Trailer Magazine August 2023

AAA TRAILERS

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John Murphy john.murphy@primecreative.com.au

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Sending trailers to Ukraine

An assistance package for Ukraine, valued at $110 million, was announced last month by the Federal Government of Australia to help the country defend and support itself against Russia. It responds to Ukraine’s call for vehicles and ammunition amid conflict and includes 70 military vehicles (28 M113 armoured vehicles, 14 special operations vehicles, 28 MAN 40M medium trucks and 14 trailers); supply of 105mm artillery ammunition; and $10 million to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, which manages the Ukrainian Humanitarian Fund, to help meet needs for shelter, health services, clean water and sanitation.

Penny Wong, Foreign Minister for Australia, recognised the courage and resolve of the people of Ukraine. In her view, Ukrainian families, children and the elderly have borne a terrible cost from conflict, and Australia is providing funding to support them.

Australia has also pledged to extend duty-free access for goods imported from Ukraine for a further 12 months, to support its recovery and trade opportunities.

These commitments announced on 26 June 2023 – at the time of writing – bring Australia’s total contribution in support of Ukraine to $790 million, including $610 million in military assistance.

Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, supports international

efforts to ensure Putin’s aggression fails and that Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity prevails.

Richard Marles, the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, emphasised that Ukraine has demonstrated strength, resilience and courage in defending against the Russian invaders. Of note, Ukraine has highlighted the utility of Australian vehicles on the battlefield and the $110 million package will continue to support Ukrainians on the front line.

Ukraine’s Ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, has confirmed special military vehicles such as the Bushmaster have demonstrated their efficiency in battle.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader, Peter Dutton, said the Ukraine military is very cognisant of what they need and have also asked for Hawkeis.

Opposition Foreign Affairs

Spokesperson, Simon Birmingham, though, is adamant the Australian Government is ignoring what Ukraine had specifically requested, expressing concern for muchneeded Australian vehicles not being replenished. He added this is a concern given Australia’s status as the largest leading non-NATO contributor may be slipping away.

Final stage of Kamilaroi Highway upgrade begins

Work is continuing to upgrade a major highway in New South Wales’ north-west to provider smoother and safer journeys for freight operators and local residents.

The Kamilaroi Highway upgrade between Baan Baa and Turrawan, which has been impacted by several delays due to heavy rain and flood events, is now on track for completion by mid-2024.

Safety upgrades along the 17-kilometre section have included the installation of ‘lifesaving’ flexible barriers, wide centre lines to increase the distance between vehicles, and audio tactile line marking and other safety devices to help prevent runoff road and head-on crashes.

“This stretch of road sees a lot of heavy vehicles working on the mines, along with a lot of tourists and everyday traffic, any upgrade that improves safety is more than welcome,” said Member for Barwon, Roy Butler.

The Baan Baa to Turrawan upgrade

the work schedule for Schedule Four had to be revisited due to a series of weatherrelated delays.

Minor earthworks on Section Four have now been completed, and major

to complete culvert widening and drainage flood resilience.

Shoulder widening in Section Four is expected to start in September and will be completed by mid-2024, weather permitting.

New Golden Highway heavy vehicle inspection site announced

A new heavy vehicle inspection station to be built on the Golden Highway will make one of New South Wales’ key freight links safer.

Work to build the new facility is now underway, around seven kilometres east of Ballimore between Dubbo and Dunedoo, on the western side of the Golden Highway.

Upon completion, the facility will utilise Intelligent Transport System (ITS) components including electronic speed signs, open/closed signage and network facilities.

It will also facilitate compliance monitoring and enforcement of heavy vehicles on the Golden Highway, reducing heavy vehicle overloading, fatigue-related heavy vehicle crashes and the risk of noncompliant vehicles travelling to Dubbo.

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said heavy vehicle safety stations are an important part of the State Government’s on-road enforcement program.

“There is a network of these heavy vehicle safety stations on major routes across the state which heavy vehicle inspectors use as a base to intercept and inspect heavy vehicles to identify whether any may be operating illegally or in an unsafe manner on NSW roads,” she said.

The project forms part of a jointly funded $23.7 million commitment under the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program (HVSPP) to implement a series of improvements along the Golden Highway.

This new facility is one of these improvements, to which the Australian Government has committed $3.7 million and the NSW Government $3.3 million.

“The HVSPP provides funding for projects like this which work to make our most utilised freight routes safer for truckies and everyone using our roads,” said Federal Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Carol Brown.

“This inspection station is one of many HVSPP projects increasing safety and reliability for the trucking industry across Australia while enhancing access and improve freight transport through local rural communities.”

Most heavy vehicles registered in NSW need to be inspected annually under the

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Work on the first 41-kilometre section through the hills south of the Great Northern Highway is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

Tanami Road is 1,016 kilometres long and mostly unsealed, extending through the NT to Alice Springs.

The road is notoriously difficult to drive, becoming rough and corrugated during the dry season with long road closures during the wet season, cutting off access to the communities it services.

Sealing the road will deliver improved

WA from the eastern states.

“The Tanami is an important and significant connector road for people across the Kimberley, and to see sealing works begin on the Western Australian section is a major milestone,” said WA Transport Minister, Rita Saffioti.

“We saw first-hand during the Kimberley floods the impact when road access is cut, so investing in new sealed road connections, like the Tanami, will be critical for our future resilience to severe weather.”

In June last year, the Australia and Northern Territory Governments announced they would be sealing 150 kilometres of the Tanami Road in Central Australia, from chainage of up to 421 kilometres.

In the NT, 300 kilometres of the 703-kilometre section of road has already been sealed.

An additional 30 kilometres from Alice Springs is due for completion this year, with a further 90 kilometres due for completion

Linfox expands Tullamarine distribution centre

Linfox has expanded capacity at its cross-functional distribution centre (DC) in Tullamarine.

Linfox’s investment in the 52,000-pallet site will increase infrastructure and storage capacity for customers across several sectors, including healthcare, pet care, grocery and beverages.

“The entire Linfox team should be very proud of this significant achievement –one that will create value for both our existing and future customers,” said Linfox General Manager Consumer and

Linfox team members from the Tullamarine

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BPW Transpec celebrates fleet milestones

Following the 2023 Brisbane Truck Show, BPW Transpec is recognising two of its long-term customers’ anniversaries in the industry.

Establishing in 1962, Membrey’s Transport & Crane Hire is celebrating over 60 years of operations in the transport industry.

Twenty-five of those years were spent choosing and applying BPW Transpec equipment to dozens of trailer combinations.

Following one of his most recent deliveries in December last year, Membrey’s Transport & Crane Hire Managing Director, Craig Membrey, told Trailer his preference for quality axles has always been BPW Transpec.

“When I spec up a new trailer, BPW is what I ask for right from the start, every time,” he said.

“They’ve got the latest technology and they’re the best of the best – there’s no one better than BPW in the market.”

BPW Transpec National Parts and Victoria OE Sales and Operations Manager, Andrew Moutsios, congratulated Membrey’s Transport & Crane Hire on its anniversary.

“I’d like to congratulate them on their well-deserved success over their 60 years,

not only with their heavy haulage and transport service, but also with their crane service,” he told Trailer.

“It has been an honour that they have recognised the BPW Transpec product for its quality and durability by utilising it across their trusted fleet of heavy haulage and oversized trailers.

“Their passion for modern transport has continued and is very evident with their growing fleet of platform, low loader and steerable extendable trailers, some of which extends up to 44m in length.

“Here’s to many more years of success and congratulations on your anniversary.”

Based in Geelong, Victoria, McColl’s Transport is Australia’s largest independent bulk liquid carrier of milk, food and chemicals.

This year, it is celebrating its 70th year of operation.

BPW Transpec Sales Consultant, Peter Hart, told Trailer he was very pleased to see McColl’s Transport reach this milestone.

“I’d like to wish then the warmest congratulations,” he said.

“I don’t think anybody realises how important a role they have played in each Australian household over their 70 years.”

Without McColls’ commitment, hard

work and reliable service, Hart said, many Australian households would not see milk and cream in their fridges, shampoo in their bathrooms or wines on their dining tables.

“They have been carting and distributing the key raw material that go into these household products consistently, safely and efficiently throughout Australia,” he said.

“They have come a long way over their 70 years and we are very grateful for their trust in our product and in turn to have been part of their organisations journey and success.”

BPW and Vawdrey are also congratulating Exodas Transport, who is taking delivery of BPW Transpec’s 300,000th locally produced axle.

Exodas Transport commenced operation in 2001 as an owner-operated business with just two prime movers.

Since then, it has grown to to now become a fleet that consists of over 250 units, comprising of approximately 100 prime movers, 250 trailing vehicles and 30 body trucks.

BPW Transpec Sales Consultant, Matt Burns, said it was very fitting that a loyal Queensland family business, like Exodas, is receiving the 300,000th axle produced by BPW.

L-R: BPW Transpec Managing Director, Stefan Oelhafen, Membrey’s Transport & Crane Hire Managing Director, Craig Membrey, BPW Director, Achim Kotz.

Rio Tinto awards WA businesses $1B contracts

Under a joint venture between mining company, Rio Tinto, and steel company, China Baowu Steel Group Co, several Western Australian businesses have been awarded contracts totalling $1 billion.

Western Range aligns with Rio Tinto’s local procurement strategy which aims to increase opportunities for Pilbara, WA and Australian businesses to be part of the company’s supply chain.

As construction progresses at the Western Range mine, the following businesses were included in the contracts:

• Civmec: awarded a contract values at over $330 million for the construction of a new Run of Mine (ROM) pad, primary crushing facility, overland conveying circuit, and modifications to the Coarse Ore Stockpile and downstream conveying system;

• CIMIC Group’s CPB Contractors: awarded a contract valued at approximately $250 million to deliver the main infrastructure bulk earthworks;

• Primero Group: awarded a contracted valued at approximately $54 million for the design, supply, construction and commissioning of the Non-Process Infrastructure facilities on site;

• MACA: awarded a contract valued at approximately $60 million to construct a camp pad and access road as well as crushing and screening work; and

• Pilbara Aboriginal Businesses: contracts totalling $39 million.

