Big Rigs 21 July 2023

A BRISBANE truckie, 26, has been convicted and fined $12,000 in the Walgett Local Court after being detected committing similar offences twice in three days.

According to the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, at about 2.30pm on May 10, 2023, officers attached to Walgett Highway Patrol intercepted a heavy vehicle on the Kamilaroi Highway in Walgett, NSW.

Officers noticed that items inside the trailers were severely protruding from

Upon opening the curtains, police observed items falling from the truck onto the roadway. The trailers contained various loads which were improperly loaded, none of which were secured in any way whatsoever.

The shifting of the load had dislodged the metal gate in the rear trailer, causing it to hang toward the roadway.

The width of the vehicle was also measured to be exceeding the maximum allowable 2500 millimetres.

• Drive/permit heavy vehicle not comply loading requirements (Severe)

• Drive/permit heavy vehicle not comply loading requirements (Severe)

• Use/permit to be used on road heavy vehicle that is unsafe

• Drive/permit not comply with dimension requirements (Minor).

Three days later, the same officers attached to Walgett Highway Patrol sighted the same heavy vehicle being driven by the same person.

the loads within the trailer had collapsed and fallen on top of each other.

The vehicle was grounded and the driver was once again issued a Court Attendance Notice for the offences of:

• Drive/permit heavy vehicle not comply loading requirements (Severe)

• Drive/permit heavy vehicle not comply loading requirements (Substantial).

Police urge operators to remember that loads can

Judge hopes sentence is a warning to truckies

lane, reports The Herald Sun.

He was taken to hospital but died from his injuries 12 days later.

breaks and rest,” he said.

when he crashed into a Jeep SUV driven by 44-year-old William Joseph Williams, who had gotten out to check the vehicle in the breakdown

Judge Peter Lauritsen said the custodial prison sentence in the Bendigo Magistrates’ Court should serve as a warning to other truck drivers about the dangers of ignoring fatigue.

“The reason for your fatigue was your failure to take

“The weather was fine, there was nothing wrong with your truck mechanically, you were driving on legitimate business, you were not affected by drugs or alcohol and there is no evidence of you driving erratically or at speed.”

Judge Lauritsen said Williams had received phone calls on his mobile phone and

Snapchat notifications in the lead up to the crash but there was no evidence these were a distraction.

“Your fatigue was the cause of the collision,” he said. “The fact of fatigue as the cause highlights the need for general deterrence.

“My sentence should discourage other truck drivers from driving while fatigued.”

Judge Lauritson said Wil-

liams, 26, had good prospects for rehabilitation because he did not suffer from any significant anti-social personality traits and was clearly remorseful for the death of Mr Williams, The Herald Sun added.

He set an 18 month prison sentence without a non-parole term and disqualified Williams from holding a licence for 18 months.

Walgett Highway Patrol intercepted a heavy vehicle on the Kamilaroi Highway in Walgett, NSW. Photo: NSW

Have your say on where new rest areas should be

TRUCKIES are now invited to have an input in how $140 million for rest area projects will be spent over the next 10 years – but there is a catch.

In a statement announcing that new guidelines are out and funding for the federal government’s Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Initiative is now open, truckies are also being encouraged to take part in a rest area survey.

The government said that information is designed to provide input on the location and condition of existing rest areas and to provide advice on where additional sites may be required.

However, the steering committee tasked with recommending how the money will be spent, can only consider projects put forward by state, territory and local governments.

Truckie Rod Hannifey, who is on that committee in his capacity as president of the National Road Freighters Association, welcomed the news that truckies will now have a say.

He lobbied for that change earlier this year and is

pleased to see that Canberra has listened.

But he is still unsure about how truckies’ input gets to those who have the authority to apply for project funding.

“We haven’t raised that [yet] because getting all that up was the first step,” Hannifey said.

“Now we’ve got an avenue for blokes to write in and comment and let’s say we get

a 1000 blokes to do that, then they well may be able to go to the council and say, ‘Are you aware of this issue?’

“Without me asking to do that in the first place, we wouldn’t have that information to start with.”

A departmental spokesperson told Big Rigs that survey information can provide additional evidence that there is a need from truckies for work at

a specific location. The department will then make recommendations for final decision by the minister on projects to receive funding.

Hannifey said he’s also encouraged by the widening of scope in the new guidelines to include improvements to areas like stockpile sites, or car rest areas.

He’s looking forward to the next committee meeting

in September when he hopes they will be in a position to give their approval for investment in specific projects.

“We could well have some approved after that meeting,” he said. “I’m concerned about how the industry will be viewing what we’ve done because they don’t know what the rules are, they want it fixed yesterday, like I do.”

Hannifey said he’s continuing to lobby for ‘quick fixes’ outside the committee’s scope for those very reasons, such as after-hours parking for truckies in metropolitan industrial areas.

Meanwhile, to access the short, anonymous online survey, simply scan the QR code on this page with your phone, or visit investment.infrastructure.gov.au/about/local-initiatives/heavy-vehicle-safety-and-productivity-program.

Applications from various governments may be submitted year-round which “provides flexibility and allows projects to be submitted when they will most benefit Australia’s heavy vehicle infrastructure.”

“Progressing our $140

million funding commitment for rest areas will be welcome news for the heavy vehicle drivers who are so vital for keeping our country running – filling in gaps in the network,” added committee chair, Senator Glenn Sterle.

Hannifey’s fellow committee members are:

Truckies - Kellie Boland (Victoria), Bruce Skelton (Queensland), Frank Black (South Australia), Heather Jones (Western Australia) and Craig Forsyth (NSW).

Organisation reps - Michelle Harwood (Tasmanian Transport Association), John Beer (Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association), Paul Ryan ( Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds.

Senators Carol Brown and Glenn Sterle with the rest area steering committee at the first meeting in Canberra in February.

Industry skills shortage fixes under one roof

IF you have ideas on how the industry can attract and retain new faces, then the independent body tasked with identifying and prioritising the transport industry’s workforce development needs wants to hear from you.

Industry Skills Australia (ISA), the recently appointed Jobs and Skills Council for transport and logistics, is calling for expressions of interest for various roles on a number of committees that will oversee the development of a national workforce plan.

“You can be anybody at all,

we’re waiting to hear from the right people about their involvement,” said ISA CEO Paul Walsh.

“Whether it’s someone out there driving, someone at an operational level, or a CEO, there’s lots of opportunities. We’ve got strategic committees, but we’ve also got other engagement mechanisms and committees when we get into the technical work.

“If we’re looking at, say chain of responsibility, or the heavy vehicle apprenticeship, we would want to get people with expertise on to

those committees.”

Walsh, a former truckie himself, says the difference with this new approach to solving the long-running skills shortage plaguing the industry is that the model is more an “end-to-end” one, rather than just focusing on qualification.

“We’re looking at what is the issue, working with industry to identify potential solutions, and then we’re going all the way through to working with the training end of the market to see what really good practices are occurring and making sure that those are promoted and

used, and we’re getting best practice at the delivery end.

“The ultimate test of someone who comes through training is, are they job ready? Are they capable and do they meet the needs of industry, or do they feel like they’ve got something they didn’t want?

“For us, it’s really bringing all those different strands together.”

Formerly known as Australian Industry Standards, which focused more on skills issues through the lens of qualification in vocational education and training, Walsh says the

latest iteration has far broader role.

“It’s not just us sitting in a room, trying to think up ideas, it’s actually through a whole range of consultation and industry committees that have determinative powers on where we focus our effort.”

Walsh says the council is aiming to submit its first workforce development plan to Canberra in September to highlight some of the issues and ideas around what those solutions would be.

It hopes to be fully operational by January 2024.

To play your part in helping bolster industry skills, register your interest at industryskillsaustralia.org.au before close of business on July 28.

Age lowered for truckie apprenticeships in Queensland

QUEENSLAND operators now have a truck driver apprenticeship pathway on which to entice prospective truckies straight from high school.

The Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) received the news recently that its business case to bring the apprenticeship down from 20 to 17 had been approved by the Queensland Apprenticeship and Traineeship office.

Since Queensland had be-

come the first state to approve the driver apprenticeship late last year, the uptake had been hampered by the original commencement age, said the QTA.

Many operators felt that the gap between leaving school and being able to start the program at 20 was too great to entice new recruits.

“There will be now more confidence for employers to take on young people as the apprenticeship will provide them

with the essential development pathway to become a competent heavy vehicle driver,” said QTA CEO Gary Mahon.

“Although at this stage, the age based licencing progression will still apply, people coming out of an apprenticeship will be more appropriately skilled, have a Certificate III qualification as well as real industry experience.”

Mahon said that being able to offer a heavy vehicle driver apprenticeship to school leavers

is a great step towards securing the future professional driver workforce.

“We now need to secure Priority 1 funding for the HV driver apprenticeship which will provide employers with more of an incentive to take on driver apprentices. With driver shortages the number one issue in the sector, it is critical that it is changed to Priority 1 funding.”

This extensive body of work was completed by Camilla El-

mes, who performs the role of QTA industry skills advisor. This position, along with the industry workforce advisor position, is funded by the Department of Youth Justice, Employment, Small Business and Training.

If you need support to engage an apprenticeship provider and/or a registered training organisation, contact QTA industry workforce advisor Angela Mottram at angela@qta.com.au.

A new pathway from school.

Industry Skills Australia CEO, and former truckie, Paul Walsh.

Phone crackdown

NSW trials new demerit scheme

A NEW demerit point scheme, which aims to reward responsible driving behaviour, is being trialled in NSW.

More than 1.7 million licence holders, including truck drivers, will be able to have one demerit point scrubbed from their driving record if they maintain an offence-free record during the trial period.

Drivers who have maintained a clean record since January 17 this year and maintain that until January 17, 2024, will qualify to have a demerit point removed from their record. Normally it would take three years for a demerit point to be expunged.

The trial was announced during the state election and was due to start on July 1, but has been brought forward by six months.

It is expected to take about three months to finalise offences, so eligible drivers will start seeing one demerit point removed from their records starting in midApril 2024.

Transport for NSW will take a ‘snapshot’ of the demerit point register as it stood on January 17 this year – the day the initiative was announced – to identify all unrestricted and professional licence holders with active demerit points recorded against them.

DRIVERS caught through Victoria’s new mobile device and seatbelt detection cameras – which began operation in April this year – now face fines of up to $577.

The new high-tech road safety cameras were being trialled by the Victorian Government. Between April and May this year, they detected 7160 offences, including 3523 drivers and 767 passengers not wearing seatbelts and 2870 drivers using mobile phones.

The cameras use AI technology to capture high-resolution images of vehicles and detect offences.

During the trial period, drivers caught out were issued with an advisory letter through a three-month grace period.

However, drivers now face penalties of four demerit points and a $577 fine when caught using a mobile phone while driving, and three demerit points and a $385 fine for drivers and passengers not wearing a seatbelt.

“We know that driver distraction is a major contributor to serious and fatal collisions, and the time for complacency is over,” said Minister for Police Anthony Carbines.

“These cameras will be de-

ployed all over the state and they will catch those drivers not buckled up or distracted by phones.”

There are currently four camera trailer systems in operation, enforcing more than 8000 hours each month. The cameras can be deployed to up to 200 locations in rural and metropolitan areas. A further two camera trailer systems will be operational in the coming months.

The Victorian Government has invested $33.7 million in the new cameras as part of the Victorian Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030.

ISRI SEATS

SYDNEY

510 Victoria Street, Wetherill Park NSW 2164

Ph. 02 9756 6199, email: isri@isri.com.au, www.isri.com.au

BRISBANE

3/120 Gardens Drive, Willawong QLD 4110

The roll out of the remaining road safety cameras will continue to take a phased approach, with 20 intersection sites to be complete by the end of the year and the entire program to be completed by 2026.

Upgrading road safety camera sites along the Hume Freeway is also underway, including works at ten existing road safety camera sites and installing additional road safety cameras at four new sites, extending the existing Hume Freeway point-topoint network from Broadford to Euroa.

There is no need to register for the trial, as all unrestricted licence holders are automatically included.

“Reducing the road toll and rewarding safe driving across the state is the aim of this trial and we hope it gives drivers that little bit of extra incentive to achieve a spotless record,” said NSW Premier Chris Minn.

“This is an appropriate way for good drivers to earn a point back. Our message couldn’t be clearer: drive safely and you’ll get a point scrubbed from your licence. The more people who qualify for a point, the safer our roads.”

“Drivers in NSW are very much used to the stick approach, so this demerit trial is an important carrot for them to maintain a clean record over a 12-month period to the benefit of all motorists, pedestrians, and communities,” said Minister for Roads, John Graham.

“Under the previous government, there were almost a million demerit points on records, yet the road toll was rising.

“Now is the time to try the carrot approach and reward good behaviour.”

Learner and provisional licence holders are not included in the trial.

DEALERS

Ph. 07 3275 2044, email: sales@isribrisbane.com.au, www.isribrisbane.com.au

MELBOURNE

Unit 1/569 Somerville Rd, Sunshine West VIC, 3020

Ph. 03 9311 5544, email: sales@isrisunshine.com.au, www.isri.com.au

MACKAY , Ph. 07 4952 1844, email: admin@isrimky.com.au, www.isriseatsmackay.com.au

PERTH R , WA 6106

Ph. 08 9362 6800, email: info@mmtisri.com.au, www.mmtisri.com.au

DARWIN

Mobile Sales and Service

Ph. 08 8927 0986, email: info@isridarwin.com.au, www.isridarwin.com.au

ADELAIDE

TAMDELE, 21 Hakkinen Road, Wingfield SA 5013

Ph. 08 8347 1222, email: sales@gitsham.com.au, www.gitsham.com.au

NEWCASTLE/HUNTER VALLEY

Unit 2/13 Hinkler Ave, Rutherford NSW 2320

Ph 02 4932 0600, email: sales@hvss.com.au www.isri.com.au

When moving Heavy Loads comfort equals Safety.

The cameras use AI technology to capture high-resolution images of vehicles and detect offences.

$340m bypass needed to truck giant wind turbines

WITH funding for a much-needed bypass still under review, a local council says its roads need urgent upgrades. This comes as enormous wind turbine components – some measuring up to 90m – are unable to access new renewable energy zones in regional NSW.

Muswellbrook Shire Council general manager Derek Finnigan says moving oversize, over-mass vehicles along the New England Highway, which goes through the town centre, has long been an issue for council.

“This is one of the main reasons council has been actively advocating state and federal governments for a bypass of Muswellbrook for many years,” he said.

“However, moving the enormous wind turbine components to the new renewable energy zones (REZ) is not possible. They simply cannot get through the town.”

The wind turbine blades are up to 90 metres long and almost 7 metres in diameter. They need to be transported from the Newcastle port to renewable energy projects located near Dubbo in the state’s

central west and Armidale in New England.

Muswellbrook is a town in the Upper Hunter region of New South Wales.

Finnigan says Muswellbrook needs a bypass, not only for oversized trucks and equipment, but also to protect the safety of the town’s residents and communities.

Transport for NSW has been in the planning stages for a future bypass of the New England Highway at Muswellbrook to improve travel times and freight efficiency.

