Big Rigs 14 March 2025

Minus1 fined $50,000 for forklift incident

THE original fine imposed on Minus1 Refrigerated Transport Pty Ltd, after a worker was seriously injured, has more than doubled following an appeal.

In June 2023, a forklift was being used to unload a van in the driveway of the company’s Dandenong depot when it reversed into a worker walking in the same direction.

The worker’s right leg was dragged under the forklift and then run over again when the forklift was driven forward.

The worker suffered partial de-gloving to his calf, a fractured ankle and fractured tibia.

In October 2024, Minus1 Refrigerated Transport Pty Ltd was fined $20,000 without conviction in the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty to a single charge of failing to provide or maintain a system of work that was safe and without risks to health.

But after Minus1 appealed

the fine, the original sentence was set aside.

The County Court imposed a conviction and a $50,000 fine on Friday February 28. The company was also ordered to pay $4575 in costs.

WorkSafe’s investigation into the incident found the driveway area was not a designated loading and unloading zone, however, the practice had occurred there previously.

According to WorkSafe, it was reasonably practicable for Minus1 to have implemented a traffic management plan that ensured a three-metre exclu sion zone was maintained be

tween pedestrians and mobile plant; and to ensure that vehicle loading and unloading only occurred in designated areas.

The court also heard the company was previously fined $20,000 without conviction over a similar incident, when a truck driver suffered broken ribs and fractured vertebrae after being struck by a reversing forklift in 2022.

A spokesperson for the company told Big Rigs that steps had been taken following the “Subsequent to the incident,

Safe and have sought to take every possible step to minimise risk to staff, customers, and the public going forward.

“In its sentencing comments, the Court noted that we are of good character; work diligently on safety in a heavily regulated industry; have an impressive and dedicated OH&S team; and have cooperated with WorkSafe.”

Minus1 continued, “Over our 35-year history we are very proud of our industry-leading ‘lost time injury frequency rate’ which has been sustained notwithstanding recent substantial operational growth.

“The safety of our staff, customers and the public is at the forefront of everything we do, within an industry that we recognise carries the potential for serious harm.

“This regrettable incident has served to reinforce how critical it is that we continue to do all

we can to make our workplace safer.”

The Minus1 spokesperson added that the company remains focussed on learning from the incident and continuing to support the staff members and their families who were involved.

WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety Sam Jenkin said there were no excuses for failing to adequately separate forklifts and pedestrians.

“Our data shows that on average more than one worker every week is seriously injured in incidents involving forklifts, which is simply unacceptable when the ways to control the risk are easily adopted and relatively low cost,” Jenkin said.

“It is incredibly disappointing that a second person has been injured due to this company’s failure to implement basic safety measures to keep pedestrians out of harm’s way.”

Operator caught out with over-hanging load

A truck and three-axle dog was intercepted at the Mareeba Shire in Queensland recently after staff from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) noticed an issue with how the load was restrained.

According to the NHVR, “Queensland Safety and Compliance Officers promptly intercepted this vehicle that was fully loaded with aggregate

and topped off with a couple of large protruding pipes, completely unsecured on the top of the trailer – with no reasonable explanation from the driver about the loading methods.”

The regulator says further checks revealed the vehicle was defective and incorrectly registered.

“Due to the severity of the overhang at the vehicle’s rear

and no load restraint in place, no immediate penalty or fine was issued as the matter has been referred to our Prosecutions unit,” said an NHVR spokesperson. “The maximum court penalty is $15,000.”

In terms of registration, the NHVR said, “This vehicle was not registered to tow with a trailer.”

The NHVR did not provide

detail on the vehicle’s defects.

The regulator also issued a reminder to drivers about load restraint best practice.

In sharing details of the intercept, the NHVR also pointed to its load restraint guide, which details best practice load restraint systems. It can be accessed at nhvr.gov.au/ road-access/loading/load-restraint-guide. caught the attention of NHVR officers. Image: NHVR

Collapsed company leaves trail of debt

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

ARVA Investments, trading as Melbourne-based ARVA Transport and Logistics and ARVA Freight, has gone into liquidation, with creditors facing an uncertain future.

According to an ASIC notice published last month, at a general meeting of the company members on Wednesday, February 25, it was resolved that the company be wound up and that Glenn Crisp, from Jirsch Sutherland, be appointed liquidator(s).

A RVA was founded in 2008 by Agustinus ‘Gus’ Arief with just one truck. Within 15 years, he grew his business to a fleet of over 100 vehicles, servicing the eastern seaboard and Adelaide.

Shortly after news began circulating of ARVA’s demise, the company’s website was taken offline, with a “website undergoing maintenance” landing page in its place.

Big Rigs approached ARVA management for comment but did not hear back.

A former employee of the company – who asked to remain anonymous – approached Big Rigs to share what he claims to have experienced during his time there.

“ARVA has always had a history of not being able to pay their debts,” he said.

“They’d have drivers coming into the office pleading to be paid so they could pay their rent. There were people coming in and asking for money they were owed for loads. A lot of people have been affected by this. A lot of employees are owed a lot of super too.

“ARVA owed a lot of money to a lot of people. There was one driver there who had been getting paid inconsistently. He left when they bought a brand new Mack.

“ARVA was pulling in good revenue, they just couldn’t manage their debt.

“What I don’t understand is, if you’re constantly at a loss and can’t pay people, why not scale back. Instead they kept committing to more work and getting more gear.”

Managing Director at Ezi Loads Australia, Jason Ajdani alleges his company is owed $30,360 from ARVA for work that was completed but never paid for.

Ezi Loads provides taxi truck services, as well as supplying one tonne vans through to B-doubles. As Adjani explained, “We started working with ARVA around March 2024. They had a client that was a furniture company and to service that contract, they required the use of 4 tonne pan-techs, so we were supplying those trucks to ARVA. We also did

a lot of their local deliveries around the Sydney metro area too,” explained Ajdani.

“After we performed all the work, we found out they weren’t paying any of their bills. They promised over and over that they would pay us, and that went on for a good four months.”

To assist ARVA in paying off the money owed to Ezi Loads, Ajdani said they came up with a plan.

“We said let’s try to get them to pay off their bills by supplying their trucks, so we weren’t out of pocket. They agreed. Then every time we called and asked for trucks, they told us there were none available.”

Ajdani says he wanted to share his experience as a warning to others.

“If we were a smaller business, something like this would have sunk us.”

ARVA Investments was also part of a business deal with Atlantic Container Lines Australia Ltd (ACL) –to form ACL-ARVA Logistics Ltd (ACLAL).

A RVA Investments was a minority shareholder of ACLAL, holding 8 per cent.

ACL, a leading warehousing and freight-forwarding company that is still very much in business, owns the remaining 92 per cent of ACLAL, with Rudy Suharto serving as the sole director.

The two shareholders are in

dispute. In November 2024, ARVA Investments was ordered to pay $32,500 on or before January 31, 2025. ACL says that debt has not been paid and served a statutory demand for payment on February 5, 2025.

ACL alleges this demand was ignored until February 25, when Arva Investments’ sole director and shareholder put Arva Investments into voluntary liquidation and appointed Glenn Crisp as liquidator. W hen the liquidator calls for proofs of debt, ACLAL

Crisp said the financial position of Arva is still being investigated, as are the reasons for the company’s failure. He said Jirsch Sutherland will be issuing a creditors’ report in due course.

“Jirsch Sutherland will also be assisting employees with claims they may have with the Fair Entitlements Guarantee scheme.”

told Big Rigs it will be lodging a proof to the value of over $500,000 for money had and received and for diverting some of the new racking ordered for the Broadmeadows site and paid for by ACLAL, to ARVA Investments’ warehouses in Queensland and NSW. Proofs by ACL will include $32,500 for legal costs and up to $250,000 under a general security deed that ARVA Investments signed during November’s court proceedings. Big Rigs also contacted the liquidator Glenn Crisp from Jirsch Sutherland for an update on what money creditors may be owed and if they’re any chance of getting any of it back.

Rest site revealed, opening date unknown

BY JAMES GRAHAM

WHILE the new location for the much-anticipated rest area for truckies in western Sydney has been revealed, an opening date is still up in the air.

No VIPs or officials that Big Rigs spoke to at last month’s Erskine Park media launch could shed any definitive light on when truckies would start rolling into the six-hectare site on the corner of Lenore and Archbold Roads.

An emailed statement from Transport for NSW (TfNSW) later confirmed that the open ing date is still some way off – and could also suggest that the location is by no means certain to get an official tick of approval.

“We aim to have planning and design completed within a year and that work will de

work includes undertaking site-specific analysis, a Strategic Business Case, an environmental assessment, geotechnical investigation and concept

stakeholders as the project progresses.

According to the media release announcing the location, a TfNSW survey of 800 truckies would also help inform the facilities at the proposed site.

“Overwhelmingly, longhaul drivers of B-doubles and semi-trailers – found safety and security was their highest priority for a rest area, as well as the provision of separate toilet and shower facilities for female drivers,” the statement said.

“Based on driver feedback and industry consultation, the rest area will provide flushing toilets, clean drinking water, hot showers, ample available parking, including secluded bays for sleeping, and shaded areas for time outside the cab.”

All that is known for now is that the state and federal governments have committed $40 million each into the project, and when finished, it’s expected to be big enough to accommodate 100 trucks and trailers.

Assuming it passes the planning and assessment phases, the government-owned plot will be ideally placed for interstate drivers, being five minutes from wthe M7 and 10 minutes from the M4.

“I think it’s going to make a huge difference,” said Ann Lopez who runs Sydney-based Lopez Brothers Transport with her husband Phil and has been at the frontline of lobbying for a facility of this type in the city as Road Freight NSW members.

“We’re crying out for more people to join our industry and to have something that’s safe and respects the drivers, especially women entering the industry, it’s another point of difference that will enhance the opportunities to join.

“Everyone’s workplace should have these sort of facilities available.”

A lthough the proposed site won’t impact Lopez Brothers as much as others – its business focuses mostly on local container transport – Phil said a facility such as the proposed one in western Sydney would also help retain the older drivers for longer.

“It is exciting, but it is only

getting us to a baseline of where we should have been years ago,” said Phil, as he also reflected on the Covid days of staff drivers being refused access to toilets.

Added Ann: “We have a responsibility as employers to make sure our staff have good facilities and that they’re well respected and cared for and this will give us that opportunity to add another layer of protection.”

RFNSW CEO Simon O’Hara, a long-time advocate for another rest area for truckies in Sydney, said the proposed site is a win for the association’s long-running advocacy for more dignity and respect for the trucking industry.

He said the idea for a dedicated truckies’ rest area was first sparked by an industry roundtable with NSW Minister for Transport and Roads John Graham that highlighted the many issues facing drivers in Sydney.

A new truckies’ rest area in Sydney was also one of 11 asks put forward by RFNSW in its election platform for the last state election.

He said a three-year wait between pitching the concept and announcing the location is a “good result” for an $80 million project like this.

“There’s a two-way street between the community and truckies,” O’Hara said.

“The community expects that the truck drivers are well

rested, and truck drivers expect to be well rested, so we see this as a big, big improvement on the current situation.

“This is great initiative, and we thank the state and federal governments for pitching in $40 million each. Sydney needs it, the trucking community needs it – it’s been generations that this has been asked for.”

O’Hara also said the site will make a significant difference for truckies, particularly those coming into Sydney from regional areas.

“Western Sydney is the beating heart of the freight industry. You get a lot of fully-loaded trucks in here every single day coming from all around the state – and from different states.

“This is a great place to rest up and go on your way or come back to and load up again.”

O’Hara also talked about the mutual safety and health benefits the site affords the community and truck drivers.

O’Hara said he was only talking to an operator the day prior to the site announcement who told him about a young driver who had died from a heart attack in his cab at nearby Wetherill Park while waiting to pick up from a customer.

“Perhaps if he’d been here [at the new rest area], maybe someone would have noticed him,” O’Hara said.

At the site announcement, John Graham thanked the

DRIVING SOLUTIONS

NSW operators Phil and Ann Lopez were at the announcement to show their support. Images: Prime Creative Media

Road Freight NSW CEO Simon O’Hara has been at the forefront of lobbying for the new facility.

federal government for getting on board with his push to quash Sydney’s reputation as the least truckie-friendly city in Australia.

He also reserved praise for former truckie, WA Labor Senator Glenn Sterle who “led the fight” for better rest area facilities for truckies during Covid and was instrumental in securing federal support for the new Sydney site.

“This has been a call for a long time; finally, we’re delivering,” Graham said.

Sterle said he can’t stress the importance of the site an nouncement enough.

“This facility will provide up to 100 truck drivers a safe haven to pull over and manage their fatigue,” Sterle said.

“It was an election promise and it is going to be delivered.”

Federal Transport Minister Catherine King said the safety of truckies is a priority for the Labor government and the quality of heavy vehicle rest areas is critical for that.

“We’ve listened to our truck drivers, and will deliver what they’ve asked for – shelter, toilets, hot showers, drinking water, shade and bays to sleep,” King said.

“These are things that we often take for granted at our own workplace but are not easily accessible for our truckies while they are working on the road.

“Availability of adequate rest areas helps truckies to better manage fatigue and avoid incidents on the road, ultimately saving lives.”

Mayor of Blacktown City, Brad Bunting, told Big Rigs that the local council welcomes

the rest area announcement and is ready to play its part.

“Blacktown City has long advocated for a wellplanned, properly funded, and well-maintained rest area for heavy vehicle operators,” Bunting said.

Council has previously written to the NSW Government highlighting the urgent need for such a facility.

“As one of the largest transport and logistics hubs in Syd-

ney, Blacktown City is home to more than 14,000 residents working in the transport, logistics, and warehousing sectors.

“With direct access to the M7, M4, and M2 Motorways, the proposed site is ideal for a Sydney-based rest area.

“This will serve as a vital hub for drivers, reducing the need for them to take significant detours off major motorways to find suitable rest stops.”

READERS REACTION

Tony Stephens

New depot for all the local trucks with no depots of their own. At least the BP will have a few more places to park. They will need a rego check camera on the gate so they can track who is local and who is genuine interstate and overnight.

Stuart M Baker

Here’s an idea.....heaps of room at pig farm hill to double the size of the southbound rest area......and build one on the northbound side exactly the same size and do something about the dirty filthy disgusting facilities there.

Brad McDonogh

I think it’s a great idea and it’s gonna make life a hell of a lot easier for truck drivers. However, the issue you gonna have is all the local drivers and subcontractors that use the dedicated area as their depot or parking area. You look around the local streets everywhere now and you watch because they’ve been kicked out of the BP at Eastern Creek and councils are restricting parking everywhere for they will end up in there. If it’s POLICED and actually enforced, it will be good.

David Oxley

I’m not keen on this idea, but if it helps us interstate drivers having a spot to park for a 7x hour break then maybe they should bring in a rule where you come to a gatehouse and boom gate. Show them your logbook (proof you’ve driven from Queensland or Melbourne for example) and they let you into the “interstate drivers only” section.

Craig Ward

They’ll get three more election promises out of this, then shelve it. Even if it did get done, showers and toilets will be cleaned max once a week and the lot will be full of tippers parked up for the night while their operators go home.

James David

How is it 80 million for a flat graded area that’s probably on unusable land and asphalt.. unless it’s time lic plate recognition monitored with exit boom gate that reads trailer rego plates ... Then be a dumping ground.

Tristan Michel

Sounds great in theory. It MUST have a mandatory 14hr tow away so as big companies and other smaller operators don’t park their gear up for long periods taking up space. Also, NO CARAVANERS should be permitted to use. Should also include a 24hr on-site mechanic and there should be a shop to purchase tools, and other things we need and frequently lose out on the road.

Ivor Nelson

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The six-hectare greenspace is ideally placed with access to all the major motorways.

WA Senator Glenn Sterle said the dedicated site is a big win for industry.

IN BRIEF

New speed camera on M4

A new average speed camera has been installed on the M4 motorway in NSW – specifically targeting heavy vehicles.

The new cameras, which capture the stretch between Eastern Creek to South Penrith, are still in warning mode for the next few weeks, said Transport for NSW.

Heavy vehicle drivers caught speeding at 30km/h or less over the speed limit will be sent a warning letter to encourage them to change their behaviour.

Truckies caught speeding at more than 30km/h over the speed limit will receive fines and demerit points as usual.

At the end of the warning letter period, offending heavy vehicle drivers will be sent fines and demerit points.

Lindsay’s expands to WA

Lindsay Australia has announced the acquisition of Western Australia-based business GJ Freight, which operates six sites in the state’s south-west.

The transport giant revealed that a sales agreement had been reached this month, with operations set to commence on April 1.

As part of the sale, Lindsay Australia will acquire the assets and staff of GJ Freight.

Lindsay Australia says this is part of a strategic move that will allow it to further diversify and expand into the growing horticultural market in southwest Western Australia.

Started in 1992, GJ Freight is an integrated logistics and packaging business, with its head office located in Donnybrook, WA. It currently generates over $20 million in annual revenue.

Lindsay Australia also has a new Perth depot due for completion later this year.

SA bridge opens

South Australia’s new Aldinga Bridge has opened to traffic, marking a major milestone for the duplication of Main South Road between Aldinga and Sellicks.

The Aldinga Bridge is a key feature of the new Aldinga Interchange, which realigns the junctions of Aldinga Beach Road and Aldinga Road. Traffic is now also travelling on parts of the newly constructed northbound carriageway on Main South Road.

The stage 2 Main South Road duplication includes intersection upgrades at Hart and Colville roads, Norman and Rogers roads, Hahn and Cox roads and Sellicks Beach Road, as well as the installation of wide centre medians and wire rope barriers to improve safety by separating northbound and southbound traffic. It also includes three U-turns to facilitate local access.

Correction to flood story

Our page 3 story in the last issue, ‘Calls grow for support after Qld floods’, incorrectly called Dave Morgan the owner-director of Townsville-based Morgan’s Long Distance Transport, and also published a picture of the same fleet.

Morgan is the owner-director of Townsville-based Morgan Transport Group.

Turbine turmoil sparks investigation

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

POOR communication and an administrative error led to two massive wind turbines being perilously routed through the narrow streets of a small Victorian country town.

The operator charged with moving the oversized blade, from Geelong to Bulgana Wind Farm in Joel South on February 18, was following an approved Oversize Overmass transport route when it became clear the convoy was not going to make it through the town of Ararat smoothly.

Traffic came to a standstill as two trucks and the massive blades they were transporting were manoeuvred through the residential streets of the town, damaging trees and road signs along the way.

Planning for the journey involved the input of a number of councils affected by the convoy, the operator and the NHVR, which was tasked with approving the route once it was was formally lodged on its online permits portal.

Big Rigs contacted the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) following the incident to ask what went wrong.

A spokesperson said “the NHVR is aware of the incident in Ararat, Victoria, where t wo trucks transporting wind turbines were unable to safely navigate the approved route on their permit.

“All processes were followed in attaining and approving permits, with an approved Traffic Management Plan also in place detailing how the

Oversize Overmass (OSOM) movement was going to be safely carried out.”

Ararat Rural City Council was one of several councils and stakeholders involved in the permit approval process.

On February 25, the council shared a statement revealing it had consented to an OSOM permit application, lodged through the NHVR Portal, for the transport of four wind turbine blades. As part of the permit application, a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) was supplied to the NHVR and road managers.

“Consent to the permit was granted by council based on the TMP provided by the operator, which detailed how the OSOM movement would be safely carried out,” Ararat Rural City Council said.

However, Council claims delays caused when the first two blades got caught out in nar-

row residential streets resulted in disruptions to municipal services and school bus operations, as well as extended road blockages.

“These circumstances were compounded by mechanical issues experienced by the operator,” Ararat Rural City Council added.

W hile the operator followed the NHVR-approved route, Ararat Rural City Council told Big Rigs it had suggested an alternative route option.

In its statement, council said it is seeking to recover costs from the transport operator for damages to its assets, including the loss of a street tree and several street signs.

The council is also pushing for a penalty to the operator for breaching permit conditions relating to times of operation within school bus routes.

“Council proposed an alternate route to the one which

COUNCIL APPROVED THE OPERATOR’S PERMIT WITH CONDITIONS, ONE OF WHICH WAS AN ALTERATION TO THE ROUTE WITHIN ARARAT.” ARARAT RURAL CITY COUNCIL

was taken, however this proposal was unheeded,” a spokesperson said.

“Council approved the operator’s permit with conditions, one of which was an alteration to the route within Ararat.

“This proposed route alteration was logged within the NHVR portal by council, and shortly thereafter cancelled by another party, resulting in the originally submitted route being used. Moving forward, council will not be issuing approvals (even conditionally) without absolute confirmation that proposed alterations will be adhered to.

“Council’s rejections or proposed alterations to operator permits have historically received pushback from the NHVR and operators, placing pressure on our resources to justify the decisions we are making to protect our community and infrastructure.

“Council has requested immediate withdrawal of its consent for this particular permit and is working with both the NHVR and the transport operator to help identify a more suitable route for delivery of the remaining two blades.”