Construction at Western Range, which will help sustain production from Rio Tinto’s existing Paraburdoo mining hub, commenced in the first quarter this year.

Production from the mine is expected to commence in 2025 with annual capacity of 25 million tonnes of iron ore.

The project includes construction of a primary crusher and an 18-kilometre conveyor system linking it to the existing Paraburdoo processing plant.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive, Simon Trott, said the company spends billions of dollars with local suppliers across WA and the Pilbara every year to help support thriving communities.

“The spending of $1 billion with Western Australian businesses at Western Range marks a considerable milestone for both the project and those local businesses we are partnering with,” he said.

“The connection between Rio Tinto and China Baowu in the Pilbara extends

more than 40 years and we are pleased to be further deepening our relationship through our joint commitment to study opportunities for the production of lowcarbon iron in Western Australia.”

WA Premier, Roger Cook, said it was significant projects like the Western Range which reinforced WA as a secure destination for business and investment.

“I want to commend Rio Tinto and Baowu on this latest project milestone and acknowledge their efforts in investing in WA to ensure WA businesses and workers benefit most,” he said.

“It goes to the heart of my Government’s WA Jobs Plan, which is about WA jobs first and its projects like the Western Range that will provide a long pipeline of work for Western Australians into the future.”

Last year, Rio Tinto increased its spend with more than 2,400 suppliers in WA to $8.6 billion.

Earlier this year, Rio Tinto announced that it had increased its spend with Australian suppliers to more than $15.3 billion as part of its commitment to supporting communities where it operates.

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Comedian joins NHVR to increase driver safety

Jimmy Rees is joining forces with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to educate drivers on safely sharing the road with trucks in its latest campaign, We All Need Space.

Aimed at providing simple tips for light vehicle drivers to give trucks space when travelling on roads, We All Need Space provides simple tips for drivers on how to drive safely around oversized loads, safely overtaking trucks, how to keep out of truck blind spots and rules around overtaking a turning truck.

The campaign also features three point of view videos from Rees, ranging from quips about caravanners, the perils of road tripping with kids and the reality of passing a driver’s license test.

“While the average driver might not spend much time considering what it means to drive safely around trucks, as a dad that likes caravanning during school holidays, I have seen all sorts of drivers out there, especially when you are towing something heavy,” said Rees.

“Thankfully I have not had a run in with a heavy vehicle because I am an ‘excellent driver’, but we have all witnessed a truck that has had to slam its brakes on because a car pulls in front.

“As a driver it reinforces these trucks we share the road with are massive, and they need space.”

Rees’ videos are a comical mix of educational content and real-life issues that impact Aussie drivers.

“I want to keep my family safe when we are out on the road, so if everyone is more aware of how to keep safe around trucks and give them the space they need, then that makes it safer for us all,” he said.

NHVR Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, Michelle Tayler, said there has never been a more important time to educate light vehicle drivers on truck safety, with around 70 per cent of serious incidents involving both heavy and light vehicles the fault of the light vehicle.

“School holidays can be a busy time on Australian roads and almost every light vehicle driver and road user out there will likely come across some type of truck on

their journey,” she said.

“Jimmy’s videos provide an important safety message in a way that resonates with the average Aussie driver.

“We encourage people to educate themselves so both they, and the truck drivers, reach their destination safely.”

Tayler said the campaign is important for all road users, regardless of how or where they are travelling.

“With over 900,000 registered heavy vehicles units on Australia’s roads, it does not matter if you’re a comedian like Jimmy, an everyday car motorist, a cyclist or a pedestrian, we all need space to stay safe on the road.”

BPW Transpec hosts Followmont Transport workshop

BPW Transpec recently held a workshop presentation at Followmont Transport’s Brisbane facility.

During the workshop, BPW shared its extensive knowledge on bearings and brake systems.

It also encouraged Followmont Transport to stay up to date with the latest maintenance techniques, including its brand-new quad axle steel trailer equipped with BPW self-steering axles.

Following the workshop, Followmont Transport thanked the team at BPW.

“Our Brisbane Workshop team recently had an opportunity to learn from the experts at BPW Transpec, who specialise in the manufacturing of top-notch trailer axles, ranging from standard to cuttingedge self-steering systems,” a Followmont Transport spokesperson said.

“This opportunity was a unique upskilling for the group, providing the chance to dive into a new level of expertise.”

“Big thanks to the team at BPW and our Workshop crew for always looking at ways to support their development.”

Vale Simon Crean

Former Linfox Non-Executive Director, Simon Crean, has passed away at the age of 74.

Crean joined the Linfox International Group Board in 2014 as a Non-Executive Director and chaired the Risk, Compliance and Audit Committee.

Prior to this role, he had a career in the Australian Government since 1990, where he served as Deputy Leader of the Australian Labor Party.

He also held a range of key ministerial positions, including Minister for Trade; Minister for Employment, Education and Training; Minister for Science and Technology; and Minister for Primary Industries and Energy.

Crean retired from Parliament in 2013 and went on to take on several other roles, such as Co-Chair at Cornerstone Group Advisory Board, Deputy Chancellor at Monash University and Associate Professor at Deakin University.

In a statement online, Linfox expressed

of the sudden passing of our friend and colleague, Simon Crean,” a Linfox spokesperson said.

“Simon brought great knowledge and

integrity to everything he did. He was a deeply principled man, with a strong sense of fairness.

“We are grateful for Simon’s valued service, his expertise and most of all his friendship.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to Simon’s wife Carole, their children and grandchildren at this difficult time.”

Victoria Senator Bridget McKenzie also showed her respect via an online statement.

“Whilst Agriculture Minster, I was thankful to be able to work collaboratively with Simon in a range of areas including live animal exports and appreciated his expertise, authenticity and experience,” she said.

“My deepest sympathies to his family.

“He was a man who stood by his words and actions. He loved regional Australia and worked hard both in and out of government to secure a better future for the regions.”

Taskforce targets overheight trucks in NSW

Overheight vehicles that breach restrictions and repeatedly interrupt traffic in New South Wales could now lose their registrations for up to six months.

The NSW Government has established a taskforce responsible for reducing the number of overheight truck incidents in Sydney’s road tunnel network, particularly around the Sydney Harbour Tunnel.

Under an agreement with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), all overheight breaches are being automatically referred to Transport for NSW for assessment of sanctions that include removal of a heavy vehicle’s registration for up to six months.

The new taskforce, led by Transport for NSW, brings together representatives from

NSW Police, the NHVR, Road Freight NSW and the Transport Workers’ Union to drive strategies to reduce overheight breaches, educate truck drivers on load and route management and improve operational responses to get traffic moving when incidents do occur.

Established under direction of Minister for Roads, John Graham, the group will meet each fortnight and will initially run for six months – but can be extended if necessary.

“We are determined to keep the focus on this issue and drive down the number of overheight truck breaches around tunnels and I welcome the first referrals by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator,” Graham said.

“We need to send a message loud and

clear that there are severe consequences for going overheight into a tunnel.

“No company or individual can afford to have an income-making heavy vehicle off the road for six months.”

The overheight truck taskforce will consider surveillance and other technologies that could be further deployed to detect heavy vehicles from getting close to tunnel portals before being stopped.

Since the taskforce’s establishment, the NSW Government has announced that the overheight truck that closed two lanes of the Warringah Freeway and stopped traffic at the entrance to the Sydney Harbour Tunnel will have its registration suspended for six months.

Followmont Transport MD raises $97,000 for charity

Followmont Transport Managing Director, Mark Tobin, slept under a cardboard box as part of the Vinnies CEO Sleepout. The St Vincent de Paul Society holds the Vinnies CEO Sleepout every year to raise awareness of the growing issue of homelessness.

Tobin was able to raise over $97,000 towards the fundraising event, which according to Vinnies, equates to 309 individual support programs, 812 beds and

3,248 meals.

“Thanks to my amazing network, industry, family, and friends, we raised over $97,000 for the 2023 Vinnies Queensland CEO Sleepout,” Tobin said.

“I’m absolutely blown away by your support and generosity and hope that every person knows they have contributed to a fantastic cause, helping change the course of someone’s life.

“Thank you for helping me make a

difference.”

While participating, Tobin said the realities of homelessness hit home.

“You’re cold, you’re hungry, you can’t get comfortable, you don’t sleep, it’s dead quiet and it’s lonely,” he said.

“And that’s just one night. Imagine spending every night like this.

“It’s something I can’t even fathom and my heart goes out to anyone who is faced with this reality.”

Great Northern Highway links set for $33M replacement

Works have begun on another critical road project in Kimberley, Western Australia, to replace three single-lane bridges with dual-lane bridges on the Great Northern Highway.

The bridges, which improve safety for drivers and the freight industry who regularly depend on the highway, cross Tickalara Creek, Frog Hollow Creek and Arthur Creek.

Construction will initially focus on the Tickalara Creek and Frog Hollow Creek bridges, where the installation of safety barriers and site fencing has already begun.

Clearing, foundation preparation and road approach earthworks are scheduled for the next month.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said

Kimberley region and the rest of WA and Australia.

“It represents a critical transport link for mining, cattle, tourism, horticulture and agriculture while connecting many remote Aboriginal communities to essential services,” she said.

“Upgrading these bridges will not only

make this stretch of road safer for all road users but will also help future-proof this critical transport link.”

Senator for WA, Glenn Sterle, said the project is great news for communities depending on freight transport links over these crossings.

“The Australian Government is pleased to be co-funding these much-needed bridge replacements, effectively reducing safety hazards and streamlining passenger travel and freight transport links between these essential communities,” he said.

The $33 million bridge replacement project is being funded by the Australian Government’s commitment of $26.4 million and the State Government’s commitment of $6.6 million.

It is one of several road improvements underway this year in WA, including the New Fitzroy River Bridge Project.

Mainfreight releases record financial statement

International transport and logistics company, Mainfreight, has released its 2023 annual report.

In financial year 2023 (FY23), Mainfreight reported a total revenue of $5.7 billion NZD (approx. $5.2 billion AUD) – an 8.8 per cent increase from the year prior.

