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2500 intercepts in recent ports blitz
THE National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has intercepted over 2500 heavy vehicles during a month-long cross-border blitz at major ports.
Operation Quay was conducted by the NHVR, working alongside police, from July 21 to August 17, at key port locations within NHVR’s jurisdiction including at Port Botany, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Bell Bay.
The blitz was focussed on freight movements around Australia’s busiest ports, with mechanical and mass non-compliance found to be the biggest areas of concern.
According to NHVR Chief Operations Officer Paul Sal-
vati, the blitz was a crucial effort in ensuring heavy vehicles entering and exiting port precincts were operating safely and meeting all obligations under the Heavy Vehicle National Law.
“Over the course of the month-long operation, our Safety and Compliance Officers (SCOs) inspected 2566 heavy vehicles, issuing 905 notices as a result,” Salvati said.
“Unfortunately, this is 905 times where some form of non-compliance was found during an intercept – each representing a preventable issue, and a potential risk to the safety of the driver and the wider community.
“SCOs found that heavy
vehicle non-compliance was the highest in Victoria, closely followed by South Australia and New South Wales.”
Salvati said there were hundreds of defect notices issued for mechanical non-compliance throughout the operation, mainly for faulty lights, reflectors or brakes – 43 of which were major breaches, and 662 that were minor.
There were also 65 breaches relating to mass non-compliance, with 18 of these categorised as either severe or substantial violations.
“Non-compliance with mass limits has the potential to result in the damage of critical infrastructure and compromise a vehicle’s braking ability, meaning these
breaches could have ended in disaster had our SCOs not intervened,” said Salvati.
“We know heavy vehicles transporting freight in shipping containers are more likely to be involved in safety incidents in comparison to vehicles carrying general freight, and these findings underline the ongoing need for vigilance within the industry to protect all road users.”
Copper wire stolen from Pacific Hwy tunnel
TRUCKIES were faced with a darker – and slower – ride through Cudgen Tunnel after a copper wire theft on Saturday, August 30.
Transport for NSW (TfNSW) said the act of vandalism shut down the Pacific Highway tunnel’s lighting system, which requires the speed limit through it to drop from 110 to 80km/h for driver safety.
A control room housing the main switchboard that supplies communications for the 134-metre-long tunnel had
lated before inspections and repairs to cut cables began on Sunday, the following day. Repairs are likely to take all of September to complete due to the damage.
“It’s an extensive and expensive repair job but what’s worse is that this malicious damage could have put lives at risk, including those responsible.
“For anyone driving through the Cudgen Tunnel please turn your headlights on while tunnel lighting is out and drive to the reduced speed limit of 80 kilometres an hour.”
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its copper wiring ripped out, while the nearby high voltage transformer providing the power supply was also vandalised.
TfNSW Executive Director Regional Road Network Maintenance Alistair Lunn said this should not be considered a petty act. “This copper theft has interrupted the tunnel’s power supply and inconvenienced thousands of motorists who take this route on the Pacific Highway,” he said.
The matter was reported to NSW Police who are investigating. If anyone has any information about the incident contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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The month-long operation was focussed on freight movements around Australia’s busiest ports. Image: NHVR
The speed limit through Cudgen Tunnel will remain reduced for weeks while repairs are underway. Image: Google Maps
Truck driver wins unfair dismissal case
A truck driver who lost his job after making secret recordings of safety issues on his smart watch has won an unfair dismissal case, with his former employer ordered to pay him over $30,000.
Martin Stoddard was working Crushing Services International (CSI), a subsidiary of MinRes.
Stoddard – who was previously sentenced to six years jail for fraud in 2012 – began employment with Silverstone in October 2024, before the business was transferred to CSI in March 2024, where he signed a contract of employment stating he was required to comply with its policies and procedures.
He was terminated from his role on three grounds: that he had his mobile phone on him and used it within operational areas, that he had his phone on while operating a vehicle, and that he completed retorques on a company vehi cle, despite the requirement for this to be performed by a qualified HD Fitter.
The Fair Work Commission (FWC) heard Stoddard had taken pictures of truck faults and shown them to his supervisor, among which was an is-
which was then replaced. After a day of light duties, he returned behind the wheel. He took photos of the damaged seat and recorded issues with another truck he was driving to show supervisors.
While MinRes’ safety rules-
tening devices while driving or operating mobile equipment, it did not include smart watches. And it was found that Stoddard made the recordings using a smart watch. According to the decision
from FWC, the employer maintained that recording on the smart watch was still a breach of policy and procedure as it was a personal device that posed a risk of distraction. However no policy referred specifically to smart watches at the time of Stoddard’s termination.
Stoddard said he took the photos on the go lines for the purpose of a re-enactment which he had been asked to take by his supervisors. He also had pictures of trucks and faulty trucks out on the road.
The FWC heard the ban on mobile phones was only loosely applied, with certain personnel authorised to use their mobile phones for business purposes.
Upon his termination, Stoddard was paid four weeks’ notice – and stood down during this time.
It was concluded that Stoddard did make a secret recording of work colleagues on his smart watch without their knowledge, which is a form of misconduct that contributed to his employer’s decision to dismiss him.
On account of that misconduct, Stoddard’s compensation was reduced by 20 per cent, with CSI ordered to pay him $30,722.50, along with an 11.5% superannuation contribution on that amount. Previously, in 2012, Stoddard was sentenced to six years’ jail for stealing over $290,000 from WorkCover Queensland, when he worked there over 10 years prior to the conviction. He was battling a gambling addiction while working as a case manager for WorkCover Queensland between April 2001 and January 2002 when the offence occurred.
Safety breaches caught on tape, licence removed
NSW assessors are being reminded to strictly follow Heavy Vehicle Competency
Based Assessment (HVCBA) standards after a serious compliance breach resulted in the removal of an assessor’s approval and driving instructor licence in the state.
More enforcement actions are already underway, warned Transport for NSW (TfNSW) in its latest bulletin to the industry’s training sector.
“Video footage of a recent Final Competency Assessment showed an applicant who was clearly not competent to operate a multi-combination vehicle safely,” said Tf NSW
“Despite this, a certificate of competency was issued.”
TfNSW said the assessor also failed to stop the assessment after intervening to control the vehicle, breaching required standards.
“After being given a chance to respond, the assessor’s explanation did not adequately address the concerns.”
As a result:
• Their approval to conduct HVCBA assessments was removed.
•Their driving instructor licence was cancelled.
TfNSW also reminded the training sector this was not an isolated case, as Big Rigs reported with the story ‘Four assessors struck off in NSW probe’ in the August 29 issue.
In recent months, TfNSW has:
• Suspended two other assessors.
• Cancelled the approval of another.
“These actions form part of Transport’s ongoing compliance efforts to uphold safety standards in heavy vehicle licensing.
“Assessors are reminded
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that non-compliance can have serious consequences.”
A NSW assessor, speaking on the condition of anonym ity, told Big Rigs that there is a critical shortage of expe rienced assessors and driver trainers in the sector that’s compounding the issue.
He said he knows of train ers and assessors who have no real-world experience in the trucks they’re training others in, or in which they’re assess ing their skills for licensing.
“They’ve got to be able to get the experience from driver trainers to the learner drivers but somehow there’s a massive gap there,” he said.
“But once you’re in the sys tem, it’s easy to move around with no experience.
“I don’t know how they’re going to fix it, but the problem is, they’re heading in the wrong direction. At some point they’re going to know this is a problem and it’s go-
ing to be irreversible because the standards are too high.
“Truck drivers can’t impart their knowledge, if they’re
Association (ADTA), which represents 1200 driver trainers around the country, the eak body said it encourages and supports processes for any complaints that each licensing jurisdiction has in
“Where necessary the regulators can and should investigate complaints and take ecessary action where required, up to and including he removal of driver instruction licences from individuals,” the ADTA said.
Criminal allegations amounting to corrupt or predatory behaviour in any aspect of driver instruction require proper and well-resourced responses from police investigations and court proceedings.”
not around the learners. It’s a shocking situation.”
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The ADTA said it supports these frameworks to create an environment where driver instruction and testing can occur safely and professionally.
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Martin Stoddard had made recordings calling out safety issues with the trucks being used to cart iron ore. Image: Doublelee/stock.adobe.com
More enforcement actions are already underway, warned Transport for NSW. Image: Maryna/stock.adobe.com
Heavy haulage legend calls for reform
BY JAMES GRAHAM
LEGENDARY Victorian
operator Warwick Doolan is calling for urgent reforms to the oversize, overmass permit system, warning it’s strangling the sector and causing costly ripple effects all the way through the supply chain.
Doolan’s Heavy Haulage has a fleet of nearly 80 big rigs working out of depots in Western Australia, Victoria and Tasmania on some of Australia’s biggest and priciest infrastructure projects.
came on May 16, when one of his trucks was intercepted pass by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) for an alleged breach of an “ambiguous” height provision and a second one for an alleged length breach.
The combined total of the two fines is $99,850, with the first court date on the matter scheduled for October 1.
The combination in question was made up of a prime mover and four-axle low-loader carting a machine from the Port of Melbourne in a flat rack container.
Doolan said the intercepted combination was assessed at 4.52 metres high, well within the gazetted allowable height of 5 metres with a length of 20.47 metres. With the Class 3 (Miscella-
chine wasn’t on a flat rack, you wouldn’t even need the additional permit, you were covered under your Class 1.
“The ludicrous thing is that generic transport operators are pulling these things off the wharf on a drop deck and overloading because they don’t need any permit to do that.”
Dunbar believes the reason the Class 3 Permit on this occasion wasn’t obtained was simply due to the enormous time pressures operators are under.
“It could and often does take 28 days to acquire the permit,” Dunbar said.
neous) Permit, the load could ave travelled down the same OSOM-approved route 30 metres long, 5 metres high and 5 metres wide.
Yet because the load didn’t have the right paperwork – a state requirement for freight being transported on a flat rack container – Doolan’s is alleged to have made “severe” and “substantial” risk breaches.
“The exact same freight can and does move along this exact route under a Class 3 permit, so if Doolan’s Heavy Haulage had obtained a Class 3 permit, there is zero risk?” asked the company’s frustrated WAbased Operations Manager, Mike Dunbar.
“There cannot be risk without a piece of paper and zero risk with one. If the same ma-
“Meantime, the importer is paying for that sitting on the wharf.
“It’s a ludicrous scenario. We’ve had scenarios where it’s taken longer to get the permit than it is to ship [the freight] from overseas.”
A discouraged Warwick Doolan vividly remembers being “in the room” when the Heavy Vehicle National Law was introduced a decade ago, with the NHVR promising a one-stop-shop to expedite the processing of permits.
But more than 10 years on, Doolan said the exact opposite is now true.
“I’ve had a gutful of it,” said Doolan, an inductee into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame in 2010.
“I just don’t want to operate in this sort of area when you have these sorts of restraints.
There’s got to be some sort of leeway.
“You shouldn’t have to work in a grey area to make a living, it’s just a shambles.”
Doolan said if he is ordered to pay the fines for the alleged May breaches, that’s at least a $1 million worth of work he needs to do to pay the bill, based on a 10 per cent margin.
“Right now, the industry is so tough, you’re probably getting three or four per cent; we’re almost back like general carriers but with more expensive equipment to maintain.”
Doolan said the Dingley Bypass incident is not an isolated one in terms of the red tape that’s choking the sector.
“All the biggest operators are experiencing exactly the same thing,” Dunbar added.
WA-based Dunbar said the WA permit system should be adopted nationwide.
“We can get a permit over here within 24 hours, sometimes 36 hours. It’s very unusual if we go more than 48.
“Anything to do with the NHVR you can be 28 days, 60 days, or 90 days. We’ve had people from Western Australia that I’ve been associated that have tried to move stuff from Queensland across the top to mining operations in Western Australia.
“We got the permit for the Western Australia leg within 36 hours, and it was 90 days before we got the permit from NHVR.”
The fleet’s prime mover and flat rack was intercepted by the NHVR on Dingley Bypass in May.
Dunbar said the NHVR has not delivered on what it promised the heavy haulage sector in terms of a streamlined approval system – the exact opposite now exists.
“It’s a very complicated, messy, multi-tiered, multi-level bureaucracy that cannot deliver on what I believe its charter would be to improve the service to the oversize, overmass industry.”
To further illustrate just how tangled the web of red tape has become, Dunbar cites the example of an upcoming contract Doolan’s has to move a number of beams from China from the ship’s hook, which vary in weight up to 90 tonne.
They first take them to a laydown area off-site, before moving them to an install position over a two-year period.
“To give you an example of how ludicrous it is, NHVR can’t keep up with the volume of permit applications they receive.
“And they have said no, you need to make individual applications. So, hundreds of applications will be made to move items that would come underneath, within the parameters set on the maximum one.
“So, on one hand they’re saying we can’t keep up, and then on the next they’re saying no, we won’t look at it logically. You’ve got to do 90 permit applications, and when we put those in there’s no guarantee we’ll get them back in time to move them down the road.”
Dunbar said the permit headaches increase ten-fold if you’re crossing state lines.
“Heading up to Brisbane area and coming back down, that’s a disaster, that’s a nightmare.
“If you’re coming from Victoria, you’ve got to tick the box in New South Wales and tick the box in Queensland, and then along the journey there’s also local government they now feed into that can also hold it up.
“So, we went back and said, ‘why could we not obtain a permit for the largest envelope that we require’, which I have to tell you happens in the Northern Territory and WA, then we get approval to move anything within that envelope.
the message that was delivered when the HVNL and NHVR was set up.
“It’s affecting mental health; there are people bailing out.”
Gary ‘Doc’ Dockrey, now 73 and retired after more than 40 years in the heavy haulage industry, which included driving, knows all too well the detrimental impacts the permit system can have.
For years he was passionate about his role as an operations manager, which included a three-year stint at Doolan’s, among many other major heavy haulage players.
When VicRoads was calling the shots in the state, he’d get permit approvals back in two hours – the slowest might be two or three days from South
“When the NHVR came in, I thought, ‘you beauty, a onestop shop for a permit’, but was not the case, and it’s still not the case after all these years.”
After years of battling incessant delays, sometimes up to three months for some jobs, Doc didn’t realise the huge toll it was taking on his mental health.
He’d often clock off only to come home and still be trying to untangle what council he’d have to call up to get the paperwork for the third-party approvals.
Doc, who was still working at 69 for another heavy haulage operator, remembers the morning when it all got too much.
“It was around 6.30am and one of the operations guys said
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something to me and it was nothing to do with permits and I just flipped, I lost it.
“I loved that job, but I handed the keys to the boss and said I’d had enough.
“I knew after three or four weeks when I’d settled down that it was the permits that had got through to me.
“I never went to the quack –I’m old school – but I reckon I must have had a mental breakdown.”
Doc, who drove locally for a couple of years after that to get himself back on track, says he’d still be in the heavy haulage game if it wasn’t for the permit system.
Big Rigs sent a series of questions to the NHVR about the Dingley Bypass incident and the OSOM permit system in general.
But the regulator instead directed our line of inquiries to the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) in Victoria.
A DTP spokesperson said the department is cutting costs and red tape for operators.
“From January 1, 2026, structural bridge assessment fees will be removed ahead of launching our automated assessment permit system,” the spokesperson said.
“While we prepare for the system’s launch, our teams are continuing to process permit applications as quickly as possible.”
DTP said it supports the gazettal of the transport of flat racks on platform trailers and has been working with the NHVR to implement this gazette.
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The NHVR officers run the ruler over the big load.
Solutions sought for rest area shortage
PYRMONT’S Fish Markets and Sydney’s motorsport precinct could be turned into overnight rest areas for truckies in a bid to find fixes for the city’s long-running truck parking issues.
With the $80 million dedicated truck-parking area in Eastern Creek still stuck in development phase, both sites are being considered as options as councils report a sharp rise in trucks parking on suburban streets.
Blacktown Council, in response to a spike in complaints from ratepayers about truck parking in suburban streets, is in talks with the Sydney Motorsport Park and
Sydney Dragway, about a proposal to allow up to 600 trucks to park within unused areas of the raceways at night.
A spokesperson for Sydney Dragway told Big Rigs that the council first approached them with the idea a few months ago, but he’s waiting for them to come back to him with next steps.
“It’s not something we’re averse to – we’re happy to help out where we can,” the spokesperson said
“Obviously from our point of view, there are fees that would be installed into this.
“Because we’re a multi-purpose venue, we’ve also got to look at what area won’t affect
our day-to-day operation.
“We’re happy to work with Blacktown Council but obviously, there is a lot more to discuss about how this would work and fit in with our schedules.”
