FRIDAY, December 19, 2025
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Fleet boss calls time
Visa rort revealed
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FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 2025 BIGRIGS.COM.AU
Victorian farmer wins fight over $398 fine THE Condah farmer and hay contractor who contested a $398 fine for carrying two bales of hay on his tractor forks to help a drought-stricken neighbour has had the penalty notice thrown out. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has instead issued Graham ‘Thommo’ Thomson with a warning, despite claiming three potential offences were identified, reports GrainCentral.com. “I think they were so frightened of the bad publicity they were going to get that they thought this isn’t worth fighting,” Thommo told the website. “They wouldn’t want 200300 angry farmers growling at them.”
Thommo holds up a copy of the original fine notice. Image: GoFundMe
A GoFundMe page set up in June to help Thommo fight the fine in court quickly raised $3335 from 67 donations. In a letter to Thommo, the NHVR said “the size of the hay bales balancing on the tractor and the lack of restraining system had the potential to cause a risk to road users.” The regulator said he had been driving a heavy vehicle
not compliant with loading requirements, using a vehicle in breach of its registration and driving whilst not having a clear view of the road ahead. “You have not been detected committing these offences previously, your intended journey was short and the risk to road users did not materialise. “As such on this occasion a prosecution will not take place for any of these offences. “Instead: A warning is hereby issued to you; and you are warned that you may be prosecuted if further breaches are detected.” Thommo said he would now use a strap rated at five tonne capacity for restraining hay bales on his tractor forks, but
disputed that he did not have a clear view ahead while loaded with hay on his tractor forks. He also told GrainCentral. com that he disagreed with the NHVR suggestion that carrying hay on tractor forks is “not primary production.” “There would be a million loads of hay a year loaded with primary producer tractors wouldn’t there?” he said. “To say that hay is not primary production, well what is it?” Leader of Katter’s Australia Party, Robbie Katter, said the result underlines why governments need to stop treating farmers like criminals for doing their job. “We need common sense in the paddock and on the roads,
not more red tape from people who’ve never loaded a bale in their life,” Katter wrote in a Facebook post. “Good on Graham and everyone who stood with him. When farmers push back together, we win.” The NHVR has now issued a safety bulletin highlighting the critical importance of proper load restraint, visibility, and the use of suitable vehicles to transport loads on public roads. “We uphold a balanced approach to compliance, and we will continue to work closely with the farming and agricultural community to play our role in supporting safe practices,” the spokesperson said.
Driver wins case against $1780 speeding fine
BY ALF WILSON
A prominent solicitor from North Queensland, who was among several thousand motorists fined for alleged speeding offences on the Flinders Highway at Torrens Creek, has been found not guilty in court, with his fine quashed. Townsville lawyer Anderson Telford appeared in the Charters Towers Magistrate’s Court earlier this month. While he was unable to comment on the matter, Anderson Telford Lawyers solicitor Daniel Saliba spoke to Big Rigs.
Telford received a breach notice for the alleged offence after he drove through Torrens Creek in August 2023. “It was alleged a camera indicated that Mr Telford was recorded at 104km/h in a 60km/h zone and the fine was for $1780 with loss of eight demerit points,” Saliba said. “The magistrate upheld our submission that Mr Telford had no case to answer on the grounds that a defective breach certificate was issued which linked his vehicle and did not comply with legislation. There was no other
evidence presented by the department so the case was dismissed,” Saliba said. Transport and Main Roads Queensland (TMR) was also ordered to pay court costs amounting to $2250. TMR was contacted for comment after the court case but told Big Rigs it does not comment on individual cases. The Flinders Highway is the main road linking Townsville to Mount Isa in Queensland. Back in October 2023, Big Rigs published a story to investigate reports that scores of truck drivers had received a
nasty surprise in the mail. That was in the form of a $1200 fine with the loss of six demerit points, after a hidden camera detected they were speeding through Torrens Creek. A NSW driver who contacted Big Rigs said he was clocked at 92km/h by a camera as he drove along the main street. “There is no way I was doing that speed and I got a real shock when the ticket came in the mail advising I had to pay a $1200 fine and would lose six points which was devastating,” he said.
“The distance between the signs is about 300m and there is no way driving a road train I could have been doing that speed. I had turned onto the Flinders Highway just before the 60km/h sign from the Aramac Road and wouldn’t have had time to reach that speed.” Initially the owner-operator was going to contest the matter in court. But when the costs to do so were taken into account, he decided to take it on the chin and paid the fine. He also received advice that it would be very difficult to beat the matter in court.
NEWS 3
BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 2025
Call grows for national driver trainer hub
BY JAMES GRAHAM
VETERAN heavy vehicle trainer Andy Hughes is campaigning to launch Australia’s first dedicated driver trainer support hub to help build a safer, more consistent road-safety culture across the industry. Hughes is adamant the timing for support has never been more vital with trainers now operating in the middle of rapid, overlapping changes, including new Austroads standards, updated licencing units, Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) reform and evolving fatigue laws. “Trainers face diverse learner needs, rising assessment complexity and increased public scrutiny, yet they are expected to keep up without structured national support,” Hughes said. “Unlike other high-risk industries such as aviation and mining, road transport does not have a dedicated national framework to support, develop or professionally recognise its trainers. “A Trainer Support Hub would fill this gap by bringing together trainers, operators, industry bodies, regulators, and researchers, providing access to professional development, technical updates, safety guidance and policy
information – lifting consistency and capability across the sector.” Hughes, who runs Queanbeyan-based Hughes Training Group, said the idea was first sparked by the Humboldt Broncos bus crash tragedy in Canada in 2018. “A guy who’d been driving for three months, didn’t know what he was doing and ran a stop sign and killed 16 teenagers and it changed the way they do training over there. “It’s called mandatory entry level training, or the MELT system, and just recently 3000 trainers were deregistered in America and hundreds in New Zealand. People are starting to think that this type of training might be an area to look at.” Hughes is aware of jurisdictions in Australia that have cracked down on trainers at various times, but a lot more should be done to tighten standards. “It’s not a house-cleaning, it was just the cupboard. There’s a whole house that needs looking at. Hughes said there’s too much pressure from some RTOs on the good trainers who are just trying to do the right thing. “The system is run by, owned by, and determined by the level of skill and assessment rigour by RTOs. They’re in charge.
“It’s really hard to find that special person who knows the industry, has heaps of experience behind the wheel and is keen to do the necessary qualifications. “Those are the people who need our professional suppport.” Hughes said it’s a totally different dynamic in most other industries. He sat next to an aircraft pilot trainer on a recent flight who was flabbergasted to hear that someone could get a heavy rigid licence in six hours. “They won’t let anyone even leave the ground until they’re totally confident they know what switch is what. “Yet we put 64-tonne weapons on the road in the hands of someone who is untrained, ill-skilled and not ready. “It’s our trainers who are the gatekeepers of that and they need support and they’re not getting it because the pressure is on them to churn.” Brendan Watson from Watto Driver Training said the profile of new trainers has changed dramatically, and the industry can’t rely on experience alone. He said trainers increasingly come into the role with limited driving history or no structured pathway, and yet they’re expected to prepare learners for an industry that is more de-
manding than ever. “The gap between ‘licence-ready’ and ‘industry-ready’ is real – and trainers shouldn’t be left alone to bridge it,” Watson said Kattie Risk, founder and Managing Director of Billirrawarra Trucking and Training, also lent her support to Hughes’ proposal. “It’s beautiful in its simplicity, but it’s also where the real impact lies,” Risk said. “There is so much focus nationally but the reality is that even the best-designed packages can only ever be as effective as the trainers who deliver them. “When trainers are working with outdated methods, limited professional development or habitual practices, those programs will never reach their full potential.” Larry Phillips, chain of responsibility specialist and industry expert, said that a national Trainer Support Hub is not just helpful but necessary under the 2025 HVNL reforms. With new duties around Safety Management Systems, fit-to-drive expectations, behavioural safety and more consistent verification of competency, Phillips said trainers now carry obligations that simply cannot be met without structured profession-
Driver trainer Andy Hughes says the industry desperately needs more support for its trainers. Image: Andy Hughes
al development and clear, nationally aligned guidance. “There’s got to be a regime of ‘this is the training requirement’ and not just something is a shell you can buy on the internet to do a TLIF9 or a TLIF80 course,” Phillips said. “Are we just costing the industry money with no real benefit? We have to give value back and one of the ways of giving value back is to make sure the people who are providing the training are qualified to do so – and have the experience.” Buoyed by support from
stakeholders right across the transport spectrum, Hughes said he now plans to apply for funding to launch the idea through the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative. At deadline for this issue, the Australian Driver Trainers Association, the sector’s peak body, was also planning to discuss Hughes’ proposal at its final board meeting of 2025. “It’s something that we all agree on – if we invest on our driver trainers, we’ll have better drivers and safer roads,” Hughes added.
Fears over fitness to drive duty misplaced, says NHVR
TRUCKIES should not be concerned about the new fitness to drive duty in the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), said Nicole Rosie, new CEO of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator. In her first industry interview since taking over the top job, Rosie was quick to quash truckies initial concerns that they could be pulled from the cab by safety and compliance officers (SCOs). “You’d have to have a criteria to be able to assess things; we can’t do blood tests, blood
pressure, we don’t have any of those powers,” Rosie said. “We’re not doing a police roadside health assessment; we’re not anticipating any substantive change in what our SCOs do, other than to support a driver if they put their hand up for help.” Rosie said the new fitness laws are designed to protect the driver. “If they were talking to me, I’d say this is a really good thing for you, and I’ll tell you why,” Rosie said. “There’s already an obliga-
tion on the operator under the work, health and safety laws and under the NHVL for the operator to ensure their drivers are fit to work. “There’s a primary obligation on them, and that still remains. So, this is an ‘and’ on that obligation, which is really saying, and there is a fitness for work requirement on the driver. “Part of the understanding I have as to why this is being put in place is to empower drivers who are feeling like their bosses up the line might
not be looking after the fitness to work, to put their hand up and go, ‘Hey, I don’t feel like I’m safe and I don’t feel fit to drive. Can I please not drive?’ Rosie said truckies should also not fear ramifications from employers. “With the combination of it being in the law, and this test coming in, we can become clearer about what our expectations are with operators and what they should be doing to support fitness to work with their drivers.” A code of practice is one av-
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enue the NHVR is looking at which Rosie said also gives drivers an added layer of protection. “Just like they drive in and raise mechanical issues with us because their bosses are not doing the mechanical checks, they can come in and say they don’t feel safe to drive and we can then support them and/or put a note in the file around the operator or even visit the operator to follow those things up.” Rosie said the consultation phase around the new fitness
laws has emphasised to her the importance of the industry working together to improve driver fitness. “If you’re on the side of the road dealing with the problem, it’s too late. That’s the area you can anticipate the NHVR doing more work in – I’m very big on supporting. “I care deeply that we are supporting these drivers. They are really important to Australia.” • Turn to page 12 for the full interview with Nicole Rosie.
4 NEWS
FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 2025 BIGRIGS.COM.AU
Truck driving most deadly occupation BY DANIELLE GULLACI
A confronting report released by Safe Work Australia late last month shows that in the 10 years to 2023, more truck drivers have died from work-related injuries than any other occupation in the country. Sadly, for many truck drivers who face a raft of dangers out on the highways daily, these results won’t come as that much of a surprise. Although the actual numbers are eye-opening. In the 10-year period covered in the report, tragically, 430 truck drivers died while at work – that’s 430 truck drivers who left for work and never came home. Of that number, 322 fatalities resulted from vehicle incidents. Other fatalities were linked to duties such as vehicle maintenance, loading and inspection of equipment. That figure is almost four times the number of the second most dangerous occupation identified in the report – livestock farmers, where 118 lives were lost. Truck drivers make up 23 per cent of work-related injury fatalities across all occupations from the 10 years to 2023. Disturbingly, truck drivers are experiencing a fatality frequency rate of 22.6 fatalities per 100,000 workers. The report further breaks
430 truck drivers have died at work in the 10 years to 2023. Image: Scott Donkin/stock.adobe.com
down the number of truck drivers employed and various demographics. In 2021, the report cites that there were 161,500 people employed as truck drivers in Australia, with over half of that number aged over 45. “Truck drivers are consistently identified as the most at-risk occupation group in Australia, with drivers experiencing the highest rate of work-related injuries and fatalities over the last decade,” Safe Work Australia said in its report. “The nature of the work and its demands – long hours on the road, exposure to unpredictable environments, heavy vehicle operation, manual handling of heavy cargo and freight, as well as time pressures – all contribute significantly to the physical and psychosocial risk profile for this workforce. “Exacerbating these issues, research from Jobs and Skills Australia shows that there is
a shortage of truck drivers in all states and territories except Victoria.” Adding to these worrying figures, the report pointed to Safe Work Australia’s National Data Set for Compensation-based statistics (NDS), which show that over the 10-year period, truck drivers consistently experienced a higher frequency rate of serious claims, particularly those relating to ‘Body stressing’ and ‘Falls, trips and slips of a person.’ “The median compensation paid and time lost for these serious claims has been steadily increasing throughout each year during this period, indicating that the incidence and severity of the injuries suffered by truck drivers are getting worse,” the report said. “Truck drivers are also more often exposed to body positioning hazards like ‘Spending time sitting down’ and ‘Exposed to whole body
IF WE WANT TRUCK DRIVING TO BE REGARDED AS A PROFESSION, OUR TRAINING STANDARDS MUST START TREATING IT LIKE ONE.” CAM DUMESNY
vibration’ when compared to all other occupations.” According to Gold Coast Trucking School’s John Skinner, “The government has lowered truck-licence standards to an unacceptable level. Today, drivers can pass an HC or MC test without completing a parallel park or a reverse around a corner. We’re now being told they’ll ‘learn on the road’ – with live traffic and real-world risk. These reversing skills must be reintroduced into licensing. Bringing them back would immediately lift safety standards across the industry.” CEO of the Western Roads Federation, Cam Dumesny, added that poor roads and poor driver training standards are just some of the issues that are exacerbating the dangers truckies are faced with. “There’s a chronic underinvestment by local, state and federal governments on regional roads. The aggressive and risk-tak-
ing attitudes of other vehicle drivers around trucks is out of hand. And nothing is being done to address that. It seems the mainstream media are just happy to blame truck drivers.” Dumesny added, “There’s also the general shortage of drivers and issues with poor driver training standards. We need to stop this rubbish where you can go in at 8am and come out by midday with a rigid licence. If we want truck driving to be regarded as a profession, our training standards must start treating it like one. It’s not just about driving, there are all those other skills drivers need to have that aren’t in the book. “While there’s no magic bullet to resolve all of this, there’s also no plan for how we’re going to address these issues – and we saw that all play out recently with the
“magic bullet” idea to reduce regional speed limits instead of just fixing the roads.” When Big Rigs shared this story online, many of our readers shared their views. Truck driver Kate Antonia says she believes that more responsibility should be put on the companies and their hiring of inexperienced drivers. “I went straight from HR to MC but personally wanted at least 2 years HC experience before moving up. I think you should have proven experience at a lower level before driving doubles or larger,” she said. Mal Bull also commented on issues with the industry’s training standards. “We train students to really pass assessments. Just because you can pass a 45 minute drive without errors does not make you a competent driver. Reason is the courses are way too short.”
Truck drivers are experiencing a fatality frequency rate of 22.6 fatalities per 100,000 workers. Image: Gary/stock.adobe.com
NEWS 5
BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 2025
Trucking boss exposes $50,000 visa rort BY JAMES GRAHAM
DODGY operators are rorting a loophole in a new visa system to exploit truckies, many of whom are not fit to drive multi-combinations in Australia, alleges a South Australian trucking boss. In his ongoing investigations into sham contracting and ABN abuse, South Australia Transport Association Executive Officer Steve Shearer unearthed disturbing first-hand accounts from Indian drivers of visa abuse. Shearer said the truck drivers arrived in Australia via the
Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) system, a formal agreement between the Australian Government and a state or territory government, or regional authority. As of October 31, there were 12 ‘Truck Drivers (General)’ DAMAs in effect. DAMAs enable employers to hire experienced overseas workers for skilled and semi-skilled roles that can’t be filled by Australians, or through the standard skilled migration program. Shearer said he was shocked to learn from Indian drivers here under the scheme that they’d been forced to pay
$50,000 each to unscrupulous Australian-based operators to obtain the visa. All were also working on sham contracts with ABNs – an illegal practice in Australia and strictly prohibited under the DAMA conditions – and Shearer also understands some had been made to surrender their passports. “The government fee for a DAMA is $4300 and the immigration agent cost is around $4000-$5000. So, what’s the extra $41,000 for if not a rort?” asked Shearer. Shearer believes the practice has been allowed to take a
foothold here because it’s commonly accepted amongst the Indian culture that if you want to get anywhere, you have to pay over the odds. “It’s not until they move to a business that doesn’t do that that they wake up and realise they’ve been ripped off.” Shearer said he had one angry driver ready to come to a meeting with him at the immigration department in Adelaide to blow the whistle on his employer. But the driver pulled the pin at the 11th hour, fearful of repercussions for his family back home in India, said Shearer.
