Trailer Magazine November 21

®

A U S T R A L A S I A’ S T R A I L E R I N D U S T R Y R E S O U R C E

NOVEMBER 2021

ON THE BALL

10

Modern Road Tanker 9 771838 231003

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FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK PUBLISHER

John Murphy john.murphy@primecreative.com.au

MANAGING EDITOR

Luke Applebee luke.applebee@primecreative.com.au

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Officially endorsed by the VTA

That fella down under, Scott Morrison, along with US President, Joseph Biden, and UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, signed a trilateral security partnership in September to deepen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

This pact called AUKUS (Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States) is reportedly intended to strengthen the ability of each party to support their security and defence interests.

This will involve promoting deeper information and technology sharing and will also foster deeper integration of security and defense-related science, technology, industrial bases and supply chains.

The first initiative under AUKUS puts a deadline of 18 months on delivering nuclear-powered submarine capability for the Royal Australian Navy. Despite this development, Morrison is adamant that Australia remains committed to fulfilling its obligations as a nonnuclear weapons state and upholding leadership on global non-proliferation.

But AUKUS is more than nuclear subs. This team will also focus on cyber capabilities (which our industry desperately needs overhauled), Artificial Intelligence and quantum tech.

In a world where the global supply chain is under tremendous strain to deliver, we are already seeing issues with the timely arrival of components such as electronic semiconductors, you

know, the electronic control units that are used in modern vehicles and control everything from heating and cooling to the transmission and braking. It’s fair to say that the security threats of the future will entail the exploitation of this sophisticated technology. It will be interesting to see if innovation in our military-industrial complex will find its way into bolstering the security of the trucks and trailers that roll out of Australian factories in the near future.

As for AI, it goes hand-in-hand with machine learning, and advances in automation could drive down the cost of manufacturing in Australia. This is part of the puzzle that our nation needs to solve if it wants to get serious about being a globally recognised powerhouse in domestic production.

Entrepreneur and physicist, Dr Larry Marshall, presented at an innovation summit a few years ago and said if AI was going to transform the future of work, research and training would ensure Australia stays at the forefront of job creation in new industries, predicting and preparing for them before they emerge. He reckoned for machine learning to work well, it needs to ‘learn’ – it is our role to help give this technology real intelligence.

www.trailermag.com.au www.trailermag.com.au

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November 2021 6

30

Industry News The latest news in the commercial road transport industry.

26 Economy The nation’s economic recovery is gaining momentum according to the Reserve Bank of Australia.

30 Modern Road Tankers A showcase of the latest developments in modern road tanker technology.

36

36 Trailer Builder

See the latest in trailer technology hit the road.

42 Moving Floor

KEITH and Barker demonstrate their moving floor systems.

46 Truck Mounted Cranes Maxilift Australia details its latest vehicle loading crane installations.

40

48 Low Loaders VE Group commissioned Drake to refurbish a three-axle tag low loader that was manufactured in 1989.

50 Tyres & Wheels Since the early 1990s KS Easter has exclusively specified Alcoa wheels on its trucks and trailers.

52 Trailer Building Materials/Components See timely examples of the latest innovations adding value to the trailer manufacturing scene.

60

66 Industry Icon Brian Umpherston’s career has covered sales, service, repairs and engineering.

68 Industry Leaders

Trailer speaks to Linfox driver, Rachael Topp.

70 Fleet of the Month Brisbane Posts and Beams operates in a specialised niche in the building industry.

72 World Map Brazil harvested nearly 40 per cent less arabica coffee than last year and the least amount since 2009.

74 What’s On

Upcoming shows and field days.

4

Trailer Magazine NOVEMBER 21

68

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NEWS

A new leader emerges for Primary Connect Woolworths Group has announced

Annette Karantoni has been appointed

Primary Connect, who have demonstrated

an executive appointment for its supply

Chief Supply Chain Officer and Managing

safety and service leadership throughout

chain business.

Director of Primary Connect.

the pandemic. I look forward to seeing

Currently Woolworths’ Director of B2C

them build our next generation supply

eCommerce, Karantoni will formally

chain in the years ahead.”

transition to the new role in February

Karantoni has spent the last 20 years

2022 and also join the Woolworths Group Executive Committee.

working in a wide range of roles across

“We’re delighted to appoint Annette to

Annette has been the Director of B2C

what is an important leadership role in our

eCommerce – overseeing the significant

business,” said Woolworths Group CEO,

acceleration in eCommerce demand

Brad Banducci.

over the last 18 months. Woolworths’

“Annette has done an outstanding

Australian Food eCommerce sales have

job rapidly expanding our eCommerce

more than doubled since the start of the pandemic.

business to meet the surge in demand

Newly appointed Chief Supply Chain Officer and Managing Director of Primary Connect, Annette Karantoni.

Woolworths Group. Most recently,

we’ve seen for online shopping over the past 18 months.

Prior to working in eCommerce, Annette

“As we continue to expand our

roadmap for the Woolworths supply chain

retail ecosystem, our supply chain

network. Annette has also held senior

network will be critical to both the

roles in supermarkets buying, marketing

foundations and future aspirations

and replenishment.

of our business.

Woolworths Group’s current Acting Chief

“Our distribution centres are an essential

Supply Chain Officer, Chris Brooks, will

link in the nation’s food and grocery

remain in the role until February 2022.

supply chains and we’re continuing to

WooliesX Managing Director,

invest in our network to improve range,

Amanda Bardwell will continue to

service levels and resilience.

maintain overall responsibility for Australian Food eCommerce.

“Annette joins a very strong team at

led the development and investment

AHC welcomes $150M funding boost

6

The Australian Hydrogen Council (AHC)

support feasibility studies and construction

the bigger picture.

has welcomed an announcement by the

is another important step forward,”

Dr Simon said the decision to increase the

Morrison Government of extra grants

said Dr Simon.

number of hubs from five to seven is good

funding and expansion of its short list for a

“It’s certainly a vote of confidence in

news for jobs and getting the industry

national network of clean hydrogen hubs.

the industry and we hope there’s more

to scale as hubs drive collaboration and

AHC CEO, Dr Fiona Simon, said the

to come.

shared benefit.

announcement dated 20 September

“There’s no doubt that Australia has

“Globally, hubs are considered vital to

2021 of an extra $150 million in grants

the renewable energy resources, the

establish scale in clean hydrogen.

funding underlines that the Government

technical skills, and the track record

“We now await broader planning and

is serious about investing in Australia’s hydrogen future.

with international partners to become a global hydrogen leader.

regulatory architecture being put into

“Committing grant funding of $464m to

“Grant funding is an important part of

Trailer Magazine NOVEMBER 21

place to enable hydrogen to reach commercial scale.”

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NEWS

Toll rejects toll roads disclosed during parliamentary inquiry Multinational transport and logistics provider Toll Group is the latest road freight operator

Industry responds to toll road monopoly.

to boycott Sydney’s growing network of toll roads.

Exorbitant costs have been blamed for the embargo by trucking companies that now includes the country’s biggest freight operator.

A parliamentary inquiry heard late September that Toll Group had instructed its workforce to avoid toll roads reported the Transport Workers Union (TWU).

8

According to the TWU the Toll Group had

fair trading had failed to limit the toll road

relation to the actual cost of road repair and

communicated the directive in a Toolbox

cartel, had admitted Transurban were “fairly

upkeep as the details are confidential. At

Briefing document for their Woolworths site in Minchinbury, in May earlier this year.

close” to a monopoly position over toll roads

most the increase should be CPI,” said Clark.

in NSW.

“The fact is that truck operators already pay

In the document Toll Group said “in

Since then the NSW Liberal-National

more than car drivers for road maintenance

most cases, the cost of the toll roads

Government had presided over an explosion

through registration charges and fuel

outweighs any benefit we receive from

in the number of privately owned toll roads

tax. These toll increases come around like

using them”.

in Sydney, with Transurban partially or fully

clockwork, without the operators showing

The TWU had accused the NSW Government

owning every toll road in Sydney except the

any evidence that promised efficiencies and

and its infrastructure partner Transurban

Sydney Harbour Bridge/Tunnel.

improvements have been delivered,” he said.

of compounding increases tolls with

Over the next 40 years, the private

Most truck operators were prevented from

NorthConnex requiring heavy vehicle

companies owning Sydney’s toll roads are set

passing toll costs on to large customers due

operators incur a $25 toll each-way or risk a

to generate revenue that exceeds the build

to contractual conditions that hold them

$194 fine for failing to do so.

cost of the roads by more than six times in

responsible for these charges and even for

“It’s clear that coercion is the only way the

some cases according to the TWU.

unavoidable delays.

NSW Government and Transurban can get

Transurban paid $11.1 billion for the

Clark referred to a news report that

people to use their overpriced toll roads,”

purchase of NSW State Government’s

confirmed Transurban had made an 80

said TWU NSW State Secretary Richard Olsen.

remaining stake in WestConnex.

per cent return on its investment on

“It doesn’t matter if you’re an owner-

That brought its national portfolio of toll

WestConnex in the last year.

driver trying to run a small business, or a

roads to 22.

“This would tell me that Transurban can

massive multinational company like Toll

During an opening address to NSW

afford to give its truck industry customers a

Group, Sydney’s toll roads are simply too expensive” he said.

parliamentary inquiry into Tolling Regimes

brea,” he said.

NatRoad CEO Warren said the average net

NatRoad was advocating for a solution to

A move from such a major company like Toll

profit margin of most of the organisation’s

the current inequitable regime that involved

Group was all the proof needed that Sydney’s

members during the same time had fallen to

the introduction of a variable toll rate that

toll roads have reached crisis point according

about 2.5 per cent, putting extreme pressure

incentivises off-peak journeys, or gives

to Olsen who suggested the burden placed

on people trying to feed their families and

discounts for multiple journeys; and the

on the transport industry left drivers with no choice but to boycott toll roads.

modernise their equipment.

creation of an independent regulator to

He noted the current “ridiculous” situation

oversee and manage fair and transparent toll

That had resulted in more trucks on

in which some operators paid more in tolls

pricing.

suburban streets.

for a four-hour round trip from Sydney’s

“Variable truck toll rates for off-peak

Nationals representative Wes Fang

Western Suburbs to the Northern Beaches

journeys, or discounts for multiple journeys

questioned the authenticity of the leaked

than in driver wages.

are a very practical way of keeping trucks off

document.

“On WestConnex, for example, they increase

suburban streets, improving environmental

As far back as 2018, ACCC Chair Rod Sims,

by 4 per cent or the CPI – whichever is

outcomes and making travel less congested

whose organisation in its capacity to regulate

higher – We believe this increase has no

and safer,” said Clark.

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NEWS

NHVR adds primary producer concession info to app vehicles in some areas,” said McDonald.

A free service from the Regulator should improve supply chain operations.

“Allowing authorised officers and other parties in the supply chain access to this information is an important step in stopping this behaviour.”

NatRoad CEO, Warren Clark, welcomed the information being available publicly.

“This is a good step to better identifying where unfair competition is taking place and I thank the states involved for making the information available,” said Clark.

The app will also incorporate information on the dangerous goods licence details of vehicles registered in NSW and Western Australia on their mobile devices.

“We’ve worked collaboratively with Western Australia’s Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety and the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to include dangerous goods vehicle licence information in the app,” said Petroccitto.

“The app now makes it easy to establish the dangerous goods status of a vehicle in Western Australia and New South Wales at the same time as undertaking other registration checks.”

Users of the National Heavy Vehicle

Petroccitto said the NHVR had worked

The NHVR will continue discussions with

Regulator’s (NHVR) Registration Checker

with states and territories (that hold

dangerous goods regulators in other states

app can now check for primary producer

responsibility for registration laws and

and territories regarding possible inclusion

concessions across all eastern states and

concessions) to address industry concerns.

of their information in the future.

South Australia.

He thanked participating jurisdictions

New South Wales EPA Executive Director

NHVR CEO, Sal Petroccitto, said the free

for agreeing to include registration

Regulatory Practice and Environmental

service would allow loaders, packers

concession information in the Registration Checker app.

Solutions, David Fowler, said the app

vehicles were operating under the correct registration.

The Registration Checker app is an easy-to-

checks.

use system that establishes the status of a

“Being able to carry out digital checks will

“We’ve responded to feedback from

heavy vehicle’s registration by keying in or

help users verify vehicles are appropriately

industry groups and businesses that

taking a photo of a license plate’s details.

regularly raise concerns about some

Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters

licensed quickly and accurately,” said Fowler.

operators using primary producer discounts

Association National President, Scott

To use the app to check a vehicle’s

to operate on a commercial basis,” said Petroccitto.

McDonald, said making the concessional

dangerous good status, users simply enter

information available was a step in the

the vehicle’s registration or take a picture

“Including concession information will

right direction.

of the number plate.

help industry and governments address,

“Our member operators often report

The NHVR Registration Checker app can

and hopefully begin to reduce concession

vehicles registered under primary

be downloaded from the iTunes App Store

misuse across the industry in a more

producer schemes that are operating on

or Google Play and is compatible with

collective way.”

a commercial basis – up to 10 per cent of

Android and iOS.

and other supply chain parties to ensure

10

Trailer Magazine NOVEMBER 21

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NEWS

AusPost invests $82M in new facility To keep pace with e-commerce demand, Australia Post is set to build a new parcel facility in Perth.

The 23,000-square-metre facility will reportedly feature automation sortation and capacity to process 14,000 parcels per hour on its first day of operation.

It is expected to be ready in time for Christmas 2022 and has been designed with future scalability in mind with potential to process up to 23,000 parcels per hour.

The new facility will be located in Welshpool near the existing Perth Parcel Centre site and Welshpool Business Hub, and will include an onsite parcel distribution centre to get parcels into customers’ hands even faster.

Australia Post Acting Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Rodney Boys, said the $82 million commitment was part of the organisation’s ongoing

Australia’s national courier is as busy as ever.

investment to meet growing e-commerce demand.

effect with our operations, so we know we

to join their teams across parcel and

“Following last year’s investment of $450

need to keep investing in Western Australia

mail processing, van and truck drivers,

million, Australia Post continues to invest to

to meet our customers’ needs and help us

motorcycle and EDV posties, forklift

meet the phenomenal growth of 30.8 per

to deliver as efficiently as possible,” said

operators, and in customer service roles.

cent year on year in online shopping with

Becsi.

With more than two million parcels being

Australians spending more than $50 billion

“In addition to the Welshpool facility

delivered every day, Australia Post Executive

online last year,” he said.

announced today, we’re also planning to

General Manager People and Culture, Sue

“More recently, Western Australia’s online

deliver a new facility in Butler in October

Davies, encouraged those looking for work

shopping grew 22.6 per cent in the 12

2022, which will replace the current delivery

to reach out and join Australia Post at an

months to 31 August 2021 with close

centre in Clarkson, and we’ll be adding

exciting time.

to one million WA households shopping

close to 200 more electric delivery vehicles

“At the moment, every day feels like

online.

to our fleet this year to help our posties

Christmas at Australia Post and we’re on

“The high-speed sorting machinery and

deliver more parcels in the lead up to

the lookout for people to join us and help

automation at this new facility will allow

Christmas.”

deliver and process record volumes across

parcels to be processed faster and provide

In related news, the national courier is

the country,” said Davies.

our customers with increased tracking

calling out for more people to help deliver

“We’re proud of the outstanding efforts of

visibility thanks to more scanning events,

ahead of this year’s Christmas.

our people working hard across the country

and will also be safer for our people by

Australia Post now has 1,600 additional

who keeping delivering and supporting

significantly reducing manual handling.”

permanent and fixed term jobs around

communities through challenging

Australia Post Head of Operations in

the country that need filling, together

circumstances, and we’re so pleased to be

Western Australia, Angus Becsi, said the

with some 3300 Christmas casual roles

able to welcome more into this fantastic

new investment showed that Australia Post

still available, as it continues to strengthen

Australia Post team.”

was working hard to improve deliveries for

processing and delivering capacity to meet

Davies said the recruitment drive was

West Australians while the challenges of the

the record surge in online shopping.

part of Australia Post’s ongoing focus of

pandemic continue.

With vacancies in every state and territory,

delivering for Australians, while keeping our

“Impacts in other states do have a flow-on

Australia Post is on the lookout for people

people and communities safe.

12

Trailer Magazine NOVEMBER 21

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NEWS

Transurban to dominate Sydney toll roads A consortium led by road operator company, Transurban Group, will pay $11.1

years. The consortium also added Canada’s Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec

billion for a near half stake of the country’s

as a member.

longest auto tunnel network.

“WestConnex is one of the largest road

This move would see the consortium take

infrastructure projects in the world (and) a

ownership of the asset and dominate

key component of the New South Wales

Sydney’s toll road network.

government’s integrated transport plan to

Transurban already owned 51 per cent of

ease congestion and connect communities

WestConnex, a roughly 70 kilometre (44 mile) system of toll roads linking Sydney’s

in Sydney,” said Transurban CEO, Scott Charlton.

sprawling metro area, along with Canada

“We feel privileged to take Sydney

Pension Plan Investment Board, Abu Dhabi

Transport Partners’ holding in this critical

Investment Authority and domestic pension

asset to 100 per cent,” he added.

fund AustralianSuper. The New South Wales

Transurban said it would raise $4.22 billion

government owned the remaining share.

in a stock issue to fund its part of the

Buying out the 49 per cent share from the

purchase, which already had the necessary

state gives the group – of which Transurban

regulatory approval. The company owns

owns a half share – the full financial benefit

most Sydney toll roads and dominates

as more sections of the giant capital works

Australia’s toll road market from coast to coast.

project open to traffic in the next few

Transurban owns the majority of Sydney’s toll roads.

Port of Melbourne CEO steps down Following a long and successful career

Since coming on board, Bourke, according

said PoM Chairman, John Stanhope.

in transport and infrastructure, Brendan

to a media release issued by the Port of

Bourke was instrumental in improving

Bourke, CEO of Port of Melbourne has

Melbourne, had led significant programs

organisational operations and

announced his retirement.

and projects including the Port Development

strengthening the approach to safety

Bourke, who joined the Port as CEO in

Strategy that outlines how the port will

by implementing the Port’s Integrated

2016, just after the awarding of the 50 year

adapt to growth over the next 30 years.

Management System which includes

port lease to the Port of Melbourne Group

Under Mr Bourke’s leadership, PoM

four ISO certifications covering: Asset

(PoM), will continue in his capacity as CEO

also delivered a port rail strategy that

Management, Environmental Management,

until mid-November.

will provide a new on-port rail terminal

The deal involving a consortium of domestic

to grow the volume of containers that

Occupational Health and Safety, and Quality Management Systems.

and global funds comprised the Future

move by rail, managed investments of

Bourke also made staff engagement a

Fund, QIC, Global Infrastructure Partners

over $370m and worked with many port

priority, improving year-on-year through his

(GIP) and OMERS but attracted opposition

stakeholders to ensure that the port remains

leadership to receive recognition as a Top

as it included China’s sovereign wealth fund,

the biggest container and general cargo port in Australia.

10 Best Employer by leading human capital

the China Investment Corp.

firm Kincentric. “I wish Brendan well in

Saul Cannon has been appointed as the new CEO and will start on 15

“Brendan has demonstrated outstanding

his retirement and am confident the Port

commitment and leadership to PoM and

and port freight supply chain community

November 2021.

I want to publicly thank Brendan for his

will continue to benefit from his valued

Cannon is currently the CFO at Toll Group

service in ensuring the port continues to

leadership and achievements delivered

and has extensive senior leadership and

perform its essential role in facilitating trade

industry experience.

and contributing to the State’s economy.”

over the last 5 years,” Stanhope said in the statement.

14

Trailer Magazine NOVEMBER 21

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02 6648 2222

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HMR Australia

Orange

02 6360 3380

TAS

Webster Trucks

Derwent Park

0408 389 133

NSW

JME Engineering Pty Ltd

Wollongong

02 4272 7784

TAS

Webster Trucks

Wivenhoe

0484 612 253

NT

Haulmark Trailers

Berrimah

08 8984 3533

TAS

Webster Trucks

Wesley Vale

0409 185 991

QLD

Action Mechanical Specialists

Brisbane

07 3268 6888

VIC

AJL Heavy Equipment Pty Ltd

Melbourne

0417 836 327

QLD

Attitude Contracting

Dalby

0429 622 747

VIC

Arkon Auto Electrical & Instruments

Wodonga

02 6056 4600

QLD

Brown and Hurley Group

Townsville

07 4758 4000

VIC

Banlay All Truck & Trailer Repairs

Dandenong South

03 9794 7199

QLD

Brown and Hurley Group

Rockhampton

07 4923 8000

VIC

Bayswater Truck Centre

Kilsyth

03 8796 9900

QLD

Brown and Hurley Group

Toowoomba

07 4690 7300

VIC

Graham Thompson Motors

Shepparton

03 5821 3977

QLD

Brown and Hurley Group

Caboolture

07 3385 4800

VIC

Hallam Truck Centre

Hallam

03 8796 9100

QLD

Brown and Hurley Group

Darra

07 3363 8000

VIC

HM Transport Maintenance

Shepparton

03 5831 6996

QLD

Brown and Hurley Group

Yatala

07 3441 7000

VIC

Jev’s Diesel Repairs

Altona Nth

0425 838 455

QLD

CQ Diesel

Eagle Farm

07 3268 2543

VIC

Marshall Group

Mildura

03 5023 1701

QLD

CQ Diesel

Gladstone

07 4955 0324

VIC

Mildura Truck Centre

Mildura

03 5051 2800

QLD

CQ Diesel

Gladstone

07 4972 7401

VIC

The Truck Specialists

Swan Hill

03 5033 1372

QLD

Queensland Air Brake Consultants

Darra

0412 666 982

VIC

Twin City Truck Centre

Wodonga

02 6049 8888

QLD

SEQ Mechanical Repairs

Darra

0423 420 110

WA

EBS Perth

Perth

0410 512 879

QLD

Truck Diagnostics

Parkwood

0457 828 280

WA

Flex Industries

Kalgoorlie

08 9068 1500

QLD

Walkabout Worskshop

Ormeau

0448 886 392

WA

Flex Industries

Perth

08 9419 1199

QLD

Truck & Equipment Service Co

Cairns

07 4035 1610

WA

Spirit Auto Electrics

Port Hedland

0475 466 520

EVERY VEHICLE TELLS ITS STORY. WE’LL GET YOU READY FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER.

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NEWS

Softwood impacted by China trade war diverted to domestic market The domestic softwood timber industry in

timber enter the domestic supply chain

construction sector where demand for

NSW has received a significant boost with

over the next three years.

locally produced and processed timber

the NSW Government directing Forestry

“This additional timber will help to meet

remains high.