On March 4, Ararat Rural City Council issued another statement:

“Ararat Rural City Council have engaged in discussion with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to address an administrative error with council’s approved consent that resulted in miscommunication affecting the transport route of wind turbine blades through Ararat Rural City,” it said.

“The primary focus of Council and the NHVR remains the safety of all road users, and we are working collaboratively to implement measures that ensure heavy vehicle movements are conducted safely and efficiently within our region.”

The NHVR said it will continue working with the operator and the Council to understand how the incident occurred and to ensure the safety of future heavy vehicle movements on these roads.

Getting overheight vehicles out of trouble

A range of new technology and truck turning areas at the Tugun Bypass tunnel are helping to get drivers of overheight vehicles out of trouble if they slip past warning signs and find themselves stuck at the northbound or southbound tunnel entrances.

Though it has been a rare occurrence, when an overheight vehicle gets caught out here, it becomes a highly disruptive problem for those travelling on the Pacific Motorway.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison revealed that this was a particular issue approaching the tunnel from the north, because if an overheight vehicle reached the tunnel from the Queensland side, the driver would have to reverse their rig

four kilometres back up the motorway before they could turn around.

Now if an operator happens to go past the warning signs, they will only have to reverse a short distance up the highway to reach an area where they can cross over.

Most of the work to fix the issue was carried out over two years during the quarterly maintenance tunnel closures to minimise impacts to motorists.

“With the investment from the Minns Labor Government, overheight vehicles should never reach the tunnel, but if they do, they can be turned around with help from the Tugun incident response officer or a single police officer,” Aitchison explained.

“The time and cost savings from this change are enormous and it will mean the lengthy delays when an overheight vehicle inadvertently entered the tunnel are a thing of the past.”

The project has been completed with the support of Transport for NSW, Transport and Main Roads Queensland and the police forces of both states.

Aitchison added, “Transport for NSW put in new overheight detection systems to notify staff of a vehicle approaching the tunnel, so they can immediately activate variable speed limit signs to stop them reaching the tunnel.

“We’ve also installed five new advance warning signs and new traffic lights just short of where we’ve put in new heavy vehicle crossovers.

“The Tugun tunnel goes underneath the Coolangatta Airport, with the southern end of the tunnel in NSW and the northern end in Queensland, and we had great collaboration with the Queensland authorities to get the work done.

“The project has improved advance warning technology as well as the infrastructure, so if any overheight vehicles did get past the advance warning systems, they would be stopped and able to turn around at the entrance to the tunnel.”

Sturt Highway upgrade at Wagga Wagga

THE first stage of a $13.9 million upgrade to the Sturt Highway at Wagga Wagga is now underway.

This will involve upgrades to a 1.8 kilometre section of the Sturt Highway (also known as Hammond Avenue) on the eastern approach to Wagga Wagga’s CBD. Work will include completely reconstructing the road with a new surface and new kerb on the northern and

southern sides, lane widening and configuration changes to provide dedicated turning lanes.

The changes aim to provide a smoother surface that is less prone to road damage and potholes.

Shoulders will be provided for cyclists on the northern and southern sides of the highway.

The first stage of this project – between Tasman Road

and Blaxland Road – started on March 4 and is expected to take 11 weeks to complete.

The second stage – from east of Blaxland Road to Stuart Road – will be delivered in the 2025-26 financial year.

All work will be carried out under traffic control with lane closures and reduced speed limits in place.

“The Sturt Highway provides a strategic freight and access link from Sydney

via the Hume Highway to Mildura in Victoria and on to Adelaide in South Australia,” said Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison.

“It also serves as a local and regional access corridor to and from regional centres along the route.”

Member for Wagga Wagga

Dr Joe McGirr added: “These works, coupled with the work now underway to redevelop

the Marshalls Creek Bridge, are welcome improvements that will deliver a safer, smoother Sturt Highway for thousands of users every day.

“A renewed east/west link means better travel for local business and residents, and moving forward, I’ll also be advocating for major north/ south improvements, including a second river crossing which will be critical to Wagga Wagga’s future.”

The trucks carrying the wind turbines caused disruptions when they were caught out in narrow residential streets. Images: Ararat Residents Page

they can cross over. Images: Jenny Aitchison MP

Bulgana Wind Farm.

Sleeper Cab Cooling and Heating

Will it

EDITOR JAMES GRAHAM

eraman in the opposite seat.

When I casually remarked that I didn’t know that so many officials cared about truckies’ welfare, he shot back with the best quote I heard all morning.

“It wouldn’t happen to be an election year, would it?”

We’re a cynical bunch in the media – it comes with the job.

But I do hope that the concerns raised in our story on pages 4-5, and again in Ryan Lee-Taylor’s brilliant toon on the right, are wide of the mark.

Truckies desperately need this site to open sooner than later. I just don’t understand why it took three years of ‘roundtables’, committee meetings and surveys to get us to this point. We now hear that the next hurdles include a site environmental assessment and a business case study. What numbers do you now need to crunch to save lives?

What’s Hot Online

OUR recent story about operators needing more financial assistance after the devastating North Queensland floods got plenty of reader support.

Brotha Trucka said governments don’t care about what cost that transport companies face in floods or any other major issues.

“They only care about looking good when communities

are in a CRISIS,” he wrote.

“They don’t fund outta pocket expenses for those to get supplies through they expect the transport companies and drivers to carry the country with NO HELP footing the bill ..

“The transport industry is only a cash cow for law enforcement!”

David Oxley with the price of diesel being cheaper in Brisbane than out west.

“BP Caboolture twin servos around $2.02- 2.05. But Mobile at Roma is $1. 75

and the self-serve BP at Emerald around $1.80,” he said.

Tony Reigos called for $1500 per day for every truck stuck in flood waters, “so the driver can get paid as well.”

Last Minute Freight wondered why companies don’t just put up their prices when doing quotes.

“Just up the prices and keep it up there so they are in front when that stuff happens. Stop cutting cost and then complain about it when it floods.”

Reminding road users about respect

THE latest instalment of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) We All Need Space road safety campaign sees truckies stepping into the spotlight.

Under the title A Truckie Knows, the regulator was reminding all road users about the importance of respect for other drivers, as well as the risks of speed and tailgating.

Veteran truckie Clem Wheatley said he’d witnessed some horrible driving by drivers of all vehicle types.

“No one group of drivers can claim perfection,” he wrote.

“Sadly over the past few years the standard of driving behaviour and attitude by drivers

of heavy vehicles, has declined noticeably, which is one of the reasons many long term truck drivers are getting out of the industry.

“My point being, no one group should be criticising another, take a good look at those driving vehicles like yours before criticising others.”

Niell Graham said a car calls it tail-gating: “A truckie knows that they are getting into position to overtake the slow car safety as he can. A truckie knows that as soon as they are in the overtaking lane the car will speed up not allowing the truck to overtake and then slow down again when the overtaking lane ends.”

Craig Masefield-chips said the general public only show respect when there is floods , major storms ( cyclones ) or the pandemic

“Yes, there are some people in the public sector that do appreciate what we do but the majority don’t care as long as they can buy clothes, food etc we are nothing to them

THE column by SARTA’s

Steve Shearer in our last issue about restarting the conversations around suicide by truck sparked plenty of reaction online.

“An excellent article,” wrote Pilbara Heavy Haulage Girls Group. Thank you SARTA, Steve Shearer and Big Rigs for bringing this out in the open. A serious problem that keeps being swept under the carpet.”

Graeme Walker agreed: “Steve Shearer is the only one that has raised this issue and while everyone talks about the importance of mental health they refuse to discuss the af-

termath for drivers involved in suicides… I’m aware because it happened to me.”

For truckie Georgie Edwards, the column also struck close to home: “It happened to me, my counsellors have given up on me.”

Stewie Smith said the only time drivers are cared for, or appreciated, is when there is a flood: “And they go the extra mile to stock ya selves.”

Added Adsee Mac Maca: “Used and abused thats all we are.”

Free weigh and safety checks

A series of NSW safety information days this month to educate caravanners certainly got the interest of our online readers.

“Bit of extra labour involved, but how about forcing them into existing weigh stations and instead of education with words, educate them with their wallet,” Shane Gibbs suggested.

“These type of roadside checks that pop up in different states, don’t seem to be getting message across.

“Check licences as well. Someone recently got done

here driving the bigger RAM ute that required an LR on a C licence, because they thought it was a car.”

Roz Nanna Turner reckons “the fools” who are overloading won’t even turn up to get weighed.

“Because they already KNOW EVERYTHING & wouldn’t want to be told otherwise.”

David Roll wondered if they were giving out free pineapples too?

“One good way to edumacate ‘em [sic]

“Don’t get these freebies in

trucks....so why not hit ‘em like they do trucks.” Added David Muller: “Should be doing them all the time day and night no exception.”

Rob Prideaux would like to see ‘permit to tow’ licence needed for over a 6x4 trailer.

The giant convoy gets set to cross Ollera Creek Bridge. Image: QTA

Truckies such as CJ help drive home the message. Image: NHVR

The Riverina region of NSW is providing free weigh and safety checks for caravan owners this month. Image: NSW Police

Highway hero steps in to save the day

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

A truck driver has had a lucky escape after stopping on the Hume Highway at Narellan, New South Wales, due to a hub fire.

Things could have ended very differently if it wasn’t for the quick-thinking actions of Cameron Taylor, National Manager – Gases at Toll, who just happened to be passing through. Thanks to his experience and training in dangerous goods, he knew exactly what to do to get the situation under control.

He told Big Rigs he just happened to be in the right place at the right time. “And knowing how to deal with this as it often tests people when it’s an emergency situation. I sensed the driver was in trouble so stepped in to help.

“It was very serious – I think within a couple of minutes that whole trailer would have

been fully alight. It would have caused traffic chaos and closed the Hume.”

The incident occurred during peak hour, at around 8.50am on Monday March 3, with a lot of traffic on the road.

“I was on my way to Port Kembla in the Toll vehicle and could hear chitter chatter on the UHF. I kept hearing people asking the driver, ‘Are you okay?’ As I got up over the hill, there was smoke billowing across the highway. Straight away I thought it was a hub or a brake fire. So the emergency response side of me kicked in immediately.”

Cameron said the truck was stopped in the emergency lane. “I raced up to the vehicle and as I approached the second drive axle, there was heavy flame that was coming from the inner tyre being well alight.”

As he continued, “Hub fires

generate such intense heat and even when you think you’ve got it out, it can flare up. Had I not stopped, within 5-6 minutes max, I think that trailer would have been fully alight. In a hub fire, you’re talking hundreds of degrees.”

The Toll vehicle Cameron was driving was equipped with one 9kg, two 4.5kg and one 1kg dry powder fire extinguishers, so he quickly jumped into fire-fighting mode.

“I had four extinguishers in total and had to use the fourth one sparingly to keep flare-ups under control until emergency services arrived,” he explained.

“You know you’re not going to put it out on the first extinguisher, it will flare up – and it did flare up three times.

“There were some very hairy moments but thankfully the fire brigade arrived in time as I was exhausting the last available fire extinguisher.

“Where we were on the

Hume Highway is several kilometres south of Narellan Road, so even with a priority call, I knew it would take at least 15-18 minutes for emergency services to get there. I had to keep it under control, because I knew if it got out of control, there was no return.

“I do carry fire extinguishers, as in our fuels and gases space, it is critical for safety. I carry everything on board in case it’s needed in an emergency response situation or a community assist incident like this one.”

He says the first thing he asked the driver was what he had on board the trailer –particularly if there were any dangerous goods or flammables, so he knew what he was dealing with. The trailer was however empty.

“The emergency response side of me kicked in straight away, I knew I had to act immediately – there was concern

for the driver, so I had to step in. It’s second nature for us working in the dangerous goods space. A lot of people think it won’t happen to them, but if it does, it’s important to know how to react.

“The driver was very shaken up but very thankful for my help. I had to take charge and become the first responder. It’s a daunting and challenging situation. It was really nice that the company also reached out and were really thankful for my help,” Cameron added.

IT WAS VERY SERIOUS – I THINK WITHIN A COUPLE OF MINUTES THAT WHOLE TRAILER WOULD HAVE BEEN FULLY ALIGHT.”

Lucky escape as truck rolls from Sturt Highway servo

IN the early hours of February 20, an unattended truck rolled out of the driveway of the Shell Roadhouse at Buronga and into a home across the Sturt Highway.

As a result, the prime mover has crashed through a fence and into an elderly lady’s home, crashing into her bedroom – not long after she had gotten up.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) shared the incident on social media after

one of its safety and compliance officers (SCO) were the first on scene.

The regulator said its staff member was fuelling up at the service station when he saw what was unfolding.

“He noticed an unattended truck rolling down the servo driveway across the highway, before it crashed through a fence and into someone’s home,” the NHVR said in an online post.

“The SCO immediately ran

to the house where he found an elderly lady who had narrowly escaped a very scary situation – having just got out of bed to make a coffee. The front of the prime mover was in her bedroom with the bed under the bullbar.”

The SCO contacted police to notify them that the highway was completely blocked, before calling other SCOs in the area to assist in traffic control until police arrived on the scene.

“Well done to NHVR team

members involved on keeping the area safe and diverting traffic around the site to help avoid a more serious safety issue,” the NHVR added.

Free health checks for truckies start this month

THE Healthy Heads Road Show will return in 2025, travelling to venues across Australia, to provide free health checks to truckies and those in the road transport, warehousing and logistics industry.

The Road Show truck, a

medium DAF rigid supplied by PACCAR Australia, was launched at the Brisbane Truck Show in 2021.

Kicking off in March, it will travel across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Northern Territory, Western

GENUINE ALCOA® WHEELS

Australia and South Australia.

The Road Show team will provide a range of industry specific resources to help support mental health and wellbeing. The team at WFR will a lso be there to provide free health screenings.

The first public events for 2025 are:

• March 25: BP NorthPoint, Victoria, 8am – 12pm, 1 Scanlon Drive, Epping

• April 4: BP Eastern Creek, NSW, 6am – 10am, 1 Wallgrove Road, Eastern Creek

Those who download the Healthy Heads App will also receive free coffee and poached eggs on toast. Further dates will be announced at healthyheads.org. au/get-involved/attend-a-roadshow-event

The first event will be held in Victoria on March 25. Image: HHTS

The prime mover came to a stop when it crashed through the bedroom.

The truck rolled into a home, completely blocking the highway. Images: NHVR

Luckily the Toll vehicle was equipped with four fire extinguishers. Images: Cameron Taylor

CAMERON TAYLOR

FEDERAL ELECTION 2025

Five key actions to strengthen industry

HEAVY Vehicle Industry

Australia (HVIA) has distributed a detailed list of federal election priorities to all 227 federal MPs and senators.

The peak trucking body calls for government assistance to support the heavy vehicle industry and to address pressing issues such as international competitiveness, the transition to net zero emissions, growing the future workforce, enhancing road freight productivity, and optimising Australia’s road infrastructure.

“The Australian heavy vehicle sector, one of the country’s most vital industries, is at a critical crossroads, confronting both substantial challenges and opportunities as it transitions into a future marked by significant change,” writes HVIA CEO Todd Hacking in his document forward.

“Representing over 300 corporate organisations, HVIA members range from Australian manufacturers and importers of trucks and trailers to heavy vehicle dealerships, repairers, and suppliers of equipment, componentry and technology throughout the supply chain.

“As the sector undergoes transformation, these organisations are navigating the challenges of maintaining competitiveness, adapting to new technologies, addressing changing skills needs, and managing industry-wide disruptions.”

Hacking said the Australian heavy vehicle sector requires government assistance to address pressing issues such as the transition to cleaner, more sustainable vehicle fleets, the development of infrastructure for new technologies, support for workforce upskilling and measures to boost productivity.

“We recommend five key actions to strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of the heavy vehicle sector.

“These actions are essential to not only improve the safety of the fleet but also in securing a sustainable future for Australian heavy vehicle manufacturers and importers while driving innovation and achieving government objectives.”

Recommendation 1: Assist Australian manufacturers of trucks and trailers

• Facilitate access to financing and investment via government programs.

• Guarantee affordable and reliable energy supply.

• Encourage local sourcing and supply chains via government policies; and

• Support workforce development by working with state and territory governments to remove apprenticeship wages from payroll tax.

Recommendation 2:

Support the net zero transition of heavy vehicles

• Publish a heavy vehicle-specific net zero roadmap that outlines strategies and initiatives to:

• Remove regulatory barriers to adoption of zero-emissions vehicles;

• Support the private sector

to deploy battery electric charging and hydrogen refuelling stations nationwide;

• Fund R&D of low carbon liquid fuel alternatives such as renewable diesel;

• Provide incentives to offset the higher cost of purchasing LZEHVs;

• Ensure energy infrastructure that can meet the future demands of LZEHVs; and

• Use and publish data to support evidence-based policies that reward the adoption and use of higher productivity vehicles.

Recommendation 3:

Grow the future heavy vehicle workforce

• Fund fee-free TAFE placements in all trades listed on the Core Skills Occupation List.

• Expand apprenticeship pathways by introducing tailored apprenticeship programs specifically focused on emerging technologies.

• Upskill the existing workforce and create a new pipeline of skilled workers.

• Incentivise RTOs to offer courses in trades listed on the CSOL and others facing shortages.

• Launch a public awareness

THESE ACTIONS ARE ESSENTIAL TO NOT ONLY IMPROVE THE SAFETY OF THE FLEET BUT ALSO IN SECURING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR AUSTRALIAN HEAVY VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS AND IMPORTERS WHILE DRIVING INNOVATION AND ACHIEVING GOVERNMENT OBJECTIVES.”

campaign to highlight traditional trades as a foundation for a lucrative and rewarding career; and

• Reform the VET sector to develop alternative educational pathways that recognise and support hands-on, school-based learners.

Recommendation 4:

Enable higher productivity heavy vehicles

• Harmonise regulations across all states and territories.

• Expand the number

of routes accessible to high-productivity vehicles.

• Boost adoption of PBS combinations by transitioning proven designs into general regulations.

• Enact direct financial incentives to drive uptake of safer, more efficient and less polluting vehicles; and

• Improve data collection to enable evidence-based decision-making that drives better policy outcomes relating to safety and productivity.

Recommendation 5:

Optimise Australia’s road infrastructure

• Ensure roads and bridges are properly designed and funded to meet the needs of the freight sector now and

into the future.

• Adopt a risk-based approach to asset management rather than focusing solely on preservation of roads and bridges.

• Protect future freight corridors from incompatible development that may hinder their use.

• Foster greater interoperability within the network to improve efficiency by standardising regulations, vehicle requirements, and operational practices across states/territories; and

• Address the future fuelling and recharging needs of the road freight industry with an infrastructure plan that aligns with the Net Zero Roadmap.

NatRoad calls for more road safety and rest area focus

PEAK trucking industry body

NatRoad is calling on the government elected at the upcoming federal election to focus on road safety and stopping the rising rate of crashes, injuries and deaths on our road network.

This was just one of the recommendations that Australia’s largest road transport association announced in a national reform agenda called Road to 2028 launched earlier this month.

Australian roads have seen a 27 per cent increase in the overall incident rate for heavy vehicles over 12 months.

It has been previously shown that it takes raising road standards by just one star on the AusRAP rating system to reduce deaths by 50 per cent, said NatRoad in a release announcing the reform agenda. Seventy-nine people died

in fatigue-related crashes in NSW alone last year, a 47 per cent increase on 2023, and the data shows 20 – 30 per cent of all crashes across all vehicle types are caused by fatigue.

NatRoad is also recommending a portion of the funding a lready earmarked by governments for road improvements should be redirected to rest areas.

Additionally, heavy vehicle rest areas should be incorporated into the criteria within the star rating system, said NatRoad.

NatRoad has also urged the government to deliver on its commitment to lift 80 per cent of national highways to at least 3-stars by 2030, while requesting an extended commitment towards achieving 100 per cent by 2035.

“Both federal and state governments needs to lift their

game to save lives. In 2024, 1,324 lives were lost on Australian roads, and that number has been steadily rising for the last four years,” said NatRoad CEO Warren Clark.

“The budget has $120 billion allocated for infrastructure improvements over the next decade, and in 2013 the cost of lifting all highways to 3-stars was estimated at just $4.7 billion. The money is there.”

NatRoad said its Road to 2028 national reform agenda aims to deliver a safer, more sustainable road freight industry for all Australians.

NatRoad has flagged that Australia is also short of at least 26,000 freight drivers.

The projected increase in road freight volumes by 77 per cent from 2020 to 2050 is placing Australia’s growth and prosperity at considerable risk.

“The road freight industry is

already at breaking point with a perfect storm of rising costs, escalating interest rates and increasing wages.

“We can’t afford to put drivers and other road users at risk with the continued underinvestment in highway infrastructure,” Clark said.

“With the upcoming elections, NatRoad is calling on the government to step up to their commitment to road safety.”

The Road to 2028 covers five key outcomes to address the most pressing concerns of the road transport industry.

“There are serious challenges facing trucking operators right now, and we’ve been calling these out for some time. We can’t and won’t wait for change. We must make it happen,” Clark explained.

“That’s why I spent considerable time in Canberra, meet-

ing with Labor, Coalition and Independent members during the first sitting week of Parliament in February, taking them through the Road to 2028 priorities.”