Profit Before Tax (PBT) was recorded at $587.4 million NZD (approx. $541 million AUD) and net profit at $426.5 million NZD (approx. $392.7 million AUD) – both a 20 per cent increase year-on-year (YOY).

Among the results, Mainfreight achieved a record after tax profit for the year ending March 2023.

“An increase of $71 million over the previous year is very satisfactory and is a huge credit to the global Mainfreight family,” said Mainfreight founder and Chairman, Bruce Plested.

“These past two years have seen Mainfreight generate ever increasing revenue and profits because of a very volatile and difficult congested freight network.

“This volatility has grown our business and provided opportunity not experienced before in. our lifetime.”

Mainfreight Australia reported a revenue of $1.4 billion – a 20.6 per cent increase from $1.2 billion the year prior. PBT was 27.3 per cent higher than FY23 at $136.8 million.

Mainfreight Group Managing Director, Don Braid, said Australia was the company’s best performing region.

“Our Australian team took advantage of increased freight volume across all key three business units,” he said.

“The continued industry consolidation of the express pallet transport segment is providing opportunities, as is the increasing customer requirements for greater levels of service.”

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Managing defect notices made simple with compliance module: NHVR

An update to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) Portal aims to simplify viewing defect notices issued across entire fleets.

The Regulator said National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) operators will be the first to experience the NHVR Portal – Compliance Module. It is reported to offer a comprehensive overview of defect notices issued to individual vehicles across an entire fleet, enabling more effective tracking and earlier management of defects.

NHVR Chief Operations Officer, Paul Salvati, said the new module reflects the regulator’s commitment to exploring

innovative ways to make it easier and safer for the heavy vehicle industry to manage their compliance.

“Improving productivity and safety in one of the most important industries in Australia is a key objective of the NHVR and this new Portal module helps achieve this through timely and simplified access to important compliance related information,” he said.

“Currently, operators face challenges with timely notifications of defects, which affects fleet management.

“By providing a centralised platform to view the defect history of the entire fleet, operators can identify defect trends,

address issues promptly and enhance the maintenance of their fleet.

“This will in turn reduce the number of defects issued to operators and contribute to improved vehicle standards within the heavy vehicle industry.”

The NHVR is committed to leveraging technology to boost safety, promote productivity and increase heavy vehicle standards, ultimately benefiting everyone on the roads.

NHVAS operators can access the new module through their existing account, while non-NHVAS operators will be offered access to the module by the end of the year.

ARRB and Main Roads WA extend partnership agreement

continues to deliver innovative solutions and proven research core activities of our business,” said Main Roads Western Australia Managing Director, John Erceg.

“The program is helping to improve safety, increase our knowledge on sustainability and our approaches to asset management.

“I look forward to another four years of strong collaboration with the NTRO through this program.”

National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO)/ARRB COO, Dr Richard Yeo, and State Leader for WA, Craig Manton, are also pleased with the agreement renewal.

“The renewal of the WARRIP partnership between Main Roads and the NTRO / ARRB is a fantastic outcome which will enable ongoing innovation and new knowledge development to benefit management and operation of the WA transport network,” Yeo said.

Australian Road Research Board (ARRB) and Main Roads Western Australia have renewed their partnership, extending the Western Australian Road Research Innovation Program (WARRIP) for a further four years.

The agreement has been extended until 2027, which will continue the collaboration research initiative delivering innovative and sustainable solutions for road infrastructure

projects throughout WA.

The research program was first introduced in 2015 and has since then delivered many successful projects focused on pavements, bituminous surfacings, asset management, structures and safety.

“The signing of this new four-year agreement will see a decade of benefits and improved outcomes as WARRIP

Manton said the new agreement provides certainty of revenue for NTRO and will enable continued growth of the Perth office.

“It is wonderful that Main Roads Western Australia recognises the real benefits achieved through the outcome focussed research program with a new four-year WARRIP agreement continuing the work through to 2027,” he said.

Followmont Transport celebrates legacy anniversary

Queensland-based transport company, Followmont Transport, is celebrating the seven-year anniversary since the Tobin brothers purchased the business.

On 30 June 2016, Mark and Ben Tobin made the decision to continue the legacy of their father, Bernie, and his business partner, Alan Salpietro, which began back in 1984 by becoming the new owners of Followmont Transport.

Today, the two brothers are behind the wheel of the business as Managing Director and General Manager of Linehaul respectively, driving their teams into the future.

Managing Director, Mark Tobin, said the move to purchase the company he had grown up in was about respecting legacy and caring for people.

“The business was in a position where it was about to be sold to another company and hundreds of our team would lose their jobs,” he said.

“For us as a family, we were so

passionate about keeping the business to save everyone’s role and take Followmont to a whole new level.”

In 2016 Followmont Transport operated throughout Queensland with 16 owned depots, 650 employees and 700 pieces of equipment.

Seven years later in 2023, it now proudly services both Queensland and New South Wales through its 23 owned depots and network of subcontractors powered by 1,000 pieces of equipment and 1,000 employees.

Over this time, Followmont Transport has invested $180 million into the company. This includes property, infrastructure, equipment, enhanced executive capability and an in-house training department – while watching its people grow and take pride in the fact they are part of the Followmont family.

“A big thing we always say at Followmont is never forget how we got here,” Tobin said.

“We show and work with respect and that is what drives us forward.

“It’s been an amazing journey, but at the end of the day we don’t own the business, our people do.”

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FITTING MASTER

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Mobile Fitting Stand

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$1B Rockhampton Ring Road project to begin this year

Construction of the first phase of the Queensland Rockhampton Ring Road project is on track to start later this year.

Under the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program (BHUP), the initial phase of the $1.07 billion Rockhampton Ring Road project will include $280 million in upgrades across location-based packages in the north and south of the project footprint.

Contracts have been awarded to BielbyBMD Joint Venture and Acciona-Fulton Hogan Joint Venture.

“Getting works started on this initial package has remained a priority, which is why we committed $80 million under the BHUP to ensure boots and machines are on the ground starting works this year,” said Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King.

“The project forms part of the Australian and Queensland governments’ longterm partnership to upgrade the Bruce Highway, improving safety, flood resilience and capacity along the highway between Brisbane and Cairns.”

The northern package focuses on the

Highway at the Rockhampton–Yeppoon Road intersection in Pakhurst.

A new section of the road and embankment will be constructed from the Bruce Highway west to Monier Road, on an alignment between the existing emergency services precinct and the Dreamtime Culture Centre.

New accesses will be constructed for the Dreamtime Cultural Centre, Queensland Ambulance Service and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services precinct.

Upgrades to local roads that will ultimately connect with the ring road, including existing and realigned sections of Boundary Road, McLaughlin Street and Monier Road access, will also be delivered by Bielby-BMD Joint Venture.

The southern package has two work locations in the West Rockhampton and Pink Lily area.

Upgrades on Rockhampton–Ridgelands Road will include Canoona Road intersection, the replacement of Lion Creek Bridge, modifications to Osborne Road and construction of the Osborne Road-Ridgelands Road roundabout with provision for future connection to the ring

The Rockhampton–Ridgelands Road and Nine Mile Road intersection will also be upgraded.

In addition, the southern package awarded to Acciona-Fulton Hogan Joint Venture will include pre-loading the ring road embankment just north of the connection with the Capricorn Highway, to accommodate the future Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline.

Construction on this phase is expected to be completed in the 2025–26 financial year.

State Member for Rockhampton, Barry O’Rourke, said the Rockhampton Ring Road is a transformational project for the Rockhampton region.

“The economic benefits of the planning and development phase, service relocations and early works is already evident with over 65 per cent of contracts in the plan and preserve phase awarded to local businesses, totalling over $17 million of local content,” he said.

“Discussions are underway with government agencies and service providers to support local businesses to upskill their capabilities in readiness for

Lindsay Australia makes $34M acquisition

Lindsay Australia has acquired merchandise company, WB Hunter, for $34.6 million.

Founded in 1947, WB Hunter is a market leading retailer that provides a comprehensive range of rural supplies, agricultural services, trade essentials and pet products with an eight-store footprint

Lindsay will also utilise WB Hunter’s network to further expand into the Victorian and NSW agricultural supply markets.

This broadened operating footprint is expected to offer a robust platform for Lindsay to pursue growth opportunities across all service lines.

serving as an integral member of Australia’s rural supplies market.”

Following the completion of the acquisition, Lindsay Rural will have a consolidated rural merchandising network across Australia’s east coast. Lindsay Rural represents a key component of Lindsay’s end-to-end food

an industry roundtable to discuss critical heavy vehicle priorities for Australia.

The roundtable forms part of the Government’s commitment to listening to the priorities and experiences of the heavy vehicle industry.

Led by Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Carol Brown, the session addressed the sustainability of the sector as well as the transition to net zero and new technologies.

“Ensuring a heavy vehicle sector in Australia that is safe, productive and sustainable into the future is a key priority for our Government,” Brown said.

today, to hear directly from industry about their top priorities for the sector, key challenges and opportunities they see facing their work, and how governments can provide additional support.”

More than 20 industry representatives joined the roundtable, which held productive discussions on how government can better engage the industry as well as workforce challenges and opportunities such as in workplace health and safety skills development.

The discussions brought together representatives that directly support, work and hire within the sector, including

body and industry groups, and transport operators.

The roundtable also provided the opportunity for Government to update the industry on a number of ongoing initiatives to bolster heavy vehicle safety and productivity, including the roll out of the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Initiative, reforms to the Heavy Vehicle National Law, and trialling new approaches to road user charging.

“I look forward to continuing to work with the industry to pave the path to a brighter, safer, greener, more sustainable heavy vehicle future,” Brown said.

Centurion acquires Rocky’s Own Transport

Rocky’s Own Transport has been acquired by Centurion Transport through an asset sale, effective 1 July 2023.

Previous directors and all staff will remain with the business, as part of the Centurion Network.

“While we integrate into our systems and processes with Centurion, it is business as usual for our staff and the services we deliver to our customers,” a Rocky’s Own Transport spokesperson said.

