Big Rigs 25 Jun, 2021

FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021

ONLINE www.bigrigs.com.au

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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 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

FRIDAY JUNE 25 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Hardware company convicted following truck driver death

A TIMBER and building materials business has been fined $75,000 for an incident that led to the death of a truck driver in 2017.

A SafeWork NSW investigation found that Campbelltown Hardware had taken inadequate steps to identify the risk and respond to it in a documented and systematic way; while Muhammad Jawad Khalid, a director with day-today responsibility for running the business, did not ensure safe work procedures were put into action.

MLA Logistics Pty Ltd truck driver Brian Piper was killed on December 5, 2017, when he was struck by a pack of timber that fell off the tray

of his truck while a Campbelltown forklift operator unloaded the truck at Campbelltown’s premises.

Piper sustained large lacerations to his scalp and to his right lower leg, fractures to his ribs and upper right leg, collapsed lungs and extensive pelvic injuries. He was attended to at the site by NSW Ambulance officers, however he died from cardiac arrest caused by his extensive head injuries.

He was delivering timber supplied by Wesbeam to Campbelltown’s premises.

Piper’s truck was loaded by a forklift operator at Wesbeam.

His truck was overloaded, overweight and stacked unusually with larger packs of timber

stacked on top of smaller ones, and multiple packs sitting at an angle. The packs of timber were loaded by a forklift operator at Wesbeam. Each pack of timber weighed between 200 and 800 kilograms. Piper strapped the load prior to proceeding to Campbelltown’s premises for delivery.

When Piper arrived at Campbelltown, he unstrapped the load and a Campbelltown employee removed one of the top packs of timber.

Soon after, two packs of timber fell from the top of the truck and Piper was struck.

Among the company’s safety shortcomings, the court heard that at the time of the incident:

• Piper was not in an exclusion zone, nor was he directed to occupy any specific area within the site while his truck was being unloaded.

• There was only one spotter present at the site at the time of the incident, who was assisting another forklift operator.

• There was no formal documented system, process or procedure in place for providing forklift drivers with a direct line of sight to the drivers of trucks unloading at the premises.

• There was an informal process for inducting Campbelltown’s own workers but not for visitors to the premises.

Piper was not provided with

an induction when he arrived at the premises.

• Khalid was aware of the nature of the hazards associated with loads falling from trucks, the risks arising and measures available to eliminate or minimise exposure to the risk.

• There was no documented process or written safe work procedure for the unloading of trucks at the premises.

Immediately following the incident, SafeWork NSW issued a number of Improvement Notices to Campbelltown.

Both Campbelltown Hardware and Muhammad Jawad Khalid were convicted, with the company fined $75,000.

Truckie found guilty over crash that killed tourist PETER Buckley, 61, of Mount Gambier, has been found guilty of culpable driving over a crash that killed a tourist and seriously injured three others near Portland, Victoria, in 2018.

The jury took less than half an hour to reach the verdict in the Warrnambool County Court, with Buckley now remanded in custody and due

to be sentenced on July 22.

The court heard Buckley was driving a loaded B-double truck when it collided into three cars stopped at roadworks on Portland-Nelson Road in March 2018.

A female UK tourist, who was in the back passenger seat of one of the vehicles, was killed and two other passengers and the driver were air-

lifted to Melbourne hospitals with serious injuries.

A witness told the trial he was driving behind Buckley’s truck for 50km prior to the accident and became concerned because it was being driven erratically, veering across the centre line before swerving back several times.

The prosecution also showed that at the time of the

collision, Buckley had not been taking the prescribed amount of medication needed to control seizures resulting from a head injury suffered many years ago. He was required to undergo annual assessments, including from a neurologist, to keep driving heavy vehicles.

“As an experienced truck driver who had been required to regularly attend a doctor for

assessment of conditions that included seizures, fits, convulsions, epilepsy, blackouts and fainting, the accused… was well aware of the potential relevance of those episodes,” said prosecutor David Cordy.

“He is also aware of the real risk to others on and off the road if he was to suffer an episode while driving, let alone driving a 60 tonne B-double.”

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BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY JUNE 25 2021

New education campaign targets engine remapping

A NEW NHVR education campaign will highlight the health and safety risks caused by illegal engine remapping.

The campaign will focus on educating the heavy vehicle industry and public on the harmful effects that engine remapping can have on truckies and logistics workers, as well

as communities and the environment.

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the campaign was an opportunity for the regulator to work collaboratively with the heavy vehicle industry to remove engine remapping and improve safety.

“The NHVR’s highest pri-

ority is safety and we’ll continue to focus on compliance while delivering education and awareness through information like the engine remapping campaign,” Petroccitto said.

“By and large, our industry does the right thing, but occasionally we see unsafe practices

Recent compliance checks indicate up to 10 per cent of all heavy vehicles are operating with illegally remapped engines. Fines for those caught can be up to $340,000 in fines, or five years imprisonment.

occurring and it’s our job as a regulator to lead change.

“Whether you’re an owner, driver, mechanic, part of the supply chain or a light vehicle driver, engine remapping puts everyone at risk.”

The campaign will be delivered in two phases, with an initial focus on the exposure that toxic diesel emissions can have due to engine remapping. Research indicates that remapped engines can release up to 60 times more pollutants into the atmosphere, which can cause damage to the health and safety of workplaces, communities and the environment.

The second stage of the campaign will focus on remapped engines that disable speed limiter controls. With recent compliance checks indicating up to 10 per cent of all heavy vehicles are operating with illegally remapped engines, the danger is significant and can cause serious injury.

To get the messages across, the NHVR will run a series of engine remapping campaigns across outdoor advertising, publications and via social media.

Federal Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said the campaign was important in helping draw attention to greater health and safety benefits across the heavy vehicle industry.

“You might not immediately realise the dangers of illegal engine remapping, but it’s a serious issue and one that the industry as a whole can control and eradicate,” Buchholz said.

Petroccitto added that with more than 50,000 owners and operators and in excess of half a million heavy vehicles across the country, everyone had a part to play.

“Let’s all clear the air over illegal engine remapping and stop speed limiter tampering in its tracks,” he said.

Many of our readers however were quick to question the campaign on our Facebook page.

“I get the speed limiter part, and I agree with that aspect, but remapping an engine to give it the power needed for the work it’s doing such as road train work has more benefits than negatives,” said Nathan Butcher.

“Such as a road train that can stay at highway speeds with minimal gear changes will cause less fatigue in the driver as well as the trip taking less time which means higher productivity and reduced fatigue in the driver as well as making it safer for other road users because the truck isn’t slowing down drastically at every small incline.

“If you’re going to fine people for remapping I hope you’re going to fine companies that reduce the speed limiter and/or derate the truck as well.

“Plenty of big companies out there that configure speed limiters to 90km/h or get a brand new 600hp truck and derate them down to 500550.”

Penalties for operators, executive officers and individuals caught committing these types of serious criminal offences can be up to $340,000 in fines, or five years imprisonment, up to $3.4 million in fines for a company.

For more information on the campaign and to find out more on the risks and penalties, visit nhvr.gov.au and search for engine remapping.

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FRIDAY JUNE 25 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Ombudsman joins truck debate

PETER Anderson recalls the day two Green MPs came to see him in his office at the Victorian Transport Association (VTA) wanting a solution for removing trucks from Melbourne’s affluent inner-west streets.

That’s easy, the VTA CEO told them, get the residents to stop buying things.

Anderson’s point then, and remains today, is that the only solution to the ongoing issues the communities near the busy Port of Melbourne hub have with truck movements is for better management of the roads.

The trucks aren’t going away, even after the $6.7bn West Gate Tunnel is finished, a point that the Victorian Ombudsman is now investigating following allegations from Williamstown and Millers roads residents that the Andrews government has turned its back on them.

By 2031, government data shows the West Gate Tunnel will funnel more trucks onto these roads: Up to 2100 truck trips a day on a section of Williamstown Road and 7500 on Millers Road, which is more than a three-fold spike.

Anderson has already tried to broker a workable win-win for both sides.

After months of consultation with one of the many anti-truck advocates

in the area, the Maribyrnong Truck Action Group, the Smart Freight Partnership was formed in 2019, a ground-breaking proposal that essentially meant the cleaner the trucks, the more access they would have.

Although there were still issues to iron out, it looked like it would be the answer for both sides, and Anderson even had the verbal go-ahead from the state transport minister.

But then inexplicably, he got a call out of the blue from a bureaucrat to say it was off and is still none the wiser to this day.

“The answer is to better manage the roads,” said Anderson, still hopeful of a resolution.

“Do things like installing a 24/7 curfew at the northern end of Williamstown Road, but not the southern end, not with the connector between the freeway and Francis Street.

“Put all the trucks leading into the port, from that side of town, that have been using Somerville Road, down Millers Road and have them all come out the northbound lane of Moore Street.

“This is a sensible solution, but they won’t listen to us.

“They say you can’t upset the people of Moore Street.

Peter Anderson says you can’t stop the trucks moving through these streets, but you can better manage their flow.

Well I’m sorry, 21 houses on Moore Street are going to get upset because they’re going to have trucks driving past, but 3000 houses who can’t have trucks going past can have them?

“They’ve got to make decisions. But the answer isn’t to get trucks off the streets, it’s to better manage truck movements.”

Maribyrnong Truck Action Group president Martin

Wurt said he plans to keep the pressure on the government for change.

“We want something that’s going to minimise trucks on these streets,” Wurt told 7News Melbourne.

“There will be winners and losers from the West Gate Tunnel Project and certainly some streets will be better off, but you shouldn’t spend $6.9bn and have a street get a doubling of truck numbers

when it was inappropriate in the first place.”

A government spokeswoman said the department was engaging with the community and industry about improvements to transport in the inner-west.

The area would be prioritised as a ‘test-bed’ for clean energy truck technology trials, while the West Gate Tunnel project was overseeing ongoing air quality monitoring.

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Subbies’ plight reinforces RSRT 2.0 need, says Sterle The Coles Parkinson DC in Brisbane where loyal subbies are being forced to buy new trucks with less pay.

BY JAMES GRAHAM TOLL’S tough new directives for subbies at a Brisbane distribution centre is a classic example of why the industry needs a new iteration of the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal (RSRT), believes WA Labor Senator Glenn Sterle.

As we revealed in our last issue in the page three story ‘Toll slugs loyal subbies with double blow at Brisbane DC’, long-serving owner-drivers have been told they need to

upgrade their trucks to newer models if they want to keep working for Coles.

To add insult to injury, they’ve also had their pallet rates dramatically slashed – up to $300 per truck each day in some cases – forcing at least one operator we spoke with to pack up shop this month after more than a decade at the Parkinson DC. Sterle says he’s unsure yet exactly what powers a new RSRT would have if Labor wins the next election.

“But I can guarantee you,

they wouldn’t be able to do what Toll’s just done,” the former truckie told Big Rigs.

“This sort of behaviour would be illegal under a future Labor Government.”

Sterle says he’s incensed by talk he’s hearing from drivers that Toll fears legal retribution from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) if they renegotiate rates with owner-drivers.

“They can crap on as much as they like; the ACCC clearly said to me that owner-drivers can seek exemptions, and I’m going to expose them for it.”

Sterle says he’s only too aware of how derided the last RSRT was with its much maligned and ill-conceived Payments Order that put owner-drivers at a competitive disadvantage.

“We got it wrong the first time, we’re not going to get it wrong the second time because the industry will be at the table,” Sterle said.

“Clearly, we can’t set rates, we know that we can’t set rates. Christ Almighty, the industry is that different, but what we can do is stop this

crap where transport companies, whether they have one truck or 1000 trucks, have the clients screwing them down below cost.”

Labor reinforced at its recent national conference that the RSRT would return should it win the next election, a fact that was reiterated when we contacted Shadow Transport Minister Catherine King.

“Labor is committed to ensuring that all workers

across the trucking industry have access to safe working conditions and fair rates of pay,” King told Big Rigs.

“With new technologies and gig work spreading across

“THIS SORT OF BEHAVIOUR WOULD BE ILLEGAL UNDER A FUTURE LABOR GOVERNMENT.” GLENN STERLE, WA SENATOR

WA Senator Glenn Sterle is taking up the fight for a fairer deal for subbies.

the economy and the squeeze from the top of the supply chain, it is more important than ever that we avoid a race to the bottom in trucking for wages and conditions.

“We recognise that in the last election campaign, some people were concerned about the way our policy was framed. We have worked hard over the last couple of years – and I am particularly grateful to Glenn Sterle for his work in this regard – to explain the intent of our policy, and to listen to truckies’ concerns.”

King said Labor wants to see a fair system of pay and conditions in the truck industry.

“While we have not settled on the precise mechanism to achieve this, a Labor government would consult closely with industry to design and implement a new system.

“We look forward to working with all sectors of the trucking industry in the lead up to the next election and beyond to ensure that everyone in the industry gets home safely and takes with them a fair rate of pay.”

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FRIDAY JUNE 25 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

More trucks and more freight but fewer crashes

Since 2003, when the first NTARC report was released, the number of freight movements and heavy vehicles has increased by 50 per cent.

A MAJOR new report, released ahead of the June long weekend, has found that Australia’s roads were the safest they’ve been in years during peak Covid restrictions.

The number of multi-ve-

hicle crashes involving heavy vehicles was down more than 16 per cent, according to the NTI’s 10th national report into the cause of major crashes involving heavy vehicles.

Report author Adam Gib-

son, NTI’s transport and logistics risk engineer, said the positive findings from the National Truck Accident Research Centre (NTARC) came despite more trucks and freight being on roads, partic-

ularly during the pandemic.

Since 2003, when the first NTARC report was released, the number of freight movements and heavy vehicles has increased by 50 per cent.

“The industry should be congratulated for keeping Australia moving and for keeping supermarket shelves stocked especially during Covid lockdowns,” Gibson said.

The report found evidence road safety messaging is working, with fatigue-related crashes involving heavy vehicles down from 27 per cent in 2005 to eight per cent last year.

“There’s been a massive reduction in multi-vehicle crashes involving trucks and the lowest number of fatigue-related crashes since NTI began keeping records 18 years ago. It is a credit to the industry, truck drivers and all road users.”

Technology and smart trucks are key to further driv-

ing down the road toll. The report found one in eight truck crashes were due to inappropriate speed for the conditions, however this did not mean the vehicles were exceeding the speed limit.

“Speed cameras, radar traps and increased speed enforcement help deter high speed offences, but data shows technology and smart braking systems on trucks are key to reducing single-vehicle rollover crashes.”

NTI is working with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to use data from the NTARC report to develop new education initiatives to further improve road safety.

