Big Rigs Feb 05, 2021

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2021

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2 NEWS CONTACT US Address: 11-15 Buckhurst Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205 Phone: 03 9690 8766 Email: editor@bigrigs.com.au Web: bigrigs.com.au Accounts: 03 9690 8766 Subscriptions: 03 9690 8766 Classifieds: 0403 626 353 Circulation and distribution queries: 03 9690 8766 info@bigrigs.com.au

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Narromine man pleads guilty to botched grain theft ny operator, asking for help, reported The Dubbo News.

An unnamed witness helped Adams salvage about 25 tonnes of the spilt grain and took a photo of the prime mover and trailer.

Police searched Adams’s property on December 2 and found a grain trailer with the stolen grain it.

The trailer was seized and police later found Adams’s fingerprints on equipment used to steal the grain.

When he was arrested on

EDITOR James Graham: 0478 546 462 james.graham@primecreative.com.au REPORTER Danielle Gullaci danielle.gullaci@primecreative.com.au MANAGER Peter Hockings: 0410 334 371 peter.hockings@primecreative.com.au MEDIA SALES CONSULTANT Marie O’Reilly: 0403 626 353 marie.oreilly@primecreative.com.au CLIENT SUCCESS Katharine Causer: 0423 055 787 katharine.causer@primecreative. com.au CONTRIBUTORS Tassie Truckin: Jon Wallis, 0414 797 513 Truckin in the Topics: Alf Wilson, 0408 009 301 Brent Davison; David Vile; David Meredith; Ian Lee Big Rigs National Road Transport Newspaper is published by Prime Creative Media. It is the largest circulated fortnightly truck publication in Australia with 26,023* copies per fortnight. *12 month average, publisher’s claim November 2018

The robbery was going to plan until Adams rolled the Kenworth.

A NSW man has pleaded guilty to a bungled grain theft that came unstuck when he rolled the Kenworth prime mover and two trailers in the getaway.

Curtis John Adams, 33, tried to steal 40 tonnes of

grain from another farmer’s property during what his lawyer told a court this week was a “stupid brain snap”.

Police discovered Adams had sent an SMS to the son of a Dubbo-based heavy vehicle recovery and towing compa-

December 3, Adams confessed and apologised.

“I don’t know what came over me,” he told police.

In Parkes Local Court Adams pleaded guilty to larceny and negligent driving charges.

Defence solicitor Paul McGirr said Adams made a “foolish and fatal error”.

“He’s not very good at what he’s actually done,” said McGirr.

“He will be forever known as a thief … one of the worst things you can be known as

in a country town is a thief.”

The court heard Adams agreed to pay the other farmer $10,000 for the stolen grain.

McGirr said because police seized Adam’s property, he would end up being out of pocket about $30,000.

A report to see whether Adams would be eligible for community service was requested by Magistrate Crompton and the case adjourned to a date in March for sentencing.

Pilot driver refused service at roadhouses AS Christine Thiel has discovered, it seems size does matter when it comes to using roadhouse facilities, with some adopting a ‘no truck, no shower approach’. A pilot driver for over 10 years, Thiel has been turned away from using facilities at numerous roadhouses because “she’s not a truckie”.

Thiel believes the standard of many roadhouses has deteriorated over the past decade, and even more so since the onset of COVID. “Truckies and pilot drivers deserve better.

I think the roadhouses don’t realise how much the drivers and pilot drivers depend on these places for a shower and home style meal,” she said.

“Some bend over backwards to provide the best facilities, and the drivers appreciate it. Long days on the road, driving from sunrise to sunset, can be refreshed by a shower and a meal at a friendly roadhouse or truck stop.

“Pilot drivers should never have to beg for access to showers and facilities such as washing machines and the

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truckies’ lounge.

“I have had showers at caravan parks, for a small fee, dropped into the key box.

One caravan park recently refused to allow me to have a shower. I offered to pay a few dollars, but the manager told me, ‘we don’t sell showers’,” she said.

“Heavy haulage transport and the pilot driver profession are co-dependent operators.

Heavy haulage depends on pilot vehicle drivers. Pilot vehicle drivers don’t have work without heavy haulage.”

Thiel believes the standard of many roadhouses has deteriorated over the past decade.

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BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5 2021

Call to adopt new US brake safety light technology

BY JAMES GRAHAM

ENCOURAGED by early results in the US, Queensland Trucking Association CEO Gary Mahon is lobbying for authorities here to adopt the same enhanced rear lighting and signalling systems.

Operators in the US have been quick to embrace the recent exemption ruling by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that now allows motor carriers operating trailers and van body trucks to install amber brake-activated pulsating warning lamps on the rear of the trailers and trucks.

Mahon said that given Australia’s proven responsiveness to practical safety improvements he sees no reason why the braking systems wouldn’t also catch on here and has written to state and federal ministers to push his case.

“The purpose of these additional lights is to flash – like emergency trafficators – whenever the driver applies the brakes,” said Mahon, who has followed the US National Heavy Traffic Safety Adminis-

Groendyke has seen dramatic improvements in safety since the lights were fitted to its fleet.

Groendyke’s strobes have caught the eye of QTA CEO Gary Mahon.

tration’s 10-year study into the light system closely for the last few years.

“I think it is just a wonderful solution to give considerably longer line of sight to heavy vehicles slowing down.”

He said there has been too many rear-end crashes involving trucks in recent times in which poor visibility has played a factor.

With the annual road toll

industry does.

“I just think it has tremendous potential and particularly the opportunity for the industry to respond in a more voluntary way.

“I think a lot of industry people would pick it up quite quickly if they were issued the permit.”

Based on the impressive US results, Mahon said there’s no reason why the industry

also not trending in the right direction, Mahon believes it’s imperative that we look for any opportunities that would offer systematic safety improvements.

“Too much of our thinking in the road safety space has got too much orthodoxy around it,” he said.

“We need to think a bit differently and not necessarily always adopt what the Europe

couldn’t be given approval to use the lights at the next transport ministers’ meeting in April.

He said the lights are a practical, common-sense solution which can be installed at a low cost.

“I can’t see why they couldn’t get the green light there and the NHVR issue a permit.

“It’s not hard. It’s about

having the will and desire – the mechanisms are there.”

When Oklahoma-based hazmat hauler Groendyke Transportation received an exemption from the FMCSA to mount the US$150 lights on the back of 632 of its tanker trucks, in two-and-half-years the company saw a 33.7 percent drop in rear-end crashes along with the elimination of all railroad crossing rear-end accidents.

“The driver feedback has all been positive,” said senior director of equipment and procurement Brian Gigoux when contacted by Big Rigs.

“We received several inquiries from both fleets and OEM’s shortly after the exemption was granted and published.

“Recently, we’ve received word that an exemption for vans is already being lobbied.

“As far as field observations go, I’ve had a few vendors remark that they see our strobes in action while travelling and feel they’re an attention-getter and commended our efforts.

“Overall, the experience has been very positive.”

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Freight hub takes trucks off Sydney motorways CONTACT US

ATA keeps drivers moving

Address: Cnr Mayne Road and Campbell St, Bowen Hills, QLD 4006 Phone: 1300 877 017 Fax: (07) 3220 6364 TOGETHER with Big Rigs, port for NSW sign posting Email: info@bigrigs.com.au the ATA has been pressing that the toilet facilities were Web: bigrigs.com.au businesses and rest areas to not being serviced,” Mr MaAccounts: Phone 1300 130 590, keep their facilities open to guire said.

Fax (07) 5456 6955 “Following the visit, we support the truck drivers Subscriptions: 1300 877 017 who are keeping Australia pressed Transport for NSW Classifieds: 13 11 13 moving as we face the on the matter, who quickly Circulation and distribution COVID-19 epidemic and re- saw the error of their ways queries: 1300 361 604 and advised that the issue covery process. retailer@newsregionalmedia.com.au “Australia’s truck drivers would be promptly adEDITOR are working hard to deliver dressed.

James Graham: (07) 3817 1722 “We are now pleased to the food, medicine and esjames.graham@bigrigs.com.au sential goods we need to get report that these rest area faREPORTER through this epidemic, but cilities are once again open Kate Dodd: (07) 3817 1754 unfortunately we heard of and being serviced.” kate.dodd@bigrigs.com.au The campaign has also truck stops, roadhouses and MANAGER businesses that were shut- had success in Dubbo and Peter Hockings ting off their facilities to the surrounding region – an (07) 3817 1818/0410 334 371 drivers,” ATA CEO Ben Ma- important intersection of peter.hockings@bigrigs.com.au key freight routes. Lobbying guire said.

MEDIA SALES CONSULTANT Mr Maguire said the efforts from the ATA and Michael Kidd ATA’s first call out was Pa- members saw council re(07) 3817 1804/ 0439 130 416 cific National, who had open several rest area facilimichael.kidd@bigrigs.com.au ACFS Port Logistics Managing Directorbanned and CEO Arthur Tzaneros Marys was ideally located to within the township. truck drivers from said its Stties MEDIA SALES CONSULTANT process large volumes of containerisedtoilets, freight. changerooms and “The support we have Marie O’Reilly: (07) 3817 1755 kitchens.

UP to 80,000 annual truck (one-way) truck trips to the warehousing and distribution marie.oreilly@bigrigs.com.au “Within hours of our trips will be taken off Sydney’s moon,” he said. centres within 15 kilometres BOOKINGS & COPY SUPPORT team pressing the matter, motorways the1711 opening Pacific National has part- of the new intermodal facility.

Katharine Causer:with (07) 3817 Pacific National reversed the of the St Marys Freight Hub nered with port logistics op“Imported shipping conbookings@bigrigs.com.au decision and reopened their later this year. erator ACFS who will man- tainers will be hauled from CONTRIBUTORS This quick and Dean Dalla Valle, CEO of ageamenities. and operate the St Marys Port Botany to St Marys Tassie Truckin: Jon Wallis, positive response demonPacific National, the private Freight Hub and deliver ship- Freight Hub by train and 0412 797 513 strated an understanding of rail freight giant behind the ping containers the ‘last mile’ transported to nearby wareTruckin in the Tropics: Alf Wilson, role truck massive said St Marys by the truckimportant to retail and whole- houses and distribution cen0408 009project, 301 drivers play in their supply Freight Hub will shift up to sale customers at surrounding tres by truck,” he said.

Brent Davison; Graham Harsant; David chain,” Mr Maguire said.

301,000 shipping containers warehouses and distribution “There are enormous opVile; David Meredith; Joel Helmes During a trip down the

onto rail each year.

“ByNational shifting more freight Big Rigs Road Transport onto rail between Newspaper is published byPort News BotaCorp ny andBigWestern Sydney, the Australia.

Rigs is the largest circulated number of truck trips on the fortnightly truck publication in Australia congested M4 per and M5 mowith 26,023* copies fortnight. torways will publisher’s be reduced *12 month average, claim by 8.7 million November 2018 kilometres each year – that’s equivalent to 23

centres in Western Sydney.

Hume Highway in the ACFS Port Logistics ManATA’s SafeT360 truck in aging Director and CEO ArMay, Mr Maguire saw thurearly Tzaneros said St Marys the impact of the facility clowas ideally located to process sures first-hand. large volumes of container“When stopping at the ised freight, with many of Partridge VC rest area, I was Australia’s major retailers and astonished to see a Transwholesalers operating national

seen for the campaign and truck drivers has been energising. Australia has really backed the trucking industry and is recognising the important role it plays in our daily lives,” Mr Maguire said.

Through its membership of ACCI, the ATA worked with Safe Work Australia to Western Sydney.” make sure its cleaning and Tzaneros said St Marys will hygiene guidance for the be a game changer for comtrucking industry and its mercial and industrial areas customers was on target. and facilities in Western Syd“The original Safe Work ney where many large-scale Australia information was customer warehouses and diseither too vague or was tribution centres are located. aimed at health care work“The strategically locaters,” Mr Maguire said. ed 43-hectare hub – initially “As a result of our input, 10-hectares in size – will inthere is now excellent guidcrease reliability and cost efance material available for ficiency of freight movements road freight operators on the for ACFS customers. It is loSafe Work Australia webcated outside of Sydney’s road site.”

toll zone and will help ensure freight deliveries are not delayed in traffic congestion on the city’s motorways,” he said.

Pacific National said the hub will also create more than 175 ongoing jobs in Western Sydney, including full-time roles for 100 truckies.

Simon O’Hara, CEO of Road Freight NSW, said he has concerns over whether the portunities to unlock the full hub will improve efficiency, potential of the Hub with or just move traffic congestion future development of the somewhere else. site to enable unpacking of “I’d be curious to know containers onsite, storage what the government says of goods, and then rapid about those sorts of questions FACILITIES NOW OPEN: Thanks to the campaign and the push distribution for B2B and because we certainly have not from Big Rigs and the ATA, Transport for NSW is fixing the e-Commerce. The oppor- had discussions with them facilities as soon as possible.

Picture: ATA tunities are unparalleled in about that,” he said.

New truck queue rules at New NHVR Portal Port Botany changes are here NHVR PORTAL: There are huge benefits to using the portal.

Picture: Contributed

FOR truck drivers using

NHVAS customers have been port roads at Port Botany, using the benefits of the new rules came into play NHVR Portal since last Nofrom mid-January. vember and most have now They are in response made the transition to the digito empty container parks tal platform. in Sydney facing high deNHVR safety standards and mand for empty container assurance manager (accreditade-hire and the subsequent tion) Darrin Rasmussen said long truck queues. there were significant benefits According to NSW to submitting of applications Ports both Simblist and through the portal, including Friendship roads have acreducing data re-entry and commodated truck queues providing greater customer and at times these ranks visibility of accreditation modhave not only caused seules and case tracking activirious congestion but have ties. also created potential safety He said the NHVR Portal issues which must be adprovided operators with the dressed. ability to manage all their As part of the rule NHVAS records, including changes, NSW Ports has submitting an application, designated specific areas on managing account infor-

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mation, reviewing application stop/queue and thereby status, reviewing driver and verank while seeking to access hicle lists and tracking audit specific empty container associated responsibilities. parks.

From Wednesday, July 1, NSW Ports will put 2020, all NHVAS applications in place signage and line and transaction will be remarkings to clearly identify quired to be lodged via the the specific truck queuing NHVR Portal, rather than by areas. email.

Any truck which cannot If you are an existing physically queue entirely NHVR Portal user or have an within the specific area desAccess, Registration or Vehicle ignated for that empty conStandards account, the NHVR tainer park will be directed Portal administrators on the to leave the port precinct account have not changed. immediately.

Any additional AccreditaIf a truck driver fails to tion contacts can be added to follow the lawful direction the account with “user submitto leave the port precinct ter” permissions. immediately, enforcement If you need any assistance action will be taken against call the NHVR Portal Help the truck driver and/or Centre on 1300 696 487.

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BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5 2021

Drones to monitor ‘highrisk’ heavy vehicles in trial

NHVR-sanctioned drones could soon be patrolling highways to help the regulator monitor ‘high risk’ truck movements within its jurisdictions.

In a tender posted last month, the NHVR called for bids from suppliers who can provide ‘target or reconnaissance’ drones, and other Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera technology to “facilitate the monitoring and interception of high-risk heavy vehicles, operators and journeys”.

The NHVR said the mobile technology is to be used on a trial basis to complement the fixed National Safety Camera Network (NSCN).

A spokesperson told us that the NHVR anticipates these cameras will be rolled out by mid-2021 for an initial trial period of three months. Further information will be made available following the trial.

Although Queensland regions are mentioned in the tender overview, the NHVR tells us the technology definitely won’t be used there as heavy vehicle compliance is still the under the purview of

Transport and Main Roads.

The tender was released via QTender, the Queensland Government’s tender program, as per NHVR current business practises, but is open to tenderers nationwide.

