Trailer Magazine December 2021

®

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

DECEMBER 2021

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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

JOURNALISTS William Craske william.craske@primecreative.com.au Paul Matthei paul.matthei@primecreative.com.au Anjali Behl anjali.behl@primecreative.com.au

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ARTICLES

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4

Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 21

Trailer Magazine Editor Luke Applebee

Legal noise Adequate competition depends on innovation, productivity and welfare.

This is what the Chair of the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC), Rod Sims, recently spoke about at a Competition Law and Economics Workshop hosted by his organisation and the University of South Australia.

He reckons there are challenges in competition law and policy that must be confronted and solved if the market economy is to work for all Australians.

Sims points to three main competition issues: merger law reform; the need to prove the future in competition cases; and the role of new regulation for digital platforms.

He said merger control is critical to protecting and promoting competition and should be consistent with international best practice if the nation is serious about protecting competition.

The ‘substantial lessening of competition’ test in merger cases, according to Sims, typically requires the ACCC to prove what is likely to happen in the future (think Minority Report and pre-crime), rather than consider overall interference to the competitive process caused by a key player by its closest competitor or by other anti-competitive behaviour. The problem, Sims, explained, is this test is being confined to what is currently known and provable about future developments.

To complicate matters, the ACCC is considering the need for sector-specific

regulation to address competition and consumer concerns in digital platform markets as part of a five year digital platform services inquiry.

At the time of writing, the ACCC is investigating potential competition issues arising from Qube’s completed acquisition of the Newcastle Agri Terminal. In September, the ACCC said it was not provided sufficient time or information to assess the competitive impact of the transaction. The potential concerns, raised by market participants, are based on the vertically integrated position that Qube will hold in the supply chain for bulk grain export through the Port of Newcastle and incentive for Qube to discriminate against rivals.

Sims said it was worrying that a major vertically integrated player (Qube) paid $90 million for key infrastructure used for export of agricultural products without first obtaining ACCC’s view on whether the proposed acquisition would likely to have the effect of substantially lessening competition.

What is the consequence of this action? The key parties, in this instance, Qube and the former owners of the Newcastle Agri Terminal, are exposed to potential legal action by the ACCC.

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December 2021 6

30

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

28 Economy JobKeeper came at a time when the Australian economy experienced its greatest shock since the Great Depression.

30 Special Report As leaders in Performance-Based Standards, the motivation of the Smedley’s team remains the same: Achieve innovative solutions that anticipate, meet, and supersede real issues faced by the industry.

40

36 PBS Equipment Here is a glimpse of Australia’s diverse offering when it comes to the design and supply of high productivity vehicles.

44 Trailer Builder The latest developments in Australia’s rigid body and semitrailer manufacturing scene.

50

50 Service & Maintenance What keeps the national freight task going? We cover some of those moving parts here, 60 Slide/Tilt Trays Three years on, Suburban Towing Equipment continues to rely on the quality and workmanship of Lucidity lights and harnesses.

62 Trailer Building Materials/Components Equipment specialists and prominent suppliers to the road transport industry showcase their products and services.

60

72 Industry Icon Graeme Weston has amassed a wealth of understanding of heavy vehicle power transmission systems in all corners of the globe.

74 Fleet of the Month Liberty Oil appreciates the value of a supremely comfortable and quiet cab environment in minimising the fatigue of its drivers.

76 World Map Under the patronage of the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, biennial trade fair Solutrans 2021 was held last month in Lyon Eurexpo.

78 What’s On

Upcoming shows and field days.

6

Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 21

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NEWS

Unsealed roads to get the $150M treatment The Federal Government is launching a

these remote roads haven’t been touched

100,000 in remote areas.

$150 million Remote Roads Upgrade Pilot

since the Great Depression.

“Our regional towns are the lifeblood of

Program.

“The Liberals and Nationals Government

our nation, and every Australian deserves

Acting Prime Minister, Barnaby Joyce, said

will partner with local government in

safe and efficient roads regardless of

the trial program would target unsealed

delivering this new funding to address

where they live.

roads throughout remote Australia, many

many neglected roads that are out of sight

“It is critical we ensure everyone has

of which haven’t been upgraded since the

to most people. We recognise the costs

equitable access to local community

Great Depression.

of upgrading rural and regional roads are

centres including schools and medical care

Joyce said the program would offer

often prohibitive for local governments.”

and that citizens are not cut off from their

councils between 80 per cent and 100 per

Joyce said guidelines for the new program

local townships due to the condition of

cent of funding to upgrade unsealed roads

would be released by the end of the year

roads.

and improve safety with works including

to target unsealed roads more than 20

“This program will support our existing

resurfacing, removing dangerous corners

kilometres long.

record investment under the Liberal

and managing vegetation.

He said the road toll in regional

and National Government’s 10-year,

“This is not about sealing roads, it is about

communities was more than four times

$110 billion nationwide infrastructure

making them safer,” he said.

greater than in the major cities, and 10

investment program.”

“It is about putting down gravel to stop

times greater in remote communities.

The Government will work with

parents getting bogged in the rain when

“There are 2.2 deaths per 100,000 people

local councils and state and territory

they drive their kids to school; it is about

in the major cities, 10 deaths per 100,000

jurisdictions to identify projects for funding

removing dangerous corners. Many of

in regional areas and 25.1 deaths per

under the new commitment.

NHVR details vision for modern regulation

8

Borderless operations and increasing

“We have learnt a lot over the last five

eastern part of the country, ensuring

flexibility for safe operators are key

years, for example, the importance of

industry experience and the same on-road

features of the National Heavy Vehicle

driver physical and mental wellbeing and

interactions regardless of where people

Regulator’s (NHVR) latest strategy.

its impacts on road safety, and we have

are working,” said Gay.

The NHVR elaborated on this approach

increased our capability to share safety

Gay was recently reappointed Chair

in its Strategic Directions 2021-2026

insights with industry to collectively

of the NHVR Board and welcomed the

document.

pursue better outcomes.

reappointment of current Board Members

NHVR Chair, Duncan Gay, said the release

“We are also going back to basics to

Ken Lay and Robin Stewart-Crompton for

of the NHVR’s long term strategy (first

develop a national understanding of

a further three years.

released in 2016) came at a critical time

freight infrastructure, ensuring consistent

“The reappointment of Ken and Robin

for industry, as the regulator pursues

assessments that open up productive

at this critical time for our industry

ambitious and relevant industry reform to

networks which are critical to the success

will enable continuity in pursuing the

the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL)

of our road transport task.”

opportunities ahead of us,” he said.

which is currently under scrutiny.

As part of the Strategy, a key priority for

“They join Board members Julie Russell

“We know the majority of industry

the NHVR is completing the transition of

and Catherine Scott, who both bring a

want to do the right thing – our job is

regulatory services from the final HVNL

wealth of practical industry experience to

to leverage this through data sharing

participating jurisdictions.

the table.”

and tailored regulatory approaches to lift

“Transitioning operations from New

The NHVR’s Strategy Directions will be

safety standards right along the supply

South Wales and Queensland will provide

reviewed in another five years, following

chain,” said Gay.

consistent regulation right across the

the completion of transition of services.

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NEWS

Chevron Australia awards contract to Qube Integrated energy company, Chevron

oil and gas market ensured that Qube was

management, warehouse and yard

Australia, has awarded Qube a contract

best placed to deliver Chevron Australia

storage, quarantine management, fuel

for the provision of supply base services in

with a truly integrated operational

distribution at Wheatstone Downstream

Karratha, Onslow and Perth.

solution, incorporating high safety

and other ad-hoc services.

Qube said in a statement the contract

standards that aligned with Chevron’s best

“As part of the contract, Qube will

will include investment in new tech and

practice requirements,” said Qube.

assume operational management of the

systems in Western Australia, leveraging

“The services that Qube will be providing

existing Chevron facilities in Gap Ridge,

synergies from the facilities’ assets and

to Chevron across Western Australia

Karratha, and Hazelmere, Perth, and

provide the broader oil and gas industry

as part of this contract include facility

operate these as multi-share facilities

with exciting new operational options.

leasing and management, cross-dock,

with Qube’s other key clients, as well

“Qube’s diversified experience in complete

pack, consolidate, dispatch, staging,

as continuing to service Chevron’s

supply chain and logistics services in the

loadout and transport, inventory material

requirements.”

Road users urged to stay safe during bumper harvest season As farmers prepare to transport millions

to see more trucks, tractors and machinery

were also reminded of their responsibility to

of tonnes of crops and grain on Victorian

on our roads.”

ensure they are always fit to be behind the

roads over the coming months, Regional

Heavy agriculture machinery moves more

wheel.

Roads Victoria is urging drivers to be vigilant

slowly than other heavy vehicles, often

“We know driver fatigue is one of the

and aware of the potential dangers of

populating large sections of regional

biggest dangers on our roads,” Bowmaker

encountering trucks and heavy machinery.

Victorian roads and crossing road-dividing

said.

By virtue of a strong winter crop season,

lines.

“Farmers often work longer hours during

RRV Regional Director (Hume) Steve

“Drivers should slow down when they

harvest and need to be aware of how

Bowmaker said an influx of trucks, tractors,

see machinery, maintain a safe distance

they’re feeling and ensure they are alert. If

and heavy agricultural machinery are

from the vehicle and not attempt to pass

operators of heavy machinery feel fatigued

expected on our roads between now and

until they have a clear view ahead and

or distracted, they should stop as soon as

May 2022.

are absolutely certain it is safe to do so,”

is safely possible and rest for at least 15-20

“Farmers and crops are a vital part of

Bowmaker explained.

minutes or find another licenced driver to

regional Victoria’s economy, playing

“Wider or slower vehicles may also have a

take their place,” he said.

a key role in the state’s recovery from

pilot vehicle travelling ahead – it’s important

“It is every motorist’s responsibility to keep

coronavirus,” Bowmaker said.

that drivers obey directions and pay

our roads safe and ensure all Victorians get

“They’re preparing for another bumper

attention to any signage.”

home safely to their loved ones at the end

harvest season, which means we can expect

Drivers and operators of heavy machinery

of the day.”

WA names new Department of Transport Director General Peter Woronzow has been formally

roles of Commissioner of Main Roads WA

since March 2020, taking responsibility for

appointed to the role of Director General of

and Chief Executive Officer of the Public

setting the strategic direction of transport

the Department of Transport for Western

Transport Authority. Woronzow has been

for the State during a time of unprecedented

Australia. He will concurrently hold the

the Acting Director General of Transport

transport infrastructure development in WA.

10

Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 21

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NEWS

Haar Australia launches next generation PreciPURE Fuel metering and pumping technology

is now so discreet you can barely see it

valve which controls preset volumes

specialist, Haar Australia, has released its

on this ATE Tankers trailer for Simpsons

and system drain down for product

latest PreciPURE model.

Fuel,” he said.

changeover,” said Lawrie. He added

According to the manufacturer, PreciPURE

“Still capable of gravity metering both

there are no hidden control boxes under

Gen2 – also known as PreciPURE C1200

petrol and diesel at up to 1,000 LPM,

the tank and the single user interface

– is smaller in every dimension, lighter,

bulk pump metering at 1,000 LPM,

mounted above the hose reel is the only

simpler and provides faster delivery

and up to three wet hose (hose reel)

control unit in the system for user-friendly

performance than its 2013 predecessor

outlets, Simpsons Fuel opted for a single

operations.

with revolutionised fuel systems.

hose reel for delivering multiple same

“We are particularly excited about this

Haar Australia founder and Managing

flammability fuel variants.”

new system, with its predecessor which

Director, Ivan Lawrie, said this follows

The new drain down technology that

revolutionised the industry and this

an extensive test period of over a year

PreciPURE Gen2 provides is reported to

model improved in almost every way,”

in outback New South Wales with

ensure precise product changeover with

said Lawrie.

outstanding reliability and performance

the hose reel.

“Thanks to the team at Simpsons Fuel

results and overwhelmingly positive user

“An additional hose reel to deliver

and ATE Tankers who did an amazing

feedback.

petrol can be added simply by adding

job building and putting this system into

“This next generation delivery system

the reel and a bolt on modular delivery

service.”

Simpsons Fuel specifies next-gen PreciPURE.

12

Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 21

NEWS

Feds invest $250M in roads and heavy vehicle safety The Federal Government is investing $250

on our roads is key to maintaining a strong

infrastructure into the future.

million in initiatives to improve heavy

economy into the future,” said Joyce.

“Accepting applications on an ongoing

vehicle safety and to keep freight moving.

“Investing $250 million to make

basis means state, territory and local

Applications are now open for the Bridges

bridges safer and heavy vehicle routes

governments can plan and submit projects

Renewal Program (BRP) and the Heavy

more productive will ensure Australian

when they are needed.

Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program

businesses that rely on freight operators

“This makes these programs easier to

(HVSPP).

can stay connected to international

access, more flexible and better aligned to

Funding under the BRP and HVSPP

markets while continuing to supply the

the Government’s commitment to invest in

reportedly supports the infrastructure

products Australians need to live.

strategic priority roads and respond to local

needed to ensure freight operators can

“Projects funded through these programs

community needs.

continue to make essential deliveries as

also create jobs and opportunities for local

“Crucially, the revised program guidelines

well as keeping communities connected

suppliers and businesses, delivering an

will also see the Australian Government

and motorists safe.

economic boost to local economies and

able to invest up to 80 per cent of project

This includes projects to upgrade or replace

driving their growth.”

costs in regional areas, encouraging the

ageing bridges, and for road projects

Assistant Minister for Road Safety and

best regional projects to be put forward.

which improve the productivity and

Freight Transport, Scott Buchholz, said

“The Liberal and Nationals Government

safety of heavy vehicle movements across

as part of the continuous assessment,

is committed to making our heavy vehicle

Australia.

successful projects would be announced

routes and particularly regional roads safer,

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for

on a rolling basis.

more efficient and we know better roads

Infrastructure, Transport and Regional

“Both programs are well known and

improves productivity.”

Development, Barnaby Joyce, said

well regarded by state and territory

The Liberal and Nationals Government

changes to the program guidelines will

governments and local government

will continue to build on our strong record

give applicants better access to funding,

authorities,” said Buchholz.

of investment in these initiatives, with

ensuring the road upgrades Australia

“These improvements will further

more than $760 million locked in for the

needs can be funded and delivered.

enhance their ability to deliver safer,

BRP and $607 million for the HSVPP, and

“Keeping heavy vehicles safe and moving

more productive bridges and other road

ongoing funding into the future.

Chemicals specialist announces $13M acquisition End-to-end chemicals operation, DGL, has

will now have a network of 51 facilities

capable of delivering the chemicals of the

seized an opportunity to break into the

stretching from Darwin to Christchurch

future.

sustainable vehicle market.

with a throughput of over 1.5 million

Austech further enhances the capabilities

DGL – a business that manufactures,

MT per annum and servicing over 2,000

of DGL’s Chemical Manufacturing division

transports, stores and processes chemicals

regular customers,” said DGL founder and

reinforcing the company as the leading

and hazardous waste – is acquiring

CEO, Simon Henry.

full-service chemical management

Austech Chemicals for a cash payment of

Austech adds to the already established

company in Australia and New Zealand.

$13 million.

Trans-Tasman presence of 30 chemical

Aligned with DGl’s cross-sell strategy,

Austech manufactures non-oil automotive

manufacturing sites across Australia

there are significant opportunities to attain

chemicals including coolants, brake

and New Zealand. Austech formulates

additional business within the group.

fluids, solvents, flammables and aerosols.

over 12,000 MT of specialty chemicals

In financial year 2020 DGL reported

Over the last 20 years it has developed a

per annum for its strong customer

pro-form revenue of $180.1 million. The

unique intellectual property for chemical

base, including major oil and retail blue

company operates 52 sites, both owned

formulations in the automotive industry.

chips. DGL will work to enhance these

and leased, across Australia and New

“With the acquisition of Austech, DGL

relationships to develop a strong network

Zealand.

