Big Rigs 19 January 2024

FRIDAY, January 19, 2024

ONLINE www.bigrigs.com.au

EMAIL info@bigrigs.com.au

Blitz results revealed Page 4

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The word SPREADING

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Will WA and NT join HVNL?

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EDITOR

James Graham: 0478 546 462 james.graham@primecreative.com.au

REPORTERS

Danielle Gullaci danielle.gullaci@primecreative.com.au Kayla Walsh kayla.walsh@primecreative.com.au

GENERAL MANAGER

Peter Hockings: 0410 334 371 peter.hockings@primecreative.com.au

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Treena Heit: 0403 626 353 treena.heit@primecreative.com.au

CLIENT SUCCESS

Katharine Causer: 0423 055 787 katharine.causer@primecreative.com.au

CONTRIBUTORS

Truckin in the Topics/Spy on the Road: Alf Wilson, 0408 009 301 David Vile and David Meredith.

Big Rigs National Road Transport Newspaper is published by Prime Creative Media. It is the largest circulated fortnightly truck publication in Australia with 22,500* copies per fortnight. *12 month average, publisher’s claim October 2022

FRIDAY JANUARY 19 2024 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Cause of Melbourne truck fire revealed

TRUCK converters Janus Electric says an internal short of a single battery cell caused the Cement Australia truck to catch fire on the West Gate Freeway.

General manager Lex Forsyth said data recovered from the truck showed that a single failed cell, one of 1050 cells in the Janus battery packs, went into a “thermal runaway” in Melbourne on November 28.

“Some trace data has shown us some variability around that particular cell for the past three weeks, in what we pick up in our battery management system, and also in our ecosystem software that manages the battery assets,” he said.

“These are characteristics that are only specific to that cell that have basically highlighted something that we can now trace and track.

“The cell exhibited some different qualities; it was putting out some different voltages during charging and discharging and give a different characteristic.

“Now we’ve been able to get that pattern we’ll be able to isolate those packs out of service prior to a thermal

event and reduce the risk and obviously make the batteries safer than what they are now.”

Cement Australia’s remaining six converted electric trucks were expected back on the road after the Christmas break. Forsyth said other clients Fennell Foresty, Qube and NewCold are already back in operation following precautionary safety checks.

The new data collected from the Melbourne incident will only further enhance existing control mechanisms, he added. Janus is also now im-

plementing a resistance check in all its charge stations.

“It will extend the recharge time of the battery by about 10 minutes, but it’ll be a resistance check on all cell resistances right through the pack every time the battery cycles through a charge station.”

Forsyth said there will also now be an earlier warning in place should a truck go into a “thermal event”.

“The really good thing around our system is that as soon as there was a battery fault, we were all alerted by

text messages.

“Within two minutes of getting the text message, our team was in contact with the driver.”

Forsyth said the truck was at the top of the West Gate Bridge when the driver got the battery alarm.

The pack in which the affected cell was in immediately isolated as the driver “coasted” off the bridge down to where he eventually exited the truck long before the fire started.

After using all the extinguisher and not making a

The driver had plenty of time to remove himself from harm’s way. Image: Fire Rescue Victoria/ Facebook

difference he walked away from the truck, said Forsyth.

More than seven minutes had passed between the battery alarm first sounding in the cab and the fire breaking out and the driver was never in any danger, he added.

“The stigma around batteries exploding and that they’re dangerous is so far from the truth it’s not funny.”

The integrity of the batteries were such that they could still be removed at the scene by the same forklift used to swap the batteries during normal operation.

“One of the things that Victorian Fire said to us was that it was really good to be able to isolate the batteries off the vehicle and do it the way that we did because they had a concern of reignition while the vehicle was being towed.”

“They’re going to work out how they do that with fixed battery trucks if there is another similar issue.”

Forsyth said there are also some other good “lessons” to come out of the incident around how to fight EV fires, which Janus plans to share nationally with fire and rescue teams.

NEWS 3

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY JANUARY 19 2024

Law reforms fail to impress WA or NT

BY JAMES GRAHAM

ALTHOUGH transport ministers are still months away from signing off on changes to the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), don’t expect WA or the NT to come on board when they do.

The National Transport Commission announced late last year that there would be a further six-month extension to the never-ending review process for changes to fatigue management, vehicle mass and dimension limits, and national audit standards for operation accreditation.

But WA and NT – jurisdictions that have snubbed the HVNL since its inception in February 2014 – tell Big Rigs that they haven’t been impressed enough with the proposed changes to join the eastern states.

A Main Roads WA spokesperson tells us that it has participated in the HVNL working groups to better understand the changes to industry and “align” where benefits to the WA industry can be demonstrated.

“However, the changes in the HVNL are still focussed on

the freight task on the east coast and not significant enough for WA to change its position,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

“Significant changes to the HVNL would need to occur that would provide the same level of productivity and flexibility in WA legislation that is currently experienced by the WA road transport industry.”

The spokesperson said that WA has the most flexible mass limit requirements in Australia and as such, most operators can enter the state without having to adjust loads.

WA also operates the longest and most diverse heavy vehicle combinations in the country.

The spokesperson also said the state won’t be changing the fatigue management arrangements that are currently managed by WorkSafe WA under Work Health and Safety legislation.

“The system was developed in close consultation with the WA industry and is tailored to suit the unique operating environment in this state.”

“Similarly, the WA Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (WAHVA) was strengthened

through its inclusion in the WA Compliance and Enforcement Legislation that commenced operation in 2015. Unlike the national accreditation system administered by the NHVR, the WAHVA is mandatory for all Restricted Access Vehicle (RAV) operators.

“Engaging with the transport industry has helped WA understand the industry’s requirements and to achieve better outcomes as we continually improve our policies and processes, particularly relating to innovative approaches to RAV access to the WA road network and permit turnaround time frames and productivity.”

The spokesperson also stressed that WA continues to work with the NTC and NHVR through a variety of working groups and reviews to “harmonise” processes and policies where possible, particularly those that increase productivity and safety.

“We continue to work to improve cross border operations with our interstate counterparts who have adopted the HVNL. “WA regularly reviews heavy vehicle regulations and

Although close collaborators with their eastern counterparts, WA and NT aren’t convinced that proposed law changes will be in their best interests. Image: Michael Major/stock.adobe.com

will continue to harmonise processes and policies where possible, particularly where are cross-border issues, to increase productivity and safety for the transport industry.”

Louise Bilato, executive officer of the NT Road Transport Association (NTRTA), said the NT has always been very open and receptive to considering adopting the HVNL. But the legislation has to be “workable” for the NT. “It’s not something that we’re entertaining in any way, shape or form because we don’t believe that the legislation in the territory is broken and that we’d be in a better environment under the HVNL,” Bilato said.

“What we’ve got works, so

what’s the incentive for the NT to join the HVNL? What is the benefit for us? There is none.”

Bilato said fatigue management in the NT works well under the nationally-harmonised work, health and safety legislation.

“We said this in 2010-11 when it was harmonised that fatigue is an individual, everyday risk that every company, regardless of what you do, has to manage.

“We continue to say the same thing, that prescriptive diaries don’t achieve that.”

Bilato said there is also no access restrictions in the NT for road trains, apart from a few in the Darwin CBD. “Whilst we don’t have that

as a problem, there has been one thing after the other in other jurisdictions so they can catch up and do what we do in the Northern Territory.”

Western Roads Federation CEO Cam Dumesny said he’s also more than happy to keep the status quo, and so far at least, there is no compelling reason “at all” to consider joining the HVNL. “If the other states within the Heavy Vehicle National Law all wanted to join WA, we’d consider taking them on,” he quipped.

“Having said that, we do collaborate with the NHVR. We don’t go arguing. There is strong collaboration, but with our own position.”

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4 NEWS

FRIDAY JANUARY 19 2024 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Truckies get tick for safety

LESS than four truckies in every 100 found themselves facing “fatigue-related compliance action” during the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) pre-Christmas campaign to combat driver fatigue.

The NHVR partnered with police across the country to conduct Operation Forager over four weeks from November 20 in a bid to “heighten awareness about the critical nature of managing fatigue while driving heavy vehicles”.

NHVR chief operations Officer Paul Salvati said over the course of the operation, NHVR officers conducted more than 5350 heavy vehicle intercepts across the southern and central regions.

Of the total intercepts conducted by NHVR officers, just 207, or 3.8 per cent, resulted in fatigue-related compliance action, said Salvati.

“Unfortunately, 129 of these offences were detected for driver’s exceeding their allowable work hours, or not taking adequate periods of rest,” he said.

Work diary and “fatigue-related education” was provided in a further 623 of those intercepts, accounting for 156 hours of roadside education with drivers.

“Operation Forager shows the effectiveness of our holistic approach to safety, that combines education with enforcement, ensuring that heavy vehicle operators are not only aware of the reg-

ulations but also equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions on the road about their safety,” Salvati said.

“I would like to commend the heavy vehicle industry for their safety efforts over the busy holiday period, particularly during the severe weather events we experienced across the country.”

Salvati said Operation Forager placed a strong emphasis on the importance of maintaining accurate work diaries as a critical tool in complying with work and rest hour requirements and preventing fatigue-related incidents.

“By investing significant time and effort in educating heavy vehicle drivers on work diaries and fatigue, especially

new drivers, we aim to create a lasting impact that extends beyond the duration of this operation,” Salvati said.

“Education is an investment in safety. By ensuring drivers understand the importance of accurate work diaries, we are arming them with the knowledge to actively manage their work and rest hours.”

In an earlier story with Big Rigs, Salvati said the regulator always placed more importance on education over infringements, and drivers shouldn’t think that campaigns such as this are all about “revenue raising”.

“That’s not how we operate,” he said.

“Almost none of the revenue from infringements

NHVR officers conducted more than 5350 heavy vehicle intercepts across the southern and central regions. Photo: NHVR/Facebook

comes to us. So, there’s no point in us writing infringements because we don’t get any benefit from it directly.

“The only benefit we get is if we change someone’s behaviour, we don’t set targets, we never do.”

Over-height taskforce hits the mark in Sydney crackdown

OVER-HEIGHT truck incidents in Sydney have dropped by 33 per cent after a taskforce was appointed by NSW Transport Minister John Graham to tackle the issue in mid-2023.

According to the latest figures from Transport for NSW, there were 108 events, as of December 18, 2023, a significant dip from the 2022 high of 161.

The 2023 crackdown resulted in $225,000 in penalties

and 492 demerit points.

Traffic flow in the Sydney Harbour Tunnel was the biggest winner with a 62 per cent reduction in truck incidents resulting in an 83 per cent reduction in closure minutes.

Lane Cove Tunnel also benefited during 2023 with a 71 per cent reduction in closure minutes as a result of a 40 per cent reduction in incidents.

Co-chair Sally Webb was pleased to see that the task-

force, comprising of TfNSW, the NHVR, NSW Police, Road Freight NSW and the TWU, had made such a difference for motorists and freight operators.

She also wanted to thank the trucking industry for its collaboration and engagement.

“Most drivers do the right thing, and most are very experienced and really are professionals in how they operate,” she said.

“They’re committed to driving safely and professionally and operators really want to do the right thing.”

“But sometimes drivers will, for whatever reason be off route, or we do see drivers who are potentially new on a route, have an unusual load, or their load has shifted.”

Aside from more engagement with operators on the issue, Webb says solutions have included the installation

of new over-height sensors in the lead-up to the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, with more to follow on other key entry points into Sydney, and an extensive billboard campaign.

There has also been an enhanced slip-lane for the approach to the southbound Sydney Harbour Tunnel so trucks can be stopped well ahead of time if sensors trigger an over-height issue.

“We’re also exploring other

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Webb says a report will be filed with the minister in February with a recommendation to either “operationalise” the work done, and move to a business-as-usual footing, or continue on with the taskforce.

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BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY JANUARY 19 2024

Have your say on new truck stop for Eyre Highway, SA

TRUCKIES and transport companies are being asked to have their say on the benefits of a proposed mega-truck stop on the Eyre Highway at Kimba, SA. The site and design for the Eyre Hub has been in the planning stages for the last eight years, with the voluntary local committee behind the concept now looking for more industry support to help secure government funding.

To take part, just scan the QR code on this page and answer a few short questions about the project which include whether you’d use it, what facilities you’d like to see there and what general challenges you face while travelling on the Eyre Highway.

“We have identified that the most critical need is for a safe, well-equipped, heavy vehicle and truck driver rest area with high end fatigue management services,” said project manager Kathleen Tierney.

“The more industry support and input, the better design and case will be for good facilities for truck drivers and transport companies.”

The plans include a gym,

With so many trucks now converging at the regional SA hub, space is already at a premium in Kimba. Image: Trevor Cliff

lounge, local healthy food options, ‘click and collect’ access to local business products, and toilets and showers with attention on female truck driver safety. Organisers are billing it as a “state-of-the-art” transport fatigue management centre.

“In Kimba, we see many road trains and trucks drivers without proper facilities to rest, repair and do changeovers in a safe manner.

“However, the more input we have from the industry, the better we can demonstrate the true need for these facilities.

“It is for the truck drivers

and freight companies; the Kimba community is building these facilities for them.

Transport drivers will be the ones using these facilities, and hopefully, really benefitting from having their own place to stop, refresh and rest, we need their input, it would be extremely disappointing to build great facilities if they don’t intend to use them.”

The Eyre Hub team is working with industry representatives as well as the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC), the Centre for Automotive Safety (Adelaide University),

and various government agencies to ensure the design of the fatigue management facilities are world class.

“We hope that Eyre Hub will become a national research centre of excellence for rural road safety, and the fatigue management facilities will set a new benchmark for heavy vehicle rest area design,” Tierney added.

With more than 40 hectares and co-located with grain accumulation facilities, it is hoped that the Eyre Hub will include truck changeover facilities, a light industrial precinct, freight distribution facilities,

24-hour services, a public weighbridge, and fuel station.

There are substantial benefits of routing from/to WA to the eastern states with changeover/ turnaround at Kimba, said Tierney.

Situated on the A1 Eyre Highway on the east-west freight corridor, the national trucking route sees more than 3000 trucks pass through every week, up from 1200 just five years ago.

“Given the increasing need for safety, growing shortage of drivers, and current industry challenges, the Kimba location could help long haul truck drivers reduce time away from home and family, freight companies could improve productivity and money savings, customers may benefit from an additional day’s shelf life of fresh produce.”

Meanwhile, Tierney is hoping the survey feedback will help the not-for-profit organisation behind the proposal with its pitch for a slice of funding from the Australian Government’s $400 million regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP) that is now open for applications.

The first stream offers grants of between $500,000 to $5 million, and the second, for precinct delivery, of between $5 million and $50 million.

Tierney said the Eyre Hub is predicted to cost around $30 million when completed and is expected to be funded by a mix of government and commercial interests.

Kimba was in the news last year when the federal government abandoned a proposed low-level nuclear waste dump near the regional SA town.

The decision came after the Federal Court ruled in favour of the area’s traditional owners, the Barngarla people, who had argued they were not properly consulted by the former Coalition government about the decision to pick up the site.

For more information on the Eyre Hub, visit eyrehub.com.au, or email Tierney at admin@eyrehub.com.au.

Scan the QR code to take part in a short survey about the proposed site.