The initial trial will include two trailer-mounted cameras, two vehicle-mounted cameras and one drone camera, across the NHVR’s Southern Operations region – including the ACT, South Australia, Tasma-

nia and Victoria, added the spokesperson.

“These cameras will assist NHVR’s officers in undertaking an intelligence-led and risk-based approach to safety by ensuring enforcement ef-

The initial trial will include two trailer-mounted cameras, two vehicle-mounted cameras and one drone camera, across the NHVR’s Southern Operations region.

forts target the greatest safety risks.

“Smarter camera technology will also assist in identifying operators who are doing the right thing, who can then expect to be less regularly intercepted by the NHVR.” Not surprisingly, truckies were less than impressed when we first broke this news online.

Trevor Warner, aka The Drivers Advocate, and a Queensland delegate of the National Road Freighters Association, said the association is more than happy to support the NHVR in its attempts to control rogue trucking companies.

“When rules get broken, it creates an uneven playing field which is a mechanism to apply pressure on freight rates, driver fatigue and driver wages,” said Warner.

“Our concern is that a surveillance network may place further burdens on trucking firms and drivers who do their best to follow the rules but can suffer small delays over the day or the week that can give rise to minor breaches which do not translate to unsafe practices.

“Anyone in this game long enough knows that the weakest link in the Chain of Responsibility is the driver.

Millions of dollars are being directed to address drivers’ mental health and now they wish to add drones to the list of surveillance devices on drivers and their vehicles.

“It is our concern, the increase in the ‘surveillance state’ will deter new entrants into the Industry, penalise drivers and operators for minor indiscretions in trying to balance the freight task with the HVNL. Warner said the NHVR has access to a number of technologies and databases in order to gather evidence on ‘high risk’ behaviours, yet asks how many prosecutions have we seen that go beyond the truck driver?

“Now the NHVR want to engage private operators of surveillance equipment to add to the litany of state-based technologies.

“Yet the subject of better roads and more parking bays doesn’t seem to be a priority.

We don’t see this additional surveillance as value for money.”

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6 COVER STORY

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

New Mack Anthem

Our Queensland correspondent was one of the first to get a sneak peek at this eagerly anticipated new offering launching this month.

IT has taken a few years, but finally the new Mack Anthem has arrived in Australia.

The pandemic has meant it will not be launched with all the traditional razzamatazz.

Instead, the truck is now out and available in Mack dealerships, and there will be a cavalcade of the new models touring Australia in the coming months.

The first thing to be said is that having seen the photographs of the truck when it was launched originally in the US, it did look a little strange, like a transformers truck, with its angular panels and bonnet.

In fact, when actually meeting the truck in the metal, it looks much better than it does online.

The introduction of the Anthem is a big step for the brand, bringing Mack into the modern world. It is with these models that the latest electronic architecture, which enables all of the state-of-the-art safety equipment, telematics and other technologies to be integrated into the truck itself.

The new design is all about

The extra overhead space in the stand-up sleeper allows for additional storage in the driver’s compartment.

The dashboard layout will be quite familiar to current Mack drivers.

two items: one is the bonnet and wings in front of the A-pillar, and the second are the new sleeper cab options.

The sleepers are being introduced across the Mack range, so that not only will the new Anthem have an integrated sleeper available, but also the new Trident and new Super-Liner will also come with the option of the new integrated sleeper.

Climbing up into the cabin, the truck does have that familiar Mack feel to it. The

airbag and all of the switches for items like cruise control, radio and phone.

The steering column stalks, engine brake and information screen control on the right, with wipers and indicators on the left, are a new design altogether and unlike any other column controls seen before.

The rest of the dashboard layout will be quite familiar to current Mack drivers, but the overall design is a lot more angular with many straight lines and right angles.

interior has been changed to a certain extent, with an all-new dashboard and new door interior design.

The first thing the driver will notice when sitting in the driver seat is the strange shape steering wheel, which now has a flat section at its base, said,

by Mack, to have been designed to enable driver access in an out of the cabin to be made a little easier.

This steering wheel is the only option available on the Anthem, it includes a driver’s

Otherwise, most of the switches and controls are in familiar places, but the new LCD screen in the middle of the dash, has a new design and provides the driver with much more information, in a useful format.

Start up the engine, and the driver gets the familiar 13-litre MP8 sound. The horsepower limit on this engine has been raised to 535 hp, whereas in its predecessor, the Granite, it would only go up to 500hp.

This brings the new An-

them into the sector of the market where trucks can’t handle higher tonnage on a more regular basis than they could in the past.

In many ways, for the existing Mack driver, the new cabin will have plenty about it which is familiar, but under the skin has a lot more to offer to the driver and operator.

This sophistication is at the same level as the modern European prime movers which are making waves in the market.

This latest design has enough of the traditional Mack design and values included in its design to please the traditional but also improved capabilities to allow it to function in the most modern fleets in Australia.

The Sleeper A 36-inch integrated standup sleeper cab is now an option for Anthem, Trident and Super-Liner models. The new cab features 1.8 metres of headroom in the cockpit and 2.1 metres of headroom in the sleeper compartment.

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on song

The Mack Anthem will be available as a sleeper or day cab and will be available in 6×4 and 8×4 rigid guise or as a 6×4 prime mover

The extra overhead space allows for additional storage in the driver’s compartment; while in the bunk, above the standard inner-spring mattress features sturdy overhead storage cupboards. LED courtesy lighting, 12-volt power outlets as well as USB charging ports are also featured in the new sleeper cab.

There’s also the option of a slide out under-bunk fridge.

Exterior locker boxes can also be accessed from the inside of the truck by lifting the bed.

Interior A new interior design brings large, easy to read analogue gauges to bear along with tough, well-placed laser etched rocker switches. The mDrive transmission controls remain

on the dash panel, however controlling the Powerleash engine brake is now done via a steering column mounted multi-function stalk.

A 5-inch colour digital Co-Pilot display makes navigating various digital menus and functions a breeze while on the move. The integration of the Bendix safety system now means that much of the system’s functionality can be accessed via the Co-Pilot display.

Transmissions The mDrive automated manual transmission get some extra low gearing with the arrival of the mDrive HD and mDrive XHD transmissions.

By providing options of deep reduction gearing these trans-

missions offer safer heavy hauling at high gross weights with excellent start ability/ gradeability, eliminating the need for auxiliary transmissions.

The 13-speed mDrive HD offers a single reduction gear that not only helps for heavy lift offs, it also allows fuel conscious highway operators to specify taller final drive ratios to maximise fuel efficiency.

The 14-speed mDrive XHD offers heavy haulage operators safe and flexible handling of big loads with peace of mind.

These new mDrive transmissions also bring new fea-

Mack mDrive with Deep Reduction Gears.

tures such as a “Rock Free” mode to allow the driver to rock the truck back and forwards easily if needing to gain traction off-road. A “Power

The new sleepers are being introduced across the Mack range.

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Launch” function for off-road low-traction starts as well as Heavy-Duty and Maxi-Duty transmission modes for high GCM operation.

Both transmissions are available behind both the 13 litre MP8 and 16 litre MP10 engines.

Connectivity New electrical architecture across the range not only provides a smarter truck it’s also more connected, said Mack.

Optional Predictive Cruise control allow the truck to record topographic data to optimise engine and transmission performance and, consequently, save fuel.

Safety An integrated Bendix Wingman Fusion active safety system is standard equipment in the new Mack Anthem providing adaptive cruise control, blind spot alerts, autonomous braking and roll stability.

8 OPINION

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

We need to do better

EDITOR JAMES GRAHAM

SURE, there are some excellent examples of companies who are going above and beyond when it comes to taking care of truckies’ health and wellbeing.

But what about all the owner-drivers and subbies who aren’t lucky enough to be on staff at one of these operators?

Monash University released some disturbing statistics on this very issue this week (see story on page 10) and it makes for sobering reading; we clearly need to do better.

Now, before all the keyboard warriors pile on again and tell me that we’re a union-backed publication trying to drum up membership for the TWU with statements like this, sorry to disappoint you, we’re not.

We’re still an independent voice for the truckie making noise where it counts, and this is one issue that we aim to stay vocal about all through 2021 to help bring about positive change.

What are all the new foundations doing to fix this problem? It’s time they delivered.

HOT WEB TOPICS Driver Reviver upgrades overdue

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

Young gun flies high WITH all the talk of driver shortages and the need to get more young people into the industry, our readers loved the yarn about young Jake Caulfield taking the initiative and asking for a job at Freestones Transport.

“Great to see a young bloke with initiative and someone prepared to give him a go. Well done to both parties,” commented Shane Danvers.

“This is what needs to happen everywhere so we are bringing new and younger drivers into the industry. When I started I had a father and a brother that drove and you learnt from the older drivers around you. Sometimes it was good info, sometimes it was not, and you made your own mistakes. My father had a saying, the day you stop learning is the day you die and it is something I live by,” wrote Jeff Kaizer.

“Great to see. I was very young when started there and still reckon best job I’ve had. Well done Freestones. More companies should follow their lead,” said Stewie Smith.

APPLICATIONS have been opened for owners of Driver Reviver locations to apply for a share in $7.3 million worth of grants.

But the question that remains is, how many of these locations are actually welcoming to truckies and open when they need them to be?

“Maybe now they can actually OPEN them. I have travelled quite a bit of eastern Aus & the only one I have seen open is the one at Yamba in Qld. Over Christmas I went from Peak Hill NSW up the Newell Hwy to Dubbo then across the Golden Hwy to the coast & returned on Sunday after Christmas & went past three, and not one of them was open,” commented Roz Nanna Turner.

“Only seen 1 at Monto Qld open in the last 40 years,” added Nick J Silver.

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The charge freeze is due to end on June 30 and a public consultation process is underway, with the National Transport Commission seeking industry feedback.

When we shared the news online, readers weighed in.

“There’s no justification for any increase. If their own purse is short, how is that truck operator’s problem?” commented Nigel Rutley.

“Any price rises are unjustifiable. While covid is still going, should be getting cheaper registration instead of a price hike,” said Arthur Donald Edwards.

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10 NEWS

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

New study reveals serious health problems for truckies

ORGANISERS of the first major survey of truck driver health said the findings point to a need for urgent reform to address and prevent poor mental and physical health among drivers.

The three-year study of almost 1400 truckies by Monash University found that over 80% are overweight or obsess, one in five suffer from severe psychological distress, over 70% live with chronic pain, and almost a third have multiple chronic health conditions.

Conducted in partnership with TWU, Linfox and the Centre for WHS, the survey also reveals risk factors such as: long working hours, sedentary roles, poor nutrition, social isolation, shift work, time pressure, low levels of job control, and fatigue.

Nick McIntosh, Assistant National Secretary of the TWU, said the study should put pressure on the federal government to address problems in road transport which are linked to driver health.

“This study is utterly shocking in revealing for the first time how poor the health of our drivers is,” said McIntosh.

“Drivers are living with

KEY FINDINGS • Half of those surveyed work 41-60 hours per week and 37.5% working over 60 hours per week.

• 13% of drivers reported having a crash in the past year with over 70% stating they had a near miss on average once per week. Having three or more chronic conditions nearly doubles the odds of experiencing a crash.

• Over a third of drivers have a diagnosed back problem, double that of the average Australian male, and over a quarter have high blood pressure.

• Almost a third reported being diagnosed with three or more of the health conditions listed, compared to 7.8% of the general population.

• One in two drivers reported some level of psychological distress.

The Monash study found that one in five truckies suffer from severe psychological distress.

chronic pain, obesity, mental health problems, high blood pressure and back problems. It is bad enough that these poor health outcomes affect so many workers and their families but evidence linking them to truck crashes and near misses shows that the entire community is affected by the problems.

“It is vital we improve the

health of drivers, given that trucking is Australia’s most common job, employing one in every thirty three men, or 200,000 drivers. We want to see this made a priority by the federal government and for the entire supply chain examined with a view to regulating the industry.

McIntosh said that the eco-

nomics at the top of our industry is creating the dynamics which result in poor health for drivers at the bottom of the supply chain and high death rates of drivers and other road users.

“The financial squeeze by major retailers, manufacturers and oil companies which continually demand lower cost

contracts from transport operators, results in an industry continually under pressure and subsisting on tight margins.

“This is the reason for the long hours, the stress and the injuries that drivers experience.

Now that the evidence is abundantly clear just how badly this impacts drivers, we urge the federal government to act.”

A second report from Monash also tabled in-depth interviews with drivers describing their health conditions.

“Just last week, I had a driver say that he nearly pulled the wheel on the truck to head straight into a tree, because it was just crap; it was too overwhelming for him,” said one driver. “And he’s breaking down crying on the phone.”

“Myself and my ex-wife separated... because I was away so much. So that’s probably one time where I lost everything,” said another truckie.

“My son’s been looking for my guidance and my love I suppose and it hasn’t been there because I’ve been too busy driving trucks and, you know, fighting my own battles,” said another.

Steering Healthy Minds, a project aimed at training transport workers to support colleagues with mental health problems, is being rolled out nationally.

Supported by the TWU, the programme involves encouraging work colleagues to discuss mental health issues or concerns and giving them the information and support they need.

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NEWS 11

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5 2021

Can I be forced to wear PPE?

Ask Our Lawyer A frustrated long-distance driver contacted us over concerns that he was being forced to wear a headband called the Life SmartCap as mandatory PPE during his shifts.

He claimed it was uncomfortable and didn’t do what his bosses said it was designed for – detect when he was tired and needed to take a break.

He was unable to find an amicable solution at his workplace, so we contacted Corrina Dowling, an employment law and workplace relations lawyer, at Barry.Nilsson. Lawyers in Melbourne, to find out

where he stood.

Here’s what she had to say: “An employer is entitled to issue a “lawful and reasonable” direction. Whether this particular direction is lawful and reasonable will depend on a number of factors. For example, what information is being collected (if any) and what will that information be used for; this may give rise to considerations under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

If the data derived from the equipment is viewed, stored or used by anyone other than the employee, there may be

The Life SmartCap isn’t a great fit for one truckie.

disclosure obligations on the employer.

If privacy considerations

are not relevant, or complied with, the next issue is compliance with work health

and safety legislation. Before selecting PPE, an employer should consult with their workers.

Assuming this technology is in fact “PPE”, (PPE is generally any anything used or worn to minimise risk to workers’ health and safety), it is important that it is a suitable size and fit for the individual required to use it, and that it is reasonably comfortable. The employer must ensure provide appropriate information, training and instruction in the proper use of the PPE.

Conceptually, it could be both lawful and reasonable for an employer to require its workers to use this technology. Importantly, failure to follow a lawful and reasonable instruction may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. In addition, workers have obligations under the same work health and safety legislation to use or wear PPE. If workers have concerns about the use, fit or other issues with the PPE, they should raise the matter with their employer.”

ATA appoints new CEO

THE Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has appointed Andrew McKellar as its new CEO from mid-February.

Most recently, McKellar worked as the Paris-based Secretary General for Mobility at the International Automobile Federation (FIA). Before joining the FIA, he was CEO of the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) and the Federal Chamber of Automo-

tive Industries (FCAI).

In government, he was a senior adviser to successive Australian industry ministers from 1996 to 1998. He also worked as an economist and research officer in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Commonwealth Treasury and the Queensland Treasury.

ATA Chair David Smith said McKellar would lead the ATA to new levels of effective-

ness and member service.

“The board was very impressed by Andrew’s experience in international advocacy for road safety during his tenure at the FIA and his understanding of the emerging trends influencing safety, sustainability and competitiveness in road transport and mobility globally,” Smith said.

“The board was also impressed by Andrew’s knowledge of association strategic

planning and his dedication to leading the ATA in the interests of its members,” he said.