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said data driven technology is the new frontier in making our roads safer.

“Australia’s trucking industry is set for an information boom over the next decade,

which will help improve safety and increase productivity,” Petroccitto said.

“The NHVR is committed to ongoing fatigue detection programs and support, together with delivering safety campaigns such as We Need Space, aimed at reminding light vehicle drivers about the importance of driving safely around truck drivers on the road.

“We want every driver to travel safely and arrive safely at their destination and ensure these NTARC report figures continue to improve.”

Gibson said the NTARC data would be used to create awareness and educational material for operators, drivers and CEOs through NTI’s new Better Business Hub and Business of Safety programs.

The full report can be found at nti.com.au/better-business-hub.

Volvo makes mid-year move in the 2021 sales race

VOLVO, last year’s early heavy-duty pacesetter, bounced back from a relatively sluggish April to sit second only to Kenworth in the latest sales figures from Truck Industry Council (TIC).

The Wacol-based manufacturer shifted an impressive 152 units last month, up from a modest 106 in April, to sit just 29 shy of Kenworth on 181.

May wasn’t Kenworth’s best month considering it sold 200 units in April, but the Bayswater behemoth still has a stranglehold on top honours for 2021 with 878 sales vs Volvo’s overall tally of 572.

The pair has now opened up a handy lead on the chasers led by Isuzu which recorded 132 sales for May and sits on 512 year-to-date (YTD).

After leapfrogging into second place in April with 131 units, Scania was a notable mover in the other direction

in May with 105 sales to claim fourth place.

That leaves the Swedish brand back in fifth position overall with 454 YTD, just in behind Mercedes-Benz which notched 99 sales for May and now sits fourth in the 2021 race with 457 units.

Of the others, UD had more to celebrate than most with a solid 44 sales, up from 29 the previous month, to sit in 10th overall with 173 trucks moved YTD. In the medium-duty sector a good battle is developing between Isuzu and Hino, with daylight back to the rest.

Isuzu still has the lead YTD – 1050 vs. 956 – but Hino isn’t out of this fight after recording another big month with 241 sales, just eight short of Isuzu’s total for May. In the light-duty world, however, it’s a completely different story with Isuzu fans clearly capitalising on the

many Covid stimulus packages and storming dealerships in numbers rarely seen.

Isuzu notched a staggering 480 sales in May – 41.2 per cent of the total for the sector – to gap Hino on second with a still very respectable 294 light-duty total.

With so much light-duty power, Isuzu is crushing it overall, 3683 versus Hino’s 2442, with Fuso the only other badge out of triple digits for 2021 on 1611.

With earlier supply constraints easing, TIC CEO Tony McMullan says it continues to be a good time to place that truck order.

“Not only are there significant financial incentives still on offer by the Australian government through to mid2022, manufacturing and supply of trucks should witness a resurgence over that same period,” he told Prime Mover Magazine.

The Wacol-based manufacturer shifted an impressive 152 units last month.

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Bypass win for truckies on Bruce Hwy

CANBERRA has had a change of heart on a notorious stretch of the Bruce Highway just south of Maryborough.

An extra $183m has been found to build a four-lane bypass around the town of Tiaro, instead of the original two that were planned, after relentless campaigning by Wide Bay MP Llew O’Brien.

O’Brien, a former police officer, said funding commitment for a four-lane bypass was a major win for road safety, a significant economic boost for the Fraser Coast, and a victory “for common sense”.

“The bypass will dramatically improve road safety with a four-lane divided road that will prevent head on collisions. It will give traffic space to move around in the event of a breakdown, and improve flood immunity to keep traffic moving when the Mary River floods,” O’Brien said.

“The bypass will also improve Tiaro’s amenity by removing trucks from the town that just pass through, increasing safety and liveability in the community.

“With construction of the Gympie bypass well underway the next logical step is

An extra $183m has been found to build a four-lane bypass around the town of Tiaro.

to extend the four lanes from Curra to Maryborough and it makes sense that starts with the Tiaro bypass which runs through a greenfield corridor.”

O’Brien’s party leader, Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, had previously supported an agreement with the state government for two lanes with a centre barrier.

But earlier this month, he joined O’Brien and other local dignitaries in Tiaro, to make the official four-lane pledge.

“The proposed bypass will remove a large portion of heavy vehicles from the Tiaro township, improving safety and liveability for residents whilst future-proofing the highway for the years ahead,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“Field investigations have been underway within the bypass corridor study area since March 2020, helping identify the best alignment for this new highway.

The project’s Business Case is expected to be completed by late 2021 and will inform the delivery schedule of the new bypass.

NEWS 7

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack and Wide Bay MP Llew O’Brien at the announcement.

Meanwhile, Canberra has also found an additional $20.8m in the coffers to improve 67 dangerous crash sites on Queensland roads over the next year.

“This major investment is part of the Australian Government’s commitment to building safer roads right across the nation,” said McCormack.

“The Black Spot Program funds safety measures such as traffic signals and roundabouts at locations where a

number of serious crashes are known to have occurred.

“That is why the Australian Government has committed $1.1 billion to the Black Spot Program from 2013-14 to 2023-24 to improve road safety across Australia.”

Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said the 67 Black Spot projects across Queensland would make an important contribution towards reducing serious injuries and deaths on

Queensland roads and built on previous investments in the state.

“This Government is investing in road safety right across the nation to ensure Australians get home sooner and safer,” Assistant Minister Buchholz said.

“This new funding will see total investment through the Black Spot Program in Queensland rise to $189.2 million, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to improving road safety.”

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8 FEATURE

FRIDAY JUNE 25 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Neither here nor there

EDITOR JAMES GRAHAM

RECENTLY, the Victorian Department of Jobs Precincts and Regions issued a stern warning about grain being dumped by the roadside and at rest areas – an illegal practise and also a biosecurity risk, attracting insects and pests, which is not ideal when we’re in the middle of a mouse plague.

Now, in no way do we condone illegally dumping grain onto the road (or any other load for that matter), but what came to the fore was yet another issue: the lack of available clean out sites and the fact that it’s the drivers who once again bear the brunt of the problem.

If truck drivers are required to sweep out their trailers before backloading with fertiliser or grain from a different facility, yet many struggle to find any available infrastructure where they’re able to do so, then perhaps instead of pointing the finger, the authorities may be better placed with finding an actual solution.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Driver licensing needs urgent overhaul THE Current system SUCKS! Everywhere we hear the country needs more drivers. The freight task is going to get bigger. The average age of truckies is getting older. The young aren’t taking up the job. I’m sure I’ve missed one more of those mantras.

The RMS, VicRoads, QLD Transport extra have heard this and made the course simple.

However, we as an industry have left out one word, “GOOD”.

We need more good drivers, we need more good young drivers.

However, nothing is going to change until something along the lines of the Humboldt

Bus Crash in Canada happens here. Think of a truck crash that killed the best and brightest players from Collingwood AFL, Parramatta NRL, Sydney FC A League, Waratahs Rugby or QLD Cricket team? The outpouring of why can’t we do better, why didn’t we do better.

Now in Canada, the Government has mandated a course length and cost. The cost is $10,000 CDN and 121.5 hours. As at today (03/06/2021) $10,000 CDN=$10,722 AUD. However in Canada, the average wage is around half of Australia.

In NSW the minimum

time is six hours, that is not a typo, six hours of assessment for HC in either an Auto or Crash (Road Ranger). See online, page 13 of roads-waterways.transport.nsw.gov.au/ documents/business-industry/ driving-instructors/hvcbaoperating-procedures-apr-2020. pdf. How much? $1650.

Next I hear that we audit new students via the RTO System.

Did you know that the RTO auditor does not need to know how to drive a truck? And if all they have seen on the video, crunching and missing gears, then the audit will pass that.

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In the past we regularly had audits conducted by RMS, who would come out for the last drive, and test not only what the student had learned, i.e. could they actually drive, but also had the instructor and assessor actually show them the correct way.

I have had freshly minted drivers claim they haven’t been shown: • How to reverse • How to couple/uncouple a trailer in class HC or MC • How to use a rope • How to use a dog and chain • How to do a pre-start check • What all the lights and switches do in their truck

If these claims are true and the training side is cutting corners, we as employers have to get them up to an employable standard.

As a trainer at Macquarie, the number of students who “just wanted their licence because they would learn on the job” was frightening!

Now where in the current HVCBA course does it cover legal driving hours, work diary use, step grades, and how to get correct axle group weights, and for that matter, what those weights are.

Sure, as a trainer, I can make my course longer, however, just

like yourself, I like to get paid, and just like yourself, I don’t want to pay any more than I have to for the course.

Who can change it? Companies like my employer, various versions of RMS, The Australian Driver Trainers Association, ASQA, the TWU. All of these groups have an input into the current course and changes for the next course.

[NB: These views are my own and do not represent the views of my employer] Brad Greenrod NSW driver trainer

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10 NEWS

IN BRIEF Queen’s Birthday Honours Trucking stalwart Ray Scott has been posthumously honoured as a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Scott’s honour comes as recognition for his significant service to the road transport industry and to the community.

From humble beginnings at his father’s family business, he went on to become a major shareholder in the Scott Group of Companies, including the K&S Corporation.

In 2013, he was inducted into the National Road Transport Hall of Fame.

Relief from ‘toll mania’ Newly elected NSW Labor leader Chris Minns has scored early campaign points with truckies by calling for an end to new tolls on existing roads and no new agreements that increase tolls above inflation.

The former Shadow Transport Minister has been a long-time opponent of what he called the Liberal Party’s toll mania on Sydney motorways, and he made it clear the issue would remain top of his agenda after replacing Jodi McKay as Opposition Leader.

Minns told The Sydney Morning Herald the sell-off of the government’s remaining share in WestConnex must be stopped to prevent a “toll road monopoly”.

Vehicle width feedback Early feedback from the HVIA’s state committees during discussions of proposed changes to the Australian Design Rules governing vehicle width have had mixed responses.

Industry stakeholders have until June 30 to make a submission to the Australian Government’s Safer Freight Vehicles discussion paper.

“Proposed changes to vehicle width have generated a diversity of views,” said Greg Forbes, HVIA’s national policy and government relations manager.

“At this stage HVIA would support Option 1b, which involves increases in vehicle width for motor vehicles (trucks) to 2.55m with load restraint devices out to 2.6m but preservation of the current width rules for heavy trailers.”

Fifth times the charm Scania has taken out the Green Truck title for the fifth year running.

The award is organised by two German trade magazines and measures transport efficiency for long-distance trucks.

Organisers stipulated a gross train weight of 32 tonnes and up to 430hp for the trucks that took on the 360km test track north of Munich. This year Scania entered an R 410 prime mover. The truck’s average consumption was measured at 23.53 litres per 100km, while Scania also managed the highest average speed, reaching 80.60 km/h.

FRIDAY JUNE 25 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Brisbane to Melbourne on a single battery Janus general manager Lex Forsyth next to the electric battery casing in the converted T403 at the show.

BY JAMES GRAHAM LEX Forsyth believes that any operator who commits to an electric truck with a fixed amount of battery capacity has rocks in their head.

“Because they’re limiting their technology to what’s available today,” Forsyth told Big Rigs at the Janus Electric stand during the recent Brisbane Truck Show.

You have to be fluid in the fast-moving electric heavy vehicle game, and the Janus general manager is adamant that no one is adapting quicker than his NSW Central Coastbased operation with its revo-

lutionary change and charge patented battery system for prime movers.

Already the way the game-changing giant lithium battery is inserted into its slot under the hood of the Kenworth T403 on display has been superseded by a mark two version, requiring no interaction with the driver or forklift operator.

Even more exciting for Forsyth, though, is how fast the technology within the box casing itself is changing.

“New cells have arrived now that we’re testing at the moment that give us 20 per cent more capacity than what

we’ve got now,” said Forsyth.

“They’re talking about solid states coming around Christmas time, early 2022, and that will give us a 50 per cent increase in our capacity.

“Eventually we’ll have batteries that’ll do 1000km, batteries that will do 1500km.

The driver will pull up and say ‘I’m going to Melbourne [from Brisbane], give me an 1800km battery. They’ll have that flexibility of choice.”

The only thing that doesn’t change is the box in which the battery is housed, with the cabover version a little smaller in width but longer on top than the one on display in Brisbane.

“That is the beauty of our system. It’s all about being able to give the flexibility to the fleet operator to get the latest technology.”

Until then, Janus is focused on a series of road tests between Brisbane and Sydney with four converted prime movers, including a new Kenworth T610 that will be fitted out and on the road by early November.

At present the battery technology only allows for around 400-500km for a loaded B-double – up to 600km with smaller applications – which

It takes less than a week for Janus to convert any existing heavy duty prime mover.

means changing out batteries at one of four charge and change stations: Hemmant in Brisbane, Taree, Coffs Harbour and Prestons in Sydney.

Users either pay $110 per battery use, or $140 per 24 hours, but under Forsyth’s initial modelling, operators will still save almost 50 per cent on running costs when compared to those of a diesel prime mover along the same Sydney to Brisbane route.

It costs $85,000 to covert a prime mover to the battery-powered system, but Forsyth says those making the investment will recoup that outlay in a year after factoring

in fuel cost-savings and resale value of the diesel engine.

Forsyth appreciates there will be those in the industry who are sceptical about the feasibility of the Janus ‘swapand-go’ model and whether it will catch on.

But with cell technology advancing so quickly, he is adamant that it’s only a matter of time before it becomes a commercial reality.

“We’re building a network, but the beautiful thing about our network with electricity is that the national distribution system is already built.

“We just have to tap into it – the grid’s there.”

Hino launches all-new 700 Series

HINO has launched what it says is its safest trucks to date, in the form of the all-new, Euro 6 compliant 700 Series.

Redesigned inside and out, it offers improved comfort and practicality, according to the manufacturer.

“It breaks fresh ground for Hino in terms of safety and environmental commitment, which are key features that customers value in today’s competitive marketplace,” said Daniel Petrovski, manager of product strategy for Hino Australia.

“In designing the all-new 700 Series, there has been considerable focus on the needs of the driver, as the cab is their home away from home as well as their office.”

Driver Monitor (DM) has now been added to Hino’s SmartSafe package, which also features other driver assist technologies.

Hino SmartSafe includes a pre-collision system (PCS) with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), pedestrian detection (PD), lane departure warning system (LDWS), vehicle stability control (VSC) and a reverse camera.

“The 700 Series answers a lot of the major safety issues that confront the transport industry and other road users, with the implementation of advanced driver assist technologies, Hino SmartSafe and, more specifically, the introduction of Driver Monitor.”