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

“If you have any questions or concerns regarding the acquisition, please do not hesitate to reach out to your regular contact or Rocky’s Own head office.”

Rocky’s Own Transport was established

in 1985 to provide general and express freight services, and has since grown to become a national logistics company with depots in Rockhampton, Wacol, Helidon, Yarwun and Kalgoorlie in Western Australia.

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

“We have been carefully building our national presence and this acquisition reflects the strength of Rocky’s Own Transport and its market share in the key sectors in which it operates,” he said.

“Centurion has a solid presence in the mining and energy sectors, and this

acquisition is a natural fit for us and an extension of our capabilities.”

The transaction means Centurion now employs more than 2,000 people across Australia.

Cardaci said the Rocky’s Own Transport team will be a great addition to Centurion’s existing Queensland operations.

“We welcome the 300-plus Rocky’s Own employees into our business,” he said.

“Centurion is committed to looking after our new employees and customers and continuing to deliver a safe reliable transport service underpinned by the company values of respect, integrity, passion, persistence, and accountability.

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

Australia Post opens second largest parcel facility

Australia Post has officially opened its newest parcel facility in Kemps Creek, New South Wales.

The 33,680 square-metre facility is the second largest sorting facility in Australia Post’s network and has been designed with future expansion in mind.

The purpose-built facility incorporates parcel processing, pick-up and delivery, and transport and linehaul operations.

Housing two large parcel sorters, the Kemps Creek Parcel Facility can process up to 200,000 large and small parcels per day.

It also has the capacity to scale, including by the installation of a small parcel sorter, which would double daily capacity to 400,000 parcels per day.

“With the population of the Greater Western Sydney region projected to grow, we’re investing in infrastructure and technology that sets us up to support the ever-changing needs of our

communities and our customers,” said Australia Post Group CEO and Managing Director, Paul Graham.

the latest sortation technology, enabling increased visibility of customer articles in the network and improving safety by

ACFS Port Logistics operates new PBS Super B-triples

ACFS Port Logistics of Brisbane is operating the new 42-metre Performance-Based Standards (PBS) approved Super B-triple vehicles.

The new combination will contribute to the ACFS Port Logistics’ emission reduction target through fewer truck movements and a more effective operating process.

Having received approval from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and consent from Port of Brisbane (PBPL) as road manager, the new vehicle has commenced operations on a defined route at the port.

The combination, 42 metres long and approved to transport six TEU per trip, is the second Super B-triple to operate within the Port of Brisbane on a defined route under strict conditions and controls.

According to ACFS Port Logistics, it follows a substantial period of design, collaboration and trialling with relevant logistics stakeholders to ensure it met all necessary safety and transport standards.

In a statement online, an ACFS Port Logistics spokesperson revealed there are bigger plans to follow.

New bypass section a major win for operators

Work is progressing on a new section of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass in New South Wales, which is expected to benefit operators within the transport industry.

The new bypass will remove up to 30,000 vehicle each day from the existing route, which, according to Transport for NSW Region North Director Anna Zycki, will be a “huge win” for freight operators.

“This project will provide traffic relief to the surrounding road network, in particular the existing route of Lookout Road, Croudace

Street and Newcastle Road, which is used by about 40,000 to 60,000 vehicles each day,” she said.

“Once completed, motorists travelling on the new section of bypass will avoid up to 11 sets of traffic lights along the existing route.”

Early works are already well underway, with the installation of barriers, line marking and traffic signage to follow to support road realigning and adjustments.

Preparation is also underway for upcoming bridgework at the northern interchange.

Rivet Energy hosts tanker safety session

Six bridges will be built as part of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass, with more than 60 piles to be installed.

“Cumulatively, drill holes for the piles will be more than 1.2 kilometres deep, which is more than the Eiffel Tower stacked end to end four times,” Zycki said.

“There’ll also be 190 tonnes of reinforcement used in the piles, equating to the weight of more than 32 elephants.”

The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

which has been involved with several gas tanker accidents over the years.

“They just wanted to make sure that all their members were aware of the critical parts on a gas tanker, which we believe were the parts they needed to look at if there was ever an accident involving a tanker,” he said.

The presentation covered all of the features on Rivet’s tankers, including safety equipment which will stop the vessel from leaking, excess flow valves, bypass valves and pressure sensitive valves.

Rivet also went through scenarios where pipes could be broken off, how the valves inside the tanker would then close to prevent gas from escaping, and how fire brigades can make the scene safer for local residents and motorists.

“We also took them through the process of how we would unload a tanker that had been involved in a major accident, whether that be a rollover or an accident where the tanker couldn’t be moved,” McCormick said.

According to McCormick, Rivet, along with Gas Energy Australia, will look to roll out similar sessions across all interstate fire brigades.

“The feedback we had from the volunteer firefighters that were there was that they now feel a more comfortable in attending an incident with a gas tanker, knowing the advice that they’ll get from our emergency response team is going to help them out,” he said.

JOST Australia headlines LRTASA Conference

JOST Australia sponsored the 2023 Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of South Australia (LRTASA) Conference which was held 16-17 June 2023 in Adelaide.

The Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) is the peak body representing road transport businesses servicing the agricultural supply chain.

At the SA event, JOST Australia showcased its extensive range of transportation solutions, including its fixed and ballrace fifth wheel assemblies, Modul landing gear, aluminium wheels and the RO500B66500 50mm tow coupling.

JOST Australia also sponsored the main auction item, a dolly fitted with its JSK37CXW fifth wheel.

“Thank you to the LRTASA for organising such a fantastic event and to all those that stopped by the JOST stand eager to learn

about the latest products and innovations that JOST has to offer,” a JOST Australia spokesperson said.

“This event brought together key industry representatives and we had the pleasure of

engaging with industry experts, livestock producers, and various stakeholders to discuss the pressing challenges and emerging trends in the livestock transportation domain.”

First update on industry-led coupling strength report

Several industry bodies have provided an update on an investigation into dynamic loads on couplings fitted to heavy High Productivity Freight Vehicles (HPFV) and Performance-Based Standards (PBS) combinations.

The coupling safety project’s objective is to address the knowledge gap surrounding coupling forces experienced in road trains with a Gross Combination Mass (GCM) above 125 tonnes.

Led by the ARTSA Institute (ARTSA-i), Australian Trucking Association (ATA), Truck Industry Council (TIC) and Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA), it is funded by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI) and supported by the Australian Government.

ARTSA-i Chair, Martin Toomey, said the project has conducted extensive on-road testing of high GCM combinations to enhance industry understanding of the dynamic forces experienced by fifth wheels and pin couplings, and the variables that can impact those forces.

To support and facilitate the test, Howard Porter donated the use of a tri-axle ‘test dolly’, to which 14 load cells were fitted beneath the fifth wheel and a further six

mounted directly behind the tow eye, within the custom-designed drawbar manufactured by CIMC.

Northern Territory-based bulk fuel transportation specialist, Direct Haul, partnered with the project to facilitate the on-road testing between Darwin, Katherine and the surrounding areas.

The test route covered a broad range of road conditions and speeds, both laden and unladen, including high-speed sections and rough roads with demanding conditions featuring hills, cattle grids and flood crossings.

A key project aim was to understand how a coupling’s position within a large combination affects the dynamic forces it experiences.

For each test run, the test dolly was placed in a different position within the BAA and AAB Quad combination to allow the coupling forces in the front, centre and rear positions to be recorded along the 473km test route.

Preliminary results showed that there are two major types of events that contribute to the life of a coupling.

According to ARTSA-i, this is a mix between smaller, high-frequency cyclical

forces occurring near constantly and less common large force events, stemming from low-speed shunting events within the combination when coming to a stop and high-speed rough road events.

The results found that coupling location within the combination and the road profile affects the forces transmitted through the coupling, with positions closer to the front of the combination typically seeing higher longitudinal forces.

Using data obtained from the onroad testing, Smedley’s Engineers are developing a computer simulation that replicates the vehicle combination and road conditions of the physical test, enabling further testing and investigation of coupling forces to be carried out in a repeatable and cost-effective environment.

According to ARTSA-i, preliminary simulations of the virtual combinations travelling through recreated sections of the test road are promising.

The project is expected to be completed in the coming months, with a comprehensive report to be made available to Australian authorities and industry stakeholders.

Outback trucker advocates for safer spaces

Katanning-based operator and TV personality Glenn Kendall has been enlisted by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to help deliver a road safety message.

“The message is simple,” he begins. “We need space to keep you safe.”

It’s part of the ongoing heavy vehicle safety campaign, We All Need Space.

“Truck drivers often feel like they’re fighting for every inch of the road, watching other drivers ducking and diving

into a space just to get to their destination quicker,” said Kendall, who is an inductee of the Road Transport Hall of Fame.

“Sitting up in my cab, I worry watching other motorists make dangerous decisions because they’re unaware of what’s in front, beside or behind their vehicle.”

Kendall has urged all drivers to be mindful of truck drivers who are simply ‘doing their job’.

“At the end of the day, this is my workplace,” he said.

“When I take my truck out on the road, I set out to come home safely.”

NHVR’S Michelle Tayler said the regulator

was committed to educating all road users to be more cautious when driving around heavy vehicles.

“With more than one million heavy vehicles on Australian roads, there’s a good chance you will pass a truck every time you jump in your car,” she said.

“But heavy vehicles aren’t the same as cars, and all motorists have a responsibility to give them the space they need to complete their journeys safely.

“We’re targeting our safety messaging at both heavy and light vehicle drivers, to really spread that important message –that we all need space on the road.”

The NHVR’s latest safety campaign, We All Need Space, provides simple tips for drivers on how to drive safely around oversized loads, safely overtake trucks, how to keep out of truck blind spots, and the rules around overtaking a turning truck.

Linfox encourages veteran recruitment

Linfox is supporting the transition of Australian Defence Force (ADF) veterans from active service to civilian industries.

As an inclusive employer, Linfox is encouraging diversity of thoughts and skills and is proud to be a signatory to the Veteran’s Employment Commitment.