A spokeswoman for the Sydney Motorsport Park also confirmed raceway operators are considering the proposal, but said any arrangement would be subject to availability and “only in areas that do not affect the circuit and its operations”.
Road Freight NSW (RFNSW) said it also approached the City of Sydney Council and NSW Government with plans for truck
parking fixes. One of those options put forward were around the Sydney’s Fish Market’s site at Pyrmont, which is due to close later this year for redevelopment.
“Because of the decades of underinvestment to address the parking shortage, drivers are spending huge amounts of time trying to find somewhere to park, and that’s having an impact on operating costs and efficiencies,”
R FNSW CEO Simon O’Hara told The Sydney Morning Herald
NSW laws prohibit trucks weighing more than 4.5 tonnes, or measuring longer than 7.5 metres from parking in built-up areas for longer than one hour.
But Fairfield Mayor Frank Carbone said many truckies are happy to cop a $114 fine, rather than pay for private parking.
He also said fining parked trucks was “challenging” for councils as rangers had to “go out at night, mark the tyres of trucks, then come back to fine them”.
According to the Blacktown Council, truck parking complaints from its residents has shot up to 2170 in the last financial year, which is a 43 per cent jump on the previous 12 months.
Largest truckies’ rest area in north-west region of NSW
THE largest heavy vehicle rest area in the north-west region of NSW opened earlier this month, with parking for up to 18 trucks.
The new Spring Creek Rest Area, about 12km north of Narrabri on the Newell Highway, just south of Murrumbilla Lane, also provides access to amenities including two flushable toilets with disabled access, picnic shelters and bins, as well as as separate parking for light vehicles and light vehicles with caravans or trailers in tow.
Built as part of the threeyear, $261 million, 20km
rest area to provide shade.
“As a former truck driver and current Chair of the Albanese Government’s Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Steering Committee, I am very proud to see this investment from both the federal and NSW Government,” said WA Senator Glenn Sterle,
upgrade of the Newell between Narrabri and Moree, the site is also illuminated at night with solar lighting to increase safety and more than 500 trees have been planted in the vicinity of the
“The sheer size of this project, including how many drivers it will accommodate, should serve as a blueprint for large scale heavy vehicle rest stops in other regional areas across Australia.
“I commend both the Albanese and Minns’ governments
on their vision for this project and their commitment to improving conditions for our essential truckies.”
The opening marks the completion of a three-year project to upgrade the Newell Highway between Narrabri and Moree, with all sections of the highway now open to traffic.
The jointly funded Newell Highway Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrade was made possible with a $205.73 million investment by the Albanese Government and a $55.44 million Minns Government contribution.
Other upgrades along the busy 20km freight route have included intersection improvements, widened road shoulders and five new overtaking lanes. These upgrades have been delivered across four priority sections:
• 8km of pavement upgrades south of Moree as well as a new culvert at Clarks Gully to improve drainage, and upgrades to the Burrington Road, Tapscott Road and Wallanol Road intersections which were completed in December 2024.
• 4.4km of pavement upgrades around Bellata, plus upgrades to Temi Road, North Street, Wilga Street and Oak Street intersections, completed in February 2025.
• 5.6km of pavement upgrades around Edgeroi as well as upgrades to the Smithfield Lane Intersection, completed in June 2025.
• 2.6km of pavement upgrades north of Narrabri) in addition to a new culvert at the Murrumbilla Lane Intersection, completed in August 2025.
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The rest area on the Newell can accommodate up to 18 trucks. Image: Glenn Sterle
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EDITOR JAMES GRAHAM
sue, we’ve been besieged by horror stories about how low the bar is when it comes to the experience of those training and assessing new heavy vehicle drivers. The fact that you can be assessed fit to drive a B-double, for example, by someone who has never driven one in a commercial environment themselves, defies all logic. You’d be laughed out of the room for even suggesting something so absurd in any other world. Are we really that desperate to get bums on seats?
It’s a relief to see Transport for NSW is putting everyone’s safety first. But that’s still only part of the problem. We should also be asking why we can’t get more skilled trainers and assessors who have years of real-life experience.
Maybe it’s time governments chipped in with subsidies to ensure skilled staff aren’t poached into bigger fleets.
Letters to the Editor
Why tougher licence standards won’t fix safety problem
WHILE I may agree with some of what has been said from those blaming the licencing system for lack of e xperience and unsafe drivers being allowed to drive heavy vehicle combinations, there is a fair bit more to it they are not seeing.
I have been involved in the transport industry for over 30 years as a driver, supervisor, compliance and training manager and licenced assessor and currently still drive a heavy vehicle regularly part-time when not consulting to transport companies for my own company.
What many truckies forgot is, experience isn’t gained overnight and certainly not in a 1–5 day c ourse, depending on where you go.
They blame the training organisations for allowing these drivers to drive on our roads without ‘experience’, but this is short-sighted and an easy finger to point.
Sure, there are some dodgy RTOs out there that may turn a blind eye to things or tick the box to pass someone, however this isn’t the fault of the licencing standard – that’s about enforcing the standard from the licencing authority.
There are plenty of factors involved in this complex issue to name a few which veteran truckies should be
aware of:
1. “Longer courses could equate to better standards of drivers”: But the longer the course, the more cost, and potential new drivers, or upgrading drivers, won’t, or can’t afford the course or the time off work to complete a course of this type.
2. “ The standard of the licencing test is too low”: This standard is set by the licencing authority through t he relevant issuing state to a minimal standard. While it may also improve the standard of driver who passes a test, not all aspects a driver will face in t heir driving career can be simulated or replicated in any driving course. For example, how could a licence test conducted in Balranald or Hay simulate city driving conditions or heavy traffic? Or, how could you conduct a three-trailer road-train hook-up and practical assessment in Wollongong or Albury?
How is a steep decent for a driver to demonstrate competence in gear and brake use in Goondiwindi or Moree achieved?
3. Drivers who want to learn and be good at their job will seek further knowledge from experienced operators, and ones that
only need a licence be cause the company needs t hem to have one, or they are promised a driving job by a mate will always seek out the cheapest and easiest solution to get that licence in the quickest way possible.
4. How can transport com panies who are also RTOs stay objective and stick to the rules when there will always be internal pressure to get guys signed off to get a ‘bum on a seat’?
Added to the above we also have a major driver shortage that puts pressure on all of this.
I personally believe the best and most professional transport companies (and the ones worth driving for) are the ones that spend time in training their own drivers to the standards they need in the vehicles and combina tions they use.
C ompanies who invest time and look after their drivers (both financially and with their welfare in mind) produce the best and safest drivers on our roads which leads to a safer road transport industry.
However, like any industry with heavy competition, unfair rates and high costs and often coupled with a ‘race to the bottom’ attitude the good companies to compete are forced to cut costs, and the
Companies who invest time and look after their drivers produce the best and safest drivers on our roads. Image: ViskBx/stock.adobe.com
first areas to be cut to ‘save money’ to be more competitive is to axe training, reduce c ompliance or drop safety standards.
Experience is gained through knowledge and time doing a variety of different tasks in different situations. Blaming or changing the licence standard won’t achieve a safer level of drivers out there.
Adherence to the licencing standards of RTOs by the licencing authority and holding transport companies accountable for letting drivers behind the wheel when they haven’t been inducted or familarised in the vehicle and load type they are required to use is the main problem.
Address these issues and call them out so we can be
aware of who they are to avoid them, and we might start to see some improvements.
At the end of the day, it always comes back to a dollar figure and there certainly is a dollar figure on the safety of the transport industry that no one wants to pay for.
David Howard TransCat Solutions
To find out more, visit your nearest Isuzu Trucks Dealer or visit isuzu.com.au
IN BRIEF
Heavy-duty truck sales
According to the latest numbers from the Truck Industry Council (TIC), truck sales in August 2025 were down 11. 7 per cent over the same month last year, with the heavy-duty sector the hardest hit. There were 1081 heavies delivered in August, down 17.4 per cent (227 trucks) on 2024. Year-to-date (YTD), heavy sales are tracking 17.5 per cent lower than over the same period in 2024. In unit numbers that’s 1985 less heavies than for the same period last year. Total heavy sales so far in 2025 are 9342, with Kenworth again leading the way. Although selling less than in 2024, Kenworth wasn’t as hard hit as some rivals and sealed a bigger market share – up from 20.5 per cent YTD in 2024 to 23.3 per cent in 2025. Kenworth recorded 267 deliveries in August, 60 less than the same month in 2024. Its YTD tally is 2181, a 5.6 per cent dip on the same period in 2024 when it sat on 2321.
The category race for second is as tight as ever with Volvo topping Isuzu in August – 162 vs. 154 – but still trailing YTD on 1512, now just 12 adrift of the overall market leader.
Fuel card rort warning
South Australia Police are advising transport companies to check their fuel cards after an increase in the use of “inappropriately obtained” fuel cards by “unscrupulous” operators. SA Police told Big Rigs they have seen an increase in the use of cards by truck drivers obtaining fuel with company cards which have not been allocated to them. Police said companies should have strict audit and issue procedures in place as safeguards against deception and fuel theft.
New speed cameras
Average speed cameras are being installed on the M2 motorway and Lane Cove tunnel, to solely target heavy vehicle speeding offences.
They were flicked on from September 22, operating in warning mode for at least two months. Heavy vehicle drivers caught speeding at 30 km/h or less over the speed limit will be sent a warning letter. Those speeding at more than 30 km/h over the limit will receive a penalty. Fines, demerit points and other penalties will apply to heavy vehicles as normal after the grace period.
$825 fine for rusty truck
A truck was recently intercepted by the NHVR near Maroochydore, Queensland, and ordered off the road.
“Following an inspection, it was defected and the company was issued with a penalty infringement notice,” said an NHVR spokesperson.
Along with being heavily rusted, mechanical issues were found including brakes operating unequally, uncompliant exhaust pipes, oil leaks, fluid leaks and issues with both the first and second drive axles. The company was fined $825.
Interstate drivers shut out at servo
BY JAMES GRAHAM
INTERSTATE Blenners
truckie Jason Stephan was looking forward to a wellearned shower and feed while parked up at the BP Truganina earlier this month after his usual long market run down from Brisbane.
Instead, he arrived in his Kenworth K220 B-double to find yet another jam-packed truck parking area that appeared to be all taken by locals and their rigids, prime movers and trailers, or cars parked in the designated truck parks.
Despite an initial towing crackdown by BP on those flouting the rules in 2023, Stephan said the usual suspects are back to their old tricks.
“This morning was the worst I’ve ever seen it at this location,” Stephan said of the Sunday morning he snapped these pictures for Big Rigs
“We’ve got no other choice now but to park on the street, which is what we normally do. The worst is in the weekend. Normally if you are in there during the week after 8am, you can generally get a park.”
Stephan said the on-site towing was a godsend for interstate drivers in Melbourne,
but it seemed like the tougher new rules only lasted for a month.
“They slowly crept back in once they worked out they weren’t getting towed. On the weekend, or when they finish their shift, they park up in there. They’re using it as a depot.”
On this occasion, Stephan said he did raise the parking issue with the staff but said “they couldn’t care less.”
Shannon Suttle agreed with Stephan when we first posted the story at bigrigs.com.au.
“BP Truganina is horrendous,” Suttle wrote. “ I’m there 2-3 times a week and usually have to wait for a local
to move. Complain to management and they couldn’t give two shits.
“Complain to BP Australia and they send the complaint to the bp site. Same situation at the Ampol down the road.”
Stephan is unsure how the Truganina issue can be fixed.
He said there used to be a fuel card access system on the entry gate that worked well, but since it was run over, it hasn’t been replaced.
“The gates are permanently open now.”
Stephan said there are plenty of signs that say the bays are for 8-hour truck parking only, but there is no requirement for drivers to register and validate
their reasons for being there with staff.
“At the Epping one you do. You have to go in and do all that. You give them your truck rego and how long you’re going to be there for, who you work for, phone number and all that stuff.
“It seems to work over there.”
A BP spokesperson told Big Rigs the safety of all customers and staff is its top priority.
“Ensuring truck drivers have access to parking for their compulsory rest periods is an issue impacting many sites across the country,” the spokesperson said.
“BP is managing these issues on a site-by-site basis, and we ask that truck drivers are shown the respect they deserve by allowing them safe access to rest areas.
“BP Truganina continues to tow vehicles that are not parked in accordance with on-site regulations.”
Sunshine Coast-based interstate driver Niell Graham said he was “unfortunate” to be forced to have a 24-hour rest break in Melbourne a couple of months back and spent it at the BP on Little Boundary Road at Laverton.
“I got in there on a Sunday arvo and managed to get a spot,” Graham said.
“That night I was the only truck that someone was sleeping in and in the morning I watched car after car come in, stop by a truck with someone moving the truck and the car would park in that spot.
“I then watched it all unfold ternoon. Too bad for anyone
Big-hearted truckie makes teen’s wish come true
FRED’S Interstate Transport truckie Lyndon Hilder had a night he’ll never forget in Sydney this week – for all the right reasons.
While parked up at Caringbah in Sydney’s south, Lyndon had left the door open to his Kenworth T909 B-double while answering the call of nature.
“When I’ve come back around the driver’s side I saw this person on a bike with a hoodie on and thought, ‘I’m gonna get robbed for sure’, as I am in Sydney.”
But what followed next made Lyndon choke up with emotion.
“It was just a kid, probably no older than 16 or 17, who loves trucks and he asked if he could take some pictures,” recalled Lyndon, who first shared the heartwarming story on the On the Pads “NSW/ VIC Edition” Facebook page.
“I said yes, of course. He then told me his dad was a truck driver and he showed me in his phone hundreds of pictures of trucks.
“I asked who does his dad
drive for? He said, ‘Dad died in a truck accident’.
“Well, I had no idea what to say.
When the teen told Lyndon that he’d never got the chance to ride in a truck with his dad, the Fred’s truckie asked if he’d like to go for a ride in his T909 right now.
“He dumped his bike in the gutter and I took him around the block. I think it made his night.
“He was beaming and told me to have a great night – and I said the same.”
Queensland trucking salutes industry’s finest
BLENNERS Transport’s Marcus Koitka and Andrew Foster from IOR were named joint winners of the Professional Driver of the Year Award at the Queensland Trucking Association’s 34th Road Freight Industry Awards in Brisbane.
The prestigious event, held at the Royal International Convention Centre, is one of the largest in the country and recognised individuals and organisations demonstrating excellence, innovation, and commitment to the industry. Award presentations were made by Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg.
“The 2025 QTA Road Freight Industry Awards have once again showcased the exceptional talent, dedication, and innovation that drive our industry forward,” said QTA CEO Gary Mahon.
“Congratulations to all the winners and finalists – your contributions are vital to Queensland’s economy and
• Professional Driver of the Year: Marcus Koitka, Blenners Transport and Andrew Foster, IOR
• Industry Excellence: Jodie Jarratt, Jarratt Transport Solutions
Koitka and Foster were impossible for the judges to split in the Driver of the Year category.
With 25 years of experience, Koitka has consistently displayed exemplary freight handling skills, meticulously securing loads and generously mentoring new drivers, said the judging notes.
A s one of IOR’s most trusted drivers, he holds specialised security clearances for high-value bunkering operations.
Foster is also a mentor and trainer, generously sharing his knowledge, improving safety practices, and assisting new drivers in becoming confident and competent.
“His exceptional work ethic, commitment to safety, and passion for uplifting others make him an invaluable asset.”
the well-being of our communities. We are proud to celebrate your achievements and look forward to supporting your continued success.”
The full list of winners are:
• Training and Skilling Excellence: Wickham Freight
Lines
• Health and Wellbeing Excellence: Sandra Wallace, Frasers Livestock Transport
• Trucking Woman of the Year: Sue Wilson, Willows Bitumen Haulage
• Young Achiever of the Year: Nathan Daley, Harvey’s Towing Service
“His unwavering focus on safety is evident in his adherence to all protocols and his remarkable incident-free driving record. His calm demeanour, problem-solving abilities, and dedication to upholding the industry’s positive image.”
IOR said Foster is an exemplary professional fuel tanker driver whose dedication and passion elevate the entire industry.
QTA President Michael Mahon said it’s an honour to recognise the individuals and businesses who embody the spirit of excellence in the Queensland trucking industry.
“These awards highlight the commitment to safety, innovation, and community that define our members,” Mahon said.
“As president, I’m inspired by their achievements and confident in the future of road freight in our state.”
