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CONTACT US Address: 11-15 Buckhurst Street, South Melbourne, VIC 3205 Phone: 03 9690 8766 Email: editor@bigrigs.com.au Web: bigrigs.com.au Accounts: 03 9690 8766 Subscriptions: 03 9690 8766 Classifieds: 0403 626 353 Circulation and distribution queries: 03 9690 8766 info@bigrigs.com.au EDITOR James Graham: 0478 546 462 james.graham@primecreative.com.au REPORTER Danielle Gullaci danielle.gullaci@primecreative.com.au MANAGER Peter Hockings: 0410 334 371 peter.hockings@primecreative.com.au MEDIA SALES CONSULTANT Marie O’Reilly: 0403 626 353 marie.oreilly@primecreative.com.au CLIENT SUCCESS Katharine Causer: 0423 055 787 katharine.causer@primecreative. com.au CONTRIBUTORS Tassie Truckin: Jon Wallis, 0414 797 513 Truckin in the Topics: Alf Wilson, 0408 009 301 David Meredith; Brent Davison; David Vile; Ian Lee. Big Rigs National Road Transport Newspaper is published by Prime Creative Media. All material is copyright and no part may be reproduced or copied in any form or means. The opinions expressed in Big Rigs are not necessarily the opinions of, or endorsed by, the publisher.

COVID transport survey reveals optimism in Vic HARSH restrictions that have closed restaurants, bars, shops, personal services and other Victorian businesses have failed to dent transport operators’ optimism about quickly recovering from the coronavirus, according to the VTA’s latest COVID Insights survey.

The VTA has been tracking the sentiments among freight and logistics operators since April in order to gauge views on trade, investment, people, customers and the future as the economy starts to recover and restrictions start to ease.

“Our October COVID Insights report continues a trend of Victorian transport operators expressing hope and optimism that the economy and our industry will quickly recover if restrictions are lifted, with 94% of those surveyed agreeing or strongly agreeing their business will go on to be more prosperous,” said VTA CEO Peter Anderson.

“This is a terrific validation of the industry’s efforts to adjust their businesses to be able to service customer needs in a sustainable and productive way, ensuring consumers have had uninterrupted access to

nesses have suffered because of forced closures, but it is still welcome news that customer and staff retention has generally remained strong over recent challenging months,” Anderson said.

For much of the past quarter as Victoria has become more isolated from the rest of the nation, the VTA has been advocating for common sense at the borders so that linehaul operators can continue moving freight interstate.

“Our advocacy helped bring about less onerous COVID testing for drivers entering South Australia and New South Wales, which has been an ongoing concern for the 43% that agreed 7- and 14day testing requirements had reduced their productivity, and for the 32% of operators that said requirements had made their linehaul operation less economical,” said Anderson.

“The sooner our borders reopen, the sooner we can expect supply chains to return to some sort of normalcy, which would benefit the national economy and boost consumer confidence – especially in the busy lead-up to Christmas.”

The VTA’s October COVID Insights report found transport operators are optimistic about what the future holds.

essential goods throughout the pandemic.”

Anderson said the COVID Insights report showed half of operators agree or strongly agree that COVID-19 will generate even bigger volumes of freight, no doubt because of the spike in internet shopping and an expected massive infrastructure and building program to generate an economic recovery.

“More than half (55%) agree or strongly agree domestic and international trade will increase in the coming months, continuing the optimism reported in our first two surveys,” he said.

Sentiments towards hiring

new staff and purchasing capital equipment were another factor in the positive outlook of transport operators in a post-COVID future.

“In a recession it is particularly encouraging that 69% of our respondents said they would invest in their businesses by purchasing new capital equipment by year’s end, validating the government’s extension of the Instant Asset Write-off program in the federal budget,” Anderson said.

“It is equally encouraging two-thirds of those surveyed will hire new staff (31%) or leave staffing levels unchanged (31%) over the coming quarter, sharply contrasting cut-

backs in other parts of the economy.”

Anderson said customer engagement was more important than ever and that VTA members had gone to great lengths to retain business and support their customers.

Less than one in five (18%) reported losing customers due to COVID, which is likely a factor in only 31% reporting a downturn in activity during stage 4 restrictions and only 18% were concerned JobKeeper changes from October will make it difficult to retain staff.

“As an essential service the transport industry has not experienced the losses other busi-

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NEWS NEWS05 3

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY JUNE 26 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY OCTOBER 30 2020

Project focuses on fatigue Call for more pressure to improve safety standards

11 operators sign on for monitoring tech ELEVEN transport RELYING on companies regulation across a diverse rangewill of through licensing alone freight sectorsunsafe and fleet sizes not combat trucking have signed on to take part in practices. theThat operational phase was the call fromofDra groundbreaking safety Christopher Walker, a study. regulabe from fitted tionTheir and trucks policy will expert with Gen 2 Guardian Seeing the University of NSW, on Machines and inform research the 31st anniversary of Ausfrom data collected over the tralia’s worst truck accident, next1989 24 months. the Grafton bus crash The joint on Fatigue that killed 21Eyes people. project between the has QueensAlthough there unland Trucking Association in doubtedly been a tightening in standards since that tragedy, amid a wide range of techIT’S improvements GREAT TO HAVEand nological roading upgrades, Dr Walker THE OPERATIONAL PHASE said therePROJECT are still too many OF THE truckies dying on our roads UNDERWAY each year. AND START GATHERING Last year DATA alone, FROM 53 drivers died on the job, with 34 per FLEETS. cent of thoseCEO being GARY MAHON, QTA linked to fatigue.

Australia needs to put partnership with the Motor pressure on the trucking inAccident Insurance Commisdustry to improve safety stansion aims to measure the effecdards.

Relying on regulation tiveness of driver monitoring through licensing will never technology in reducing the inbe sufficient, he said. cidence of driver distraction, “[Truck companies] reinattention, and fatigue epispond to regulators to a cersodes. tain degree, but they are also “It’s great to have the operavery responsive to the people tional phase of the project with power — people who

underway gathering are giving and themstart work, those data from fleets driving on the who contract with them,” freight said Dr networks Walker. around the country,” said Gary such Mahon, “So businesses, as QTA CEO. Coles and Woolworths, “We be are saying, pleased ‘we to be inshould need volved in that a project proto know you that will is mainactive about the major causal tain your vehicles, we need to factors that contributing to heavy know your drivers will vehicles fanot driveaccidents excessivebeing hours’,” tigue, driver before enteringdistraction/inatinto contracts tention.” with them.”

Neil Singleton, Insurance Dr Walker believed it’s the Commissioner at MAIC operators at the bottomsaid of his organisation was pleased to the trucking pyramid, often be able to fund this trial and working in excavation, and evaluation of who driver local freight, aremonitorcutting ing technology in the heavy most safety corners. vehicle industry.

“There’s all these little guys “We are keen to support restarting-up and leaving the search which reduces the inciindustry,” he said. dence and severity of motor “And they’re the ones who vehicle crashes. We are parcan create a lot of risk as they ticularly encouraged that the try to become profitable. heavy vehicle “He might be theindustry, fourth through the QTA is taking the owner of a second-hand truck lead on such a significant proand it’s maybe done one-andject. We are also pleased to be a-half to two million kilomeable to fund the project evalutres.

If he doesn’t maintain it, ation to be undertaken by Dr then when he’s going down Darren Wishart from Griffith the motorway his tyre goes University who has expertise ‘pop’, or he nods off to sleep. in Organisational Driving He’s the guy who is going to Safety Systems Analysis” he cause a problem.” said.

Dr Walker said there needs Carter, compliance to Athol be more incentives for

joining voluntary compliance schemes, such as TruckSafe and the NHVAS, and higher barriers for entry into the industry.

He pointed out that owner-operators only need to get their truck licence, buy a truck and register an ABN to start a trucking company in Australia.

“They don’t have to prove they’re financially viable or that they don’t have a compromised driving record,” he said, unlike in the UK where the industry is regulated through licensing in a process that is similar to the taxi industry in Australia.

He said trucking is such a competitive industry that entry-level owner-operators are ON ROAD STUDY: The trucks in the study will be fitted with Gen 2 Guardian Seeing Machines and inform research from data collected regularly seen undercutting over the next 24 months.

Picture: Contributed Dr Walker said there needs to be more incentives for joining voluntary compliance schemes, such as others on price.

TruckSafe and the NHVAS, and higher barriers for entry into the industry.

“They often do it by putmanager, fleet operations, at drivers to individually manage the future will definitely have a the Eyes on Fatigue pilot. ting other road users at risk After a final round of sub- ed that our busted fatigue laws the issue of giving truckies “So far, the team have been one of the participants, Frasers fatigue using technology and machine installed,” said Mr by working 16 hours a day six missions – via Zoom or in are perhaps the biggest impen- more flexibility to manage very happy with the results.”

Livestock Transport, said move away from counting Mahon. days a week, for example.” person if Covid restrictions dent to improving safety. their own fatigue back on the The other operators taking Joe Joseph, Director of JD Seeing Machines provides him hours on paper,” he said.

Dr Walker also welcomed are lifted – Sterle is on track “We’ve still got truck driv- table.

Mahon, Director, Refrigerated Transport said part in the pilot study are: the opportunity to have the inquiry led by WA Labor to Michael submit his final report in ers out there being killed and “These are truckies lives conversations with drivers that MJ Mahon Transport, said the “Safety is the highest priority Beggs Bulk, Cannon Logistics, Senator and former truckie February next year. why is that happening. I’ll tell being lost and trucks just installing Guard- for the team, and we are always CHS Broadbent, DTC Easters, encourage Glenn Sterle into behavioural the Impor- results Sterlesince agreed with Dr Walk- you why, fatigue management don’t fall over in the middle ian Seeing Eye Machines are looking at ways to improve in Emerald Carrying Co, JBS change. tance of a viable, safe, sustain- er that those at the top of the manages hours, it doesn’t of the night.” area and the timing was Carriers, Lindsay Transport, this project will impressive. able“We andhope efficient road trans- supply chain need to have this manage fatigue.

• Work diary debate heats up, “All vehicles purchased in right for us to be involved in and Russell Transport. lead to having laws that allow port industry. more accountability, but addSterle said we need to get page 12

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4 BUDGET 2020-21

FRIDAY OCTOBER 30 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Budget delivers big tax savings for all operators

Former transport operator Scott Buchholz is driving key messages around the budget benefits for everyone in the industry.

PAUL Freestone, director of successful family company Freestone’s Transport, has some sage financial advice for operators of every size, regardless of how they’re faring

through the pandemic.

Call your accountant today to find out how you can benefit from the industry-friendly benefits available to you in the 2020-21 Feder-

al Budget, implores the 2020 OAM recipient for services to the transport industry.

Busier than ever in the express and air freight market, Freestone took full advantage

of the pre-budget 50% accelerated depreciation scheme and is back upgrading the fleet again now that number has jumped to 100%.

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budget from a transport point of view have been very, very good,” said Freestone.

“I don’t think they could have done any better to be honest. I’d encourage any operator to talk to their accountant to see what they can do that can put money back in their pocket.”

Freestone’s sentiments were echoed in the latest Covid Insights survey by the Victorian Transport Association.

The VTA has been tracking the mood of the state’s freight and logistics operators since April in order to gauge views on trade, investment, people, customers and the future as the economy starts to recover and restrictions eased.

Anderson said the Covid Insights report showed half of operators agree or strongly agree that Covid-19 will generate even bigger volumes of freight, no doubt because of the spike in internet shopping and an expected massive infrastructure and building program to generate an economic recovery.

“In a recession it is particularly encouraging that 69%

of our respondents said they would invest in their businesses by purchasing new capital equipment by year’s end, validating the government’s extension of the Instant Asset Write-off program in the federal budget,” Anderson said.

Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz told Big Rigs that the early budget feedback from industry has been equally encouraging.

“The manufacturers from PACCAR to Volvo are seeing an instant increase in the volumes in their order book, and that’s exactly what half of the designs [in the budget] were for,” he said.

“I spoke to half a dozen trailer manufacturers yesterday and they were all singing from the same hymn sheet.

“People had been sitting on the fence waiting to make a decision one way or the other, but once they saw the outcomes of the budget, that got them off the fence and saying, ‘right, I’m putting my order in’.”

Buchholz said any result-

BUDGET 2020-21 5

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY OCTOBER 30 2020

Measures to help you grow • ELIGIBLE businesses with an aggregated turnover of less than $5 billion can deduct the full cost of new eligible depreciating assets that are first held, and first used or installed ready for use for a taxable purpose, between October 6 2020 and 30 June 2022.

• For small and medium sized businesses (with aggregated turnover of less than $50 million), full expensing

also applies to eligible second-hand assets.

• Businesses can also deduct the full cost of improvements made during this period to depreciating assets, whether those assets were acquired before or after the 2020 Budget time.

• The measure also extends the time by which assets that qualify for the existing enhanced instant asset write-off

incentive that applies to small and medium sized businesses must be first used or installed ready for use for a taxable purpose by six months, to June 30, 2021.

• Small businesses (with aggregated turnover of less than $10 million) can deduct the balance of their simplified depreciation pool at the end of the income year while full expensing applies.

Case studies: How the tax breaks translate to savings Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Scott Buchholz review the budget benefits for the transport industry.

ing pressure on the manufacturing chain dovetails into the government’s new incentives for employing apprentices, which include paying half the wages of 100,000 new apprenticeships and traineeships.

He also reiterated Freestone’s advice to call your accountant today to get the best out of the budget, irrespective of whether you’ve been working full bore, or parked up during Covid crisis.

“What I want owner-operators to do is to pick up the phone while driving, or at home, and have chat to their accountant and put to

them the question, all things being equal what does my tax position look like next year if I buy a new piece of equipment?” said Buchholz, a 25year veteran of the transport industry who once helmed 14 depots and 105 staff.

“The owner-operator will have a sense of what the operating costs will look like, but couple that tax incentive with the cheapest interest rate you’re potentially likely to see in a lifetime, if you were thinking of upgrading the fleet in 18 months, or two years’ time, have a look at the opportunity cost of not making that decision now.”

For those operators who are potentially going to record a loss this year, the budget also has a lifeline, said Buchholz.

“What we’re saying to them is that we get it, we don’t want you to leave the industry, we want you to hang on.

“We’re going to let you off-set losses in this Covid period against your profit period last year.

“This is a significant step forward, a never-been-seenbefore initiative from our government to partner with an industry that we have the deepest respect for.”

Temporary Full Expensing (FTE) TRANS Western Pty Ltd has a fleet of trucks and trailers for specialised transportation with aggregated annual turnover of $20 million for the 2021-2022 income year.

On July 1 2021 Trans Western purchases a new prime mover for $600,000, exclusive of GST. Without the TFE measure, Trans Western Pty Ltd would claim a total tax deduction of around $180,000 for 2021-2022, with the remainder of the cost being depreciated over the future years.

Under the new TFE measure, Trans Western will instead claim a deduction of $600,000 for the full

cost of the new vehicle in 2021-2022, approximately $420,000 more than before.

At the 2021-2022 tax rate for small to medium companies of 25%, Trans Western will pay around $105,000 less tax. This will improve the company’s cash flow and help Trans Western reinvest and grow the business.

Temporary Full Expensing and Loss “Carry - back” Trans Western has aggregated annual turnover of $20 million for the 2021-22 income year.

On July 1, 2021 Trans Western purchased a new truck- mounted concrete pump for $1 million, exclusive of GST. Before the purchase the taxable income for

2021-22 was $600,000.

Without the temporary full expensing, Trans Western would claim a tax deduction of around $300,000, resulting in a taxable profit of $300,000 and a tax bill of $90,000.

Now Trans Western will instead deduct the full cost of the asset $1 million, resulting in a tax loss of $400,000.

Under the temporary loss carry - back Trans Western chooses to offset this tax loss against profits in 2018-19, resulting in a tax refund of $120,000.

Without the refund, the company may have to defer the investment until their cash flow position recovered, or may not have purchased the new pump at all.

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6 COVER STORY

FRIDAY OCTOBER 30 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Hard-working Membrey keeps making it happen Life has thrown Craig Membrey more than his share of challenges, but a passion for helping others and growing his thriving Melbourne business drives him on.

Proud dad Craig Membrey with son Jack, 13, and daughter Leah, 15, who run the memorabilia side of the operation.

BY JAMES GRAHAM

Membrey got a big kick out of meeting fans in Tasmania, including young Charley Poulton, pictured.

HOURS after learning he had just suffered his first heart-attack, Craig Membrey had to laugh when doctors asked if he had a stressful job.

Since he took over Membrey’s Transport and Crane Hire from his father Jack in 1989, Membrey has barely stopped: seven days a week the self-confessed workaholic is focused on moving everything and anything that’s high, wide, long and heavy.

It’s that boundless passion that’s seen Membrey, now 56, build the business from its humble beginnings with just six trucks to a yard in Dande-

nong South, Melbourne, that today boasts over 200 “bits of gear”, and growing.

“It doesn’t happen with sitting around doing nothing; it happens with hard work,” the 2015 Hall of Fame inductee tells Big Rigs in a rare moment of reflection.

