression servicing
range with the 550 to 90 tonne.
The S-Way prides itself on four key components:
• Power and e ciency: Powerful engines with fuel saving technologies that reduce running costs.
• Safety and connectivity: An advanced, fully connected truck with industry-leading safety features.
WE’LL KEEP YOU OPERATING
• Supply and Installation of greasing and lubrication systems
• Lower cost pre-made hose kits
• Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
• Certified and qualified Hose TechniciansCert II in Engineering (MEM20105)
• Testing and Clarification
• Hose Cleaning
• Environmental product awareness inductions, including Spill Bin Audits
• Traceability
• LinkOne drawings
• 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design Engineering)
• Design Drafting Capability
Deane and his team are excited about the latest IVECO model, the IVECO S-Way 530 tipper.
The S-Way can be rated with approval in the prime mover
• Comfort and convenience: A driver-centric cabin design with enhanced ergonomics and comfort.
• Support services: Programs and telematics that minimise downtime to help boost business productivity.
• IVECO S-way is the perfect travel companion for the driver, the ideal business solution for the eet owner.
• To nd out more about the new model S-Way or to view the entire great range of trucks, visit the friendly team at Northeast Auto Group, 6 Wheeler St, Shepparton.
• Head to the website at northeastauto.com or call 5821 9811.
TRUCKS TRAILERS AND TRANSPORT
All storage needs solved
All Storage Systems is a family-owned business with experience in areas such as hospitality, industrial, government, retail and more.
Their pursuit of excellence and innovation has set them apart from others, while their ongoing commitment to customer service has garnered them a name for integrity and reliability.
The friendly sales team cares about customers’ needs, strives to work within a budget and achieve its design ambitions.
One of the team’s areas of expertise is shelving and pallet racking.
“We provide shelving for smaller spare parts, and we also do pallet racking for bigger parts to workbenches for when they’re working on trucks, and then we do all the plastic storage tubs for the spare parts,” sales manager Marcus Peddrick said.
“We do offer an installation and delivery service,” he said.
“We’ve got a fairly intensive showroom with a lot of racking
and shelving and benches on display.”
With 34 years in the business, there’s no better option than All Storage Systems.
All Storage Systems prides itself on its experience, care, commitment and complete workplace solutions.
With complete warehouse
design, storage optimisation and auditing services, the team has the capabilities and experience to help your business make the most of your available storage space.
Their experienced, knowledgeable fit-out consultants work closely with clients’ businesses to uncover
their ideal warehouse fit-out solution, tailoring a floor plan to optimise space and improve efficiencies.
Their broad range of products, commitment to quality and end-to-end services, deliver complete storage and workplace solutions that maximise space and productivity.
At All Storage Systems, they’re all about developing deep, lasting relationships with clients. They take the time to understand client needs and provide the best solution.
• To learn more about All Storage Systems, head to allstoragesystems.com.au or call the team on 1800 772 726.
INDUSTRIAL HOT WATER PRESSURE WASHER SALE
The All Storage systems team is there for you.
TRUCKS TRAILERS AND TRANSPORT
VFF slams road funding snub
The Victorian Farmers Federation says regional Victoria has been abandoned in the wake of the Victorian and federal governments’ citycentric infrastructure cash splash.
VFF president Brett Hosking said decision makers were playing politics and prioritising votes ahead of fixing genuine issues across Victoria.
“It’s a genuine slap in the face for those living outside of Melbourne,” Mr Hosking said.
“Both the Commonwealth and Victorian governments are proving they have no interest in taking action to fix roads outside of marginal electorates.”
Mr Hosking said the February funding announcement was billed as ‘Victoria’s fair share’.
“It should be rebranded as ‘Melbourne’s fair share’, as there is little to smile about from a regional Victorian’s perspective,” he said.
“Country roads are crumbling and it’s not only costing tens
of millions in lost productivity, tragically people are paying for it with their lives.
“The $20 million announced for a business case into improving high productivity freight vehicle access is another case of government spending money not to make decisions or pick up a shovel.”
“If they just talk to farmers we would tell them exactly the bridges that need to be upgraded to allow for these
trucks to get rolling.