[L-R] The award winners: Jodie Jarratt (Jarratt Transport Solutions), Marcus Koitka (Blenners Transport), Sue Wilson (Willows Bitumen Haulage), Sandy Wallace (Frasers Livestock Transport), Andrew Foster (IOR), Thomasin Roberts (Wickham Freight Lines) and Nathan Daley (Harvey’s Towing Service). Image: QTA
Truckie Lyndon Hilder, inset, was thrilled to be able to give the young teen a ride in his B-double. Images: Lyndon Hilder
Stephan said the site is so packed in the weekends, interstate truckies are forced to park on the streets.
weekends. Images: Jason Stephan
Scania V8 takes pole position
The mighty Scania V8 took on the famous Bathurst racetrack, effortlessly towing a set of loaded B-double trailers through Mount Panorama.
HOME of V8 Supercars, the 6.213-kilometre Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit recently set the scene for Scania’s V8-powered R-series prime mover and B-double set.
Though as lap records weren’t on the cards this time around, Scania rocked up with just the 660hp version, rather than the 770hp engine option with 3700 Nm of torque.
The Bathurst V8 racers have 600hp on tap, though their 0-100 km/h time of 3.4 seconds and 7500 rpm does outdo the Scania V8 by some margin. Regardless however, these Supercars may struggle to tow a pair of fully loaded trailers up Mountain Straight.
“For transport operators with big loads to carry or mountains to climb, the obvious choice is the huge torque of the Scania V8 16.4-litre engine,” said Ben Nye, Scania Director of Truck Sales.
After some careful calculations, a full lap of the 6.213 k m circuit was unfortunately deemed impractical due to the low height of some of the sponsor-labelled bridges set up for the Bathurst 12-hour race.
Perhaps one record that will stand for a while, though, was driver Joel Rundle’s reversing effort from the exit of the paddock carpark in front of the Sparesbox bridge just before Murray’s Corner, all the way back to The Chase. He didn’t put a wheel wrong all day, kept it on the black stuff, and even smiled for the camera.
The day got off to an early start with the truck and trailers on site before the sun came up, though BMW was already on the track for a photo shoot of its own for the global announcement of the new BMW M3 CS Touring.
When the BMW lights went out and the sun came up, the track was handed over to Scania, and the R 660 burbled its way down the main straight past the iconic pits pursued, then overtaken, by the filming drone and snapped by the photographer all the way into Hell Corner.
Joel hugged the racing line exiting Hell before turning sharp left into the Paddock Car Park and crept through the empty dirt stretch before emerging on to the approach
to Murray’s, and heading deep into the famous corner while lining the combination up for the marathon reverse back under the bridge, and swinging the trailers right as he swept past the hotel and back as far as the apex at The Chase. Taking that shortcut could have set a lap record, of course.
Shadowed closely once again by the drone, the truck started its final run to the flag, through The Chase, under the bridge and neatly exiting the track at Murray’s without troubling the gravel trap.
“I wouldn’t have minded a crack at Conrod but getting around Forest Elbow with the trailers to get there would have
been a little bit challenging,” Joel admitted. “Still, it was excellent to be able to say I have driven a V8 at Bathurst.”
While Ben added, “Scania is the only truck manufacturer offering a V8 configuration engine in the truck market. So, we thought we would take one of our V8s to The Mountain to pay our respects to an Australian icon.
“Australian motorsport has been dominated by V8 racing for decades and Australians have an embedded love affair with the V8 engine surpassed only by American drivers and racers.
“In a similar way, the Scania V8 which has been in
production since 1969, has a huge following across the Scania world, most notably in Norway and Italy, where big mountain passes predominate, as well as here in Australia, naturally,” Ben added.
In the 56 years since the debut of the turbocharged Scania V8, with its then incomparable 350hp from just 14-litres, almost every aspect of the engine has been modified, updated and improved. At launch it was the most powerful truck engine available in Europe.
“Today’s V8 is a technological tour-de-force,” Ben said. “Not only in the metallurgy of the block, and the electronic
controls of every function, but also the impressive fuel efficiency and exhaust emissions management which allows it to comply with the latest European emissions standards.
A nd that’s before you factor in the fierce loyalty and passion of its drivers.
“Scania V8’s race is not yet run, and not by a long way.
The factory remains committed to our V8 engine platform and will keep it relevant, and compliant, for many years to come.
IT WAS EXCELLENT TO BE ABLE TO SAY I HAVE DRIVEN A V8 AT BATHURST.” JOEL RUNDLE
“It’s just like with V8 Supercar racing in Australia. The cars and engines have changed over the years to remain current. The Falcons and Commodores are gone, and the Mustangs and Camaros are here now, but the excitement and thrills of the Great Race endure, as the healthy crowds attest.
“It is the same with our Scania V8 engine. Its appeal to drivers is as strong, if not stronger, than the appeal of V8 power to operators seeking efficient productivity for the movement of really big loads across really big distances, while maintaining lower journey times particularly in hilly terrain,” Ben continued.
“And the owner drivers who choose a Scania V8 because they can, are making a statement too. We’re not really big on chrome bling at Scania, but the exhaust note of the V8 is as thrilling today as it’s ever been, and that brings a smile to every driver’s face.
“Especially when driving one at Bathurst.”
The 2025 Repco Bathurst 1000 returns to Mount Panorama from October 10-12.
The truck had the opportunity to take on the famous Mount Panorama.
Not the usual type of V8 you’d expect to see at the Bathurst track.
Scania has been producing V8s since 1969, and in that time, they’ve come a long way.
The truck took on the turns and climbs, with a fully loaded B-double. The combination was driven by Joel Rundle.
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Chooks riding in style in flashy T909
This operator has hit the road with his head-turning new T909, months after his first new T909 burnt to the ground.
BY DANIELLE GULLACI
COMPLETE
a hood ornament, every detail of this new Kenworth T909 –named ‘Twelve at a time’ – has been carefully thought out.
Finished off in pewter grey and with a 50-inch flat roof modular sleeper, the truck features hand painted scroll work, gold stripe details and plenty of chrome.
It was purchased by Mitch and Jae Campbell, who run Victorian based chicken trans port business Cart’em Poultry – hitting the road last month.
“My main business is live poultry transport. We transfer started pullets (which are the baby chickens) before they’re about to lay eggs, from rearing farms to big egg farms,” ex plained 32-year-old Mitch.
“Chooks start laying eggs at 18-19 weeks old, so you move them at about 16 weeks old.
As the chooks get older, they start producing eggs. We move them before that so that the eggs don’t break inside them.”
Based in the Victorian sub urb of Pakenham, his trucks travel all over Victoria, as well as into South Australia and New South Wales. “I have a couple of trucks that do poul try farm work as well, pick ing up eggs from farms too,” Mitch added.
“Our yard in Pakenham is like a truck wash. Poultry is pretty disease prone, so we wash the crates and trucks every single day, which also makes it easier to keep them looking presentable.”
The new truck brings the fleet up to six vehicles. Cart’em Poultry has four Kenworth prime movers – two T909s, a K200 and a K108 Big Build,
“The crew truck fits six people, so they come along with the trucks to catch the chickens. It’s a bit different to how it’s done for meat birds. We only catch and unload by
2.5 hours to load a B-double. We do anything from little jobs of 5000 chooks to 60,000 chooks,” said Mitch, revealing he actually got his start as a catcher.
As Mitch told Big Rigs, “I did an apprenticeship as a farrier, shoeing horses. Then I went out and did that on my own, but I didn’t have enough work – so I found work catching chooks and washing crates to fill in the time.”
A couple of years later, Mitch got his heavy rigid licence, soon upgrading to his HC and then his MC.
About six years ago, when his boss decided to sell his chicken transport business, Mitch saw an opportunity.
“We wanted to buy the business but couldn’t afford to at the time, so I just bought one of his trucks and went out on
Mitch ever drove, the gold 2012 model Hino twin steer that’s still in his fleet today. “It had only done about 150,000 kilometres when I first started driving it and I still have it now,” said Mitch.
“I still catch every day and drive every day. I go here, there and everywhere.”
Though trucking wasn’t always on the cards, Mitch says his interest in the big rigs started early on. “One of dad’s friends had trucks when I was a kid. He bought a new 904 when I was 12 and that was pretty exciting at the time. He carted lime from Traralgon to Dandenong, and I’d get to go out with him sometimes, so that’s what got me interested in trucks.”
Over the past six years, Mitch has been able to slowly grow his fleet. A major mile
June 2023. “We were four years into the business when we were able to buy a new one,” said Mitch.
Unfortunately, that excitement was only short lived.
Purchased at Hallam Truck Centre, Mitch bought the truck through Kenworth Sales Consultant, Josh Dilworth. It was the first truck Josh had ever sold when he first started his truck sales career.
However Mitch only had the truck for about 18 months, when it burnt to the ground in December 2024.
As he recalled, “We were doing a big job from Casino to Bendigo, moving 160,000 birds in a week. You can fit about 12,000 chooks on a B-double, so we were running two B-doubles a day.
“On the third trip, the truck
didn’t make it. It was either a bearing or the brakes that caught fire on the A-trailer. We tried to put the fire out. It was still full of chooks and once it got to them, the whole thing caught fire.”
Miraculously, about 500 chickens escaped and survived.
Being one truck down, Mitch said the farmers he works with were more than happy to help him out. “One of the egg farmers had a K108 he used for grain, so he loaned that to me and then I ended up buying it because I needed the extra truck.”
With an extra truck sorted, the next issue was sourcing chicken crates. “I needed to order another 1000 chook crates. It was a hard few months trying to juggle everything around but we got through it,” said Mitch.
Continued page 16
The new T909 has been done up with all the bells and whistles.
A rooster on the bonnet is just one of many custom finishes.
The chickens are transported in these special crates. The new truck’s interior.
Inspired by the truck that started it all
From page 14
BY complete chance, right after the incident, truck salesman Josh happened to give Mitch a call to say his truck had made it into their 2025 calendar. “That’s when I told him what had happened,” said Mitch.
“Someone had cancelled their truck order so we were lucky enough to take their spot. We ordered the new T909 in December and it was out of the factory in February. All of the stainless and hydraulic work took some time so we picked it up in early August.”
As Josh added, “The first T909 Mitch purchased was one of my favourite trucks. This new replacement truck has come up even better.”
The inspiration for both
T909s – the original one and its replacement – came from the gold Hino that started it all. “The first truck I bought was gold so I wanted to have some sort of gold on the new truck – but didn’t want to make the whole thing gold. Both trucks are very similar, this new one is just finished off a bit nicer. It has different style tanks and we’ve made it look a bit neater,” said Mitch.
“We went a bit nuts with this new truck. I had plans to do a bit more with the previous truck as it was still a little bit plain for me but it burnt down before I got the work done.
“Grant Fowler Signs in Trafalgar did the hand painted scroll work. He did the same on the first truck and I loved it. And a fella in Hallam named Paul Lockley did the gold stripe detail.”
The name of the truck ‘Twelve at a time’ refers to the number of chickens that are loaded into each crate. “We do crates of 12 and that’s something my old boss used to say. Sometimes if they were hard to catch, he’d say ‘just catch 12 at a time’ so that’s how I came up with the name,” explained Mitch.
A long with the name of the truck written on the side of the bonnet, his children’s names feature on the side of the sleeper cab.
Mitch and Jae’s five-year-old daughter Eden and two-yearold son Nate absolutely love the new truck. “We all picked the truck up together and I often take the kids out with me. They are truck and forklift obsessed – especially Nate. I think he’ll end up driving trucks too, so this might be his truck one day!”
Eden and Nate give Dad’s new truck the thumbs up. Images: Hallam Truck Centre
It features scroll work and gold striping detail right around.
This gold 2012 model Hino was Mitch’s first truck and it’s still in his fleet. Image: Cart’em Poultry
There’s plenty of room for a good night’s sleep.
90 new trucks for fleet refresh
VISY Logistics has added 30 Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks to its fleet as part of a major truck fleet refurbishment.
The first 30 Actros trucks are now on the road and Visy Logistics is also looking to add another 60 vehicles as part of its fleet renewal program.
The company selected a range of 13-litre and 16-litre Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks for the first stage of its fleet modernisation.
Visy Logistics Australia Country Manager, Wayne Boxshall, said Daimler Truck Australia Pacific was the right partner for their refresh program.
“Safety, sustainability and driver comfort were key for our new fleet,” Boxhall said.
“These trucks will underpin our fast growing operations across Australia as we further support our food, beverage and industrial customers.”
The Mercedes-Benz Actros features an Advanced Emergency Braking System called Active Brake Assist, which can automatically carry out full brake application in response to stationary and moving objects and even brake in response to moving or halted pedestrians. It is also available with Predictive Powertrain Con-
trol, which uses topographic map data and GPS to help the truck anticipate terrain and select the optimum shift pattern and engine response for maximum fuel economy. It can even coast in neutral when safe for ultimate effi
3-litre and 16-litre Ac tros engines have been exclu sively using Euro 6 technolo gy in Australia since 2016. o meet Euro 6 emission standards, truck engines must produce 70 per cent less hydrocarbons and 77-80 per cent less oxides of nitrogen (NOx), as well as 50-66 per cent smaller particulates.
bassador for Mercedes-Benz Trucks,” Whitehead said.
Daimler Trucks Australia Pacific President and CEO, Daniel Whitehead, said Mercedes-Benz trucks suit Visy ogistics perfectly.
“As a global leader, Visy Logistics is a remarkable am-
“We are immensely proud that Visy Logistics has partnered with Daimler Truck for this important fleet modernisation.”
Daimler Truck Australia Pacific Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Andrew Assimo, said the Actros is well suited to the role.
“The Actros is known for its Euro 6 leadership and its legendary fuel efficiency, so it really is the perfect fit for Visy Logistics,” he said “Visy Logistics has always had a firm focus on safety, which ties in with the safety leadership position of Mercedes-Benz Trucks.”
Visy Logistics is a globally recognised logistics oper-
ator, known for delivering sustainable and digitally enabled supply chain solutions. In Australia, Visy Logistics operates across 60 sites nationally, offering services in metropolitan warehousing and distribution, linehaul, intermodal (container transport), bulk warehousing and haulage, and global forwarding.
Visy Logistics is also looking to add another 60 vehicles as part of its fleet renewal program. Images: Daimler Truck
The first 30 Actros trucks are now on the road.
Passion for rare rigs lives on with L700
Once a Holden-hauler for McCoullough’s, Geoffrey McDonnell’s unique Kenworth is still going strong four decades later.
BY DAVID VILE
“A lot of blokes refer to them as a ‘cab-under’ as opposed to a ‘cab-over!’ But I thought it was just a unique truck to have.”
When most people think of a Kenworth its usually a towering K200 or big-bonnet T909 that springs to mind. But for Geoffrey McDonnell, his ‘cab-under’ 1985 model L700 ticks all his boxes.
In the 1980s, the L700 Kenworth was developed as a low tare weight forward-control truck aimed at applications such as fuel haulage and waste applications, and with its low-profile cab the L700 also found a suitable vocation in car-carrying.
Back when Holden cars were a mainstay of Australian manufacturing in both Melbourne and Adelaide, Wagga Wagga based McCoullough Brothers placed an order for 26 L700s to add to their fleet which was kept busy hauling cars from the Holden plants to Sydney and Brisbane and throughout regional Australia.
All of the Kenworths were the first to be powered by the higher output Cummins L10 rated at 270 horsepower and, with the lower tare weight in mind, were fitted with a 10-speed Spicer gearbox.
Of the 26 Kenworths put into service, 14 were prime movers and 12 were rigids with dog trailers, with a carrying capacity of 7 cars including one riding out front on the overhead cab-frame.
The McCoullough’s car-carrying business was acquired by the Finemores group in the 1980s which then itself became part of the Toll Group in 2001.
Throughout this time the L700s were phased out in favour of larger car-carrying units such as Ford Lousivilles and International S-Lines, with a few of the Kenworths re-deployed on shorter-haul meat distribution work.
Geoffrey’s L700, with its Fleet number 1802, was by this stage painted white and was sold through a Toll disposal auction to Neil MacLean of Wagga, with the truck returning to its original home town.
A couple of years ago, and on the lookout for something a bit unusual to go with his Mercedes 1418 cabover, Geoffrey made an approach and did a deal to take possession of the Kenworth.
“I’m just into trucks that are a bit different. I have got the Benz cabover, which not many people have. I was looking for a single drive – didn’t want a bogie. I knew he had it and I got him at a weak moment – I thought would be an interesting truck to have,” he explained.
Clocking up 40 years of age in October, the Kenworth has stood the test of time and today is pretty much how it rolled off the Bayswater as-
sembly line, still with the original motor, gearbox and rear diff.
Since buying it Geoffrey has given the chassis a bit of an overhaul with some fresh paint and the fitment of a toolbox behind the cab and a sun visor on the roof with some further work planned. He has not touched anything under the cab with the Cummins still proving to be a reliable performer.