A wider range of axle configurations, an increased number of engine power ratings and a two-pedal transmission line-up also feature in the updated range; as well

as a new Euro 6 A09C nine litre engine, in addition to the existing Hino E13C 13 litre engine.

“The all-new 700 Series is built as a vehicle for today

and for the future – Australian customers clearly prefer the convenience of two-pedal transmissions, which is why the expanded Hino 700 Series model range is now available

with either a true automatic or an automated manual transmission (AMT), which are matched to their respective engine power ratings,” added Petrovski.

Driver Monitor has now been added to Hino’s SmartSafe package, which also features other driver assist technologies.

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12 FEATURE

FRIDAY JUNE 25 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Final test for converter dolly

Since the converter dolly project came on the scene, it’s undergone extensive testing to see how well it performs. Now trials of the prototype have drawn to a close, with the final two operators putting it through its paces before it is sold.

The converter dolly prototype made its debut at the Brisbane Truck Show two years ago.

BY DANIELLE GULLACI THE converter dolly has been tested, and tested again, in all manner of conditions, carrying all sorts of loads, in various types of combinations. But although the conditions it has been trialled in have been so greatly varied, what’s been consistent is the positive feedback that has come from the operators involved.

Now the prototype converter dolly has embarked on its last hoorah. After being trialled by the final two operators – Fennell Freightlines and Farfields Haulage – its testing days have drawn to a close and it’s ready to find its final home.

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 uses a rigid drawbar rather than the typical hinged drawbar.

The prototype made its debut at the Brisbane Truck Show in May 2019. Over 60 converter dollies have now been produced and are out on the road.

That very first converter dolly has been all over the country, on some of the roughest roads.

Improved handling, reduced tyre wear and better brake reactivity has been among the most notable feedback from operators who’ve had the chance to use it.

Based in Mount Gambier, Fennell Freightlines is a subsidiary of Fennell Forestry, which is a major plantation hardwood and softwood harvest and transport company. It got to take the prototype converter dolly for a spin last month, used in one of its three AB triple set-ups.

Two of the AB triples travel from Mount Gambier to Bunbury, WA; the other runs from Mount Gambier to the north of Perth. Both routes are roughly a 7000km round trip.

“We were having some issues with the dolly we were using winging a little bit and were looking at ways to eliminate that, so we took the opportunity to trial the converter dolly – and it certainly handled better than the traditional hinged drawbar dolly,” said Fennell Freightlines transport manager Brett Horton.

“It was MaxiTRANS that suggested giving the dolly a go, and it’s taken all of that swing

out of it and made it handle a lot better. From all reports, it looks like tyre wear would be better too.”

Fennell Freightlines employs six truck drivers, and two of them had the chance to test the prototype converter dolly out on the road. “Their main issue was looking in the mirrors and seeing the back trailer doing a bit of a sway. They travel along a lot of outback roads – so that’s another issue, as road condition leads to a lot of handling issues too. Both drivers really couldn’t believe how much better it was with the fixed drawbar dolly.

Going along at up to 108.5 tonne, you want everything looking pretty good,” Horton added.

So are there plans to add this type of converter dolly into the Fennell Freightlines fleet?

“It’s already in the pipeline to swap over from what we’ve got now to the fixed drawbar converter dolly. These trailers

Farfield Haulage trialled the converter dolly with this B-double set-up.

are quite new, so we are in negotiations at the moment,” said Horton.

For Barry Jungfer, owner of Farfields Haulage, the results were very similar, with reports from drivers of improved handling and reduced swing.

Though he admits, he was quite sceptical when he first saw the design.

“About 8-10 months ago, I was actually at the MaxiTRANS yard in Adelaide and saw the dolly there. I thought the idea was ridiculous at the time, I didn’t think it would work. But then I read about it somewhere and figured I wouldn’t mind trialling it for myself. The more I thought about it, the more I could see some merit in it,” Jungfer said.

Specialising mainly in grain and fertiliser haulage between South Australia and Victoria, the Mount Barker based business was started by Jungfer in the early 1980s.

He had built his fleet up to 38 trucks but was ready to downsize. “I sold the bulk of them – 18 prime movers and 39 trailers – a couple of years ago. Then a few months later I sold the Viterra grain contract, along with another 11 trucks and 22 trailers. It just got too big. I’m 64 now and was ready to semi-retire,” he explained.

These days, it’s just the eight trucks in his fleet, with four to five of them doing the Adelaide to Melbourne run. On the trail-

Fennell Freightlines used the converter dolly with one of its AB triples.

Both Fennell Freightlines drivers who took the dolly for a spin commented on how much better it handled.

er front, the business has three sets of B-double tippers, along with some tautliners and flat tops. The tippers are used for the grain and fertiliser work, while the other trailers do general freight.

Jungfer was also given the opportunity to trial the converter dolly for two weeks recently. It was used with one of the B-double tipper sets, which ran on 10 of the 14 days between South Australia and country Victoria, clocking up between 700-800km each day.

“There were two drivers who tried it out and they were both

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amazed with it and the way it towed. It didn’t get the same swing off the back trailer that you get with a conventional bogie dolly,” Jungfer said.

“I was in the silos watching on when one of the blokes tipped. I was really amazed with everything it did. I thought that maybe when it tipped, there would be too much of an angle, but everything the dolly did was spot on. We were just so impressed with the way it towed and the way it handled. It just did everything right. I actually didn’t expect it to be as good as it was.”

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY JUNE 25 2021

The stuff of Legends

AD FEATURE 13

Kenworth fans are in with a chance to own a piece of history in the form of the very limited-edition Legend SAR, which is about to go on sale for just one day.

This truck is the third in Kenworth’s Legend series.

LAUNCHED in celebration of the manufacturer’s 50th anniversary in Australia, the Legend SAR has been gaining a lot of attention despite not yet being available for purchase. But all that’s about

to change shortly. On July 8, the order books will be open for just 24 hours.

Visitors to the Brisbane Truck Show in May were given the opportunity to see the Legend SAR in the flesh as it

A Kenworth bug and Legend SAR logo are embroidered into the leather seats.

made its public debut. Then that same truck embarked on a tour throughout June as part of Kenworth dealer Brown and Hurley’s 75th anniversary celebrations.

It’s the first Legend since the Legend 900 was released in 2017, and the Legend 950 before it in 2015, and it’s expected to receive a similar response to its predecessors.

The 50th anniversary edition Legend SAR is modelled on the iconic W900SAR, built and sold in Australia from 1975 until 1987. That was the first Kenworth model designed, engineered and built in Australia specifically for Australian operating requirements.

Its sloping bonnet and raised cab position allowed for the first use of under cab

battery and toolboxes. The SAR stands for short-bonnet Australian right-hand drive.

The Legend SAR combines the latest technology for safer, cleaner and more

A traditional flat dash layout houses a full suite of handmade heritage style chrome-bezelled and white-faced gauges, featuring the traditional Kenworth bug.

productive operation, with features that embrace Kenworth’s heritage.

“The truck not only commemorates 50 years of proudly manufacturing Kenworth trucks in Australia, it symbolises what was a turning point for local design and engineering and the custom-build philosophy that Kenworth is still renowned for today,” said Brad May, director sales and marketing at PACCAR Australia.

“The Legend SAR pays homage to all those that have stood, and stand today, behind the badge of a Kenworth truck. The ones that have helped make Australian-made Kenworths an integral part of the unique Australian landscape.”

Features of the new Legend SAR include traditional doors and door handles, 36” and 50” sleeper cabs options, a two-piece windscreen with chrome trim, heritage Kenworth and Cummins badges with an anniversary edition red and gold traditional italic Kenworth bug, and inside, a diamond pleat trim with ‘Legend SAR 50th Anniversary Edition’ embossed into the rear wall and door trims, along with a wooden plaque on the glove box lid to identify the unique build number of each truck, the Kenworth bug and Legend SAR logo embroidered into the leather seats and a traditional flat dash layout that houses handmade heritage style chrome-bezelled and white-faced gauges.

Under the hood is a Cummins X15 engine, specially painted in beige to commemorate Cummins’ heritage.

To help secure your 50th anniversary edition Legend SAR, contact your dealer now.

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14 COVER STORY

FRIDAY JUNE 25 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Taking outback driving

First he was a legend of the outback, then a legend of the TV screen. Outback Truckers star Steve Grahame had a chat with Big Rigs while stopped at the remote Wangkatjungka community in the Kimberley region of WA.

Steve Grahame and his dog Bella have been regular faces on Outback Truckers across each of its nine seasons.

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

His truck may not have all of the modern bells and whistles of today’s newest trucks, but that’s the way he likes it.

“I bought the truck off a mate of mine around the turn of the century, so I’ve had it for about 20 years. It’s been a good truck but it’s pretty much been rebuilt from front to back,” said Grahame.

“At the time of its make, it was probably the toughest model Kenworth made. It was made as a logging truck. It’s a heavier duty truck than what I require so it’s therefore tough

THOSE who’ve watched Outback Truckers would recognise Steve Grahame, often covered in dust and dirt, as he delivers building supplies and all sorts of essentials to some of the most remote communities in Australia.

He travels the dusty red dirt highways in his beloved 1994 Kenworth C501, with Bella – a five-year-old German shepherd/kelpie cross – by his side.

“She’s a great companion and loves coming in the truck.”

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enough to dish out whatever I give to it.”

His trusty C501 has 2.5 million kilometres on the clock and he’s certainly put the truck through its paces. He’s replaced the engine once, the radiator twice and the gearbox a couple of times too. “That’s why I like American trucks, you can just keep replacing bits, just like a Meccano set,” said Grahame.

“One of the main reasons I stick with an older truck is that everything is mechanical. If something goes wrong, I don’t require someone to fly in with

a helicopter and a computer to diagnose the problem, I can fix it myself.

“I do fear for struggling owner drivers in the near future, as the squeeze is going to go onto these older trucks but I can’t see zero emission trucks in such remote areas. I think there will always be a requirement for hands-on skills. With some of the places we go to and the deliveries we make, you’ve gotta be as much a bush man as a truck driver.”

Aged 69, Grahame has a lifetime of experience and

knowledge in outback trucking – and this has seen him become a fan favourite on the show, which he has appeared on across each of its nine seasons.

Grahame was also inducted into the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame in 2015, in recognition of his contribution to the industry.

His work extends from the Pitjantjatjara land in northern South Australia, up through the Northern Territory and across the Kimberley region of Western Australia.

When we spoke with him, he had just hooked up his road train at Wangkatjungka, after delivering two fuel tanks to the remote Aboriginal community, about 130km south east of the Fitzroy Crossing, just off the Great Northern Highway.

He says the Gibb River, Kalumburu and Tanami Roads, along with any of the regional roads associated with the Great Central or Pitjantjatjara lands, are without a doubt some of the toughest he travels on. “The Great Central is

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to the extreme

“With some of the places we go to and the deliveries we make, you’ve gotta be as much a bush man as a truck driver,” he says.

He travels the dusty red dirt highways in his beloved 1994 Kenworth C501.

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The Outback Truckers crew films Steve Grahame on his travels.

1100km of red dirt, but these roads are all tough when they want to be,” said Grahame.

“The miles I do are rougher and harder. When I was younger, I’d average 1000km a day at times, day in and day out. On bitumen you might be able to clock up 1000 kilometres in a day but out in the bush on the rough stuff, some days you’re struggling to do a couple of hundred kilometres.”

Grahame grew up in East Fremantle on the outskirts of Perth. His family ran a livestock farm with cattle and sheep. “I wasn’t too keen on school and started off in livestock work, working as a field hand, then I moved into mineral exploration as a driller which required me to get a truck licence. I got married, had kids and it just went from there,” he said.

“I have three children and six grandchildren – I love my grandkids and have their artwork in my truck too. The youngest is almost five and the oldest is 14.”

As with many who grew up

on farms, he learnt to drive the family’s truck – in this case an 8-tonne Austin – on the property as a kid.

“As a young bloke I always liked being in the bush and I liked big trucks and thought when I grew up, I would love to drive one of those things,” said Grahame.

He got what was then called his B-class licence when he was 18 and his C-class (now an MC) licence at 21.

“I remember once when I was in my twenties, I walked into the Million Miler Bar at the Gepps Cross Hotel in Adelaide. It used to be a central point where you could pull up with the truck. I walked in and there were these old truckies having a beer. They would’ve had millions of miles of experience and I wondered what it would be like to be able to sit on one of those stools like them, with all of that knowledge.”

Fast forward to now, and he’s certainly well and truly earned his place on one of those bar stools.

Continued on page 16…

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FRIDAY JUNE 25 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Always up for the challenge

Steve Grahame has had his trusty Kenworth C501 for about 20 years and prefers an older truck because if something ever goes wrong, he can fix it.

From page 15…

“To me the job has gotten easier as I’ve gotten older.

Now the trucks are air conditioned and there’s more bitumen. But some younger drivers might see this sort of work as too hard to get into. I think the average age of long-distance truck drivers now is about 59 years.

Part of it is that there’s easier

work around these days, but I think it’s also because insurance companies won’t cover drivers with less than two years of experience – so that’s two years of effort you’ve got to put in to get them working with you.”

In Grahame’s business, it’s just him and one other driver – Slick, who also enjoys the challenge and remote work.

In his work, Grahame says the rewards often outweigh the challenges. “There’s always the challenge of getting a job delivered on time, with the gear in good order; and the satisfaction that comes with being able to complete that and then the ability to keep on doing that.

“To be able to pull up at a station or remote community

His work takes him all over, from the corrugated dirt roads to crossing croc-infested waters.

somewhere and have the essential stuff people have been waiting for is really rewarding. They might be desperate for fuel or not have enough blankets as we come into the cooler season. I have so many wonderful memories of being out on the road.”

And with the help of Outback Truckers, he’s sharing what he does best with the

rest of the world. Grahame was actually approached by the show’s crew while he was hooking up a triple road train at Wubin.

“I was greasing a trailer and ready to hook up and only gave them short answers.

But, then someone told them to follow up with me – and I’m so glad they did. It’s been a chance to showcase all of

these parts of Australia. You can forget about ‘putting another shrimp on the barbie’.

Now, people associate Australia with big road trains,” explained Grahame.

“The show has brought trucks into people’s lounge rooms so they can better understand that we are just like them – we have kids, we have grandkids, we have families and we’re just doing our job.”

Late last month, Outback Truckers aired its 100th episode. “I’ve been with them since the beginning and I was there in the 100th episode.

They’ve never paid me any money to be on the show.

It’s an observational doco but I’ve been surprised at the positive feedback and the work that’s been generated from being on there. It’s been positive for me in so many ways.”