HVIA has released its election priorities. Image: HVIA

“The future of our industry is at stake here,” Clark added.

• Turn to page 50 for Warren Clark’s column on the Road to 2028.

NatRoad said heavy vehicle rest areas should be incorporated into the criteria within the star rating system.Image: Jackson Photography/stock.adobe.com

HVIA has called for the expansion of apprenticeship pathways by introducing tailored programs

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Operator puts faith in special truck

Inspired by a desire to make his late dad proud, Adelaide truckie Andrew Thorpe takes a now or never leap to follow his dream.

BY JAMES GRAHAM

OWNER-DRIVER Andrew Thorpe, 36, couldn’t wipe the smile from his face when he was handed the keys to his first truck, a stunning new T909 Kenworth, in Adelaide last month.

Right alongside him sharing in the excitement and posing for pictures on delivery day at CMV Truck Centre – Kenworth DAF Adelaide were wife Zoe Jones and their blended family, Sophie,14, Ava,11, and Reya,11.

The truck had taken longer than expected to arrive due to Covid-related supply chain issues, but after building up to this milestone moment for nearly half his life, Andrew figured a few extra months wasn’t going to hurt.

CMV, meanwhile, bent over backwards to play their part, picking up the tab to fly him and father-in-law Mark Wilkins to Kenworth’s Bayswater plant last year for a factory tour before the pair drove the truck back to Adelaide on cloud nine.

It was another five months or so, however, before the custom work was finished [see sidebar story], but when the covers finally came off Andrew’s T909, he instantly knew it had all been worth the wait.

“I just couldn’t wait to get down there on the day,” Andrew said.

“Getting my Kenworth T909 was a big milestone for me, a day I’ll remember forever. I didn’t just want any truck. I wanted to do it right from the start, making it something special.

“It’s been a huge step, not just in business but personally as well, and convincing my wife to join me in this venture has been an adventure of its own!”

Andrew said one of his biggest inspirations for making the ‘now or never leap’ was to honour the memory of his late father, Craig, who sadly took his own life just days before Andrew’s 17th birthday.

Andrew admits he had a “rocky run” after his father’s death but got himself back on track through his love of truck driving and the desire to one day go out on his own.

“After spending over 15 years on the road, I see firsthand the importance of mental health, particularly in our industry.

“But more than anything, I want my dad to be proud of what I’ve built.”

Andrew grew up tagging along with his truck-driving father, a third-generation owner of an SA drilling company, every chance he got.

“When I was a kid I used to sit on dad’s lap and have a drive and always had the love for it.”

After Craig died, Andrew tried his hand at a variety of roles hoping to find something that would stick - diesel mechanic, forklift mechanic,

driller, off-sider - you name it, he gave it a crack.

much in that side of things, but I thought one day I’d get my truck licence, and I’ve never looked back since.”

Even so, Andrew admits that it’s taken him 15-16 years to acquire the skills and confidence to take the next step as an owner-driver.

“It’s an industry where it’s always going to be a gamble; you’re buying the equivalent of half a house, and you’ve got to keep it working to make money off it so you can pay your other bills off.

“So, it was a challenge. I came close once before, about seven or eight years ago, to buying a secondhand K200 but I got cold feet and I changed my mind.

“Finally I thought, if I’m going to give it a go, I’m going to have to give it a go now.

“If I don’t, I’m never going to do it.”

Andrew is also encouraged by the contacts he’s built up over the years and is hoping that will help get Thorpe Haulage off to the best possible start.

“You really have to start at the bottom when you’re driving your own truck – it doesn’t matter how many years you’ve been driving for.

“People have to get confidence in you that you will do the job, work hard and get the job done with no damages. You have to work hard to get your name out there.”

So far so good. Just a few weeks into having his own name on the side of theT909, Andrew is already chipping

the help they’ve been giving me and they’ve been giving me good advice – I’m always on board to learn.

“In this industry you never stop learning, it doesn’t matter how many years of experience you’ve had driving, I learn something new every day.”

Andrew enjoys tipper work – “I’m good on tippers” – but he’ll happily turn his hand to towing any combination if the numbers stack up and the invoices are paid on time.

“I can do anything; long hauls, tankers – anything that comes my way I’ve done before.

“But I have a family at home, and I try and get home to see them as much as I can, and that is hard in this industry because you have to obviously make money too.”

At present he’s towing other people’s trailers. He hopes to one day have his own, but level-headed Andrew wants to “put some money in the bank first” before he gets too excited.

“If I get a contract and I need trailers, then that’s what I’ll do. I just have to work out what direction I’m going to go in.”

Ideally, Andrew would like to pick up a full-time contract, so he doesn’t have to keep looking for work and knows ahead of time what he’s doing each week.

But already those initial nerves are calming as he hits

He’s taken plenty of mental notes over the years about where others have gone wrong in preparation for this day and is drawing confidence from his mechanical skills and life experience.

Andrew also prides himself on treating everyone with the same respect he hopes they will give back to him in return.

“I think my dad would be really proud of what I’ve accomplished,” he added.

“There is money to be made, but you’re not going to become a millionaire owning one truck. For me, it’s a ll about the love of the job more than anything.

“As long as I’ve got money to pay off the truck and my mortgage, I’m happy.

“I don’t really care if eat Fruit Loops or Weet-Bix the whole week, as long as I’ve got my pride and joy.”

CMV Truck Centre Sales Consultant Jed Kerin said the moment he met Andrew he struck him as an easygoing but very determined guy.

Jed and the CMV team sat down with Andrew to design his ideal T909 which took some time as Andrew didn’t want to miss any minor detail during the build.

Bruze Custom Trucks took charge of the impressive stainless steel work on the truck, delivering on Andrew’s request for all stainless wraps and a diamond-pattern decking plate on the back.

“I’ve also got a nice big light bar down the bottom, and I’ve put a stainless visor on it and bullet lights on the roof and round horn covers, so I’ve done a fair bit of custom work to it,” Andrew said.

The CMV Truck Centre Pre-Delivery Team and HydraMech Customs added the finishing touches to the hydraulics, Chris Barron Engineering created yet another “strong, purpose-built bulbar”, and CP Detailing provided the winning shine for delivery day.

“Andrew has been great to deal with and wasn’t pushy towards the build once it arrived which our predelivery team really appreciated,” Jed added.

“He was more concerned about it being built exactly to what he wanted from the get-go.

“We’re all very happy with the final product and are very proud to put our name to it.”

Andrew is already chipping away at the truck payments hauling grain and grapes. Image:

Andrew hopes his dad would be proud.

A finish to be proud of. Image: CMV Truck Centre

Charity convoy raises $296,000

The first charity convoy of its kind celebrates its 10th year by smashing all fundraising records thanks to the massive support from the trucking industry.

BY GRAHAM HARSANT

IN its 10th year, the Geelong Convoy for Kids on Sunday, February 24, has broken records – both in trucks at tending and in money raised.

One of four convoys held around the country each year, Geelong is where it all started, and the support for Camp Quality by the truck ing community continues to a maze and humble founder, Vera Entwistle.

More than 270 trucks turned out for this year’s event, raising more than $296,000 by issue deadline.

Vera’s instigation of Camp Quality 42 years ago, to bring joy to the children un dergoing cancer treatment, came from her own heart ache.

“My dad committed sui cide and left me devastated,” Vera said.

“I was feeling of no worth it all. I was hunting for something to do that would restore my self-worth and I was lucky enough to read a magazine article about a child with cancer and what happens with the family when the child is diagnosed.

“It deeply touched me that this little girl was dealing with their own life-threatening illness and here I am, an adult not dealing with my own dad’s death. So I jumped in the deep end. I wanted to set something up to support kids with cancer.”

Vera admits that she wouldn’t want to repeat the first couple of years, however, because everywhere she went there was negativity.

“Believe it or not, I had more than one comment along the lines of, ‘Who wants to volunteer for children with cancer, after all you might catch it’. Truly, back in1983 I was faced with that everywhere. People constantly said to me they would give a little donation but didn’t want anything to do with it. So, it was tough the first couple of years.

“Making it worse, the very first cancer doctor I spoke to in Sydney, when I told him what I wanted to do said I needed to find something else to do, because kids with cancer in Australia don’t need your programs – go and find something else.

“I left that hospital in tears. Here is a man who works 24 hours a day with kids with cancer and he couldn’t see the benefit.

“So, I wallowed in grief for a couple of days then I went to the Prince of Wales Children’s Hospital in Sydney and I got the exact opposite response from a doctor who said anything you can do to encourage our children through treatment we will back you. And we were off!

“At the first camp there were 38 children, and parents who trusted us when we were nobody.

“Now, today, when I look at the response of the community and the trucking industry, I can’t express my gratitude enough for their support.

“Days like today where we can connect the trucking community, their families and their supporters directly with our kids and their families who are also here as part of this fun day – when you bring everyone together it really creates magic and it shows these guys why they have been working so hard to

raise much needed money.”

The lead truck in the convoy this year was Brad Drew from Corio in his 1990 Mack V8 Value-Liner. Brad individually raised an astounding $16,090. Brad is the third owner of the Mack, having bought it out of Tasmania and having spent the past five years, “getting it into shape.”

Brad was closely followed by Gavin Calleja, raising $14,492, and Rodney Light who collected $11,915

Brad Drew’s business,

Drew’s Plant Hire was the Highest Fundraising Corporate Team, collecting $33,872.

The Highest Fundraising Community Team award was – for the third year in a row – The Colac Crew, with an amazing $45,741.

The efforts of these persons, companies and communities is astounding, but just as important is everyone who raises any amount – big or small –and takes part in the convoy.

Some like Prixcar arrived

with 27 trucks, Riordon Group had 10 and Wettenhalls had eight of their fleet turn up.

Others, such as Mick Whitty arrived from Springfield with his cheque and his 1980 W-Model KW named ‘Hay Fever’.

“She works on a farm,” said Mick. “One of my very good mates lost a childhood friend to cancer and I’ve lost a family member recently as well. It’s not just about that but I think it’s just a tremendous

thing to do to help these families that are going through a really tough time.”

The work of Vera Entwistle and the team from Camp Quality is simply wonderful in giving kids hope, joy and meaning.

That they are so supported by the trucking industry is spectacular.

To the some 270 trucks and their drivers who supported Geelong Convoy for Kids, stand up and take a bow. We salute you all.

Camp Quality founder, the amazing Vera Entwistle. Rod, left, and Wilbur are part of The Colac Crew, pictured here with their trucks.

Gavin Calleja (raised $14,492) followed by Rodney Light ($11,915).

The Colac Crew raised over $45,000, the third year in a row they have led the fundraising.

Gore Haulage’s Freighliner Coronado.

Kerden Haulage caught the eye with this stunning Kenworth.

Geelong-based McColl’s was there in big numbers.

D.T. Richards Transport from Morwell took a break from logging to help Camp Quality.

Toll weren’t going to miss out.

Pursuing a lifelong passion

Travelling in the passenger seat alongside her truckie dad as a little kid helped instil a lifelong love of trucks for this Mackay local.

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

DESPITE being around trucks her entire life, it wasn’t until 2022 that Kate Morris, 30, finally took the plunge and began her own career in transport – though it was something that had always been in the back of her mind.

“My Dad, Greg Morris, is about to retire but he has been a truck driver for over 45 years,” said Kate. “I actually have photos from when I was a baby in the trucks with him for UTO and Douglas transport. I remember he worked for W&M at one stage doing a daily run to Townsville and back for Woolies and that’s where I have a lot of my earliest memories with him. When I was little I’d jump in the truck with him every chance I could – and that continued even when he had his own haulage company.

“Dad didn’t buy his first truck until 2007 and at one stage was running an MR and two utes for hotshots and piloting for McAleese transport and three trucks subcontracting to McAleese and Kalari transporting ammonium nitrate to the mines. Eventually he sold up and has been driving for Emerald Carrying for a few years now, carting fuel into the mines.”

As Kate fondly recalled, “Every weekend when he was home, it was time spent with him cleaning and servicing the truck. For my 12th birthday he actually bought me one of those mechanic’s creepers to make it easier for me to grease the trucks.”

With her father being a truckie and her mother, Camille, a high-school chemistry teacher and deputy principal, Kate was torn about which career she would pursue.

“Mum and Dad always wanted me to do as well as I could at school so that I’d have more opportunities when I finished. I did a 12-month traineeship with Hastings Deering in boiler-making in year 10, and then did a school based apprenticeship to complete a certificate III in pharmacy and got a decent OP. I was never pressured to go to university but it seemed like the logical thing to do,” she said.

“I started three different courses because I never found my niche or could stay focused when courses got bor

But being stuck inside was never for me.’’

“At the end of 2021 I was diagnosed with ADHD, so looking back, that probably had a large part to do with why I didn’t do well at uni. I wouldn’t change any of it though – apart from the HECS debt,” she laughed.

That was when she knew it was time to follow her heart.

It was in 2022 that Kate decided to go for her medium rigid licence as she needed to drive a bus to do some volunteer work she was involved in.

She went through R2B Training School, where she was being taught by Rod Becus. It was quickly obvious that Kate already knew a thing or two about being the behind the wheel of a truck.

“When I went in, Rod convinced me to go for my heavy rigid crash box licence instead. He said I may as well

if I’m capable of doing it. So that’s what I did and then oning test, he offered me a job. He runs the truck school and his wife Daisy, owns Venus Couriers,” explained Kate.

“I mentioned how I had a bit of experience in courier work for my dad’s company back in the day. I used to drive to the mines with my mum sitting beside me while I was on my learner’s permit, and then on my own when I got my license.’’

“Rod said he had a heavy rigid truck sitting there – so he offered me a job. I accepted and started there a few weeks later. That’s where I stayed for the next two years. Rod and Daisy took me in and trained me with a couple of their long term, experienced fellas until they gave the green light for me to run solo.”

Within 12 months, Kate was able to upgrade to her MC licence. Though she stayed on with Venus Couriers for some time before starting in her

WHEN I WAS LITTLE I’D JUMP IN THE TRUCK WITH HIM EVERY CHANCE I COULD – AND THAT CONTINUED EVEN WHEN HE HAD HIS OWN HAULAGE COMPANY.”

KATE MORRIS

already dealt with them on a daily basis. They built a new shed in Mackay and contracted myself and the other HR driver with Venus to move their stock and saws from the old shed to the new one. That took about two weeks going up and back. I personally did more than 100 loads over two weeks, over 1000 tonne all up,’’ explained Kate.

“Venus had always treated me like family, Rod had noticed I always wiped over my truck before leaving of an afternoon and always asked to come back to wash my truck if business was slow instead of parking up for an extended paid break. So he offered me overtime on Saturdays to clean the trucks. That cleanliness and pride in my presentation is something I attribute to weekends with my dad. When I got my MC, Daisy and my manager Pam were worried I was going to leave straight away. It took some convincing but I told them I wasn’t going to leave until I found the right fit, they had taken a chance putting me on and I wasn’t going to betray that loyalty, I loved it there and leaving a year later was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.”

Running since 1995, Vulcan Steel is a metals distributor and processor, with facilities across Australia and New

Based in Mackay, each week she does a run into Brisbane to pick up steel from Vulcan’s Crestmead and Carole Park sites; followed by a trip into Townsville once back in Mackay. She also tacks on a run into Cairns about once a month.

“The truck is great, I really enjoy driving it and find it really comfortable. It’s funny because Dad never liked the Volvos or autos when I was growing up so I was a bit like that too. Then the last truck he ever bought was a Volvo just like mine and he says it was the best truck he’s ever had. The technology in the Volvos is fantastic, especially the adaptive cruise control.’’ Kate said.

“I still love driving the crash box and I would love to get back in one. I know a lot of truckies give people who drive auto a bit of flack, but nothing beats it for long haul, especially when stuck in traffic – except of course for the sound of a Kenworth jake brake!”

When asked what she enjoys about the work, Kate responded, “Every day is different, even though I might be doing the same run every week – the traffic is never the same, the combination of my load is never the same and the weather is never the same. I

notice something new every

fore and it wasn’t for me. I as constantly almost falling asleep from having to sit there for hours looking at a screen. I like anything that gives me the freedom to be out on my own but also has structure, so truck driving is the perfect job for that.”

Still relatively new to the job, Kate says she continues learning every day.

“It was definitely tough at the start with Venus – just getting used to being in a really labour-intensive job and getting the strength in being able to do what was required for the role. But I was never going to use my strength or gender as an excuse not to be able to do the job competently. The first couple of months were tough, then you get used to it, and it becomes easier,” she said.

“When I started at Vulcan, I already knew load restraint and the product but I’ve had to learn how to tarp too because we deal with some sensitive product that can’t get wet,” Kate added.

“I’m getting better and faster at it each time. It’s a huge sense of satisfaction when I get it done.

‘’I have no plans on leaving my current job anytime soon, as I want to get more experience in HC before taking the next step. But I would love to eventually get the opportunity to work in heavy haulage and oversize loads.’’

Kate Morris is now behind the wheel of a Volvo FH 540, working for Vulcan Steel.

A young Kate with her mother Camille and father Greg, with the truck he drove for Douglas Transport.

Outback operation paves the way for collaborative growth

This remote Queensland road transport and general civil construction company is proudly giving Indigenous employees a pathway into lifelong industry careers.

BY ALF WILSON

GULF Regional Services

(GRS), a local Indigenous enterprise based in Normanton, Queensland, is one of the most remote road transport and general civil construction companies in the country.

GRS employs an average of 67 full-time equivalent staff, with nearly 100 individuals on the payroll throughout the year.

The company employs truck drivers, civil construction workers, roller, loader, grader and excavator operators, traffic controllers, labourers and diesel fitters.

Prides of the fleet are two near new Kenworth C509 road trains and two new Mack Metroliner water trucks.

The diesel fitters are vital as the machinery travels to many isolated jobs.

A group of workers travelled from Normanton to Melbourne to pick up the new Macks and travelled back.

The trucks are busy being used for civil construction, mostly road remediation work which is plentiful especially with many dirt roads in the coverage area.

Other plant equipment includes three 150 graders, one 966 next generation loader, one 323 2d excavator and 20 traffic control vehicles.

Big Rigs spoke to Shane Busch who drives one of the Kenworths and had just returned from a trip to Cairns where he picked up cars.

“It rained coming back from Cairns and we went through Mount Surprise, Georgetown and Croydon before arriving back at Normanton,” Shane said.

Shane said the Kenworth was powered by a powerful 650hp Cummins motor and with an 18-speed road ranger manual gearbox.

and now has 50,000km on the clock,” he said.

Shane was born at Mount Isa and moved to Normanton in 1992.

He moved to Sydney after that and earned a contract with the now defunct NRL Club the North Sydney Bears.

“After that I moved to Melbourne and had my own trucking company called Bushy’s Excavations and had a Ford Louisville truck which I sold to a bloke at Millaa Milla and returned to Normanton in 2022,” he said.

“I mainly carry dirt and road base and have travelled on some very rough roads up here. Two of the worst are the dirt one between Cloncurry and Pioner and another around Dunbar on the Kowanyama run.”

The company is owned by Wade Richardson and Kahli Corporal, dedicated members of the Gulf community and descendants of Kukatj and Waanyi tribes, GRS reflects a profound connection to the land, culture, and people of the Gulf.

“Our company proudly services various local shires, including Carpentaria (Normanton & Karumba), Kowanyama, Burketown, Doomadgee, Mornington Island, Georgetown, and Croydon. We employ an average of 67 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff, with nearly 100 individuals on the payroll throughout the year, accommodating many on shorter contracts to meet project demands,” Wade said.

Normanton is located 2086km north-west of Brisbane, is 679km west of Cairns and 849km west of Townsville.

Workers travel far and wide including to the Westmoreland Road outside of Doomadgee heading towards NT.

Wade said 88 per cent of the workforce identifies as Indigenous and comes from the local lower Gulf area, underscoring the company’s commitment to

significant impact on the local economy. Beyond providing substantial wages, the com pany has supported two local Indigenous entrepreneurs in launching their own businesses, fostering economic growth within their communities,” he said.

Looking toward the future, Gulf Regional Services is set to establish an industry-specific training academy.

“This initiative aims to enhance training and employment pathways for individuals within the civil construction industry in the Lower Gulf, leveraging partnerships at local, state, and federal levels to maximise its impact. Recently traffic controllers flew across from Mornington Island and spent the week in Cairns doing the theory and on the job training,” Wade said.

Wade said remote communities also benefit economically from the success of these large

early stages of their professional careers, reflecting a diverse age range within the company.

“GRS prioritise targeted training and workforce development to enhance skills and career progression. Established Indigenous companies, like Bynoe, Morr Morr Pastoral Company, Great and Gulf Labour-Hire and many more have set a precedent of success for Indigenous organisations and businesses in the Gulf region.

“Local Gulf councils such as Carpentaria, and many more in the region are fostering authentic partnerships with Indigenous entrepreneurs, paving the way for collaborative growth and truly working towards closing the gap,” Wade said.

In keeping with its priority in employing Indigenous people, one of their Mack trucks has excellent artwork by a Mount Isa Aboriginal Justin Butler.