Linfox Logistics ANZ CEO, Mark Mazurek, is promoting the clear benefits veterans bring to the workforce.

“Linfox is proud to support those who have served our country,” he said.

“These men and women share our LIFT values of Loyalty, Integrity, Fairness and Trust, and bring important qualities to our operations such as collaboration, resilience, discipline and teamwork.”

Linfox also aids active ADF reserves with a Defence Leave Policy and supports relocation for partners of active service men or women with relocation where possible.

Nearly 17 per cent of the Linfox Government and Defence workforce are veterans, bringing a wealth of expertise to the business.

All team members also have access to the exclusive Linfox Employee Assistance Program (LEAP).

The announcement follows TAFE Queensland, Macmahon and Ironside

Resources joining forces this week to help skilled ADF veterans transition into successful civilian careers in the mining sector.

Specialist veteran recruitment agency, Ironside Resources, will identify veterans with existing Heavy Commercial Vehicle trade qualifications for the initiative.

TAFE Queensland will then work closely with Macmahon, a diversified Australian mining contractor, to upskill the participants in Mobile Plant Technician skills so that they are ready to take on a variety of mining employment opportunities across Queensland and Western Australia.

“Whilst the ADF provides a high level of training and transferable skills for diesel mechanics, there is a gap between their qualifications and what they need to succeed in the mining industry,” said Ironside Resources COO, Rowena Ferrarotto.

“This partnership is aimed to bridge this gap and offer meaningful employment and training.”

Earlier this year, a report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) found that the majority of former ADF members had attained higher education qualifications, were

employed, earned higher incomes than the Australian population, owned their own homes and were socially connected by living in a family type household.

The report, Understanding the wellbeing characteristics of ex-serving ADF members, used data from the 2016 Census to examine experiences of education and skills, employment, income and finance, housing circumstances and social support among 72,000 veterans who had served at least one day of service on or after 1 January 2001 and were ex-serving as at 31 December 2015.

“Education is an important factor when transitioning from the ADF to civilian life,” said AIHW spokesperson, Caitlin Szigetvari.

“In the general population, higher levels of education are associated with better health and wellbeing outcomes.”

These aren’t the first skilled labour shortages that have been solved through recruitment programs using former ADF personnel.

A successful program in which former Australian Defence Force personnel assisted with worker shortages in the grain industry during COVID lockdowns was subsequently expanded to the cotton industry last year.

Rail freight relocation not on track

In a recent evaluation, the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office (VAGO) looked at the Department of Transport and V/ Line to see whether two programs encouraging an increase in rail freight have been effective. The results found that while freight through Melbourne’s port is forecast to more than double by 2052, the share moved by rail has not been keeping pace.

The 2018 Delivering the Goods –Victorian Freight Plan confirmed the Victorian Government’s intention to increase the share of freight moved by rail rather than road. Despite this, the share of rail freight going in and out of the Port of Melbourne by rail is now less than half of its 2013-14 peak.

In examining the two programs – the Mode Shift Incentive Scheme and the Port Rail Shuttle Network – VAGO found that the volume of freight carried by train has remained static since this peak,

meaning trucks and trailers have carried most of the 30 per cent growth in the port’s container freight.

While the Mode Shift Incentive Scheme has helped keep containers on trains by supporting freight terminals on four rail lines, the results found that it hasn’t increased the share of containers moved by rail in regional areas. And, according to a new report, VAGO said the Port Rail Shuttle Network may not be commercially viable “because of the significant competitive advantage trucks have over trains”.

As a result, it was concluded that these programs have not yet been effective.

“Although the scheme has kept some containers on trains that would have likely gone to trucks, it has not increased rail’s share of container freight in regional areas,” a VAGO spokesperson said. “Delays in delivering the shuttle network facilities and services mean the social,

Recent data obtained by the Victorian Government suggests that achieving 30 per cent of Melbourne’s metropolitan containers on rail by 2050 is unlikely.

economic and environmental benefits from diverting metropolitan containers from road to rail are also delayed.”

Although freight volume activity has in fact increased in Victoria, rail’s share of freight has not scaled with this growth. VAGO said this is largely because the Mode Shift Incentive Scheme has only partly achieved the objectives that government set for it – it has, however, reportedly kept container freight on rail that would likely have otherwise gone to road. Also contributing to the disappointing results, VAGO said, is the fact that most of the container cargo growth in the Port of Melbourne is occurring at Webb Dock, which has no rail connection. Progress on delivering the Port Rail Shuttle Networks has also apparently been slow since the Government first funded it in its current form eight years ago.

Following these evaluations, VOGA has made several recommendations to the Department of Transport and Planning about:

• accuracy of reporting;

• enhancing assurance over payments;

• feasibility of 30 per cent metro rail freight expectation;

• planning a Webb Dock rail connection;

• managing shuttle network contracts;

• assessing shuttle network viability; and

• using its leadership/coordination role to deliver on freight commitments.

To reach the target of 30 per cent by 2050, VAGO said there would need to be at least 215 return train trips per week, or 31 return trips each day, between shuttle network sites and the port.

“In the future, there will be more competition for train paths, particularly on the Dandenong line which has limited space for freight services during daylight hours,” a VAGO spokesperson said. “The number and frequency of passenger services on this corridor is expected to increase by 2050.”

Pacific Fuel Solutions has been in business for over 60 years, offering reliable fuel supply, fantastic customer service, strong industry knowledge and a retail network that allows customers to keep moving. As hinted in the company’s new name, Pacific Fuel Solutions offers quality bulk fuel supply and diesel distribution to customers across the entire east coast of Australia, with 70 tankers conducting 24-hour, seven-day fuel operations.

After just recently seeing the business through its brand change, Operations Manager, Ben Wilson, who has been with the company for the last 27 years, added a new tanker to the fleet’s collection – a 30 metre B-double capable of holding 70,000 litres of diesel. While the tanker was completed under the Petrogas name, it has just undergone rebranding to feature the new Pacific Fuel Solutions logo and its respective livery.

Pacific Fuel Solutions’ tanker is fitted with Liquip equipment, including hatches compliant to the latest AS2809 revision

– which pass the Australian stringent double drop test – and Liquip’s well-known Swift Delivery System, designed and manufactured by Liquip International and installed by Liquip Victoria.

– formerly known as Petrogas – has taken delivery of a new 30 metre B-double tanker, built by Marshall Lethlean and fitted with Swift Delivery System.

“With time technology improves, and Liquip is certainly one that does enjoy being innovative with technology,” Ben says. “With the Swift system, you keep your drivers on the ground – you don’t have to get up on top of the tanker and dip it, which is the old school way, as it has a screen which tells you how much fuel is in each compartment of the truck.”

During the consultation phase of building the tanker and its delivery system, Petrogas, Liquip Victoria, Liquip International and Marshall Lethlean were discussing the desired outcome and the possible challenges that could arise. The group collectively found that, due to the sheer size of the combination, the operator/driver would have difficulties in positioning the tanker to effectively unload at certain sites. Liquip International’s electrical engineers, who were involved in this team-based consultation, worked tirelessly to quickly find a solution. Consequently, they were able to develop hardware and electronic system modifications that built on the standard Swift Delivery System platform to

meet Pacific Fuel Solution’s needs.

It is Liquip’s company-wide commitment to consulting with customers and solving potential problems that attracts users like Ben and Pacific Fuel Solutions in the first place.

“It is their willingness to get it done,” says Ben, who feels he is treated as a valued partner and customer in a process where he is asked what he wants rather than being told. As Ben explains, Liquip’s team will listen to what the customer wants and find a way to “make it happen”.

The Liquip network’s attention to detail and seamless interactions across all stakeholders is paramount to the success of its systems and processes.

“You used to have things called jumper hoses, where you would get a hose and physically connect it to the compartment,” Ben says. “And when that was empty, you had to disconnect it and then reconnect it to another compartment. Then a manifold system came out, where you didn’t have to do the disconnect, but you still had a jumper hose if you wanted to pump. And

that just looked horrible and messy. But Liquip got rid of that with the Swift system and streamlined it all into one system.”

The new 30 metre B-double with Liquip’s Swift system has just done its first delivery for Pacific Fuel Solutions, and the benefits are already paying off.

“I look at the trucks that we had 10 years ago and the ones that we have now, and I can see everything is more ergonomically friendly and compact,” Ben says.

“This translates into safer equipment and a bigger payload, which is a win-win. It’s just helped us maintain leading equipment.

”As Liquip is a major innovator, it keeps ahead of the market on new technology. So, because of that relationship, it’s made us a leader in the fuel game as far as modern equipment goes.”

Contact Liquip

148 Newton Road Wetherill Park, Sydney NSW 2164

Ph: 02 9725 9000

Web: www.liquip.com

Transporting fuel can throw an abundance of potential complications at its drivers.

It’s Haar Australia’s job to make those hurdles less cumbersome, ensuring the safety and productivity of those making their important deliveries.

Whether it is farm or commercial deliveries, Stuart Evans needs to ensure his deliveries are seamless. The owner of Evans Petroleum, located in the Gippsland region of Victoria, has just taken delivery of a new vehicle to help with his busy schedule. The DAF Euro 6, 450-horsepower, twin steer rigid truck was recently delivered and has been fitted with an Alfons-Haar metering system.

Stuart says the move to Alfons-Haar is a relatively new one for his business, but he is looking forward to reaping the benefits, adding that the technical support and

service has already been impressive.

“They came down here and installed it and went through everything with the driver,” he says. “They are fantastic to deal with and really helpful, going through the whole process.”

Evans Fuels has played a key part in keeping the local community running for half a century. Stuart, and his wife Jenene, took over from his father, founder Reg Evans, in 1989. Today, operating under the BP label, the business is now a major fuel distributor using a high-tech Holmwood Highgate fleet and covering an area stretching from Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, all the way to the New South Wales border in the east.

Stuart’s newest vehicle, also from Holmwood Highgate, features the PreciPURE C1200 metering system, the

newest version from the company, which makes major leaps forward in accurate and efficient fuel deliveries.