Shearer said he doesn’t have concerns around the licence standards in SA among the foreign drivers after the state brought in tougher laws earlier this year. But he suspects that’s not the case in other jurisdictions which have been slow to follow SA’s lead. Shearer also raised his concerns about the DAMA issue at the recent industry roundtable on sham contacting in Canberra, sending a very strong message to ministers and agencies about the urgent need to take action. “That would include sighting evidence that if someone has
THIS time last year Delphine Mugridge was in a victorious mood. Her long-running campaign to tighten up licensing pathways for drivers from overseas after her husband Slim Mugridge was killed in a triple-fatality at Yalata in April of that year had scored a win with South Australia agreeing to landmark reforms. Under the changes, which took effect in February, overseas drivers, other than those from New Zealand, had to undergo much tougher competency-based tests or hold a HR or HC licence for a minimum of 12 months before obtaining
a MC. Heavy Rigid licence holders are required to complete a minimum of 60 hours of logged supervised driving and additional learning while those with an existing licence will need to complete at least 50 hours. Overseas heavy vehicle driving experience will no longer be recognised for those pursuing an MC licence, with the exception of New Zealand. “This is all about making sure everyone can get home safe after their shifts and not be worried about them dying,” a triumphant Delphine Mugridge said at the time. “Hopefully other states will
come on board now once they see it’s working. “I don’t want Slim’s memory to die – and I don’t want him to have died in vain.” But 12 months on Delphine fears her push for national reform has begun to “fall on deaf ears”, despite months of advocacy and more than 23,000 supporters backing her petition for tighter legislation. After relocating to Queensland to be nearer to family, she is deflated by the lack of interest shown in her campaign by jurisdictions outside SA. She’s met with a representative of the Queensland’s
Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg but has heard nothing since. Her letters to Victorian and New South Wales transport departments have also gone unanswered. “I just feel like I’m falling on deaf ears now, because maybe they think I’ll move on now, but I don’t want to move on. I want to change the legislation, and then I’ll move on,” she said. Frustrated but undeterred, Delphine has recently sent the full 23,319-signature petition – along with industry comments – to Senator Pauline Hanson, hoping she may champion the cause in federal
parliament when it resumes. South Australian Transport Association Executive Officer Steve Shearer, who helped lobby for licensing changes in his state, has also challenged his colleagues to keep the pressure on in their jurisdictions. “They don’t have the right to stand up on the ivory stage and make pronouncements about how bad this all is if they’re missing a simple, important, key opportunity to get their state government to do the same thing South Australia has done,” Shearer said. “There’s no political argument against doing it. “To my mind, it is mind-bog-
taken 10 drivers on through DAMA until they finish going through the process and are now living permanently in Australia, they have to be on their books as an employee. One of the other points I made was that if a business is prepared to behave in that way, and show disregard for the proper rules of a program like DAMA what else are they rorting and sidestepping?” Home Affairs told Big Rigs DAMA skills assessments are undertaken by the relevant assessing authority and licensing is the responsibility of state or territory jurisdictions.
Slim’s widow keeps fighting for change
Despite recent setbacks, Delphine Mugridge said she won’t stop fighting for Slim. Image: Delphine Mugridge
gling that any serious industry body representative and any serious minister would think about it for more than five seconds before saying, ‘Yep, we need to do this’.”
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6 NEWS
FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 2025 BIGRIGS.COM.AU
IN BRIEF Ron Crouch Transport enters administration
Truckie to repay $114k
A truck driver will have to repay over $114,000 and complete 15-months of community service, after being caught working as a painter while receiving workers compensation payments. Based at Wheelers Hill, Victoria, the 56-year-old was sentenced after pleading guilty to a single charge of fraudulently obtaining payments. He was convicted, placed on a Community Correction Order with a special condition to perform 175 hours of unpaid community work, and ordered to pay restitution of $114,262. The court heard the truck driver submitted an injury claim for a lower back injury and began receiving weekly payments in September 2020. Compensation was terminated on the grounds of fraud in March 2024, after surveillance revealed he had worked as a painter for two businesses. An investigation later found he began employment as a painter in May 2021.
RON Crouch Transport has been placed into voluntary administration – as its owners seek a buyer. A national, family owned transport company, it has been in business for 47 years. Owned and operated by Geoff Crouch, it was started by his parents, Ronald and Beverley Crouch, and operates from locations across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia. In a statement released on December 9, Geoff Crouch confirmed the news. “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have had to take the necessary action of placing Ron Crouch Transport under the control of a Voluntary Administrator,” he said. “For the purposes of clarity
A Christmas invitation
The Threeways Roadhouse is welcoming truckies with open arms this Christmas. Based in the NT, at the junction of the Stuart and Barkly Highways, it’s owned by Nigel and Anne Stevens. Threeways sees 40 to 80 trucks stop by each day. Known for their incredible hospitality, Nigel and Anne are no strangers to giving back to the truckies who support their business. Although the roadhouse closes to the public on Christmas day, they’re inviting truck drivers to stop on by for a meal and some great company.
NHVR December blitzes
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) kicked off a compliance blitz earlier this month aimed at truckies travelling the Bruce Highway. Dubbed ‘Operation Overwatch’, the blitz will see NHVR officers work with Queensland Police Service to conduct roadside inspections on high-risk areas along the Bruce Highway, between Maryborough and Miriam Vale. Earlier this month the regulator also announced a crackdown on the building and construction sector in Tasmania. Operation Amplify will see SCOs undertake roadside inspections in high activity areas including Hobart, Launceston and Burnie.
Singleton bypass update
A year since major construction began on the $700 million Singleton Bypass, it remains on track to open in late 2026. Once complete, the new 8km bypass will remove around 15,000 vehicles a day from Singleton’s CBD, bypassing five sets of traffic lights, and providing faster and more reliable journeys for the 26,000 motorists who travel on this section of the New England Highway each day. Since work commenced, over 1300 workers have been engaged in the project. All six bridges in the project are currently under construction.
Geoff Crouch said issues like sham contracting are having a devastating impact on the industry. Image: ATA
CHALLENGING ECONOMIC CONDITIONS, PRESSURE ON RATES, DRIVER SHORTAGE, THE NEVERENDING BURDEN OF GOVERNMENT, OVER REGULATION… ALL HAVE PLAYED THEIR PART.” GEOFF CROUCH
Started in 1978, it entered voluntary administration this month. Image: Ron Crouch Transport
and to ensure facts are not misrepresented I stress that this is a voluntary action.” A veteran of the transport industry, Crouch has also served as a Director of the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) from 2013 to 2024 and as Chair from 2017 to 2020. He is also a former president of ATA member association NatRoad. “Whilst I love and have a passion for the Australian transport industry, as we all know it is a tough one that takes no prisoners,” he continued. “Challenging economic
conditions, pressure on rates, driver shortage, the never-ending burden of government, over regulation… All have played their part. “Ultimate responsibility, of course though is mine.” When Big Rigs contacted Crouch, he added that sham contracting is having a devastating impact on the industry. Sham contracting occurs when companies hire truck drivers on individual ABNs when they don’t own or operate their own vehicle, rather than hiring them as employees. Why? To avoid paying
them their entitlements – such as superannuation, leave, workers’ compensation and taxes. It’s a cost-cutting practice that’s rife in the industry and continues to impact those businesses that do the right thing. “Sham Contracting for drivers, by using an ABN, is a curse on the industry and the Federal Government needs to pull its head out of its arse and do something about it,” said Crouch, echoing the sentiments of many in the industry. With an administrator now appointed, the first step
will be to look for a potential buyer for Ron Crouch Transport. Crouch said that if a buyer is found, this would result in the best possible outcome for all staff and creditors. “In the meantime, with the valued support of my financiers, suppliers, customers and amazing staff, it will be business as usual.” Crouch also thanked the hundreds of employees who, over almost 50 years, have contributed to growing the business into what it is. “And in particular, the 120 current team members who will be affected the most,” he said.
Why veteran truckie, 62, is ready to walk away
BY DANIELLE GULLACI
AFTER an estimated 5 million or so kilometres on the road, this long-time truckie says the dangers he sees on a daily basis have made him rethink his future in the industry. Wayne Imlay, 62, has spent the past 35 years driving trucks, first in New Zealand and then in Western Australia – which he’s called home for 14 years. And before that, he spent a decade fixing them, working as a diesel mechanic. “I left school at 15 and started my apprenticeship. Every day I was covered in dirt and grease, and I got sick of it, so one day I decided I wanted to start driving the trucks instead,” Imlay told Big Rigs. He spent about 20 years as a truck driver in New Zealand before moving across the ditch, and at one point, even owned his own trucks. Imlay currently carts general freight and dangerous goods from Perth to Esperance, Kalgoorlie and Geraldton, driving road trains and pocket road trains. For decades, he’s loved the freedom of the road, however like many drivers, Imlay
believes it’s no longer how it used to be. “Being a long term driver, it ends up in your blood – and I do enjoy what I’m doing. I never thought I’d say it, but I’m actually looking forward to hanging up the keys in a couple of years,” Imlay said. “It is quite cool to get paid to travel around the place and see new things each day. I’m lucky because I work for a great company that leaves me alone to do what I have to do, so when I do give it up, that’s what I’ll really miss. “Over the past five years in particular, the quality, standard and education of drivers – including many coming in from overseas, just isn’t there. “I don’t know how some of these people are obtaining their truck licences – they’re inexperienced and it’s really dangerous,” he added, pointing to the recent news of 440 truck licences being revoked in New Zealand. Last month, the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) revealed it made the decision to revoke 440 commercial drivers’ licences after an audit in July found that false or altered documentation had been used to convert
Wayne says he’s lucky to work for a great company – and there are many aspects he’ll miss when he hands in the keys.
overseas licences. “In other countries, they don’t have these big road trains like we have here. Then people come to Australia and get into the big gear and off they go, without the proper training. “I’m almost at a point where when I see things happening out on the road, it creates a lot of anxiety, makes you very nervy. I never used to get that feeling before but it’s happening a lot more now. Every truck driver wants to go home safely, that’s what it comes down to,” Imlay said. “When I’m going to Geraldton, I feel a lot safer – even with all the grain trucks and whatnot – than I do when I’m going on the Great Eastern Highway to Kalgoorlie, where there’s all these guys coming over from the east.” He added that one of the most dangerous practices he sees on a regular basis is other vehicles overtaking where they shouldn’t be, especially on a crest. “You’ve got these truck drivers who’ll overtake you anywhere they want, without any consideration of what’s going on. And a lot of them are in triples, so you’re forced to brake and let them in. “My truck is speed limited to 97 kilometres an hour – and yet there are trucks going past so much quicker.” Imlay believes that improper training, coupled with issues with driver shortages, have only served to further compound the problem. “Unfortunately I think the horse has already bolted with the way things have been done,” he said. “If governments were serious about doing something back when driver shortages were first becoming an is-
After 35 years behind the wheel, Wayne Imlay is fed up with the dangers truck drivers are having to deal with. Images: Wayne Imlay
sue, they should have started proper driver training programs to help plug those gaps. “With all there is to know, it’s almost at a point for MC drivers, where they need to be formally qualified to do the job. There’s load restraint, knowing your weights and all these other things you need to know to be able to do the job safely – and no one is really educating new drivers on all of that. “If you want to do a trade, there are all these free TAFE courses on offer but transport isn’t even looked at. And then if you do the wrong thing out there and get caught, the fines are huge. “Because it’s so hard to get drivers, I think there’s a
mentality among some companies, that if you’ve got a licence, you’ll do.” According to Imlay, offering traineeships could go a long way into getting people skilled up before hitting the road. “I think the government needs to be more proactive in getting incentivised programs to transport companies, so they can then train drivers up the right way. Training costs money, and then a lot of the time, even if a company gets someone trained up, they can still find another job with more money and move on. There needs to be some sort of incentive for people to stay on with the companies who are making the effort to train them up.”
BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 2025
Young truckie fondly remembered
A devoted partner and father to four young children, Kurt Finnerty’s life was tragically cut short, when he left for work on November 27 and never came home. His youngest child was just four weeks old. The incident occurred on the Golden Highway near Dunedoo at around 2.30pm, when Kurt’s B-double veered off the road and crashed into an embankment, setting the truck alight. A third generation truckie, Kurt loved being out on the road. In a heartbreaking twist, his grandfather also lost his life in a truck accident. Just weeks before his death, Kurt was at the Dane Ballinger Memorial Truck Show with his family. As the couple and their four children posed for a photo in front of one of the Cranstons Transport trucks, they could never have known that this picture would be their last. For his parter Mekaela Nairne, it’s a photo that will be forever treasured. “That photo means so much to us. We are truly so grateful that the photographer approached us to snap that pic, as it’s now one of the only complete family photos we have. “He was so proud to be a driver at Cranston’s Transport.” Kurt’s heartbroken father Jason Finnerty, who is also
This was the last photo taken of Kurt with his family, at the recent Dane Ballinger Memorial Truck Show. Image: Warren Aitken
a truck driver, took to social media to thank first responders for their efforts at the scene of the incident. “With a shattered heart we would like to thank all the emergency people who did their best,” he said. “My son was a wonderful father of four beautiful children and a loving husband for his wife. No one likes this news but my son loved what he did and did it with pride. I am an interstate driver myself who knows the dangers in this job. Things have now changed forever as my son lost his grandfather the same way. We all feel your pain.” Kurt’s grandmother also
shared, “My beautiful grandson Kurt never drove past my house without a horn blast and I would rush to the phone to call, always the same conversation: ‘Was that you Kurt.’ And he’d reply, ‘Sure was nan’,” and then a goodbye always ended in “I love you.” Brett Cranston who runs Bathurst-based Cranstons Transport, where Kurt worked, said he’s been overwhelmed by the messages of industry support since the young truckie tragically lost his life. In a tribute post on his Facebook page, Brett said Kurt was hardworking, loy-
al, proud of his job and even prouder of his family. “Our hearts break for Mekaela and their four beautiful kids, including a tiny newborn who arrived just four weeks ago. No family should ever have to face what they’re going through right now,” Brett said. “Over the past 24 hours, the messages, calls and offers of support from across the transport industry have been overwhelming. “This industry cops its fair share of criticism, but when tragedy hits, the trucking community rallies and shows exactly what it’s made of – heart, generosity and people who look after their own. “We’ve felt that in every single message. To those that have reached out, you have warmed our hearts and know that every message of comfort and support is so very much appreciated.” As Brett continued, “Kurt’s last words to many were ‘I love you’. Let’s honour him by keeping his family close in our thoughts, and by recognising the quiet sacrifices made by truckies and their families every single day.” As the family continues to navigate life without their beloved Kurt, his sister Kaitlan Weal has set up a GoFundMe fundraiser to help support his young family. “We need to band together to relieve the financial pres-
sure of this beautiful family as Kurt was the worker of the family, the provider so his beautiful partner Mekaela could be the awesome home mum to their babies,” Kait wrote. “Any donation big or small to help relieve this pressure for my beautiful brother, sister in law and nephews and niece.” At the time of writing, 350 donations had already raised $47,917 of the $50,000 target.
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WE ARE TRULY SO GRATEFUL THE PHOTOGRAPHER APPROACHED US TO SNAP THAT PIC, AS IT’S NOW ONE OF THE ONLY COMPLETE FAMILY PHOTOS WE HAVE.” MEKAELA NAIRNE
Kurt with his partner Mekaela and their four young children. Image: Mekaela Nairne
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8 OPINION
FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 2025 BIGRIGS.COM.AU
Bring on new year
EDITOR JAMES GRAHAM
THIS is where I’m supposed to wax lyrical about what a fantastic year it’s been. Yet how can you say that when so many drivers have been lost on our roads, leaving families still grieving rather than celebrating Christmas together. The trucks are supposedly safer and the governments crow about the money they’re pouring into better roads, yet something isn’t working (see page 4). If there is some light on the horizon for safety improvements, it’s that finally there seems to be a concerted effort from all jurisdictions to crack down on the cowboys running amok on ABNs. It was also refreshing to hear more about what the Heavy Vehicle National Regulator will look like under Nicole Rosie’s watch (page 12). It’s early days but she brings a vast amount of transport experience to the role and a refreshing new approach. Until then, on behalf of all the team, I wish you a safe and merry Christmas. Our first issue for 2026 is out on January 16.
Our top 10 online stories of 2025 1. Family-run transport company closes doors after 66 years
Respected family-run transport company Norton Transport shut its doors after 66 years on the road in Tasmania. Second-generation owner Tim Norton confirmed the closure on April 11, citing costs, red tape and changing market conditions that made continued operation more challenging. The business, once a staple in regional freight with a loyal customer base and dedicated drivers, leaves behind a proud legacy of service and community ties.
2. National trucking company goes into liquidation with $41.9 million of debt
Brisbane-based national carrier XL Express entered liquidation in August with total debts of $41.9 million after years of financial losses and cash-flow issues. The company, which operated a large fleet and served customers across Australia, fell into voluntary administration before administrators moved to wind up operations. About 200 employees were stood down, leaving unsecured creditors and suppliers facing losses.
3. Major national transport fleet to be auctioned following company’s collapse
News that Pickles were selected to auction off $6 million worth of equipment of
collapsed national operator Transtar also attracted plenty of interest from our readers. The three-day sale included 38 late model prime movers and 56 curtain-side trailers, offering carriers and owner-drivers a rare chance to acquire quality used assets.
4. New interchange opens as part of $2.2 billion bypass
A new interchange on the $2.2 billion Coffs Harbour bypass opened on August 13, marking a significant milestone in one of Australia’s largest regional road projects. Designed to divert heavy vehicles from Coffs Harbour’s CBD, the bypass will cut congestion, improve safety, and enhance freight efficiency along the east coast.
5. Tunnelling complete on Coffs Harbour bypass
Tunnelling work on the Coffs Harbour bypass project reached a major milestone with the completion of the final 160-metre tunnel in August. This achievement accelerates progress on the $2.2 billion bypass which aims to reroute heavy traffic around the regional centre, improving travel times and safety for freight and general traffic alike.
6. Major construction begins on $100 million bypass
The July announcement that construction had begun on
The closure of the revered Don Watson Transport mid-year sent shock waves through the industry. Image: Don Watson Group
a new $100 million bypass northwest of Sydney, aimed at redirecting heavy vehicles away from town centre roads, was also a big hit with readers. Backed by state government funding, the project will reduce congestion and enhance safety for regional freight movements. The bypass is expected to improve travel times and boost connectivity across a key freight corridor, with transport operators welcoming the infrastructure upgrade as a long-awaited relief for local roads currently used as through routes by heavy trucks.
7. Small businesses feeling the pinch as new highway bypasses historic town
Historic Little Hartley’s small businesses reported downturns in May as a newly upgraded highway bypass diverted heavy and tourist traffic away from their main street. While the road upgrade benefits freight efficiency and lowers travel times, local cafés, service stations and retail outlets miss the passing trade that once sustained them. Owners say the reduced exposure has curtailed sales, spotlighting the trade-offs between regional infrastructure improvements and economic flow-on effects for bypassed towns.