I was interested to know if he gets any special treatment along his travels due to being on the show – but it seems not. “I’ve just unloaded and asked the blokes if there was any chance of a shower. They said the shower won’t be open there until later tonight. So here I am still covered in dust and dirt,” he laughed.

When asked if it ever gets lonely in his travels, Grahame answered without hesitation. “Not really. I can live with myself and I’ve always got my dog with me too – she’s very playful and a great little dog. In my lifetime, I’ve experienced more loneliness in a crowd than out in the bush.”

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18 FEATURE

FRIDAY JUNE 25 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Swedish breed all the way

This vintage trio of Scanias offer a trip down memory lane, with each truck having its own unique story to tell.

The LKT141 stands out in its original green Fluid Freighters livery.

James and John Zannikos in Albury at the completion of the run up the Hume.

BY DAVID VILE SINCE first being sold in Australia in the early 1970s, the Scania name has become a popular and well-regarded product on Australia’s highways with the famous Griffin emblem adorning Scanias in all manner of applications.

Keeping older Scanias on the road and mustering a collection of the Swedish product along the way is John Zannikos, who along with running his ZED Scania wrecking and parts business, had several Scanias taking part in the Crawlin’ the Hume convoy earlier this year.

Sporting the bright green colours of former transport operators Fluid Freight, Zannikos’ 1978 LKT 111 had literally been out of sight for over three decades before making its trip up the Hume. “It’s all original. It’s a fuel haul spec.

An owner-driver had it pulling tankers and he got ill and it was just parked up. It had been in a shed and hadn’t been started for 34 years. We picked it up, changed the oils and she fired up and its out in the sunshine again. It’s only done 260,000 original kilometres, so it still drives like a new truck,” explained Zannikos.

Also from the 1970s era and catching a ride up the Hume on a float was one of the earlier incarnations of a bonneted Scania truck initially sold out of Diesel Motors in Adelaide.

It was put to work on livestock haulage duties in outback South Australia for a large portion of its 44-year lifespan. “It’s an LB 111 from Port Augusta, it was used back in the day on a road train and like the LKT it’s a one owner vehicle. It had done a diff and got parked up.

It just sat there,” said Zannikos.

The 1986 ‘Gumboot’ does all the haulage for the ZED Wrecking operation.

“The engine is a six-cylinder putting out around 290 horsepower, and at some stage the turbo and the injectors have been serviced, and it runs a ten-speed gearbox.”

For the era it is from, the LB sports a few features that would have set it apart from trucks of the same timeframe. “It’s a good spec for its day. The fact

it had the heavy backend, the bunks and even the air-conditioner is a very early-type one.

To have air-con back in those days, it would have almost been a Rolls Royce in comparison,” Zannikos explained.

“It’s a bit rare because it has the sleeper cab. It is ex-factory but pretty rare in Australia.

Even though it looks small,

it has twin bunks, one on the bottom and a fold-up one on top. I guess it was something special back in the day.”

The LB111 was parked at a scrap metal dealer in Wedderburn in rural Victoria when it first caught his eye. When the owner realised Zannikos was a Scania enthusiast, the deal was done, with its rarity a factor in Zannikos making the purchase.

“The LB111 was a pretty rare unit in its own right.

I wasn’t a big fan of these to be honest – this got my attention because it’s a bogie drive and with the extra cab it’s a bit different. When I did my apprenticeship, I worked on heaps of them, but they were day cabs or single drives. I thought they were a bit of an ugly duckling but this one’s a bit different. There wasn’t many of these around at all.

There were a few in Tasmania but they were a pretty rare sight overall,” he said.

Completing the trio of Scanias and pulling the LB111 on a float up the Hume was Zannikos’ 1986 model 142 ‘Gum-

From a life in outback South Australia to a ride up the Hume, this LB111 is a rare example.

boot’ which has been painted up in the ZED Wrecking colours, with the truck having a few paint schemes over the years after originally being a Scania show unit.

“The Gumboot we use for the business, we bought it about eight years ago. I did work on this truck originally around 26-27 years ago. It was a show truck for Scania at the time and then pulled gas tankers for Chemtrans. It came up for sale in the Northern Territory and we went and had a look at it and it was looking alright,” he said.

Powered by a V8, the output is around 420 horsepower and more than enough to handle the job of collecting trucks for the ZED wrecking business.

The family has been Scania-oriented since the early days with Zannikos both working on them and building up a transport business before turning to the current focus on wrecking and parts supply.

“That’s what we know. My dad Jimmy initially had Scanias back in the mid-70s and I was a mechanic first on Scanias, did my time there and moved into driving first with my dad and then my own. We had a heap of truck and dogs, all Scania, but we have now given up the transport side of them in favour of wrecking them and parts,” Zannikos said.

With the two older Scanias in particular, Zannikos is determined to keep his trucks as authentic and original as possible, rather than overhaul the old paint and bodywork for new colours and chrome.

Whilst the old yellow LB111 is currently not running, Zannikos reckons it will soon be a goer with a bit of work. He’s keen to keep the

truck with its well-weathered appearance.

“We just want to get it running and take it to a few shows ‘as is’. It’s a bit of a classic in its own right, if you start painting and shining it up, it takes away its character. The name on the door is still there and the scrollwork is still there so we will leave it as it is for the time being,” he said.

It is a similar sentiment for the green cabover. “The LKT141 is just a time warp.

People see it and ask, ‘Have you painted it in these colours?’ but that’s how it is – unrestored. When I came across it, I couldn’t move quick enough.

I’m not a fan of green but you wouldn’t go changing this, it’s history on wheels. That is the whole thing about trucks here, you can restore them to look nice but if you leave them the way they are, then it’s showing their history and it brings people in: ‘I worked for this mob’ or ‘I remember this truck’. Just tidy them up and they bring a lot more attention.”

Zannikos undertook the run up the Hume with his son James from the ZED wrecking base at Melton on the outskirts of Melbourne, with the event keenly anticipated after being cancelled in 2020. With more events coming back online again post-Covid, there is a fair chance Zannikos will be flying the Scania flag at another show or get-together soon, with more trucks from his collection.

“This year’s Convoy was really good with a lot more trucks and trailers that really looked the part. I have got a few others we can put on the back and it’s a good advertisement for the business, so we try to go to every show we can,” he said.

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20 READER RIGS

FRIDAY JUNE 25 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Formula Chemicals director Leigh Smart sent this shot of one of his trucks caught in the snow out west near Manildra, NSW.

Aaron Griffiths shared this ripper Terry Haulage Kalgoorlie Kenworth road train shot, taken a few years back, during sunset, at Nullarbor Roadhouse.

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!

Anthony Tebb transports this 34m long load from Wacol, Queensland to Batemans Bay, NSW.

Shamdog Shammy sent in this impressive shot of the Kenworth T659 he drives for Duggan Bulk Haulage, taken on the Tablelands Highway.

Just north of Burrumbuttock, NSW, Jamie JB Whiting couldn’t resist the chance to snap this beauty, while on his way to Brisbane market.

Cam Koczak shared this ripper of a Kenworth K200 600hp pulling a set of 36.5m B-triple trailers.

Peter Shiells snapped this shot after being loaded up with hay in Victoria’s west.

Wayne Agius shared this shot, carrying a curved steel plate for a process separation tank and lighting towers for King of The Hills gold mine; along with railway iron for Thunderbox gold mine.

READER RIGS 21

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY JUNE 25 2021

Dallas Johnston shared this shot that he captured along the Peak Downs Highway.

Ted Morgan, who carts cotton for Barokaville Farming in this 2009 Kenworth T908, shared this shot taken in Bourke.

Adelaide truckie Shaun Wood captured this stunning shot near Kangaringa station in SA.

Niell Graham got this great shot 150km east of Broken Hill, not long before sunset.

Great shot shared by Jakob Batchelor, with his rig looking pristine, despite the red dirt beneath it.

Shane Bankier was getting loaded at Benerembah, NSW, bound for Tennyson, Victoria.

Sam Hill shared a shot of these Western Stars, freshly washed and ready for the week.

Drew Nobby Smith shared this pic of his freshly washed Legend T900.

Dennis Perfrement stepped out of the cab to snap this great photo of the sun rising over the Olgas in the Northern Territory.

22 FEATURE

Fundraising record for classic resto

A NEW fundraising record has been set for a classic 1946 Jailbar truck, restored by transport and logistics specialist insurer, NTI, to help raise much-needed funds for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research.

The classic truck, dubbed Jolene, raised $235,000 from more than 27,000 raffle ticket sales. NTI has committed an additional sum to take the total funds raised from the initiative to $335,000.

Every dollar raised will go directly to MND research to help find a cure or effective treatment for the debilitating disease.

NTI’s CEO Tony Clark said the company was thrilled with the new record set by Jolene, the third Jailbar and

fourth truck to be restored by NTI. “Elizabeth Fritsch from Aldavilla, New South Wales, was announced as the lucky winner and new owner of Jolene. She was shocked and excited when I rang her from the Brisbane Truck Show with the news of her win,” Clark said.

“It’s a wonderful result.

She’d bought two tickets via Facebook, which goes to prove if you’re in it, you’re a chance of winning.

“We had the pleasure of meeting Elizabeth and her family to congratulate her and hand over the keys in person. Seeing the sheer joy on their faces was priceless.”

The funds from Jolene is on top of $534,000 already

JOLENE IS A WORK OF ART. SHE’S NOT JUST A TRUCK AND THE RESULT IS A TEAM EFFORT. THE COMMITMENT NTI’S PEOPLE HAVE SHOWN TO FUNDRAISING FOR MND RESEARCH IS HUMBLING.” NTI CEO TONY CLARK

donated by NTI in the past five years to MND and Me and MND Research Australia to fund NTI’s official research grant.

NTI supports research into MND as a legacy to late CEO Wayne Patterson, who was diagnosed in 2015 and

later lost his battle.

His widow Lisa drew the winning ticket at an official ceremony at the Brisbane Truck Show, held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.

“It’s vital we find a cure, as every day in Australia two people die from MND,” Clark said.

Two people a day are also diagnosed with the disease, while more than 2100 Australians live with MND, which can affect adults of any age.

“Jolene is a work of art.

She’s not just a truck and the result is a team effort. The commitment NTI’s people have shown to fundraising for MND research is humbling.

“And, of course, none of

FRIDAY JUNE 25 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

The classic truck raised $235,000 from more than 27,000 raffle ticket sales.

this would be possible without our sensational industry partners – especially Isuzu Trucks and Royan Truck &

Trailer Repairs Brisbane – who jump on board each and every time with the same level of support and enthusiasm.”

Elizabeth Fritsch from Aldavilla, New South Wales, is the lucky winner and new owner of Jolene.

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NEWS 23

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY JUNE 25 2021

Virtual truck show for charity

A SUPPORT group for young Australian truckies is calling for entries in its first virtual truck show for charity.

Young Aussie Truckies will proudly donate all profits raised to the Brisbane Convoy for Kids, which raises money and awareness for children’s charities, but like a lot of others, had to postpone their 2020 event due to the pandemic.

“With the threat of missing out on yet another convoy we at Young Aussie Truckies wanted to do our bit to help out with such a great cause while still bringing the industry together, even if it is virtually,” said Young Aussie Truckies’ spokesperson and event co-organiser Adam Craig.

Entries for the virtual show are just $5 a ticket and

there are thousands of dollars worth of prize packs up for grabs donated from generous sponsors such as PACCAR, Penske, Volvo, Truckers Toy Store, Tones’ Truckin Stories and Kendall Trucking & Co. Categories are Best Kenworth, Best Western Star, Best Mack, Best Euro, and Best Rigid, plus there is also a People’s Choice award, with prizes awarded back to third.

Big Rigs will also publish the winner in each category.

To buy your ticket and for more information on conditions of entry, just visit the website youngaussietruckies. com.

Entries close on July 1, with this year’s Brisbane Convoy for Kids scheduled for November 6.

WITH THE THREAT OF MISSING OUT ON YET ANOTHER CONVOY WE AT YOUNG AUSSIE TRUCKIES WANTED TO DO OUR BIT TO HELP OUT WITH SUCH A GREAT CAUSE WHILE STILL BRINGING THE INDUSTRY TOGETHER, EVEN IF IT IS VIRTUALLY.”

Jason Cooper named Technician of the Year AFTER securing third place at the 2020 PACCAR Technician of the Year (TOTY) event, Brown and Hurley technician Jason Cooper has come out on top, taking the title for 2021.

This is the second year in a row that the Brown and Hurley team have achieved great results in the TOTY event, which involves a series of hands-on mechanical tests

on various Kenworth and DAF models and systems in addition to a written test.

Further to Jason Cooper’s gold medal performance in the Kenworth TOTY, other Brown and Hurley employees also scored highly in the competition. Steve Rieck took out third place and Warren Lunn came fifth. And in the DAF TOTY, Rudi Linders also claimed third place.

“We couldn’t be prouder of our technicians, and we extend a huge congratulations to all who participated in the PACCAR TOTY event this year,” said Brown and Hurley Group CEO, Paul Hurley.

“We’d also like to thank PACCAR for hosting the competition – they really put on a great event for everyone involved.”

YOUNG AUSSIE TRUCKIES’ EVENT COORGANISER ADAM CRAIG

Young Aussie Truckies began in 2020 with the aim of opening doors for the younger generation to get their start in the transport industry.

“We believe our driving force aligns perfectly with the ambition behind the Brisbane Convoy for Kids, making them the ideal charity for our donation,” added Craig.

Brown and Hurley technician Jason Cooper took out the 2021 title.

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24 DRIVER PROFILES

FRIDAY JUNE 25 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Truckin’ In The Tropics Allan Sullivan Jaco Venter

IT wasn’t surprising when driver Allan Sullivan nominated fishing as one of his main recreations when not working, as he lives at Karumba which is a Gulf of Carpentaria town renowned for its waterways abounding with seafood.

Karumba is 71km by road from Normanton and is situated at the mouth of the Norman River.

“I catch barramundi, sweetlip, mud crabs and prawns,” he said.

Visions came to me of the famous television promotion

in which Paul Hogan promoted lifestyle by cooking some prawns on a barbecue.

“I cast a net at the point back home and be wary of saltwater crocodiles,” he said.

Sullivan is 53 and drives a Mack for Greg Campbell Engineering.

He was parked at the BP Cluden Roadhouse when he stopped for a chat.

“I have come down with empty fuel tanks and will fill them and go back to Karumba,” he said.

When on the road Sullivan likes stopping at the Croydon

Roadhouse near Normanton and BP Cluden. “The people at Croydon are friendly and the food is great. Here at BP Cluden there is lots of parking and facilities such as showers,” he said.