The product, explains Haar Australia founder and Managing Director, Ivan Lawrie, is smaller, lighter and easier to use, providing faster delivery performance than its 2013 predecessor. It was extensively tested for more than a year in outback New South Wales with exceptional results and positive user feedback.

The new features of the C1200 Precipure include:

• Smaller dimension to suit chassis with limited space (300mm shorter in length and 150mm shorter in height from the ground);

• Quick product changeover when switching from diesel to petrol delivery, and vice versa (less than one minute);

All pumped up

Alfons-Haar products continue to pop up on various vehicles all over Australia, with fuel transporters now enthusiastically turning to its next generation PreciPURE C1200.

Based in the Melbourne suburb of Sunshine West, Haar Australia not only supplies meters and fuelling components, but supplies special pumps and mobile compressors for powder and chemical transfer. In addition to its involvement in the commercial transport sector, Haar Australia has a strong presence in the defence industry and is also the Australian distributor of Swedish coupling manufacturer and supplier Mann Tek.

• Service changes such as improved pump strainer access;

• Simplified delivery valve arrangement; and

• Driver selectable digital flow control. Ivan has been at the forefront of fuel metering and pumping technology, taking cues from developments in the European market and tailoring them for Australian applications. But for him, just as important as the product is the support that comes with it.

“We provide backup support to vehicle system builders and maintenance providers, but also to drivers directly,” he says. “It helps drivers who are new to the vehicle or relief drivers who might need a little guidance to use the system for the first time.”

That is music to Stuart’s ears who

is looking forward to a prosperous relationship with Haar Australia and the benefits that come with it.

Contact Alfons Haar

Ph: 03 9311 6904

Web: www.alfons-haar.com.au

Bruce Rock Engineering for Shaw

After purchasing a second set of Bruce Rock Engineering trailers, Shaw Haulage is set on returning to the trailer builder for new combinations to follow.

Shaw Haulage, an owner-operator trucking and earthmoving business based in Alton Downs, Queensland, is very much accustomed to purchasing Bruce Rock Engineering (BRE) trailers. In 2017, Owner, Scott Shaw, was the first customer to buy a BRE side tipper through BRE’s Queensland dealer, Barnseys’ Trailer and Truck Sales, and he’s had more experience with the brand since.

“I had a set of other units at the time, and I sold them to buy the two new trailers from BRE,” he says. “I chose BRE because of their tare weights and the fact that they’re known to be very good trailers. Then, I bought a second-hand dolly and an A trailer. In the five-or-so years that I ran them all, nothing went wrong.”

Scott was so impressed with the performance of his first BRE trailers that just 12 months ago he went back for more. This time, he chose a new ABtriple combination customised to his specifications.

“I’m now on my second set of BRE trailers,” he says. “The previous ones were just normal stock trailers. I had them for six years since 2017, and I’ve sold them. I went up to BRE and bought my new ones with everything I wanted on them.

“Compared to my first ones, I changed a few things on these ones. I went with a bigger lift ram and roll over hydraulic tarps and we changed the tarp rail frames to be bolted in, rather than welded in, so you can pull them out and cart big rock if you need to. We changed the tyre racks on them too, to swinging tyre racks, to make everything easier and quicker.”

Shaw Haulage has been a major supporter of the BRE brand and product since the trailer builder’s initial foray into the eastern states. The fleet is well known in the quarry carting and earthmoving industries within these regions, particularly in western and northern Queensland, and now it’s also known for having some of the best-looking gear.

“I get a lot of questions and enquiries about the BRE trailers, and I recommend them to anyone who asks,” he says.

with them. They do a lot of road work between the mines and on the roads, and they’ve been in some pretty rough neck of the woods. They do their fair share of dirt, and they never let me down.”

Following 12 months of getting to know the AB-triple tippers and seeing their benefits apply to the fleet, Scott stands by

says. “I’m getting a 64-tonne payload with no problems with the new bins, whereas before I initially went to BRE I was getting around 57 to 58 tonnes. With the BRE, you always get an extra four- to five-tonne in payload.”

Committed to always bettering its products and services while offering a fair

“They’re happy to listen to your ideas and work with you, which is a good thing,” he says. “Their aftersales service is great too, as you can follow up anything with them. The Barnsey boys are always in contact with me, and if I have any dramas, they sort them out pretty quickly. But most importantly, the price is right. They’re good value for money.”

This is why Scott says he will turn up to Barnseys’ Trailer and Truck Sales if he’s ever in need of another high-quality BRE trailer.

“Shaw Haulage started off about 12 years ago with two drop decks and a set of tippers,” he says. “Now, I’ve got four BRE tippers and a drop deck widener from them too. In the future, if I was going to buy some more trailers, I’d definitely go to BRE. The drop deck which I’ve got here is a brilliant trailer for what I do, I’d buy another one of them for sure.”

Capral Aluminium’s ASI certified feat

It was no easy task, but after a rigorous process, Capral Aluminium has become the first extruded product manufacturer in Australasia to achieve farreaching ASI certification.

Capral Aluminium has joined an elite club of international aluminium producers, one of the first to do so in this country.

The company has been officially certified against the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) Performance Standard V3 and Chain of Custody Standard (CoC) V2 and can now proudly display the ASI certified logo on its aluminium products, signalling they have been produced at the highest environmental, social and corporate governance standard.

The certification applies to all of Capral’s 26 facilities which includes mills, distribution centres and trades centres across the country.

Pressure arguably continues to mount in almost every manufacturing sector to, not just be good at business, but be good citizens as well. For this reason, proper corporate governance and appropriate certifications has become a company must.

“Buyers are becoming increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of products,” says Capral CEO, Tony Dragicevich. “ASI certification is a significant achievement and reinforces our position as a responsible and sustainable business.”

It was an exhaustive process, the company says, as it is considered the most comprehensive in the aluminium industry, defining various principles and criteria

for suitability performance including, biodiversity, Indigenous engagement, circularity and greenhouse gas emissions. Meanwhile, the CoC certification sets out requirements for materials produced and processed through the value chain into diverse downstream sectors. This means there are appropriate policies and due diligence processes to identify corruption, human rights abuses and materials originating from conflict-affected and highrisk areas in the supply chain.

“It has been a hard slog,” says Group ESG and Risk Manager for Capral, Marc Banks.

“These standards set high benchmarks and are assessed rigorously by third-party auditors.”

The certification program, according to ASI CEO, Fiona Solomon, provides proof that a company supports responsible sourcing, transparency and accountability within its own operations and throughout its value chain.

“For companies like Capral that are in the downstream part of the aluminium value chain, traceability is critical for the identification of potential environmental and social risks,” she says.

ASI is a global non-profit organisation that sets standards for the responsible production and sourcing of aluminium and covers a wide range of environmental, social, and governance issues, including

Fast fact

The Aluminium Stewardship Initiative was founded in 2011 by a group of aluminium producers, users, and NGO and today has more than 300 members from around the world. ASI-certified aluminium is used in a wide range of products, including cars, trucks, planes, buildings, and packaging.

greenhouse gas emissions, water use, human rights, and labour standards. The ASI CoC ensures that aluminium that is certified to the performance standard can be tracked and traced throughout the supply chain.

This isn’t the first time Capral has turned its attention to sustainability and the environmental impact of aluminium. In November last year, it launched LocAl, a lower-carbon primary aluminium option for manufacturers, found across all Capral’s locally manufactured extruded products.

The LocAl aluminium offering includes two lower carbon aluminium options. LocAl Green, which at eight kilograms of carbon emissions per kilogram of aluminium, is 50 per cent lower carbon emissions than the current global average for primary aluminium, and LocAl Super Green which, at four kilograms, is 75 per cent lower.

Contact Capral

Ph: 1800 258 646

Web: www.capral.com.au

A change for the better

For Bulk Transport Equipment to maintain its synonymity with high-quality trailer builds, it was necessary to change its provider to JOST.

“It’s been a very good relationship,” says Bulk Transport Equipment (BTE) Director, Alan Griffiths.

BTE has been specifying JOST products on its trailer builds for three years.

As it is now apparent, Alan decided to steer his ship directly towards JOST in

2020. Looking back on the success his business has continued to achieve since, he says he was definitely heading in the right direction.

“One of the reasons we chose JOST was because they had a good range of products,” he says. “We had some issues

with other products that we weren’t happy with, so we were looking for a solution for a better-quality option.”

Now, Alan has completely indulged himself and BTE in the JOST product.

“What we’re doing now is we’re offering a complete trailer package, which is

really good,” he says. “So, when we’re spec’ing up, say, an A-double, we basically run kingpin landing legs, hoists and a turntable on each trailer, which is fantastic.

“It’s good if a customer has to go to JOST, then they’ve got all JOST products on their trailer. And a lot of our customers do also specify JOST. Or if we say, ‘This is what we run’, most of them don’t have an issue with that.”

For those unfamiliar with the BTE name, led by Alan, it is a top-tier trailer manufacturer with purchases from some of Australia’s well-known fleets to attest to its reputation. And while the builder has demonstrated its ability to keep up with the transport industry’s high standards for many years, partnering with JOST has taken it to the next level in giving customers the best product possible.

“We went to them looking for a solution

with hoists among other products, and the service from the guys there has been fantastic,” Alan says. “They put together a package for us and they’re always very quick to get everything together for us. We’re really enjoying this collaborative relationship. We always try to be flexible and offer the customer, where possible, what they want. But in a lot of cases, if they don’t know what they want, they’re happy with JOST too. We’ve never had any bad feedback from our customers regarding the JOST product.”

Some of BTE’s most recent B-double and A-double semi tipper builds, like the majority of them, were fully decked out with the JOST package. Continuing the tradition of aligning the JOST name with BTE, Alan says, is worth it.

“I think most of the customers’ opinion of JOST is that it’s been around for a long period of time and that it’s got a reputation that pretty much means quality,” he says. “Anything that carries the JOST name is reputable. From where we sit, the reliability across the product range is very good.

“The distribution from the JOST company is also very good,” he continues. “They’ve got a good network of supply, and their product availability is generally always pretty good as well. Their lead times are usually spot-on and they’ve always got a good range of stock, which is always a good thing.”