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6 NEWS

FRIDAY JANUARY 19 2024 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Kenworth comes out on top in record sales year

A final-quarter sales surge by Kenworth has seen the Bayswater badge pip Volvo for supremacy in the heavy-duty truck sector for 2023.

Volvo had the perennial market leader playing catchup for much of the year, but an impressive 409 deliveries by Kenworth in December sealed the overall honours, 177 clear of the Wacol-based powerhouse, which notched 339 units in the final month.

According to the latest figures released by the Truck Industry Council, Kenworth ended the year with 3653 trucks delivered with Volvo on 3476, which represents a 20.8 per cent and 19.8 per cent market share, respectively.

Although pipped at the line, Volvo still sold 937 more trucks than it did in 2022 and increased its market share by 2.8 per cent.

Australia’s biggest-selling truck brand Isuzu rounded out the top three ‘heavies’ with 220 for the month and a year-ending total of 2393, not bad for a manufacturer that still doesn’t have a prime mover available here.

There was a distant gap back

to fourth-placed Scania with 133 units in December and 1383 for the year, then a cluster of the chasers, headed by Mack on 1097.

The heavy-duty sector amassed 1752 sales for the month, up a healthy 271 units, or 18.3 per cent, over December 2022.

The segment also set a new fourth-quarter record of 4917 deliveries, up 538 trucks, or 12.3 per cent, over the old mark set in 2022.

Overall, the heavy-duty 2023 annual tally of 17,569 was another record-setter, up 2603 trucks on the previous best of 14,966 set in 2022.

Heavy-duty trucks now make up the largest slice of the overall truck and van market in Australia, leapfrogging over the ‘lights’.

Across the board, there was plenty to celebrate for manufacturers.

Buoyed by the massive demand for heavy-duty trucks, total truck and van sales set a new record of 47,757 units in 2023, up 3378, or 7.6 per cent on the 2022 mark.

In the medium-duty segment, December was another

strong month with Isuzu again coming out on top for 2023 with 3937 trucks delivered, good enough for 49.2 per cent of the entire market.

Hino was next best with an impressive 2264 total in 2023 and a 28.3 per cent market share.

Fuso was next best on 1208 (15.1 per cent market share) with daylight back to the distant

chasers headed by UD Trucks.

The overall total in the segment of 8004 was up 154 trucks on 2022, but well short of the sector record of 9923 set in 2007.

In the lights, Isuzu was equally as dominant, rounding out the year with 741 sales for December to boost its overall tally for 2023 to 8048 – a market share of 49 per cent.

Fuso edged clear of Hino with a solid 308 sales for the month, versus 175, to take the runner-up slot by just 79 trucks (2901 vs. 2822).

A total of 16,166 light-duty trucks were delivered last year, falling short of the 2022 benchmark by just 266, or 1.6 per cent.

TIC CEO Tony McMullan said it was pleasing to see such

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strong truck sales continue in 2023.

“It was equally pleasing to see annual new truck and van sales approaching the 50,000 mark,” McMullan said.

“The 40,000 barrier was only broken relatively recently in 2018 and despite the Covid supply chain disruptions, new truck sales in Australia have remain strong.

“The 2023 result of 47,757 sales has surpassed industry expectations, particularly given the 2023 mid-year end of the temporary full expensing tax measures put in place during Covid.”

McMullan, however, said the TIC and its members remain concerned that the average age of the Australian truck fleet appears to remain much older than that of Europe and North America.

“An old truck fleet is not conducive to improved safety, public health and environmental outcomes for our society.

“Moving into 2024, we must consider what more can be done by both industry and particularly government, to reduce the age of our nation’s truck fleet,” McMullan concluded.

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8 OPINION

FRIDAY JANUARY 19 2024 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Facebook reminder

EDITOR JAMES GRAHAM

LET’S kick off 2024 by laying out a few social media ground rules.

If you find yourself blocked from our Facebook page, it’s not because we’re censoring your comments in the interests of an advertiser, agency or organisation. More often than not, you’ve tripped one of Facebook’s many rules on profanity, racist slurs and/or trolling, which by the way we also subscribe to. Sorry to disappoint some of you, but there is zero tolerance for this behaviour here. Holding those in power accountable, without fear or favour, is what drives us, not running marketing puff pieces.

When a post does have a commercial interest at heart – we do need to pay the bills to survive, after all – we’ll invariably tag it up that way in the interests of transparency.

Oh, and those sneaking in free product or service plugs in our Facebook comments will aslo find themselves banned.

Sorry, we’re not a charity.

HOT WEB TOPICS Close call has readers riled up

The caravan driver pulled out in front of Johnno while he was travelling along the Eyre Highway in SA. Photo: Road Train Adventures.

A story we shared about a driver’s scarily close call with a caravan got a big reaction on our Facebook page.

Johnno, who runs the popular YouTube channel Road Train Adventures, captured the footage while travelling through Kimba in South Australia. He said he decided to post it online because this sort of thing keeps happening over and over again.

Many of our readers were angered by the incident and took to our Facebook comments to share their thoughts.

“It’s the regularity of this occurrence that is the worry,” wrote Gordon Smith.

Stephen Matthews said there should be a special licence for those wanting to tow

a caravan, while Budy Chipperfield added that he hoped the caravan driver got fined.

Andy Nguyen added that he thought there should be a “zero tolerance” approach to errors made on the road.

“This is why we immediate loss of licence for any car driver (including caravaners) or motorcyclist breaking any road rule (excluding speeding) until such time they pass a road rules test and have a date with the Magistrate!” he said.

Meanwhile Shane Brooke thought Johnno “should have anticipated” that the caravan driver would pull out.

Showers get the cold shoulder TRUCKIES were not impressed when we shared the news that Ampol Foodary Southbound on the M1 at Wyong, NSW was providing only cold showers for truckies.

Disgruntled interstate driver Gerry got in touch with Big Rigs after he was hoping for a nice hot shower after a long day behind the wheel, but was met by an icy blast instead.

The reason for the cold shock? The gas bottle outside the new facility was not hooked up to the water heater.

Readers took to our Facebook comments to complain about the standards of truck stops these days.

Nancy Mackline wrote:

The truckie couldn’t believe it when he discovered the reason for his cold shower at Wyong. Photo: Supplied

“Gone are the good old days of clean showers and decent food.

Truck stops are different now.”

“Wouldn’t even mind having to pay for a shower as long as there’s hot water and it’s clean,” Richard Bullin added.

“I had a cold shower [at Ampol] Sunday night,” said

Steve Lee. “Was in before I realised, bit slack.”

Meanwhile Brad Nelson joked that Ampol had done their research about how cold showers are good for you.

“Unfortunately they decided not to give you a choice,” he quipped.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE TO READER CORNER? EMAIL US AT EDITOR@BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Free Christmas dinner applauded HEALTHY Heads in Trucks and Sheds and BP were praised for their generosity after they teamed up to provide free Christmas dinners to truckies working on December 25.

Our article about the initiative got an overwhelmingly positive response when we shared it on our Facebook page.

“What a beautiful thing to do for them,” wrote one of our readers, Lorraine Spicer.

“That’s brilliant!” agreed Jeanette van Gaalen. “I love to read stories like these that prove the Aussie spirit of looking out for others is alive and well.”

Philip Hilton agreed: “Thank you for doing this for

The free Christmas dinners were available at participating BP sites. Photo: Google Maps.

the truck drivers who can’t be with family on Xmas.”

Others thought more should be done for truckies, or that they shouldn’t have to be working on Christmas day at all.

“Anyone working on or stuck away on Xmas day/boxing day should receive the min-

imum weekly rate on top of their wage tax free,” said Tim Small.

“No-one should be away from home on these days just because big business wants to keep rolling, they have all year to stock up. You can bet the heads of these companies are at home enjoying their days off.”

Readers react to truckie who quit

The truckie wished to remain anonymous to avoid online harassment.

Photo: KM.Photo/adobe. stock.com

OUR story about a truckie who has walked away from the transport industry because of the pay and the long hours caused quite a stir online.

The driver, who chose to

remain anonymous, said that before he quit, he was on the road so often that it was impossible to maintain any kind of work/life balance.

Many of our readers sided with him, saying they were also considering getting out of trucking.

“I agree, serious issues here,” said Greg Weir.

“He’s not the only one,” said Colin Dicinoski. “I know a few people who are looking at getting out very soon.”

“46 years in transport and I can’t wait to get out,” Stan Stanley chimed in.

Truckie Rick Phillips said his 21-year-old daughter was

on a higher hourly rate than him working in a warehouse.

“Fair point. It’s disgusting what we get paid,” he added.

Others thought the truckie we interviewed was making good money and should stop complaining.

“The whingers have always been the biggest problem in this industry!” wrote David Crane.

“He should go to the hospitality industry,” added Jeremy Gale. “Work every weekend, split shifts, split days off. Be lucky to bring home a grand.”

Karl Thomas chimed in: “Good, sounds like another whinging old c....gone.”

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10 NEWS

IN BRIEF Transport icon dies

One of the National Road Transport Association’s founding fathers, Sam Sali, passed away earlier this month at the age of 86.

Sali helped set up the National Transport Federation in 1986, which became NatRoad in 1994 after it merged with the Long Distance Road Transport Association.

He was a passionate advocate for transport workers and played a major part in the restructuring of the Long Distance Drivers Award, as well as the introduction of enterprise bargaining to the industry.

Fire-affected farmers

Aussie Hay Runners are heading to the Clarence Valley Shire in NSW, loaded up with premium hay to help farmers affected by the bush fires of October 2023.

The Australia Day on January 26 run will see 67 trucks travelling a total of 98,860km, carrying 2144 bales of hay valued at $203,680 total, with hay donations coming from all over Victoria.

This will directly assist 201 farmers, their families and in turn, their communities, to recover from the recent fires.

For more information on how to donate or apply for assistance, head to the Aussie Hay Runners Facebook page (facebook.com/aussiehayrunners).

Licensing reforms

Australia’s transport and infrastructure ministers have made an in-principle agreement to an improved, nationally consistent approach to heavy vehicle driver training and licence progression.

The National Heavy Vehicle Driver Competency Framework Decision Regulation Impact Statement (Decision RIS) proposes a series of reforms to improve road safety and productivity.

The proposals include strengthening heavy vehicle driver skills and knowledge through redesigned learning and assessment requirements specific to each licence class, and delivering some training and assessment online. Other suggested reforms are the introduction of minimum course lengths and minimum behind-the-wheel time, as well as new experience-based licence-progression pathways.

Driver awards

Fuel transport company Lowes Petroleum has recognised the professionalism of its drivers with its annual Professional Drivers Awards.

The awards acknowledge its drivers’ commitment to road safety and their overall contribution to the business.

Mick Woodham from Albury claimed the top prize, while the other winners included Mick Low from the Mareeba Depot for Region 1, Steve Tatum from the St George Depot for Region 2, Adrian Curtis from Cooma NSW for Region 3 and Matthew Denholm from the Hobart Depot for Region 5.

FRIDAY JANUARY 19 2024 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Truckie starved of a decent meal on road

BY KAYLA WALSH

AN owner-driver from Toowoomba, Queensland has said the shortage of decent truck stops is having a major impact on truckies’ morale and fatigue levels.

Karen Hawker told Big Rigs that she recently drove from Brisbane to Adelaide and back again, and on three of the five nights she was away from home, she wasn’t able to have a proper meal for dinner.

On the first night of her trip, she stopped at the Ampol Foodary in Cobar, NSW after driving for 12 hours, only to be told the kitchen was closed.

“I hadn’t been down that way for a long time, but I had been told Cobar was a good place to stop and get dinner,” she said.

“There’s not much before it on the road, and there’s definitely nothing until Broken Hill after it.

“It was 8.07pm, it was still daylight, and I thought I would be able to get a sit-down meal.

“I went in to order dinner

Karen Hawker says something needs to be done about the lack of roadhouses where truckies can get a decent meal. Photo: Karen Hawker/Facebook

and was told the kitchen was closed and there was no cook.”

Hawker said that other truckies had recommended the nearby Inland Petroleum, but it was shut by the time she got there.

“People have said that the Inland Petroleum is good, but it closes at 8pm,” she said.

“I ended up having to have a hot box chicken roll from Ampol for my dinner.”

The next night, Hawker

stopped at the Shell in Buronga.

“They have a restaurant at the Shell there but that was shut down for renovation for two weeks.

“All I could get was a hot pie at 10pm, that was my dinner that night.”

The night after that, Hawker had planned to eat at the Coolabah Tree Cafe at the Shell Coles Express in West Wyalong.

“That had always been a place where my husband would stop for a shower and a feed when he was on the road,” she said.

“I had planned in advance to pull in there and get my feed at 6pm and then do another few hours after that.

“But when I arrived there was a sign on the door saying on Saturday it was shut at 3pm.”

Hawker said she was “really cranky” by the time she got back to Queensland, and she thinks something should be done to ensure there are more places for truckies to stop and have a proper meal.

“I can’t believe this is what it’s come to,” she said.

“It never used to be this bad.

“They need to get someone in government or in the trucking industry to set up a standard and monitor where there are truck stops that are open and functioning.”

She said that a dried-out sandwich or a hot box meal just doesn’t cut it after a long day of driving, and not having anywhere to enjoy a proper sit-

down meal is having an impact on truckies’ mental health and fatigue.

“You’re concentrating all the time when you’re driving and it causes mental fatigue,” she said.

“You need to get away from the truck and sit down, relax, take your mind off it all.”

She said more and more truckies are now bringing their own food on the road and eating in their trucks, which has resulted in less camaraderie in the industry.

“I used to work for Lindsay Transport years ago, in the office, and the drivers used to always have their set stops where they would all sit together and have dinner like a big family.

“I think that’s what missing in the industry a lot of the time.

“More and more people are starting to carry their own food, which is all well and good but then they are keeping to themselves.

“They are cooking their food in their truck, they are hopping back in their truck – there’s no interaction.”

‘Why I’m walking away from the trucking industry’

BY KAYLA WALSH

A former truckie has shared why he has decided to walk away from the transport industry, describing it as “all but slave labour”.

The driver, who wishes to remain anonymous out of fear of online harassment and retribution from his previous employer, completed his last run just days ago.

“I’ve had enough,” he told Big Rigs.

“I love the transport industry, but the money is just not there.

“You’re risking your life and other people’s lives every day.

“With the hours you have to work and the constant threat of being fined – I’m fried. I’m done.”

The truckie, who is from Victoria and in his late 50s, said that before he quit, he was on the road so often that it was impossible to maintain any kind of work/life balance.

“I’ve got a BFM logbook but I was running it to the max, working 90 hours a week,” he said.

“I would leave home Sunday, go to Melbourne Tuesday night, unload, go back to Brisbane, then back to Melbourne, and do it all again as soon as my logbook checker gave me the green light.”

He said that whenever he got a 24-hour break, all that time was taken up by sleeping and trying to catch up on chores.

“You’ve got to sleep but you’ve also got to do your washing, you’ve got to do everything around the house.

“I have a farm as well so I had so much to do in that time. I was exhausted.

“Where is the family time in all that?

When do you get to see friends?”

He thinks truck drivers are “extremely poorly paid” for the amount of work they do, and that companies should look at whether they are compensating their drivers fairly.