14

Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 21

NEWS

VTA endorses tentative steps made in transition to battery electric vehicles The transition away from internal

major manufacturers had recognised the

not until these vehicles come down in cost

combustible engine (ICE) vehicles supported

need to include zero-emission vehicles

and proliferate in the market.”

by a key initiative from the Commonwealth

(ZEVs) in their product lines, operators

Anderson said many local government

Government has been welcomed by the

increasing uptake of lower emitting Euro 6

jurisdictions had already indicated zero-

Victorian Transport Association (VTA).

engine technology would help dramatically

emission delivery vehicles may be granted

The Future Fuels Investment Fund, a

reduce freight and logistics emissions in the

better access to infrastructure in a push to

$250 million injection into the Federal

short and medium term.

incentivise their uptake by operators.

Government’s Future Fuels and Vehicles

“The transition towards ZEV freight vehicles

While it was important to transition to a

Strategy will usher in major investment to

has certainly increased in recent years as

future of ZEVs according to Anderson, he

technology and associated policy for the

expectations from the community, industry

made it a point to acknowledge the present

freight and logistics industry.

and other stakeholders about lower

environment and the “terrific work” that

Viewed as a key prioritisation by the VTA,

emissions have steadily increased,” he said.

the fuel companies and OEMs are doing to

the focus of the strategy is understood

“The VTA has had a leadership role in this

make diesel more efficient.

to include public electric vehicle charging

transition, with consistent advocacy for

“Over the transition it will be important to

and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure,

incentives for operators that adopt Euro

provide the necessary support to operators

commercial fleets, and household smart

6 engine technology such as discounted

to be able to economically make the

charging, with funds also allocated

registration and tolls,” Anderson

switch so that our supply chains aren’t

for heavy and long-distance vehicle

continued.

compromised by policy and regulation

technologies.

“A progression of this is likely for operators

that prices operators out of business,”

VTA CEO Peter Anderson said while the

that adopt zero-emission technology but

Anderson said.

Qube reports strong profit growth Recent responses to the global health crisis

increases in landside and ancillary charges

and manufacturers.

and its subsequent economic impacts have

which, following similar increases from other

No single customer represented more than

proved to be sound decisions made by

port operators, created some controversy

2.5 per cent of the total divisional revenue.

logistics powerhouse Qube.

among sections of the road transport

The majority of the earnings growth in

The company has reported record underlying

industry.

the Operating Division was attributable to

earnings with Net Profit After Taxation

The Operating Division reported underlying

logistics activities which benefitted from a

and Amortisation (NPATA) up 31 per cent

revenue growth of around 12.5 per cent

much larger contribution from grain-related

which has resulted in shareholder dividends

to $2 billion and underlying EBITA growth

activities including bulk and containerised

increasing by more than 15 per cent.

(Earnings Before Interest, Taxation and

haulage, grain storage and loading.

The key drivers of the growth in earnings

Amortisation) of 29.5 per cent to achieve

“Qube responded to the global crisis

were the Operating Division and the Patrick

around $212 million.

with the health and safety of its people,

stevedoring business.

Qube has remained highly diversified by

customers and communities as the number

The Operating Division experienced high

customer, product, service and geography.

one priority during the pandemic,” said

volumes across most parts of the business

In the 2021 financial year, the top ten

Qube Chairman Allan Davies.

with container, forestry and bulk activities

customers across the division represented

“The pandemic added more proof, if any

particularly strong.

approximately 19 per cent of its total

more was needed, that the company’s

Despite some disruptive industrial action,

revenue and included mining companies,

diversified logistics strategy will underpin

Patrick benefitted from high volumes and

energy companies, shipping lines, retailers

long term earnings growth.”

16

Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 21

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NEWS

Primary Connect awards Don Watson Transport and Russell Transport Two of Primary Connect’s long-standing transport partners have been formally recognised at the ninth annual Primary Connect Transport Safety Day for outstanding performance in safety, compliance and service.

Don Watson Transport was awarded Large Carrier of the Year while Russell Transport was awarded Small Carrier of the Year.

The awards were held virtually on 17 November 2021 with carrier partner representatives and industry professionals attending the livestream. This is the first time both companies have been awarded a Carrier of the Year award.

“So much of our intention each day is devoted to the Woolworths freight task – we work on the same team as Woolworths team members, trying to kick goals for the vendors every day,” said Don Watson Transport Managing Director, Lyndon Watson.

Russell Transport was awarded Small Carrier of the Year.

“To be seen and be recognised as doing a leading job of it is both humbling and rewarding.

“There are so many carriers doing a brilliant

“Our teams on both coasts have an

Acting Director Commercial, Transport &

outstanding focus and drive to deliver a

3PL Business for Primary Connect, Brian

job, and to be singularly honoured while

great customer experience, delivering on

Warry, praised both carriers.

standing among them is extremely kind.”

time with safety,” said Russell Transport

“Both Don Watson Transport and Russell

Don Watson Transport has been in

Director, Ken Russell.

Transport are a pleasure to work with,”

operation since 1948 and has been

“This award is recognition of their

said Warry.

working with Woolworths since the 1980s.

dedication to the task.

“They have such a positive, can-do attitude

The carrier partner currently transports

“We have always admired the businesses

to any task or challenge we send their way.

approximately 10,000 pallets of goods

that have won the award previously. To be

“We’re incredibly grateful that these carrier

for Woolworths per week. It also delivers

held in the same category as them is a true

partners have gone above and beyond

for vendors into Woolworths distribution

credit to our business and our staff.”

to support us and our customers over a

centres under the Primary Connect model.

Last financial year, Russell Transport

challenging period.”

With more than 130 trucks and over 170

delivered more than 125,000 pallets

Primary Connect operates one of

refrigerated trailers, Don Watson Transport

from Woolworths distribution centres to

Australia’s largest supply chains with more

delivers inbound into Woolworths’ Sydney,

Woolworths, BWS, and Dan Murphy’s

than 7,000 truck movements per day for

Melbourne, and Wodonga distribution

stores, in the south-east Queensland area.

Woolworths Group. It delivers to more

centres.

The carrier has a strong safety focus – a

than 3,000 Supermarkets, Metro, BIG W,

Small Carrier of the Year, Russell Transport

key metric for winning the Carrier of the

BWS and Dan Murphy’s stores nationwide

began partnering with Primary Connect

Year award. It takes pride in its strong

and relies on its 86 carriers to ensure

in 2010 and operates out of Brisbane, the

reporting culture and proactive actions to

products arrive freshly and safely in stores

Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast.

mitigate or eliminate risks.

for our customers.

18

Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 21

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NEWS

Road works bolster North QLD freight productivity The Federal Government is investing a

of Strategic Importance initiative.

corridors in Queensland over 10-years under

further $5.92 million to build on previous

“ROSI projects improve the safety and

the ROSI program, to make a significant

upgrades of the Ootann Road to improve

quality of critical freight routes to keep

difference for freight and motorists in the

safety and reduce travel times.

regional industries connected to local

state.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for

and international markets, better connect

Mayor of Tablelands Regional Council, Rod

Infrastructure, Transport and Regional

regional communities, and unlock social

Marti, said the latest round of funding is

Development, Barnaby Joyce, said Ootann

and economic benefits such as greater

critical to ensure access during the wet

Road is a strategic freight corridor that

business growth and employment,” said

season.

connects northern Australia with key

Buchholz.

“The unsealed sections of Ootann Road

markets in the south, supporting the growth

“I have personally experienced the unsealed

are prone to flooding, which is currently

and prosperity of a range of local businesses

sections of the Ootann Road, as a former

preventing year-round use of the route and

including in agriculture, mining and tourism.

“This road is well used by truckies, is a

transport operator they were some of the

posing a barrier to business and economic

roughest, harshest road conditions I have

growth,” said Marti.

vital connection for local communities and

ever experienced, I am pleased we are

“This project will weather-proof the road,

allows tourists to come up and experience

partnering with local government to build a

reducing the need for road closures and

what this beautiful region has to offer,” said

better Ootann and improve this important

load limits during the wet season and

Joyce.

freight road.

making it more reliable for freight, locals

“That’s why I am pleased to announce

“Following the tireless advocacy of local

and tourists.”

the Australian Government is committing

mayors and former Mayor Tom Gilmore,

$4.08 million in upgrades along Ootann

a further $5.92 million to improve the

the Ootann Road has been placed on the

Road in the Tablelands Region will be jointly

safety and year-round access of this vital

national agenda and under the Morrison

funded by the Australian Government and

connection.”

Government is attracting significant

the Tablelands Regional Council in an 80:20

Assistant Minister for Road Safety and

investment and this new ROSI funding will

split.

Freight Transport Scott, Buchholz, said the

mean $7.4 million in investment, split 80:20

$3.32 million in upgrades along Ootann

upgrade formed part of a broader $50

with local government.

Road in Mareeba Shire will be jointly funded

million investment to upgrade the Cairns to

“Our Government has committed a total

by the Australian Government and the

Northern Territory corridor under the Roads

of $904 million to upgrade seven key road

Mareeba Shire Council in an 80:20 split.

Re-Car founder, visionary behind Mad Max vehicles remembered Terry O’Hare, founder of the Re-Car Group,

his mother’s back yard in St Alban’s and

176.2 miles per hour (276.9 km/h) with

among his multiple business and sporting

led O’Hare to establish his business Re-

champion drag racer Larry Ormsby at the

interests, has passed away peacefully

Car, named after reincarnation, which

controls in 1979. O’Hare and Re-Car also

aged 87. O’Hare immigrated to Australia

ultimately became one of Australia’s largest

from his native London aged just 18 and

truck repairers employing some 250 people

built many of the unique vehicles used in the original Mad Max movie. Terry also

after a number of odd jobs and a stint in

and utilised innovative production-line

became a successful property developer

the National Service, used his training as

techniques to significantly shorten repair

with projects as diverse as Whitsunday

a cabinet maker to build a wooden car

times.

Airport at Airlie Beach in Queensland and

body on an old Ford chassis which he was

Terry O’Hare, along with his son Stephen,

Truck City at Campbellfield in Melbourne.

able to sell at a profit before it was even

built ‘Waltzing Matilda’, a jet powered

His passion for sailing had him involved as

finished.

Ford Louisville which achieved the World

logistics manager for Australia’s successful

That initial vehicle was put together in

Truck Speed Record over a flying mile at

America’s Cup challenge in 1983.

20

Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 21

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NEWS

First sod turned on $187 million Parkes Bypass Major works to transform journeys along the

travel times between the Victorian and

from the main town centre every day – all

Newell Highway have begun.

Queensland borders.

of which will improve safety for motorists

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for

“The Federal and NSW Governments

and pedestrians in and around Parkes,” said

Infrastructure, Transport and Regional

are investing $1.455 billion to transform

McCormack.

Development, Barnaby Joyce, said the

journeys along the freight backbone of NSW,

“We know how important this project is

$187.2 million project would deliver a

and the Parkes bypass is the jewel in the

to the community – it will help people get

game-changing upgrade to a 10.5-kilometre

crown of this investment,” said Toole.

to where they need to go sooner and safer

section of the highway to allow traffic and

“We’ve just hit the halfway mark of our

when the project is due to be opened to

heavy vehicles to bypass the town of Parkes.

$228 million commitment to build 40

traffic in 2024.”

“Bypassing the town of Parkes has been

overtaking lanes along the Newell Highway

Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy

discussed for years but it’s the Australian

and the Parkes bypass will further support

Premier, Sam Farraway, said this work would

and NSW Coalition Governments that are

the regional freight task in NSW, which

also provide the town with a considerable

making this long-floated project a reality,”

is expected to increase by 12 per cent to

economic benefit, with up to 350 jobs

said Joyce.

“In August, Georgiou Group was charged

286 million tonnes moving across our road

supported during the construction of the

network by 2036.”

bypass.

with managing the three-year construction of

Federal Member for Riverina, Michael

“In addition to a 10.5-kilometre western

the bypass, and now we’re wasting no time

McCormack, said the Newell Highway was

bypass of Parkes, work will involve bridges

assembling crews to start site establishment

an important freight corridor for consumer

over existing railway lines and connections

and vegetation clearing work.”

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for

goods, manufacturing materials, and

to the Parkes Special Activation Precinct

agricultural goods within NSW.

to leverage the Inland Rail project and the

Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole,

“There will be many benefits once the

existing freight logistics hub,” said Farraway

said the bypass marked the latest project

bypass is complete, including reduction in

said.

rolling out along the Newell Highway as part

congestion, improvement in amenity in the

“Work to adjust or upgrade connections

of a record investment to deliver improved

central business district and removal of more

to local roads has been under way since

safety, boost freight productivity and reduce

than 1200 heavy vehicles and other traffic

January.”

QLD opens EV charger testing facility An Electric Vehicle (EV) charger testing

revolutionised electric vehicle travel through

QFleet year on year.”

facility containing one of the world’s largest

delivering the Queensland Electric Super

The facility features one of the highest

and highest-powered electromagnetic

Highway.

power commercially accessible EMC testing

compatibility (EMC) testing chambers has

“We expect the growth in the state’s electric

chambers in the world. The facility is designed

opened in Brisbane today.

vehicle charging infrastructure will help

to deliver up to 720kW of regenerative

Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark

accelerate investment in additional renewable

power from its integrated system with fully

Bailey, said the Palaszczuk government had

energy projects.

integrated AC and DC power feeds. Devices

committed to another 18 charging stations

“Every time a motorist makes the choice

that demand high power levels to Federal

across inland regional Queensland in Phase 3

to fill their tank with energy generated in

Communications Commission (FCC) and

of the Super Highway.

Queensland, it allows for the continued

International Electrotechnical Commission

Phase 3 will extend from Mount Isa in the

growth of renewables in our state.

(IEC) certification requirements can be tested

West to Goondiwindi in the South. Phase 3,

“The $2 billion Renewable Energy and

here.

which will use 75kW chargers, is expected to

Jobs Fund means electrical vehicle owners

In related news, the Victorian Transport

be completed by the end of 2022.

will have access to the cheapest, cleanest

Association (VTA) has endorsed tentative

“Not only were we the first state in

electricity in the nation, and we’ve already

steps made in the transition to battery electric

Australia to develop an EV strategy, but we

committed to double the number of EVs in its

vehicles.

22

Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 21

Y A W E H T S ’ IT !

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NEWS

GTS set to commit $1B to regional Victoria Major Mildura freight company, GTS

cheaper construction costs according to Chief

make our corporate head office which allows us

Freight Management, and its highway and

Financial Officer Ben Chatfield.

to continue to grow into the future,” he said.

warehousing arm, G1 Logistics, have committed

“Being a major transport company in a capital

Operational expenses for the next decade are

long term to the Sunraysia region.

city certainly has its advantages and it is fairly

With support from the State Government

attractive,” said Chatfield.

likely to eclipse $1 billion Damien Matthew GTS Managing Director told the Mildura Weekly.

Regional Jobs Fund, GTS has announced its

“While it makes a lot of sense commercially,

Much of this includes rent, wages, repairs and

national headquarters will undergo a significant

ultimately we are a regional-based carrier and

fuel — the majority of which gets injected back

redevelopment.

we’re really proud of being from Sunraysia. We

into the local Mildura economy.

The $4 million project itself will add 57 new

do really love the region and love where we

The spend doesn’t, however, include capital

full-time-equivalent jobs.

live,” he said.

expenditure on the likes of mobile assets.

It is understood GTS expects to expand its

“Ultimately, we wanted to stay. It was just nice

G1 Logistics, with its distinct purple and black

local workforce by around one-third — the

to have some incentives to be able to keep it

colour scheme, runs a fleet of new trucks

equivalent of around 80 full time staff.

here.”

spec’d for interstate B-double work including

Almost 60 per cent of the national company’s

The Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund is

50 PBS-approved high productivity vehicles by

workforce is based at its Mildura headquarters.

part of the Victorian Government’s near $30

local manufacturing partners such as Vawdrey.

Since its founding in 1980 as a lone truck

billion investment in rural and regional Victoria

Last year GTS started receiving produce from

operation, GTS has bloomed into a fleet of

that commenced in 2015.

the Northern Territory into its existing Adelaide

approximately 200 prime movers, including

GTS has been situated at the site of its current

depot. From there G1 Logistics effectively

subcontractors and 450 trailers, nationwide.

depot since 2006.

hubbed it across to Sydney, Brisbane and

Naturally this has led to subsequent overtures

Chatfield said the business had outgrown

Melbourne

for it to relocate to a capital city.

Such a move was under serious consideration

its head office after a sustained period of ongoing growth.