“A quarter of GRS workforce consists of individuals in the

“Justin’s work involves embedding Aboriginal symbols, colours, contrasts, vantage points, and abstract designs to tell the stories of his people,” Wade said.

“He is an Aboriginal man from the Kalkadoon people of the Mt Isa region and Bandjin people of Munnamadahnamee (Hinchinbrook Island.) Justin’s totem is the Emu foot from his Kalkadoon lineage and Yimba (Pelican) from his Bandjin lineage. Justin also has ties and connec¬tion to the Jirrabal, Warragamay and Tagalaka Aboriginal people.”

Wade said future investments from state and federal departments for large projects in the region are crucial for community development and longterm sustainability.

must have a suite of local benefits embedded within such as local employment and sub-contractor arrangements,” he said.

eral governments to reassess their procurement policies to ensure proportional investment opportunities, thereby engaging local companies effectively as a priority and preferred option.”

Outside work many of the employees support the local rugby league team the Normanton Stingers which compete in a regional outback and remote competition and that

includes some who are key

One employee Connor Snow travelled to Charters Towers in

lia’s biggest cricket carnival –

Connor scored two half centuries for his side Far Canal and told me he loves working for the company.

One of the preferable recreations for company workers is fishing as the creeks and rivers abound with fish and mud crabs.

“I catch a lot of Barramundi

in the Flinders River which is near the road to Burketown,” Shane Busch said.

(traffic services manager), Roxanne Thomas, Renee Wilson, Lorraine Thomas and Kyle Yanner.

Traffic controller Bridie Freeman.

Remedial work on the Doomadgee Westmoreland Road outside of Doomadgee heading towards NT.

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Paying respects to lost loved ones

BY DARRYL EDWARDS AND ANN-MARIE HICKS

THE White Hill Truck Driver Memorial Day was held at Murray Bridge in South Australia earlier this month.

It will go down as not only a memorable truck show, but a time of reflection to honour 12 truck drivers who have sadly passed on and were inducted onto the memorial wall.

The morning started with a large convoy from the picturesque White Hill Parking Bay down to the memorial itself for a touching service which was attended like families, friends and plenty of support on offer from the industry.

Many of the trucks carried banners of those who were being remembered.

The lead truck was driven by the event organisers Tavia and Shaun Wood from Woodtrans who carried a banner

in memory of youngsters Tamika, 2, and brother Khaleb Hourn, 17 months.

Another family involved were McArdle’s, Edward and Marlene. They lost their son, Matt, in April 2016 at the age of 24, in a truck rollover near Clare. They were in their 2007 Western Star to be part of the day.

At the memorial wall the drivers were greeted by a large crowd who had come to pay their respects and to reflect on

those hard-working men and women, who were involved in the industry that are no longer with us.

Wreaths were laid at the memorial, and the trucks nearby did a horn sound-off, that sent a shiver down the spine.

After the service under police escort the trucks of all sizes and ages made their way to Sturt Reserve for a truck show and family fun day [see pictures on next page].

There was a great atmo-

sphere where the public and trucking community could come together to enjoy the trucks on display. There was food vendors, truck clothing vendors and even a logbook throwing competition for those who wanted to participate. Wouldn’t it be great to never have to add another name to the wall.

• Turn to p26 for pictures from the truck show and a list of category winners.

The team from Dial A Tow turned out in force to pay their respects. Image: Down The White Lines Truck Photography

Family and friends gathered at the wall to pay respects to their lost loved ones.

Event organisers Tavia and Shaun Wood from Woodtrans lead the massive convoy.

TML’s impressive Peterbilt caught the eye with its tribute to these much-loved truckies. Image: Down The White Lines Truck Photography

Edward and Marlene McArdle joined the convoy to honour the memory of son Matt.

Dial A Tow’s Kenworth proudly displays a banner in memory of Warren Obst.

When the Fuso Canter first hit Australian shores, it delivered on a promise: a safe and practical work truck you could rely on to get the job done. And get jobs done it did. Since 1971, Aussies have been turning to an ever-evolving range of Fuso Canters for all kinds of jobs – cabs to carry crews and pantechs to help with moves, trays for loading and tippers for disposing. 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 class-leading 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.

Huge turnout for popular SA truck show

Will Cassidy took home the Truck of the Show prize. Show images: Truckspotting Ararat

Third place team in the Best Truck 2-8 Years category, the Garden Grove 900.

Winner of the Best Truck 2-8 Years, Sargeant Livestock.

Jack celebrates second in the 6 months-two years category. Rowles Transport finished second in the 2-8 years contest.

in Best Truck Over 1 Million, TML TML also finished second in Best Truck Over 15 Years.

Transtar came away with two to the most coveted prizes.

Proudly supporting Reader Rigs

Share your truck pics to win with Shell Rimula

SHELL Rimula has partnered with Big Rigs in a big way – so there are even more reasons to send in your best truck shots.

Each month, the Big Rigs team will choose a #PicOfTheMonth, with the lucky winner receiving a $500 Shell Coles Express Gift Card.

Keep an eye out for our regular posts on the Big Rigs National Road Transport

calling for your best truck photos and add yours in the comments, or email them to danielle.gullaci@primecreative.com.au.

Don’t forget to include a brief note about the truck and where the photo was taken. We’ll feature some of the best photos in each edition of Big Rigs Newspaper, with one winner announced each month. Keep those amazing

Tash Hughes snapped this shot “somewhere west” of Alice Springs.

Matt Langley couldn’t resist a pic of the C509 stopping at this very green slice of north west Queensland, near Julia Creek.

Duncan Peter snapped this great pic while carting lime, at Codrington, Victoria.

The sky made for a spectacular backdrop as Jordan Cullen completed a barge delivery in Darwin.

Brock Gladman snapped a great shot of this Burkinshaws Transport T909 at the Gundigai Truck Show.

Danny White captured this beautiful sunrise in central Victoria.

Steve Grant and this Hardys Haulage T410 SAR were unloading sugar at Harwood Mill in northern NSW.

Louise Fuller snapped this amazing shot at the parking bay at Big Hill, heading into Melbourne.

Matthew Donk McCallum shared this great shot, rolling back into Mount Gambier.

Paul OD shared this ripper sunset shot, snapped at Broken Hill.

Sixten Lindgren sent this shot of his 1968 Scania l50 to Big Rigs – all the way from Sweden.

Brendan Nash captured this shot during an early morning run at Millmerran, Queensland.

New Qld agent for Viesa and Koolkat

TRUCK Art is excited to announce a new chapter in its commitment to deliver ing high-quality, efficient a for the transport industry in Queensland.

drivers running cool under even the harshest conditions.

Meet the team

With their combined 53

by the dynamic team of Justin Liddelow and Kurt Dorant, is now our official Queensland agent for the installation and service of our premium air conditioning systems: Viesa

tion, Custom Air Queensland s ready to keep your fleet and

Justin Liddelow, the owner of Custom Air Queensland, brings a wealth of experience in the air conditioning and automotive industries. Justin’s extensive knowledge and passion for providing quality services have made him a trusted name in Queensland’s transport sector. His vision for Custom Air Queensland is to provide top-tier solutions that meet the unique needs of truck owners and operators across the region.

At his side is Kurt Dorant, the General Manager for Queensland, who plays a key role in managing operations and ensuring seamless installation and service delivery. Kurt’s extensive background in the heavy vehicle auto electrical/air conditioning sector and deep understanding of both our units and the trucking industry makes him an invaluable asset to the team.

A longside their 15 installation and service technicians, Justin and Kurt form a powerful leadership duo, ready to offer expert advice, impeccable installations, and reliable a fter-sales support.

Why Custom Air Queensland?

Custom Air Queensland’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is at the

core of everything they do. By partnering with us, they are now able to offer the full range of prime mover sleeper cab air conditioner systems and after sales spare parts, including our highly-regarded Viesa and Koolkat brands. These systems are designed to provide exceptional performance, durability, and comfort for truck drivers working in Queensland’s challenging climate.

Viesa Air Conditioning Systems

Viesa offers a premium solution for those who need reliable, energy-efficient air con ditioning in their sleeper cabs.

consumption, Viesa is the ideal choice for fleet owners looking to maximize uptime and reduce operational costs. The robust build quality and easy maintenance of Viesa systems has made it a popular choice.

Koolkat Air Conditioning Systems

For operators seeking a high-performance system that offers superior cooling (and heating) power, Koolkat is the perfect solution. Koolkat systems are designed to handle long-distance journeys and extended hours of use, ensuring a cool/warm and restful environment for truck drivers.

treme temperatures while ensuring drivers stay comfortable on the road.

Get in touch with Custom Air Queensland

If you’re in Queensland please reach out to Custom Air Queensland for any supply, install, or maintenance needs for the Viesa and Koolkat models. With Justin, Kurt, and their team behind you, you’ll experience unparalleled assistance and advice on how you can elevate your fleet’s comfort for your drivers. Please phone their office on 07 3112 8805 or call into their new workshop facility at 7

The Custom Air Queensland facility is located at Wacol.

See more, go further and go safer

WHEN you’re behind the wheel of a big rig, safety is everything – especially at night.

High-performance lighting doesn’t just improve visibility; it enhances awareness and reduces fatigue, making longhaul night driving safer and more comfortable.

Founded in 2010, Lazer Lamps has become a leader in auxiliary LED lighting across Europe, known for its innovation, quality, and performance. With in-house UK design, engineering, and manufacturing, Lazer consistently develops cutting-edge lighting solutions.

Their popularity has surged in Australia, supported by a sales office in Adelaide and stock held in Canberra. Now, their Sentinel and Triple-R ranges are joined by two exciting new additions: the AIR LED Light Bar and Utility-50 LED Work Lamp, both launched in Australia in February.

At the forefront of Lazer’s trucking lineup is the Sentinel 9” round LED lamp, available in Standard and Elite models, in either black or white. K nown for its exceptional long-range performance, a pair of Sentinel 9” Elites emit over 30,000 raw lumens, delivering 1 lux at more than 700m away. For truck drivers, this means spotting hazards sooner, giving you more time to react – a crucial advantage for night driving.

Beyond its sheer illumination, Sentinel truly excels with its beam pattern. A 52-degreehorizontal left to right spread provides impressive side-road visibility, lighting up hazards, wildlife, and road signs where other lights might leave blind spots. This combination of distance and spread, alongside a 5000k natural daylight colour temperature, makes Sentinel one of the most effective truck lighting solutions available on the market today.

But power isn’t everything – reliability matters too. Built for the harshest conditions, Sentinel lamps feature corrosion-resistant metalwork, an unbreakable polycarbonate lens with a lifetime guarantee, and vibration-resistant hous-

ing designed to withstand the most extreme conditions.

For those who prefer a sleek, low-profile light bar over round lamps, Lazer’s new AIR LED Light Bar and renowned Triple-R range deliver the same high-performance illumination with a different aesthetic. Both ranges are engineered for optimal beam distribution from higher mounting positions, ensuring exceptional long-range visibility while minimising glare from road signs – a crucial feature for truck drivers.

Their 5000K colour temperature replicates natural daylight, reducing eye strain and fatigue, making state-tostate overnight hauls safer and comfortable. The Triple-R

1000 is a proven choice for those needing precision optics and the optional integrated beacon functionality makes them ideal for added visibility and safety in commercial and industrial settings.

Meanwhile, the AIR LED Light Bar offers a more aerodynamic, contemporary design, with a beacon version coming soon, making it an exciting new option for truck owners looking for performance and cutting-edge styling.

For improved visibility at the sides and rear of your truck, the new Utility-50 LED Work Lamp is a compact but powerful solution. Designed to enhance safety and convenience, the Utility-50 is perfect for: Manoeuvring in tight spaces, loading and unloading cargo safely and illuminating work areas during night-time stops. Available in multiple configurations, including models with an integrated beacon and red tail light function, the Utility-50 adapts to a variety of applications. With an unbreakable polycarbonate lens and IP68/IP69K watertight ratings, it’s built to withstand the elements and keep performing in the toughest conditions.

W hether mounted at the rear for reversing visibility or along the sides for better workspace lighting, the Utility-50 is an essential addition for serious truck operators.

Lazer’s commitment to quality and innovation continues with its expansion in Australia.

Founder and Managing Director Ben Russell-Smith explained: “The launch of AIR and Utility-50 marks an exciting step forward for Lazer in the Australian heavy truck and commercial vehicle markets. AIR delivers the same high-performance light output and incredible build quality as Sentinel and Triple-R but offers a unique, modern aesthetic.

Meanwhile, the Utility-50 takes our work light solutions to the next level with its functionality and durability. We are incredibly proud of both products and the innovation behind their development, which reflects our in-house UK design, engineering, and manufacturing expertise.”

Lazer’s truck light solu-

If you’re in the market for the ultimate truck lighting solution, visit lazerlamps. com.au or contact Lazer directly via sales@lazerlamps. com.au.

tions are available now across Australia and New Zealand, backed by Lazer Lamps’ fiveyear warranty.

Sentinel 9” Elites fitted to the front bull bar, delivering an astonishing 60,928 raw lumens. Images: Lazer Lamps be optimised for truck installation - ensuring an incredible balance of both long range distance and left-to-right horizontal spread.

Sentinel 9” Elites black lens covers are included for free.

Lancefield packs out in 2025

Our roving Victorian correspondent squeezes into a hotly-contested parking spot to admire the classic old rigs on show in the Macedon Ranges.

BY GRAHAM HARSANT

I’VE been heading to Lance field, Victoria, for the annual A merican Truck Historical Society (ATHS) gathering since 2010 and it has always been a well-attended show with a major drawcard being a heap of space and many ma ture spreading oaks and other trees under which to park on a hot February weekend.

But I’ve never seen it like this. By midday on the Saturday the place was positively overflow ing – with a day and a half still to run. Those oaks were taken by 10am and trucks were be ing directed to park in places never before used.

Of course, this resulted in a great array of trucking ma chinery and a spectacle for the attending public.

It didn’t worry the owners of said trucks either, as they sim ply joined a mate or three in the shade, pulled out a drink and with it, shared (some) tall and (mostly) true tales.

Waste biz funds dream Bernard Stanfield runs a business down Geelong way called Combined Waste Services and arrived at Lancefield with an Isuzu bearing that name. Next to it was a mint Ford Louisville LTL 9000 with ‘Combined Racing’ on the door. Hmm? Is the waste biz paying for the racing?

“Of course it is, it funds my dream,” said Bernard. “We’re environmental specialists and run a fleet of tankers and 26 trucks. We do environmental consulting, waste management, drain cleaning and related business, both in Geelong and through satellite depots throughout Victoria.

“I used to do interstate when I was younger and wanted to spend more time at home so I got a job in the waste industry. This was some 34 years ago and here we are today. I’ve had Combined Waste for

20 years now.

“But to answer your question, I’ve had the Louisville for some 15 years. It had a ground up rebuild. With a couple of mechanics at work we did everything ourselves predominantly. All except the engine which was rebuilt by Andy Walker at Riverina Diesels.

“It is an ‘89 model with an 18 double over. It’s been opened up to around 535 hp at the moment, so it goes all right. When I started off, we had a sprint car for about nine years. Now we’ve just got a drag car, a WH Caprice – 454, it’s blown and it’s about 1200 hp at the wheels. I’ve got a 45foot van transporter for it. It has a workshop, plus a lounge, kitchen and sleeping.”

“I drove an LTL for Puckapunyal Transport in the ‘80s and fell in love with it. I looked for one with a CAT in it for years until this eventually turned up.”

That the Louisville’s are popular was brought home on a recent trip to Adelaide. “I spent half the time on the UHF with people commenting on it. There was a reason Ford didn’t sell the Louisville name, I reckon.”

One of a kind

Reece Lynch drives a special truck – in fact a one of a k ind. Reece drives for Brad Gourley of Gourley Enterprises at Pakenham and Brad owns the T600 Kenworth –the Expo truck.

For those few not in the know, this is the Expo that occurred in 1994 when Kenworth released each model and painted them in specific colours reflecting the Australian flag. There was a C501, a T900 the T600 and others.

Each model was painted in the same paint scheme and travelled around Australia.

There was only one of each

model that was released off the factory line. Brad’s numberplate reflects the trucks heritage: EXPO-94.

Reece drives the truck every day hauling pre-cast concrete panels for factories and industrial areas. “Every now and then I do a bit of steel as well. It’s just single trailer work, mainly in the south-eastern suburbs which suits me as I don’t have to fight the city traffic and lack of space there.”

At 24 Reece has been with the business since he got his licence at 22 and is grateful that Brad gave him a leg-in, although he did have a slight advantage in that he got a great reference from dad, Chris who was working there at the time.

That said Reece is a third-generation truck driver and had a fair bit of practice ‘paddock bashing’ in trucks, as he referred to it.

Don’t tell the Mrs Matt Lambert arrived in his ex-Roadmaster 1995 K-100E Kenworth, which has a real gangster look about it with its low roofline and deep visor.

“There were only 25 of these built and they all had Spicer’s and 12.7 Detroit’s, with 4.11 diffs, which is a good combination. This has had an 18 speed Road Ranger put in it at some stage which does 1450rpm at 100 km/h. I would love to have the limiter off it but it can’t be done – well it can be, but at a cost. I’ll probably move this on because I have an Atkinson and my wife reckons one or the other has to go, sadly.”

Matt started driving at Vaughan Transport where his dad worked, in a Scania 111 single drive. “I had a ball back when the laws weren’t as strict as they are today. That truck went really well. Everyone thought they were slow but mine used to do 130 km/h. I

bagged up a few blokes I can tell you.

“I did interstate Brisbane-Sydney-Adelaide then I worked for McColl’s for seven years. These days my wife and I have a gardening business so the truck is just to go to shows, chat and remember – once I’ve stowed away the fuel money. Don’t tell the Mrs!”

Long resto pays off Gerard Hicks’ journey has been in transport since the early 70s and he came to Lancefield with two trucks he owned – then sold – then bought back.

One is a 1979 Mercedes-Benz 1418, the other, a classic W Model KW – which anyone visiting the MOVE Museum in Shepparton would likely have seen.

“The 1418 paved the way to buy the W model. They were a good money-maker. I sold it to a farmer in Shepparton in 1983 and he had it for over 20 years.

Interior of the LTL is in ‘as new’ condition.

Reece Lynch with Brad Gourley’s one-of-a-kind Kenworth Expo 94 T600.

Bernard Stanfield and his Ford LTL. Images: Graham Harsant

Matt Lambert with his 1 of 25 1995 K-100E Kenworth.

When the time was right, he sold it back to me.

first truck that if I was going to get one back and do it up, this was what I wanted. It means a little bit more to you. It was probably a three- or four-year restoration job. The prime mover was finished in 2015 and we took it to Alice Springs which was its first outing.

“Similar story with the W model which I bought from Graham Thompson Motors in 1986 and worked until 1992.

“I sold it to a Kyabram business and it eventually ended up in Perth for 20 years, until I bought it back in 2014. It was a complete rebuild but I had to source the sleeper – the original had gone missing in Perth and I wanted the high-rise aerodyne box which I picked up from a guy in Brisbane.

It’s 99 per cent the way it was when I bought it and that was

paint, with striping by Cund ari Bros. at Shep, followed by a trip to Sydney to add a Keith bull bar.

The ‘W’ has recently been with Arron Vanderschoot for a tidy up, before Gerard takes it on Haulin’ the Hume, thereafter it will again spend some time at MOVE. Wherever you looked at Lancefield there was old and older – most of them in newer than new condition. It would be a crying shame if bringing a trailer next time was limited because, along with having their own stories, a truck isn’t really complete with one. We’re sure Robbie Green and co will sort it out.

• Turn to page 34 for more event pictures.

A truckie knows that doing everything right, is leaving space for someone to do something… wrong.

Gerard Hicks’ immaculate 1986 W model KW.

Gerard Hick’s first truck, his 1979 M-B 1418, restored to all its glory and with period McGrath trailer.

Punt on Facebook pays off

Vincenzo Ditta admits he took a gamble buying the first truck for his excavation business in an online auction, but it’s all worked out in the end.

BY DAVID VILE

“WELL, I started my own excavation business and needed a truck, so this is my first one, and it’s a pretty cool truck to start with!”

It would be hard to disagree with that summation from 28-year-old Vincenzo Ditta, who is the proud owner of a 1986 Kenworth W-Model which he purchased a little over two years ago.

Based at Darlington Point in the NSW Riverina, Vincenzo had journeyed south to Urana late last year, where he had the Kenworth on display for the first time at the town’s annual Vintage Machinery Rally.

Under the sunny spring skies, the classic 1980s styling of the truck Kenworth drew a number of admirers.

As is often the case with trucks that have a few years (and miles) on the clock, purchasing the Kenworth was a bit of a leap into the unknown for Vincenzo, especially having purchased it in an online auction, which was conducted via Facebook.

“It was based up in Denman in the Hunter Valley. There was a lot of interest in it and the auction on Facebook was going wild.

“It was a bit overwhelming buying it online, but it’s all worked out well. The first drive I had of it was to bring it home, it was a good drive.

“With the six-rod suspension and no weight on the back she kicked a bit, but there were no oil leaks or dramas coming home- it had been well looked after” he said.