8. A sigh of relief: stolen trailer and its load are found
Trucker networks and police cooperation led to the recov-
ery of a stolen 41-foot trailer and its valuable load worth around $250,000 after it was taken from the Hume Highway near Somerton in early February. The trailer, custom-built and loaded with high-value freight, was located intact, bringing relief to the owner.
9. Kelly gears up for auction as he scales back heavy haulage operation
Veteran operator Jon Kelly announced plans in July to scale back his heavy haulage business, putting trucks and specialised gear up for auction the following month. Kelly said he had treated heavy haulage as more of a hobby in recent years but found his in-
terest in the sector had been “diminishing” of late for a number of reasons.
10. Don Watson Group closes doors after 77 years in operation
Iconic freight and cold-storage operator Don Watson Group ceased transport operations after 77 years in June, impacting hundreds of staff. The closure marked the end of a long-standing presence in national refrigerated logistics for the widely respected third-generation family business. The shock exit also reflected broader industry pressures amid declining margins, rising costs and a challenging economic climate for many mid-sized operators.
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10 FEATURE
FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 2025 BIGRIGS.COM.AU
Future-proofing giant parts network
BY GEOFF MIDDLETON
IF there is one thing that should be top of mind when you’re buying your next truck, it’s aftersales backup. Will the company you’re buying from have sufficient backup to support your business in the event of an accident or breakdown? How long are you going to have to wait for parts for something as simple as a service or brake rebuild? This was brought home to the Australian transport media when we were taken on a guided tour of Hino’s stunning Parts Distribution Centre (PDC) in the Sydney suburb of Horsley Park. The Hino PDC is a massive structure of some 9272 square metres with 10 covered loading bays that can be accessed by rigid trucks, single trailers and B-doubles. Hino invested $18 million in the facility which opened in 2021 and has gained a reputation as one of the best parts facilities for trucks in the country. According to Greg Bleasel, Vice President Product Sup-
port at Hino Australia, the PDC had its genesis in 2018. “At that time, Hino Motors in Japan asked us to look forward to 2025 to see what business strategies we had in place and what we needed to support those strategies. In my particular case, it was to try and support the growth of parts and service in the business,” Bleasel said at a recent PDC media event. “We identified that the current PDC (in Caringbah) was at a critical stage where it was running out of space. That PDC had served us from 1995 until 2021. “Looking forward, we could see that by 2021 we wouldn’t have the space to store our parts – especially our large items. “We looked forward at our projected parts sales and from 2018 to 2025 we projected 52 per cent increase in parts sales because of truck sales and the units in operation increasing. The risk was that if we didn’t do anything with the warehouse, we couldn’t support our future strategies.” The decision was made to build an all-new pur-
pose-built PDC in Horsely Park. The location was chosen for its proximity to the M4 and M7 motorways, and the area is recognised as an existing Sydney logistics hub. It is also ideally situated to take in a growing transport corridor including the new Badgerys Creek airport. The world-class facility was built in just 12 months from approval to final construction. The facility is future-proofed by the fact that 20 per cent of the floor space is left unused and Bleasel said that space would probably come into play in around 2028. Other examples of future-proofing the business for continued growth include more office space upstairs allowing for increased staff numbers, and the inclusion of a mezzanine level for increased parts storage.
Same-day service
Bleasel said the inventory pieces stocked at the PDC have increase from around 330,000 pieces to 509,000 pieces. “By stocking more pieces and a larger breadth of parts,
we’re able to increase the supply rate. The supply rate at Caringbah was 94 per cent and we’re now at 97 per cent to 100 per cent line fill,” he said. “What that means is that is if a dealer puts in any order, no matter what it is, 97 per cent of the time we can fill it on the spot – we’ve got the parts in the warehouse, which is way above industry standard – this is all possible due to this new facility.” “If we don’t have the stock, we have a parts locator system so the dealers can look at all the dealerships in Australia to see if they have the part. Bleasel said Hino can also airfreight parts from New Zealand overnight, and if they don’t have it, it can come from Japan on a same-day dispatch. “We have heavy-duty exchange transmission units kept in the warehouse, and we have a 24/7 callout for those working on the weekend or at night. Even though the warehouse operates from about 7am till about 5-6pm, the warehouse can be opened at any time for emergency parts,” he said.
Training and safety
The Hino PDC stocks many different cabs and sells about six per month.
The centre is run by Anthony Eisun and his staff of 12. He also runs a training and safety centre called the Dojo (roughly meaning a place of learning in Japanese). The Dojo area is for training both his staff and dealership staff on the safe and effective running of a parts centre. “We’ve developed a PDC training course which replicates what we do here in terms of safety, manual handling and correct storage of parts. So, we bring the dealers here and run their staff and our staff through the training course,” said Bleasel. “It teaches them how to pick, pack, store efficiently and get the parts out to the customers quicker.
Department Manager PDC, Anthony Eisun explains how the Dojo works.
The facility has over 500,000 pieces stocked.
“We’re encouraging our dealers to run their parts operations on similar lines to the operation here. “Some of the dealers have spent essentially no money at the dealership. They’ve just spent time relocating and changing locations and improving efficiencies. However, we have a couple of dealers how have invested a lot of money, and one of those is City Hino which is, I think, our second-biggest parts sales dealership. Bleasel said they spent $5 million on the dealership, with a large chunk of that investment spent on the warehouse and the service area as well.
“They built a mezzanine level and upgraded their systems so that they went from 6000 locations in the parts warehouse to 20,000 locations without increasing their footprint or staffing levels. “We worked very closely with them and it was a great result for all involved. “Overall, we’ve improved the supply to the dealers, the quickness to the dealers, and by doing the warehouse training, they’ve been able to pass that on to the customers. The whole idea is to have the parts on hand and get those parts out as quick as we can.”
Truck market ‘taking a breather’, says Hino boss
BY GEOFF MIDDLETON
HINO’S ebullient and ever-positive President and CEO Richard Emery is confident that the Australian truck industry has a positive future. Speaking at the company’s end-of-year press conference, Emery said that although the market was down compared the previous few boom years, 2025 was not total disaster. Emery said the market was “taking a breather” from the frantic post-Covid times and things will improve in the nottoo-distant future. It has been a fairly lackluster year for truck sales, especially in heavy-duty where sales were down around 18 per cent yearon-year at the end of November, according to the official TIC figures. However, he said Hino was almost on track: “We’re looking at around 5000 units for the year (4254 to the end of November according to TIC) which is roughly what we did last year,” Emery said.
“So, we’ve been able to hold up our volume position despite obviously not having built a 500 Series for 14 months. It’s a little short of our plan – we would have liked to get up to about 5100 or 5200, but I’m not so panicked about that. “The order bank is good, with a few hundred that we’ve still got to get out, and we’re still having trouble with body builders and things like that. So, there’s enough trucks in the market with customers’ names on them to get us over the 5100 or 5200 units but they’re just not going to get delivered by the end of the year. “In terms of sales, it’s as if we’ve been running since the end of Covid and now we’ve slowed to walking pace – we’re taking a breather. Some of it is market circumstances and some of it is supply. But we think it’ll go again at the end of next year. Emery takes the view that the economy will start to get back into a growth phase by
the end of next year and early into 2027. “We think that consumer confidence will probably come back at the end of next year, and this is just people considering things, slowing decision making down, get through the next period of time and then get moving again,” he said. Emery also said that during the heady days of the market surge during the period of 2124, not many trucks were replaced. A lot of the sales were for extra trucks and this added to the average age of trucks in Australia. “The average age of trucks in Australia now is 14 years. We’ve got to do some replacing of those trucks. We believe there will be period of renewal where you’ve got to move some of those trucks on. “There will also be pressure on emissions – getting the latest Euro 6 trucks, as well as safety. The old trucks are not up to the safety standard of today and they will need to be replaced.
“So, we think we’ll back into a growth phase by 2027 onwards. And that’ll be driven by the economy being robust and starting to increase again, but also, we’ll have our (500 Series) product back.” Emery also gave the assembled transport journalists a bit more of an update on the Fuso/Hino merger. He said that the umbrella company, Archion, will begin trading on April 1, 2026. Archion will control the collaboration between Hino and Fuso. Archion will be owned by Daimler trucks on the Fuso side (25 per cent), Toyota on the Hino side (25 per cent) and Institutional investors known to both sides will own the rest. “That business will then own 100 per cent of HML. So, Hino Motors Limited today will effectively be owned by Archion,” Emery said. “Going down another level, we (Hino Australia) are currently owned by HML, so
Hino Australia CEO Richard Emery. Image: Hino Australia
for us, nothing changes. The shareholding of our parent company changes but in terms of our relationship on a corporate level, nothing changes for us. “Nothing really changes for HML either, they just have
a few different people to answer to than they have today. And there is no indication of anything that will change on April 1 in terms of how we go about our business in regards to HML, or how we operate in Australia.”
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12 FEATURE
FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 2025 BIGRIGS.COM.AU
New CEO’s vision for NHVR
Nicole Rosie outlines her push for data-driven regulation, higher supply-chain accountability and smarter enforcement ahead of widespread HVNL reform. BY JAMES GRAHAM NEW National Heavy Vehicle Regulator CEO Nicole Rosie is just over four months into the role when she sits down with Big Rigs for her first industry media interview. She may be a recent arrival from across the ditch and still relatively new to the many moving parts of the Australian road freight industry and its multiple jurisdictions. But it’s clear that this C-suite heavy hitter, who has always wanted to return here since a 13-month stint with WorkCover Queensland in 2000, has hit the ground running, undaunted by the massive task ahead with the game-changing Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) reform looming. “It’s right in my swim lane; I feel I have a lot of expertise in the areas that this role covers,” Rosie told Big Rigs. “It’s a narrower focus [the NHVR], but it’s broader and deeper. You have a much bigger industry and you move much bigger stuff and it’s more economically important for the country because of the size and complexity of the export markets.” After racking up more than 20 years’ experience in complex regulatory senior management roles for a vast array of Kiwi multinationals such as Vector, Toll NZ, Fonterra, and also WorkSafe New Zealand and KiwiRail, Rosie took the helm of New Zealand’s all-encompassing transport regulator, the New Zealand Transport Agency in 2020. The five-year stint was an experience she describes as “pretty full on”, involving five ministers, five Chairs, Covid, “the worst weather events in the history of the country”, and major political shifts in transport direction. “I’ve done a really big job and it had been very intense for a while and that is the biggest transport job in New Zealand,” said Rosie, whose CV also includes a Master of Public Health in Law and Public Health from Harvard University. “This opportunity came up, and I was really interested in whole-system approaches in
Rosie said there will continue to be roadside education but there will be a lot more work done earlier. National Heavy Vehicle Regulator CEO Nicole Rosie is looking forward to the challenges ahead. Images: NHVR
national roles. This is a federal role covering the whole country and uses a lot of my expertise, so thought, ‘there you go, that’s fate isn’t it’.
First impressions and major issues
Rosie said the pressure the industry is increasingly under to deliver has been one of her first major issues she’s struck. “With freight at the heart of supporting a rapidly growing economy there’s a “tension” between how you deliver on that demand while meeting increasing obligations – sustainability, higher interdependence with the public and other operators,” she said. “These [issues] are not unique to Australia. The difference here is the distances, the amount of freight and the size of the task, and you’re at the frontline of some innovation. “So, you’re wanting to solve that problem by allowing your trucks to get bigger relative to other options, such as rail.” That complexity is only magnified by state-based approaches to rules, assets and permitting. But Rosie emphasises that while the NHVR sits at the centre of the system, it “doesn’t hold many of the levers”. The states and jurisdictions
create most of the rules and own the assets. “We can influence that, and we will influence that, but we are not necessarily the solver. What I will say from all my past experiences that regulators are really important in that because they hold the balance of power and they can be a huge influencer of positive change. “But they can’t do that by themselves. The reality is, effective regulators have to activate and work with all those players to make change.”
NHVR’s role in transport system
Rosie draws a pie chart into four equal slices to help Big Rigs understand her approach to the transport system and how she sees NHVR’s role within that. In the top left-hand corner she writes ‘Resilience and maintaining the system’ and in the top right, ‘Partnering and creating frameworks’. “Other people can do these things but regulators have a role to influence that by making sure the infrastructure owners are supporting a resilient system, that they’re maintaining that system, and if we’re concerned about safety on that system, we should be raising it with those infrastructure providers. “And we also have to part-
ner with others to oversee digital standards. You’re not going to manage the system properly if you’ve all got different cameras. Underneath, Rosie writes the two main roles for the NHVR: ‘Services and access’ and ‘Regulation toward three outcomes: safety, productivity and sustainability’. In terms of ‘services and access’, Rosie sees the NHVR role in making it easier for operators to transact on those services, such as access: “That’s our job. How do we make it easier, faster, more transparent.” Rosie said one of the big changes she hopes to install is for the regulator to get “very focused” on identifying what is the problem the data is showing, and then what are the solutions to the problem. “Because the solutions to the problem may not be to get the SCOs to do more enforcement or more roadside education. “The solution to the problem may well be somewhere else, either to hold an operator to account or, in some cases the way the supply chain is working is fundamentally driving unsafe behaviors, and therefore it would be a discussion with the top of supply chain, which might be a Coles. “I think if we can get very deliberate about that, we don’t have to necessarily use our hard tools.” Rosie also emphasised the importance of data sharing to help tighten up everything from driving standards in the various jurisdictions to linking ABNs to risk data to help the ATO stamp out sham contracting.
More focus higher up the chain
Data sharing and working closely with other agencies are top priorities for the NHVR under the new CEO.
Rosie said there will also be a focus on fleet bosses, both in education and ensuring they meet their chain of responsibility obligations. She sees the NHVR’s role as one to create expectations that they are operationally
excellent, not just in their business, but through their supply chain. “In my past roles we’ve set up industry forums – we’ve got industry leading industry. “Good players in the industry respond really well to that and then, of course, we’re not beating up the poor driver for something they can’t control. “You can be assured that I’m very aware that the frontline drivers are not always the best party for us to be issuing the enforcement notice to. “If you’re just looking at the symptom of the problem, which is potentially the driver in the truck and whacking them when they have no ability to change any of those things, you’re not going to change the system and improve it. “And our job is to keep the system safe and to continuously improve it so that we can create a safe, productive and sustainable industry.”
Nuanced approach to education and enforcement
If the NHVR is working at its “operational excellence level” Rosie said the primary point of education should not be at the side of the road. “Your primary point of education and inform should be before the person gets in the truck, with the operators, making sure they are providing the right tools, information, maintenance, operational excellence, maintenance, quality, labour conditions; all the inputs that then create safety and productivity within the supply chain.” Rosie said there will continue to be roadside education but there will be a lot more done earlier. “That could look like us providing the industry with better intelligence information about what are your key risks, what are your key controls, and what are we seeing in relation to that. “It might be we start to provide a lot more information about the types of things we’re seeing on the side of the road that are systemic,
i.e. we’re seeing a lot of people with brake failures, for example. “Here’s what we’re seeing. This is what our expectations are. This is where you can get help.” Rosie says you can also now expect the NHVR to get more “deliberate” about its regulatory intervention strategy under her helm. “And typically, our frontline teams should be being very focused on those critical risks in those key controls. And if you’re seeing something that’s not significant in a control context, of course an education and engage discussion is probably the right answer to the problem. “But if you are dealing with brake failure on a 68-tonne truck, that is not an educate and engage issue. That’s quite a significant critical control failure. “In the discussions I’ve had with the sector they lack that nuance. “They do talk about minor infringements but then often they’re talking about brake failure in the same sentence.”
Will the new safety management system help or hinder?
With so many details still to be hammered out, Rosie wouldn’t be drawn on the specifics of the new opt-in safety management system (SMS) which is part of the new HVNL reform due to be in play by mid-2026. But conceptually, she said the regulator sees it as “very positive”. “If you think about what I said earlier about operational excellence is the basis for safety, productivity and sustainability, the base level of accreditation being a safety management system is basically putting in good basic operational practices into organisations. “If it can be more based on observation and actually ensuring those things are in place, rather than a tick the box exercise, that should substantively improve the performance of the sector – I think it’s a huge opportunity.”
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14 COVER STORY
FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 2025 BIGRIGS.COM.AU
Year of celebrations for Betts
Father and son duo Peter and Chris Betts look back fondly on a memorable year capped with the recent arrival of their 100th Kenworth. BY JAMES GRAHAM CHRIS Betts has a confession to make about the special milestone 100th Kenworth T909 that has pride of place at Betts Rogers Transport in Walcha, the livestock division of Betts Transport. The most recent addition to the NSW fleet he runs alongside his father Peter is spec’d up a lot like all the other 909s in the operation that also runs general from a Newcastle depot. “It’s to save on all the arguments with the drivers,” reveals Chris who is joined by Peter to look back on a memorable year for the company that traces its roots back to 1923. Like all the recent 909s before it from Brown and Hurley Tamworth, the landmark Kenworth boasts a Cummins X15 600hp engine, an Eaton 22 series transmission, Kenworth Airglide 460 suspension, Meritor axles, front and rear, and a 50-inch bunk for maximum driver comfort on the road. It’s also pulling the lightweight Arends trailers, an aluminium set of stock crates that the Betts have been using for a few years now with six or seven sets they use across cattle and sheep. “We had a driver whose mate made them for Arends. We got one set and loved it and kept ordering them. They don’t drag as much so they’re better on fuel and they tare lighter. “The cattle stand on a mesh floor and that helps with their travel as well – it’s a lot softer on their feet – and there’s also a bit more internal room for the cattle. “We run those and Byrne trailers on our livestock side and Barker and Vawdrey on the general.” The milestone T909 does, however, have a few extras that give driver Mick Wright some more bragging rights over his colleagues. The signature touches include a D’Angelo Ballrace turntable, Showman Paint lines and scrolls, CustomAir sleeper and air-con, stainless steel from RC Metalcraft, Superchrome rims drive and steer, Kings Bullbar, a Haire Suspension upgrade and DMG lighting and electrical. There are also commemorative plaques and signage on the
The special milestone 100th Kenworth T909 that has pride of place at Betts Rogers Transport in Walcha. Image: Annelise/Candidly Captured
dash, seats and door celebrating the 100th delivery which are referenced in the deck plate and on the exhaust shrouds. Brown and Hurley even added heritage gauges to the dashboard. The new truck can run as a triple but is already earning its keep mostly as a B-double, said Chris. “Because of where we live up here in Walcha, we’re only in a B-double area,” he explained. “If we head south or east, we’ve got to break down to a two-decker, to singles, but you can get the B-triples into Tamworth and Inverell now so to stay in the game you’ve got to be able to do that. “We’ve sort of got five A-trailers placed strategically around the place so if we need to hook into a road train, we can do that.” The Betts remarkable run of Kenworths started in 1994 with a K100e when Peter, who was in the logging sector at the time, couldn’t get a cabover Mack, a badge he’s still loyal to today. “Dad purchased the first Kenworth with a Cat engine in it off Brown and Hurley in ’94, then got another 501 after that for the logs. Then it just grew from there, but over the years a few Macks have slipped back into the fleet, here and there. Dad’s still got a passion for that.” They include Peter’s special present to himself in 2025, a stunning new Super-Liner 780, which is kept busy hauling stock from the Walcha depot.