“The L10 is all mechanical not electronic – the later L10s they fitted to T400s, and so forth, were electronic – and it works well with the Spicer.
“It runs a cable gearshift on the Spicer and not many came out with the 10 speed - they put that in to make them light, and it also has low-profile Bridgestone 305/70R tyres, which is what Finnemore’s used to run,” he said.
To some older drivers the L700 cab is reminiscent of
the old Atkinson ‘half-cab’ sleeper trucks from the 1970s with the lower profile cab not lending itself to a great deal of room when compared to the cab-overs of today.
“There were a lot of slim-line cabs on garbage trucks and so forth, these ones were the only L700’s to come out of the factory with the sleeper cab option.
“When I got this the sleeper only had the carpet in it which had got a bit grotty, so I have replaced it with button trim. It is similar in size to that on an International T-Line.
Adds Geoffrey with a smile: “I reckon its more of a parcel shelf than a sleeper - I couldn’t imagine having to spend a 24hour fatigue break in it.”
The L700 is wheeled out of Geoffrey’s shed at Uranquinty fairly regularly and hooked on to either a bogie float or single-axle drop deck trailer.
As a member of the Riveri-
na Trekkers, he loads up his Deutz tractor and hauls it to shows and rallies in an area between Corowa, Berrigan, up to Cootamundra and across to Gundagai.
“A few blokes have asked me that. In a few places the red is starting to come back through where the white was over sprayed, but it wouldn’t take much to get it back to how it was originally.
“We might do that and look at getting it up to Clarendon for the Kenworth Klassic one year.”
While the Kenworth will not be at Clarendon in 2025, it will be on display across the weekend of October 18-19 at the annual Urana Vintage Machinery Rally and Truck Show.
Having had an involvement with the show for a number of years, Geoffrey will again be overseeing the truck show and shine, and with Mercedes, Volvo and International all getting a guernsey in past years, it will be Kenworth’s turn as the feature brand in 2025.
Located pretty much in the middle of the Riverina, the Urana event will run across two days including a vintage tractor pull, displays and trade stalls and free activities for kids.
As in past years, a number of judging categories will feature as part of the truck show and shine including Truck of the Show.
Given the truck is virtually back in its original backyard with its close proximity to Wagga, he is toying with the idea of restoring the paint back to the original red and
“I’m not pulling a big weight with it, only around 5-6 tonne with the tractor and gear but poke along all day at around 90 k’s and get to where we have to go,” he said.
Free camping and showers are onsite available for those wishing to make a weekend of it and entry for Sunday is a very reasonable $10.
For further information, check out the Urana Vintage Machinery Club page on Facebook, or contact Geoffrey McDonnell on 0429 095
A total of 26 Kenworths were ordered and supplied to
Not your average run-of-the-mill Kenworth.
The single-drive L700 has stood the test of time well over the years.
Geoffrey’s Kenworth will be on show at the Urana Vintage Machinery Rally in October.
Geoffrey McDonnell takes his trusty L700 out for a spin every chance he gets. Main images: David Vile
Workday tech unlocks new opportunities
WORKDAY, an enterprise AI platform for managing people, money and agents, has unveiled a range of new features and innovations during the Workday R ising event held in San Francisco earlier this month.
Among these announcements are the launch of Workday Data Cloud, Workday Illuminate and Workday Build.
Workday seeks to unify human resources and finance on one intelligent platform with AI at the core, to empower people at every level with the clarity, confidence, and insights they need to adapt quickly, make better decisions, and deliver outcomes that matter.
Workday is already being used by over 11,000 organisations around the world and across a wide range of industries, including transport and logistics. Its innovative technology is being embraced by everything from medium sized businesses through to Fortune 500 companies.
Workday Data Cloud
Workday Data Cloud is a new data layer that will help organisations unlock the strategic value of their HR and finance data by connecting it to their existing analytics platforms and operational systems. Customers will get rich, secure, real-time access to insights –turning workforce and financial information into action faster than ever.
Workday is partnering with Snowflake, Databricks, and Salesforce to give customers direct, zero-copy access to their core HR and finance data within the platforms they already use and bring that customer and business data into Workday with the same zero-copy approach. This will eliminate the need for costly data exports, bulky reports, and stale duplicates – just clean, governed data at work.
As an example, in the retail space, a business could combine Workday data on employee engagement with Snowflake data on store performance to help them understand which teams are driving the most sales. Or finance teams can unify Workday’s financial data with market, risk, or sales data in Databricks to power real-time forecasting and scenario planning.
Additionally, Workday Data Cloud enables HR leaders to enrich retention and performance insights from Workday with product sales data, sales team KPIs like sales quota attainment, or operational metrics like case resolution times from Salesforce – enabling real-time employee insights linked to business outcomes. This will help data teams build more accurate predictive models, automate insights across departments, and drive innovation – all using trusted, governed, and current data at the core.
“Too often, the most valuable data inside organisations is locked away – hard to access, slow to move, and costly to connect,” said Gerrit Kazmaier, president of product and technology, Workday.
“With Workday Data Cloud and our zero-copy approach,
customers will finally have simple, secure, and open access to their most trusted data – fuelling a new generation of AI-powered innovation.”
Workday Data Cloud will provide a set of capabilities that enable organisations to securely connect and analyse HR and finance data in context with customer, market, and operational data. Together, these features will help ensure leaders have timely, governed insights to guide decision-making and accelerate A I innovation.
Executive vice president of product at Snowflake, Christian Kleinerman, commented, “The partnership between Snowflake and Workday is a major step forward in how companies can leverage their most valuable asset: their data. By eliminating the friction of data silos, we are making it possible for customers to accelerate their AI innovation and achieve a faster return on investment. This means business leaders can get the right insights, at the right time, to make smarter decisions and gain a competitive edge.”
Stephen Orban, senior vice president of product ecosystems and partnerships at Databricks, added, “By breaking down silos, this partnership enables customers to seamlessly enrich their data lakes with a trusted Workday data layer, unlocking new opportunities for innovation and smarter decision-making.”
Workday Data Cloud will be available to early adopter customers in the first half of 2026 and generally available later that year.
Workday Illuminate
Workday Illuminate has expanded with agents for HR, finance, and industry. Illuminate agents are purpose-built for work – embedded in HR and finance, powered by Workday’s unmatched data and context, and designed to deliver measurable outcomes. The new agents take on some of the most complex processes – like performance reviews, workforce planning, and financial close – helping organisations work smarter, faster, and with greater confidence.
AI spending has skyrocketed, but most companies aren’t seeing real value. Deployments are too often piecemeal, siloed, and disconnected from the way work actually gets done. In fact, an MIT study found that despite billions spent on AI last year, only 5 per cent of organisations saw a return.
Workday’s new Illuminate agents change that, embedding AI directly into workflows and transforming processes to deliver real business results.
“Too many AI efforts amount to random acts of automation that never scale or deliver real value. The barrier of self-building AI on legacy systems and closed platforms is simply too high,” said Gerrit. “Workday Illuminate is different. With purpose-built AI agents and a single, open enterprise platform, we’re redefining ERP for the AI era –transforming it from a passive
system of record into a system of action that drives real outcomes.”
Workday powers more than a trillion transactions each year across millions of workers and tens of thousands of roles – giving it unmatched insight into how people and money move through organisations. With this depth of context in HR and Finance, Workday can pinpoint the moments that matter most and apply AI where it delivers the greatest impact. Illuminate agents transform processes like hiring, performance, planning, and financial close into more efficient, strategic outcomes.
Designed to work alongside people, these agents handle repetitive, time-consuming tasks so employees can focus on higher-value work. And over time, they learn and adapt; becoming smarter, more valuable partners across the business.
Workday Illuminate for HR agents: HR leaders are navi gating the complexities of an A I-powered workplace – re thinking how people thrive in a new era of AI. They’re under pressure to attract, retain, and engage talent while reducing administrative burden. New Illuminate for HR agents help create better employee expe riences and free HR teams to focus on strategy by automat ing critical but time-consum ing processes.
Workday Illuminate for financials agents: Finance teams
WITH PURPOSEBUILT AI AGENTS AND A SINGLE, OPEN ENTERPRISE PLATFORM, WE’RE REDEFINING ERP FOR THE AI ERA.”
GERRIT KAZMAIER
today face the dual challenge of protecting and growing the business while adapting to a constantly changing environment. New Illuminate for financials agents are designed to streamline reconciliation, testing, and planning, enabling leaders to shift time from manual tasks to value-added analysis and decision-making.
The cost and profitability agent simplifies cost and profitability setup by allowing users to define allocation rules and drivers using natural language to help them gain richer insights. The financial close agent streamlines the financial close process with automation and real-time visibility, helping transform it into a simplified and efficient workflow. And the financial test agent continuously tests financials to help detect fraud and enable compliance, providing continuous insight into an organisation’s financial health.
New Illuminate agents will be available in 2026. Workday Flex Credits are now available to purchase.
Workday Build
Workday Build opens access to the company’s applications, data, and AI in entirely new ways, empowering every customer, partner, and developer to customise Workday, extend its capabilities, and deliver AI innovations faster – with the trust and security Workday is known for.
Workday Build will also feature the new Workday Flowise Agent Builder, a low-code tool that makes it simple to build, deploy, and manage custom AI agents within Workday. This will allow customers to leverage the data and context in Workday to create business-specific AI agents with speed, flexibility, and confidence.
“The era of one-size-fits-all enterprise software is over,” said Peter Bailis, chief technology officer, Workday.
“With Workday Build, customers go from consuming A I to creating with it, giving them the power to build intelligent solutions directly on their most trusted people and financial data. This transforms how they do work, within the security of the Workday platform they already depend on.”
Announced at Workday DevCon 2025, Workday’s new AI developer toolset brought the power of Workday Illuminate to developers, enabling them to customise and connect AI apps and agents on the Workday platform. Workday Build is the next step in this journey, unifying these tools and programs into a single developer platform.
The new Workday Flowise Agent Builder will be available to customers that have Workday Extend Professional in the first half of 2026.
For more information about Workday, visit the website at workday.com
Workday’s headquarters in California. Images: Workday
The Workday Rising event was held from September 15-18 in San Francisco, California.
Workday’s president of product and technology, Gerrit Kazmaier.
Workday’s chief technology officer Peter Bailis.
One AI platform, endless possibilities
Proudly supporting Reader Rigs
Share your truck pics to win with Shell Rimula
SHELL Rimula has partnered with Big Rigs in a big way – so there are even more reasons to send in your best truck shots.
Each month, the Big Rigs team will choose a #PicOfTheMonth, with the lucky winner receiving a $500 Shell Coles Express Gift Card.
Keep an eye out for our regular posts on the Big Rigs Facebook page, calling for your best truck photos and add yours in
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!
Jason King shared this great shot of the 2016 Western Star he drives for Zig Zag Trucking.
An awesome shot from Tom Boston, snapped as he headed for a farm drop near Cunnamulla, Queensland.
Mark Tricky Johnson captured this ripper early morning snap at Nullarbor Roadhouse. Nevis Nicholas-Gordon snapped this great photo while heading southbound on Victoria Highway.
Paul O’Donnell stops by the Great Australian Bight on the way back from Perth.
Adrian Wynne snapped this ripper, while waiting to load in Bowen, Queensland.
Dion Gray caught this memorable moment while carting a load of barley from Griffith to Geelong.
A midnight meet-up with a mate makes for a great photo opportunity for Bradley Young.
Wayne Agius took a quick snap during a sunset load check at East Baines.
Luke Selvage loads in the snow at Black Springs, NSW.
Dan Hutchinson waits to unload molasses at Oakey, Queensland.
Ryan Mckelvie rolls through Kimba, SA, with an old Cleveland’s truck, thanks to Jamie Milton.
Crocodile Dundee pub owners call time
After more than a decade running the iconic Walkabout Creek Hotel, Frank and Debbie Wust are retiring – but the legend lives on.
BY ALF WILSON
THE owners of the icon ic Walkabout Creek Hotel in the Queensland outback, which has an association with the famous movie “Crocodile Dundee”, are retiring.
Frank and Debbie Wust, both aged 63, have been at the popular hotel stop since 2014.
Part of the original Croco dile Dundee was filmed there and the ‘Never Never Safari truck’- a 1972 International C-1300 series – which played an integral role in the movie, ended up finding its way back to the pub.
It arrived at the pub in October 2014 and before the iconic movie was filmed it had been a PMG truck in Darwin.
Crocodile Dundee, which starred Paul Hogan and Linda Kozlowski, was released in April, 1986 and was a worldwide blockbuster.
The pub is located at McKinlay along the Landsborough Highway and is 170km from Cloncurry and 240km from Winton and many trucks travelling to and from Darwin stop there.
McKinlay has a permanent population of just eight, but hundreds live and work at stations in the area.
I spoke to Frank about his retirement plans and he said it would be sad to leave when a sale comes through.
“We have somebody looking at it now and when it’s sold, myself and Deb will be heading back to Biloela where we have a 100-acre property just out of town,” Frank said.
“Got a bit of sad news about The Dundee Truck though.
Delvene Delaney [wife of the movie’s co-writer and producer, John Cornell] emailed us a while ago and told us we were the trustees of the truck, we never owned it.
“It belongs to Rimfire Films and they are going to take it back, which they did. Bugger! No idea where it went.”
The truck has been a tourist attraction there and some famous people had been taken
for a ride in it as Frank recalled.
“Dick Smith and members of his family arrived in a light plane at the nearby airstrip and I took them for a ride around town,” he said.
Before arriving at McKinlay, Frank worked at a coal mine around Biloela and Deb was a travel consultant.
“We took over at the end of March in 2014. We got a phone call from the executive assistant to the Cornell family, asking if we would like to have the truck.
“We jumped at the chance of course. It’s not every day John Cornell offers you a piece of Australian film history.
“They gave us the truck and a certificate of authenticity signed by both John Cornell and Paul Hogan.
“All we had to do was pay the freight to get it here. It goes alright. It’s a bit of an effort getting it to stop though!”
Frank said the truck arrived at the pub via Blinko’s Transport on November 9, 2014.
delivering the bride and matron of honour in style. We haven’t met Hoges, but we think the film is timeless,” he said.
Frank still remembers the first time he saw Crocodile Dundee, at the drive-in at Biloela. “I was three sheets to the wind, and I’m not even sure if I saw the end of it. We’ve watched it a few times since we’ve been here though and have got pretty good at answering the flood of Crocodile Dundee related questions.
“There was a 30th anniversary of the film release at McKinlay in 2016. The shire and community got together to help with the event which was held in Middleton Street, as this is where most of the filming in town was done, and where the pub sat at the time.”
The pub was moved in 1996 as it was in need of restumping and was lacking highway frontage. It never moved far, just two blocks up the street.
“There is a rest area just near here and some other truckies also come from there,” he said.
On the subject of the movie and truck, I fondly recall in the late 1980’s unexpectedly meeting up with Kevin O’Brien, who was plucked from obscurity and ended up landing an acting role in Crocodile Dundee.
Back in 1985, Kevin was sitting in Cloncurry’s Leichhardt Hotel and he saw two people looking suspiciously at him.
“I was nervous before one approached me to play a role in the first Crocodile Dundee movie which was about to be filmed,” he recalled.
“I was told that I looked a lot like John Meillon who played Wally the tour guide and spent the next two weeks playing his double in some scenes. We traveled to Walk about Creek, which had a great atmosphere, and Foun tain Springs,” he said.
Kevin added that he was also given a wooden replica of a crocodile in Cloncurry and was a celebrity in the outback.
“I had my own seat in the hotel there,” he said.
After his retirement in 1990, the quietly-spoken Kevin became a celebrity in his own right.
He enjoyed having a cold beer at the Bellevue Hotel in South Townsville which is a haunt for off-duty truck drivers.
Just 75km up the highway from McKinlay at Kynuna is another pub called the Blue Heeler which is also frequented by truckies.
“It sat proudly out the front of the pub to help lure the tourists in for a photo opportunity. We did two jobs after it turned up.
“The highway has changed since the 1900s when it was built, and the new location puts it back on the highway in full view of the passing traffic,” Frank added.
Kevin was aged 66 at the time and living a quiet life in South Townsville and had been a Cloncurry Main Roads worker when he played his life changing part.
With over 30 years of experience in the Bullbar and Bumper Bar industry, we design bullbars that are technically more advanced than others on the market that can result in them being 25% stronger. We design our bars not only from our many ce but from customer and operator feedback, so that we can supply the industry with ultimate Bullbars, designed for safety, strength, aesthetics, and performance .
“I delivered Santa to the CWA Christmas Tree and we had a wedding here at the Walkabout Creek Hotel. The happy couple were married on the verandah of the pub.