McKellar said he looked forward to the role. “The trucking industry is part of the lifeblood of the Australian economy. I am dedicated to advancing the interests of those who rely on the industry for their livelihood and to promote the future vision of the industry,” he said.

Andrew McKellar will begin his new role in mid-February.

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12 NEWS

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Big Rigs joins fight for road train access into Perth

SA operator HPS Transport was selected as it runs refrigerated produce to WA daily. Picture: B. Stamatovich

BY DAVID MEREDITH

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“Our in-house driver trainer sat at the top of Greenmount Hill,” he said. “We had already re-trained our people on steep descent practice, but he was there to underline the rules.”

The limit for heavy-duty trucks on the descent is 40km/h, but HPS ruled 30km/h to avoid any chance of overrun.

“We actually instructed our drivers to take 10km/h off the posted limit on all road sections from Northam,” he said.

Telematics data from the road train trucks on that route keeps a close eye, and the data will be critical in determining if this road section will be added to the WA road train network.

At this stage the trial is narrowly aimed at fresh refrigerated fruit and vegetables between Adelaide and Perth.

Main Roads told us that it recognised that the movement of these perishable goods is time critical. Clearly the COVID pandemic and stress on logistics played its part in the decision.

The delivery of essential supplies and pressure from the

WE’VE all driven roads where the speed limit seems ridiculously low. We’ve also driven toads that are narrow, country style feeders with soft edges and undulating twists and turns, but the speed limit remains the general 100km/h.

Main Roads departments across the country sometimes have bewildering reasons for speed limits and road restrictions.

The road train rule for the Greenmount Hill, driving into Perth from the eastern states is just one: 36.5-metre road trains with general freight are not allowed down the hill, but pocket road trains which are nine-metres shorter – and several tonnes heavier – are permitted.

Big Rigs has assisted several operators to put a case to the WA Minister for Transport to change the rule and allow the road trains to operate directly

into Perth markets, without having to split at the Northam assembly area.

The move would reduce six truck movements to two, decreasing road frequency, noise, fuel burn and of course saving several extra hours in transit time, critical during the COVID lockdown.

Pandemic supply pressure prompted Main Roads in WA to approve a six-month trial with a recognised operator to ensure safety and road suitabil-

ity concerns would be met.

SA operator HPS Transport was selected as it runs refrigerated produce to WA daily. So far the trial has seen 1300 road train movements on the hill with nine random Main Roads inspections, and one caution for an air leak on a dolly.

HPS Transport’s Daniel Graziano told us that the company had imposed additional standards for the NorthamRoe Highway section of the trek from Adelaide.

A popular Longreach Caltex servo – for years an outback oasis for hungry and weary road train drivers – closed its doors at the end of last month.

It’s unclear whether anyone is to take over the Ilfracombe Road site, leaving truckies with no where to pull up, use the bathroom facilities, and get a hot meal late at night within almost 400km.

There are five petrol stations in Longreach but this truckies’ favourite was the only one that provided adequate parking for road trains and offered drivers hot show-

er facilities, reports the ABC Western Qld, which first broke the story.

“You can’t park anywhere down [at the other petrol stations] and they’re not roadhouses, they’re only service stations,” said truckie Robert Turvey, who has stopped there almost weekly during his 36year career.

“They sell fuel and drinks and maybe a loaf of bread, but you can’t actually get a meal.”

The closure means there won’t be a roadhouse with road train parking for more than four hours between

Blackall and Winton.

Turvey told the ABC he was concerned more roadhouses would be shut in favour of unstaffed, self-serve fuel pumps.

“You always thought it would be there forever,” he said.

Ampol, the new corporate and forecourt name for Caltex, responded in a statement saying motorists would be able to visit the company’s smaller Longreach store at 55 Duck Street to “to access all grades of fuel and diesel products”.

The servo on Ilfracombe Road closed its doors on January 31.

Longreach roadhouse closure leaves 400km gap

national driver shortage helped the case, and as the road is already engineered for the turning sweep of a double road train, there is no physical impediment to the change.

Latest truck technology allows a 36.5-metre rig to head down the hill mostly on exhaust brakes and noiseless retarders, with the service brakes as a reserve.

We followed up with Main Roads recently and were advised that the trial had been extended.

“Main Roads has just extended the trial by another six months until May 6, 2021, and findings of the trial will be made public once finalised,” said a spokesperson.

“Main Roads is not aware of any complaints or issues relating to this trial from local residents and continues to work with the approved operator, HPS Transport with support from industry associations such as Western Roads Federation and the Livestock and Rural Transport Association of WA.”

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14 NEWS

IN BRIEF Hino soars Hino Australia has defied the odds during a turbulent 2020, delivering 5,222 trucks and buses, and recording its highest-ever market share of 18.4%.

Fuelled by the launch of its new 300 Series and expanded Built to Go range, Hino captured a 22.4% market share in the light-duty segment.

In the medium-duty segment, Hino recorded a market share of 34.1%, an increase of 2.5% compared to 2019, attributed to the continued success of the 500 Series Standard Cab range.

Though heavy-duty truck sales saw the greatest impact from COVID-19. Despite a reduction in size of the segment, Hino maintained a market share of 4.5%.

Crouch honoured Ron Crouch has been honoured in the Australia Day 2021 Honours List with a medal of the Order of Australia.

He has a long history in the transport industry, establishing Ron Crouch Transport with his wife Beverly in 1978, which now serves over 1700 companies.

Recognised for his professionalism and passion, Crouch was a proactive member of industry associations and groups with a vision for improving industry safety. In the 1980s, he played an integral role in forming the National Transport Federation, which then turned into NatRoad.

Isuzu recall The ACCC has issued a recall on Isuzu Tradepack NLR, NNR and NPR Series Trucks sold between 2005 and 2019, due to a side reflector issue, with 8,023 vehicles affected. According to the recall notice, “The vehicle may have impaired side visibility under low light conditions, creating the risk of side impact and increasing the risk of injury or death to the vehicle occupants and/or other road users.”

For further information, contact your nearest Isuzu dealer or Isuzu Australia Customer Care on 1800 035 640.

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Tributes flow for industry legend Jim Pearson Snr From humble beginnings, Jim Pearson Transport is now one of the biggest privately owned transport operators in NSW.

THE high esteem in which legendary Port Macquarie operator Jim Pearson Snr was held by the industry was reflected in an outpouring of tributes after his passing on January 15, aged 88.

A statement on the company Facebook page, said Pearson’s contribution to the business in the early days formed an important cornerstone and helped shape what it has become today.

“Whilst he had been long retired from the business, his presence on a daily basis around our Port Macquarie depot, his good humour and storytelling will stay with us forever – he will be sadly missed.”

Dozens of company clients, friends and supporters joined in to share messages of condolences on the page.

Bronwyn Flemming wrote: “Jim Snr played a huge part in our lives, my father being one of his original drivers way back in the early days. Their friendship continued until my Dad’s passing.

“I used to sit on Jim’s lap in the office as a child & was very honoured to have him drive me in a truck, to the church for my wedding in 1996, the only one he had let do this at that time...

Thank u for the wonderful memories Jim, our thoughts & prayers are with u all.

A true Gentleman & Icon in this town.”

Pearson’s association with the transport industry began almost 70 years ago when he purchased the Caltex Service Station at Marks Point south of Newcastle.

In 1955, Pearson started Lake Macquarie Freighters and Macquarie Transport, before

moving to Port Macquarie in 1974 and establishing Jim Pearson Transport.

In 2013 he told Port Macquarie News that success or failure in life probably comes down to 10 decisions.

You won’t make all of them right, but if you make more right calls than wrong ones, you will probably enjoy some success, he said.

Moving to Port Macquarie and developing a business plan and sticking to it, which set Jim Pearson Transport on a growth path, were two pivotal choices.

Pearson wrote down 15 companies he wanted as customers. About 12 years later they were all onboard, he said.

He said he retired at the right time, given he was not of the computer age, and was proud of the fact that his son Jim, who bought the business, is today recognised as one of the industry’s top operators.

The privately-owned company currently employs in excess of 350 highly trained and

Freight manager Charlie Thurling, Jim Pearson junior, Jim Pearson senior and Mack Trucks Newcastle manager Graham Grabham in 1994.

professional staff ranging from administration, mechanics, drivers, logistics experts, driver trainers, fatigue management educators, tyre technicians, hangers, truck washers, yard workers and managerial staff, who are all necessary to make the company what it is today.

“He has done a wonderful job of building the company and making it more and more professional,” Pearson said of his son, describing him as his own man.

Pearson was also a former councillor in Port Macquarie, where he also served as deputy mayor.

“I thought it was very rewarding,” Pearson said about his time as a councillor. “I felt

I was giving something back to the community that I loved and made a living in. I just didn’t have time to do it when I was younger.”

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) also paid tribute to Pearson, lauding his pioneering emphasis on safety.

“A strong safety advocate, Jim was one of the first to introduce satellite tracking across his fleet to manage fatigue and was also involved in the early development of TruckSafe,” said ATA Chair David Smith.

Pearson was recognised for his dedication and commitment to industry with the ATA’s Outstanding Contribution to the Trucking Industry award in 2010.

Marette and Jim Pearson.

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In 2015, Jim Pearson Transport won the TruckSafe John Kelly Memorial Award for its strong safety culture and passion for improving safety outcomes within the business and wider community.

Former ATA Chair Denis Robertson said Pearson was a tremendous contributor to industry and was highly regarded for his integrity and professionalism.

“Jim was a person who was committed to keeping people safe. He was willing to be the first to put up his hand when help was needed and was one of the first supporters of the ATA Safety Trailer,” Robertson said.

“Jim understood the industry’s needs and was a great advocate for industry unity, recognising the need for a single, united voice nationally.

“Jim’s motivation and influence are still evident today with his son Jim Pearson Jnr, who has taken over the family business and continues to uphold his father’s high standards,” he said.

Pearson was also a life member of the Long Distance Road Transport Association, NatRoad and a member of the Transport Hall of Fame.

“Jim will be sorely missed.

Our sincere condolences go to his wife Marette, his children, grandchildren and friends,” Smith said.

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16 FEATURE

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Toying around with a new type of dolly

The new rigid drawbar converter dolly has been the centre of much hype, so how does it fare out on the road? Big Rigs chats with those who’ve had the chance to take it for a spin.

BY DANIELLE GULLACI IT’S been hailed a major innovation, a step forward in dolly design, and late last year its supply partners won the Castrol Vecton Industry Achievement award.

But, does the converter dolly live up to all the commotion?

If the operators we spoke to are anything to go by, then yes, it would seem so.

Led by the ATA’s Industry Technical Council (ITC), with technical and component support from MaxiTRANS, Hendrickson, Alcoa Wheels, Bridgestone, JOST and WABCO; the ‘Converter Dolly Project’ uses a rigid drawbar rather than the typical hinged drawbar to address issues relating to brake reactivity and tyre wear.

Debuted at the Brisbane Truck Show in May 2019, it has since been trialled all over the country, with over 60 now produced and out on the road.

“It’s been used on some of the lesser road train roads, on some very rough roads and has been received very well,” said Bob Woodward, Chief Engineer at the ATA. “Currently air suspension converter dollies don’t have a particularly good track record, so the rigid drawbar was seen as a way to address that. There had previously been some rigid drawbars in the country but there was a reluctance of people to move from tradition.”

After seeing the converter dolly displayed in Brisbane, National Customer Product Trainer at Volvo Australia, Bill Manton, was keen to get his hands on it.

Manton had big plans for the converter dolly, taking it on an 8000km trip from Brisbane to Darwin, and then back again, in various combinations pulled by a Volvo XXL. “The first was being towed behind a B-double, then an A-double, then a Type 2 BAB

quad, and then we swapped the combination around to a Type 2 ABB quad to move the dolly further away from the prime mover,” explained Manton.

“The handing of the trailers whilst in the A-double combination had similar handling results compared to a B-double combination, so it was very stable, especially on the narrow bitumen when you drop off the shoulder.

“The dolly gave no kick back force through the prime mover over big bumps whatsoever. It gave us drivers a lot more confidence regarding stability, tracking and overall trailer control in the various combinations we trialled the dolly in.

“When we had it on the BAB quad set up again, the handling of that combination was better than a normal type 2 triple combination – there wasn’t as much sway from side to side, giving a lot more control when having to give way to wide loads or on narrow bitumen.

Transport’s turn to give the new dolly a go. AJM Transport runs about 250 pieces of equipment, with its head office in Newcastle and depots in Brisbane and Melbourne. They got hold of the new dolly for three weeks or so in September 2019, taking it on a similar route between Brisbane and Darwin. It was trialled in three different configurations – an ABB quad, BAB quad and BBA quad.

Group General Manager at AJM, Dennis Roohan, said the dolly performed extremely well, most notably as part of the ABB quad.

“The drivers loved it and didn’t want to give it back, which was good, because it suffered a bit of negativity when it first came in,” said Roohan.

“It’s not something we’ve seen a lot of on the east coast.

Overall, the performance was far superior to our current dollies, particularly its performance under brakes and tyre wear, which is the thing I looked at most. The tyre wear

business has been using the new dollies as part of two 30m PBS-approved A-double combinations, which have been on the road for around 18 months.

“I was aware of Bob pushing the barrel with these dollies. After speaking with him and thinking about it, I could see a lot more efficiency in operating these with an A-double.

We have two and I’m thinking about another,” said McGrath.

“These A-doubles track a whole lot better than a B-double and because they have the EBS braking system, the brakes are better, stability is better. Every aspect of this thing is better than a B-double combination.

There are not enough superlatives to describe these dollies for use in these types of combinations.”

Out in the west, bulk fuels and lubricants transport business Fuel Distributors of Western Australia (FDWA) was among the companies that trialled the dolly. In August 2020, the dolly was put through its

AJM Transport was most impressed by the improved tyre wear.

The dolly took centre stage at the 2019 Brisbane Truck Show.

ing to do and it did that really well. It tracked nicely on rough roads; and it didn’t duck, dive or weave everywhere, which is what other dollies can do if they’re not set up properly,” said Graham Lock, FDWA’s Fleet and Workshop Manager.

“It’s a new concept and it’s going to be hard to change people’s minds and the way they think about things, but if I was building a new pocket road train, I’d build the dolly

chased seven of these dollies.

Our ITC Chair and owner of Kelvin Baxter Transport, Kel Baxter, has also purchased one, which was delivered just before Christmas and is about to hit the road,” said Woodward.

“The rigid drawbar in the design has been designed exactly to the requirements. It’s pure and simple. When B-doubles first came along, people said it wouldn’t work – unfortunately the industry is not always read-

like this.”

With the rigid drawbar converter dolly continuing to gain traction, we’re seeing more operators put their money where their mouth is. Though Woodward advised there are still further technical trials planned.

“The feedback has been extremely positive. One operator in Sydney has just pur-

ily moved to progress with the times. If we want to bring these larger combinations into urban areas, we need to make sure we’ve got everything right, including the brake performance.

The design of the rigid drawbar has been a collaborative effort and without the support of our six suppliers, it couldn’t have happened.”

McGrath Newcastle purchased two of the converter dollies, which are used in A-double combinations.

“We found the rigid drawbar converter dolly was far better than a normal converter dolly. With a normal converter dolly, there are more pivot points on the drawbar so you tend to get a bit of play there.

This new dolly takes all of that out of it because it’s a solid drawbar. The handling of the dolly is just incredible.”

Soon after, it was AJM

FDWA trialled the converter dolly in August, running the 1200km round trip between Perth and Kalgoorlie.

was brilliant compared to what we currently experience. When we got the dolly, it had about 30,000km on it and the tyres looked brand new. On our current dollies, at 30,000km, the tyres are already about a third worn.”