Corporation to divert selected softwood

“Not only are we producing sustainable

log exports impacted by the China trade

the current increased local demand and mitigate against looming supply

embargo, to domestic markets.

challenges in the wake of the 2019/20

Australian homes, and putting NSW jobs

The decision will take advantage of rail

bushfires,” said Barilaro.

first, we are also making a substantial

transport for the diverted timber to avoid

“This timber will help to build thousands

contribution to carbon capture and storage

the risks of increased truck movements

of new homes in NSW and using timber

through areas already impacted by heavy

to frame these houses increases carbon

in the timber frames of new homes,” said Barilaro.

vehicles while allowing for the continued

benefits over other construction methods.”

Barilaro highlighted the range of important

This is a significant step forward for the

public interest considerations underpinning

the NSW Government and Forestry

Deputy Premier and Minister responsible

this decision, including safeguarding

Corporation’s ongoing role in the

for Forestry John Barilaro said this will see

vital timber processing jobs in regional

at least an additional 270,000 tonnes of

NSW, while bolstering the benefits to the

recovery of the timber industry post the devastating bushfires of 2019/20.

use of an existing transport hub in Werris Creek.

timber, keeping it on shore to build

softwoods sector in NSW and confirms

Vale Neil Tieman Neil Tieman, the founder of

An industry icon in the true sense of

Tieman Tankers, has passed away at

the word, he leaves a legacy that is

home aged 95.

respected industry wide and will always

He started the business in 1953

be remembered as the man behind the brand of Tieman Tankers.

from his backyard.

Neil Tieman.

Australia to export hydrogen to the Netherlands The Queensland Government could soon be

announcements, this agreement was another

and Rotterdam.“We have agreements

exporting hydrogen to Europe’s largest port.

ringing endorsement of Queensland’s quest

with our Japanese and Korean partners for

Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands recently

to be a renewable hydrogen super power.

hydrogen exports.And we will be able to add

signed a memorandum of understanding

“This is the start of the green industrial

Europe’s largest port to that list. Over the

with Australia’s state government and has an

revolution and the announcements this week

coming weeks, the Palaszczuk Government

ambition to import up to 20 million tonnes

prove that Queensland has what it takes to

will work with the Port of Rotterdam to

of hydrogen by 2050 starting with imports of

be a global leader in renewable energy and

finalise this agreement ahead of Cop 26. Now

ammonia in 2025.

hydrogen,” she said.

we need the Australian Government to come

The agreement would see Queensland

Australian Minister for Energy, Renewables

to the table and endorse this [memorandum

and the Port of Rotterdam collaborate on

and Hydrogen, Mick de Brenni, said when

of understanding]. I look forward to the

opportunities to develop a hydrogen export

finalised, this memorandum of understanding

Federal Government moving quickly to help

supply chain between Queensland hydrogen

would see Queensland and the Port of

us grab hold of yet another great renewable

producers and Rotterdam.

Rotterdam collaborate on opportunities to

hydrogen opportunity for Queenslanders and

Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk,

develop a hydrogen export supply chain

the decent, secure jobs it will create across

said after days of exciting hydrogen

between Queensland hydrogen producers

our state.”

16

Trailer Magazine NOVEMBER 21

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RECYCLING

NEWS

Twenty-five Tenterfield bridges upgraded to boost freight will reduce the impact on freight access

creating jobs and supporting our economic

throughout the region between now and

recovery.”

when the bridges can be progressively

Tenterfield Shire Council Mayor, Peter Petty,

replaced to support the continued growth

said on top of delivering more efficient

of the freight task across the state.

journeys for freight operators, the projects

“Projects like these might sound small

are supporting 14 local jobs.

in scale, but they are an absolute game-

“We have a high number of bridges

changer for freight operators who rely on

throughout the Tenterfield district and

them to get from A to B as quickly and as

these measures allow us to keep the

safely as possible.”

freight industry moving while we continue

Minister for Agriculture and Northern

to plan for new structures,” said Petty.

Australia and Federal Member for

Bridges upgraded include three structures

Work is being completed on 25 bridges

Maranoa, David Littleproud, said the

on Billirimba Road; two structures on

in Tenterfield to allow for Higher Mass

upgrades offer a speedy solution to

Mount Clunie Road; two structures on

Limit (HML) vehicles in a boost to freight

improve the load capacity of a number of

Beaury Creek Road; and structures on

productivity across the region.

ageing bridges, while planning for longer-

Black Swamp Road, Hootons Road, White

The Commonwealth Government is

term upgrades.

Swamp Road, Castlerag Road, Sunnyside

committing $600,000 on top of the New

“There are many ageing bridges

Loop Road, Leeches Gully Road, Back

South Wales Government’s $3.18 million

throughout the Tenterfield district and

Creek Road, Gould Falls Road, Silent Grove

package to upgrade and extend of the

these measures allow us to keep the

Road, Mount Speribo Road, Cullens Creek

serviceable lives of these bridges.

freight industry moving while we continue

Road, Boorook Road, Springfield Road,

Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Member

investigations for potential new structures

Cheviot Hills Road, Lower Rocky River

for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said the

that will serve local communities, freight

Road, Urbenville Road, Wallaroo Range

freight industry is an essential component

operators and the agricultural industry for

Road, Mole River Road and Barlows Gate

of Australia’s economy.

years to come,” said Littleproud.

Road.

“Freight operators undertake important

Assistant Minister for Road Safety and

The upgrades totalling $3.18 million

activities that help to feed families and

Freight Transport, Scott Buchholz, said

have been funded through the NSW

communities, keep businesses functioning,

upgrades would ensure freight activity

Government’s Fixing Country Roads

and underpin a strong economy,” he said.

in the region is not impacted and

program and included $600,000 in

“Ensuring the safe and efficient movement

operators can continue to move the goods

funding through the Federal Government’s

of goods across the country is in the

Australians rely on.

Drought Communities Program Extension

interest of every Australian, which is why

“The repairs vary from bridge to bridge

and a further $245,000 from Tenterfield

the Australian Government is backing

and include strengthening existing timber

Shire Council.

these much-needed infrastructure

structures, the full timber replacement of

Under the Interim Bridge Solutions project,

upgrades.”

several other structures, upgrades with

some preliminary investigations were also

New South Wales Minister for Regional

pre-fabricated concrete components, and

carried out on structures on Paddy’s Flat,

Transport and Roads, Paul Toole, said the

in some cases, alternate routes to deviate

Torrington, and Leeches Gully Roads.

New South Wales Government’s funding

around the bridge,” he said.

Additional funding has been provided

contribution through the Fixing Country

Senator for New South Wales, Jim Molan,

through the NSW Government’s Fixing

Roads program provided certainty for HML

said the upgrades will be critical to

Country Bridges program, Australian

vehicles to access these bridges for up to

ensuring these bridges meet the needs of

Government Bridges Renewal Program

25 years.

the community well into the future.

and Council funding, for the replacement

“Our $543 million Fixing Country Roads

“These upgrades will change lives and save

of three bridges on Paddy’s Flat Road and

program supports important upgrades to

lives, and is another example of the Liberal

one bridge each on Leeches Gully Road,

the road network to improve the efficiency

and Nationals Government delivering for

Torrington Road and Graham’s Creek

of freight across regional New South

New England,” said Molan.

Road with new concrete structures. These

Wales,” said Toole.

“The projects will help connect

projects are due for completion in 2022,

“Upgrades to these Tenterfield bridges

communities and improve safety, while

weather permitting.

18

Trailer Magazine NOVEMBER 21

ARTSA-i releases Q3 heavy vehicle market report Growth in new registrations is moderating.

An authority on heavy vehicle information,

39,000 units across all categories of heavy

and prime movers.

ARTSA Institute (ARTSA-i) has reported

vehicles (inclusive of medium rigids). This

The next quarter data will prove interesting

growth in new registrations is moderating

compares with 32,700 the previous year

to see if the historic strong finish to the year

based on September quarter data.

or some 18.6 per cent growth in the last

can be sustained against the supply chain

Historically, new registrations grow

12 months to end September 2021. Going

challenges of component supply.

throughout the quarters of the calendar

forward, ARTSA-i said anecdotal evidence

ARTSA-i Data analytics can supply a range

year with a generally slow Q1 (end March)

from industry discussions suggests that

of custom reports that provide considerable

and building throughout the year ending

while forward orders are at record levels,

detail by manufacturer, but can also be

on a high at Q4 (end December). New

supply issues with components is holding up

analysed by State, by year and other variables

registrations, according to ARTSA-i, are

deliveries and stretching lead times out in

such as registration category, VIN (for OEM

healthy with an annual figure of nearly

some cases to six to nine months for trailers

VIN owners), postcode, age and more.

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NEWS

Port of Townsville improves road train access A new $4.5 million truck staging area is

and provide comforts to truck drivers who

Member for Mundingburra, Les Walker, said

open for business at the Port of Townsville,

have been essential in keeping Queensland

upgrading the Port of Townsville and its

providing safer access for the 300,000 trucks

moving and industries operating throughout

facilities was essential.

that pass through the Port gates each year.

the Covid-19 pandemic.”

“The Port is a key part of the city and a

Up to 20 triple road trains can assemble just

Port of Townsville Acting Chief Infrastructure

major economic driver which is why the new

outside the Port’s main gates on Benwell

Officer, Anton van Staden, said the new

truck staging area is important,” he said.

Road at any one time, easing congestion and

truck staging area would reduce congestion

“This project will help increase efficiency at

improving safety on Port roads.

on Port roads, to improve efficiencies with

the Port of Townsville which is a key part of

The purpose built 13,000 square metre

increasing trade and cargo at the Port.

our economic recovery from Covid-19.”

combined truck-trailer lay-up area provides

“Around 300,000 truck movements are

The area, which is in the process of being

comforts for truck drivers including toilet

recorded at the Port each year, with much

landscaped, caters for the breakdown and

amenities and shaded outdoor rest areas.

of the cargo handled through the Port

reassembly of road trains as required.

Queensland Trucking Association CEO,

transported via road,” he said.

Only Port authorised trucks will be allowed

Gary Mahon, said he was pleased the Port

“During vessel loading trucks have queued

to access the facility, which includes lighting

was providing a welcoming place for truck

along Port roads for extended periods,

drivers where they can safely wait while vessels are loading.

disrupting traffic and posing potential safety risks.

and surveillance cameras monitored by Port security.

“The safe and efficient operations of our

“This new truck staging area will

Construction undertook the works, which

Ports is vital to ensure export markets can

significantly reduce congestion, thereby

generated 16 full-time jobs and provided

continue to grow,” he said.

improving safety and the ease of cargo

“This development will increase productivity

movements,”

employment for local tradies throughout the construction period.

Local company RMS Engineering and

Government supports field days with $25M boost The Federal Government is providing a further

will be extended for an additional year.

“We are continuing to back these iconic

$25 million to help agricultural shows and

“Covid-19 has forced more than 700

events with a further $25 million to help

field days bounce back post-pandemic.

agricultural shows and field days to cancel

ease cash flow pressures for event organisers

Minister for Agriculture and Northern

since the pandemic began,” said Littleproud.

and provide rent relief to our showmen

Australia, David Littleproud, said Round 2

“As a result, our show societies and field

of the Supporting Agricultural Shows and

day organisers have incurred significant

and women who bring life and colour to the shows.

Field Days Program will open soon and the

financial losses for two consecutive years.

“Agricultural shows and field days contribute

Supporting Showmen and Women Program

Without these events they’ve got no way to cover their costs.

more than $1 billion to the economy annually,

“Our travelling showmen and women – often

supported by more than 50,000 volunteers

small, independent, sole-traders or family-

and more than 4,000 showmen and women.

based operations – are particularly hard hit.

“They deliver significant social benefits to

The flow-on effects to local communities will

rural and regional Australia, bringing heart,

be felt for years.

soul and a sense of pride to towns across the

“Under Round 1 of the Supporting

country. I am proud to support these events

Agricultural Shows and Field Days Program the government provided $34.5 million to

and will continue to encourage the states and territories to do likewise.”

378 show societies and field day organisers

Iconic events are reported to contribute more

who cancelled in 2020.

than $1 billion to the national economy.

A win for Australia’s agricultural scene.

20

Trailer Magazine NOVEMBER 21

attract more than 6 million patrons, and are

Fully sealed Carrigan Road now fit for freight The final 56-kilometre sealing of Carrigan

line markings and improving safety through

Precinct, as part of the Narrabri to North Star

Road is now complete, providing all-weather

shoulder widening, the project has delivered

section of the Inland Rail.

access for heavy vehicles travelling between

more reliable, efficient and safe journeys for

“The project has supported 35 jobs since work

Mungindi and Boomi and saving drivers

those who use it.”

kicked off in March 2019, and crews have

detours of up to 240 kilometres.

Member for Northern Tablelands Adam

done an incredible job through the challenges

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul

Marshall said Carrigan Road was the front

of drought, bushfires, floods and COVID-19 to

Toole said this now means the 150-kilometre

gate for a significant number of properties

deliver this game-changer of an upgrade.”

strategic link connecting Mungindi and Boomi

that generate millions of dollars each year for

Moree Plains Shire Mayor Katrina Humphries

to the Newell Highway is fully sealed.

the local economy.

said well in excess of $30 million worth of

“This $11.6 million upgrade will be a game

“This upgrade is not only improving local

agricultural produce in ordinary times, and

changer for local freight, livestock and grain

connectivity and reducing travel times for the

potentially more out of drought, is transported

operators by allowing access for Higher Mass

freight industry, but also improving safety and

off properties along this road every year.

Limit Vehicles up to 85 tonnes,” said Toole.

access for emergency services to properties in

“Prior to the sealing project, the gravel

“When it’s rained in the past, these vehicles

the region,” said Marshall.

Carrigan Road required ongoing gravel

would have to divert to the Newell Highway

“The project will also strengthen multi-

re-sheeting and road closures during wet

because Carrigan Road was one of the first to

modal freight connections between regional

weather,” said Humphries.

go under and close in a flood.

producers and the future Inland Rail facility,

“This caused ongoing delays for primary

“By fully sealing the road, rolling out new

connecting to the MoreeSpecial Activation

producers across the Moree Plains Shire.”

NEWS

Report underscores need for government-industry collaboration which is more than eight times higher than the projected annual growth rate of 3.3 per cent.

Thirty-four of the 50 public infrastructure occupations identified are potentially in shortage.

“This research further underscores the need for a coordinated project pipeline to manage capacity constraints and provide confidence and certainty for both industry and government,” said Madew.

“While infrastructure investment is rightfully a key component of our national Covid-19 recovery, we need to ensure we are equipped to deliver this once in a generation infrastructure spend.

A coordinated project pipeline is reportedly needed to manage these investments.

“The challenge of driving a step-change in infrastructure productivity and innovation

A recently published report forecasts a

growth in investment.

is a shared one – it cannot be solved by

surge in demand for skills, labour and

“In mid-2023 the employment in the

governments or industry alone.”

materials due to the rapid increase in

infrastructure sector will need to grow

Infrastructure Australia’s role is to work

public infrastructure investment.

from 183,000 people today to more than

collaboratively alongside government,

Infrastructure Australia has published its

288,000 potential shortfall in jobs being

industry, and the community to provide

first Infrastructure Market Capacity report

filled is forecast to exceed 105,000, with

advice on the reforms and investment

which responds to a request from the

one in three jobs advertised going unfilled.

needed in the infrastructure sector.

Council of Australian Governments in

This presents an opportunity for further

The 2021 Australian Infrastructure

March 2020 for the agency to regularly

employment, but there is also a risk these

Plan, released last month, provides a

report on the capacity of the market to

roles will be unfilled.”

practical and actionable reform agenda to

deliver on the record investment pipeline.

A key finding of the report forecast

address the challenges highlighted in the

“The Infrastructure Market Capacity report

average annual growth rate of 33 per cent

Infrastructure Market Capacity report.

is an Australian-first and a new data

as industry reports reduced confidence in

The inaugural report is focused on major

capability for Infrastructure Australia,”

their capacity to deliver on-time and on-

public infrastructure pipeline (transport,

said Infrastructure Australia CEO, Romilly

budget.

utilities and building infrastructure), for

Madew.

Also, demand for plant, labour, equipment,

investments over $50 million for Tasmania,

“It provides a level of visibility of the major

and materials will be two-thirds higher

Northern Territory, and the Australian

project pipeline and resulting demand

than the previous five years.

Capital Territory and over $100 million for

for skills, labour and materials that

Over the next three years it is expected

all other states.

governments have not had until now.

there will be 120 per cent average growth

This inaugural report also represents

“Major public infrastructure activity will

in demand for materials, 125 per cent

the first phase of work in Infrastructure

approximately double over the next

growth in demand for equipment and 140

Australia’s ongoing Market Capacity

three years, peaking at $52 billion in

per cent growth in demand for plant.

Program that will monitor and report on

2023. This record investment creates

The peak of demand for skills is reported to

the capacity of the market.

new opportunities for local business and

be 48 per cent higher than supply. Meeting

A second phase of the Market Capacity

employment, however also risks constraints

this demand would require annual growth

Program is now under development for

in the capacity of the market to meet this

of 25 per cent over the next two years,

publication in the first half of 2022.

22

Trailer Magazine NOVEMBER 21

SPARE PARTS

NEWS

Kangaroo Island timber set for major freight boost A $15.1 million cash injection from the Federal Government to alleviate critical timber shortages in the housing construction industry was necessary as rising demand for timber and other raw materials coincided with bans on Australian logging exports made by China as trading between the two countries soured earlier in the year.

Increased demand for timber had put pressure on supply chains according to Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham as the South Australian Government pledged an additional $3 million to support getting more timber to market.

“This joint funding is a game changer for our forestry and housing construction industries and will make tens of thousands of tonnes of structural timber available which could build up to 2,000 homes in South Australia, boosting our economy and creating jobs across the state,” he said.

Logging trailer ready to load.

“The Marshall Liberal Government has Freight movements for up to 60,000 tonnes

the supply of structural timber,” said

been working closely with the Morrison

of softwood logs on Kangaroo Island are

Coalition Government to deliver a viable

about to commence in support of South

Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries, Jonno Duniam.

Australia’s forestry sector and booming

“I am pleased we have been able to reach

and this transport subsidy will maximise the

housing construction industry.

an agreement with the South Australian

Applications are now open for a

Government to start getting fire-damaged

amount of sawmill quality logs available to local processors.

Government funded application known

timber off of Kangaroo Island and into

“Unfortunately the former Labor

as the Construction Softwood Transport

Government privatised the south east and

Assistance Program (CSTAP).

the market where it’s needed most,” he said in a statement.

The CSTAP is jointly funded by the Morrison

“Without this assistance, salvageable logs

support the timber industry during times of

Coalition Government and Marshall Liberal

might be burned or left to rot, putting

supply shortage.”

Government and provides assistance to

jobs at risk and possibly releasing carbon

The Construction Softwood Transport

freight bushfire-affected softwood logs

emissions into the atmosphere.

Assistance Program is jointly funded

salvaged from Kangaroo Island to the

“This funding will deliver a new supply of

South Australian mainland and then to

logs to support jobs in both our timber

by the Commonwealth and South Australian Governments.

sawmills with immediate capacity to process

and construction industries and help boost

The following assistance is available for

structural timber.

economic growth across the country.”

transport of bushfire-affected softwood logs

It is anticipated that the initiative will free

To combat timber shortages crippling

suitable and intended for processing into

up timber to build between 8,000 and

industries across the country back in June,

structural timber; a total of $30 per tonne

10,000 new houses across Australia in

the South Australian Government had

assistance for transport from Kangaroo

a major boost for the timber and home

appealed to its federal counterparts about

Island to the South Australian mainland; a

building industries.

accessing a freight subsidy scheme to assist

total assistance of 10 cents per tonne per

“Australia’s construction industry is

with salvaging timber off Kangaroo Island

kilometre travelled by road from first port of

booming and the Morrison Government

where fresh pine has been harvested since

landing to sawmill, commencing after the

is doing everything it can to help support

the start of the year.

first 200 road kilometres travelled.

24

Trailer Magazine NOVEMBER 21

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ECONOMY

A view of Australia’s economic recovery PRIOR TO THE RECENT OUTBREAK OF THE COVID-19 DELTA VARIANT, NATIONAL ACCOUNTS, ACCORDING TO THE RESERVE BANK OF AUSTRALIA, CONFIRMED THE RECOVERY HAD ESTABLISHED STRONG MOMENTUM. AUSTRALIAN CONSUMER CONFIDENCE

25

23 19

20

20

17 14

15

12 6

10

10

7

5

0

-1 -5 -7 Oct 2020

Jan 2021

Apr 2021

Jul 2021

-5 -10

In a statement dated 7 September 2021,

been led by non-mining investment, while

demand had increased solidly in the June

the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA)

mining investment had declined in the

quarter, the spread of the Delta variant

reported domestic final demand increased

quarter. Overall, Gross Domestic Product

in New South Wales and Victoria had set

by 1.7 per cent in the June quarter, to be

(GDP) increased by 0.7 per cent in the

back the recovery and created uneven

3.2 per cent above its pre-pandemic level.

June quarter, broadly in line with the most

conditions across states and industries.

Growth in household consumption of just

recent set of Bank forecasts, as strong

GDP was expected to decline materially

over 1 per cent in the quarter had been

growth in private and public consumption

in the September quarter; the near-

led by a rebound in the consumption of

term outlook resembled the downside

services. Growth in dwelling investment

and investment had been partly offset by a decline in resource exports.

had slowed in response to capacity

The outbreak of the Delta variant had

forecasts. Measures of population mobility

constraints, with a large pipeline of work

interrupted the recovery in a manner that

in New South Wales and Victoria had

still to be completed. Growth in business

was more severe than expected a month

declined to around the low levels reached

investment of around 2.0 per cent had

earlier, the RBA claim. While private

during earlier lockdowns. As in previous

26

scenario presented in the most recent

0.7%

4.5%

0.1%

GDP GROWTH RATE JUNE 2021

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE JUNE 2021

INTEREST RATE SEPTEMBER 2021

Trailer Magazine NOVEMBER 21

lockdowns, household consumption had

data indicated that demand for new

from the treatment of workers who were

been curtailed by reduced opportunities

housing and alterations and additions had

stood down but received the JobKeeper

for households to spend. Dwelling and

continued to ease after the conclusion of

payment in 2020 and would affect

business investment were also likely

the HomeBuilder application period but

measured employment while restrictions

to decline in the September quarter in

remained high compared with

remained in place. The decline in the

response to restrictions in New South

pre-pandemic activity.

unemployment rate in July was mainly

Wales and Victoria. Information from the

Consistent with the effect of the

due to people exiting the labour force.