The Kenworth had spent a number of years in Queensland hauling tippers

with a couple of owners before making its way down to NSW where it had been on a farm doing harvest tipper work before Vincenzo bought it.

Along the way the W-Model has had a couple of heart transplants, with the original Cummins being replaced initially with a Cat C-15 and then its current powerplant, a Detroit Series 60 which is rated to 550 horsepower.

Coupled to a new 18-speed Roadranger, Vincenzo reckons the Kenworth still has plenty of miles left in it.

“It got repowered with the Detroit in 1998, the motor has done two million k’s and then another 150,000 on the

rebuild so I reckon the truck has probably done around four million kilometres all up. “If there’s another million left in it, I reckon it will see me out because towing my excavators about I am not doing big miles with it.”

Given that the Kenworth had been well cared for by the previous owner, Vincenzo has not had to put a lot of work into getting the truck ship-shape.

“The paint is still pretty good, and I want to keep it looking as original as possible- the lowline bunk is not the original and is actually of a T904, but I have always liked that look with the low

bunk and the wings add a bit of a different style to it,” he said.

The Kenworth has also been fitted out with stainless steel guards and drop visor, with the dual exhausts rising above the sleeper giving the truck a distinct look.

With a couple of 22-tonne Komatsu excavators to haul, Vincenzo had recently taken delivery of a new tri-axle float to hook up to the W-Model.

“It was built up in Brisbane by FWR Trailers. It’s rated to 27 tonne and spreads out to 3.5 metres and has a set of bifold ramps and I highly recommend it.

“I do a lot of pipe channels and irrigation stuff with a lot

of cotton and almond plantation development going on locally. Generally, we only work out to around a 40-kilometre radius, but it handles the diggers and any of the other equipment we need to cart with no worries.” he said.

Vincenzo had come down to Urana the day prior loaded up with a grader for fellow show attendee Chris Sutton, who had a Mack Value-Liner on display, with the Urana event whetting his appetite for getting the Kenworth to a few more events in the future.

“It has been good to come down here to meet everyone and stay the night. I’m going to look at getting it out and

about a bit to a few more of these types of shows, I wouldn’t mind taking it up to the next Kenworth Klassic as well.”

While happy with his current fleet, Vincenzo reckons he could be tempted to get another Kenworth for a tipper or similar purpose if the right one came up.

“If the opportunity arose I wouldn’t hesitate. I love the ‘old-school’ styling of these Kenworths.

“I am always getting compliments on the UHF with this one and it drives like a dream. Everything’s a gamble these days but I got lucky with this one. I love it, it was a great buy.”

More classic rigs on show in Lancefield

Old School Cool: the 1986 Kenworth sparkles in the Riverina sunshine.

Images: David Vile

Vincenzo Ditta with his trusty W-Model.

Deguara’s beautiful Legend 900 Limited Edition.

Ron Camilleri and John Zed brought along their 1982 E2142 Scanias. Images: Graham Harsant

Early arrivals snagged the shady spots.

QTA urges immediate government action

THE Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) is sounding the alarm regarding the absence of financial relief and support for the unprecedented challenges facing road freight transport companies delivering into North and Far North Queensland due to the current severe flood event.

During flood events in Queensland that occur every year, road freight is relied upon to deliver critical supplies to affected communities and restore normalcy for communities with continuity of deliveries.

By facilitating the timely transportation of goods, road freight aids in the overall economic recovery of affected areas as it enables the distribution of aid from government agencies, non-profits, and charitable organisations to local communities and ensures local businesses are kept operational.

The flood event in February saw every freight route flooded and closed for periods of several days halting a ll freight deliveries in North Queensland. This was unprecedented in Queensland, and fleets experienced long delays on flooded roadsides, incurring significant financial losses during this period.

QTA CEO Gary Mahon, said, “With daily losses of up to $100,000/fleet and hundreds of trucks driv-

ing 1000km detours, road freight transport businesses and their truck drivers were under immense pressure to deliver goods while battling adverse weather conditions, logistical barriers and bureaucracy.”

QTA is calling upon the government to provide urgent financial assistance to the road freight industry in light of the devastating impacts of the recent flood event in North Queensland. The sector, which is critical to the delivery of essential goods and services, has in-

curred exorbitant costs and unprecedented challenges due to this weather event.

Over those ten days in February, the road freight industry was severely disrupted, with many truck fleets immobilised. At peak times, over 200 B-doubles were stationed in Townsville, and numerous trucks were stranded on key routes due to flooding. The QTA coordinated delivery efforts with the Queensland Police Service, mobilising almost 300 trucks to facilitate the transfer of essential supplies

through Ollera Creek after access was restored. Many drivers faced delays of up to seven days due to impassable roads.

The sheer scale of the impact is alarming. Businesses reported daily losses ranging from $10,000 to $130,000. Without immediate financial relief, many companies may be forced to impose cost increases on customers, further straining local economies in already vulnerable communities.

The QTA has now made formal submissions to both state and federal governments, advocating for support to help mitigate these financial impacts on the road freight industry.

Mahon said, “Trucks deliver more than just goods; they deliver vital supplies to restore economic productivity in communities. The recent floods have thrown into sharp focus how interconnected our road freight industry is with local economies.”

The QTA said it is essential for the government to recognise this and provide the necessary subsidy support to mitigate these financial losses.

Community support during this crisis was heartening, with local residents rallying to provide food and drinks to stranded drivers. This was greatly appreciated

by the drivers.

The QTA emphasises that continuous operation of the road freight sector is vital not only for immediate recovery but for the long-term health of the economy. If support was extended to include the road freight industry it would provide businesses with some short-term relief to cashflows.

“We urge the government to extend the same levels of financial support to the road freight industry as they have to agriculture and small businesses. Our industry is an essential provider, and without it, the broader economic framework will be j advocating for the interests of its members and ensuring that the

How Geotab helps fleets reduce costs and downtime

RISING maintenance costs and unexpected breakdowns continue to challenge fleets, making operational efficiency more critical than ever.

Geotab, a global leader in connected transportation solutions, is introducing Work Order Management and Fault Code Enrichment within the Geotab Maintenance Centre to help fleet managers reduce downtime and manage maintenance costs more effectively.

Australian fleet managers have increasingly prioritised vehicle maintenance to enhance operational efficiency and safety, with 57 per cent of fleet managers identifying reducing running costs as a top priority in 2024, up from 42 per cent in 2022.

This focus on cost reduction has led to a greater emphasis on regular vehicle maintenance and the adoption of predictive maintenance technologies.

“Fleet maintenance is a major cost driver, and unexpected breakdowns can significantly impact operations,” said Sabina Martin, Vice President of Product Management.

“With the new solutions added to the Geotab Maintenance Centre, we are equipping fleet managers with the tools they need to make data-driven decisions, reduce unplanned downtime, and optimise maintenance workflows.

“We expect that Work Order Management and Fault

Code Enrichment, will help fleets move from reactive to predictive maintenance –improving efficiency, lowering costs, and keeping vehicles on the road.”

Work order management

The first feature introduced in the Maintenance Centre is Work Order Management. The solution allows fleet managers to streamline maintenance tasks through the centralised hub in MyGeotab.

By consolidating scheduling, tracking, and reporting in one place, fleets can replace manual record-keeping and disconnected systems with a more efficient digital workflow. Key benefits include:

• Centralised management: Track all maintenance activities in one location, eliminating the need for multiple apps.

• Operational efficiency: Convert maintenance requests into work orders, monitor active work orders, and analyse costs and downtime metrics.

• Predictive maintenance: Leverage Geotab’s predictive analytics to identify vehicles at risk of failure and schedule preventative maintenance before costly issues arise.

Fault code enrichment

Geotab’s Fault Code Enrichment, powered by Noregon, enhances fault data analy-

SOLUTIONS ADDED TO THE GEOTAB MAINTENANCE CENTRE, WE ARE EQUIPPING FLEET MANAGERS WITH THE TOOLS THEY NEED TO MAKE DATADRIVEN DECISIONS, REDUCE UNPLANNED DOWNTIME, AND OPTIMISE MAINTENANCE WORKFLOWS.”

sis by providing actionable insights into fault severity, recommended actions, and potential component impact. This feature offers fleets even more precise and timely in sights. Key benefits include:

• Fault prioritisation: tify and address high-impact faults first to prevent costly failures.

• Detailed fault insights: Gain access to enriched data, including severity ratings, updated descriptions, and recommended next steps.

• Fleet-wide visibility:

Standardised fault insights across multiple vehicle manufacturers provide a unified view of maintenance needs.

Noregon’s expertise in diagnostics powers the Fault Code Enrichment feature.

By integrating Noregon’s insights within MyGeotab,

fleet managers gain a structured action plan based on fault severity and operational impact.

“Fleet managers need to distinguish between minor issues and those that could lead to a breakdown or compliance violation,” said Sandeep Kar, Chief Strategy Officer at Noregon.

“Fault Code Enrichment provides a clear roadmap for when immediate action is necessary versus when an issue can be addressed during scheduled maintenance.

This ensures fleets can allocate resources efficiently while keeping vehicles on the road.”

Noregon’s recommendations guide fleet operators by indicating whether a driver should address an issue immediately, monitor it at the next stop, resolve it during a scheduled maintenance check, or safely continue driving.

This level of insight reduces unnecessary workshop visits while ensuring critical faults receive immediate attention.

Expanding the Geotab ecosystem

The Geotab Maintenance Centre complements Geotab’s growing suite of centres, including the recently launched Geotab Sustainability Centre and the Geotab Safety Centre. Together, these solutions provide fleet managers with the tools to optimise costs, improve safety, and meet sustainability goals on a unified platform.

For more information, visit geotab.com/au.

The recent flood emergency caused widespread damage. Image: Ergon Energy Network

Major freight routes were completely cut off. Image: Ergon Energy Network

Why welding qualifications matter in the trailer industry

WHEN it comes to building and maintaining trailers, one of the most crucial elements of the process is the welding work. Trailer construction involves several structural components that require high-strength, durable welds to ensure safety and reliability. This is why having skilled welders is a necessity. From the frame to the axles, hitches, and even the suspension, each part requires precision and expertise to guarantee it performs under heavy loads and changing weather conditions.

Much of the manufacturing, repair, and maintenance

on trailers is completed by qualified bus, truck and trailer professionals, many who have completed the nationally recognised Certificate III in Automotive

Manufacturing – Bus, Truck and Trailer (AUM30218) or Certificate III in Metal Fabrication (MEM31922) qualifications. But when it comes to trailer welding jobs which involve fabricating, repairing and maintaining trailers using welding techniques, this is where industry-specific training needs to be undertaken.

TAFE Queensland offers both an Introduction to Welding (NONAC03024) course and advanced level courses such as AS/NZS 1796 certification, which is the benchmark for welders welding in the manufactur-

ing of pressure equipment and other applications. Depending on your business’s needs, it pays to ensure employees have the right qualifications.

Safety is the number one concern in any trailer construction or repair job. Poor welding techniques can result in compromised joints, cracks or even total weld failure. A failure in a trailer’s structure can have catastrophic consequences, leading to accidents, loss of cargo, or damage to other vehicles. In industries like transportation, where trailers are used for hauling ma-

terials or goods across long distances, ensuring that the welds are strong and reliable is critical to protect both the driver and the public. Skilled welders understand the safety standards and protocols necessary to create a secure and safe trailer.

Clayton Dunne, from TAFE Queensland’s Metal Fabrication team, has over 25 years’ experience in the welding sector and said that skilled workers need to be trained in all aspects of welding.

“Having an in-depth understanding of the theoretical provides higher quality

outcomes in the practical application of welding. This is why finding a training provider with industry-qualified trainers is so important,” said Clayton.

Clayton and his colleagues at TAFE Queensland also have a close relationship with Weld Australia which is imperative to ensure our training continues to meet the industry standards and new technologies as they emerge. For more information on how you can partner with TAFE Queensland for all your business training needs, visit tafeqld.edu.au.

TAFE Queensland Metal Fabrication Trainer Clayton Dunne. Images: TAFE Queensland

TAFE Queensland welding training at the Acacia Ridge Campus.

Alcoa Wheels brings innovation to BTS

ALCOA Wheels, the global leader in aluminium wheel innovation, is gearing up to take the stage at the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show. We’re bringing some serious game-changing technology your way, proving once again why we’re the go-to brand for lightweight, high-performance aluminium truck and trailer wheels.

This year, we’re unveiling our latest wheel technology, keeping Alcoa Wheels at the top as the lightest aluminium truck wheel manufacturer out there. With our proprietary technology and precision production, our wheels are built for superior looks, easy maintenance, and unbeatable durability.

Lightweight wheels solution

The ground-breaking Alcoa ULT36x wheel is still 1.6kg lighter than its predecessor, weighing just 16.3kg, and is equipped with proprietary MagnaForce alloy.

THIS YEAR, WE’RE UNVEILING OUR LATEST WHEEL TECHNOLOGY, KEEPING ALCOA WHEELS AT THE TOP AS THE LIGHTEST ALUMINIUM TRUCK WHEEL MANUFACTURER OUT THERE.”

Alcoa Wheels has revolutionised wheel design, which features no hand holes. This departure from traditional design is sure to turn heads and make any vehicle stand out. Despite the lack of hand holes, the wheel has been rigorously tested and engineered to ensure maximum strength and durability. In fact, Alcoa Wheels has thousands of these wheels on the ground in Australia’s harsh mining conditions, proving their resilience and performance in the toughest environments.

Advanced surface technology

Speaking of advanced surfaces, Dura-Bright remains a revolutionary surface treatment. Think of it as a force field for your wheels – repelling dirt and making clean-up effortless. No more polishing, no more stress. Plus, unlike coated wheels, our Dura-Bright treatment bonds with the aluminium at a molecular level, meaning no cracking, peeling

or corrosion. That means less time worrying about upkeep and more time on the road, where you belong. Your wheels will look fresh for years to come!

New Alcoa Wheels cleaning and accessories category

Here’s the real kicker – we’re launching an all-new cleaning product range made just for our Dura-Bright wheels!

These wheels already make maintenance a breeze, and now, keeping that Alcoa Wheel shine has never been easier. Say goodbye to tough scrubbing and hello to a quick soap-and-water wash, which will save you time and money while upholding the highest standards of wheel care.

But that’s not all – we’re also rolling out a brand-new lineup of accessories to help you cut down on maintenance

time and keep your truck looking its best. Everything we do is designed to make your life easier while keeping your ride in shape. So, what are you waiting for? See us at the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show and experience the future of truck wheels and maintenance solutions firsthand. We’ll be at Stand 86 – stop by, check out the latest tech, and let’s

Standing up to the toughest of tasks

SPECIALISING in bulk

grain, fertiliser and cotton seed transport, Tait Freight was started by Andrew Tait in 2015; after he decided to buy his first truck, a Western Star 4900, and make the switch from diesel mechanic to owner operator.

Today he runs a transport business and separate mechanical business, from his facility in Pittsworth, in Queensland’s Toowoomba region. With his skillset, whether it’s in the workshop or behind the wheel, Andrew can step in wherever he’s needed. His fleet is made up of six prime movers – four Western Star 4900s and two Mack Superliners, with another Mack on the way and due to be delivered soon – along with seven sets of A-double tippers, all built by Moore Trailers.

bought were from Moore Trailers, then I’ve just kept going back,” Andrew said.

“They’re well priced, have an exceptional build quality, and I think they’re the best-looking steel tippers you can get.”

The Tait Freight fleet can be found travelling across Queensland and into northern New South Wales. As Andrew explained, “I grew up between Goondiwindi and Moree, so a lot of our work is in those areas. We also travel to Brisbane daily with bulk grain and bulk fertilisers, and service multiple feedlots in south-east Queensland.”

Five of the A-double tipper sets have been designed specifically for the needs of cotton seed transport – where cubic capacity is more important than payload, due to the relatively light weight of

enough, we can get up to 55 tonne of payload. It varies in weight depending on the quality, so we need to have the highest volume trailers we can get rather than being able to carry higher weights,” revealed Andrew.

gered up here in Queensland, which can be really damaging to the equipment. The Gore Highway and Leichhardt Highway are atrocious pieces of government road that these trailers have to travel on each day.”

“If the cotton seed is heavy

“And these trailers stand up to the job really well because the work is pretty tough on them, with the big loaders having to load into them. It’s not the nicest work for our equipment, but these Moore trailers stand up to the task.”

Andrew added that his trucks and trailers are also required to tackle many rough roads on a daily basis. “The trucks usually travel anywhere from 20 to 80 kilometres of gravel roads a day, and these trailers don’t crack at all. They do handle the toughest conditions – and we really do put them to the test.

“The roads are just bug-

Along with the quality of the trailers Moore produces, Andrew says the trailer builder provides exceptional service to match.

“They really do offer a 10 out of 10 for service. My workshop is only a few kilometres away from Moore – a lso based at Pittsworth – so we really can’t go past them. They are right at our back door. The Brick Hotel at Pittsworth is where we’ve done most of our business deals with Moore Trailers.

“We’ve become great friends with all the guys at Moore Trailers too. Pittsworth is only a small town,

s They just really look after their customers. If you go in there needing any repairs or parts, they always make it happen.

us what we could do with the various options availableways offer great advice oners so that we can get the

[L-R] Moore Trailers founder Lionel Moore, Tait Freight owner Andrew Tait and Moore Trailers salesman Scott Gollan. Images: Tait Freight

Tait Freight runs a fleet of six Mack and Western Star prime movers, with another new Mack on the way.

The Dura-Bright production line in Hungary.

The business now has seven A-double tipper sets from Moore Trailers.

JOST acquires hydraulics provider Hyva

AFTER months of negotiations and awaited approval, JOST announced its acquisition of international hydraulics solutions provider, Hyva, in early February

A leading global supplier to the transport industry, JOST manufactures a wide range of components. This latest acquisition will see Hyva’s operations in over 110 countries – including Australia – fall under JOST ownership.

Allied Waste Concepts is among the companies that continues to rely on Hyva’s products and servicing. Since the acquisition was finalised, Allied Waste Concepts has added a new unit fitted with hooklifts from the company into its waste operations.

Founded in 2004 by the Briggs and Buxton families, Allied Waste Concepts handles the transport of contaminated waste.

It began with the collection and transport of both EPA and non-EPA waste, with just one truck in Brooklyn, Victoria.

In the years that followed, the operation and its capabilities grew.

“When Allied Waste Concepts was born, there was a need in the industry for businesses that would do what they said they would do,” said Director of Busi-

ness, Doug Briggs. “Allied Waste Concepts has been built on that. It has been built on giving proper service and will continue to do so.”

Allied Waste Concepts General Manager and one of Doug’s sons, Jay Briggs added, “Our family’s values

are present in everything we do.”

The company’s operations now involve a seven-truck fleet with an eighth on the way, and a large staff of personnel ensuring the business runs smoothly.

Hyva has supplied Allied Waste Services with its

state-of-the-art hooklifts for the past five years.

As Jay explained, “The first time we ventured into the Hyva hooklift was off a recommendation from Scania. Since then, our relationship with Hyva has been fantastic.

“Murray and Richard from the company have been awesome to deal with. They always answer the phone if we have any rare issues or breakages, and they’ll give us prompt advice on how to fix or rectify them.”

Hyva hooklifts have been fitted to Allied Waste Concepts’ last three trucks, including the newest one that arrived at the end of February - a Scania P420.

The addition of these hooklifts provide the units with a much greater ability to pick up and transport a variety of waste items.

The multi-rail Hyva hooklifts feature manually adjustable 1450mm and 1570mm pick-up hooks with a pneumatic locking safety latch. These enable the truck to lift waste bins to a higher elevation than what was previously possible and to turn the bins to a greater tilt angle than before, allowing for the collection of more waste types.

Liquid waste, collected from sludge bins, can be emptied out and collected with greater ease due to the

trucks’ new elevation and angle capacity provided by the hooklifts.

These new capabilities allow Allied Waste Concepts’ combinations to service a greater number of segments and collect a wider range of waste.

“Hyva’s hooklifts help us to service all areas of the market,” said Jay. “In addition to the extra rail widths and bin heights that we can access to transport more waste, we also have the flexibility to move materials that we haven’t previously been equipped to move.

“The hooklifts also provide our trucks with greater stability when lifting waste due to their solid locking system.”

Commenting on Hyva now being under JOST ownership, Jay added, “The

JOST brand has a greater capability to hold more stock and will have more branches to access for product availability or service. That will be very exciting.” JOST is also excited about the Hyva acquisition and its business with Allied Waste Concepts.

JOST General Manager of Sales and Marketing, Corey Povey, acknowledges the shared history between both companies from when JOST Australia was a distributor for Hyva around 25 years ago.

“JOST and Hyva both have a strong brand reputation and excellent product range,” he said. “We look forward to providing national support to the Hyva team and helping the business grow further, especially in the recycling sector.”

Allied Waste Concepts’ new Scania P420 has been fitted with Hyva hooklifts through JOST. Images: JOST

Improving safety outcomes for Australia’s forestry sector

A new draft Code of Practice to assist industry to improve safety outcomes in the transport of logs from forest to mill or port is out now.