“One of the reasons why we’re building a new Adelaide depot is to service that contract,”

in terms of the ease of accessing resources and

“We want to build a new office which we’ll

said Chatfield.

Vale Tom Lindsay Co-founder of Lindsay Brothers Transport,

were pioneers in refrigerated produce

transition of the private Lindsay Brothers

Tom Lindsay, passed away peacefully on

transport in Australia as well as early

company into the corporate Lindsay

Tuesday 16 November 2021, aged 90 years.

adopters of B-double combinations and

Australia Limited, staying on as a director

Tom’s partnership with his brother, Peter,

safety equipment on vehicles.

for several years.

who passed in 1999, began in 1953.

Tom was also a major contributor to the

His wealth of experience proved invaluable

Their unique partnership served to guide

Coffs Harbour region he called home for his

in helping to establish the new entity.

their local Lindsay Brothers Transport

entire life.

In 2003, Tom and Peter Lindsay were

venture through many years of growth,

Lindsay Transport is the largest private

inducted into the National Road Transport

culminating in the thriving national

employer in the Coffs Harbour area

Hall of Fame in recognition of their service

transport and logistics company that

and Tom was prominent in many local

to the Australian Transport Industry.

Lindsay Australia Limited is today.

organisations, notably Rotary.

Tom leaves a lasting legacy of a great

Tom and Peter built the Lindsay Brothers

Through the North Coast Cranes

organisation, family and friendships and

business through long-term associations

company, Tom was involved in many large

and friendships with their customers

developments including the establishment

will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

and suppliers, not least an unwavering

of the Bonville International Golf Club –

His Celebration of Life service will, due to

association with Kenworth and DAF dealer

limited capacity, was attended by a small

Brown and Hurley which has supplied the

one of the premier courses in Australia – in 1992.

company with a multitude of trucks over

Tom was, in fact, a part owner of the club

colleagues. The wider trucking community

the years.

for some time.

was invited to view the service online as it

The Lindsay Brothers were known for their

In 2002, following the death of his brother

was live-streamed via Keith Logue & Sons

willingness to embrace technology and

Peter in 1999, Tom presided over the

Facebook page.

24

Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 21

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NEWS

Net zero emissions plan teases what the future of trailer manufacturing might look like in Australia The Federal Government has released a plan

infrastructure including Electric Vehicle (EV)

industry by 2050 – the Pilbara being an

to achieve net zero emissions across the

charging stations and expanded electricity

ideal location for hydrogen production and

entire economy by 2050.

transmission networks.

export.

This plan – The Plan to Deliver Net Zero – The Australian Way – prioritises the

Realising opportunities for low emissions

Queensland could see more than 12,000

manufacturing will also be key to seizing

new mining and heavy industry jobs linked

technology that will help Australians cut

opportunities in new and traditional

to growing export markets where Gladstone

emissions while creating jobs and growing

markets.

could capitalise on hydrogen, renewables

the economy.

Global collaboration will take the form of

and low emissions materials opportunities.

The plan outlines how the nation will

international partnerships, engaging in

The Hunter Valley’s skilled workforce

drive down the cost of low emissions

multilateral tech initiatives and establishing

and energy infrastructure position it

technologies, deploy these technologies

a high integrity Indo-Pacific Carbon Offset

to gain ground in hydrogen and green

at scale, help regional industries and

Scheme.

manufacturing such as green steelmaking.

communities seize economic opportunities

Protecting the economy is an important

Meanwhile, the $464 million Clean

in new and traditional markets and work

aspect of the Government’s tech-based

Hydrogen Industrial Hubs are part of more

with other countries on the tech needed to

approach to achieving net zero emissions.

than $1.2 billion committed to building an

decarbonise the global economy.

As new tech becomes better and cheaper it

Australian hydrogen industry, with seven

These actions, the Feds assert, will get

is expected to drive rapid uptake.

priority locations: Bell Bay, the Pilbara,

Australia to net zero emissions by 2050

The plan calls for many things including

Gladstone, Latrobe Valley,

without compromise.

steel production of under $700 per tonne

Eyre Peninsula, the Hunter, and Darwin.

Taking a closer look at the plan document,

and aluminium under $2,200 per tonne.

Clean hydrogen exports could support

Australia has reportedly reduced emissions

Clean hydrogen would be about $2 per

16,000 jobs in Australia by 2050, plus an

faster than many comparable advanced

kilogram.

additional 13,000 from the construction of

nations, surpassing the US, New Zealand

This initiative is estimated to create more

related renewable energy infrastructure.

and Japan.

than 100,000 new direct regional jobs by

Australian hydrogen production for export

Australia is on track to reduce emissions

2050 in critical minerals, clean hydrogen,

and domestic use could be worth more than

by up to 35 per cent by 2030 and this plan

green steel and alumina. It is also expected

$50 billion in 2050.

aims to maintain momentum to drive steady

to put downward pressure on electricity

In light of the overwhelming positivity

progress over the next three decades to

generation costs, helping to grow energy-

surrounding emission cuts and job creation,

deliver net zero emissions by 2050.

intensive industrial jobs, while delivering

as per the plan, could such a climate

Under the Paris Agreement, signatories aim

more affordable housing and electricity bills.

policy harm Australia’s energy security and

to limit emissions to net zero globally in the

Output from the heavy industry is predicted

industry?

second half of the century. Interestingly, net

to more than double by 2050 under the

Critics are pointing to the state of the

zero does not mean eliminating emissions

plan. Electrification and energy efficiency

UK, which over the past 50 years has

completely, but instead offset residual

will allow the mining and energy sector to

transitioned from coal to becoming more

emissions like planting of trees or storing

significantly and rapidly reduce emissions.

dependent on gas as a primary source of

carbon underground or in soils.

Smelters and refineries are currently

electricity generation where the majority of

Unlocking growth of priority tech such as

transitioning to power their plants with

it is imported from Europe.

clean hydrogen and low emissions steel and

renewables, while resources companies are

Nationals Senator, Matt Canavan, suggested

aluminium is expected to drive down costs.

exploring alternatives to diesel fuel including

that the UK’s unfolding energy crisis is a

To enable the deployment of this tech at

electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles.

direct consequence of its net zero emissions

scale, there will be business incentives

Western Australia is estimated to see around

plans via a shift to so-called renewables and

and efforts made to build adequate

34,000 new jobs in mining and heavy

banning coal power.

26

Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 21

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ECONOMY

Insights from the first six months of JobKeeper JOBKEEPER CAME AT A TIME WHEN THE AUSTRALIAN ECONOMY EXPERIENCED ITS GREATEST SHOCK SINCE THE GREAT DEPRESSION. THE TREASURY DETAILS WHY THE SCHEME WAS WELL-TARGETED AND HIGHLY EFFECTIVE. AUSTRALIAN CONSUMER CONFIDENCE

25

23 19

20

20

17 14 13

12

10

10

7

6

15

5

0 -5

-7 Oct 2020

Jan 2021

Apr 2021

-6 Jul 2021

-10

The Federal Government has reported

uncertainty around the economic outlook

economy. This time frame was linked to

on the first six months of its JobKeeper

according to Treasurer Josh Frydenberg.

the health advice that severe restrictions

scheme. This program rolled out last year

Consumer and business confidence had

could be in place for six months or more.

to help Australian businesses and those

fallen to record lows. Treasury considered

Treasury’s report on the matter found that

they employ to endure the economic

it plausible that GDP could be 10 to

JobKeeper payments, which supported

impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Under

12 per cent lower than forecast in the

four million Australians and one million

this arrangement, the Feds paid employers

June quarter. Treasury’s estimate of the

businesses, were targeted to:

impacted by the virus to continue to pay

unemployment rate was that it could reach

Businesses strongly affected by the

the workers. To be eligible for payment,

15 per cent. A quarterly fall in GDP of 24

pandemic: JobKeeper businesses faced a

business turnover needed to have declined

per cent was considered possible.

median decline in turnover of 28 per cent

by at least 30 per cent.

JobKeeper was designed to guarantee

over the year to the June quarter and 23

At the time JobKeeper was designed and

support for six months to provide certainty

per cent over the year to the September

implemented, there was unprecedented

to business and support the broader

quarter 2020. This compared with no

28

0.7%

3.6%

0.1%

GDP GROWTH RATE JUNE 2021

INFLATION EXPECTATIONS OCTOBER 2021

INTEREST RATE OCTOBER 2021

Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 21

decline in median turnover for other

Australian economy to rebound strongly,

mechanism would likely have reduced

businesses.

saving more than 700,000 jobs.

the overall level of activity and muted the

Businesses at high risk of shedding

By March 2021, Australia had surpassed its pre‑Covid levels of GDP and employment,

recovery.”

separation rate at JobKeeper businesses had almost doubled due to the Covid‑19

a better outcome than all major advanced

businesses did not experience a 30 per

economies.

cent (or 50 per cent) decline in turnover

health restrictions but was broadly

The report according to the Treasurer

for larger businesses over the year, many

unchanged in other businesses.

demonstrates that JobKeeper was more

Sectors directly affected by the public

than just a wage subsidy. It was designed

were “were still significantly impacted by Covid-19.” Ninety‑nine per cent of these

health restrictions: JobKeeper payments

to ensure the strongest possible economic

businesses were small businesses, with an

were made to around half of the

recovery and avoid the scarring impacts

average of four supported employees.

individuals employed in the arts and

on the labour market, which were

In particular, the number of job losses in

recreation industry and around 35 per cent

characteristic of previous recessions.

these businesses increased by around 60

in the accommodation and food services

In the words of Treasury “a central

per cent in late March 2020, compared

industry.

consideration in designing the

to almost no increase in non-JobKeeper

Small businesses and not for profit

macroeconomic support package was

businesses.

entities: 99 per cent of entities receiving

ensuring the overall level of fiscal support

Following the introduction of JobKeeper,

JobKeeper had a turnover of less than

was sufficient to provide a credible offset to

job shedding declined sharply in these

$50 million or were not-for-profits, and

the economic shock being experienced.”

businesses and employment outcomes

over 80 per cent of JobKeeper payments

JobKeeper was specifically designed, not as

substantially recovered, with an estimated

went to these entities. These groups were

a furlough scheme, but as one that enabled

200,000 JobKeeper workers brought back

particularly vulnerable to the impact of

businesses to adapt and stay open. In the

once the policy was introduced.

health restrictions because of their limited

words of Treasury, JobKeeper “enabled

As the economy recovered and these

ability to weather economic shocks. Large

many of these businesses to continue

businesses expanded and pivoted

businesses with a turnover of more than

production, hours worked for JobKeeper

$250 million made up 0.2 per cent of

operating and then to pivot and grow.”

It was this feature, combined with the

JobKeeper entities and received around 11

six month guaranteed support and the

non-JobKeeper workers by an estimated

per cent of payments.

absence of a claw-back mechanism that

150,000.

Without the Government’s significant fiscal

allowed JobKeeper to not only save jobs,

Treasury’s report on the first six months of

support, including JobKeeper, Treasury has

JobKeeper demonstrates that the program

estimated that the unemployment rate

but to create them.

With respect to a claw‑back mechanism,

would have peaked at least 5 percentage

Treasury makes clear it “was not

employers and employees connected.

points higher, and remained above 12 per

included, reflecting a desire to avoid any

It saved more than 700,000 jobs and

cent for two years.

disincentives for businesses to adapt and

it supported Australia’s world-leading

JobKeeper, the Treasurer said, enabled the

recover.” The introduction of “such a

economic recovery.

employees: in March 2020, the job

While the report found that some

workers increased, as did employment of

did what it was intended to do. It kept

Livestock road train ready for the market.

www.trailermag.com.au

29

SPECIAL REPORT

Command performance AS LEADERS IN PERFORMANCE-BASED STANDARDS (PBS), THE MOTIVATION OF THE SMEDLEY’S TEAM REMAINS THE SAME: ACHIEVE INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS THAT ANTICIPATE, MEET, AND SUPERSEDE REAL ISSUES FACED BY THE INDUSTRY. Since its establishment in 1931, Smedley’s

While most PBS consultancies only have

ARRB where he honed his skills in the field of

Engineers has always worked hard to expand

narrow industry experience, the dedicated

vehicle dynamics. Andrej is an accredited PBS

its services and expertise, as well as its reach

team at Smedley’s Engineers have

assessor at Smedley’s Engineers. Throughout

to support our industry right across the

backgrounds from right across the industry,

his career, he has completed hundreds of

nation.

providing the experience and know-how

PBS assessments and has also developed

Being the first end-to-end PBS consultancy

required to identify and resolve issues for

vehicle simulation models.

couldn’t have been possible without the

their clients.

diversity and specialised skillset of Smedley’s

Some instrumental members of the

DAVID CLARK, SENIOR ENGINEER

workforce. Managing Director, Robert

Smedley’s Engineers team talk about their

With both an engineering degree and

Smedley says, “Our team members are in

experience, particularly with PBS and the

business management qualifications to

touch with the industry, with close to 100

benefits of super single tyres.

his name, David has been at the forefront of cutting-edge engineering since 2012.

years in combined heavy vehicle experience, and a mix of backgrounds including heavy

ANDREJ BUCKO, SENIOR ENGINEER

Growing up around the trucks and

transport businesses, truck manufacturers,

A graduate of Monash University in 2011,

machinery of his family’s transport business,

trailer builders and OEM component

Andrej Bucko joined Smedley’s as a Senior

he later began his career in the F1 & Special

suppliers. “

Engineer in 2018 after almost a decade at

Builds division of one of the world’s leading

30

Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 21

Dion Simms.

Visy 33m A-double PerformanceBased Standards combination.

Jackson Heil.

DION SIMMS, SENIOR ENGINEER Dion Simms is an Automotive Engineer with a background in OEM passenger vehicle architecture and motorsport. His career has included roles at Volvo Polestar Racing and Ford Motors, but a keen interest in heavy machinery saw him join the Smedley’s team in early 2021: “I came into this project to coordinate the physical testing and to conduct the data logging and reality capture.”

JACKSON HEIL, SENIOR ENGINEER Andrej Bucko.

David Clark.

Jackson Heil has been in demand as an

high-performance automotive cooling

pressure that comes with applying and

innovative mechanical engineer since

specialists. In 2015, he moved across to

assessing new technology. His passion

graduating from Swinburne University in

the heavy vehicle industry as a mechanical

for developing vehicle components that

2013. With a background in heavy vehicle

engineer. His extensive experience in brake,

enhance safety, output and efficiency has

manufacturing, Jackson joined the Smedley’s

noise and roll-over testing has driven

now been matched by his drive to build

team in 2018, passionate about the technical

his enthusiasm to find new innovations

strong relationships with his customers and

side of the industry and all the ‘behind-the-

in vehicle performance, and he feeds

work with them to achieve their desired

scenes’ elements of design, innovation, and

off the excitement, expectation and

outcomes.

manufacturing to meet PBS requirements. www.trailermag.com.au

31

SPECIAL REPORT

He is involved in PBS certification and access space, communicating with the manufacturer, the operator, and the road manager to make the on-road stuff happen.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN WITH SMEDLEY’S Currently and for over the last two years, one of the big goals for the team at Smedley’s Engineers is getting super single tyres broadly into PBS at higher masses.

Super single tyres through PBS at masses equivalent to dual tyres are a game-changer in the industry, resulting in higher payloads, better fuel efficiency, improved tyre life and decreased tyre costs, as well as better environmental outcomes.

Robert Smedley says, “This is one of the single biggest things the government and industry can do to reduce carbon emissions in a long-haul country like Australia, and it could be done right now.”

Earlier this year, Truck Industry Council (TIC) and the Australian Road Research Board (ARRB) engaged in pavement wear testing on new ultra-wide tyres (super singles). TIC stated that test results would provide the scientific evidence required to develop a case for increasing mass limits for heavy trucks and trailer axles fitted with wide-base single tyres. Robert Smedley worked closely with Chris Loose in getting the funding proposal to happen, as part of this, Smedley’s provided data to support the safety benefits that were used in the submission for the funding.