Bank’s liaison program suggested that

lockdowns on activity, RBA members

Alternative measures, which included

restrictions affecting the construction

assessed that further improvement in the

employees working zero hours, rose in July

industry could delay activity for a period,

labour market would be delayed. Hours

and further increases were expected in the

with limited scope to make up for this in

worked and employment were little

near term as more workers are stood down

light of ongoing capacity constraints.

changed in July at a national level, but this

for longer than four weeks. Members

Conditions in the established housing

masked the offsetting effects of declines

noted that the measured unemployment

market had remained more robust

in New South Wales and a recovery in

rate would be a less useful indicator

in recent months compared with the

Victoria from a previous lockdown early in

of labour market underutilisation over

Melbourne lockdown in the second half

June. Large declines in hours worked and

of 2020. Nevertheless, growth in housing

employment were expected in both states

coming months compared with hoursbased measures.

prices had slowed a little in Sydney and

in coming months before rebounding later

RBA members also noted that, prior to

Melbourne following the rapid increases

in the year. Members noted that workers

the recent outbreak of the Delta variant,

over the first half of 2021. Housing prices

in New South Wales and Victoria who

notwithstanding the strong rebound in

had continued to increase strongly in most

were stood down without pay for longer

economic activity and employment, there

other markets. Growth in advertised rents

than four weeks were likely to be classified

had been little sign of upward pressure on

also remained strong in most capital cities

as not employed even if they were still

wages growth. Increases in the Wage Price

and regional areas. Building approvals

attached to their employer; this differed

Index in the June quarter were modest for

Australia’s supply chains remain resilient during the pandemic.

www.trailermag.com.au

27

ECONOMY

Restrictions are easing gradually as the rate of Covid-19 vaccinations increases which should help lift the economy.

almost all industries, including those where

when the end of community transmission

the factors supporting the recovery into

there had been some reports of labour

of Covid-19 allowed for a more rapid

2022. This support was more targeted

shortages amid strong labour demand,

lifting of restrictions. It was possible that

than earlier in the pandemic, but for

such as construction and mining. Business

precautionary behaviour by households

many individuals the Covid-19 disaster

liaison suggested that most firms did not

and firms after lengthy lockdowns would also contribute to a slower rebound,

relief payments were offering the same

significant effect on wages growth in the year ahead.

although there had been little evidence of

JobKeeper payments. This income support

this from the international experience or

was expected to boost the household

Beyond the September quarter, RBA

from domestic spending patterns outside

members agreed that the timing and

of lockdown areas. Information from

saving rate in the near term and would eventually boost consumption when

pace of the rebound in economic activity

liaison also suggested that many firms

restrictions are eased later in the year.

would depend largely on the lifting

were preparing to look beyond the near-

Business support grants, payroll tax

of restrictions in response to health

term uncertainty and were committing to

deferrals and rental forbearance had

outcomes. Vaccination rates had been

previous hiring and investment decisions.

also supported the cash flows of many

increasing swiftly in the period leading

In the central scenario, activity was

businesses affected by lockdowns.

up to the meeting, especially in New

expected to return to its pre-Delta path in

More generally, RBA members noted

South Wales. As vaccination coverage

the second half of 2022, with the health

that business conditions across and

increased, this would allow restrictions

situation the key source of uncertainty

within states remained uneven, with

to be eased and recovery from the recent

around this scenario.

some industries experiencing very

setback to begin in the December quarter.

RBA members agreed that the substantial

challenging conditions, while others,

As restrictions were likely to be lifted

increase in pandemic support by the

including professional services, appeared

gradually, the recovery could be slower

Australian Government and state and

than experienced earlier in the pandemic,

territory governments would be one of

to have weathered the recent period reasonably well.

expect the recent lockdowns to have a

28

Trailer Magazine NOVEMBER 21

level of income support as the earlier

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THE FULL AXLE SOLUTION PROVIDER

MODERN ROAD TANKERS

The experienced service team at Liquip NQ ready for on-site service calls.

Experts in the field FOR OVER THREE DECADES, THE TEAM AT LIQUIP NQ HAS BEEN SERVING THE NORTH QUEENSLAND REGION WITH ITS SERVICES IN ROAD TANKER, TERMINAL AND AVIATION EQUIPMENT, FUEL STORAGE AND DISPENSING SOLUTIONS AND WORKSHOP FACILITIES. Liquip North Queensland (Liquip NQ) is an

just three staff, in 1990. Since then, the

also houses a fully equipped store that offers

industry-leading provider for the design and

business has grown leaps and bounds

a huge range of Liquip products and spare

supply of bulk liquid storage, dispensing

while still maintaining its ethos of superior

parts. Liquip NQ is truly a one-stop shop for

and transfer system solutions. They offer a

customer service, high safety standards

customers, with the ability to provide services

huge range of petrochemical management solutions and have extensive experience in

and technical advancements to support the needs of clients across various

such as vehicle repair, electrical works, Liquip parts repair and supply – everything

delivering projects for industrial, mining,

industries. Liquip NQ is proud to be a

required to have vehicles back on the road as

government, defence, aviation and marine

key part of the Australian and overseas

soon as possible.

sectors. “Liquip NQ is the regional distributor

tanker and commercial fuelling systems

“The state-of-the-art facility even features

of Liquip International and offer Liquip’s

industry whilst representing the Liquip International brand.

several mobile seven-tonne truck hoists for

full range of products including Liquip road

lifting heavy vehicles off the ground for not only tanker work under vehicles, but

tanker parts and equipment such as metering, dispensing, gauging, tanker compartment

Facility

also mechanical servicing of vehicle engine

equipment, tanker overfill systems, and other

After spending 12 years in the Mt St

drivelines and other critical components on

tanker accessories. Liquip NQ’s extensive

John industrial park in Garbutt, Liquip NQ

vehicles of all shapes and sizes,” Roy says.

knowledge and capabilities in all things tanker

moved to a bigger block next door in 2008.

The facility also provides Liquip NQ the

allows us to seamlessly offer solutions relating

The 3,000-square-metre purpose-built

ability to do new builds such as aviation

to equipment meter calibrations, hose testing and supply, and tank monitoring systems”,

facility includes a raised main office block,

tankers and hydrant dispensing carts, service

mezzanine workshop offices, a clean bay

vehicles/trucks for not only the Australian

says Roy Evans, director of Liquip NQ.

for 12V-240V electrical works, a special

The business was established by current

area for hazardous works, a three-bay truck workshop, and a wash down degas bay. It

market but also Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, Vanuatu, Fiji and other islands

owners Roy and Karen Evans, along with

30

Trailer Magazine NOVEMBER 21

in the Pacific cluster.

One of the many heavy-duty vehicle hoists in action on an Origin LPG tanker at Liquip NQ.

“Liquip NQ has recently purchased a 4,500-square-metre block across the road to complement its current facility,” Roy says.

“This acquisition ensures they will continue to be well positioned to meet growing market demand. This new site will soon be updated in line with the high standards Liquip NQ is known for.”

Customers Liquip NQ offers the same great level of service to all its customers from single fleet operators through to the major oil companies. It is that level of commitment and dedication that has made Liquip NQ a trusted partner for numerous customers in the road tanker industry such as Lowes, Liberty Rural, Origin, Super Gas, Mobil Trinity Petroleum, Crokers, and Viva Aviation to name a few. Liquip NQ also carries out work for many major companies in the mining sector including, BHP, BMA Coal, Claremont Coal, Glencore Mining, Q Coal, Thiess, Evolution mining,

to customer requirements such as loading

Technical expertise

Minjar Mining, and several other retail

skids that incorporate Liquip LBM series

Liquip NQ’s current team of over 20

refuelling companies.

balance mechanisms, Liquip RM140 overfill

employees, who are some of the best-

In addition to offering Liquip International’s

prevention systems, Sampi meters and Claval ground fueling equipment.

qualified and experienced in the region, are

wide range of commercial off the shelf products that support the mining industry,

Liquip NQ also offers Facet filtration

guidance to customers about their extensive

commercial refuelling and the aviation sector,

elements and vessels for mining or

range of Liquip products. Liquip NQ’s team

Liquip NQ further supports its client base

commercial applications and as well as

includes highly qualified electricians who are

by offering engineering solutions tailored

custom aviation fueling skids.

experts in the repairs of any plant – fixed or

always ready to provide their services or offer

mobile, mechanical air or hydraulic fitters, A recently completed Aviation refueller build ready for customer handover.

boiler makers, pressure welders, plastic welders, vehicle motor mechanics, and certified NMI-approved meter calibration technicians. Their calibrators are certified to calibrate a range of systems including Swift, Diptronics, Sampi meters and retail or commercial bowsers/metering systems. The Liquip NQ facility also offers pressure vessel inspections and re-certification capabilities.

As they move into the new age of metering systems, Liquip NQ’s technical staff have the ability to not only service and maintain old mechanical metering and delivery systems, but also the new user friendly Swift delivery systems which has become the go-to solution for on-board truck metering systems.

Contact Liquid North Queensland Ph: 07 4774 8060 Web: www.liquip-nqld.com.au

www.trailermag.com.au

31

MODERN ROAD TANKERS

Lighting the load IN A QUEST TO STREAMLINE THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OF ITS PREMIUM PNEUMATIC DRY BULK TANKERS, CONVAIR ENGINEERING TURNED TO LUCIDITY AUSTRALIA TO SUPPLY A RANGE OF WIRING HARNESS AND LIGHTING COMPONENTS THAT ARE RELIABLE, DURABLE AND EASY TO INSTALL. is a valued supplier to Convair.

The company continues to develop new products and provide continuous improvements to their products and supply chain.

This can be seen in the advanced products Lucidity has developed over the years, indicating that the company, as a preferred supplier to a number of truck and trailer Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), is committed to excellence in its part of the industry.

“I can’t speak more highly of the way Lucidity took the time to listen to us and understand exactly what we were trying to achieve with the lighting systems on our trailers,” Peter says. “They also engaged with us to develop a supply system that linked in with our production process.”

One of the key features on Convair’s trailers are the heavy-duty OMP electrical systems that Lucidity supplies. These comprise the company’s dual output moulded junction which is IP66 (Dangerous Goods) rated.

The OMP system significantly streamlines Founded in 1993, Convair Engineering

seeking a supplier to partner with in

Convair’s assembly process because it

specialises in the design, manufacture and

applying lean manufacturing processes to

is a plug and play setup featuring pre-

supply of premium pneumatic dry bulk

the lighting systems on its trailers.

assembled cables with reliable Deutsch DT

tankers for the road transport industry.

According to Peter Swann, General

and seven-way OMP connectors.

The company also constructs ISOtainers

Manager of Convair Engineering, the

“The result is a reliable, very attractive and

and onsite storage tankers from steel

team at Lucidity was happy to find out

durable lighting and wiring system that

and aluminium for the food, chemical,

what he wanted and work with him

perfectly complements our products,”

construction materials and oil and gas industries.

to develop the products that suited his specific requirements.

Peter says – adding that Lucidity has

In addition to drawing on its own wealth

“Lucidity took the time to understand

introduce new products to match the

of experience in tanker and vessel building,

the unique working environment of our

continuous improvement philosophy of

Convair constantly monitors similar

equipment,” Peter says. “Like many parts

Convair’s lean manufacturing process such

equipment in Europe and the USA to

of the transport industry, we are a niche

as the industry revolutionising junction box

ensure its equipment matches with the

sector with certain environmental elements

and Lucidity link product.

latest technology available worldwide.

that need to be understood.”

Lucidity Enterprise Co. was established in

Convair originally made contact with

As a result of the initial contact between

1981 as a premier worldwide manufacturer

Lucidity Australia in 2008 when it was

the two companies, 13 years later Lucidity

of vehicular lighting products.

32

Trailer Magazine NOVEMBER 21

continued to develop, improve and

concepts and final design scenarios requested by customers.

This information is then transformed into deliverable prototypes and off-tool samples and ultimately leads to the cost-effective manufacture of a range of products. The company claims to have the only Australian manufactured trailer LED marker lamp system with pluggable and mountable options that’s available at a competitive price.

Contact Lucidity Australia Pty Ltd 37 Paraweena Drive, Truganina, VIC 3029 Ph: (03) 9219 4074 Web: www.lucidityaustralia.com.au

Fast Fact With large scale operations in Taiwan,

manufactured in Australia – including

Bulk pneumatic tanker builder Convair

the US and Australia, the company has

wiring harnesses, injection moulded

Engineering has benefitted from the

built a solid reputation for continuous

components and electronic combinations.

expertise of Lucidity Australia which

product improvement and exceptional

A dedicated engineering team uses

supplies a rugged lighting solution

customer service. The company provides

AutoCad, Solidworks and various other

that’s quick and easy to install.

a range of products – designed and

simulation software to accurately represent

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MODERN ROAD TANKERS

The perfect blend THE PRECIMIX ADDITIVE INJECTION SYSTEM FROM HAAR AUSTRALIA MAKES FOR EVEN EASIER AND RELIABLE FUEL INJECTION ONSITE. WITH THIS TECHNOLOGY, UPTIME IS IMPROVED CONSIDERABLY AS ROAD TANKER FLEETS CAN NOW DISTRIBUTE A VARIETY OF ADDITIVATED FUELS ON THE GO. Ivan Lawrie, founder and Managing Director of Haar Australia, 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. He has worked with the nation’s top tanker builders and metering system integrators to deliver bulk fuel metering systems that are easy to use and has led the way in terms of achieving significant safety and efficiency outcomes.

The injection of additives to fuel is a particular focus for Haar Australia at present. The process of additive injection to make a particular fuel blend is not a new concept and has been going on for at least a decade in Australian aviation. The technology is quite mature considering

34

Trailer Magazine NOVEMBER 21

Fuel tanker fitted with Haar Australia gear.

Metered delivery to a fuel station.

its proliferation globally. Private jets, for

PreciMix additive injection system.

Australia’s fuel metering systems.

instance, often require additives in the

With this system fitted, a sub-contractor or

Overall, the system is lightweight, simple,

fuel to stop ice from forming in the tanks,

distributor can additivate fuel at the delivery

cost effective and easily retrofitted. The

known as FSII or Fuel System Ice Inhibitor.

point rather than travel back and forth from

driver simply chooses the product name

From as far back as 1997, additive fuel

terminal to client site to deliver the goods.

to include the additive (which is done

injection at the road tanker has been done

The PreciMix is compact in size and easy

automatically at the press of a button). The

manually. Traditionally, fuel blends would

to install. It includes a self-priming pump

distribution of each product is also tracked

be completed at the terminal before the

with additional functions such as additive

via log book for easy reference. The pump

tanker hits the road. These tankers have

tank volume management, and self

also has its own checks and balances in

set compartments to split the premium

checking features to ensure the additives

place. If the additive tank volume is low it

fuel from the regular mix. The difference

are being injected during the delivery. The

won’t proceed with distributing product.

between then and now is that we have

process of injecting additives to fuel has

the technology to formulate specific fuel

never been simpler. Up to four different

Similarly, if the pump has an issue it will stop delivery. The PreciMix is secure

blends at the truck via Haar Australia’s

additive pumps can be used with Haar

from end to end.

Contact Haar Australia U1/2 East Circuit Sunshine West VIC 3020 Ph: 03 9311 6904 Web: www.alfons-haar.com.au

Fast Fact Alfons Haar is a German fuel handling equipment business founded in 1949.

Based in Hamburg, it is named after its founder – Alfons Haar. The business is a truly global operation, employing more than 400 staff across 17 offices dotted throughout Europe, Africa and of course, Haar Australia, which is headquartered in Sunshine West in Melbourne.

PreciMix additive injection system.

www.trailermag.com.au

35

TRAILER BUILDER

Best in the South West NEW VAWDREY TRAILERS WITH BESPOKE SPECIFICATIONS TO SUIT INDIVIDUAL CONTRACTS WILL BE ADDED TO SOUTH WEST EXPRESS’ FLEET

BY THE END OF THIS YEAR. THE COMPANY APPRECIATES VAWDREY’S RENOWNED ABILITY TO SUPPLY THE TRAILERS IN A TIMELY MANNER AND WITH THE EXACT SPECIFICATIONS THAT ARE NEEDED. South West Express commenced operations in 1993 and has worked tirelessly to become one of Western Australia’s leading refrigerated transport companies.

Today, the company is the chosen fresh

Our dedication to the retailers we service has always remained paramount, and we remain focused on providing each client with a transport solution they can trust.

food transport partner of some of Western controlled chocolate products to Big W at

through the use of roller doors which means, unlike trailers with barn doors, the Titeliner

Transporting temperature-controlled goods

Mandurah and Bunbury and backloading of recyclable cardboard bales.

comes with a significant responsibility,

For this contract the versatile Titeliner is

door is opened.

both to the company’s clients, and in

ideal as it enables efficient dock loading

Also adding to their versatility, both Titeliners

turn their customers.

and unloading of the store stock and then

have Ringfeder couplings bolted to the

As such, delivering a compliant, safe,

chassis at the rear which enables them to be

and sustainable service is a company-

side loading of the cardboard bales for the return journey.

wide focus.

Special features that improve safety

used as 22-pallet lead trailers in double or pocket road train configurations.

An important element of this is the

and efficiency include auto-tightening

The Vawdrey dry freight vans ordered by

relationship the company has with Vawdrey

load binders and pop-up coaming rails

South West Express are also built for a

Australia, which is one of its preferred trailer

which prevent damage to the curtains by forklifts during rear loading.

specific task of warehouse-to-warehouse

includes insulated and refrigerated 4.3-metre high 22-pallet Titeliners and dry freight vans.

The insulated curtains are also load restraint

They also feature rear roller doors along with

rated, meaning gates are not needed – a

a ‘wedgeback’ design which means the roof

The Titeliners were specifically chosen to

significant time saving feature when it

fulfil a new contract for South West Express

comes to side loading.

line tapers towards the front of the van.

This enables a 2.73-metre high aperture at

which entails delivery of temperature-

Rear loading efficiency is also enhanced

the rear which, according to Mark Mazza,

Australia’s pre-eminent producers, distributors and retailers.

suppliers. The latest order of Vawdrey trailers

can be backed onto a dock before the

distribution.

The 22-pallet capacity vans come with side under-run protection rails, toolboxes and a striking yellow chassis.

36

Trailer Magazine NOVEMBER 21

CEO at South West Express, was something only Vawdrey could offer.

“We needed the rear roller door along with the higher clearance rear opening for the

Built specifically for a supermarket contract – the Vawdrey ‘Wedgeback’ dry freight van features a 2.73m high rear aperture.

supermarket products that will be carried and Vawdrey was the only trailer manufacturer that could build this style of van for us,” Mark says – adding that Vawdrey has been particularly helpful with supplying the company with specialised trailers to suit new contracts.

Today, South West Express services some of Western Australia’s most successful supermarket chains, as well as many of the state’s leading producers.

“Our dedication to the retailers we service has always remained paramount, and we remain focused on providing each client with a transport solution they can trust,” Mark says. “Our client communication processes have proven to be an integral element in providing a service which allows retailers to focus on running their stores, confident that delivery schedules will be met.”

The company provides same-day delivery capabilities for all customers in the Perth metropolitan and greater Bunbury regions, offering competitive pricing and service provision over the whole of the southwest WA region.

It manages this due to its modern and wellmaintained fleet of vehicles which is updated in line with a strictly adhered to time and/or kilometre-based replacement policy.

Total flexibility in vehicle utilisation is assured by the employment of multi-temp zone trailers. This enables South West Express to provide up to three fully isolated and independently temperature controlled compartments – freezer, chiller or ambient – per trailer, loaded in the order required to facilitate specific customer needs.

The latest order of Vawdrey trailers will serve to enhance further the company’s capabilities in supplying goods in pristine condition and in the most time-efficient and cost-effective manner possible.

Contact

Typical Vawdrey attention to detail includes mirror-finish aluminium front and side perimeter mouldings.

Vawdrey Australia 1-53 Quantum Close Dandenong South Vic 3175 Ph: 03 9797 3700 Web: www.vawdrey.com.au

www.trailermag.com.au

37

TRAILER BUILDER

A rotational solution CIMC VEHICLE AUSTRALIA HAS THE CAPACITY AND THE RAPPORT TO TAILOR A BULK TRAILER ORDER FOR CENTURION TO ENSURE IT CONTINUES TO PROVIDE COMPETITIVE LOGISTICS SERVICES FOR MINING OPERATIONS ACROSS QUEENSLAND. As one of Australia’s largest independently

dollies configured in A- and B-double sets.

owned and operated transport and

Some of these trailers are also fitted with

logistics companies, with a fleet of more

mezzanine decks to optimise storage and

than 2,000 vehicles, 1,100 employees and

loading/unloading procedures.

20 distribution centres, Centurion is poised

These trailers are all expected to service

to meet increasing demand for its services.

general freight contracts at mines in

The fleet is committed to providing timely

Central Queensland.

road freight haulage for mining, resources

“CIMC are a trailer supplier that can do

and retail clientele, as the company

big orders and deliver in a timely manner,”

continues with targeted growth and

says Russell Baxter, Centurion General

expansion plans. Servicing Centurion’s

Manger Equipment and Maintenance.

customers entails dealing in multiple

“Also, the price point and quality is hard to walk past.”

types of freight profiles, from parcels to general freight to heavy haulage.

A key factor in the decision to invest in

Centurion has main workshops in Brisbane and Perth as well as remote sites Kalgoorlie and Mackay.

Every vehicle asset is also tracked by telematics.

Such diversity in freight task calls for

CIMC equipment was having dealt with

variety in trailing equipment which is

the trailer builder over the past decade

why Centurion turned to CIMC Vehicle

as well as more recently working with

“We need our trailers to work under

Australia for a bulk trailer order.

reliable team members like Ashley Hayes,

rigorous conditions, as they are frequently

More than 100 units were specified – a mix

Queensland Sales Manager at CIMC

used in remote areas, and Ashley has

of curtainsiders, flat tops, drop decks and

Vehicle Australia.

worked closely with us to tailor equipment to satisfy our requirements,” Russell says. “The trailers we’ve ordered come in stock however Ashley has been pivotal in helping improve the longevity of the products we receive following our needs for more durable coaming rails as well as taking into consideration the extras that we bolt onto our trailers. Ultimately, CIMC are very accommodating to our feedback.

Despite the challenges of Covid-19, to get equipment into operation with delays at international and state borders, Ashley and the CIMC Melbourne team were very approachable and worked very closely with us to ensure we get the gear to where it needed to go.”

Similarly, some trailers have also had custom axle and suspension systems installed.

“Again, operating in remote areas, we

CIMC drop deck low loaders work a busy schedule.

38

Trailer Magazine NOVEMBER 21

understand what we need in terms of trailer running gear and CIMC are able to

assist,” Russell says. “For Centurion, this

perfectly covered. This method provides

means more uptime for the fleet. Many

consistent paint quality, superior rust

of the roads our drivers take are not easy

protection and is also environmentally

on the trailers so it’s important we invest

friendly as the majority of water that is

where it counts.”

used can be recycled.