“I have a saying: work hard, play hard, life’s short, make it happen.”

So, yes, Membrey knows his health scare in early September should signal that it might be a good time to “drop back one gear from top gear”, but it doesn’t mean he’ll stop doing what he loves.

In fact, just a month after undergoing a stent and bal-

The refurbished 1988 Kenworth T650 is the latest addition to Membrey’s busy one-stop-shop in Melbourne.

loon angioplasty procedure to unclog a narrowed artery, the walking, talking embodiment of his catchy company logo, Make it Happen, was back on the road with his crew in Tasmania.

They were there to move two giant cranes – a LG1750 and GMK6300 – from Berrybank, Victoria, to a wind farm in Granville Harbour, a job that involved hauling 72 pieces of gear and one that was supposed to take three weeks.

Membrey did it in two.

The trip away set the reset button, in more ways than one for Membrey, who admits that in the first few weeks after the heart attack, he had cause to wonder if it was all worth it.

“Going away to Tasmania made me appreciate how lucky I am, and how good the team are,” he said.

“It was real eye-opener for me to see the blokes perform, and the passion they’ve got. It was good fun.”

Membrey also got to see first-hand the power his livery has on truck fans – a video clip posted on the company Facebook page of his trucks’ push-pull configuration on the challenging Tassie climbs to the wind farm got two million views alone - with countless

devotees lining up for pictures and a chat.

Nine years after he launched the special tribute truck to late son Rowan, who tragically took his own life in March 2011, the beautifully restored 2006 Kenworth T904 with the 4ROWAN rego plate is still one of the biggest drawcards.

Emblazoned with murals of Rowan on the back of the cab and the Beyond Blue logo and website details on its side, Membrey uses it to spread a mental health message he never tires of sharing.

“So many people come up to me and say that truck saved my life. It’s just enough to snap people out of doing the wrong thing,” said Membrey, a vocal Beyond Blue ambassador.

“I’ve been through it myself. I copped it three years ago and I’m not afraid to admit it, but I sought good help and it got me across the line.

“It doesn’t matter how much money you’ve got, you’ve got to get help before it’s too late.”

Rowan would be 26 now, and no doubt stepping up to help Dad shoulder today’s gruelling workload - Membrey’s other children Leah, 15, and Jack, 13, helm the popular

Membrey felt “proud as punch” towing his team up Tassie’s steepest hills in the truck he dedicated to son Rowan.

COVER STORY 7

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY OCTOBER 30 2020 memorabilia side of the operation - but Membrey still draws strength from his son’s legacy every day.

The recent trip to Tasmania with Rowan’s truck leading the charge – it pulled a Kenworth T909 Director with a Kenworth K108 pushing the loaded 10 line Drake Platform trailer from behind – was a classic example, giving Membrey a boost at exactly the right moment.

“Hearing Rowan’s truck grunting up the steepest hills in Tasmania with two other prime movers hooked up behind it made me proud as punch as a father.”

Membrey returned to Victoria recharged and excited about his next venture, his new heavy vehicle towing and salvage division.

Inspired by Membrey’s desire to be a one-stop-shop, the truck is both a nod to how far the boss has come and a chance for him to give back.

Membrey got his start behind the wheel as an 18-yearold, driving tow trucks for Barry Bailey at Bailey’s Towing and Salvage, based in Frankston.

When Membrey, an ‘old school’ truck fan and eagle-eyed enthusiast of auction sites, spotted a 1988 Kenworth T650 up for sale in Queensland, he saw the chance to pay the opportunity forward to a new generation.

“I was young once and someone gave me a go [Bailey] so I want to return the favour,” he said.

“I like to give young guys a start, and if they have a passion to drive and are keen, that’s all you need.

The first trip to Tasmania for Membrey’s pride and joy.

“I’m very lucky that I’ve got that; that’s the secret to get someone through.”

Sadly, Bailey passed away half-way through the on-site refurbishment of the T650, but Membrey has dedicated the truck to his memory and had his name painted in a prominent spot on the side of the wrecker.

“I don’t forget those who helped me out.”

Nor does Membrey stop looking to the future, even if his recent health episode might mean it’s at a slightly less manic pace, at least for the time-being.

Buoyed by the tax breaks in the latest federal budget, Membrey is lining up yet more equipment to add to his impressive array, with Kenworth

taking pride of place in the 20-strong truck fleet.

He has a new T410 crane truck reporting for duty in November, a T509 coming off the Bayswater factory line the same month and was spec’ing up a T909 when Big Rigs checked in.

“Kenworths are just worth paying the extra money for.

They build what I want, and I get what I want. They’ll spec it up from every nut and bolt right through, and they’ve stuck by us through the thick and thin.”

Meanwhile, Membrey’s unmatched status in the die-cast world here keeps growing Drake Collectibles are tipped to release another 2000 truck and crane models in the next few months - and the phone

at the Dandenong HQ keeps ringing.

Mostly it’s for wind farm work, said Membrey, but his 50-strong team, headed by right-hand men, operations manager Daniel Narkiewicz, and general manager Leigh Canet [Membrey’s ex-bank manager] are ready for anything.

“We’ve got the most versatile trailers in Victoria; there’s not one thing we can’t do now.

“It’s only taken 32 years of my life to get all this extra equipment, but I still have the passion and it’s just amazing to see what we can actually do.

“You’ve just got to shake your head and think, ‘wow wee’. I might be moving a ute

load of spare parts one day for a hotshot express load, then on the Saturday moving wind blades up to 68.5 metres long, and the week before that we’re in Tasmania with three prime movers and the heaviest load of 250t.

“I remember my dad saying to me 32 years ago, ‘son enjoy hobby transport’, and I said ‘why do you call it hob-

by transport Dad?’, and he said ‘because you don’t make a fortune but you’ll have a lot of fun, like a hobby’, and how true he was.”

• October is National Mental Health Month in Australia. If this story has raised any issues for you, or someone you know, call Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636, or visit beyondblue.org.au.

The Kenworth T900 Legend that Membrey dedicated to son Jack.

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08 OPINION

FRIDAY OCTOBER 30 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Let’s make it happen soon

EDITOR JAMES GRAHAM

CHATTING to Craig Membrey for the cover story reinforced to us again how vital it is that we roll out a mental health program specific to this industry.

Membrey lost his son Rowan to suicide nine years ago and has suffered from depression himself in recent years.

But rather than bottle it all up, he’s taken the opposite approach, becoming a Beyond Blue ambassador and sharing his story with others.

Encouragingly, we are seeing this industry get organised to follow suit. The Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds has finally launched, nudged along with a $600,000 HVSI boost.

More recently, the TWUbacked Steering Healthy Minds program is also underway in Queensland, thanks to a $250,000 kick-start from the same fund.

As Membrey would say, let’s make it happen.

This is long overdue.

HOT WEB TOPICS

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

Five board members resign from new lobby group

Truckie fined $4003 for border smuggling

NorthConnex will enable drivers to avoid 40 sets of traffic lights on the Pacific Highway or 21 sets of traffic lights between the M1 and the M2.

Is NorthConnex worth the pricey toll for truckies?

TRANSURBAN and Transport for NSW recently released a series of videos of what it looks like to use each section of the $3 billion NorthConnex roadway.

New South Wales Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said drone and dash cam vision was used in the videos to simulate the journeys truckies can expect when NorthConnex opens in coming weeks.

But it begs the question, is it worth a hefty $23.73 a trip? We put it to our Facebook followers and this is what they had to say.

“It’s not about where the money goes! It’s not about how much has been spent on it! It’s not even the fact it’s got a $23.73 toll. It’s the simple fact that you’re being forced to use the tunnel that’s the issue. It’s always been the issue. Use the tunnel or get a fine… We pay our way, we pay excise, we pay registration fees and yet we can’t drive a legally registered vehicle on a road we could legally drive it on today,” said Mike Williams.

Gordon Wyton wrote, “Another Hurdle for the industry. How do they expect companies to keep surviving?”

Paul Smith added, “Is it worth it? With the time saved yes but sadly another cost the transport industry will have to absorb. I travel through Sydney very rarely. So to transverse across Sydney will cost approximately $50+.”

POLICE recently discovered a Victorian woman hiding in the cabin of a truck during a major COVID compliance operation targeting freight vehicles in Queensland.

A 51-year-old Victorian woman was hiding behind the driver’s seat. Both she and the 61-year-old male driver were fined $4003 for breaching the state’s coronavirus border directions and were ordered to immediately leave the state. With hard border closures in place for some time now, this isn’t the first time this sort of story has come to light.

When we shared this story online, numerous readers expressed their views. “It just makes it harder for all the people that are trying to do the right thing,” said Rossco We. Adam Cook agreed, “Worst thing is all the other drivers doing the right thing are going to be searched now wasting time, all because of a few dumbasses.”

Jim Kesby added, “And they wonder why cops give us a hard time!”

While Lee Powe said, “Fill the paperwork out properly and you won’t have a problem.

Been over a few times up north with wife and kids. Checked everything matched and was happy. On our way no problems.”

The compliance operation followed an investigation in Mackay where 16 carnival operators from Victoria were fined $4003 after travelling around Queensland in breach of their Freight Pass directions.

As part of the compliance operation, there have been over 184 heavy vehicle intercepts.

Vision Zero is a goal of achieving zero fatalities and serious injuries on our roads.

Looking towards ‘Vision Zero’

“THE number of crashes involving trucks on our roads is still unacceptable and will continue to be unacceptable until every road user gets home safely, every day,” wrote ATA Chair David Smith in a recent column, calling on the government to bring in proven safety technologies to help achieve ‘Vision Zero’.

Big Rigs readers weighed in on this ambitious target, with many pointing to a need for better training. “Maybe teaching learners how to drive cars instead of how to pass a license test would be a good start. How many of these accidents are caused by some idiot in a car doing something stupid and the poor bloody truck driver going bush to save someone else’s life?” wrote David Stubberfield.

“Go to truck school you can have your licence in 4 hrs or if you held your car licence in Qld for 5 years, you can get your HR within the hr, a year later MC licence. Stop this and you will have less accidents,” said Lee Powe.

Steven Angel agreed, “Make training better not just a 1 day driving test.”

Denzil Grump’s Charnock added, “You will never get zero crashes when certain truck companies don’t teach their drivers how to drive with courtesy to other drivers and to conditions. I’m far from perfect but I know when I’m tired…

Driving out there should not be this dangerous.”

THERE was a somewhat mixed reaction to the news that five board members had left newly formed truckies’ lobby group, the United Transport Group, just weeks after it was officially launched.

“The reason why we’ve lost those board members is that neither one was willing to sign a confidentiality agreement,” said Shane Eyers, one of only three board members remaining from the original line-up. But it’s still business as usual according to board director and CEO Roxanne Mysko.

“I have a problem with people and groups that want to keep things quiet, it is sweeping issues under the table, we get fed enough bullshit from politicians, we don’t need it from our own who are supposedly representing us, have some integrity, be up front and honest, otherwise you are no better than the majority of politicians,” wrote Clem Wheatley.

“United we stand divided we fall. Another driver organised body fails. Anybody recall the teamsters when they had a go in the 80s, the blockades ect. When drivers can’t even decide which roadhouse to stop at for lunch and your best friend is willing to undercut you for your loads what do you expect,” commented Bruce Skelton.

“That happens over and over, there is always a learning curve and it take a lot of time to get it correct,” added Owen Bladen.

UTG board director and CEO Roxanne Mysko said replacements for board members who had left were already organised.

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10 NEWS

IN BRIEF SafeT360 exhibition After a brief hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions, the SafeT360 road safety exhibition is back on the road to educate young road users about sharing the road safely with heavy vehicles.

Its latest stop was the Adelaide Careers & Employment Expo on 16-17 October.

Developed by the ATA and launched in 2019, SafeT360 is an interactive custom-built exhibition that uses virtual reality and interactive messaging.

“Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the SafeT360 travelling exhibition was put on pause,” said Melissa Weller, ATA Safety, Health and Wellbeing Director.

“As restrictions are now lifting, we are excited to be able to get the truck back on the road and resume our national tour.”

Colourful Eagles Blacktown City Council has taken delivery of seven dual control side-loading Dennis Eagle trucks, each sporting a colourful paint scheme to promote a selection of charities.

“Blacktown City Council’s charity awareness campaign has been a key feature on all our new waste trucks from Penske, right from the delivery of our first Dennis Eagle refuse collection vehicle in 2017,” said Mayor of Blacktown City, Tony Bleasdale OAM. “The rainbow fleet is a bright, positive, and unique way of communicating each individual charity’s message to the residents and visitors of Blacktown City.”

Celebrating diversity The ATA and NHVR are calling on the trucking community to call out racism and celebrate the industry’s diversity.

This follows reports of targeted attacks on multicultural truck drivers and racist comments on trucking social media pages. “The ATA is aware that some multicultural drivers are being harassed, in particular those of Indian descent. Racists on social media are egging each other on to ever more extreme actions, including cutting truck air lines.”

Anyone who has concerns about safety in their workplace can report it through the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Line on 1800 931 785.

Milestone Hino The 125,000th Hino truck sold in Australia was handed over at Bidfood’s new facility in Richlands, Brisbane.

The foodservice distributor runs a fleet of 210 Hino trucks, including the milestone 500 Series Standard Cab FE1426.

“55 years after we sold our first vehicle in Australia, this is a fantastic milestone for Hino Australia – with a complete rejuvenation of our light and medium-duty truck lineup over the last three years, the future is bright,” said Bill Gillespie, General Manager of Brand and Franchise Development for Hino Australia.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 30 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Truckies in crosshairs of 11 new speed cameras UNDER a new NSW road safety plan, truckies will have to negotiate 11 new point-topoint speed cameras in Sydney by the end of the year.

Transport for NSW said the new cameras that aren’t in tunnels will operate in warning mode for the first two months, while the tunnel cameras had a warning period of just one month. After that, fines and demerits will apply.

The penalties for Class B vehicles – between 4.5 and 12 tonnes – captured speeding on an average speed camera ranges from $365 and two demerit points to $2,520 and seven demerit points.

The penalties for class C vehicles – over 12 tonnes – range from $365 and two demerits to $3821 and seven demerits.

Heavy vehicles that are detected speeding, either through the fixed speed cameras or average speed cameras, will only receive one infringement notice.

The new sites being installed are: • Cross City Tunnel – between

Fixed cameras are already in installed in the WestConnex M4 and an average speed camera location is under construction.

Sydney and Darlinghurst • Eastern Distributor – between Zetland and Sydney • Lane Cove Tunnel – between Artarmon and Lane Cove North • M2 Motorway – between Lane Cove North and Baulkham Hills • M5 Motorway – between Kingsgrove and Casula • M5 East Tunnel – between

Arncliffe and Kingsgrove • M7 Motorway – between Baulkham Hills and Prestons • NorthConnex Tunnel – between West Pennant Hills and Wahroonga • Sydney Harbour Tunnel – between Sydney and North Sydney • WestConnex M4 – between Ashfield and Lidcombe

• WestConnex M4/M5 Link Tunnel – between Ashfield and St Peters Average speed cameras are currently operational in the WestConnex M8 tunnel.

A new average speed camera in the M5 East tunnel has been operating in warning mode as of October 13.

“Speeding is the biggest cause of crashes on NSW roads

and the consequences of a crash involving a speeding heavy vehicle will be much more serious because of their size and weight,” explained Tara McCarthy, the Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary for Safety, Environment and Regulation.

McCarthy added that in the 25 regional locations where average speed cameras are currently operating there has been a 44 per cent reduction in deaths from crashes involving heavy vehicles.

All fines from speed cameras go directly into the Community Road Safety Fund to deliver targeted road safety initiatives in NSW, said TfNSW. All speed camera locations, including average speed cameras, are published on the Centre for Road Safety website, roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au.

The average speed cameras listed there have either been installed or will be installed as part of the average speed camera program.

For more information please visit the FAQs on the Centre for Road Safety website.

Driver unimpressed by new Sydney truckie headband used by company has work diary punishments dismissed in court A new headband designed to detect micro-sleeps and drowsiness has got off to a shaky start among the driving ranks of one early adopter.

A truckie at TyTec Logistics, a WA-based OTR tyre transport specialist, has contacted Big Rigs on several occasions in recent weeks to air his frustration at being forced to wear the Life SmartCap, which is now a mandatory part of the company’s PPE. The makers of the band, which can be worn inside a cap, or on its own, say it will track real-time fatigue episodes by monitoring brainwaves and sending a warning via the Bluetooth connection to a smartphone app.

But the driver, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisals, was far from impressed with his results.

He told us it is uncomfortable to wear during a long shift, distracting, caused him headaches and would routine-

ly send out fatigue warnings when he was alert and fresh.

“I know of one driver who told me he was fatigued, and the band said nothing,” said the truckie.

The truckie said that after having his concerns rebuffed, he approached Big Rigs in the hope it would help his fellow drivers be better informed and aware of what now constitutes PPE in the transport industry.

“I’d prefer in-cab cameras to this. They’re not touching you and they’re not reading your brainwaves.”