Whilst overall he said more rest areas were needed for truckies, he was impressed with one. “It is the pad at the top of Hervey’s Range Road,” he said.

Sullivan barracks for the Parramatta Eels in the NRL but also follows local north Queensland team, the Cowboys.

with Alf Wilson

DRIVING trucks in Australia is much more complex and adventurous than in his native South Africa, says Jaco Venter.

Venter has been down under for the past 28 months and drives a 2008 Freightliner Argosy for PRM Transport, which is based near Giru in tropical north Queensland.

For a long time before that, he was involved in the trucking industry in the central part of South Africa.

“I had a start-up as an owner operator to a build-up of a fleet of 12 trucks over there.

With time, the operations got very dangerous, to a point where we had to get out. We

used to cart grain and cement to Botswana and Namibia. I came to Australia intrigued but mostly to provide a future for my young sons aged five and ten,” he said.

Big Rigs spoke to Venter when we saw him checking his road train at the Townsville Port Access Road.

Venter also said Aussies have many great services here, like proper mail delivery and effective garbage disposal.

“Which is not always the case in South Africa,” he said.

The 40-year-old truckie lives at Ayr, which is 38km south of Giru on the Bruce Highway.

“I have a load of soybean meal for Stocklick in Charters Towers,” Venter said.

He added that fuel prices were about the same in both countries, although he said the cost of ownership and labour over here in Australia is much higher, but it’s also of better value.

Venter likes stopping at the Puma Calcium Roadhouse and rates the Hughenden to Winton Highway as the worst he gets along.

When he gets time off, Venter enjoys going to the gym and fishing for barramundi in the plentiful creeks around the Burdekin.

remains were on the back of a trailer at Townsville Towing’s depot in Stuart.

By the time it left for the Queensland Museum in Brisbane, it consisted of bones and huge vertebrae.

I snapped pics of the bones on the trailer at the depot and several of the whale being towed by a boat in the water were provided by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS).

The other Townsville Towing workers with Cathcart were his boss Cameron Wright, Peter Peckett and Mark McCormack.

“Myself and some workers arrived on the site at Cungulla and it took three hours to

place the bones on the back of our Hino truck. It was very smelly as all the flesh had been cut away. I have never seen anything quite like this and the size of the innards was extraordinary. The intestines and everything else were the size of waterpipes,” Wright said at the time.

Whilst the odour was “on the nose”, it was an extremely important transport job from a scientific point of view.

At that stage it was the only complete specimen of a blue whale in the Queensland Museum collection.

Back to the present time and Cathcart said there was a genuine shortage of rest areas with toilets for truckies.

“We really need a lot more of them, especially in Queensland,” he said.

His favourite roadhouse is at the Moonie Cross Roads which he says provides well for drivers.

The worst road he nominated was the Warrego Highway between Toowoomba and Roma.

An R700 Mack was the first truck Cathcart ever drove and it was at Dubbo in NSW. Outside work, Cathcart enjoys watching his nine-yearold son Billy participate in motocross.

He rates the Freightliner highly and intends on continuing as a truckie for many years.

Ken Cathcart IT was a welcome but “smelly” trip down memory lane for myself and young truckie Ken Cathcart when we met up unexpectedly in Townsville.

The 34-year-old was beside his Freightliner Coronado which was hauling cement railway sleepers from Rockhampton to outback Richmond in Queensland.

“Remember when you did that story on the dead whale many years ago? I was one of the four transport company

workers who moved its carcass and bones,” Cathcart said.

We both agreed the smell from the whale bones was one of the most putrid we have encountered.

“I have never smelt anything so bad in my life and it was also an unusual load,” he said.

Some of the people who were near it even wore face masks which didn’t help much.

It was back in 2008 when

Cathcart worked as a mechanic/driver for a company called Townsville Towing. The whale was found dead in Cape Cleveland waters south of Townsville.

It unfolded after the 20 tonne rare blue whale died after being stranded near Cungulla and the truck involved in carrying its carcass was a 2002 model 260hp Hino Ranger aptly named Camel Tow. Weeks after the whale was retrieved from the ocean, its

The whale being towed by boat. Image: Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS)

WHAT’S ON 25

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY JUNE 25 2021

Save the date for these upcoming events in 2021

JULY LRTAQ 2021 Annual Conference July 16-17 Roma, Queensland Visit: lrtaq.com.au/ conference-2021 The Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of Queensland will celebrate its 40th anniversary by returning to the location of the very first meeting in 1981: Roma. The event will discuss the latest industry developments and the future of the industry.

AUGUST QTA NQ Women in Transport & Logistics Breakfast August 4 Townsville, Queensland Visit: qta.com.au/ event-4254645 At this event at The Ville Resort & Casino, guests will hear from inspiring women thriving in their careers. It is open to both men and women and will be based on the theme ‘Choose to challenge for change’.

Casino Truck Show August 7 Casino, NSW Visit: casinotruckshow.com.au

From 10am the truck parade will roll through Johnston and Centre Streets. Registrations are open from 6am at the Casino Industrial Area. Other highlights include live music, amusements and markets, and over $12,000 in cash and prizes.

NatRoad Conference August 19-21 Gold Coast, Queensland Visit: natroad.com.au/ events-networking/ 2021-conference/ The NatRoad National Conference aims to provide an opportunity for freight operators to get together and reconnect after a difficult year. Event highlights include the ‘NatRoad Parliament’ where attendees can debate pressing issues; and the NatRoad Awards which will be presented at the Gala Dinner.

National Road Transport Hall of Fame Reunion August 23-29 Alice Springs, NT Visit: roadtransporthall.com The National Transport Historical Society and The Old Ghan Historical Society has announced the inaugural Festival of Transport, with new events

to be held alongside the usual reunion activities, including introducing the newest members to the Rimula Wall of Fame.

National Skills Week August 23-29 National event Visit: nationalskillsweek. com.au National Skills Week is dedicated to raising the status of practical and vocational learning.

Over 500 events are set to take place across Australia.

Heatherton Truck Show August 28 Heatherton, Victoria Visit: facebook.com/heathertontruckshow The inaugural Heatherton Truck Show will help raise money for Variety, the children’s charity. The day will include a vast display of trucks old and new, awards presentations, food stands, kids activities and more.

SEPTEMBER MEGATRANS September 8-10 Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre Visit: megatrans.com.au MEGATRANS is Australia’s

leading industry freight and logistics trade exhibition and conference, showcasing multimodal transport solutions. For the first time, MEGATRANS will be held in conjunction with the Australian Bulk Handling Expo 2021, with both events taking place side by side.

Australasian Road Safety Conference September 28-30 Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre Visit: australasianroad safetyconference.com.au This event will combine a mixture of in-person and online delivery to ensure people can be involved regardless of any travel restrictions. The event aims to align with road safety efforts across Australia, New Zealand and globally, and assist in building road safety capacity.

Trucking Australia 2021 September 29 – October 1 Gold Coast, Queensland Visit: new.truck.net.au/ta/ The Trucking Australia conference is presented by the Australian Trucking Association. Further details and packages will be released soon.

OCTOBER Lights on the Hill Memorial Convoy October 2-3 Gatton, Qld Visit: lightsonthehill.com.au The memorial convoy gives drivers and their families an opportunity to get together with other truckies in a social environment whilst helping to make the public aware that truckies are the backbone of the country.

Convoy for Kids Sydney October 31 Sydney, NSW Visit: convoyforkids.com.au Since the first Convoy for Kids Sydney in 1992, truckies have raised nearly $3 million for kids’ charities and hospitals in NSW. The upcoming convoy will start from Huntingwood and arrive at Hawkesbury Showground in Clarendon for a fun-filled day with rides, entertainment, food and stalls.

NOVEMBER Boyup Brook Ute and Truck Muster November 20 Boyup Brook, WA Visit: countrymusicwa.com. au/ute-truck-muster

Held together with the Boyup Brook Country Music Festival, this muster aims to celebrate Aussie vehicles with an impressive display.

Illawarra Convoy November 21 Illawarra, NSW Visit: illawarraconvoy.com.au The Illawarra Convoy and Family Fun Day is the largest truck and motorbike convoy in the Southern Hemisphere, raising much-needed funds for various charities.

Brisbane Convoy for Kids and Truck Show November 6 Redcliffe Showgrounds, Queensland Visit: brisbaneconvoyforkids. com.au Raising money for Hummingbird House, the convoy will run from Forest Lake to Redcliffe Showgrounds, where there will be a truck show and awards.

The evening will culminate in a spectacular fireworks display.

• Have you got an event you’d like included in the next Save the Date? Email all the details to editor@primecreative.com.au.

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AT THE WHEEL DAVID MEREDITH

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contributors@bigrigs.com.au

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

26 COLUMN

Professionalising the transport industry I SPY ON THE ROAD ISPY@BIGRIGS.COM.AU

INSURANCE GURU MARK BROWN

Manager, TBI Insurance Services

YOU ask what being a professional has got to do with insurance? In one word, everything.

If you think about it, you may call yourself a professional driver because you’ve been driving for 15 years, you’ve been there, done that, and seen everything and it also says professional driver TELEMATICS EXPERT on your logbook, so you’re a SHANNON KYLE professional, right?

Wrong, Safety solutions specialist, Teletrac Navman that 20-year-old that just bagged you up in the big nine-oh doing a dollar-five has also got a logbook with professional written on it. So, in the eyes of Joe public you are no more a professional than the 20-year-old driver, who’s been driving for all of six months.

From this author, we have nothing but respect for those of you whom have been driv-

WOMEN IN TRANSPORT JACQUELENE BROTHERTON Chair of Transport Women Australia

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

EDITOR JAMES GRAHAM

james.graham@bigrigs.com.au

TWU NEWS RICHARD OLSEN TWU NSW State Secretary

FRIDAY JUNE 25 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

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

THOSE SKILLS HAVE IN TURN SAVED MANY A MOTORIST LIFE WITHOUT THEM EVEN KNOWING THAT IT WAS YOUR SKILLS AND/OR INTUITION THAT PREVENTED AN ACCIDENT FROM HAPPENING BEFORE IT EVEN LOOKED LIKE HAPPENING AT ALL.”

LEGAL EAGLE ROWAN KING

Principal Lawyer RK Law

MARK BROWN

LOBBYIST STEVE SHEARER

SA Road Transport Association Executive Director

The truck driver who has had many years on the road is without doubt, the most skilful driver we have on our roads.

ing 10, 15, 20, 30 years, etc.

The truck driver who has had many years on the road

is without doubt, the most skilful driver we have on our roads, bar none. And those

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skills have in turn saved many a motorist life without them even knowing that it was your skills and/or intuition that prevented an accident from happening before it even looked like happening at all.

Skills of drivers are not disputed, however to achieve a professional status there would be the need for a recognised qualification system.

Being a professional is about knowing your stuff about what you are employed to do and constantly educating yourself on what and how to do it safely and efficiently along with being aware of any changes in legislation that affects you and what you do.

How that could be done, who knows, but we have no doubt it would assist in improving the industry. In our industry (insurance) we are required to complete a minimum of 25 points (25 hours) of documented study every year to maintain our professional status.

We would assume for the same to happen within the transport industry, some sort of similar yearly training/education requirement would be necessary. Of course if new to the industry or only minimal years in it, a full course would need to be undertaken, whereas those with say, in excess of 10 years, a recognition of prior learning could apply and just a short course would initially be required followed by some documented industry specific study throughout the year. Study could be as simple as reading up on any new legislation or a ‘how to load’ manual on certain types of freight or studying a road map of routes you may need to travel and familiarising yourself with any hazards along the way such as

bridges, narrow roads, tight bends and declines or even something as simple as just listening to a podcast while you’re driving.

If the transport industry were to achieve a professional status, we believe it would assist with improving the industry’s image with the general public.

The insurance companies would also look more favourably upon a professional operator as opposed to a non-professional operator and adjust their premiums according to the qualifications and professionalism that each operator can demonstrate via regular documented learning.

However, there may also

be another underlying flowon affect that should also be considered.

As a highly trained and qualified professional, your time, effort and knowledge in your profession are a desired asset and assets come at a cost, that cost could be the freight rate and/or wages.

That got your attention, didn’t it? Professionalise the transport industry. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

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.

If the transport industry were to achieve a professional status, it could assist with improving the industry’s image with the general public.

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY JUNE 25 2021

COLUMN 27

Let’s clear the air, together

LIFE WITH KERMIE GRAHAM HARSANT contributors@bigrigs.com.au

REFORM LEADER SAL PETROCCITTO

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, CEO

COVID-19 improved the perception many Australians have of our industry, reaffirming that the movement of trucks, the supply chain and the ability to access warehouses is critical to the nation’s development and continued success.

Currently, there are more than 40,000 owners and approximately half a million heavy vehicles on our roads, with those numbers only increasing. With a geographically dispersed population, the requirement for trucks to deliver to more locations and travel further distances is inevitable.

The NHVR, and the majority of industry, prioritises safety in everything we do.

With safety comes compliance but, like any industry, there will be some that attempt to bend the rules.

One area of concern for the NHVR is the practice of illegal engine remapping.

While there may be a temptation to cut corners, engine remapping is illegal under the

WELCOME MESSAGE MARK BAILEY

Qld Minister for Transport and Main Roads

LEGAL CORNER SARAH MARINOVIC Armstrong Legal

INSURANCE GURU MARK BROWN

Manager, TBI Insurance Services

TELEMATICS EXPERT SHANNON KYLE

Safety solutions specialist, Teletrac Navman

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

TWU NEWS RICHARD OLSEN

LEGAL EAGLE ROWAN KING

TWU NSW State Secretary

Principal Lawyer RK Law

TO COMBAT THIS, THE NHVR HAS EMBARKED ON AN EDUCATION CAMPAIGN, REMINDING THE INDUSTRY ABOUT THE RISKS THEY TAKE IF THEY CHOOSE TO ILLEGALLY REMAP AN ENGINE.”

LOBBYIST STEVE SHEARER

SA Road Transport Association Executive Director

SAL PETROCCITTO

Engine remapping is illegal under the Heavy Vehicle National Law. Research shows it can release up to 60 x more pollutants into the atmosphere.

Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) – and for good reason, one of which is the pollutant harm remapping can cause. Research has shown that engine remapping can release up to 60 x more pollutants into the atmosphere

(Australian Bureau of Statistics January 2017 Motor Vehicle Census), which can cause damage to the environment and the communities our families and friends live and work in.

To combat this, the

NHVR has embarked on an education campaign, reminding the industry about the risks they take if they choose to illegally remap an engine.

It’s clear to us – and I’m sure to many of you – that there are more than just financial

penalties at stake.