CIMC Vehicle Australia enhances the

“The quality of the finish is outstanding,”

trailers it produces with fully automatic

Russell says. “We are very impressed with

anti-corrosion cataphoretic painting

the quality and the way it holds a high

Fast Fact

(KTL) at the factory. CIMC has invested millions of dollars purely on painting

standard in presentation.”

Centurion is mostly a WA-based

As for what the future may hold, this

business but over the past 18 months

processes to allow the entire length

partnership has potential to explore

it has experienced considerable

of the chassis to be dipped in multiple

opportunities with further trailer models

growth along the East Coast.

pools, ensuring the whole steel frame is

CIMC has to offer.

Contact CIMC Vehicle Australia 20 Whitfield Blvd Cranbourne West VIC 3977 Ph: 1300 202 462 Web: www.cimc.com.au

CIMC’s service network has you covered in most capital cities. With depots in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Sydney, CIMC are close by.

www.trailermag.com.au

39

TRAILER BUILDER

Quality control for perfection FOURTH-GENERATION FAMILY BUSINESS, MACKA’S, SPECIFIES DURABLE, VERSATILE AND RELIABLE ROAD TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT FROM MUSCAT TRAILERS TO SERVICE THE OPERATION, CARTING FERTILISER, COMPOST AND GENERAL PRODUCTS. It was a vision for all things quality that

a humble cattle run in the Port Stephens

exported worldwide and is also found

brought Muscat Trailers and Macka’s

area of New South Wales to becoming

on the shopping lists of top Chefs from

Australian Black Angus Beef together.

a leader in the use of the world’s best

Australia’s leading fine dining restaurants.

The partnership was forged about six

genetics to breed quality, grass-fed, grain

Reinforcing its place in the market, the

years ago following a need for Macka’s to

finished Angus verified cattle.

family business’ most recent sire purchase,

acquire purpose-built trailers for civil and

With Robert Mackenzie currently at the

Texas Iceman R725, smashed national

agricultural applications.

helm, along with father and his two

records for the breed. The stud bull

Macka’s, established in 1884 by Archie

features proudly on the tailgate of Macka’s

Mackenzie, is a family-owned and

boys now pitching in, the business is heading into its fifth generation.

operated enterprise that has grown from

Today, Macka’s top quality produce is

Before the latest truck and dog project,

40

Trailer Magazine NOVEMBER 21

latest truck and dog combination.

Robert Mackenzie of Macka’s Australian Black Angus Beef.

there was much discussion about building

attention to detail, and the work they do,

a trailer to suit the needs of both the civil and agricultural businesses. The

is second to none. The work they put in is exactly what we look for.”

team at Muscat Trailers developed a

The truck and dog combination features:

20m Performance-Based Standards

Hendrickson INTRAAX HXL7 wheel-end

(PBS) truck and dog solution, which was the best PBS vehicle to meet all

system, QuickSilver lining from E-Plas, an

business requirements.

10 stud wheels,

As Robert’s focus is ‘produced with pride’,

WABCO Electronic Braking System (EBS)

this was no different when selecting the

supplied by Air Brake Systems, Hankook

finishing details of his trailer combination.

TH31 trailer tyres, Truckmate mudflaps and

From the specification of the prime

a George’s Canvas auto-tarping system.

mover which pulls the new Muscat trailer,

All componentry selected, according

a Kenworth T610SAR, known for its

to Muscat Trailers, was due to the top

durability, versatility and reliability which

quality and local nature of the suppliers.

pulls his latest trailer combination, Robert

Also, the design of the external wrap

made sure that every detail was covered.

was no different, after approximately

“We focus on attention to detail in our

12 artwork revisions working alongside

operation and that’s why we partnered

Auto Artisan, the final piece was agreed upon and finished.

with Muscat Trailers,” Robert says. “Their Quad-axle dog trailer.

auto greasing system, Alcoa Dura-Bright

Contact Muscat Trailers Pty Ltd 7 Grahams Hill Road Narellan NSW 2567 Ph: 02 4648 2101 Web: www.muscattrailers.com.au

Fast Fact Muscat Trailers celebrates 40 years of Australian manufacturing in November, starting from humble beginnings not far from where they reside today. The underlying message is still the same, quality over quantity.

www.trailermag.com.au

41

MOVING FLOOR

KEITH Introduces long-lasting, versatile J-MAX Floor TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH KEITH WALKING FLOOR SYSTEMS OFFER SEVERAL ADVANTAGES IN THE WASTE ENVIRONMENT, INCLUDING FAST UNLOADING AND THE ABILITY TO UNLOAD WITHOUT THE ASSISTANCE OF A TIPPING SYSTEM. A series of hydraulically driven floor slats

of materials is a big plus.”

In addition to the J-MAX floor, KEITH

horizontally ‘walk’ material out the rear

Constructed of roll formed high strength

offers a variety of slat profiles for the

of the trailer, eliminating the need for a

steel, the J-MAX floor system has a longer

waste industry, including aluminium

tipping platform.

slat life than standard aluminium flooring.

IMPACT designs and the rugged V-FLOOR

The new J-MAX steel floor system is

The unique ‘J’-shaped seal reduces material

system. Factors such as material abrasion,

designed for longer wear when unloading

from sifting through the floor, making it a

how the trailer will be loaded and if the

abrasive material such as municipal solid

good choice for hauling sand, gravel and

trailer needs to support forklift traffic

waste, light demolition, construction

wood waste.

should be considered when choosing

debris, mulch, glass and salt.

Reinoga acknowledges that the waste

a flooring type. “Operators need to

“A key benefit of the J-MAX floor is

industry is tough on equipment. This

the product diversity that operators can

makes the J-MAX floor an ideal choice

match the flooring with the material,” adds Reinoga.

unload,” says Zyggy Reinoga of KEITH

for outfitting transfer trailers. “When you

KEITH Manufacturing Co. is no stranger to

WALKING FLOOR Australia. “The ability to

have a trailer that is reloaded six to eight

the waste and recycling industry. The waste

back haul can double the efficiency of your

times per day, you need a floor able to withstand the wear and tear.”

industry starting using WALKING FLOOR

trailer, so a floor slat that handles a variety

42

Trailer Magazine NOVEMBER 21

technology in the early 1980s when KEITH

developed a system that could unload a 13.7 meter trailer in three minutes. Twenty years later, company founder Keith Foster was inducted into the Environmental Industry Association (EIA) Hall of Fame for making the unloading of solid waste easier, safer and more efficient.

Today, KEITH continues to innovate by offering material handling solutions that boost productivity and the bottom line.

“We are very familiar with the challenges faced by waste professionals and design our products not only for durability, but dependability as well,” says Reinoga.

For more information on KEITH

WALKING FLOOR systems, visit www. keithwalkingfloor.com or contact Zyggy Reinoga at 0404 041 833 to discuss your material handling needs.

Contact Keith Walking Floor Factory 2/11-15 Marlo Place Hallam VIC 3803 Ph: 0404 041 883 Web: www.keithwalkingfloor.com

J-MAX steel floor system.

MOVING FLOOR

A moving floor chip bin trailer manufactured by Barker Trailers.

Reaping payload benefits with a Barker trailer A NEW 45’ MOVING FLOOR TRAILER IS DELIVERING OPERATIONAL UPTIME, COST SAVINGS AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS FOR NORTH WEST RECYCLING’S ORGANIC COMPOST AND GREEN WASTE HAULAGE. David Murphy, director and CEO of North

such as collection, recycling and turning

waste material in 15 or 25 cubic metre bins

West Recycling, has been buying truck and

green waste material in high quality organic

from Sydney metropolitan region. With such

trailers for over 20 years. From chassis tipper

products. The business also operates North

application demands, the business depends

to tip over axles and float trailers, David has

West Recycling Centre, an Environment

on vehicles that offer high capacity and safe

used a variety of trailer builds for his business,

Protection Authority (EPA) approved green

movement.

but it was a recent purchase that has proved

waste facility that collects natural untreated

“We move volume and not so much weight

to be a gamechanger for his operations – a

green waste then recycles it, then the waste

as our products are very light, so moving

moving floor chip bin trailer built by Barker

turns into a multi-purpose compost, mulch

100 cubic metres at a time in a safe manner

Trailers. The 45’ wedge moving floor trailer is

and or soil conditioner.

is very important to us,” David says. “We

a first of its kind for David’s team.

Sydney-based North West Recycling offers

Its collection facility is not only used as a

used to operate trucks and trailers and over

disposal depot to collect green waste, but

the years there have been some vehicle

a comprehensive green waste management

also open to businesses and householders

rollovers. Using the new moving floor trailer

system for all industries and includes services

alike and collects large stockpiles of green

is a very fast and efficient way of doing

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Trailer Magazine NOVEMBER 21

things compared to tipping trailers.”

1,000 purpose-built moving floor trailers

In fact, it was the very same trailer that

The moving floor is ideal for this application

for a variety of industries and applications

Dave ended up buying, which was displayed

with its ability to unload on any surface and

including waste, wood chip, mulch, paper,

its compliance to new safety requirements

manure, compost and grain.

at the 2021 Brisbane Truck Show and AORA 2021.

for non-tipping application.

For over 25 years, Barker Trailer has

“It was a very well-presented trailer and had

“The Barker’s walking floor system is state-

regularly launched new products at the

the exact features that I was after,” Dave

of-the-art. It is very fast and efficient, and

Brisbane Truck Show, with the moving

says. “More importantly, it was available for

the quality of the build is outstanding,”

floor trailers nearly always making an

immediate delivery. The customer service has

David says. “The trailer is easy and simple

appearance at the event. In the recent

been great. Barker’s NSW Sales Manager,

to operate. We use it every day and it has

years innovations around safety and

Matt Watson, has been outstanding to deal

become a vital part of our business of

durability have been a focus and for the

with as has the aftersales service.”

moving our product around. We went from

2023 iteration of the Brisbane Truck Show,

Barker’s engineering team has been

moving 40-50 cubic metres at a time for

the team at Barker Trailer is planning to

instrumental in managing the design,

our clients from now being able to move

build and Performance-Based Standards

100 cubic metres at a time with the new

launch a product to allow expansion into other markets segments.

trailer, which has saved us double-handling

“The last few years we have seen the

far greater versatility in design to increase

so we’re saving time and money there. It

emergence of recycled organics as a product

payload capacity, gain competitive

is a competitive market, so it has kept us on top of our game.”

in high demand,” the team at Barker

advantage in the market and importantly reducing running costs.

Barker Trailers is a leading manufacturer of

our association with the waste sector as a

moving floor trailers in Australia and New

member of the Australian Organic Recyclers

Zealand since 1995. Since then, the tried

Association and were delighted to display at

and trusted company has crafted close to

the AORA conference in the Hunter Valley.”

Trailers says. “We are proud to continue

(PBS) applications to enable customers

Contact Barker Trailers P: 1300 462 275 W: www.barkertrailers.com.au

Moving floor systems enable more efficient operations.

www.trailermag.com.au

45

TRUCK MOUNTED CRANES

Take it to the top MAXILIFT AUSTRALIA DETAILS ITS LATEST VEHICLE LOADING CRANE INSTALLATIONS INCLUDING A RARE SIGHT IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE. Maxilift Australia is an authority on large

crane truck company, Construction Rescue

vehicle loading crane sales and installation.

Services (CRS). The cranes are equipped

and regulatory approval process has been significant.

Following a recent success with City Crane

with the longest reach possible on

The 2255 is again equipped with eight

Trucks and their EFFER 955 (as seen in the

each model and all of the latest control

extensions, an XL fly-jib with 6 extensions

June 2021 edition of Trailer) the team is

and winch. The crane uses six stabilisers

currently installing another EFFER 955-

and safety features offered with EFFER vehicle loading cranes.

8S+6S, an EFFER 525-8S, and in exciting

The 955 is equipped with eight extensions

One of the more impressive features is the

news, the flagship model, the EFFER 2255-

and a six extension fly-jib with winch. The

removable, KJ boom extension system.

8S+6S. This crane will be the largest vehicle

crane is also configured with a unique

When the KJ boom is fitted to the end of

loading crane ever seen in Australia and one

integrated base. This option incorporates

the main crane boom an additional two

of only a handful of cranes this size in the

the subframe into the base of the crane,

hydraulic extensions are added for even

southern hemisphere.

allowing for an efficient installation but

more reach. This transforms the crane into a

With several more projects already

more importantly reducing the overall

ten-extension crane and offers the operator

secured involving cranes over 50 tonne/

height of the vehicle. This was a critical

unmatched vertical reach of over 34m. The

metre coming up over the next six

factor for CRS who requested a compact

fly-jib can then also be attached to the end

months the team at Maxilift Australia are certainly on a roll.

unit for the narrow streets in which they

of the KJ boom to increase lifting height at

complete many of their lifts.

full extension to an unbelievable 58m.

The EFFER 955-8S+6S and the 2255-

Maxilift Australia state that the project for

We spoke with Elliot Ban, Operations

8S+6S are currently being installed at

the sale and installation of the EFFER 2255

Manager from Construction Rescue Services

Maxilift Australia’s specialised large crane

has been over five years in the making.

to find out more about the new projects.

workshop in Adelaide. Both cranes have

Such a large crane has not been seen

been purchased by specialist, high reach

in Australia before so the engineering

The EFFER 2255 with eight extensions, XL fly-jib with six extensions and two extension KJ boom.

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Trailer Magazine NOVEMBER 21

extending from the factory built subframe.

The EFFER 2255 has a vertical reach of 58m and working radius of 50m.

Q: Why did CRS choose to go with

The team at Maxilift Australia show real

Maxilift Australia and Effer cranes?

pride and passion when discussing these

A: “Maxilift have a proven track record

cranes. The engineers and experienced

with technical prowess in large crane

installation team have been key in the

installations. They certainly exceeded

success of these projects. The team follow

our professional expectations when it

a well-defined project management process

came to customer service as well. Every

that incorporates 2D and 3D modelling,

single employee showed a vested interest

finite element analysis, axle load and

in providing a fantastic experience for

stability calculations. Regular project

Construction Rescue; they were always

meetings, documented procedures and

available to answer any query which

clear communication ensure everyone is

strengthened our confidence in the crane’s ability to perform. As Construction Rescue’s

on the same page. This allows the skilled fabricators and installers to do what they do

specialty is high reach and difficult access

best.

projects, we chose Effer due to their

Maxilift Australia firmly believe that when the

reputable expertise in producing the largest

vehicle loading crane industry starts to see

knuckle booms in the world.”

these very large crane trucks on construction sites throughout Australia that the inquiry

Q: What are your plans for the crane?

level will be very high. Vehicle loading

A: “This acquisition is the first of two new

cranes of this size are common throughout

Effer cranes that we are adding to our

Europe, Asia and the US. Australia is moving

existing fleet of high reach crane trucks.

in a similar direction and taking note of the

As pioneers in high/long reach delivery,

benefits of large vehicle loading cranes.

we knew it was time to expand our

Maxilift Australia, with their proven track

capacity and capability to better service our

record, are in the prime position to make the

customers. To be able to achieve this while

most of these opportunities.

maintaining a small footprint at street level is a huge advantage and something our

Contact

clients value. We look forward to continuing

Maxilift Australia 12-16 Dorset Street Lonsdale SA 5160 Ph: 08 8326 6300 Web: www.maxilift.com.au

to grow as the market leaders in this sector of high reach knuckle boom crane trucks with the support of Effer-Maxilift.”

www.trailermag.com.au

47

LOW LOADERS

Part of the family QUEENSLAND BASED EARTHMOVING AND BULK HAULAGE COMPANY, VE GROUP, RECENTLY COMMISSIONED DRAKE SERVICE AND REPAIRS TO CARRY OUT A FULL MAKEOVER ON A THREE-AXLE TAG LOW LOADER THAT WAS MANUFACTURED IN 1989. IT IS NOW BACK EARNING ITS KEEP ALONGSIDE A PAIR OF DRAKE HEAVY HAULAGE TRAILERS. Following a complete refurb, the 32 year old tag float is back earning its keep in the VE Group fleet.

VE Group AU was founded in 2006 by

Growing up with parents who ran their own

dozers. The transport division continues to

married couple Nathan and Bronwen Howell

transport and earthmoving business, Nathan

complement the equipment with the ability

in the Callide Dawson Valley in Central

learnt to operate heavy machinery and trucks

to mobilise and demobilise as required

Queensland.

from a young age and gained a wealth of

The business has grown from small beginnings

experience in these fields as he grew older.

which has been a huge advantage for the company’s clients.

with one tandem tipper and tag-float, a three-

“It’s in Nathan’s blood, so it was only a matter

As a tribute to Nathan’s parents, Neil and

tonne excavator and a Bobcat.

of time before he started to do something

Lyn Howell, about 10 years ago Nathan and

As an ISO Accredited Civil Construction, Bulk

himself,” Bronwen explains. “He was working

Bronwen decided to track down the first low

and Heavy Haulage Company servicing a

at a local mine but wasn’t content with the

loader tag trailer they bought new in 1989.

vast majority of Queensland and New South

job, so one day he came home and said to

They eventually found it still working in the

Wales, the company has focussed not only on

me, ‘Let’s start our own business.”

township of Banana in Central Queensland.

self-performance works but also supporting its

Nathan and Bronwen say they have acquired

“Nathan made contact with the local

long-standing clients.

the right equipment to be self-reliant

contractor and advised that if he decided to

Today, the company has a team of 80 people

and to offer their customers a complete service package.

sell the trailer, we would like first option to

and a fleet of 30 Kenworth trucks, as well as more than 35 units of plant and machinery.

“If you can perform the task from end to end,

“In 2012 the contractor called us and we

These assets have helped the company

it works to your clients’ advantage in regional

purchased the float; it was still in its original

maintain a strong order book of secure

locations,” Nathan says.

working order and was a perfect complement

work including multi-year contracts with key government bodies.

The current plant fleet consists of varying

to our current fleet.”

sizes of excavators, loaders, compactors and

The company has two Drake Full Widener

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Trailer Magazine NOVEMBER 21

buy it,” Bronwen says.

floats – a 3x4 and a 4x4 – as well as a pair of 2x4 dollies used for heavy haulage duties across Queensland and northern NSW. In 2021 the pair decided it was time to give the senior Howell couple’s original trailer a makeover, as 30-plus years of hard work had taken its toll.

Having purchased their two large floats from The Drake Group, the Howells enlisted Troy Uhle, Drake Service and Repairs Branch Manager, and the talented Service and Repair team to bring it back to its former glory.

“It had timber decks, a fair bit of rust in the front and the ramps were bent so it needed a lot of work,” Troy says.

“We installed three new BPW axles with 10stud hubs and Alcoa alloy wheels to replace the original spider hubs and axles and fitted a

Drake Service and Repairs has the expertise to transform any make of trailer, regardless of age, into a modern classic.

new wiring loom and LED lighting.”

Troy explains that his team removed the rusted sections under the gooseneck and welded in

we have the ability to do them all.

Nathan and Bronwen,” Troy says.

new gusset plates in addition to replacing the

“All trailers eventually need a birthday,” he

Bronwen agrees, saying the refurbished

timber deck with a gusseted steel floor.

adds. “That along with routine servicing,

trailer is a versatile asset to the business

“In addition to remaking the rear ramps, we

maintenance or breakdown callouts –

because it can be towed by the tandem-

also made up a set of aluminium ramps to

anything trailer related we’re ready and willing

drive rigid tippers to transport the smaller

enable a small machine to be driven up from

to tackle.”

the main deck onto the tabletop above the

Further to this, Troy mentions that no stone

machinery including 12t rollers, 14t excavators and backhoes.

front axle,” Troy says.

was left unturned in the VE Group trailer

“It was definitely an easy decision to invest

After the bodywork was finished the unit

makeover, with his team going the extra mile

the money for the revamp as it is such a great

was bead blasted and painted in VE Group’s

to produce a finished product of which the

asset,” Bronwen enthuses.

colours and reassembled with the classic

Howells could be extremely proud.

“We are thrilled with the way it’s turned out

Drake touch.

“It looks great and it’s a functional

and very grateful to Drake Service and Repairs

“We have been inundated with refurbs

addition to the VE Group fleet – we have done everything possible to make it into

for their expertise and attention to detail in

lately,” Troy explains. “Whether it be Drake, O’Phee or any other make of trailer,

an efficient and user-friendly unit for

back to better than new condition.”

bringing what is essentially a family heirloom

Contact Drake Service and Repairs 47 Formation Street Wacol QLD 4076 Ph: 1300 240 835 Web: www.thedrakegroup.com.au

Fast Fact VE Group commissioned Drake Service and Repairs to perform a full refurbishment of an ’89 model threeaxle low loader that was bought new by the company owner’s parents.

Drake Service and Repairs has the expertise to do a wide variety of work Troy Uhle (left) with Nathan and Bronwen Howell. The couple were impressed with the transformation of the float bought new in 1989 by Nathan’s parents.

on all makes of trailers – everything from regular maintenance to full refurbs.

www.trailermag.com.au

49

TYRES & WHEELS

How KS Easter’s maintain their shine to stay ahead of the rest SINCE THE EARLY 1990S KS EASTER HAS EXCLUSIVELY SPECIFIED ALCOA WHEELS ON ITS TRUCKS AND TRAILERS. KS Easter specify Alcoa Dura-Bright wheels on every piece of equipment they purchase due to the value they add to their business through less cleaning downtime and better fuel efficiency.

customers are given the standard of service we promise.”

When KS Easter owner, Ken Easter Jnr, bought his first Kenworth back in 1981, Alcoa wheels were not a common commodity in a world where steel wheels were the go-to. The new aluminium wheels stood out to Ken as something special, and he put Alcoas on his tipper trailer too, which was an even more rare practice in the early 1980s Australian trucking world.

Since the early 1990s KS Easter has 100 per cent specified Alcoa wheels on its trucks and trailers and switched to 100 per cent standard spec of Dura-Bright wheels when they arrived on the market.

“Every single piece of equipment we purchase is on Alcoa Dura-Bright wheels,” Matthew says.

“The patented technology offered by the Alcoa Dura-Bright surface treatment allows the wheels to stand strong against dirt and road grime, while keeping their

The KS Easter fleet runs across most of

depot where a team of in-house detailers

shine,” says Shannon Girard, Marketing

the Australian east coast, South Australia

take care of the washing of the trucks

Manager for Howmet Wheel Systems,

and Melbourne, and comprises about

inside and out – down to the wheels.

distributor of Alcoa Wheels products

120 prime movers and roughly 260

When asked how they keep their

in Australia. “While KS Easter is living

trailers, including curtainsided drop decks,

combinations so polished by a follower

out the Dura-Bright wheels slogan,

refrigerated units and B-triples.

on the KS Easter Facebook page said:

‘No More Polishing’, it is also reaping

KS Easter is self-regulated and has onsite

“There’s not much to polish when you

all of the premium benefits offered

brake roller testing, a shaker machine,

have Dura-Bright rims and protective

by Alcoa wheels, such as their light

as the authorities have, as well as its

coating on the tanks and bumpers. Not

weight for improved fuel efficiency, their

own hoists to maintain high levels of

that hard if you keep on top of it. And a

unmatched strength from our proprietary

equipment maintenance which sees

team of detailers to help”.