“The truck was the bridal car,
The Wusts are renowned as courteous and friendly hosts, as many truckies have told me over the years.
STRONG
Frank said lots of trucks pass the pub every day and he estimates about six on average will stop.
At the time Kevin was sur prised to see the movie was watched all over the world.
“They were beautiful people – Linda, Paul and John – who gave me an autographed script. It was great getting around in the truck,” Kevin said.
ACM BULLBARS SPECIALISE IN NEW BULLBARS, REPAIRS AND FITTING.
With over 30 years of experience in the Bullbar and Bumper Bar industry, we design bullbars that are technically more advanced than others on the market that can result in them being 25% stronger. We design our bars not only from our many years of experience but from customer and operator feedback, so that we can supply the industry with ultimate Bullbars, designed for safety, strength, aesthetics, and performance.
acmbullbars.com.au
Dick Smith and family members in the Never Never outback International.
Dick Smith in a Crocodile Dundee akubra hat with Frank and Debbie behind him in the bar. Images: Walkabout Creek Hotel
A crocodile separates Dick Smith, left, and Frank Wust in the bar.
Frank and Debbie Wust, right, and Dick Smith and family members to their left.
TRAILER FEATURE
Bringing home the harvest
FROM the beginning of time, humans have been bringing home the harvest, so it’s surprising and gratifying to find those who do it for us are quick to adapt to better technology with successful cost-effective results.
It’s harvest time, and we are especially thankful for the farmers, the grain haulers and the livestock carriers who help to keep us fed. It’s not easy, and we are grateful.
We were introduced to Paul Doudle, the creative designer and builder of the belly dumper grain trailer. The obvious issue for Paul was how to reduce wastage of the grain through the hopper to the trailer, so it doesn’t end up all over the ground.
Then maybe not so obvious, is how to get that load quickly through the paddock and back onto the dirt roads, and then onto the highways, without creating a huge imbalance. These are harsh, heavy conditions and the soil, precious as it is, quickly becomes mud that throws rigs out of balance, chewing tyres and fuel.
One of Paul’s customers is Rob Lanyon of Lanyon Transport, who is also an Atlas Balance Rings customer. But we have found he is just one of hundreds of Australian drivers hauling grain and livestock. So, we thought we would explore their harvest experiences.
Jamie Cooper from Nuriootpa Traders runs DAFs, and some 45 Kenworths on tautliner rigs with Atlas Balance Rings. He comes from South Australia in the heartland of the Barossa Valley’s major commercial centre. The name Nuriootpa is reputed to be the Aboriginal word for “meeting place”, but we actually met Jamie in Adelaide.
Collins Adelaide runs nose and cabover Kenworths with three trailers, now with over 200 running on balance rings, on the same tough
roads from Adelaide to Sydney and Melbourne.
Other major agricultural carrier fleets are helped along with Atlas Balance Rings. Zane, from All Bulk Transport in Toowoomba runs a fleet of balanced Kenworths, and Harrold Services runs trailers on a mix of ever-changing rough road conditions, with the trailers getting an extra 50,000 to 60,000 kilometres per axle.
We understand Harrolds hauls those delicious potatoes for Smiths Crisps. No less important are the fertiliser carriers, like the fully balanced rigs from Darren Powell Transport. He carries grain one way and returns loaded with fertiliser on a different route.
McVeigh’s, Dan & Marty
Murphy, Wilken Bulk Haulage, S & J McMahon, Nitschke Chaff & Freight, John Maker from TJK Transport and Dan’s Trucking all run smooth operations with trucks and trailers fitted out and agree Atlas Ba lance Rings punch way above their weight in costs spent, versus costs saved.
Well, we are definitely “name dropping” here, but that’s because we can.
Let’s also mention Freddy at Sloanebuilt Trailers, Robuk Trailers, GLT Trailers, Beggs Transport, Carpendale Agri, Hopkins Brothers, Ambrose Haulage, Wade from Hannasky Livestock Carriers, Cavanaghs Stockmaster, Brendon from MJ Peters Holdings, Betts, Few
Transport, Hornby Transport and Nick from Thompson’s Transport from Cowra running cattle road trains.
A ll Atlas Balance Ring ambassadors, because these accessories don’t just look good, they actually save money and “save driveline components from friction” (thank you Aaron Eagle, our NZ distributor), and make a tough job more comfortable.
Most tell us the first set of balance rings pay for themselves immediately. And how about the feel of driving a balanced truck?
Atlas Balance Company sponsored The Fuel Doctor’s Little Miss Mack over the weekend at Round 3 of the Australian Super Trucks. The driver Mark said he could feel the difference with the balance rings in the first 300 metres going into the first turn! “Simon, the drive tyres actually just stuck to the road for the first time ever,” he said.
So, if 15,000 drivers swear by tyre savings and drive balance, why not you? Australian rural areas have some of the roughest roads on earth, yet these guys are making a cost and comfort difference. With a 365-day money-back guarantee, and a five-year product warranty, Atlas Balance Company dare you to try them.
Find out more by visiting atlasbalance.com.au or call 1300 228 527.
Atlas currently has a special harvest offer – for every customer that purchases a full set of trailer rings (six sets) we will only charge you for five sets – that’s a set free, to say thank you!
HAULING GRAIN, LIVESTOCK or driving in
harsh heavy conditions
An Atlas Balance Rings USA set.
A Dan’s Trucking rig balanced with Atlas Balance Rings. Images: Atlas Balance Rings
TRAILER FEATURE
For versatility and durability
IN Australia’s transport industry, efficiency and adaptability are the keys to staying competitive. Operators face increasing pressure to minimise downtime, maximise payload, and ensure that every kilometre counts.
For fleets moving bulk commodities, the KEITH J-MAX floor slat for WALKING FLOOR systems is proving to be a vital solution – offering a unique combination of strength, reliability, and versatility that keeps trailers productive across a wide range of applications.
The J-MAX slat is specifically engineered for durability and versatility, making it an ideal match for Australia’s tough road conditions and diverse freight needs.
Constructed from durable steel, the J-MAX slats are designed to withstand repeated loading of abrasive materials such as gravel, compost, and waste, while still providing the smooth operation needed for sensitive commodities like cottonseed and grain.
“Durability is always at the top of the list for transport operators,” said Tim Mellor, KEITH Customer Support Manager for Australia and New Zealand.
“The J-MAX slat is built to handle punishing environments without sacrificing efficiency. Operators can count on it to keep moving load after load, year after year.”
Unlocking backhaul potential
One of the J-MAX system’s biggest advantages lies in its ability to open up backhaul opportunities. Fleets that traditionally specialise in agricultural products – like cottonseed, hay, or silage – can quickly transition to carrying waste, recyclables, or compost on return trips. This flexibility reduces empty running, increases profitability, and helps operators get more value from every journey.
“With a WALKING
FLOOR system fitted with J-MAX slats, you’re not restricted to one type of material,” Tim explained. “An operator might deliver feed to a farm, then backhaul green waste or recycling to a processing facility. That versatility translates directly to cost savings and better utilisation of equipment.”
Safer, smarter unloading
Unlike traditional tipper systems that require significant overhead clearance and level ground to safely raise the trailer body, WALKING FLOOR systems with J-MAX slats unload horizontally. This not only allows for deliveries in confined areas, low sheds, or uneven terrain, but also reduces rollover risks and improves overall site safety.
“Being able to unload where tippers simply can’t reach is a huge advantage,” said Tim. “Operators can put the product exactly where the customer needs it, without having to rely on loaders or additional handling.”
Designed with operators in mind Ease of use is another hallmark of the WALKING FLOOR system. Drivers appreciate that the automated unloading process is simple and predictable. The system requires minimal maintenance compared to hydraulic tipping equipment, and KEITH backs every unit with responsive service and support across Australia and New Zealand.
“Reliability and support go hand in hand,” Tim noted. “We’ve designed the WALKING FLOOR unloader for maximum reliability, but when operators do need assistance, KEITH is there to keep them on the road.”
An all-rounder for the modern fleet
For transport operators moving bulk commodities across
agriculture, recycling, and waste sectors, the J-MAX floor slat system offers unmatched versatility. Its ability to handle tough loads, unlock backhaul potential, and improve site safety makes it an essential tool for fleets that want to increase efficiency while lowering operational risk.
“Customers tell us the J-MAX makes their hauls easier,” Tim concluded. “It’s tough, reliable, and flexible enough to serve multiple industries. At the end of the day, that’s what transport is all about – delivering value on every trip.”
To learn more about J-MAX flooring call 0404 041 883 or visit keithwalkingfloor. com.
A KEITH WALKING FLOOR trailer fitted with J-MAX slats unloads waste directly at a landfill site, demonstrating safe, controlled horizontal unloading. Images: KEITH WALKING FLOOR
reliable performance in low-clearance environments where tippers can’t operate.
The name in material handling solutions TRAILER FEATURE
MLA Complete Forklift Solutions has grown to be one of Australia’s most important material handling equipment companies, supplying and maintaining a comprehensive range of gas, diesel, petrol and battery electric forklifts for short or long-term rental or purchase nationwide.
MLA was established in 1980 with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to sell and distribute Mitsubishi Forklift trucks in Australia. The company has
as well as an extensive regional authorised dealer network, they are uniquely positioned to service customers right across Australia.
Since its inception, MLA has forged a reputation for excellence in customer service, safety, operational reliability, engineering and equipment maintenance.
Proof of this can be seen by the number of major companies who have been with MLA for many years.
support once the equipment is supplied, which includes preventative service maintenance and repairs.
The MLA team has the expertise to service and maintain every make and model of forklift available in the Australian marketplace. It has a fleet of mobile service technicians ready when a customer most needs it because they understand how crucial it is for customers to minimise downtime.
The company employs over 200 people across the country cians, office staff and sales and
At MLA, you don’t just buy or hire a forklift. The company prides itself on delivering on tional aftersales service and
With a history of distributing robust, quality and dependable forklifts that are built to last, today MLA’s comprehensive range includes 1t pallet movers to 45t capacity reach stackers and everything in between.
In addition to offering Mitsubishi, Nichiyu and MLA Vulcan products, earlier this year MLA became the Australian distributor of HELI Reach Stackers and HELI Heavy Forklifts (16-46 tonne).
Both the HELI Reach Stackers and HELI Heavy Forklifts include quality features and components associated with all leading brands in this class of equipment, such as trusted drive train components,
HELI Reach Stackers are state-of-the-art machines designed and manufactured for the intensity of round-theclock container handling apity and dependability in the most arduous of applications.
Advanced features for opera tor comfort and safety include electric tilting cabin, reversing camera and sensors, air suspension seating, combining a durable carriage and fork design with a luxurious cabin environment.
Introducing the HELI range
uilding on its reputation for producing mining, warehousing, logistics and port specific units for companies such as Glencore, Thiess and Tomago Aluminium to name a few.
MLA has the people, total product solutions, national service capability and proven commitment to deliver quality, cost-effective material handling solutions and support for its
TRAILER FEATURE
HENDRICKSON has been at the forefront of suspension, axle, and braking systems for commercial vehicles and trail ers, earning its reputation as a world leader in commercial vehicle solutions.
Since beginning operations in Australia in 1973, Hen drickson has consistently delivered cutting-edge sus pension technology across Australasia, working togeth er with leading truck and trailer manufacturers.
That commitment to qual ity and partnership has been recognised repeatedly, with recent supplier of the year awards from PACCAR and Isuzu Australia highlighting Hendrickson’s industry-leading standards.
This October, Hendrickson is proud to showcase some of its industry leading products at the 2025 Technology and Maintenance Conference (TMC) in Melbourne, on October 14-15.
The event is one of the premier gatherings for the commercial transport industry, bringing together fleet operators, OEMs, and technology providers to discuss solutions that keep vehicles on the road
The experts in suspension technology Moore Trailers raises $60k for charity
QUEENSLAND trailer
builder Moore Trailers has raised $60,000 through the sale of a tri-axle dolly, with all proceeds going directly to charity race, the Road Boss Rally – and the Moore Trailers team also winning the rally out of a field of 36 teams.
For around 10 years, the Road Boss Rally’s chosen charity has been GIVIT. It’s a national not-for-profit that partners with local charities and organisations to connect those in need with generous donors, to ensure that Australians experiencing hardship receive essential items and services they need, when they need them most.
Together with the funds raised by Moore Trailers, this year the Road Boss Rally was able to raise a whopping $300,000.
The charity dolly was built by Moore Trailers, supported by generous suppliers who donated to the build: Fuwa K Hitch, Hendrickson, Air Brake Corporation, JOST Australia, Brisbane Refinish Supplies, Australian Tyre Traders, Alcoa Wheels, Signs N’ Lines and Lelox Truck Accessories.
The Road Boss Rally travels some of the toughest terrain –deep into the heart of the Australian bush and through remote communities and harsh outback roads.
Every year, the Road Boss Rally heads to a different location around Australia. Every fourth year, there is a ‘Super’ event, which means it’s a longer and more difficult route –
longer, safer, and more efficiently.
Luke Callaway, Senior Executive Manager of Technology and Market Development at Hendrickson Asia Pacific, shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming event: “The TMC conference is a significant opportunity to engage directly with fleet managers, OEMs, and service professionals.
The TMC event represents an opportunity for the industry to come together to share
ideas and discover the next generation of technology.
“For Hendrickson, being part of TMC 2025 reinforces our commitment to advancing innovation in suspension, axle, braking and tyre inflation systems that drive real value for our customers,” Luke added.
At the Melbourne showgrounds, Hendrickson will highlight two of its most trusted products: INTRAAX and TIREMAAX PRO.
• INTRAAX has been the benchmark for integrated trailer suspension systems, offering fleets the performance, durability, and low maintenance costs all within a lightweight package that have made it the industry standard.
• TIREMAAX PRO is one of the most advanced automatic tyre inflation systems on the market, maintaining proper tyre pressure to extend tyre life, reduce fuel
as was the case this year.
The 2025 event ran from July 2-16, with an arduous 7000-kilometre route starting and finishing in Alice Springs.
Teams travelled across to the North West coast, taking in remote desert country and communities, then along the coastline of the Indian Ocean, stopping at Broome, then visiting the Kimberley Ranges before returning to Central Australia.
Moore Trailers has taken part in the Road Boss Rally for about 30 years, starting with the company’s founder Lionel Moore – and now continuing with his son Shayne Moore.
Over those decades of involvement in the Road Boss
R ally, Shayne says Moore Trailers has raised and donated upwards of $560,000.
Moore Trailers competed with their lime green 1973 Ford Fairlane, named ‘The Hulk’, and the team included Shayne and two local drivers from Pittsworth named Brad Hudson and Noel Krienke.
“We’ve been on a heap of rallies together,” said Shayne. “For this one, we drove 3000km to get there, 7000km for the rally, and then another 3000km to get back home over 21 days.
“The conditions were harsh and only the strongest got through. We were lucky to win but we’re also proud to be a part of it, with like-minded
people who like having fun in the bush, while raising money for charity along the way.
“It was harsh, very harsh, and we had a lot of dramas!” he admitted.
Among those dramas were an engine failure before they even got there. “We had to fully recondition the car’s engine – pulling out the transmission and fixing parts,” Shayne revealed.
“Then during the race, we had another major breakdown on Gibb River Road. The corrugations were terrible so another component broke in the steering and suspension at the front. We had to rebuild it out in the bush.”
With The Hulk now
consumption, and improve safety.
Together, these solutions represent Hendrickson’s ongoing mission to enhance vehicle performance while helping to reduce the total cost of ownership.
Stop by the Victoria Pavilion, Booth 1, and connect with Hendrickson’s experienced team of suspension experts.
Whether your goal is to optimise vehicle performance,
enhance productivity, or explore the latest in integrated suspension technologies, the specialists on-site will be ready to share insights and solutions tailored to the needs of fleets and OEMs across Australia and New Zealand.
Adding to its strong product portfolio, Hendrickson has also expanded its suspension and axle offering by distributing the recently acquired Reyco Granning brand throughout Australia and New Zealand, following its acquisition of the iconic brand.
Known for its rugged and reliable suspensions, Reyco Granning complements Hendrickson’s market-leading solutions, giving fleets and OEMs even more choice to tailor a solution to their unique requirements.
As the transport industry evolves, Hendrickson remains dedicated to innovation, collaboration, and customer-focused solutions, helping Australasian operators meet the challenges of today while preparing for the opportunities of tomorrow.
To learn more, please visit hendrickson.com.au.
back home in Pittsworth, Queensland, after the gruelling Alice Springs run, it’s going to need a little bit of love.
“We got the car home and it’ll need some more attention.