Asked whether he believes we’ll start seeing many more of these dollies on our roads in the near future, Roohan said it’s going to be an education process.

“I know a Newcastle operator has a couple of these dollies and uses them with his A-doubles. I’ve looked at his tyre wear and it’s outstanding – concept proved.”

Managing Director at McGrath Newcastle, Tony McGrath, decided to buy two of them after seeing it on show in Brisbane.

The container transport

paces as part of a 27.5 metre pocket road train, doing the 1200km round trip between Perth and Kalgoorlie, together with some work around town and into farms.

“It’s very stable under braking because it’s level from the Ringfeder up to the tanker.

The converter dolly did what Bob Woodward said it was go-

There are now 60 rigid drawbar converter dollies out on the road.

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18 FLOOD-PROOFING QUEENSLAND

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Operators meet to discuss flood mitigation

LEADING North Queensland transport operators have met with Acting Prime Minister Michael McCormack to discuss their on-going concerns about the flood-prone sections of the Bruce Highway.

Major flooding and serious crashes between Cairns and Mackay since Christmas have had a crippling effect on some trucking operations of late.

Just last month Hinchinbrook Shire Council was forced to set up a staging area for truckies stranded as flooding closed the highway.

At a media conference in Townsville soon after, McCormack met with concerned operators at the behest of Queensland Senator Susan McDonald, a vocal lobbyist for the region’s infrastructure and roading priorities.

“It was very instructive to hear from those transport operators, three of them in the room and one of them on the telephone, to hear about their experiences,” said McCormack, who is also the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development.

“Some of them have had drivers holed up and unable to move. That costs money.

It costs those small business operators money because sometimes they’ve got perishable goods in the back of their B-doubles, sometimes they obviously then have to meet with their logbook requirements.

“It is an imposition on them. That’s why the federal government, as part of our $110 billion record amount of infrastructure money that

we’re investing in the nation, we’ve got $10 billion set aside for the Bruce Highway upgrades.”

McCormack said he’s more than willing to discuss with Mark Bailey, the Queensland Transport Minister, the flood plain issues he’s been made aware of during his meeting with operators.

“So we can get the Bruce what it needs to be. It’s one of our most vital linkage roads, of course it is.”

“We need to get the best possible fruit and vegetables and other produce that Queensland has to other states and to markets and to ports.

“So that’s what it’s all about and more than willing and happy to work with the Queensland Government to

Flooding and serious crashes between Cairns and Mackay since Christmas have had a crippling effect on some trucking operations.

bring about that.”

Queensland Trucking Association CEO Gary Mahon said the more flood resilient the state can be, the better.

That’s why his 2020 state election blueprint pushed to

prioritise key bridge upgrades and for the establishment of an inland freight route that can be made floodproof at a lower cost than the Bruce.

‘And it can be completed in a more timely period,” he

said. “So we’ll continue to push in that space, for a genuine alternate north-south corridor and gives us the opportunity to run heavy combinations in a seamless way from Toowoomba through.”

Life on the road in wild Qld weather WITH ALF WILSON

TRUCK drivers in the tropics of north Queensland face many additional challenges during wild weather and that was never more evident than when I travelled around there in early January.

Cyclone Imogen had threatened the Gulf of Carpentaria and in the aftermath heavy rain, flooding, and strong winds reached as far south as Mackay.

Rivers and creeks swelled and the Bruce Highway at Ingham and Proserpine to the south closed for short periods due to the downpours.

So did the Flinders Highway west of Townsville at the Macrossan Bridge.

I was in the Cairns and Atherton Tablelands region for a

week and twice encountered the heaviest rain I have ever experienced in five decades of driving.

This made driving extremely difficult for truck drivers given the size of their vehicles.

The first time was on January 5 along the Kennedy Highway near the turnoff to Kuranda at about 3pm.

The lane heading towards Mareeba was closed after a huge tree fell and locals including a Linfox truck driver used a chain saw to cut and remove it.

About 15 minutes later on the winding section of the Kuranda Range a long queue of vehicles waited as a tree had fallen over both lanes.

My daughter walked 150m in heavy rain under an umbrella to snap some footage and still pics as numerous motorists joined forces to remove it.

Some towed parts of the tree off the road whilst others used man and women power.

An hour later police arrived just as traffic started to move and the efforts of the volunteers had limited traffic holdup time.

The other instance of extremely heavy rain was on January 8 between Ravenshoe and Atherton.

Drivers could only negotiate the road by carefully looking at the white line in the middle of the surface and by checking headlights of oncoming traffic.

Even then with small pools of water on the road you feared an oncoming vehicle would slide across to your lane resulting in a head on collision.

A big rock also fell onto the range section of the Gillies Highway which runs between Gordonvale and the Atherton Tablelands.

A Cairns based Queensland Transport and Main Roads Department spokesperson told us that the Gillies Range was reduced to a single lane closure for about two hours on January 4.

The spokesperson said the department was working with local authorities to manage the impact of recent heavy rain and flooding on the state-controlled road network across Far North Queensland.

“Our crews monitor the

condition of roadside vegetation as part of routine maintenance and take action where necessary,” said the spokesperson.

“Cairns had significant rainfall from Tropical Cyclone Imogen, which may have contributed to the boulder and trees becoming unstable on the Gillies Range Road and Kuranda Range Road.

“Maintenance works to repair potholes and shoulder damage on the Kennedy Highway between Atherton and Ravenshoe was underway. We are also delivering an $18 million package of safety upgrades on Gillies Range Road, between the top of the range and Atherton, as part of the Queensland Government’s $112 million Targeted Road Safety Program.”

I also drove along Rex Range between the Mossman and Cooktown turnoffs in heavy rain and saw tree branches on the road however that did not stop traffic.

Road maintenance crews were in trucks at a lookout

Vehicle safety, monitoring and sensing systems.

Rock stabilisation work being carried out on the Captain Cook Highway during the wet weather.

waiting for the rain to stop to check on the safety of the road.

It also rained cats and dogs for some days along the 70km Captain Cook Highway between Cairns and Mossman.

This is notorious for rocks falling and important slope rehabilitation works were underway when I travelled it twice.

Transport and Main Roads District Director Far North Ross Hodgman said the works will improve safety for road users by reducing the risk of loose rock material.

The project started in January and is expected to be completed by late March, weather permitting.

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20 READER RIGS

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Delivering fuel to a mine site near Corunna Downs, WA, this truck made its way through the Coongan River crossing. Thanks for sharing Jason Cocks.

The blue and white of this truck/trailer combo matched the bright and sunny skies when Justin Sellens took this shot just north of Albury on the Hume.

Share your truck pics THE trucking game is as diverse as the terrain on which our truckies travel.

If there’s one thing we know many of you love, it’s a good looking rig – and sometimes life on the open road brings some golden photo opportunities.

The Big Rigs #PicOfTheDay competition is a chance

to share your best snaps through our Facebook page (@BigRigs). We’ll choose a weekly winning shot to feature as our Facebook cover photo and a selection of the best pics will be featured in the next edition of Big Rigs Newspaper.

So get snapping and keep those great pics coming!

Michael Tucker shared this shot of an impressive Kalari set-up that runs from Ceduna, SA to a mine site near Yalata, weighing in at around 180 tonne.

Brad Wren and this Kenworth T909 were carrying an almighty load from the McArthur River Mine in NT.

Scott Bourne and this Kenworth T900 Legend stopped for a break at Caltex Cooma.

Taken at the Chris Watkins Transport depot in Launceston, this vibrant green 2007 Western Star 4900 has done over 1 million kms and counting.

This striking Western Star was shining bright at Geelong Wharf.

Thanks for sharing Kev Cameron.

Josh Taylor shared this shot, with a huge dragline excavator and shovel rope, taken near Mungindi, Queensland.

READER RIGS 21

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5 2021

Shaun Wood captured this shot of his truck while pulled up at the White Hill Truck Drivers Memorial.

Wayne Agius and his Kenworth stopped for a sunset shot between Magnet and Sandstone, WA.

Alan Moore all loaded up, heading south from Coober Pedy, SA.

Lee Hayter shared this pic of a Kenworth duo tipping off into a paddock near Rokewood, Victoria.

As the sun sets, Jakob Batchelor and this triple travel into the night.

This 19-year-old Star still keeps the grain flowing around SA. Thanks for sharing Bromley Nitschke.

These trucks were carrying sheep from WA to Trangie, NSW. Nick Cook was driving the white Kenworth T904 and road train set-up.

Now that’s a set-up that gives new meaning to the words “long vehicle”. Great shot Nicholas Bozzett.

This Kenworth T909 certainly scrubs up well. Thanks for sharing Shaun Wood.

22 NEWS

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

First Volvo FL Electric to begin Australian trials

Volvo Trucks Australia is excited to announce the arrival of the first Volvo FL Electric in Australia.

Volvo said a path to a cleaner, safer and ultimately more enjoyable cityscape is being paved as we speak.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison got behind the wheel during a recent visit to the Wacol HQ.

AS the Volvo Trucks electromobility journey gathers pace globally, Volvo Trucks Australia is excited to announce the arrival of the first Volvo FL Electric in Australia.

This first unit will be fitted with an 8-pallet body and tailgate lift and is destined for trials and evaluation with Linfox, undertaking metropolitan deliveries within BevChain, its leading beverage logistics business, from April.

“It is very clear that both our customers, and our customer’s customers, are demanding a cleaner and quieter urban transport environment,” said Vice President, Volvo Trucks Australia Tony O’Connell.

“Momentum is building globally to create safe and clean cities and the arrival of this truck in Australia marks the first step on that journey for Volvo Trucks Australia.

“Imagine a cityscape of clear horizons, devoid of the rumble and hum of the tradition internal combustion engine, and that’s got to be something worth striving for.”

Executive Chairman Linfox Peter Fox said the introduction of electric vehicles opens an exciting chapter for

both Linfox and Volvo.

This will play a crucial role in Linfox’s business as they work towards a cleaner and more sustainable transport industry.

“Our investment in sustainable vehicles will significantly help reduce our emissions in the foreseeable future,” said Fox. “Adopting a greener fleet is an ongoing part of our commitment to act sustainably, as we strive for zero net environmental emissions and play our part to mitigate climate change.

“As our nations’ freight demand grows, it is vital we meet that need safely, efficiently and with reduced environmental impact.

“Acting sustainably is just common sense. It is imperative to my family and our business that we preserve and protect our environment for the next generation.”

The 4×2 Volvo FL Electric is powered by 600 Volt, 200 kWh battery packs which power a 200kW/425Nm motor.

Power gets to the drive wheels via a 2-speed I-Shift automated transmission.

In late 2020 Volvo Trucks announced its intention for all Volvo Trucks to be fossil fuel free by 2040. It also announced that pre sales for the European market of a complete range of electric heavy duty truck models would begin in 2021 with production to start in 2022.

The road map to a fossil free future for Volvo Trucks also includes the development of Hydrogen Fuel Cell technology for long haul applications to complement the more urban centric electric drivelines and the gradual phasing out of the traditional diesel engine.

“This is a very exciting time to be a part of Volvo Trucks Australia,” said O’Connell.

“The path to a cleaner, safer and ultimately more enjoyable cityscape is being paved as we speak. I look forward to seeing this truck plying the streets of an Australian capital city in the very near future.”

Bapcor on track to open new DC in Melbourne by middle of year

THE Asia-Pacific’s leading provider of vehicle parts, accessories, equipment, service and solutions, Bapcor, is confident that it’s about to completely change the game in product distribution excellence.

The Australian company’s new Victorian distribution centre is located within the largest business park in the Southern Hemisphere, Melbourne Airport Business Park.

This custom-designed facility will set benchmarks of distribution speed and efficiency that are unparalleled in the Australian automotive aftermarket industry.

Featuring almost 50,000 square metres of warehouse space (three times the size of the MCG) under one roof, this enormous project has been in construction throughout 2020, continuing solidly despite the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new Bapcor Distribution Centre is being equipped with world leading supply chain systems, with the constant focus points on safety and complete efficiency throughout every aspect of the distribution centre’s operations.

A dedicated Project Management Team, bolstered with the key assistance of supply chain expert partners Xact Solutions, is conducting detailed systems testing processes

and strategy planning to ensure that this completely custom designed facility remains on track for scheduled initial operations by mid-2021.

All of the innovations and efficiencies to be gained by the new DC are the direct result of listening to the company’s customers across all divisions of its growing automotive aftermarket business, said Bapcor.

“The new Bapcor Distribution Centre represents a major investment and vote of confidence in the future growth of Australia and the Asia Pacific’s automotive aftermarket industry,” stated Bapcor CEO and Managing Director, Darryl Abotomey.

“Our new Victorian Distribution Centre will set entirely new benchmarks in automotive aftermarket supply chain efficiency and customer service excellence. These include the precise handling of an unsurpassed inventory range of more than 166,000 SKU’s with the use of next level technology and process excellence utilising world leading warehousing systems,” Abotomey added.

The new DC includes ‘Best of Breed’ supply chain process systems including Schafer Goods to Person Technology and the latest specification Manhattan Warehouse Managing Systems.

The Australian company’s new Victorian distribution centre is located within the largest business park in the Southern Hemisphere, Melbourne Airport Business Park.

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Available from your participating Western Star Dealer. Prices include GST and are valid from 1st November - 28th February 2021. Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice and do not include freight. Images are for illustration purposes only - actual products may differ from shown. To find your closest dealer, or to purchase online, visit: westernstarshop.com.au Penske Australia reserves the right to correct printing errors.

24 AD FEATURE KEEP IT COOL

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 05 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Natrad HDS – Trusted cooling specialists

SINCE 2010 when the Natrad Heavy Duty Specialists (HDS) group was formed, it has remained the country’s largest national network of heavy transport, industrial and automotive heat exchange specialists.

The group is dedicated to addressing the special needs of large industrial customers and offers highly skilled and consistent service Australia-wide.

With the ability to support on-highway and off-highway vehicles, earth-moving and mining applications, large transport vehicle fleets and large-scale power generators, Natrad HDS is the ideal choice to handle heavy duty needs.

The combined workforce of Natrad HDS around Australia has hundreds of years of experience in engine cooling for large vehicles and heavy duty applications. They also have a wealth of understanding and knowledge about specific cooling solutions that work best for particular trucks and the extreme environments across Australia where they need to operate.

The Natrad HDS group

works very closely with Australia’s largest radiator manufacturer, Adrad, to continually learn about the latest products and developments in cooling product innovation and technology. Naturally, there’s no better way to achieve this than by seeing it firsthand.

Adrad manufactures a huge variety of radiators, intercoolers and oil coolers in copper/ brass, steel and aluminium alloy. It makes both automotive style (serpentine fin) cores and industrial style (flat fin) cores depending on the size and construction required for the application. Fin and tube are combined to make the core which is baked in an oven (alloy units require a furnace) to fuse the core together, then the headers are applied and leak testing completed before tanks are attached.

Adrad ADFUSE radiator cores feature a unique robot-welded header construction that provides exceptional strength and durability. Since its launch in 2013, thousands of ADFUSE radiators have been supplied to cool hard-working truck engines across the country.

Natrad HDS members visiting Adrad’s Adelaide factory.

On all radiator cores and assemblies, Natrad HDS offers strong national coverage, cost-effective pricing and nationwide warranty so you can

minimise downtime and have peace of mind. Natrad HDS is unique to the Australian radiator industry, boasting such a large fleet of cooling

system specialists. In addition, Natrad HDS can cover all cooling system needs and provides excellent servicing on a large parts range for in-

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FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Cool solution proves a winner

MULTIFACETED transport business Hannah’s Haulage can be picky about its trucks and what goes into them. That extends from the list of safety features specified across the fleet like emergency braking technology and lane departure warning systems, through to its choice of cooling.