Over the coming months, information will be released that will aid all of us in re-committing to the correct use of trucks and the safety of those that operate them.

For many, this will come

as simply a reminder message, with all new trucks sold in Australia since 2010 required to meet Euro V Vehicle Emission Standards.

These standards will no doubt strengthen over the coming years in a move that is welcomed by the NHVR and positive for the sustainability of the heavy vehicle industry. In the meantime, we all have a responsibility to play our part in ensuring a safe future for our environment and those that live as part of it.

In addition to visual messaging, the NHVR compliance and prosecution teams will continue to monitor illegal engine remapping and we will pursue action as required.

For now though, I thank you for your support of this important initiative, as together, we clear the air over engine remapping.

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28 AD FEATURE

FRIDAY JUNE 25 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Fuel tax credits – free online course

WITH tax time fast approaching, it’s important to consider how you are managing your fuel tax credits, not only for the current financial year but also to make sure your systems are set up correctly for the 2021-22 period.

Understanding Fuel Tax Credits is just one of the online courses offered under the Road Freight Resilience Program, designed for the transport and logistics industry in Queensland.

The Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) offers free access to this recorded webinar until the end of July to support business owners and drivers. The webinar covers an introduction to fuel tax credits 101, eligibility and the claiming process.

You can sign up for free before July 31, 2021, by visiting roadfreight-resilience. thinkific.com/courses/ fuel-tax-credits and using the code TAX2021.

Other free courses available include Covid Hygiene Awareness, designed for both drivers and depots. This course has several resources to download and use in the workplace.

The QTA is offering free access to the Understanding Fuel Tax Credits webinar until the end of July to support business owners and drivers.

A full list of courses offered in the program is detailed below and focuses on technical, digital and soft skills relevant to road transport operators.

• Efficient Business Practices • Job Costing • Employment Relations • Fuel Tax Credits • Covid Hygiene Awareness • Critical Incident Management •R ecruiting & Training

• Managing Change • Maximising Future Transport Technology • Social Media QTA CEO Gary Mahon also shared information about the release of new courses to the Road Freight Resilience Program.

“We are excited to launch a new bundle which includes Anti-Discrimination, Sexual Harassment & Disability

ONLINE COURSES FOR

QLD TRUCK DRIVERS

Understanding Fuel Tax Credits is among the online courses offered under the Road Freight Resilience Program.

Awareness for Truck and Delivery Drivers,” he said.

“Again, as with the existing courses, we are heavily discounting the bundle to $49, so it is affordable for our industry to access training from leading industry experts.”

All courses are available to purchase as stand-alone or in

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The Road Freight Resilience Program is a Queensland Trucking Association initiative funded under the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training Micro-credentialing Pilots Program.

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BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY JUNE 25 2021

Transport on demand app soars to new heights

LOOKING for a load? The freight on demand app from TransMissito has you covered.

Free and easy to use, the Brisbane-based business allows transport operators to find additional loads, with truckies paid as soon as it’s delivered.

Essentially, TransMissito is a booking platform that facilitates connections between transport operators and customers.

Disruption drives adoption TransMissito is among the new gig economy start-ups and it’s attempting to change generations of behaviour in the trucking industry by digitising the never-ending work of matching trucks, drivers and goods to get more efficiency into the supply chain process.

Matching whatever needs moving to a truck and a driver has long happened over the phone or via email. Even some of the most sophisticated shippers lean on old-fashioned spreadsheets to track who and what is going where. TransMissito aims to change this process by using machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Transport operators can register via a free online portal or

via a free download from the app store; and consumers/companies with goods to transport can search the platform for the transport option that best meets their needs. The app geo-searches for available work and loads, as well as any transport on demand requirements.

The unique booking system, which is simple yet effective, allows transporters to collect

individual private freight packages while on their usual rounds, maximising returns and creating additional efficiency – essentially backloading/or backfilling.

TransMissito, with its ability to facilitate a ‘meeting’ of consumers and transporters on the same room or platform is ideally placed to connect drivers/operators directly to consumers, benefitting both.

TransMissito is a booking platform that facilitates connections between freight operators and customers.

Freight Tranport On Demand

Whether you’re an operator struggling to find work and want instant payment terms, or an operator in search of a constant stream of customers, TransMissito is the app for you.

TransMissito also provides vehicle tracking services so customers can easily track their load while the contract is in session.

“If someone wants to get an additional load, why do they need to phone a broker? With the TransMissito app, they’ll get automatically notified on their phone that a load is available, and they get to choose to accept or decline the incremental earning. Customers, in turn, can just book directly on the platform.

For anyone who wants to move freight, with more than half a tonne at a time, TransMissito can help,” said TransMissito founder and CFO Rick Govender.

“From a business point of view, we are pretty much like an Uber-type app, but for freight.

There is no other business like this in Australia. We’ve been around for about a year and have developed a great following.”

After only a year in the game, TransMissito is already making a name for itself, with more and more transport operators and

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Transport businesses can register via a free online portal.

companies requiring transport services turning to the platform.

TransMissito is adamant that customers it’s converted are never going back. “We are migrating transport operators to the cloud and simultaneously migrating customers to the cloud. And there is no way back. TransMissito believes that a shift toward transport on demand automation is on the cards here in Australia,” added Govender.

Looking ahead, Govender says he has some big plans for his company. He’s currently investigating the possibility of getting TransMissito onto the

stock market. “We have an idea and a plan to list the business on the Australian stock market, to capitalise on growth and scale – hopefully later this year,” he said.

“We have engaged a legal team, engaged stock market brokers and financial advisers who believe it’s a doable task.

We’re hoping to get onto the stock market in the last quarter of the year. And if and when we do, our intention is to offer 1000 free shares to the first 1000 truckies who have registered with us. Join the disruption and drive the adoption.” Learn more at transmissito.com.

30 SPY ON THE ROAD

FRIDAY JUNE 25 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Will we soon be seeing cameras at parking bays?

SPY ON THE ROAD WITH ALF WILSON

Parking bay camera anger RUMOUR is rife that authorities in one or more Australian states will install surveillance cameras at the entrance and exit of parking bays.

Numerous truckies Spy has spoken to have heard just that and would not be happy if it occurs.

“It is just another way of checking on us when there is too many compliance laws in place as it is,” one driver told me.

Another said it would be a case of “Big Brother” raising more revenue when fines for many minor breaches are already high.

I have asked a score of truckies what they thought of the matter and 80 per cent were against it.

Some expressed their opinion with words that cannot be printed in Big Rigs.

But they included a lot of expletives and readers will get the drift.

A small minority felt that such cameras may be a positive initiative.

A main reason was because of a huge amount of theft from parked trailers and trucks at such parking bays.

They point out that cameras have the potential to identify the culprits.

Refrigeration unit concerns LONG-TIME driver Nadine Martens is concerned about the effects that loud air conditioning and refrigeration units on trucks are having on those who don’t have them.

“I am finding a lot of mixed feelings about this topic. I am a linehaul driver who does not have an Icepack (air conditioning unit) and usually try to park in an area where there are none around, as the constant noise keeps me awake, and makes me rather tired the next day,” she said.

“There are some drivers

Work on the upgrades to Tasmania’s Midlands Highway won’t be complete until 2024.

Nadine Martens is concerned about noise from refrigerated units and air conditioners.

who just don’t care where they park up with these noisy things and have no consideration for another driver’s fatigue. I was just wanting to get the message out there to try and get these drivers to start thinking of others, not just themselves with these things.”

Tax time TAX time is just around the corner. The financial year finishes on June 30 and after that people will have their tax return either done by themselves or through an agent or accountant.

In early June Spy saw half a dozen truckies sitting in their driver’s seat checking through papers stored in folders.

On each occasion these were owner operators who were looking at receipts for deductions.

They were preparing them in order to submit to the ATO from July 1.

Each one expects some loot back, although with often complex tax laws they were not sure how much.

Sleep apnoea expenses THERE are many Aussies who suffer from sleep apnoea and need to use a sleeping machine

Cameras beside a busy Queensland road used by lots of trucks.

to make life much more comfortable.

I often hear truckies who suffer from the ailment talking about the expense of such devices.

Recently a road transport identity needed a new B-Pap machine and was quoted $7200 by his local agent.

He has dealt with this agent for years and purchased his last machine there more than five years ago.

But he shopped around and came across a company in the capital city of his state which sold him the exact machine for $4850.

This included a face mask and pipe attaching it to the machine and was delivered by Australia Post within five days.

As a bonus, it included a five-year warranty so the lad is happy he made genuine savings.

A B-Pap machine has advanced features when compared to the cheaper C-Pap devices many sleep apnoea sufferers use.

You have to ponder how there could be so much difference in price for the same machine.

So it goes to show that it does pay to shop around.

Midlands Highway upgrade UPGRADING of the important Midlands Highway in Tasmania continues as part of a 10-year plan, with work expected to be completed in 2024.

These upgrades will bring 190km of the Midland Highway between Hobart and Launceston to a three star AusRAP rating.

In 2013 Tasmania had road ratings meeting AusRAP standards as follows: One star at 20 per cent, two star at 46 per cent, three star at 32 per cent, four star at 2 per cent and five star at 0 per cent.

However it is expected these stats would have changed with works already completed to date on the Midlands, or Heritage Highway as it is also known.

Soon to start on the Midland Highway is further works between Epping Forest and Campbell Town, Campbell Town and Mona Vale near Ross, Oatlands and Jericho.

These works will be to install dedicated left and right turn lanes at road intersections with some U-turn facilities and overtaking lanes.

The Perth bypass has been completed.

Trucks vital Origin role A FLEET of trucks towing B-double trailers hauled 100 tonnes of steel from southern Queensland to Townsville to boost seating for the first rugby league State of Origin match between NSW and Queensland.

The game was held at Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium on June 9 and the extra seats upgraded capacity at the 25,000 seat venue.

Many people had missed out on tickets and these temporary stands were erected from the steel to add at least an additional 1000 seats.

It was the biggest sporting

event in Townsville’s history and people came from far and wide for the action.

Even those who missed out were happy to see 40 food trucks which helped feed hungry people with a variety of culinary delights.

The food trucks were set up at three locations in Flinders Street, North Shore Opal and Riverway Stadium as hordes of people watched the Origin on big screens.

Job vacancies IT seems that at some locations around the country supermarket chains find it difficult to hire drivers for those light rigs which home deliver groceries.

Spy knows of numerous elderly people who swear by this service which drops their groceries to their door.

Many report having a good yarn to the helpful and friendly drivers.

But several customers have told Spy that the service was temporarily suspended in their area.

“I was told at the supermarket they were having trouble getting drivers,” she said.

So if you are out of work, maybe apply for such a job.

Sparks fly IMAGINE the angst a truckie felt when he returned home to see sparks flying from the wire which connects his house to the nearest electricity power pole.

To make matters worse, there was smoke coming from the part of the wire near his house.

So he called the emergency number for his local power provider and within an hour, two of their workers pulled up in a truck.

It took less than an hour for the wire to be replaced and at first they thought wear and tear may have caused the problem.

However after closely checking the damaged wire

it was revealed that a bird or birds had bitten the wire, causing the damage.

Multi cultural drivers AMONGST the tens of thousands of truck drivers who keep Australia supplied are a percentage who were born overseas.

Many others were born here but have descendants from a variety of nations.

Recently one described the driver arm of the road transport industry as being like a “United Nations”.

Over the decades I have come across drivers who have come from and previously worked at scores of other countries.

They all have interesting stories when asked to compare the industry here and from where they drove overseas.

While the industry for drivers here is not perfect, the message most pass on is that this is the best country to work in.

Former South African small fleet owner Jaco Venter left his native land because it was becoming dangerous at times.

After I yarned to Venter he emailed me a pic he snapped of trucks at the family farm near Rustenburg in South Africa.

Apology to older drivers IN a recent report Spy referred to a driver aged in his seventies as an Octogenarian.

Of course that description is for somebody aged between 80 and 89.

The correct term for a 70 to 79 year old is a Septuagenarian.

Now the gentleman who was the subject of the story didn’t contact Spy about it.

In fact nobody did. My mistake came to light after a handful of truckies asked me what an Octogenarian was and referred to the article.

They didn’t have a clue. So my apologies to 70 and 80 year olds.

The pic Jaco Venter snapped two years ago at his South African family farm.

Let’s clear the air over illegal engine remapping

Remapped engines release 60x more pollutants To ensure the heavy vehicle industry does its part to minimise impact on the environment, all new trucks sold in Australia since 2010 must meet Euro V Vehicle Emission Standards.

The illegal practice of engine remapping means the vehicle will not comply with these standards, putting truck drivers and the public at risk of harm.

Exposure to toxic diesel emissions in the workplace, our communities, schools and the environment causes major health risks.

The NHVR’s priority is to protect the safety of drivers and the community, helping to ensure a productive and sustainable heavy vehicle industry.

To find out more on the risks and penalties visit nhvr.gov.au/engineremapping

RT ERTON

AT THE WHEEL DAVID MEREDITH

32 COLUMN

contributors@bigrigs.com.au

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

FRIDAY JUNE 25 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Helping to protect a secure working future for drivers

EDITOR JAMES GRAHAM

TASSIE TRUCKIN’ JON WALLIS

james.graham@bigrigs.com.au

contributors@bigrigs.com.au

TWU NEWS

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

IN the past couple of weeks, executives from the company Amazon appeared before the Federal Senate Select Committee on Job Security. The inquiry is looking into the substandard treatment of workers

by Amazon.

The TWU has been looking to hold Amazon to account over poor safety standards with its casualised workforce.

It does not help that the Federal Government tore down an independent tribunal, which was investigating risks to safety in road transport. The tribunal was mandated to hold companies like Amazon to account over poor safety standards.

In the view of the TWU, Amazon has broken regulations on safety training and workers’ rights. For months Amazon was failing to pro-

vide mandated and approved ‘BlueCard’ safety training to its transport workers in Amazon Flex in contravention of NSW regulations.

Transport LEGAL EAGLE workers know this training ROWAN KINGis vital in ensuring workers are aware of the Principal Lawyer RK Law risks to their health and safety, know how to deal with incidents and emergencies and where to report them. Amazon also refused entry to our officials, even calling the police to have them removed.

Amazon has long had a reputation internationally for being an anti-union employer by blocking union access to their sites and sacking thousands of union members abroad. Amazon has brought the same attitude to Australia with several instances already reported of TWU officials denied access to Amazon sites despite giving prior notice and holding right of entry permits issued by FairWork.