TyTec logistics manager Wally Walker said he was disappointed to hear that there was negative feedback about the SmartCap, which had been rolled out nationally after a successful trial from the company’s Queensland base last year.

“Everybody seems to be worried about the fear of the unknown,” he said.

“Now let me put it to you

Our source said the SmartCap is uncomfortable and distracting, but TyTec said it keeps drivers safer.

this way. You work for me and God forbid you have an accident and you’ve been killed.

“Now your wife, your partner, your children find out that we had a product that could have potentially saved your life.

“I’m going to spend the rest of my life under scrutiny, probably go to jail because I didn’t insist you wear that product “It is a very narrow-minded view of some people to not want to take some new technology on board.”

“I’m not going to sit here and tell you the product is perfect, not by any means. But you know what, if it’s one more thing that I can do to keep my people safe and let him go home to their families at the end of each shift I would be absolutely crazy not to do that.”

Walker said his 25 fleet drivers aren’t required to wear the bands while loading and unloading, so as to keep sweating discomfort to a minimum, and none are required to start before 5am or work after 10pm.

“All I’m asking them to do is that if you get an alert [from the SmartCap] do something about it.

“So am I bad person for wanting to save this guy’s life?

Am I a bad person for wanting to give this guy an extra layer of safety to protect him? I don’t think so.

“There is no hidden agenda here. My intentions are 100% honourable. It is about keeping our people safe.”

Life SmartCap said it preferred not to comment for this story.

A hard-working 29-year-old Sydney truckie, who was facing two potentially expensive work diary breaches, has had the matters dismissed in Gosford Local Court.

He was charged with two counts of ‘solo driver working more than the std maximum time’ under Section 250(1)(a) of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (NSW). The maximum penalty for each of these offences is a $17,100 fine and four demerit points.

His solicitor Denise McCarthy, from heavy vehicle specialists Fourtree Lawers, submitted that the Sydney truckie had worked hard and never been on welfare. She noted that her client had no criminal record, nothing on his traffic record and is a person of good character with strong support from his supervisors and co-workers.

In addition, the particular circumstances of the offence were highly relevant, she argued.

“Our client was delayed by a protracted inspection of his vehicle by NSW authorities due to an accident involving a colleague in Melbourne who worked for the same company. This took over three hours and he was unaware of his obligation to count this as work time,” said McCarthy.

The two charges were only possible due to an 11-hour overlap between the two 24-

hour periods identified for the purposes of 12-hour standard work limits.

McCarthy argued that there was a risk of inherent injustice and ‘double punishment’ in allowing the prosecution to issue two charges based on severely overlapping 24-hour periods which both captured the same error, the three-hour inspection period.

This was illustrated with technical examples which indicated that this kind of interpretation would put extraordinary risk on all truck drivers if the Court looks upon it with approval.

The Magistrate observed that the case law quoted did not assist the court in determining whether overlapping 24-hour periods were a valid exercise of prosecutions. He was otherwise sufficiently convinced by the submissions and documents tendered to the court demonstrating the defendant’s excellent driving record, qualifications and character as well as the clear explanation for his error.

The Magistrate also considered the Sydney truckie’s early guilty pleas and contrition.

He found the truckie guilty of the two counts but without proceeding to conviction and dismissed the matters pursuant to Section 10(1)(a) of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999.

12 NEWS

FRIDAY OCTOBER 30 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Milestone Mack delivered to Karreman Quarries

TAKING delivery of your 500th truck is a pretty big deal when you’ve been in business for as long as Dick Karreman.

Mack Trucks bearing Karreman Quarries name are a familiar sight on Brisbane’s roads.

The Mount Cotton based company provides road base for projects across South East Queensland. The company’s 500th truck was clearly going to be something special, the gold 100-year Mack Trident certainly fit the bill for such an important milestone.

“We bought our first Mack in 1974, we were sand mining on North Stradbroke Island,” said Karreman Quarries managing director, Dick Karreman.

“We did and we never looked back.”

Dick and his brother Maarten Karreman ventured into business back in 1970, leasing equipment, transporting produce and sand mining.

The brothers started operating out of the Mount Cotton site in 1976.

A pragmatic approach to getting things done has served the Karreman family well over the intervening years, and local innovation and manufacturing has had a major influence on vehicle purchasing decisions,

“Fundamentally, the fact that they are built here Australia is part and parcel of our decision to buy Mack,” said Dick.

“We build new crushing plants, and we build them ourselves, we source the steel here, we source the engineering here, those basic principles, that support our own, the fact that it can be built in Queensland.

“That’s fundamentally the Mack story and our relationship with the brand.”

“They’re assembled here and that’s why we bought them.” And when asked about that long running relationship, he replies, “They’ve been great servants to us, “And we’d like to think that it’s been a partnership that goes both ways.”

The Trident truck and dog combination has been a mainstay of the Karreman fleet for many years, however, PBS has only added to the efficiencies of the business both in terms of fuel and productivity. “Everything we run is PBS, we’re getting 57.5 tonnes gross, and we are getting 40 tonne payloads.”

“That’s unheard of, when you compare it to a B-double and other combinations, that’s the best payload you are going to get out of a vehicle.” “PBS is the best way to go economical-

ly, for value and productivity.”

To highlight both the strong relationship Volvo Group as well as the pursuit of efficiency and productivity the business has also just added 3 Volvo L260H wheel loaders to the fleet.

“They brought this one out and I said, you’ve now got it right,” Dick says of the new loaders, “Now the vision is right, the balance is spot on then the fuel economy on top of that, we ordered three!” Fuel consumption from the previous competitor brand loaders went from 60 litres and hour to 16 litres an hour.

“Fuel economy is fundamental at the end of the day.”

He continues, “Hence the Mack trucks, you get your 2.1 and 2.2 kilometres to the litre.”

And now you’ve got it spot on with the loader.”

The Hercules dog trailer behind the 100 year Trident also pays tribute to Dick’s brother, Maarten who recently passed away.

“This truck is a serious milestone for me personally,” muses Dick. “We never set out to go buy 500 Macks, I’m surprised I’ve lived long enough to see it!”

Dick Karreman recalls a

[L-R] Gary Bone, VP sales, Mack Trucks Australia, Danny Karreman, quarry manager, Dick Karreman, managing director Karreman Quarries, Martin Merrick, president and CEO, Volvo Group Australia.

conversation he had with a pioneering Mack operator as a young bloke in Western Queensland, “There was a guy called Des Stevenson who owned Cubbie Station, and he used to run doubles with fresh produce to Darwin.”

“Des said to me, what’s your dream?” “What’s your goal?”

Dick recalls, “And I replied that I want one of those B61 Macks one day.”

“30 odd years later I get invited to lunch with Des and we hadn’t seen each other for well over 25 odd years.” “By the time we got to desert he asked, did you ever get to own that Mack son?”

“I said yeah we got a few, we’ve got about 40 of them.”

By this time the company was running R models. The Karreman fleet now numbers 100 trucks on the road as the family business continues to forge ahead with a new generation stepping in to take the helm.

“I never dreamt I’d see it.”

New Cascadia delivers on fuel efficiency for operator

Conbar Transport driver Stephen McCormack has been impressed with the new Cascadia.

ONE of the first Freightliner Cascadias in Australia is delivering for Northern Victoria’s Conbar Transport.

Hauling livestock at a maximum combination weight of 68 tonnes, the new 16-litre Cascadia 126 is already impressing with its fuel efficiency.

“Livestock hauling is

tough on fuel and each run is different, but the Cascadia is very often doing 1.8km per litre, and better sometimes, which is excellent,” said Conbar Transport driver, Stephen McCormack.

Conbar Transport fuel data shows the Cascadia 126 recently used 20 per cent less fuel than a locally-assembled

conventional truck of a subcontractor on the same return trip with the same weight onboard.

Fuel efficiency was one of the main reasons Conbar Transport decided to purchase a brand-new Cascadia from Daimler Trucks Albury, identifying the significant bottom line savings over the

life of the truck, along with its integrated safety features and performance.

The Cascadia 126 features a new-generation DD16 six-cylinder that generates 600hp and 2050lb-ft of torque. It is teamed with Daimler’s Detroit DT12 fully automated transmission.

The new Freightliner is considerably quieter than the older bonneted truck Mr McCormack used to drive and puts its power down with a lot less fuss. The serenity in the cabin can mask the Cascadia’s work rate, McCormack suggests.

“The performance is great.

It doesn’t seem all that fast but then you realise that you are getting to your destination in a shorter timeframe most of the time. Sometimes, I’m getting there 15 minutes earlier,” he said.

The enhanced visibility thanks to the clever design of the bonnet and the windscreen means Mr McCormack can see exactly where to place the truck. That can be especially helpful in tight yards.

“We go into some crazy

places that you wouldn’t put a 4WD and I can see right down to the front of the truck,” he said. “The bonnet is so low that the vision is just great.”

Like all Cascadias, the Conbar 126 comes standard with fully integrated safety features including a radar and camera-based Autonomous Emergency Braking system that can automatically detect, and fully brake for, mov-

ing pedestrians. It also has a radar-based adaptive cruise control system and lane departure warning in addition to Electronic Stability Control.

The Conbar Transport Cascadia also ticked the box for the optional Sideguard Assist, which uses radar to ‘look’ down the left side of the truck and trailer to detect pedestrians and objects in preparation for left turns.

Livestock hauling is tough on fuel but the Cascadia is delivering.

FEATURE 13

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY OCTOBER 30 2020

Work diaries: Fatigue management or are they just a “money grab”?

BY DANIELLE GULLACI WHEN a NSW truck driver contacted Big Rigs to vent his frustration at being fined for a work diary breach, we shared his story online and it garnered a huge reaction, with many truckies sharing similar stories.

Having spent the past 30 years behind the wheel of a truck, the driver at the centre of the story had never received so much as a speeding fine – until last month, when he was stung with a $454 infringement.

The driver works from Sunday to Tuesday and is off for the rest of the week. He does a 1.5 hour run on Sunday to pick up his load, then after an 8.5 hour break, sets off for 11 hours on the Monday. And therein lies the problem, 12.5 hours in a 24-hour period. We should also note that he has a 16 hour break before getting back behind the wheel on a Tuesday.

ed with responses from other drivers who felt they’d also been hard done by.

“Myself and another of my drivers got stung at Kempsey pads. 1.5hr breach over 3 days. They counted back even though we had our mandatory breaks. We each got fined $4850 and couldn’t appeal it because the courts was closed due to the COVID. And they wonder why we hate NSW RTA,” wrote Lee Powe.

“Was fined $338 for an accidentally missed yellow page in my book. I was brand new, literally on my first logbook and I was absolutely packing it. No matter the apologies or explaining I’m very green, still got the fine. The system is a complete joke, revenue in the name of safety,” commented Michael Blythe.

For Frankie Rosco, there was no sympathy for an honest mistake. “$648 for going over by 15 min but when I told

WA Senator Glenn Sterle is fed up with drivers being heavily fined for “little misdemeanours that don’t affect road safety”.

“These are the hours that I’ve got to get the job done.

That’s why I go on the Sunday and get loaded up. If I wasn’t having my breaks, I would accept it. I have that big amount of rest in between. What do they want me to do? Stop when I’m only 30 minutes from the depot? Am I supposed to stop on the side of the road for hours just so I can then drive the last half hour? When you’re out in the bush, half an hour is nothing,” he said.

Unfortunately, we are hearing stories like this all the time.

After posting his story on our Facebook page, it was inundat-

them I crossed a time zone and I didn’t realise when calculating hrs, they told me they don’t care, tell the judge. Money hungry grubs.”

William Joseph added he’d been done for something that happened nearly a month prior. “I got $500 for 30mins over in some obscure 24hr period on a page 4 weeks old,” he said.

Grant Baines wrote, “Lost count of the amount of fines or defects over the years. From having a clearance light out to leaving a letter off a suburb in spelling it. Had officers even after they couldn’t find a fineable offence tell me I should have

With hefty work diary fines being dished out left, right and centre, many drivers have had enough.

put a time of 9.12am down instead of 9.15 quarter hour blocks in your diary and made such an effort and I just keep saying write it out and ‘I’ll see you in court’, finally told me to get going and I’ll be looking for you.”

And the stories like these go on and on and on. The current approach to fatigue management and work diaries has been the bane of many truck drivers for a long time.

Truckie turned pollie, Labor Senator for Western Australia and Shadow Assistant Minister for Road Safety, Glenn Sterle, believes enough is enough.

“The authorities are out of order. They are absolutely relentless and under the guise of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), which is supposed to aid road safety, this cannot be serious,” he said, pointing to an example of a driver fined $687 for abbreviating Coffs Harbour.

“He wrote ‘Hbr’ for ‘Harbour’, where the hell is that contributing to improved road safety.

It’s nothing short of white-collar crime. It is disgraceful and I’m not going to let this one lie.

This needs to go all the way up the supply chain. I want to find a minister who can tell me how this goes on. Absolutely go and get the drivers who are flaunting road safety, but this is just a cash grab.”

According to Sterle, the eastern states should look to the west, which he said gives its drivers a greater degree of flexibility. “Why I love the WA approach is because it was designed by truck drivers, not by experts sitting somewhere in government departments.

There’s flexibility here in the west. One size fits all is hard.

Rather than throwing rocks at us over here in the west, they should ask drivers if they would like to keep their fatigue management or use ours.”

Though he reiterates that there does need to be some sort of system in place. “We can’t go back to the old days where drivers were expected to be on the road for a ridiculous amount of hours. We do need

safety nets where drivers can’t be forced to do unreasonable hours. I’m all for safety on our roads and looking after our drivers. But what I’ve seen with the way law enforcement operates, it’s a money grab and is criminality at its worst. How is fining a driver and taking half their week’s pay for not ticking a box or misspelling a word in the best interest of road safety,” Sterle said.

“I think it’s time now to consult more broadly with those men and women that have their hands on the steering wheel. It’s now time to ask, have we got this right and what do we need to do to fix it? Is there an opportunity to use new technology? And there needs to be far better flexibility. Go and get the ones that are blatantly breaking the law but stop picking on the hard-working drivers for these little misdemeanours that don’t affect road safety one little bit. I’m all for safety absolutely, but I’m

disgusted at some of the ways it is enforced.”

The recent ‘Voice of the Driver’ campaign run by the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) and Big Rigs, gave truckies the chance to provide feedback on the proposed fatigue laws as outlined in the HVNL review Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS). ATA Acting CEO Bill McKinley revealed that the problems with current fatigue laws were expressed very clearly by drivers.

“If anyone on the road or anyone in the supply chain does the wrong thing and commits a serious safety breach, then the law needs to deal with them.

That’s what the public expects and what we as an industry should expect. But drivers shouldn’t receive random fines for trying to do the right thing.

It’s very easy for anyone to simply make a mistake.”

The ATA is currently developing its submission to the HVNL review on fatigue

ATA Acting CEO Bill McKinley said the ATA’s submission on fatigue issues will look at simplifying paperwork and reducing fines for minor paperwork offences.

issues. McKinley explained, “The submission will focus on greatly simplifying paperwork requirements for drivers and will focus on massively reducing penalties for minor paperwork offences. We will also be proposing changes that will ensure that work diary apps can become readily available and can be used by any driver whether they are a professional truck driver or they drive a truck as part of another job with a company outside of the trucking industry.

“The NHVR is in the process of working on approvals for electronic work diaries, however that approval process and those work diaries that are involved are very sophisticated. The ATA’s response to the fatigue part of it will propose a model that will enable drivers to do that simply and we are also proposing a reduction in those massive penalties drivers are being hit with.”

McKinley added that by making work diaries simpler, drivers would be less likely to receive an infringement. “And if you do get an infringement, the amount would be fair, which it’s not at the moment.

Currently, for a driver getting an infringement, it happens randomly. Drivers can’t seem to control it, no matter how careful they are, they can still get an infringement. The current fatigue rules provide a random series of hoops that drivers have to go through. It doesn’t add to safety and discourages people from working, or continuing to work, as truck drivers.

“What the ATA wants are laws that promote safety. People that do the wrong thing should expect that it will be dealt with, but if they are doing the right thing, the paperwork and the rules need to be simpler. We’ve proposed that if there is no doubt about anything on a work diary page, it should be taken to comply.

If a driver stops and there is no doubt that what is written is where they stopped, they shouldn’t get a fine for misspelling the address.”

14 TEST DRIVE

FRIDAY OCTOBER 30 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Safety package in new Hino 300 is the clincher The 300 offers a wide, comfortable cab with functional fittings and trim.

Despite the bland exterior, Hino’s SmartSafe package is smart and intuitive.

BY DAVID MEREDITH YOU couldn’t get more vanilla than a base model, with a vanilla diesel engine, vanilla chassis and vanilla cab-over design. Then paint it white – like a kitchen appliance.

But the badge on the front, Hino, trumpets an electronic safety suite that leapfrogs this unremarkable looking truck into the domain of the most advanced European road warriors.

Hino’s 300 Series is the smallest of the brand’s product range, and the 616 version is the entry point. I took the new model truck on a run to revisit its effectiveness as a daily deliverer and multi-role runabout.