But the $340 million needed for the project – $268.8 million of which would come from the federal government and $71.2 million from the NSW government – is still under review.

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) says it’s currently working with Energy Co NSW (EnergyCo) and the Department of Planning & Environment to understand the scheduling of renewable projects and component delivery, including options to address any constraints to transport movements between the Port of Newcastle and REZ.

“Transport for NSW is reviewing options to address constraints and pinch points along the route, such as Denman bridge and the railway underpass,” said a Transport for NSW spokesperson.

“The Muswellbrook bypass is in early planning. At this stage the bypass is going through an expression of interest process for design and construction, however is subject to the Australian Government’s Review of Infrastructure Projects.”

The New England Highway that currently passes through the centre of Muswellbrook is

predominately a two-lane road, restricted by numerous intersections, varying speed limits and nearby buildings with minimal setback from the road.

Between 11,000 and 20,000 vehicles travel through the town each day, with 13 per cent of that figure being heavy vehicles.

The proposed bypass would provide a 100km/h alternative route. But it’s been slow to get off the ground.

The preferred route corridor for the bypass was published way back in July 2018 and a preferred option for the bypass was then announced in November 2020.

As it stands, bridges, and a railway underpass with a height clearance of 5.2 metres, would have to be demolished or bypassed in order for the wind turbine components to get through.

“Transporting oversize equipment – including the wind turbine parts enroute to REZ areas in Dubbo and Armidale and massive mining equipment – requires more than just upgrades to current infrastructure,” explained Finnigan.

“The Denman and Bell Street bridges, the town’s rail-

way underpass and a network of rural roads are not designed to withstand these loads.”

He says it’s “essential” that funding commitments for the bypass from both arms of the previous governments are honoured “to unlock access to the new renewable energy zones in regional areas”.

The local council says it has already been contacted by various energy companies with requests to use local roads.

Winterbourne Wind Farm is among those companies. It is hoping to move nearly 360 turbine blades over 18 months.

But the council says it has been advocating for this bypass long before the renewable energy zones were even announced.

The council believes the bypass would provide a number of significant benefits including improved network efficiency on the New England Highway, especially travel times for truckies. According to Finnigan, “Government should be considering contributing payments from private energy developers – and be developing a strategic plan to spread the cost of upgrading roads and building new infrastructure,” he said.

An artist impression of the southern connection of the bypass. Photos: TfNSW

A wind turbine blade being transported on NSW roads earlier this year.

Rocky’s Own Transport to expand under Centurion

ROCKY’S Own Transport

CEO Bryan Smith is confident that the long-running regional freight giant is in good hands with new owner Centurion Transport now at the helm.

Smith, who stays on in a consultancy position alongside national operations/fleet manager Rod Carige, said it wasn’t an easy decision to sell after investing 30 years of their lives into building it up into one of the most respected names in the transport industry.

But added that Centurion gives the company the best chance to succeed for its staff and clients into the future.

“The thing that appealed to me the most was Centurion being a private company, not a publicly listed company,” Smith said.

“A very wealthy privateer once said to me public companies will be the ruination of us all Bryan, no heart, no soul, no memory. Most of the public companies I’ve dealt with over the years, those words ring true.

“These guys [Centurion] are two brothers who started the business in 1968 and the current shareholders are the sons from those brothers.

“They’ve got skin in the game, and there’s a care factor there because of that.”

Smith said Centurion has been “terrific” to deal with and nothing is changing day-to-day, only the offering that Rocky’s Own had will expand with the greater fleet capacity and reach across the country.

Rocky’s Own currently has 167 trucks, but Smith expects that to increase to 500-600 now Centurion is the new owner.

As part of the deal, which came into effect from July 1, all previous directors and staff also remain with the current business.

The transaction involves the acquisition of all the company’s assets being transitioned to be part of Centurion’s operations, further building out the company’s existing national presence throughout Queensland, Western Australia, Northern Territory, New South Wales and Victoria.

In addition to its general and express freight, heavy haulage customers, Rocky’s Own Transport has predominantly served mining and resources customers with transporting explosives and dangerous goods.

The business also provided logistics solutions to the Sin-

gapore Government when its armed forces conduct defence training exercises in Australia.

Centurion CEO Justin Cardaci said the acquisition was part of Centurion’s broader strategy to expand the company’s operational footprint and expand its services to the mining and agriculture sectors, alongside its other refrigerated, fresh produce and general freight services throughout Australia.

“We have been carefully building our national presence and this acquisition reflects the strength of Rocky’s Own Trans port and its market share in the

key sectors in which it operates,” he said.

“Centurion has a solid presence in the mining and energy sectors, and this acquisition is a natural fit for us and an extension of our capabilities.”

The transaction means Centurion now employs more than 2000 people across Australia and the Rocky’s Own Transport team will be a great addition to Centurion’s existing Queensland operations, he added.

“Bryan Smith and Rodney Carige and their team have built an incredibly robust business transporting dangerous goods in Queensland, WA, and NSW via depots in Rockhampton, Wacol, Helidon, Yarwun and Kalgoorlie through an established and successful network. We welcome the 300-plus Rocky’s Own employees into our business,” Cardaci said.

“We’re also excited about the career advancement prospects for our new employees that will come with them being part of Centurion and our national operations.”

Following the announce ment, Rocky’s Own stressed

al for its staff and the services its delivers to its customers.

“Our primary goal is to ensure a seamless transition with Centurion and you can expect the same level of professionalism, quality and dedication that you have come to associate with our business,” reads a statement on the company website.

In other takeover news this month, Lindsay Australia announced the acquisition of WB Hunter in a deal worth $34.6 million, which will see it gain 100 per cent control of the rural merchandise company.

Founded in 1947, WB Hunter is a leading retailer that provides a comprehensive range of rural supplies, agricultural services, trade essentials and pet products. It has seven stores in Victoria and one store in NSW, and serves over 10,000 commercial and retail customers.

WB Hunter has been 100 per cent Australian owned and operated since it began and currently employs over 125 staff.

As part of the acquisition, WB Hunter director and CEO, Michael Moroney, will con

[L-R] Rod Carige, Justin Cardaci and Bryan Smith believe the two companies are a good fit.

Here we go again

EDITOR

JAMES GRAHAM

GREAT to hear that truckies now have an outlet to have their say on how the $140 million rest area fund could be allocated (see story page 3).

But here’s the catch: only local, state and territory governments can officially nominate projects and apply for funding. Just how the survey information gleaned from truckies will help that process remains to be seen. I can already hear the cynical cries: “More lip service, nothing will come of it”, and who can blame them.

The industy is drowning in well-meaning committees and research groups achieving bugger all from where I sit. It’s no wonder you’ve lost faith.

We’ve now got another entity to add to the list, a Jobs and Skills Council (see page 4) to fix the various workforce “challenges”. The first order of business? More committees. Why not just upscale the programs that are working. It’s the same old problems, after all, and many forward-thinkers already have fixes.

HOT WEB TOPICS

to limelight Truckies rally to make boy’s day

WHEN a NZ-based mum put a callout on Facebook asking if a truckie might take her eight-year-old son Ollie for a birthday ride in return for $50, she’d hoped for the best. In the end, 65 drivers fronted, turning the boy’s birthday into a convoy

that captured hearts around the world.

“It was humbling to be a part of this convoy,” wrote Kath Nicholson on our Facebook page. “Little Ollie never stopped smiling all day long and was genuinely grateful.”

Jon Kelly’s return

Added Nancy Mackin: “Those guys that took part in that convoy are out of this world to do such a thing for that boy. Congratulations to all of you and take care and stay safe on the road.”

“Thank you for sharing this!” exclaimed Ann Ray.

OUR cover story in the July 7 issue about Jon Kelly’s return to the spotlight with new TV show Aussie Truck Rehab certainly caused a stir online.

There were clearly many fans of the series, however, which they hope will return soon with a second series on Discovery.

Ashley Townsend, Ray Lawrence and Paul Hooper all gave it a thumbs up, among others, and there were also supporters of Kelly’s restoration projects that feature on the show.

“If you don’t know the bloke, don’t comment at least he’s having a go and he’s pro-

ducing some great looking gear I reckon anyway,” wrote Dan Fox.

Added Phil Jeffrey: “Was fortunate enough to deal with Jon K on a heavy haulage out of NSW to WA some years ago. Mission but he got it done. Pretty thorough operator.”

End of asset write-off scheme sparks record sales

DEALERSHIPS and OEMs around Australia are celebrating a slew of truck sale records in June.

The latest figures from the Truck Industry Council show a massive drive to deliver keys to owners before the instant asset write-off incentive ended on June 30, with record numbers rewritten across the board.

In total, 6054 trucks and vans changed hands last month, obliterating the previous best mark of 4987 set last year by 21.4 per cent.

Sales in every sector, other than vans, set fresh June records.

In the heavies, 2294 prime movers rolled out the gates –up 43.9 per cent from the previous best total of 1594 set in 2022 – with Volvo again leading the charge.

A staggering 497 units were delivered by Volvo dealerships, 190 more than in May, and 24 more than the nearest chaser,

long-time market leader Kenworth on 473.

Isuzu also had a month to celebrate in the heavy-duty sector, cementing third spot year-to-date with 291 deliv-

eries and 13.9 per cent of the heavy market.

Mack was the big mover, soaring into fourth spot for June with an impressive 168 rigs heading to new homes.

In the medium truck segment, sales also broke a long-standing record (just), with the 1077 recorded just four more than the previous record of 1073 set back

in June 2008.

Almost half of those trucks came from Isuzu alone (476), with Hino also recording a solid 339 deliveries. Fuso came in third on 184, and together that trio totally dominates the sector with more than 92 per cent market share.

Light duty truck sales in June totalled 2034, breaking the previous record of 1751 set in June 2022.

Isuzu also dominated amongst the lights, delivering a staggering 827 units in June, accounting for 40.7 per cent market share in the month.

The Japanese superpower now has a 2281 lead over nearest chaser Hino which is locked in a tight battle with Fuso for second spot.

The overall half-year result for calendar year 2023 was also a new record.

The 24,395 heavy vehicles delivered easily trumped the previous best mid-year peak of 20,887 set last year.

TIC CEO Tony McMullan said that cracking the 6000 mark for sales in a single month is a fantastic result for the industry.

“This capped off a great second quarter result and combined with solid first quarter sales, finds the market at record levels at the half-way point of the year,” he said.

“These very strong sales numbers to June 30 this year, and strong numbers since Covid relief commenced, demonstrate how government decision-making in the form of an investment allowance can be successful in modernising the nation’s truck fleet.

“Australia, as we know, has one of the oldest truck fleets in the world and with each new truck sale comes a safer, cleaner, greener truck operating on Australian roads. With 24,395 new trucks on the road this year alone, this is indeed a good result for Australian road users.”

National end of nancial year auction breaks records

WITH the sale of $63 million worth of commercial assets and vehicles, the Ritchie Bros. National End of Financial Year (EOFY) Unreserved Auction has broken several records.

This year’s auction had the highest total sales, and the highest number of buyers, sellers and registrations.

Surpassing last year’s record of AU$55 million, the 2023 EOFY sale is the annual premier auction event for Ritchie Bros.

Year after year, Ritchie Bros.’ EOFY sales have grown in prominence, becoming a go-to auction event in Australia.

“We are incredibly proud of

the resounding success of our 2023 EOFY Auction, which has exceeded our expectations,” said Cody Watson, APAC sales director at Ritchie Bros.

“Reaching a Gross Transaction Value of $63 million is an exceptional achievement, and this remarkable success can be attributed to the high demand for heavy machinery across Australia and the trust both buyers and sellers place in Ritchie Bros.”

The auction attracted over 4150 online bidders from over 30 countries, showcasing the international appeal of the event.

The overwhelming majority of assets were purchased by Aus-

tralian buyers, highlighting the strong need for heavy machinery within the country.

Additionally, the auction achieved a record-breaking number of 956 buyers, purchasing premium equipment and trucks across the transport, construction and agricultural industries.

The event also garnered strong interest from sellers, with a record-breaking 407 consignors trusting Ritchie Bros. to facilitate their asset sales. Ritchie Bros. says this unprecedented number of sellers demonstrates the growing confidence and trust the industry has in the business as a preferred auction

company for buying and selling assets in Australia.

Featuring a diverse range of lots, the 2023 EOFY Auction presented an extensive array of equipment, resulting in highly competitive bidding.

David Fanning, Ritchie Bros. APAC marketing director, added, “The 2023 EOFY Auction not only shattered sales records with $63 million in sales, but also demonstrated the event’s evolution into the premier auction event in Australia.

“The increasing participation of buyers and sellers showcases the industry’s recognition of the opportunities provided by Ritchie Bros. EOFY events.”

The Ritchie Bros. Geelong yard was kept busy all year long with record numbers of equipment going under the hammer.

Mack was the big mover in June, soaring into fourth spot for the month with an impressive 168 rigs heading to new homes.

Alcoa® Ultra ONE® Wheel with MagnaForce® Alloy

reunion celebrates

THE National Road Transport Museum’s 2023 Festival of Transport is gearing up to be a must-attend event with the addition of the Razorback Blockade Reunion.

The reunion will celebrate the six courageous truck drivers who blocked the then-Hume highway near the famous Razorback Ridge in the name of protesting road maintenance taxes introduced as early as the 1950s.

Ted Stevens, Barry Grimson, Colin Bird, Jack Hibbert, Spencer Watling and Carl Goodfellow comprised the informal committee for the 1979 blockade.

Their actions inspired a state-wide protest that lasted nine days, with similar blockades involving hundreds of drivers also occurring in Victoria and South Australia. Their efforts resulted in radical changes to the unfair taxation and operation practices that had plagued the industry for decades.

The Razorback Reunion to be held as part of the National

deliver a long overdue catch-up for surviving participants and a chance for the wider industry to hear their accounts firsthand.

The Truckies’ Reunion Breakfast will be an opportunity to share stories of the Blockade and the effect it had on all transport operators past and present.

Forming part of the Induction Ceremony for the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame inductees, Ted Stevens, Barry Grim son, Colin Bird, Jack Hibbert, Spencer Watling and Carl

Goodfellow will be honoured as the inaugural recipients of the History Makers Award. The aptly named award seeks to recognise those industry members who have played a notable role in making transport more accessible and efficient.

“The reunion is an opportunity for attendees to meet, chat and reminisce, and then see the men of the Razorback Blockade celebrated for what they did,” said Jac Lindner, museum operations manager.

“We were looking for a way

Call to halve the road user charge in remote areas

IN its recent submission on truck charges, the Australian Trucking Association is calling on the Australian Government to halve the road user charge on diesel that’s used in remote areas.

According to the ATA, this would save remote area trucking operators an extra 14.4 cents per litre on the cost of diesel, based on the July 1, 2023 road user charge rate.

“Businesses serving remote communities cannot afford the fuel prices and charges that they pay now. They do not receive value for the charges they pay, for the quality of roads in remote Australia is extremely poor,” the submission said.

to acknowledge the men individually and as a collective for what they did, and so the History Makers Award was proposed as a yearly award to celebrate a significant moment in transport history.”