“I took home $2800 a week at most, and that might sound OK but that was me working crazy hours. It’s all but slave labour as far as I’m concerned.”

He said dealing with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) was another issue that caused him a lot of stress.

“I’ve never been fined because I run the logbook checker, but when you’re pushing your logbook to the max you’re always worried you’re going to get pulled up on something. But you have to push those boundaries or you don’t make any money.

“There’s no tolerance whatsoever from the NHVR, and I knew if I got fined I couldn’t afford to pay it.”

He said it’s a real shame that he has to leave the transport industry, because he has a deep personal attach-

A former truckie has said that before he quit, he was on the road so often that it was impossible to maintain any kind of work/life balance. Photo: KM.Photo/Adobe Stock

ment to it.

His father was in the industry for 40 years, and his 75-year-old brother is still a driver.

“I got my truck licence when I was 19. I started out driving singles, then B-doubles, then A-doubles.

“I went to some

beautiful places and met some interesting people over the years, and I was hoping to get to drive triple road trains and stuff over west but not anymore. At the moment, a million dollars couldn’t get me to drive a truck. But I will miss it, that’s for sure.”

Grass verging has truckies’ advocate stumped

WES Walker reckons he’s seen a lot of bungles and dropped balls by the state government in his time, but says this latest blooper could just about top them all.

The tenacious Queensland truckies’ advocate, best known for his successful campaign to get toilets at the Gatton pads, is talking about the long strips of grass that have recently appeared on each side of the Warrego Highway at Hatton Vale.

“I have no idea why they think this is a good

idea but it’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever seen in my life,” Walker tells Big Rigs.

“Who in their right mind thinks it’s okay to lay turf on top of bitumen? It’ll never grow in my lifetime.”

Other truckies we showed these pictures to were also left scratching their heads.

“What the f**k where they thinking?” said one.

“I’ve never seen anything so stupid.”

A couple of days after sharing the first pics with Big Rigs, Walker followed

up with further evidence that TMR indeed had high hopes for the grass roots taking hold through the bitumen – a water truck was giving the turf a good hosing.

A TMR spokesperson told Big Rigs it had completed pavement rehabilitation works on a 1.6km section of the Warrego Highway between Evans Road and Herrmanns Road, Hatton Vale in August 2023.

The works included the rehabilitation of the eastbound lanes of the Plain

Creek Bridge, Minden.

On December 1, TMR’s contractor returned to the site to carry out project finalisation works.

Works to establish vegetation and control erosion are ongoing.

“The works to date involved turf laying on the verge and guardrail works,” the spokesperson added.

“To expedite these works, the work area is under traffic management with single-lane closures and reduced speed limits while the works were underway.”

TMR said works to establish vegetation and control erosion on this section of the Warrego W W

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FRIDAY JANUARY 19 2024 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Operator spreads vital health message with T909

A stunning new light blue Kenworth T909 is helping to send an important health message to men in the road freight industry.

Brown and Hurley Toowoomba has made sure the stunning truck gets the word out there. Photo: Lucy RC Photography

WITH so many striking trucks in the R&K Bulk Haulage fleet, adorned with an impressive array of murals and custom paint jobs, it’s near impossible to single one out above the other.

There are the 2014 Kenworth Director Series T909s with their murals of cattle, lightning strikes, horses and country music legend Slim Dusty that turn plenty of heads.

Others are drawn to the Legend 900, known affectionately by owners Russell and Karen Strasburg as the ‘Family Truck’, one of a series with artwork crafted by PJ’s Custom Spray Painting and Truck Mechanical in Brisbane.

Russell’s late brother is featured on the back, Russell and Karen are on the driver’s side, and his parents are on the left.

More recently, the Strasburg’s proudly welcomed a breast cancer awareness truck – a Kenworth T909 named ‘Russell’s Dream’ – with matching trailers resplendent in the cause’s signature pink, spreading the important message near and far.

Today, however, the truck that’s commanding centre stage is one that’s helping inspire Russell through his own personal health battle, a Kenworth T909 A-double dedicated to prostate cancer awareness.

Russell, 68, was diagnosed with prostate cancer around 12 months ago and although the prognosis is encouraging – he’s hoping for the all-clear in January – he is determined to use his experience to help others for years to come.

With the help of long-time partners Brown and Hurley Toowoomba, the 909 has been transformed into a roll-

ing awareness billboard as it traverses across Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and NSW in the line of duty.

Brown and Hurley ordered the prime mover in the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia’s (PCFA) light blue trademark livery and then sales consultant Richard Lilburne and his pre-delivery department sprang into action for the fit-out.

Taylor Truck Repairs painted the likes of the fuel tanks, dovetail, air cleaners and Bullbar bugs and swing plate, with Signs N Lines doing the scroll/sticker work on the A-double combination to tie the whole truck together.

Every little detail has been carefully thought out, right down to the PROST8 rego plate and the GET CHECKED plea etched into the back of the cab.

The cab, and lead trailer, also boasts the PCFA slogan, ‘His fight…is our fight’, and the logo for the It’s a Bloke Thing Foundation.

Since launching in Toowoomba in 2010, the foundation has helped raise over $12 million to support prostate cancer research, awareness and care. Its annual luncheon at Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport is widely recognised as Queensland’s largest daytime fundraising event.

Russell had been getting regular checks for the last 10 years as cancer runs in his family but knows that many other middle-aged men aren’t so diligent about their health.

Over 24,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year in Australia, with 1 in 5 at risk of being diagnosed before they turn 85, according to health experts. If

detected early in Stage 1, prostate cancer five-year survival rates are over 99 per cent.

“We are hoping that this truck will inspire others to get their health checked,” Russell says.

“Especially since this truck travels roughly 5000km a week across all different routes within Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and NSW. “The local community love the look of it, and it has gotten heads turning when on the road.”

Rated to 140 tonnes on a Hendrickson suspension with a 4.568 diff ratio, the A-double combination will be carting grain, fertiliser or cow pellets, and joins an 80-strong R&K fleet (subbies included) made up exclusively of Kenworths.

“R&K only run Kenworth

Every last detail has been thought of with R&K’s newest arrival.

trucks as they are built for Australian roads and made to last. Our model pick is the T909, which most of the fleet are.”

Most are set up as PBS A-doubles, which achieve payloads of between 55-58 tonnes.

“The 909s are just perfect for the job and you can get them all specced up. All of our 909s are set up with TVs, fridges, microwaves and 50-inch bunks, so the drivers have a lot of comfort,” Russell says.

“A lot of drivers take their food with them so they can cook it every night. These trucks are a home away from home. They have all the luxuries – all the works and jerks, everything that opens and shuts. No wonder why our drivers love them.”

Russell ran two transport

businesses before R&K, the first carting livestock until 1981, the year his brother was tragically killed in a head-on.

He gave up carting cattle after that and turned to flat tops and fridge vans, before eventually selling up due to “personal reasons”.

Russell and Karen then bought a quarry business at Bundaberg carting sand and gravel to the cement works.

Then, 18 years ago a neighbour “out the back” asked them to cart mushroom compost.

“So, we bought another truck, with a single tipper and it’s just kept growing from there,” Karen says. “Word of mouth has helped us get to where we are today.”

Russell agrees: “It’s all about service – and having good drivers and doing the work on time. It’s got nothing to

Brown & Hurley Toowoomba salesman Richard Lilburne, Karen Strasburg, Russell Strasburg and Brown & Hurley Toowoomba dealer principal Brian Bennetts at the 50th Kenworth milestone presentation in 2022. Photo: Supplied

do with what you’re charging because if we don’t provide the service, the customers won’t be coming back.”

Today, the business, which also boasts busy depots in Jondaryan and Clermont, collectively moves between 25003000 tonnes of grain product every day and continues to grow.

The company motto, ‘Lovin it all’, is hand-written on all R&K trucks, including the new prostate awareness truck, and is the maxim that Russell lives by too.

“I just love trucks and I love doing what I’m doing – they’re in my blood and I can’t give it up,” he told Big Rigs in a 2022 story commemorating the arrival of the company’s 50th Kenworth.

“I love sorting all the trucks out each day. It’s a nightmare to organise but when it comes together, it’s brilliant. These trucks are like my babies.”

Another six Kenworths are set to arrive in 2024, and the same number in 2025.

“By then I’ll be 70 – after that I’ve got no idea.

“I’ve got six kids and I’m hopeful that the kids will take it on.

“I’ve got my daughter Brandee and daughter-in-law Rosie doing all the company admin, and my son Jay and daughter Storm doing all the logistics on all the trucks – and they are all doing one hell of a job.”

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14 FEATURE

FRIDAY JANUARY 19 2024 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

A fitting tribute to success

For the Haylock family, the industry is well and truly embedded in the veins. The new Kenworth Legend SAR is a tribute to almost 60 years of success.

Based in Brisbane, the new Legend SAR is being used to carry general freight to Emerald. Photo: Brown and Hurley

The 120-strong fleet is almost exclusively Kenworths, which the company began buying brand new in 1995. Photo: Emerald Carrying

[L-R]: Brown and Hurley CEO Paul Hurley, Emerald Carrying managing director Greg Haylock, Emerald Carrying group general freight/fleet manager Matt Haylock, Emerald Carrying driver Steven Cullen, and Brown and Hurley dealer principal R B

BY DANIELLE GULLACI WHEN it came to ordering Emerald Carrying’s 200th Kenworth, the Haylock family wanted it to be something special – and the Legend SAR fit the bill perfectly. Named ‘Remember When’, the truck pays tribute to the company’s proud heritage.

Started by Bill and Joan Haylock in 1965, Emerald Carrying remains family owned and operated – with the second and third generation of family members steering the business into the future.

Their son Greg Haylock took the reins in the mid 1990s as managing director.

He’s joined by his children Matt Haylock (group general freight/fleet manager); Ben Haylock (group operations manager); and Taylor Haylock (contracts and treasury coordinator).

“I remember going to the depot when I was only four or five years old,” said Matt.

“I grew up in the business as a kid – and Ben was the same. I remember helping to load the trucks, polishing the trucks, washing the trucks. On the school holidays, I couldn’t wait to get over to the depot to help out.

“You couldn’t do what we did as kids now though – it was so different back then.”

Emerald Carrying specialises in transporting bulk liquids throughout Queensland and the Northern Territory; and carting general freight between Brisbane, Emerald and its surrounding regions.

Today the business operates a fleet of approximately 120 trucks, from its depots at Brisbane, Emerald, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone and Darwin. The trucks run as rigids right up to quad road trains.

Greg and his wife Debbie Haylock also acquired Monaro Fuel Haulage in 2016, which runs an additional 52 trucks, with depots in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.

“We employ close to 450 people between the two companies – around 350 at Emerald and 100 at Monaro. A lot of our growth and success is thanks to our great and loyal staff,” said Matt.

Though he grew up in the family business, Matt officially joined Emerald Carrying in 2003 as a local driver at the Emerald depot and worked his way up. Even though his current management role sees him spend more time at the depot than on the road, you’ll still find him behind the wheel whenever he gets the chance.

In fact, when Big Rigs called Matt, he was in the truck, bound for Emerald.

“I’m actually in the truck now – I jump in whenever I need to, to do the Brisbane to Emerald run, which is about 11 hours each way. I still enjoy a long distance run,” he said.

“I love being out on the road. It’s a great chance to catch up with friends and clear the mind. I have my own trucks that I put aside – a 2006 Kenworth T904 and a 2017 Legend 900. Ben also drives when he needs to.”

The milestone truck is the second Legend SAR to join the Emerald Carrying fleet. Photo: Brown and Hurley

The latest Legend SAR is the third Legend within the fleet. Emerald Carrying also took delivery of another Legend SAR around 18 months ago – it was among the first of the limited edition model

to come off the production line. That Legend is based at Mackay, while the new one, ‘Remember When’ is based in Brisbane and carries general freight up to Emerald.

The milestone truck was

delivered on November 1 and has over 40,000 kilometres on the clock.

“We asked for build number 200 too. We’ve called it ‘Remember When’ which is a reflection of where we’ve come from,” Matt said. “It’s the 200th Kenworth truck we ordered, but we’ve taken delivery of about 50 more Kenworths since then.”

The vast majority of the Emerald Carrying fleet wears the Kenworth badge.

“We have everything from singles to quad road trains.

With Kenworth, it’s the reliability, the resale value and the support network,” said Matt. “We’ve been dealing with Brown and Hurley Rockhampton since 2000 and for Monaro Fuel Haulage, it’s Twin City Truck Centre we work with.”

While the long distance trucks are typically one driver per vehicle, many trucks on the shorter runs for the fuel division are on the go around the clock, with up to three drivers on each.

Long-time company driver Steven Cullen is the lucky truckie who gets to steer the new Legend SAR. He’s been with Emerald Carrying for about 20 years.

“Steve tells me this is his retirement truck,” said Matt.

“He liked the original SARs when then came out and always said he wanted to drive one. Before this truck, he was in a 2010 Kenworth T908.”

Emerald Carrying has no set criteria on when its trucks are replaced, but they all undergo very strict maintenance routines. Each truck is fitted with ABS braking and a variety of safety systems. They are also regularly serviced and tested in-house by its team of specialist mechanics.

As Matt explained, “If the truck is sentimental, we tend to hang on to them for longer. Some of our older Kenworths have over 3.5 million kilometres on them and are still working. We bought our first brand new Kenworth fuel truck in 1995 – a T601.

We took that one off the road around 12 months ago so we can fix it up and restore it.

Though it’s taking a little longer than we hoped!”

With six decades of success already behind them, the Haylocks continue to build on their family legacy.

Asked what it’s like seeing the business his late grandparents started grow into what it is today, Matt said, “It really blows my mind. I wish they were both around to see what it is now. I’m so proud to be part of it.”

The truckie behind the wheel of the new Legend, Steven Cullen, has been with the company for about 20 years. Photo: Emerald Carrying

16 FEATURE

FRIDAY JANUARY 19 2024 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Smooth operator at helm of record-breaking quad

More than six months since the world’s biggest fuel road train was put to work, Big Rigs chats to the truckie tasked with steering the massive set-up.

BY DANIELLE GULLACI THIS PBS quad road train setup is one that captured plenty of attention when it first hit the road. At 56.5 metres long, it’s actually just a few metres longer than a standard triple road train, but what sets it apart is its capacity.

With a gross combination mass (GCM) of 186.5 tonnes, it can carry up to 158,000 litres of fuel. That’s compared to about 134,000 litres in a standard quad road train operating within the same fleet.

The tankers were manufactured by Tieman Tankers and purchased by Recharge Petroleum, the BP fuel distributor in the Northern Territory and northern Western Australia – and were a long time in the making.

Operating under a trial permit, the quad set is pulled by a tri-drive Kenworth T909 powered by a 600hp X15 Cummins engine.

Placed on a set run between the Recharge Petroleum terminal in Darwin to the depot in Alice Springs, an approximately 3000-kilometre round trip, the road train has now clocked up over 150,000 kilometres – doing three of these runs a fortnight.

As it operates under PBS (Performance Based Standards), the quad is limited to travelling on the Stuart Highway, Tiger Brennan Drive and Berrimah Road. Whereas other quads in the fleet can travel on any road that is triple road train rated.