Glen Fulton, Logistics Fleet and Equipment Manager at Visy, previously spoke with Trailer in late 2020 about an order of 30m PBS A-double combinations, a unique design. He said these trailers were specifically designed to carry an awkward commodity: paper reels, which, when loaded, stand at three metres high and weigh three tonnes each. He also mentioned this design was a challenge due to the need to meet static roll threshold or high-speed off-transient manoeuvre test requirements for PBS. Moving to super singles significantly improved the performance of the A-doubles which typically get much lower payload heights than B-doubles. In 2020, this was Ron Finemore Transport high productivity vehicle.

32

Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 21

also the first time a Concessional Mass Limit (CML) of 17 tonnes had been approved for

A unique trailer design for carrying an awkward commodity, paper reels.

PBS operation of a tandem axle dolly with

was the case in reality, and it was.”, he

see those simulations reflected in real-world

standard 385/65R22.5 (low profile) super-

says. “Lots of PBS assessors in the past have

single tyres.

‘wrongly’ assumed that super singles got the

results.”

Andrej explains how the Visy A-double

At the time, this was a game-changer for

same LSSP results as duals, but they don’t.

combination carried indivisible loads which

the industry, along with wide-track axles and

We were initially surprised when this was

provided a unique challenge. “Typically, if a

suspensions which hadn’t previously been

verified in the field tests. We are happy to

vehicle fails SRT or HSTO the solution is to

used on trailers in Australia. This enabled the

say, though, that we’ve developed a solution

lower payload height until a vehicle passes

team at Smedley’s Engineers to achieve an

in conjunction with Hendrickson and

those standards.”, he says. “However, as

unprecedented level of stability required for

MaxiTRANS that overcomes this issue.”

the load is indivisible this was not an option.

high payload height loads.

Andrej explains the difference in LSSP occurs

Super single tyres combined with wide axle

Since then, the team has been able to

when super singles are fitted to self-steer

track width, wide suspension hanger track

achieve 27 tonnes on quads with super

axles. He says, “The steer axles don’t turn

and high roll stiffness suspension allowed us

singles and has more recently been involved

as well with singles as with duals. So, swept

in testing to get 22.5-tonne on tri-axle

path was an issue with the Ron Finemore

to meet the required load height.”

Getting tyre data is also sometimes

groups fitted with super singles.

combination but not Visy, which did not

an issue. Andrej says, “Not many

Reflecting on the consultation process

have self-steer axles. Additionally, we expect

manufacturers perform the tests necessary

between Smedley’s Engineers and Visy,

that the amount of difference between duals

for assessors to model super single tyres so

Smedley’s engineer Jackson Heil describes it

and singles in swept path will be dependent

there is a lack of data, especially compared

as being just like any other project.

on the make and model of self-steer axle

to more common sizes like 11R22.5.

“Generally, we will speak with the customer

so a solution will have to be calibrated

However, the National Heavy Vehicle

about what they want to begin with

individually to a specific self-steer axle

Regulator have announced that the PBS

and where they want to transport their

model.”

system will be moving to a standard or

freight,” he says. “It’s from this point we

Dion notes how it’s easy to assume that,

‘generic’ tyre where a single dataset will

look into what type of combination is best

at low speed, tyre dynamics are inactive

be used for a specific tyre size. Therefore,

going to fit their needs while delivering

and different configurations will not have a

make/model restrictions for super singles

the best outcome on road networks

significant impact on swept path outcomes.

around the country. Once we compile our

He says, “The kinematic geometry of the

could become irrelevant.”

Since these vehicles have rolled out,

recommendations, we discuss everything

same self-steer axle fitted with duals or

Smedley’s Engineers have observed

and move forward with the customer and

fitted with super singles does differ and

improvements to heavy vehicle route access.

manufacturer to deliver the PBS outcome

that kinematics really matter when you’re

Jackson says, “As the road networks slowly

they are after.”

pushing for the best outcome for a given

improve, we have started to see better

In terms of super single testing and

level of road network. After seeing the

access being granted which has opened

validation, Robert and the Smedley’s

results vary in response to the parameters

up other lanes for the 30m A-double that

team found the super singles surprisingly

in our test schedule, I know I came away

couldn’t be done to begin with.”

performed worse in Low-Speed Swept-Path

with a reinforced respect for the quality of

(LSSP) when modelled in the computer

the ADAMS modelling we’re producing,

For more information about the Smedley’s

simulation.

and I wasn’t alone. PBS is seen as simulation

Engineers team, PBS and super single tyres,

“This led us to do field testing to see if this

centric. It was valuable to close the loop and

visit www.smedleys.co www.trailermag.com.au

33

SPECIAL REPORT

An interview with The Quad Father LES BRUZSA IS THE CHIEF ENGINEER AT THE NATIONAL HEAVY VEHICLE REGULATOR (NHVR) AND PLAYS A VITAL ROLE IN THE ONGOING DEVELOPMENT OF THE PERFORMANCE-BASED STANDARDS (PBS) SCHEME. In 2006 the National Transport Commission

productivity benefits of PBS combinations.

approved 1,634 combinations. 2019 was a

(NTC) estimated that Performance-Based

“At the same time, we’re working with

fantastic year for the industry with a record

Standards would account for 12,000 vehicles

stakeholders to resolve access issues, and

breaking 1,750 approvals. Encouragingly,

by 2030. At the end of September 2021 the

that means there is even greater demand for

in the first ten months of this year, we’ve

PBS fleet had reached 13,262 combinations,

PBS vehicles,” he says. “We had consistent

already surpassed that number.”

which is significantly more than those early

growth over the years and when Covid-19

In addition to productivity, there are other

projections.

started we expected it was going to slow

benefits to PBS.

In terms of exponential growth, Les says

down but it hasn’t. The industry is very active

“From the NHVR’s perspective that’s

the industry is recognising the safety and

and by end of September this year we had

extremely important,” Les says. “The National Transport Insurance report earlier this year demonstrated that PBS vehicles have 60 per cent fewer crashes. B-doubles were recognised over the years as a very safe combinations, but if we look at the safety performance of PBS A-doubles, their crash rate is around half of the B-doubles. So, we have a new PBS combination which is a little bit longer and probably a little bit heavier, but it delivers all those safety benefits.”

To lock step with industry trends and advances in technology, Les says it is important that PBS is reviewed and updated to current standards.

“Industry is moving extremely quickly and new technologies are being developed all the time,” he says. “We now have an opportunity to look at some of the current technologies and how they improve performance and consider them in the PBS assessment and approval process, and it is why we are putting so much emphasis on the review of the standards. The NHVR is running a number of projects where we are trying to establish how much performance improvement these new and different technologies can deliver to heavy vehicle combinations. Road managers and

The uptake of high productivity equipment has continued to rise despite Covid-19.

34

Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 21

authorities can sell the concepts of different vehicles to the public more easily if they can

Test track.

demonstrate that these vehicles are safer

PBS vehicles. That means industry is currently

“We are currently looking at the different

and fitted with the latest technologies.

shifting towards these combinations. We

ratings for different couplings, especially for

That’s a critical selling point about the

are seeing the same trend in Queensland as

some of these larger combinations. There is a

technologies these vehicles will have which

well, because of the port operation and the

key movement around the world toward more

would mitigate the risk of crashes with

opening of the Toowoomba Bypass.

efficient tyres with reduced rolling resistance

pedestrians and other vulnerable road-users.

“In NSW, again, the A-doubles are very close

that can lead to reduced fuel consumption

PBS is continuously evolving and we are

to the prime mover semis and what we see

and reduced greenhouse gases. We are

always looking at ways we can tailor the

in prime mover semis is not just the longer

researching the tyre situation here in Australia

scheme and include all the technological

ones, it’s more the split axle configurations.

with the use of super singles and examining

enhancements.”

Obviously, any potential changes in vehicle

the impacts of current weight penalties

Of the most popular semi-trailer types, truck

dimensions, especially width, are going to

operators might be experiencing for certain

and dog, Les says, still represent the biggest

drive some of these developments. The NHVR

applications.”

group in terms of the PBS facility but other

is releasing a number of PBS Notices this

Other countries are beginning to look at

trends are emerging.

year which will provide eligible PBS vehicles

systems such as PBS. Les explains different

“Within the truck and dog combination type

immediate access to certain networks. The

regions have looked at the Australian program

we now have a much wider variety of truck

level of access certainty is very important for

to determine which elements they can best

and dog combinations,” he says.

the industry and will enhance further the

utilise.

“While in the early days we only had three-

uptake of PBS combinations.

“Different regions have different

axle trucks, with three- or four-axle dogs,

Popularity in the PBS high productivity scheme

motivations,” he says. “In Europe, for

currently you see a wider range of different

from a manufacturing standpoint has seen a

example, it’s mainly the environmental impacts

axle configuration options, so we’ve got the

shift in the market. Les says where there was

and CO2 emissions that’s driving the interest.

three-axle trucks, four-axle trucks, five-axle

once a niche market, now almost all current

Many places have driver shortages so a more

trucks, and three-axle dogs, four-axle dogs,

truck makers are represented in the national

efficient road transport system can deal with

five-axle dogs and even six-axle dogs. And

PBS fleet.

some of those problems. Internationally,

we are currently looking at a five-axle tri-

“Australia currently has around 100,000

Australia is still the leader in PBS and

steer truck.

“Trucks and dogs are still there and then

combinations – truck and dogs, prime mover

there is no other country which has a fully

semis, B-doubles, road trains and the fact

comprehensive performance-based regulation

you’ve got the prime mover semis which is

that around 13 per cent of them are now

for the management of heavy vehicles. Now

probably the second biggest group, then the

PBS approved combinations is a significant

we’ve got the data to demonstrate the safety

B-doubles and the A-doubles. Sometimes

achievement.

and productivity benefits of PBS. In terms

access is driving the popularity of certain

There are other components in truck and

of the PBS fleet we have saved 2.7 billion

combinations. For instance, in Victoria

trailer manufacture that are considered when

truck kilometres since the beginning. That

A-doubles are now more popular than the

looking at PBS.

accounts for reduced environmental impacts,

prime mover semis and we receive more

“It can be many components such as

exposures for accidents and a reduced impact

applications for A-doubles because Victoria

suspension, tyres and even couplings like fifth

on the infrastructure as well as benefits for

has opened networks for high productivity

wheels, kingpins and drawbars,” Les says.

operational efficiencies.” www.trailermag.com.au

35

PBS EQUIPMENT

A personal approach DOSER FREIGHT FORWARDING’S PERSONALISED APPROACH TO BUSINESS IS ONE THAT GELS PERFECTLY WITH VAWDREY AUSTRALIA.

High productivity Vawdrey drop deck Titeliner combination.

36

Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 21

In 1965, family business Doser Freight

22-pallet trailers and 12-pallet (shorter)

began operating as a privately-owned

trailers with mezz decks,” says Doser

long distance transport company based

Freight Director, Adam Doser. “The A

in Adelaide. Now in its 54th year of

trailers have a 140 cubic metre capacity at

operation, the company has branched

around 34 tonnes.”

interstate without losing its personal touch

Having recently purchased new sets of

with customers.

Vawdrey drop deck Titeliner trailers, Adam

Company founder, Brian Doser, recently

praised their tare weight in tandem with

retired at the end of 2018, with son Adam

their light, but strong construction. A

Doser continuing to operate the family

perfect combination for fuel consumption,

business after making a brief emigration

weight distribution and ensuring

to Western Australia before returning in

compliance across Australia’s extensive

2005.

road and bridge network.

Adam says his return to the family

It is no coincidence to see then that

business was sparked out of a need for a

Vawdrey Australia is now leading the way

greater work/life balance.

in the design and manufacture of high-

“I just love the flexibility and being able to

tech equipment under the Performance-

spend more time with family,” Adam says.

Based Standards (PBS) high productivity

The growth of the company has been

scheme.

steady, utilising a range of equipment

As a family-orientated business, the

from open bed flat trailers to Vawdrey

personalised approach is also important

Titeliners, standard and drop deck floors

with Doser Freight’s business partners.

and pantechs.

Adam cites his working relationship with

“We run a combination of A and B,

Vawdrey as the key ingredient in the

Vawdrey’s trailing equipment is bolstering supply chain resilience.

accord between the two companies.

goods,” Adam says.

systems and processes combined with

Initially focused on food and beverage

This approach has seen the company

reliability and transparency throughout

logistics, Doser Freight is acutely aware

expand its logistics support from food and

every step of the process.

that the industry demands special

beverage to medical supply.

The global pandemic has been a marked

attention to detail and understands the

“We do a bit of everything,” Adam says.

test for business and industry, but probably

stringent standards required throughout

Although while his company may have

none more than the entertainment

a reliable and seamless supply chain

an ‘all-rounder’ status, its approach is

industry – reporting some of the sharpest

to ensure optimum temperature and

nothing short of specialist. Doser Freight

revenue declines. As exhibition and

condition.

even specialises in Category A substance

entertainment specialists, Doser Freight

“That’s why all our trailers run on air ride

transportation. Supply chains in a post-

beared witness to the flow-on effects

suspensions to ensure a smooth ride for all

Covid-19 world will require resilient

across entertainment ancillary industries.

“We engage in exhibition supply from Adelaide to Darwin,” Adam says.

“Entertainment has been hit hard, all the way through to the supply of beer to pubs. But it is starting to come back.”

Notwithstanding the hurdle of Covid-19, Doser Freight has expanded its portfolio and managed to generate extra work during the pandemic. Adam points out that this year has been decidedly busier than 2020 thanks to landing a contract with DHL – one he has been chasing for three years.

It is no surprise to see that partnership and productivity are inextricably linked, as the partnership between Vawdrey Australia and Doser Freight continues to show.

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

www.trailermag.com.au

37

PBS EQUIPMENT

Progressing PerformanceBased Standards MARCUS COLEMAN, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING FIRM, TIGER SPIDER, REFLECTS ON THE YEAR THAT WAS 2021. waiting on the technical details to be released to understand what the proposed changes will mean for truck and trailer design, but suspect the change could incentivise smaller tyres to lower centre of gravity height as they do in New Zealand.

Another positive is that 700 kilometres of routes have been approved to streamline the PBS access process for A-doubles and other reference combinations in Victoria.

The Department of Transport Victoria is promising more quad-axle semi-trailers, Tiger Spider has developed award winning Software Hevi Spec for PBS design and assessment and Spider Path for swept path analysis using high resolution Nearmaps.

B-triple and 113.5-tonne AB-triple reference vehicles along with a notice which will reduce the need for permits and give more certainty for PBS combinations

To kick-off the 2021 Brisbane Truck Show,

and performance characteristics. The

in Victoria.

Tiger Spider was presented with a product

Department of State Growth in Tasmania is

Unfortunately, sustained resistance from

innovation award from the Heavy Vehicle

leading the way, building a system that will

the rail industry and bridge engineers to

Industry Association (HVIA) at National

hopefully be emulated across the country.

combinations over 26m and 68.5 tonnes

Transport Insurance’s swanky new office.

Tasmania already has an automated

has slowed the rollout of PBS networks. It

The team was thrilled to get recognition

mapping system for special purpose

has become apparent that heavy vehicle

for all their hard work. We launched our

vehicles and is well on the way developing

access across rail level crossings and

Nearmap plugin at the truck show and

the same for PBS combinations that will

bridges are being driven by Australian

have since integrated other high resolution

include dynamic swept path and bridge

Standards AS 5100 Bridge Design and

map image layers for road agencies. It’s

AS 7658 Level Crossings – Rail Industry

great to know that Spider Path is helping

assessments.