The Festival of Transport will take place from August 24-27. Tickets to the Truckies’ Reunion Breakfast and the rest of the exciting events on offer at the Festival of Transport can be purchased via the National Road Transport Museum website or by calling 08 8952

“High fuel prices and charges are a major contributor to the high cost of food in remote communities, where the cost of freight can be as high as 20.4 per cent of sales.”

The ATA says the remote area road user charge would apply to the same area as the Services Australia remote area allowance.

On July 1, the government increased the road user charge on diesel from 27.2 cents per litre to 28.8 cents per litre. As a result, the fuel tax credit rate for diesel used in eligible trucks on public roads de creased to 18.9 cents per litre.

NatRoad CEO Warren Clark said businesses with fewer than 50 employees, and owner-operator truck driving companies need to ‘hang tough’ in the new financial year, with most if not all cost rises beyond their control. He is urging operators to transparently pass on costs after consultation, wherever possible.

“Operators should look at strategies like locking in customers to long-term contracts, putting on a fuel surcharge or improving efficiency without compromising safety,” Clark said.

“If you have flexibility in your business arrangements, the important thing is to dis

Ted Stevens addresses the assembled drivers at Razorback, April 7, 1979: Photo: George Lipman

FUEL PRICES AND CHARGES ARE A MAJOR CONTRIBUTOR TO THE HIGH COST OF FOOD IN REMOTE COMMUNITIES, WHERE THE COST OF FREIGHT CAN BE AS HIGH AS 20.4 PER CENT OF SALES.“

The $1000 punt changing truckies’ lives

BY JAMES GRAHAM

VENERABLE WA operator Peter Whytcross was no stranger to the legendary Hepburn Football and Netball Club’s $1000-a-ticket truck raffle.

Over the last 20 years, or so, he’d opened the wallet a couple of times in the hope that he’d win a brand spanking new Kenworth for a fraction of the sticker price, all to no avail.

But he quickly recouped those outlays – and a whole lot more – when the footy club’s vice-president Jason Dooley rang on July 2 to say it was his name that was first out of the barrel this year.

“I’m pretty stoked, let me tell you,” Whytcross tells Big Rigs, with the news still sinking in that he’s won the keys to a new $413,085 Kenworth Legend SAR, a truck so exclusive that it was only on sale for one day.

Whytcross had splashed out himself in 2021 on a commemorative SAR, released in conjunction with Kenworth celebrating 50 years of manufacturing trucks in Australia, but he’s still awaiting his order.

“I’m just over the moon, I couldn’t believe it.”

There are only 1000 tickets in the famous Hepburn draw that has been changing lives in the trucking industry since the unique fundraiser’s inception in the early 1990s.

And those are pretty good odds, if you ask Whytcross, who didn’t hesitate to chance his arm with another $1000 when he discovered there was a SAR at stake, a truck he ranks alongside the T650 and T658 as his all-time favourite.

“I knew of it [the raffle], but it wasn’t until my brother rang me to say he’d got a ticket and joked that he was going to be picking up his new Kenworth that I got mine [about three months before the draw],” adds Whytcross.

“Normally you’re struggling to have any loose change, but I thought, I can

afford it, and I’ve got to be in it to have a chance of winning it.”

The windfall couldn’t have come at a better time for the 63-year-old hands-on operator, who was supposed to be retired by now on his dream property just out of Bundaberg.

A founding member of the National Road Freighters Association (NRFA), along with recent OAM recipient Mick Pattel, the former treasurer, and now life member, has fought for much of his working life to help small transport operators get a fair go.

Just a year after he formed the NRFA in 2008 with Pattel, Whytcross was a name that transport ministers wouldn’t forget in a hurry. In 2009 he was instrumental in a push to replace the heavy vehicle registration system with a 7-cent fuel levy deducted from the fuel rebate when operators submit their BAS statements.

Two years later, Whytcross and Pattel were back in the industry headlines co-organising the Convoy of No Con-

fidence to Canberra, a 2011 protest against the Gillard government’s banning of the live cattle trade. It was Whytcross who organised all the routes for the eight convoys that converged on the capital, all while still based in Port Hedland.

After so many years of advocacy and building up his own transport business, Whytcross, thought his driving days were now largely behind him.

But because one of his drivers left, he was back behind the wheel of his triple road train, half-way between Port Hedland and a mine site, when Dooley’s call came through.

“I’m trying to retire over to Bundy, but it doesn’t seem to be working,” said Whytcross, who has been plugging away in WA for the last 13-14 years.

“I used to have nine trucks working here once upon a time, running a lot of stuff off the wharves, but Covid knocked all that on the head: we just couldn’t get drivers.

“We’re down to the one

truck here now working every day of the week driving dangerous goods out of the Burrup [Peninsula].”

Whytcross has a 2008 Kenworth T658 on that job, but it’s due for a rebuild. He’d just brought a 2010 T658 out of retirement to hold him over until the SAR Legend he bought in 2021 arrives.

For Dooley, it never gets old making calls that can be life-changing for operators like Whytcross.

“That’s the best bit,” said Dooley, who runs his own transport company, Oz Trans. “That’s the part you look forward to when you’ve been working on a raffle for two years.

“To be able to call someone and tell them that they’ve just want to truck of their dreams is fantastic. And that’s why we always Facebook Live, or video the calls, so that we can put it out there to everyone and let them see it as well and hear what’s said on the other end of the phone.”

Dooley says it’s hard to single out winners over others, but one of the most feelgood stories for him came in 2019 when the club raffled a Legend 900.

“The winner of that one was a battler, a guy who had been working his whole life. He could no longer work, he’d had a stroke, and he wasn’t well. He was on a pension, and he just saved and saved until he could afford to buy a ticket.

“He sent the truck to Grays auctions and got a really good dollar for it, and he’s set for life now.”

For the sports club, a volunteer-run organisation, the $500,000-plus left after the cheque’s written out for the truck, is also a godsend.

The money goes into the day-to-day running, but just since the most recent raffle Hepburn has been able to put in an electric scoreboard and make major inroads into building new changing rooms. The proceeds will also go towards renovations of the social rooms and kitchens.

“We’re always tipping it back into the community, that’s where it ends up.”

As for the next one, Dooley isn’t sure of the exact date, but you can bet on it being something special.

“We’ll just wait until the right vehicle comes along.”

Whytcross, meanwhile, now has an enviable dilemma on his hands.

Because the raffle prize isn’t spec’d up for the triple road train work that he’s current doing in WA, Whytcross had toyed with selling it.

But since picking up the keys from Ron Ludbrook at Kenworth DAF Melbourne and taking the flashy new SAR for a short spin, he’s having second thoughts.

Whytcross, who has a 1981 SAR restoration project also under way, has been a devoted fan of the model since the mid-70s when they first rolled off the Bayswater assembly line.

“We were carting cattle with 350 Cummins in them and used to drive for McIvers before they were ever painted green and white.

“They’re just a mighty truck and I just love them. I just reckon they are the best thing since sliced bread, but to win one is something else.

“It’s just a real good boost. You work your guts out all your life and to see something like that come along at the end, it really makes you appreciate the hard work that you’ve put in.”

The stylish new interior of the Legend SAR.

Peter Whytcross now has two of the prized Kenworth trucks.

Peter Whytcross was out driving his triple road train when he got the call from Jason Dooley and shared this shot of the celebrations.

[L-R] Ron Ludbrook, Peter Whytcross and Jason Dooley at the truck handover at Kenworth DAF Melbourne.

A novel fundraising idea is proving to be a big hit with the trucking industry and club members alike.

Truck fan sets off on an epic six-week adventure

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

FOR Glen Lewis, this trip has been more than two years in the making. Starting at Maitland, in NSW’s Hunter Valley region, he hit the road on Monday June 26 – the day after his 60th birthday – and expects to spend 41 days exploring some of the most beautiful locations Australia has to offer.

Lewis purchased his 1993 model Kenworth T950 about nine years ago. Though his career was in the coal mines, his passion has always been in trucks. This is the fourth truck he’s owned and he’s named it ‘Addiction Four’. “All my trucks have been called Addiction, because for me, it definitely is an addiction,” he said.

“The first truck I bought was in the late 1990s and I had it for three years. Then I didn’t have another one until 2008 when I bought a Freightliner Argosy. Then I bought a Western Star in 2012. I sold that and bought this show truck in 2014.

“The T950 is pretty much fully rebuilt. I did most of the work on it. It’s not a working truck, but I take it to all the shows and volunteer for hay runs. I’ve done a few hay runs with Need for Feed.”

Lewis says he’s only the third owner of the 30-yearold truck, which has been very well looked after. “It spent its first five years at Fred’s Interstate Transport, running up and down the coast. The company bought five of these all together and kept them for five years, before trading them in. Then McKibbins Livestock in Victoria bought this truck and had it for 16 years with one driver all that time. That driver wouldn’t let them sell it, so he kept it until that bloke retired, and that’s when I bought it.”

According to Lewis, the truck has done over 2.7 million kilometres. “This engine has about 650,000 kilometres

on it though. It’s only single rated, so it’s never pulled more than one trailer. A lot of these 950s were used for road train work, but I didn’t want one that had pulled all those trailers. Road trains can stretch the chassis due to the massive weights on them. Anyone who gets in my truck can’t believe it’s 30 years old – it’s a credit to Kenworth and to the previous owners. Anything I’ve replaced has been either in preparation for this trip or to bling it up.”

Lewis was a coal miner for 44 years, working his way to being the managing director of a mining company. He retired in 2022. “I started my career as an apprentice electrician in 1980 and retired as a managing director of a coal mining company. I came up through the ranks and really enjoyed it. Trucking is something I’ve always done separately. I casually drove trucks and have had drivers on my trucks as well. The first truck I owned was a truck and dog set-up,” he said.

“I’ve never driven full time, so it’s never been a job to me – it’s always been a passion, so I’ve never gotten sick of it. I was probably the only

mine manager in Australia doing Tarcutta changeovers on a Friday night. I’d do it when a mate of mine wanted a night off.”

This passion for trucks was sparked by his father. He was a coal miner too but before that, he started out in a concrete truck. And like Lewis, he continued to drive trucks on the side.

As a 10-year-old kid, Lewis would wash trucks in his hometown of Cessnock, charging $10 a truck. “I’d wash about six or seven semis every weekend. It was $10 cash-in-hand in 1974, so I can assure you it was a lot of money back then. As I got older, by about 13, some would pay me an extra $10 to grease their trucks too,” he recalled.

“I used to get to drive the trucks around the yard a couple of hundred metres each way – I used to love it!”

When Lewis first thought of doing a trip around Australia, he had considered doing it on his Harley. Though he settled on the truck as a better option.

“For my 40th birthday, I did a Variety Bash, then for my 50th, we did two cars and

went with a heap of mates. I wanted to do something different for my 60th. I was going to ride my Harley but there are too many animals you can run into out on the road – so I decided to take the truck which has a big bull bar!”

He has spent the past year converting the shipping container into a home. “I bought the shipping container in Newcastle. They sell them as single use containers, so it’s only ever done one trip,” said Lewis.

“I got them to put two small windows in the side, right up high for ventilation; and it has a sliding glass door and screen door to get in and out. I started with that, an empty container. Then I insulated it all and built a solid timber frame that’s bolted to the structure of the container, then lined the walls like you’d see in a caravan. And then I put all the electronics in.

“It took about 12 months to fit out the shipping container because I drove a couple of days a week in a truck and dog for a local concrete company, so I would spend about a day and a half each week on the shipping container. I

do the driving because I love it – I can’t be retired and not do anything. I used to drive on the side even while I was working full time.”

A home away from home, the shipping container features air conditioning, a kitchenette with an oven, fridge and microwave, a laundry sink, hot water system and beds.

“I’ve added a bunk bed so in future I can take the grandkids if they want to come with me for a run. Because the trailer is a drop deck, I also have two 1000-litre containers of water, a generator and a few spare tyres. I have a Suzuki motorbike on the back too, in case of a breakdown,” Lewis added.

As for entertainment, he’s created a Spotify playlist called ‘The 60th lap’ which features 14 hours of his favourite tunes from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s, with plenty of sing-along tracks.

When Lewis spoke with Big Rigs, he was one week into his trip.

The entire 16,600km route was mapped out on an app called WikiCamps Australia, which is designed as a camping and caravanning travel tool.

On day one, he left his home base at Maitland at 6am together with a mate named Dennis Jones, who he describes as a “truck freak” too.

They travelled up the coast, along the Bruce Highway to Cairns, where Jones then flew home.

Lewis travelled solo across to the Atherton Tablelands. From there, he followed the Savannah Way to Karumba, headed south to Cloncurry and then made his way across to the Threeways Roadhouse.

From there, he had planned to detour to Alice Springs to see visit the National Road Transport Museum. “It’s about a 600-kilometre deviation but I wanted to see the Wall of Fame and get a photo of my truck out the front there,” said Lewis.

But unfortunately due to heavy rain and local flooding, he had to cancel that part of the trip so headed straight to Darwin instead.

From there, the third week will see Lewis head down to Katherine, across to Kununurra and onto Broome, where his family will join him.

“I’m on my own from Cairns until Broome, then my wife Maree, four kids and three grandkids will fly over. We’re all having a holiday at the halfway mark and it’s also our 22nd anniversary while we’re there.”

His wife will continue with him for the run down to Perth, with numerous stops along the way.

During the fifth week, the couple will travel from Perth via Albany and Esperance to Adelaide, travelling across the Nullarbor.

“Then my wife flies home and another mate will come back with me on the way home,” Lewis added. “The plan is to get home on Saturday August 5, if all goes well.”

The entire 16,600km trip has been mapped out via an app.

Glen Lewis is celebrating his 60th birthday in style, travelling around the country in his “mobile home”. Photo: ABC Newcastle, Romy Stephens

Behind the impressive 1993 Kenworth T950 is a fully kitted-out shipping container. Photo: DATphotography31

Lewis has converted the shipping container into a comfortable living space. Photo: ABC Newcastle, Romy Stephens

To celebrate his 60th birthday, this retired coal miner and his Kenworth T950 have embarked on a 16,600km trip around Australia, with a shipping container he’s converted into a mobile home.

Plenty of flight left in this beautifully restored Eagle

posted to a Mack squadron so did 12 months there, and then did my ‘274’ semi-trailer course driving Diamond Reos. I visited every state of Australia except Tasmania in the first six months carting APC’s, ammunition and so on. I worked out in the first 365 days in the army I was on the road for 300 of them with exercises and all sorts of things.”

The army connection is still strong with Wilson having earlier in 2023 purchased an International S-Line which had been in the fleet at his old squadron at Puckapunyal. He also has a T409 Kenworth which is used as a back-up to the Eagle, along with another project truck in the works, a 4700 Transtar.

I RECKON INTERNATIONALS ARE T E OST ERRATED TRUCK, THEY ARE BLOODY BRILLIANT AND MADE A LOT OF PEOPLE A LOT OF MONEY BACK IN THE DAY, THEY ARE JUST WELL BUILT HONEST O TR CKS

SCOTTY WILSON

her up put all the bells and whistles on it and we put it to work,” he said.