The company’s most recent large order of trucks was

at the end of 2019. It included 12 vehicles: 10 Volvo 600hp Globetrotters and two Volvo 540hp Globetrotters. These were the first in the company’s fleet to feature Webasto’s Cool Split 20 air conditioning system.

Available in top or back mounted options and 12 or 24v, the Cool Split 20 system is a DC/AC powered air con-

ditioning system which works while the vehicle’s engine is off, allowing drivers to rest in comfort wherever they are, day or night. It features a digital control panel, multi-function remote, four speed fan; and is lightweight, low profile and super quiet.

“With the Volvos, it was the first time we had used Webasto. I’d been talking to the

The fleet of new Volvo Globetrotters all feature Webasto’s Cool Split 20 system.

dealer about putting inverters into the truck, when they told me Webasto already makes an air con system with an inverter built in,” said Hannah’s Haulage Managing Director Scott Hannah.

“I was looking to build my own but then found these and they work a lot better than the other systems we had. They are pretty efficient and the price wise was good. On our runs into Queensland, where we need them most, they work really well.”

Hannah’s Haulage started in 2001, with just one six-tonne truck. Initially it focussed its efforts on the express freight market and grew the business from there, but by 2010 its work in that segment had dried up and the business pretty much started again from scratch, this time diversifying its operations.

“Because of what happened before – working for one company and then the company closing, we no longer put all of our eggs in the one basket.

Now we work in different areas of transport so if one area goes quiet, the other areas can pick it up,” said Hannah.

Webasto’s Cool Split 20 air conditioning system fitted to one of Hannah’s Haulage’s trucks.

The fleet operates across the eastern states in everything from express and general freight, to construction, container work and crane trucks.

“We’ve now got a pretty good variety of work that we do. Our gas work goes quiet in summer, so I can move trucks across to containers,

which get busier in summer,” added Hannah.

Five new trucks are set to join Hannah’s Haulage in coming months, bringing the truck fleet up to 40. They too will feature Webasto’s Cool Split 20 air conditioning system, which Hannah said has become the company’s system of choice.

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KEEP IT COOL AD FEATURE 27

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5 2021

ADRAD: Australia’s leader in quality cooling

ADRAD is Australia’s leader in aftermarket radiators, intercoolers and air conditioning products, with the largest range, extensive distribution and the best support networks. Being the country’s largest radiator manufacturer and supplier means there is a wealth of experience behind every that part Adrad offers.

With an extensive collection of product and application knowledge, together with a history that dates back decades, Adrad is in a truly unique position to understand customer’s needs and ensure that its product designs provide optimal performance for radiators and other heat exchange products.

Adrad’s team of high calibre staff understand the issues associated with ensuring correct-fit installation of aftermarket products and delivering the combination of performance and durability required.

Adrad can also custom manufacture heat exchange cores and tanks for radiators, oil coolers and intercoolers for optimal performance.

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the use of heavy gauge materials means Adrad-manufactured parts will provide boltin fitment and exceptional service life.

Adrad offers innovative and clever designs that deliver better cooling performance and reliability in unusual

operating environments. For instance, Adshield radiator cores feature an extra layer of protection over the radiator tube to greatly improve resistance to impact damage and erosion from grit blasting. Adrad’s hemmed and unlouvred radiator fin

option allows the core to be pressure-cleaned without sustaining damage that a typical (and more fragile) louvred fin design would suffer.

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Depending on the application and operating environment, choosing the right materials can deliver better heat exchange performance or provide longer service life. Adrad can manufacture cooling products using copper, brass, aluminium alloy and steel.

Adrad’s radiator manufacturing and distribution facilities are quality certified to ISO9001-2015 accreditation

which reflects the company’s stringent approach to creating and supplying high quality products. Its “best in the business” warranty is highly regarded in the industry and is supported right across Australia.

Adrad manufactures radiators in Perth, Adelaide and the Gold Coast to maximise speed of delivery which means minimal downtime for your vehicles and equipment. The national branch network provides exceptional customer service and after sales support.

Adrad’s extensive range of parts includes radiators, intercoolers, oil coolers, EGR coolers, fans and much more. It also supplies a range of premium quality, Australian-made coolants and treatments.

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FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Icepack: Australian made since 1995

COMPANY founders and directors, Charles and Sam, have always strived to produce everything possible for the Icepack unit in house.

With a skilled workforce of almost 50 at their Wacol head office facility, in-house processes include fabrication of

Icepack frames and lids, manufacture of rubber mounting bushes, electrical wiring looms and control boards, machining of oil and fuel fittings and drive pulleys followed by assembly, testing and quality controls.

Almost the entire Icepack unit is engineered, manufac-

tured and assembled onsite.

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Icepack’s Australia-wide network of locations cater to sales, service and installation requirements.

most robust and reliable parts are used within its air conditioner units.

Along with the co-operation of long-time customers, the R&D team are continually working on ways to improve products.

The Icepack units of today are lightyears ahead of the Icepack units that were produced back in the 1990s in terms of quality, appearance, features and, most importantly, reliability and ease of service.

The original Icepack 2000 was a simple and robust diesel-powered sleeper cab air conditioner. It was key start, 100-hour service interval with a wiring harness that could be rebuilt on the side of a road with a pair of side cutters.

The latest generation Icepack ES can cool, heat and auto start to maintain truck battery voltage, can be remotely started and is configured into a package that still has a very basic primary wiring harness, 1000-hour service interval and no electric fans. It has a 40% increased cooling capacity while using 40% less fuel.

Modern operating conditions mean many operators are seeing 2000 to 3000 hours run time each year. The long service interval and low fuel burn of the Icepack ES makes it the sleeper cab air conditioner of choice for fleet operators and owner-drivers alike. The cost savings through reduced servicing and low fuel consumption of the Icepack ES now means

that this single unit comprises almost 70% of sales of the Icepack range.

But don’t stress if you still want an old school Icepack 2000, we will always keep making this unit – there is still a bit of demand for them out there.

Streamlined distribution of units and parts is available Australia-wide through Icepack’s offices in Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne. These locations are complemented by an Australia-wide network of authorised agents and service centres for all your Icepack sales, service and installation requirements.

To find out more about how Icepack can make your life on the road a better one, visit www.icepack.com.au or call 1800 625 746.

1800 625 746

FEATURE 29

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5 2021

Road testing the new Iveco Astra on a 1632km delivery

Our intrepid WA correspondent puts this workhorse through its paces on a marathon drive along the state’s busy inland highway.

BY DAVID MEREDITH A year after the torture and deprivation of Benito Mussolini’s facsist regime came to a blood-curdling end, Sardinia-based Mario Bertuzzi successfully tendered for 1,000 surplus military vehicles, planning to refurbish them and ship them to the mainland for a new life.

Not all made it as many needed to be scrapped, although that meant spares weren’t an issue for those that started in civilian life.

The acronym for his company was A.S.T.R.A. After 40 years of twists and turns, and engineering its own truck when the surplus ran out, the nearly bankrupt company was acquired by Iveco. Because the brand was so closely associated with extra heavy duty off road work rigs, the name was left in

The roomy cab is a long way up.

Everything underneath the new Astra is heavy-duty.

The Astras are an important fleet addition for this contractor.

place. It remains, standing out where the chromed Iveco badge sits on every other Iveco product.

So I felt a sense of history as I was delivering an Astra for an earthmoving contractor

water trucks for outback road and mine access construction.

The 22,000-litre water tank will be supplemented by a water trailer with another 32,000-litres on board. That truck’s 130-tonne rating means it can tow two 32,000-litre trailers if required.

The drive was extra long time-wise, as the operator requested the speed limiter set to 90km/h. I was ok with that, however I had to keep my eye on my mirrors and stay on the CB to make sure a procession of triple road trains rumbling along at 100km/h could get past me safely.

Further up the track I met the stream of quad tippers that pass every couple of minutes.

They deliver several hundred loads into Port Hedland each day – the drivers are on a 16hour rotational shift, including rest breaks - and were good for 100km/h on the flat. But they got in my way on slopes as they faded back to 70-80km/h. No wonder, with up to 156-tonnes of ore on board.

Just past the Auski Roadhouse at Munjina I rolled through country where healthy deep green weeds had broken

in Port Hedland who wanted something even more unbreakable than the Iveco Trakkers he already had. Some 1,632 kms later I’d had my dose of history after enjoying a faultless run through WA’s busy inland highway.

My first key objective was on the second day. There’s a sweeping left-hand bend that eases into a gently sloping rise between red-rock ridges, just out of Mt. Newman after the Cathedral gap. I wanted some drone shots of the truck and this was ideal.

Although I got out of the airconditioned cab into 40 degrees there was a stiff breeze blowing to take the edge off, but I also knew it would give the drone stabilisation software a run for its money.

Except for the persistent buzz of flies, the norm in these desert areas of the North West is silence, particularly as there’s no ticking from the truck cooling down after engine stop. The ground was red but soft, as recent heavy rains with the usual flooding had soaked everything.

I made sure I didn’t get too far off the bitumen.

These trucks were specced as

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through layers of stones on the gibber plains, transforming the country into an unexpected lusciousness, stretching for dozens of kilometres.

All the way the Astra drilled along comfortably on 1,490rpm, with the Allison 4700 7-speed auto box locked in overdrive. With nothing in the water tank, the Euro V Cursor 13-litre engine used a fraction of its 520hp and 2400Nm and hardly made itself known the whole trip.

Astra’s cab interior and controls are straight out of the Stralis/Trakker and were easy to operate. Suspension seat, aircon, storage nooks, cup holders, and a small fridge/freezer made the trip comfortable, but

they didn’t take anything off the 24 hours driving time across two days.

Astra’s chassis is 320x90x10 C section with riveted cross members. Rail Bending Moment (RBM) is 202.02Nm, a significant toughening up over other Iveco off-road products, making the package ideal for the fully-loaded North-West work that the contractor has planned.

Astra is by no means a high volume part of the Iveco lineup. But when ‘fit-for-purpose’ demands bullet-proof off-road engineering with a proven driveline and solid spares backup, the Astra makes a good case for at least being on the shopping list.

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Happy Haulin’ in southern NSW

This part-time NZ-born muso is singing the praises of his bosses at Lieschke Transport in Jindera, just north of Albury, NSW.

BY DAVID VILE OF all the people working in road transport and its associated industries I have chatted to in putting together content for Big Rigs over the years, it would be hard to find a person with a cheerier and more affable outlook on life than Troy Harris.

Originally from New Zealand and with over a dozen years working in a variety of different roles for a number of transport operations, the 29-year-old today pilots a Mack Trident for Lieschke Transport of Jindera, just north of Albury in southern New South Wales.

Having shifted across the Tasman from Rotorua in 1997 and settling in Jindera, working in transport

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU was not the first option in terms of a career path for the young Harris.

“I wanted to be a builder, so I went to TAFE but decided I didn’t want to do that, it just so happened that Helen Spittal from Albury Freight Distribution Centre was a friend of my mums and gave me a job packing freight and moving stuff about the yard,” said Harris.

“Being 17, I probably didn’t take it that seriously but to her credit she gave me a tune up when I needed it,” he said with a smile.

Further experience beckoned at Vicfast Parcel Direct where Harris worked his way up into the office after clocking up the miles around town as a van driver. When that business was purchased by Mainfreight, Harris headed across town working in operations at O’Brien Transport Services before being lured back to Mainfreight on a daily run to Griffith in a Hino rigid and trailer.

With another change working for Anthony Ryan, subcontracting to Border Express, Harris clocked up a lot of kilometres and a lot more experience in both the office and out on the road on the longer interstate trips.

“I did heaps there, Border Express work, steel, general, and also Rivet gas tankers for about nine months. I have had a few jobs along the way I will admit that,

TROY HARRIS

but it has taught me two things - I have gained a lot of experience doing a lot of different things and I have met a hell of a lot of people,” he explained.

There is no better place to get experience than behind the wheel, and Harris’s first foray in a semi was an interesting one.

“I learnt to drive coming down Mount Slide in an old T404 Kenworth - we went down to Melbourne to pick up a trailer and got told to jump into the driver seat on the way home, I think I missed every gear coming down the hill! Not long after that I stepped into a Freightliner Argosy with a C-15 Cat in it, it had been flogged out with two million k’s on it, but I was a proud as punch to be swinging it to Sydney by myself for the first time,” he said.

Whilst never straying too far from the Albury area, the last twelve months has seen

Keeping the presses rolling: Unloading paper in Melbourne when towing Border Express trailers for Anthony Ryan.

Happy in his work: Troy Harris with his beloved Mack.

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The Mack Trident driven by Harris still looks sharp after 1.1.million kilometres

Harris driving for Lieschke Transport, and with a young family of his own (wife Ellie, and kids Eli 5, and Thea, 2) has found his niche working for another family-run enterprise.

“I have been here just on 12 months now and I will never leave - the family-focused environment is awesome - they want you to be home at night with your kids and don’t want you to be away.

“I had two nights away this week and they were upset because I wasn’t at home with the kids.”

Working out of the Albury-Wodonga area, Harris and the Mack make a return trip to Melbourne each day towing a tautliner, with the 2015-model Trident holding its own having not long ticked over the magical million-kilometre mark on the odometer.

“It goes well, and it has been well looked after, it is serviced regularly and if anything needs fixing Glenn (Lieschke) does it straight away. It’s the first Mack I have driven but I would

have another one…it’s the oldest truck in the fleet apart from Glenn’s Western Star which could almost be heritage listed he has had it that long!” he said with a grin.

The Mack is not his first experience with the bulldog breed, however.

“I really liked trucks when I was a kid. In New Zealand mum’s partner was a truck driver and he had an old Ultra-Liner - I wanted to go everywhere in that truck, it was big, it made a lot of noise and I thought they looked good.”

Along the journey Harris has formed a strong circle of friends who all work in transport and had spent the time over the Christmas-New Year break fourwheel driving and camping in the Victorian High Country.

“I have gained a lot of friends, a lot of the fellas I worked with at Border Express are really close - we are going water skiing at Lake Hume today and we go out the bush together with all our kids, its like a big family.”

Apart from his family and transport, Harris’s other passion is music and having learnt to play the piano when he was younger, has also learnt the guitar and drums, and as a member of local band Groove Addiction was playing a number of shows around the Albury-Wodonga area before the COVID restrictions took hold.

With young son Eli a regular passenger along with being a dab hand at helping keep the Mack nice and shiny, Harris reckons in time there might be a second-generation truck driver in the family, and it would seem that he will be clocking up the kilometres for a few years yet.

“It’s been great - with your mates out on the road with three or four of you travelling together that’s where you make the memories.

“I wouldn’t change it for the world, it allowed me to achieve a lot of things I didn’t think I would be able to do….I won’t stop driving trucks any time soon.”

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TransChoice Office: Sydney Trucks & Machinery Centre 10 Dunn Road, Smeaton Grange NSW 2567 Kym Steele 0417 663 219 | Mick Steele 0457 932 342 Email: transchoice@bigpond.com Web: www.transchoiceconsulting.com (Fax) 02 4623 1792 Harris used to do a daily run to Griffith from Albury in this Mainfreight Hino.

