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February 1, 2013 — EDITION 2
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THE BEST OF THE LIGHT RIGS – FROM PAGE 23
Doug lends a helping hand
TRUCKIE’S TRUE COLOURS
Page 9
March 28, 2014 — EDITION 6
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Tuff trailers built with passion
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Roothy’s Low Range inside
Tieman needs your support
Pages 16-17
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Page 17
Page 11
DANGEROUS PROFESSION
MURRAY Strike shows off his Aussie pride on the outside of his Kenworth T401. Others have tattooed flags and Made in Australia icons on themselves. No matter where you looked this Australia Day you saw true blue Aussies out on the roads working to supply the nation. Find fair dinkum stories about Aussie truckies pages 6-7.
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Friday, August 28, 2015 — EDITION 17
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Friday, September 23, 2016 — EDITION 19
Bluedog takes on Variety Bash
New N Series takes light duty higher
Page 2
Page 10
Read about how Caltex trains its drivers to be the best tanker operators in the country, page 6
Givin’ it a red hot go
The night of 69... Rad’
“Pretty soon I was ordering parts and picking up purchase orders. “Even then I hadn’t considered a career driving.” CONTINUED PAGE 6
TRUCKING industry icons Gary and Steve Radford can’t believe they’ve been honoured at this year’s Road Transport Hall of Fame. The humble icons of the transport industry, and now award recipients, were recognised
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along with 69 new people added to the Wall of Fame.
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May 27, 2011 — EDITION 11
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NTC urges for reform
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PLUS
June 22, 2012 — EDITION 22
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Doing it for the kids
JOE’S RIG IS RARE ART
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Light Force comp - page 38
Meet Mack the Transporter at the Perth Truck Show... Pages 19 to 43
NEW K200 STARS
Stars and truckies unite in effort to support Starlight Foundation - page 7
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Haulage fleet two weeks ago and so far Deen has been impressed. ■ Full story page 6.
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Powerlines were lifted to make way for the oversized mining equipment. The big rig joined the Mactrans Heavy
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The Kenworth prime mover was tasked with pulling a drilling rig to the Port of Brisbane, under escort.
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executives and industry experts responsible for major fleet management in the road freight transport business. The result is an indicator that Big Rigs is popular with men and women working as drivers, equipment suppliers and servicing the industry, and their families, as well as a major influence on the decision makers of big companies. “Coming into our 20th year, we
truly are a publication that represents the industry as a whole, and the secret of our success is making every edition better than the last, with a great team of writers backed up with equally great sales staff, all looking out for the interests of the transport industry,” he said. “We have retained a mix of well seasoned contributors across the country, including Alf Wilson, Jonathan Wallis and Steve Morris,
YOU could say Joe Pega loves his toys. He’s customised his 604 Kenworth to the max and has the matching speed boat and jet ski to go with it. Joe’s been in the custom game for a while and owns his own custom motorbike business in Victoria. He’s even judged a bunch of shows so when it came to kitting out his own show beauty he grabbed his mates and put in extra effort adding hand crafted pieces. Joe unleashed his creativity on this one and it has paid off with a swag of prizes at his first truck show.
as well as injecting new life into the publication by including writers and columnist such as Chris Blanchard, Michelle Peden, Graham Cotter, Graham Harsant, David Meredith and cartoonist Ryan Lee-Taylor. “The mix of writers has strengthened the appeal of Big Rigs by offering readers and advertisers a quality product that includes driver profiles, the latest To Page 2
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Kool and Kustom poster P28-29
UNIQUE: Joe Pega's Kenworth Unleashed has so many added features its hard to know where to look.
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Dubbed the green UFO, the truck attracts a lot of attention driving down the highway at night with it’s green accent lights. Don’t worry about those cobwebs there’s no spiders hanging around, the handmade webs are another detail that Joe added. The cobweb theme has been around for a while Joe used it in his custom bike business and you’ll find cobweb details all over the truck, just like they’re all around his business. ■ Read more about Joe’s truck in our Kool and Kustom feature page 23.