With a good dose of ‘bling’ including stainless guards, and windscreen visor and some Harley-Davidson badging, the combination of colours and the design across the bonnet, cab and sleeper really set the truck off.

a number of years earlier in the Australian Army.

“I joined the army at 16.5, did the Kapooka thing and got posted to the Army School of Transport. I was driving semis before my 18th birthday.

BY DAVID VILE

“I ALWAYS wanted a bit of a project to take on and the Eagle was always a good-looking truck, and they are getting a bit rare now,” said Scotty Wilson of his 2005 International Eagle which had just rolled into the Rocklea Showgrounds for the annual Heritage Truck Association show in May.

With its striking paint scheme and chrome highlights, the Eagle has been a mainstay of Wilson’s trucking activities for the last 13 years and is put to work every day across Brisbane.

With his previous truck, a 2001 Freightliner Century Class having been written off in a rollover, Wilson bought the International in 2010 with the aim of making it into something special before hitting the road with it.

“We bought this one off Esanda from a yard in Penrith in 2010 for $70,000 - back then they were still pulling $160,000 for a second-hand one.

“It was a re-possession job, it had been hauling cattle down around Kingston in South Australia and was plain white in colour, so we stripped her down and painted her up. We went with a bit of a Harley theme, and she came up a treat.”

At the time, the Eagle was in a sorry state with a crumpled bulbar, and missing mudguards, with Wilson entrusting the team at B & K Lines and Signs in Darra to undertake the work to overhaul the truck from the chassis rails up.

“It previously only had one exhaust stack on it, and we put the Texas bar on it - B &K painted it and polished

“I had a bit of a design in mind, just wanted to do something that wasn’t ‘square’ with flat lines and so on. The colours are a mix of gold from a Toyota Camry, the burgundy is from a Peugeot and it’s just regular black, but it works well and stands out,” Wilson explained.

At the time he bought the International, Wilson was hauling scrap steel from Brisbane to Wollongong and his current role is that of a subbie for Namour Transport where he runs a single tautliner carting pallets mostly on a night-shift basis. Under the bonnet is a Cummins Signature rated at 580hp, which is more than adequate for the job.

Wilson first took on the role of an owner-driver in 1996 with the purchase of an ex-Boylan Western Star, with his first experience behind the wheel of a truck coming

“I was the youngest semi-driver in the Australian Army up to that point, probably still am. I initially got

“The S-Line will stay ‘army’, we will tidy it up and will just give it a bit of chrome, if you go too far it will look like a truck that has been made into an army truck. The Transtar we are working on will be painted up in black and gold so hopefully it won’t require much polishing!” Wilson said with a grin.

While the Internation-

al nameplate is no longer a player in the new truck market in Australia, Wilson is one of many who hold the brand in high esteem, and it would appear that he will not be parting with his Eagle anytime soon.

“I reckon Internationals are the most under-rated truck, they are bloody brilliant and made a lot of people a lot of money back in the day, they are just well built honest old trucks. They stopped making the Eagle in 2011 they are a bit of a collector’s item now so I will be hanging on to this. I’ll be buried in this thing.”

Online entries open for Casino Truck Show in August

REGISTRATIONS are now open for the 2023 North Coast Petroleum Casino Truck Show, to be held on Saturday, August 5.

The cost is $30 per truck, including competition entry and parking in the event precinct. Online registrations also go into the draw to win an Engel prize pack, which includes a 40-litre anniversary fridge.

Entries can be made at casinotruckshow.com.au, or by registering on the day from

6am at the Casino industrial estate.

With less than a month to go, organisers say this is the chance for individuals and companies to play a central role in the “greatest truck show in the southern hemisphere” and be part of the huge 10th anniversary celebrations.

Early predictions are that numbers at this year’s anniversay event will surpass the 375 trucks that filled the main streets of Casino last year.

The 2023 NCP Casino Truck Show will start at 10am with the Legendary Highway Lights truck parade, followed by a family fun day, including live entertainment children’s amusement rides, food, and beverage vendors.

Trophies sponsored by the Brown & Hurley Group will be presented to more than 80 winners and placegetters in 16 categories.

The premier award for the show, the Tiny Lollback Rig of

the Show, comes with $1000 in prizemoney along with some unique, one-off 6061 Billet goodies, crafted by Monkey Spunk Fabrications, as well as the towering Rig of the Show trophy and the winner’s name etched on the plaque.

The TTSC Group exclusive Top Five Judged Elite Series awards each winner $500, and the Dawson’s Haulage Best Fleet Series offers $800 for first place, $600 for second and $400 for third.

Truckwriters and MasterArt Designs have teamed up to support the Best Paint trophies, while the Royans Group has come on board to deliver the Industry Pride and Passion awards – a new category for 2023.

Event ambassador Jon Kelly, from Heavy Haulage Assets and star of new Foxtel show Aussie Truck Rehab, will set the wow factor with an elaborate display of trucks, say organisers.

Kelly has been attending since the first year when he rocked up with 10 trucks and left with the Truck of the Show trophy for his Kenworth T908 Tri Drive, ‘Tri Me’.

“I’ve always supported Darren [organiser Darren Goodwin] and it’s turned into a phenomenal show,” Kelly says.

“There’s a lot of people from all around the country that put an awful lot of time, money and effort into getting to that show.”

“A bit of a collector’s item now.” Scotty Wilson with his International Eagle. Photos: David Vile

The recent addition to the Wilson collection, a Squadron 85 exAustralian Army International S-Line.

With plenty of stainless and a creative paintjob the Eagle is a real head turner.

While the International nameplate is no longer a player in the new truck market, enthusiasts like Scotty Wilson are keeping the Eagle badge flying high.

First special edition Actros

TAMWORTH’S Carey’s Freight Lines has taken delivery of Australia’s first Actros 25 Driver Edition.

The special edition model was developed locally to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Mercedes-Benz Trucks Actros being introduced in Australia.

Carey’s Freight Lines managing director, Darren Carey, put his hand up for one of the limited run Actros trucks at the Brisbane Truck Show in May and the unit was delivered recently by Mavin Truck Centre salesman, Steve Pinkstone.

Carey’s Freight Lines added the first Actros to its fleet back in 2017 and has purchased 18 of them in all.

Darren said the Actros has been a solid and reliable performer for the company.

“Right from the start, the Actros has given us great fuel economy and we also appreciate the safety features and the comfort,” Darren said.

“The acceptance level among drivers has been really good too.

“It looked good on the stand, but it looks even better in the metal, in our yard with our trailers. It looks brilliant.”

Mercedes-Benz Trucks vice president, Andrew Assimo, is thrilled the milestone truck is joining the Carey

Freight Lines fleet.

“The special edition Actros 25 Driver Edition is full of features that drivers often request and it also looks fantastic, so we know it will be a popular addition to the fleet at Carey’s Freight Lines,” he said.

“Carey’s Freight Lines is known for its well-presented trucks, its customer dedication and safety-first approach

and is a wonderful brand ambassador for Mercedes-Benz Trucks.”

Carey’s Freight Lines dates back to 1947, when Harold Carey bought his first truck after returning from World War II. Having bought the company in the 1980s, his sons, Mick and John, grew the business. Now, Harold Carey’s grandsons Darren, Todd and Rick

have taken up the reins.

The Actros 25 Driver Edition is a 2663 that features the top-of-the-line 630hp 16-litre six-cylinder OM473 engine linked to the latest generation 12-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT).

It comes with the Predictive Powertrain Control system, which uses topographical information, including

pre-mapped three-dimensional GPS data, to enable the truck to make the best, and most economical, choice of throttle application and gear selection. This includes saving fuel by coasting for long periods.

The Actros 25 Driver Edition also features Active Drive Assist technology, which helps to actively help steer the truck and keep it in the

centre of its lane, although the driver is still required to hold the steering wheel.

The Actros 25 Driver Edition features the Gigaspace cab, which is taller and provides more headroom and space.

It features a grey metallic paint scheme matched with Alcoa Dura-Bright wheels and a raft of upgrades that ensure it stands out on the highway. Beyond the visual upgrades, there is also a list of comfort features to make life on the road easier.

The Actros 25 Driver Edition features the Gigaspace cab, which is taller and provides more headroom and space for front-mounted cabinets above the windscreen. One of these cabinets includes a microwave.

On the rear wall of the cab, there are two beds including a fixed bed at the bottom and folding bunk at the top. Below the bottom bed are twin fridges that are within easy reach of the driver.

The special truck features luxurious leather-seats, a leather wrapped steering wheel and woodgrain trim. A bunk curtain, with Mercedes-Benz logo, is also provided.

All Actros trucks in the Carey’s Freight Lines fleet are 2663 models.

Carey’s Freight Lines managing director, Darren Carey, with the new addition to the Tamworth fleet.

Australia’slargestindependentcarrierofbulkliquids.

Tanker driver loves the variety behind the wheel

JESS Ludorf does milk pickups for McColl’s, from farms located right across Gippsland, a rural region that stretches from outer Melbourne to the eastern-most point of Victoria.

Typically she’ll do multiple pick-ups in a day, sometimes in a single and others in B-double tankers. Each day is different and that’s one of the things she enjoys most about her role. “What I like about the job is that I enjoy driving the truck and not every day is the same,” Ludorf says.

McColl’s has been transporting milk since it put its first truck on the road in 1952. Today it is Australia’s largest independent bulk liquid carrier of milk, food and bulk chemicals, with the country’s most modern and specialised food grade and chemical tankers, which are

“At McColl’s we’re very proud of our drivers,” says Andrew Thompson, group business development manager at McColl’s Transport. “They’re our ambassadors, they’re at supplier and customer locations multiple times throughout the day. They do a great job and represent us well.”

New drivers at McColl’s undergo the company’s induction and training program, which includes having an experienced tanker driver – or “buddy” – in the cab with them for a few weeks. They are then assessed by an external assessor before going out on their own.

All of McColl’s milk tanker drivers are also qualified as milk graders, having completed an in-house course which focuses on all the skills required to correctly collect raw milk.

Upon arriving at a farm, the first thing Ludorf does is check for any signage directing trucks to the milking shed. “Then I unhook my hose, start opening the toolboxes and connect the hose to the VAT,” she explains.

Next, Ludorf does a visual check of the milk in the VAT. “It smells like milk and there’s nothing floating in there, so I check the temperature – it has to be below 5°C,” she says.

Two sample bottles are collected – the one with a red lid is a sample of the milk in the VAT; and the one with the yellow lid is collected from

the drip in the trailer. Then, it’s time to start pumping. On the shed card, drivers are required to document their name, the number of litres out and the milk’s temperature. “Then we’re all done and off to the next farm,” Ludorf says.

Upon returning to the factory, Ludorf prints off two dockets showing the farms she’s visited that day and how many litres were collected at each stop.

Then she gets a sample from the tanker and grabs all of the day’s samples too, which are then tested in a

lab, with the test results going into a report that the farmers receive the next day.

A further test is conducted to check for any residue of antibiotics used to treat cows – once that’s checked and all clear, it’s time to get the hose connected up so the milk can be pumped out of the tanker and into the processor’s silo.

“I check the total litres that have come out after a flush and write that number down,” adds Ludorf.

Once the tanker has been emptied, it undergoes a special chemical wash, which is part of the company’s safety

and cleanliness regime. And then, it’s ready for a new day. “I enjoy meeting the farmers and I enjoy the fast pace of it all,” Ludorf says.

Scan to see a video of Jess Ludorf on the job.

No two days are the same for Ludorf.

Jess Ludorf collects milk from farms around the Gippsland region.

Further testing of the milk is conducted once she arrives at the factory.

Jess Ludorf has always loved trucks, so when the opportunity came to work for McColl’s Transport, she jumped at the chance.

On the road with faithful friends

OUR last-issue callout for pictures of your favourite fourlegged friends triggered an influx of shots and endearing notes about the positive difference they make to your working day.

There were so many, we thought we’d share a few more in this issue.

Hope you enjoy them as much as we did. It’s comforting to know that as challenging as it must get at times out there on the frontline, there’s always someone that has your back.

Ponto, the Belgian shepherd, has been a constant sidekick for Gazza, from Adelaide, for the nearly five years.

This cute fella is never far from ellena Pickering’s side.

A bulldog in a Kenworth? No problem for Anna Hormaechea and her adorable pup Mutley who loo s ri ht at home.

Denis Grace, who has clocked 50 years in road transport, and 40-plus years plus as a trainer/ assessor, loves having his dingo-kelpie cross next to him on the way to obs.

Jake Tyrrell doesn’t go on the road without his brown beauty riding shotgun.

Aaron Girdler’s vigilant companion is with him on the road every day.

Steven Thun reflects with this great pic from many moons a o.

Michael Leslie’s Yogi was initially a bit unsure about being so high in the truck but now he loves it. He has done several driving runs already – from Mackay to Rocky, Sydney and beyond.

When Liz Armstrong was doing interstate, she used to help transport sausage dogs for some dachshund rescue groups. She helped relocate pups to Blayney, Newcastle, Melbourne, Albury, and many other places, and even adopted one, named Gizmo.

Graham Spencer’s Bam Bam getting ready to deliver a grader out on the road from roome.

A stress-free life when you’re riding with Chris ad e.

These two are such an essential part of the operation the business is named in their honour 2 PUPS Truckin.

Reader Rigs proudly supported by

Share your truck pics to win with Shell Rimula

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

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

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

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

Don’t forget to include a brief note about the truck and where the photo was taken. We’ll feature some of the best photos in each edition of Big Rigs Newspaper, with one winner announced each month. Keep those amazing truck pics coming!

Jacob Elliott took this on a Monday morning prestart at the Sprenger’s Rural Traders depot in Haigslea, Queensland.

Michael Roels and his rig having a wonderful day in the pines in Jenolan, New South Wales.

Dave Hely sent in this cracker shot, snapped while “sliding around” Jenolan State Forest.

Patrick Knight makes sure his Mack looks on point as it waits in Darwin to load for Perth.

Andrew Rowe’s stunning capture of the calm before the storm, while carting hay in western Victoria.

Nicholas Dolan checks out the signs at Blackall, Queensland, on his way to Melbourne from Tully.

In sharing this great shot, Owen Weir said, “I tip my hat to my dad’s generation. Us young blokes have it easy.”

When the going gets tough, truckies keep everyone going

Mark Wilson captured this cracking sunset between Narrabri and Burren Junction while headed for a load of grain in New South Wales.

Josh Rigney drops some dust on his way back into Goodooga from Bollon.

Wayne Donnelly clicked this shot of his rig on an old railway bridge heading out to a cattle station off Belyando Road in Queensland.

This great sunset shot was taken by Matt Dillon while getting ready to load north of Parkes, New South Wales.

Aaron Fuller captured this great shot following his MC licence upgrade in New South Wales.

Tom Charlton captured this awesome sunset photo in Wallumbilla, Queensland.

Riley Turner shared his great pic of a Martins Stock Haulage Kenworth T909 with a B-double, setup parked at Gympie Sale Yards in Queensland.