This market sector is generating new requirements for urban transport. A tidal wave of online shopping means delivery vehicles are only adding to the clutter on inner-city roads in particular.

Large apartment environs are decidedly unfriendly to street parking, even in designated loading bays, and a trend towards Euro-style large vans is impacting on sales of cab-over light trucks.

The turning circle on this model is 11.8 metres kerb to kerb.

More importantly, more operators now expect the same driver aid systems in their two-tonner as are now routine on medium and

heavy-duty trucks.

And so Hino has revitalised the 300 series range with ‘SmartSafe’, a suite of digital electronics that will ease a lot

Driver safety is most critical in a cab-over design, so Hino has gone to town to protect drivers from front, side and rear collisions by wrapping them in a cocoon of electronics.

of the worries of fleet and individual operators and rental companies.

I picked up an auto wide cab version from WA Hino that had been prepared to a rental spec – the school of hard knocks – with a Pantech body and a 600kg tailgate lift.

All Japanese light trucks have the advantage of a full truck chassis, and the robustness that goes with it. Additionally, maximising the load space by putting the driver over the front wheels offers the best practical value for payload, particularly cubic material. As very few 300s will be operating at full GVM, the aim is to get as big a cargo box on the back as possible.

But driver safety is most critical in a cab-over design, so Hino has gone to town to protect drivers from front, side and rear collisions by wrapping them in a cocoon of electronics.

Despite the bland exterior, Hino’s SmartSafe package is the clincher when it comes to peace of mind. Operators can put this truck on the fleet and be confident they’ll dramatically reduce the likelihood – and costs – of rear-end collisions, pedestrian or cyclist impacts, roll-overs from fatigue or excessive speed as well as traction problems on slippery surfaces or adverse conditions.

The package is ‘on’ all the time, keeping an unblink-

The author took the new model truck on a run to revisit its effectiveness as a daily deliverer and multi-role runabout.

ing eye on what’s happening and intervening with the allround disc brakes or audio and visual alarms.

Obviously, I had no intention of testing the pre-collision system during my drive in Perth traffic, but I have tested it on a closed circuit in Ja-

Hino’s 300 Series is the smallest of the brand’s product range, and the 616 version is the entry point.

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16 FEATURE

Forty-three up and counting

FRIDAY OCTOBER 30 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

After more than four decades behind the wheel, Whizza reckons he still has a few more years yet before he puts away the work diary.

BY DAVID VILE “IT started when I was about 11, I used to go for a ride in a truck when I was a little fella, I guess that’s where I got the love of them and wanted to know more about them.”

Such was the catalyst for a career in road transport which has seen Steven Bell – better known as ‘Whizza’ around the traps – spend the last 43 years in an occupation where he has covered by his best estimate 10 million kilometres and most of Australia in doing so.

Today, he makes his home at Gerogery West, not far off the Hume Highway just out of Albury, but it was in the late 70s when the wheels began to turn for Bell in New Zealand, having gone across the Tasman at the age of 20 to play rugby.

“I started out at a place called Howick [in Auckland] on the North Island in a KT Bedford working for a company called Winstones and worked my way up to a Leyland Major 8-wheeler truck and dog before finishing off with an Isuzu.”

Making his way home back to the Illawarra area of New South Wales there was soon an opportunity for the young driver to start clocking up the kilometres.

“I came back and started driving a Deutz hauling sand around Wollongong.

In the 70s and 80s coal was big around the area with a lot of it being shifted by road and I got a go in an International 3070 doing coal and then running coke out of Cessnock across to Adelaide and carting salt back…it was

Steven Bell at home with a picture of his Kenworth T650, purchased in the late 1980s and christened ‘Rory’s Rig’.

A younger Steven Bell with the International 3070 he ran across to Adelaide from Cessnock.

a pretty steady trip across and back in the 3070 fully loaded but with the 903 Cummins they were a good truck back in the day.”

Along the way Bell had

a couple of stints driving for Heggies and also Allan Doherty of Fairy Meadow which saw him cover a lot of the countryside behind the wheel of a variety of trucks

which were indicative of the era including Mack R-600s, a White Road Boss and a Ford Louisville. On the second stint shifting coal with Heggies he made the move from

Steven did a lot of kilometres for Allan Doherty driving a Ford Louisville.

This Kenworth T604 was one of a number of trucks Steven drove in the Don Watson fleet colours.

driver to owner-driver, purchasing one of the company’s W-Model Kenworths.

“I got the W-Model and went out on my own and in the late 1980s I sold it for a Kenworth T650 with a 425 Cat. We moved down here, and I went on grain haulage with it. She was a good truck, but I had a head-on accident with it and that was the end of her, and I gave driving away for a while.”

Getting back into the transport game saw Bell spend 12 years both in the office and once again behind the wheel with Lewington’s in Wodonga which at the time was a large diverse fleet covering livestock, fuel and refrigerated transport.

“I drove everything they had but spent most of my time on the fridge vans, I was assistant manager of the van division there,” he said.

Following his stint at Lewington’s, refrigerated freight was again the focus, running up and down the east coast for Don Watson.

“Real good to work for and I was fortunate enough to have seven brand new trucks in the 13 years I was there.”

By this time Bell’s son Rory had started to get involved in transport himself, having purchased a cab-over Kenworth. He was looking at expanding when Bell was ready to start to wind things back a bit.

“I finished at Watson’s and I was going to start to slow down but the young bloke said, ‘I will buy you a truck’… so he did! Nothing else but a Kenworth….If I had my way it would be a Mack but that’s what he wants so that’s it.”

Today, along with doing a few trips for Anthony Churchill of Holbrook, Bell is still on tipper work, with Rory’s SAR working for Robert Hendy at St Arnaud with the wheels of the Kenworth kept turning fairly well.

“We go all over the place with stockfeed and grain, plenty of on-farm work and feedlots, I run from here to Melbourne and back to Corowa to the Ridley mill.

With a tipper you can be flexible as you can put anything in it, just open the tailgate and send her up,” he smiled.

Over his time on the highway he has seen a lot of changes in roads, trucks and the industry in general and laments a lot of the spirit and camaraderie has gone out of the business of transport over the years.

“Back in the day if someone was pulled up, blokes would pull up and give him a hand changing a tyre or whatever – now if you’re pulled up with your triangles out people just drive over them – it’s a shame but that’s the way it is unfortunately.”

On the subject of roads, a lot has improved but a lot still needs to be done Bell reckoned.

“Running the east coast up to Brisbane is brilliant now, the Newell has a few good parts but the worst bit of road I have travelled is between Goondiwindi and Brisbane through Warwick – it’s shocking, but you just have to treat your truck and the road with respect wherever you are.”

Having tinkered about in the past with a Kenworth S2 as a bit of a backyard project, Bell is casting his eye about for a Mack R600 as a potential ‘doer-upper’ to take along to heritage shows and events such as Crawlin’ the Hume.

“I drove a couple of R-Models for a long time and really enjoyed driving them – over the years about the only truck I didn’t have a go in was a ‘Gumboot’ Scania – I drove a cab-over Scania but never a Gumboot.”

As he began making preparations to head off up to Sydney he reckons there are a few years left before he puts away the work diary and the hi-vis gear. But with Rory looking at a new truck purchase that might seal the deal, Bell said with a smile.

“I’m 64 and still enjoy it and will keep going for a few years if my health is good but if Rory buys me a new one, I guess I will have to stay for five years for him to pay it off.”

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18 FEATURE

FRIDAY OCTOBER 30 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Son reunites father with his beloved 1986 Kenworth

BY DANIELLE GULLACI

TRANSPORT operator turned truck salesman, Jim Liapis, couldn’t believe his eyes when he was reunited with a much-loved 1986 Kenworth W prime mover he hadn’t seen for almost 30 years.

His son Andrew Liapis wanted to surprise him and managed to track down the truck with the help of Kenworth salesman Manny Melkonian, who had originally sold the truck to Jim decades ago. To their surprise, the 34-year-old workhorse was still going strong and in tiptop shape, working day in, day out.

Back in 1986, Jim had purchased two brand new identical Kenworth W trucks to expand his fleet at A.S&J Liapis Pty Ltd. “They had a 350 Cummins engine and were fitted with steel tippers and matching 3-axle dogs.

Both trucks were basically bulletproof ,” said Andrew.

“My father had the trucks both painted in his own colours which were white with two-tone burgundy stripes, including a metallic burgundy dash surround and interior. The fleet in those days was primarily working for Anderson Quarries, then afterwards the trucks were migrated over to Boral and all painted yellow and green. I remember

Andrew and his father Jim at the Castlemaine Truck Show.

riding in these trucks when they were new, it felt like I was king of the road. They both left a major imprint on me as I favoured that particular model.”

Trucks have been an important part of the Liapis family for three generations, starting with Jim’s late father Andrew, who was a truck driver.

Though business was running well, when the recession hit in 1990-1991, Jim’s business took a major hit. “Work literally turned like water running from a tap one day to being turned off just like that. The majority of the fleet was parked up for weeks on end which resulted in a major fleet disposal. My father and I often spoke about where our W models ended up,” said Andrew.

One of the Kenworth W models was sold to civil engineering business Armpell Civil, which operates out of Batemans Bay, on NSW’s south coast. And to Andrew’s surprise, that’s exactly where it has been for all these years.

When Jim sold off most of his fleet, he kept four trucks and by the mid 1990s had transformed his transport operation into a sales business.

“That was also when I finished school, so I was in the yard there full time, buying and selling trucks,” said Andrew.

Now, the father and son team operate from the same Melbourne premises, Jim heading up Just Tippers

This shot of Jim’s fleet was taken in the late 1980s, with the truck they’ve now been reunited with pictured on the far left.

Australia, and Andrew at the helm of The Used Truck Group.

For both Jim and Andrew, transport has always been a big part of their lives, with three generations working within the industry. It all started with Jim’s late father Andrew Liapis (who his son is named after). “Dad came to Melbourne from Athens

in 1956,” said Jim. “Dad had always been in transport, from back home in Greece and then when he came out here. Within six months of arriving, he purchased his first used truck and tipper. I left school at the age of about 15 or 16 and basically went straight into the business.

As soon as I got my licence, I took over his truck and the rest is history.”

Since moving from transport, Andrew and Jim are now primarily focused on truck sales. “In 2006 we acquired a trade-in of a 1986 Kenworth W model which reminded me of our original ones. My father and I both decided to restore the truck and keep it.”

The whereabouts of their original Kenworth Ws was still on Andrew’s mind, so the time was right to try and track them down. “With all of this isolation this year due to COVID, I decided to do some research. A contact at Kenworth had records of the chassis numbers for the trucks in my father’s fleet and we were able to track one down. It was still owned by the same people my father sold it to, it was still working and was still coupled to the same trailer it was with when it was brand new,” explained Andrew.

He reached out to Tony Hadlow at Armpell Civil and after some negotiations was able to buy it back as a token of appreciation to his father. “We’ve had the truck for 30 years. It was working

every day and working really well,” said Hadlow. “When I heard from Andrew, I didn’t know what to say. It took a while to digest it all and think it through, but I think it’s a great outcome.”

Though there weren’t any plans to get rid of the truck, Hadlow was glad the truck had gone to a great home. “I think the whole outcome is a really great story and that’s the only reason we decided to sell it. We were going to look at refurbishing it ourselves and had tried to retire it for a number of years, but it just kept going and going,” he said.

Jim and his beloved 1986 Kenworth W were reunited in late August, when it arrived back in the yard. “He didn’t know I was tracking it down, so when I told him I was buying it back for him, it was a real surprise. Seeing the truck again after so many years brought back memories of hitting the road together as father and son,” said Andrew.

“When I had it delivered here, Dad couldn’t believe his eyes. Everything is all original on it. When it arrived, it was parked in the exact same spot we photographed it in when it was brand new. A big thanks to Tony Hadlow and the driver Callie who has done a great job looking after it.”

Now Andrew plans to have the vintage Kenworth painted back to his father’s original fleet colours of white and burgundy, as it was when it originally left the showroom floor.

The 1986 Kenworth W today: Armpell Civil had the truck for 30 years, and it never missed a beat.

Andrew plans to restore the truck to its original colours of white and burgundy, as pictured above.

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20 READER RIGS

FRIDAY OCTOBER 30 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Linda Redder shared this shot, taken all the way in the Netherlands, collecting milk from a farm.

Matty Ruddy and John Bellam stopped at the Barkly Homestead in NT, while travelling to Kununarra, WA.

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

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

The Big Rigs #PicOfTheDay competition is a chance

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

So get snapping and keep those great pics coming!

Blake Wheatley snapped one of Hi Quality Group’s Kenworth K200s, towing a freshly painted Drake float and dolly in Chinderah NSW.

It certainly looks like spring, as Jake Scantleton steers this Western Star 4800 to the small town of Dooen, in Victoria’s west.

Kyle Koina and his brand new Kenworth T659 were loaded up with cotton and ready to go.

Mike Williams shared this great shot while out on the road, carting water to farmers.

This white R&K Bulk Haulage Kenworth T909 combination was looking rather angelic in this shot shared by John Ballam.

John Wilson shared this shot of his 70-year-old uncle’s truck. He was travelling from Melbourne to Dampier, WA.

READER RIGS 21

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY OCTOBER 30 2020

Tracy Moldoveanu shared this great pic, taken during an early morning trip from Adelaide to Sydney.

Wayne Agius left a mine site 100km from Wiluna, WA, in his 2001 Kenworth T904, heading back to Perth.

Drew Nobby Smith and his Kenworth T900 Legend enjoyed the sunset just south of Condamine, Queensland.

After just picking up a new PBS A-double, Tim Stringer snapped his 100 year anniversary Mack Super-Liner in Brisbane.

Tasmanian Heavy Haulage driver Christopher Ryan tested out this new Drake 2X4 dolly and quad float on Tasmania’s west coast.

This mighty Kenworth and road train set-up packs a punch, thanks for sharing Jason Berne.

Leigh Thornton shared this view from the cab of his 2017 Kenworth 610 SAR.

Nicholson & Page Transport driver Owen Weir travelled through Broadwater, NSW, on this stormy day.

David Jones was getting ready for a long night on the dirt, north of Yunta, SA.

22 FEATURE

FRIDAY OCTOBER 30 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Third time’s a charm: No stopping this truckthemed wedding

With COVID restrictions in place, the day was an intimate affair with just 20 guests.

The wedding was celebrated at the couple’s farm in Balranald, NSW.

Beau and Kristy with their children Peyton (11), Mason (almost 2), Rahni (8) and Wyatt (13).

Beau and Kristy Bellerby with their truck-loving son Mason.

BY DANIELLE GULLACI AT this wedding, it wasn’t just the bride, groom and guests who scrubbed up beautifully, four Kenworths were also polished up to perfection to celebrate the special day.

Beau Bellerby and his new wife Kristy Bellerby tied the

knot on September 5, and as he explained it was third time lucky. “We originally had a big wedding planned, then we got pregnant. The second time, we planned to elope in Queensland in May this year, but COVID stopped that. Then the third time, we said this is happening and had the wedding at home.

It turned out to be a really great

day. Originally we were going to have about 100 people, but had to limit it to 20 because of the COVID restrictions,” he said.

The couple met at a wedding in 2016 and tied the knot at their farm in Balranald, NSW. It was an intimate affair, with the day shared with their son Mason, who is almost two, Beau’s son Wyatt (13) and daughter Peyton (11), and Kristy’s daughter Rahni (8), along with those closest to them.

The guest list also included two Kenworth 909s, a T900 Classic and a T900 Legend.

And luckily for Beau, Kristy was happy to oblige. “She knew it was going to happen, so she was pretty good. There wasn’t much convincing because she knows I love my trucks,” said

Beau, who has been a truckie since he was 19.

“I’ve always been around trucks in the family. My dad was a truck driver and it went from there. I’ve loved trucks from a young age. I don’t know why I love trucks, I just do.

Mason loves the trucks too, he walks around and kicks the tyres.”

Beau works for K&SL Nelson Transport, doing both local and interstate work. “The brown and white truck belongs to Brian and Dean from K&SL Nelson Transport and the others are owned by friends – the white 909 belongs to Daryle Barrett, the white and blue one is Matt Salau’s and the blue 900 belongs to Robbie Teague.

They polished them up for the wedding and I was very appreciative of the hard work they put in and for letting us use their trucks for our wedding,” he said.

Kristy got ready at her mother’s house, before being picked up in one of the trucks.

“She rode in the white T909.

Our wedding guests didn’t know about the trucks until the day so it was a nice surprise and the rigs all looked amazing,” added Beau.

Kristy got ready at her mother’s house and arrived at the ceremony in a white Kenworth 909.

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24 FEATURE

FRIDAY OCTOBER 30 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Arriving in style: Truck convoy is a wish come true

BY DANIELLE GULLACI IT hasn’t been an easy ride for 17-year-old truck fan Sebastian Martino. As he prepares to graduate from Year 12 at Miller Technology High School, his proud mum Callie Hume wants to make his wish of arriving to his formal in a truck come true – but that wish has gone up a few notches, with Sebastian’s Formal Convoy set up to raise funds for The Children’s Hospital at Westmead in Sydney.