The big win at Trangie made the road trip even sweeter.
“I did get a 100-year anniversary Mack, so I didn’t think I really needed another one, but when you start 60 odd years ago with 130 horsepower and suddenly drops 780 in it, you’ve got to have a bit of a think about it. “I think that was the only reason to get it – just to have that power. It’s spec’ed up a bit different with a bigger bunk, and everything on it, but apart from that it’s not a lot different from any of the other Macks we’ve got.” Other highlights in a memorable year for the Betts was the recent road trip to the Festival of Transport in Alice Springs. The family also took the opportunity to hook up the trailers to haul their two B-Models and 1990 Mack Value-Liner to take part in the big parade, along with a family entourage of around 20 also travelling in convoy. When they discovered the Trangie Truck Show was on around the same time as they were due to leave, that become the meeting point and an early start to the celebrations with Chris’s beloved Value-Liner picking up the Truck of the Show trophy. “It was a bit of a surprise really, the Trangie show, because we didn’t realise how big it was until we got there – it was unreal,” Peter said. Added Chris: To win a prize on top was even more of a bonus – made the beer taste better.” The celebrations kicked into an even higher gear when Peter’s name was called out as an inductee at the Wall of Fame ceremony in Alice Springs a few days later, much to his amazement. Peter’s wife Beverley, who passed away in 2021, had been inducted posthumously last year – and now their names will be together forever, sideby-side on the industry’s hallowed wall. “That was the last thing I was expecting. I thought I was just going out there for the big truck show,” Peter said. “My daughter and her children and my brother and his wife and kids were there too but I thought we were all there
for the fun, not for my benefit.” Chris thought for sure the old man would have got a tap on the shoulder to alert him to the induction. “Even when his name was called out, he was looking around for another Peter Betts,” laughed Chris. “But it wasn’t until he saw us all holding up our cameras that he worked out it must have been him. We owe a lot of thanks to Frank Bilato and his daughter Ainsleigh for helping us out a lot with that one. They helped us keep the secret.” Added Peter: “A couple of our drivers nominated Beverly because she used to do operations for a long, long time here. “We all thought that was great, in her honour, but thought that’s that. “I didn’t think you got two from the one business. It is a bit of an achievement that we’re both there.” The family ties still run deep at Betts with the father-andson duo at the helm of the operation that was ranked number 20 on Beef Central’s top 25 Livestock Transporters in 2025. When asked for the secret to their enduring success, Chris tells Big Rigs that it’s all both of them have ever known. Peter used to work for his father and Chris inherited the same passion for the industry from an early age. “I used to go with Dad when he was logging and I think he used to change my nappies in the truck,” Chris said “I’ve always been in trucks and knew nothing different.” Chris’s great grandfather Robert Betts started hauling logs with bullocks in 1923 starting a business that grew until in 1996 when it “hit the highway” under the leadership of Peter doing general freight. Peter and Chris reckon they have a sweet spot at present with the size of the fleet which is split between 13 Kenworths, two Macks and Western Star running livestock and about 32 trucks running general out of Newcastle made up mainly of K200s, a few 610s, a couple of 909s and seven Volvos. Chris said maintaining the
Peter, left, and Chris Betts have had a year to remember. Images: Betts Transport
Peter also welcomed a Super-Liner 780 to the fleet in 2025.
Peter celebrates his surprise Wall of Fame induction in Alice Springs with granddaughters Poppy, 6, and Ava, 5.
The Betts’ big bangers loaded with the classic rigs for the NT.
business’ diversity of general freight with sheep and cattle work has been a big part of the Betts’ success. As for Peter, now 76, he still leads from the front, hauling livestock every chance gets behind the wheel of his of
new Super-Liner in B-double combinations across NSW and southern Queensland. “I drive it all the time myself, but I have to admit I’m the last one out of the yard and the first one back,” he laughs.
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16 FEATURE
FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 2025 BIGRIGS.COM.AU
Modern fleet keeps wheels turning
Among the first Actros ProCabin prime movers to be put to work, Victorian Freight Specialists (VFS) says its newest rig is a welcome addition. BY DANIELLE GULLACI FROM its humble beginnings in 1998 with just a few trucks, VFS now operates a modern fleet of 150 trucks, ranging from 4-6 pallet rigids right through to semis and B-doubles. That’s along with employing the services of over 200 sub-contractors. VFS specialises in deliveries throughout regional Victoria and has seven company owned depots across the state – Wodonga, Geelong, Morwell, Shepparton, Echuca, Truganina and Dandenong. It also has a network of 26 agents across Victoria’s regions. As Chris Collins, VFS Director of Operations, explained, “Regional Victoria is our specialty and we do about 70 B-doubles a night into country Victoria, Wagga, Canberra and Mt Gambier.” Surrounded by trucks all his life, Chris has been with the company pretty much from the get-go. “My dad and grandfather ran their own express trucks and I did a lot of driving early on to learn the craft, before moving into an operations role at the family business. At 18, I was completing year 12 while also driving trucks and doing changeovers,” he revealed. “I decided I wanted to go out and spread my wings and that’s when I was offered a job at VFS – 27 years ago. When I first started here, there were only three trucks. Now the business has grown into an absolute beast.” Chris attributes much of the company’s success to having the right people. “Each of the owners have their expertise and that’s key – having good people and then evolving together. They leave me to do what I do and I leave them to do what they do. “One of our drivers just celebrated 25 years with us. He started out on a car licence, driving a 14-pallet rigid and now he’s in a B-double. He’s moved all the way through his different licences, and he’s one of our star drivers,” added Chris. “We do a lot of in-house training and look after the younger people coming through, ensuring that we train them the right way. “We have quite a few younger generation drivers that are
VFS Director of Operations Chris Collins. Images: Daimler
The truck has been paired with a 16-pallet mezzanine deck semi trailer.
coming through and are being trained and well looked after. Generally when drivers start at VFS, we do a buddy system with another driver for the first week. “It’s hard to get good labour and it’s even harder to find drivers in the regional areas we operate in. Before we even send driver applicants to the next step, they’ll spend a few hours with our driver trainer. We need to make sure they’re competent before we’ll put them in a truck.” Chris believes that key to attracting the best drivers is by having a modern, reliable and well-presented fleet. That’s coupled with a comprehensive driver training program, that was further bolstered about six months ago when the company employed its first full-time driver trainer. VFS turns its trucks over around every five years. Currently there are over 20 Mercedes-Benz Actros prime movers in the fleet, ranging from 530hp single drives up to
VFS has been adding scroll work to some of its newest trucks.
the gruntier 630hp model for B-double work. Chris said his initial introduction to the Actros came after he was offered a demo model by Daimler, to see what he thought of it. As he told Big Rigs, he was very quickly sold. “We trialled one of the previous generation Actros trucks for a few weeks and what really stood out was the fuel economy and safety features. “I’ve raced cars since I was quite young so I’m very much into performance. A lot of the features the demo had really impressed me, so I ordered one of the first ones that came into Australia. VFS has built a great relationship with Daimler, with both the Mercedes-Benz and Fuso brands.” A few months back, VFS took delivery of one of the first new generation Actros models, the 530hp Mercedes-Benz Actros ProCabin 4x2. Only just launched in Australia, the ProCabin has an all-new look, with increased aerodynamics to further boost fuel performance. Based at the Dandenong facility, it’s paired to a 32ft, 16-pallet mezzanine deck semi trailer, and is one of two trucks used in the same configuration. The other being another Actros that’s a little over a year old. “Those 32ft trailers are used to get into stores where the bigger semis can’t access. They’re used for a lot of potting mix for Mitre 10 and alcohol to retail stores,” said Chris. “They’re also a great stepping stone for drivers to get into before moving into the bigger semis.” Commenting on the new
The front of the new Actros ProCabin is designed for maximum aerodynamics.
The truck features a bullbar from AJ’s Bullbars.
Actros ProCabin, Chris added, “I like the fresh look of it, they’ve got good horsepower and are really comfortable. “I went to Germany with Daimler a few years back and heard about all these little things that were being done on the new generation models for increased fuel savings. “This new ProCabin has only been on the road a short time, so it’s early days, but we’re definitely seeing a benefit with fuel efficiency. The main reason we’ve gone with this model is for the fuel economy. “From the first Actros we purchased, the safety features and fuel economy keep on getting better.” With the new Actros ProCabin, Mercedes-Benz engineers have extended the front by 80mm and shaped the front of the truck for maximum aerodynamics. The aim: to remove unwanted gaps and joints, so that air is guided either around the cabin or straight into the truck’s cooling system.
The ProCabin replaces the existing larger cab Actros models, the 2.5 StreamSpace and Gigaspace models. The smaller cab models, the 2.3 ClassicSpace and StreamSpace, continue with the existing design. In terms of safety features, all Actros models have been upgraded with the Active Brake Assist 6 safety package that now includes five radars that provide a 270-degree view around the vehicle and allows for optimum operation of the Active Side Guard Assist 2 system. It can even stop the truck when it is turning left (up to 20km/h) if it detects a hazard. When any brand new truck model joins the fleet, VFS has some of its most senior and experienced drivers trial the truck to provide the company with feedback. “They’ll have it for a week and I get my best drivers to do that. With the ProCabin, all the feedback was really good. We like to do that so we can provide feedback to our suppliers on how
their trucks are performing out on the road,” said Chris. In recent times, VFS has also been jazzing up the look of its newest trucks. The new ProCabin also includes a bullbar made by AJ’s Bullbars. “I’m a kid at heart when it comes to trucks. With the last 10 Actros trucks, we’ve gone the next step by adding some scroll work. Our fleet was all white, but after John Rowe, one of our founding members retired, we had a black Actros done up for him. Now we have five black Actros prime movers. “For our 25th anniversary, we also had a 25-year Actros delivered too. We’ve been doing our trucks up a bit nicer. We try to support charity convoys as well, so we want the trucks to be well presented.” Looking ahead to the new year, Chris told Big Rigs that a major focus for VFS will be further improving its regional depots. VFS is also working to secure a number of new contracts for 2026. “If that all goes to plan, we’ll look to buy some additional trucks too.”
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OFFERS VALID UNTIL JANUARY 31, 2026 The offers presented are available at Daimler Truck participating dealerships only and are subject to stock availability. Offer prices are valid for orders placed and paid for during the promotion period between 1/11/2025 – 31/01/2026. Dealer participation can be determined by calling 1800 033 557 or by contacting your nearest dealership. Parts listed may be VIN specific, parts advertised have been identified to suit the majority of the models specified. Part numbers should be checked against the VIN to ensure suitability. For assistance, please contact your nearest participating Daimler Truck dealership prior to purchase. Prices within this promotion are recommended maximum selling prices including GST, excluding labour and fitment costs from a participating dealer. All items have been included in good faith on the basis that they will be available during the promotion period. Photographs are for illustrative purposes only and may vary slightly from the actual product. Prototype samples are sometimes used for photography and production parts may vary slightly. We reserve the right to correct all printing errors. Where third party images and content appear, this has been done with the appropriate approval. Mercedes-Benz Trucks is a registered trademark of Daimler AG, Stuttgart Germany. Fuso is a registered trademark of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation, Japan. Freightliner is a registered trademark of Daimler Trucks North America LLC. All products are distributed by Daimler Truck Australia Pacific Pty Ltd. ABN 86 618 413 282.
18 DRIVER PROFILES
FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 2025 BIGRIGS.COM.AU
Trucking couple commit for the long haul Lured to the wide open road, this husband and wife team are now doing twoup together, tackling a weekly 8300-kilometre run. BY DANIELLE GULLACI GAIL Ritchie and Robbie Miller had just arrived in Perth and were on their break, mid-way through their seventh run together doing twoup, when Big Rigs caught up with them. Though they’re both doing the same work now, working for HPS Transport, based at Regency Park in Adelaide, their journeys into trucking looked very different. Robbie, 53, has now been in trucking for just over a decade. “I was a diving instructor before that. Being a dive master, you’re only working at certain times during the season. I wanted to get into something with more consistent work, so I got back into trucking,” he said. “I had previously done a few small stints driving trucks before that.” For Gail, 50, there was a long time where entering the trucking world seemed like a pipe dream. Inspired by Robbie, she had tried to make the switch from office work to trucking on several occasions. “I had a bumpy start. I didn’t think it was ever going to happen for me,” she admitted. Gail’s first attempt to make the switch to trucks back in 2021 was only short-lived and within a few months, she was back behind a desk. Not one to give up on her dream, Gail’s big break came in November 2023, when after a few different roles driving trucks, she found work with Qube and upskilled to her MC. The role saw her doing the 500-kilometre round trip from Qube’s Adelaide depot to Port Pirie in a road train. “I left Qube in April this
year, then went to Energy Logistix for five months to get experience driving triples in remote South Australia,” said Gail. “The role at Energy Logistix was a good opportunity to get some more experience in the Roadranger. I wanted to be able to do things on my own, from changing my own tyres to reversing with the dolly. I’m glad I had the opportunity to do that.” With Robbie already working at HPS for six to seven years, the opportunity to be able to work together was too good to pass up, so Gail joined him a few months ago. “I’ve been driving on and off for four years now,” said Gail. “When I first decided to get my truck licence, the goal was to come in and do this with him. It was a rocky road to get there but now I’m here. “I’m proud of myself for finally doing it, especially learning the Roadranger. I still pinch myself.” Gail continued, “When I was driving solo up to the mines and Olympic Dam, there was that freedom of being able to stop wherever you want and enjoy the scenery. It felt like being your own boss to an extent. And now with this job, we get to spend more time together. “Robbie has been driving longer than me so now in this job, he gives me some good tips on different things – I’m still learning.” Family owned and operated, and started over 30 years ago, HPS Transport specialises in refrigerated, transporting perishable and temperature sensitive goods. The company’s main runs are between Adelaide and Perth, with daily
It’s not unusual to see camels on their travels. This shot was snapped about 14km east of Cocklebiddy, WA.
The couple works for HPS Transport, based in Adelaide.
services on this route, and also transports to all other capital cities too. It has a fleet of over 50 prime movers and 100 refrigerated trailers. “They have some really nice trucks. They’re mainly Western Stars, along with some MANs and Freightliners for the local work,” said Gail. Robbie and Gail are in a 2021 Western Star 4900 FXC Stratosphere, with an 82-inch ultra high roof cab, pulling a 36.5 metre double road train with tri axle dolly. “I like these slightly older Western Stars more than the new ones as there’s less tech in them,” said Robbie. “I was in the same model previously, but in a different truck.” Gail added, “The cabs in these trucks are huge. I didn’t have that much exposure in the manual Roadranger so this has been a massive learning curve for me.” “We also have two fridges in the truck,” said Robbie, “so we tend to bring everything with us, but sometimes we like to stop at Mundrabilla Roadhouse. It has a pool table and a beer garden. “Nullarbor Roadhouse is also really good,” said Gail. “And the BP roadhouse at Southern Cross does really good hot chips. “There’s also a town called Kellerberrin in WA that has a great servo with about 40 different pies to choose from, and it’s absolutely immaculate.” The couple’s total round trip is about 8300 kilometres. Robbie explained, “We leave Adelaide on Monday night at around 8pm and get into Perth in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Then we have 10-hour break at the depot and wait for the next lot of trailers to take to Mundrabilla or Border Village, where we
do a changeover with another truck coming from Adelaide. Then we head back to Perth and get another set of trailers and arrive back in Adelaide on the Saturday morning.” Though it’s generally all refrigerated, the loads change each week. “Last week we had a trailer of avocados, this week it was seafood. We also do a delivery at the border to the police and quarantine station every few weeks and they get so excited when the delivery rolls in,” said Robbie. Gail added, “It’s a long trip and we haven’t killed each other yet. We get along like a house on fire, we’ve been together 13 years now.” Robbie says that while they’re mostly on the bitumen, one of the roughest stretches of road they get along is the section of the Great Eastern Highway, from Coolgardie to Southern Cross. Gail was happy to add, “I’ve been driving that stretch so haven’t had to sleep through it for a while which is good. There’s a bit of cursing and swearing when I go down that road. It’s really uneven and rough. There’s a lot of the roads where the fog line ends… and so does the bitumen! “We’re only coming up to the end of our seventh week on this run and we’ve seen three rollovers already. It really does open your eyes.” Asked what they love most about being on the road, Gail and Robbie both had similar responses. “I enjoy the scenery and the open road, and there’s no one to annoy you,” said Robbie. “I enjoy most of the drive but really love the Nullarbor and then at the Goldfields you get nice lightning storms that are all different colours.” Gail added, “There was a huge storm that came through Kalgoorlie and Coolgardie last week and the lightning just looked spectacular,” she said. “And the Bunda Cliffs are absolutely beautiful. Then there’s all the wild flowers coming up in the west.”