Transporter rigs roll into Townsville for big event

BY ALF WILSON

THE popular Transporter Parade Convoy featuring 25 flashy trucks kick-started celebrations for the NTI Townsville 500, and this year for the first time along a new route.

On Wednesday, July 5, transporters carrying more than $25 million worth of Supercars equipment made their way through the streets of Townsville and fans supported it in their tens of thousands.

A police escort of several cars and motorbikes with flashing lights led the convoy which started at 12.45pm, three days before the big Townsville 500 event started.

Before that Big Rigs went down to the marshalling area along Webb Drive and checked out some of the trucks and spoke to drivers.

Scott Taylor, owner of Scott Taylor Motorsport, drives a Kenworth T909 and was polishing it himself when I arrived.

“I recently towed a road train to Darwin for a documentary,” he said.

Wayne Cowper was nearby and drives a MAN TGX26580 for Shell Racing Team.

Melbourne-based Stephen King drives a Scania for Sonic Racing Team and has been to the Townsville event seven times.

“I love coming to Townsville,” he said.

Simon Williamson drives a Kenworth K200 for Wall Rac-

ing and enjoys the convoy.

“I have been in several of these convoys and enjoy coming to Townsville,” he said.

Along Webb Drive I saw Tony Power, Lisa Power, Karen Garbutt and three-year-old Matthew Power on the back of a 4WD ready to watch the convoy.

“We got here early but just love the supercars,” Lisa said.

Reid Park lit up on track during race day, and under the Big Top at night, to deliver a bumper sixth round

crowd of 127,044 for North Queensland’s biggest annual sporting event won by Anton De Pasquale.

“We are thrilled and delighted to have seen 127,044 passionate motorsport fans attend this year’s NTI Townsville 500,” event manager Matt Ramsden said.

“The support and enthusiasm demonstrated by the crowd over the last three days is a testament to the 15 years of success this event has had in North Queensland.

“We would like to extend our gratitude to all the fans who made their way to Townsville to be a part of this year’s event, which included Saturday night’s memorable Ministry of Sound Classical performance and the first ever ATN Drone Light show over the skies of North Queensland, which captivated crowds around Reid Park.”

The 2023 Repco Supercars Championship will resume at the Beaurepaires Sydney SuperNight on July 28-30.

Scott Taylor, owner of Scott Taylor Motorsport, drives a Kenworth T909 and was polishing it himself when we arrived.

Supercars biggest names came out to play in Townsville.

Tony Power, Lisa Power, Karen Garbutt and three-year-old Matthew Power on the back of a 4WD ready to watch the convoy.

Transporters carrying more than $25 million worth of Supercars equipment made their way through the streets of Townsville.

Wayne Cowper and his flashy new MAN were a convoy favourite amongst fans.

Simon Williamson drives a Kenworth K200 for Wall Racing and enjoys the convoy. Photos: Alf Wilson

Stephen King loves coming to Townsville in his Scania for the Sonic Racing Team.

Big Rigs went down to the marshalling area along Webb Drive and checked out some of the trucks and spoke to drivers.

The popular Transporter Parade Convoy featuring 25 flashy trucks kick-started celebrations.

Tens of thousands of truck and motor racing fans lined the streets to welcome the trucks into the city.

Truckin’ In The Tropics

Across the sea and roads

YOUNG driver Ryan Philipson was one of the most popular people on idyllic Magnetic Island in north Queensland the day Big Rigs saw him.

Because the 33-year-old, who works for Magnetic Island Transport, had a load of beer and spirits on the 42-tonne capacity Kenworth T359 he was driving.

“I had seven pallets of alcohol. We supply all of the pubs and bars on the island. I also had 12 rollers as well,” he said.

Friendly Philipson has worked for the company for seven years and loves it.

And why wouldn’t he? Each weekday he gets to travel on a barge across the azure Coral Sea from the island suburb of ‘Maggie, as it is known, to Townsville.

“We carry general freight, groceries and building material and leave Townsville, where we also have a depot, on the 11am barge, deliver, and then return on the 4pm vessel and prepare for the next day,” he said.

It is generally a 90-minute trip across the briny of Cleveland Bay. Along the way Philip-

son has seen plenty of marine life. “I have seen whales and dolphins which follow the big ships in and feed on the scraps they leave,” he said.

The company also has three other Kenworths: a 404, 904 and a truck and dog 401.

With the total bitumen road network on Magnetic Island being just 10km long, you would expect driving a truck would be a breeze.

“But a lot of the road is winding and up a rise and driving a semi can be challenging,” he said.

There are also lots of roadworks going on which can hold up traffic.

Even though most of his work is around Townsville and the tropical island paradise, Phillipson has been as far away as Brisbane.

“I went down in the 904 to pick up dry groceries,” he said.

Philipson loves his food, especially a juicy chicken parmigiana.

“I like going to the Marlin Bar at Horseshoe Bay or the Picnic Bay Hotel on the other side of the island for a meal,”

Hitting the road with this friendly furniture trio

KALE Staver and his mates

Scott Sproule and Arahi Edwards were delivering furniture from an Isuzu when Big Rigs saw them in the Townsville CBD about 10am one tropical morning in late June.

They work for Conroy Removals and carry furniture around the north Queensland capital and to other places.

“We do go as far as Cairns and Mossman up north, south to Mackay and out west to Mount Isa,” Staver said.

That day they were delivering furniture to the top floor of an office in downtown Flinders Street.

They are a genuine friendly trio and Staver and Edwards both drive the truck whilst Sproule normally works in the company office but helped that day on a big job.

Between them, Staver and Sproule have been in the industry for 38 years whilst Kiwi Edwards is a relative newcomer in Australia at least.

“I have only been in the job for five minutes compared to the boys,” he said.

In his travels Staver said he liked stopping at Andy’s Roadhouse which is 130km north of Townsville at Ingham.

“They serve the biggest

and most tasty burgers you would get anywhere,” Staver said.

Being from New Zealand, Edwards barracks for the Auckland Warriors in the NRL whilst Staver and Sproule follow the local Cowboys and Sydney Bulldogs.

These lads love the job and always try to ensure their customers are happy.

That was evident when the client they had that day came out and thanked them and shook Staver’s hand.

Then they got into the Isuzu, driven by Edwards, and headed off for another job.

I HAD SEVEN PALLETS OF ALCOHOL. WE SUPPLY ALL OF THE PUBS AND BARS ON THE ISLAND. I ALSO HAD RO ERS AS E RYAN PHILIPSON

he said.

Whilst fishing is popular on the waters off the island, Philipson doesn’t wet a line much there. “I do some fishing in Townsville though,” he said.

One hobby he does like is photography and of course the trucks he drives often provide subject matter.

“I have a lot of pics of the trucks,” he said.

When Big Rigs snapped his pic he was delivering alcohol to the Arcadia Hotel which is patronised by many locals and tourists.

I could only come to one conclusion when referring to the great job Philipson has. “It’s a hard life but I guess somebody’s got to do it.”

The ‘Green Machine’ keeping bottle shops and pubs stocked

DRIVER John Stanley and his assistant Daniel Ward travel around Townsville in an Isuzu 525 delivering alcohol.

They are employed by the Lillywhite Group which owns the Riverview Tavern, the Bohle, Stuart and Bushland Beach Hotels in the North Queensland capital.

“We deliver beer and spirits to all their Celebrations Bottle Shops as well and we love the job which I have been in four years,” Stanley said.

The Isuzu is known as the ‘Green Machine’ or ‘Hornet’ because of its distinctive colour.

Big Rigs saw them early

one morning in late June, ready to deliver to a busy bottle shop at Annandale Shopping Centre.

“We get to meet a lot of different people and the Isuzu is great for the job,” Stanley said.

Outside work Stanley enjoys motorbike riding and gardening as well as barracking for the local side the NQ Cowboys in the NRL.

The Lillywhite Group also owns hotels in Charters Towers, 130km west of Townsville and at Mareeba on the Atherton Tablelands.

“We don’t get to those in the Isuzu,” Stanley said in conclusion.

John Stanley delivers alcohol around Townsville. John Stanley (front) was travelling with his assistant Daniel Ward.

(L-R) Kale Staver, Arahi Edwards and Scott Sproule work for Conroy Removals.

Ryan Philipson and his truck travel from Magnetic Island to the mainland by barge each day.

Donaldson PowerCore 4x4 Air Cleaner Upgrade Kit XLC200K Suits Toyota Landcruiser 2007-21 4.5L Turbo Diesel VDJ200

•PowerCore 4x4 delivers 99.99% efficiency providing superior protection and performance. •Increased Airflow Less Restriction •Larger Surface Area

•ImproVed Economy & Performance under load.

•Longer Air Filter Service Life Service Indicator

BY ANJALI BEHL

ADAM Woods has been around trucks all his life. His father, Ray Woods, was a truckie and a huge inspiration for him. The open roads, the freedom of enjoying sunrises and sunsets in the outback, and knowing that what he is doing on a daily basis is contributing towards what keeps Australia moving – trucking is Woods’ haven and his joy.

The other two joys of his life, his sons Mason Woods and Connor Woods, inspire him to keep driving and perhaps one day be an inspiration to his boys like his father is to him.

The 41-year-old is based in Sandstone, Western Australia. For the past six months he

has been driving a Kenworth T909 tri drive ultra-quad for Campbell Transport, carting iron ore between Sandstone to Wiluna and Geraldton to Sandstone.

“I love driving. I enjoy the freedom it gives me, being out here,” Woods says. “There is nothing but a truck driver and the outback. The sunsets and sunrises out here are simply amazing and it is moments like those that make you realise that some of the most beautiful things in life are not owned or controlled by anyone, they are for everyone to enjoy. As a truck driver I get to enjoy these every day.”

However, driving heavy vehicles, particularly during

return trips in some remote parts of the country, has its challenges.

Sharing a rig with another driver can at times be challenging for drivers like Woods who like to “keep it up to scratch”. He says until you can find a driver that you gel with, sharing a truck can be quite trying.

Another challenge for him is maintenance of the vehicle. Driving through the outback and isolated places across the country, if a repair need arises, it can be quite problematic for truckies, he says.

But for this family man, one of the toughest demands of being an outback truckie is the time away from his family. “The hardest thing, by far, is being away from my kids and loved ones. It is very hard on them and on me. In fact, it goes for all truck drivers,” Woods said.

“Many people just see these trucks driving down the road, what they don’t see is the men and women behind the wheel. We all have families and loved ones and we

miss them as much as they miss us. We all need to earn a living and sometimes it is a very tough balance, but we do it.”

Speaking of tough, some of the toughest routes Woods has travelled on are regional and remote areas in Western Australia including Bandya Road in Laverton, Telfer Road, and Rippons Hills Road in Marble Bar during the floods – all of which can

create hazardous driving conditions in wet weather. However, despite all the challenges that this job entails, Woods is completely at peace when he is in his driver’s seat. “Trucks become a part of us drivers. They keep us safe and almost become a safe zone in life,” he said. “They can even somehow shield us from life’s pressures. There is nothing I like doing more for a living than driving a truck.”

Woods’ sons Mason and Connor.

His father Ray Woods was a truckie too.

He says he’s been close to trucks since he was a little boy.

Adam Woods currently drives a Kenworth T909 tri drive ultraquad for Campbell Transport.

Despite the rigours and challenges of the job, Adam Woods wouldn’t have it any other way.

Female truckies’ day a huge success

honour but also to celebrate National Female Truckie’s Day on her July 5 birthdate.

In the campaign lead-up, hundreds of female heavy vehicle drivers from across the country joined in the spirit of the celebrations sharing selfies in and around their trucks in workplaces as diverse as the women themselves.

Coast MC heavy haulage driver Chloe Anderson. A valued member of the Dunstan Low Loader Haulage team based out of Queensland’s Gold Coast hinterland, Chloe is widely recognised for her dedication to learning the job and having a go.

en truckies are doing. Chloe epitomises so much of what Toots admired - in particular a ‘nothing-is-impossible’ attitude.”

WIDESPREAD acceptance that gender bias is not only passé but also a huge waste of potential was confirmed in spades during the recent month-long build-up to WiTA’s inaugural July 5 National Female Truckie’s Day - the birthdate of legendary Australian female truckie Toots Holzheimer.

The jewel in the crown for the day was the presentation of the first ever TOOTS Award – established to recognise and celebrate the work of the nation’s female drivers –past and present.

Toots’ legendary reputation is etched in Australian transport history and the WiTA Board are delighted her family have not only given their blessing for WiTA to name these prestigious Awards in Toots’

Both social media initiatives continue to be resoundingly successful. Late evening July 5, Facebook data analysis showed a 28-day campaign post reach of 1.7 million and a post engagement of 573,000 with a 4040 increase in page followers.

Forty-eight hours later, the on-line chatter continued with the post reach increasing by 730,000 to 2,430,000, Post engagement to 602,000 with an additional 179 new followers onboarding during that time. This through traffic underpins WiTA’s position hosting the fastest growing, most interactive social media platform in the Australian road transport sector.

The winner of the inaugural 2023 People’s Choice Toot’s Award is young Gold

Chloe says she’s incredibly fortunate to have next-level mentors and support from Dunstan management and her workmates and is honoured to be the first recipient of the prestigious TOOTS Award.

Toots’ daughter and author of “Toots – Woman in a Man’s World” Donna Vawdrey says the family is honoured to be involved in the personal lives of so many wonderful female truck drivers.

“Knowing Mum has inspired so many women over the years to pursue their passion to drive trucks and not be stymied by societal norms and expectations around gender, age, height or any other supposed limiting factor - is amazing.

“You, me and our country are blessed to have WiTA inaugurate an award to recognise the outstanding job wom-

In a special Ceremony early August on the Gold Coast, Donna will personally present Chloe with her TOOTS Award.

Hot off the press, the WiTA board are delighted to announce National Female Truckie’s Day and the TOOTS Awards will become the focus of the organisation’s 2024 inaugural “Driving Equality” winter conference in Adelaide.

Inspired by Toot’s remarkable legacy, the event will launch July 5 with a gala dinner and awards ceremony that will see TOOTS Awards honour and recognise outstanding industry achievements across a number of categories.

July 6 will dawn early with the largest convoy of Australian female drivers in the nation’s history, culminating in a one-day conference in Port Adelaide.

WiTA is also delighted to welcome and also thank new TOOTS Awards corpo-

rate sponsors Finlease, Linde Material Handling and the NHVR - who’s generous support will enable WiTA to continue its work to embed gender diversity as a key driver of excellence, innovation and safety across the road transport sector.

Finally, to the hundreds of thousands of visitors dropping by the WiTA Facebook page in the lead-up and throughout our July 5 celebrations, we thank you for your incredible support and your willingness to embrace gender diversity and respect for all.

INCREASED OUTPUT • IMPROVED FEATURES ENGINEERED TO LIGHTFORCE SPECIFICATIONS

The VIPER Light Bars priorities your safety on the road by offering a 25% greater distance than the previous Lightforce Light Bar models. Additionally, these light bars are designed to minimise radio interference, ensuring uninterrupted access to your UHF or radio channel.