MagnaForce alloy, which is 17 per cent

the trucks over the shaker and brake

Some of the drivers take pride in keeping

stronger than any other alloy in the

testing machine at every service to test

their trucks clean themselves, while having

brake performance and efficiency, and

the choice to have the detailer crews take

industry, and of course their excellent heat dissipation resulting in extended

to diagnose steering and suspension

care of it if they wish.

tyre and brake life.”

components of the trucks. In addition,

“To be honest, Dura-Bright was a life

computer downloads and other

saver when they came on the market,”

compliance related measures ensures road safety compliance.

says Matthew Easter. “Polishing means

For cleaning the trucks and trailers, KS

means we can get our trucks back on

Easter has its own wash bay at its Brisbane

the road sooner and making sure our

50

Trailer Magazine NOVEMBER 21

down time. Saving on that down time

Contact Howmet Wheel Systems Australia 18 Law Court Sunshine West VIC 3020 Tel: 1800 955 191 Web: alcoawheels.com.au

Liquip - The home of Civacon dry bulk products Liquip now conveniently stocks a comprehensive range of precision-engineered, Civacon dry-bulk transport products, such as manholes, butterfly valves, aeration systems, hopper tees, pipe couplers, relief valves, swing check valves, and the all-new Liquip dry-bulk swivel.

Civacon products meet the product-handling requirements of a wide range of dry-bulk industries and applications across Australia.

Civacon has long been the brand of choice in the dry-bulk industry and Liquip is excited to offer these products, all backed

by Liquip’s Australia-wide support network and superior level of service that the Liquip brand is renowned for.

LM Manholes

Butterfly Valves

Aeration Systems

NEW

Swing Check Valves

Pressure Relief Valves

Dry Bulk Swivel

Contact Liquip on 02 9725 9000 for expert advice or visit our website to view the full product range.

liquip.com

TRAILER BUILDING MATERIALS/COMPONENTS

Delivering lightweight ultra quads with SAF-Holland DURAQUIP BANKED ON SAF-HOLLAND AXLES AND SUSPENSION TO PRODUCE A FLEET OF LIGHTWEIGHT LONG HAUL ULTRA QUAD SIDE TIPPERS FOR HEAVY HAULAGE APPLICATION IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA. Heavy-duty transport vehicle and equipment

units that deliver better performance

manufacturer, Duraquip, has delivered a

standard for multi-combinations. So,

number of ultra quad combinations for David

when it came to choosing the axles and suspension, Duraquip recommended

The SAF steering axle results in less tyre

Campbell Transport (DCT) recently. The new lightweight long haul ultra quad side-tipper

going with SAF-Holland.

driving comfort, optimal manoeuvrability due

fleet is an addition to DCT’s existing fleet

“It’s a lightweight suspension but to be

to precise tracking and a higher resale value

that is in use for its mining operations in the

able to get these trailers to do the job you

of the trailer. Meanwhile, the SAF rear steer

Pilbara region in northern WA. Duraquip specialises in heavy-duty transport

would need to meet certain performance

axles enables the ultra-quad axle trailers to

criteria, so a fairly stringent Performance-

solutions for the mining, agricultural,

Based Standard (PBS) assessment was

track exceptionally well both on straight highway stretches and around the corners.

industrial, and earthmoving sectors across

required, and the SAF-Holland product met

The stabilisation damper provides weight

Australia. For the past 15 years its portfolio

the performance requirement in the PBS

optimised steering stabilisation to improve

has included off-road floats, dollies, trailers,

modelling,” says Tony Richardson, Duraquip’s

handling on straight and winding roads.

liquid tankers and side-tippers for logistics

design and sales support manager for Perth

The stabilisation damper is suspended

and material handling applications. However,

metro division.

on the axle body on one side and on the

this order marks Duraquip’s move into the

The new ultra-quad combinations feature

steering tie rod on the other. It is either

iron ore ultra quad market.

a tri-axle group on the lead trailer and

pressed (shortened) or pulled (lengthened)

Mining applications can be as tough as it can

quad axles including a rear self-steering

depending on the direction of the steering

get and demand rugged units that tick all

SAF axle on the following three trailers to

knuckles’ movement. The unique design of

the right boxes on the efficiency, safety and

ensure an acceptable swept path on turns.

this damper means that its internal spiral

durability list. But one of the requisites on

The SAF self-steering axle has a weight

spring is always compressed during both

this order from DCT was to make lightweight

capacity of nine tonnes and an additional

movements. As the side force decreases,

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Trailer Magazine NOVEMBER 21

weight of 136kg in comparison with the corresponding rigid axle. wear, lower fuel consumption, a high level of

Ultra quad side tippers fitted with SAF-Holland axles and suspension.

the spring force proportionally increases,

the purpose. Their team has been on top of

forcing the steering knuckles back into the

any issue that we may have encountered.

straight-ahead position.

Currently we source around three-four

The DCT units feature 14 degrees of steering

products from them. We started out sourcing

angle. SAF self-steering axles are capable

heavy-duty off-road axles and suspension,

of achieving a steering angle of up to 20

which are both great products. In the recent

degrees based on the track, spring centres

times though we mainly go to them for

and type of wheels installed. An electro-

lightweight spring suspension and disc brake

pneumatic locking mechanism, which is

axles for side tippers. They also have a very

easily controlled by the trailer EBS unit,

good warranty offering with their products.”

makes reversing possible by setting the self-

Duraquip has delivered over half of the

steering axle to rigid. A cathodic dip coating

order to DCT, where the units will join

process on particularly exposed parts such

over 500 trailers and 90 prime movers

as axles and hubs ensures that all SAF axles

already at work for the WA-based business.

offer long-term corrosion protection.

DCT operates from various depots across

“Although we mainly left it to SAF-Holland

the state in applications as diverse as

to best explain the features of their product

mining, heavy haulage, grain, refrigerated,

to the Campbell Transport team, one of the

livestock carrying and compost. Designed

main reasons we recommended SAF-Holland

especially for use in the iron ore mining and

for this order was a quick lead time,” Tony

transport division, these ultra-quad heavy-

says. “With the current state of things with

duty combinations are all geared up for a tough road ahead.

the pandemic that makes it quicker for us with our job. We have been sourcing products from SAF Holland for four years and in that time, we’ve had no major issues.

They have good products that are fit for

Contact SAF-Holland Australia P: 1300 131 613 W: www.safholland.com.au

www.trailermag.com.au

53

TRAILER BUILDING MATERIALS/COMPONENTS

Monroe launches Australian Manufactured heavy duty shocks RIDE PERFORMANCE SPECIALIST, MONROE AUSTRALIA, BRINGS ITS BUILT TO LAST TECHNOLOGY TO THE HEAVY DUTY TRUCK AND TRAILER INDUSTRY. In another strong commitment to Australian manufacturing, Monroe launches its heavy duty truck and trailer shock absorber range to be manufactured at its Adelaide plant.

Bucking the trend against local manufacturing, Monroe has re-tooled its plant and re-skilled its enthusiastic workforce to ensure that premium quality Australian made heavy duty ride performance products are designed, manufactured and rigorously tested locally to assure they meet the demanding requirements of the local heavy duty truck and trailer industry.

Monroe Australia has made this important local manufacturing decision to ensure that its range of heavy duty trailer ride performance products exceed the toughest requirements of this most challenging environment. This includes the sourcing of premium quality Australian materials to meet Monroe’s heavy duty customers’ requirements for optimum reliable performance and longer life.

The rationale behind this Monroe Australia initiative included supporting the company’s loyal and highly experienced

ISO9001-2015 standards.

Manager, Pat Larobina.

Adelaide plant workforce, further

Monroe’s local manufacturing also delivers

Custom designed rebound and

developing the plant’s manufacturing

major design and performance advantages

compression valving, and mirror finished

capabilities and to provide new local

for all products included in the Monroe

hardened inner tubes are some of the

employment opportunities.

Magnum Heavy Duty Truck & Trailer range.

unique manufacturing advantages

The quality that is synonymous with all

All reserve and pressure tubes are made

Monroe ride performance products is

from Monroe Australia’s own tube mill

of this Aussie made heavy duty commercial vehicle range.

assured with this locally designed and

with locally sourced material, producing

Each Monroe Magnum heavy duty

manufactured Heavy Duty Trailer range.

high frequency welded tube at speeds in

trailer shock absorber is also 100 per

All ride performance products in the

excess of 100 metres per minute.

cent damping force performance tested

range are made using the latest IS09001

“Local manufacturing ensures we have

Quality System manufacturing processes

the right design and quality to meet the demands of the local environment, which

to ensure that they optimised for their specific trailer application.

and to ISO140001 environmental standards, along with design validation testing in compliance with the latest

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Trailer Magazine NOVEMBER 21

“Australian manufacturing of our

are some of the harshest conditions in

heavy duty Monroe Magnum shock

the world,” says Monroe Australia Plant

absorber range has been met with

positive feedback from the commercial transport industry including truck drivers, mechanics and distributors, the majority of which have a strong footprint across this country and in New Zealand,” says Chad Torok, Monroe Commercial National Sales Manager. “Our commitment to local manufacturing is also seen as a firm assurance to deliver high quality suspension components that are specifically fit for purpose in meeting our unique Australian heavy duty transport conditions.”

To find out more about Monroe’s locally manufactured heavy duty shock absorber truck and trailer range contact your local Monroe State/Territory Manager, visit www.monroe.com.au or call the Monroe customer service hotline 1800 088 205.

Contact Monroe Australia Ph: 1800 088 205 Web: www.monroe.com.au

Local manufacturing ensures we have the right design and quality to meet the demands of the local environment, which are some of the harshest conditions in the world.

TRAILER BUILDING MATERIALS/COMPONENTS

Pumping iron OPERATING QUAD ROAD TRAINS CARTING IRON ORE IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA’S PILBARA REGION, MGM BULK DEPENDS UPON THE STRENGTH AND RELIABILITY OF JOST’S HEAVY-DUTY JSK39CS BALL-RACE FIFTH WHEEL TO KEEP THE WHEELS TURNING DAY IN AND DAY OUT. JOST Australia has a long history of building

which has experienced significant growth

transport components that go the distance

over the last few years, providing bulk

in 2016 now have around 34,000 hours

under arduous conditions and it’s for this

haulage and material handling services to a

of operation under their belts and are still

very reason that companies like MGM Bulk

wide range of mining clients all over WA.

going strong.

continue to use its products. In short, it

The company currently manages the

Some of the new units have replaced earlier

makes sound business sense.

logistics of mineral sands, iron ore, lithium,

C509s, although the bulk are additional to

MGM Bulk traces its roots back to the 1950s

salt, copper concentrate, timber, gravel,

cater for business growth. A further batch of

when Mario Giacci and his family founded

limestone and sand. The full fleet of trucks

19 units are expected to be delivered in the

a small transport and logistics business

– ranging from semi-trailers to ultra quads

second half of 2021 and into early 2022.

at Bunbury in Western Australia. Over

– is fitted with driver monitoring technology

Speaking about the JOST JSK39CS fifth

the ensuing years it grew into a national

that includes MTData and DSSI (Seeing

wheels installed on the C509s, Allan

business called Giacci Bros.

Machines). Trailing equipment includes

Thomas says JOST fifth wheels have been

In 2004, Mario Giacci also founded MGM

a permanent fixture in the MGM Group

Group, with his daughter Giuditta (Giudi)

side-tippers, end-tippers, Tautliners, flat decks and tankers.

and son Michael. Over the next decade

MGM Bulk is currently in the middle of a

Australian operations in 1995.

MGM Group expanded its operations,

significant fleet expansion program, with 32

“When JOST first moved into Australia we

equipment and resources to become a large

new tri-drive Kenworth C509 prime movers

started using their products and they’ve

established business in its own right.

stood the test of time, so we’ve kept using

After the sale of Giacci Bros to a public

having been delivered from November 2020 to July 2021.

listed company in 2014, MGM added a bulk

Longevity is key in this operation, with MGM

JOST components such as turntables and

division to the group known as MGM Bulk,

Bulk Fleet Manager, Allan Thomas, saying

landing legs that’s what we use.”

A new Kenworth C509.

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Trailer Magazine NOVEMBER 21

the original C509s the company bought

since the component company opened its

them,” Allan says. “Wherever we can specify

JOST’s JSK39CS heavy-duty fifth wheel is specifically designed for arduous applications including mining, stock crate, fridge van, forestry and other off-road applications. It has a D-Value of 275kN and an imposed load capacity of 26 tonnes. Adding to its longevity are replaceable steel wear plates which bolt onto the top plate. After reaching a minimum thickness limit, the wear plates can be simply unbolted and replaced with new units, thus giving the top plate a virtually unlimited lifespan.

Other robust features include manual adjustment of the locking mechanism which provides high reliability and extends the lifecycle of the mechanism. There are also rubber cushion pad mounts which allow a degree of lateral flex of the top plate to help even out the top plate loading and reduce the stresses imposed on the entire unit.

The JOST fifth wheels, according to Allan, have a very long lifespan if they are maintained correctly. He also says the process of maintaining and refurbishing them is straightforward, with replacement

MGM Bulk Pilbara road train.

parts and repair kits readily available, even for the earlier units.

Bunbury, a branch in Perth and the largest

The tri-drive Kenworth C509 is ideally

“We have some very old units that we have

depot at Port Hedland from where the

suited to hauling these colossal weights,

repaired with new jaws and locking bar

big gear operates. In fact, there are over

featuring Cummins X15 engines rated at

kits – I’ve never yet seen one thrown in the

60 super- and ultra-quad combinations

600hp (459kW) at 1,800rpm and 2,050lb/ft

bin,” he says. “They are user-friendly and very safe, I believe.”

pulled by the Kenworth C509s with gross

(2,779Nm) of torque at 1,200rpm.

combination masses (GCM) of 195 and 210

MGM Bulk has three branches in WA

tonnes respectively, along with respective

Along with its loyal adherence to Kenworth trucks and JOST fifth wheels,

including its head office at Picton near

payload capacities of 140 and 150 tonnes.

MGM Bulk has also stuck firmly with Bruce Rock Engineering (BRE) side-tippers and dollies which make up all the quad road train combinations in the northwest operation.

As for the drivers, the company has not been immune from the industry-wide shortage of skilled operators.

JOST Australia, along with its highly durable fifth wheels and landing legs, have served the company extremely well for more than 25 years. In an operation where harsh operating conditions and high weights dictate the need for ultrarobust equipment, Allan contends that the company has never had any cause to re-evaluate its dedication to a brand it knows and trusts.

Contact

The JOST fifth wheel has a D-value of 275kN.

JOST Australia Ph: 1800 811 487 Web: www.jostaustralia.com.au

www.trailermag.com.au

57

TRAILER BUILDING MATERIALS/COMPONENTS

Powerdown on shock absorbers and tyre wear SUPERSHOCK WITH ENVEERO IS POWERDOWN AUSTRALIA’S LATEST INNOVATION FEATURING EXCELLENT SHEAR STABILITY, LONGER LIFESPAN AND MORE. Everyone in the transport industry knows

on vehicle data collection, shock absorbers

that tyres are vital to the safe and efficient

will on average conduct 1,100 cycles every

operation of any freight or transport vehicle.

kilometre. Over the longer term this equates

The most commonly accepted reason for

to in excess of 20,000,000 cycles every

excessive tyre wear and premature failure

20,000 kilometres. With every cycle, internal

is under or over inflation. This can result in

components wear and fatigue while the oil

fast and uneven treadwear, compromised

properties also begin to break down. Utilising

vehicle handling and excessive heat build.

dynometer testing, the impact of these

However, incorrect inflation is not the only

wear factors is evident in the considerable

contributing factor to tyre wear. Tyres are

reduction, sometimes in excess of 50 per

connected to the vehicle chassis via the axle

cent, in damping forces generated under the

and suspension module and the movement

same testing conditions.

of the vehicle’s suspension is controlled by

Powerdown’s latest innovation Supershock

the shock absorber.

with Enveero inside has excellent shear

Contrary to their name shock absorbers

stability; having a higher resistance of

do not ‘absorb shock’ they control the

changing viscosity when under mechanical

movement of a vehicles springs and

stress, due to the longer synthesised

suspension and thus improve wheel ground

hydrocarbon molecules that forms a strong

contact. This is why it is so important to change shock absorbers regularly to help

chain. This leads to less mechanical wear on

reduce tyre wear. Worn out shock absorbers

a longer lifespan.

or units which are not designed for Australian

Powerdown Supershock with Enveero inside

roads will allow the tyre to bounce on the

brings together years of experience in the

road surface in an uncontrolled manner. This

design and development of shock absorbers

will result in flat patches or ‘scalloping’ on the

specifically for Australia’s harsh operating

tread surface of the tyre. This type of wear is

conditions. The multiple features that set it

inconsistent due to the tyre scuffing the road surface, where as a consistent wear pattern

apart in the market, include: • A large bore size, of 45mm diameter

could be the result of an alignment problem

• Enveero inside, which is a synthesized,

or a worn suspension bush.

Evaluation of shock absorber condition can be hard without specialised testing equipment, but a basic inspection of shocks

the damper valving components, giving them

ultra high performance, environmentally friendly shock absorber fluid designed and developed in Australia by Powerdown • Low pressure gas to keep the unit

for oil leaks, warped or damaged bushes

operating at lower temperatures

and uneven tyre wear can provide some

• Advanced low friction seals, to keep

vital clues and insight about the condition of shock absorbers. This is why ride control engineers recommend the replacement of worn shock absorbers and struts at predetermined kilometres or time period as part of regular servicing of your vehicle. From

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Trailer Magazine NOVEMBER 21

the dust out, providing longer shock absorber life • Increased body size for extra fluid capacity to aid in cooling • An exclusive on vehicle ride height indicator (only available on some

applications) • High tensile strength • Hydraulic stop / recoil cut off, to help increase longevity and reduce fatigue on the shock absorber; and • DU bush in rod guide, which helps to reduce friction and wear when side loading occurs.

Powerdown’s Supershock with Enveero inside will go beyond helping drivers and fleets drive safer for longer. Replacing the shock absorbers on vehicles will not only have a noticeable effect on driver control and comfort, but they will also help improve braking and handling, making the vehicle safer and easier to drive.

Supershock with Enveero inside will be

available for purchase from December 2021, to find your nearest distributor visit www.powerdown.com.au or call our team on 02 4949 0000.

Contact Powerdown Australia Ph: 02 4949 0000 Web: www.powerdown.com.au

Examples of uneven tyre wear and flat spot caused by faulty shock absorbers.

monroe.com.au

BUILT TO LAST

Double action valving system in bump & rebound High Temp resistant hydraulic fluid Hydraulic lock-out piston for improved safety Single bonded bushing for improved durability

With over 100 years of experience in every shock absorber, you know they’re built to last.

TRAILER BUILDING MATERIALS/COMPONENTS Founded by Dino Bertone, EBS Perth is a Knorr-Bremse TruckServices Service Partner that delivers comprehensive support with EBS service, repairs and installations.

Servicing EBS in the West OVER THE LAST 20 YEARS DINO BERTONE HAS BUILT A SUCCESSFUL ENTERPRISE CATERING FOR THE AUTO ELECTRICAL AND EBS NEEDS OF TRANSPORT OPERATORS IN THE VAST STATE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA. MORE RECENTLY, DINO PARTNERED WITH TRAILER BRAKING SPECIALIST, KNORR-BREMSE, TO PROVIDE A ONE-STOP-SHOP FOR INSTALLATIONS, SERVICING AND REPAIRS OF SOPHISTICATED EBS EQUIPMENT AND OTHER TECHNOLOGY ON HEAVY TRUCKS AND TRAILERS. Being invited to become a Knorr-Bremse

After completing his apprenticeship, Dino

As for his initial connection with Knorr-

TruckServices Service Partner in WA was a

worked on heavy vehicles in a range of

Bremse, Dino says in trying to diagnose

crowning achievement for Dino Bertone, who

transport fields including general freight. He

a problem with a truck’s EBS in 2013 he

has spent the better part of two decades

was also heavily involved in the fuel industry

contacted an engineer at Knorr-Bremse who

learning all there is to know about EBS

and as EBS started becoming mainstream

was pleasantly surprised at how much he

(Electronic Braking Systems) while building his business, EBS Perth and Auto Electrical.

on fuel tankers he began filling a need

knew about Knorr-Bremse EBS.

for maintenance of the systems. As such,

“He asked me how I knew so much about

Having grown up in Perth, Dino started

he became licenced to work on tankers

their products and EBS in general and I

an auto electrical apprenticeship in 1998

used to haul regular liquid fuels as well as

explained that I had been diagnosing faults

and, eager to learn more about truck

those used for carting gases in the form of LPG, LNG and CNG.

and doing installations for a number of

additional learning in control systems, electronics and pneumatics.

Dino also gained his Multi-Combination

along the way,” Dino says.

driver’s licence and Dangerous Goods

Prior to starting his apprenticeship, Dino

licence which enabled him to test drive the

As it turned out, Dino’s enthusiasm and expertise with EBS was just what

already had some knowledge of auto electrical systems as he had done plenty

heavy vehicles to ascertain that issues had been rectified.

of work experience and worked with auto

Dino’s next move was to start his own

electricians in his school holidays.

business called EBS Perth & Auto Electrical,

Fast Fact

During his apprenticeship he was awarded

as he realised that there was a significant

EBS Perth & Auto Electrical is an

Apprentice of the Year in 2000 in Auto

opportunity in this space and was keen to

authorised service partner for Knorr-

Electrical at the South East College of TAFE.

help truck operators with their EBS needs.

Bremse in the state of Western

Dino also won the Perth regional Workskills

“I discovered there were relatively few

Australia. The owner of the business,

competition and then went on to represent

people with the knowledge and expertise to

Dino Bertone, has a broad and deep

his state in the Australian Workskills

do this type of work, so I decided I would

knowledge of EBS that ensures issues

competition in Adelaide in 2001 where he finished as a finalist.

fill this niche and learnt all there was to

are sorted pronto.

and trailer braking systems, undertook

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Trailer Magazine NOVEMBER 21

know about EBS,” Dino says.

years and had learned as much as I could

Knorr-Bremse had been looking for, and the

company made him an offer to become one of its service partners in Western Australia.

Not surprisingly, Dino grabbed this opportunity with both hands and has worked closely with Knorr-Bremse ever since. Also unsurprisingly, his business has thrived as a result.