Gail and Robbie are enjoying life on the road. Images: Gail Ritchie
Gail upskilled to her MC in November 2023.
There’s also the wildlife too. “I got to see camels near a town called Cocklebiddy,” said Gail. “I came over the rise and there were six of them crossing the road which was exciting to see, including some baby camels. I’m glad that happened during the day. It would be a different story at night.” Rob added, “You usually get
them far enough away from the highways but I had one camel run out of the bushes just on sunrise one morning.” Though they’re only a couple of months into the job, this husband and wife team are enjoying the ride. “I’m just glad to finally be working together after all of these years, and annoying each other very well,” laughed Gail.
They’re behind the wheel of this 2021 Western Star 4900 FXC Stratosphere.
Robbie made a career change from diving to driving just over 10 years ago.
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20 EVENTS
FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 2025 BIGRIGS.COM.AU
Rain fails to dampen truck show spirit
Despite a bleak forecast, Castlemaine once again delivered a standout weekend, drawing hundreds of trucks and massive crowds. BY GRAHAM HARSANT THE weather forecast was not inspiring confidence as we hooked up the caravan and headed to Castlemaine for our yearly dose of their long lived (37 years) truck show. Ten millimetres of rain coming in the afternoon of our arrival on the Friday boded for a wet set-up and 1020mm predicted for both the Saturday and Sunday was not exactly enticement for traipsing in and around a bunch of trucks, no matter how good they look. Indeed, I wondered just how many would turn up given the wintery conditions and the knowledge that truckies
can read the forecast as well as me. Oh me of little faith! The Friday rains came in late and cleared early on the Saturday to welcome as many trucks as is usual for one of the last shows on the trucking calendar year. From my first visit to Castlemaine over 20 years ago where the oval would be encircled by a row of gleaming paint and chrome, that row is now two, and in places, three deep. The rain returned with a vengeance on Saturday evening but took a break for the annual convoy through town on the Sunday morning, where 155 of the 187 registered entrants took part.
CATEGORY WINNERS
Whilst 187 registrations was slightly down on past years, it did not reflect the number of trucks attending. A rough count put the number at closer to 250. Thinking ahead, Rotary had erected a massive marquee which encompassed the stage and was most welcome throughout Sunday as the rain squalls passed through. Many of the vendor marquees had been erected in a ‘sideshow alley’ in the centre of the oval which attracted large crowds to that area. Certainly they were all trading briskly each time I passed by. This year Shamick Transport was the naming rights sponsor of the show. “We love this show and come up here every year to
enjoy the atmosphere, so we jumped at the opportunity to take over the sponsorship from Jon Kelly,” said Shamick Manager, Mick Aiello. “It is a great event and we’re happy to help keep it going for another year.” Based in Laverton, Shamick’s have 14 trucks and specialise in machinery, structural steel and oversized freight. “This show is good for the kids and good for the community and we’re happy to support these country towns. These shows bring a lot of money to the town and it all goes to a good cause. The kids love climbing in the trucks, pulling the horn and so forth and we like to encourage that.” First time attendee at Cas-
tlemaine was Waverly Forklifts (WFL) with half a dozen trucks on show. Owned by Charlie Schwerkolt, who owns Supercars Team 18, the trucks move Charlie’s approximately 5000 Toyota Forklifts around the country to wherever they are needed. Driver Kurt Green, better known as Sticks, who is Sydney-based, was there with his Kenworth SAR 610. “Before this I was in a T909 with a 50” sleeper, so I’ve come down a bit in living space but you know what? I don’t mind at all. This is the most ergonomic, liveable truck I’ve driven. “I’ve been with WFL for 12 months and I’ve never looked back. They are a fantastic company to work for
and nothing is ever too much trouble. That can be hard to come by in our industry these days. This is a company that puts the driver before profits. “Charlie is just a terrific bloke. He is very approachable, willing to help load and have a chat with us. He just loves being one of the boys. “As the name implies we move forklifts around. We have a yard in every capital city and we service a lot of events. We might pick up in Brisbane and come down to Sydney because they have an event down there. It could be Supercars or it could be a rock concert.” I asked Sydney-based Kurt why he’d come down to Castlemaine.
Truck of the Show
Kenworth T909 – M&D Reeve Transport (Driver: Matt)
Fleet (3 or more)
Morris Transport – 7 rigs
Best Working Rig 2024–25 Winner:
Kenworth T909 – M&T Blanch Transport (Driver: Malcolm) Runner-up:
Kenworth T610 – Claire Transport (Driver: Derek) Mick Aiello of naming rights sponsor, Shamick Transport.
Best Working Rig 2018–2023 Winner:
Mack Superliner – Wilken Bulk Haulage (Driver: Jeremy) Runner-up:
Kenworth T909 – A&K Darling (Driver: Tub)
Best Working Rig 2012–2017 Winner:
Kenworth T909 – Southern Sons Transport (Driver: Elijah) Runner-up:
Kenworth K200 – Keatings Transport (Driver: Craig)
Best Working Rig – Pre-2012 Winner:
Kenworth K100G – Campbell Earthmoving & Excavation (Driver: Paul)
The winning trophy matches the winning truck.
Kurt (Sticks) Green of WFL was a first-time attendee at Castlemaine and loved it.
Runner-up:
Kenworth T908 – RV Broadbent (Driver: Huippie)
Historic Truck (Pre-1995) Winner:
Autocar P MVR – Calleja Transport (Driver: Don) Restoration (1995–2011) Runner-up:
Kenworth T900 – RSD Transport (Driver: Leigh)
Best Show/Custom
Kenworth T909 – Ausway Transport (Driver: Bobby)
The Cornwill boys didn’t enter their trucks this year, probably to everyone else’s relief.
People’s Choice
Kenworth T659 – Morris Transport (Driver: Steve)
Best Paint (Traditional)
Kenworth W924 – JJ Whelan (Driver: Jackson)
Best Paint (Artwork)
Kenworth T909 – Kuchel Contractors (Driver: Glen)
Best Interior
Kenworth T408 SAR – Wycar Transport (Driver: Ben)
Tray/Tilt Tray
International S-Line – Black Transport (Driver: Lachlan)
Saturday’s winner, Michael Mowat.
Tow Recovery
Kenworth T604 – Parsons Towing (Driver: Griffen)
Tipper
Kenworth T909 – Browns Stockfeeds (Driver: Dave)
Judges’ Special Mention – Best Local Truck Kenworth – Leech Transport (Driver: Matt)
Peter Morris won Best Fleet & People’s Choice awards.
Morris Transport heading out to the convoy.
EVENTS 21
BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 2025 “This is a type of calibre you are dealing with at Waverley Forklifts,” he replied. “They asked if I would be interested in coming to the show. It is more of a bonding session and getting to mix with the boys socially. As an interstate driver you tend not to see the guys most of the time. “I haven’t been to a truck show in 30 years and it brings back a lot of memories. This Castlemaine Truck Show has rejuvenated my faith in the transport industry. There are that many kids who are truck oriented and driving these big trucks. It is amazing. I thought it had all gone until I came here.” Show stalwarts, the Cornwill boys, were there as usual but this year did not enter their Brisbane ‘Best of the Best’ winner, ‘Dynamite’, a Legend SAR, or their multi-award winning T908, ‘Paradise’ into the competition. “We had won two years in a row and then we won Australian Champion,” said Rick Cornwill. “The committee were talking to us about judg-
ing and asking for our input in that regard so we said we wouldn’t enter. “They want to make this show as good as it can be and I think they have done a very good job. We have discussed with them what they want to do going forward and I think they want to change it up a bit next year and share the love a bit more. “So, if there are 30 categories then 30 trucks get an award rather than one truck getting multiples. “There is also talk of splitting the major award into best working truck and best show truck. I think that is probably a good idea as well. It is hard to compete a working truck that has done half a million kilometres against a show truck. I think trying to define that will be better.” Winner of Saturday’s Rig of the Day went to Michael Mowat of Maloney’s with his classy white and green T909 with the overall Truck of the Show going to Matt and Danii Reeve with their 2024 T909. The truck is an ode to Matt’s
father’s SAR from back in the 80s with a similar paint scheme and even the same number plate. The back of the truck features a dedication to Matt’s grandfather, Harold (Bon) Reeve, with the inscription, ‘The Legacy Lives On’. The 909 is painted a dark blue with gold and white striping together with contrasting pinstripes. This is one classy unit. In a nice twist, the trophy’s colours perfectly matched those of the truck. “This truck is bit special because of the way it’s been painted and because it’s a tribute to an older truck that used to run the Hume Highway five nights a week. “It was either go big or go home and we went BIG. It started off life as a K200 and it kept getting changed and changed until we got a bonnet and called it a 909. We went the whole hog.” Congratulations to the Reeves, all the other trophy winners and Castlemaine Rotary for yet another sterling event.
[L-R] Matt, Kai and Danii Reeve with their Truck of the Show, a 2024 T909, dedicated to Matt’s grandfather. Images: Graham Harsant
“When I grow up, mum, I want to be a truck driver.”
Peter Wiffen attended Castlemaine for the first time with his magic Louisville.
Kuchels keeping the International brand alive. Give me a home among the gum trees.
Trev Slospeed is always on hand with a bottle of water for this dehydrated writer.
We don’t see too many of these on full rego.
Mal Blanch’s superb T908.
Tony Whelan’s 1986 W Model, Winner of the Best Traditional Paint trophy.
Mack Munchers seem to be appearing everywhere.
Condoluci’s tipper was a stand-out.
22 READER RIGS
FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 2025 BIGRIGS.COM.AU
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Mackenzie Dival snapped this pic of the DAF CF, while stopped at Winnejup, WA.
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the comments, or email them direct to danielle.gullaci@ primecreative.com.au for your chance to win the main prize. 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 print edition of Big Rigs, with one winner announced each month. Keep those amazing truck pics coming!
A great shot from Grant Stiles, taken during a run up to Brisbane.
Dylan Long enjoys a ripper sunrise in the Craig Arthur Transport triple.
Adrian Wynne’s Kenworth blends in perfectly with the scenery while parked up at Yeppoon, Queensland.
Brad Jackson picks up a load of barley at Minyip, Victoria, in his T409.
Aaron Maher captured this great pic of the Wickham Freight Lines K220 heading north to Warwick, Queensland.
A ripper pic of the Robtrans 1985 K125 from Filip Schubert.
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Shane Wilkes shared this pic, stopped somewhere between Cunnamulla and the Queensland/NSW the border.
Andrew Wales took this great photo of his brand new T659 at Jerilderie, NSW.
Cam Deans snapped this cool shot at Elachbutting Rock, WA.
Ryan Mckelvie snapped this great pic near Port Augusta, during a trip from South Australia to Perth.
Another ripper pic from Gary Morton, this time snapped at Victoria River in the NT.
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Wesley Meehan loads before sunrise at Broken Hill, NSW.
Kimberley Milczarek cruises homeward bound in the Kenworth.
24 FEATURE
FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 2025 BIGRIGS.COM.AU
Let’s make that a dozen
Impressed by their fuel efficiency and great driver feedback, a pair of new DAF XG 660hp prime movers has quickly multiplied into a dozen. BY DANIELLE GULLACI FOR Minus 1 Refrigerated Transport, 2025 has been marked by strong growth, including the recent opening of its first Sydney facility and expanding its fleet to cater to increased demand for its transport services. Family owned and operated, Minus 1 is headed up by CEO and Managing Director, Billy Barba. It was started by his father Dominic Barba in 1986, with just one truck, delivering chickens across Victoria for Sunrise Poultry. By 1996, he made the decision to introduce linehaul services, moving away from outsourcing to subcontractors and instead growing its staff of employees. From its beginnings in Victoria, Minus 1 opened its Brisbane depot in 2021, the South Australia depot in 2022 and the Sydney facility last month. Dominic’s children Billy, Dominique, Daniel, and Michael all work within the family business. Billy began learning the ropes when he came on board 16 years ago – and following his father’s retirement, he took over as Managing Director in 2023. Today the fleet includes over 180 trucks, running as rigids, B-doubles, road trains through to high productivity B-triples. To support the company’s growth, Minus 1 took delivery of its first two DAF XG660 FTT prime movers in June. The purchase followed a successful demo earlier in the year, where some of Minus 1’s most experienced drivers had the opportunity to see how well these trucks performed out on the road. Following positive feedback from drivers, Billy decided to order his first two DAF XGs. “The feedback has been positive, with power being the main highlight while towing our PBS combinations,” Billy told Big Rigs. Powered by the 660hp PACCAR PX-15 6-cylinder diesel engine and rated to 97 tonnes GCM, these trucks effortlessly pull heavier combinations without sacrificing power or fuel efficiency. The DAF XG660 FTT prime movers can deliver a superior fuel burn of 2.2 kilometres per litre. That’s aided by various design elements that help to bolster fuel efficiency – namely the truck cab’s tapered build, air fenders, closed wheel arch covers and adjustable roof air deflectors. The XG prime movers also feature TraXon’s 16-speed automated manual transmission; and are well equipped with a host of technology and safety features. These DAF XGs have adaptive cruise control including a frontal collision warning no-
The DAF XG prime movers have been a welcome addition to the Minus 1 fleet. Images: Minus 1
tice, an advanced emergency braking system and a driver airbag. They also feature 360-degree impact protection, where energy-absorbing crash boxes are built into the bulkhead. The back of the cab features fully integrated rear crash zones to protect against moving loads, a programmed steering wheel movement reduces driver impact, and the dashboard includes impact absorbing zones to protect the driver’s knees. Adding to this is DAF’s custom-made corner view camera, offering drivers a 285-degree view of the road, from the driver’s seat all the way to the passenger side, greatly improving the truck cab’s visibility. According to the manufacturer, it increases driver visibility by 33 per cent. Impressed by its first DAF XGs, Minus 1 soon added to its initial order, with 12 of these prime movers now in the fleet. “Our strongest lanes are along the eastern board. These DAFs will connect increased services from Sydney direct to Adelaide and Perth,” added Billy. “The fleet is ever-evolving and moving through different states depending on the size of the contract we’re delivering on.” The additional services come as Minus 1 opened its new Sydney site with a state-of-theart cold storage offering. Located in Minchinbury, New South Wales, this is the company’s first facility in the state. “Minus 1 has been operating out of Sydney for a long time,” added Billy. “The need for our own facility came from our growth in the region and needing to support our customers as they also grow. Supporting our team and customers with a world-class facility, that offers both transport and storage, is a game changer.” The official opening of the new Sydney site took place on Friday November 21, with a special event and ribbon cutting ceremony. The 20,000sqm facility
Minus 1 CEO and Managing Director Billy Barba.
Minus 1 hosted a cocktail event with “a touch of blue” to celebrate the new site.
These DAF XGs are powered by the 660hp PACCAR PX-15 6-cylinder diesel engine.
Used across a range of duties, the new DAFs are rated to 97 tonnes GCM. Image: DAF Trucks
houses over 15,000 pallet spaces across frozen, chilled and confectionary chambers, 19 recessed loading docks and its own truck workshop. The depot will see over 11,000 tonnes of stock cross the warehouse floor each week. “The opening marks a new phase of rapid growth for the business, one that offers our 750 plus customers the end-to-end service of not just transport, but storage also. This is the future of logistics and we’re here to be the country’s best and most reliable refrigerated carrier,” said Billy, as he explained the company’s decision to bolster and diversify its customer offering. “We recognised we needed to diversify our service offering given the volatility in the road transport sector. It was clear we needed to support
our people with the right infrastructure and transition from a transport-only offering into a fully integrated, refrigerated logistics business.” Billy says the current phase of business growth includes purchasing further infrastructure to support company operations, investing in new technology and being supported by the company’s 300-strong workforce. “We’re a second-generation family business and we’ve come from humble beginnings. This has always been the anchor we need to propel us into our next phase of growth,” Billy added. “The opening event was a celebration which included new and old customers, staff, and friends and family of the business. It was an opportunity to say thank you to the
Billy Barba welcomes guests during the Sydney grand opening.
people who made this project possible and to showcase what the facility has to offer.” Asked what he attributes to the company’s current growth and expansion, Billy added, “Growth is purely driven by our passion to service our customers and an ambition to value-add across many refrigerated logistics functions. “The future for Minus 1 looks bright. My focus as the
CEO and Managing Director is investing in our people, technology, reliable trucks like our new DAF XGs and continuing to grow our infrastructure in all states. “We will no doubt look to purchase more DAF trucks as the need and opportunity arrives. They have been an integral part of our service and reliability factor and our truck drivers love driving them.”
FEATURE 25
BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 2025
Cat attack takes to the track
BY DAVID VILE
WITH its bright yellow paintwork and sleek styling, the #19 Kenworth of Dale Cornfoot has this year become both a fan favourite and front runner in the Australian Super Truck Racing Series. Based out of Dubbo, NSW, the BDK Racing team, with Dale at the wheel, came home second in the national championship in its debut season, with the Cat-powered Kenworth showing a clean set of heels to its opposition on a number of occasions. During the week Dale oversees a large fleet of civil construction equipment through his BDK Earthmoving operation, and having raced karts in his younger years, he had previously made the step up to truck racing with the Tringali racing team before taking a break from the sport. But when the Kenworth came up for sale Dale was soon back on the track with his own team. “I raced karts for about 10 years so had a fair bit of experience in them,” Dale explained. “I was familiar with driving a truck so put two and two together and off we went. Tringali’s gave me a bit of a go in their Transtar as a co-driver for about two seasons. Work got the better of me, so I had to give it up for a while but as soon as this one came up for sale that brought us back.” Taking on the Kenworth and with sponsorship from Gulf Western Oil, the BDK Racng Team soon had the truck on track and up the front of the pack, with the fettled C-13 Caterpillar engine a strong performer, pushing out north of 1000 horsepower. “We bought it off Rob Waters in Western Australia. It started its life as a W-Model, it had been in an accident at Mallala and got rebuilt,” Dale said. “Now it has got a T909 cab on it and the bonnet was off a 909 as well but it has been modified and raked to resemble a T950. It also had a C-11 Cat before the C-13 got put in it and it is running an Allison World Series Automatic,
Dale Cornfoot with the #19 BDK Racing SuperTruck.