The TWU has identified the current trends of gig work expansion into the industry and the subsequent problems that brings. Companies like AusPost, Uber Freight and Amazon Flex are looking to

Late last year, delivery drivers, owner drivers and TWU members protested outside Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Sydney against the low rates paid to delivery drivers. Image: TWU website

undercut the freight industry with their version of a profitable business model that can involve systemic worker exploitation. These companies have to try to fly under the radar, hoping to reduce workplace regulation and see in a rise of automation and surveillance technology.

The TWU recognises the

impact that job losses will particularly have on the truck driving industry, for the most part, members who have driven for decades and approach truck driving as a profession.

Whilst the advent of autonomous truck driving technologies has the means of establishing the need for new highly skilled jobs, the shedding of

truck drivers will devastate hard working Australians who made personal sacrifices for themselves and their families.

It is clear we live in an era of technological revolution where advancements are rapidly increasing. The transport industry has not been immune to automation and surveillance technology development.

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However, serious ethical issues remain including job losses, the impact on regional areas and cybersecurity risks.

There are too many unanswered questions. Safety is a prime concern and drivers need quality employment in the future, anything less abandons them, their loved ones and future generations.

COLUMN 33

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY JUNE 25 2021

We don’t need heavy vehicles on our roads terials, and our cars filled with petrol or diesel. The goods that people demand, that are essential to businesses and maintain our standard of living just don’t ‘appear’.

The scale and enormity of the freight task is lost in the narrowly focussed, ‘not in my backyard’ mentality of not knowing how goods move through our communities.

But let’s consider the impact if such draconian bans were to occur, against the backdrop of the slippery slope many inner-city councils and local governments are putting us on, through increasingly restrictive conditions on heavy vehicle movements in our cities and towns.

For one, congestion would be worse, with the increased reliance by businesses and consumers on smaller vehicles making many more journeys and offsetting any benefit of having no or fewer trucks on our roads. Streets would be gridlocked with vans and lightweight delivery vehicles that experience the same demand for goods, but with the additional pressure of more frequent deliveries required to

VTA COMMENT PETER ANDERSON CEO, Victorian Transport Association

AS CEO of the Victorian Transport Association I am often asked in public forums: “How do we get trucks off our roads?” We also often see the public messaging stating that the new ‘tunnel’ will get thousands of trucks off our roads.

In the contrarian world we live in, and within which public debate seems increasingly black or white, it is acceptable in many circles to advocate for absolute views about issues without a thought or consideration for what the alternative might look like.

In this magical utopian world, our streets are absent from the very vehicles that keep our economy humming along, and that stock grocery store shelves, and keep our construction and building sites equipped with supplies, our factories stocked with raw ma-

keep shelves stocked and construction sites busy.

And as for parking, well you can forget about that. In the face of fewer loading zones in our cities thanks to new infrastructure and dedicated lanes for bicycles on most of our city streets, all these delivery vans will be fighting for what little street parking remains, with an influx of motorcycles and delivery scooters dangerously littering footpaths.

The safety consequences are equally stark with road accidents likely to increase thanks to additional congestion and more vehicles occupying the roads, with the added heightened risks to pedestrians having to navigate trolleys and pallet jacks carrying goods to shops from delivery vans parked blocks away.

The benefit of less noise and fuel emissions from supporters of no or fewer heavy vehicles is just as mythical, with the explosion in numbers of delivery vans and motorbikes needed to meet consumer demand more than negating any ‘benefit’ brought about by less trucks.

These examples may well

be extreme but does serve to demonstrate the worst-case scenario of reducing or removing heavy vehicles from the supply chain.

We can take comfort that level heads are prevailing in the upper echelons of state and federal governments, who recognise the vital work transport workers do in keeping supply chains functional, together with how essential heavy vehicles are in delivering the growing freight task.

Regrettably, the same cannot be said for a growing number of local government authorities around Australia, whose transport plans seem to be predicated on reducing or eliminating trucks from roads and thoroughfares, and taxing transport operators for doing their jobs.

The City of Melbourne has reduced the number of loading zones in the CBD over the past 12 months in order to provide fixed infrastructure and new dedicated lanes for bicycles, forcing delivery trucks to park many blocks away and walking trolleys through the pedestrians. Greater traffic congestion is a by-product of reducing

Supply chains must flow and decision makers must understand the size and scale of the freight task that keeps us all supplied with what we need.

loading zones, with operators remaining in town for longer with nowhere to park.

This is exactly the kind of slippery slope we must avoid, and actively discourage transport policy makers from setting us on – often encouraged by fringe groups and their ‘ban trucks at all costs’ mentality.

Supply chains must flow and decision makers must understand the size and scale of the freight task that keeps the millions of people supplied with the goods they need every day determines the nature of the vehicle size on our roads.

The industry is improving with low emission vehicles,

enormous investments in technology, superior safety systems and a call for more driver training.

The industry needs clearways not curfews. The industry needs better road management through dedicated routes and varied access permissions. The industry needs a far greater maturity shown by those advocating to get heavy vehicles off our streets.

The VTA continues to advocate for the legitimate rights of operators to use the road network, and to articulate the vitality of trucks and heavy vehicles in our supply chain.

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FRIDAY JUNE 25 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

SafeT360 saving young lives SAFETY EXPERT MELISSA WELLER Australian Trucking Association Safety, Health and Wellbeing Director

RESEARCH shows us that young road users have a big knowledge gap when it comes to understanding how to share the road safely with trucks.

Things like avoiding truck blind spots and not cutting in would seem like common sense behaviours to those in the industry, but these unwritten rules are not taught to our learner car drivers.

Sixteen to 25-year-olds are the most overrepresented demographic involved in crashes on our roads – and SafeT360 is working to change this.

The evidence-based road safety exhibition puts young road users in the virtual driver’s seat to see things from a truck driver’s perspective. SafeT360 gives young road users an understanding of where a truck’s blind spots are, how long it

takes a truck to stop, and the dangers of distraction.

Since launching in 2019, SafeT360 has welcomed thousands of young car drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists into its exhibition, giving them the core knowledge needed to keep themselves and other road users safe.

The impacts of SafeT360 have been clear and the positive response from industry and the wider community has been wonderful. SafeT360’s comprehensive program has already been recognised internationally, with the ATA excited to bring the campaign to New Zealand, thanks to a new partnership with the New Zealand Trucking Association (NTA).

When increasing road safety awareness and saving young lives, there is no need to reinvent the wheel. SafeT360 has done the research, we have created the content and proven that it effectively engages its target audience. Its interactive messaging and resources are applicable to all young people, whether in Australia or across the ditch.

NTA have shown their commitment to SafeT360 and

SafeT360 uses virtual reality and interactive messaging to teach young road users how to share the road safely with trucks.

the safety of young road users, visiting and experiencing the exhibition in full swing at the recent Brisbane Truck Show, before they kick off the redesign of the New Zealand Road Safety Truck to install the SafeT360 program.

The ATA and NTA share common values of road safety, and our one clear goal is to save lives, not just in Australia but globally.

As SafeT360 expands internationally, closer to home we are formally evaluating the program to generate lasting

peer-reviewed research that can be used by researchers and road safety practitioners around the world.

While SafeT360 is an immersive and educational initiative, it was also designed to enable research that government and industry can draw on in developing future campaigns.

Currently, there is a worldwide lack of good quality research into road safety communication and behavioural change projects. Governments throughout the world spend millions on education and

communication campaigns, but they are rarely formally evaluated.

To address this, we have teamed up with the University of Newcastle School of Psychology to deliver a research project that will provide valuable insight into safety initiatives, and how organisations can deliver the most effective communications and campaigns possible.

With our New Zealand partnership, academic research project and a full national tour currently underway, SafeT360

is going from strength to strength.

To date, SafeT360 has welcomed more than 4000 visitors through the exhibition and reached over 2 million people through our online campaigns.

SafeT360 is a game-changer for road safety research and initiatives. The exhibition and the research project are a clear demonstration of the trucking industry’s contribution to road safety leadership.

Learn more about SafeT360 at safet360.com.au.

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A FAMILY owned and operated business servicing the eastern states, Woodham Petroleum Services has been working with its customers to develop tailored solutions that best suit their needs.

“We’re a family business that’s been operating for 40 years. With that comes the ability to become adaptive and nimble to be able to support our customers’ individual requirements in terms of pricing, credit terms, etc.

We’re aware that many transport customers typically have two to three suppliers that they utilise – so we’re asking them to give Woodham a try when it fits in with where they are travelling to. We’re an alternative fuelling option for transport operators,” said Woodham Petroleum Services business development manager Shane Baker.

Originally operating only throughout the north-west of NSW, the business has spent the last few years expanding its operations along the entire east coast, with 20 unmanned retail sites operating 24/7 now located across NSW, Queensland and Vic-

toria. Woodham Petroleum is a true independent fuel supplier, with sites across remote, regional and city locations.

Started by Jim Woodham in 1981, his eldest son Matt has been at the helm since the mid 2000s. Matt continues a close association with regional and remote Australia. He has a team of industry professionals with more than 100 years of combined experience. The business understands that transport operators require ease of access, quick refuelling of diesel and AdBlue and the most competitive price available. With the price of diesel on the rise, Woodham Petroleum knows it can assist trans-

port operators to save money.

“We’ve developed 24/7 unmanned refuelling sites across the east of Australia.

We don’t have a one-sizefits-all approach. For us, it’s about understanding our customer’s needs, their business and where they travel, so we can tailor a solution,” added Baker.

“Price will always be a very strong reason for the transport industry operators to deal with Woodham Petroleum. We believe however that our service and communication with our customers is second to none.

“There are many small or medium transport businesses that aren’t getting the same

level of support in terms of service, credit terms and price that the big guys receive from the main players. We want them to get in touch with us because we know we can be competitive. We also have the ability to provide the same solution with tanks and fuel management solutions at their own home base depots if that’s a requirement as well, for one integrated fuelling solution.”

For more information, contact Shane Baker on 0499 281 356 or email shaneb@ woodhampetroleum.com. au. To find out more about the Woodham network, visit woodhampetroleum.com.au.

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36 PUZZLES

Sad day for all in transport

FRIDAY JUNE 25 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

10 11

12 13

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 restruc16 17 under 18 ture and rationalisation of News Corp.

It is a sad day for all of us in the 22 industry as Big Rigs maga23 zine has been a part of our lives for almost 30 years.

For some, their entire careers so far.

25 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

7

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 14 November 2017.

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

It has expanded the relationship with Girl Guides Australia 19 and been 20 involved with 21 several successful projects with them, the Victorian Snoozefest in April 2018, the “Great Bag Migration” for the Interna24 tional Jamboree in Sydney in October 2018 and other interactions that are expanding the knowledge of the transport in26 dustry.

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

Across

1 What is a catchword called (6)† 8 Name another term for a slaughterhouse (8) 9 What is a gunny (6) Name one of the rulers in a form of government in 10 which the power is vested in a few (8) Which steel tool is used for cutting or shaping wood 11 (6) What are territories under the control of Muslim 13 chieftains (8) 16 What is a penalty imposed by a court (8) 19 Name the Prince Consort of Queen Victoria (6) What is a triangular space between the curve of an 22 arch and the enclosing mouldings (8) 24 What are dome-shaped Eskimo huts (6) 25 Small antelopes are known as what (8) What is the belief in one god as the creator and ruler 26 of the universe (6)

Down

2 To express mirth by an explosive sound of the voice, is to do what (5) 3 What are the respiratory organs of fish (5) 4 Who was defeated at the Battle of Waterloo (8) 5 Name the principal outer garment of Hindu

women (4) 6 What is the capital of Canada (6) 7 Which term suggests a ring (6) 12 Teheran is the capital of which Asian republic (4) 14 What is a visionary or unpractical person called (8) 15 Name the rubber band fitted round the rim of a wheel (4) 17 What is the act of keeping watch (6) 18 Name the wagon attached to a steam locomotive (6) 20 What is the lowest portion of a ship’s interior (5) 21 Name the tops of buildings (5) 23 What is the given name for our Mr Harris (4)

S B A R L I

9

6

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Across: 1 Slogan, 8 Abattoir, 9 Burlap, 10 Oligarch, 11 Chisel, 13 Emirates, 16 Sentence, 19 Albert, 22 Spandrel, 24 Igloos, 25 Gazelles, 26 Theism.

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O C T T O I R T R G A R C H W L R A T E S Y R L B E R T I O G L O O S G F H E I S M

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M I D C E A E L I E S T

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

2

Down: 2 Laugh, 3 Gills, 4 Napoleon, 5 Sari, 6 Ottawa, 7 Circle, 12 Iran, 14 Idealist, 15 Tyre, 17 Espial, 18 Tender, 20 Bilge, 21 Roofs, 23 Rolf.

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

in Melbourne.

1 2 In November 2019 we celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the organisation (TWAL) with a fabulous gala dinner at The Windsor Melbourne where we also presented our first four winners 8 of the Driving the Difference scholarships with our amazing sponsor, Daimler Truck and Bus Asia Pacific.12 We also presented the inaugural Trish Pickering Mem-

orial Award, 3 sponsored 4 by the wonderful Wes Pickering.

This was awarded for longterm outstanding contribution by a female7to the road transport industry, the inaugural winner was Pam McMillan the 9 longest serving director and chair of Transport Women Australia Limited.

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

13

14

will 5 be announced later this 6 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 10and rt health. 11 BANK In early 2020 the Creating Connections Mentoring program was finally ready to commence with both mentors and mentees signing up to the pro-

15

Across

gram.

1 I would Language like to thank the 5

Church seatat Big Rigs fantastic team 7 Rome’s newspaper forriver their incredible 8 Unruffled support and wish them on10 Short sleep going success. that I getriver thevalley oppor12I hope Small open tunity to continue to work with 13 Old cloth measure some of themlockup and so work to14 Ship’s wards making the trucking in16 Microbe dustry a better appreciated, 17 Garden tool and a safer place for our peo18 Bridge tax ple.

20 23 24 25 26

Droop Gain by effort Unit of capacity Marsh Drowsy

Fighting to end the inequality: Big Rigs and TWU played their parts 17 16 HARD

I S T C I A L L L M T A T R S

H O T E L H I D E

P E W B E R N A P E B R I G O E L L E T A I N T V E E P Y

HARD

18 23

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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

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losing their contracts and the ability to support their 19 families.

It appears the government does not care.

There are unsafe vehicles, dodgy 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 Polish, 5 Pew, 7 Tiber, 8 Placid, 10 Nap, 12 Dale, 13 Ell, 14 Brig, 16 Germ, 17 Hoe, 18 Toll, 20 Sag, 23 Attain, 24 Litre, 25 Fen, 26 Sleepy.