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OVERSIZE RIG: Chris Deen’s new K200 pulls a drilling rig to the Port of Brisbane on it’s first run out of the shop. BY THE light of the stars, Chris Deen’s new K200 was put through its paces last week.
“The Big Rigs’ team would like to thank all our readers and advertisers for helping us to the number one position,” Chris said. “A year-and-a-half ago we promised our readers and advertisers we’d be lifting our quality and profile in the market and building on the great work of previous editors and sales managers, and this survey result is the proof.” The survey questioned
Friday, July 29, 2016 — EDITION 15
Custom kings unleashed in Kool and Kustom feature from pages 21-36
Big Rigs is a cut above AN INDEPENDENT survey by leading market research consultancy ACA Research has placed APN’s Big Rigs National Road Transport Newspaper as the number one ranked – most read – road transport publication in Australia. Editor Chris Smith said the number one position represented the publication’s presence in the market place and was well deserved.
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July 22, 2011 — EDITION 15
Albanese on Carbon Tax Page – 16
GRAFTON TRUCKING WEEKEND PAGES 18-19
Drake Trailers colouring comp winners – Page 35
More work needed for NHVL – Page 5
– Page 4
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industry. Chloe hails from Mackay and the 25-year-old has worked in the transport industry since the tender age of 18. “I started off in the office and I was a workshop assistant,” Chloe said.
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Chloe was named NatRoad’s Young Driver of the Year at the conference in Brisbane recently. A deserving and somewhat fitting win at a conference with the theme perception versus reality in the transport
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IF YOU saw Chloe Rimmington in the street, what would your first impression be? Most would have a hard time believing this quirky chick from North Queensland drives trucks for a living.
INSIDE: Tips to keep your cool this summer. See pages 23-29
INSIDE: Massive Melbourne Truck Show feature starts page 27.
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HOT WORK: QFRS officers put out a simulated fuel tanker fire at the Caltex refinery training facility. BELOW LEFT: Caltex Driver of the Year Greg Quick, Transport Specialist Greg Royston and Driver Brian Smith, BELOW RIGHT: Driver of the year Greg Quick checks on a survivor in a simulated crash.
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Friday, August 26, 2016 — EDITION 17
Dave drives away in his new Mack for a year
Gary’s widow talks of heart attack risks on the road
Page 5
Page 16
ROADS AHEAD: Freightliner have launched the world’s first autonomously driving truck to get a licence allowing it to drive on a public road.
Crowds come out to see 150 trucks go by TRUCKS of all makes and sizes came to the CBD in a convoy as part of the Casino Truck Show, much to the enjoyment of the many spectators who lined the streets to watch the parade. More than 3000 people came to check out more than 150 rigs parked in the Casino CBD at the 2016 North Coast Petroleum Casino Truck Show on August 6. Behind each truck there is often a story and a purpose and that was definitely the case for the Wallace family of Ballina (pictured).
The future of trucking Significant benchmark for global transport industry with launch of self-driving truck: P6
CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
INSIDE: 12 page Roothy’s Low Range feature. See pages 17-27
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Friday, January 30, 2015 — EDITION 2
‘No doubt’ satellite phone could have saved Clayton THERE’S “no doubt” in TWU WA assistant secretary Paul Aslan’s mind that a satellite phone, or an EPIRB, would have saved the life of truckie Clayton Miller recently. Miller, 39, (pictured) was found dead on January 16, about 100km
north-west of Meekatharra. The West Australian reported that the father was found on a remote Mid West roadside and he had left his bogged truck and walked about 20km in 46 degree heat. He was most likely looking for
help. The incident is being investigated, but it is understood that he was delivering water tanks to a remote station for Tanks West and did not have access to emergency locating equipment. ■ READ MORE ON PAGE 10.