Experienced second generation truckie Chris Atkins is the man behind the wheel. Originally from South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula, the 39-yearold driver was seen as the perfect fit the job.

His father and uncle ran their own fuel transport business in South Australia while he was growing up, so he’s been surrounded by trucks all his life.

“When I was about eight years old, I remember Dad would push the seat right back and I’d sit behind the steering wheel and steer,” recalled Atkins.

“I spent a lot of hours in the

Experienced truckie Chris Atkins, 39, was seen as the perfect fit for the job of driving the enormous rig.

truck with Dad and my uncle.

They delivered up to Broken Hill and all over the state. I loved getting out and about – and away from my sisters!

“By about the age of 14 I was changing gears and driving by myself. I was also doing a lot of stuff around the yard like unhooking and backing the truck into the shed.”

From the time he was a little kid, all he wanted to do was drive trucks – but his father said he needed to get a trade first, so he became a boiler maker. “I started out building transport equipment like dollies, flat tops, tippers and that sort of stuff. Then I got my truck licence when I was 20.

“I started working for my uncle in Adelaide but when we lost a contract I decided I wanted to work my way up to the triples, so while I was still young I thought I’d try my luck in the west and started doing some side tipper work,” explained Atkins.

When he started with Recharge Petroleum, Atkins went straight into a depot management role in Port Hedland – one of nine depots now owned

by Recharge, with facilities also located in Darwin, Katherine, Alice Springs, Kununurra, Derby, Broome, Newman and Karratha.

Atkins has been with the business for close to 12 years and was in that role for about a decade, before the road came calling again.

A father of three, a daugh-

ter aged 11 and two sons aged seven and three, he relocated to Darwin for better schooling opportunities for the kids.

“Schooling was a bit limited in Port Hedland so after the move I went straight into driving. I was still driving while managing the Port Hedland depot but there were a lot of phone calls and other things to worry about. I wanted to get back into driving full time,” Atkins explained.

The quad set of trailers was delivered in October 2022, but delays with the truck and permits meant it wasn’t properly put to work until May 2023; so when Atkins got the keys, it had only done 30,000 kilometres.

“I picked up the truck new from Perth and got into it just after Easter,” he said.

Recharge Petroleum is a family owned and operated business, started by Steven and Nicole Crawford in 2007. Today it runs a fleet of about 65 trucks and over 200 tankers, which operate predominantly as triples and quads.

Steven says that Atkins was the perfect driver to entrust with the new set-up. “We knew he was a good, steady operator and is very switched on. This is one of those road train set-ups you wouldn’t just throw anyone into.”

The combination can travel at up to 90km/h when loaded and 100km/h when empty.

Recharge Petroleum started in the Pilbara before expanding into the Northern Territory

It operates on a set run between the Recharge Petroleum terminal in Darwin to the depot in Alice Springs.

Operating under PBS, the super quad can carry up to 158,000 litres of fuel.

Recharge Petroleum runs a fleet of about 65 trucks and over 200 tankers, which operate predominantly as triples and quads.

– and that’s what inspired this quad set-up. “Obviously super and ultra quads have been operating in the Pilbara for a reasonable amount of time. So we approached Tieman about doing something like that for here,” Steven said.

“It was a lengthy process – the application took over 12 months to be approved. It was a compromise like everything in life is – we were trying to get it to the 60 metres like the quad tippers in the Pilbara but we got it to 56.5 metres – it was a cautious approach.”

From a payload perspective, Steven says the combination has delivered what he had hoped for. “But part of the reason for trying to go with the extra length is to try and improve the stability a bit more.”

Though Steven added that

going with something that hadn’t been done before was a risk. He said, “It was a calculated risk. We spent the money on this quad set with it only getting a 12-month trial permit.

Thankfully, that’s now been increased by another 12 months.

We’re still working with Tieman to try and get a second set, this time at 60 metres.”

In terms of handling, Atkins says there is a noticeable difference between this set and the other quads in the fleet.

“Towing wise, road time and speed are a lot different between the normal quads and this one,” he said. “But the super quad can get into anywhere a normal triple can because of the way it tracks.”

One of the biggest differences with this set-up is that it doesn’t get uncoupled. The set always stays together as a quad

The combination can travel at up to 90km/h when loaded and 100km/h when empty.

configuration.

As Peter Spalding, a veteran quad road train driver who works for Recharge Petroleum, explained, “That set is the only one like it. Two people are required to unhook it because the draw bar is completely different to the other quads. The jaws are air operated, so you can’t just drop a trailer.”

Now semi retired, Spalding says he’s quite happy to stick with the fleet’s regular quad road trains. “I haven’t driven that one and I don’t want to drive it. With the normal tri drive quads we gross out at about 160 tonne.

“Chris is a perfectionist.

He spent many a trip weighing it, making sure he could get the correct literage on each part of the vehicle to keep it settled. He’s a pretty smooth operator.”

And for Atkins, driving the quads isn’t something he plans on giving up any time soon.

When asked what he enjoys most about the work, he said, “Being out and about and in control of what’s going on, and seeing different people and going different places. I want to keep doing this sort of work at least until I’m 50.”

The PBS quad set-up also gets plenty of attention out on the road. Atkins added, “I see so many tourists and other people driving past with their heads out the window taking video as I drive past!”

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18 FEATURE

FRIDAY JANUARY 19 2024 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Meet the truckie who ‘yabbers’ to cosmonauts

A long-distance truckie’s life can be a solitary one, but long-time driver Indy Rosser always has plenty of interesting people to chat to along the way.

“VICTOR Kilo 2 X-ray Bravo mobile.”

“Mobile station, go ahead.”

“GerDay Emil, how are you?

Victor Kilo 2 X-ray Bravo mobile....I’m actually mobile in VK3 ….”

Thus, began a 2-way radio conversation between Emil, amateur radio station 9A9A in Zagreb, Croatia and Indy Rosser, VK2XB, driving his B-double in Victoria.

The contact only lasted a relatively short period of time as Emil is a much sought after “contact” for Australian (and other) ham radio operators, for numerous reasons, including his impeccable command of many languages as well as the fact that he usually has a strong signal on the various amateur radio bands, so they kept it a short “QSO”.

But Rosser also recorded it using a GoPro and a head camera mount and uploaded it to YouTube. He regularly makes similar radio contacts (has conversations) with other radio amateurs around the corner, around the district, around the country or, as in very many cases, around the world.

Rosser has been a truck driver for about 45 years, mostly on interstate or long-distance and has also been a ham radio

Ham radio essentials

Amateur radio should not be confused with ‘outback radio’, such as the VKS-747 Club which is limited to communications within Australia using type approved radios where the equipment is registered and not the operator.

In amateur radio the person is licensed, thus requiring a modicum of knowledge if things go pear-shaped.

If you think that the amateur radio hobby might be a fit for you, but are unsure how you might achieve the necessary qualifications, the easiest way to start is by contacting the Wireless Institute of Australia at wia.org.au.

Or flag down Rosser for a yarn – he’s always happy to share his hobby with other drivers.

To view a clip of his truck installation, visit YouTube and search outbacktraveller58 VK2XB.

Indy Rosser loves to “yabber” to people all over the world. Images: Indy Rosser

licensee for about the same period of time, during which time he has spoken to many thousands of people, all over the world, and even cosmonauts on the international space station, while going about his work.

He says his hobby helps keep his mind active, helps keep him alert, and minimises the impact of fatigue that every long-distance truckie has to deal with.

On occasion, it can actually save lives when in the middle of nowhere with no phone service, or in Rosser’s case, help a broken-down motorist get back on track.

Mostly, however, it allows him to have a yarn with people and be somewhat sociable in what we all know is a pretty solitary existence.

Back in the day when Rosser first studied for and earned his first amateur radio licence it required significant knowledge of electronics. You were required to be able to send and receive Morse Code, as well as have sound knowledge of the radio

regulations. He even had to sign off on the Official Secrets Act, and privileges ranged from very limited allowance to allocations and power that rivalled even that of the Australian Military Forces.

His first licence (known as the “Novice”) was extremely restrictive, but he’s now had the highest available “class” of licence for Australian hams for about 35 years, which allows him to involve himself in a staggering variety of frequencies and modes of operation.

But mostly he just “yabbers”, as he puts it, to people all over the place, which helps him be alert where otherwise boredom would probably set in, due to the fact he’s often on roads a little less travelled.

These days qualifying for an amateur licence is also a whole lot easier.

The entry level licence is known as the Foundation licence where you basically need to thoroughly read and absorb the information in a precis (or

manual – available through the WIA), demonstrate that you can assemble a “station” (whether it be a “home” station or a mobile/vehicle), that you have a concept of electrical safety and a “practical” test, to show you understand how to use a radio properly and that you will conduct yourself appropriately.

“In other words, treat people on air properly and with respect,” Rosser says.

“Swearing or cursing is frowned upon, but most of us can control the urge to swear pretty easily.”

If you have some fairly basic knowledge of physics, mathematics and are prepared to put in a little time and effort to understand radio theory a little more, then, perhaps, the Standard licence is another option, says Rosser.

In order to pass, you will need to learn a bit about electronic circuitry; how not to electrocute yourself (or anybody else), know how components such as resistors, capacitors, in-

Rosser’s hobby keeps the mind active and minimises the impact of fatigue.

There is radio equipment available for all budgets.

tegrated circuits work with one another to control electrons in a useful manner and, especially, how not to interfere with other Hams and other services.

Of course, if you’re feeling a bit more confident again, you could always study for and sit the examination known as an ‘Advanced’ (previously known as a ‘Full’ call). This does require fairly in-depth electronic knowledge, but is still not ‘rocket science’, Rosser says.

Rosser also stresses that he is a company driver and not all companies are as generous as Riordan’s Grain Services where he works when it comes to the installation of a wide range of transceivers and antennas.

Riordan’s has generously allowed him to install a very comprehensive radio “station” in his Kenworth T909, a courtesy he says he’s extremely grateful for.

“However, if you talk with the management team and show them the benefits in areas such as mitigation of the symp-

toms of fatigue, as well as safety aspects should you be in a remote area, for example, where the “modern technology” such as mobile phone network fails, you can get help.

“And remember, it is amateur radio, so cannot in any way be used for business purposes, but if you and the better half are both licensed, it is, perhaps, another means of keeping in touch although, be warned, there’s no such thing as privacy in ham radio.”

As for cost, Rosser says you can spend a whole lot of money on expensive, all-singing and all-dancing equipment, ranging up to many thousands of dollars for a single transceiver, right down to a couple of hundred, or less that will do an excellent job.

He knows of at least one ‘ham’ in Melbourne that uses an ancient 27Mhz CB, coupled to what’s known as a “trans-verter” that cost about $50 in total. The same applies to antennas as well.

The T909 is kitted out with all the bells and whistles.

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20 READER RIGS

FRIDAY JANUARY 19 2024 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Reader Rigs proudly supported by

#PicOfThe Month

Congratulations to Tim Montague, who has won a $500 Shell Coles Express Gift Card for this great shot, taken at The Great Australian Bight.

Share your truck pics to win with Shell Rimula

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

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

Keep an eye out for our regular posts on the Big Rigs National Road Transport Newspaper Facebook page, calling

for your best truck photos and add yours in the comments, or email them to editor@bigrigs. com.au.

Don’t forget to include a brief note about the truck and where the photo was taken.

We’ll feature some of the best photos in each edition of Big Rigs Newspaper, with one winner announced each month.

Keep those amazing truck pics coming!

Thanks to Gordon Johnson for sending in this great shot of Fred Transport’s stunning ‘9-Oh’ loaded for Sydney.

Filip Schubert snapped this when he got to drive the boss’s 1985 K125 for a few days while waiting for his truck.

Matt Darcy sent this pic from the Great Australia Bight, heading west.

Peter Bullen sent us this great pic from Weethalle NSW, en route to Tamworth.

Daniel Martin sent us this fantastic snap of his truck making a quick stop at Nhill on the way to Melbourne.

READER RIGS 21

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY JANUARY 19 2024

When the going gets tough, truckies keep everyone going

Robert Hudson sent us this sunset shot, taken at Mt Isa in Queensland.

Jason Bennett took this pic while travelling through NSW to deliver this moxie near Geelong, VIC.

Matt Lockhart sent this one of his truck just before a storm hit in Orange, NSW.

“Watching the sun disappear in Brewarrinna” - thanks to Josh Rigney for this shot.

Dan Russo snapped this after the clouds opened up at Moulamein, NSW.

Luke Curtis sent us this sunset snap taken in his home town of Kew, NSW.

Matt Smith snapped this in the Coonawarra Wine Region, South Australia.

22 READER RIGS

FRIDAY JANUARY 19 2024 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Reader Rigs proudly supported by

Best pics of 2023 WE love seeing the trucks our readers are driving and the beautiful destinations across Australia that you are lucky enough to visit.

That’s why we share snaps of Reader Rigs on our Facebook page and website every day, and the best photos also get shared

in our print editions.

Every month we pick a truck to win the illustrious Rig of the Month title, with the winner taking home a $500 Shell Coles Express Gift Card.

Here’s a look back at our 2023 winners and the fantastic pics that won them the top prize.

JANUARY

Jamie Neville sent us this great pic - heading to Lyndhurst via the Strzelecki Track, as lightning strikes.

MARCH

Josh Rigney won Rig of the Month for this amazing pic, taken on the Barrier Hwy between Yunta and Mannahill.

MAY

Milly MC got herself a $500 Shell Coles Express Gift Card for this fantastic photo of Ozzy from National Heavy Haulage at the Olive Downs Mine in Queensland.

FEBRUARY

Wayne Rogerson was our next winner for this great morning shot, snapped while west of Southern Cross, WA.

APRIL

Dave Hely was our April winner for this cool pic, snapped while loading timber out of Gurnang Forest in NSW.

JUNE

Aaron Fuller was our June winner with this great shot, snapped while tipping off at sunset.

READER RIGS 23

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY JANUARY 19 2024

When the going gets tough, truckies keep everyone going

J

Y

Michael Roels sent in this amazing sunrise shot, snapped in Gurnang, NSW.

E

E

BER

Adam Mello sent us this striking shot, snapped while admiring the view at the Great B

B

NO E

BER

NSW.

O

OBER

Creek, NSW.

E E

BER

R Queensland.

O

B

24 SPY ON THE ROAD

FRIDAY JANUARY 19 2024 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Where’s the money going?

SPY ON THE ROAD WITH ALF WILSON

Speed camera revenue debate

Speed cameras are in place at many locations around Australia are bringing in lots of revenue for governments, but numerous truckies I have spoken to question if enough of the bounty is being spent on road safety.

The presence of such cameras at Torrens Creek and Malanda in Queensland has received plenty of coverage in Big Rigs and other publications.

They have detected hundreds of truckies, car and van drivers allegedly speeding; resulting in heavy fines and loss of up to six demerit points.

These are just two of 12 speed cameras at various locations around Queensland which get moved around in each area.

Whilst I was in Tasmania recently scores of truck drivers were angry about the presence of cameras on the mighty Tasman Bridge spanning the Derwent River, where there is a 70km/h limit.

But there were many other cameras pulling in millions of dollars a year for consolidated revenue including around Eaglehawk Neck.

Talkback radio was swamped with calls from concerned drivers who complained that only a small percentage of the loot went to improvement of roads and other things important to the road transport industry.