P O L E O P L A D E E G E R A S A G L I F E N

EASY

policy that should be keeping safe one of the most dangerous industries in Australia.

To quote one truck driver turned Australian senator, 20 “a death 21 at work 22 Glenn Sterle, or on the road should not be the price of doing business”.

The TWU puts24 it to governments that we must stop the inequality that exists between truck drivers and clients.

25must be paid proper Drivers 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 Pope, 2 Leader, 3 Still, 4 Hide, 5 Pen, 6 Era, 9 Calm, 11 Peg, 14 Bolt, 15 Relate, 16 Gas, 17 Hotel, 18 Tars, 19 Envy, 21 Ale, 22 Gin.

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 is the time to 1 readers: Churchnow leader unite, now is the time to ensure 2 Guide equality in this industry.

3 Together Unmoving we can stand on 4

Conceal common ground working to 5 Female swan ensure the government contin6 toPeriod time ues supportoftransport work9 and Tranquil ers the industry they support.

11 Laundry item TWU will continue to 14The Fastener voice the 15 Tell needs of transport workers 16 Fuel to the employers, their industry bodies and the 17 Inn clients.

18Better Sailors (coll) standards mean job 19 Desire with rivalrya safer security and ultimately 21 fairer Drinkindustry for all. and 22We Spirit can lift the standards we need together – our lives depend on it.

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CAREERS AND TRAINING 37

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY JUNE 25 2021

Opportunities to join Farragher Logistics FARRAGHER Logistics is a long-standing, family owned and operated business that has been operating within

the Australian transport industry for over 85 years.

Based in Newcastle with depots in Sydney, Mel-

bourne and Brisbane, Farragher operates predominantly up and down the east coast with occasional trips to

Farragher Logistics runs a modern fleet ranging from rigids up to B-doubles.

S u s p e n s i o n

Western Australia and South Australia as well.

Originally, the company was established in 1933 as a

removal company in Newcastle, eventually progressing into transport.

The Farragher Group head office is based at Seaham in a multi purpose site, 30km west of Newcastle, within close proximity to the M1 Freeway heading south and north. The company is privately owned and managed by fourth generation Rory Farragher.

It has warehouse and depot facilities located in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Newcastle.

Farragher Logistics specialises in refrigerated and dry freight as well as shopfitting and joinery consignments and takes pride in its ability to deliver in full, on time and intact for each consignment it completes.

The business runs a modern fleet that includes B-double and 48 foot tautliners with flat deck and mezzanine floors, 3-12 tonne rigid vehicles with tailgates, 48 foot and B-double fiberglass vans, and temperature controlled units supporting both frozen and

DUE TO RECENT BUSINESS EXPANSION, FARRAGHER LOGISTICS IS LOOKING TO FILL A NUMBER OF POSITIONS AT ITS SYDNEY, BRISBANE AND MELBOURNE DEPOTS.” chiller product movement.

Due to recent business expansion, Farragher Logistics is looking to fill a number of positions at its Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne depots in a range of roles.

If you are an MC, HC or HR driver, or someone with a background in furniture removals and would like to work at a reputable, Australian owned family business, then Farragher Logistics would love to hear from you.

If you’re interested in joining the Farragher Logistics team, please send an email with your resume and what role you are interested in applying for to epayne@ farragher.com.au.

S o l u t i o n s

REQUIRED

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TRUCK SUSPENSION, 4WD SUSPENSION & 4WD ACCESSORIES FITTER the kangaroos tail should vanish to Carrolls Springs Pty Ltd is a familyNOTE: owned & operated company.

Our site in Sydney provides full transperant whenfacilities, overlayed onto background Workshop Services & Spring Manufacturing enhanced by qualified staff trained in the and/or image. Otherwise white at all other times. latest fitting & manufacturing techniques to provide a same day fitting and repair services which places us as leaders in our industry.

We are looking for a suspension fitter for our workshop. Must have a keen interest in trucks, 4wd & 4wd accessories. Your responsibilities will include the removal and fitting of truck, 4wd springs and suspension as well as 4wd accessories. The type of skills required are: • • • • • •

Truck springs, pins & bushes 4wd Lift kits & upgrade Bull bars & winches.

4wd rear springs upgrades Trailer springsSupgrades u s p e n s i o n Shock Absorber replacements

• • • • • • • •

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Highly motivated person Work within a team environment Energetic and Enthusiastic Have good attention to detail.

Reliable and Punctual Ability to work unsupervised.

Willing to learn.

Excellent Communication

If you are interested or have any inquiries, please don't hesitate to contact Alex on 02 96811355 or email Alex at alexs@carrolls.com.au.

You can also come in & hand in your resume at 41-43 Sturt Street, Smithfield NSW 2164.

Looking forward to meeting you!

Farragher’s is a long-standing, family owned and operated business that has been operating within the Australian transport industry for over 85 years. Due to recent business expansion we have exciting opportunities for MC Interstate Drivers to join our team based in either Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne. Competitive Salary, Uniforms Provided, Excellent Team Environment.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Interstate Linehaul Position – MC Licence Holders.

Travelling between Melbourne – Sydney – Brisbane.

Weekend work available.

Training will be provided with tools & uniforms to be supplied and laundered all you need are PMS 293 0% cyan PMS 485 your steel cap boots.

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JOIN OUR TEAM

TO BE SUCCESSFUL FOR THIS ROLE

• Must be reliable and bring a great attitude to work with them.

• Must hold an MC License with at least 12months experience.

• Must have experience completing POD’s and pallet transfers correctly.

• Must supply own safety boots and smartphone.

DESIRABLE (NOT ESSENTIAL) Furniture Removals Experience.

Forklift licence.

BFM Accreditation.

To apply for a position in any of these states, please call Elyse on 0421 991 133 / (02) 4988 6400 or email your resume to epayne@farragher.com.au

38 CAREERS AND TRAINING

FRIDAY JUNE 25 2021 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Finding her calling a long way from home

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

BACK in late 2019, Emily Marshall had landed a dream job on the other side of Australia, hauling oversize loads across WA – then she came home for Christmas, Covid-19 hit shortly after, borders closed and for a long time, that dream was out of reach.

Originally from Newcastle, 27-year-old Marshall got her start doing paper runs – just as her grandfather had done before she was even born. He had his own truck and transported newspapers across Sydney.

As it turned out, her best friend ended up doing the paper run too. “I asked if I could come down to Sydney and do the run with him and then got a job doing just that,” Marshall said.

Before long, she had scored a job doing tipper work – but it took some persistence. “When I walked in and said I was looking for a job, they said no three times before giving me a go – then I got the job.”

These all became stepping-stones for the job she now loves, transporting por-

Emily Marshall transports portable accommodation to mine sites from Perth to Port Hedland, and various other mining sites in between.

table accommodation to mine sites from Perth to Port Hedland, and various other mining sites in between – and enjoying the long open roads of outback WA. Women in Trucking Australia Ltd (WiTA) had put the call out for the job before Marshall answered and got

the job, setting off on a new adventure, with the support of her family, who looked after her little girl, now aged six. “I got the job and flew straight over. If it wasn’t for the girls at WiTA, I wouldn’t be working here,” she said.

It was a seven-week stint with Hines Heavy Haulage for

an accommodation relocation project, with small fleet operator Ian Hines at the helm.

Though it was originally only a temporary gig, Hines was keen to have her back in the driver’s seat of the Western Star 6900 she now drives.

“I came back home to Newcastle in November 2019

and then it all started to unfold,” Marshall said.

She was keen to go back to Perth but didn’t get there before borders closed. “So I worked back home for a while back in the truck and dog, because I couldn’t get back. “Then even when borders finally did open up, I couldn’t go back because

I had to do home-schooling for my daughter, so I had to be home for her.”

Then in April this year, Hines Heavy Haulage paid for Marshall to sit for her MC licence, and she returned to Perth to work with the company once again. She’s now in discussions with Hines about

Easter Group Pty Ltd 73 Formation St, Wacol Easter Group, located in Wacol, provides time sensitive road transporting solutions to many companies throughout Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria. .

We are a family owned business, operating since 1976.

We currently have the following positions available:

OPERATIONS ALLOCATORS (Brisbane based only)

You will be required to work on a rotating roster including Days-Nights-Weekends Previous Operations experience preferred.

MC LOCAL & LINEHAUL DRIVERS WANTED

(Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide Based) Come and work for us as we are committed to: • Training and further education • Your safety • Maintaining an impressive Fleet On offer are permanent full time and roster positions including paid leave entitlements and public holidays. Drivers will need to be available to be scheduled for work falling across the 7 days of the week.

The successful Applicant will: • Hold a current MC licence (minimum two years) • Have knowledge of the HVNL and Load Restraint • Be professional • Be reliable

To apply for the Operations/Driver positions please contact Operations Manager or by emailing your resume to

WORKSHOP MECHANICS & TYRE FITTERS WANTED (Brisbane based only)

To apply for Mechanic positions please forward your resume to Workshop Manager via email to employment@kseaster.com.au

General Freight & Bulk Drivers Rodney’s Transport Service is seeking experienced MC/B Double General Freight & Bulk Drivers to work out of Victoria and NSW • Permanent & Casual Roles • Great working conditions Working within fatigue management guidelines you will perform interstate line haul duties whilst adhering to all OH&S, legislative, site and contractual obligations. RTS requires professional drivers with – • Strong customer service experience • A safe driving record • Mature attitude • Minimum 2 years’ experience MC endorsed Reporting to the Manager Group Operations this is an exciting opportunity for highly motivated and experienced MC/B Double drivers who will be required to display a commitment to RTS safety and compliance standards and values whilst maintaining your equipment in good order.

You will be required to provide a copy of a current Licence and meet RTS employment criteria which will include a medical with drug and alcohol test.

Experienced drivers who can demonstrate: • Proficiency in all aspects of B Double truck operations • The ability to work within a team • A clear understanding of road transport legislation.

• A clean history of driving ability If interested in applying for a position please complete the application form on our website www.rodneystransport.com.au or for further information please contact Anna on 03 9311 2300.

CAREERS AND TRAINING 39

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY JUNE 25 2021

2022 Brown and Hurley apprenticeship applications are now open BROWN and Hurley is now accepting applications for its 2022 apprenticeship intake.

The full-time four-year apprenticeship program combines specialised on-the-job training and learning with industry-leading professionals at state-of-the-art facilities.

Successful completion of the apprenticeship gains apprentices a trade qualification and the opportunity to become a permanent employee

at The Brown and Hurley Group.

Ongoing technical training and professional development is provided, along with uniforms and a brand-new toolbox.

When evaluating applicants, Brown and Hurley said it looks for those who demonstrate passion and commitment to completing a four-year apprenticeship and developing a career in the

heavy vehicle industry.

Applicants must be mechanically minded, responsible, energetic, self-motivated and possess a great work ethic.

Preference will be given to Year 12 graduates from years 2019, 2020 or 2021, and to those who have a car drivers’ licence and their own transport from January 2022.

Due to high demand, all applications must be submit-

ted online via Seek or The Brown and Hurley Group website. Resumes handed in to the dealerships or emailed will not be considered.

Applicants without access to a computer are advised to contact their local Brown and Hurley branch.

Applications close on July 1, 2021. For more information, please visit brown andhurley.com.au/careers/ apprenticeships.

She loves the freedom of travelling through outback WA.

what the future holds. “We were talking right through 2020, but I couldn’t do anything about it. I’m excited to see where this goes and what this job holds,” said Marshall.

“It has been the best thing.

I’ve never loved doing something so much in my life. I’ve found a passion, something I know I really want to do.

I never knew truck driving until after my daughter was

born. Then I went and got my licence. I was only doing truck and dog work and I enjoyed that but when this job came up, even though it was initially only for seven weeks, I loved it that much that I knew I wanted to come back.

“To me, this is freedom. I get a lot of downtime in the truck, it’s me time. I get to listen to my own music, go at my own pace.”

Brown and Hurley’s apprenticeship program provides on-the-job training at its state-of-the-art facilities. Image: Brown and Hurley website

JBS AUSTRALIA IS CURRENTLY RECRUITING: LH Driver B-double Livestock DRIVER – Permanent & Casual Location: JBS Carriers, Toowoomba Riverview QLD

ABOUT THE ROLE: JBS Carriers are seeking experienced livestock drivers for the transportation of cattle between feedlots, saleyards, paddocks and abattoirs. The positions have the opportunity to be based out of the Griffith/Riverina region NSW or Toowoomba QLD. We are looking for casual and permanent drivers.

Applications from around these regions will be considered.

MC CAREER OPPORTUNITIES: Logan Contracting is a family owned and operated business based in South-West Victoria. Over the last 35 years we have built and maintained a modern fleet of B-Doubles. We currently have multiple positions for MC drivers to join our team. With weekly work across VIC, SA, NSW, and Southeast QLD the successful applicants could be based just about anywhere.

THE COMPANY CAN OFFER: • Consistent work year-round.

• A full time position.

• Modern well-maintained equipment.

• 1 truck 1 driver.

• Hourly pay rate.

• Home every weekend.

THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT WILL: • Hold a current MC license.

• Provide a current license printout.

• Be willing to undertake a medical.

• Be professional.

• Be reliable.

• BFM an advantage but not essential.

Please send your resume to shane@logancontracting.com.au or call Shane on: 0429 359 128

RESPONSIBILITIES: • Transport cattle in accordance with the NSW Livestock Loading Scheme, JBS Australia Livestock Transportation Requirements and Animal Welfare Guidelines • Efficient operation of the Prime Mover and associated equipment • Complete daily pre-start checks on vehicles before operating • Ensure compliance with all Road Transport Requirements COR and National Heavy Vehicle • Operate under Basic Fatigue Management (BFM) • Ensure compliance with OH&S and Environmental Regulations • Ensure compliance with Road Transport Requirements and Laws • Adhere to Workplace Health and Safety Requirements CRITERIA: • Current Multi-Combination (MC) Driver’s License • Minimum of Two Years’ Experience as an MC Driver • Sound Traffic History Report (Last 5 Years) • Previous Experience in Transporting Livestock • Sound Livestock Handling Skills • Hold Basic Fatigue Management Certification or willing to obtain • Must have a good work ethic and be physically able to ascend/descend ladders/stairs and undertake in manual labour loading and unloading cattle at various facilities • Will consider limited experience transporting livestock but must have livestock handling experience.

• Current Drivers Medical • Knowledge of the above locations would be an advantage Must be able to work across a 7 day period including weekends

INTERESTED? APPLY HERE: http://jbssa.com.au/jobs Email: Julie.romero@jbssa.com.au | Applications close: 10 July 2021

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