While the first half of 2021 was plagued

road mangers develop Performance-Based

with PBS processing delays, a National

More than ever the world is driven

Standards (PBS) networks and make quicker

PBS Tier 1 Notice was released in October

by technical standards developed by

road access decisions. But technology

meaning that PBS combinations no

engineers with deep subject matter

moves fast these days and we’re in the

longer require permits to operate at Tier

expertise in increasingly narrower

process of a redeveloping our software with

1 masses. It’s a positive step forward but

disciplines. Crypto and blockchain are

a focus on improving the user experience

the notice doesn’t bode well for national

the new frontier and at their core are

and providing more integration with other

consistency with an absent Queensland

protocols which automate execution

services like the National Heavy Vehicle

and a very different approach to PBS

of rules to maintain order over their

Regulator (NHVR) portal. Over the past 12

networks in each state.

domain. Ethereum and other layer 1

months, we’ve been engaging regularly

In May, Australian Transport Ministers

blockchains like Polkadot, Cardano and

with the NHVR digital products team and

accepted the NHVR proposal to move to

Algorand are standards upon which

providing input into the PBS submission

a generic PBS tyre promising to remove

new technology and innovations can

channel and digitalisation of approvals.

a longstanding pain point. The current

be developed, like non-fungible tokens,

In the future we can expect to see

system had to be simplified so that

decentralised autonomous organisations

dynamic routing of vehicles with networks

operators didn’t have to deal with the

and interoperability across the metaverse.

automatically generated for a specific

complication and cost of managing PBS

In the future blockchain will hopefully

vehicle based on their size weight

Approvals with specific tyres. We’re still

be used to automate and decentralise

38

Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 21

Requirements.

the PBS approval process. Drawing on

just completed a review of SAE J2429

Politicians and operators could be forgiven

the crypto analogy, PBS can be thought

Free-Rolling Cornering Test for Truck and

for not fully understanding the implications

of as a layer-2 protocol, built upon

Bus Tires which until now, has been an

and complexity of the technical standards

more fundamental regulations and

important standard informally referenced

which will ultimately dictate PBS policy.

standards which facilitates new heavy

by PBS. But the standards indirectly

Engaging on these matters requires a

vehicle innovations to be developed. It’s

impacting PBS don’t stop at tyres and

significant level subject matter expertise

therefore important to be engaged in the

couplings. The ARTC has started requiring

and is therefore a task undertaken by

development of the standards referenced

safety officers to be posted on a level

those dedicated to excellence in their field,

by PBS. For fundamental change, the

crossing before an A-double could pass

who see a problem with the rules and

layer-1 protocols underpinning PBS need

based on their interpretation of AS 7658

set about the slow and often thankless

to be reformed. Brendan Coleman has

requirements. Unbeknownst to most in

process of fixing them. For PBS to flourish

been representing Tiger Spider on the

in the industry, the NHVR and state road

into the future it’s important to identify

ME53 working group reviewing how

managers have been negotiating behind

and understand the underpinning

coupling D-ratings are calculated and the

the scenes with the ARTC and state rail

standards and ensure they are not putting

load factors that should apply to different

regulators to resolve level crossing issues.

unnecessary constraints on productivity

vehicle types. The proliferation of PBS

Similarly, on the back of an interpretation

and innovation.

combinations and different drawbar and

of AS 5100, the Australian Bridge Design

coupling types has meant that coupling

Standards DOTV released a ‘Volumetric

ratings, which were not originally part

(liquids only)’ A-double network which

of PBS, are now specified on all PBS

permits bulk tankers up to 11 tonnes more

design approvals. As a member of the

than a tipper, curtainsider or skel with

SAE Truck and Bus Tire Committee we’ve

identical axle spacings.

Contact Tiger Spider Suite 105-106/181 St. Kilda Road St. Kilda VIC 3182 Ph: 03 9537 1027 Web: tigerspider.com.au

HVIA CEO, Todd Hacking, Tiger Spider Product Manager, Justine Lorenz-Daniel, Tiger Spider Managing Director, Marcus Coleman, The Drake Group Managing Director and HVIA President, John Drake, and National Transport Insurance CEO, Tony Clark.

www.trailermag.com.au

39

PBS EQUIPMENT

Making lightweight bulk tippers with York and SAF FOR MORE THAN A DECADE, MELBOURNE-BASED CHRIS’S BODY BUILDERS CONTINUES TO BUILD PREMIUM BULK HAULAGE SOLUTIONS USING SAF AND YORK PRODUCTS. The team at Chris’s Body Builders (CBB)

and aluminium to build a superior quality

and York range of suspensions and axles.

is finalising a special bulk tipper order

Australian product. To uphold that quality

“SAF-Holland have been a key supplier

for a local transport business. CBB has

the team at Chris’s Body Builders has

for us for over a decade,” says CBB CEO,

been in the industry for over 38 years

partnered with SAF Holland/York as its go-

Chris Debono. “They’re a very reliable

and has specialised in tipping equipment

to suspension for tipping equipment in the

brand that offers a premium product and

in the heavy transport industry. Its range

heavy transport industry.

they have a pretty good reputation in the

includes tipping dog trailers, tipping semis,

CBB manufactures a range of trailer

industry because of this.Their commitment

tipping sliders, converter dollies and PBS

sizes and accommodates variations in

to providing an excellent product has

vehicles. This range covers a variety of

suspension, axles, brakes and accessories.

resulted in something that is very durable

different industries from grain to civil and

One of the brands that the CBB team

and lightweight. Their customer service

construction using materials like Hardox

often turns to is SAF-Holland for its SAF

has been great, too.

40

Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 21

“When it comes to SAF products, the

from damage. The Intra range also offers

York axles remain CBB’s go-to option for

SAF Intra drum and Intra disc suspensions

long-term conservation of value and

most tipper trailers. York offers a range

are chosen by our customers for their

functional safety through sophisticated

of options from round and square beam

reliability, durability, ease of maintenance

cathodic dip coating with optimum

axles in 11-20 tonne capacity, to self-steer

and weight-saving.”

corrosion protection.

axles that are designed to improve tyre

SAF’s suspension range includes the Intra

Meanwhile, the Modul is a modular

life, productivity, fuel consumption and

family that is available with disc or drum

suspension system for custom designed

manoeuvrability, to high-efficiency disc

brakes, and the Modul range of solutions

solutions from 7-14 tonnes. The SAF

brake axles that offer increased braking

that can be tailor-made for individual

Modul system is highly versatile. With

response, ease of maintenance and

business needs. The Intra features a

options such as a trailing arm under the

outperform drum brakes, to heavy-duty

lightweight, fabricated trailing arm, rigidly

axle, a cranked trailing arm over the axle, a

axles that offer high load capacity up

connected or welded to the axle.

trailing arm over the axle, and an extended

to 17.5 tonnes for mining and logging

The functional suspension arm and

suspension arm tolerance, customers can

operation.

axle tube form an inseparable and

get an optimal suspension system for any

“York is a reliable, economic solution

maintenance-free unit. This eliminates

transport tasks.

to getting axles on your trailer and it

the need for U-bolts, clamping plates and

SAF-Holland is continuously engaged in

has been a staple here at CBB for the

nuts.

technological advancements to make

last 15 years,” Chris says. “The CBB

The shock absorber is protected due to its

its products more efficient and reliable,

lightweight trailers and chassis paired

position in the functional suspension arm

and even more suitable for purpose-built

with the reliability of York and SAF gives

and the entire design is extremely robust

applications. SAF-Holland has also been

a very durable offering to the market. By

and light for PBS applications. Its patented

offering greater choice and flexibility

having those two brands we’re giving the

Safe-Guard design of the functional

for customers with its York axles and

operators a premium solution to cart bulk

suspension arm protects the brake cylinder

suspensions since 2018.

freight and bulk transport.”

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

Chris’s Body Builders enhances its trailer builds with equipment from SAF-Holland.

www.trailermag.com.au

41

PBS EQUIPMENT

Piave Concrete has a five-axle Bulk Transport Equipment dog trailer that runs 68.5 tonnes under Performance-Based Standards.

Concrete plans RECORD LEVEL INVESTMENTS IN MELBOURNE’S INFRASTRUCTURE HAS PLACED CONSIDERABLE DEMAND ON THE MANY SUPPLIERS THAT SERVICE THIS BUSY SECTOR. FOR PIAVE CONCRETE, TO STAY AHEAD IN THE GAME, IT SPECIFIES PURPOSE-BUILT AND HIGH PRODUCTIVITY VEHICLES FROM BULK TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT. The Piave story started in the 1950s when

from strength to strength. The firm has a

Northern Italian migrant, Gilberto ‘Beppi’

central presence in Port Melbourne with

Crema, who along with his cousins, set

its own batching plant along with other

up a small terrazo business in St Kilda,

strategically located facilities to maintain a

Victoria. As the years went by, this

competitive edge in the market.

business broadened its portfolio to include

Committed to investing in high

concrete, formwork and construction

productivity solutions across its fleet,

and developed lasting relationships with

Maurice Moffa, General Manager at Piave

clients. In time, the firm pioneered in-situ,

Concrete, has taken delivery of a T909

Fast Fact

tilt-up and precast construction and grew

Kenworth prime mover with pusher axle

Bulk Transport Equipment builds

to take on larger industrial and commercial

and a five-axle Bulk Transport Equipment

high quality custom tippers and

projects.

(BTE) dog trailer running 68.5 tonnes

special purpose trailers for a range of

By the 1990s, Crema established Piave

under Performance-Based Standards (PBS).

industries including the bulk haulage

Concrete – a major supplier of premix

The rigid body is 20-metres-cubed and can

sector.

concrete for Melbourne’s burgeoning

carry 17 tonnes while the trailer carrying

building industry and it continues to grow

the remainder can manage 30 tonnes.

42

Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 21

Six-axle dog trailer.

When compared to a conventional rigid

5.5 tonnes less, so you have a larger dog

because there was considerably more

and six-axle dog running at the same

trailer carrying the extra payload.

weight in the trailer compared to the truck

weights, BTE says the truck carries about

Maurice specified this combination

when looking at a six-axle dog.

“Essentially, we wanted to get more weight up front while still carrying the maximum payload,” he says – adding the call to run the combinations like this was not taken lightly as in his experience it is more cost effective to run a 6x4 truck and six-axle dog trailer on the road. However, Piave Concrete decided to run 8x4 and five-axle dog in the interests of having a closer payload ratio between the two vehicles.

“The quality of the builds from BTE are great,” Maurice says. “We expect to get the most out of our trailers.”

Contact

Piave Concrete turns to Bulk Transport Equipment for high productivity solutions.

Bulk Transport Equipment 12-16 Fowler Road Dandenong South VIC 3175 Ph: 03 9794 0330 Web: www.bte.net.au

www.trailermag.com.au

43

TRAILER BUILDER

Where quality is never compromised TO SUPPORT AN INCREASE IN DEMAND FOR RELIABLE AND EFFICIENT ROAD TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT, ALLTRUCK BODIES HAS EXPANDED ITS QUEENSLAND FOOTPRINT WITH A FACILITY TWICE THE SIZE OF ITS PREDECESSOR. Alltruck Bodies moved into its latest state-

complex is about 4,300 square metres.

of-the-art facility – 78 MacGregor Place,

“We have 22 staff members and the team is

Richlands, Brisbane – in February 2020.

growing,” Tony says. “We are always on the

Managing Director, Tony Romano, says the

lookout for new personnel wanting to start a

business moved from Archerfield to a brand

career with us.”

Fast Fact

new facility which was more than twice

The workshop comprises a fabrication area,

Alltruck Bodies manufactures a

the size to cater for increased demand in

two spray booths as well as a sheeting and

wide range of rigid bodies including

Queensland’s transport industry.

completion of trucks area. Also, there is a

curtainsiders, Colorbond vans,

Key to this surge in industry activity has been

large storage area for clients’ cab chassis.

fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) vans,

the Federal Government’s 100 per cent tax

“We also perform repairs and supply parts

tray, insulated, freezer and light-

write-off scheme on capital equipment.

out of the Richlands facility,” Tony says.

weight bodies as well as pig and dog

“The Richland facility is situated in a new

Alltruck Bodies also manufactures rigid

trailers. The company also stocks a

growth area where there are a number of

bodies and pig and dog trailers which roll out

comprehensive range of spare parts

truck dealerships and transport companies

of the Melbourne facility.

and is experienced in accident repairs

consolidating their presence here,” Tony says.

“Tony Holland, Manager of the Richlands

and insurance work.

The site is approximately 10,000 square

site, along with our staff, have a very good

metres, while the new building office

relationship with all Brisbane dealers and

Alltruck Bodies has established a state-of-theart facility in Richlands, Queensland.

44

Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 21

Queensland’s transport industry can turn to Alltruck Bodies for reliable, efficient equipment.

work diligently to meet all of their demands.”

and is servicing key clients around Brisbane

the transport industry with the best road

The Alltruck Bodies business has come a

and the Gold Coast. Greg Morris, Cameron’s

transport equipment on offer, Alltruck Bodies

long way since its founding in Dandenong,

National Fleet Manager, says the vehicle

is a proud supplier.

Melbourne, in 1991.

works out of the company’s depot in Yatala,

Today, the manufacturer presents Australia’s

Queensland, and has been in operation since

transport operators with a broad portfolio of

late July.

rigid bodies suited for specific applications.

“The body has been purpose built with a low

GRATERgate, for instance, emphasises the

height (max. height 3.4m),” Greg says, “so

load rating capabilities of the product – in

we are able to service a number of customers

effect a greater-rated gate system that is easy

with height access limitations.”

to use and requires no lifting or sliding of

When it comes to innovation and presenting

Contact Alltruck Bodies 245 Frankston-Dandenong Road Dandenong VIC 3175 Ph: 03 9791 2144 78 MacGregor Place RIchlands QLD 4077 Ph: 073277 4600 Web: www.alltruckbodies.com.au

gates by the operator when forking on or off individual pallets.

For smaller trucks doing multiple deliveries and collections, though, having a fast and simple gate system is more efficient and most importantly minimises risk of injury for the driver.

Meanwhile, Rapid Liner Heavy Duty (HD) is essentially a rigid curtainsider which is optimised for loading and unloading pallets of beverages, while Its curtains concertina outwards to prevent them from catching on the load inside. This design ranges from 3.6 to 10 metres in length and is ideal choice for palletised transportation and heavy loads as it features sturdier construction including solid sliding posts with low friction bearings and

The rigids and trailers that Alltruck Bodies manufactures are made to specification.

Quality is in the detail.

folding curtain plates.

To cap off its specialised rigid body builds, Alltruck Bodies also designs and manufactures pig and dog trailers which continue to be a popular fleet investment for their versatility.

Earlier this year transport and logistics company, Cameron’s, took delivery of a 12-pallet rigid body vehicle Alltruck Bodies. It was customised for optimal operator safety www.trailermag.com.au

45

TRAILER BUILDER

Somerton success story MELBOURNE-BASED PATLIN HEAVY HAULAGE HAS TAKEN DELIVERY OF A NEW DRAKE LOW HEIGHT SEMI-MODULAR STEERABLE WITH EIGHT-RAM STEERING SYSTEM. The latest Drake trailer to join the Patlin

Sam Drake, Group Sales Manager at The

are not limited by a welded fixed axle which

Heavy Haulage fleet is a versatile 8x8 unit

Drake Group, says the trailer doesn’t have a

determines your steering geometry, and can

comprising a 6x8 steerable and a 2x8

permanently fixed axle, meaning any axle in

fix any axle to suit the combination you are

clip, with every axle in the combination

the combination can be mechanically fixed to

operating.”

adjustable. The trailer is capable of being

suit varying operational needs.

Sam explains that the eight-ram steering

turned into a 13x8 with the addition of extra

“This is an advantage because you can set

system gives the operator the ability to ‘split

clips. It joins another Drake platform owned

the optimum steering configuration for your

steer’ the trailer into those hard-to-reach

by Patlin which is a 7x8 extendable.

application,” Sam says. “In other words, you

places as well as ‘crab’ into position for

Split steering, where front four axles turn in opposite direction to rear four, enables unrivalled manoeuvrability.

46

Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 21

diversity of our trailers.”

Patlin Heavy Haulage was started by Pat in 1976 when he was 19, growing from one tipper truck and some earthmoving equipment into the large company it is today.

With his wife, Lina, and their three sons, they run the business together as a family.

“Our eldest son Joe takes care of Operations, while our youngest, Stephen, is a driver and Matthew is a mechanic,” Pat says. “I’ve always loved cars, trucks and machinery so I guess it was inevitable that I would end up running a business like this. Fortunately, the boys wanted to follow suit and my wife was willing to back me all the way, which has made the business what it is today.”