We’ll have to fix a few things before we take it out for another rally, so it’s back in the workshop,” Shayne said. Although details of the next Road Boss Rally are yet to be confirmed, the event’s organiser Jamie Lawson told Big Rigs that planning is underway.
“We’re looking at potentially running another rally in 2026,” he said.
Moore Trailers team car, a 1973 Ford Fairlane named ‘The Hulk’, at Ayers Rock.
The Moore Trailers team at the finish line.
Luke Callaway, Hendrickson Senior Executive Manager – Technology and Market Development.
Hendrickson’s engineering facility at Dandenong South. Images: Hendrickson
TRAILER FEATURE
Coupling innovation is put to the test
IT’S been about a year since the innovative CLIPLOCK Coupling was launched to the market, with numerous fleets reporting positive results out in the field.
Taking that another step further, the company behind CLIPLOCK has commissioned accelerated independent laboratory testing conducted to consolidate the product’s long-term reliability.
CLIPLOCK helps operators ensure that their truck and trailer couplings are properly and safely connected. CLIP-
Pneumatics in 2011, to support the truck and trailer industry.
CLIPLOCK is specifically designed to ensure a positive and secure connection of trailer airline couplings while simultaneously preventing unintentional decoupling.
During September, the CLIPLOCK was put through a 24-hour vibration test, conducted by Compliance Engineering.
A s General Manager of GP Truck Products, Joe Borg explained, “We wanted proof that the structural integrity of
in the field. Now we have the results of that testing.”
This vibration testing confirmed that the CLIPLOCK was verified in accordance with the manufacturer’s reliability expectations and conformance to ISO 16750-3:2012.
During testing, the CLIPLOCK was connected to a ball valve and SAE J1402-A rubber air brake hose to simulate what would happen in a worst-case scenario, with acceleration applied on three different axes –vertical polarisation, transverse polarisation and longitudinal polarisation.
“The CLIPLOCK has a locking clip as an added layer of rotection to stop any unintentional decoupling. We decided e wanted to test the product without the locking clip to prove just how well made these couplings are,” added Joe.
“This also gave us the oppor
was found to have no observable structural degradation, surface deterioration, or deformity under the applied test conditions.
“From a safety point of view, these tests help put us above our competitors, because CLIPLOCK customers can be certain that the product performs exactly as it should, adding an additional layer of safety,” said Joe.
GP Truck Products produces a range of products for industry including air brake fittings and truck and trailer components that range from suzi coils to trailer couplings, air brake filtration systems and associated products.
The CLIPLOCK is available with an optional second stage locking system, exclusive to GP Truck Products. It features a two-stage locking mechanism, with a patent pending
connections of the truck and trailer airline couplings can’t occur.
For an additional visual confirmation, if the yellow cord and locking clip are dangling,
it means the coupling may not be securely connected. Additionally, if the locking clip can’t be inserted into the locking groove of the coupling, it means the male and female couplings haven’t been connected properly.
If the female coupling isn’t fully connected to the male coupling, the coupling collar will partially cover the CLIPLOCK locking clip groove, preventing access to the locking clip.
“Ultimately, the CLIPLOCK helps put the minds of operators at ease,” added Joe. CLIPLOCK locking clips can also be purchased separately and retrofitted to couplings with certain CLIPLOCK grooves.
For more information, visit gptruckproducts.com.au or call 03 9580 1811.
HYVA Hooks and Skip systems are a masterpiece in design and functionality. HYVA offer an unparalleled standard of robustness in waste handling, recycling and construction, making the task faster, safer and more efficient than ever.
CLIPLOCK helps to ensure truck and trailer couplings are securely connected. Images: GP Truck Products
GP Truck Products’ CLIPLOCK and SUPERCOIL suzi coil is the ultimate airline combo for uncompromising performance.
HYVA Hookloaders & Skiploaders
T909 turns heads with Armoury Stainless
AT Armoury Group, our purpose is simple: to make the trucking industry shine. We don’t just manufacture stainless accessories or sell wheels
– we elevate trucks and the people who drive them with quality, reliability, and pride that lasts the journey.
Byrnes Transport’s new Kenworth T909 was more than just a stainless fit-out – it was a statement of shared values, craftsmanship, and a commitment to creating trucks that perform as good as they look.
The build: Stainless that stands out
From custom grill to tank skirts, we transformed the T909 with Armoury components – each one designed and manufactured in-house before the truck rolled out ready for the road. Every piece was crafted to integrate seamlessly with the truck’s lines – where function meets style. The final build included:
• Custom grill
• Tank wraps and skirts
• Hinge covers
• A lloy deck plate
• Deep V 13” boltless sunvi-
sor
• Front and rear air cleaner panels
• Custom bunk wings and bunk skirts
• Headlight surrounds and visors
• A ir intake hose covers
• Chop tops
• Torpedo lights Together, these elements gave the Kenworth a commanding presence – a truck built to work hard, look sharp, and last the distance.
A legacy continued
This T909 is a sister truck to the one we had on display at the 2023 Brisbane Truck Show – a build with an American feel, carrying a Peterbilt
look with a flat roof, no dovetail, and monster stacks. It was a classy, classic-looking build that stood out for all the right reasons.
Carrying that legacy forward, the 2025 Byrnes Transport T909 shows how we create with purpose. Each component was measured and made for a precise fit, ensuring installation was efficient and the end result looked and felt like it belonged. The connection back to the Brisbane Truck Show is no accident. For us, projects like this aren’t about reinventing the wheel every time – they’re
about building on proven designs, improving details, and finding new ways to let a truck’s character shine through.
Why it works
When Byrnes Transport invests in a new truck, the decision is about more than looks. Their reputation is built on value, reliability, client satisfaction, and safety – the same values we hold at Armoury. Our stainless is heavy-duty, engineered to last, and manufactured locally to strict quality standards. The durability mirrors Byrnes’ commitment
to reliability, while the sharp styling reflects their reputation for quality and safety.
The result isn’t just a truck that turns heads on the highway – it’s one that reinforces everything Byrnes stands for as a company.
Behind the scenes
Projects like this don’t happen by chance. From the first conversation with Byrnes, our team focused on delivering a stainless fit-out that matched their expectations and timeline. Every product was designed, cut, finished, folded, welded, assembled, and fitted
in-house – the process that ensures everything comes together perfectly and looks built, not bolted on. It’s this attention to detail, combined with having the right parts ready to go, that keeps our turnaround times fast without ever cutting corners. For drivers and fleets, that means less time waiting and more time out on the road with a truck that looks the part and works as hard as they do.
Making the trucking industry shine
Standing back and seeing the finished T909 roll out of our workshop, polished stainless gleaming, it was clear this build wasn’t just about parts. It was about two companies working together, both committed to quality and determined to deliver a truck that represents pride and performance in equal measure. For Byrnes, it’s another truck that reinforces their reputation for value, reliability, and safety. For us, it’s another chance to live our values – create with purpose, be better than yesterday, and stay on the road with you – as we keep making the trucking industry shine.
From custom grill to tank skirts, Armoury completely transformed this truck.
Byrnes Transport’s T909 is a real showstopper. Images: Armoury Group
TRAILER FEATURE
TRAILER FEATURE
Built for Australian conditions, backed nationwide
CIMC Vehicle Australia, better known as CIMC Trailers, has become the trusted name in curtainsider trailers. As the number one semi-trailer supplier globally, with over 100,000 trailers delivered annually, CIMC brings unmatched engineering expertise to the Australian market. Beyond the numbers is what sets CIMC apart, which is a simple promise: trailers that are built to work as hard as the operators who rely on them.
At CIMC, they understand the challenges that transport operators face. From long hauls across terrible road conditions to the daily grind of urban freight, their trailers
are engineered in Melbourne with local insight and international strength. Every curtainsider model is designed to maximise payload, reduce fuel costs, and minimise downtime, helping fleets and independent operators achieve more out of every trip.
A full range of curtainsider solutions
CIMC’s curtainsider models caters to the diverse needs of the transport industry, CIMC has a solution tailored to your every task:
• Flat deck curtainsider: A versatile workhorse for everyday freight.
• Drop deck curtainsider: Ex-
tra clearance for taller loads without compromising stability.
• Mezz deck curtainsider: Adjustable decking for maximum load flexibility.
• Double drop/Super drop curtainsider: Designed for operators needing maximum volume capacity.
• B -double and B-triple configurations: High-efficiency options for large-scale operations.
• Road train, lead and tag trailers: Built for heavy haulage and demanding linehaul routes. Each trailer comes with comprehensive industry standard inclusions and durable construction. Lower tare weights deliver better fuel efficiency, while reduced maintenance costs and strong resale values ensure a greater return on investment. Above all, CIMC trailers are built with proven reliability in mind, all tested to withstand the toughest conditions.
Stock ready in Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane
Time is money in the transport industry, and CIMC is committed to keeping operators moving. That’s why
CIMC have curtainsider trailers in stock and ready for delivery in Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane.
Stock availability means you don’t have to wait months to upgrade or expand your fleet. Instead, you can get on the road faster with a high-quality curtainsider that meets your immediate needs. For operators requiring something more specific, CIMC’s trailers can also be customised to suit individual requirements, from load restraint curtains to painted curtain options, customised gate heights, extra lights, and alloy wheel options.
Local engineering, national support
Every curtainsider is engineered in Melbourne to meet Australian standards and the demands of local roads. That local focus is supported by a national footprint, with CIMC branches in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth. Operators also get the reassurance of a three-year structural warranty, backed by service, parts and technical support wherever the job takes them. This combination of local engineering and nation-
al backing is why both big fleets and independent operators continue to rely on CIMC. It’s not just about buying a trailer, it’s about knowing you’ve got support long after the trailer has been handed over.
Value that lasts
Transport operators know that trailers are more than just equipment, they’re investments. CIMC curtainsiders are designed with value at their core. From fuel-saving tare weights to reduced maintenance requirements, every detail is engineered to drive profitability over the long term. And when it comes time to refresh or upgrade, CIMC trailers hold strong resale value, providing another layer of financial security.
The CIMC advantage
• Proven global leadership: Number one semi-trailer supplier in the world.
• Australian engineering: Designed in Australia for local operators.
• Versatility: Flat deck, drop deck, mezz, B-double, B-triple and road train configurations.
• National coverage: Loca-
tions in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, Adeliade and Perth.
• Immediate access: Stock available now in Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane.
• Customisation: Tailored builds to meet customer requirements.
• Long-term value: Lower operating costs, durability and resale strength.
Moving transport forward
CIMC Vehicle Australia is more than just a trailer supplier, they are a partner to the transport industry. With stock ready to roll, trailers engineered to perform, and nationwide support to keep you moving, they continue to set the benchmark for trailers in Australia.
For operators looking to invest in a reliable, efficient, and future-focused curtainsider, the message is clear: CIMC delivers.
Whether you need a curtainsider, skel, flat top, drop deck or a dolly, CIMC have trailers ready for immediate delivery.
Find out more at
CIMC’s curtainsiders are designed for maximum efficiency. Images: CIMC
TRAILER FEATURE
BTT partnership unlocks greater efficiency
PLANT Access, Australia’s largest plant life distribution business, has long managed the complexities of delivering live products across four states: Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and New South Wales.
With increasing customer demand and the need for reliable interstate freight, the company recognised that its existing transport model was reaching its limits. The challenge was clear: how could they move more product, more efficiently, while staying compliant in an increasingly regulated industry?
A strategic shift to PBS vehicles
The answer came through Performance-Based Standards (PBS) vehicles. Plant Access saw the opportunity to upgrade from 26-metre B-doubles to B-triple, A-double and Super B-double PBS combinations, unlocking higher productivity with fewer trips, reduced costs, and improved turnaround times. However, the road to PBS adoption is rarely straightforward. Access permits are tightly controlled, regulatory hurdles can delay approvals,
and road managers often reject applications without detailed technical justification. This is where BTT Engineering entered the picture. By providing technical expertise and direct engagement with regulators, BTT helped Plant Access secure PBS approvals for its B-triple fleet. The firm prepared robust documentation to address permit rejections and ensured every step of the process moved forward.
As one Plant Access manager explained: “BTT helped us get across the line in those areas where we got roadblocks from road managers. They gave them more information
and got things moving.”
The result? Nightly B-triple operations now run seamlessly between Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney. Each trip saves the need for an entire additional truck, translating into measurable cost reductions, fuel savings, and improved freight productivity.
Compliance made simple
For Plant Access, unlocking efficiency on the road was only half the story. In today’s regulatory environment, compliance is non-negotiable. To strengthen their systems, Plant Access engaged BTT for support across the Chain
New Sunshine Coast DC
AUSTRALIA Post is building a new multimillion-dollar parcel facility on the Sunshine Coast to support the region’s growing parcel demand.
Expected to open in late 2026, it will feature advanced automation to improve turnaround times and help process up to 16,000 parcels per day and up to 21,000 during peak periods like Christmas.
Australia Post Executive General Manager Network Operations, Rod Barnes, said the construction of the facility demonstrates Australia Post’s ongoing commitment to investing in infrastructure that addresses the changing
needs of customers and the Sunshine Coast community.
“As one of Queensland’s fastest growing regions, our parcel volumes have increased 10 per cent annually – well above the national average of 6 per cent,” Rod said.
“With 164,000 locals shopping online in the past year, and areas like Caloundra, Buderim and Nambour recording above national average eCommerce growth, this new parcel facility will help us respond to that demand and deliver parcels to customers’ doors sooner.”
Australia Post said the new facility will also have
enhanced safety and security features. The facility will significantly improve team member safety by reducing touch points and manual handling with the installation of a large parcel sorter.
The announcement of the Sunshine Coast Parcel Facility follows Australia Post’s recent planned major infrastructure investments across New South Wales, with the development of six new greenfield sites in Tumut, Leeton, Casino, Deniliquin, Forbes and Byron Bay.
Australia Post said these investments will boost capacity and help improve delivery speed across the network.
of Responsibility (CoR) legislation and National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS).
Through BTT’s CoR Online Platform, Plant Access implemented tailored training modules, role-specific inductions, and personalised policies. These tools ensured staff understood their legal obligations while keeping records audit-ready.
Meanwhile, NHVAS compliance was streamlined via BT T’s Accreditation Online Platform. With personalised policy and templates, structured folders, and audit tools, Plant Access could efficiently manage requirements across Mass, Maintenance, and Fatigue.
To keep momentum, BTT also provides monthly compliance support – delivering updates on regulatory changes, training materials, and reminders to help Plant Access stay ahead. This proactive model ensures the business not only meets its obligations under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) but does so with confidence.
As the Plant Access team noted, “The training material and monthly updates have
been a real benefit to us and our team.”
Responsive expertise, on call
In an industry where downtime or regulatory setbacks can quickly erode margins, Plant Access has valued BTT’s accessibility and responsiveness. Whether it’s resolving a permit issue, preparing for an audit, or answering a technical question, support is just a phone call away.
“You can pick up the phone and get an answer straight away,” the Plant Access team confirmed.
A model for industry efficiency
The Plant Access and BTT partnership demonstrates how transport operators can combine smarter fleet strategies with rigorous compliance to achieve real-world results. By leveraging PBS vehicles, robust compliance systems, and expert support, Plant Access has positioned itself to deliver greater efficiency and reliability to customers nationwide.
For an industry under constant pressure to do more with less, their success offers a blueprint for others navigating the same road.
Unleash More from Your FleetWithout Adding a Truck
BTT Engineering helps transport operators unlock greater performance and productivity from the assets they already own. Our proven solutions are designed to maximise your payload, streamline operations, and keep you compliant - saving you time, and stress.
Every
is di erent, so we take the time to understand
and tailor solutions to your exact
Whether it’s improving road access, meeting compliance deadlines, or boosting productivity, we’ll help you get measureable results without the cost of expanding your eet.
Plant Access now has B-triples running between Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney. Images: BTT Engineering
BTT Engineering helped Plant Access secure PBS approvals for its B-triple fleet.
Penrite’s trusted solutions for reliability
PENRITE Oil is a family-owned Australian manufacturer with production facilities across Victoria and Queensland.
Proudly servicing all states of Australia and across New Zealand, Penrite delivers lubricants and fluids engineered for the rigours of the heavy-duty sector – trucks, buses, tractors, and the demanding world of trucking and trailer applications.
Their heavy-duty focus is clear: lubricants that protect transmissions, hydraulics, bearings, and chassis com-
ponents; ensuring smooth operation, extended service life, and reduced downtime.
Here, we spotlight three standout Penrite products tailored to trailer applications: Heavy-Duty Bearing Grease, Molygrease EP 3%, and Indus Pro Hydraulic Fluids (ISO 46 and ISO 68).