I have heard similar whinges from truckies in Victoria, NSW and Queensland.

Detention River Roadhouse

More than 100 trucks a day stop at the popular Detention River Roadhouse located beside the Bass Highway in northern Tasmania.

It is strategically situated between Burnie and Smithton along a busy route for trucks of all sizes.

Numerous truckies told me they liked stopping there

because the staff are friendly, the food is good and reasonably priced, and there is parking near it and across the road.

So I stopped off there unannounced at around noon recently and in about 45 minutes, more than 20 trucks stopped off.

Most drivers purchased food from the extensive menu board or takeaways, coffee or soft drinks.

The staff were busy and I spoke to one of the managers named Ashlee Shaw who said that more than 100 trucks a day on average stopped there.

I asked her what was amongst the favourite food ordered by drivers.

“Many like our homemade pies and also sausages and they keep coming back. We know most of them. Some who travel one way along the highway drop in and also come in on their return journey,” she said.

It is a family owned business and opens from 4am when many early bird truckies are on the route and closes at 6pm.

Numerous drivers travelling to and from the Port Latta mining facility about 6km away stop at Detention River.

Toilet needed at SA rest area

There is plenty of parking for heavy vehicles at a rest area between Berri and Monash in South Australia but drivers have told Spy it urgently needs a public toilet.

It is a good place to stop for truckies however those wanting a call of nature find it more challenging.

Blokes can go over behind a truck for a number one but for those wanting a number two it is more difficult.

Some drivers report seeing used toilet paper with human waste on it left on the ground by tourists which results in unwanted insects and potential disease.

So a new year’s wish from drivers I have spoken to is for authorities to build a toilet there.

Are NSW roads worse than Queensland?

Over recent years, I have asked many drivers which state has the overall worst roads and a large percentage have nom-

The boxing event at Townsville’s Ross Island Hotel.

inated many in Queensland – especially many stretches of the Bruce Highway.

But now, some veteran drivers reckon that NSW has overtaken the sunshine state for that dubious honour.

“Parts of the New England Highway are dreadful and need urgent work to make them safer,” one truckie said.

Another nominated the 209km road between Moree and Coonabarabran as a real challenge to negotiate.

The 94km highway from Gilgandra to Coonabarabran has also come under criticism.

“I travel through Queensland and NSW regularly. A while back Queensland roads were the worst but at least lots of work has been done. By comparison NSW in general are not in such good condition,” one driver said.

New Year’s resolutions

As this is the first edition of 2024, Spy asked truckies from around Australia what their New Year’s Resolution is. Here’s what they had to say.

Chad Dehne (Katherine, NT): “Mine is to make more money. But I headed off to Melbourne and Perth for holidays over the break to get away.”

Ted Markwort (Deniliquin, NSW): “To get in and work harder. But I don’t know why because I’ll just pay more tax.”

Wayne Cook (Perth, WA): “To win lotto but I wouldn’t give up work if I did, just be more picky and choosy about jobs.”

Andrew Thompson (Campania, Tasmania): “To keep growing vegetables and hope for rain as there is a drought down here.”

Andy Barra (Ingham, Qld): “To keep working, running my roadhouse and driving my Mack, eat well and stay healthy.”

Skeeta (Victoria): “I took the biggest bite in 2023 and spent a lot of money so now I am going to have to chew over paying it off this year.”

Vaughan Charles (Palm Island): “To catch more fish and just enjoy my beautiful island.”

More dough being a truckie?

Several drivers who used to

be bakers often crack a joke about how getting a job in the road transport industry has been financially beneficial to them.

“I make a lot more ‘dough’ as a driver than I did when I was a pastry cook,” one quipped.

Dough is an Aussie slang term for money.

Although it’s impossible to trace the exact date of the first slang usage of ‘dough’ as a term for money, it seems to have originated in the 19th century.

Since bread was the traditional everyday necessity of life, to earn one’s living was to earn one’s bread, therefore bread became synonymous with money. On some unknown day, an individual whose identity is lost to historians simply substituted the word dough, and a new slang term came into use.

Another truckie who used to be a butcher employed by a big supermarket chain echoed that sentiment.

“Being a driver is a ‘cut above’ being a butcher at least in the pay department,” he quipped.

Panic buying no false alarm

In the lead up to Cyclone Jasper, which hit north Queensland, many residents of big cities predicted to be severely affected by the high winds resorted to panic buying.

They packed into supermarkets to purchase bottled water, toilet paper, batteries for a transistor radio, long life milk, candles and the list went on.

Spy saw numerous empty shelves where it was impossible to find some of the above and trucks could not keep up with the deliveries in the short term.

I know of some people who evacuated Port Douglas and Cairns, moving south to Townsville and even Mackay for some days.

What made the expected situation more concerning was that there was heavy rain and king tides.

In the final analysis, the panic buying proved mostly to be false alarms as the cyclone hit the coast with winds not as strong as early forecasts suggested.

The Detention River Roadhouse sits beside the Bass Highway in northern Tasmania.

Staff at the Detention River Roadhouse, from left to right, Kristina Eisele, Erin Hefferon, Brianna Lambert and Ashlee Shaw.

More than 16,000 homes around the Atherton Tablelands, Cairns and Port Douglas were without power for a day.

As one driver told me, “It is better to be safe than sorry.”

Items purchased can all be stored and may be needed in the next few months with the cyclone season in the north extending to April.

Most rest areas beside the Bruce Highway between Cairns and Mackay were empty during that period.

Surfing opportunity

On the subject of cyclones, Spy heard of a group of truckies who got some time off in the lead up to Jasper to enjoy some surfing.

The winds did reach 90km/h in their area and they took their surfboards to a nearby beach and loved the bigger than normal waves.

Still a dangerous practice however they reckoned it was just so good to get some time off and feel the freedom of an adrenalin rushing recreation.

“It is a different type of freedom than being in the cabin of a truck driving around Australia,” one told me.

But all good things come to an end and a few days after they were pinching a phrase from a Willy Nelson song: “On the road again”.

Transport company gets into the ring

Rain did not prevent a popular boxing tournament in Townsville from going ahead.

Scores of truck drivers were amongst the big crowd and one of the main events was sponsored by local company Morgan Transport.

The rumble at the Ross Knuckleman Series event was held in the garden section of Townsville’s historical Ross Island Hotel over the festive season.

Ten bouts were held before heavy rain forced a stop for a short period mid-way through the night but the 800 strong crowd stayed.

Morgan Transport sponsored the Army Bout which was the fifth on the card. where Tom Dudderidge defeated Sam Shearsmith.

Promoter Matty Rooney said it was a great night with cars parked for hundreds of metres from the venue which is near the Cowboys NRL

home ground of Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

“Despite the rain it was a top night of action and more are planned for 2024,” Rooney told Spy. Spy even heard a whisper that some bouts may be in the planning involving truck drivers trading blows in the ring.

ESP or coincidence?

A lot of truck drivers I speak to in my travels claim to have had ESP experiences. Others are sceptical about such claiming they believe these so-called ESP incidents are nothing more than coincidence.

Here are a couple of reports from drivers who are confident that ESP is real.

The first is about a middle aged lad who stopped off at a café called “Bright Eyes” for a coffee.

Soon after leaving the establishment he turned on the radio in his light rig and one of the first songs he heard was entitled “Bright Eyes”. This is a popular tune by Art Garfunkel, first recorded in 1977.

Another driver had been at a roadhouse and was discussing his interstate holiday over the festive season when he hired a car from a company called East Coast.

After enjoying a hearty breakfast he headed off up the highway and there were roadworks at which the worker was standing near a ute bearing the company name East Coast.

I have an open mind on the subject and wonder if many other drivers have experienced ESP?

Food for thought

As Spy was sitting in a truckies’ room at an outback pub there was a thought provoking sign on the wall which involved the word food.

I spotted it even before my steak, chips and salad arrived.

It read, “Family like branches on a tree, we all grow in different directions, yet our roots remain as one.”

It was illustrated with a drawing of a tree and several patrons sitting near me remarked about it.

“How true it is,” one truckie who had just come out of 35-degree heat said.

In my travels around the country I often see signs at roadhouses which certainly have you deep in thought.

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26 DRIVER PROFILE

FRIDAY JANUARY 19 2024 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Truckin’ In The Outback

Answering call of the road

After getting out of the game for several months, this experienced truckie is back in the driver’s seat, pulling anything up to four trailers of cattle.

BY DANIELLE GULLACI AS a kid, Nic Risk was fascinated by aviation, though he’s now more at home on the ground, keeping the wheels turning.

For the past few months, he’s been in a 2019 Kenworth T909 driving for family owned and operated business Hale River Transport.

He works there together with his wife Kattie Risk, who also drives quad cattle trucks.

Though the couple is based in Darwin, the depot is in Clare, SA, just north of Adelaide.

“Hale River Transport has a small fleet of six prime movers and there’s six drivers, including Kattie and I – and we’ll all give everything a go. We travel all over the place, throughout the Northern Territory and Western Australia, wherever the boss sends us,” said Nic. “At some of these bigger companies, you’re just a number. But I really enjoy working

Nic says that after his breaking from trucking, he’s really enjoying the work once again.

for these guys because it is a small family business. There’s more of a personal touch, I speak with the truck coordinator often and he’ll call to make sure everything is all good. As a smaller business they look after you a bit more.

Nic Risk has been in the driver’s seat for over 20 years, first in NZ before moving to Australia.

He joined Hale River Transport a few months back.

“I do anything from B-doubles up to quads, it’s usually cattle. Hale also carts a lot of hay and general too, so I do that on occasion as well.”

Originally from New Zealand, Nic was raised on a sheep and cattle farm, starting his truck driving career across the ditch. Although that first role did involve both planes and trucks.

“I got a job in crop dusting, working as part of the ground crew – driving the truck and loading the fertiliser into the plane. I did that for about three years before I moved into other trucking roles,” said Nic. “I got my truck licence in my early 20s. I’m now in mid 40s.”

Nic also got his pilot’s licence in NZ at one stage, but admits it’s been while since he’s steered a plane, so that’s since lapsed.

From there, he moved into a driving role that revolved around earthworks, though he knew that was never going to be long term. “I was in that role for around nine or ten months and during that time, I saw all the cattle trucks coming in and out. I got talking to

Both Nic and his wife Kattie are road train operators. He drives the 2019 Kenworth T909 on the right and she drives the 2017 Western Star 6900 on the left.

one of the livestock truckies who said there was an opening at their depot, so I went over there and did a drive and got the job three weeks later,” Nic explained.

At first it was bulk haulage before he eventually moved into carting livestock.

Then in 2011, Nic made the decision to move to Australia. First it was on the Gold Coast, doing changeovers between Brisbane and Mackay, with the odd interstate trip to Sydney or Melbourne. It was refrigerated work. “I got tired of doing that, so I pursued a job in cattle carting. I moved to Mt Isa and then to Darwin, working for RTA (Road Trains Australia) and delivering cattle.”

From there, he and Kattie spent a few years doing twoup for Shaw’s Darwin Transport.

“I did two up with Kattie not long after we first met. I know there are a lot of two-up teams around Australia. You need to have a very special relationship with the other person for it to work.”

Before his current role, Nic had also worked for Linfox

and Neil Mansell Transport; before stepping away from trucking completely. He originally moved away from linehaul work for family reasons; and then stepped away from trucking all together last February, before his recent return.

“I’ve been driving for 20 odd years now. When I was over in New Zealand, even though it’s a smaller country, I did longer trips regularly. But with the amount of kilometres I was racking up here in Australia, I took some time out for myself for a change. I also had a couple of close calls with caravans, so I decided to give it up for a while,” explained Nic. “Kattie was also still wanting to pursue her career in trucking and she has two boys, so I took a local job in town.

A friend of mine offered me a leading hand position and that meant I could be home for the boys,” Nic said.

Then one thing led to another. “With Kattie being at Hales, the boss said when I wanted a job, I had one here as they were looking for a driver – so I took it with both hands!”

After having that break,

Nic is enjoying the work once more, working for a great company.

“I love going any place I haven’t been before. I enjoy getting out and seeing what many people wouldn’t see. A lot of people use the phrase it’s not a job, it’s a lifestyle and I do enjoy the lifestyle. Out there in the outback, there’s no traffic to worry about, it’s really serene,” he said.

When he was with RTA, Nic says he could be away anywhere from a few weeks to well over a month; however with Hales, the longest he’s been away to date is two weeks. “So you really learn to be self-sustained in the truck,” he added.

With both Nic and Kattie spending so much time on the road, Hales has also been great in trying to marry up their runs where possible. “Our man here tries to work it out so we’re home together when we can be. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t, but we’re in constant contact all the time anyway. And we’re really understanding when things don’t work out that way too,” said Nic.

He’s usually carting cattle in anything from a B-double up to a quad.

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28 TRUCKIE PROFILE

FRIDAY JANUARY 19 2024 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Truckies through Ararat with Darryl Edwards

Following in the footsteps of his inspiring truckie dad

Driver: Danny White Company: Riordan Fuels

until his health forced him to retire.

Darryl: Thanks for joining me in the new year Danny. How long have you been driving trucks for?

Danny: Thirteen years ago I started my driving career, driving a rubbish truck, slowly working my way up in the industry.

Darryl: Do you have a favourite roadhouse and what is your go-to feed?

Danny: I am a fan of a good bakery. I can’t go past Elmore bakery or Sharp’s Bakery in Birchip for a good feed.

Darryl: Aagh yes, the home of the amazing Sharps Vanilla slice!

Darryl: Gotta start somewhere!

What is your current truck?

Danny: I’m currently driving a Kenworth T659 towing a set of Tieman A-double tankers, carting diesel across Victoria and southern New South Wales.

Darryl: What got you into the industry? Did you grow up around it, or was it something you always wanted to do?

Danny: I’ve always been in love with the transport industry. I’ve grown up with my dad being an interstate truck driver. He spent 37 years in the industry

Darryl: What would your advice be to the next generation?

Danny: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There is a lot of knowledge in this industry.

You are always learning, always challenge yourself.

Darryl: What does Danny do away from the job?

Danny: Not much time to wind down, but when I have the chance I enjoy loading up the caravan and dirt bike, and enjoying some time in the bush.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP. THERE IS A LOT OF KNOWLEDGE IN THIS INDUSTRY. YOU ARE ALWAYS LEARNING, ALWAYS CHALLENGE YOURSELF.” DANNY WHITE

Darryl: And finally mate, what would your dream truck be?

Danny: I was 11 In 1995, when Dad bought a brand new T900, which he owned for about three years. Everything about this truck was cool.

Currently this truck is owned by the Klos bros, but I always dream about bringing it back home.

Darryl: Danny, you’ve been great to chat to, thanks for your time and I’ll see you in town again soon.

Meet Danny White who is currently driving a Kenworth T659 towing a set of Tieman A-double tankers. Photo: Darryl Edwards

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DRIVER PROFILES 29

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY JANUARY 19 2024

Truckin in Tassie

with Alf Wilson

Top spot to stop truckie

Early bird catches worm IT was early one cold morning when Big Rigs saw driver Hayden Butt, 36, delivering linen to the Night Cap at Riverside Hotel in Launceston.