Overall, Pat is satisfied with his latest 8x8 Drake platform trailer. loading when required.

sites around Melbourne is bigger and heavier

“The Drake Group has always looked after

The trailer is also fitted with double-acting

which necessitates a highly manoeuvrable

us,” he says. “They build a fantastic trailer

suspension rams, making carrying axles when

platform trailer,” Pat says. “Getting around

and any little niggles we’ve had they’ve

unladen easier, safer and quicker.

the city with this sort of gear is pretty tight at

always fixed for us. We have maintained a

According to Patlin Heavy Haulage Managing

the best of times.”

really good relationship ever since we bought

Director, Pat Papaluca, the new Drake

Around 80 per cent of the company’s

our first new Drake trailer in 2002, and we’ve

platform has the dual benefit of being able

45-strong trailer fleet bear the Drake

been buying Drake ever since.”

to carry the heavier loads while being highly manoeuvrable and therefore easily able to

nameplate.

“We have about 18 quad-axle floats

negotiate tight construction sites common

– a mixture of deck wideners and full

around Melbourne. It is currently performing

wideners as well as some extendables,”

night runs between Benalla and Footscray.

Pat says.“We try to cater for a wide range

“Some of the gear we are now shifting into

of the market which is reflected in the

Contact The Drake Group of Companies 19 Formation St Wacol QLD 4076 Ph: 1300 240 835 Web: www.thedrakegroup.com.au

Matthew Papaluca (left) and Stephen Papaluca with Sam Drake (centre).

www.trailermag.com.au

47

TRAILER BUILDER

Looking the part with CIMC flat tops GENERAL MANAGER OF QUEENSLAND-BASED PROJECT HAULAGE, CRAIG JONES, TALKS ABOUT THE LATEST ADDITION TO HIS GROWING FLEET – A RANGE OF FLAT TOP EXTENDABLES FROM CIMC VEHICLE AUSTRALIA. Project Haulage specialises in moving

pipes, mostly on the East Coast for now,”

tautliner sets, A trailers, and flat top and

general freight, civil and construction

says Project Haulage General Manager, Craig

drop deck extendable trailers. Diverse job

equipment, palletised goods, and over-

Jones. “The poly pipes are being transported

applications mean, we need a wide range of

dimensional loading across the East

for one of our Brisbane-based customers.

trailers. We literally would have nearly every

Coast of Australia. The business has seen

Returning to Brisbane, the fleet could be

type of trailer there is in Australia and have

exponential growth in the past nine years,

carrying anything from big mining machines

a double of everything.

which has led to an increase in its fleet

or generators or pallets of sandbags.”

“Over the years we’ve tried and had a good

size. Project Haulage recently took delivery

Project Haulage’s company roots have

look on different axles and suspension types

of the first CIMC trailers in August this

always had a core focus based around

to see what we like and what doesn’t work

year, and already it has four standard flat

high-level safety regulation. The company

for us. When we buy a new trailer, we check

top extendables including, two drop deck

developed from open flat top B-doubles and

to see if they have certain type of axle and

trailers, a standard 45’ open flat top, and an

road train trailer sets, which is why that is its

suspension, and certain specs because we

A trailer, with two drop decks extendables

key field of expertise. However, with organic

know what we prefer now. There is no

coming soon.

growth the team saw a need to grow its

particular model or type that fits us more

While most of the features were standard,

fleet.

than the rest because we do such a wide

the demands of poly pipe haulage meant

“We’ve currently got around 10 prime

range of work from over-height, over-

they needed some extra pipe bolsters, which

movers and 45 trailers. We have a diverse

length, over-weight, to standard haulage as

CIMC was easily able to fit in.

fleet of equipment ranging from B-doubles

well. The drop decks and extendables are

“The brand new extendables we have are

to road train trailer sets, single and B-double

fantastic because they give us that range.”

generally transporting 20m-long plastic polly

container trailers, single tautliners, B-double

The CIMC range of flat deck trailers offer

48

Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 21

The CIMC range of flat deck trailers offer operators great flexibility.

operators the flexibility to be used in

a mine site, is very impressive. For now,

aftersales service, and we plan to continue

many applications such as general freight,

they do everything they’re supposed to

container cartage, road train operations.

do. We’ve not had any issues with them so

going back to them.”

Project Haulage was established by Robert

With emphasis on design, durability, low

far and they are ticking the right boxes on

and Rita Wharton, who are currently

tare weights, reduced maintenance costs

productivity and efficiency.

based in Gold Coast. While taking a step

and resale values, the trailers offer a wide

“We’re very happy with the customer

back from running the business full-time,

range of standard features. CIMC also

service we receive from CIMC. Queensland

Robert has since passed on the day-to-day

offers custom specs on its flat deck, lead

Sales Manager Ashley Hayes and the guys

operations and general management to

and tag trailer models, and a range of

in the Cranbourne office are fantastic and

Craig Jones, who joined the business nine

optional extras such as aluminium gates,

always very helpful. They did anything we

years ago. His experience in managing

aluminium or chrome wheels, extra lights,

wanted with these trailers and the delivery.

Project Haulage and his past experience

extra toolboxes, to complement some of the

They were so easy to deal with.

driving trucks has given Craig the ability to

standard features on these trailers.

“We’ve used CIMC’s Aftersales services up

be a great judge of fleet and equipment

One feature that Craig was outrightly

here in Brisbane and that has been great

and in CIMC he sees a long working

impressed by was the appearance of the

although with the kind and range of work

relationship.

new fleet. “They are brand new trailers, and

we do, it can be slightly difficult for us

they look flash and fantastic,” he says.

to work out the booking date, but it’s a

“They stretch out perfectly, and they look

very small downside. We’re working with

the part, really. The way they appear at say,

those guys because they do a good job for

Contact CIMC Vehicle Australia Ph: 03 9797 2100 Web: www.cimc.com.au

Quality trailer finish from CIMC Vehicle Australia.

www.trailermag.com.au

49

SERVICE & MAINTENANCE

How are you bearing up?

PHIL REYNOLDS WORKS IN THE PRODUCT MARKETING DEPARTMENT AT PACCAR PARTS. HERE HE SITS DOWN WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM TIMKEN AUSTRALIA TO GET THE SPIN ON BEARINGS. wheel bearings is the heavy-duty tapered roller bearing, where the tapered rollers are retained to the ‘cone’ (inner-race) and spaced by a cage, this assembly is then mated with a separate outer-race known as a ‘cup’ and this makes up a complete bearing. This design was first patented by Henry Timken in 1898 and presented the ability to take not only high radial loads (physical weight of vehicle and payload) but also axial or thrust load as the vehicle corners.

So why on many axles is the inner bearing larger than the outer? Well in very basic terms, this is because the inboard bearing can be the predominant radialload-carrying bearing in some wheelend designs (hence it being larger and therefore having a greater load capacity) and the outer bearing enables a ‘bearing system’ to be established, finalising the hub ‘set up’ and allowing the ‘bearing system’ to be adjusted to suit the application. The outer bearing also takes axial load in the opposite direction and

PACCAR Parts Product Management, Phil Reynolds.

retains the hub in position.

It is with fond memories I recall my first

Kemp. I wanted to understand more about

Bearing evolution

billy cart where I had rubber wheels to

wheel bearings for trucks and trailers, the

Tapered roller bearing refinement has come a

steer with and just deep-groove ball

history and what advice and knowledge

long way since 1898. Whilst the size of truck

bearings as wheels on the rear. Fish tailing

they could impart to help those who need

and trailer bearings has remained relatively

my way down the footpath as the steel

to service and look after their gear.

constant for many decades, the evolution

ball-bearings struggled for any traction

of bearing manufacturing processes and

as they slid and cut themselves into

Bearing design

materials has seen Timken tapered roller

the concrete was awesome fun (albeit

Ever since Egyptians used logs to roll huge

bearing catalogued load ratings increase

short lived as my Dad seeing the trail of

stone blocks around the concept of a

incrementally over the years which has

scratched concrete put an end to this).

round shape to move product has been

allowed them to keep up with demands for

Since then I have always had a fascination

with us. There are many types of anti-

optimal performance and bearing life. It is

with bearings and their close cousin the

friction bearings but some of the ones you

also important to note, that due to strong

constant velocity joint. I’ve always admired

might be more familiar with are deep-

competition between bearing manufacturers

their form and function.

groove ball bearings, where steel balls are

(that enhance internal bearing geometries

Fast forward to my Product Management

housed between an inner and outer race

with a focus to differentiate their products

role at PACCAR Parts and it is with

and offering good load carrying ability and

and performance) that incompatibility

enthusiasm that I sat down to discuss

reduced friction, then there are tapered

between brands may occur, matching the

bearings with Australian Timken

roller bearings where tapered rollers are

same brand of bearing cup and cone is

Representatives, Scott Hayes and Brad

utilised. The staple of truck and trailer

always recommended.

50

Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 21

Bearing setting is something that can differ depending on many design and application factors. The strongest piece of advice is to use a dial indicator when adjusting for bearing end float (endplay). Recommended Practise (RP) 618 set down by the American Technical and Maintenance Council (TMC) places wheel bearing end play at between 0.001” to 0.005” for manually adjusted wheel ends. Technicians should always consult the original manufacturer to confirm bearing settings appropriate to their wheel-end designs.

Bearing lubrication Clearly where load, friction and heat reside lubrication is critical to separate and protect surfaces and maximise

Tapered roller bearing consisting of a ‘cup’ on the left and a ‘cone’ on the right.

bearing life. Lubricant viscosity, rust inhibiting qualities, temperature range and load capabilities are all critical in bearing

critical bearing lubrication areas. Oil tends

types or specifications without advice

lubrication. Oil versus grease? This is the

to be utilised in critical and demanding

from the equipment manufacturer or your

old ‘horses for courses’ scenario. Both

applications such as drive axle/differentials

reputable lube supplier. Always follow

have advantages and disadvantages.

where preloaded bearings operate.

the equipment manufacturer’s lubrication

Grease tends to stay put so can be more

Many trailer wheel ends can operate in

recommendations or consult your

forgiving if your seals aren’t in great

oil or grease with the correct seal and

lubrication supplier for assistance.

shape, or maintenance schedules are

hub-cap selection. Always seek advice if

So how are you bearing up? The best way

questionable. Oil tends to ‘circulate’ and

you are concerned about lubrication, it

to maximise vehicle uptime, in addition to

therefore can maintain lube supply to

is important not to change lubrication

correct bearing installation and servicing, is to purchase reputable bearing brands

A dial indicator like this BK211 workshop ready kit from Timken is a good investment for accurate bearing settings.

and lubricants from reputable retailers.

Unfortunately, counterfeit bearings, packaged and marked as genuine Timken, do exist. The advice from the Timken guys is “the best way to protect yourself from counterfeit parts is to source your Timken bearings from Authorised Timken Distributors” like PACCAR Parts.

If you would like to learn more about wheel bearing maintenance or have any concerns around the life of your wheel bearings, please get in contact with your local PACCAR Parts Dealer who can assist.

Thanks to Scott Hayes and Brad Kemp

at Australian Timken for their time and assistance with this article.

Contact PACCAR Parts Australia 20 Canterbury Road Bayswater VIC 3153 Ph: 1800 772 787 Web: www.paccarparts.com.au

www.trailermag.com.au

51

SERVICE & MAINTENANCE

BPW Transpec expands digitalisation strategy with QR-code tags WITH NEW QR-CODE TAGS FOR ITS AXLES, BPW TRANSPEC HAS SIMPLIFIED THE PROCESS FOR WORKSHOPS AND VEHICLE OPERATORS TO IDENTIFY AND ORDER SPARE PARTS. PRODUCT INFORMATION, SPARE PARTS LISTS, SERVICE HANDBOOKS AND SERVICE DOCUMENTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN A MATTER OF SECONDS. The identification of spare parts has never

constantly updated with a list of Australian

lists or manuals simply by using the QR code.

been simpler with BPW Transpec. The

made axles. By equipping its componentry

As for other information available, service

equipment specialist is now rolling out

with ‘digital DNA’ there is a distinct link

technicians can explore an exploded view

QR-code tags on all locally assembled axles

between the physical product and digital

of an axle, item by item, part by part. The

which, when scanned, provide information

information. For the life of the axle,

detail covered from the bearing and wheel

on all technical specifications as well as the

workshop personnel and vehicle operators

nuts to the studs, hub and drum allow for

bill of materials.

can find relevant production data which is

a comprehensive spare parts interpretation

The QR code links to the MyBPW app and is

relevant to servicing including spare parts

making the job easier and more accurate.

52

Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 21

Behind this QR-code tech is a far-reaching digitalisation concept at BPW Transpec which

This digital strategy was unveiled at the Brisbane Truck Show.

will accompany the complete lifecycle of components in the future.

Such a foray into a new era of digital service for vehicle manufacturers, operators and workshops demands special care with regards to the user experience as well as receiving quality, consistent information from the outset.

The BPW QR-code is intuitive to use and follows the look and feel principle of online shopping that every smartphone user knows. The program is clearly structured and provides the user with access to the ‘Spare parts’ and ‘Manuals’ sections. Note: The Australian Operator Manual is available via the BPW Transpec website and is a key document for Australian users. The ‘Spare Parts’ section contains the spare parts lists with detailed information on the individual

images of individual parts. Meanwhile,

their finger and zoom in on details of the

parts. The user is supported by numerous

the ‘Manuals’ section contains additional

product drawings and exploded drawings

figures, such as exploded drawings and

documents, such as workshop manuals. All

with two fingers. The menu graphic is also

information is available for download and

automatically optimised for a smartphone

can be sent by email.

or tablet. Depending on the device, the

Fast Fact

The mobile app is reported to set new

language is also taken from the device and

Scanning the BPW Transpec axle QR-

benchmarks for user-friendliness, too.

does not have to be specified.

code tag with a tablet or smartphone

Structure, graphic design and operating logic

makes it possible to easily search for

are familiar to the world’s leading shopping

individual spare parts and to view

portals and can therefore be used intuitively.

workshop manuals and assembly and

BPW Transpec utilises the possibilities of

use instructions.

the touch screen where the user can scroll through the product lists by swiping with

Contact BPW Transpec 1-11 Cherry Lane Laverton North VIC 3026 Ph: 03 9267 2434 Web: www.bpwtranspec.com.au

www.trailermag.com.au

53

SERVICE & MAINTENANCE

WABCO and CMV – growing stronger together WABCO’S ONSITE AND ONLINE PRODUCT TRAINING AND WORKSHOP SESSIONS HAVE GREATLY IMPROVED THE LEVEL OF SERVICE AND SUPPORT CMV TRUCK & BUS PROVIDE ITS FLEET CUSTOMERS OVER THE YEARS. THE ONLINE TUTORIALS AND PRACTICAL TRAINING SESSIONS HAVE BEEN ONGOING SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE PANDEMIC, WITH RESOUNDING SUCCESS. Social distancing restrictions sparked as

training facility in Mulgrave Victoria,”

VicRoad services, CMV fleet management

a result of Covid-19 outbreak last year

CMV’s Operations Manager Marc Spencer

and leasing, CMV AdBlue supply and

meant WABCO Australia had to rethink its

says. “Being that our Fleet Management

technology, road worthy certificates, 24-7

popular onsite training and troubleshooting

sites are spread throughout Australia, we

mobile break down service, truck and trailer

sessions. The team behind the commercial

would fly our interstate-based technicians

wash, tailored finance, a fully equipped

vehicle technology leader decided to

into Melbourne, while others also travelled

apprentice and technical training centre.

transfer the tutorials online. Even though

to Melbourne from regional Victoria to

“Over the years we’ve received positive

the onsite training method had proven to

attend the two-day training courses.”

feedback from our technicians who’ve had

be the more productive and practical way

CMV Truck & Bus sells new and used

the privilege of attending these training

to teach workshop staff about WABCO’s

Mack trucks, UD trucks, and Volvo trucks

sessions, not just from the invaluable

systems, the online sessions have been a

and buses through its five Victorian

knowledge they’d gained from the course,

great success.

dealerships – in Wodonga, Clayton,

but the comprehensive and interactive

“Pre Covid-19, we would try and book at

Dandenong, Derrimut, and Gippsland.

manner in which the training is delivered

least two of the group training sessions

CMV also provides many service benefits

by the knowledgeable trainers at WABCO

per year which were held at the WABCO

such as its in-house parts department,

Australia,” Marc adds.