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INDUSTRY ADVOCATE BEN MAGUIRE Australian trucking Association CEO

32 COLUMN

WA CAMPAIGNER CAM DUMESNY

Western Roads Federation CEO

COST CUTTER CHET CLINE AIR CTI founder/owner

AT THE WHEEL DAVID MEREDITH contributors@bigrigs.com.au

TRUCKIN’ ON THE BORDER DAVID VILE contributors@bigrigs.com.au

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

NSW authorities must do better with rest areas TRUCKIN’ IN VICTORIA GRAHAM HARSANT contributors@bigrigs.com.au

WELCOME MESSAGE MARK BAILEY

Qld Minister for Transport and Main Roads

LEGAL CORNER SARAH MARINOVIC Armstrong Legal

I SPY ON THE ROAD ISPY@BIGRIGS.COM.AU

INSURANCE GURU MARK BROWN

Manager, TBI Insurance Services

TELEMATICS EXPERT SHANNON KYLE

Safety solutions specialist, Teletrac Navman

WOMEN IN TRANSPORT JACQUELENE BROTHERTON Chair of Transport Women Australia

THE OZ TRUCKER MIKE WILLIAMS contributors@bigrigs.com.au

LOBBYIST STEVE SHEARER

SA Road Transport Association Executive Director

The sh*t shovel hangs on a tree at a well-used rest area in Mount Boyce NSW.

EDITOR JAMES GRAHAM

james.graham@bigrigs.com.au

TWU NEWS

TWU NEWS RICHARDOLSEN OLSEN RICHARD TWU NSW State Secretary TWU NSW State Secretary

THE busy season has passed with the wheels still rolling after the most turbulent year in all our memories.

I’ve previously mentioned that we left 2020 with a promise in NSW of $398 million worth of “road and safety projects for the NSW Safer Roads Program”.

We are still looking at what some of that funding will actually produce, we know that rest areas for truck drivers is not on the list. The NSW and Federal Governments continue to do the bare minimum when it comes to the respectful treatment of truck driver needs at work.

Those needs are complex and varied and have been ignored by Government for too long. The TWU has been working with Monash University speaking to truck drivers about their health on the road.

From the 1400 drivers spo-

TASSIE TRUCKIN’ JON WALLIS contributors@bigrigs.com.au

ken, to we know you face long working hours, sedentary roles, poor nutrition, social isolation, shift work, time pressure, along with low levels of job control, and high levels of fatigue”.

LEGAL EAGLE The report ROWAN KING shows “there is Principal Lawyer RK Law for reform to an urgent need address and prevent poor mental and physical health among drivers who are under supply chain pressures.”.

The Governments misguided approach to transport industry and road funding means that many of these issues have still not been taken care of for critical transport workers.

Amidst the peak of the pandemic last year truck drivers reported to the TWU the disgusting situations they had to face at rest areas. Drivers know that there are some places you just would not want to pull up.

There are truck stops registered on the RMS website that are not truck stops. They are either inspection bays with no toilet facilities, or facilities with no soap, no identifying markers. What do you write in your logbook when you pull up at an unlabelled truck stop out the back of nowhere? How

do you find a truck stop that provides adequate facilities?

Other states are getting on with it. NSW is falling behind despite the number of heavy vehicle operators in the state.

In Tasmania as a part of its “Heavy Vehicle Driver Rest Area strategy” the State and Federal Governments committed $5 million to build five new rest areas and maintain 19 current sites.

The five new sites are to be finished by the end of this year. Also millions of dollars of Federal Government Funding have been committed to rest area improvements in Queensland and the Northern Territory.

The TWU is calling on the NSW Government and local councils to do better. A strategy must be put in place that actually ensures adequately provisioned rest areas across the state, proper maintenance of rest area facilities and provides the separation of Trucks and other road users in rest areas.

It is time for some serious consideration on how we go about saving lives and livelihoods in the transport industry.

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COLUMN 33

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VTA state conference set to take place in late March VTA COMMENT PETER ANDERSON CEO, Victorian Transport Association

AFTER 12 months of disruption to the Victorian Transport Association’s typically busy events, professional development, and networking calendar, I am thrilled to be able to confirm our annual state conference will be going ahead – in person – in March.

Unlike most peak transport industry groups, the VTA was fortunately able to host last year’s state conference, with the COVID-19 pandemic gathering speed just days after our event in the first week of March 2020.

Since then, all our interactions with members, supporters and other transport industry stakeholders have been online or remote, which can never really replace the impact and significance of getting together face-to-face for important discussions and inter-

The transport industry has responded exceptionally well to the many challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

actions. For this reason alone, I know many people from the industry are looking forward to reconnecting with customers and contacts, which is what conferences like ours are so important for facilitating.

Our theme for the conference this year is What’s in Front for the Transport Industry, and after a year like no other when lives have been ground to a halt and businesses upended the conference will be an invaluable forum for learning and hearing from industry experts on recovering from the pandemic and getting your

operation on the best possible footing for the year ahead.

Over two days from March 21-23 at Silverwater Resort, Phillip Island, the conference will gather experts from state and federal governments and oppositions, industry regulators, operators, suppliers, academics, and other experts for important discussions on the issues confronting freight and logistics.

Topics to be covered will include industrial relations, heavy vehicle transport law, human resources, safety, technology, infrastructure, educa-

tion, and training, with a distinct focus on the key changes and reforms confronting the freight logistics industry.

Heavy vehicle licensing reform, the cost of doing business, employment law, enforcement, and innovations to help operators run more efficient and productive businesses are just a handful of the key issues our speakers and presenters will cover off over a mixture of keynote presentations and panel sessions during the conference.

VTA state conferences are well-known for being content

rich, and this year promises to be no exception with around 35 speakers being confirmed to address delegates on numerous topics of great relevance to both freight and logistics operators and suppliers – we look forward to presenting the final program as speakers and content are finalised over the days and weeks ahead.

A trade exhibit featuring booths from transport industry goods and service providers will also form part of the conference, enabling delegates to catch up on the latest technology and innovations from the

leading suppliers of our industry. If you supply the freight and logistics sector with goods and services be sure to contact the VTA for further information about your business participating in the exhibit.

Another importance part of the conference are opportunities to make new contacts and reconnect with colleagues, customers, and others you likely haven’t seen for many months.

The networking and hospitality program over the two days provides ample opportunity to meet with fellow delegates during over lunch, dinner, and other informal sessions.

The transport industry has responded exceptionally well to the many challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

We have been instrumental in keeping Australians fed, fuelled, clothed and healthy during a period of significant disruption, and as an industry that is also pivotal to our national economic recovery, attending the state conference will help operators and their people learn about the latest technologies and trends in transport.

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34 COLUMN

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

No one understands your business like you do COST CUTTER CHET CLINE

AT THE WHEEL DAVID MEREDITH

AIR CTI founder/owner

contributors@bigrigs.com.au

WOMEN IN TRANSPORT TRANSPORT WOMEN IN JACQUELENE BROTHERTON JACQUELENE BROTHERTON Chair of Transport WomenWomen Australia Chair of Transport

Australia

AS we move through February and try to maintain our optimism for 2021 it has been made difficult by states still not cooperating on COVID-19 and closing borders with little warning, throwing plans into chaos, and separating families once again.

THE OZ TRUCKER Managing MIKE WILLIAMSour mental contributors@bigrigs.com.au health becomes of paramount importance, reaching out to friends and family not only to check if they are ok but to make sure you are ok.

I have often spoken about my struggles with depression and while I survived 2020 as I was able to keep working and concentrating on other projects, I am finding 2021 is not so easy to cope with.

I think the expectations I LOBBYIST had of SHEARER freedom were just too STEVE SA Road Transport Association high.

Executive Director As the coronavirus is a national issue, as I have discussed

on many occasions, it should be managed at a federal level.

Unfortunately, the federal government has given this power to the states and they do not seem to be able to cooperate for EDITOR the best GRAHAM outcome for all AustraJAMES james.graham@bigrigs.com.au lians.

One thing the coronavirus has shown is, the world has moved into a new way of working with many workers remaining working from home, some choosing to return to the office full time and many wanting to maintain the flexibility by combining both options.

Also, as many workers were TWU NEWS made redundant RICHARD OLSENand businessTWU NSW State Secretarymany decided es were closed, to use their own resources to turn their side hustles into a business or start a completely new business or become consultants.

We now see a plethora of new coaches offering their services for leadership, entrepreneurship, business coaching, branding and many others; before you go to the expense of hiring any type of coach or consultant, ensure that they understand you, your business and what you want to achieve.

Nobody understands your

TRUCKIN’ ON THE BORDER DAVID VILE contributors@bigrigs.com.au

TASSIE TRUCKIN’ JON WALLIS contributors@bigrigs.com.au

LEGAL EAGLE ROWAN KING

Principal Lawyer RK Law

Trying to maintain our optimism for 2021 has been made difficult by states still not cooperating on COVID-19 and closing borders with little warning.

business like you do and if you really concentrate on what you do well and focus on your strengths and hire good people to fill the gaps you do not really need anybody to coach you into your leadership roles.

Many businesses are persuaded to hire consultants to improve their businesses and unfortunately some consul-

tants know nothing or little about the industry that they are consulting in and the business is left poorer in money and management after the consultation is complete and the consultant has departed.

The alternative to this of course is to get a mentor within the business community that you operate in, someone who

understands the business, the industry and what works and what does not.

Most businesspeople are happy to assist others so long as they are not being taken advantage, when I was in business with my family and then alone, I was supported by various businessmen who were a wealth of information and they helped

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, TRUCKIES KEEP EVERYONE GOING. Transport operators across Australia rely on Shell Rimula oils to protect their equipment operating in Australia’s tough conditions.

Contact us on 1300 134 205 or visit Shell.com.au/Rimula to find out more about Shell Rimula and the range of transport lubricants.

me enormously.

Sometimes, the answer to your problem or issue is as close as your industry association or your personal or professional network.

Never underestimate who knows who, or who knows where to go for the answers in this amazing industry of transportation.

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5 2021

Make your voice heard ATA CHAIR DAVID SMITH Australian Trucking Association

IF you have ever wanted to make change within our industry or make your views heard, now is the time to do it.

Voter enrolments and candidate nominations for the 2021 ATA General Council election are now open – your opportunity to have your say at the ATA, in Parliament House, in government departments and at the regulator.

The Australian Trucking Association is not made up of ‘suits’ or big businesses.

We are joined by real trucking operators, dealing with real issues, providing real experience and real solutions.

People on the ground, running small and family businesses around the country to keep Australia supplied and connected.

Our industry is built on small businesses. 97 per cent of Australia’s 53,200 trucking businesses have fewer than 20 employees.

Of these, 28,900 are

TOGETHER WITH OUR OWNER DRIVER AND SMALL FLEET OPERATOR REPRESENTATIVES, THE ATA WILL CONTINUE TO REPRESENT THE HARDWORKING INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES THAT CALL OUR INDUSTRY HOME. DAVID SMITH

owner drivers, who do not employ staff at all. These businesses play a crucial role in our economy and the Australian way of life. It is vital they have a seat at the table and are given the fair opportunity to contribute on the issues that matter most.

Together with our owner driver and small fleet operator representatives, the ATA will continue to represent the hardworking individuals and businesses that call our industry home. We will ensure that everyone’s voice is heard loud and clear, and that everyone is accurately and fairly represented.

The ATA’s core priorities is to ensure our industry remain safe, professional, and viable. But we cannot do it

Easy to record work and rest

alone. We need input from Australia’s owner drivers and small fleet operators to ensure we can establish a sustainable future.

By working together with confidence and unity, we can push our message and make sure we are heard. We will break through to governments, the regulator and decision makers and get the results we need, because we have experience, passion, and commitment on our side.

The ATA delivers for our industry and our members, working with undeniable strength when we are united with a common goal.

This is the only way we can achieve our goals and how we, and our members, will grow and build strength together.

With the support of our industry and council, the power of the ATA is ever-growing. We will continue to represent a unified voice and work hard to deliver positive outcomes for the operators and staff in the Australian trucking industry.

Whether you choose to register as a voter or run for election, the ATA Election is a great opportunity to contribute to the trucking industry and the ATA’s direction.

COLUMN 35

You do not need to be in an ATA member association to vote and registering to vote is free.

You do not need to be in an ATA member association to vote and registering to vote is free.

Nominations and voter registrations close on February 18, 2021.

To find out more about

the 2021 ATA Election, enrol to vote or nominate as a candidate, head to www. truck.net.au/elections.

Colour-coded work and rest The ATA has pushed for safety-focused crash investigation.in real-time

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36 SPY ON THE ROAD

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Spare a thought for family

Our man with his ear to the ground shares the chatter from the roadhouses and the truckies he meets while travelling around Australia.

Wives’ similar safety concerns THE wives of a truckie and a police officer were yarning in a roadhouse eatery about a common angst they have regarding their husbands’ dangerous work.

They just hope and pray every time their partner leaves home that they will return safe and sound.

Truck drivers around Australia face many obstacles as they keep the country supplied.

Sub standard roads, over zealous enforcement, the actions of other motorists, no parking space at rest areas, and the loneliness of being away from home and missing important family events are just some.

In recent months there has been a spate of accidents in which cars have crossed lanes into the path of a truck with tragic results.

Even if the truckie doesn’t suffer life threatening injuries the anxiety of the other mo-

Mad over missing teeth ALL he wanted for Christmas were his two front teeth.

A middle-aged South Australian driver had a liberal sprinkling of amber fluid on Christmas Eve at his home when he got the hunger pangs.

So he ventured to the fridge and found some delicious ham off the bone which was frozen.

Alas. After munching into it one of his beloved front teeth broke and one next to it was severely chipped.

With some urgency our man phoned his dentist and much to his chagrin found the establishment was closed

until January 11.

So he wasn’t going to get his Christmas wish.

However in an upbeat mood due to his intake of alcohol he started singing the song “All I want for Christmas is Me Two Front Teeth” which was made famous by “the Chipmunks”.

Now this gent fancies himself as being a handsome type who cherishes his self confessed cool look.

So imagine when every time he smiled colleagues, family and friends noticed his missing fang and many were quick to remark.

“You look like Alfred E. Newman from Mad Magazine” was a common quip.

Alfred E. Neuman was the fictitious mascot and cover boy of the American humor magazine Mad who had a big gap between his front teeth.

To add to the humour at his expense his wife told him he looked like actor Terry Thomas who starred in the wonderful old movie “Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines”.

He also had a gap in his front teeth.

That went down like a lead balloon and he couldn’t wait to see his dentist to restore his looks and return his smile.

I can report the work has

Idyllic Scarborough Beach in WA.

been done and his looks have been restored.

Man’s best friend THE love of a pet dog helped a well-known road transport identity who suffers from diabetes and needs to inject insulin.

He was on holidays over the break at home with the mutt when he had a hypo incident during which his blood glucose dropped too low and he collapsed.

Aged in his late fifties, the man could have suffered serious medical complications and may have even died.

However he woke to find the cattle dog which obviously realized he was in danger scratching his face.

The scratch marks on his face are testimony to the incident.

Tasmania’s Midlands Highway where truckies have heard that a new roadhouse and weighbridge will be located.

A ring at last IT has taken 20 years but a Melbourne truckie has finally presented the love of his life with a ring.

Not a wedding ring, mind you which is what she would have preferred.

The couple who are aged in their early fifties have been together for two decades.

“She told me that seeing I won’t marry her the next best thing is to buy her a ring for

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Covid-19 dilemma A RESPECTED Tasmanian driver was heading to WA to see his truckie son when the visit had to be cancelled due to regulations surrounding this dreaded Covid-19.

“I was to have been in WA but it got canned when the premier over there deemed us to be Victorians because we were to be at Melbourne airport for two plus hours (but not leaving it). Yet if we were

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Truck lover’s punting plunge LOTS of drivers around the country who enjoy a punt often follow horses, pacers or greyhounds with road transport industry names.

Such was the case on January 12 when a galloper named Gottaluvtrucks was a starter in a 1600m race at Albury.

Spy got a call from one driver who advised him to have a few Oxford Scholars on Gottaluvtrucks which ended up being backed into favouritism at $3 for the win.

It had been a last start winner and loomed up in the straight but weakened slightly to finish fifth.

On this occasion Spy didn’t have time to slip down to the Tab for a bet which was good fortune.