“Over the intervening years I was introduced to more people at Knorr-Bremse and every time I found issues in a system I was working on, I would consult with them

Rugged and reliable. Knorr-Bremse EBS features CAN bus communication between the various components.

and sometimes fly over to Melbourne so we could work things out together in the workshop,” Dino says.

and I’ve also had the opportunity to work

modes of transport from early in his career –

closely with software engineers who used to

including cars, trucks and marine – has given

Having now had seven years of doing

work for a leading global auto manufacturer.

him a broad perspective on electronics across

this, Dino and his company are considered

This involved learning a lot about CAN bus

a wide range of vehicles and vessels.

an important go-to service provider for

which is a major component of EBS.”

“The owners of the business where I did

specialised technical support of KnorrBremse EBS in WA.

A Controller Area Network (CAN bus) is

my apprenticeship were right into yachting

a robust vehicle bus standard designed

so I was able to learn about how to deal

Dino explains that he tries to stay one step

to allow microcontrollers and devices to

with electrolysis problems,” he says. “I

ahead of the technology development

was always interested in mechanical and

to ensure he is right up to date with the

communicate with each other’s applications without a host computer.

servicing and diagnostic procedures.

Dino says that CAN bus systems are

people by asking lots of questions so I could

“During my time in the fuel and gas

generally quite reliable but that problems

learn as much as possible.”

industries I made lots of contacts so many of

can arise if aftermarket systems are added

These days Dino’s company comprises

my current clients are from these industries,”

without sufficient preparation or testing.

himself and one tradesman with Dino saying

Dino says. “I have CNG, LNG and LPG tickets

He also says his exposure to different

he is deliberately keeping the operation

electrical systems and I would always annoy

small so that it remains a specialised service.

“It’s important to stay specialised in this field because you can have 10 trailers side-by-side and each one could have a different EBS configuration that you have to know how to manage,” he says. “EBS valves can be programmed in different ways so it’s essential to have the broad product knowledge to enable the job to be done correctly and efficiently.”

As such, Dino and his employee are kept on their toes looking after the complete EBS needs of customers from metropolitan Perth to far-flung mining communities in places like Port Hedland and Kalgoorlie.

At the same time, Knorr-Bremse is assured its customers’ sophisticated EBS equipment is in the safest of hands in terms of service, repairs and installations in the state of Western Australia.

Contact

EBS Perth caters for customers in metropolitan Perth as well as in farflung mining communities in places like Kalgoorlie and Port Hedland.

Knorr-Bremse Australia 23-29 Factory Street Granville NSW 2142 Toll Free: 1300 309 991 Email: cvs.aus@knorr-bremse.com Website: www.knorr-bremse.com.au EBS Perth and Auto Electrical Dino Bertone 0410 512 879

www.trailermag.com.au

61

TRAILER BUILDING MATERIALS/COMPONENTS MTA25 axles have been trialing successfully on Australian roads for more than six months.

End to end solutions MERITOR AUSTRALIA HAS INTRODUCED THE MTA25 TRAILER AXLE AND SUSPENSION SYSTEM BECOMING THE FIRST IN THE AUSTRALIAN MARKET TO OFFER AN END-TO-END PACKAGE OF STEER, DRIVE AND TRAILER AXLES FOR HEAVY VEHICLES. A leading global supplier of drivetrain,

of choice for many of the Australian heavy duty truck brands.

In North America this axle has proven itself

mobility, braking and aftermarket solutions for commercial vehicle and industrial

Meritor’s success with these products

where it is sold primarily into demanding

markets, Meritor, has over a 100-year

has been forged on a reputation for

legacy of providing innovative products that

quality, industry leading local application

vocational applications such as logging and tipper work. However, after extensive

offer superior performance, efficiency and

engineering expertise and superior locally

evaluation of the Australian market and our

reliability. With its head office in Michigan,

based customer support. It was therefore

unique road and application conditions, the

US, the business serves commercial truck,

only logical that as the company sought

team at Meritor Australia strongly believed the

trailer, off-highway, defence, specialty

further opportunities for growth they

MTA would perform well across a multitude of

and aftermarket customers in more than 70 countries.

should look to apply this model for success within the trailer market.

our applications. This decision was reinforced

In Australia, Meritor also has a proud

over many years and millions of kilometres

by some extensive in-house durability testing that showed the MTA axle had superior life

heritage of local manufacturing stretching

The MTA system

to axles offered by a recognised competitor

back over 50 years. Originally incorporated

Having evaluated the options available from

in Australia as a division of Rockwell, the

their parent company in the US, where trailer

with a significant presence in the Australian trailer market today.

Meritor production facility in Sunshine,

axles has long been offered as a part of the

So, with commonality between truck and

Melbourne has been continuously operating

Meritor product range, the local team settled

trailer front of mind, the local team working

since 1970, producing locally manufactured

on the MTA (Meritor Trailing Arm) trailer axle

on the project put together an MTA package

drive and steer axles that are the axle

as most suited for Australasian conditions.

that features trusted Meritor Q+ brakes with

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Trailer Magazine NOVEMBER 21

lightweight X30 drum or the Meritor EX

Zealand. Additional technical and sales

family disc brakes – all with the same ease of

within the trailer build time.

Parts for the MTA trailer axles will be shipped

serviceability, reliability, and parts availability

from Meritor’s dedicated 5,000-square-metre

aftermarket customer call centre at Derrimut

found in Meritor Australia truck drivetrain

parts warehouse in Derrimut, Melbourne,

products today. The result is a product that

and will be available via the same channels

as well as a team of field-based Meritor Driveforce representatives.

offers outstanding durability (single piece

as Meritor’s current drive and steer axles

formed axle, axle wrap design, patented

which includes most major OEM truck

pivot bushing), serviceable design (quick

dealer networks and encompasses over

cam replacement without removing the hub,

300 outlets across Australia and New

support will be provided by a dedicated

Contact Meritor Australia Web: www.meritor.com E: sales.sunshine@meritor.com

easy installation axle pack bearings) and lightweight (integrated suspension, stamped spider and single piston disc brake).

The team at Meritor Australia aimed to lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and make fleet maintenance simple. Now, with over six months of successful trials on Australian roads, the firm is confident it has a product that delivers on this promise.

The MTA axle’s major components are manufactured in North America, with the final assembly and configuration of axles taking place in Australia. While Meritor acknowledges it is still gearing up to compete in the Australian trailer market it also understands the dynamic nature of the trailer industry and the needs of local operators. Meritor prides itself on managing a just-in-time (JIT) inventory system that ensures lead times for products is well

Production of a trial MTA25 axle at Meritor in Sunshine, Victoria.

www.trailermag.com.au

63

TRAILER BUILDING MATERIALS/COMPONENTS

XLent sealing LIKE ITS PREDECESSOR, THE SKF SCOTSEAL CLASSIC, SKF’S SCOTSEAL PLUS XL SEAL OFFERS EVEN BETTER LEVEL OF PROTECTION, LONGER LIFE IN CONTAMINATED CONDITIONS, HIGH TEMPERATURE RESISTANCE AND EASY APPLICATION FOR ALL HEAVY VEHICLES. Industry estimates suggest that up to

hub bearing unit applications in all types

variety of styles and sizes for applications

90 per cent of premature wheel bearing

in steer, drive or trailer axles.

failures are due poor bearing adjustment

of vehicles, including heavy duty and offroad vehicles.

and improper seal installation and

SKF Scotseal, a trusted industry name

SKF Scotseal range

subsequent leakage of lubricant. Quality

for over 30 years, offers sealing solutions

The original self-contained oil type seal,

sealing solutions can eliminate the risk

that are proven to be dependable and

SKF Scotseal Classic has proven its quality

of such leakages and continue to remain

long-lasting. Designed to retain oil and

and long-life service in the trucking

the main performance differentiator for

grease, SKF Scotseals are available in a

industry in the past three decades. SKF Scotseal Longlife, based on the Classic

The latest offering, SKF Scotseal X-Treme, provides improved reliability and extended service life under the harshest operating conditions for the vehicle service market, as well as OE truck and trailer manufacturers.

version, is designed to go to even longer intervals between services. SKF Scotseal Plus provides the same unitised advantages plus offers easy, hand installation. Designed with extended life capabilities, SKF Scotseal Plus XL offers maximum sealing life under virtually all driving conditions. The latest offering, SKF Scotseal X-Treme, provides improved reliability and extended service life under the harshest operating conditions for the vehicle service market, as well as OE truck and trailer manufacturers.

Built upon the success of SKF Scotseal Classic, SKF Scotseal Longlife seals in and out with four sealing lips including: spring-loaded primary sealing lip that is factory pre-lubed, radial dirt lip, axial dirt lip, and outer bumper lip that acts

Plus XL

Scotseal Plus XL.

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Trailer Magazine NOVEMBER 21

Material Temp Exclusion Abrasion resistance Suitable for oil / grease Extended life Synthetic fluid compatibility Installation Front P/N Drive P/N Trailer TN P/N Trailer TP P/N Trailer 20,000# axle

HNBR/EPDM/NBR -40˚C to 149˚C Excellent Excellent Both Yes Excellent No special tools 35058 47692 46300 42627 40129

Scotseal range.

special formulated polymer is compatible

Scotseal Plus XL offers maximum sealing under frequent braking applications, extreme harsh and heat generating environments, and protects against dust and water ingress.

with all known synthetic lubricants, this combined with advanced seal design

well as broad compatibility with synthetic

highly trained wheel end SKF engineers.

makes it suitable for extreme conditions

lubrication fluids. The unitised design

Competitors trying to duplicate SKF

and extends seal life.

provides fresh running surface for sealing

seal geometry cannot replicate the

SKF Scotseal Plus XL offers maximum

lips and keeps out road contaminants for

capabilities of the original SKF Scotseal

sealing under frequent braking

better protection. The ‘fat footprint’ with

designs. . Elastomeric formulation along

applications, extreme harsh and heat

adhesive type properties locks onto the

with the high tolerances and finishes

generating environments, and protects

spindle making a perfect seal even on a

and manufacturing quality controls

against dust and water ingress. As a result,

worn spindle.

put together with the design features

it is preferred by many OE truck and trailer

Like Longlife, the Plus XL seals in and out

produce a seal that cannot be duplicated.

manufacturers and the standard seal in

with four sealing lips including the spring-

pre-assembled hubs, due to its proven

loaded primary sealing lip with patented

Contact SKF for genuine, premium quality SKF Scotseals.

history of high performance.

Waveseal design that sweeps oil back to

The advanced HNBR (Hydrogenated Nitrile

the bearings. SKF Scotseal Plus XL is easily

Butadiene Rubber) material provides

installed without special tools, helping to

extended service life of the wheel end

eliminate costly do-overs and extending

components. It also provides heat

wheel end life.

resistance up to 149 degrees Celsius as

SKF Scotseal Plus XL seals are designed by

as preliminary dirt excluder. The SKF Longlife with its newly formulated material has superior tolerance and resistance to high temperatures. The

Contact SKF Australia 17-21 Stamford Road Oakleigh VIC 3166 Ph: 03 92690700 E: skf.marketing.australia@skf.com Web: www.vsm.skf.com

www.trailermag.com.au

65

INDUSTRY ICON

www.smedleys.net.au

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No stone left unturned AFTER ALMOST SEVEN DECADES WORKING WITH TRUCKS AND MACHINERY, BRIAN UMPHERSTON, WHO CO-FOUNDED ADELAIDE’S WAKEFIELD TRUCKS, IS RETIRING. DURING HIS DIVERSE AND JAM-PACKED WORKING LIFE, BRIAN HAS COVERED THE WHOLE SPECTRUM INCLUDING SALES, SERVICE, REPAIRS AND ENGINEERING.

Brian Umpherston (centre) with the Wakefield Trucks management team celebrating Brian and Wakefield Trucks’ 40th anniversary in January 2019.

Brian Umpherston was born in Mount

To resolve the issues Brian and the team at

International Harvester (IH) trucks and farm

Gambier, South Australia, and

OGR arranged the retrofitting of Detroit

machinery and also assumed unofficial

left school at the age of 13 to work on the

Diesel 6V53 engines and 75-gallon fuel

support for White trucks.

family farm at Yahl just out of town.

tanks. After seeing the successful outcome,

Wakefield Trucks became a Western Star

In addition to milking cows and general

GMH made these modifications to all its

dealer in 1992, adding MAN in 2000 and

farm work, Brian worked for other farmers

stock trucks and badged them Bedford

later Dennis Eagle.

making and carting hay, fencing and

KMR XT5. The distinctive twin headlight

Brian has always been a quiet achiever,

harvesting potatoes.

and twin bumper front set it apart from the

setting the standard with his hard-working

After completing an apprenticeship as a

standard TK Bedford.

hands and iron-clad work ethic.

fitter and turner at Motor Traders’ engine

On top of his workload during the week,

He never accepted that something couldn’t

reconditioning workshop in Mount Gambier,

Brian built stock crates and trays for

be done; instead, he would design,

he gained a second trade as a motor

OGR starting Friday night and finishing

engineer and build things that a lot of

mechanic at Haig Motors, the local Ford car,

Sunday night. He worked on anything and

others thought were simply too hard.

truck and tractor agent.

everything including engines in cray fishing

From a handful of people starting in a

In 1963, Brian accepted a three-month work

boats at Port McDonnell.

small tin shed to what it is today, Brian’s

opportunity with General Motors-Holden

He was appointed General Manager of OGR

Wakefield Trucks, just like the man himself,

(GMH) car and truck dealer O.G. Roberts

in the mid-‘70s when White truck sales

has earnt a solid reputation for setting a

(OGR) in Mount Gambier.

were increasing but became disillusioned

high standard across all areas of

The three-month stint ended up lasting

with the management structure and some

the business.

15 years, with Brian taking on the Service

of the decisions being made and resigned

Manager’s role after about two years.

from the company in 1978. Later that

In the mid-1960s Brian completed an

year Brian and former OGR Sales Manager

Industry Icon

international correspondence course on

Dennis Dobie jointly founded Wakefield

Made possible by Smedley’s Engineers.

high-speed diesel engines.

In the late ‘60s GMH introduced a ‘Big Truck’

Trucks as a non-franchise heavy truck repair

Industry Icon is a series dedicated to

business. Located on Port Wakefield Road

honouring the unsung heroes of the

cab-over Bedford range which quickly proved

in the northern Adelaide suburb of Burton,

commercial road transport industry.

unsuitable for Australian operating conditions.

the company soon became an agent for

66

Trailer Magazine NOVEMBER 21

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Industry leader: Rachael Topp TRAILER SAT DOWN FOR A CHAT WITH RACHAEL TOPP, A PROFESSIONAL HEAVY VEHICLE DRIVER WITH LINFOX FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS, WHOSE FORMER CAREER WAS MAKEUP ARTISTRY. TM: What first drew you to the commercial road transport industry?

V8 Supercar driver, Garth Tander, and Linfox driver, Rachael Topp.

RT: I had been doing makeup artistry for 10 years beforehand and I felt a bit stagnant, like I needed a change. My brother-in-law, who worked for Linfox, alerted me to an ad for the Driving the Difference scholarship program for which I applied and, gratefully, was accepted.

This meant that I was employed by Linfox while completing the training to gain my Heavy Rigid truck licence.

TM: What does a standard day for you look like?

RT: It was super daunting going from my previous career to this one, but I was eager to learn and in due course upgraded my licence to Heavy Combination. In the last three years with Linfox I have worked in various contracts including Target, Myer, Woolworths and Bunnings. Earlier this year I was given the opportunity to move to the fuel division which I have been doing since July and absolutely love.

TM: What has been a highlight of your career so far?

RT: I enjoy meeting people and this industry has so many good people in it. It has been wonderful learning new skills and I am particularly keen to learn all about the fuel transportation arm of the industry – there’s certainly a lot to learn. scholarship program run by Transport

TM: What do you think could

TM: What do female-driven events

Women Australia Limited (TWAL) with

be improved?

in commercial road transport

sponsorship from Daimler Truck and Bus Australia Pacific.

RT: While at present I am thoroughly

meanto you?

RT: I think they are vital to the future of

enjoying driving heavy combinations, down the track I would like to be involved in a

the industry as we are facing a significant

TM: What is the best thing about the

managerial role. As I used to be a manager

driver shortage and having more female

transport industry?

in the makeup industry, it kind of comes

drivers to do the work will definitely help.

RT: There is just so much variety. I am a

naturally to me and I look forward to having

I certainly feel blessed that I was given

person who needs new challenges to stay

my hand in different elements, helping

the opportunity to get into the industry

fresh and I don’t think I will ever run out of

through the Driving the Difference

new challenges in the transport industry.

out with what’s going on and seeking to improve outcomes.

68

Trailer Magazine NOVEMBER 21

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FLEET OF THE MONTH

Firm foundations BRISBANE POSTS AND BEAMS OPERATES IN A SPECIALISED NICHE IN THE BUILDING INDUSTRY AND USES HINO TRUCKS TO SERVE ITS CLIENTS. Greg Watkin has a 25-year history of

of areas around the Brisbane River has

starting to deliver nine metres and longer.

using vehicles from the Toyota-Hino

also prompted some, where possible, to

Timber is getting scarce, so we supply

family having started working out of the

physically lift the level of their homes to

more and more steel components”

back of a Toyota Landcruiser ute doing

have a better chance of being clear of

To be able to accommodate those

onsite welding. Since those early days the

any future floodwaters. Greg’s business

increased lengths the Hino trucks

business has evolved to meet the changes

Brisbane Posts and Beams currently

operated by Brisbane Posts and Beams

brought about by different circumstances

employs around 25 people and supplies

have extended chassis. The newest

and market opportunities.

steel structural components to builders

truck is a 2021 Hino 500 Series FE1426

Brisbane is the home of many

and renovators who are mostly in the

Standard Cab model fitted with a

‘Queenslander’ style of residential

domestic dwelling category, along with

nine-metre tray to enable it to carry

buildings and as they age many of their

providing the steel components required

the full length beams. The Palfinger

owners opt to have the original wooden

for larger architectural design homes, as

truck-mounted crane is the first remote

supporting poles replaced with structural

well as smaller commercial buildings.

controlled crane Brisbane Posts and

steel. Many also take the opportunity

“Everyone wants open plan living now

Beams has had.

to perform extensive renovations by

which requires a lot of big beams. Over

“This truck is a little bit bigger than what

‘building in’ additional rooms and spaces

the years they’ve gone from having a

we would normally get and it carries an

under the house. The occasional flooding

maximum six metre span and now we’re

extra tonne and the crane extends a little bit further,” Greg says. “We did that because a lot of our products are long and skinny without a lot of weight. For a single house it’s lucky if there’s a couple of tonne in it.”

Standard safety features of the Hino 500 Series include a Pre-Collision Warning System which includes Safety Eye, Autonomous Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Detection in addition to Adaptive Cruise Control, Vehicle Stability Control, and Anti-Lock Brakes, Lane Departure Warning and a reverse view camera. The driver has the protection of an airbag.

The Standard Cab 500 is supported by a 2020 Hino 300 Series 721 model which also has a Palfinger crane fitted. A 2014 Hino Dutro is kept on hand to fulfil any urgent tasks.

One purpose of using their own trucks to perform the deliveries is the benefit of maintaining control right to the end user.

Operating from their base at Everton Hills in the northern suburbs of Brisbane, the Brisbane Poles and Beams trucks cover an extensive delivery area which reaches to the Sunshine Coast down to the Gold Coast and out past Ipswich, with the

Hino 300 Series 721.

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Trailer Magazine NOVEMBER 21

occasional trip as far as Toowoomba.

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WORLD MAP

Improvement in weather conditions in Brazil is expected to improve the coffee haarvest situation.

Drop in coffee crop results could lead to shortage BRAZIL HARVESTED NEARLY 40 PER CENT LESS ARABICA COFFEE THAN LAST YEAR AND THE LEAST AMOUNT SINCE 2009 ACCORDING TO A CROP FORECAST. Brazil harvested nearly 40 per cent less arabica

as long as a day. It is alarming.”

dry weather during the harvesting.”

coffee than last year and the least amount

The Center for Advanced Studies on

On 13 August, the CEPEA/ESALQ index

since 2009 according to a crop forecast.

Applied Economics (CEPEA) surveys found

for Arabica coffee type six, which had

This loss, according to Bloomberg, is

that, until 6 August, harvesting activities

been delivered to São Paulo city, closed at

equivalent to about two thirds of US

$196.25 USD per 60-kilogram bag, up 1.4

consumption.

had only reached 70 to 80 per cent of expected output.

A survey via a European coffee roaster found

Due to the dry weather, and the lower

37 per cent of coffee consumers have been

volume of coffee to be harvested, the harvest

to CEPEA, is due to increased concerns about Brazil’s drought.

drinking more coffee per week since the

progressed favourably from July onwards.

The International Coffee Organization (ICO)

start of the Covid-19 pandemic, and 73

CEPEA stated that harvesting this year was

has been tracking this market’s recovery and

per cent of coffee drinkers report they have

late compared to previous years due to later

also projected expected shortages in Brazil.

been making coffee at home more often since it began.

crop flowering in 2020, which consequently

It estimated 33 million 60kg bags is under

delayed the crop’s development.

two-thirds of the previous year’s level. Not

A drop in coffee production could lead to

As a high volume of crops has already been

only is 2021/22 an off-year in Brazil’s biennial

a shortage.

harvested, CEPEA said that Brazilian coffee

Arabica crop cycle, but the prolonged

“There’s no line of trucks waiting to load

farmers have confirmed a crop failure for the 2021/22 season.

drought in Brazil – now reported to be the

coffee at the warehouses,” Regis Ricco, a Director at Minas Gerais-based RR

“Agents have reported harvests lower than

century – will drastically reduce the size of

Consultoria Rural, told Bloomberg.“Farmers

the expected in some areas, besides lower-

the harvest. Prices could be pushed higher

send a truck with coffee to the warehouses, and a few hours later the

grade beans,” says Cepea. “On the other

if buyers’ fears about widespread defaults

hand, this season has been marked by beans

truck is back, when normally it would take

of higher quality beverage, favoured by the

from Brazilian farmers, as reported by Reuters, come to pass.

72

Trailer Magazine NOVEMBER 21

per cent from 30 July. This price, according

worst dry spell in the country in nearly a

®

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PRIME MOVER and TRAILER are Australia’s most-read monthly news resources for the commercial road transport industry covering all facets of our industry from bitumen to boardroom.