INSIDE: Lift-out your Industry Pride guide to win $2500, page 21
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Friday, August 1, 2014 — EDITION 15
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TESTED: Volvo gave journalists the chance to test drive their new FM, FMX and FE models in Victoria. Photo Contributed
Truck loads of safety Volvo’s new models power into the future , full story page 9. INSIDE: Check out our Light Rigs feature. Starts page 29.
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May 25, 2012 — EDITION 10
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Old trucks hit the highway was 1 degree. At least it wasn’t belting down rain as the forecast had been telling us for the past week. We were going to meet up with a bunch of blokes and their trucks, all of which were 25 years or older, to do a cruise up the Old Hume
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Friday, May 24, 2013 — EDITION 10
Hwy to Albury. Last year the first Crawlin’ the Hume was initiated by the West Sydney Truck Club, running from Casula to Yass. Rob French and Roger (Slasha) Marchetti of the American Truck Historical
Truckworks bringing Peterbilt muscle to Oz: Story P27
WESTERN Star staff could not wipe the smiles off their faces at the Brisbane Truck Show last week. Their 4900FXC, called Aussie 1, was named Truck of the Show at a cocktail party on Thursday night. Kitted out with stainless features all around, this truck flew the Aussie flag at the Mid-America truck show earlier this year. It has Aussie detailing, including illuminated kangaroos, a crocodile etched into the rear ice pack and road train signs. There’s even a Western Star 30th anniversary decal that features a graphic of Australia. Aussie 1 was polished to the max and probably one of the most photographed trucks at the truck show.
To Page 6
October 28, 2011 — EDITION 22
QTA AWARD WINNERS P6|AMERICAN IRON P10|SIGN OF THE TIMES P3
SHINING STAR WINS AT SHOW
HISTORY’S FINEST GRAHAM HARSANT
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OUR MASSIVE LIGHT RIGS FEATURE – STARTS PAGE 17
IT’S 6AM on the Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend and we were driving up through Christmas Hills out of Yarra Glen on our way to the Ford factory at Broadmeadows on Melbourne’s northern fringe. The outside temp
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■ See page 40 for the full story. ■ Pages 41-44 have more show coverage. ■ A full wrap-up will be in the next edition of Big Rigs.
TRUCK ENVY: A shining Aussie 1 was awarded Truck of the Show bragging rights in Brisbane last week.
INSIDE: We talk to Transpacific CEO Kevin Campbell: P10-11 It’s hard to steer! I need more lock!
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2020
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Friday, March 25, 2016 — EDITION 6
August 31, 2012 — EDITION 17
LOOKING FOR A LIGHTER RIG? SEE PAGES 25-36
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Win with our selfies comp
Angry owner drivers upset over RSRT
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DRIVERS ARE IN NEED, SO START TRAININ’
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020
2020-21 BUDGET TIPS FOR TRUCKIES
Friday, January 31, 2014 — EDITION 2
Laurie Read’s Inter-difference Pages 44-45
Page 5
THIS year’s heavy vehicle road toll looks set to exceed 2011 figures. During 2011, 212 people died from fatal crashes involving heavy trucks. So far this year figures obtained from Big Rigs show there have been 180 deaths – heavy vehicle related fatalities figures of all states combined. Some of the data is up to date as of July this year, some goes as far as August – but the figures may change as reporting of heavy vehicle related deaths can be a long process. Based on Queensland statistics this year has seen 10 more deaths than up to the same period last year, New South Wales has had 19 more. ■ Why? Are pressures on drivers the cause, or is it training? See pages 4-5 and 7 for more coverage. ■ Pages 9-10 More on the Truckies Danger Money campaign.
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PHOTO: CLINTON COX
Heather to take on the training task Page 11
generous spirit First Kelsey Moloney Beyond Blue convoy raises $15,000 Story pages 2-3.