He was driving a Hino 500 for Top Centre Laundry and the temperature was sitting at about six degrees, just after 7am.

“I like the cold weather and it is much better than when it is hot. I really enjoy the job and early starts suit me,” Butt said.

Butt gets around the northern region of Tasmania. The company also has a depot at Devonport about 95km away.

“The company is great to work for and maintains all of the trucks in good condition

and this one is comfortable to drive,” he said.

Butt has to be fit to do the job as it requires wheeling trollies full of linen and also lots of lifting.

“I go to the gym a lot to ensure I am fit,” he said.

Butt has been with the company for six months but has driven trucks for many years including when employed by a building business. He used to play Australian Rules football for South Launceston Club which competed in the NTFA. “I barrack for the Richmond Tigers in the national AFL and they won a few recent premierships but are now rebuilding for the fu-

ture,” he said. While Butt said the northern Bass Highway was in pretty good shape, he wasn’t so complimentary about the Midlands Route between Launceston and Hobart.

“There are lots of roadworks which cause delays but it will be good once that is finished,” he said.

His favourite roadhouse is the Mood Food at Kempton for several reasons.

“They make a great steak sandwich and you can ring in advance and pick it up when you arrive,” he said.

He then drove off and 30 minutes later I saw him again, delivering to another Launceston business.

Gary Simmons has been a truckie for the past 25 years.

WHEN Big Rigs saw Gary Simmons parked outside the Detention River Roadhouse, he was sitting in the cab of a new Kenworth.

Simmons, 43, has been a truckie for 25 years and is enthusiastic about the road transport industry in Tasmania.

He works for Josh Chamley Contracting based at beautiful Boat Harbour and was heading for Smithton with machinery.

Simmons barracks for the

North Melbourne Kangaroos in the AFL and we yarned about how they finished with the wooden spoon in season 2023.

“Some team has to hold up the ladder from the bottom,” he said with a smile.

Simmons likes spending time with family outside work and loves Tasmania, which is where he was born.

The Detention River Roadhouse is one of his favourites to

stop at for a feed and to catchup with mates.

“They serve good food, have friendly staff and lots of drivers come here,” he said.

Boat Harbour is one of the most beautiful and scenic places in Tasmania and a big attraction is the excellent beach near Wynyard. To get there you leave the Bass Highway and travel a short distance which includes a hilly section with sensational views.

Hayden Butt drives a Hino 500 for Top Centre Laundry.

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30 DRIVER PROFILES

FRIDAY JANUARY 19 2024 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Truckin in Tassie

The tropics to Apple Isle

with Alf Wilson

Not his usual ride today A TRUCKIE for the past 18 years, Dex Ballard works for Kile Transport based in the beautiful Huon Valley region of southern Tasmania.

Big Rigs saw him one morning recently when he was fuelling up at the Mood Food Roadhouse beside the Midlands Highway at Kempton.

“I have milk bottles to take to Elizabeth Town along the Bass Highway and also have

Visy cardboard cartons,” he said.

Ballard, 50, was driving a DAF that day which he said is not his normal truck.

“I usually drive a Freightliner Argosy but it is getting some maintenance work done on it,” he said.

The 50-year-old Ballard said most highways in Tassie were good and said that all of the roadworks on the Midlands held up traffic.

“But when it is all finished it will be good. The section of the Midlands just past Campbelltown near the Heavy Vehicle Inspection Station needs some attention,” he said.

He likes Mood Food and Epping Forest Roadhouse and outside work restores Honda Z- bikes.

As for the cold weather, Ballard said he didn’t mind it.

“If it gets too cold I just put on an extra jumper.”

Jason Greenwood has been a truckie for the past 32 years. Photos: Alf Wilson

FORMER Queenslander Jason Greenwood drove trucks around the Gladstone and Hervey Bay regions for 11 years before moving to Tasmania.

“I did get all around Queensland,” he said.

Now based at Launceston, Greenwood drives a 2018 Mack Trident for Zanetto Civil and was transporting a load of crusher dust when Big Rigs saw him at the Mood Food Roadhouse beside the Midlands Highway.

Greenwood, 52, has been a truckie for 32 years and with this company for the past two.

“It is a good job,” he said, adding, “The crusher dust came from Hobart Quarry. We have a contract with Boral.”

He is another driver who likes the Mood Food Roadhouse which has great facilities for truckies.

As for roads Greenwood said that the works on the Midlands Highway between Hobart and Launceston held

up drivers.

Regarding rest areas he said a few more could be along that main highway route but added that it was less than 200km in length.

“It is a short distance but the one at St Peter’s Pass could be improved with more room for drivers,” he said.

A former drag racer, Greenwood also has a motorcycle which he likes using for recreation. He also enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Dex Ballard works for Huon Valley based Kile Transport.

Travelling all over state

Graham Gunn gives the thumbs up to his job at Tas Networks.

VETERAN driver Graham Gunn, 64, walked into the Ouse Roadhouse in Tasmania and parked his flashy Iveco 4x4 across the road.

Gunn works for Tas Networks as a roving linesman and travels all around the state.

“I am employed by this power company and really love it,” he said.

Gunn likes the Iveco

which he said travels over some rough roads off the main highways.

“I have to follow the transmission lines and some of the roads are dirt and even clay and the Iveco handles them well,” he said.

Tasmanian born, Gunn likes stopping at the Ouse Roadhouse and an eatery called Fraggle’s in Launceston.

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Outside his job, Gunn loves fishing for trout around the Tassie lakes and also barracks for Collingwood in the AFL. He also follows the Penrith Panthers in the rival NRL. Both won the premiership in 2023.

“I was really happy with those results,” he said.

It was a pleasure to yarn to Gunn who has a wealth of knowledge about Tasmania.

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32 FEATURE

FRIDAY JANUARY 19 2024 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Love blossoms on the road

They may work odd hours and spend many lonely hours apart while driving, but these newly-engaged truckies have made things work.

BY KAYLA WALSH BEING in a relationship with a truckie is never easy, with so much time away from home, unsociable hours and work-related stress.

So what if both partners are truckies – and you add five kids into the mix too?

Emma Courtney from Brisbane has been in the transport industry for nearly a decade, and now works a local night

shift for Wickham Freight Lines.

After being single for five years, she was reluctant to start dating seriously again – until she met fellow truckie Daniel Williams, who drives interstate for Nolan’s Transport.

“We met through mutual friends,” Courtney said.

“He’s been single forever, I’ve been single forever, and we both found it pretty hard to trust someone again.

Courtney and Williams can be competitive about their trucks. Photos: Supplied

Courtney and Williams had both been single for a long time before they found each other.

She added, laughing: “Finally one day he said ‘Find me a ‘Sold’ sign because I’m putting it on the property!’ and we made it official.”

Being in a relationship with a fellow truckie definitely comes with complications, and the couple are often apart from each other.

Williams drives 10 days on, four off, and on the four nights he is home, Courtney only has one night off on her roster.

They find ways to make their relationship work – from long phone calls to quick catch-ups and stolen kisses at truck stops.

“Our schedules can change, but generally we manage to have breakfast together on Tuesdays and Thursdays,” she said.

“I’ll go to his depot and pick him up and we’ll eat together and have a quick chat before he goes off to work again.”

Williams does most of his runs up to Larapinta in the

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NT, and Courtney often passes him when she is driving down from Warwick.

“Sometimes it works, where we can both pull in for a few minutes at the pads or a truck stop and see each other – other times we just have to wave as we pass each other on the highway.

“Or we make do with a ‘I love you’ on the UHF and everyone else gets involved!”

The couple also chat on the phone for hours – and with both of them being passionate about trucks and the transport industry, they never run out of things to talk about.

“It’s crazy how much we talk on the phone, we could be on the phone for hours every night,” Courtney said.

“We talk about everything and anything – but obviously trucking is a big part of our lives, so it comes up a lot.”

Courtney has three kids, aged, 12, nine and six, while Williams has two, aged 13 and

nine. It’s a struggle to juggle family life with work, while spending as much time together as a couple as possible and also keeping on top of their fatigue management.

Luckily for Courtney, Wickham’s Freight Lines are very supportive of parents and give her flexibility where they can.

“It’s a family-owned business and they are very family-oriented and understanding,” she said.

“Doing the night shifts at the moment is good because I get to see the kids in the mornings and during school holidays I get half the day with them.

“Their dad helps me out heaps as well.”

While Courtney says it’s hard enough having one truckie in a relationship, let alone two, it has plenty of benefits as well.

“There are not a lot of women who drive trucks, and

FEATURE 33

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY JANUARY 19 2024

Courtney drives for Wickham Freight Lines, while Williams drives for Nolan’s Transport.

Daniel is happy to have somebody who understands that deadlines change and you can get sent somewhere different at the last minute.

“He knows that if he has to make that phone call, that he’s not going to be home when we thought he would be, I get it.”

Courtney spent 10 years working as a diesel mechanic before transitioning to driving, so she definitely knows her way around a truck.

However, Williams has been on the road for longer –

17 years – so she sometimes asks him for advice.

“He’ll talk me through problems and teach me things, and he never makes me feel stupid about it,” she added.

The couple enjoy going to truck shows together, and Courtney loves to rib Williams over the fact that she drives a bigger truck than him.

“We have a cute his ‘n’ hers thing going on with our K200s,” she laughed.

“There’s a bit of rivalry going on as well – it’s a running

joke because he only has a standard cab, but I have a big cab.

“I like having the quads on because he’s longer, but I’m bigger.

“He’s threatening to ask his boss for a road train now, so he can beat me.”

Courtney said open communication is really important when you’re in a relationship with a truckie.

She and Williams use an app called Life360 so they can see where the other person is,

and if they’ve been held up on the road.

“It’s also a safety thing – and we’ve both got to sleep, so we don’t want to be blowing up the other person’s phone if they’re resting.

“It’s not to spy on each other or stalk each other – we’re both just so comfortable with each other that it’s no problem.

“It opens up a whole other level of trust and honesty, because that’s the hardest thing about being on the road – in-

The couple sometimes manage to steal a kiss at a truck stop.

security can creep in. It’s all about communicating.”

She added that it’s important to know that if you’re in a relationship with a truck driver, you have to accept everything that comes with it.

“If you choose to fall in love with a truckie, you’re choosing them because of everything that they are. Trucking is probably a big part of that.

“The way Daniel looks after his truck, you can see how meticulous he is and how much he cares, and I’m the same. I

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even have a tattoo of a Kenworth on my arm.

“A lot of us drive trucks not because we have to, but because we love it. It’s not just a job, it’s a passion.”

Williams proposed to Courtney right before Christmas, and we have no doubt there’ll be a few nods to trucking at the wedding.

“Our friend who introduced us is insisting he has to sit at the top table,” Courtney laughed. “I’m so excited. It’s the happiest I’ve ever been.”

34 OPINION

FRIDAY JANUARY 19 2024 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Ode to the golden years The Wall of Fame inductee and a 64-year veteran of the road looks back fondly on a trucking era that will never be repeated.

Jerry Brown-Sarre is proud to be part of the golden era of Australian long-distance transport, and would do it all again tomorrow if he could. Photos: Supplied

BY JERRY BROWNSARRE WHAT a great job it was, but it will never be the same.

When you looked forward to going to work every day knowing it would be hard, but the adrenaline was pumping, doing what you had to do to stay alive.

But for me, the last truck

and trailers are sold, time to pull the pin after 64 years, 11 as an employed driver and 53 years as an independent contractor.

The last 20-odd years were spent trying to stop the rot that has destroyed this once great industry, with draconian laws drafted and enforced by a government body who has no compassion for those

doing the job, so that a simple mistake by a driver or operator you will mean you lose everything you have worked for.

This is my ode to an industry that is past its golden era that I and many others were lucky to be part off and as second-generation transport driver, I speak for the ones before me: under-pow-

A 1979 shot of Brown-Sarre’s restored 1965 8v71-powered Seattle cab Kenworth he drove for more than 20 years.

ered, rag tyres, no brakes…I remember.

To all the drivers including the legends who have passed on, who I travelled with, loaded, unloaded with, had breakfast within a parking bay, or a roadhouse.

When we had the best of roadhouse owners looking after us, it was privilege to know you.

To the ones who didn’t survive after the golden era, and there many thousands, R.I.P. There was a time when you would meet someone today and not see him again for five years, or more, and finish the conversation you had the first time like no time had passed at all.

To the companies from the 50s to the 90s, in the golden era who we drove for, subbied for, you paid us good money, treated us as equals before the new breed, when greed took over.

It was good to work for you; we carted some cream freight for you and you paid us well.

For us who have been there and done it, we all learnt together; owners and drivers, farm trucks fitted with homemade semi-trailers turned in to highway trucks. Ex-army tent flys as tarps, farm gates with U brackets to sit on, the 3-inch combing.

When being a driver was 50 per cent manual labour and 50 per cent driving; hard yakka, but we enjoyed it, even driving with the drivers from that time with their Commer knockers loaded with Kellogg’s tarps billowing 15 feet wide and exhaust smoke you couldn’t see past.

The roads were shit, the majority of highways were still dirt, others were 16 feet of bitumen, or less, if you were lucky, but we learnt to stay alive.

How they have changed in

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some places.

As drivers and owners in the golden era we saw our ingenuity and input in the design and build of real highway trucks and trailers, and along the way we tested every design to find the limits to them.

But most of us couldn’t have done it without finding the one person who shared the good and the bad times

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of road transport

OPINION 35

A 2002 picture of Brown-Sarre’s restored 1982 model 8v92-powered W model KW.

His 1968 7 series v8 powered Dodge waiting for a cap tarp to go on washed up ready to go.

with us and stayed the journey, raising the family, looking after home and running the business while we had the fun, a Truckie’s Wife.

What a rare breed of women they were, to be involved and share the golden era of transport with us, and for those of us who were lucky to find one, our lives are better

derpaid by 30 per cent. Good luck to them fixing that.

This ode also goes out to all the drivers who will be killed in the future due to lack of knowledge and lack of proper training by a new section of the transport industry out to make a quick buck, most who don’t have the knowledge or ability to teach

for it. I don’t see them around the industry today.

The golden era was also a time when owners and drivers were not frightened to take on governments bodies if we were being shafted by bad laws like speed limits, weights and such like, as we did in the ’79 blockades in taking on road tax law.

We have a new generation of people to deal with the industry conditions in this new era and who will find out as we did that associations, government bodies, unions, supply chain, etc, have their own agendas.

The days of independent contractors are numbered, and drivers of today are un-

The National Network Map Map your heavy vehicle journey across state and territory borders • View where you can travel and where you need to seek access approval • Search and view available networks for more than 1,000 heavy vehicle configurations • See real time changes to road networks • Access through the NHVR Portal For more information visit nhvr.gov.au/nnm

drivers how to drive and stay alive.

You can’t teach what you don’t know, and to quantify that statement, just look at the needless accidents happening daily, so to those drivers in advance, I say R.I.P. driver.

For me it was a fantastic job, and I was definitely part

of the golden era of Australian long-distance transport, and I would do it again tomorrow.

To those who missed out, tough. You will never know what you missed out on.

Jerry Brown-Sarre was inducted into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame at ReUnion 2005.