When Sebastian was just three months old, Callie received the heart-wrenching news no parent ever wants to hear. Her beautiful newborn baby was diagnosed with brain cancer and she was told he would be lucky to make it to his first birthday.

“At three months, he had a brain tumour and from then on, numerous other complications. His tumour was actually classed as benign but then grew and travelled down the spine. He started chemo at 10 months but after he completed one lot, it continued to grow so they stopped the whole protocol and put him on a new trial drug for 18-24 months,” recalled Callie.

“It was the worst experience of my life. I also had a two-and-a-half-year-old son, so I was trying to juggle myself between Sebastian and giving attention to my other son too. He’s had various other surgeries since his chemo and even now when he sees his doctors, they say it’s a miracle that he’s alive.”

Having defied all the odds, Callie couldn’t be prouder of the young man Sebastian has become. “I’m very proud of him, he’s come a long way.”

And it’s clear from speaking with Callie that she would do absolutely anything for her “miracle boy”. Knowing how much Sebastian wanted to go to his formal in a truck, she put the word out on Facebook and was overwhelmed with the generosity of the trucking community. Over 500 truckies reached out, offering to help make Sebastian’s dream come true.

Sebastian has loved trucks since he was a little boy.

Over 500 generous truckies have reached out to make this truck fan’s wish come true.

Callie is filled with gratitude for the exceptional level of care the Children’s Hospital at Westmead has provided for her son.

With this, Callie came up with the idea of turning it into a fundraising opportunity, a chance to give back to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, which has looked after Sebastian from the beginning.

Founded in 1880, the Children’s Hospital at Westmead is a public hospital that cares for over 80,000 sick children and their families each year. As part of the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, the Children’s

Sebastian has been looked after by the Children’s Hospital at Westmead all his life.

Hospital at Westmead is the largest paediatric centre in NSW specialising in treating seriously ill children.

Bandaged Bear is the hospital’s mascot and the Bandaged Bear Appeal has been part of the hospital’s fundraising for over 30 years.

“Sebastian’s about to leave that hospital and I’d give them everything I have. They have given us everything. We wanted to show our gratitude to the exceptional doctors and nurses who have taken such good care of Sebastian over the past 18 years,” she said.

Sebastian’s Year 12 formal will take place on 20 November. Around 30 trucks are expected to take part in Sebastian’s Formal Convoy, with one truck dropping Sebastian off in true truckie style.

Sydney truck driver Baz Stowers, who works for Metro Tipper Hire, has come on board to assist with the logistics of the convoy.

He came across Sebastian’s story after it was shared on the Facebook group he and mate Jason Sammut manage called Official Sydney Tippers. “We wanted to use our numbers

to help support these sorts of causes. We are regular attendees of the Convoy for Kids and last year were asked to help out during the bushfires, so ran supplies to affected areas. When we saw Callie’s post after a member shared it, we put our hand up straight away to help,” he said.

“I’m a father myself and like many other truck drivers, we’re family men, so are very happy to help out. I’m heading up the route so will be making the phone calls to authorities.

“The convoy will start at the Crossroads Hotel carpark and then we’ll take the trucks past the school, before getting onto the M5 and travelling to the city for the formal,” added Stowers, who will be driving his gleaming black Kenworth K200 on the day as part of the convoy.

“Sebastian wants to be a truck driver when he grows up but we don’t know whether or not that will be possible.

We’ve been talking to his neurologists to discuss the possibility of him being able to get his driver’s licence,” said Callie.

“Sebastian is excited to be finishing school and wants to have a gap year. Pre-COVID he was doing work experience

Sebastian enjoys attending as many truck shows as he can.

at local sheltered workshops.

He actually speaks two languages, English and Spanish, and could say ‘truck’ in Spanish before he could say any other words.”

Callie has set a fundraising goal of $5000.

Donations for Sebastian’s Formal Convoy can be made by visiting www.bandagedbear.org.au/fundraisers/ calliehume/sebastian--s-formal-convoy.

For more information about participating in the convoy, please contact Baz Stowers on 0472 906 244.

Sebastian overcame brain cancer and will soon celebrate another milestone, graduating Year 12.

AD FEATURE 25

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY OCTOBER 30 2020

Dayco extends heavy duty engine component range

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26 PROFILE

FRIDAY OCTOBER 30 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Seventy years of tricking up trucks and still truckin’

Mason painted lettering of the company’s previous models with paint, but this time around, the letters are digital cut.

IT was just seven years after man first landed on the moon that Mason Stevenson gave the first Clifford Brick and Tile truck its distinctive look.

This year, the 85-year-old signwriting veteran was back at the Ballarat headquarters of Clifford Brick and Tile to decorate the company’s three new trucks; two new Mercedes-Benz Actros models and a Freightliner Cascadia.

Mason has signwritten around 65-odd trucks for the business since the first little Hino in 1975.

“He’s done all but one of our trucks,” said Neil Clifford.

“One day I got a call from Mason, who had just spotted the one truck he didn’t do going down the road and was asking if there was something he had done wrong.

“I quickly explained that it was an insurance job and that they had to paint it as part of the settlement. He hasn’t missed one since.”

The softly spoken Stevenson, who moved to Australia from his native Scotland in the

1974, has just clocked up his 70th year of signwriting. That’s right, his 70th year.

“It sounds terrible,” Stevenson said as he pondered the massive milestone. “I’m glad it’s a job that I like.”

Stevenson and his wife Patricia had five children and all but two have become signwriters. He said the other two have disappointed him – one is a doctor and a science teacher, but he does it with a proud twinkle in his eye and a big smile.

It should be no surprise that signwriting appears to be hereditary in the Stevenson clan, after all, Mason learned the trade thanks to his father who had a house painting and signwriting business and brought Mason on as an apprentice at 15 years of age.

“When we were doing a job, Dad would let me do the signs, under his supervision of course,” said Stevenson.

After a stint in the RAF and attending a night school course to learn more about signwriting, Stevenson started

out on his own signwriting for a company that built vans in Edinburgh.

By the 1970s, Stevenson and his wife had grown sick

of the cold and wet weather of Scotland and decided to move out to Australia, choosing Ballarat in the goldfields region of Victoria, largely due to a family connection.

The irony of moving to Ballarat to get away for bad weather has a certain irony, given its relative cool temperatures and long winters, but it was still better than Scotland.

The art of signwriting was very different when Stevenson started work in Australia in 1973.

“Everything was hand painted lettering back then, nothing was stuck on,” he said.

“When I first came to Australia, none of the signwriters had computer letters, everybody just painted it on.”

Stevenson was an early adopter of computer graphics, but continued to do a lot of work with his brushes until the last few years.

Big Rigs caught up with Stevenson at the Clifford Tile and Brick workshop, where he was applying some pinstriping to a Mercedes-Benz Actros.

He applies the stripes with

Mason Stevenson and his son Harvey.

Neil Clifford and Mason Stevenson next to the latest Clifford Brick and Tile truck, a Freightliner Cascadia.

the kind of skill you build up over a lifetime, with his hands remaining rock steady despite his age.

Stevenson works on many jobs with his son Harvey, who started as an apprentice at the

age of 14-years, and runs his own signwriting business in Ballarat.

They came to look at the Clifford’s new Cascadia, one of the first in the country. It is a new shape, so the traditional design had to be updated.

“Dad and I came and had a look at it in person and came up with a design and then went back and prepared all the material,” Harvey said.

“It is a bit of a challenge with some of the new trucks because of some of the design elements, you might have an odd shaped moulding or angles on doors which can really play with your eye,” he says.

“You just have to work with the design to suit the truck.”

While Mason was still painting the lettering for a recent Mercedes-Benz Actros the Clifford’s bought in 2016, the latest two trucks use all vinyl cut elements.

“I spent hours getting Dad’s scrolls on the computer and adapting them in design programs. This way, they can live on forever and be a feature of Clifford trucks well into the future,” Harvey said.

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FEATURE 27

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY OCTOBER 30 2020

Hyundai hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks

While Australia may present unique challenges for any trucks using alternative fuels, Hyundai is already making plans to extend the hydrogen highway around the world.

BY BRENT DAVISON WITH European countries set to legislate internal combustion engines out of existence by 2040 and other countries expected to follow suit, Hyundai has revealed a plan to change the world’s road transport industry using hydrogen fuel cell power.

Its European campaign already started, Hyundai’s road map shows North America and China next on the ‘hydrogen highway’ with the rest of the world set to follow.

Hyundai’s XCIENT Fuel Cell is the world’s first series production, hydrogen fuel cell-powered truck. Seven have already been delivered in Switzerland and 50 more will be there by year’s end.

Austria, Germany, the Netherlands and Norway are next and Hyundai expects that number to reach 2,000 units by the end of next year, supporting not only its European expansion but also its push into the US and Chinese markets as demand grows for clean transport solutions.

The increase in capacity will be backed by a significant US$7.7bn investment in hydrogen infrastructure, a value chain covering everything from hydrogen production and charging stations to service and maintenance.

Hyundai expects to have more than 12,000 fuel cell trucks on US roads by 2030, helping achieve a 27,000 unit aggregate sales volume by that time.

Strong growth in China’s

hydrogen industry promises massive potential and Hyundai is already planning on having a million hydrogen vehicles – cars and trucks - on Chinese roads by 2030.

Hyundai’s medium-term goal is to offer 4x2 and 6x2 rigids and a 4x2 prime mover in most markets with a 6x4 prime mover specifically for the US market. It is also talking about fuel ranges of up to 1,000 kilometres Built using a converted conventional truck chassis, XCIENT Fuel Cell replaces the conventional drivetrain with a battery pack, hydrogen tanks, two 95kW fuel cell stacks, an electric motor and a regenerative braking system.

The fuel cells, which convert hydrogen to electricity, are borrowed from Hyundai’s

Nexo passenger vehicle and mounted in place of the conventional internal combustion engine.

The large 72kW/h battery pack sits low in the middle of the chassis with the 340kW electric motor positioned alongside, driving the rear wheels through a six-speed transmission.

The hydrogen tanks – combined capacity 32kg - are mounted horizontally behind the cabin. They give an approximate 400km driving range and fill time is between eight and 20 minutes. Power is 190kW but there is no mention of torque output.

Comparing hydrogen fuel cell power to battery-electric power, Hyundai says battery-electric trucks have reduced cargo capacity be-

Hyundai’s medium-term goal is to offer 4x2 and 6x2 rigids and a 4x2 prime mover in most markets with a 6x4 prime mover specifically for the US market.

cause of the battery’s size and weight, which consumes around 25 per cent of the carrying capacity to give the same performance levels as its hydrogen counterpart.

Hyundai is already making noises about a full mod-

el change that will include 4x2 and 6x2 rigids and a 4x2 prime mover using a dedicated platform rather than an existing platform and featuring an e-axle and two 200kW/h fuel cell systems (which are currently under development)

for an anticipated 44-tonne haul capacity and 1,000 kilometre operating range on a single hydrogen fill.

That range would cover most of the European and North American heavy-duty truck markets.

Hyundai’s road map shows North America and China next on the ‘hydrogen highway’ with the rest of the world set to follow.

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28 SPY ON THE ROAD

FRIDAY OCTOBER 30 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Indigenous road crew saves

All the hottest gossip from the roadhouses and truckies travelling the busy roads of Australia.

SPY ON THE ROAD WITH ALF WILSON

Kowanyama grading ANYBODY who travels into remote Kowanyama in Queensland can attest to the often-challenging conditions along mostly dirt roads.

However, since April this year things have improved at a remote part of the Gulf of Carpentaria since a Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council Indigenous road crew started work.

Gang members include Alex Barker, Malcolm Possum, Jerard Malachi, James Gilbert, Jeffery Brumby, Liam McConachy Michael Burke, David Kitchener, Winston Paul, Ro-

drick Daniels, Lenton Lawrence, Nick Curnow and Jason Koolatah.

They have delivered lots of emergent works, gravel re-sheeting and formation grades within the Shire boundaries.

Kowanyama is accessed by an all-weather airstrip, as well as unsealed roads in the dry season from Pormpuraaw to the north, Normanton to the south and Cairns to the east.

It is located 20km inland from the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Council Executive Manager Community Services Kevin Bell told Big Rigs this was the first time this has been achieved by a solely indigenous and local workforce in KASCs history.

A local Indigenous business has been utilised to supplement the shortfall in council equipment.

“In previous years road contracts have gone out to tender,

with outside contractors coming into community, delivering road works with very little local employment and limited training opportunities. KASC, committed to training local staff, now have a qualified road crew who have successfully delivered their work on time and within budget,” he said.

Lonely drivers THERE are numerous lonely South Australian drivers who haven’t been able to take their wife or partner on trips as a result of Covid-19.

One Adelaide-based veteran told Spy that many drivers used to enjoy having their woman in the passenger seat and the sleeper box at night.

“We can’t do that anymore and the only exception is if your partner has a heavy vehicle licence,” he said.

This fellow said he had heard of instances where trucks had been pulled up at

A finished section of the graded road near Kowanyama.

The United Roadhouse at Bagdad Tasmania.

the WA border and partners not allowed to continue on.

“They had to stay at a motel and find their way back home in SA whilst the driver continued on to WA,” he said.

Having a Covid-19 test every seven days in SA also adds pressure for truckies.

“I question why bus, tram and taxi drivers don’t have the same rules as us truckies,” he said.

Iraq and Tasmania connection WHAT does Tasmania and Iraq have in common is a question often asked by truckies from the Apple Isle.

I would like a dollar for every time a Tassie truckie has asked Spy that trick question over the past few decades.

It would total enough dollars to purchase quite a few slabs of cold amber fluid.

The answer is they both have a town called Bagdad.

Of course the Iraqi capital has an H in its name Baghdad and has a population of more than five million.

By comparison Tassie Bag-

dad which is situated along the Midlands of Heritage Highway has less than 1000 residents.

It is 37km north of Hobart and about 160km south of Launceston and has two roadhouses where lots of truckies stop.

Spy has been to Bagdad 16 times in the last 24 years and has purchased delicious strawberries from a farm there.

Back in 2003 during the invasion of Iraq by American forces the Tassie Bagdad Online Access Centre received thousands of sympathy messages from around the world.

People confused it with the other town.

There are two roadhouses at Bagdad which get well patronised.

The two biggest roadhouses on the Midlands Highway connecting Tasmania’s two biggest cities are at Epping Forest and Mood Food at Kempton.

Dunny rumours abound WHILST on the subject of Tasmanian roadhouses, Spy

has done some digging and is confident the State Government there may provide funding to upgrade toilets at some selected and busy establishments.

Old Spy hears that has been discussed at the highest level but the proviso would be that the toilets would have to be open 24 hours a day for truck drivers.

The only roadhouse which is in that category is the Mood Food at Kempton.

So maybe the funding will go towards building new outside toilets at roadhouses which have their current “watering stations” inside.

My info is that the Government wants to assist roadhouses to get more business rather than build toilets at rest areas or roadside.

Obviously, the thinking is that people who stop for a call of nature at a roadhouse will also mostly spend money on food and drinks etc.

The thinking is if businesses are helped with toileting arrangements, hopefully the driver may support that busi-

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SPY ON THE ROAD 29

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY OCTOBER 30 2020

the day for local council

ness as a trade-off.

Spy will be keeping you posted on developments.

Lights required urgently IT has come to the attention of Spy that a pull off parking area along the Gatton Bypass in southern Queensland is in urgent need of lighting.

Several truckies reckon the area is an accident waiting to happen and they just hope that a fatality isn’t the result.

“Lots of trucks pull over there and it is pitch dark most times and a real problem as many of us hook up trailers there,” one said.

They reckon lights could be placed there relatively cheaply which would increase safety of all users.

The highway along there has been a high accident area in recent times.

Romance odds TWO lads both aged over 40 who have mechanical businesses which service trucks reckon they have found a great way to find romance.

It doesn’t involve joining

one of the online dating websites frequented by many.

These gents joined a singles club in a big town after being told the odds of finding a permanent relationship were high.

Club members participate in outings and during the outing before they joined, of the 40 people who attended an amazing 37 were eligible ladies.

Now this pair of top blokes like JUICY ODDS and enjoy a punt of the horses and even are part owners of gallopers.

Now Spy certainly is no mathematical genius but didn’t have to be to come up with this equation.

Because when they joined that increased the number of males to five and a mate told them their odds have reduced considerably.

I’ll keep reader posted on what success they have in finding Mrs Right.

What a balls-up WE all know that truckies enjoy their tucker whether it be a steak from a roadhouse, a meal

Truck driver and ringer Darren Jonsson holds some uncooked Prairie Oysters.

A local indigenous business has been utilised to supplement the shortfall in council equipment.

they cook on a gas burner or a takeaway as they travel the country.

But Spy can only ponder as to how many of these connoisseurs of find food would have eaten Prairie Oysters.

A young WA driver had his first taste of such delicacies whilst delivering to an interstate property where he came across some station hands cooking over a fire.

This lad loves most foods and especially anything cooked on a barbecue.

But opportunities for such genuine Aussie delights are few and far between when he is on the road.

And being somebody who watches his oxford scholars (dollars) he enjoys a free meal.