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WHAT’S ON

Truck Shows & Field Days 2021/22 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. E: editor@trailermag.com.au NOVEMBER

2022

OCTOBER

France

MARCH

Victoria

Solutrans 21-25 November Lyon, France Visit: www.solutrans.eu

New South Wales

Wandin Silvan Field Days 14-15 October Wandin, VIC Visit: www.wandinsilvanfielddays.com.au

DECEMBER

Henty Machinery Field Days 15-17 March 2022 Henty, NSW Visit: www.hmfd.com.au

Dubai

South Australia

Automechanika Dubai 2021 14-16 December Dubai World Trade Centre Dubai, UAE Visit: www.automechanika-dubai.ae. messefrankfurt.com/dubai

South East Field Days 18-19 March Lucindale, SA Visit: www.sefd.com.au SEPTEMBER Germany IAA Commercial Vehicles Show September TBC Hannover, Germany Visit: www.iaa.de

74

Trailer Magazine NOVEMBER 21

New South Wales Murrumbateman Field Days 15-16 October Murrumbateman, NSW Visit: www.mfdays.com Germany Bauma 2022 24-30 October Munich, Germany Visit: www.bauma.de/en

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Technology / Innovation / Safety

JOST wins 2 major industry awards for its new JSK42-ASW fifth wheel JOST Australia has been awarded two prestigious Industry Awards for its innovative JSK42-ASW fifth wheel coupling that combines pneumatic air release, sensor and low maintenance technologies The JSK42-ASW uses innovative technology to improve operator safety and reduce the likelihood of a trailer dropping by accident.

“Our thanks to the Heavy Vehicle Industry Association (HVIA) and the Australian Freight Industry Awards (AFIA) for their recognition.”

www.jostaustralia.com.au

SENSOR SYSTEM CLEAR INDICATION OF COUPLING STATUS SHOWN IN THE CABIN

PNEUMATIC AUTOMATION REDUCES BACK STRAIN

LOW MAINTENANCE EXTENDED SERVICE INTERVALS ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

VO L U M E 1 4 S P R I N G 2 0 2 1

Viewpoint

VOLUME 14, SPRING 2021

AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURING ON SHOW I

t is pleasing to see first-hand how resilient the transport and logistics market has been throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Undeterred by extremely challenging circumstances, our industry partners have persevered admirably, and we cannot thank each and every one of the enough for providing essential services and playing their part in strengthening our economy and the future of this country.

At this year’s Brisbane Truck Show, we shared that passion. That dedication to excel in business which is why the team at Vawdrey Australia are humbled by a dramatic surge in demand for our professional services.

Setting up Australian business for greater successes in the interests of national prosperity is what it is all about. Leading by example at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, our trade stand showcased a 42-pallet Super B-double – a high productivity vehicle that is 4.6m high, has an interior volume of 215 cubic metres and a Gross Combination Mass of 68.5 tonnes. Also on display was our Iceliner, a 4.3m high freezer van with capacity for 22 pallets.

Transport businesses today are demanding

more Performance-Based Standards (PBS) equipment and we offer plenty of choice as a leader in the industry.

What a memorable year it has been.

Through adversity, we have achieved tremendous production milestones and tightened our processes, servicing our customers and reacting to their needs as quickly and efficiently as possible without compromise.

Our high standards and unyielding commitment to our customers has positioned us to produce a great variety of trailing equipment that can be tailored for specific operator applications. This is an important consideration as fleets engaged in long-term projects will typically scrutinise their heavy vehicle mix and look for the most versatile, productive and cost-effective combinations. On the other hand, there are businesses that require robust equipment to complete niche contracts.

Whatever you need, you can be sure Vawdrey Australia – the nation’s largest independent and family-owned trailer builder enterprise – has you covered.

The need for Australian made road transport equipment, at a time when freight activity

and local manufacturing is bouncing back, seems to be reaching a new peak.

In fact, Australia’s manufacturing industries grew solidly as of late last year with production, employment, sales and exports all moving into growth territory.

Even though Victoria endured a period of contraction in manufacturing, and continues to be hampered by snap lockdowns, Vawdrey Australia continues to come out on top.

There are positive signs that our productivity boom will carry us well into the new year and beyond.

Viewpoint

TIME TO TRY THE

TRI

A leader in the design and development of high productivity vehicles, Vawdrey Australia rolls out a new flagship model, the split tri Super B-double.

T

he latest performance-Based Standards (PBS) approved design from Vawdrey Australia a split tri 30.0m Super B-double combination which boasts a Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of up to 75.5 tonnes. Each split tri-axle group

2

can manage up to 26 tonnes whereas a conventional tri-axle group can only handle 22.5 tonnes.

This Super B can operate on applicable level 2B network routes at 75.5T GCM where there are no sensitive bridge structures,

offering operators a superior freight advantage over other conventional 30m Tri Tri truck and trailer combinations. In principle route assessments are recommended to ensure operators will be able to achieve the 75.5T GCM, otherwise could be restricted to

VO L U M E 1 4 S P R I N G 2 0 2 1

68.5T GCM subject to bridge structures.

In addition to BPW suspension and axles, each rear tri-axle group features self-steer axles on the lead and tag trailers for optimal manoeuvrability and swept path.

The units have a 42-pallet capacity and a combined load space of up to 215 cubic metres. With mezzanine decks fitted to the top and bottom, the total available volume can be effectively used simply by adjusting the mezz deck heights to suit the freight dimensions.

The Lead trailer offers an 18 Pallet deck space with the tag trailers optimised to carry 24 pallets of deck space. Other features of note for the split tri Super B-double include WABCO Electronic Braking System (EBS), Intelligent Access Program (IAP) approved onboard weighing system.

Overall, the split tri Super B-double is just one of numerous high productivity vehicle options that Vawdrey Australia has to offer.

The uptake of PBS road transport equipment

in line with the national freight task is rising and Vawdrey is committed to maintaining its place in the market as a leading supplier.

PBS has been a major part of the Vawdrey business since the high-productivity scheme gained momentum in 2014. For these reasons, Vawdrey has a specialised team of engineers who are tasked with the design and development of everything from A-doubles and Super B-doubles to 42m AB-triples. These trailers can also be further enhanced with Vawdrey’s suite of innovations including auto buckleless curtains, auto mezzanine deck systems and Lift-A-Gate technology.

Just over 48 Years ago Vawdrey built its first truck body – this laid the foundation for what would become Australia’s largest privately owned manufacturer of semitrailers across the nation. Today, the longevity of the Vawdrey product is a testament to the overall quality of the build as well as the meticulous work

that goes on behind the scenes.

Each trailer that Vawdrey builds is done so in close consultation with the customer for a specific job. The team at Vawdrey apply specialised knowledge and industry best practice to produce advanced road transport equipment for the Australian market.

Following these pioneering developments on the trailer scene, the Vawdrey name carries a lot of weight in the commercial road transport industry. While the independent trailer builder is renowned for its outstanding PBS achievements, it also backs its customers with solid after sales support.

Vawdrey will continue to lead the way with new ideas that improve safety, productivity and fleet utility, while also ensuring operators have the technical support they need to keep Australia moving.

3

Viewpoint

TRIPLE F R The challenge of launching new high productivity vehicles for G1 Logistics on a permit that demanded the highest in safety and productivity standards has been solved by partnering with Vawdrey Australia.

A

gainst a backdrop of an escalating freight task compounded even further by global supply chain disruptions, G1 Logistics, the road freight wing of GTS Freight Management in Mildura, where it is based, has introduced two new Scanias into its fleet of over 150 prime movers along with Vawdrey B-triple combinations.

Both Euro 6 emission rated V8s have been purchased to anchor a major contract for the business under special permit first granted by Transport for NSW at the height of the 2020 Covid-19 scare in Australia.

The first of these, a Scania R 580, arrived in April last year, back when there were more unknowns than knowns regarding how industry was going to be affected. Looking

4

back at the higher productivity vehicles launched last year one must bear in mind the context of which their operation on the Hume Highway was sanctioned.

The permit for specialised Vawdrey B-triples now in action for G1 Logistics was granted to ensure products arrived faster to depleted supermarkets.

At the time the supply chain for the sector was being stretched by uncertainties caused, roughly speaking, from the desperate behaviours of consumers stockpiling essential goods.

With the oncoming Covid crisis soon came opportunity. To see larger loads transported northbound across Sheahan Bridge near Gundagai, the permits enabled direct trips

into a key Woolworths Distribution Centre in Western Sydney.

For G1 Logistics, approval for running a B-triple would give them 50 pallets capacity on the floor of each trailer, eight more each than a Super-B combination and 14 more each than a customary B-double.

Mass loading on this route increased from 68.5 tonnes to 79 tonnes, an estimated 22 per cent gain in payload. So that it would comply to the conditions of the permit the company, needed to tick every box available related to safety when it came to committing to a truck.

Scania, not surprisingly, soon emerged as the front runner.

“PBS has been a massive change for us,”

VO L U M E 1 4 S P R I N G 2 0 2 1

ONTIER says Damien Matthews, Managing Director of G1 Logistics. “It’s given us so much more opportunity to achieve efficiency gains so we can offer customers more competitive solutions,” Damien says – adding that Vawdrey has been instrumental in helping the business take full advantage of the possibilities PBS offers. Vawdrey has been very helpful in getting our PBS approvals. We’re regionally based and the Vawdrey team has no issue getting on a plane and visiting us on a regular basis. If we have a problem, the response is very quick and the Australia-wide back-up service offers added peace of mind.

G1 Logistics’ relationship with Vawdrey is very strong.

“Vawdrey provide quick responses if we ever have any issues and are very flexible and accommodating to our needs,” Damien says.

“We aren’t interested in an off-the-shelf trailer. We customise our equipment to best suit our customers’ needs, and Vawdrey is always very accommodating. When we have an idea for a trailer, we sit down together with Vawdrey to try and come up with the most innovative solution, thinking outside of

Aerial view of the new Vawdrey built B-triple combination departing Mildura.

the square to see how we can add value to our customers. My senior leadership team also has input into our trailer designs, so we can discuss what works for our needs and what doesn’t.”

With over 400,000 kilometres of operation in a real-world environment the combined value of these high productivity heavy vehicle combinations can be measured in the proof of concept it has afforded operations on this approved route with all of its many pre-

conditions.

“A big part of the supermarket supply chain is the need to keep shelves at capacity. Without the special circumstances of last year I don’t think we would have got the permit,” Damien says. “Without doubt Covid was a drawcard for enabling these high productivity vehicles.

There’s a lot of proof in the pudding that it should become normal instead of a special permit. As a freight carrier we want it to become the new normal.”

5

Viewpoint

THE PERSONAL

For more than a decade, Western Australian transport specialist, Freight Lines Group, has relied on Vawdrey Australia for efficient and reliable trailers which are often set up as pocket road train combinations and reconfigured for optimal fleet utility.

6

I

n the 1960s, a humble freight company commenced operations in Esperance to Perth. By the 1980s, it established a fuel distribution arm along with fresh fruit and vegetable operations. The business collectively known as Freight Lines Group (FLG) has since expanded into mining, bulk commodities, agriculture and specialised freight, boasting a team of about 210 staff.

“The fuel business sold and then Harding

Transport was born with the fruit and vege distribution – this evolved over time to the company that I took sole ownership of in 2010,” says FLG Managing Director, Michael Harding. “In 2003, I took over FLG in partnership with Colin Danks and then I purchased Colin’s share around 2010.”

Today, the business specialises in general, bulk, express, freezer and machinery freight along with storage and distribution.

VO L U M E 1 4 S P R I N G 2 0 2 1

TOUCH Over the years, FLG has opened depots in Albany, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Ravensthorpe and Esperance – bolstering its presence in regional Western Australia operating alongside its major Perth distribution centre.

With a fleet of 140 prime movers and more than 450 trailers, FLG can dedicate equipment for the length of a contract or supply as required for loads as they are scheduled. All trailers, drop decks, curtainsiders, mill ball trailers and skels for mill ball containers, reefers and bulk trailers ride on airbag suspension.

“We have worked with the team at Vawdrey Australia for about 12 years now,” Michael says. “To me, it is extremely important to build long-term relationships with companies and Vawdrey has really given us this in spades. Their Titeliners and

Chris Harding, Michael Harding and Matt Harding.

Iceliners are great, reliable products with excellent backup service.”

The most important features of the Vawdrey Titeliner and Iceliner trailers, according to Michael, are their ease of use, the quality of the builds and the fact that

he has never had an issue with them.

Vawdrey’s Titeliner is a sturdy curtainsider ideal for running freight day in, day out throughout Western Australia. Similarly, the Iceliner – locally engineered and manufactured for distribution and heavy duty applications – epitomises peak performance in terms of thermal efficiency and high productivity.

The trailers that FLG specifies from Vawdrey are standard specification however they are often used in pocket road train configurations for greater flexibility.

“Our Vawdrey trailers always perform well,” Michael says. “The efficiency gains we see are from the flexibility of sending multiple trailers at a time to regional areas.

Our fleet travels all over Western Australia and providing essential services to our customers.”

7

Viewpoint

AN ENHANCED

SERVICE

Gilders Transport and Logistics has worked with great passion over the past four decades to enhance the experience of its customers. By partnering with suppliers such as Vawdrey Australia, Gilders is delivering on its brand promise to be adaptable, reliable and professional.

F

ounded in 1978, Gilders Transport and Logistics has developed into a premium service provider offering complete transport, distribution and warehousing services (palletised freight) nationally. It also manages specialised logistics including timesensitive freight, project logistics and oversized consignments.

The family business began as a single truck operation in Kurnell, New South Wales, and today services customers nationally across a range of industries.

Gilders, according to Managing Director, Brad Gilder, was founded with a single vision, ‘to keep the customer at the centre of everything we do’ and it remains a guiding ethos and vision for the team.

“Gilders are committed to providing

8

unparalleled service and value to our clients,” Brad says. “No matter the size or type of freight, our purpose-built vehicles, interstate branches, and cutting-edge technology offer quality services and the confidence of knowing that Gilders are an extension of your business.

We also pride ourselves on our cultural diversity, our people and our commitment to safety, environmental sustainability and community work.”

Gilders services the requirements of customers from a broad range of industries from common household products and food and beverages to electronics and other bulky goods.

“We support some prominent brands and multinational companies through to every day mum and dad businesses,” Brad says. “In the

last 12-18 months our customers have been going through some very challenging times.

Our journey is to continue to deliver the same commitment but also improve our services to support our customers and give them a competitive edge in the industry.”

Key to this competitive edge is investing in the best quality trailing equipment. The first trailer from Vawdrey Australia to join Gilders’ fleet was in 2004.

“Our Vawdrey trailers are built to last,” Brad says. “Vawdrey’s attention to detail is second to none.”

The most recent trailer deliveries include two 34-pallet B-double trailers that were custom built to specification for length to fit a new Kenworth T909.

“The new purchase was required for company

VO L U M E 1 4 S P R I N G 2 0 2 1

OFFERING growth, new contracts as well as our ongoing commitment to modernising our fleet.”

These B-double trailers feature stainless stripped guards, chrome rims, custom LED lighting, BPW axles, load restraint curtains and chrome hardware.

“With the reliability and quality of the spec that Vawdrey offers, Vawdrey trailers were built for versatility,” Brad says. “These trailers will travel across four major cities, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide and anywhere else that is required.”

The value that Vawdrey brings to Gilders’ business, according to Brad, is in the product being reliable, versatile and most importantly backed by a solid aftersales network.

“Vawdrey has workshops across every state we operate in,” he says. “No matter where we need assistance, Vawdrey are there to help.”

The new 34-pallet trailers also feature onboard weight scales which help to reduce load time by enabling greater efficiencies and accurate maximisation.

Brad emphasises the importance of working with family owned and operated businesses like Vawdrey.

“We share similar values as a family owned and run business,” he says. “The culture within the workplace is important to us and we feel Vawdrey uphold the same principles as Gilders. Our relationship is 17-years strong and the level of support we receive exceeds

our expectations. With personal contact through Paul Vawdrey, we are spoiled with assistance directly no matter the time or hour.

This includes placing new sales orders, repairs or latest information on Performance-Based Standards. Ultimately, our trusted long-term relationship and support from Paul Vawdrey has allowed our business to make fast, reliable and sustainable decisions.”

Custom spec Vawdrey B-double trailers for Gilders.

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ON THE STRAIT AND

NARROW Fresh Freight is modernising its cold chain fleet with Vawdrey Australia. A new batch of Iceliner freezer vans are expected to boost productivity along Bass Strait.

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F

resh Freight provides door-to-door freight forwarding services between Tasmania and mainland Australia.

Michael Leonard, General Manager of the Fresh Freight Tasmania business, says the company specialises in the transportation of temperature controlled and ambient food grade products.

“Since our inception in 2003, we have experienced significant growth and continue to service a diverse customer base

which includes aquaculture, horticulture, agriculture, dairy and meat,” he says.

Currently, Fresh Freight has four depots – three in Tasmania (Spreyton, Legana and Bridgewater) and one in Victoria (Laverton North) – and primarily focuses its operations on the Trans-Bass lane but also offers an Australia-wide service.

“Our service and transit times in to and out of Tasmania sets us apart from the competition,” Michael says. “Fresh Freight’s

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goal is to offer its customers a practical and efficient solution for their freight requirements.”

Fresh Freight Tasmania, according to Michael, has experienced significant growth since it commenced operations in 2003.

“We are committed to continuing to offer our existing customer base the highest level of service and strive for excellence across all aspects of our business,” he says. “We are constantly looking for ways we can innovate and develop as a business, this includes investing in and upgrading our equipment.

Recently, we have installed 30 new Carrier HE19 model fridges on our trailers as well as working on the build of several new Iceliners to add to our existing fleet with Vawdrey Australia.”

Vawdrey, according to Michael, are recognised as a reputable supplier within the industry. “Fresh Freight understands the importance of investing in the best equipment to service our customers’ requirements,” he says. “We appreciate the personal touch and better service that comes from working with family businesses like Vawdrey.”

The Iceliner entered the Australian market in 2002 – on the back of the extremely popular Vawdrey dryfreight FRP van – and has since developed a strong presence in the refrigerated transport industry. This

specialised reefer design is manufactured and assembled at Vawdrey Australia’s Dandenong South plant, offering fleet operators greater flexibility in specifications along with faster turnaround times.

Vawdrey’s refrigerated trailer builds are robust and Australian-made, addressing the needs of the Australian heavy duty refrigeration market.

Locally engineered and manufactured to suit

the requirements of Australian refrigerated transport operators, Iceliner trailers are available in -18°C, -28°C and multitemperature specifications. These complete units, manufactured in-house at Vawdrey Australia’s Dandenong South plant, are well suited to both distribution and heavy duty applications.

A full-length lightweight steel chassis, according to Vawdrey, gives the trailer the added strength and durability that is necessary for heavy duty applications without adversely affecting payload capacity.

Other Iceliner features that come as standard include full width skid plate and lead in plates as well as cross member end cap side rails in one piece that provides a stronger join between the trailer walls and the floor. Also, laminated fibreglass internal joins provide a stronger, leak proof and more efficient body.

A recent extension to Fresh Freight’s Bridgewater freezer has taken it from a 2,000 pallet facility to a 5,000 pallet facility.

“Our sister company SeaRoad, which Fresh Freight has a shareholding in, has a new ship that has just arrived,” Michael says.

“This will have a significant impact on the Trans-Bass shipping lane and will offer the Fresh Freight business greater flexibility and continued support for volume growth.”

The Iceliners joining Fresh Freight’s fleet are engineered and manufactured for long-term use and optimised for high productivity.

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GROWING

STRO

In 1996 the Glen Cameron Group bought its first Vawdrey trailer. The company has since purchased hundreds, with the latest batch featuring a raft of safety and operational features specifically required for supermarket and variety store deliveries.

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t’s now 25 years since Glen Cameron Group Director, Glen Cameron tentatively decided to buy his first Vawdrey trailer.

Vawdrey Australia, in those days, was located at Braeside, and Glen vividly remembers the day he walked in and spoke with the company’s founder Mick Vawdrey.

“I recall being a bit reluctant at the time as this was Vawdrey’s first attempt to enter a big market with some big players,” Glen says.

“But I also remember shaking Mick Vawdrey’s hand with him looking me straight in the eye and attesting that he would 100 per cent stand behind his brand and specifically the new trailer I was

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buying.”

Glen adds that Mick proved to be a man of his word and the two men, and their respective companies, have had a mutually beneficial working relationship ever since.

“The fact that Vawdrey was, and still is, a great family business gave me considerable comfort and confidence when I purchased the first trailer,” Glen says.

“Since then, we have purchased hundreds of Vawdrey trailers and the support from Vawdrey remains as strong today as the day we shook hands 25 years ago.”

Cameron’s latest Vawdrey trailer order includes 13 Titeliners (curtain-siders) and two Iceliner dry freight vans which are

decked out with a very specific set of safety and operational requirements.

“It was also critical that the trailers were delivered within in a very tight timeframe where the team at Vawdrey not only met, but exceeded our expectations on both fronts,” Glen says.

He explains that the Glen Cameron Group has been providing logistics services for Woolworths supermarkets and variety store brands for about 16 years now, with the new trailers loading out of the new Big W distribution centre at Hoppers Crossing (Vic) delivering to Big W stores throughout Victoria.

“Long held relationships, like we have

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NGER

TOGETHER

Glen Cameron Group Director, Glen Cameron.

with Vawdrey and indeed our other key suppliers, are critical to providing us with the best in equipment so that, in turn, we can successfully maintain our long-term relationships with our customers,” Glen says.

Also speaking about the recent order of 15 Vawdrey trailers for the Glen Cameron Group, Paul Vawdrey, Director at Vawdrey Australia and son of Mick, remarks that as a proud Australian trailer manufacturer, the company is pleased to be an ongoing supplier of top-quality equipment to a fine, long-standing Australian transport company like Glen Cameron Group.

“We manufacture the fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) panels at our Dandenong facility that are used to construct the Iceliner dry freight vans – such as the ones ordered by Glen Cameron Group – as well as our freezer and chiller rated range of Iceliners,” says Paul.

“As such, each of our trailers is specifically designed and manufactured to meet

and exceed the requirements of our customers operating under harsh Australian conditions.”

The 24-pallet space Titeliners ordered by Glen Cameron Group feature a number of safety features to satisfy the requirements of the transporter’s customers.

For example, they have air-operated pop-up coaming rail barriers which prevent a forklift from careering off the side of the trailer during rear dock loading or unloading.

Also used are Super-Strap curtains, load rated to 1,430kg per pallet space, which eliminate the need for gates in general freight applications.

Another important benefit when loading is the wedge shape of the roof which tapers from the back to the front, thus providing more headroom as the trailer is loaded.

The Australian manufactured Whiting rear roller door features a clever UBIS interlocking system which electronically interfaces with

the WABCO Electronic Braking System, supplied by Air Brake Systems. This prevents the trailer brakes from being released if the roller door is open.

External safety features include JOST landing legs with high visibility yellow painted feet and aluminium side under-run protection.

There is also a set of steps at the rear to provide safe personnel access into the rear of the trailer.