“I doubt the bridges at places like Dimboola, Bridgewater and Numurkah will be on the Prime Minister’s list of visits during the election campaign.”
Mr Hosking said there was a genuine sense from those outside of Melbourne being treated as second-class citizens when it comes to receiving a fair slice of funding.
“For over a decade now, regional Victoria has been
neglected and we won’t accept it any longer.
“It’s not a matter of crying poor, just a matter of fairness and we’re clearly getting the rough end of the stick.”
“Regional Victoria’s population is roughly on par with a city the size of Adelaide and we are Australia’s agriculture economic powerhouse.
“We can’t grow without investment and we’re not getting it.”
In January, Mr Hosking called on all levels of government to urgently increase funding for regional roads in the wake of a soaring regional road toll, up 156 per cent compared to the same time last year.
He said the state of regional roads was a major contributing factor to the toll.
“The tragic reality is you’re more than three times likely to lose your life when driving on country roads when compared to driving in the city.
“Enough is enough. Genuine questions must be asked about as to what contributing factors are behind the accidents and there’s no doubt the state of country roads is a huge factor.
“Over the past year, government spending on resurfacing and resealing roads has dropped by a whopping 81 per cent. That only condemns our roads to ruin and sadly that’s now a reality.
“Drivers are expected to maintain roadworthy cars. It’s time for cars to drive car-worthy roads to ensure drivers aren’t playing a daily game of roads roulette.
“With a federal election looming, there’s no better time for our leaders to commit to genuinely fixing this mess.”
The VFF says the poor state of Victoria’s roads is costing tens of millions of dollars in lost productivity.
TRUCKS TRAILERS AND TRANSPORT
Making a bid for auction action
Online Ag is a local, trusted, asset management and rural real estate business, but its newest venture will corner the market in trucks and transport auctions.
“We do handle the odd truck and trailer here and there with our multi-vendor auctions or in clearing sales, but we just reckon that there’s a gap in the market,” co-director Bryan Florence said.
“We’ve done a little bit of canvassing about how these bigger trucking mobs around here, where they dispose of their second-hand equipment, in particular, and a lot of them have to send them down to Melbourne, and they pay fairly exorbitant fees to run through the big auction houses down there.”
So they became the solution, providing a local place to sell equipment and vehicles.
“Country people helping country people is what we’re trying to do, that’s where we’re
coming from,” Bryan said.
“I’m a long-time resident of the area, and I’ve actually worked in the transport industry with trucking companies here in Shepparton and I understand the management of their assets.”
One of the bene ts of going to Online Ag is that you can keep the item you’re selling right up until it’s dispersed.
“We obviously charge a fee for what we do, however, that’s a lot less than what it would be to lose the asset and go down to Melbourne,” Bryan said.
ey’re accepting anything from tippers to commercial vans and are expecting their rst auction to take place in late May.
“Rob’s been doing this for ve years, and we’ve done 61
Online Ag co-directors
Bryan Florence and Robert Bruns.
auctions, and that’s excluding clearance sales,” Bryan said.
“So we’re not the new kids on the block, we’re a trusted platform.”
Online Ag co-director Robert Bruns is well versed in both the real estate and agricultural side of life.
“I’ve been in the real estate game since 2018, primarily focused on the rural side of things, more so than residential,” Robert said.
“I’ve been conducting online auctions, which was a spin-o from COVID-19 because we used to just run public clearing
sales in the paddock, and we couldn’t do that because you couldn’t have public gatherings, so we had to move across to online, and it’s been successful, and we haven’t sort of looked away from that since.
“But prior to that, my background was agriculture, I was actually a farmer.”
He said one of the things he enjoyed most about the auctions was that he could stay “connected with the ag sector”.
Bryan is a Goulburn Valley man through-and-through.
“I grew up in Shepparton,” he said.
“I worked in the transport and mining industry for most of my life, and then I had the Dookie pub, so went from publican to real estate.
“I saw what Rob was doing and, and thought, ‘wow, this is great’ and I like the connection with the country people.” eir rst Goulburn Valleybased truck and transport auction will happen in late May.
• For updates on their online auction, head to Online Ag’s Facebook and website, or to contact Robert and Bryan directly, call 5833 0221.