So when offered what he thought was cooked pork he

jumped at the offer and thoroughly enjoyed the offering.

After swallowing the last morsel he washed it down with a glass of water and then asked one of the station hands what it was.

“Prairie Oysters,” was the swift reply. Not being one conversant with such bush tucker he asked for more information.

“It was cooked TESTICLES from calves which are known as Prairie Oysters,” he was told.

These are also referred to as Bush or Mountain Oysters depending on which area you are in.

The driver said he felt like vomiting just because of the thought of eating what he called “bulls balls”.

Some years ago Spy tasted such Prairie Oysters at the property of small fleet operator Shane Jonsson after his crew castrated 400 calves and heifers.

The ringers assured me it didn’t hurt the animals except for a slight bit of pain when a pocket knife was used to cut their ball bags.

The Prairie Oysters were placed in a bucket nearby and then Shane decided to cook some up on the top of the oxy torch which heated up the brander.

Another time I had some cooked Prairie Oysters at Braceborough Station in outback Queensland near Charters Towers.

They were fine to eat. I wonder how many truckies have eaten Prairie Oysters?.

A spray gone wrong SOME truckie mates were enjoying a barbecue during well-deserved time off and one complained about being bitten by mosquitoes.

None of the others were “being eaten alive” but they wanted to come to the rescue of their buddy.

Or did they? Readers can make up their own minds.

One of the boys grabbed a can of what he described as insect repellent and told the whinging chap to spray it on.

Which he did. However the biting persisted, and he wondered why the others were smiling.

After a period he checked what brand of repellent it was and much to his chagrin discovered it was indeed WD-40.

These fellows love to play practical jokes on each other but on this occasion swore black and blue it was an honest mistake.

Anyway this little incident which Spy did have a chuckle about is a timely reminder that our truckie mates who travel around should always carry a can of repellent.

Perhaps stored far away from the WD-40.

Yoyo trip down memory lane A NORTHERN Territory driver has been entertaining fellow users of rest areas by using a yoyo during breaks.

Several lads have told Spy about the truckie who seems to be an expert in the use of his trusty yoyo including doing many tricks with it.

He doesn’t say much to others but they identified he is from NT because of the number plates on his heavy vehicle.

One witness told Spy this took him for a welcome trip down memory lane to his school days during a period when the yoyo was used by many.

Sellers would organize to pull up at a park or some other public place and have an expert doing numerous tricks which would result in most youngsters wanting one.

He reckons they were so popular at one stage and compared them to youths always being on their mobile phones now.

30 FEATURE

FRIDAY OCTOBER 30 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

MAN helps operator grow

FROM driving a small tip truck for a garden supply business nearly 20 years ago, Damien Van Twest can now be found behind the wheel of a showstopping 640hp MAN TGX 6x4 prime mover, transporting race cars across Australia.

Van Twest owns DDS Transport Solutions, together with his business partners Steve and Desiree McFadden.

Based in the Brisbane suburb of Rocklea, the company was started in 2006 and operates across two very different divisions – refrigerated and race car transport.

The trio started the business with one refrigerated truck, transporting fresh produce in and out of the Brisbane Markets. Steve and van Twest’s brother were into racing and had built up a fleet of V8 Utes, and they needed a way to transport them around the country. With that, DDS diversified its operations to include race car transport. Now DDS runs a fleet of six prime movers, with five refrigerated trailers and three custom race car trailers (including the latest B-double) in the mix.

Van Twest said the new MAN was purchased to help grow the race car side of the business. He wanted something that would turn heads, and with an existing fleet of MAN prime movers, he chose the brand’s top of the line model, with a limited edition XXL PerformanceLine cab. At 640hp, it also features MAN’s most powerful engine. It is paired with a custom set of B-double trailers built by Graham Lusty Trailers to specifically cater to the task at hand. There’s room for up to six race cars up front in the A trailer, and another six in the back.

“We wanted racing fans to notice our brand with this truck. This was an opportunity for us to establish ourselves further in the racing community on a national level,” said Van Twest, who purchased the truck from Penske Australia’s Brisbane dealership late last year.

“As soon as Penske Brisbane introduced the new truck to the market back in 2019, we knew it would

Damien Van Twest was after something that would turn heads, which he found in the form of a 640hp MAN TGX with a limited edition XXL PerformanceLine cab.

be perfect for us. It was just what we needed to boost our brand.”

But just a few months later, the world was hit with a global

pandemic. Restrictions put in place to help stop the spread of COVID-19 meant the race car side of the business took a hit, with many races across

the country cancelled.

After attending its last race in March, Van Twest said his new MAN was sitting around for nearly six months (apart

from attending a handful of race test days), waiting for things to open back up. And slowly, it seems, this is beginning to happen. Van Twest

and the MAN XXL were recently at their first event in months, for a race held in Townsville in late August.

But despite the pandemic, business at DDS has continued to flourish thanks to the refrigerated division. “Produce is definitely the backbone of the business. You couldn’t live on motorsport transport on its own, as it’s not self-sufficient enough. It’s great when we do it, but that’s just the cream on top of what we do,” said Van Twest.

“The MAN XXL is our flagship race car model and I enjoy being able to steer that around the country. We’ve always wanted to be the biggest and the best, which is why we went for the 640hp – we’re putting MAN’s biggest and best truck on display around the country at all of our racing events. And we really wanted that truck. It does turn some heads.”

With things slowly starting to reopen, the months ahead are looking a little busier for DDS’ newest addition.

When we spoke with Van Twest, he was preparing for a race at Tailem Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia, and possibly Bathurst in NSW during October, if COVID-19 restrictions begin to ease.

The MAN XXL is used to transport race cars Australia-wide.

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TRUCKIN IN THE TROPICS 31

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY OCTOBER 30 2020

Bryce Kuhl WHEN his parents sold the family cattle station at outback Richmond in Queensland in 2018, Bryce Kuhl had a brain wave and purchased a truck.

That was a 1995 model Western Star 6964 Heritage with a Cummins KTA19L 600hp motor and an 18-speed gearbox and the name of his company is Kuhl & Co Earthmoving and Haulage.

Now an enthusiastic owner-operator and a partner in the business with his wife Bec, Bryce travels wherever he can to deliver or pick up a load.

“I had been a ringer all my life and always had a passion for stock trucks and now I love being a truck driver. The longest trip I have done was

from Richmond to Kingaroy and back, hauling a 25-tonne excavator,” he said.

Richmond is 500km from coastal Townsville along the Flinders Highway a stretch of which Bryce rates as one of the worst to travel on other than some good old dirt roads.

“The 100km between Richmond and Hughenden is rough being up and down in places,” he said.

As for rest areas suitable for truckies, Bryce said it depends on where you are.

“In some places there is enough and not enough along other highways. I do like stopping at the Torrens Creek Hotel for a cold soft drink or water when on the Flinders Highway. If I ever

get there in time,” he said.

Bryce doesn’t stop at many roadhouses for food instead preferring to take along a few cryovac steaks snags and onions meals in his truck fridge.

“I can just stop and cook them on the gas burner and don’t have to worry about time frames” he said.

Community-minded Bryce and his wife Bec sponsor an annual event at the end of August, known as the Richmond Bush Sprints.

Bryce was also part of the recent Townsville Convoy For A Cure with his 13-yearold daughter Grace (pictured) and travelled the longest distance to get there.

“It was great to be part of the convoy which was for such a good cause,” he said.

Chass Bayliss

VETERAN Chass Bayliss is angry that vandals and thieves have targeted his truck twice in a short period of time.

I saw the 66-year-old Chass working hard to repair damage to one of the spot-

lights on the front of his 2012 Kenworth which was parked at Townsville on October 7.

Chass is one of the most courteous and friendly truckies I have come across but he wasn’t in a good mood when

Leigh Butterworth NOW aged 63, Victorian driver Leigh Butterworth had transported trailers from the Dandenong region of Victoria to Cairns in far north Queensland when Big Rigs saw him late last month.

Leigh drives a Kenworth K200 powered by a 500hp motor for Victorian Crane Hire.

“I have loaded a Kenworth 404 picked up here in Townsville as a backload to take down to Melbourne,” Leigh said.

Leigh used to be a dairy farmer and started his career as a truck driver 13 years ago, and was having a break in the parking area at the BP Cluden.

“This is a good place to stop and I rate it amongst the top 10 in Australia. There is plenty of parking, good food and clean facilities,” he said.

This happy truckie also carries a gas cooker and a small fridge when away and enjoys delicious meals.

“My wife prepares roast meals and they are good,” he

said.

Outside work Leigh enjoys getting into a 4WD in the Victoria high country and also barracks for Collingwood in the AFL. Because of Covid-19, Leigh had four different permits to enter various states.

“I have also had four Covid tests and they aren’t pleasant,” he said.

Leigh rates the Warwick to Goondiwindi highway as the worst he gets along and reckons some regions could do with more rest areas.

“Especially around Cairns where I had difficulty finding a suitable one. Between Newcastle in NSW and Brisbane there are lots of good rest areas,” he said.

When I yarned to Leigh about mid day it was a burning 30 degrees in stark comparison from reports he had received from back home in Victoria.

“It was five degrees and snowing in some parts,” he said.

speaking about the culprits.

“This happened last night and I was only away from the truck for about 30 minutes and this occurred. These bull lights cost about $500 to replace and I am not too happy.

At the moment I am trying to put it back in place,” Chass said as his tools were on the ground in front of his Kenworth.

Chass said recently he had a spare tyre, jumper leads and other items stolen from his tool box which parked at a pull off area in southern Queensland.

“It was dark and they pinched those things and it happened in a short time,” he said.

These negative incidences aside, Chass loves the road transport industry and works for Beenleigh based FFTM Transport.

“Every week I do the run up from Brisbane with a triple on the back roads through Charleville, Longreach, Julia Creek, Richmond and Hughenden and this time have brought up produce and groceries. I have a backload of produce from Clare in the Burdekin for southern markets,” he said.

A driver for almost 50

years including a stint in the Northern Territory out of Katherine, Chass said he mainly eats food which he brings with him.

“I have a microwave in the truck but every Sunday I enjoy a meal at a small place in Julia Creek called Godiers Café where I also deliver to,” he said.

During his career Chass has driven in every Australian State and Territory including across the high seas to Tasmania.

“I went over on a ship and delivered a load of bananas from Innisfail in north Queensland,” he said.

The worst road Chass travels on is between Charters Towers and Emerald but in racing parlance it won in a photo finish from several other candidates.

“The one between Hughenden and Richmond is very bad and also the Augathella to Tambo road,” he said.

Outside work, Chass enjoys breeding Droughtmaster cattle on his farm at Laidley

and he barracks for the Melbourne Storm in the NRL. Chass said whilst there was enough rest areas for drivers out west he feels more were needed along the coast.

I noticed Chass has a small white beard which with normal growth in three months time would make him an ideal Santa Claus.

“I have been there and done that – been a Santa – a few times before,” he said.

With a long innings in the road transport industry on his score sheet, it was surprising to hear that Chass had never made the pages of Big Rigs before.

“I have been waiting to meet one of you Big Rigs blokes in my travels and now I have,” he said.

FOOTNOTE: Theft from trucks has become more regular recently and this has been highlighted in Big Rigs.

If you see anybody acting suspiciously around a truck or stealing from one phone Policelink on 131 444.

32 TASSIE TRUCKIN

FRIDAY OCTOBER 30 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Steven Linturn

Passing through Kempton the other day, we were fortunate to catch up with Steven Linturn from Perth when he rolled in to “Mood Food” the 24-hour Caltex Truckstop there for a refreshment break.

He was driving a 2018 model eye-catching “Transmo” UD, PD 24280 rigid 14 pallet Curtainsider and he was on his return leg from Hobart to Legana with general freight.

“They have been keeping us surprisingly busy”, he told us, “which is good as I like being busy!! I thought Covid-19 would knock the freight back, but it has pretty well just kept

on going, if anything we seem to be even busier and with Christmas coming up that is all good! I have been here for about a year now, and would have to say they are a great outfit to work for, great gear, like look at this truck, and we work pretty well state-wide, from Smithton to Launceston to Hobart and pretty well everywhere in between so there is always a lot of variety which keeps life interesting, and me happy! I started out as an owner driver, about 20 years ago, mainly with tippers. It has been an interesting transformation to working for a

Brad Lang

boss, but a good one, nice to have regular work and not the same anxieties as chasing work and money to survive.”

We asked Steven how he spends his time off, and he said that, apart from maintenance (“I do enjoy a clean truck!”) he has a small business with mini jeeps that he takes to Carnivals. “No, the Covid has really knocked the carnival industry in a big way, but I have just got a couple of bookings coming up for an event at Scottsdale! All up you could say I love my job, the truck and am happy with life all round.”

Sam Lyne

It was great to catch up with one of our early local friends in the Industry, almost 16 amazing years ago when we decided to become Tasmanians (and we have never looked back!), when Sam Lyne from Colebrook rolled in to the Caltex at Epping Forest for a quick break and a cuppa the other day. He was driving a Toll’s 2014 600 Hp FH16 Volvo, and towing a B-double on his way from Toll Shipping at Burnie back to Hobart and then finish up for the day. He

“What a pity, you caught me when I’m not in my usual truck, a T950, but it’s in getting a bit of work done on it just now.” Brad Lang from Huonville told us the other day, when we were fortunate to catch up with him at the Caltex at Epping Forest. He had rolled in for a refreshment break and a cuppa driving an MC and ST Jackman’s 2004 Freightliner Century Class with a C-15 Cat up front and towing a drop deck trailer, and he was

on his way back to Huonville from Ulverstone, having taken a load of panels north, and was looking forward to getting home as the day was turning cool. He added, “I’ve been here for two years now, and they are a top local outfit with a good boss, and they a+re keeping me busy, and looking after us. And it is so good that there aren’t quite as many road works now on the Midland Highway as there were a while back, when it seemed to be “stop start” just

about all the way from Hobart to Launceston. I’ve been on the road now for about 30 years, and I’ve never regretted choosing the job, in fact I’ve enjoyed it right from the start, plenty of job satisfaction, there’s lots of variety and you meet some interesting people along the way too.”

We asked him about how he spent his time off, and he told us he enjoys getting out there and doing a bit of fishing and camping and generally taking it easy.

Don Willson

tells us that after three years with Toll he is happy with both the job and the fact that they run good clean gear, and he observed that happily they look after their crew and keep them busy. Then he added, “But I am missing driving my usual T409SAR which is in for service today, a beautiful truck, it was formerly a fuel tanker in Melbourne. I’ve been on the road now for altogether 17 years or so, and have never regretted changing careers. I completed my apprenticeship

as a welder/fabricator at Incat, but the chance to take up driving presented itself, with the opportunity to get out on the open road and out of the big sheds, and it has proved to be the right move for me, and one I have never regretted.”

We asked Sam how he spent his time off, and he told us: “Well I have a couple of acres, with all that involves, and I am about to start rebuilding a WB Holden Ute for my son, and I reckon that that will keep me busy for a while.”

“I’m on my return leg to Hobart with a load of lime from Mole Creek,” Don Willson, from Hobart, told us the other day when we caught up with him at the Caltex Servo at Epping Forest where he had dropped in for a cuppa and a refreshment stop.

He was driving a DeBruyn’s 2012 Mack Trident and tow-

ing a tanker at the time, and added: “Then I am looking forward to unloading and knocking off for the day. I’ve been here with DeBruyn’s for a bit over 10 years now, and I reckon they are a great outfit to work for and they really look after us. In fact you could say I’m loving it at the moment. I’ve been on the

road all up for about 14 years, I used to cart plaster board before that, and I’ve always loved trucks, and was made up when I got my first job driving, and I’ve never really had any regrets since.” We asked how he filled his time off, and he said he enjoyed just pottering around home and taking it easy.

SOUTHERN SNIPPETS 33

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY OCTOBER 30 2020

Saluting Lucky Phil Garret SNIPPETS FROM THE SOUTH With JONATHAN WALLIS

We were sad to hear from our man down in the Colac area, Tommy MacSporan, that another well-known and popular Victorian trucking legend Ian ‘Superduck’ McDonald from Warrnambool, has been having a bit of a rough time of late, and we would like to join his many friends on the road in wishing him a speedy recovery and better days ahead.

Tommy asked if we could also give Phil Garrett a plug, as he has had an amazing career and deserves some long overdue recognition.

He added: “Lucky Phil Garrett, is a name synonymous with the Colac Convoy for Kids and the co-founder of the highly successful Colac Truck show.

Phil’s father Kenny was the founder of the Colac truck show which he started in 1992 prior to passing the reins over to Phil.

Kenny, an avid country and western singer, travels the country singing at many

high-profile singing functions to this day.

Phil began the Convoy for kids out of Colac, this year on February 16 with all proceeds going to Camp Quality and seeing 30 trucks leave Colac to join the convoy.

He organised an auction and trivia night to raise funds to be the lead truck in

the convoy where he raised $7495 and became the leader of the Convoy.

Lucky Phil’s transport dreams started when he was nine years old, he used to work for a local transport company Stewie Neal’s transport washing trucks and occasionally Stewie would take Phil for a trip to Melbourne with him.