Hella LED lighting is used exclusively for both external and internal lighting, while Vawdrey Supalite polished alloy wheels set the trailers off nicely while also providing a useful reduction in tare weight over steel equivalents.

With all the safety features incorporated into its new Vawdrey trailers, the Glen Cameron Group can satisfy the requirements of its customers and at the same time provide the safest possible equipment for its valued drivers.

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DAYS OF

FUTU

Victorian transport company, FBT Transwest, honours Peter Gunn and Mick Vawdrey – two founding fathers of Australia’s freight industry – and details the advantages of challenging trailer manufacturer and family business, Vawdrey Australia, with producing trailing equipment that increases the fleet’s safety and performance ratings.

P

eter Gunn is a legendary name in what is today a world-class industry.

His mantra for the past 50 years in transport has been ‘specialisation, innovation, standardisation’. Peter’s relentless way of doing things, his passion for trucking and building businesses,

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has been critical in contributing to road transport becoming a major driver for the Australian economy and, more broadly, influencing modern trailer design.

On the back of WWII – decades before highproductivity schemes such as PerformanceBased Standards (PBS) were even ratified

– Peter was at the forefront of genuine innovation, solving technical dilemmas and finding better ways to operate.

To pay his way through university during the 1950s, he took up a trucking gig. His first job was with Fred Brown Transport. Years later, perhaps out of sentiment and a keen

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RE PAST sense for business acumen, he would go on to acquire the company which is known today as FBT Transwest.

By the late 1960s, Peter completed his tertiary studies (commerce at the University of Melbourne) and established his own transport services business, Cubico, where he single-handedly revolutionised the cubic freight market and introduced technologies and processes that are still currently in use.

A seminal mover in railway, multimodal solutions, Peter pioneered the introduction of the 48’ rail container in Australia in the early 1990s. With the introduction of these containers for cubic freight came a purpose designed 5 pack well wagon with shared bogies. This design reduced tare weight and allowed containers to be double stacked between Adelaide and Perth.

A quintessential inventor, Peter’s approach to optimising cubic freight in transport also saw other design changes such as low floors, drop decks and smaller wheels which have since been widely adopted by other innovative trailer manufacturers like Vawdrey Australia ever since.

After decades of strong growth, Peter merged his business in 1999 with the

logistics division of Mayne Nickless to build a powerful Melbourne-based investment firm, PGA Group.

With a keen interest in trucking that continues to endure, Peter recently met with Mick Vawdrey for a factory tour at Vawdrey’s manufacturing facility in Dandenong South, Victoria. Between Peter’s acute attention to detail and Mick’s passionate ethos, both gentlemen exemplify what it takes to understand the national freight task and provide leadingedge trailing equipment that champions productivity gains and improved road safety.

Mick himself has seen the Vawdrey family business grow from a small workshop to a national marquee brand supporting 400 staff, celebrating 45 years of operation in September last year. Seeing the two of them talk shop and reflect on their industry contributions was indeed a sight to behold.

For FBT Transwest Managing Director, Cameron Dunn, investing in the latest Vawdrey trailer designs reinforces his mission: to maintain safe and sustainable business operations. By fostering reliable support networks, partnering with suppliers like Vawdrey is essential when reducing operational risk and maximising the potential of the fleet.

Through his work with the Victorian Transport Association as President, to managing FBT Transwest, Cameron has

forged a reputation for distilling often complex issues down to a simple message and leading by example. This commitment to taking action is a daily challenge as he firmly believes ‘if you talk the talk, you need to walk the walk’. The supply of Vawdrey trailers, built to specification, has been an important part of Cameron’s safety advocacy.

FBT Transwest’s latest Vawdrey order includes lightweight 12.2m drop deck Tanktainer skeletal trailers that are Performance-Based Standards (PBS) approved and can operate as an A-double combination. Standout features on this trailer includes three-way twist locks with 800mm high lift to suit the heavy 20’ central container for discharge purposes as well as SAF Intradisc and WABCO Electronic Braking System (EBS). Stainless steel drip trays and hose carriers were also fitted.

The chassis is of lighter-weight construction comprising high tensile Domex which enables lighter tare weight for increased payloads. Additional safety features include full width walkway with access ladder and hinge-up grab handles.

Another lightweight drop deck A-double combination was also manufactured and set up to carry high payload 20’ containers.

This set features Domex chassis, alloy wheels and SAF-Holland axles and suspension. For improved vehicle operator safety, WABCO EBS is fitted along with pull-out steps.

A lightweight 20/20 skeletal B-double is also joining the FBT Transwest fleet to carry tanktainers. This set was designed with a slope in the chassis rail to comply with operating criteria of 64 degrees to the centre of the tanktainer along with all of the other safety features fitted as standard.

By implementing a strict procurement policy with Vawdrey Australia – reinforced by the dedication of industry luminaries like Peter and Mick – Cameron is realising his vision for a safer, more efficient road transport business.

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A LEADER IN THE

A-DOUBLE REVOL In a concerted effort to significantly and safely boost productivity on eastern seaboard linehaul runs, Visy Logistics has enlisted the expertise of Vawdrey Australia and Smedley’s Engineers in the unique design and construction of Performance-Based Standards– approved 30-metre A-double combinations.

T

he A-double in PBS guise is starting to make inroads in Australia as operators realise the substantial gains in payload capacity that can be achieved.

However, for Visy Logistics, one of the largest logistics service providers in Australia, achieving worthwhile payload benefits required a good deal of ‘out of the box’ design and engineering due to the high centre of gravity nature of some commodities it transports.

The firm currently uses its own equipment for 40 to 45 percent of its work, with the remainder done by subcontractors. The plan is to flip this figure as the company continues to grow, with the new A-double fleet being a strategic element in this growth plan.

“As we continue to grow and win additional contracts, we will replace subcontractors with company owned assets and fully utilise those assets,” says Angela Kranjcic, GM Sales and Business Development at Visy Logistics.

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“Intrinsic to this is a change in our equipment model and obviously the advent of the A-doubles encourages further internalisation of our transport task on linehaul corridors where it’s commercially feasible to use these advanced pieces of equipment.”

A key product carried by Visy Logistics, for which specific engineering and design elements of the new A-doubles were imperative, is large reels of paper that are transported on their ends; when loaded they stand three metres high and weigh three tonnes apiece.

“It is a very awkward commodity to transport, and it posed one of the biggest challenges in terms of meeting the static roll threshold or high-speed off-transient manoeuvre test requirements for PBS approval,” says Visy Logistics Fleet and Equipment Manager, Glen Fulton. “This was particularly challenging because we were going from a roll coupled

(B-double) to a non roll coupled (A-double) combination, so coming up with a design that would satisfy all the criteria was difficult at the start.

“It took several attempts and a lot of work in close collaboration with specialist PBS engineers and Vawdrey Australia to come up with a solution that would work for us,” Glen says. “But in the end it was all worth it because we managed to achieve around a 20 per cent payload gain over the B-doubles we were using to transport the paper reels, with the opportunity to increase that figure further moving forward by adding some smarts in relation to vehicle design.”

As for the considerable PBS-specific design and engineering work that went into the project, Robert Smedley, Managing Director of Melbourne-based Smedley’s Engineers, says lofty goals were achieved by incorporating some groundbreaking solutions.

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UTION “This is the first time a Concessional Mass Limit (CML) of 17 tonnes has been approved for PBS operation of a tandem axle dolly with standard 385/65R22.5 (low profile) supersingle tyres,” Rob says. “This is an absolute game-changer for the industry and along with the wide-track axles and suspension – which haven’t previously been used on trailers in Australia – enabled us to achieve the unprecedented level of stability that was required for the high payload height loads.”

Rob adds that a lot of testing and validation work went into ensuring the super single wheels on the combination would be allowed the same mass limits as dual wheels.

When it came time to start building the curtain-sided trailers, Vawdrey faced some frontiers of its own as compared with regular trailers the European sourced wide-track axles and suspension required wider spacing of the chassis frame rails. Vawdrey Australia Director, Paul Vawdrey, takes up the story.

“We’ve designed and engineered unique frames to suit the cutting-edge axles and suspension that enables these units to meet the stringent PBS criteria – both the trailer frames and dolly frames were clean sheet designs for us,” he says.

“The internal payload height and the minimal tare weights we were able to achieve were really, really good.”

Paul is adamant that the Visy A-doubles are game-changers in the industry. He says that the latest super single tyres are technically far superior to the units of yore that failed to gain widespread acceptance largely because their maximum weight allowance was significantly less than duals.

“These new super singles are a magnificent piece of engineering,” Paul says. “The fuel

savings and the weight savings they provide, along with the extra payload height we were able to achieve – all these benefits would not have been possible with dual wheels.”

Glen adds that in addition to the mandatory Electronic Stability Control (ESC) technology, other cutting-edge features include intelligent Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) that ensure correct tyre pressures are consistently maintained across the entire combination.

“All of our prime movers feature state-of-theart fatigue management and all-around visibility camera systems and each of our drivers completes a specialised and comprehensive DECA training program to familiarise them with the new A-double combinations and the technology before their first journey,” Glen says.

With a batch of Vawdrey A-double combinations set to be progressively introduced over the next six months or so, Visy Logistics is effectively raising the bar by a considerable margin in the safe and efficient transport of its commodities.

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INFORM VALUE THROUGH

Palletised general freight specialist, Total Logistic Solutions, has partnered with Vawdrey Australia for more than 20 years to deliver consistent, impeccable service with a variety of Performance-Based Standards approved trailers.

V

ictorian transport company, Total Logistic Solutions (TLS), has recently taken delivery of several 36-pallet double drop deck Titeliners from Vawdrey Australia which will see extensive service from depot-to-depot along the eastern seaboard.

Doug Painter, TLS Director, says the company has depots in Melbourne (Tottenham and Dandenong), Sydney, Brisbane and recently expanded with a new site in Newcastle.

This growth was necessary to thrive during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“2020 was extremely tough for TLS with the long closures of Victoria,” he says. “With a large portion of our business supporting major retailers we were hit extremely hard in Melbourne with little to no retailers being open. Port issues in New South Wales caused logistical hurdles for our major Sydney based

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customer where we were unpacking up to 10 containers a day in our Dandenong depot and sending back to our Sydney depot for storage.”

In the past 12 months TLS have been working with Pet Circle, a 100 per cent online pet store.

“Their continued growth has been incredible especially during 2020,” Doug says. “We are proud to support and help promote their business with two of our new 36-pallet Vawdrey Titeliners emblazoned with their livery.”

Spotlight and Anaconda also joined the TLS customer base at the beginning of 2020, and to celebrate their support, Doug arranged for some of his 42-pallet Vawdrey trailers to flaunt their branding on the curtain livery.

TLS has managed to persevere through tough times by leveraging its partnership with key

suppliers such as Vawdrey.

“We have had a partnership with Vawdrey now since 2001,” Doug says. “Over the past 20 years, a personal relationship with both Mick and Paul has grown. I have always been happy to embrace new technology and ideas with the best trailer builders in the country.”

In addition to recently taking delivery of 36-pallet Vawdrey Titeliners the business has also invested in 42-pallet high cube double drop deck Titeliners which Doug says are absolute game changers.

“The fleet also includes B-doubles which are 4.6m high, with a volume of 210 cubic metres, and are rated for a capacity of up to 42 pallets on the floor plus a load on top of the mezzanine decks,” Doug says. “The mezzanine decks ensure our heavy vehicle drivers are operating as efficiently and as safely

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MATION with Vawdrey livery – the smiles we see on their faces are priceless,” Doug says. “Most customers we have think Vawdrey are the only trailer manufacturer in Australia as this is all they have ever seen from TLS. Vawdrey are the best, and with more than 20 years of partnership that will never change.”

as possible while loading and unloading.”

As TLS’ customers are mostly retailers, the primary freight task is general palletised freight, Fast Moving Consumable Goods (FMCG).

“The most important features of the trailers that we specify from Vawdrey are Performance-Based Standards (PBS), cubic capacity, safety and reliability which means less linehaul movement and greater savings on fuel,” Doug says. “As a business, TLS is committed to providing retail customers with the most innovative transport solutions

while being mindful of our carbon footprint.

Our partnership with Vawdrey has led TLS to running an efficient fleet by running fewer trucks and more productive trailers fitted with the latest PBS technologies.”

Vawdrey Australia specialises in the design and construction of PBS trailing equipment and has bolstered the transport capabilities of businesses to maximise payload gains as well as improve vehicle operator safety with its innovative Auto Lock Deck and LatchLiner buckle-less curtain systems.

“Every time our clients see a new set of trailers

Fast Fact Since Total Logistic Solutions commenced operations in 1997, Director, Doug Painter, has committed to a longstanding partnership with Paul Vawdrey. “I exclusively run Vawdrey trailers because the team at Vawdrey are proactive when it comes to Performance-Based Standards (PBS) and finding smarter ways to operate,” Doug says. “Vawdrey is a driving influence for keeping pace with the times and also staying focused on how to compete in the near future.”

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LEVERAGING THE

BENEFITS Auswide Transport Solutions has called upon the extensive experience of Vawdrey Australia for the production of high productivity Performance-Based Standards approved Titeliner B-doubles to further improve its operations.

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H

aving commenced operations in 2007, Melbourne-based Auswide Transport Solutions has grown significantly to embody a fleet of more than 130 prime movers and 450 trailing equipment units.

The core business model is to provide a safe and reliable nationwide freight service using semi-trailers, B-doubles and road trains.

The company’s compliance requirements

are maintained using Basic Fatigue Management (BFM) and Maintenance and Mass Management under the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) as well as Western Australian Heavy Vehicle Accreditation.

Auswide claims to be the largest third-party logistics (3PL) provider in Victoria and among the top five largest 3PL providers in Australia.

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Having grown to this size while maintaining a razor-sharp focus on operational safety and efficiencies, it’s hardly surprising that Auswide has embraced Performance-Based Standards (PBS) in a big way, as evidenced by its latest significant order of Vawdrey Titeliner B-double sets.

The order includes a good number of tri-tri (axle) double drop deck B-doubles which are 4.6m high and approved to operate at up to 68.5-tonne Gross Combination Mass (GCM).

The units are 30m long with a 42-pallet capacity and a voluminous 215m3 combined load space. Critically, mezzanine decks fitted to both top and bottom decks of both trailers mean that the total available volume can be effectively used by adjusting the mez deck heights to suit the freight dimensions. In addition, these combinations also feature sliding mezzanine deck posts to assist in maximising freight tasks.

A full complement of BPW axles and suspension includes self-steerable axles on the rearmost positions of both lead and tag trailers, providing the dramatic reduction in swept path necessary for such a long B-double combination.

Other features of note include WABCO EBS, Intelligent Access Program (IAP) approved onboard weighing system, Vawdrey’s load-rated Lift-A-Gate system fitted to the side gates along with load restraint rated curtains.

According to Tom Pausic, National Operations Manager at Auswide Transport Solutions, the new combinations will be initially used on the linehaul route between Melbourne and Sydney

carrying a wide variety of time critical general freight on behalf of its customers which includes parcels, palletised freight and cages. After the combinations are bedded in, they will likely be sent farther afield to the other mainland capitals including Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

Tom says the mezzanine decks are a critical component of the new combinations as they enable cargo volumes and payloads to be maximised on every trip.

“We service a wide variety of customers and their freight often includes odd shapes and sizes ranging from parcels, pallets and caged freight,” he says. “As a result, the mezzanine decks make the trailers very versatile for our customers’ operations and their freight requirements.”

In common with many operators seeking to take advantage of PBS, Tom says while the design, certification and manufacture of the new trailers has gone smoothly, the process of gaining route approvals and ‘final mile’ access has taken longer than anticipated.

Despite this, Tom has glowing praise for Vawdrey in terms of how quickly the company was able to manufacture the trailers and deal with all the ins and outs of the approval process in the current climate of Covid-19.

“Hats off to Vawdrey, they have done an excellent job of building the trailers and helping us get all our ducks in a row despite external circumstances beyond their control,” Tom says.

“They have really made the process more bearable than it otherwise would have been.”

He adds that the difficulties faced pale into insignificance compared with the valuable productivity gains that PBS has brought the company and that he expects these new combinations will be the first of many more to come.

“Our clients will see significant advantages from the use of these trailers,” he says. “The eight additional pallet spaces (compared with a standard 34-pallet B-double) coupled with greater internal capacity and added weight allowances will mean far fewer incidences of split consignments and freight being left on the floors. The indirect cost savings to these customers due to their pick-up and delivery (PUD) trucks not having to circle back for the remainder of the consignment, from other linehaul arrivals, will be evident almost immediately.”

Paul Vawdrey, Director of Vawdrey Australia, says it’s great to see companies like Auswide embracing PBS and making the considerable investment in new equipment that has a positive effect on productivity, thus helping them to better manage the growing freight task.

“We are pleased to be able to work with Auswide to manufacture these high productivity trailers that will make a huge difference to the company’s operations,” Paul says.

With the help of Vawdrey Australia, Auswide will continue to procure state-of-the-art trailing equipment to keep it at the cutting edge in terms of productivity and safety – two critical elements of today’s road transport fleet.

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MAKING A

‘GREEN’ SWEEP

Transport and logistics provider, Hi-Trans Express, has announced its intention to become carbon-neutral by 2025.

Working with long-term and valued partner Vawdrey, the company is showcasing its commitment to this initiative with a new batch of Vawdrey B-doubles featuring ‘green’ graphics on the curtains.

H

aving been in operation for more than 50 years, Hi-Trans Express is an Adelaide-based independent familyowned company with a national branch network.

In its infancy, the company’s focus was on the provision of a customer-oriented freight service between Adelaide and Broken Hill.

The freight carried to Broken Hill was largely groceries and mining equipment, while back loading was primarily wool.

Today, Hi-Trans Express supports its Australiawide operations from head office in Adelaide, with branches in Adelaide, Broken Hill, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne and agents in Perth, Darwin and Hobart.

Both companies are proud family-owned concerns that strive for innovation and quality

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of workmanship in everything they do.

These, according to Hi Trans Express CEO Tony Mellick, are prime reasons why Hi-Trans has standardised on Vawdrey trailers across its operation.

“The innovation and quality of the Vawdrey products are second-to-none and the fact they are Australian made also rates highly with us,” Tony says – adding that his previous experience with an imported brand of trailer prior to working for Hi-Trans left him in no doubt about the truth in the old adage ‘you get what you pay for’.

“Yes, they do cost a bit more than some of the others but I know that we will get an extra five or six years out of them which is what really counts in the long run,” Tony says.

Speaking about the latest Vawdrey B-double

sets to join the fleet, Tony elaborates on the strategy of continually striving to exceed customer expectations while staying abreast of the latest trends in technology and environmental care.

Thus, he says, the company has committed to becoming carbon-neutral by the middle of this decade and, as part of this commitment, has emblazoned the curtains of the new Vawdrey B-double sets with striking ‘green’ graphics.

“Part of our operational strategy for some time now has been to investigate how we can become carbon-neutral in our company-owned fleet by 2025,” Tony says.

“As a result, we have determined that all our equipment purchases such as prime movers and body trucks will feature Euro 6 exhaust emissions standards, at an absolute minimum, moving forward. Hence, we have chosen Euro 6 Mercedes-Benz prime movers to pull our new Vawdrey B-doubles.

“Dovetailing with this is our strategy for customer engagement and enlightenment, so we decided that the livery on the trailers would pair with the Euro 6 prime movers to provide a firm statement about our commitment to carbon dioxide reduction.”

“We’re currently standardising on Euro 6 compliant trucks and looking towards

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hydrogen fuel cell power for our linehaul trucks and battery electric for pick-up and delivery (PUD) vehicles where appropriate,” he says – adding that the latter has limiting factors around range and recharging.

Tony also mentions that the disposal or recycling of the lithium-ion batteries must be factored into the carbon-neutral equation.

Talking about the new Vawdrey B-double sets, Tony reiterates they are a visual statement about the company’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality over the next few years.

“I’ve instructed our people to ensure they are only pulled by our Euro 6 or better prime movers moving forward,” he says. “This is a consistent message we want to portray to our

customers and the general public.”

The Vawdrey 34-pallet drop-deck combinations feature height-adjustable mezzanine floors on the lower decks of both lead and tag trailers.

With Work Health and Safety (WH&S) being another high priority at Hi-Trans Express, the trailers are also equipped with the Vawdrey Lift-A-Gate system as well as suspended bungee straps – six on the lead and 11 on the tag – which retract the load binding straps close to the ceiling while loading and are then easily pulled down and tightened. This eliminates the risk of repetitive strain injuries.

As for running gear, the trailers are fitted with BPW axles and air suspension riding on a full complement of alloy wheels.

Completing the picture are the striking curtain graphics applied by Vawdrey Visual which set the scene for the direction Hi-Trans Express is heading with its vision to become carbonneutral by 2025.

Fast Fact A family-owned company established in 1969, Hi-Trans Express has acquired Vawdrey trailers for the last 27 years due to their high levels of product innovation, quality of workmanship and market value.

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SUPPORT YOU CAN COUNT ON

To maximise fleet uptime, especially when demand for essential goods has peaked, Vawdrey Australia provides industry leading service, spare parts, repairs and more.

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ince its founding in 1974, Vawdrey Australia remains a family owned and operated trailer building powerhouse which employs more than 400 people nationwide. The business is headquartered in a purpose-built site in Dandenong South, Victoria, and runs other state-of-the-art facilities Eastern Creek, New South Wales; Larapinta, Queensland; Gepps Cross, South Australia; and Welshpool, Western Australia.

Due to growing demand from industry for quality and high productivity vehicles, Vawdrey Australia has had to make considerable investments to its in-house facilities and equipment. Through continuous Vawdrey Victoria Ph: (03) 9797 3700

development and innovation, the trailer builder has introduced new plasma cutters, presses and tooling to its facilities along with improved warehousing and new factories panel manufacturing and the assembly

Vawdrey New South Wales Ph: (02) 9421 6444

Vawdrey Queensland Ph: (07) 3273 6156

of suspensions and axles. Each site is also equipped with spray booths, trailer bays and more to ensure transport businesses big and small have access to timely refurbishment, repair and retrofitting services.

All Vawdrey service (Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney and repair facilities have the capacity to carry out mechanical repairs and servicing by qualified and trained technicians, fibreglass repairs, qualified welders and body builders for all types of trailer repairs, full trailer refurbishments, trailer pits for servicing and mechanical work, chassis crush and straightening equipment for carrying out smash repairs; paint booth and onsite paint mixing for all painting repairs.

By providing the best possible service and support, fleet operators enjoy the benefits of investing in Vawdrey road transport technology that drives greater safety and efficiency outcomes.

Vawdrey Western Australia Mob: 0448 901 126

Vawdrey South Australia Mob: 0447 343 579