However I reckon Gottaluvtrucks is worth following in the future.

New Tasmanian weighbridge and roadhouse THE “good oil” coming out of Tasmania is that a new roadhouse and nearby weighbridge will be built beside the Midlands or Heritage Highway between Launceston and Hobart.

That is the buzz from truckies which has found its way to old Spy and a potential location would be on the opposite side of the highway to the Epping Forest Roadhouse.

At this stage it is only a rumour which sometimes is a comment taken way out of context and added to as it spreads.

But there is also the old saying that “where there is smoke there is fire”.

I’ll keep you posted on any developments.

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the first time,” he told Spy. So he headed off to a jeweller and purchased a suitable ring which now holds pride of place on the lovely ladies finger.

I asked him was there a reason he didn’t want to take the next step and marry her.

“We are happy the way it is so why change it,” he said.

C

6930914aa

SPY ON THE ROAD WITH ALF WILSON

torists and/or their passengers being killed has a devastating effect.

The wives or husbands of police are in a similar predicament worrying that their partner may be killed or badly hurt carrying out his or her duties.

We know that many truckies and police don’t always get on considering that our drivers often receive heavy fines for minor breaches.

But they all would go to work expecting to be safe which is not always the case.

Please spare a thought for the wives of our truckies and cops every time you see one.

SPY ON THE ROAD 37

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5 2021

The unmarked police car behind the truck which had to pull over on a Bruce Highway bend.

travelling from Tasmania direct we would have been allowed to travel. I have put it off for a while and go will later in year when it is not so hot. Was a last minute thing when my son got some unexpected time off so he arranged it,” the veteran told Spy. He has decided to have the Covid-19 vaccine needle when it becomes available down in the Apple Isle.

Van gets a spray IT is common knowledge that many truck drivers and caravan travellers don’t always see eye to eye when travelling the highways and byways.

Spy heard of one incident where a grey nomad and his wife got a “spray” from two trucks but it wasn’t of the ver-

bal type - and definitely not classed as road rage.

The van couple were travelling behind two road trains transporting cattle along the 128km Miles to Taroom road.

“The urine from the stock in the trailers in front of us kept dropping out and sprayed all over our vehicle and van,” the grey nomad told Spy. But there was a sort of happy ending to the piddle shower as heavy rain washed it off.

Safety first for cops and truckie AT first sight from a distance along the Bruce Highway it appeared that an unmarked police car had pulled over a truck driver.

Spy was travelling on the national route about 28km south of Ingham around 1pm on January 10 and it was a quite Sunday afternoon.

But I saw the truck that had pulled over on a bend with a car parked behind it with flashing lights.

Red markers were behind them to advise motorists who travel the busy section to be cautious.

As I passed I saw it was an Alpine Fresh truck but it was too dangerous to pull up to check it out.

However before passing I did notice that the truck driver was attending to a tyre.

Just up the highway I spoke to another truckie who said he able to shed some light on the matter.

“The truck blew a tyre and the unmarked police car came along and parked behind it to let motorists know what was happening,” he told Spy. If this was the case it is surely a positive thing for relationships between our drivers and the boys in blue.

Not a toilet THERE is a little colourful building at a rest area beside the Bruce Highway near Rollingstone which looks like a public toilet.

Many people stop there hoping for a call of nature only to find it is locked and certainly is not a dunny.

A sign on the front reads “Share the road make it home” and the colours on the art makes it stand out like Dog’s you know what.

Spy stopped there also

If you are at an area where seagulls inhabit, look up so you don’t get a messy surprise.

A traffic cop on patrol as a truck passes. Wives of police and truckies worry about their safety.

thinking it was a loo and saw a truck driver appear from behind it after having a Jimmy Riddle out of view.

“This is a building which the scalies use when they set up an inspection station. But the rest area is good for trucks and has lots of space,” he said.

I reckon it must smell a bit when the road transport police turn up.

It looks like a toilet at a rest stop but is in fact a scalies building at a Rollingstone Rest Area.

Fall victim helped by truckies TWO truckies at a busy rest area were genuine good Samaritans after an elderly lady fell over.

They had stopped at the area where a mobile food van was and were enjoying a “dog’s eye with dead horse”.

This lady purchased a pie with sauce after them and was

walking over to a covered section to sit down.

But she lost her footing and had a nasty fall which prompted the two truckies to race over to assist.

They offered to call an ambulance but after a few minutes it was discovered the lady had lost some skin but was not seriously injured.

She thanked them for their concern and was told by a witness that others nearby had just looked on.

Spill from above SOME will tell you that anybody who has been fortunate to have bird poo fall on them from above will enjoy good luck.

A well-known road transport identity has been taking extra lotto tickets since he

was the victim of such an incident.

He was with his wife at Scarborough Beach which is a popular spot in WA. Without any warning a “gift” from the sky fell on his wife and he also received a sprinkling.

They looked up and found a seagull was the culprit as it no doubt searched for food scraps.

Interestingly when they phoned interstate relatives about the drop there was no laugh as they had expected.

One of the relations had also been the victim of a bird poo spray from a rainbow lorikeet.

Sidenote: Food trucks are one of the highlights of the Scarborough Sunset Markets which will run every Thursday night until April 29.

“Truckies working for Truckies”

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38 SOUTHERN SNIPPETS

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Pop-up convoy raises almost $15k

other night. This disruption did give her an opportunity however to rearrange the doilies on the dash and polish the rims.

SNIPPETS FROM THE SOUTH With JONATHAN WALLIS

Possible follow-up convoy FOLLOWING the successful pop-up Tasmanian Convoy for Kids, which was held on 29 November, it was a great pleasure to attend a small presentation ceremony at the Royal Hobart Hospital on December 4, 2020.

Emma Bygrave from the South East Sun’s Women’s Football Club and organiser of the convoy Rick Sutcliffe presented Clare Millar, the Community Relations Officer from the children’s ward of the Royal Hobart Hospital with an impressive cheque of

Community Relations Officer Clare Millar, Emma Bygrave from Southern Suns and Tassie Convoy organiser Rick Sutcliffe at the cheque presentation ceremony.

$14,688.10, which will go towards much-needed facilities for the ward.

The presentation of the cheque officially brought this innovative and spontaneous convoy to a close.

However, with the success of the event, Rick and Emma are looking at the possibility of again staging the Tasmanian Convoy for Kids and Sorell Truck Show this coming mid-winter – all things being safe and healthy at that time.

After being kept apart due to border closures, Mick brought his stuffed monkey along when he was reunited with Gail.

RIP Louis Bournias WE were sad to hear from our old mate, Peter Bournias from Adelaide who drives for GKR, that his father Louis Bournias passed away on 30 December 2020, and we would like to extend our

sympathy and condolences to all of his family. Louie was well known to the transport industry as ‘Big Lou’, and though he started life as a sailor from Chios, he drove taxis for a stint until becoming much better known and respected for his cheerful, gregarious and helpful personality in the many delis he went on to operate, especially those on Regency Road, Grand Junction Road and Tapley’s Hill Road, all regular stops for trucks in those days. He is always remembered for having a kind word for passing drivers. His genial personality and laugh will be greatly missed.

All in good fun COLIN Burford, who drives for Crofts Transport in

South Australia, tells us that the somewhat infamous (in the best possible way) Geoff Lobb has turned his faithful gumboot into a new cab-over Volvo.

In days gone by, Geoff delighted crowds, and particularly the children, at the Adelaide Convoys for Kids and the Gawler Truck Show with his sometimes outrageous, but always funny (to the point of hilarious), costumes.

Good luck Geoff! And from the always observant ‘Red Truck Lady’ who runs the daily changeovers from Adelaide to Nhill, well she tells us that the sudden closure of the NSW/Victoria border caused a small amount of disruption when she had to return from Nhill with only half a load in her B-double the

Missed wedding anniversary A certain lady from Narellan, in NSW, was getting really excited at the prospect of finally spending her first wedding anniversary together on 16 January with her well-known road train driver husband since they were married in 2010.

“Erin’s always been out halfway between Sydney and Darwin or some other remote outback places working, and then at the last moment, just when I thought he’d be home this time, bam, suddenly he’s now working again. Lesson learnt and silly of me for getting my hopes up I guess.”

On the good side we hear Erin now has a great new job, and it even includes a trip to Tasmania in the near future.

And best belated wishes for the wedding anniversary too Erin and Vicki.

Home at last WE have heard a certain lady in Muswellbrook was beginning to consider herself abandoned, as her bloke was in his road train out roaming the highways and many by-ways of Queensland, and unable to cross the border in his car to get home due to COVID restrictions.

Imagine her delight when the border closure was relaxed and they were finally able to recently re-unite, after what seemed an eternity apart. Mick even brought his stuffed pet monkey and companion, appropriately masked, along to meet Gail as well. He told us he has recently taken an interest in breeding chooks as well – but not at the ranch at Gulargambone.

DRIVER PROFILES 39

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5 2021

Tassie Truckin’ Adam Johnston IT was a pleasure to catch up with Adam Johnston from Ulverstone when we dropped in to the Caltex at Kempton for fuel and a bite to eat heading north.

Adam is one of those cheerful drivers from RBA Linehaul.

He was driving an RBA 2004 Mack Magnum, with a 600 ISX Cummins up front and carrying a fridge pan loaded with produce. He was on his return leg from Hobart to Devonport to put the pan on board the Spirit of Tasmania to Melbourne.

“I’ve been here for a bit over 12 months now and it’s really a great job and Bruce is a top boss, who really knows the job from the bottom up, and all that’s involved in it, and he has a great friendly crew of blokes here and they are an all-round pleasure to work with as well,” he said.

Garry Ackerley

“I have been out on the road all up for a bit over a couple of years now. I started out on the big island where I spent six months or so driving drill rigs and floats in Western Australia before coming down to Tassie, and I’d have to say I really prefer driving and living in Tasmania.”

John Wells THOUGH you’ll usually find him towing a tilt tray, it wasn’t the case when we stopped to chat with John Wells from Launceston.

“Today you have caught me with a tri-axle drop deck trailer loaded with a boom lift and general freight on the back, on my return leg from Hobart to Launceston,’ he said” John was driving his 2014 TasStar (previously Kellara Transport) 460 FM Volvo and told us he has been with the company for 18 good months.

“Ken is a great boss and he runs really good gear, like this Volvo, and as a result they are a great crowd to work with. Speaking for myself I couldn’t be happier. I’ve been on the road, all up, for about three years, and I can’t

with Jonathan Wallis

complain. Previously I had a background in the fuel business, now I am enjoying getting out of the city and out in the fresh air and on the open

We asked him how he spent his time off, and he replied, “I really look forward to taking my Soft Tail Harley Davidson out for a ride, and when I get an opportunity, enjoy camping and four-wheel driving and dirt bikes too, all the outdoor stuff that is so easy to access in Tassie whenever I get the chance.”

road, enjoying both the freedom and the ever-changing scenery.”

In his spare time, he enjoys chilling and going camping.

WHEN Garry Ackerley from New Norfolk stopped for a break, the schmick Scott William’s 2014 Kenworth K200, with an ISX E-5 up front and towing a fridge pan, instantly caught our eye.

He told us he had started out his day picking up a load of cherries from Plenty and then Huonville, then took them up to Devonport to catch the TT Line ferry to Melbourne’s markets, and was now on his way home to New Norfolk again.

“Scott called me out of retirement to give him a hand with the cherries this time.

I have been on the road for about 39 years now, but I sort of semi-retired six years ago, but I find myself coming out to help out whenever I am required, and I must admit, I still enjoy getting

back out on the road from time to time. So, I guess you could say I’m happy, and it’s all good out here just now, es-

Kerry Fazackerley KERRY Fazackerley from Hobart had just rolled in, driving a Monson Logistics 2020 Iveco 56065 Series II Stralis, towing a B-double. He was on his return leg from Burnie to Hobart at the time and had two containers on board.

He was very much looking forward to knocking off for the day, as his day starts early – at 4.30am.

Kerry has been with Monson for the past three years and said it’s a good outfit that looks after him – and he likes the Stralis too.

“I’ve been on the road for 15 years now, as I was a late starter. Previously I worked in the salmon industry, and then I found a job driving, and once I got out on the open road, my mind was made up. My only regret is that it took me so long to find my way into

driving,” he said.

“By the way, we were delighted to see Big Rigs back in the good truck stops and venues, it is always a great read and we really missed it when it disappeared a bit back.”

Though he doesn’t get to

pecially in this weather.” He added that his time off was spent doing “this and that” but mostly taking it easy.

have a lot of time off, when he does have spare time, Kerry likes to spend it with his family. “Especially our two new grandsons, Billy at 14 months, and Jay who is now aged three.

They give us so much joy and they make it all worthwhile.”

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COLUMNS 87

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY JUNE 26 2020

40 PUZZLES

Sad day for all in transport

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE 3

7 8 9 10 11

Fill the grid so every column, every row and 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

SUDOKU

THIS article is the ending of an era for the transport industry with the demise of this magazine the restruc14 15 under 16 ture and rationalisation of News Corp.

It is a sad day for all of us in the 19 industry as Big Rigs maga20 zine has been a part of our lives for almost 30 years.

For some, their entire careers so far.

22 It will leave huge gap as the editors and staff have supported the industry, provided fair and rational debate and given everyone a fair say in industry doings to all, as well as stories, pictures and news of our peoEASY ple, our trucks and our unsung heroes.

Our lives will be the poorer for its demise; being a columnist for Big Rigs for the past year and half has allowed me to fulfil yet another childhood dream, to write, and it has given me great pleasure and I hope it has at least been enjoyed by some.

While so many are focused on the negatives of the industry, I have tried to focus on the

4

5

Across

6

positives aspects or those issues about which I am most passionate and have a chance of making a contribution to change.

I began writing column when I was returned as Transport Women Australia Limited chair in 12November 2017.

In the interim, TWAL has had many successes and achievements.

It has expanded 17 the relationship with Girl Guides Australia 18 and been involved with several successful projects with them, the Victorian Snoozefest in April 2018, the “Great Bag Migration” for the Interna21 tional Jamboree in Sydney in October 2018 and other interactions that are expanding the knowledge of the transport industry.23 We launched the Women Driving Transport Careers initiative with our partners Wodonga TAFE and Volvo Group at the 2018 TWAL Creating Connections conference.

This initiative has been in hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic but all partners are excited to move forward to expand the program as soon as possible.

We held a well attended and exciting conference in May 2018 and we have plans in place with the date saved and venue booked for our Driving the Difference 2021 conference

1 What is a large New†World vulture called (6) 7 Name a spine-bearing mammal (8) 8 Which skin marking is difficult to remove (6) 9 Name a region in Croatia along the east coast of the Adriatic (8) 10 What is a trite, stereotyped expression (6) 11 Which term describes malicious injury to work, tools, etc (8) 14 Which people rob houses (8) 18 What is a pendent tapering mass of ice (6) 19 Name an alternative term for marriage (8) 21 Which colour lies between blue and violet in the spectrum (6) 22 Which ocean lies to the west of southern Africa (8) 23 Name another term for summits (6)

13

6 Which day follows Christmas Day (6) 12 Name an early Roman large rectangular building, used as a meeting place (8) 13 What do we call sovereigns of empires (8) 15 What are emotional disturbances (6) 16 To be spherical, is to be what (6) 17 What, in golf, is a score of one stroke under par on a hole (6) 20 Name the area on which a building is to be situated (4)

Down

1 What is an underground cemetery called (8) 2 To discover a presence, is to do what (6) 3 What was the former name of Zimbabwe (8) 4 What is a false god, as of a heathen people (4) 5 Which term describes one who possesses mere book learning without practical wisdom (6)

C A T A C O M B

O N D O R I E H E D O A T T O O E D A L L I C H E T S A B I A U R G L A R S P L I E S P O U S A L E B I I A T L A N T I C S L E A

P B G E H O G D X M A T I A N N O T A G E M B P C I C L E R R N D I G O I R P E X E S

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Across: 1 Condor, 7 Hedgehog, 8 Tattoo, 9 Dalmatia, 10 Cliche, 11 Sabotage, 14 Burglars, 18 Icicle, 19 Espousal, 21 Indigo, 22 Atlantic, 23 Apexes.