Phil continued this until he was 18 and he gained his licence, back then you were not allowed drive in a 100km radius which Phil did for Stewie NEAL doing deliveries for him.

Phil did this right up until he was 22 and got itchy feet and wanted to go up the highway doing interstate so

he approached another local company Merv Brunt’s Transport and Merv gave him a go and he ran Melb-Adel-Syd Carting wood chips and general freight.

Phil did this for many years and then went and worked for Scott’s transport in Mt Gambier driving a Transtar, driving pretty well Australia wide.

Lucky Phil says Shiell Transport is a great company to work for and they keep their gear in immaculate condition.

After several years at Scott’s Phil wanted to be home more so he left and went back to Stewie Neal’s transport and stayed there for many years and then took the plunge and went out and bought a Kenworth 604, which was a credit to him as it was always impeccably detailed.

Phil subbied for Toll-SPD for two years until a person approached Phil to see if he wanted to sell his truck and made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. Phil then sold it to the bloke and again went back to Stewie Neal’s transport in Colac to drive interstate right up util Stewie sold the business.

Phil then went to Wettenhalls Transport where he worked for seven years doing interstate up until eight weeks ago. Phil now works for Shiell transport another local transport company running MelbAdel-Mt Gambier carting timber.

Even though Phil bleeds Kenworth blood, he’s driving a Western Star for Shiell Transport which he loves and says Shiell’s are a great family company who keep their equipment in immaculate condition and it’s like driving a new truck even though it’s not a Kenworth.

Good on you Phil and thanks for keeping the dream alive.

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34 COLUMNS

FRIDAY OCTOBER 30 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Lots to look forward to after a challenging year

COST CUTTER CHET CLINE AIR CTI founder/owner

WOMEN IN TRANSPORT JACQUELENE BROTHERTON Chair of Transport Women Australia

FOR possibly the first time in the last three years I have really struggled to put the column together this time.

This may be because I have had to work from home for the last several weeks and the only human interaction I have THE OZ TRUCKER had is WILLIAMS via Teams, Zoom, Skype MIKE and the telephone except for contributors@bigrigs.com.au the occasional drop off of coffee and office supplies.

Although I am quite happy to spend my time alone it doesn’t keep you up with what is happening in the world of transport and I didn’t want to dwell on the topics I have been speaking about in previous columns like image and mental health as I don’t bore you too much.

LOBBYIST STEVE SHEARER

AT THE WHEEL DAVID MEREDITH

TRUCKIN’ ON THE BORDER DAVID VILE

We are just staring down the barrel of the end of the year and all of us will be so glad to see the back end of 2020, Transport Women Australia Limited has been fully EDITOR

engaged in preparing for the 2021 “Driving the Difference” conference to be held in Melbourne from May 28-30.

Many of our loyal sponsors have signed up already but we TASSIE TRUCKIN’

james.graham@bigrigs.com.au

contributors@bigrigs.com.au

contributors@bigrigs.com.au

JAMES GRAHAM

TWU NEWS RICHARD OLSEN TWU NSW State Secretary

contributors@bigrigs.com.au

are still looking for more. We are also looking for speakers and welcome any submissions to chair@transportwomen. com.au The Driving the Different

JON WALLIS

LEGAL EAGLE ROWAN KING

Principal Lawyer RK Law

TWAL member Annastasia Denigan is shortlisted, along with Kimberlie Smart, for the Young Achiever prize at the Australian Freight Industry Awards on November 29.

scholarships are due on October 31 so anyone planning to apply needs to get these in ASAP as no late entries will be accepted. The winners will be announced on November 16 and will be presented at event to be announced.

The Creating Connections Mentoring program is well subscribed and is proving highly successful; I have had many mentors throughout my career and I thoroughly recommend this program. It is beneficial to both mentor and mentee and can assist both in seeing strengths and weaknesses. They can then work together for mutual success.

We will be presenting the second Trish Pickering Memorial Award to an outstanding woman later this year, this award is made possible with the sponsorship of Wes Pickering and was awarded for the first time last year to Pam McMillan and is for outstanding contribution to the trucking industry over a long period of time by a woman. It is based

on four pillars being leadership, strength, independence and acting as a role model for other women. Both Pam and our chosen recipient fulfil these criteria.

We are also looking forward to the announcement of the Australian Freight Industry Awards as we have two TWAL members shortlisted in the Young Achiever Award, our nominee Annastasia Denigan and member, Kimberlie Smart.

We wish them both well.

We also have a nominee in the Female Leadership Award, so we are hoping for success in this category also.

Finally, with the easing of restrictions in Victoria we may again start to feel like we are part of the same country.

Not sure how long it will take to happen and the path to economic recovery will be slow and extremely long but at least we have made a slight start. Let us hope that we can make plans to celebrate Christmas together.

Will someone please start to give a sh*t about the state of truckies’ rest areas

SA Road Transport Association Executive Director

AT THE WHEEL DAVID MEREDITH

TRUCKIN’ ON THE BORDER DAVID VILE

EDITOR JAMES GRAHAM

TASSIE TRUCKIN’ JON WALLIS

contributors@bigrigs.com.au

james.graham@bigrigs.com.au

TWU NEWS RICHARD OLSEN TWU NSW State Secretary

THE sh*t shovel hangs on a tree at a well-used rest area in Mount Boyce NSW. It highlights the problems of rest areas that line haul truck drivers face.

Facilities at rest areas across the country are inadequate. In NSW we know of one driver who carries a milk crate with a toilet seat cable tied to the top, designed so he can at least sit down on the job somewhere.

Our members that tell us it can be nearly impossible to manage your fatigue safely when there are insufficient sites and a lack of shade and toilets. There is often no shade for daylight rest and there is no recognition of the lack of truck rest areas.

The NSW TWU Safety and Research Inspector is on

contributors@bigrigs.com.au

contributors@bigrigs.com.au

the road. He’s a former line haul driver telling us: “There are some places you just would not want to pull up, in one rest area I had to stop another driver going in to use LEGAL EAGLE aROWAN toilet, telling KING him ‘Don’t go Principal Lawyer RK Law is sh*t all over in there – there the handle and syringes all over the floor.”

Governments; the people who have the duty of care are ignoring all of us.

Vast amounts of taxpayer cash is funnelled into road projects including the new NorthConnex tunnel, designed to boost productivity.

Yet the NorthConnex significantly reduces the places a driver can stop and will rort from them over $23 in tolls after forcing them to use the road.

The ask is not hard. Drivers need adequate, separated parking space, free of caravan users; clean and well stocked toilets and shower facilities and where possible the chance to get food. We all know that a driver is looking for those amenities that make their journey more comfortable, and in the long run, safer.

We have been gathering the evidence. Right now, we want governments and local councils to do better.

A strategy must be in place that builds adequately provisioned and properly maintained rest areas across our road network.

Rest areas are a significant part of ensuring a safer day at work for drivers. Whilst the industry continues to face uncertainty due to Covid-19, we know that it is vital we protect the rights for a safer workplace and the right for good industry rates and conditions. We want to ensure that those who use the industry for the movement of their goods are adequately contributing to the safety and security of a transport worker’s job.

When it comes to rest areas, the safety of Transport Workers and all road users is a shared responsibility and right now governments are failing in their duty of care.

If you would like to take part in the fight for a safer and fairer transport industry go to this web page: www.twu.com.au/join/

Facilites at many rest areas around Australia are inadequate.

COLUMN 35

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY OCTOBER 30 2020

Changes needed to draft rules for advanced braking Chief Engineer Australian Trucking Association Bob Woodward

AUTONOMOUS emergency braking, or AEBS, is a technology that provides truck drivers with a warning and then applies emergency braking if it detects an impending collision with a car, bus, truck or trailer in the same lane.

AEBS is available on many new truck models but is not mandatory.

The Australian Government released figures last year suggesting mandating AEBS for new trucks, together with the extension of mandatory stability control to new rigid trucks, would save 102 lives, prevent 2564 serious injuries and prevent 7017 minor injuries.

Those figures confirm the importance of the ATA’s long campaign for the technology.

There is no substitute for an experienced and competent driv-

er behind the wheel, but this sort of technology can mean the difference between life and death, or life and serious injury.

But there’s a problem. The details of the requirements must be right. Unfortunately, the ATA and its members have concerns with the exposure drafts of the design rules that the government published.

To develop our response to the exposure drafts, the ATA obtained independent engineering advice from Smedley’s Engineers and held member video conferences on September 21 and September 25, 2020.

These video conferences were a unique and valuable opportunity to gain important feedback and I was delighted that so many ATA members were able to participate in the meetings. I was especially pleased that we got so much input from drivers with vast on-the-road experience.

Our members concluded that the draft design rules applying to rigid trucks did not need to be changed.

They concluded, however, that the draft rules for new prime movers needed to be

amended to add specific requirements about how the braking systems handle older trailers that are not fitted with ABS. AEB systems from different manufacturers handle applying trailer service brakes through the air lines differently.

Some products apply full braking. Others signal pulse the air lines. Still others only activate the engine brakes.

Our members warned us that these different approaches were creating confusion on the road.

It’s a problem that requires an Australian-specific solution.

We base our design rules on Europe, but their trailer fleet is more modern than ours. Also, they don’t operate multi-combination vehicles.

We need a performance standard in our rules, so that all the AEB systems used in Australia do the same thing when a prime mover is towing older trailers.

The ATA would seek to work with manufacturers, our members and drivers to provide a standard for government consideration. Our collaboration with industry is key to

achieving our shared goals and improved safety outcomes for all.

We also told the government that it needs to communicate much better with industry about how AEBS works.

It’s one of the least understood heavy vehicle safety technologies. Thirty-eight per

cent of the respondents to the NHVR’s 2020 heavy vehicle industry safety survey said they did not understand it.

I find out something new every time I look at it.

The Wodonga Institute of TAFE – an ATA member through its DECA Training division – is already working

with the Truck Industry Council to develop information material about advanced braking, with funding support from the NHVR. They will do a great job, but the government needs to expand its efforts to provide more information to both industry and enforcement agencies.

We need a performance standard in our rules, so that all the AEB systems used in Australia do the same thing when a prime mover is towing older trailers.

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5

ACROSS 1 If you are a collector of Clarice Cliff, what do you collect?

(7) 4 What Latin American dance is performed by several people in single file? (5) 7 What are lengthwise threads on a loom? (4) 8 What is the capital of Liberia? (8) 10 In 1982, who made the first televised 147 break in snooker?

(5,5) Across Which inventor (Thomas ____) took out more than a 4 12 Which term describes a mother thousand patents in his lifetime?

(6) or a father (6) What is the last wordaofmarriage “Rule Britannia”?

(6) 7 13 Who has terminated (8) The Misfits in 1961 was the last film starring Marilyn 8 15 What are heavy steel blocks on which metals are Monroe and which other actor? (5,5) hammered (6) and South America, a tamandua is 18 Native to Central of animal?

(8) 9 what Whattype is the art of prose (8) 19 What cloth is spread over a coffin? (4) 11 20 ToWhat be trembling, is toword be doing whatlong (7)time”? (5) is an informal for “a very Whatadisease also knownpear-shaped as lockjaw? (7)fruit (7) 13 21 Name tropicalis American

6

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE 7

8

9

10

2

3

4

5

6 11

12

13

8 14 15

16

10

17

11

18

20

12

19

21

14 SUDOKU

15

16

Fill the grid so every column, every row and 3x3 17 contains 18 box the digits 1 to199.

20

QUICK 1

2

15 Which animal has eight suckerbearing arms (7) 17 Which contrivance is used to support a horse rider’s 22 Name a painting medium (4) foot (7) 20 Name an alternative term fro theology (8) 23 What do pilots earn their money doing (6) DOUBLECROSS 24 To weaken, is to do what (8) CROSSWORD 25 What is4 a superabundance 3 5 6(6) 7 Find a finished crossword by deleting one of

the two letters in each divided square.

8

21

9

Down

22

1 To yearn or long, 10 is to do what (4) 2 Which term implies a relationship to literature in verse form (6) 12 3 What is a mark left by a healed wound (4) 4 Name a drupaceous piece of fruit (5) 13 516 To take back, is to do what 17 (6) 6 Name a noted Australian painter, Sir Sidney ... (5)

23 11

24 25

14

15

18 20 21

1

23

8

2

3

5

Down 1. Jail (8) 2. Initially (5) 4. Paddle (3) 5. Abstinence (5,7) 6. Dare (7) 7. Informant (colloq) (4) 8. Feeling, atmosphere (12) 12. Happen (5) 13. Leans (8) 15. Free time (7) 19. Punctuation mark (5) 20. Competent (4) 22. Low (3)

Across 1. Uncertain (colloq) (4) 3. Absolved (8) 9. Associate (7) 10. From inside (5) 11. Over time (2,3,4,3) 14. Night bird (3) 16. Succulent plants (5) 17. Immeasurable period of time (3) 18. Arranged by rank (12) 21. Violent person (5) 22. Tearfully sentimental (7) 23. Poll (8) 24. Colony insects (4)

9

13

HARD

4 24

12

14

15

SOLUTIONS

5x5

S 25 T

24

TODAY: Good 13 Very Good 18 Excellent 24 L A M E N T S

I N R N V A T L I S D G H E M

L O O S E F U S E

E R A O N N T C E D E W N I S T E

HARD

QUICK CROSSWORD Across: 1. Iffy 3. Forgiven 9. Partner 10. Inner 11. In the long run 14. Owl 16.

Cacti 17. Eon 18. Hierarchical 21. Brute 22. Maudlin 23. Election 24. Ants.

Down: 1. Imprison 2. First 4. Oar 5. Going without 6. Venture 7. Nark 8.

Undercurrent 12. Occur 13. Inclines 15. Leisure 19. Colon 20. Able 22. Moo.

U T

M I

23

7

DIM RAY 16 GRANNIE ROASTING TRANSPOSE

5x5 21 A

DOUBLECROSS

S H A H C A V E O M E N R U R A S C B T U R N E T A S N D U P E

GK CROSSWORD Across; 1 Pottery, 4 Conga, 7 Warp, 8 Monrovia, 10 Steve Davis, 12 Edison, 13 Slaves, 15 Clark Gable, 18 Anteater, 19 Pall, 20 Yonks, 21 Tetanus.

Down: 1 Pawns, 2 Turmeric, 3 Yeoman, 4 Cardiology, 5 Nova, 6 Amadeus, 9 New Orleans, 11 Eva Braun, 12 Estuary, 14 Argent, 16 Ellis, 17 Eton.

R

19

Across 1 Former Iranian leader 5 Imply 8 Large cave 9 Augury 10 Offspring 12 Hidden 10 11 13 Scoundrel 15 Drawn into error ALPHAGRAMS 18 Revolved Solve the anagrams. Each solution is a one-word 20 Greek letter anagram of the letters beside it, and the five solutions 21 five-letter Garment solution are sequential. For example, if the starts with J, the six-letter solution with and so 23starts Essay on K, a theme on.

24 Deceives 25 Allot EASEL

6

I

R

G A S

22

G E

17

R E S

Down 1 Polish by hard rubbing 2 Poor actor (coll) 3 Affirms with confidence 4 the Female bird to Insert missing letters make5ten — legal five reading words Without force across the grid and five reading 6

Electrical item down.

7 Utter wildly Note: more than one solution Single occasion may 11 be possible.

12 Mourns 14 Be adjacent to 16 Unbound 17 Thick All puzzles © The Puzzle 18 Look after Company 19 Utter gratingly 21 Precious stone 22 Humour

SOLUTION QUICK CROSSWORD amir amrita aria arum atria atrium attar aura auric carat cart Across: 1 Shah, Infer, 8 Cavern, 9 Omen, 10 Son, 12 Latent, 13 Rascal, cram curt marc maria mart raita rata rimu tarmac tart5 tiara Misled, 18 Turned, 20 Eta, 21 Gown, 23 Thesis, 24 Dupes, 25 Mete. tract trait tram trauma TRAUMATIC15 trim Down: 1 Scour, 2 Ham, 3 Avers, 4 Hen, 5 Invalid, 6 Fuse, 7 Rant, 11 Once, 12 Laments, 14 Abut, 16 Loose, 17 Dense, 18 Tend, 19 Rasp, 21 Gem, 22 Wit.

ALPHAGRAMS: LEASE, MYRIAD, NEARING, ORGANIST, PATRONESS.

C A

A T

R E E D S

How many words of four letters or more can you make? Each letter must be used only once and all words must contain the centre letter. There is at least one nine-letter word.

No words starting with a capital are allowed, no plurals ending in s unless the word is also a verb.

20

E G R E T

WORD GO ROUND

18

SUDOKU G E A R S

EASY

22

N I T R E

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

19

A S S E T

SUDOKU

EASY

6/6 DOWN 1 Which chess pieces are most numerous? (5) 2 What bright yellow powder is used for flavouring in Asian cookery? (7) 3 In early England, what was a small landholder between gentry and labourers? (6) 4 What branch of medicine is concerned with diseases and abnormalities of the heart? (10) 59 A star that suddenly brightens one then does gradually fades When one responds, what (6) is called what? (4) 10

What is any of two or more forms of a particular 6 Which film, 1984’s Best Picture Oscar winner, was chemical (7) filmed in Prague? element (7) 9 12 Where was Louis Armstrong born?