The new Log Haulage Industry Code of Practice (LHC) by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) provides guidance for businesses involved at every level of the forest log haulage task.

NHVR’s Acting Chief Safety and Productivity Officer

Paul Sariban said the draft

LHC was developed in collaboration with the Australian Forest Products Association and the Australian Forest Contractor’s Association, along with industry representatives and stakeholders who contributed their resources, experience and expertise.

“The LHC is a practical guide of interest to anybody who conducts business in the forestry sector. It supports parties in the Chain of Responsibility to understand

and meet their primary duty and other obligations under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL),” Sariban said.

“Consulting with industry associations and stakeholders in the creation of the new LHC was key in allowing us to properly understand how the industry’s operations are conducted, identify any hazards and document or develop effective control measures to eliminate the risks they may cause.”

The new code will be available for public feedback for the ext eight weeks. All feedback received from any stakeholder within the logging sector will be considered by the NHVR as part of the assessment process to determine whether the ode is suitable for registration. Sariban said the new LHC was relevant to anyone who or whose business:

• Owns a forestry area where logs are harvested.

• Harvests or stockpiles logs for transport.

• Loads, operates or contracts heavy vehicles to transport logs.

• Or manages a facility such as a mill where logs are delivered.

“The code also assists businesses to assess training needs for drivers and other workers,” he said.

“Like all heavy vehicle drivers, drivers of log haulage vehicles must comply with numerous obligations under the H VNL, including loading requirements, mass and dimension requirements, and fatigue management.

“Additionally, log haulage drivers confront particular challenges operating off-road or on primitive dirt roads, in all weather and with vehicles loaded near to their maximum capacity. High-quality on-going training must be provided to ensure that drivers are sufficiently skilled to carry out these operations safely and efficiently.”

However, Sariban made the point that businesses cannot “pass the buck” to drivers when things go wrong but must have in place robust systems that ensure safety.

“The HVNL makes it clear that the Primary Duty is shared by all the parties who have a role in the transport task, acknowledging the opportunities that different parties have to eliminate or

reduce risks to public safety from the use of heavy vehicles,” Sariban said.

“For example, forestry managers can reduce driving hazards through road design, signage and traffic control, while loaders can improve vehicle stability by careful selection and placement of logs.”

Heavy vehicles and equipment used for hauling were a lso often exposed to rough and uneven ground, and to damage caused by the heavy equipment used for loading and unloading.

“The environments these heavy vehicles are subjected to can damage vehicle components, so the new LHC provides in-depth guidance and control measures, so that all parties in the supply chain can work together to minimise damage to vehicles, and to identify and address vehicles and loads that may pose risks to public safety,” Sariban said.

The LHC outlines the range of transport activities that are involved when logs are transported from the forest. It identifies some hazards and effective measures

to control them that can be implemented within each of those activities. Some of those measures relate to equipment or training or procedures, but in preparing the LHC, it became apparent that many of the hazards can only be effectively managed when businesses share information and cooperate.

“I would like to extend my thanks to the forestry and haulage industry members and other parties who have given their time to helping to improve the log haulage transport task for all road users,” Sariban said.

“By collectively embracing a safety-first approach, we can protect lives and infrastructure and maintain a productive industry.”

Industry can access the draft Log Haulage Industry Code of Practice at nhvr.gov.au/ safety-accreditation-compliance/industry-codes-of-practice.

The NHVR is seeking public feedback on the draft Log Haulage Industry Code of Practice. Feedback can be provided to codes@nhvr.gov. au by Friday April 18, 2025.

JBS Carriers partners with Queensland Meals on Wheels

JBS Carriers, the transportation arm of JBS Australia, has partnered with Queensland Meals on Wheels to support volunteer recruitment in Queensland.

Meals on Wheels services across Queensland rely on the dedication and generosity of volunteers to keep nutritious meals delivered and connections strong.

In a show of support, the JBS Australia Carriers Division is stepping up to help by donating the advertising space on two trucks that operate in the Greater Brisbane and Toowoomba area to encourage more people to volunteer.

“This new mobile adver-

tising campaign is not just about visibility – it’s about driving positive change and will roll on for up to 10 years, encouraging more community members to volunteer and support Meals on Wheels,” said a company spokesperson.

“JBS Australia shares a common goal with Meals on Wheels: feeding individuals and giving back to the community. With 52 Meals on Wheels services operating in the Greater Brisbane area, this charity is close to our hearts, and we’re thrilled to support their mission to build independence and nourish the lives of communities across Queensland.

“More volunteers mean

more meals delivered, more smiles shared, and more lives enriched.”

In a Facebook post announcing the partnership, Queensland Meals on Wheels said the JBS moving billboards are spreading awareness of the vital role its volunteers play in Queensland communities.

“If you’re driving along the main highways of Southeast Queensland, keep an eye out for the Meals on 26 Wheels travelling from Brisbane to Toowoomba and if you spot one, take a pic and tag us using #MealsOn26Wheels.

“A huge thank you to JBS Foods Australia for their support and partnership.”

The new code provides guidance for businesses involved at every level of the forest log haulage task. Image: Michael Evans/stock.adobe.com

Revolutionising cargo security: The innovative roller system

IN the fast-paced world of transportation, ensuring the safety and security of cargo is a constant challenge. Loose or fallen cargo straps can lead to significant risks, from damaged goods to road hazards. Having spent years in the transport industry, handling everything from tautliner trailers to tray trucks, I’ve witnessed these issues firsthand. This experience inspired me to develop a revolutionary solution: an innovative roller system for cargo straps.

The concept is simple yet effective. The roller system allows cargo straps to pass through a roller, enabling two straps to be evenly placed over a pallet or bulk bag. These straps are then tightened securely using a ratchet, ensuring the load remains steadfast throughout the journey. This innovation addresses the common problem of straps coming loose or falling off, providing a safer and more efficient way to secure cargo.

The journey from concept to reality was a collaborative effort. I teamed up with Sunny, a laser-cutting specialist, and Hermeet, a CNC master, to develop a prototype that met transport standards. The process was rigorous, involving extensive testing, numerous iterations, and significant in-

vestment. After countless trials, we succeeded in creating a reliable template that could withstand the demands of the transport industry.

Mounting the roller system onto the trailer or truck presented its own set of challenges. Initial attempts using bolt springs and pins were either aesthetically displeasing, functionally inadequate, or already patented. We needed a novel approach. Enter Russell and his team from Warragul, who developed a custom spring to secure the roller onto the vehicle without the need for multiple hands. This innovation simplified the installation process and ensured the roller system could be easily mounted and removed as needed.

A young colleague’s suggestion to replace the traditional D-ring with ratchets provided greater control over the cargo straps. This enhancement allowed us to devise various solutions for securing pallets or bulk bags on trucks or trailers. The result was a game-changing product that not only enhanced safety and efficiency but also ensured compliance with National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) regulations.

The response from operators and customers has been

overwhelmingly positive. They appreciate the increased safety and efficiency the roller system provides, as well as the peace of mind knowing their cargo is securely fastened.

The innovative design has also garnered interest from

the transport industry. Our innovative cargo strap roller system is poised to make a significant impact, delivering peace of mind to operators and satisfaction to customers.

other sectors within the transport industry, highlighting its potential for widespread adoption.

Through collaboration, creativity, and perseverance, we’ve developed a solution that promises to revolutionise

This innovative roller system for cargo straps is more than just a product; it’s a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in

dustry, we’ve created a solu tion that enhances safety, efficiency, and compliance, setting a new standard for cargo security.

For more information or to see our product in action, please visit our website at cargostraprollers.com or contact us on 0476 104 025. Together, let’s drive

Replacing the traditional D-ring with ratchets provides greater control over the cargo straps.

enabling two straps to be evenly placed over a pallet or bulk bag. Images: Mark Sheward

Tyre pressure maintenance in trailers

A tyre pressure maintenance system is a value added improvement for your trailers and business, helping operators save money and remain competitive.

The transport industry is extremely competitive and costly to run. Costs come in two styles: Actual costs, like fuel and registration; and indirect costs, which need to be controlled and remain much harder to fix however have increased value. So, while you can get a fuel card with a discount or fit aerodynamic aids and learn to be an economical driver and monitor the outcomes, tyres still remain about the third highest expense.

Tyres last longer if you match the tyre pressures to the load carried and terrain travelled, as all tyre manufacturers recommend. All that power driving through super hard tyres increases the loads on the entire drive train, causing accelerated wear and breakage. Every bump, corrugation or pothole is hammering your suspension, axles and truck to death. It’s also hammering the driver, hurting their health and wellbeing via whole of body vibrations. Maybe you are dragging a trailer, any trailer. To pull that trailer up and down and around takes horsepower. All that horsepower is going through those very hard t yres, simply ripping them

apart. When empty, you may throw away every second tyre. Can anyone afford that?

An interesting fact is that when the wrong tyre pressures are used, dual tyres are not pressure ‘balanced’. Dual tyres with slightly different tyre pressures fight each other. Bridgestone writes that a 5 psi difference in tyre pressures causes a 5/16th (8mm) difference in rolling resistance. This rips rubber off, but also causes drag – and drag uses fuel.

The cure is an easy to use asset or tool that is an investment in your future. When you fit out your vehicle with AIR CTI (Central Tyre Inflation), a world of savings commence and are yours to be had.

AIR CTI is an extremely practical method to optimise tyre life, service and improved benefits for the vehicle and driver(s). AIR CTI trailer systems are an easy option offering intuitive and user friendly solutions. AIR CTI has a dual-zone display controller system with a Single Tyre Zone (drive wheels only) or Dual Zone (drive wheels and trailer wheels). Tyre zones may be configured to be locked together so that a single touch a ffects both rear and trailer pressures, or unlocked so that the driver can set pressures for each zone separately.

AIR CTI is an intuitive system allowing you to adjust

t yre pressure ‘on the fly’. Drive and trailer blow-outs and delamination are less of a risk problem for the driver, but create serious risk to other drivers, both at the time of the blow-out and from the large rubber pieces. Almost all blow-outs can be prevented by tyre pressure maintenance systems. Jack knifes happen when the drive tyres lose traction

and the trailer pushes them off line. Trailer swing happens when the trailer tyres lose traction and slide outwards. Both conditions happen when the truck is braking heavily, or when the traction level is low. Loss of traction of one set of tyres is the underlying cause.

The main causes of jack-knifing are bad brake balance that over brakes one

or the other set of tyres and/ or poor loading. Over inflated tyres increase the risk.

A n example of poor loading is a tip or dump truck towing a plant trailer with an excavator. A heavy trailer, with no weight on the over inflated truck drive tyres, is a common site on most roads, and is a recipe for disaster. Similar problems happen to trucks with other style

trailers, like dog, pig or road trains. Almost all cases happen on empty trucks, where braking is over powering, on severely over inflated tyres, that provide minimal grip or traction.

Because of the heavy weight and long lengths of semi trailer rigs, the potential damage is enormous. Modern electronic braking systems virtually eliminate these accidents, although stopping distances increase considerably. Optimal tyre pressure would substantially improve both cases, while reducing stopping distances.

AIR CTI is a family business. Its systems are Australian made and manufactured from local manufacturing experts. We have been doing CTI for a long time. At AIR CTI we guarantee the whole system, not just the odd parts here and there. We back what we sell at AIR CTI because our system works. The AIR CTI system remains very advanced in terms of performance, quality and reliability with user friendly features. At AIR CTI we remain the best investment you can make for your business and vehicle for a healthier outcome and business.

A IR CTI, the only real choice in Australia for central tyre inflation. For more information, visit aircti.com.

AIR CTI trailer systems are an easy option offering intuitive and user friendly solutions to manage tyre pressure. Images: AIR CTI

An example of jack-knifing.

‘Pit crew’ strategy for CNC Cartage

TODAY we are talking with Chad Brown, the owner and Founding Director of CNC Cartage Transport Solutions.

For 25 years CNC Cartage has helped south-east Queensland builders, and customers from every sort of industry – from moving and lifting reo steel to concrete, and everything in between. The construction and hire industry know who to call for heavy items that need picking up, moving and lifting off a truck.

In his fleet, Chad has Asian and European crane and flat top trucks, semi-trailers and regular cranes. The team at CNC have always prided themselves on quick turnaround, as we all know wasted time means wasted money; but we loved hearing about their pit crew times – one that a Supercar or Formula 1 team would be proud of!

Crane Trucks, as you can imagine, run with maximum weight on the front a xles because of the weight of the crane. Once Chad became convinced of the significant improvements in tyre wear using Atlas Balance Rings, he came to a very useful time and money saving conclusion.

If he could have ten sets of Atlas Balance Steer Rings on hand at any time in the CNC warehouse; every time a truck would come in, the service crew (or ‘pit’ crew) could take off the wheels, fit the balance rings and replace the wheels – all without

ments. They aimed initially to get this done within 10 minutes, but now they have become so good that the time is down to a speedy 5 minutes of downtime. That’s success by any measure!

CNC Cartage is now working through the entire 80-strong Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast fleet. Chad applies smart principles and that’s why he recommends Atlas Balance Rings.

There are a lot of variables in trucks, drivers and applications, but we are definitely getting greater wear out of our steer tyres on all our trucks,” he said.

When it comes to running a business, we all can agree that nothing’s better than saving time and money; and knowing you are getting Aussie-made precision.

Atlas Balance Rings are 100 per cent Australian owned, and made in Brisbane,

THERE

ARE A LOT OF VARIABLES IN TRUCKS, DRIVERS AND APPLICATIONS, BUT WE ARE DEFINITELY GETTING GREATER WEAR OUT OF OUR STEER TYRES ON ALL OUR TRUCKS.”

CHAD BROWN

It’s Australian engineer ing and ingenuity at its fin est – precision-designed for maximum performance, sup porting Aussie jobs and man ufacturing.

Atlas Balance Rings are built to withstand the harsh est conditions, recommended by CNC Cartage, and hun dreds of other hard-working fleets and drivers, and test ed by thousands of Aussie truckies.

Support Aussie-made ex cellence! Find out more by calling 1300 228 527 or by visiting the website at atlasbalance.com.au.

Simon McQuillan with the Atlas Balance Rings manufacturing team in Brisbane. Images: Atlas Balance Rings

The CNC Cartage fleet uses Atlas Balance Rings to combat tyre wear.

Caboolture dealership wins major prize

BROWN and Hurley Kenworth DAF Caboolture has been named the 2024 DAF Dealer of the Year.

This is the first time Kenworth DAF Caboolture, which is part of the Brown and Hurley dealership network, has been awarded the accolade since its introduction in 2002.

The DAF Dealer of the Year award was presented to Kenworth DAF Caboolture Dealer Principal, Dylan Hurley. The award acknowledges dealer performance across all areas of the DAF business and recognises excellence in truck sales, parts sales, service, finance, and overall customer support – all areas in which Kenworth DAF Caboolture excelled throughout 2024.

Since becoming the first dealer group to distribute heavy duty trucks in Australia in 1964, Brown and Hurley have expanded operations over the years with dealerships located throughout Queensland and NSW’s Northern Rivers. Caboolture is the latest f ull-service dealership, opening its doors in 2015.

Damian Smethurst, PACCAR Australia’s Managing Director, presented the Dealer of the Year trophy, congratulating Hurley for this superb achievement to win the hotly-contested DAF award and crediting the team for its outstanding performance.

“In a highly competitive and challenging market, customers are increasingly demanding more from dealers.

Kenworth DAF Caboolture has not only succeeded in fulfilling these expectations but has also exceeded them by delivering outstanding customer service and professionalism,” Smethurst said.

“The dealership’s ongoing investment in its personnel and facilities is highly valued. This enables them to provide customers with the latest products, services, and industry expertise—key attributes of a premier PACCAR Dealer that helps set a high standard in the industry.

“On behalf of PACCAR Australia, I would like to extend my congratulations to everyone at the dealership for their dedication and hard work. Everyone is truly deserving of this award, and

I am confident they will continue to achieve success whilst maintaining the high standards for years to come.”

Dylan Hurley expressed his gratitude to his winning team.

“On behalf of the entire Caboolture team, I am proud to accept this award. It is an honour to be recognised as the top-performing dealer by Australia’s leading heavy-duty truck manufacturer,” Hurley said.

“I want to express my gratitude to our dedicated sales, service, and support professionals for their remarkable efforts. I also thank PACCAR for their exceptional products that allowed us to meet our customers’ needs.

“Despite a challenging year,

our achievements are a testa ment to the commitment of our team, who consistently go the extra mile. This award is a well-deserved recognition for everyone involved and reflects the trust our valued

edge the crucial role our strong relationship with the PACCAR team has played in our success, and I am grateful for their support.”

CMV team tops rivals for Kenworth title

CMV Kenworth DAF Adelaide has been awarded 2024 Kenworth Dealer of the Year at the PACCAR Dealer of the Year awards event.

This distinguished accolade highlights the dealership’s unwavering commitment to customer service, innovative solutions, and exemplary performance within the Kenworth dealer network.

Throughout 2024, CMV Kenworth DAF Adelaide showed remarkable achievements that set them apart as a leader in the PACCAR network, said a media statement

Hino

announcing the win.

“The dealership has consistently exceeded its targets, showcasing its ability to connect with customers and deliver results.

“The commitment to exceptional customer service has been a defining characteristic of CMV Kenworth DAF Adelaide. The dealership has built a reputation for fostering long-lasting relationships with clients.”

PACCAR said the dealership’s focus on providing responsive aftersales support and maintenance services has

celebrates dealer excellence

HINO Australia has celebrated excellence with recognition for its top dealers in 2024 at its annual Dealer of the Year Awards on the Gold Coast.

In a first for both dealerships, the prestigious Metropolitan Dealer of the Year was awarded to Sydney’s City Hino, while Tas Hino won the regional equivalent.

Daniel Glynn, General Manager of City Hino, said it was a huge honour to collect the Metropolitan Dealer of the Year Award.

“Especially when I look around the room at the calibre of the other Hino dealerships,” Glynn said.

“This is a tribute to our team at City Hino which turns up every day as if it’s match day and are always prepared to go above and beyond for our customers.”

The City Hino team also won the Parts Excellence Award (Metro) and, for the second consecutive year, took home the Hino Financial Services Excellence Award.

reinforced its position as a trusted partner with their customers.

“We are pleased to announce CMV Kenworth DAF Adelaide as the 2024 Kenworth Dealer of the Year,” said Michael Long – Director Sales and Marketing, PACCAR Australia.

Long also highlighted the dealership’s commitment to excellence and the impact of their focus on customers when he presented the award to Heath Patten, General Manager CMV Kenworth DAF Adelaide.

Metropolitan Dealer of the Year

City Hino, Sydney, NSW

Regional Dealer of the Year

Tas Hino, Tasmania

Hino Financial Services

Excellence Award

City Hino, Sydney, NSW

President’s Award

CMI Hino Adelaide, SA

Sci-Fleet Hino

Brisbane, QLD

City Hino, Sydney, NSW

Tas Hino, TAS

Jacob Hino, Wodonga, VIC

Johnson’s Truck & Coach Service, Mildura, VIC

“Their achievements this year exemplify what it means to be a Kenworth dealership. Their commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and community engagement sets a standard that all dealerships should aspire to.”

A s he accepted the award, Patten said: “Winning Dealer of the Year is testament to the ability of the team to harness their skills and dedication to their jobs.

“The entire team from sales to service and parts works tirelessly to provide exceptional service to our customers. tionships we’ve forged over he years and get to do work we love.”

Customer Experience Award

Metropolitan – Sci Fleet Hino, Brisbane, QLD

Regional – Turnbull Hino, Sale, VIC

Salesperson of the Year

Stewart Scoon – Adtrans Hino, Sydney, NSW

Sales Excellence (Metro)

Gold – CMI Hino

Adelaide, SA

Silver – City Hino, Sydney, NSW

Bronze – Adtrans Hino, Sydney, NSW

Sales Excellence (Regional)

Gold – Turnbull Hino,

winners

Sale, VIC

Silver – Jacob Hino, Wodonga, VIC

Bronze – Newcastle Hino, NSW

Parts Excellence (Metro)

Gold – City Hino, Sydney, NSW

Silver – Sci Fleet Hino

Brisbane, QLD

Bronze – WA Hino, Perth WA

Parts Excellence (Regional)

Gold – Johnson’s Truck & Coach Service, Mildura, VIC

Silver – Southside Truck

Centre, Coffs Harbour, NSW

Bronze – Tas Hino, TAS

Service Excellence (Metro)

Gold – Sci Fleet Hino, Brisbane, QLD

Silver – CMI Hino

Melbourne, VIC

Bronze – Prestige Hino, VIC Service Excellence (Regional)

Gold – Sci Fleet Hino, Gold Coast, QLD

Silver – Turnbull Hino, Sale, VIC

Bronze – Jacob Hino, Wodonga, VIC

Hino

‘Ozy’ is loving the freedom of the road

CONTENTED driver Aaron Osborne is a true-blue Aussie, so it was no surprise when he told me his fitting nickname – Ozy.

He was parked up at the Townsville Port Access breakdown pad at about 3pm on February 18, when he stopped to chat.

Ozy, as he says everybody knows him by, drives a Kenworth T610 SAR for Daryl Dickenson Transport out of Brisbane.