WOMEN IN TRUCKING

LYNDAL DENNY CEO, Women in Trucking Australia

The winner of the inaugural 2023 People’s Choice Toot’s Award is young Gold Coast MC heavy haulage driver Chloe Anderson.

SCAN to nd out more about our range of LED Light Bars.

Negotiating the tech maze is vital to staying viable

IF YOU’VE DRIVEN THROUGH A CITY

WHAT’S the United Nations got to do with making sure a flatbed of hay bales makes it to a customer’s depot on time? Not much, but occasionally the UN has something to say that should make us sit up and take notice.

Let’s consider a UN prediction that 68 per cent of the world’s population will live in urban areas by 2050.

According to our own Bureau of Statistics, Australia is already at 71 per cent – so we’re ahead of the game.

The world is changing, and the way we live is being driven by consumer demand for more convenient services that meet individual needs.

Still on urbanisation, and if you’ve driven through a city lately, you’ll know that traffic is back to pre-Covid levels on most days of the week and

that our road infrastructure is struggling to cope.

The Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics estimates congestion cost Australia $16.5 billion in 2015.

That’s predicted to reach between $27.7 and $37.3 billion by 2030.

Congestion is one reason that we have to talk about MaaS. About what? Mobility as a Service

(MaaS) is the integration of various forms of transport services into a single mobility service, accessible on demand.

It involves using data and a single application to provide access to mobility with a single payment channel instead of multiple ticketing and payment operations.

As far as personal transport is concerned, MaaS is already here.

Apps like GoGet mean urban dwellers no longer need

KNOW THAT TRAFFIC IS BACK TO PRECOVID LEVELS ON MOST DAYS OF THE WEEK AND THAT OUR ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE IS STRUGGLING TO COPE.“

WARREN CLARK

To operate properly, a MaaS system needs to adopt a supply chain that has “on-demand” rather than a “just in time” capacity.

ing for road transport would work.

Many operators will say that the balance is already heavily weighted in favour of the customer. Hopefully, unfair contract laws starting late this year, will redress that.

Broad adoption of MaaS would have indirect benefits for road freight, however, especially for anyone operating in last mile.

The widespread roll-out of networks of road sensors, appropriate collection of data and accelerated adoption of telematics would all be likely.

to own a car. A user orders short-term use of a car when it’s needed.

That includes small vans, where someone bypasses a removalist and does the job themself.

Fewer cars on the road in an urban environment equal less congestion and cleaner air.

Good news for road transport operators.

But will MaaS change the way they operate a business?

The jury is still out.

A user needs to know cargo is despatched on time, every time. Good luck with that if the point of pick-up is a port.

Road access for large loads is at the mercy of the permit system.

Given the diverse nature of the freight task in Australia, the relatively long distances travelled, and the government’s focus on re-regulating the gig economy, it’s hard to see that a one-size-fits-all platform for ordering and pay-

I understand that all of the above isn’t keeping most operators awake at night. They’re more likely to be preoccupied with analysing their cash flow, paying a driver’s fine or putting a lid on their ever-climbing costs.

The point is that change is usually hard, but we need to embrace emerging technology and use it to our advantage.

Technology is a big part of a jigsaw we need to be good at to make our industry safer, more efficient and more economically viable.

We need to embrace emerging technology and use it to our advantage.

LATELY, YOU’LL

Give yourself tools to cope

Maker Awards taking place during the festival of sport at Alice Springs.

We have had some great nominations and will have some delighted recipients.

HOW many of us are struggling right now? Struggling with the cost of living, cost of doing business, finding staff, family issues, or with depression.

As many of you know, I have previously struggled with depression and even though I have a great life compared to many others, some days I feel myself teetering on the edge of that abyss.

How much harder it must be for those who are not working doing something they love, in an industry that has been their home and family for decades.

We talk so much about mental health awareness; I think by now that everyone is aware of it, but it is getting that practical help to those in isolation that is the biggest problem or recognising when you need to make changes to better support yourself through the toughest times of the day.

I used to call my mum at the same time every day. When she passed away that became a

very tough hour to get through each day, so I had to change my routine, but it took some time, and it still catches me out some days.

These are the times we need to be mindful and give ourselves the tools to cope whether it is music, meditation or reaching out to family or friends.

There is no one size fits

all solution, you need to find what works best for you. Work, reading and pets have always been antidotes for me and there is no shortage of work to be had in my life, or books or pets either!

So, as we work our way through winter, maybe we can take the time out to stay in touch more often.

I have been a terrible slack-

er at this since Covid and really need to lift my game so that is my mid-year resolution; to take better care of my friends.

Transport Women Australia Limited (TWAL) is so excited for our event in conjunction with CeMAT and hope that we generate plenty of interest in transport and logistics careers on the day. We will have three board

members in attendance with a presentation on the main program, participation on a panel and our own event with speaker, Joana Feiteira and panellists from transport, logistics and supply chain; the panel will be facilitated by TWAL company secretary, True Ross-Sawrey.

In August, we have the inaugural Transport Women Unite Red Ball and the Dream

We will be presenting prizes for the Best Dressed Male and Female on the night, so get your red glad rags on and join the party!

We have many events planned for the remainder of 2023 and the ‘Living the Dream’ conference and our 25th anniversary party already well into the advanced planning stages for 2024. For any enquiries about events, membership, partnerships, or sponsorship please email chair@transportwomen. com.au or phone 0417422319. • If you, or someone you know is struggling, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online at lifeline.org.au, or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. There are also handy information and tools available at Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds (healthyheads.org. au), a registered not-forprofit charitable foundation, established to improve outcomes in areas relating to psychological safety and physical wellbeing, across the road transport, warehousing and logistics industries in Australia.

As we work our way through winter, maybe we can take the time out to stay in touch more often.

VTA salute for impeccable heavy vehicle drivers

ciated trauma, where Driver Salute is different is in its ability to reward safe driving, which leads to less accidents, fewer confrontation, and safer roads for all.

AFTER several years of disruption because of the pandemic, it’s been a real thrill and privilege for the VTA to commemorate the return of our heavy vehicle driver safety award program, Driver Salute.

Driver Salute is our bi-monthly recognition and reward program offered in conjunction with Optix (formerly DriveRisk) and Goodyear Fleet. Unlike several other industry awards, Driver Salute recognises heavy vehicle drivers who demonstrate outstanding and consistent safety practices behind the wheel.

As important as the heroic efforts are of many drivers confronting road accident and asso-

In this first half of 2023, it’s been our great pleasure to present Driver Salute Awards to three outstanding drivers, as well as acknowledge the support of their employers and their commitment to enshrining safety within their respective operational cultures.

In March, we visited Vulcan Pty Ltd to announce driver Luke Triantafillou as our second recipient of the Driver Salute Award, and the first since the end of the pandemic.

In-cab footage provided by Optix confirmed Luke’s demonstrated knowledge of safe driving behaviours and an ability to put them into practice while out on the road.

Luke is a terrific ambassador for our industry and a very worthy recipient of the award, which was decided by a judging panel from the VTA, Optix, Goodyear and the Nation-

al Heavy Vehicle Regulator.

In May, we celebrated the safe and consistent driving practices of Tony Waalwyk from Bingo Industries, where it was terrific to have Tony’s colleagues and peers recognise his efforts.

And in recent weeks we travelled to AKD Softwoods in Colac in regional Victoria, where friends, colleagues and family of driver Ross Maw gathered to celebrate his years of safe, careful and considered driving.

Each of these individuals are unassuming people who didn’t seek the limelight or the accolades they received.

They are people who put safety first every time they get

behind the wheel, as attested to by their records, as well as the Optix footage that tells the real story of their driving, which is driving to the conditions, maintaining safe speeds and distances, and making the attainment of road safety a priority throughout their working day.

We also celebrate the contribution of the employers for supporting these drivers in their quest to be consistently safe.

So often, behaviours behind the wheel as professional drivers reflect the values of their employers, and on this measure Vulcan, Bingo Industries and AKD Softwoods deserve credit for encouraging their

teams to put safety first.

The VTA will continue to present Driver Salute awards over the remainder of the year, and we thank Goodyear, Optix and the NHVR for being so supportive of the program.

The community rightly has an expectation that professional heavy vehicle drivers will prioritise the safety of the motoring public and themselves ahead of everything else.

Driver Salute recognises these drivers and demonstrates to the public the transport industry’s commitment to enshrining safety in every heavy vehicle driver.

The VTA welcomes applicants from Victorian-based op-

erators that deploy video technology and telematics in their fleets can submit in-cabin footage or profiles of drivers demonstrating sustained best-practice safety behaviour in the course of their duties.

Award recipients will be chosen on merit and will have demonstrated knowledge of safe driving behaviours and an ability to put them into practice while out on the road.

Bi-monthly winners will receive prizes from Goodyear and Optix, along with industry recognition for putting safety first. Congratulations again to Luke, Tony and Ross for their very worthy safety achievements.

VTA COMMENT

PETER ANDERSON CEO, Victorian Transport Association

Ross Maw was the year’s third Driver Salute Award recipient.

In March, the VTA honoured its first Driver Salute recipient of the year, Luke Triantafillou.

Tony Waalwyk with his Driver Salute Award.

ONCE again, Transurban has demonstrated its utter disregard for the economic challenges faced by ordinary, hardworking people by increasing road tolls, e ective from July 1, 2023.

is decision, which follows their eye-watering $55 million half-year pro t earlier this year, showcases a concerning lack of empathy and highlights the extent to which corporate greed has in ltrated our transport infrastructure.

is toll hike is an unjusti able move, particularly given the cost of living crisis that continues to plague our communities.

With wages stagnating, living expenses soaring, and in ation rates on the rise, the burden of in ated toll costs will only further strain

the already stretched household budgets of ordinary citizens.

Transurban’s decision to impose this nancial burden on individuals and families who rely on our roads for their daily commute and essential travel needs is both heartless and callous.

But the impact of this toll hike extends far beyond individual motorists.

e transport industry, which already operates on razor-thin margins, will face the brunt of these exorbitant increases.

Operating costs for transport companies will skyrocket, placing an even deadlier pressure on an industry that is already battling to stay a oat.

Over the past 12 months, tolls on NSW roads have surged by up to 6.74 per cent, and the quarterly adjustments will only exacerbate the nancial strain faced by transport operators.

is year, we have seen over 25 people killed in truck related crashes on NSW roads. We know that applying more pressure to

the transport industry which is already under crisis will increase the deadly pressures placed on transport workers.

e increased tolls will directly translate into higher expenses, ultimately impacting the prices of goods and putting pressure on transport workers to meet unrealistic deadlines.

e transport industry

plays a crucial role in connecting people, facilitating trade, and driving economic growth. However, by burdening transport operators with such exorbitant toll costs, Transurban risks stiing industry growth, hindering job creation, and hampering the e cient movement of goods and services across the region.

In light of these distressing consequences, it is imperative that Transurban reassesses its priorities.

Rather than prioritising excessive pro ts and further burdening everyday, working people,

Transurban should be focusing on providing toll relief and support to those who cannot a ord to con-

tinue lining the company’s already deep pockets. is is not merely a matter of fairness; it is a matter of corporate responsibility and societal well-being.

It is time for Transurban to be held accountable for their disregard of the community’s needs.

We must call upon Transurban to reconsider its decision and engage in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders, including community representatives, business leaders, and policymakers, to nd alternative solutions that strike a fair balance between nancial objectives and the welfare of the people.

In a society that claims to value equality and the well-being of its citizens, it is imperative that we challenge the prevailing culture of corporate greed.

Together, let us demand a transport system that is accessible, a ordable, and sustainable, and ensure that Transurban’s pursuit of profit does not come at the expense of the community it serves.

Over the past 12 months, tolls on NSW roads have surged by up to 6.74 per cent, and the quarterly ad ustments will only e a erbate the finan ial strain.

THE safe transportation of goods, freight or people is essential to the success of any supply chain.

As a party within the supply chain, it is crucial to understand the risks associated with overloading and to take measures to ensure that all loads are safe and within their legal limits before they hit the road.

This is why WIM Technologies recently launched a their ‘National Overloading Awareness Campaign’ aimed at those within the transport and logistics industries, an initiative of WIM Technologies, funded by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative, supported by the Australian Government.

WIM Technologies is a Melbourne based company specialising in load mass compliance solutions through portable and semi portable scale solutions that can solve a range of weight and productivity issues for businesses. This campaign aligns with the company’s key goal of making the roads safer, one load at a time.

This national campaign highlights the risks associated with overloading a heavy vehicle, including damage to infrastructure, increased vehicle wear and tear, and most importantly, increased safety risks to all road users.

To address these risks, the campaign promotes the use of controls such as accurate load planning, proper load restraint, and having a meth-

od to determine the mass of every load. By taking these measures, businesses can ensure that their transportation activities are carried out safely and within the limits of the law.

The campaign also emphasizes the importance of parties in the Chain of Responsibility complying with their primary duty. This means that each supply chain

party must do what is reasonably practicable to ensure that the vehicles used are safe and within legal limits. By understanding their role in the CoR and adhering to the regulations, businesses can contribute to creating a safer and more efficient transportation system.

As a party in supply chain, you share the responsibility for what you control or

influence in respect of the transport task. By ensuring that your loads are safe and legal, you can contribute to safer roads and reduce the risk of infrastructure damage and reduce crashes. The campaign provides education and awareness to those within the supply chain on the dangers of overloading and the importance of complying with the primary duty with HVNL regulations.

By launching this campaign, WIM Technologies hopes to encourage a cultural shift in the transport and logistics industries to-

wards a greater emphasis on load safety and responsibility. Through education and awareness, businesses can take the necessary steps to reduce the risks associated with overloading, and ultimately create a safer and more efficient transportation system for all road users.

It’s simple, KNOW YOUR RISK, KNOW YOUR LOAD, because SAFE LOADS means SAFE ROADS.

For more information on the campaign head to wimtech.com.au or follow us on our socials.

As a party within the supply chain, it is crucial to understand the risks associated with overloading and to take measures to ensure that all loads are safe and within their legal limits before they hit the road.

This national campaign highlights the risks associated with overloading a heavy vehicle.

Brown and Hurley opens new Warwick parts branch

with TRP to ensure parts are of the highest quality and built specifically for the needs of Australia’s transport operators.

STRATEGICALLY located in Warwick, where several highways meet, Brown and Hurley’s newest TRP parts store will cater to those in and around Queensland’s Southern Downs area.

TRP stands for ‘Trusted, Reliable and Proven’, supplying parts to keep trucks and trailers running smoothly.

Brown and Hurley’s new Warwick TRP branch will carry approximately 1000 lines of stock on site, equating to around $500,000 worth of product.

TRP has a rich history in Australia, and understands the Australian truck and trailer market. We face unique conditions down under that can cause parts to wear out much more quickly than in other parts of the world. And so, TRP’s parts are built as tough as they need to be to survive in Australia’s difficult and often challenging environment.

Brown and Hurley knows transport and knows it very well, having been in business for 77 years.