36 COLUMNS

FRIDAY JANUARY 19 2024 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

NHVR delivers a national first with network map INDUSTRY REGULATION SAL PETROCCITTO National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, CEO

WITH the start of 2024 well and truly upon us, I’m pleased to be able to say the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is continuing to redefine industry standards, following the release of the National Network Map. Designed to improve heavy vehicle access efficiency and decision-making, this innovative new tool is a milestone not only for our organisation, but the broader heavy vehicle industry.

The new map includes the ability to search and view available networks for more than 1000 heavy vehicle configurations.

In delivering the National Network Map, the NHVR has delivered a national first for the heavy vehicle industry.

The new map represents a leap forward in harmonisation, bringing together statebased maps and displaying them in one central location,

for the first time.

The National Network Map empowers industry to plan journeys across state and territory borders for their entire fleet, and its features provide a solution to the needs and challenges of the heavy vehicle sector.

We have worked closely with our jurisdictional partners, including South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and the Australian Capital Territory, to transition their networks and achieve this important outcome.

By transitioning these networks across to the NHVR Portal, we have created a single-entry point for industry to access their heavy vehicle related information.

The map also provides several additional key ben-

efits for industry, including the ability to search and view available networks for more than 1000 heavy vehicle configurations, improved cross border access planning, and providing real time changes to road networks to ensure availability of the most accurate network access information.

Other benefits include an easily identifiable view of approved, conditional or restricted routes using a traffic light colour scheme, and map layers that can be turned on and off to identify rest areas, height restrictions and road disruptions.

Not only does the map benefit industry and road managers, but also the NHVR’s Safety and Compliance Officers (SCOs), who are able to use the map in

their dealings with operators.

Using the National Network Map, our SCOs can check a vehicle’s route or location, and provide the driver with education regarding the correct routes they are permitted to travel on, no matter which state they are travelling in.

A huge amount of work has been undertaken to get to this stage, and I’m pleased the NHVR can continue delivering technology upgrades that ensure a safer and more efficient heavy vehicle industry.

I look forward to updating you as we continue to refine and enhance this technology as the year progresses.

The National Network Map is available on the NHVR website or through the NHVR Portal.

Another big year ahead for Transport Women Australia WOMEN IN TRANSPORT JACQUELENE BROTHERTON Chair of Transport Women Australia

AS we do for every new year, we wish for things that should be attainable but seem to stay just out of reach, such as better infrastructure, better road safety, more and better facilities for drivers, and more flexibility around fatigue just to name a few.

Then I look at what is happening elsewhere around the world and think that we do not have it so bad after all.

Maybe we just need to work and communicate better to understand the needs and

constraints of the other parties in our transport and logistics world.

Transport Women Australia Limited is looking forward to a very big year in 2024 with all of our normal events such as our year opener, which is a joint event with Divall’s Earthmoving & Bulk Haulage at Goulburn, a yet to be named Brisbane event in February, celebrating IWD in several States and then our Living the Dream Conference from May 30 until June 1, with some exciting keynote speakers soon to be announced.

Plus, we have a full programme of great speaker sessions and panels. We then have the Dream Maker Awards at the Transport Women Unite Red Ball in conjunction with the Festival of Transport at Al-

ice Springs in August.

During this time, we will be hosting our Learning Initiatives Breakfasts whenever we have availability and sponsorship, we will continue to include our Canberra breakfast on the program and will of course have our pre-ATA lunch and pre-TTA event.

Our Creating Connections Mentoring Program has been relaunched and we have mentors available. We will be nominating our members for awards at the RFNSW Awards, the Women in Industry Awards, the Australian Trucking Awards, the Australian Freight Industry Awards, and any other awards for which they are eligible.

We will continue to attend several truck shows and convoys throughout the year and

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continue to strengthen our school initiative in NSW. We have so many wonderful volunteers participating in this program, and it is wonderful to bring the transport and logistics industry to the attention of more young people every year.

We will be celebrating 25 years in 2024 and have two exciting new announcements for you in the new year, of which the board is very proud and I am looking forward to bringing these projects to fruition.

Of course, the Driving the Difference Scholarships will continue to allow women to advance their careers in the industry and we will go back to previous winners to ask how it has changed their roles in the industry.

We will be throwing a 25th Anniversary party on November 16, 2024, to celebrate the 25 years of TWAL and we are looking forward to a great night with a venue still to be chosen.

We hope to see you there so save the date NOW!

A highlight in 2023 was presenting the Trish Pickering Memorial Award to Sharon Middleton (centre), with Wes Pickering. Photo: TWAL

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COLUMNS 37

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY JANUARY 19 2024

This road ‘rule’ has to stop WOMEN IN TRUCKING LYNDAL DENNY CEO, Women in Trucking Australia

AFTER an impressive industry year recruiting and supporting greater numbers of women into trucking careers, my first column for 2024 was to be a congratulatory piece celebrating a new year filled with the promise of greater employment opportunities for up-and-coming female heavy vehicle drivers.

Sadly however, I find myself looking back at a devastating 2023 that saw 1253 – yes - one thousand, two hundred and fifty-three men, women and children vaporised into road

crash statistics in an instant predominantly by selfish drivers who believe speeding, aggressive, fatigued, distracted or driving drug or alcohol affected is their god given right.

Australian driving culture is steeped in a myriad of informal road rules passed down through generations of drivers to keep traffic flowing and our on-road experiences safe and respectful; don’t drive slower than the speed limit, don’t merge into one-lane traffic then drive slowly, dip your high beam before you crest a hill and so on.

There’s one particular informal road rule however - that may well be Australia’s most deadly - a rule most drivers follow religiously with zero thought given to its potentially devastating consequences. Unbelievably, this practice is not only regarded as doing other road users a favour – it’s also as

Aussie as two-up and backyard cricket.

Agreed, it’s a given most don’t drive with the intention of causing others harm, but those practicing this deadly ritual can take a bow for having unwittingly contributed - at worst to the nation’s devastating road toll - or at the very least to lifelong injuries so severe, victims never fully recover.

Almost daily - from behind the wheel of my heavy vehicle, I see and would guestimate that for every police vehicle out and about working to remove dangerous drivers from our roads before they kill, at least 80 per cent of road users flash their headlights to warn on-coming drivers of police presence ahead.

As a nation of drivers, we believe we’re doing each other a good turn but in reality, we have no way of knowing who’s behind the wheel of any on-

coming vehicle. Let’s take a moment to consider the consequences of warning an oncoming speeding, drug affected driver of police presence ahead.

Laughing at your stupidity, this criminally negligent - now pre-warned individual slows until the blue and red flashing lights have faded in their rearview mirror.

Now safe thanks to your early warning system - this dangerous driver puts their foot down again, only to lose control rounding a bend before crashing head-on at speed into a family of five playing eye-spy.

Rather than having the opportunity to remove this deadly driver off the road before they kill, Police and other first responders now find themselves walking through devastating road crash carnage, listening to blood-curdling screams, trying not to breathe the smell of burnt rubber, trying to unsee

blood-soaked children’s toys lying torn on roads of shattered glass, trying not to think of their own families as they move amongst crumpled vehicles and body parts that an instant ago were a family of five excitedly heading off on a camping trip.

Yet another fallacy many buy into is that first-responders become hardened to the horrific sights, smells and sounds that are road crash carnage.

Many of these selfless men and women suffer life-long mental health injuries – further exacerbated by memories of pulling up outside road crash victim’s homes to do a “four o’clock knock” and having to endure the sight of mums and dads, husbands, wives and loved ones collapse in front of them as they seemingly endlessly impart their devastating news - all this - because you decided warning a dangerous driver of police presence up

ahead was your good deed for the day.

This should never be us against police but rather us against dangerous drivers. Let’s rewrite this deadly unwritten road rule as follows: view every oncoming vehicle as having a dangerous driver behind the wheel. Don’t flash your lights – work with police get them off our roads before they kill.

Just as we rally against domestic violence, support gun laws to prevent mass shootings and call Crimestoppers to thwart criminal activity in our communities, the time has come for all of us to use our intel to save lives rather than protect dangerous drivers.

Don’t be a part of the problem – be a part of the solution.

Sear these four simple words into your psyche: NO FLASH – NO CRASH and remember if you drive safely - police will thank – not fine you.

Laying out the many industry challenges ahead for 2024 VTA COMMENT PETER ANDERSON CEO, Victorian Transport Association

IT’S great to once again be able to engage with Big Rigs readers on these pages, and I look forward to advocating on a range of issues that are of key importance to VTA members and the broader freight and logistics this year.

Our industry finds itself at a critical juncture, facing an array of challenges that demand strategic foresight and innovative solutions.

The convergence of technological advancements, regulatory changes, and environmental concerns is reshaping the

landscape of freight, logistics, and transport. In this dynamic environment, stakeholders in Victoria’s transport sector must collaborate and adapt to ensure a robust and sustainable future.

One of the foremost challenges in 2024 is the integration of emerging technologies with traditional ways of doing business and managing work-life balance in an increasingly competitive environment.

The transport industry is experiencing a technological revolution with the rise of automation, artificial intelligence, and an accelerating push towards decarbonisation. While these innovations hold the promise of increased efficiency and reduced costs, they also raise concerns about job displacement and the need for training and upskilling.

Our work through the Australian Road Transport Industrial Organisation to enshrine minimum standards into law is

but one example of our proactive approach to obtaining safety and productivity gains in the gig economy.

Autonomous vehicles are on the horizon, albeit far off in the distance. They pose both opportunities and challenges.

Long-term, the implementation of self-driving trucks could optimise delivery routes, enhance safety, and reduce fuel consumption.

However, it requires significant investment in infrastructure, cybersecurity measures, and regulatory frameworks to address liability and safety concerns. Striking the right balance between embracing innovation and safeguarding the livelihoods of those employed in the transport sector will be a delicate task for policymakers and industry leaders alike.

Regulatory changes also loom large on the horizon. The transport industry is no stranger

to regulatory shifts, and 2024 will be no exception.

Evolving environmental standards, safety regulations, and compliance requirements demand agility from industry players. Adapting to new mandates while minimising disruptions to operations will be a key challenge. Additionally, the industry must work collaboratively with policymakers to ensure that regulations strike a harmonious balance between fostering innovation and safeguarding public welfare.

Environmental sustainability is a pressing concern that cannot be overlooked. As the global community grapples with climate change, the transport industry faces increased scrutiny for its carbon footprint.

In 2024, stakeholders must prioritise eco-friendly practices, such as the progressive adoption of low and zero emissions vehicles, sustainable packaging

solutions, and energy-efficient logistics operations.

Striving for carbon neutrality is a strategic move to meet evolving customer and consumer expectations and comply with stringent environmental regulations.

Another critical challenge lies in the realm of infrastructure development. Victoria’s transport system must evolve to accommodate the changing demands of the industry.

The need for modern, interconnected infrastructure is paramount to enable efficient and seamless movement of goods.

Investment in smart infrastructure, such as intelligent traffic management systems and digital freight platforms, will be crucial to enhancing the overall efficiency of the supply chain.

Collaboration is the linchpin for success in overcoming these challenges. The transport industry, along with government

bodies, must foster a culture of collaboration to share insights, address common concerns, and develop joint solutions.

The challenges facing Victoria’s transport industry in 2024 are multifaceted but not insurmountable. By embracing innovation, navigating regulatory changes with foresight, prioritising sustainability, and investing in infrastructure, the industry can lay the foundation for a resilient and thriving future.

The journey ahead may be complex, but with strategic planning and collective efforts, the Victorian transport sector can navigate the road ahead and emerge stronger than ever.

These, and numerous other issues, will be addressed at VTA State Conference 2024 at Silverwater Resort, Phillip Island, from March 17-19. For program information and to register visit vta.com.au. I hope to see you there.

38 COLUMN

FRIDAY JANUARY 19 2024 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

How truck drivers keep EXPERT ADVICE RYAN HOWISON Managing Director, DSE Transport

AUSTRALIA is completely dependent on its transport network to keep the economy running – with truck drivers at the face.

Everybody in the industry knows it.

Anyone who drives along one of our highways would have seen a truck with the sign: Without trucks, Australia stops.

It’s the truck driver mantra.

Four small words that make a powerful statement.

And guess what?

It’s absolutely true.

Australian truck drivers traverse thousands of kilometres every single day.

They transport virtually everything our society uses.

From groceries and raw materials to machinery and specialised equipment.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimated that in the twelve months to June 2020, Australian road freight vehicles moved an estimated 223,949 million tonne-kilometres of freight across the country.

Without trucks, the Australian economy would no less than grind to a halt.

The historical role of Australian truck drivers

A long time ago, we didn’t rely on trucks as we know them today. We relied on steamhauled road trains.

Used in the Yudnamutana copper mining valley of South Australia in the 19th century, these machines marked the pioneering days of the industry.

The shift towards internal combustion engines began in 1912, with the introduction of hauling trucks, and by 1914, manufacturers were actively developing petrol-engined

trucks, including half-track vehicles capable of towing two large trailers.

In the 1920s, states became increasingly worried about the growth of the industry. It was believed that the existing rail system sufficed for moving goods between states, and so road transport was virtually prohibited.

The landscape changed dramatically during World War II, when an overloaded railway system and a shortage of coastal shipping led to a revival of trucks in transporting freight between capital cities.

Post-war, the trucking industry experienced remarkable growth, owing to the efficiency of road transport, particularly in handling goods and transporting fragile objects.

Fast forward to the present, and interstate transport is everywhere to be seen – with trucks navigating the extensive 353,331-kilometre network of paved roads across the country.

An overview of the industry today

The disappearance of trucks would exacerbate the existing challenges faced by many rural areas. Photo: Colin & Linda McKie/stock.adobe.com

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Gary Mahon, chief executive officer of the Queensland Trucking Association, told the Australian Parliament in July 2020, that: The reliance on the road freight industry has never been more profound due to the ex-

QTA CEO Gary Mahon says we need to be competitive on every metric to keep pace on the global map and keep our freight efficiencies comparable. Photo: Facebook

tensive and ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 economic crisis, with disrupted global supply chains, simmering trade tensions and weaker demand. We need to be competitive on every metric to keep pace on the global map and keep our freight efficiencies comparable. Our leading manufacturing and production industries depend on it.

The Council of Australian Governments Transport and Infrastructure Council estimated that the volume of freight carried by road will grow by over 35 per cent, to around 400 billion tonne-kilometres, between 2018 and

2040.

According to the Insurance Work and Health Group at Monash University, the road freight transport industry generated almost 80 per cent of the revenue generated by the total freight transportation sector.

Most truckies today are owner-drivers, with the industry’s 51,000 businesses being mainly small businesses.

Fifty-three per cent are non-employing owner drivers and 45 per cent are small businesses with 19 or fewer employees.

Despite this, the industry

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Australia running

has considerably low market concentration.

The major tranport companies – being the Toll Group, Linfox and K&S – hold market shares of between one and nine per cent of revenue in the sector.

What (really) would happen if trucks disappeared

In August 2021, the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee published a report called: Without Trucks Australia Stops: the development of a viable, safe, sustainable and efficient road transport industry It’s an illuminating report that highlights the prevalence of work health and safety risks and unsustainable commercial practices across the industry.

It reveals some pretty serious stuff.

You can read a summary of the recommendations at bigrigs.com.au by searching for the story ‘Battle lines drawn in lead up to federal election’.