“I have brought up steel from Brisbane for Charters Towers and Townsville and

have a backload of scrap,” he said.

The 46-year-old has been a truckie for two decades and loves the job and the freedom on the road.

“I like stopping at the BP Marmor where they serve up great coffee,” he said.

The worst road he gets along is the Bruce Highway and I asked him to nominate which sections. “Everywhere north of Gympie!” he said.

Outside work Ozy likes 4WD recreation with his family on beaches. He doesn’t follow many sports

I LIKE STOPPING AT THE BP MARMOR WHERE THEY SERVE UP GREAT COFFEE.”

AARON OSBORNE

but was a champion darts player in his heyday.

“I once represented NSW at darts,” he said.

Soon after I saw Ozy and another company driver parking at the nearby BP Cluden Roadhouse.

Busy times for dedicated young truckie

AGED just 23, Matt Goodwin is one of the youngest drivers I have spoken to in the past year – and he’s been a driver for the past five years. Matt works for Brisbane based Colpak Logistics and was driving a Volvo when I saw him on a hot February afternoon.

He was checking on a load he’d brought up from southern Queensland to deliver to

Townsville Port.

Despite being in a hurry as he had to get back on the road soon, Matt was happy to answer a few questions.

Asked about his favourite roadhouse, Matt said, “It would be Caltex Traveston near Gympie as they serve good food.”

As for rest areas for drivers, Matt said there was not enough with decent parking spaces for trucks.

An enthusiastic supporter of the Brisbane Broncos in the NRL, Matt said he also likes cricket and motor sports. He was travelling in tandem with another Colpak driver named Woody who was behind the wheel of a Kenworth K200.

At about 3.45pm they drove off together heading towards the Townsville Port which was 8km away.

A lifetime behind the wheel for Tony

WHEN southern Queensland driver Tony Cross stopped at the BP Cluden Roadhouse late on February 19 he was fortunate to find the last available parking space.

Aged 55, Tony was driving a MAN TGX 26-540 for Simmons Logistics which is based at Brendale in Brisbane.

“I have come up from Brisbane with Iplex material for delivery to the Bohle near here and have some to pick up to take back south,” he said.

Veteran Tony has been a truckie since he was 18 and started off working at a fruit

shop where he had to get a licence to drive an Acco International.

“It all started from back then and I love being a driver,” he said.

Tony was about to head over to the roadhouse for a shower as the temperature was more than 30 degrees.

Asked to nominate the worst road he gets on, Tony quickly named the Bruce Highway.

“The Marlborough stretch between Rockhampton and Mackay is terrible. It has lots of potholes,” he said.

Tony added that the MAN was a great truck with an automatic gearbox. “It is very

comfortable but could do with a bit more grunt.”

Having driven through a plague of insects on the way up, the MAN was a bit dirty.

“It scrubs up beautiful when washed and polished,” he said.

I asked Tony what food he liked when out on the road.

“Most, but I try and stay away from junk food – it is not always possible.”

Outside work, Tony barracks for the Redcliffe Dolphins in the NRL and is into old cars.

“I have an old 1974 XB Falcon which I am restoring,” he said.

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A truckie for around 20 years, Aaron Osborne works for Daryl Dickenson Transport. Images: Alf Wilson

Tony Cross started his truck driving career when he was just 18 years of age.

Return of some old-school camaraderie

Over recent years many truckies have questioned the camaraderie which exists between drivers.

They reckon that drivers in this era are generally not as friendly to each other as they once were.

Natural disasters however often result in a return to the “good old days” especially when drivers are stuck close to each other when roads are closed.

That was well and truly the case during the recent floods in north Queensland.

Spy has heard of drivers with gas cookers offering to share their food with others.

Sharing insect repellent with other drivers who were stuck beside highways near waterways was common.

Spy heard of several classic cases of genuine camaraderie when scores of drivers parked at roadhouses joined in for a cricket match.

They were split into two teams using rubbish bins as wickets and pieces of wood as bats.

Old Spy heard that one middle-aged driver managed to slam several “Tom Mixes” or sixes as they are known.

These projectiles slammed into parked trucks but no damage was done as tennis balls were used.

Many other drivers erected makeshift tents with rope attached to trucks and enjoyed shade in the burning sun.

All of this released the lads from boredom of being stuck without knowing how long it would be before roads were opened.

On the flip side, others are adamant that there is hardly any camaraderie between drivers under normal circumstances.

A nd that this only occurred on this occasion because they came together as a result of the floods.

Blitz around Campbell Town

Numerous truckies from Tasmania have contacted Spy to report on a blitz around Campbell Town.

The scenic town is strategically located along the Midlands or Heritage Highway and is 67km from Launceston and 130km from Hobart.

Each day hundreds of trucks

ments.

There is also a heavy vehicle inspection station not far from the town.

“Whilst there is always scrutiny of truck drivers in the area, in recent months that seems to have increased in intensity,” one driver said.

Campbell Town is also a place where truckies stop for a bite to eat, or a call of nature at popular public toilets in a local park.

However finding a park for the bigger trucks can be difficult.

Some drivers who have pulled up for a few minutes for food have been breached for double parking.

Great rest area but no phone reception

Having mobile phone reception is important for truckies when they travel far and wide to keep Australia supplied. They need to be able to keep in contact with their companies, and clients whom they deliver to.

And you can’t understate how vital it is to be able to phone family and friends when they are parked up on breaks.

But finding good rest areas which have facilities for drivers is also high on the list for drivers.

So when they do come across such an excellent rest area at which there is no phone reception, that provides a dilemma.

In the past few weeks Spy has spoken to truckies from NSW, Victoria and Queensland who

Lawrence on the Bruce High way.

Most times it has ample parking for heavy vehicles as well as toilets and wood fired barbecues.

But truckies report there is no mobile phone reception which is a pain in the backside.

Although one told me there is a public telephone booth in the vicinity.

Waverley Creek is next to the highway and it has two lots of male and female toilets, bins and some undercover seating. It also attracts lots of caravans and stay time is restricted to 20 hours.

Camooweal Roadhouse

The roadhouse at the remote town of Camooweal is a welcome sight for truckies.

Camooweal is located 330km south of Burketown and 188km from Mount Isa.

It is in Queensland on the Barkly Highway and just 12km from the NT border.

Several truckies have told Spy it is a great place to stop after the drive from Mount Isa and for those crossing the border from the NT.

“The food is great and the staff friendly. It may be considered a bit expensive but that is what you expect from such a remote roadhouse,” one Mount Isa driver told Spy.

I spoke to worker Rangana who said that up to 20 trucks a day pulled up there.

“We have showers for truckies, toilets and parking outside and we look after them,” he said.

food is bacon and eggs, and roast pork is popular on weekends. But they also order rump steak, lamb chops, and chicken dishes such as Kiev,” he said.

Rangana hails from Sri Lanka and arrived in Australia back in 2017 and has been at the roadhouse for three years.

The roadhouse is open from 6am to 9pm daily and also stocks groceries.

Beautiful NT sunsets

When an NT truckie crossed the Cresswell River Bridge, he saw a beautiful scenic sight.

So he stopped his heavy vehicle beside the lonely highway and snapped some pics.

“It was water in the Anthony Lagoon and I couldn’t resist using my phone camera,” he said.

It was along the 378km Tablelands Highway which is bitumen sealed but mostly single lane, with occasional wider sections at floodways and approaching bridges.

A few hundred kilometres back, the driver also came across water across the road.

“It was shallow and safe to travel across but I could feel lots of big potholes. I was going very slowly,” he said.

The driver sent some pics onto Spy as he reckons other truckies will enjoy seeing the lagoon shot.

Flooded river crossing danger

Spy hears that travellers including a truck driver who risked crossing the flooded Oakover River Crossing in

WA faced extreme danger.

Located 150km east of Marble Bar, heavy rain caused by Cyclone Zelia flooded the notorious crossing.

A driver said that a truck was washed off the crossing and the driver had to be rescued.

In dry times, all drivers are warned to stick to the crossing, moving straight ahead only, and not to follow any tracks in or out of the river.

Redback spider narrow escape

Most of us would have heard the famous song ‘There’s a Red Back on the Toilet Seat’.

So spare a thought for a well known owner operator from Perth in WA who was interstate and stopped at a remote roadhouse.

“I purchased a carton of water and when I put my hand on a bottle afterwards luckily I saw a red back spider,” he said.

He disposed of the insect from which a bite can cause intense localised pain.

That was indeed fortunate because this location was far away from any medical facility.

Sealing for outback route welcomed

The announcement to seal the remaining 11km of the Kennedy Developmental Road between Hughenden and the Lynd Junction is good news for the road transport industry.

Flinders Shire Council Mayor Kate Peddle welcomed the federal government’s decision to make funding available.

“This long-awaited investment will ensure a reliable inland alternative to the Bruce Highway during times of cri-

sis, strengthening our region’s resilience, improving freight efficiency, and supporting local industries and communities,” Mayor Peddle said.

“This funding is the result of strong advocacy and collaboration.

“The Kennedy Developmental Road is a vital link for North and North-West Queensland, and this upgrade will deliver lasting benefits for transport, emergency response, and economic development. This announcement also reinforces the value of partnerships and the power of working together across all levels of government and industry. By investing in critical infrastructure, we are building a stronger, more connected future for our region, and putting Queensland on the global stage as an economic powerhouse,” she said.

Trucks lined up during floods

When the damaged Ollera Creek Bridge was being repaired during the floods, the Bruce Highway closure ensured a big queue up of traffic on both sides.

Just north at Yabulu scores of heavy vehicles lined up with drivers anxiously waiting for news that the highway was clear.

Several drivers sent Spy pics of some of these including one excellent snap at night taken from across the road at Yabulu Roadhouse. That establishment did a roaring trade as drivers purchased a meal or cold drink.

Behind bars confusion

A NSW truckie, who stopped at a hotel which is popular with drivers who enjoy a value priced meal, had other customers laugh with a joke. He asked a new eatery attendant how long she had worked at the establishment to which she replied.

“Only a few weeks but I have been BEHIND BARS for many years,” she said. Our witty truckie mate then replied with a question “Which prisons were you a guest in?”

Everybody including the attendant burst out laughing as she returned comment.

“Not jails you idiot, hotel bars.”

Trucks travelling through Campbelltown in Tasmania.

The remote Camooweal Roadhouse.

Trucks lined up along the Bruce Highway at Yabulu.

Water across the Tablelands Highway in the NT.

Why can others make mistakes without consequences while truckies are fined?

One of my biggest 2025 hopes was that fines under the re vised Heavy Vehicle National L After six years of industry lob bying, that hope is finally fading. Some of the proposed fines defy logic. Imagine a $530 penalty for taking a 12-minute break instead of 15 minutes, because those extra three minutes are crucial to your fatigue management?

Or a $200 fine when you forget to rule a vertical line in your work diary, even though the horizontal one already shows rest and work periods? Absurd, right?

According to the 2024 NTARC Report, fatigue-related crashes account for 9.5 per cent of incidents. The real dangers? Inattention/distraction (31.7 per cent), inappropriate speed (16.5 per cent), and following too closely (14.8 per cent). Yet, administrative errors – which are not actual safety risks – are hit with heavy fines. Worse, only drivers operating outside their driver base radius or those accredited under fatigue management schemes are targeted, while city drivers engaging in genuinely unsafe behaviour are exempt.

Meanwhile, police, local governments, and even the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator make mistakes without onsequences, whereas truckies are held to an impossible tandard. This red tape isn’t about safety. It’s about revenue. The road freight industry isn’t perfect, but it’s not the villain it’s made out to be. The facts speak for themselves, even if regulators refuse to listen or act sensibly. I don’t expect those in government to admit road freight is safe, but the data doesn’t lie:

• 1300 people died on Australian roads in 2024.

• A round 15 per cent of all road deaths in Australia involve heavy vehicles (195 people).

• Approximately 50 per cent of those are occupants of light vehicles (97 people), 25 per cent are truck occupants, and 25 per cent are other road users, such as cyclists or pedestrians (49 people each).

• Of the 25 per cent of truck occupants, 23 per cent of those are single vehicle crashes (about 11 people).

• The NTARC report notes that 85.3 per cent of fatal crashes involving a heavy vehicle and a third party (e.g. car, pedestrian, motorcyclist, cyclist, etc) are not the fault of the heavy vehicle.

Using this data, we can see that approximately 32 people died because a person driving a truck was at fault. Just 2.46 per cent of Australia’s road fatalities can be attributed as being the fault of our industry.

So why are truck drivers being so heavily penalised when the evidence is irrefutable –

truck drivers are not the prob lem!

Governments must recognise that road safety isn’t just a trucking issue – it’s everyone’s responsibility. All road users need better training; how to drive properly, interact with trucks safely, and take road safety seriously.

Every day, we see reckless behaviour: Drivers cutting in front of trucks, riders taking insane risks, pedestrians stepping onto roads without looking, and motorists speeding or under the influence of alcohol or drugs, with no thought of the consequences.

For years, we’ve lobbied against unfair fines, but penalties keep rising. We missed

a crucial opportunity during Covid to promote our industry.

We stayed invisible and carried Australia during a difficult time, but the public still fears us. And yet, nearly everyone knows a truckie – a father, uncle, friend, sister, mate, or someone at their local club.

What the public doesn’t see is the stress truckies endure, wondering if simply doing their job will cost them a week’s wages. No other industry in Australia operates under this constant threat. It’s time to change tactics. Instead of lobbying bureaucrats who won’t listen, we need to educate the people around

us – our friends, neighbours, mates at the footy, parents at school drop-off, and even strangers. They don’t understand our issues – because no one is telling them.

I will end this article with clause 3 from the HVNL. It states the object of the law, which summarises why this Act was introduced in the first place.

Have a read and comment whether you think huge fines for non-safety related matters are meeting this objective.

Then go and tell someone about these fines. You deserve to enjoy your job without the threat of losing a week’s wages for an issue that doesn’t affect anyone’s safety.

3. Object of Law

The object of this Law is to establish a national scheme for facilitating and regulating the use of heavy vehicles on roads in a way that— (a) promotes public safety; and (b) manages the impact of heavy vehicles on the environment, road infrastructure and public amenity; and (c) promotes industry productivity and efficiency in the road transport of goods and passengers by heavy vehicles; and (d) encourages and promotes productive, efficient, innovative and safe business practices.

Repeal Part X to combat unfair industry shipping rates

was originally designed to regulate international liner shipping services to and from Australia. It aimed to ensure that exporters and importers had access to reliable and competitive shipping services.

IN recent years, the global shipping industry has experienced unprecedented changes, leading to significant increases in shipping rates. These increases have had a profound impact on Australian businesses and consumers, who are now facing rapidly increasing costs for imported goods. The increase on costs from the international shipping lines that service Australia falls directly on their ability to be protected under an exemption from competition laws.

As the CEO of the Victorian Transport Association ( VTA), I am renewing our calls for the repeal of Part X of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 to address these unfair and anticompetitive practices in the shipping industry.

Part X of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010

However, the current global shipping landscape has changed dramatically, and Part X is no longer fit for purpose. Instead of promoting competition, it has allowed shipping lines to engage in anticompetitive practices, leading to skyrocketing shipping rates and reduced service quality.

The COVID pandemic exacerbated these issues, with shipping lines taking advantage of the crisis to manipulate capacity and drive up rates.

Shipping lines have reported record profits, validating calls for changes to competition laws. The current regulatory framework under Part X has failed to protect Australian businesses and consumers from these exploitative practices.

One of the main issues with Part X is that it provides shipping lines with exemptions from certain competition laws, allowing them to en-

gage in cartel-like behaviour.

This has led to a lack of competition in the market, with a few major players dominating the industry.

A s a result, shipping rates have become increasingly volatile, with businesses struggling to absorb the unvalidated additional costs.

This has had a ripple effect on the entire supply chain, ultimately impacting consumers who are forced to pay higher prices for goods.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and Productivity Commission have a lso raised concerns about the anticompetitive behaviour of shipping lines. In a recent investigation, the ACCC found evidence of collusion and price-fixing among major shipping companies.

These practices have not only harmed Australian businesses but have also undermined the principles of fair competition that are essential for a healthy economy.

To address these issues, it is crucial that we repeal Part X of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. By doing so, we can remove the exemptions that allow shipping lines to engage in anticom-

petitive practices and restore competition to the market.

This will help to stabilise shipping rates and ensure that Australian businesses and consumers are not subjected to unfair price increases.

The potential consequences of repealing Part X are significant. Higher shipping costs will inevitably be passed onto road and rail freight operators, who will then pass these costs onto consumers.

This will put upward pressure on the cost of living and lead to higher prices throughout supply chains. The impact will be felt across various sectors, from retail to manufacturing, ultimately affecting the affordability of everyday goods and services.

In addition to repealing Part X, we must also implement stronger regulatory measures to oversee the shipping industry. This includes increasing the powers of the ACCC to investigate and act against anticompetitive behaviour.

We should also consider introducing measures to promote transparency in the industry, such as requiring shipping lines to disclose their pricing structures and

The global shipping industry has experienced unprecedented changes in recent years. Image: VietDung/stock.adobe.com

capacity management practices.

It is essential that we support Australian businesses in navigating the challenges posed by the current shipping environment.

This includes providing financial assistance to help businesses absorb the increased costs and investing in infrastructure to improve the efficiency of our ports and supply chains. By doing so, we can help to mitigate the impact of high shipping rates and ensure that our economy remains resilient in the face of global disruptions.

Repealing Part X of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 is necessary to address the unfair and anticompetitive practices in domestic and global shipping. By removing the exemptions that allow shipping lines to engage in cartel-like behaviour, we can restore competition to the market and protect Australian businesses and consumers from exploitative price increases. It is time for the government to act and ensure that our competition laws are fit for purpose in the modern global economy.

Roadmap for future of road freight

THE safe and efficient transport of goods across Australia is essential to the continued growth and prosperity of this great country, and with road freight volumes projected to increase by 77 per cent from 2020 to 2050, the demands on our industry are only going to increase, considerably.

As most of you with trucking businesses are feeling, we’re already short of 26,000 truck drivers, and the costs of running a freight business have escalated dramatically in recent years.

So, with a new government term about to start, we’ve developed a national reform agenda to deliver a safer, more sustainable road freight in-

dustry for us all. The Road to 2028 sets out a range of specific recommendations, supporting five key outcomes. One of these is ‘Increased Productivity’, always a priority for our members, and we remain focussed on eliminating 90 per cent of all permits by 2028. Although an agreement was reached to secure this change, the work is ongoing, so pressure will be placed on the incoming Government, whoever it happens to be.

In fact, during the first sitting week of Parliament in February, I spent considerable time in Canberra meeting with Labor, Coalition and Independent members of parliament, taking them through NatRoad’s Road to 2028 priorities, so this work has already begun.

To address the shortage in ‘Skilled Workers’, we’ve developed a Road Freight Workforce Action Plan, that includes the creation of a national truck driver standard and appren-

We also had TWAL former board member Jodie Jarratt and ATA Director Ann Lo-

ticeship program, along with a considered reform of licensing and training.

Measures such as these will ensure we can recruit, and train, the number of drivers required while maintaining high standards across the board, with the safety part of the picture throughout.

A nother key outcome is the pursuit of ‘Lower Emissions’ for the industry, and we’ve developed a Stronger Economy, Lower Emissions policy paper that includes a $3.5 billion Clean Transport Fund, delivering financial support to smaller freight businesses.

While the transition to net-zero needs to be achieved, we’re very aware the additional cost to small business may be too much at the moment. We know, we understand the cost pressures trucking businesses are under, and that’s why ‘Defined Costs’ for our members is another key outcome.

Our aim is to reduce the cost pressures on businesses

with a raft of initiatives including state and territory tax reform, an independent price regulation of landside port charges, and a review of heavy vehicle tolls.

Some costs are unavoidable, such as road user charges, which unfortunately have to increase along with infrastructure spend. We’re calling for an incremental increase over the lifecycle of the investment, and fewer ‘surprises’ for operators.

There is an excellent case for this approach, and genuine industry consultation should take place before the next heavy vehicle pricing decision is made. Three consecutive increases of 6 per cent is simply too much.

Finally, the pursuit of ‘Safer Roads’ affects all road users, and it’s essential. While our ‘Skilled Workers’ outcome will address some of the factors, a significant way to improve safety is to improve the quality of the roads, and the infrastructure around them. In fact,

when a road is raised by just one star on the AusRAP rating system, deaths reduce by 50 per cent.

The existing target is to lift 80 per cent of national highways to at least 3-stars by 2030. We’d like to extend that commitment to 100 per cent by 2035. $120 billion has been allocated for infrastructure improvement over the next ten years, and in 2013 the cost of lifting all highways to 3-stars was estimated at just $4.7 billion.

So the money is there, and when roads are improved less people die. It’s as simple as that. We can, and should, do better.

As I write, the next federal election is yet to be called, however it can’t be long now.

Whatever the outcome, we’re ready to help our politicians make the right decisions.