Heywood truck show big bangers Page 18
MANY DEAD
LIMITED training opportunities have been highlighted by both the Australian Trucking Association and Pilbara Heavy Haulage chair Heather Jones as contributing to a driver shortage. However, while the ATA is using the reason to support its claim that drivers should be imported on 457
visas, Ms Jones said training would stop the need to bring in foreign workers. “As far as trucks go, I know training works. And I know there’s bucket loads of inexperienced drivers looking for work, but just can’t get a start through lack of experience.” ■ Full story page 6
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Friday, May 23, 2014 — EDITION 10
New CEO for NHVR starts work. See P.5
IS
MEET OUR NEW PUBLISHER
‘Ferret’ honoured with Aussie award
Page 3
WORK DIARY DEBATE
QTA RELEASES ELECTION PRIORITIES
Page 13
RECOGNITION: Living trucking legend John “The Ferret” Moran was honoured with an OAM on Australia Day.
PHOTO: PHOTO: CARLY MORRISSEY
HE COINED one of the most popular gossip columns ever seen in the transport industry, now John “The Ferret” Moran is back in the limelight.
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CH RE LASUN UE
Page 4-5
Celebrating three amazing decades in trucking: Pages 12-14 Truckies show TOO Page 5
CHARITY: Trucks in the Mount Gambier Beyond Blue Convoy.
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Being given an Order of Australia Medal on Australia Day was befitting of the balladeer and writer who started Convoy for Kids. ■ Full story page 7
INSIDE: Check out our eight-page Light Rigs guide. Starts P.28
INSPIRATIONAL BOSS BOUNCES BACK FROM HEALTH SCARE: PAGE 6-7
BEST OF THE BEST HAULS JET ON EPIC FINAL MISSION: PAGE 6-7
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UHF LOVE: Carolyn Stewart and Robert Ettery tied the knot at the Peak Crossing pub. PHOTO: ROB WILLIAMS
Love is a highway IT WAS love at first radio transmission. Two truck drivers have tied the knot in Peak Crossing after they struck up a romance four years ago, while travelling along the highway. Veteran driver Robert Ettery remembered the first time he heard the sweet voice of lady truckie Carolyn Stewart over the UHF radio. “I was driving a heavy B-double truck northbound for Simon National Carriers when Carolyn came up behind me in a single semi-trailer hauling a load of dog food,” Mr Ettery said. “When I contacted her on the radio and heard her gorgeous voice, I immediately wanted to get to know her better.”
Hitting it off right away, the pair stayed within radio range of each other to keep the conversation going as they sped up the Newell Hwy. At one stage another driver chirped in, suggesting we ‘get a room’,” Mr Ettery said. “But we ignored him and continued our chat.” When the two truckies were forced to part ways on the road, Mr Ettery, 50, was determined to get in contact with his diesel-driving damsel. He found the company Ms Stewart worked for and faxed them his contact details to pass on to her. After a few weeks he got the call he’d been waiting for. Their first encounters were
limited to phone conversations as Ms Stewart, 45, resided in Warwick while Mr Ettery lived in Gippsland, Victoria. “We chatted on the phone each night, with conversations that would last at least four hours. My telephone bill was astronomical,” he said.” They soon decided they should meet face to face and Mr Ettery flew to Queensland to spend time with Ms Stewart. After meeting in person the sparks continued to fly and it was eventually decided Mr Ettery would move to Warwick. “We just clicked,” Ms Stewart – now Mrs Ettery – said. “I love his sense of humour, his personality; each time we are
together we have fun.” At a marriage ceremony set outside The Peak Pub they said their “I dos” over UHF radios, with two vintage semi-trailer trucks parked either side of the altar. Adding to the spectacle, the couple arrived at the ceremony by helicopter, with radio station River 94.9 broadcasting their breakfast show live from the location. Mr Ettery said not a day had gone past where he had not been grateful for meeting his wife. “If it wasn’t for the Newell Hwy, UHF radios and the scheduling that put us together that day, I don’t know where I would be now I hate to think where we could have ended up,” he said. ■ Read the full story pages 6 and 7.
INSIDE: See what’s new in trailers from page 38.
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ATA NSW Woman of the year. P. 11