Heavy-Duty Bearing Grease
This NLGI 2 lithium-complex EP grease is crafted for severe-duty applications, a perfect match for heavily loaded trailers. It is designed to:
Heavy-Duty Bearing Grease maintains integrity in heavily loaded, high-heat, or wet conditions. Images: Penrite
• Handle extreme loads and shock: Ideal for wheel hubs, suspension pivots, kingpins, and other critical bearing components.
• Resist water wash-out and corrosion, even in dusty or salty roadside environments.
• Maintain stability under high temperatures, whether from brake heat or highspeed operation.
Penrite’s Heavy-Duty Bearing Grease ensures bearings and chassis points stay reliably lubricated and protected under real-world trailer conditions, from Australia’s dusty outback to coastal salt spray.
Molygrease EP 3% is a lithium-soap grease fortified with 3 per cent molybdenum disulfide.
Molygrease EP 3%
A step up when mechanical stress is at its peak. This lithium-soap grease is fortified with 3 per cent molybdenum disulfide (“moly”), giving it:
• Enhanced film strength under extreme pressure, maintaining lubrication even where ordinary greases can fail.
• Exceptional durability at high temperatures, making it ideal for CV joints, universal joints, turntables and other load-bearing pivots.
• Robust protection in exposed weather and gritty environments, critical for components outside sealed systems.
Molygrease EP 3% is invaluable for trailer components facing constant stress, weather exposure, and long
intervals between service.
Indus Pro Hydraulic Fluids – ISO 46 & ISO 68
Key to hydraulic systems like brake controls, landing gear, lift gates, and stabilisers, Penrite’s Indus Pro Hydraulic range delivers:
• Excellent anti-wear and anti-corrosion protection, safeguarding pumps, valves, and hydraulic circuits.
• Low zinc content, enhancing compatibility with silver-plated components and modern hoses and seals.
• Compliance with high-level industry standards (ISO 6743 HM, DIN 51524-2 for ISO 46; plus Cincinna
ti Milacron P-69, Denison HF- 0/1/2, Vickers I-286-S & M-2950-S for ISO 68).
• Superior oxidation and foam control, vital for consistent performance across fluctuating environmental conditions.
Selecting ISO 46 caters to lighter-duty hydraulic tasks, while ISO 68 is better suited to high-temperature or heavy-duty systems, offering reliable fluid control under pressure and load.
Why these products matter for truck trailers
In the heavy-duty world of truck trailers, maintenance windows are tight, condi tions are harsh, and compo
nent failure isn’t an option. Penrite’s products rise to these challenges:
• Heavy-Duty Bearing Grease maintains integrity in heavily loaded, highheat, or wet conditions.
• Molygrease EP 3% offers unmatched resilience in exposed, high-stress motion joints.
• Indus Pro Hydraulic Oils deliver consistent, wear-resistant performance for critical hydraulic systems – no premature failure or maintenance headaches.
Learn more at penriteoil. com.au or contact the Technical Service Team at 1300 ENRITE or at lubetech@
Don’t ever overlook a trailer’s wheels
WHEN it comes to trailers, most people talk about the big-ticket items: the chassis, the suspension, the body design. Wheels? They often get written off as mere accessories – just the round bits that keep everything rolling. But here’s the truth: your choice of wheels can make or break the performance, safety, and even the appearance of your trailer. And when it comes to choosing wisely, Alcoa Wheels have become the
go-to for fleets and operators who understand that every detail counts.
Supporting the load: The real business benefit
At the end of the day, your trailer’s job is to move payloads, and your wheels are the ones carrying the weight – literally. Strong, lightweight wheels don’t just make your trailer safer; they directly influence how much you can
carry and how efficiently you can do it.
Here’s where the dollars start adding up:
• Increased payload: Alcoa Wheels are up to half the weight of steel wheels. That means your trailer can carry more freight on every trip without breaching weight limits. More payload equals more revenue per journey.
• Reduced tyre wear: Lightweight aluminium wheels distribute weight evenly and run cooler, leading to longer tyre life. And with tyres being one of the highest ongoing costs in transport, this adds up to real savings.
• Lower maintenance, higher profits: Less strain on tyres, suspension, and brakes means reduced downtime and lower maintenance bills. Every day your truck stays on the road is another day it’s making money. In other words, your wheels aren’t just turning – they’re working to save you money and boost your profit margins.
The direct impact on performance
Wheels aren’t just passengers on your trailer – they’re active players in how it performs. Think about it. From the precision of your turns to the smoothness of your acceleration and the effectiveness of your braking, wheels are quietly working behind
the scenes to shape the driving experience. Choosing the right set of premium wheels means investing in a smoother, safer, and more reliable drive – which, in turn, saves you valuable time and money on every trip.
More than just practicality
Of course, it’s not all about what happens under the hood. The way your trailer looks matters too. Wheels are one of the first things people notice. A sharp, polished set of Alcoa Wheels
doesn’t just signal quality –it reflects positively on your business, your brand, and the professionalism of your operation.
Why Alcoa Wheels?
Because they deliver on every front. They’re engineered for strength, trusted for reliability, and designed to elevate both performance and appearance. Simply put, they’re not just wheels – they’re an investment in your business’s efficiency, safety, and image. So, the next time you’re buying a semi-trailer, don’t
let wheels be an afterthought. Think of them as the foundation of your operation’s success. And when you want the very best, there’s only one name to remember: Alcoa Wheels.
Contact us at the Howmet Wheel system on 1800 955 191. You can also drop us an email at alcoawheels. sales@howmet.com or visit alcoawheels.com.au. Also, don’t forget to follow Alcoa on Facebook at alcoawheelsaustralia for all the latest updates.
Alcoa Dura-Bright Wheels are strong, lightweight and look the part too. Images: Howmet
Indus Pro Hydraulic Oils deliver consistent, wear-resistant performance for critical hydraulic systems.
The Dura-Bright production line in Hungary.
The app connecting freight with carriers
A NEWLY launched app platform is connecting those needing freight transported with truck operators who can move their goods.
Launched in early August, Freightiser is the brainchild of company director Adrian Gath. Based in Mudgee, New South Wales, with farming operations also in Bridgewater in Central Victoria, Adrian had experienced challenges with sourcing carriers to move his freight firsthand
– and decided he needed to come up with a user-friendly solution.
“I’m a farmer and I owned a hay business. Between running the farm and the hay business, I felt like I was always trying to find trucks and it was always a hassle,” he said.
“And at the same time, I had trucking mates telling me how hard it was to find freight and advertise their own truck. I saw there was a
gap in the market so decided to take a leap and develop this app, with the aim of making it as easy to use as possible.”
As he added, “Like every business and every farm, we tend to favour our local transport companies and have those good relationships with local businesses. When you’re having to find trucks further afield, particularly interstate, it can be even harder to find people to move your freight.
“Most trucking companies specialise in a certain type of freight, so when what you need moved goes outside of your regular transport company’s work scope, that’s when it becomes a problem.”
Enter Freightiser, a digital platform where freight can be advertised, whether it’s a full truck load or a partial load; and carriers can advertise available truck space. This streamlines the transportation process to help make t more efficient and reduce empty kilometres travelled. Freightiser is available to download for free via the Apple App Store or Google Play tore. Users can advertise freight for free, and carriers can subscribe to view freight ads and advertise available truck space – for as low as $55 a month, including a two-month obligation free trial period.
with carriers. Image: Elias Bitar/stock.adobe.com
Penske’s new leasing site
PENSKE Truck Leasing is adding a second Melbourne location to the network with its first stand-alone facility in the southern hemisphere.
Located in Pakenham, the new location opened on September 8 and complements the existing Penske Truck Leasing location in Altona North. The new Pakenham branch includes three workshop service bays, a wash bay, parts inventory, as well as a fleet of new trucks for short or long term hire.
“Since launching the Penske Truck Leasing business in Australia in mid-2014, we have steadily grown our footprint to meet market demands,” said Adrian Beach, Managing Director of Penske Truck Leasing.
“Strategically positioned near the Princes Freeway, we chose Pakenham to serve our east-side customers who have been driving across town through tunnels and over bridges to pick up a truck or drop one off for service.”
Offering a varied range of medium and heavy-duty prime movers as well as rigids, the Penske Truck Leasing fleet includes MAN, Hino, and Western Star trucks.
“Our fleet is specced to deliver maximum safety, fuel economy, and driver satisfaction,” Adrian said.
“We’re proud of our diverse line-up and OEM partnerships and feel we have a solution for almost every Australian on-highway freight task.”
In addition to offering competitive and flexible rental and lease options, Adrian added, “Our dedicated associates focus on building relationships and understanding our customers’ unique needs.
“We’ve learned that a onesize-fits-all approach isn’t effective in Australia.
“The full-service lease product is highly bespoke, from the vehicle specs and livery to the support services included in the package, but even our short-term rental rates are customised and based on the customer’s application, the duration, and the distance they’ll be driving.
“Our new Pakenham site will enhance our ability to provide the right truck at the right time and place.”
Within the first month of going live, Freightiser already had users in every state except Tasmania – with the umber of downloads constantly growing. Adrian says he app has been particularly popular in Victoria and New South Wales.
While there are other platforms out there connecting reight and carriers, according to Adrian, what sets reightiser apart is that it facilitates both parties being able to communicate directly and agree on prices.
“Freightiser is a two-way street. Those needing items moved can advertise their freight, and then trucking companies can look at the freight ads and get in touch to give them a quote to try and get the job. This is definitely not a bidding platform. Carriers don’t see other transport company prices, so there’s no undercutting. When that happens, it can be a downward race to the bottom!
“That’s one of Freightiser’s biggest selling points – facilitating that connection so that both parties can talk one on one, with all communication done outside of the app.” Highly intuitive, the Freightiser app also allows users to search for jobs via the map view, with the ability to filter searches by geographical location, truck size and available truck space.
To download the app, visit the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and search ‘Freightiser’ – or visit freightiser.com.au to learn more.
The Freightiser app allows users to search for jobs via the map view. Images: Freightiser
Freightiser allows users to advertise freight, whether it’s a full truck load or a partial load.
The Freightiser app was launched in early August, connecting those needing freight moved
The state-of-the-art Pakenham branch includes three workshop service bays. Image: Penske Australia
Breakdowns won’t wipe big smile from Alan’s face
FRIENDLY
small fleet
owner Alan Watts said he was “born to be a truck driver” and runs Ingham Carrying Services which was started 55 years ago by his father Sid and mum Muriel.
A lan, 52, was sitting in the driver’s seat of his Kenworth T650 when I met up with him.
“We have three prime movers and three body trucks and mainly carry
goods and freight between Ingham and Townsville. We employ five people,” he said.
His preferred roadhouses are the Townsville BP Cluden and the one near Bowen’s Don River.
I asked Alan what his favourite food was, and he answered quickly.
“I love a hamburger and am a simple eater,” he said.
A stretch of the western Flinders Highway between Hughenden and Richmond
is one he dislikes getting along: “The culverts along there are really low.”
Alan could be excused for thinking when he meets me there is a jinx on him.
This time he was parked up waiting to have his fridge repaired.
“I am waiting to get it fixed. The last time you saw me I had been waiting to have my air-conditioner repaired,” Alan said.
Th is genuine jack-of-all-
trades spent the down time preparing the wages for his employees.
Alan still had a big smile on his dial despite the breakdown.
Despite the problems facing many small operators such as fuel costs, low rates and other things, Alan loves life on the road.
“Some days I can be tested but I get paid to see so much country and would not give it up,” he said.
Charters Towers truckie takes challenges in stride
OWNER-OPERATOR
Josh Miller was realistic about the effect of the cost of fuel when Big Rigs saw him parked up earlier this month.
‘’Fuel is an expense we all have to incur and you just have to get on with it and pass on costs where you can,” he said.
Josh, 37, is based at Charters Towers and has been an owner-driver for five years.
He drives a 2007 Kenworth 904 powered by a
C T16 motor and with an 18-speed Roadranger gearbox.
“I have picked a load from Roseneath west of Townsville for the Port here. Also, I just did a job from Mingela,” he said.
Josh said he has been all over Australia with his work including travelling into the NT and WA.
“The worst highway I have been on is the Tanami Track but I know it is being upgraded. Also the Flinders
Highway between Townsville and Mount Isa is bad in places,” he said.
This friendly driver said he had spent a lot of time at Cloncurry in the outback and likes the roadhouse at Julia Creek which is 150km from there.
As for rest areas, Josh said there was not enough for drivers with decent facilities.
“Not many good ones for us, but heaps which need a lot of love,” he said.
His favourite meal is T-Bone steak and Josh recommended an NT establishment which always serves him a good one.
“It is the Heartbreak Hotel in the NT where lots of t ruckies stop. Another place is the Croydon Roadhouse in Queensland,” he said. What does Josh like about being a small operator in this vast country?
“I do the job for love and have seen Australia,” he said.
Alan Watts runs Ingham Carrying Services. Image: Alf Wilson
Josh drives a 2007 Kenworth 904 powered by a CT16 motor.
OF the 12 drivers who work for Jarratt Transport Solutions located at the Port of Brisbane, 29-year-old Josh Jeffery is the youngest.
Josh was standing beside his Kenworth SAR 610 at a parking area in the tropics when Big Rigs stopped for a chat and picture.
“I have a load of pipes from Brisbane for Townsville and a backload of scrap to take back,” he said.
A truckie for the past seven years, Josh was always going to follow in the footsteps of his dad Steve who works for a Mel-
bourne-based company Minus One Refrigerated Transport.
The worst road he has been on is a back route between Newcastle and Sydney.
“It is called Putty Road and is shocking,” he said.
As for rest areas, Josh is in unison with most others and reckons many more are needed.
“But there is a good one called Mundoona in Victoria which I like,” he said.
A favourite roadhouse for Josh is at Moorland between Port Macquarie and Taree.
“They provide good home
cooked food,” he said.
I mentioned to Josh that he was “a baby when it comes to the average age of truck drivers” with stats revealing it is 58.
“There are 12 of us at my company and I am easily the youngest. Several are aged in their 30s and the others are older,” he said.
It has been a wish of Josh for one day to have somebody from Big Rigs snap his pic to appear in the publication.
“I never thought it would happen and it has. We have a little competition at work amongst us about any appear-
ances in media and several of the lads have been on a trucking website,” he said.
Outside work Josh is into restoring old cars when time permits.
“I have restored a HQ Holden but don’t barrack for football teams much – I used to follow the Brisbane Broncos,” he said.
What I didn’t tell Josh that some drivers have an unwritten policy that if they appear on the pages of Big Rigs they must shout a carton of beer for colleagues.
But I am sure his mates will.
WHEN Big Rigs saw 59-yearold veteran driver Bryan McMillan he was parked up in the tropics and checking the expensive equipment he was carrying.
Bryan drives a Cat CT630 truck for Smarttech Australia which has branches in every state in Australia.
“I live in Mackay and get around calibrating loaders and excavators. Everybody knows
my truck by its name Sylvester,” he said.
Friendly Bryan said he started driving trucks as a 14-yearold in New Zealand.
“It was off road on farms, and I just love driving,” he said.
Bryan had been doing a job at the Townsville Port, and I saw him stopped on the nearby Access Road.
Although a lot of his work is in around Mackay and the coal
fields and as far south as Roma, Bryan does drive interstate.
“I was in Tasmania a while back and drove a company Freightliner there,” he said.
It was in the Apple Isle that Bryan said he found a bad road to travel on.
“It was the Bass Highway and the winding part towards Smithton,” he said.
His favourite roadhouse is the Ampol at scenic Emerald
in central Queensland.
“They look after truckies and have lots of parking,” he said.
His favourite football code is rugby union which is understandable considering he was from the Land of the Long White Cloud.
“I follow the All Blacks, Wallabies and Springboks but also like the Cowboys in the rival NRL,’ he said.
Hobbies include clay target
shooting and Bryan said he enjoyed working for the com pany.
“They are great and put us up in motels when we travel and this is definitely my retirement job,” he said with enthusiasm.
I mentioned to Bryan that he had the same name as a former quality South African Test cricket all-rounder.
“My partner is South African,” he said.
Josh with the Kenworth SAR 610 at a parking area in the tropics. Image: Alf Wilson
Winding stretches of Bass dangerous
SOME drivers down in Tas mania and others who travel there to work have reported dangerous habits by motor ists along the winding parts of the northern Bass High way.
Especially the stretch be tween Burnie and Smithton which Spy can attest to as being a challenge.
It is common for car drivers to fly around a bend over the speed limit and pose a real risk to others.
If they had a head on col lision with a truck the car driver would either be severe ly injured or even dead.