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Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 21

“Covid has presented us all with many

with WABCO Australia, greatly enhances

what it means to support the customer and

challenges and restrictions which have in

the level of service & support CMV Truck

offer help when needed, returning fleet

turn, resulted in some OEM training courses

& Bus can provide to our fleet customers.

back into service with minimal downtime.

having to be postponed which otherwise

Whether it be the their willingness to

“Onsite product training is another

would have been scheduled on an annual

provide remote support over the phone,

example of the support offered by WABCO,

basis. We were extremely pleased that

travel to our regional sites, or in some

which is greatly appreciated, and their

the team at WABCO managed to pivot

cases, jump on a plane and fly interstate at

accommodating team have made many

and navigate their way through these

the drop of a hat, the unwavering service

visits to our various workshops throughout

restrictions, offering a group video training

& support provided by Blair, Phillip & Tony

Australia to provide valuable OEM training

solution that enabled us to ensure our

is industry leading and it’s certainly a

with our service technicians,” he adds.

techs continued to receive the necessary

collective effort when it comes to serving

“We look forward to the continued service

product training to further their knowledge

the customer, reducing downtime for their

& support from the team at WABCO

and skills throughout the pandemic.”

fleets and providing the important product

Australia as their product has certainly

The technology company launched

training necessary for the development of

been the preferred choice amongst most

an official YouTube channel last year

our technicians.”

of our fleet customers in recent years and

to improve customer service and

Given the number of assets CMV Fleet

it certainly stands up in all applications,

communication during the Covid-related

Management maintains nationally across

ultimately assisting with safe & efficient

restrictions. It features video tutorials that

its various locations, the team does come

road transport.”

are designed to offer 24x7 support to

across an odd occasion where assistance

workshops and distributors and enable

is required from the product experts at

safer roads with trailer systems that work as

WABCO Australia. In such situations,

they are designed to function.

WABCO’s product support is “second to

“Having such a close working relationship

none”, Marc says. WABCO understands

Contact WABCO Australia Ph: 1300-4-WABCO Web: www.wabco-auto.com/emea

WABCO enhances the service and support that CMV Truck & Bus can provide its fleet customers.

www.trailermag.com.au

55

SERVICE & MAINTENANCE

Introducing the HAULMAX Wingman program, getting you there is everything ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST TYRE INNOVATORS AND DISTRIBUTORS, AUSTRALIAN TYRE TRADERS, IS COMMITTED TO NOT ONLY PROVIDING INDUSTRY LEADING INNOVATION AND OUTCOMES WITH THEIR APPROACH TO DEVELOPING QUALITY TYRES, BUT ALSO IN HELPING TRANSPORT COMPANIES ACCESS WORLD CLASS SERVICE WHEN THEY NEED IT MOST. Australian Tyre Traders (ATT), the company

Understanding the significant costs

standard in the Australian transport industry.

that created the Haulmax Wingman 24/7

downtime adds to the bottom line of every

The Haulmax Wingman program,

National Tyre Assist program, is an Australian

transport operator, it developed the Haulmax

underpinned by over 260 independently

owned and operated, private family business

Wingman program – allowing transport

owned tyre services in Australia, boasts

that has been in the Australian tyre industry

operators to gain access to tyre services and

access to more service partners than any

for over 20 years.

support Australia wide while setting a new

other similar program.

“When we set out to create the Haulmax Wingman program, we designed it with our dealer partners and transport operators as the focus,” says ATT Director, Shane Morrissy. “As an Australian, family owned and operated business, we understand that transport companies and drivers alike want to support their local community, the Wingman Program allows them to do just that.”

Prior to the creation of the Haulmax Wingman Program there had been a significant gap in the Australian marketplace.

Especially for national fleets, where their primary option has been to use a corporately owned company for national supply and service.

Heralded as a true partner to Australian transport companies and tyre services alike, the Haulmax Wingman program, allows companies to truly live their values of supporting local, privately owned, Australian businesses.

“I’ve been recommending Haulmax Tyres to my customers for years based on the quality of the product and the kilometres it gets,

For more than 20 years, the Haulmax Wingman 24/7 National Tyre Assist program has boosted heavy vehicle uptime for fleets Australia-wide.

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Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 21

once I was shown the Haulmax Wingman program and understood how it can help my customers, I didn’t hesitate to sign up

Australian Tyre Traders works with manufacturers and fleets to achieve quality outcomes that fit the Performance-Based Standards framework.

and use it,” says Jean-Paul Vella of All Tyres Australia.

In stark contrast to corporate companies in Australia, Haulmax Wingman takes no commission for use of their program, which allows the tyre dealer to be able to provide fixed cost services and the fleet company to be able to achieve their operational targets through greater efficiency and consistency.

The Haulmax Wingman program is supported by the Haulmax Tyres range of Truck and Bus Radial (TBR) tyres that have been specifically designed in Australia, by their locally based engineers, to be purpose built for application.

“As a Deniliquin based transport company it’s great to be able to get support and service anywhere in Australia on our fleet of vehicles while still supporting our local tyre service, Roundabout Tyre & Auto who we have had a relationship with for over 40 years,” says Frank Lumbar of Lumbar’s Transport Deniliquin. “We have used Haulmax Tyres product on all of our trucks for the past eight years and are happy with the results they achieve. We didn’t hesitate to sign up to the Haulmax Wingman program when it was recommended to us.

We like the simplicity of having one number to call, one bill to pay, and security that no matter where in Australia they are, our drivers are covered, all whilst supporting an Australian owned, family run company.”

The Haulmax Tyres national team have over 500 years of combined tyre industry experience. Head Engineer Ed Jensz, having 50-plus years of experience in the Australian Tyre Industry alone. From tyre design to

region we created the ATT105 – Pilbara. A

This contrasts with most international

factory management Ed has experience in

completely re-imagined trailer tyre designed

manufacturers that have their data collected

every aspect of the tyre industry. Our Chief

from the ground up. Show me any other

overseas and supplied to the Australian

Field Engineer, Russell Kennedy, also has a

brand that can provide those results. That’s

assessors.

further 50-plus years’ experience in the tyre

the benefit of being local.”

Because of its extensive knowledge and

industry.

ATT and Haulmax Tyres are aligned with

location there is an opportunity for the OEM

On the benefits of having a local product

OEM truck and trailer manufacturers

manufacturers and fleet operators to get ATT

engineering team, Shane says: “This

in Australia to provide an exceptional

approach enables us to be flexible in our

experience from the moment new

approach to tyre design. For example, we

equipment is being engineered.

sent our product engineering team to the

Performance-Based Standards (PBS) is

involved in any new builds from the outset.

For more information please visit: www.haulmaxwingman.com.au or phone 1300 761 802.

Pilbara in Western Australia, to experience

a large focus for OEM truck and trailer

the unique conditions of the region, gather

manufacturers and the transport industry,

information on the roads, applications and

ATT has been heavily involved in providing

issues faced by companies operating in

quality outcomes that fit the PBS framework.

such extremes. Based on this research and

Having Haulmax tyres tested locally, and

feedback from transport operators in the

all data gathered on Australian roads.

Contact Australian Tyre Traders David Naughton – OEM Builds – 0457 837 597 Billy Addison – Haulmax Wingman – 0457 837 611 Shannon Roberts – Dealer Enquiries – 0457 511 882 Ph: 1300 761 802 Web: www.tyretraders.com.au

www.trailermag.com.au

57

SERVICE & MAINTENANCE

Unified team focus TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT HIRE COMPANY, RENTCO, STRIVES TO FORGE STRONG CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS AT BRANCH, PROJECT AND NATIONAL LEVELS. ITS COMMITMENT TO INVESTING IN THE LATEST TRAILER TECHNOLOGIES HAS GONE A LONG AWAY TO HELP MAINTAIN LONG-TERM AND SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIPS WITH MAJOR NATIONAL TRANSPORT, CIVIL, CONSTRUCTION AND MINING COMPANIES. Rentco, according to National Business

has remained open, expanding in all capital

combination you can imagine,” he says.

Manager, Paul Scott, has further established

cities and servicing our valued clientele

“Solution options are almost infinite and

itself in Queensland and Victoria by

flawlessly throughout the pandemic and will

with so many variables to distribution,

moving into larger premises in addition to

continue to do so.”

compliance and equipment supply these

developing a purpose-built and state-of-

Australia’s transport operators, Paul adds,

days it is often necessary to partner with a

the-art workshop and head office facility in

are under increased pressure to adapt and

third-party equipment provider to ensure

Perth.

perform in opposite directions daily often

your able to keep your business current.”

The rental firm supports thousands of clients,

with no contract nor security of future

Founded by current Managing Directors, Bob

offering the latest and safest heavy vehicle

business and most likely judged on the last

and John Shier, in April 1994, Rentco has

equipment.

load delivered.

since grown into a national operation with

“We have developed systems to see 100 per

“This is where Rentco excels, providing

a diverse truck and trailer offering totalling

cent coverage 24 hours a day despite shifts

safe, current transport equipment specific

around 3,000 assets.

in Covid-19 restrictions,” he says. “Rentco

to the needs of almost any load, weight

“We remain a family-owned business with resident directors, so decision making is dynamic, we don’t keep you waiting for an outcome, we know our market and get to know our customers,” Paul says. “A clear rental offering is on the table so you know what’s included and what’s not so you can budget your rental operating expense without any nasty surprises at the end of the contract.”

Rentco is very much a family business where the Managing Director often picks up the trucks and trailers for repair, while most of the senior management team have heavy vehicle licences and can be found behind the wheel of a truck, in a washbay or wherever they may be required.

Rentco’s operations team is led

by Michael Lessio (middle).

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Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 21

Rentco vehicles, according to Paul, can be running local today, linehaul tomorrow and a

Brett (Regional Manager) and Travis (Workshop Manager).

mine site the day after.

the country’s most trusted parcel delivery

Both men and their teams have forged

“Our fleet is prepared and ready for anything

businesses providing transport of everyday

many of our core business values and are a

being of a standard that would see it in

products to families Australia wide.

true success story and very important to our

the worst possible location at the drop of

“No one faces such pressure and

group.”

a hat,” he says. “The challenge the whole

responsibility better in our business than

industry faces is supply, so every piece of

Victorian State Manager, Brett Perenara, and

our equipment must be ready to go within

his workshop team lead by Travis Cardona.

hours, this means heavy costs, facilities and

Between Brett and Travis they have amassed

people required to ramp up and back down

more 25 years of service to Rentco and have

again.”

operated in some of our toughest conditions

These new vans are on the way to some of

and always put the need of the client first.

Contact Rentco 15 Nardine Close High Wycombe WA 6057 Ph: 08 9353 9999 Web: www.rentco.com.au

SLIDE/TILT TRAYS

Electrical excellence with Glo Trac THREE YEARS ON, SUBURBAN TOWING EQUIPMENT CONTINUES TO RELY ON THE QUALITY AND WORKMANSHIP OF LUCIDITY LIGHTS AND HARNESSES. Suburban Towing Equipment is a family

Suburban Towing Equipment Director, Aaron

ease of mounting.

owned tilt tray manufacturing company

Barrett.

“Our workshop is well set up for

that has been servicing the Australian trailer

Lucidity’s 22033 range of LED Rear

manufacturing of truck bodies,” Aaron says.

and towing markets for over 25 years.

Combination lamps and 26275 Chrome

“We also do truck repairs whether it is

The business specialises in supplying new

Marker Lamps feature a unique Glo Trac

electrical, hydraulics, welding or fabrication.

and used tow trucks and heavy tilt slide

light pattern and heavy-duty wire outlet for

The electrical parts play a big part in the tow

trays and bodies. Its Mulgrave workshop is fully equipped to carry out all types of modifications and repairs, meanwhile its spare parts section carries a wide range of accessories to enhance the look of their trucks which includes chains, ratchets and lights.

Since 2018 Suburban Towing has been utilising Lucidity Australia’s products with great success. “We use Lucidity’s Glo Trac Series LED lights which consist of Rear Combination Lamps, Side Marker Lamps plus Lucidity design and manufacture all of our wiring harnesses in Victoria.

We have also increased the range of harnesses we get from Lucidity, they will now be doing around 95 per cent of all out electrical work by January 2022,” says

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Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 21

Suburban Towing Equipment tilt and slide trays feature Lucidity LED lighting.

truck and trailer industries because everyone likes lots of flashing lights, we probably fit

Suburban Towing Equipment Mulgrave workshop.

more lights to tow trucks to what anyone else does on other trucks.

“One of the reasons we switched to Lucidity in 2018 was the price and technical in-house expertise and craftsmanship they were offering compared to some of the other similar products we were using at the time.

More importantly they do a much better job with their harnesses. They use better and newer technology in their lighting systems which was the main reason for our move.”

Lucidity understand the importance of

have seen these lights and adapted to them

is excellent to deal with, proactive, diligent

quality from design through to manufacture,

because they have that wow factor. Since

and in-depth product knowledge the team

the Australian environment is extremely

we implemented Lucidity wiring and lighting

at Lucidity always make me feel looked after,

harsh only a quality product will last.

a lot of people have asked for these lights,

no matter what I go with, and they work

Suburban and Lucidity share a passion

they have become a standard feature in all of

very hard with me and my team to make

for Australian manufacturing and locally

trucks.”

engineered products that offer custom-made

The entire team of 25 people at Suburban

sure all our wiring harnesses are made fit for purpose.”

solutions to meet the different demands for

Towing are pleased with the customer service

a wide range of customers.

“We haven’t looked back since we first

and the product offering from Lucidity.

started using Lucidity products three years

service,” Aaron says. “We usually work

ago,” Aaron says. “More and more people

with Sales Manager Rob Bettello. Lucidity

“We are very happy with their customer

Contact Lucidity Australia Ph: 03 9219 4074 Web: www.lucidityaustralia.com.au

Our truck and utility tray sections keep Australia moving.

Capral offers a wide range of extrusions, sheet and plate for the Transport Industry. Take a look at our latest catalogue of specially selected sections for Truck and Utility Tray fabrication.

To download the catalogue, scan the QR code or visit capral.com.au.

TRAILER BUILDING MATERIALS/COMPONENTS

A win for Quickstrap MK II TRANSKING HAS RECEIVED CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR ITS QUICKSTRAP MK II INNOVATION WHICH MAKES IT EASIER, SAFER AND QUICKER TO SECURE LOADS. Australia’s annual Good Design Awards

Award demonstrate excellence in professional

potentially has a high impact as thousands

program – one of the most prestigious

design and highlight the impact a design-led

of loads are secured each day. Overall, this

international design awards in the world –

approach has on business success and social

is a really impressive example of design that

has been promoting excellence in design

and environmental outcomes.

solves a real problem and a standout project

and innovation since 1958. It is recognised

On Wednesday 13 October 2021, load

that ticks every box for good design in this

by the World Design Organization (WDO)

restraint specialist, TransKing, was presented

category.”

as Australia’s peak international design

with a Good Design Award Winner Accolade

Fleets like Gilders, Hannah’s Haulage and

endorsement program comprising 12 design

in the Design category in recognition for

Cameron’s see the benefits of installing this

disciplines and 30 subcategories.

outstanding design and innovation for its

revolutionary load restraint system on its

This year, the Good Design Awards attracted

Quickstrap MK II.

curtain-sided trailers. In many instances it

a record 933 design project submissions

“A practical and needed load securing

negates the need to throw straps which in

which were evaluated by more than 70

solution that improves safety, reducing harm

the process reduces the risk of shoulder injury

Australian and international jurors, including

to people and damage to goods,” the Good

for the operator.

designers, engineers, architects and thought

Design Awards Jury says. “This is a thoughtful

Unlike the conventional bungie system, where

leaders.

innovation that will have a real impact on

the load restraint straps are a permanent

Each entry was evaluated according to strict

the health and wellbeing of truck drivers

fixture, the simple, inexpensive Quickstrap

design evaluation criteria from good design to

and operators in addition to improving the

MK II is a standalone system that can be used

design innovation to design impact. Projects

efficacy of operations. The design is clean

as and when required by the operator. The

recognised with an Australian Good Design

and well suited to the context. This product

winch straps stay in the regular position when

Transport company, Gilders, has worked with load restraint specialist, TransKing, for almost two decades.

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Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 21

Quickstrap MK II boosts productivity by reducing loading times

Fully retractable load restraint system designed and made in Australia.

not in use.

“A recent trial has proven to be very

needed to tighten and well as being able to

The Quickstrap slide track is manufactured in

successful,” he says. “I will be installing

more accurately tighten the load straps.”