Who played the role of Mrs(3,7) Miniver, Greer ... (6) 11 Which woman was married on 29 April 1945, and died 14following To beday? bearlike, the (3,5) is to be what (6) 1216 What is theare widening channel offestivities a river where What wild, drunken (6) saltwater mixes with freshwater? (7) Name an international 1418 In heraldry, what is the colourtwo-way silver? (6)communications 16 Millions of records system (5) from which US immigration entry island are accessible on the internet? (5) When onecollege prompts, one does 1719 Which English was founded by what Henry(5) VI in 1440?

21 (4) What is another term for an elevator (4)

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Across: 4 Parent, 7 Divorcee, 8 Anvils, 9 Rhetoric, 11 Shaking, 13 Avocado, 15 Octopus, 17 Stirrup, 20 Religion, 23 Flying, 24 Enfeeble, 25 Excess.

4

A R E N T E O N V I L S O A A K I N G E A R T O P U S R O I G I O N I I E E B L E S S

3

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

2

S D I G R H E A V C T S T E F L E E X

1

Down: 1 Sigh, 2 Poetic, 3 Scar, 4 Peach, 5 Revoke, 6 Nolan, 9 Reacts, 10 Isotope, 12 Garson, 14 Ursine, 16 Orgies, 18 Telex, 19 Urges, 21 Lift, 22 Oils.

G E N E R A1 L 7 K N O 9W L E D 13 G E

FRIDAY JUNE 12 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY OCTOBER 30 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

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BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY JUNE 26 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY OCTOBER 30 2020

Sad day for all in transport Consumers will pay for industrial action at the wharves

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 yearCOMMENT and half has allowed me VTA to fulfilANDERSON yet another childhood PETER dream, to write, and it has CEO, Victorian Transport Association given me great pleasure and I hope it has at least been enjoyed by some. spate of indusTHE sudden While are focused trial actionsoatmany wharves around on the negatives of themonths indusAustralia in recent try, I have tried to focus on the should be of immense concern

to every Australian.

At the height of a pandemic, the MUA elected to engage in protracted work stoppages at DP World Australia and Patrick stevedore terminals in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Fremantle as part of its case for wage increases of up to 6% for wharf workers across those sites.

The timing of these actions – which inevitably led to delays loading and unloading ships that created subsequent THIS isand the end of an era, the delays shortages in the last TWU column the trustsupply chain – is inparticulared suspect transportinindustry publily consideration cation Rigs. of the Big economic devastation Over the years the TWU COVID-19 has unleashed and Bigthe Rigs have played their across country. parts in the role of keeping Unemployment is slowly the retop end as of the town accountable covering economy starts andreopen, doing however our bit to out to thelook current for the rights of the little guy. seasonally adjusted unemployIt’s rate still about the voice that ment of 6.8% is almost speaks out for the truck driver, certainly being propped up by

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 withInour partners WoJobKeeper.

Victoria – which donga TAFE and Volvo Group provides more than a quarter at the the nation’s 2018 TWAL of GDP –Creating unemConnections conference. ployment is significantly highThis initiative been in er because of workhas restrictions hiatus during the COVID-19 brought about by the second pandemic but all partners are wave of coronavirus we have excited to move forward to exbeen battling. pand as soon as Wethe areprogram talking about hunpossible. dreds of thousands of AustraWeout held well and attended lians of awork, with and exciting conference in little short-term employment May 2018 andworrying we have plans in prospects, about place with the date saved and devastation and financial ruin. venuemeanwhile, booked for our Driving And a union is the Difference 2021 conference pursuing a wage increase al-

most five times greater than CPI for well-paid workers fortunate enough to enjoy relatively secure employment be-

The cost of shipping line-imposed penalties and the carting of thousands of containers by road or rail to Sydney from other ports will inevitably be passed on throughout the supply chain.

Supply chains around Ultimately it is freight cus- terest that appears to be behind Australia and the world tomers and ordinary consum- the industrial action at ports have been upended since the ers who will wear the conse- around Australia and resolve COVID-19 pandemic began quences of industrial action disputes at the wharves that are impacting ordering patterns in the form of higher prices impacting supply chains. earlier in the year, creating as seen with the Port Botany After a horror year where supply chain bubbles, surges industrial action induced con- people have lost lives and livein supply and false readings gestion. The cost of shipping lihoods, does the port supply CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS: Jacquelene Brotherton (far right) enjoys a night of celebration at a Transport Women Limited event cause they work in an industry of market demand. line-imposed penalties and the chain really need to subject with (from left) Rachel Hesse, Paul Fleiszig and Coralie Chapman.

Contributed seen as ‘essential’.

With the economy outside carting of thousands of con- Australians toPicture: higher prices Whilst the 6% has since Victoria gradually reopening tainers by road or rail to Sydney they can’t or won’t pay by perannounced later this gram. by the in Melbourne. been openly accepted to be orial over Award, the last sponsored few months, we will frombe other ports will inevitably sisting with this type of disrupI would like to thank the at an event still to be deWes Pickering.

November we cele- wonderful an In ambit claim, 2019 it highlights are now seeing a spike in in- year be passed on throughout the tion? fantastic at short-term Big Rigs termined.

This was awarded for longbrated the 20th Anniversary of the disconnect between or- bound freight to stock depleted supply chain, which ultimately The bestteam possible for their have alsoinlaunched our newspaper outstanding contribution the organisation (TWAL) with term dinary people that are either warehouses, distribution cen- willWe be reflected higher prices outcome would be incredible for work support them onfemale to the transaout fabulous at The of workgala or dinner just happy to by tres,a wholesalers androad retailers in Learning consumersInitiatives will have toBreakfast pay. stoppagesand to wish be withdrawn, so going industry, the inaugural Series Windsor Melbourne where we have a job and an income in port the lead up to Christmas.

At awith timeseveral when partners Australians work success. agreements ‘rolled-over’ that I get the far, including NTI, MOVE winner was Pam McMillan the also presented our first four an economy in recession, and This has created a situation are already under immense andI hope a commitment to oppornegoto continue to work with rt health. serving director and BANK winners of the Driving Dif- longest a representative groupthemakwhere stevedores and wharf pressureand from lost or reduced tunity tiate 12 months from now so some of them and so work toIn early 2020 the Creating chair of Transport Women ference scholarships with our ing excessive claims during a carriers already have larger income through no fault of that the stevedores can clear the the trucking inMentoring amazing sponsor, Daimler Australia national crisis. volumes Limited. of inbound freight Connections their own, and strugglingproto wards backlogmaking of arrivals before the dustry a better appreciated, gram was finally ready to comThis is an annual award and Truck and Bus Asia Pacific.

All parties need to put the to offload, and expectations of pay mortgages, school fees, pre-Christmas peak revs up. a safer for it’s ourworth peoboth utilities mentors and and andBut recipientoutbound of the 2020freight Trish mence We alsointerest presented the innational ahead of the significant medical,with food, in theplace interim ple. mentees signing up to the proPickering Memorial Award augural Trish Pickering Memself-interest and spare Aus- with the cropping season other bills, disproportionate in- amplifying that while there is tralian consumers the higher upon us. Ongoing work stop- creases in consumer prices are a time and a place for protectprices and inevitable shortag- pages are making an already the last thing they need. ed industrial action under our es they will face if industrial challenging problem worse What we need is an ‘attitude system, now, amid recovering action persists. than it needs to be. of reason’ and not the self-in- from a pandemic, is not it.

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

A final reminder to all Big losing their contracts and policy that should be keeping the owner and the employee. the ability to support their Rigs readers: now is the time to It’s been the voice that calls safe one of the most dangerous unite, now is the time to ensure families. out for fair pay for the work industries in Australia.

It appears the government equality in this industry.

To quote one truck driver you do, for safety in the drivTogether we can stand on does not care. ers’ cab and on the road, the turned Australian senator, There are unsafe vehicles, common ground working to voice that seeks to relieve Glenn Sterle, “a death at work dodgy licences, poor payment ensure the government continthe pressure on the driver or on the road should not be times, wage and superannu- ues to support transport workpushed by clients’ incessant the price of doing business”. ation theft – just a few of the ers and the industry they The TWU puts it to governcries for increased productivity many things we have called for support. for the same rates and condi- ments that we must stop the The TWU will continue to to be stopped. inequality that exists between tions.

A reminder to governments voice the needs of transport It is obvious we still have a truck drivers and clients. and the transport industry cli- workers to the employers, Drivers must be paid proper long way to go – we have been ents: the industry that has kept their industry bodies and the through countless road, freight rates, owner-drivers must be Australia moving during the clients. and transport ministers and able to trust they will be paid Better standards mean job pandemic is facing an uphill properly for the work they do nothing changes. security and ultimately a safer battle.

Truck drivers are still dying and on time. Families depend industry as dry as they can.

Employer groups should be and fairer industry for all. on this.

They want operators to at work.

We can lift the standards we Many of the ongoing prob- meet their unrealistic dead- standing alongside transport It’s a pretty safe bet to say this is due to the lack of strong lems that occur are down to lines and take on more freight workers to unite for a safer and need together – our lives depend on it. government policy in place, the big clients squeezing our for less or they face the risk of fairer industry.

We are now seeing a spike in inbound freight to stock depleted warehouses, distribution centres, wholesalers and retailers in the lead up to Christmas.

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38 CAREERS & TRAINING

FRIDAY OCTOBER 30 2020 BIGRIGS.COM.AU

Spreading the message of road safety

FRESH off being named the 2020 National Trucking Industry Woman of the Year in the National Trucking Awards, Roslyn Anderson has one clear message she wants to promote – the importance of safety out on our roads.

“In truck accidents, statistics show that in around 83% of cases, it’s not the truck driver’s fault, so it’s about raising awareness for motorists out there,” she said.

Anderson has held various roles within the transport industry, before getting into her current role as accountant at A-Civil Aust in mid 2020. Among these was her previous role as CFO at Wales Truck Repairs.

“I started my career in the transport industry doing clerical work, then did my studies and got into accounting. Once I got into the smash repair industry, I saw the tail end of it. I’ve seen what happens to trucks and truck drivers in a smash.

Winning the recent award was amazing, but at the same time, it’s also a great opportunity to get my message out there. I’ve seen the

IN TRUCK ACCIDENTS, STATISTICS SHOW THAT IN AROUND 83% OF CASES, IT’S NOT THE TRUCK DRIVER’S FAULT, SO IT’S ABOUT RAISING AWARENESS FOR MOTORISTS OUT THERE. ROSLYN ANDERSON

consequences of crashes and think we need to really deal seriously with safety on our roads,” she said.

Truly passionate about the industry, Anderson has been around trucks all her life.

“I’ve still got photos of me as a baby in the 1950s, with my father’s truck,” she said.

This isn’t the first time Anderson’s contribution to the industry has been formally recognised. Last year she was a finalist for the same award and in 2018 she won the Road Freight NSW Woman of the Year Award.

Adding to her full-time role as an accountant, Anderson became a board member

of Women in Trucking Australia (WiTA) earlier this year.

WiTA was among over 20 organisations that were successful in their application for Commonwealth funding under the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative.

WiTA will use this funding for its ‘Welcome to OUR World Road Safety Campaign’, a national road safety initiative that focuses on a female heavy vehicle driver’s perspective from behind the wheel, with a series of television advertisements being launched in coming months.

Anderson also dedicates her time to Convoy for Kids Sydney, where she serves as treasurer for the charity. Though the truck convoy usually takes place in November, the uncertainty of COVID-19 restrictions means it won’t be able to run on 1 November as planned. Instead, a variety of initiatives will take place online, including merchandise for sale, to help raise money for sick kids. Further details are available at convoyforkids.com.au.

Roslyn Anderson was recently named the 2020 National Trucking Industry Woman of the Year.

Easter Group Pty Ltd 73 Formation St, Wacol

B Double Drivers We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced MC-truck driver to join our team. The driver will be operating a B-Double tipper doing interstate work. The work is suited for drivers who are able to spend time away from home - live in truck position and are looking for high earning potential.

Benefits of the role: • Excellent earning potential • Consistent work • Permanent & secure - Full time position • Immediate start available To be successful you will need: Experience: • 1 year B-Double experience • 1 year tipping experience preferred Licence: • MC drivers licence

Please contact Nick on

0499 003 603 Or submit your resume to drivingjobsaust@gmail.com

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

We are a family owned business, operating since 1976.

We currently have the following positions available:

OPERATIONS ALLOCATORS (Brisbane based only)

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

MC LOCAL & LINEHAUL DRIVERS WANTED

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

The successful Applicant will: • Hold a current MC licence (minimum two years) • Have knowledge of the HVNL and Load Restraint • Be professional • Be reliable To apply for the Operations/Driver positions please contact Leanne Braid (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 Michael MacRae (Workshop Manager) via email to employment@kseaster.com.au

CAREERS & TRAINING 39

BIGRIGS.COM.AU FRIDAY OCTOBER 30 2020

An unmistakeable passion for all things transport

Third year apprentice Erin Vanderreyden has been around trucks all her life.

FROM trucks to speedway racing, third year apprentice at Drake Group, Erin Vanderreyden, has had a soft spot for transport for as long as she can remember.

Now 19 years old, Vanderreyden began her apprenticeship while she was in Year 12 and was offered the gig with Drake after impressing the team during her work experience.

“Ever since I was born, my family has been in transport.

We’ve had three transport companies,” she said.

Vanderreyden has enjoyed being hands on and was already in the shed welding trailers with her grandfather as soon as she was old enough to handle the tools. “I loved being in the shed with Pop or my uncle. I can remember the first thing I ever welded was the underside of a tipper body when I was about 11 or 12. We have a big workshop at Nan and Pop’s house, where they used to cut chassis in half and extend the trailers,” she said.

Back when she was in Grade 1, Vanderreyden even had her father come to school

General Freight & Bulk Drivers Rodney’s Transport Service is seeking experienced MC/B Double General Freight & Bulk Drivers to work out of Victoria and NSW • Permanent & Casual Roles • Great working conditions Working within fatigue management guidelines you will perform interstate line haul duties whilst adhering to all OH&S, legislative, site and contractual obligations. RTS requires professional drivers with – • Strong customer service experience • A safe driving record • Mature attitude • Minimum 5 years’ experience MC endorsed Reporting to the Manager Group Operations this is an exciting opportunity for highly motivated and experienced MC/B Double drivers who will be required to display a commitment to RTS safety and compliance standards and values whilst maintaining your equipment in good order.

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

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

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

with his Louisville truck for show and tell. “It was the only truck we had with a bunk and I thought it was the coolest thing ever, so Dad brought it in and all the kids got to go in too,” she recalled.

Now Vanderreyden has turned her passion into a career. “As a third year apprentice, I’m starting to do more of the bigger jobs and working on trailers by myself which is challenging but fun. I can get my head around it very quickly,” she said. “It’s been very rewarding but challenging at the same time. Obviously I don’t have

full knowledge of everything I’m doing, so sometimes have to ask, but everyone is really good to me.”

And Vanderreyden’s hard work is certainly paying off.

Last year she was nominated in the Apprenticeship Qld – Apprentice of the Year awards, becoming one of six finalists.

Though Vanderreyden is working in what is still a male dominated industry, she said she definitely doesn’t want any special treatment. “I knew I had to have the right attitude to be able to work in a place like this, where I’m the only girl.

The same goes with my racing, which is a male dominated sport. I don’t expect to make it just because I’m a girl, I want to make it because I can do it just as well as anybody else. When I started at Drake, I was the only girl, now there are another three first year apprentices who are female too.”

For anyone considering a career in transport, her advice is, “Just go for it. There’s always going to be a job in transport – you can buy a truck, build a truck or sell a truck. Transport is an industry we can’t live without.”

Vanderreyden has been welding since she was old enough to handle the tools.

The GTS Group is a privately-owned business & market leader specialising in freight movement & warehousing. Based in Mildura & employing nationally, we run a fleet of modern Prime Movers & B-double Taut-liner trailers servicing a range of blue-chip customers.

Due to ongoing expansion in freight movements we have the following positions available for experienced & diligent applicants with an immediate start.

Relief MC Interstate Drivers • Fatigue compliant.

• 5 weeks leave.

• Modern equipment & facilities.

• Weekly pay cycle under Modern Drivers Award.

• Large client base nationally.

• Full-time position may be available.

A current unrestricted MC Licence is essential. An Apply Fatigue Management Strategies accreditation would be an advantage, although not essential.

Successful applicants are required to complete a Company Induction which also includes a Driver’s medical with drug & alcohol screen.

For further information please contact Col Weeding on 03 5051 0152.

Web based applications for this position can be submitted by visiting gtsfreight.com.au and clicking on the employment tab.

Email: dmt@gtsfreight.com.au

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Detroit’s DD16 delivers all the power you need.

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Combined with superior fuel economy and the absence of a midlife change out, the DD16 delivers an enviably low total cost of ownership and maximum uptime.

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