The company has worked

Dealer principal at Brown and Hurley Kenworth DAF Toowoomba, Brian Bennetts, explained, “This store has been in planning for the past two years. The reason we’ve decided to open a store here is to service the Southern Downs region, which we’ve previously serviced out of Toowoomba, Darra and Kyogle. There are a lot of our big customers here among the likes of Wickham’s and Frasers, who’ve supported us for a long time so we want to be able to better support those customers that have supported us. The number of parts sold in the area warranted us putting a parts store here.

“It’ll carry Kenworth, DAF and trailer parts. Being in close vicinity to the parts distribution centre in Brisbane means that if there’s a part we haven’t got on site, we can get it overnight.”

John Maiore, who possesses over 36 years of experience in the parts space, has come on board as manager of the new store.

For easy access to truck driv-

ers, it’s located on the Cunningham Highway, right behind the Ampol service station at the northern entrance into Warwick.

Group Parts Manager at Brown and Hurley, Breen Schipke, added, “The new store is strategically located here at Warwick at the intersection of the Cunningham and New England highways meaning trucks will be heading through on the Cunningham from east to west and on the New England from

the north to south.

“We’re looking to be able to grow our customer base with those who are based in that area as well as those passing through.

“One area we particularly want to grow is in the trailer parts space – it’s not something that has been as big for us in the past as it should have been, so we really want to be sure we cover that part of the industry here in the Southern Downs.”

The Brown and Hurley Kenworth DAF TRP store will

be opening its doors in mid-July, however will be celebrating a grand opening event on Friday August 4.

John Maiore and his team will be on hand to discuss your parts needs.

Triple M will also be live on site, and there will be giveaways, a barbeque and chance to take a look through the new store. Brown and Hurley salesmen will also be on hand for those wanting to discuss the purchase of a new truck.

John Maiore is manager of Brown and Hurley’s new Warwick TRP store.

The store is located on the Cunningham Highway, behind the Ampol service station at the northern entrance into Warwick.

Not all lights are built the same

TECHNOLOGICAL advancements, particularly in the realm of LED lights, have significantly transformed the auxiliary light market for many years now. LED lights offer enhanced illumination while consuming less power, often within smaller, more compact, aero design packages. Still, an excess

of technical jargon and specifications can make it hard to distinguish good from bad, but from experience we know not all lights are made the same, so what should we be looking for?

Generally, drivers will be looking to enhance safety when driving at night through a combination of better lighting both

in the long-range and at the sides of the road. Getting the right balance of both is important and can either be achieved by using lights with a ‘combo’ beam pattern, or the more customisable option to use a combination of lights with either spot and/or flood beam patterns. Technical specifications can be useful to help steer your search for the right light(s) but try to find photos and videos of products in use (more helpful than a photometric diagram), combined with independent reviews either from trusted websites, recommendations from friends, and word of mouth, which can also guide you towards reliable choices. Be careful though, even amongst the reputable brands available, scratch beneath the surface and with some of these, there are questions over the design and manufacturing of the products and what it means for their performance and reliability.

You’ll pay a little more for quality but if that means not having to replace your lights after a year or two, the higher initial investment can often stack up very well. Reputable brands will be able to clearly demon-

strate features which contribute to a better overall product, and include rigorous testing by independent organisations to ensure they meet certain standards of quality, performance and safety. This certification data provides information about factors such as light output, beam patterns, durability, and compliance with industry regulations.

One industry leader that distinguishes itself in the field of auxiliary lights is Lazer Lamps. Lazer Lamps has garnered popularity among both company fleets and independent truck owners with its impressive selection of high-quality lights specifically designed for trucks, and designed and manufactured from their headquarters in the UK. The Sentinel and Triple-R lights are notable offerings from Lazer Lamps.

While the beam patterns of the Sentinel and Triple-R lights are comparable, there are variations in their design and mounting options. Some lights within the Triple-R range feature a taller light distribution, making them preferable for higher mounting positions. Moreover, the choice between

a light bar or round lights ultimately comes down to personal preference. Lazer Lamps’ products generally strike a good balance between distance and left-right spread. An even distribution of light also prevents glare from road signs, ensuring a glare-free driving experience – an attribute valued by Lazer users all over the world.

What sets Lazer Lamps apart is their unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. With an in-house UK design, engineering and production team, the company ensures meticulous craftsmanship that adheres to the highest standards. This level of control over the entire production process enables Lazer Lamps to deliver durable, reliable lights tailored to the specific

needs of truck drivers. The company also recognises the importance of sustainability in today’s world. Lazer actively implements eco-friendly practices throughout its operations and employs energy-efficient manufacturing processes while striving to reduce waste and promote recycling. Their dedication to sustainability aligns with the growing environmental consciousness of customers and industry alike.

To explore Lazer Lamps’ extensive range of auxiliary lights and make an informed decision for your truck, visit their Australian website at lazerlamps.com.au. Discover how their high-quality lights can illuminate your journey and enhance your driving experience.

The Triple-R 1000 is a popular choice in the trucking sector.

One of the standout features of the Sentinel range is its combination beam pattern.

Here’s how to find out if you’re being underpaid

field for legitimate operators.

The good news is, if you are the victim of wage theft, the law is on your side to get your money back. We’ve seen some big court judgements recently, where some of the worst wage theft perpetrators in the business are being slugged tens of thousands of dollars in fines and forced to repay all the drivers’ money back to them.

Also, The Fair Work Ombudsman has introduced new laws around pay secrecy and what can be included in job advertisements that will encourage greater transparency of pay and conditions, and will help expose employers who are not paying their drivers per the award.

These new laws ensure that employees can share information with each other about

pay and conditions (if they choose to do so), and stop employers from including pay secrecy terms in employment contracts, or advertising jobs with pay rates below award levels or that breach the Fair Work Act.

If your employment agreement or contract includes pay secrecy clauses or below award pay rates, that’s a clear sign you are being ripped off.

If you think you are not being paid correctly and treated fairly, talk to us. We are hiring drivers in all states right now on the back of some large new contract wins, and we are always happy to talk to experienced and reliable drivers looking for a change. You can get in touch with us for a confidential chat by calling 1300 885 799 or emailing info@ truckmoves.com.au.

BY MATT WHITNALL, DIRECTOR, TRUCK MOVES AUSTRALIA

I TALK to a lot of truck drivers and it is clear there are still plenty of dodgy operators in the truck relocation industry who continue to rip off hard-working older drivers.

Dozens of drivers have reported to me they are being ripped off by as much as 75 per cent of the money they are owed under the one and only award that applies to the truck moving industry – the Road Transport & Distribution Award 2010.

So how do you know if your employer is breaking the law and stealing your hardearned money? Here’s some obvious signs:

• You are not being paid overtime, or weekend and af-

ter-hours penalty rates

• You are not being paid travel time to return after a drop-off or on the way to a pick-up

• Your boss can’t tell you straight how your pay is being calculated or under what award

• Your boss dodges questions about your pay and conditions

• Your boss threatens to cut off work if you question your pay rate

If you’re not happy with how you are being treated, call us and we’ll confidentially talk to you about your correct pay and how much you might be owed. We are the industry leader on driver pay and conditions, and it’s our mission to stamp out illegal employment arrangements in the truck relocation industry and make it a level playing

Dozens of drivers have reported they are being ripped off by as much as 75 per cent of the money they are owed.

Truck Moves is hiring drivers in all states right now on the back of some large new contract wins.

This popular rest area has been left in a sorry state

have been active around Australia and representatives from each converged on Canberra on August 22.

Two hours earlier I saw some of the convoy participants as they pulled up outside the Bohle Hotel north of Townsville before heading to Charters Towers.

Filthy rest area

The rest area beside the Flinders Highway near Mingela is popular with truckies.

Not surprising because there are two toilets, shaded areas and concrete seats, and plenty of parking for heavy vehicles.

But when Spy stopped there recently the condition of the toilets was a disgrace, and that is putting it nicely.

There was urine and faeces on the floor and the smell was putrid.

Now the people who clean this facility do a great job, but the blame has to come down to visitors.

You wonder how people can leave a public place used by many in such a state.

The rest area is also a location from time to time for police blitzes including pulling over trucks.

Convoy of No Con dence ashback

How time flies. Spy was going through some old picture files recently and came across some I snapped back in 2011 of trucks which participated in the Convoy of No Confidence. This pic was taken as trucks drove through the main street

of Charters Towers and was arguably one of the biggest such events in the colourful history of the former gold mining town once known as the ‘world’.

More than 200 vehicles, including 40 trucks, cruised up Gill Street in Charters Towers at about 5.30pm on August 18

as thousands watched from the footpath in front of shops from which balloons were hanging.

Media from print and television were out in force covering the event.

It was part of a national protest against the federal government’s decision to introduce a carbon tax and 11 such convoys

When Big Rigs arrived on the outskirts of Charters Towers I saw more than 100 local vehicles gathering and ready to roll.

Going through many old files I found tens of thousands of pics of trucks, drivers, highways, rest areas and other road transport images from around Queensland, NSW, Victoria and Tasmania – from the Torres Strait islands in the far north to the southern end of Tasmania.

I have met some fascinating and wonderful people over more than three decades.

Clean windscreens

Having a clean windscreen which allows clear vision is important for the safety of truckies as they negotiate our highways and byways.

There are enough dusty roads to ensure that many windscreens are dirty.

But cleaning a windscreen can be a genuine pain in the backside as many truckies have told Spy. To make the task easier some roadhouses provide aluminium ladders on which drivers can climb to easily get to the screen. Spy spotted a driver taking advantage of one at a roadhouse recently.

Dirty job for drivers

What would be the dirtiest job that truck drivers around Australia have to do and despise.

My nomination would be when they have to clean out trailers when they have transported livestock. Some of these are double decked and are chock a block with the faeces and urine left by the cattle.

On numerous occasions drivers have told me that it can take many hours to perform the task. Some I have spoken to have washed the trailers out with high powered hoses at sale yards or holding areas.

Shop around for fuel

The cost of fuel has a major impact on all road transport operators, especially the small fleet and owner-operators.

Flashback to 2008 when trucks in the Convoy of No Confidence travelled through Gill Street in Charters Towers on the way to Canberra.

The rest area near Mingela along the Flinders Highway which is often left in a bad state.

Livestock in a trailer at a rest area when unloaded will ensure a dirty job for drivers to clean.

SPY ON THE ROAD WITH ALF WILSON

Many shop around for the best price all around Australia and that can save thousands of bucks in a year.

Spy was bewildered by the difference in price of unleaded and diesel at outlets in his area.

The lowest price was 14 cents a litre cheaper than some other outlets.

It varied in price between two and 13 cents at other places.

Naturally more people can be seen purchasing fuel at the cheapest outlets.

But there are still many who fill up at the most expensive places which are only a few kilometres from the bargain priced establishment.

Ironmen close highway

The Captain Cook Highway which runs between Cairns and Mossman is a 70km long winding route which offers some of the best scenic views in Australia.

It is used daily by scores of trucks supplying places like the tourist town of Port Douglas and even further on to the Daintree.

But on Sunday, June 18 ,between early in the morning until about 5pm the highway was closed to all traffic between Palm Cove in Mossman due to an Iron Man contest.

There were many bicycles on the highway and trucks used an alternative route along the Rex Range Road between the Mossman turnoff which connects with the Mulligan Highway near Mount Surprise.

Baby attracts attention

Baby Harrison Ward was the centre of attention in the eatery section of the big BP Cluden Roadhouse on June 20.

Holding the 14-month-old Harrison was his father Aaron Ward who is the roadhouse manager. “I have been here for 14 years, and it was good to see Harrison drop in with my wife and his mum Marijan to say hello,” Ward said.

Spy was there and spotted numerous truckies smiling at Harrison or yarning to Aaron.

Old Chev

The BP Cluden is one of the biggest roadhouses in the far north and has parking space for scores of big rigs.

It has clean facilities including showers and toilets and a room especially for truckies.

The food is good as well including the sit-down meals from a menu of takeaways.

Ward is a popular man with many drivers and is a jack of all trades.

He often serves behind the counter and does many other jobs in busy periods.

A retired NSW truckie who enjoys snapping pics of old trucks was able to do just that when on a recent trip to Charters Towers in North Queensland. He ventured down to an old historical gold mining crushing place named Venus Battery and took a picture of an old Chev.

“It was a fascinating old truck and I enjoyed seeing it,” he said.

The 152-year-old Venus Gold Battery (Mill) crushed ore from the underground mines to extract the valuable gold.

It is on the outskirts of Charters Towers and is the oldest and largest surviving Battery in Queensland.

Built in 1872, this crushing mill provided gold extraction

facilities to miners for over a century.

The huge ‘stampers’ pounded day and night extracting the precious gold.

Spy tried to get some more info on the actual history of the Chev but failed to find anybody with such knowledge.

Unusual hobby

Most of our truckie mates around the country enjoy a hobby when they manage to snare time off.

Many are into football, motorbikes, fishing, old cars, and a host of other popular recreations.

However Spy has come across one who has a strange hobby which I had never heard of.

This fellow is a taphophile. Like many readers will feel when they see this, I was confused – but he explained.

“I like walking though cemeteries to study the history of a place,” he said.

I looked up the description on Mr Google and indeed it is defined as “someone who is interested in cemeteries, gravestones, and the art and history that goes along with them.

Taphophiles are not ghoulish folks with death obsessions.

In fact, they can be quite the opposite.

Taphophiles want to know about the people buried in our cemeteries.

They want to learn about the history of individuals, ancestors, and even the commu-

However Spy had a nice little chuckle when the driver explained that he has an alter-

HeavyLoadSafetyMats

2300mmx600mmx14mmorCuttoLength Integratedhandlesforeasyplacement.Rubbercreatesahighfrictionpointforaddedgrip. Storeseasilyacrossdeckwhennotinuse.

Ph:

native description of his hobby, “I am a tombstone tourist,” he said.

Bolter bonanza

An South Australian driver who enjoys a punt when he gets a day off on a Saturday afternoon was delighted to back a winner at odds of 80 to one.

He is a popular gent at his local pub TAB and friends there congratulated him.

One even suggested with some enthusiasm that perhaps he “should shout for the bar”. Being one who rarely backs a winning bolter at such juicy odds, he declined.

In the days ahead word spread of his win and others started congratulating him as well.

But this truckie, who possesses a genuine sense of humour, qualified his win when he told Spy, “I bloody well only had $1 each way on it and picked up just over $100,” he said.

Banking chaos

Truck drivers were amongst the many around the country who were affected by the Commonwealth Bank outage in late June.

One filled his rig up with fuel and when he went to pay discovered that his card would not process the money.

Luckily he also had a credit card and duly paid for the fuel.

Spy heard several other drivers had similar experiences with smaller purchases, such as food, when Commonwealth Bank Australia broke down on June 26.

Baby Harrison Ward with dad Aaron and mum Marijan at the BP Cluden Roadhouse.

The old Chev at the historical Venus Battery in Charters Towers.

The scene at a busy roadhouse with a ladder in front of a truck from which drivers can clean windscreens.

THIS article is the ending of an era for the transport industry with the demise of this magazine under the restructure and rationalisation of News Corp

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

For some, their entire careers so far.