Although there are countless options which BTE could specify as standard on its trailer combinations, Alan says JOST fits the mould of BTE perfectly.

“You can always go for a cheaper product, but that’s not us,” he says. “We’re not about just putting the cheapest thing on there. We want our customers to take delivery of a trailer, be happy with it, and not have to bring it back. With JOST, that’s a guarantee.”

Contact

Working for wellbeing

If there is one industry that is a critical contributor to the Australian economy, it’s transport – with every Australian benefiting from it in some way. And it’s a responsibility PACCAR takes very seriously through its support of various not-for-profits and charities.

“It’s simply about giving back,” says PACCAR Australia Director of Sales and Marketing, Michael Long. “We believe in supporting the mental and physical health of the communities and organisations that support us.”

One such organisation is Heart of Australia, founded by engineer-turnedcardiologist Dr Rolf Gomes, with the aim of providing better access to specialist healthcare and diagnostics in rural and remote communities. While working as a junior doctor in western Queensland, Dr Gomes noticed the disparity in access to health care and services between regional and urban-dwelling Australians.

The solution Dr Gomes hit on was a custom-designed truck that could serve as a mobile medical health unit, or “clinic-on-wheels” to deliver specialist healthcare to rural and remote communities across Queensland. PACCAR was the first organisation to offer the newly formed Heart of Australia organisation the complimentary use of a truck in 2014, and that support has now grown to four trucks that PACCAR continues to maintain and insure.

Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds is another not-for-profit organisation within the industry to have benefited from PACCAR’s support since its launch in 2020. Headed by CEO, Naomi Frauenfelder, with the aim to improve the mental health and wellbeing of workers in the road transport, warehousing and logistics sector, PACCAR’s provision of a custom-built DAF LF has enabled Healthy Heads to reach its key audience.

Aside from supplying vehicles configured to an organisations’ specific needs, PACCAR also provides financial support. The Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) is one such organisation that benefits from a financial-aid partnership with PACCAR, specifically its neurosurgery department which is primarily technology based.

“As a major centre for treating neurosurgical illnesses, state-of-the-art equipment is critical, and we sincerely thank PACCAR for continuing this important partnership which is now in its seventh year,” says Associate Director of the RMH’s Corporate Partnerships, Gareth Scott.

Alongside supporting a range of different not-for-profits and charities and the important work they do in Australian communities, PACCAR also steps in to give after natural disasters.

“When regions unfortunately fall victim

Photo supplied by Healthy Heads In Tucks & Sheds

PACCAR is partnering with a range of different not-for-profits and community organisations to support the important work they do in Australian communities.

to ravages inflicted by natural disasters, such as floods or fire, PACCAR, together with our national dealer network, jointly support relief efforts through the PACCAR Dealer Industry Fund,” says Long. “We are incredibly humble about the fact that we’re able to support some really great charitable partners and ultimately assist everyday Australians in need.”

Contact PACCAR Parts

Ph: 1800 772 787

Web: www.paccarparts.com.au

Photo supplied by Heart Of Australia

Photo supplied by the Royal Melbourne Hospital

Photo supplied by Heart of Australia

Lucidity lights up Brisbane Truck Show

Lucidity Australia emerged as a standout performer at the 2023 Brisbane Truck Show earlier this year with its large offering of safety products and innovative solutions.

Lucidity’s

reach of owners and operators, Lucidity made the most out of the opportunity to

latest advancements in the industry,” says Lucidity Australia President, Mathew Jenkins. “To us, it was about giving the industry a platform to discover how our ground-breaking products are revolutionising the trucking experience and exceeding client expectations.”

This year the Lucidity team unveiled a highly anticipated product line. The line-up consisted of Lucidity’s LED Lamps from the Link Series, the recently launched LED Progressive Indicators and an interactive OMP wire harness and lighting system display. These options, Mathew says, are perfect examples of Lucidity’s dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions as they “raise the bar for safety and functionality in on-road applications”.

“The products we had on display garnered quite significant interest and sparked engaging discussions among visitors,” he says. “And as a result, the immersive experience allowed corporate

commitment to setting new standards within safety and innovation

representatives and owner-operators alike to envision the customisation potential of our systems to suit their specific needs.”

Lucidity’s battery charging and timer switch products, also on display, captured considerable interest too. Essentially, these innovative solutions prevent battery drainage and utilise intelligent chargers to efficiently charge battery power packs.

In certain situations, it’s very easy to completely flatten batteries which can result in an irreversible shortened lifespan. To combat this problem, the Charge Plus range of timer switches prevents interior lamps from flattening fridge plant batteries. When operating, Mathew says, the switch basically protects the power source.

“The switch can identify a low voltage condition and turn off the interior lamps,” he says. “Once the fridge plant is started again, and it starts recharging the battery, the interior lamps are turned back on.”

Following the 2023 Brisbane Truck Show, Mathew says Lucidity received an overwhelmingly positive response from its customer base – setting the stage for a

prosperous year ahead.

“We’re very grateful for everyone that took the time to stop by to see us,” he says. “We want to thank the Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) as well for putting on such a great show. The event had record-breaking numbers of attendees this year, so I think their efforts definitely paid off.”

Furthermore, he recognised all of the hard work put into the event.

“It takes an amazing team to get to Brisbane Truck Show, have a successful show on your feet for four days and then still have the energy to pack up and maintain your sense of humour,” Mathew

says. “So, I want to take the opportunity to thank our Lucidity Australia team for their effort to get us to the show and back home, and most importantly, to all of our customers that support and believe in us. I’m very happy with the performance of our brand this year, and I’m looking forward to seeing it make a bigger and better appearance in two years’ time.”

Contact

Lucidity Australia

37 Paraweena Drive Truganina VIC 3029

Ph: 03 9219 4074

Web: www.lucidityaustralia.com.au

The yes movement

In 2019, E-Plas offered Fleetmark, who has designed and manufactured curtainsiders, rollover and front-to-back tarps and tippers since 1994, an offer it couldn’t refuse.

In the beginning, there were just two in Queensland – Eagle Canvas and Total Fleet Imaging. But, after both businesses were bought in 2015, they combined to become part of the international success known as Fleetmark Group today.

“Our main office is in Melbourne,” says

Fleetmark Queensland Business Manager, Murray Scott. “We have locations in, Sydney, Brisbane, China and Thailand as well. We paint and sign trucks and trailers in-house at all of these faculties, and we supply for OEMs as well.”

In addition to its transport-related duties,

Fleetmark has made its mark with some of Australia’s most popular digital branding solutions, such as Coles, Woolworths, KFC and Metro Trains. But after making a deal with E-Plas in 2019 to install its QuickSilver tipper lining system, the Fleetmark name has become much more fluent on the

tongues within the transport industry.

“We caught up with the team and went out to have a look at what they do, what they have and what they were supplying,” Murray says. “They asked us if we wanted to be an agent for them and we said yes.

“Business was a little bit slow for a year or two, but it’s really picked up. I’ve probably fitted five of their floors this week now, and over the years we’ve used hundreds of metres of it.”

While there were a lot of fish in the sea at the time of the agreement, Murray says QuickSilver was – and still is – more universal for any application. This is why it was the perfect choice.

“It can be used on anything,” he says. “If you’re carting bitumen, for example, you can have QuickSilver. Whereas with other options in the market, you will need to go and buy extra products so that it can be compatible with different jobs. But QuickSilver is just the one material with a different bolt pattern for different applications, such as bitumen. In the end, it’s just cost-effective to not have as much stock and different sort of materials.”

Like Fleetmark, E-Plas is also a national company, with branches in Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia. With its presence growing at such a rapid rate, E-Plas has the ability to distribute nationwide with overseas supply possible too.

In addition, Murray has found that E-Plas always has a lot of products in stock, which he says is pretty uncommon after the market’s uncertainty during the last couple of years.

“I’ve been able to get stock in all of the time, and they seem to be able to get it in quickly and put it aside for us,” he says. Backing that up, he says, is a very good aftersales service.

“They’re always checking up to make sure that we’re in contact with people they’ve put onto us and how they went, too,” Murray says. “It’s always pretty good, their communication is first class.”

Four years into the deal, Murray says working with E-Plas by being a QuickSilver agent and installer has paid off.

“They supply it and we do the fitting for them,” he says.

The benefits E-Plas has to offer, he says, are also passed onto the customers at the end of the production line.

“I’ve got a few local customers that I’ve done a few for now and they think it’s fantastic,” Murray says. “They don’t have to tip as high, so it’s a lot safer. If you get out on uneven roads, trailers tend to get right up high and they fall over, and things like that.

“There’s that, as well as it saving the floor in the trailer. Even with some of the second-hand ones we’ve been doing, the floors start wearing out after a while. People then put QuickSilver in and it will last twice as long as what an aluminium floor does. And it’s a cheaper option than actually replacing floors all of the time.”

First-hand experience with QuickSilver on a daily basis means Murray sees everything there is to the product. But with there being nothing to complain about, and customers who are equally as happy with their E-Plas-fitted tippers, Fleetmark has a special spot for QuickSilver in its heart.

“I have had a couple of the other suppliers trying to get me to start selling theirs”, Murray says, “but no, you don’t fix anything that’s not broken.”

Ph: 03 8361 1791

Web: www.eplas.com.au

Enveero tested to the max

A long history of innovation and development has allowed Powerdown to continually improve its shock absorber offering. Today, its newest product has hit new heights of performance.

Bumping, bouncing and swaying. Driving a truck with defected shock absorbers isn’t a pleasant experience, but for suspension experts, Powerdown, it’s more than just about having a comfortable ride.

Powerdown’s designers have made it their life’s work – more than 40 years of research and development – to ensure these little pump-like devices surpass expectations. From sustainability and weather conditions, to cost savings, every aspect has been taken into consideration.

First released in 1990, the Powerdown Supershock was always going to be up against the tough conditions Australia throws at its truck drivers thanks to remote locations, rough roads and a diverse climate. This is why the design was tested over millions of varying kilometres.

Over the years the Supershock product evolved, with larger bore sizes, improved seals, greater tensile strength, bonded rubber bushes and the proprietary ride height indicator.