Dale Cornfoot leads the pack into Turn One on the Winton long-track. Images: David Vile
With its yellow colours, the BDK Racing Kenworth stands out on the track.
Dale duking it out with Marcus Prillwitz’s Mack Super-Liner at Winton.
and we have got her going pretty well.” While running a Cat-powered truck puts them at odds with their competitors in terms of powerplants, the ties to Cat headquarters in Peoria, Illinois are strong and Dale wouldn’t have it any other way. “We are the odd-ball team running a Cat motor but that is what drew it to us. I would reckon 90 per cent of our civil earthmoving gear is Caterpillar. It’s the same as in our trucks, we have a T909 float truck and we took the Cummins EGR out and put a C-15 in it. I also have a 389 Peterbilt with a motor ready to go back in it – we are yellow through and through.” Running the championship in 2025 across four states, the Kenworth was on track at Mallala in South Australia and Morgan Park in
we were three trucks wide, Shannon Smith, Steve Zammit and I at the last corner and it was wet. There is racing respect for those around you too. The last two rounds we have come home with no panel damage at all which has been good; usually there is a bit, but everyone looks after each other.” Securing second in this year’s championship, Dale reckons he can go one better in the chase for the 2026 title. With a close-knit team at the BDK Earthmoving base doing the work on the truck between events he reckons there is more to come from the #19 machine. “We do everything at home – GTS Mechanical, Stay Loaded Mechanical and Down South Diesels all pitch in, We even have people from Melbourne come up and work on it in Dubbo.
Queensland along with two visits to Winton in north-east Victoria. The results soon started coming with a lap record and clean sweep of the races at Morgan Park and first overall at the final Winton round. While having the speed and the race craft to run strongly, a few mechanical gremlins curtailed Dale’s charge for the championship. “It’s a bit like riding a bike, getting used to the truck has taken a bit of time. The driveability’s not too bad considering the power. You need to be light on the pedal as it will break out into wheelspin straight away if you plant it. “We have had some bad luck along the way too. We blew the diff up at Mallala and here at Winton in July it did a brake rotor which put us out of the last race, so we have missed about five races in to-
tal but still we’re not too bad overall on the points table.” This year the trucks also used the ‘long track’ layout at Winton which saw them lapping around the 1m 15s mark and allows for the trucks to stretch their legs on a couple of longer straights, providing a few extra passing opportunities. Among the competitors there is also respect shown out on the track. “I prefer the long track as the truck suits that distance. It is harder on the brakes, but with the longer straights we can get to the 160km/h mark. On the short track some would get to 160, but it was pushing it. You need to have good drive out of the corners. “Having the longer circuit, you have a bit more time to pass them too so you can pick and choose a bit. “At the last Winton round,
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“They all make a big effort for which we are very grateful. We will keep working on it and try and lighten it up a bit for next year. It’s a bit heavy as opposed to what it can be and it does make a big difference on the brakes having an extra 400kg you don’t have to pull up on every corner.” The contrast between racing categories like Formula One and Supercars could not be any greater when compared to the Super Truck racing community, with strong connection and co-operation between teams out on the track and also in the garage. “It’s so family-friendly; there’s always kids running about the garages and everyone helps everyone out. It’s like a week away for us, we make it through the weekend and hopefully take home a trophy,” Dale said.
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FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 2025 BIGRIGS.COM.AU
PBS approved A-double helps to boost efficiency
SELECT Logistics & Transport has taken another step forward in high-productivity freight with the development of a brand-new PBS approved A-double drop deck skel configuration, purpose-built for the carriage of ISO tank containers. The design and approval process behind this unit highlights what can be achieved when fleet operators, trailer builders, PBS certifiers and assessors collaborate early. BTT Engineering was engaged by Select Logistics & Transport in early 2025 to review potential High Productivity Freight Vehicle (HPFV) combination types that would best suit a specialised task: transporting ISO tank containers from Longford, Victoria through to Port Augusta, South Australia. The route demanded a solution that could deliver genuine payload efficiency while remaining safe, stable, and compatible with the infrastructure and access framework along the corridor. From the outset, BTT fo-
cused on finding the most appropriate PBS combination for both the freight task and access environment. After assessing route constraints, payload requirements, axle groupings, and operational practicality, BTT identified the PBS Level 3A 85.5-tonne General Freight Reference Vehicle 4 as the best fit. This reference vehicle offered the ideal balance of productivity and performance for the Longford to Port Augusta task. In addition, the project required further In-Principle access permits to enable a total operating mass of approximately 84 tonnes, ensuring Select Logistics could meet payload targets without compromising compliance. Key to the success of the project was ensuring the trailer design precisely matched the intended PBS reference vehicle. BTT worked closely with the trailer manufacturer Vawdrey and the assessor through the full development cycle, including configuration selection, dimensioning, axle spacing, swept path
The PBS approved A-double drop deck skel has been built to carry ISO tank containers. Image: BTT Engineering
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and performance alignment. The drop deck skel arrangement was refined to maintain the required design envelope while also achieving the payload management heights necessary for safe and efficient movement of ISO tanks. This included careful attention to deck height, container support points, and overall combination geometry to ensure stability and compatibility with loading facilities. The outcome is a modern, heavy-duty A-double skel combination ready to deliver real-world efficiency gains for Select Logistics. The core benefit of this PBS unit is its ability to transport two ISO containers in a single movement, maximising freight efficiency on long interstate legs.
For Select Logistics, this means fewer trips, improved asset utilisation, and a meaningful reduction in cost per tonne moved. Importantly, the combination also supports shorter shuttle movements between manufacturing sites and key Melbourne depots, giving the fleet flexibility across both linehaul and metropolitan tasks. PBS approvals are fundamentally about achieving higher productivity without sacrificing safety. This project demonstrates that with the right engineering approach, operators can unlock substantial benefits while meeting rigorous performance standards for low-speed manoeuvrability, high-speed tracking, static rollover threshold, and braking performance. The
THE CORE BENEFIT OF THIS PBS UNIT IS ITS ABILITY TO TRANSPORT TWO ISO CONTAINERS IN A SINGLE MOVEMENT, MAXIMISING FREIGHT EFFICIENCY ON LONG INTERSTATE LEGS.”
Select Logistics A-double is a strong example of PBS doing what it is designed to do: enabling smarter combinations tailored to a specific freight challenge and route. With the unit now completed and ready for service, Select Logistics is positioned to expand its ISO tank task capability and support customers with safer, more efficient freight outcomes.
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Trucks are coming clean for Christmas BY AUSSIE PUMPS
HERE at Aussie Pumps, we get a real blast to read Big Rigs. What we love about it is not only the quality of the editorial, and that it’s “earthy”, but also the wonderful photos. What we also like is the idea that these stories all seem to have a real point to them. For example, we got very excited when we saw Victoria’s Environmental Regulations has fined Winslow
Constructions over $5000 for having muddy trucks. We all know about the environmental protection rules, but give us a break. Who knows the circumstances of whether it was simply impossible to have an opportunity to clean the truck off before hitting the road. One thing is for sure, an Aussie pressure cleaner would have made short work of that mud and saved Winslow $5000.
Other things we also like is the big adverts from people like Mercedes. Everyone can relate to folk like Jim Foody, running up to Cape York and commenting on the pain he puts his 1997 Western Star 4900 through, pulling a triple road train. Jim, we admire you and people like you. Here at Aussie Pumps, we build the best pressure cleaners in the business. The reason we can say that is really sim-
ple. We just spare no expense to produce the products with the best components. For example, we only use Bertolini pumps from Northern Italy. They’re simply the best. Our chassis, frames and trollies for pressure cleaners are all stainless steel. Aussie Pumps also offer a great range of accessories that will get those big rigs clean faster, giving you more leisure time. Telewands that reach up to nearly six metres are very handy.
Aussie Pumps’ Mike Dade Kenny with a Kenworth, freshly washed with the Aussie Blaster. Images: Aussie Pumps
Our photo shows the famous Mike Dade from Aussie in Sydney with a big ‘Kenny’ that looks like it’s just had a wash. Your truck can look this smart and you could save time by using all of the great gadgets we produce to make truck cleaning faster and more efficient.
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Get FREE detergent foamer (goes on like shaving cream), FREE turbo (slams mud and grime from undercarriage), FREE long length stainless steel lance and gun for cleaning anything out of reach… no ladders required! We wish a great Christmas to all truckies. You’re the
best and you’re what keeps Australia moving. We know what you go through and we know what you have to put up with. Let’s hope 2026 is a new world with no potholes and no time wasting on truck washing. Save time with our unique Aussie truck wash kit and no nosy bureaucrats. For more information, don’t hesitate to call Aussie Pumps on 02 8865 3500 or visit aussiepumps.com. au. We’re off on December 23 and back on January 5. Get in quick, only 30 of these big Aussie truck wash specials are available. See our advert over the page.
A run of Aussie Scud pressure cleaners going through the state-of-the-art test facility at Aussie’s factory.
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28 FEATURE
FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 2025 BIGRIGS.COM.AU
IKEA Australia deploys four electric trucks
AS part of its goal of achieving 100 per cent zero-emission home deliveries, IKEA Australia has taken delivery of four Volvo FL long-range electric trucks. These new Gen 3 Volvo trucks have a range of up to 450 kilometres and can carry a payload of up to 5500kg. This investment will allow IKEA to expand its zero-emissions delivery footprint beyond metro areas and into regional postcodes. Since 2019, IKEA has partnered with ANC Delivers, All Purpose Transport, and Kings Transport to implement home deliveries with electric vehi-
cles across Australia. Alexandra Kelly, Zero Emissions Project Leader, IKEA Australia & New Zealand, said, “It’s not well known that most (98 per cent) of delivery vehicles are owned by small businesses or subcontractors, not delivery companies or retailers. Electric vans and trucks remain significantly more expensive than diesel alternatives, which is a major challenge for drivers who operate with low margins. “The Volvo electric trucks, designed for longer distances, will be leased to ANC Delivers contractors through CarBon Leasing. ANC Delivers
In October 2025, almost 84 per cent of truck orders for IKEA were completed in a zero emissions vehicle.
has been a valued partner to IKEA in our transition to zero emissions, and their continued support with this new pilot removes the barrier of upfront vehicle costs for contractors. “By offering a leasing package as an attractive alternative to diesel trucks, drivers can access electric vehicles without financial risk.” In October 2025, almost 84 per cent of truck orders for IKEA were completed in a zero emissions vehicle – that’s nearly all orders in metro areas. The company’s next step is to go further to reach those living outside the major cities. “At IKEA, we embrace innovation and experimentation, with sustainability at the core of our decision making. With this new business model, we aim to prove that zero emission delivery is achievable today for retailers, with electric vehicles that can go the diesel distance,” said Kelly. The way the partnership works is that IKEA owns the vehicles while CarBon Leasing takes care of their management and leasing. This model offers a lease cost similar to that of diesel trucks, making electric trucks financially viable for owner-operators and small delivery businesses. Scott Gillespie, Managing Director of CarBon Leasing, spoke about the partnership with IKEA. “Our model removes the upfront cost barrier and supports drivers with ev-
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Volvo President Martin Merrick and IKEA CEO Mirja Viinanen.
erything from vehicle sourcing to charging and CO₂ reporting,” he said. “Making zero-emissions delivery financially viable for small operators isn’t just good for business, it’s essential for Australia’s transition to cleaner transport.” Volvo’s long-range electric trucks are engineered to meet the demands of regional deliveries. “It’s been fantastic to see the evolution of electromobility here in Australia,” said Martin Merrick, President and CEO, Volvo Group Australia, “Since the first electric FL arrived on our shores in 2020 this truck has only gotten better.” “Our Australian electric truck fleet has now clocked up well over 1 million kilometres proving that electric is indeed a reality for transport operators looking to reduce emissions and noise in urban areas.” This delivery builds on IKEA Australia’s broader efforts in the zero emissions transition, including a $4.5 million investment in national charging infrastructure, to help overcome accessibility challenges for charging electric vehicles operated by its service providers. In 2022, just 5 per cent of truck orders were being made via a zero-emissions vehicle, and in October 2025, IKEA Australia has reached a new peak of almost 84 per cent for zero-emissions truck deliveries. “This partnership with Volvo and CarBon is a bold step
Mirja Viinanen and Martin Merrick get a feel for the Volvo FL cabin.
On-site charging sites are already set up.
toward our goal of 100 per cent zero emissions deliveries, demonstrating that with collaboration and innovation, sustainable delivery is not just a future vision, it’s happening now,” said Kelly. “However, to truly scale zero emissions delivery into outer metro and regional
areas, we must overcome one of the biggest remaining barriers: charging infrastructure. “Addressing this challenge will require coordinated investment and action from government, industry, and the broader transport ecosystem.”
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FEATURE 29
BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 2025
FOTON Aumark S – an urban workhorse
With decades of commercial-vehicle experience, FOTON is known for building work-ready trucks that earn their keep from day one. Fleets and businesses need reliability, and that’s what FOTON builds. CITIES are getting denser, delivery windows tighter, and customer expectations greater. Into this competitive logistics environment, FOTON Australia introduces its first model in a new commercial line-up – the Aumark S.
Urban logistics
This light-duty truck series has been skillfully engineered for the stop-start demands of modern urban logistics, as well as the long days that come with it. From the start, it’s clear that the Aumark S Series has been built by designers who understand what works, and what doesn’t, in busy and crowded urban environments. You don’t want tight loading bays slowing you down when you need to maintain high delivery volumes, which is why the compact Aumark S series is designed for maximum manoeuvrability. Agile, adaptable and durable, the Aumark S is configured to perform well under pressure on both long hauls and multi-stop delivery routes.
Serious specifications
The FOTON Aumark S series has been developed with the renowned high-perfor-
mance Cummins powertrain and ZF gearbox. With the benefit of Cummins-power, the diesel Aumark S engine produces a strong performance, while also being fuel-efficient. The benefit to business and fleet operators is renowned engine reliability, with lower operating costs and less maintenance downtime. FOTON partners with Cummins, a global leader in engine manufacturing and power solutions, to deliver cutting-edge, environmentally friendly solutions that enhance performance and efficiency throughout all FOTON vehicles. As every business knows, unplanned maintenance is not just inconvenient, but also a risk to your reputation which can ultimately cost you customers. In the Aumark S, the Cummins engine is paired with ZF transmission technology delivering a dependable, long-lasting performance and responsive drive. This system optimises gear shifting and reduces fuel consumption, helping logistics operations reduce their operating cost per kilometre. With ZF’s automatic and automated manual transmissions, drivers can look
The FOTON Aumark S cab chassis. Image: FOTON Australia Ltd
forward to smoother gear transitions, enhanced control over the vehicle and reduced fatigue, especially on long hauls. Since 2008, FOTON has partnered with ZF, a global leader in truck transmissions. This partnership ensures FOTON’s vehicles deliver reliability and precision on the road, through enhanced driving dynamics and fuel efficiency, benefiting customers. The Aumark S series comes in 24 options of trucks, ranging from 4.5, 6, 7.5 and 8-tonne versions, which are available as tippers and cab chassis editions. The range of Aumark S trucks means the series is suitable for a wide range of mid-weight transport and logistics requirements.
Versatile efficiency
Across the board, business margins are being squeezed from all directions. In the logistics sector, inputs such as petrol and maintenance, are a very real cost that directly impact on your profitability. Truck fleet efficiency is essential and, wisely, the Aumark S is focused on delivering fuel efficiency and low running costs. These modern light-duty trucks use advanced engines, lightweight materials, and optimised transmissions to reduce fuel use and emissions, aligning with both cost control and commercial sustainability goals. FOTON understands that investing in a reliable light-duty truck is vital for today’s businesses that need to stay efficient, flexible, and competitive. The Aumark S has been rigorously tested over 1.6 million kilometres across diverse conditions. Built for consistent daily service, you can be confident that the Aumark S will deliver durability, adaptability
The FOTON ‘S’ tipper (overseas model shown).
and most importantly, productivity. Versatile configuration options are a valuable asset in the logistics and haulage sector. Operators looking to get the maximum utility from their truck fleet will be impressed by the Aumark S one truck platform – with the chassis adaptability able to serve multiple roles. Built with the 1+N chassis – the Aumark S gives owners the opportunity to tailor their truck, to support the preferred body application of a range of industries. Businesses can customise the S Series to their delivery or haulage needs – including refrigerated, tipper or flatbed options. Plus, FOTON has incorporated a maintenance friendly, flip-up cab design and optimised door opening angles for loading and unloading in tight spaces.
Super S Series
The FOTON Aumark S Series includes GVM options of 4.5 tonne, 6 tonne, 7.5 tonne and 8.5 tonne models. For businesses looking for a reliable light-duty truck to manage their transport logistics, the FOTON Aumark S ticks a lot of boxes. For those savvy operators in the business of managing
Interior of the Aumark S series (overseas model shown).