2

Down: 1 Catacomb, 2 Detect, 3 Rhodesia, 4 Idol, 5 Pedant, 6 Boxing, 12 Basilica, 13 Emperors, 15 Upsets, 16 Global, 17 Birdie, 20 Site.

1

CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS: Jacquelene Brotherton (far right) enjoys a night of celebration at a Transport Women Limited event with (from left) Rachel Hesse, Paul Fleiszig and Coralie Chapman.

Picture: Contributed

1 2 3 in Melbourne.

In November 2019 we celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the organisation 9 (TWAL) with a fabulous gala dinner at The Windsor Melbourne where we also presented 12 our first four winners of the Driving the Difference scholarships with our amazing sponsor, Daimler Truck and Bus Asia Pacific.

We also presented the inaugural Trish Pickering Mem-

15

4 by the 5 orial Award, sponsored wonderful Wes Pickering.

This was awarded for longterm outstanding 10 contribution 11 by a female to the road transport industry, the inaugural winner was Pam McMillan the 13 longest serving director and chair of Transport Women Australia Limited.

14 This is an annual award and the recipient of the 2020 Trish Pickering Memorial Award 16

17

7 8later this will6 be announced year at an event still to be determined.

We have also launched our Learning Initiatives Breakfast Series with several partners so far, including NTI, MOVE BANK and rt health.

In early 2020 the Creating Connections Mentoring program was finally ready to commence with both mentors and mentees signing up to the pro-

Across

gram.

1 I would Male deer like to thank the 4

Landteam measures (imp)Rigs fantastic at Big 9 Bricksfor trough newspaper their incredible support and wish them on11 Wander going success.

12 Build that 13I hope So be it I get the opportunity to continue to work with 14 Sell some of them and so work to15 Meat dishthe trucking inwards making 19

Silly dustry a better appreciated, 21 aCompany cattle and safer placeoffor our peo25 Greedy ple.

26 28 29 30 31

Worship Tumbled Outfit Woody plants Precious stones

18 19 20 played their parts Fighting to end the inequality: Big Rigs and TWU HARD

E V E R

R I L E

S T A G A C R S R O H O D A M E R E C T P A V E D T R I P E I N A N E D G V A D O D N K L E S G E

B R E I T M S E V E N

S E N D S

HARD

26

31

industry as dry as they can.

They want operators to meet their unrealistic deadlines and take on more freight for less or they face the risk of

MOORE TRAILERS

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24 and losing their contracts the ability to support their families.

It appears 27the government does not care.

There are unsafe vehicles, dodgy 29 licences, poor payment times, wage and superannuation theft – just a few of the many things we have called for to be stopped.

A reminder to governments and the transport industry clients: the industry that has kept Australia moving during the pandemic is facing an uphill battle.

Employer groups should be standing alongside transport workers to unite for a safer and fairer industry.

QUICK CROSSWORD Across: 1 Stag, 4 Acres, 9 Hod, 11 Rove, 12 Erect, 13 Amen, 14 Vend, 15 Tripe, 19 Inane, 21 Herd, 25 Avid, 26 Adore, 28 Fell, 29 Kit, 30 Trees, 31 Gems.

S H A F T

EASY

23 policy that21 should 22 be keeping safe one of the most dangerous industries in Australia.

To quote 25one truck driver turned Australian senator, Glenn Sterle, “a death at work or on the road 28 should not be the price of doing business”.

The TWU puts it to governments that30 we must stop the inequality that exists between truck drivers and clients.

Drivers must be paid proper rates, owner-drivers must be able to trust they will be paid properly for the work they do and on time. Families depend on this.

Many of the ongoing problems that occur are down to the big clients squeezing our

Down: 1 Shed, 2 Tor, 3 Adept, 5 Craven, 6 Rome, 7 Even, 8 Sends, 10 Stain, 16 Riddle, 17 Pagan, 18 Shaft, 20 Evoke, 22 Ever, 23 Rile, 24 Bets, 27 Rim.

THIS is the end of an era, the last TWU column in the trusted transport industry publication Big Rigs.

Over the years the TWU and Big Rigs have played their parts in the role of keeping the top end of town accountable and doing our bit to look out for the rights of the little guy.

It’s still about the voice that speaks out for the truck driver,

the owner and the employee.

It’s been the voice that calls out for fair pay for the work you do, for safety in the drivers’ cab and on the road, the voice that seeks to relieve the pressure on the driver pushed by clients’ incessant cries for increased productivity for the same rates and conditions.

It is obvious we still have a long way to go – we have been through countless road, freight and transport ministers and nothing changes.

Truck drivers are still dying at work.

It’s a pretty safe bet to say this is due to the lack of strong government policy in place,

A final reminder to all Big Down Rigs readers: now is the time to unite, now is 1 Cast offthe time to ensure equality in this industry.

2 Hill we can stand on 3 Together Proficient common ground working to 5 Cowardly ensure the government contin6 toEternal ues supportcity transport work7 and Levelthe industry they ers 8 Transmits support.

TWU will continue to 10The Dye voice the needs of transport 16 Enigma workers to the employers, 17 Heathen their industry bodies and the 18 Beam clients.

20Better Call standards up mean job 22 At all security andtimes ultimately a safer 23 fairer Annoy and industry for all. can lift the standards we 24We Wagers need together – our lives de27 Edge pend on it.

More Trailer For Your Money

EXPERT ADVICE 41

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5 2021

What are Uninsured Losses and what do they cost?

INSURANCE GURU. MANAGER, TBI INSURANCE SERVICES Mark Brown

A great question and it will come with an answer that every operator should consider very carefully.

Uninsured losses are many are varied and with every business, the loss circumstances are different. As always our comments are general in nature and you will need to consider your own personal circumstances and seek your own independent advice before making any decisions For the purpose of this exercise we will limit the discussion to some of the uninsured losses after a Commercial Motor vehicle accident.

Basically, an uninsured loss is your out-of-pocket cost of a claim. These costs can be debilitating to any business and could very well lead to the ultimate demise of a business.

If you are not familiar with the term Uninsured Loss, you should make yourself familiar, because an uninsured loss has the potential to be the biggest cost to your business after an accident.

You should try to be proactive and take the necessary steps to minimise the losses to your business after an accident because your insurance will only cover a portion of your losses. It is up to you to minimise any further losses.

The most common and usually the most costly Uninsured Losses would be: Lost Revenue/Income - If you have had an accident and your truck or trailer or both are off the road to be repaired.

You need to be realistic when major damage has occurred and you should allow, at the very minimum, 5-6 weeks before you can expect get your

You need to be realistic when major damage has occurred.

truck or trailer back. Repairers are just as busy as you are, so they won’t be just sitting around waiting for you to turn up, then stop repairing someone else’s truck to jump into repairing your truck because you need it in a hurry, so allow a minimum of 5-6 weeks.

One of your main goals should be to keep the cash flow going (revenue/Income).

To do so, you may need to hire or loan another truck/ trailer to continue working whilst your vehicle is being repaired. Yes, it will cost you, however it will allow you to keep the business operating and the cash flowing.

Consider your average weekly revenue/turnover was $8,000 per week x 6 weeks off the road equates to $48,000 of Lost Revenue – Uninsured Loss.

Excess – this is the amount that you must contribute to a claim, the standard Excess

is usually 1% of the sum insured of each item with a minimum of $1000-1250 per item. However if you have elected to have a higher Excess or have had on imposed on you because of previous claims you Excess Losses can be very costly, for example if a B-double is involved in accident and the prime mover & both trailers are damaged and a Standard Excess of $1000 was applied it would Total $3,000. However if you have had a $5000 Excess applied to your policy you may be up for $15,000 of Uninsured Loss.

Clients – your clients are another good reason to keep your business operating, instead of sitting on your hands waiting for you truck to be repaired. Just because you have stopped because of a claim, doesn’t mean your customers have. They may start looking elsewhere if you don’t continue to provide them service, if they move on that’s another

Uninsured Loss.

Reputation – Your business is built on your reputation and that reputation will take a bit of a hit if you have an accident and depending on the circumstances of an accident, some customers may not wish to have an association with you afterwards. You will need to defend your reputation and/or rebuild it, that’s another Uninsured Loss.

On that subject, it is never a good idea to post photos of accidents on social media or the news. It is hard enough trying to improve our industries image with the general public, to have it torn down by photos provided from those within the industry.

Employees – may decide to leave after an accident, if they do, the cost to pay them out and then advertise, rehire and train another operator is another Uninsured Loss.

Tools/Equipment – Chains, dogs, tarps, load

binders, angles, gates, mechanical tools, spares (turbos, belts etc) timber blocks, pogo sticks, plywood, fire extinguishers, tool boxes.

Accessories (Bling) – hub caps, lights, radios, sun visors, murals.

Finance Payouts – the difference between what you have insured your vehicles for and the amount you owe on finance can be substantial.

The best way to minimise your losses is to be pro-active, firstly by discussing with your broker ways in which this can be done. Some simple ways are to include Business Interruption cover on your commercial motor policy, a Commercial Motor Business interruption option on your policy may provide you with a cash payment in which you could utilise to help pay the cost of hire.

If a Third Party is proven to be At Fault in an accident, you should always seek to re-

cover your Uninsured losses from them, to do so, you will need to keep and accurate record of all related expenses and receipts, however, it will be expected that your will have taken the necessary steps to help minimise your loses.

Important: All answers and information contained within this article should be considered as General Advice Only.

This advice should only be considered as General in Nature and its intent is only to prompt the readers to investigate their own individual insurances.

It has been prepared without taking into account the readers own individual objectives, financial situation or needs.

Because of that, before acting on the above advice, the client or any persons should consider its appropriateness (having regard to their objectives, needs and financial situation) and seek further independent advice from their own financial advisor.

42 CAREERS AND TRAINING

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Paving the way for a career in transport and logistics

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

A pilot program that began in early 2020 is paving the way for unemployed youth to begin a career in the transport and logistics industry.

Since the Jobs in Logistics PaTH Program was launched in WA by the Western Roads Federation (WRF), in partnership with Training Course Experts, 79 young people have completed the program.

“The program puts unemployed youth aged between 17 and 24 through a 12 week program, where they receive all of their training qualifications, including things like fork lift and load restraint. They then go on to two weeks of paid job placement,” said Cam Dumesny, Executive Officer at WRF. “From an industry perspective, it really gave an entry pathway into the industry. It has been extremely successful and that’s what our industry needs. Around 75% of the program’s par-

After completing the Jobs in logistics PaTH Program, Timothy Willsher (18) secured a job at Macknsons.

ticipants were offered jobs by the companies which had taken them on as interns.”

Among these was sensitive freight business Macknsons. Four people from the program have completed internships at Macknsons, with two of them taken on as permanent employees.

Ebenezer Joseph (21) has now been with Macknsons a little over 12 months, and Timothy Willsher (18) was offered a job just before Christmas.

Macknsons operates two depots, one in Perth and one in the Pilbara, and a fleet of nine trucks. It specialises in storing, maintaining and moving sensitive equipment across WA. When Macknsons became aware of the Jobs in Logistics PaTH Program, it was quick to jump on board.

“A lot of the traditional pathways into the industry are no longer available, so when we became aware of the initiative, we got in touch with WRF,” said Peter McDougall, at Macknsons.

“We haven’t been involved in these sorts of

programs before because like a lot of businesses, we didn’t know about them. It’s such a great way to bring in young people and I place a high value on having junior members in the team. Everyone talks about wanting experienced people, but we need to have the juniors too.

This gives them a pathway in and they can build a life around it – it’s long term.”

And according to McDougall, both new recruits have settled in really well. “The program gives you a chance to try before you buy. It’s an efficient, effective way of introducing and growing your human resources, which is one of the trickiest parts of our jobs, yet also the most important.

You can buy the best trucks and equipment, but you can’t just go out and place an order for 10 of the best the best people.”

Despite its success, government funding for the program is beginning to dry up. “Unfortunately, the funding might not continue beyond June,” Dumesny added.

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CAREERS AND TRAINING 43

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5 2021

Bridging the gender gap at Ipswich City Council

IN a pool of 49 truck drivers at Ipswich City Council, Belinda Janson is currently the only female, but the council is looking to change that. A new employment program aims to bring more female recruits into the council’s truck driving roles.

Last year, the Ipswich City Council applied for an exemption under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (QLD) so it could target women to fill more of its truck driving positions. That exemption was granted, allowing the council to work towards hiring more women as waste services truck drivers and assist them in gaining their Heavy Rigid (HR) licences.

The move was welcomed

by Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding. “Just like our industry colleagues, we want to attract the best people for the job. This includes recruiting and supporting all members of our community who are interested in working in traditionally male dominated industries,” she said.

“Council’s workforce should reflect the wider Ips-

Belinda Janson joined the Ipswich City Council as a Resource Recovery driver late last year.

wich community and creating pathways for more women to become drivers in our waste truck fleet will support this. Having more balanced

driving crews makes good economic sense, enables employment growth and leads to productivity and social gains.”

ROAD TRAIN LIVESTOCK DRIVERS – 2021 SEASON Road Trains of Australia (RTA) Pty Ltd is the largest privately owned livestock transporter in Australia and services the top half of Australia with its fleet of Kenworth, Western Star and Mack Titan Trucks hauling along most regional and remote roads. The Company’s long-haul work ranges from delivery of cattle to port for live export to fuel cartage.

RTA is seeking expressions of interest for casual & fulltime experienced livestock transport drivers for its 2021 season in WA, NT & QLD. Duties include, but are not limited to: • Completing daily pre-start checks.

• Driving to a safe and professional standard.

• Handling and managing sheep and cattle safely.

• Completing paperwork including logbooks and trip sheets satisfactorily.

• Complying with all company policies & procedures.

• Complying with the Chain of Responsibility.

Applicants must be able to provide: • A valid MC driver’s licence.

• Willingness to undertake and clear full Medical & drug & alcohol fitness assessment.

• Provide Rights to work in Australia.

• Willingness to undertake and clear Commercial Vehicle Drivers Fatigue Online Assessment & Commercial Driver Fitness Assessment.

For more information and to express your interest for the 2021 season please send your application to hr@rta.net.au. Your application must include a detailed cover letter outlining your motivations for this position, what state/s you would be interested in (WA, NT, QLD) and an updated resume.

RTA encourages and values diversity and inclusion. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

A truckie for the past 15 or so years, Janson joined the council in November 2020.

“I’ve been driving trucks as far back as I can remem-

ber. My grandfather was a truckie, so when I wasn’t at school, I was out with him in the truck whenever I got the chance. He had a couri-

er business in a small town and would go into the city to pick everything up for the town. When I would see him driving away in the old Road Ranger, I knew it was something I wanted to do. I also helped out with the basic maintenance on his truck, so he taught me all of that too,” she said.

As a Resource Recovery driver, Janson now drives a side arm waste truck, collecting garbage and recycling from within the municipality. When she saw the role advertised, she said it was the work/life balance that really attracted her.

“Everybody here has been fantastic. They treat me no different to any other driver.

We all help each other out, so it’s a real team effort,” she said.

Asked about her thoughts on the council’s efforts to attract more women into its truck driving roles, she said, “I think it’s fabulous. The more female drivers we can get out there in the industry, the better. If they can do it, I think they should give it a crack.”

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