W hilst the truckie would probably escape without such risks the emotional aftermath of being involved in a collision would be awful.
After checking a list of Australia’s 10 most dangerous highways, Spy noted three were in Tasmania including the Bass.
It came in at number two and highlighted the section between Nine Mile Road to Stowport Road.
At number five was the East Tamar Highway and at number seven was the Midland Highway from Evandale Main Road to Howick Street.
Outback roadhouse for sale
An outback roadhouse named after two famous explorers is up for sale.
The Burke and Wills Roadhouse is strategically located at the aptly named Four Ways, between Cloncurry and Normanton, where the
Wills Development and Burketown Roads meet the Burke Development Road.
It is the only fuel stop for 200km and many trucks stop there on their long journeys.
For the past six years it has been run by owners Ben and Cheri Stanger and has great facilities and a top location with supplies, airports and fishing hotspots all within a two-hour drive.
Every year one of the questions I ask drivers I speak to at random is, “What is your favourite roadhouse?”
Burke and Wills has often been a reply.
Kay Remfrey has worked at the roadhouse for almost seven years and said an average of 35 trucks stop there daily.
“We get them from all over the place and their favourite foods are our special hamburgers and fillet steak,” she said.
The roadhouse employs eight staff and is open from 5am until around 9pm.
Snakes aggressive in breeding season
Drivers have been warned to beware of snakes which seem to be prevalent at rest areas around the land.
Especially ones which are located near bush areas in places which are experiencing drought.
Poisonous snakes have been spotted near overflowing rubbish bins at rest areas.
Those who have seen a “Joe Blake’’ don’t know if they want to have a snack on the rubbish on the ground or the insects which are there.
The scariest experience comes from a WA driver who entered a public toilet at a rest area interstate for a call of nature.
He saw a deadly brown snake on the top of the flushing container and beat a hasty retreat without being bitten.
It was a wee problem which he was fortunate to escape from.
There has been a death in Katherine the NT recently.
Rest area dilemma
Every week Spy speaks to truck drivers he has interviewed randomly and one of their major safety concerns after bad roads is the num-
ber of rest areas with decent acilities.
Because of the transient nature of the road transport industry these truckies has come from every Australian state, and the NT.
I was also down in Tasmania not long ago and have a aft of contacts down there.
A common complaint is the genuine shortage of rest areas with toilets, seats and tables under shade, plenty of parking space for heavy vehicles and rubbish bins.
They have many pull off areas to take a break at, but they want more rest areas.
Of course they are many around this vast continent which serves them well but only a minority have “trucks only signs”.
Spy reckons that a rest area beside the Flinders Highway at Mingela about 87km west of Townsville and 43km east of Charters Towers may be a one for authorities to copy.
It doesn’t have a shower but the male and female toilets are serviced regularly although are subject to vandalism.
The shaded area backs onto bush land and if you sit on the seats on the opposite side of the table you get a great view of the busy trucking
traffic thundering along the Flinders.
Parking space is available for a limited number of triples.
Good Samaritan driver
In an era when most people will drive past somebody who is broken down beside the road, it was great to hear of a veteran Charters Towers owner-operator who happily became a genuine good Samaritan.
He saw an elderly person standing near his car on the side of the Flinders Highway and stopped to glean the gent had run out of fuel.
It was 40km from the nearest fuel outlet in the direction the truckie was travelling, and he had no hesitation in giving the stricken driver a lift along with two plastic jerry cans.
They arrived at the roadhouse and the old man filled his cans and then had the dilemma on how to get back to where his car was.
Our truckie had a deadline to meet and couldn’t head back in the opposite direction but he still solved the problem.
Value priced breakfast at SA roadhouse
A long-haul driver from NSW who was heading to Adelaide with a load of pipes contacted Spy to say he was delighted with a big breakfast he purchased that morning at the BP Nuriootpa Roadhouse in South Australia.
He walked over to the road ranged a lift for the fellow and
“It costs just $12.90 and was a big meal which was great value and I also ordered a latte and the total cost was just $18.40,” the driver told Spy. He sent me a pic of his hearty brekkie and the accompanying receipt.
I phoned the roadhouse the next morning and spoke to a senior staff member who said around 100 trucks a day stop there.
“Not only do they like the breakfasts, but the burgers are so popular and most of them only cost $5,” he said. He said there is plenty of parking around the back for road trains and the roadhouse is open 24/7.
“We have good toilets and showers for drivers and a sitdown dining area,” he said. The kitchen is open from 5am until 11pm daily.
Nuriootpa is the major commercial centre of the rich Barossa Valley region about an hour’s drive north of the state capital, Adelaide.
Trucks cruising along a winding section of the Bass Highway. Image: Alf Wilson
The Mingela Rest Area beside the Flinders Highway where many truck drivers stop. Image: Alf Wilson
Burke and Wills roadhouse. Image: Facebook
The value-priced big breakfast at Nurioopta Roadhouse in SA. Image: Ted Markwort.
Get your tickets for TMC
TICKET sales for the Australian Trucking Association’s 2025 Technology and Maintenance Conference (TMC) will close on Friday October 3 – don’t miss your chance to be part of this must-attend industry event.
Whether you’re a fleet manager, workshop supervisor, mechanic, service technician, or technical regulator, TMC 2025 offers valuable insights, hands-on learning, and networking opportunities tailored to your role.
Proudly sponsored by the PACCAR and Dealer Industry Fund, TMC will take place on October 14 and 15 at the Victoria Pavilion, Melbourne Showgrounds.
This unique industry event brings together the biggest names and brightest minds in truck maintenance and technology.
With over 400 attendees, 150 companies, and more than 50 expert speakers, this is your chance to stay ahead of the curve. Discover how to slash costs, reduce breakdowns, and make smarter purchasing decisions that could save your business thousands of dollars.
The two-day conference program focuses on truck technology, productivity, safety and workforce and includes a discussions on higher truck mass, lengths and heights, a TAFE and operator panel discussing ways to maximise training results from HV TAFE (chaired by heavy-vehicle mechanic and life coach Louise Azzopardi)
and the highly anticipated Technical Q&A led by industry legend Jodie Broadbent.
This year’s program keynote, ‘Hauling High Performance Supercars’, will spotlight this incredible transport exercise, with first-hand insights from road train driver and passionate advocate for trucking careers, Casuarina Smith (CJ).
CJ will be joined by collaborators from Team 18 – Paccar Australia and Walkinshaw Andretti, sharing the story of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, stepping in to steer the Team 18 Supercars transporter from Melbourne to the Supercars events in Perth, Darwin and back again.
Two new ATA technical advisory procedures, covering heavy vehicle wiring
and certified load restraint curtain systems will also be launched at the conference.
These detailed guides will be supported by expert sessions and a hands-on workshop where delegates will learn about best practice wiring tips and see the consequences of wiring fails.
YOUR TRUCKING CAREER STARTS
Women in Trucking Australia (WITA) helps women get trained, qualified and hired in the trucking industry. Join our supportive community today!
focus on diversity and inclusion in the workplace and the upcoming launch of its SBS Inclusion neurodiversity module, Anthony Boyle (Executive Director, ALRTA) will host a session on unlock
Attendees will also hear the latest on brake design and testing from industry expert Shane Pendergast and Air Brake Systems, emissions and durability advances in lubricant performance (Claudia Sclosa, Castrol), reinventing maintenance with digital tools (Chris Martin, Geotab), a workshop demonstration on alternator and starter-motor systems (Grant Murray, Mitsubishi Electric) and hear from feature speakers from the National Transport Commission, the NHVR, Cummins, SAF-Holland Australia, BPW Transpec, Freighter Group, the ATA’s Industry Technical Council and many others.
What’s on at TMC?
Get Hands-On and Stay Ahead: Dive into seven interactive technical workshops and 18 presentations and discussions designed to arm you with practical knowledge and
classic carnival fun – test your strength at the high striker, try your luck with the laughing clowns, and enjoy games, food, and entertainment. Fantastic prizes are on offer. Castrol Awards Dinner – A Night of Celebration, Glamour & Gatsby Vibes: Step into the Roaring ‘20s and join us for an unforgettable evening of dining, laughter, and live entertainment at the stunning San Remo Ballroom. Celebrate the industry’s finest alongside friends, partners, and colleagues. Your host for the evening will be high-energy comedian and actor Peter Rowsthorn who will be keeping the room buzzing along with the sensational Great Gatsby Band who will be serving up toe-tapping jazz swing classics. Lean into the era with your best 1920s-inspired attire and you might even snag a best dressed prize.
: Step right up for a night of
TMC Expo – The Industry’s Innovation Hub: With 30+ exhibitors the TMC Expo features innovative products and services from leading names including Cummins, SAF Holland, MAHA, Repco, Hella, Penrite Oil, V-DAQ, Mitsubishi Electric, Airtec, Hendrickson, Sampa and many more.
Check out the full details and secure your ticket at truck.net. au/tmc/. Tickets close October 3, 2025.
For more information contact ATA on 02 6253 6900 or visit truck.net.au.
The Castrol Awards Dinner will this year have a 1920s theme. Images: ATA
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
AND TRAINING
Diesel fitter apprentice wins top prize
CODY Chapman, a 21-yearold third-year diesel fitter apprentice with Morgan Transport Group in Townsville, has been named the Queensland Region Winner in the 2025 Capricorn Rising Stars Awards.
Launched in 2018 and backed by longstanding industry partners Castrol, Repco and The Workshop Whisperer, Capricorn’s Rising Stars program recognises apprentices who go above and beyond.
Now in its eighth year, Rising Stars is designed to help small business owners attract and retain skilled workers, supporting the industry through a tight labour market, the electric vehicle transition, and an
increasingly competitive track.
This year marks the first that the program has announced regional winners alongside an overall winner, rewarding more up-and-coming talent than ever.
Cody now joins five other regional winners in the race for the national title, to be announced later this year.
“It’s clear from his nomination, Cody brings a level of professionalism, initiative and care that sets a benchmark for how apprentices can contribute,” said Capricorn Group Chief Executive Officer Brad Gannon.
“Apprentices like Cody are the future of our industry, and we must continue to invest in
and celebrate the vital role they play – especially in regional areas like Townsville, where skilled professionals are essential to local economies.”
In his nomination, Cody’s manager praised his preparation, process and results as he is consistently ahead of his peers during training blocks – proof that his work ethic, leadership and appetite for learning aren’t just talk; they’re tested on the workshop floor.
“Cody is a highly motivated apprentice who is genuinely committed to sharing knowledge and supporting the next generation of tradies,” said Brad.
“As the automotive industry continues to face evolving
challenges, having talent and drive like Cody’s is essential to developing the expert tradespeople needed to train and inspire future apprentices.”
Looking down the road, Cody sees himself running a workshop full-time, doubling down on mentorship and pass-
jobs that build confidence and capability.
“I look forward to sharing everything I’ve learned with the next group of apprentices. I know firsthand how valuable it is when someone takes the time to explain more technical or difficult tasks while you’re lia and New Zealand’s largest member-owned organisations. Since 1974, it’s provided members with financial and business solutions to make running a
Winners announced at NatRoad Awards in Shepparton
NATROAD has announced the winners of its 2025 NatRoad Awards at its annual conference, NatRoad Connect 25, in Shepparton earlier this month.
Presented at the Industry Gala Dinner, the awards highlight the dedication, professionalism, and commitment of individuals who have set new standards of excellence in road transport, said NatRoad.
THE WINNERS ARE:
• N TI NatRoad Sam Sali National Young Driver of
the Year: Porcha Stafford, De Bruyn’s Transport
• N TI NatRoad Professional Driver of the Year: David Muir, Formula Chemicals
• N TI NatRoad Excellence in Operational Support: Heather Darrington, Hayllar Transport (Narrandera)
• Ted Pickering Memorial Award: Leigh Smart, Formula Chemicals Young Driver of the Year
Porcha Stafford joined De Bruyn’s in 2024 and has steadily worked her way up, earning her HR licence early on and recently achieving her
HC licence, said De Bruyn’s Transport on its Facebook page.
“She’s a standout in our Devonport team, and her nomination reflects the drive and dedication we see every day.”
Judges noted that Professional Driver of the Year David Muir is known to lead by example at Formula Chemicals, fostering teamwork and inspiring those around him with his technical and leadership skills.
His outstanding driving history spans over 25 years and
includes an impeccable record free of any driving infringements or accidents.
“Our industry is full of hard-working people who go above and beyond to make a significant and positive impact on the broader road transport industry,” NatRoad CEO Warren Clark said.
“This year’s award winners have all made outstanding contributions to the sector while exemplifying the kind of commitment, professionalism, and passion that drives the road transport sector forward.”
Cody Chapman’s regional prize now also puts him in the running for the national title.
[L-R] NatRoad CEO Warren Clark, Professional Driver of the Year David Muir and Bert Webster, NTI National Manager Distribution. Image: NatRoad
Honing his skills, from the ground up
BY DANIELLE GULLACI
LACHY Towney, 22, says he always had an interest in trucks – sparked by trips in the passenger seat with his father, from a young age.
Despite that though, he was originally headed for a different career path. “I was gunning to be a chef and started my apprenticeship at 15. Then Covid hit and it killed hospitality. That’s when I got into driving,” said the Brisbane based truckie, who’s gradually worked his way up from driving utes and vans, to now driving semis.
“I started out delivering meat across Brisbane and the Gold Coast in a van, then moved to a light rigid, which I did for about a year and a half, before
moving into a medium rigid for about 12 months. I went from my MR to my HC licence and that’s when I started looking for work doing that,” explained Lachy. And it was Wacol-based KS Easter that answered his call, offering Lachy the opportunity to undergo further training and work his way into the bigger rigs.
“I started with KS Easter on November 4 last year. I had my HC licence but hadn’t driven HC besides for my test, so they were very helpful and understanding when it came to teaching me slowly,” explained Lachy.
His first role with the company was driving a heavy rigid on the 440-kilometre run each way from Brisbane
to Macksville, New South Wales, overnight.
“They wanted me to do that for a while until they were confident and happy in my abilities with the HR work. After about six or seven months, they started slowly easing me into the semis,” said Lachy.
“I spent about two weeks in the passenger seat, with experienced drivers, showing me the basics like hooking up and unhooking, and basically showing me everything I needed to look out for. Then I drove for two weeks with an experienced driver travelling with me. After that, I went out with their driver trainer who assessed my driving skills, to make sure they were confident with me going out on my own.
“The way KS Easter have trained me up is absolutely amazing. In the beginning, like most people my age, I wanted to drive the big trucks straight away, but when they got me into the semi, I understood why they wanted to properly train me first, because it’s a lot different to being in a rigid.”
Once Lachy was handed the keys to a prime mover, he began with local Brisbane jobs, eventually progressing to his current role, into Kempsey, New South Wales. Roughly 500 kilometres each way, a one-way trip takes around 5.5 hours to complete.
“I do the changeover at Kempsey in a single trailer. So
I get to drive a big truck and get out on the highway. They haven’t got me going all the way to Sydney yet, but that’s the eventual plan,” he said.
“At the moment, because I’m still new and still learning, I’m changing between trucks, so I’m gaining knowledge of driving Volvos, Kenworths and Western Stars. I’ve driven the newer trucks and even a 2003 Kenworth that’s as old as me!
“It’s been a fun experience, getting to drive and learn in all these different trucks.”
While happy to continue driving and increasing his skills in the semi, Lachy will soon be eligible to go for his MC. “I do plan on upgrading to my MC and KS
Easter is helping me work towards that.”
As Easter Group operates everything from rigids through to B-triples, Lachy is hopeful he can stay with the company for the long haul, eventually working his way through the driving ranks.
“KS Easter’s training and how they help their staff is awesome. They are so supportive and understanding when it comes to young drivers like myself,” added Lachy.
“I’m hoping I get to one day work my way up to doing B-doubles down to Melbourne, and maybe eventually getting into the triples with Easters too. My ultimate goal is to one day own my own truck.”
Lachy’s advice to other young drivers is, don’t knock it until you try it.
“You hear a lot of people talking about how bad the industry is and how they’re targeting drivers, but that hasn’t been my experience at all. I’ve been really enjoying it and having a great time,” he said.
“The other thing when it comes to this industry is: take your time. Too many people get into accidents because they have so little experience. I started out driving vans and utes and worked my way up to a semi. Yes, it took me a few years to get here but it means I’m confident in my driving and confident out on the road.”
resume to
Lachy has had the opportunity to drive a range of different trucks, including Volvos, Kenworths and Western Stars.
Lachy Towney was originally training to be a chef, before turning to trucking. Images: Lachy Towney
He’s currently doing the 500-kilometre Brisbane to Kempsey run.