With the improvements of the mechanical aspects of the Supershock, the next logical step was to improve the hydraulic fluid used in the damper. The fluid needed to be able to survive the hot conditions of northern Australia and the colder southern regions in Victoria and Tasmania.

To solve this unique problem, designers looked at alternatives to traditional mineral and synthetic oils with a nonoil-based fluid. The result was Enveero, a high-performance, environmentally friendly shock absorber fluid which provides a longer lifespan.

What makes Enveero fluid a stand-out is its high viscosity index, which combined with excellent heat conductivity, delivers optimal damper performance in hot and cold conditions.

“Australia is known as one of the world’s toughest testing grounds for the transport industry,” says Powerdown General Manager Sales & Marketing, Mathew

Gatgens. “Enveero Supershocks were put through an extensive trial period to prove that this new fluid would stand up to our demanding operating conditions and were tested further in an independent lab.”

Because of its high flash point which exceeds 210°C – higher than that of traditional shock absorber oils – as well as its anti-foaming properties, a loss of damping, or fade, is reduced. The result is improved vehicle control even on the warmest summer days on the harshest road conditions, increasing safety and minimising damper related tyre wear.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, Enveero fluid has a pour point of less than -30°C, which greatly reduces shock absorber misting or weeping in

colder climates. This is often diagnosed incorrectly as a leaking shock absorber, thus taking away much of the conjecture on this hot debate.

Mathew says the results and the feedback were so encouraging, Powerdown decided to back the Supershock Enveero range with a two year/250,000km warranty.

Supershock with Enveero is currently available for select Kenworth, BPW, Neway, Hendrickson, Meritor and York applications.

Contact

Powerdown

Ph: 02 4949 0000

Web: www.powerdown.com.au

Event review: Transport Logistic

Transport Logistic is an international trade fair dedicated to logistics, mobility, IT and supply chain management. From 9-12 May, 2,320 exhibitors from 67 countries presented their concepts and solutions at the exhibition centre in Munich, Germany. The share of international visitors, according to the event organisers, rose to more than 50 per cent – a new milestone achievement.

For Messe München co-CEOs Stefan Rummel and Dr Reinhard Pfeiffer, Transport Logistic illustrated quite clearly that the industry provides great inspiration in these challenging times.

“People want to get things moving, pushing forward, tackling the current issues together,” they said. “What we saw and experienced here in terms of ideas and technologies over the last four days is really unique. To sum it up: nothing happens without logistics.”

Federal Minister of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, Dr Volker Wissing, was also impressed at the opening of the event.

“What you see here shows once again that the transport and logistics industry is

right up there when it comes to innovations, progress and modern technologies,” he said. “And what becomes especially clear at this trade fair is that climate goals aren’t just nice words, but rather that the industry takes them very seriously. You can see it everywhere you look, at every booth.”

Kuehne + Nagel Managing Director, Tobias Jerschke, agrees with the Minister’s appraisal. “Transport Logistic is still the world’s most important leading trade fair, for us as well of course,” he said. “This year I really liked the way the sustainability topic was a common theme running through the entire trade fair. This is a strong signal for the whole industry and will help us to focus even more precisely on this important issue.”

Andreas Schmid Group CEO, Alessandro Cacciola, said: “Messe München succeeds time and again to perfectly map the latest trends and developments in the industry. This year I perceived sustainability in particular as a strong and positive topic, and Transport Logistic is therefore a place where the future of logistics is being actively co-shaped.”

Krone Managing Director Sales & Marketing, Dr Frank Albers said Transport Logistic acts as a meeting point to interact with industry’s players.

“As an international event the trade fair offers us the opportunity to present our ‘Mission Beyond Zero’ and the accompanying solutions, discuss issues and challenges and also expand our own horizons. This year our eTrailer in particular and the respective service solutions were among our top priority topics. Transport Logistic is one of the most important trade fairs for the industry. We have the chance here as a company to present our product portfolio holistically and to also share our know-how. During the four trade fair days, Transport Logistic maps the entire spectrum of the transport and logistics industry. From road haulage to maritime logistics and air freight through to intralogistics and rail transport. This allows us to enter into dialogue with the experts and decision-makers of the various modes of transport and to discuss the necessary topics, so we can make the entire industry more sustainable.”

More than 75,000 visitors from more than 120 countries attended this year’s Transport Logistic event in Munich to see innovation in transport across all modes.

MEGATRANS is Australia’s largest integrated conference and exhibition dedicated to the logistics industry. MEGATRANS will showcase the latest in artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, automated racking, telematics and route optimisation, warehouse automation, intelligent fleet systems, blockchain, Internet of Things, big data and advanced analytics.

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

Chain of Command

Carrying

the largest jet fuel spec’d fleet in the country, Hills Tankers deploys along the northern eastern seaboard servicing airports, mines, retail outlets and military bases.

Hills Tankers, a family-owned fuel carrier, delivers jet fuel on four dedicated A- and B-double units here seven days a week. Earlier this year, it introduced a third generation MAN TGS 540hp prime mover on this run. The new truck has impressed to the point the other three vehicles will be converted to MANs by the end of the year according to Scott Cullen, Hills Tankers Chief Operations Officer.

“The driver acceptance has been outstanding,” he says. “Fuel economy, according to our data, is awesome. They feature all the latest safety tech and intelligent cruise paired with the Brakematic descent control but they’re also simple to operate. That’s what the drivers especially love about them.”

The third generation TGS 13-litre 540hp is undoubtedly a sophisticated modern commercial vehicle. The Smart Select control module for the 12.3-inch screen of the navigation system and the return to neutral gear selector, are among the notable new features.

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Our online marketplace is dedicated to the sale and hire of trucks, trailers and other transport equipment Australiawide. From low loaders and tag trailers to rigid-bodied vehicles and prime movers, you’ll find it here. Whether you’re looking for a deal or keen to sell some high-value assets, we have you covered.

Meant to be

good people out there dealing with customers,” he says. “I think that’s very important. You have to maintain good relationships with all of your customers. As far as the products go, you have to make sure your products are the right ones for what they need. That’s a very important part of the whole exercise.

“We work on the product portfolio to make sure it is 100 per cent right, and if it isn’t, we fix it. That’s the key.”

Along with several major contributions which have led to changes in rules and regulations, Mario also played a significant part in the introduction of Electronic Braking Systems and trailer disc brakes in Australia during the early 2000s. This, and his work with industry associations, led his recognition in 2010 where he received the Don Watson Memorial Award from the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) for his ‘conspicuous service to the Australian trucking industry’.

His favourite part of all his jobs, though, has been the people.

“The most important thing is the people,” he says. “By large, there are great people in the industry all the way through. Some of them become lifelong friends, so that’s the beauty of the industry. That’s not just the people you work with, but customers, suppliers – the whole lot.”

With much to look forward to on the horizon, Mario says the next step is to keep having fun.

While Mario Colosimo is now known as SAF-Holland’s Managing Director, he has taken quite the journey to get to where he is today. After his first job at Fruehauf Trailers, he moved to Tieman Industries in 1988 to undertake a new role as Chief Engineer. He then moved on to BPW Transpec where he spent the following 24 years as Product Centre Manager in the Trailer Equipment Division. Here, he reported directly to the Managing Director in a wide-ranging role encompassing commercial, operational and technical responsibilities.

Mario later transitioned to MaxiTRANS as General Manager of the Freighter products in 2013 and then to a similar role at Byrne Trailers in 2017. In 2020, he arrived home at SAF-Holland.

Although his arrival in the transport

industry may have been unexpected, Mario is glad it happened.

“I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else,” he says. “Since I started at Fruehauf Trailers after completing my Mechanical Engineering degree in the mid ‘80s, I’ve really felt at home. I’ve been involved with industry associations for almost all of my career – and that’s been really fulfilling.

“Keeping in contact with customers, competitors and other players in the industry has been absolutely fantastic. It’s a great industry to be in.”

Five weeks into Mario’s new position at SAF-Holland, the Covid pandemic arrived. This saw him spend the most of his first two years at the company working from home. Nevertheless, Mario says it’s been quite the ride.

“We have great products and we have

“Make sure you’re having fun all the way through, that’s what it’s about,” he says. “And that’s with the whole team here. There’s always pressure on you at work to perform and meet targets, but at the end of the day, as long as you do the right thing, do things properly and have fun on the way through, that’s what it’s all about. And you can do that in this industry, it’s full of good people.”

Industry Innovators

Made possible by Smedley’s Engineers, Industry Innovators is a series dedicated to honouring the individuals who are transforming the commercial road transport industry. Smedley’s

Mario Colosimo’s career in the transport industry began in 1984, as a Design Engineer. Since then, he has acquired almost 40 years of experience across a range of companies in the transport industry supply sector.

Truck Shows & Field Days

Pencil in some information on dates and venues of various truck shows, field days and road transport industry conferences both locally and internationally.

Got an upcoming event? Then let us know about it – email editor@trailermag.com.au

August

Victoria

Sheepvention Rural Expo

6-7 August

Hamilton, VIC

Visit: www.hamiltonshowgrounds.com.au

Western Australia

Mingenew Midwest Expo

8-10 August

Mingenew, WA

Visit: www.mmwe.com.au

Dowerin Machinery Field Days

30-31 August

Dowerin, WA

Visit: www.dowerinfielddays.com.au

September

Western Australia

South Australia

Yorke Peninsula Field Days

26-29 September

Paskeville, SA

Visit: www.ypfielddays.com.au

Germany

NUFAM

21-24 September

Karlsruhe, Germany Visit: www.nufam.de/de

Victoria

Royal Melbourne Show

21 September - 1 October

Melbourne, VIC Visit: www.royalshow.com.au

October

Victoria

New South Wales

Murrumbateman Field Days

21-22 October

Murrumbateman, NSW

Visit: www.mfdays.com

NOVEMBER

Brisbane

HVTT

6-10 November

Brisbane, QLD

Visit: www.hvttforum.org

France

Solutrans

21-25 November

Lyon, France

Visit: www.solutrans.fr

2024