FAST FACTS
FOTON Aumark S series
The FOTON Aumark S series has been developed with the renowned high-performance Cummins powertrain.
transport logistics – whether urban distribution, chilled freight, or mixed-haulage operations – the Aumark S presents as an adaptable, efficient platform that presents a neat combination of payload flexibility, driver comfort and affordable ownership. For more information, visit fotonaustralia.com.au
• Light-duty trucks • Cummins powertrain • ZF transmission • One truck platform • 1+N chassis • Customisable S Series • S Series’ GVM models: 4.5 tonne, 6 tonne, 7.5 tonne and 8.5 tonne. • Durability, adaptability, productivity • Ideal for urban logistics
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30 DRIVER PROFILES
FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 2025 BIGRIGS.COM.AU
Veteran Sydney truckie in his dream role
GROWING up on the west coast of South Australia, along the Nullarbor, Bjorn Docen – who turns 63 in January – says he had wanted to be a truck driver ever since he was a little kid. “I remember out on the Nullarbor, we’d get flooded from the big rains and the trucks would have to come around the back way. There was one time, I would have been about nine or ten years old, and I watched these two semis out in the mud, getting through,” he said. And from that young boy watching the big trucks in awe, Bjorn has spent almost his entire career behind the wheel. “I’ve been in it all my life, I love doing it,” he told Big Rigs. Bjorn’s transport career started in the army. “I signed up in 1980 and got out in 1986. I did two years in Brisbane, two years in Townsville and two years in Sydney.” He’s called Sydney home ever since, holding various roles, predominantly carting general and refrigerated freight as far as Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane. That was up until September
2020, when he began working for Truck Moves Australia. The company completes between 750-1000 truck moves each week, transporting new and used vehicles from point A to point B. Truck Moves Australia employs a team of highly experienced drivers, just like Bjorn. “I had wanted to do this kind of work nearly all my life, where you get to pick up a truck and deliver it to the customer. Early on in my career, I thought I was two young so never applied,” Bjorn said. “I got sick of running around town and doing interstate runs, so I walked into Truck Moves Australia one day and asked if they were looking for drivers.” Bjorn says he hasn’t looked back. “It’s such an awesome job,” he said, adding that the work is also quite varied. “You could go from Sydney to Melbourne, Darwin, Perth. They offer us the jobs and we can accept or reject them. So if you have a commitment or an appointment and can’t make it for any reason, you can say that you can’t do the run. It’s really
SOME WEEKS YOU MIGHT DO A SYDNEY TO MELBOURNE TRIP THREE TIMES IN A WEEK, OTHER TIMES YOU’LL BE GOING SOME PLACE DIFFERENT.”
BJORN DOCEN
flexible. If you need a few weeks off for any reason, that’s all accommodated too. “Some weeks you might do a Sydney to Melbourne trip three times in a week, other times you’ll be going some place different. So you get to see different parts of the country and that’s what I really enjoy. “I’m really happy here and plan to keep on doing this job for as long as I can.” Want to be featured on our Driver Profiles pages? Email editor@bigrigs.com. au, telling us about what you do, where it takes you and what you enjoy most about being on the road – along with a photo of you and the truck.
Bjorn Docen has been with Truck Moves Australia for over five years. Image: Bjorn Docen
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DRIVER PROFILES 31
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A keen eye for trucks and photography
LONG time truckie Bryce ‘Baldy’ McGahey loves his job and is also a keen photographer. Baldy – as many in the road transport industry know him – has been a driver in New Zealand and Australia for about 35 years. “I have been in Australia for 16 years,” he said. Enthusiastic lensman Baldy has driven for B&K Bulk Haulage based at Gladstone for about six years and was near his Kenworth T909 when I saw him. “I am carrying cement powder and lime,” he said. Baldy rates many parts of the Bruce Highway as
a challenge to drive on. “Many stretches north of Gympie and especially the section between Rockhampton and Mackay,” he said. Regarding rest areas, Baldy added that more are required with facilities such as toilets and shaded areas. Baldy likes stopping at the Lights on the Hill Roadhouse on the outskirts of Hughenden. “I have got some good meals there,” he said. Baldy is a skilled photographer and had a recent edition of Big Rigs with him, which included one of his truck snaps in it. “I have a Nikon camera
and like it,” he said. Despite his enjoyment in taking pictures, Baldy was at first reluctant to have his photo taken for Truckin in the Tropics. “I am normally the one holding the camera and taking the pics,” he said. However, after we yarned for a few minutes he was delighted to pose near the Kenworth. I asked Baldy for his New Year’s Resolution. “It would be hoping my numbers come up when I play lotto,” he said. A keen rugby union fan, Baldy barracks for the Christchurch Crusaders and the New Zealand All Blacks.
Adrian, 52, lovin’ new life WHEN Big Rigs saw Adrian Turner having his break at the BP Cluden Roadhouse before dusk recently, he was transporting cement powder bound for Croydon. Adrian, 52, works for Rockhampton based SS&A Freight Services and was driving a Kenworth T610. “I have been a truckie for 10 years and with this company for nine and I enjoy it,” he said. Adrian gets to deliver to
many places including Cooktown up north and to Cloncurry in the west. The Beef Road between Dingo and Moranbah is one which Adrian dislikes travelling on. He said his favourite roadhouse is the BP Cluden, for numerous reasons. “They serve good meals, have clean facilities and washing machines, and it is a short walk to a nearby shopping centre which has supermarkets.” Like many truck drivers,
Adrian wants to see more rest areas with toilets and other facilities. Outside work, Adrian enjoys fishing and camping at Yeppoon, and he barracks for the Melbourne Storm in the NRL season. When he does get some spare time when off duty, Adrian enjoys a coldie at Rockhampton’s Criterion Hotel. His New Year’s Resolution for 2026 is to spend more time outdoors.
Adrian Turner drives a Kenworth T610 for SS&A Freight Services.
Bryce ‘Baldy’ McGahey has driven trucks in New Zealand and Australia for 35 years.
Truckie looking for love
BASED at Cairns, 47-yearold Charlie Carrington has worked for Blenners for the past few years out of their Tully headquarters. He was driving a Kenworth T659 when I spoke to him while he was in Perth. “I deliver bananas to Perth and then come back through Adelaide, sometimes to Brisbane, before heading back north,” he told me. Charlie does boxing training, mainly sparring, getting private lessons in Cairns with former professional Ben Kite. “I also do rock and roll dancing and tango,” he said. Enthusiastic Charlie started driving trucks at Dubbo as a youngster and obtained his licence when he turned 18. When on the road Charlie likes stopping at the Caltex Yunta Roadhouse in South Australia. “They are good to me and serve up nice meals,” he said. The worst roads he gets along are between Tambo and Blackall and the Aramac highway in north west Queensland.
Charlie Carrington does the Cairns to Perth run for Blenners Transport. Images: Alf Wilson
As for rest areas, Charlie said more are required for truckies, for numerous reasons. “We should have more with bitumen surfaces and lots of bins, as some of them where we pull up have rubbish all over the ground,” he said. Charlie has worked for many road transport companies over almost 30 years and rates Blenners highly. “I really feel appreciated there,” he said. Recently Charlie was the
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subject of an internal company video focusing on driver recruitment. Charlie Carrington said that while he loves his job driving long haul trucks, his New Year’s Resolution is to find a wife – and he wants Big Rigs to help him. He says he has plenty to offer a potential life-long partner. As well as having a well-paid job, he is fit, with his hobbies outside work including boxing and dancing.
32 COLUMN
FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 2025 BIGRIGS.COM.AU
Truckies sing praises of upgraded rest area TRUCKIES Spy has spoken to have been giving the thumbs up to an upgraded rest area located along the Barkly Highway between Mount Isa and Camooweal, deep in the outback. There is around 190km between those two outback towns, with the new and improved David Hall Monument rest area about midway. The upgrades included a new toilet block, repairs to the existing shade shelter, and an additional second shelter to provide more shaded areas for breaks. The rest area has also been sealed to improve access and reduce dust, ensuring a more comfortable and practical stop for drivers. The upgraded new ablution block has been welcomed by drivers who have contacted Spy. “I stopped there the other day and it has male, female and disabled toilets which are septic flushed and is not one of those smelly and insect ridden ones with a hole in the ground. The view from there is good on an elevated area,” a driver told me. This highway is a well used route for trucks travelling to and from the NT and Queensland. The rest area was closed during the works, which also involved asphalt resurfacing of the access to the facility. Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The David Hall Monument rest area on the Barkly Highway. Image: Alf Wilson
Brent Mickelberg said truckies are the backbone of our state. “That’s why we’re working to ensure they have access clean and safe amenities to rest and recover. The Crisafulli Government has delivered significant improvements to the David Hall Monument rest area to better serve road users. We’re committed to supporting regional Queenslanders and these facilities provide vital driver safety and fatigue management for those travelling between Camooweal and Mount Isa,” he said. The rest area is in honour of the late Main Roads engineer
David Hall and the monument there bears his name.
Frilled not grilled
Several drivers have sent Spy a snap of a sign located beside the Tablelands Highway in the NT which reads, “We like our lizards frilled not grilled”. At first the meaning was confusing to Spy who feared he may be short of a few brain cells. When the reason was explained, the meaning for the sign became obvious. A closer observation of the sign revealed it was the work of Bushfires Council NT.
“There has been a lot of bush fires out here lately and it is getting the message across that people want the frilled lizards which frequent the area alive and not cooked as a result of a fire,” one driver told me. It is indeed a thought-provoking sign.
Flip flop mystery
Sometimes there is a mystery involving a truck or trailer which has one pondering about he reason behind it. That is the case when a photo meandered its way to Spy from a NSW driver involving what I dubbed the “thong truck”. It was snapped at the NSW town of Maclean located in the Clarence Valley near the Pacific Highway. There were 16 used rubber thongs attached to the bottom of the trailer – which is very strange indeed. Was this a big fan of old “flip flops” or was there some other reason? Very mysterious indeed.
Veteran NSW roadhouse worker William Nash. Image: Alf Wilson
C509 towing two trailers, each with two decks of cattle and heading towards Mount Garnet. “The 400km drive from a station near Kowanyama to Chillagoe is very boring with no buildings beside the road, which is in average condition. But if we get any rain it will be closed,” he said.
He was to deliver 80 head of old bulls to a yard about 80km further on from Chillagoe. “They were feral bulls and cranky and didn’t like me at all. These will end up down in Victoria,” he said. This lad travels on many remote roads and reckons this is one of the most challenging.
Boring wilderness drive
A well known livestock transporter had nearly completed a drive from Kowanyama to Chillagoe when Spy spoke to him about it. He was in his Kenworth
The truck trailer with thongs attached. Image: Ian Howell.
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The sign beside an NT highway with a warning about bushfires. Image: Alf Wilson
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BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 2025
ed to 60km/h for mile after mile for seemingly no apparent reason,” Graham said.
Port Huon Trading Post
The Black Mountain Roadhouse in NSW. Image: Alf Wilson
“It took me 14 hours in total,” he said. Spy would have to agree with him having been on the route five times in the past.
Well-earned time off
One of Australia’s longest serving roadhouse workers, William Nash, enjoyed a fourmonth break and went bike riding in France. The 61-year-old has worked at the Black Mountain Roadhouse, 25km north of Armidale in NSW, for 37 years. “It was good to tour France on a road bike,” he said. William works the “graveyard shift” at the roadhouse, starting at midnight and usually finishing at 8am.
A wealth of knowledge on the road transport industry, William said a large number of trucks carrying chilled beef were stopping at the roadhouse. “The American market has opened up for Australian beef and I think most of them are headed for Brisbane Port,” he said. There was also a lot of movement with many tippers carrying road material pulling up at Black Mountain. William described his France trip as “what I thought heaven would be like” but he is going to be busy over Christmas and into the New Year. “We will be open on Christmas Day and usually have a lot
of people eating here and I will be working that day,” he said.
Cunningham Highway feedback
Gold Coast veteran Graham Hunt was most interested in some pars in a recent Spy column about delays along the Cunningham Highway. “I see in your Spy page in the latest Big Rigs you had a photo of the Cunningham Highway. I was there a couple of weeks ago and took this pic of protective wire mesh being installed at Cunningham’s Gap. I agree with a recent truckie’s criticism of unnecessary speed limits on the Cunningham Highway between Clintonvale and Tregony. We were restrict-
Located south of Hobart in Tasmania, the Port Huon Trading Post is a place where many truck drivers stop. It is along the Huon Highway at scenic Port Huon which is 56km from Hobart. Spy was told about the establishment by Nubeena small fleet operator Robert Wade. “They have the best salad rolls in Tasmania there in my opinion and the staff are very friendly and there is lots of parking,” Robert said. Ros Hickey who runs the business with her husband Brett Hickey said up to 100 trucks a day stop there. Having been there for 15 years, Ros and Brett know how to look after truckies. “There are a lot of fish trucks carting from nearby farms, log trucks and others with general goods,” Ros said. Most of these trucks travel between Hobart and the most southern town of Southport which is a distance of 100km. The favourite foods drivers order are toasties, various types of rolls, pies and sausage rolls and lots of coffee. Port Huon Trading Post employs 10 staff. It is open from 5am to 5pm on weekdays, on Saturday from 7:30am/3pm and on Sunday from 8:30am/3pm.
The value priced meal at the Nhill Roadhouse in Victoria. Image: Supplied
and discovered its location was in the Wimmera region of western Victoria. It is situated along the Western Highway halfway between Adelaide and Melbourne. Its industries include farming and food processing, most notably in grain and fowls.
Chocolate horror
recruiting staff. Most roadhouses in remote locations tend to hire staff from overseas who have work visas. They are accommodated at the roadhouses or pub and generally stay there for a short period. At many of the roadhouse locations, the populations nearby are very small which ensures few local workers are available. But getting reliable and long-term staff is also a growing problem at roadhouses around big towns. You only have to check out the number of jobs available on roadhouse Facebook or other social media pages.
A long haul driver purchased packs of expensive chocolates in Perth to hand out to people who have looked after him during the year. One of those drop-off points was at a South Australian roadhouse, where he handed them out to staff. They were a special Christmas gift as they had given him good service during regular stops there. Vale 2025 Value priced meal But imagine his shock and As I write this column, it just in Victoria surprise some days later when seems like a short time ago I I often jokingly refer to a NSW he saw those chocolates for was getting into the first one owner operator who regularly sale on the roadhouse count- of the year in January. drives interstate as a trucking er! How time flies. During the meal “bargain hunter”. “I know if you give some- year many drivers and road This veteran stopped at the body a gift what they do with transport industry people Ampol Nhill Roadhouse in it is up to them. But this was a from around the country Victoria and was impressed Christmas gift and I thought have contacted me with inwith a pork chops, chips and it was a bit off,” he said. put. salad meal which cost $22. After protesting to the manThese have come from “It was a big helping and ager, the chocolates were remany parts of this vast With over 30 years of experience in the Bullbar and Bumper Bar industry, we design bullbars that are technically more value priced and when in the moved from the counter. country and I want to thank advanced than others on the market that can result in them being area 25%I will stronger. We design our not only ourevery many go back there,” he They costbars this fellow $130 from each and one of you. said. and he said the asking price Hopefully the column years of experience but from customer and operator feedback, so that we can supply the industry with ultimate Bullbars, I alwaysand ask truckies who at the roadhouse was higher. has provided interesting indesigned for safety, strength, aesthetics, performance. praise or criticise a meal at a “It would have been all prof- formation from grass roots roadhouse or other business it,” he said. transport people. they stop at to snap a phone I’d also like to wish everypic of the receipt which this Jobs available at body a Merry Christmas roadhouses gent did. and a Happy New Year. Spy had never heard of Many roadhouses around And most of all – Safe Nhill until these pics arrived Australia are having problems driving. Roadworks along the Cunningham Highway. Image: Graham Hunt
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FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 2025 BIGRIGS.COM.AU
HVNL reform is a chance to lift standards COMPLIANCE CONSULTANT GLYN CASTANELLI NRFA President
I’VE been in this industry long enough to have seen it from both sides of the dashboard and the audit table. Before I was ever called a compliance consultant or association president, I was — and still am — a driver. Someone who has spent years on the road, watching sunrises over the steering wheel and counting down hours to make it home. That’s where my industry understanding comes from, not from a boardroom. So, when I read recent public commentary suggesting that the new Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) reform instruments will “weaponise accreditation” or “re-
THIS REFORM GIVES US AN OPPORTUNITY TO LIFT STANDARDS AND DRIVE REAL SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS IF WE CHOOSE ENGAGEMENT OVER FEAR.”
verse the burden of proof,” I felt compelled to respond, not as a policy spokesperson, but as someone who has lived the consequences of poor policy and poor implementation. I’m a National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) registered auditor with more than five years’ experience and many years behind the wheel. I also represent the National Road Freighters Association (NRFA) on the HVNL Regulatory Advisory Group, which has helped work through the draft law. And having read the actual
legislative text, not just the headlines, I need to say very clearly: some of what has been publicly stated simply does not reflect what’s written in the proposed law. Let’s talk facts, beginning with the most important point: nothing in the HVNL Amendment Bill 2025 reverses the burden of proof or removes an operator or driver’s right to defend themselves. Under section 26 of the amended Law, operators will still be required to do what is reasonably practicable to ensure safety. Section 632B, which has attracted attention, does not create any presumption of guilt, nor does it prevent operators from challenging the evidence. It simply clarifies that audit reports conducted under the approved National Audit Standard may be admissible as evidence in court proceedings, just as other records, work diaries and device data
are already routinely used. It does not remove the right to contest that evidence, nor does it impose reverse liability. Claims suggesting otherwise are not supported by the draft law. The reform’s primary purpose is to shift safety management from paper-based modular frameworks into a single Safety Management System, as defined in proposed section 457A of the Law. The requirement is that the SMS must: identify public risks, assess those risks, and specify controls to mitigate them, in accordance with the revised SMS Standard. For those of us who actually live the risk, drivers managing fatigue, operators trying to schedule in reality, auditors evaluating what actually happens, this is a common-sense approach. I’ve seen too many businesses running four or five separate systems: one for NHVAS,
one for WA Heavy Vehicle Accreditation, one for CoR, one for a client contract, another for insurance. The proposed ministerial guidelines will support a transition to a single SMS that can meet all those requirements through one ongoing assurance process. Yes, there’s initial system work involved. But this isn’t extra burden, it’s rationalisation. It’s applying what is actually being done within the business. The second area that has sparked reaction relates to auditor rotation and conflicts. Section 3.7 of the draft National Audit Standard proposes a one-period rule, limiting auditors to performing audits within a single accreditation period before rotation. Some argue for keeping the current two-audit rule. I’ll put this plainly: I support the proposed change. In the past, too many auditors became system owners rather than independent assessors.