But - to my knowledge nobody has ever done a comprehensive study as to what would happen if truck drivers suddenly disappeared from the industry.

But it’s easy to imagine the impact.

Say goodbye to stocked shelves The flow of products throughout our supply chains would come to a grind to a halt.

Store shelves would quickly empty, leading to shortages of essential goods, ranging from food and medicine to electronics and clothing.

Goods that arrive by vessels, aircraft and rail will often still need to be transported by truck – whether the destination is in a rural area or in one of our cities.

A spiralling economy As I’ve explained above, the economy relies on the smooth functioning of transportation networks.

Industries that depend on just-in-time delivery systems would face the worst kinds of production delays possible.

Not to sound dramatic, but their bottom line would evaporate before their very eyes.

Job losses everywhere As businesses struggle to operate without a steady supply of raw materials and finished products, they’ll suffer financial collapse and start laying people off.

The trucking industry itself is a significant source of employment.

From truck drivers to me-

chanics, logistics professionals, and administrative staff -- countless jobs are tied to the functioning of the trucking sector.

If trucks were to disappear, a domino effect would lead to massive job losses and the potential collapse of businesses directly and indirectly linked to transportation.

An overload in infrastructure The sudden absence of trucks would force businesses to rely more heavily on other modes of transport – ships, plans and rail.

I would say this would overload those alternative

modes of transportation.

We would see more congestion, delays and potential breakdowns in the infrastructure supporting them.

The depression of rural communities The death of road transport infrastructure would have disproportionate impacts on remote and rural communities – who often solely rely on trucks to receive their goods.

The disappearance of trucks would exacerbate the existing challenges faced by these areas.

It would lead to isolation, shortages of essentials, and a decline in the quality of life

for those residing in remote regions.

The future of ‘keeping Australia moving’ Truck drivers keep Australia moving, but will that always be the case?

Will our economy depend on road transport forever?

We talk a lot about artificial intelligence eliminating the need for human drivers.

Can AI keep Australia moving the way our drivers can?

I don’t think so.

I am yet to see any kind of AI that can: • Deploy commonsense reasoning to handle unexpect-

COLUMN 39

ed crises.

• Deal with human situations that occur outside of the vehicle.

• Understand humans with empathy and provide nuanced customer service.

• Solve issues pragmatically with imperfect information, which is commonplace in logistics.

This is something our drivers do every day.

And there’s a lot to the job that can’t be programmed.

AI cannot keep Australia moving.

But our drivers can. They do. And they’ll continue to do so.

The majors, such as K&S hold market shares of between one and nine per cent of revenue in the sector. Photo: Facebook

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40PUZZLES PUZZLES 40 2

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ACROSS 1 If you are a collector of Clarice Cliff, what do you collect?

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What is an we informal wordwho for “a long time”?

21 20 What might call one isvery adjacent (7) (5) 21 What disease is also known as lockjaw? (7)

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20 What is a book of maps (5) 15

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Fill the grid so every column, every row and 3x3 18 19 1 to 9. box contains the digits 21

QUICK CROSSWORD 20

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W F A J A C K A S S A R A F U R A A V H I D R A D I A T E D G R I D A N C I N G T B O B E L I S K I L N C N G A D G E T S T R E A M R E E A N A R A V I A T O R B A A B U T T E R P R L I H O B B L E S L E E L E V A T E I S S D D R E S S E R

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Across: 4 Jackass, 8 Arafura, 9 Radiate, 10 Dancing, 11 Obelisk, 12 Gadget, 14 Stream, 18 Aviator, 21 Abutter, 22 Hobbles, 23 Elevate, 24 Dresser.

Down: 1 Wadding, 2 Faint, 3 Audible, 4 Jargon, 5 Cadge, 6 Avarice, 7 Sheik, 13 Dribble, 15 Tenures, 16 Married, 17 Eraser, 18 Aphid, 19 Tales, 20 Atlas.

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1 Excuses 4 Maximum 7 In abundance 8 Niggardly person 10 Heavy substance 10 11 Indirect comment 12 Work unit ALPHAGRAMS 14 Halt Solve the anagrams. Each solution a one-word 17 isRegrets anagram of the letters beside it, and the five solutions 19 five-letter United solution are sequential. For example, if the starts with J, the six-letter solution 20starts Live with coal K, and so 14 15 16 on.

23 Heavenly body 25 Vigilant EASEL 26 Ignites DIM RAY 19 27 Yield GRANNIE 28 Cut off ROASTING 22 TRANSPOSE

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QUICK CROSSWORD Across: 1. Iffy 3. Forgiven 9. Partner 10. Inner 11. In the long run 14. Owl 16.

Cacti 17. Eon 18. Hierarchical 21. Brute 22. Maudlin 23. Election 24. Ants.

Down: 1. Imprison 2. First 4. Oar 5. Going without 6. Venture 7. Nark 8.

Undercurrent 12. Occur 13. Inclines 15. Leisure 19. Colon 20. Able 22. Moo.

TODAY: Good 13 Very Good 18 Excellent 24

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Down: 1 Pamper, 2 Ages, 3 Sari, 4 Moles, 5 Ore, 6 Season, 9 Sage, 13 Rustle, 15 Tore, 16 Pewter, 18 Serge, 21 Bats, 22 Else, 24 Aid.

GK CROSSWORD Across; 1 Pottery, 4 Conga, 7 Warp, 8 Monrovia, 10 Steve Davis, 12 Edison, 13 Slaves, 15 Clark Gable, 18 Anteater, 19 Pall, 20 Yonks, 21 Tetanus.

Down: 1 Pawns, 2 Turmeric, 3 Yeoman, 4 Cardiology, 5 Nova, 6 Amadeus, 9 New Orleans, 11 Eva Braun, 12 Estuary, 14 Argent, 16 Ellis, 17 Eton.

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Down 1. Jail (8) 2. Initially (5) 4. Paddle (3) 5. Abstinence (5,7) 6. Dare (7) 7. Informant (colloq) (4) 8. Feeling, atmosphere (12) 12. Happen (5) 13. Leans (8) 15. Free time (7) 19. Punctuation mark (5) 20. Competent (4) 22. Low (3)

Across 1. Uncertain (colloq) (4) 3. Absolved (8) 9. Associate (7) 10. From inside (5) 11. Over time (2,3,4,3) 14. Night bird (3) 16. Succulent plants (5) 17. Immeasurable period of time (3) 18. Arranged by rank (12) 21. Violent person (5) 22. Tearfully sentimental (7) 23. Poll (8) 24. Colony insects (4)

N I T R E

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QUICK CROSSWORD amir amrita aria arum atria atrium attar aura auric carat cart

EASY

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42 CAREERS AND TRAINING

FRIDAY JANUARY 19 2024 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Diesel mechanic on a roll

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

FRESH off winning the National Apprentice Challenge alongside his teammate, this young go-getter has been named Apprentice of the Year.

Brayden Conaghan, 22, is based at Penske Australia’s Wacol branch. He joined the company as a diesel mechanic apprentice in 2020 and became fully qualified over six months ago.

Conaghan has earnt himself a reputation as a real team player, who is always willing to step up to any challenge thrown his way.

On November 24, he was named Apprentice of the Year at the 2023 HVIA National Awards Gala Dinner, held in Brisbane.

Humble in his achievement, Conaghan said, “There was a lot of good talent and everyone was super deserving, so I didn’t expect the win.”

And prior to that, at the Brisbane Truck Show in May, he took part in the 2023 HVIA National Apprentice Challenge, alongside teammate Lachlan Tate from Brown and Hurley. The duo not only walked away with the win – they also became the only team ever to find the mystery fault.

Asked what attracted him

to the industry, Conaghan explained, “I’ve always liked being hands on and fixing things, pulling things apart, seeing how things worked.”

Recently, Conaghan moved into Penske Australia’s field service team, working out of a van. “There is quite a big range we work out of. I’m out on the road pretty much every day, but sometimes we’ll have vehicles

come to us in the workshop,” explained Conaghan.

“Before when I was in the workshop it was mainly anything and everything to do with trucks. Now every day is different – one day I could be working on a truck or a crane, another day it could be a super yacht.

“I really enjoy the variety because the work is always so different so you can never get

bored with it.”

Penske Australia & New Zealand currently employs around 1300 people. With so many brands under its belt – including the likes of Western Star Trucks, MAN Truck & Bus, Dennis Eagle, Detroit, mtu, Allison Transmission and more – Penske’s apprenticeship program has become highly sought after among budding diesel me-

Purpose Transport ALL (APT) recently took home its third major award in as many months, being named Large Employer of the Year at the Australian Training Awards.

The business was recognised for its training program called ‘Project APT’.

Now running for 11 years, Project APT provides all staff and owner drivers with the opportunity to earn a formal qualification. In that time, over 500 workers have received a Certificate III or higher.

APT was started in 1975 and now employs approximately 120 staff and 300 owner-drivers. Its head office is in Berrinba, with another depot on the Sunshine Coast. The company services Queensland,

providing taxi truck, furniture delivery, heavy haulage transport, refrigerated and courier services.

Head of people and safety at APT, Belinda Polglase, says the team was thrilled to have received the Australian Training Awards accolade.

“We appreciate the recognition for the program. Eleven years on, we’ve continued to develop Project APT and have added layers,” she said, citing the longevity of the program and the impact it’s had on the company’s people.

According to Polglase, the award not only recognises the company’s efforts in developing and continuing the program, but also highlights the efforts staff have put into mak-

ing the program such a success.

“Being able to earn these formal qualifications has had such a positive impact on our people and their families too. For some employees, it’s the first formal qualification they’ve had – and it’s something they are proud to go home and show to their family.

“We look at it as a lifelong learning and training journey.

No matter where you start in your career, you need to have that opportunity to keep learning and developing – and that’s why we invest so much in our training.”

APT has partnered with TAFE Queensland since the program’s inception. Polglase attended the Australian

Training Awards in Hobart on November 17, together with APT CEO Paul Kahlert, finance manager Alex White and TAFE Queensland trainer Michael Muhleck who has worked with the company since the beginning.

“One of reasons we originally started the program in 2012 was to try and improve retention,” added Polglase added. “That was in a period where there was low unemployment so it was hard to get new people. So we thought, what can we do to appeal to more people and retain people too? I think this program has definitely had a big impact.

If staff feel like they are being looked after, they are more likely to stay on.”

Brayden Conaghan recently moved into Penske Australia’s field service team.

Brayden Conaghan was named Apprentice of the Year at the 2023 HVIA National Awards Gala Dinner in Brisbane. Photo: HVIA

chanics.

Penske’s talent acquisition supervisor Corey Masters said the business will be putting on about 30 new apprentices in 2024.

“For those 30 positions, we’ve received about 1000 applications. It can be quite a competitive program to get into.”

Masters believes what sets

the program apart is Penske’s broad product offering.

“We create some excellent technicians because of the wide range of products we have. When they complete their apprenticeship, they finish with a good range of experience, so they could really work in any one of our branches around the country.”

Queensland operator’s training program awarded again

The All Purpose Transport warehouse team celebrate the award win. Photo: All Purpose Transport

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CAREERS AND TRAINING 43

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY JANUARY 19 2024

Tool for a new generation

BY DAVID VILE

WITH over 250 people on the payroll, Divall’s Earthmoving and Bulk Haulage has become a multi-faceted enterprise since its inception in 1991 by brothers Andrew and Michael Divall.

Based in the Southern Tablelands of NSW, the company is active in earthmoving, civil construction and haulage among a number of other roles.

With an eye on the future and the requirement for new employees, the company has invested a considerable amount of money into a computer-based simulator aimed at giving young people exposure to both operating a truck and earthmover.

The simulator was both on display and in operation at the Deniliquin Truck Show in late October, with Divall’s driver trainer, and custodian of the simulator, Matt Ralph, giving a background to both the unit and its development.

“The thinking behind the trailer-based unit was to try and get young people into our industry – we take it to high schools and careers days, and they can come in and have a drive of a truck on the simulator – we have an earthmoving simulator hooked up to this as well, so if they are keen it can give them a bit of

Matt Ralph guides a future driver on the truck simulator at Deniliquin. Photos: David Vile

a taste without putting them in a machine,” he explained.

First hitting the road around 18 months ago, the simulator was developed with a custom-made program for the earthmoving operation, with the truck simulator package, which features both European and American truck-driving programs added later. Initially put together with the aim of attracting young people ‘in-house’ at Divalls’, the popularity of the simulator has seen the company form a partnership

with the Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association (LBRCA) to take it to events across a wider area.

“We get around about with it. We have done the Sydney, Diesel Dirt and Turf Expo and we have another business in Tumbarumba, so we have done a few careers expos and high school visits down there,” Ralph added.

“For us initially we got it to entice people to work for Divall’s, but we started branching out such as here today – we worked with

LBRCA in Tamworth, so we have formed a partnership with them, and we are working with them today to show it to some of the younger people in the Deniliquin area.”

The simulator has become a popular attraction at career expos and so forth, and Ralph reckoned that the project has also been an effective promotional tool for the company as well.

“It’s very popular, it does draw a crowd and we do get people applying to work for

The simulator can be used for both earthmoving and truck driving applications.

us. Divall’s are very good at nurturing people, we get kids straight out of school and work their way up through being mechanics through to operators and drivers – there are also a number of other roles in admin, engineering and so forth.”

With a growing freight task in Australia, and shortages of drivers and other transport workers well documented, any program generated by industry to address future employment requirements

should be applauded.

The Divall simulator is one such initiative, with the outfit helping to give some perspective into a diverse industry.

“Our target is young people around that Year 9-10 range starting to think a bit about their future, it gives them a bit of an insight as to what driving a truck or operating a machine involves.

It’s also good for our business and the feedback we have had on it has been very good.”

Easter Group Pty Ltd 73 Formation St, Wacol Easter Group, located in Wacol, provides time sensitive road transporting solutions to many companies throughout Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria. .

We are a family owned business, operating since 1976.

We currently have the following positions available:

OPERATIONS ALLOCATORS (Brisbane based only)

You will be required to work on a rotating roster including Days-Nights-Weekends Previous Operations experience preferred.

MC LOCAL, LINEHAUL & 2-UP DRIVERS WANTED

(Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide Based) Come and work for us as we are committed to: • Training and further education • Your safety • Maintaining an impressive Fleet On offer are permanent full time and roster positions including paid leave entitlements and public holidays. Drivers will need to be available to be scheduled for work falling across the 7 days of the week.

The successful Applicant will: • Hold a current MC licence (minimum two years) • Have knowledge of the HVNL and Load Restraint • Be professional • Be reliable

To apply for the Operations/Driver positions please contact Operations Manager or by emailing your resume to

WORKSHOP MECHANICS & TYRE FITTERS WANTED (Brisbane based only)

To apply for Mechanic positions please forward your resume to Workshop Manager via email to employment@kseaster.com.au

PERFORMANCE AND DURABILITY MERITOR ALUMINUM WHEEL ADVANTAGES  Rigorously tested to exceed SAE J267 standards and meets DOT 571.120 

Additional passivation layers for extra protection against tarnish and corroision

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Cold flow formed for greater strength and lighter designs

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Available in standard machined finish or high quality mirror polish

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For more information, please visit www.meritorpartsonline.com.au/scan QR Code