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 people, 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

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 November 2017.

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

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

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 are duplicates (6)

8 When something blows up, it does what (8)

9 To be more daring, is to be what (6)

10 To bring into existence, is to do what (8)

11 Name an intelligent sheep dog (6)

13 What do we call those who blame (8)

16 To have left without intending to return, is to have done what (8)

19 Name the monetary unit of Australia (6)

22 What is a pit for retaining the sediment of a drain (8)

24 To devise something new, is to do what (6)

25 To daydream, is to do what (8)

26 Which term describes a puzzling matter (6)

Down

2 Which musical direction suggests in a slow and solemn manner (5)

Sad day for all in transport

3 Name a fictitious prose narrative (5)

4 Which police officer ranks between a constable and an inspector (8)

5 To turn around rapidly, is to do what (4)

6 Which venomous snakes can assume a hoodlike form (6)

7 Name an article that is posted (6)

12 Which term means plenty (4)

14 To be more huggable, is to be what (8)

15 Which term suggests wickedness (4)

17 When one builds, one does what (6)

18 To make certain, is to do what (6)

20 To be angry or enraged, is to appear how (5)

21 To abolish laws, is to do what (5)

23 What, perhaps, is a level playing field (4)

in Melbourne.

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 of the Driving the Difference scholarships with our amazing sponsor, Daimler Truck and Bus Asia Pacific.

We also presented the inaugural Trish Pickering Mem-

orial Award, sponsored by the wonderful Wes Pickering. This was awarded for longterm outstanding contribution by a female to the road transport industry, the inaugural winner was Pam McMillan the 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

Fighting to end the inequality: Big Rigs

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,

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

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

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

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

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

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

will be announced later this year at an event still to be determined.

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

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

gram.

I would like to thank the fantastic team at Big Rigs newspaper for their incredible support and wish them ongoing success.

I hope that I get the opportunity to continue to work with some of them and so work towards making the trucking industry a better appreciated, and a safer place for our people.

played their parts

losing their contracts and the ability to support their 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.

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

Together we can stand on common ground working to ensure the government continues to support transport workers and the industry they support.

The TWU will continue to voice the needs of transport workers to the employers, their industry bodies and the clients.

Better standards mean job security and ultimately a safer and fairer industry for all. We can lift the standards we need together – our lives depend on it.

CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS: Jacquelene Brotherton (far right) enjoys a night

with (from left) Rachel Hesse, Paul Fleiszig and Coralie Chapman.

Save the date for these big trucking events in 2023

brisbaneconvoyforkids.com.

au

Following a successful 2022 event, planning is already underway to make the 2023 Brisbane Convoy for Kids even bigger and better. Along with the main convoy, there will be a truck show, family fun and entertainment, and an evening reworks display.

White Hill Truck Drivers Memorial Service and Convoy

November 4 Murray Bridge, SA facebook.com/WhiteHill TruckDriversMemorial

Here’s a snapshot of upcoming trucking events to mark in your diary for 2023.

AUGUST

Casino Truck Show

August 5

Casino, NSW casinotruckshow.com.au

Show sponsored by North Coast Petroleum. e Highway Lights Parade will roll through Johnston and Centre Streets from 10am on Saturday. Truck registrations ($30 each) from 6am at the Casino Industrial Area on the town’s east side. Includes live music, amusements and markets. Over $12,000 in cash and prizes. Presentation at 2pm. Plus plenty of blinged up trucks from all across Australia will be parked in the CBD. Bobtail and rigid trucks only.

2023 Australian Festival of Transport

August 24-27

National Road Transport Hall of Fame, Alice Springs roadtransporthall.com

e National Road Transport

Hall has announced the 2023 Australian Festival of Transport. e four-day event will include welcoming the new inductees onto the prestigious Shell Rimula Wall of Fame and the Legends Gala Dinner

that will incorporate the rst annual ‘Transport Women Unite Red Ball’ on Saturday night. e Red Ball will also be host to the inaugural Transport Women Dream Maker Award. is award is to recognise the women in the industry who work behind the scenes, and help those who front the organisation to achieve their dreams, whether it be an owner/operator, a family business or a large company.

Razorback Blockade Reunion

August 26

National Road Transport Hall of Fame, Alice Springs roadtransporthall.com

Held as part of the National Road Transport Museum’s Festival of Transport, the Razorback Blockade Reunion will celebrate the six courageous truck drivers who, in 1979, blocked the then-Hume highway near the famous Razorback Ridge in the name of protesting road maintenance taxes introduced as early as the 1950s.

SEPTEMBER

Kenworth Klassic

September 15-17

Clarendon, Victoria

Kenworths new and old, working and retired, restored

and original, will come together at the 2023 Kenworth Klassic, which this year celebrates 100 years of the iconic brand.

NatRoad Conference 2023

September 27-29 Gold Coast, Queensland natroad.com.au

After a di cult two years for road freight operators, NatRoad is pleased to invite members to the NatRoad National Conference 2023, to be held at the RACV Royal Pines Resort, Benowna on Queensland’s Gold Coast from September 27 to 29. Includes the ‘NatRoad Parliament’ and the NatRoad Awards presented at the Gala Dinner.

Lights On e Hill Memorial Convoy

September 30 & October 1 Gatton, Queensland lightsonthehill.com.au

e 2023 Lights on the Hill Memorial Convoy is planned to be held on September 30 en route to Gatton Showgrounds with the Memorial service to be held on October 1 at the Lake Apex Memorial wall. Live music at the showgrounds includes e Wolfe Brothers, Josh Setter eld, Hayley Jensen, Will Day, Kerry Kennedy & Double Barrel and more.

OCTOBER

Technology & Maintenance

Conference

October 16-18 Melbourne, VIC new.truck.net.au/tmc

e Technology & Maintenance Conference (TMC) in-person event is back after four years. e event aims to bring new ideas, expert advice, and strategies to help transport operators save thousands of dollars through improved maintenance and purchasing strategies. e TMC program committee is seeking expressions of interest from people to propose sessions, workshops or to be part of a panel at TMC 2023. e program will cover topics including technology, safety, productivity, environment, costs and industry careers. Registrations to be launched soon.

Convoy for Kids Sydney

October 29

Clarendon, NSW convoyforkids.com.au

Starting at the Sydney Dragway, the convoy will make its way to the Hawkesbury Showground in Clarendon for a day lled with fun and festivities for the whole family. e event will raise funds for the NETS Ambulance Service.

NOVEMBER

Brisbane Convoy for Kids

November 4

Brisbane, Queensland

Honouring truck drivers who have lost their lives, the White Hill Truck Drivers Memorial now has over 100 names. is special day will begin with a convoy, with trucks meeting at White Hill. Each truck will wear a banner and head down the hill towards the monument, where they will line up and toot their air horn ahead of the service that will take place at 11am.

Goulburn Convoy for Kids & Carnival Day

November, 11 Goulburn Showgrounds, New South Wales convoyforkidsgoulburn. com.au

A jam-packed day of fun for the whole family at Goulburn Showground, Braidwood Road. On the day there will be a huge array of trucks on display following the convoy, free carnival rides, entertainment galore including the return of Bluey and Bingo, activities and interactive games for the kids plus much more. A variety of food and refreshment stations will be available. Entry for kids is free. e Convoy for Kids Goulburn charity providesnancial assistance to local families who have a child living with a permanent disability, special need, cancer or terminal illness.

Illawarra Convoy

November 19 Illawarra, NSW illawarraconvoy.com.au

Touted as the largest truck and motorbike convoy in the Southern Hemisphere, the Illawarra Convoy raises funds for individuals and families a ected by potentially life threatening medical conditions, together with charities that work with these people, and local hospitals.

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

Organisers of the White Hill Truck Drivers Memorial Service and Convoy are hoping to have more trucks involved at this year’s event. Photos: Facebook

will be welcomed onto the prestigious Shell Rimula Wall of Fame.

The Illawarra Convoy promises to be another fun-filled day.

Apprentices on road to success with training hub

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

PENSKE Australia has joined forces with TAFE NSW to develop a central training hub that provides product-specific training to apprentices working across various businesses within its network.

Located at TAFE NSW’s Wagga Wagga campus – the largest in the Riverina area – the new cutting-edge training hub was more than 12 months in the making.

“We consider this to be an exciting new partnership with TAFE NSW,” said Western Star training manager, Russell Koch. “The program is designed to be highly beneficial for the apprentices and for the companies they work for. The aim is that these apprentices are then able to graduate with a higher level of product understanding and qualifications.”

The first cohort, consisting of nine students, are currently enrolled in the pilot Rising Star Program.

“Some apprentices have come from Sydney, some from the Hunter Valley, some from Wagga and some

from the Sunshine Coast,” revealed Koch. “By taking part in the program, they will also become part of a network of apprentices from all around the country, which can help support them through their career.”

Apprentices will undertake three years of training

to acquire a Certificate III in Heavy Vehicle Training, comprised of 36 units. “This will be combined with Penske specific training, focused on trucks from across the Western Star brand (including the all-new X-Series) and Detroit’s stable of engines. Apprentices are equipped

with a fully functional Western Star prime mover, along with several Detroit engines.”

Koch says TAFE NSW was chosen because of its excellent facilities. “It’s also in a central location, and the staff there have extensive product experience. We can leverage that experience and the pas-

sion of the teachers to the products we have here at Penske,” he said.

“Apprentices enrolled in the program come from a lot of businesses within our network. Those businesses have a choice to send their apprentices to our Rising Star Program or to a local program – but there are

several advantages of sending an apprentice to this program at TAFE NSW.”

The program provides one central location for apprentices in the Penske network to complete their vocational training. This also means training can be tailored specifically to the products they will be working on.

As Koch explained, “They work on their own product, so it’s all product specific, it’s not a generic product. All our discussions, our practical training and theory components are based on the product. This means that when these apprentices enter their third and fourth years, they’re more job ready and more productive.”

The training is being delivered by TAFE NSW teacher Justin Haddrill, whose background is with Penske. Prior to his current role, he had worked for Penske dealer, Hartwigs Trucks, for 15 years and for Detroit Diesel Australia (now Penske Australia) for two years – and so it was a perfect fit.

He is joined by another heavy vehicle teacher, also from Hartwigs Trucks, named Daryl Rynehart.

TAFE NSW teacher Justin Haddrill and heavy vehicle apprentice Chloe Raynes. Photos: Madeline Begley

“Because I had already worked as a Western Star technician, it’s easy to adapt my training to what these apprentices learn. We have a truck, a facility and have people who already know the product,” explained Haddrill.

He added that the release of the new Western Star X-Series has been the biggest driving force for the program.

“Traditionally workshops would send their apprentices to registered training providers and then they’d have to do product specific training separately. This combines both and has them job ready from day one. They already work for Penske or Penske dealer network, so they’ve already got jobs, but this will upskill them much quicker,” Haddril explained.

“The new X-Series has a whole new electrical archi-

tecture, so the training covers that and it covers the release of the new 16 litre engine. So apprentices will learn everything about the new X-Series as well as the legacy models.”

TAFE NSW has its own legacy truck, a Western Star 4900, with Penske supplying training materials and support each time students come into the training hub.

Training is completed in blocks, to better cater to those travelling to TAFE NSW from further afield.

“They’ll fly in and stay here for one to two week blocks; so that will suit interstate people too because it means less travel,” Haddrill said.

According to Haddrill, the Rising Star program is around 40 per cent theory and 60 per cent hands-on training.

“That’s where they learn the

most. They don’t want to be stuck in a classroom!”

Though the program is only in its infancy, Haddrill says there has already been great feedback from dealers who have apprentices enrolled in the program.

“We plan to accept more interstate people next year, so will open to more apprentices. We’ve already heard from dealer groups who are looking to have apprentices train with us from next year. We’re hoping to have 40 new apprentices come on board, so it will be two first year classes.”

What Haddrill says sets the program apart from traditional training models is that it will hopefully help dealerships involved achieve higher retention rates. “By being able to offer more to the dealers they work for, the apprentices are more likely to stay,” he said.

Australian teams make nal

IN Australia’s debut at the Mack Masters international aftersales competition, two Aussie teams have secured their place in the final.

All up there were six Australian teams giving it their all on the world stage, as they took part in the competition.

Round three of the Mack Trucks event wrapped up in June, ending in a sudden death knock-out between six perfectly scoring Australian teams from four dealerships – one team from CMV Truck & Bus Epping, one team from Western Truck Group Townsville and two teams from both Truck Centre WA Forrestfield and Volvo Commercial Vehicles Prestons.

Mack Masters is designed to increase aftersales competencies, celebrate and promote teamwork amongst dealership service, warranty and parts professionals by putting teams against each other in knowledge-based aftersales questions.

The competition is aimed at improving customer satisfaction and culminates in a global final in Allentown and New York in October where the best aftersales teams from around the world face off over a series of workshop tasks.

The two Australian teams who reigned victorious in the 24-hour, Sudden Death battle were ‘Top Dogs’ from Truck Centre WA Forrestfield and ‘V Mac IV+’ from Volvo Commercial Vehicles Prestons.

These teams will now prepare to take on the best teams from Latin America, Canada and the United States.

Richard Singer, vice president services and retail development, Volvo Group Australia, said he was thrilled to see the strong engagement from Australia for the country’s first year of Mack Masters.

“Mack Masters offers an engaging and challenging competition that doubles as an unparalleled training opportunity for

dealer aftersales teams.

“For our first year competing, we had 79 teams register which really demonstrates the enthusiasm and commitment of our colleagues across the Mack Trucks dealer network. A big congratulations to everyone who has taken part, and particularly to our two finalist teams.”

Tom Chapman, vice president, Mack Trucks Australia, said he was looking forward to watching the two Australian teams compete in October.

“We take a lot of pride in knowing our dealerships are staffed by some of the most professional and capable staff in the industry.

“We’re really looking forward to sizing up against some of the best in the world in what we hear is going to be a real spectacle of an event.

“We’re quietly confident that either one of our two dedicated Aussie teams have what it takes to bring home the title.”

Easter Group Pty Ltd Easter Group Pty Ltd

73 Formation St, Wacol

Easter Group, located in Wacol, provides time sensitive road transporting solutions to many companies throughout Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria. We are a family owned business, operating since 1976. We currently have the following positions available:

OPERATIONS ALLOCATORS (Brisbane based only)

You will be required to work on a rotating roster including Days-Nights-Weekends

Previous Operations experience preferred.

MC LOCAL, LINEHAUL &

2-UP DRIVERS WANTED

(Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide Based)

Come and work for us as we are committed to:

• Training and further education

• Your safety

• Maintaining an impressive Fleet

On offer arepermanent 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

Apprentices are equipped with a fully functional Western Star prime mover, along with several Detroit engines.

Australian teams ‘Top Dogs’ (TCWA Forrestfield) and ‘V Mac IV+’ (VCV Prestons) are through to the Mack Masters final.

THE RIDE YOU CAN COUNT ON.

MERITOR MAF AIR SPRINGS

• Exceptional corrosion resistance

• Proven rubber and chord quality

• Lightweight high strength pistons

• Comprehensive range for truck, bus and trailer