The reform’s primary purpose is to shift safety management from paper-based modular frameworks into a single Safety Management System. Image: Siwakorn1933/adobe.com
They implemented systems, audited them, adjusted them and maintained operational control over compliance, effectively creating commercial dependency. These reforms prevent that. The draft audit standard aligns with section 654(1) (a) of the amended HVNL, which makes independent auditing a statutory requirement for decisions related to accreditation. This is a major improvement and will professionalise auditing. Good auditors will be fine under this model. Those who built business empires off holding control over client systems might not like it, but that doesn’t make it wrong. Finally, the proposed ACH (Alternative Compliance Hours) Standard reflects what drivers already experience: fatigue risk isn’t just about a number on paper, it’s about how you manage your sleep and workload. Under the draft instrument, a driver may work up to 15.5 hours in 24 hours, provided the SMS demonstrates risk control and continuous oversight. Split rest may only be used for exceptional circumstances or sleep disruption, not as a scheduling tool. This reflects reality, not theory. Will implementation require work? Yes. Should we engage constructively to make sure it’s workable for drivers and fleets of different sizes? Absolutely. But we should not scare the industry with claims that are not supported by the actual law. I’ve lived through systems that pushed drivers harder instead of protecting them, audited systems that looked good on paper but fell apart in practice and helped build the kind of systems that actually change behaviour. This reform gives us an opportunity to lift standards and drive real safety improvements if we choose engagement over fear. Progress comes from informed action, not panic.
Podcast about the light side of heavy vehicles BY STEVE SMITH, Acting Executive Director Corporate Affairs, NHVR
AT the NHVR, our role is to support a safer, more consistent and more productive heavy-vehicle industry. A key part of that responsibility is making sure we’re communicating clearly, early and in ways that genuinely work for heavy vehicle drivers and operators, right across Australia. The new podcast What’s Your 20? brought to you by the NHVR is designed to connect with drivers and operators, wherever they’re at in their transport journey. Inspired by the CB radio code to ask a driver’s location or position, What’s Your 20? hosts Rob and Sarah share
their stories and experiences from the road and speak to heavy vehicle drivers and industry about the perks and challenges of a career behind the wheel. Between them, Rob and Sarah have almost seen it all. Rob, who you may recognise from Free’s Brisbane on social media, has over 30 years’ experience driving refrigerated vehicles, bulk haulage with dry tankers and tippers and general linehaul freight. Sarah started her career driving body trucks at 17, progressed through to driving triple road trains by 23 and has worked in the industry as a loader, allocator, depot manager, and compliance and driver trainer. For those who have already tuned in, you will have heard drivers, long-time industry professionals and NHVR leaders - including the NHVR’s
CEO Nicole Rosie – talk candidly with Rob and Sarah on subjects such as fatigue, vehicle inspections, mass and the broader direction of national regulation. Drivers are working long hours, in complex environments. What’s Your 20? unpacks some of the key issues that matter most to heavy vehicle drivers – such as rest stops, driver shortages and the future of the transport industry. It’s a balance of practical information and honest discussions from people who’ve spent decades in the industry. We hope to build a community of listeners that follow along each week to hear what Rob and Sarah will discuss next - and hopefully have a laugh along the way. If you haven’t yet tuned in, this summer is a great time to catch up on the six-episode series.
Hosts Rob and Sarah share their stories and experiences from the road. Image: NHVR
The episodes are short, direct and designed to give you something entertaining and helpful to share with a friend or colleague. We’ll continue to explore
options for more seasons of the podcast based on feedback, and we’re committed to making it a reliable, entertaining, relevant and credible source of informa-
tion to take back to your cab, your depot or your next job. Listen to What’s Your 20? on the NHVR website and all major podcast platforms now.
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VTA celebrates advocacy wins in 2025 VTA COMMENT PETER ANDERSON CEO, Victorian Transport Association
AS 2025 draws to a close, it’s worth reflecting on the issues that have shaped our industry and the advocacy efforts the Victorian Transport Association (VTA) has led on behalf of members. This year has been one of significant challenges and opportunities, and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made in advancing the interests of freight and logistics operators across Victoria and beyond. Early in the year, we renewed our call for the repeal of Part X of the Competition and Consumer Act, a relic of a bygone era that continues to enable anticompetitive behaviour in global shipping. The pandemic exposed the fragility of international supply chains, and Part X has only
compounded the problem by allowing shipping lines to manipulate capacity and drive up rates. These practices have placed enormous pressure on Australian businesses and consumers, with costs cascading down to road and rail operators. Our message to government has been clear: repeal Part X, restore competition, and protect the integrity of our supply chains. This remains unfinished business, and we will continue to press for reform. Mid-year, attention turned to industrial relations and the implementation of the Closing the Loopholes legislation, which integrated our industry into the Fair Work Commission’s (FWC) framework. This was a landmark achievement for transport operators, providing a mechanism for setting and enforcing minimum standards across the sector. The establishment of the Road Transport Advisory Group was a critical step forward, ensuring that the voices of employers and contractors are heard in decisions that affect our industry.
While this reform was a win, it also highlighted the ongoing need for vigilance in areas such as skills development, safety standards, and technology adoption. These priorities will remain front and centre in 2026. More recently, we have shone a spotlight on the scourge of sham contracting, a practice that undermines fair competition and exploits vulnerable workers. Misclassifying employees as contractors not only strips them of basic protections but also distorts the market, squeezing out ethical operators who do the right thing. The VTA has called for a coordinated national response involving the ATO, FWC, and other agencies to investigate and prosecute sham contracting. This is not just an industrial issue—it’s a moral one, and we will continue to lead the charge for reform. At a Victorian level, we’ve achieved tangible wins for members. Our advocacy secured the revocation of permit costs from January 2026,
Looking ahead to 2026, the VTA said its commitment to strong advocacy will only intensify. Image: timallenphoto/stock.adobe.com
eliminating a burden that only Victoria imposed. We’ve also seen continued investment in the Driver Delivery program, which has produced over 400 job-ready heavy vehicle drivers, including more than 100 women—a milestone for diversity in our workforce. And through our Alternative Fuel Summit, we’ve led the conversation on decarbonisation, ensuring that the transition to cleaner energy is managed sensibly and with members’ productivity and profitability in mind.
Looking ahead to 2026, our commitment to strong advocacy will only intensify. With a Victorian state election on the horizon, the coming year presents a unique opportunity to influence policy and secure outcomes that benefit our members. We will be engaging with all sides of politics to ensure that freight and logistics remain a priority in infrastructure planning, regulatory reform, and workforce development. The stakes are high, and the VTA will be at the forefront
of these conversations, championing the interests of our industry with the same determination that has defined our work this year. As we close out 2025, I want to thank our members for their support and engagement. Your insights and feedback drive our advocacy and keep us focused on what matters most. On behalf of the VTA, I extend my warmest wishes for a safe and joyful Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Here’s to a successful 2026—together, we can make it happen
know how you stay informed about safety in transport activities and whether you actively maintain that knowledge. They will explore your understanding of the way your business operates not just commercially, but in terms of how freight moves, who controls what, and where the risks sit in practice. They will expect you to identify the hazards and risks associated with your transport activities, including risks to the public. They will then drill into whether you ensured the business had the right resources, people, systems, technology, training and that those resources were actually used to eliminate or minimise those risks. They will likely assess whether you required and monitored safety processes that respond to information and incidents in a timely way. They will test whether you
ensured the business had processes to meet its safety duties and whether you checked that those processes were working in real life, not just in policy manuals. It is not a set and forget, you will need to demonstrate that you review and verify the risks and controls regularly.
The message to directors is simple: due diligence is not a checklist after an incident. It is continuous, documented, and visible. If a director cannot show what they did, when they did it, and how they checked it was effective, regulators will assume it didn’t happen. If you are served with a regulatory notice, don’t guess your way through it. The evidence you supply may well be the evidence used against your company or you. A legal expert can help you assess which defences might apply in your case.
Directors are now squarely in the firing line LEGAL EXPERT BELINDA HUGHES Hughes Law Pty Ltd
DIRECTORS in the transport sector can no longer assume that compliance is something handled “down the chain”. When a serious safety incident occurs, both the NHVR and state WorkSafe regulators are now routinely testing whether company officers have exercised due diligence, not just whether the business had policies on paper. Under the Heavy Vehicle National Law, section 26D places a personal duty on officers to take reasonable steps to ensure their business is meeting its safety obligations. State and territory Work-
Transport directors are expected to be active participants in safety. Image: jovannig/stock.adobe.com
Safe regulators apply a similar standard under the Work Health and Safety laws. That means directors are expected to be active participants in safety, not passive recipients of reports after something goes wrong. Regulators are increasingly blunt. They want to know what directors personally
did, not what they delegated, hoped, or assumed.
What investigators look for
When WorkSafe or the NHVR opens an investigation, these are the themes that drive their questioning of directors. They will likely want to
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Inspectors are now asking about money
A growing focus in interviews is safety budgeting. Directors are being asked to identify the safety budget they set, how it was determined, and how they assessed whether it was sufficient.
The trend is clear
The enforcement landscape is shifting. The proposed reforms to the HVNL will only increase the expectation that businesses have a functioning safety management system, with directors actively overseeing it.
This article provides general guidance only and is not intended to cover every circumstance or provide specific legal advice. Each case turns on its own facts and operators should seek independent legal advice. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
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07 4693 1088 www.mooretrailers.com.au Find us on Facebook and Instagram
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FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 2025 BIGRIGS.COM.AU
Record crowd celebrates industry’s best
THE industry’s outstanding leaders and innovators of 2025 were recognised at the prestigious Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) National Awards Gala Dinner in front of an all-time record crowd at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre earlier this month. The industry’s ‘night of nights’ also celebrated HVIA’s 10th anniversary, marking a decade since its transition from the Commercial Vehicle Industry Association of Queensland to a truly national industry voice. HVIA CEO Todd Hacking says the record turnout was a fitting celebration of the heavy vehicle industry’s leading innovators and inno-
HVIA Heavy Vehicle Industry Apprentice of the Year Chalee Hollandrose with award sponsor, Wurth Australia CEO Serge Oppedisano. Images: HVIA
vations in 2025. “Every year we’re honoured to witness more of our members’ extraordinary innovation and ingenuity being revealed,” Hacking said. “That is along with the joy it brings us to recognise some amazing young industry people at the start of what we expect to be a long and fulfilling career in the heavy industry.” Making the night extra special, HVIA also recognised milestone 10-, 25- and 50year members with presentations of commemorative medallions and certificates. For a full list of recipients, visit hvia.asn.au and search member anniversaries.
Industry Recognition Award
Winner: Paul Crawford, CMV Group For more than four decades, Paul, alongside his brothers David and Michael, has been at the helm of the CMV Group. A third generation leader following his father Jim, Paul helped steer the biggest growth period in the company’s history. In Victoria, he was instrumental in expanding CMV Group’s trucking interests, most notably the growth of CMV Truck & Bus into the highly successful operation it is today. While Paul has an engineer’s brain, it’s his tenacity for people and excellence that defines
his leadership. He’s passionate about developing talent, and one of his most valued legacies is the apprentice training programs that continue to lift skills across CMV Group’s light automotive and heavy-duty truck businesses today. In the CMV Group’s 90th year last year, Paul retired from the Managing Director role, handing the reins to fourth generation leaders Daniel and Miles Crawford, leaving an enormous footprint across both CMV Group and the heavy vehicle industry.
Industry Leadership in Workforce Development Award
Winner: CMV Truck & Bus for ‘Growing Its Own’ With a 20-year apprenticeship program, SMART goals for all staff and a stateof-the-art training facility at Derrimut, CMV has built a scalable model for workforce capability. Programs like TechEdge support technician upskilling, while mentoring, career guidance and values-based learning foster confident, ethical professionals. High retention rates and internal career progression reflect the strength of CMV’s approach, positioning the business as a training-focused employer of choice in the heavy vehicle industry. The judges noted that
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safer, particularly at times of critical stress. “Volvo’s latest Dynamic Steering has to be seen as a great move forward for driver safety and reliability; a practical solution with real-world market appeal, clear industry leading safety-related benefits (and) something for competitors to take note of.”
Community Leadership Award HVIA CEO Todd Hacking presents Paul Crawford with the prestigious award.
“CMV demonstrate a culture of continuous learning, mutual respect and open dialogue. All tools that make for a well-rounded cohort of employees. The submission describes an incredible trajectory from an apprentice to a senior role.”
Product Innovation Award
Winner: Airtec Corporation for the AXS SmartOBM OBM system On-board mass systems are essential for safe, efficient freight – and the AXS SmartOBM Series takes them to the next level. With Bluetooth Mesh connectivity, real-time weight data and a visual payload indicator, drivers can load confidently without risking overloads or delays. “Compliance has always
been a challenge in every aspect of industry operations (and) every innovation to assist is extremely valuable. Airtec have demonstrated excellent engagement with the complete suite of stakeholders,” the judges noted.
Safety Innovation Award
Winner: Volvo Trucks Australia for Dynamic Steering Sudden front-tyre blowouts are among the most dangerous events a truck driver can face – especially at speed. The latest evolution of Volvo’s Dynamic Steering system tackles this risk head-on, introducing real-time puncture detection and automated steering support to help drivers maintain control in critical moments. The judges noted that the system makes the driver’s role
Winner: Cummins South Pacific for the Climate Action Schools Program Cummins’ leadership in the Climate Action Schools program reflects a deep, hands-on commitment to sustainability and community impact. Staff across the business have contributed to mentoring, working bees and hosting industry tours, embedding Cummins’ operational expertise into the program’s design and delivery.
Industry Workforce Champion Award
Winner: Kate Evans from Cummins South Pacific A Global Training Consultant at Cummins South Pacific, Kate Evans is a driving force behind inclusive, future-focused workforce development in the heavy vehicle industry. From designing Cummins’ Capability Training Program to leading national partnerships with Technical Edu-
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:
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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, part time, casual and roster positions including weekend work, paid leave entitlements and public holidays. Drivers need to be available for weekend work as 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 Driver positions please contact Operations Manager by emailing your resume to
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CAREERS AND TRAINING 39
BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY DECEMBER 19 2025 cation for Communities, HVIA and Trades Women Australia, Kate has shaped programs that improve apprentice retention, accelerate progression and expand access for underrepresented groups. Kate’s work is both comprehensive and deeply impactful, addressing the industry’s skills gap while championing diversity and inclusion,” the judges noted. “Her influence on both internal processes and broader industry standards ensures her impact will continue to benefit the sector long-term. This is a clear example of a sustainable legacy with enduring value for workforce development.”
With a clear vision for her future in engineering and a passion for mentoring others, Chalee exemplifies the spirit of a future industry leader. “Chalee is eager to learn and work across teams. She is a team player, who shows integrity and strong values,” the judges noted. “Chalee demonstrates the want and desire to learn and develop in all aspects of the business.”
Sustainability Initiative Award NHVR CEO Nicole Rosie, right, presents Volvo’s Product Manager Aaron Lewis with the Safety Innovation Award.
Heavy Vehicle Technician Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Chalee Hollandrose from Cummins South Pacific Chalee’s apprenticeship journey has been defined by technical excellence, resilience and a deep commitment to team culture. Working in the demanding environment of remote mining operations, she’s tackled complex diagnostics and major rebuilds with confidence and precision. The judges said: “Chalee has a bright future and is very happy to build her broad knowledge of the industry. Chalee shows a maturity beyond her years, understanding responsibility and accountability.”
Joshua McNicol from Tefco with award sponsor, Wurth Australia CEO Serge Oppedisano.
“Josh consistently displays the attributes of a high-performing apprentice and the aptitude to develop into a capable future leader,” the judges said. “His high score reflects not only the breadth of his accomplishments during his apprenticeship, but also the strong potential Josh shows for future success.”
Heavy Vehicle Specialist Trades Apprentice of the Year Kate Evans from Cummins South Pacific with her Industry Workforce Champion Award presented by Truckline.
Heavy Vehicle Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Joshua McNicol from Tefco Joshua’s rapid rise in heavy vehicle manufacturing reflects
a rare blend of technical precision, initiative and leadership. Now in his fourth year, he’s already leading complex trailer builds, mentoring junior apprentices and driving improvements in safety and efficiency.
Winner: Isaac Rooney from Volvo Commercial Vehicles Isaac’s apprenticeship has been marked by curiosity, capability and a clear drive to lead. From rebuilding fire-damaged systems to pioneering EV servicing at VCV Southside, he’s shown technical maturity well beyond his
The Big Rigs team will be taking a break during the Festive Season. Our last day in the office for 2025 will be Tuesday 23 December. We will back in 2026 from Wednesday 7 January.
CONTACT Peter 0410 334 371 | peter.hockings@primecreative.com.au Treena 0421 330 031 | treena.heit@primecreative.com.au
years. The judges said: “It is clear that Isaac possesses the hallmarks of a future leader, demonstrated through his strong work ethic, eagerness to learn, and readiness to take on additional responsibilities within the company. “His proactive approach, reliability, and ability to inspire confidence in those around him, position him well to step into leadership roles, setting a solid foundation for a successful career.”
HVIA Heavy Vehicle Industry Apprentice of the Year
Winner: Chalee Hollandrose from Cummins South Pacific Chalee’s leadership shines through her support across multiple Cummins branches and her role as HSE Chair, promoting safety and inclusion, said the judges.
Winner: Charge Hub Australia for large-scale zero-emission depot electrification Charge Hub Australia, in partnership with Kempower and Addelec, is delivering large-scale electrification of zero-emissions depots – including Western Australia’s Malaga and Bayswater sites supporting over 240 electric buses. The initiative demonstrates a scalable infrastructure model directly transferable to freight and logistics fleets. “The establishment of a national training centre, development of certified contractor programs, and provision of 24/7 technical support are critical enablers of workforce readiness,” the judges noted. “Charge Hub has developed a scalable and fit-for-purpose solution for heavy vehicle fleet electrification, addressing one of the most pressing infrastructure gaps in the industry’s transition to zero-emissions transport.”
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