Road to 2028 is NatRoad’s road map for the future of

OUR AIM IS TO REDUCE THE COST PRESSURES ON BUSINESSES WITH A RAFT OF INITIATIVES INCLUDING STATE AND TERRITORY TAX REFORM, AN INDEPENDENT PRICE REGULATION OF LANDSIDE PORT CHARGES, AND A REVIEW OF HEAVY VEHICLE TOLLS.”

Australian road freight. A future of common-sense policies, safer roads for everyone, a defined career path for our profession, sustainable costs for road freight businesses and a subsidised move towards lower emissions. All essential elements, if we’re to continue serving everyone in this land of great distances.

them provided the music and with her incredible voice and band, we were kept on the 17th. The 2024 winner Ainsleigh Thomas has gone from strength to strength since winning in June last year, so the time is right for putting your best nomination forward.

Also open for nominations is our Dream Maker Awards which will close on June 30, recipients will be presented at the Transport Women Unite Red Ball on August 30 at the Festival of Transport in Alice Springs.

Nomination forms for both awards can be obtained by emailing chair@transportwomen.com.au or calling 0417422319. Nominate a deserving woman in your life or your company for either of these awards.

We are also looking forward to seeing everyone at the ATA Trucking Australia event in

Adelaide in April including at our pre-event casual luncheon.

Check our social media for

any updates on these and other events and news as we continue updating our 2025 plans over the next few weeks

Chair Jacquelene Brotherton, board members Claudia Foini and Loretta Hartley, and Vice-Chair Coralie Chapman. Image: Jacquelene Brotherton

Lots of events for the trucking calendar

WITH so many trucking events coming up, here’s some dates to add to your diaries.

MARCH

Colac Truck and Ute

Show Colac Showgrounds, VIC

March 22

Facebook: 2025 Land Transport Colac Truck and Ute Show

The Colac Truck and Ute Show is back, with something for everyone – from a show ‘n’ shine to live music, kids entertainment and more. Entry: adults $10, concession/pension $5, 12-18 years $5, under 12 years FREE. Families (two adults and two children) $20.

VTA State Conference

March 23-25

Silverwater Resort, Phillip Island, VIC

vta.com.au

Registrations are now open for the Victorian Transport Association’s State Conference. The conference is a major event in the VTA’s calendar and unites key industry figures to discuss challenges and opportunities faced by the transport and logistics sector. This year’s theme is ‘Safety First: Empowering People, Boosting Productivity, Shaping Transport’s Future’ and provides a valuable opportunity for industry leaders to have crucial conversations regarding safety both on the road for drivers and off the road for operators behind the scenes.

APRIL

National Rural Carriers Convention

April 4-5

Canberra, ACT

lbrca.org.au

The 2025 National Rural Carriers Convention will be held in Canberra at Thoroughbred Park. LBRCA is hosting the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) to bring to you the largest gathering of rural carriers in Australia to celebrate

40 years of the ALRTA.

The event will provide a unique opportunity for the rural transport industry from across Australia to meet and reflect on the past 40 years and the future.

Haulin’ the Hume

April 12-13

Luddenham Showgrounds, NSW wshtc.com.au

Join the Haulin’ the Hume crew for their historic road run, following the Old Hume Highway out of Sydney to Yass.

From the new starting point at the Luddenham Showgrounds, the convoy will head up over the famous Razorback, through the Hole in the Wall at Picton, through Mittagong, Berrima and into Goulburn for lunch and a short display.

The convoy will then continue with a drive through the spectacular Cullerin Range into Gunning, passing through the Gasoline Alley in Yass and then on to Gundagai, where the group will have dinner, sharing some photos and laughs as they relive the good old days. Sunday morning will serve up breakfast and farewells before heading back to reality.

Trucking Australia

April 28-30

Adelaide, SA new.truck.net.au/ta

Trucking Australia will return in April – and this time it’s coming to Adelaide.

Trucking Australia is the in-

dustry’s premier annual event and a great opportunity for industry professionals to meet face-to-face and collaborate on potential solutions. Join over 400 other delegates at the 2.5-day conference, which presents ample networking opportunities to meet industry experts and a chance to build new connections.

MAY

Brisbane Truck Show

May 15-18

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, QLD brisbanetruckshow.com.au

The 2025 Brisbane Truck Show is the southern hemisphere’s largest festival of all things trucking, with over 30,000 square metres of exhibitions showcasing the latest trucks, trailers, technologies, and parts and accessories available on the Australian market.

The 2025 show from May 15-18 will be part of Truck Week, a week-long festival incorporating an array of activations in nearby South Bank Parklands, including the Premier Boxing Series, Australia’s Best Show N Shine, and The Depot careers and entertainment hub – plus the Heavy Equipment and Machinery Show at RNA Showgrounds and the Heritage Truck Show at Rocklea.

JUNE

Alexandra Truck Show

June 7-8

Alexandra, VIC alexandratruckshow.com.au

The Alexandra Truck Show is back on the King’s Birthday weekend in June this year, with a Sunday Show ‘n’ Shine on the town’s main street, as well as live music, a Victorian woodchop tournament, exhibitions, trade displays, kids’ amusements and a raffle. Come down on Saturday for the local markets, a convoy and truck drivers’ memorial. For more details email trucks@alexandratruckshow. com.au.

AUGUST

Casino Truck Show

August 2

Casino, NSW

Facebook: Casino Truck Show

The date is set for this year’s Casino Truck Show, one of the biggest events in Australia’s trucking calendar. Tens of thousands of people and hundreds of trucks are expected to descend on the town as usual – last year, truck entries had to be capped at 600. Attendees can look forward to a great day out with food, trade stalls, kids’ amusements and much more.

SEPTEMBER

NatRoad Connect 25

September 11-12

Shepparton, VIC natroad.com.au

NatRoad’s annual conference gives you the opportunity to connect with industry representatives, operators, NatRoad members and partners to receive practical operational information and advice. Save the date to your calendar and keep an eye on their website for updates closer to the date.

NOVEMBER

Brisbane Convoy for Kids

November 1

Brisbane, QLD brisbaneconvoyforkids. com.au

The Brisbane Convoy for Kids is back on November 1, trav

Redcliffe Showgrounds. Once it arrives, a family fun day will take place, with a wide range of activities on offer including live entertainment, auctions, food stalls, free kids’ rides, face painting, animal petting, magic shows, and a night lights display. Convoy participants also compete in a range of categories, with awards handed out on the day.

Ulverstone Truck Show

November 1

Ulverstone Showgrounds, Tasmania Facebook: Ulverstone Truck Show

Held as part of the Thank You Day Show, a fundraising event to raise money for Beyond Blue and New Mornings, this year’s truck show component will feature a Kenworth focused show alongside the usual truck show. There will be prizes for both shows and lots of giveaways. The event starts at 9am.

Mullumbimby Truck Show

November 8

Mullumbimby, NSW mullumbimbyshow.org.au

Held in conjunction with the annual Mullumbimby Agricultural Show on the second Saturday of November each

the Mullumbimby Truck Show! This event will feature a truck parade through the town, sideshow alley, kids’ rides, food vans, full bar facilities and live music. Other features include horse and cattle events including trotting.

Dane Ballinger Memorial Truck Show

November 15

Bathurst Showgrounds NSW bathursttruckshow.com.au

The Dane Ballinger Memorial Truck Show is back, with plenty to see and do for the whole family. More info to come.

Illawarra Convoy

November 16

Illawarra, NSW illawarraconvoy.com.au

Touted as the largest truck and motorbike convoy in the Southern Hemisphere, the Illawarra Convoy raises funds for individuals and families affected by potentially life threatening medical conditions, together with charities that work with these people, and local hospitals.

Have you got an event you’d like included in the next Save the Date? Email all the details to danielle.gullaci@

An O’Connors Carrying Service truck used as the Mullumbimby Show main stage last year. Image: Mullumbimby Agricultural Show

place in the Western Star category. Image: Matty Grey

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

Hard-working Qld operator celebrated

Whether under the hood or behind the wheel, there’s not much this young go-getter can’t do when it comes to trucks.

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

GROWING up in the family business, Rhys Johnson got the trucking bug early on – and his trucking knowhow, enthusiasm and commitment to the industry has seen him recognised with a recent award.

Last month, the Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of Queensland (LRTAQ) named Rhys as the winner of its coveted 2025 Young Person in Transport Award.

At just 28 years of age, Rhys has already become part owner of livestock transport business Dulacca Transport, alongside continuing to do the hard yards out on the road as a livestock truckie and spending years finessing his mechanical skills as a diesel mechanic.

“My parents have had trucks since I was a young fella,” he told Big Rigs. “They bought Dulacca Transport in 2004, when I was in about grade 4.”

Originally from Boona, near Ipswich, he and his family then made the move to the small rural town of Dulacca, in Queensland’s Western

Downs region – some 5.5 hours away.

As Rhys explained, “My parents had one body truck and one prime mover but were looking to get into something bigger. They wanted to move out west. There were a few companies for sale at the time and this one was the right fit. They always had land and wanted a big block of land around here.

“As a kid, on weekends I’d be over in the shed or going in the truck with the old man all the time. I’d come home from school and help in the shed where I could,” added Rhys.

“I always liked fixing things, so thought I’d do an apprenticeship.”

R hys moved to Roma to complete his apprenticeship as a diesel fitter. “Then I got signed up and did a few more years as a diesel mechanic for another company over there.”

After honing his skills under the hood, the time was right to come home. “I wanted to have a go at driving. I was on the spanners since I left school, then I got my truck licence at 21 and I’ve been driving them for about five

or six years,” Rhys explained, adding that in 2019 he bought into the business as a part owner, alongside his parents Gary and Lynda Johnson.

The Dulacca Transport fleet consists of seven prime movers – all Kenworths, including T659, T909 and C509 models, used to transport cattle across Queensland. “We’ve had a good run out of the Kenworths. They’ve been good to us so we’ve always stuck with them,” added Rhys.

You’ll usually find him out on the road five days a week, behind the wheel of his 2022 Kenworth C509, pulling B-doubles and road trains. A true family business, Rhys’ father is also behind the wheel of one of the trucks, while his mother manages the office. More recently his younger siblings joined Dulacca Transport too, with sister Shayla, 25, in the office, and his brother Liam, 23 working as a truck driver, along with being a qualified diesel mechanic.

“All three of our kids are now employed at Dulacca Transport,” said Lynda. “And we’re very proud of them all.”

As Rhys spoke to Big Rigs,

he was out on the road. “I’m in Rolleston, heading down empty to the Arcadia Valley to load cattle, which I’ll bring up to Rockhampton.”

Asked what he enjoys most about the work, Rhys answered promptly. “It differs every day. You get to go to all these different places and see new things all the time. Some days it’s the short runs and some it’s the long runs. As the work comes in, we see where everyone is to work out who goes where.

“I enjoy driving the trucks and working on them; and being able to get out there and meet new people too.”

Rhys received the 2025 Young Person in Transport Award at the Bull Carters Ball, held on Friday, February 14, as part of the LRTAQ 2025 Annual Conference on the Gold Coast. He was named the winner out of a group of four finalists and was thrilled by the win. “It was exciting to know I was nominated but I was surprised to win it – although I was hopeful.”

R hys got to celebrate the win together with his parents who also attended the event.

Nominations open for Rural Transport Rising Star Award

THE Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) has opened nominations for its 2025 Rising Star Award, which aims to celebrate the next generation of leaders in the livestock and rural transport industry.

of the industry.

ALRTA says the award is an opportunity to recognise the young professionals who are already making a difference and shaping the future

“Each year, this award highlights individuals who show dedication, leadership, and innovation in rural transport,” the association said in a recent newsletter.

In 2023, the award was won by Amy Throckmorton from TRG Transport, followed by Luke Cannon from Frasers Transport who won the award in 2024.

ALRTA is calling on nom-

inations for people making an impact on the future of the industry.

Nominations close Friday March 28, 2025.

The winner will be announced at the 2025 Na-

tional Carriers Convention in April.

For more information, visit the Australian

and Rural Transporters Association Facebook page.

IMPROVE RIDE & TRACTION

Livestock

Rhys Johnson began his career on the tools as a diesel mechanic before switching to driving. Images: Dulacca Transport

An eight-year-old Rhys poses with one of the family’s trucks.

Dulacca Transport carts cattle right across Queensland.

The company has seven Kenworths in the fleet, including a mix

Young gun truckie wins top Kangan prize

JOSHUA Pyke, 26, from Stawell, Victoria, is Kangan Institute’s Student of the Year, honoured for his passion for the transport industry.

Joshua was presented with the coveted prize at the recent Kangan Institute’s annual Industry Excellence Awards in Melbourne where more than 80 vocational students amd apprentices were recognised.

A third-generation truck driver, Joshua started driving at 19, working 60-70 hours a week at Thomas Foods International while completing his Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations.

“It was my destiny, it just had to be done,” Joshua said.

For him, trucking is more than a career; it’s in his blood.

“The open road, the freedom, and seeing the country we live in – that’s what I love about it.”

Balancing full-time work, and study was intense, but Joshua made it work and praised the facilities and his supportive teachers.

“It was good to go back to the learning environment. If you want something, you just make it work,” he reflects.

That mindset saw him excel as a driver and the OHS resentative for the transport side of the company.

Joshua’s achievements extend beyond his career. A former school captain and winner of the Australian Defence Force Long Tan Award, Josh also established

a scholarship at his local high school, inspired by his mother’s tireless efforts to provide for their family on her own.

“Mum struggled a lot and worked her absolute backside off, so she’s my hero.

“Students need the resources and financial help, so I take it upon my own shoulders. It all goes towards whatever they need to get through school.”

When asked if he’s proud of his journey, Joshua is humble but resolute.

“I’m proud of the challenges I’ve faced and how far I’ve come. There will always be challenges, but you just have to persevere. Turning back is not an option. Just soldier on.

“It’s very humbling when people single you out and say you’ve done a great job because I think everyone in their own respect does a great job of what they set out to do.”

Joshua has his sights set on running the transport operations for Thomas Foods International, though he jokes hat he’ll never fully leave the driver’s seat.

In addition to the Kangan Institute Student of the Year, Joshua was also awarded the prize for Outstanding Student: Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations, sponsored by Crescent Tools.

Other automotive industry award winners at the Kangan event included:

School-Based Apprentice/ Trainee (SBAT) of the Year: Automotive

Sponsored by Century Yuasa Batteries Pty Ltd

Aidan Bonato

Pre-apprentice of the Year Award

Sponsored by Training Systems

Australia

William Brownlee

Centre of Excellence Star

Apprentice Award

Sponsored by Kangan Institute

Cooper Fitzsimons

Apprentice of the Year: Automotive Body Repair

Sponsored by 3M

Jordan Parker

Apprentice of the Year: Automotive Body Repair – Sheen Group

Sponsored by Sheen Group

Joshua Dryden

Apprentice of the Year: Automotive Refinishing Technology (Key client)

Sponsored by Sheen Group

Colin Mills

Apprentice of the Year:

Heavy Vehicle

Sponsored by Westar Paterson

Cheney

Surender Kumar

Apprentice of the Year:

Heavy Vehicle (Key client)

Sponsored by Kangan Institute’s Automotive Centre of Excellence

Nelson Grech

Apprentice of the Year: Heavy Vehicle (Bus)

Sponsored by AMWU

Lili Usher-Chander

Apprentice of the Year: Automotive Electrical

Sponsored by NAPA

Haydn Wilde

Electrical Achievement Award

Sponsored by Training Systems

Australia

Dante Akin

Apprentice Rising Star: Auto Body

Sponsored by Saint Gobain Abrasives

Andrew Nguyen

Apprentice of the Year: Automotive Refinishing Technology

Sponsored by PPG Australia

Joel Marotta

Apprentice of the Year: Automotive Parts Interpreting

Sponsored by Gates Australia

George Paterson

Inspirational Student of the Year: Automotive

Sponsored by SP Tools

Andrew Ouranios

Alice Anderson Award

Sponsored by Trades Women

Australia

Brynn Luker

The Lindsay Fox Heavy Vehicle Technician Excellence Award

Sponsored by Kangan Institute’s Automotive Centre of Excellence

Xavier Pitman

A.R. (Dick) Jackson Award

Sponsored by Rotary Club of Coburg

Ekrem Has

Apprentice of the Year: Automotive/Lionel Gell School of Instruction Award

Sponsored by Henry Royce Foundation

Michael Mercer Award for Excellence

Sponsored by Henry Royce Foundation

Beaudon Nash

Easter Group Pty Ltd

Easter Group Pty Ltd

73 Formation St, Wacol

Easter Group, located in Wacol, provides time sensitive road transporting solutions to many companies throughout Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria.

We are a family owned business, operating since 1976. We currently have the following positions available: OPERATIONS

ALLOCATORS

(Brisbane based only)

You will be required to work on a rotating roster including Days-Nights-Weekends Previous Operations experience preferred.

MC LOCAL, LINEHAUL & 2-UP DRIVERS WANTED

(Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide Based)

Come and work for us as we are committed to:

• Training and further education • Your safety

• Maintaining an impressive Fleet

On offer are permanent full time and roster positions including paid leave entitlements and public holidays. Drivers will need to be available to be scheduled for work falling across the 7 days of the week.

The successful Applicant will:

• Hold a current MC licence (minimum two years)

• Have knowledge of the HVNL and Load Restraint

• Be professional

• Be reliable

To apply for the Operations/Driver positions please contact Operations Manager or by emailing your resume to

WORKSHOP MECHANICS & TYRE FITTERS WANTED

(Brisbane based only)

To apply for Mechanic positions please forward your resume to Workshop Manager via email to employment@kseaster.com.au

Joshua was presented with the coveted prize at the recent Kangan Institute’s annual Industry Excellence Awards in Melbourne. Images: Kangan Institute

A third-generation truck driver, Joshua started driving at 19 and now has his sights set on running the operations side of the business.

New road to travel: Join Kinetic today

TRUCK drivers know the highways, the tough days and how to keep heavy vehicles moving safely. So why not take those skills somewhere unexpected – behind the wheel of a bus and help connect people and communities a ll over Australia.

Kinetic is Australasia’s largest bus operator and is actively recruiting skilled drivers across the country. With operations in cities, regional towns, and remote communities, Kinetic offers diverse and rewarding career paths, from urban routes to regional services and essential transport for students and mine workers.

Tyneal Tumata joined Kinetic in December and is now a coach captain in Queensland. A love of driving has seen Tyneal take on both buses and trucks in the past, but what stands out about the current role is the sense of support and structure.

“With trucks, you’re the mechanic and the driver –you have to be 100 per cent committed to your vehicle. But when it comes to buses, you have a whole team behind you ensuring the safety of you and your passengers,” Tyneal said.

“The team I work with is one of the biggest positives of the role, they make me feel like I’m part of a family.” For former truck drivers,

transitioning to a bus driver role is simple. With an existing heavy vehicle licence, all that’s needed is to apply and undergo an assessment.

Raewyn Meaker started at Kinetic as an urban bus driver and now operates specialised bus services supporting the Bowen Basin’s mining sector.

“Before Kinetic, I worked in logistics administration

and previously drove trucks in Brisbane. But my ultimate goal was to move into the resources sector, and now I’m here.”

She values the opportunity to explore Australia’s remote landscapes.

“I love that this job lets me see parts of the country I wouldn’t otherwise, especially the wide-open spaces of the Bowen Basin.”

Raewyn values Kinetic’s commitment to training, supporting women in transport, and striving for gender balance in its workforce by 2030.

“I initially applied for Kinetic’s Women Up Front – Trainee Bus Driver Program, but with my driving experience, they fast-tracked me to become a coach captain,” she said.

“It’s a really great industry – I’ve had so much support right from the start.”

Erika Nehez loves driving and being on the road, and that’s what led her to become a bus driver with Kinetic.

“I get to see an amazing countryside, I get to meet and work with great people. Plus the hours are flexible, whether balancing parenting, studying, or other commit-

ments, there’s plenty of room in the roster to make it work.”

For Erika the transition from truck driving to bus driving makes sense.

“During my training I met people who had come from truck driving. They have such great awareness for the vehicle and moving it around the roads. They make really good bus drivers.”

Beyond the job itself, Kinetic is leading the way in sustainable transport, and is committed to having 100 per cent zero emission vehicles across its urban operations by 2035. The company currently operates the biggest electric bus network across Australia and New Zealand.

For drivers like Tyneal, that’s a major draw.

“I’m glad to see electric buses being introduced across K inetic, I think it’s a positive way for transport to move forward, especially on urban routes.”

For truck drivers considering a new direction, bus driving with Kinetic offers stability, flexibility, and the chance to be part of something bigger. Whether you’re looking for a change of pace, a role that works around your lifestyle, or a chance to explore new parts of the country, there’s never been a better time to make the move.

If you’re ready for a new road to travel, Kinetic is ready for you.

the role of coach captain in Queensland. Images: Kinetic

Raewyn Meaker operates specialised bus services to support the Bowen Basin’s mining sector.

MERITOR® GENUINE DRIVE HEADS

PERFORMANCE ADVANTAGES

• Genuine OEM quality to suit most heavy duty truck brands

• Each unit comes with the latest of design updates

• Two-year / unlimited km warranty*

• Convenient availability of popular ratios to suit your application

SCAN ME!