Australia using the latest in self-lubricating,

the Quickstrap MK II on other curtain-sided

Gilders has worked with Lindsay King and the

durable and flexible material which protrudes

trailers carrying high loads.”

team at TransKing for more than 18 years.

from the side of the slide track. This ensures

Meanwhile, Brad Gilder, Managing Director of

“Lindsay has always gone a step beyond to

protection for the slide.

Gilders Transport and Logistics, says TransKing

help us,” Brad says, “no matter what time

The operator uses a long pole with a specially

equipment is second to none and enables

of day.”

designed hook on the end to lift the strap

significant gains in efficiency and safety.

and place it onto the slide mechanism that’s

“I have used the equipment for over 10

mounted to the roof of the trailer. Then from

years and every product is great for saving

Fast Fact

the other side the same hook is used to pull a

us time and improving safety,” he says.

Lindsay King of TransKing is also

chord that propels the slide holding the strap

“Both the Tightwinder and Quikstrap save us

working on other safety products for

to the other side, at which point the strap is

time on the job which means we’re a more

flat tops and tippers. When safety

dislodged and falls down onto the side of the

efficient operation in our daily activities. The

matters!

load, ready to be pulled down and attached

Quickstrap is currently used in our B-double

to the tie rail.

and rigid applications and eliminates the risk

According to Hannah’s Haulage Managing

of damage to the vehicle as well as injury to

Director, Scott Hannah, the system is proving

the employee in comparison to the risks of

extremely beneficial for one of his drivers who

throwing a load binder strap. The Tightwinder

has a pre-existing shoulder problem which

reduces risk of injury by using the correct

precludes him from throwing straps.

binder socket bar which allows for less effort

Contact TransKing 29 Elizabeth Street Wetherill Park NSW 2164 Ph: 0419 404 788 www.transking.com.au

www.trailermag.com.au

63

TRAILER BUILDING MATERIALS/COMPONENTS

Tefco on longterm partnership with Capral FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS, TEFCO TRAILERS HAS BEEN SUPPORTING THE LOCAL TRANSPORT INDUSTRY WITH ITS PRODUCTS AND SERVICES THROUGH ITS STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIP WITH ALUMINIUM MANUFACTURER AND DISTRIBUTOR, CAPRAL. Tefco Trailers has been manufacturing

its own equipment and highly trained staff.

Tefco does the majority of its chassis

got a large suite of exclusive-designed chassis

custom-built trailer combinations for the Australian market since 1988. The family-

extrusions as well as other extrusions for

Capral has the largest extrusion press in

owned business that Richard Brown started

trailers with Capral Aluminium as most of

Australia located at Campbellfield, Victoria.

along with his wife, Sue Brown, has two

Tefco’s products are manufactured out of

“Some of our die shapes are very large

branches along the East Coast – Goulburn,

aluminium.

and we need that large press to be able to

New South Wales, and the newer facility in

“Capral is a major supplier for our extrusion

extrude chassis rails and other sections that

Brisbane, where the head office is located.

sections and over the years we’ve got many

we need,” Richard says. “ Capral also saves

Tefco Trailers prides itself on delivering

extrusions cut with them,” Richard says.

us going offshore for extrusion.”

superior quality trailers that are capable of

“We get a large number of CCD dies from

Supporting local industry with Australian

not only handling the toughest jobs but

Capral and continue to build new ones.

made products is a matter of pride for

also stand firm against the tough Australian

Both companies work together in meeting

Richard. He says local manufacturing has the

road conditions. While many local trailer

supply demands and curation requirements.

ability to provide cutting-edge design and

manufacturing companies bring in sub-frames

We work closely with them about what

builds to suit all job applications.

from overseas or outsource the hydraulics,

extrusions we can make and what alloys and

“It is good to still have manufacturing in

Tefco makes sure all its design, processing,

finishes we require in those extrusions. We

this country and it is good that Capral

fabrication and fit-out is done in-house using

have done that over many years and we have

support the Australian truck and trailer

64

Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 21

and coaming extrusions.”

manufacturers,” he says. “It is good that their product is Australian made and we can have solid association with that product and those materials that are used in our trailers.

That way we can proudly say that both, the sections that are used, and the products that are complete are Australian made.”

According to Richard, Tefco has had a solid relationship with Capral for more than 33 years. He and his team have great professional relationships with Capral’s key senior managers. “The biggest advantage of having a local extrusion manufacturer is

National Manager, Mark Murray, and also

that we can talk closely to the key personnel

Richard Axe at the Campbellfield extrusion

Fast Fact

in the plant if there is an issue or a problem,

plant. They both are very experienced and

Capral has extrusion manufacturing

and we can also talk to supply line people.

knowledgeable people, who have been in

facilities in Victoria, Queensland,

Our demands go up and down as the

the industry for many years. I think that

New South Wales, South Australia

industry does and Capral does provide a very

is one of the big advantages of Capral is

and Western Australia, supplying

good service in being able to talk to and

that they do have a lot of people with a

world class products at short lead

negotiate deliveries and design completely

vast knowledge of their product and their

times. Its distribution centres operate

around our needs. We recommend them as a

capabilities.”

throughout metropolitan and regional

really good supplier.

“Capral’s customer service is excellent. They are always of great assistance in design and other things. We deal a lot with their

TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT RENTALS

Contact Capral Aluminium Ph: 1800 258 646 Web: www.capral.com.au

areas, stocked with a range of extrusions, machine rod, plate, and sheet products.

1300RENTCO | www.rentco.com.au

RENTCO ON THE MOVE

PRIME MOVERS | TRAILERS | LIGHT VEHICLES | DOLLIES | SKELS

TRAILER BUILDING MATERIALS/COMPONENTS

Freightmore Transport in South Australia has been building a range of trailers using JOST components where possible for more than 16 years.

More bang for the buck AS A HEAVY TRAILER MANUFACTURER FOR OVER 16 YEARS, FREIGHTMORE TRANSPORT CONSISTENTLY RELIES ON TOP QUALITY COMPONENTS MANUFACTURED BY JOST TO COMPLEMENT ITS BUILDS IN A TIMELY AND COST-EFFECTIVE MANNER. Freightmore Transport is an Australian

“They are built from high grade steel with the

ensure we have the latest products demanded

family owned and operated semi-trailer

correct MPa strength in all areas and we focus

by the industry,” he says. “We have new

manufacturer based in the industrial precinct

heavily on aspects such as weld quality and

models in the works including axle widener

of Lonsdale in South Australia.

overall finish.”

floats as we speak.”

According to Freightmore Managing Director,

The company produces a wide range of

A common theme across the various builds is

Jason Juwayed, the company’s manufacturing

trailers and vehicles including flat tops,

the prevalence of JOST components including

process involves building each trailer to

drop decks, extendables, low loaders, quad

fifth wheels, king pins, landing legs and

specific designs that have received countless

wideners, side tippers, end tippers, grain

aluminium wheels.

hours of engineer designing, drafting and

tippers, water tankers, dollies, tilt and slide,

With the development of axle widener floats,

testing to ensure the finished product

mega tilt and tag trailers.

the company will also be using TRIDEC

can withstand the demanding conditions

“We started off with the simpler designs and

steering and suspension systems which JOST

prevalent in this country over an extended

then gradually increased our range,” Jason

now distributes in Australia.

period.

says. “In the last 12 to 24 months we’ve

“JOST has a very good name in the industry

“All of our trailers are built to exacting

more vigorously increased our product range

in terms of trailer components so we try to

specifications, ensuring they fully comply with

such as introducing the mega tilt which is a

use as much of the company’s products as

all Australian Design Rule requirements,”

quad float style of super tilt.

possible,” Jason says. “The fact that JOST

Jason says.

“We keep our ear tuned to the market to

is now offering a very high quality hydraulic

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Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 21

JOST landing leg.

building our brand and as I said before, they have a solid reputation in the industry and their products fitted to our trailers really add a lot of confidence for our customers,” Jason says. “It gives them peace of mind knowing there’s a good brand name behind the components we’re fitting to the trailers.”

Jason adds that Freightmore offers very good value for money with its products and that JOST dovetails well with this because the company manufactures its products to a very high standard and sells them at a reasonable price.

He reiterates that having a very good team of engineers that design the trailers to the highest standards of structural integrity,

suspension and steering system is music to

industry for somewhat over-engineering its

ensuring the durability of the products over a

our ears.”

trailers.

very long lifespan.

Jason explains that prior to commencing the

“We tend to build quite heavy-duty models

“Our engineers are fully involved with the

manufacture of semi-trailers, the company

such as our drop deck with ramps which tares

manufacturing process as the trailers are

had a long history building campervans and

at around 10.5 tonnes which is a preferred

being built, making sure that all the welds

caravans, and that the move into the heavier

trailer of farmers,” he says.

are compliant with the relevant AS1554

gear was something of a natural progression.

“Farmers love these trailers because they

standards and that the correct tensile strength

“In the beginning we relied on the expertise

are so versatile. They can use them for

steel is used in the various areas,” Jason says.

of people from the semi-trailer industry to

hay, palletised products, cotton bales and

“Having a talented team working for us along

successfully develop our first flat top and drop

machinery. On their properties where mass

with the strength and superiority of JOST

deck models,” Jason says.

regulation isn’t an issue they can load them

components gives us the complete package

“All of our current range is designed by

up with a 35-tonne excavator, for example,

for producing a wide range of high-quality

engineers experienced in the heavy trailer

and they are strong enough to take that sort

trailers and equipment to suit the specific

building process; we have surrounded

of weight.”

needs of our customers.”

ourselves with the right people and having

Jason says the beauty of JOST products is that

this team of very well educated and talented

they are also engineered to take everything

engineers enables us to develop the products

in their stride in terms of standing up to the

we need moving forward.”

rigours of harsh conditions.

Jason says the company is known withing the

“JOST has contributed in a big way to

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

Freightmore Transport adds value to its trailers by specifying JOST components.

www.trailermag.com.au

67

TRAILER BUILDING MATERIALS/COMPONENTS

Enveero – a greener option with an extended service life POWERDOWN AUSTRALIA HAS BEEN AT THE FOREFRONT OF INNOVATION IN THE SUSPENSION INDUSTRY FOR OVER 38 YEARS, WITH AN UNDERSTANDING FOR THE IMPORTANCE OF PERFORMANCE, SAFETY AND VALUE. Driver safety and keeping vehicles on the road, comes from regular maintenance and servicing, where replacement parts, such as shock absorbers, can become costly, especially if they are having to be replaced frequently.

Powerdown has designed and developed Australia’s first ultra-high performance, biodegradable shock absorber fluid, specifically with Australian conditions in mind, and for fleets and companies who refuse to compromise on performance and reliability.

Enveero provides a longer lifespan in comparison to those shock absorbers with semi-synthetic oils, with the benefit of being biodegradable and environmentally friendly, and is backed by a two year/250,000km warranty. Enveero fluid is unique being made from renewable feed stocks such as sugar cane and replaces traditional crude based oils used in shock absorbers to date.

Tyre wear can increase the cost of maintenance and is often the outcome of worn-out shock absorbers, which allow the tyres to bounce on the road’s surface.

However, Enveero with its high flash point, exceeding 185°C (higher than that of traditional shock absorber fluids), along with anti-foaming properties, reduces fade or loss of damping of the shock absorber, maintaining vehicle control even on the warmest Australian summer days and harshest roads, increasing safety and minimising

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Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 21

damper related tyre wear.

environmentally conscious alternative.

These optimal features that come from

Helping to reduce the negative impacts on the

Enveero have been tried and tested by

environment, the ingredients in Enveero are

Powerdown’s rigorous in house and

highly biodegradable, which is measured by

independent testing; and a seven month on-

its ability to decompose by naturally occurring

road trial, through one of Australia’s hottest

bacteria or other living organisms in the

summers on record to date.

environment. The quicker it decomposes, the lower the environmental impact resulting in

There are multiple aspects of the Supershock with Enveero inside, that sets it apart in the

less pollution. Testing has shown that Enveero Enveero thermographic test.

market, especially when considering longer

reaches biodegradation greater than 60 per cent in 28 days.

service intervals, and life span, such as:

• High tensile strength.

Supershock with Enveero inside will be

• A large bore size, of 45mm diameter.

• Enveero inside, providing leading benefits

• Hydraulic stop / recoil cut off, to help

available from Powerdown in December

with its ultra-high performing elements, while being environmentally friendly and biodegradable.

increase longevity and reduce fatigue on the

2021 and is suitable for Kenworth, BPW,

shock absorber.

Hendrickson, Neway, ROR and York

• DU bush in rod guide, which helps to reduce friction and wear when side loading occurs.

• Low pressure gas to keep the unit operating at high temperatures.

• Advanced low friction seals, to keep 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 (available on select applications).

22018 Series LED Rear Lamp

26275 Series LED Marker Lamp

FEATURES

- ADR Approved - 12/24 Dual Voltage - IP67 Rated

The Powerdown Supershock with Enveero inside highlights the years of experience

applications.

To find out more information visit www.

powerdown.com.au/products/enveero-shockabsorber-range/ or call the sales office on 02 4949 0000.

in the design and development of shock absorbers specifically for Australia’s harshest operating conditions, with the advantage of the innovative technology, Enveero – a cost effective servicing solution and

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

TRAILER BUILDING MATERIALS/COMPONENTS

OMFB Pacific new premises in Tullamarine.

OMFB unveils new safety valve THE NEW PURPOSE-DESIGNED VALVE IS SET TO DELIVER UNRIVALLED HOIST LOWERING SPEEDS FOR TIPPER APPLICATIONS. In Australia, all tippers are required to

the tipping hoist, to offer this protection.

OMFB has just announced the release

include protection against the effects of

Some of these valves are generic or

of its first Hoist Safety Valve, a solution

hose failure. In other words, to stop a

catalogue valves, which means they are

purpose-designed from the ground up

body falling uncontrollably if a hose bursts.

not products that have been designed

specifically for tipper applications. The new

The local market is served by a handful of

specifically for the application in which

one-inch pneumatically piloted valve, is the

different valves, that are fitted directly to

they are used.

most commonly used version and has an impressive maximum flow rating of 200 L/min.

A common complaint with many valves is that they can slow the descent speed of the tipping hoist. Performance in this regard is directly related to the pressure drop across the valve at a given flow rate.

In other words, the more oil that can flow through the valve, the less restrictive it will be and the lower the impact on descent speeds.

The team at OMFB is confident that its

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Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 21

Dual-pressure tipper valve.

and moving floor trailers.

The Italian-based company, Officina Meccanica Fratelli Bianchi (translated to Bianchi Brothers Mechanical Workshop), has had a rapidly growing portfolio since it was established as a modest family business in 1950. It is a pioneer in hydraulic and technical solutions with its own state-of-the-art Variable-displacement piston pump.

manufacturing plant in Italy, that produces

valve offers the best performance on the

100 per cent in-house

market in this regard and is therefore

solutions for various

proud to claim being able to deliver

trucking and industrial

unrivalled hoist lowering speeds. The

applications. Growth

valve also includes an emergency override

in the past decade has

feature. More good news is that the

seen OMFB expand its

stock is ready for immediate delivery,

production facilities

with electrically operated versions to be

(totalling 25,000 square metres) and

available soon.

increase its storage capacity in order to

OMFB recently set a new industry

strengthen its presence in various market

Fast Facts

benchmark with its three-year extended

segments. To this day, the business in Italy

• OMFB’s latest product promises to

warranty program, which allows the

is still represented by Umberto, one of

business to offer a better repair and/or

the three founding brothers, and his son,

replacement process.

Amedeo.

OMFB offers a comprehensive range of

With an aim to better support customer

adamant that its latest product

hydraulics solutions such as Power Take-

needs as well as facilitate product

will set a new benchmark in tipper

Off (PTO) units and pumps, including

development, OMFB entered various

lowering speeds.

variable-displacement piston pumps, and

international markets including Australia

bent-axis piston pumps including dual-

(OMFB Pacific), China and France to mark

flow models for operating two circuits

its 70th anniversary year.

can now be covered by a 3-year

simultaneously from a single oil supply.

Its dealer network provides industry

warranty.

On the tipper side, OMFB offers a range of valves, some of which feature dual-

complete access to the OMFB portfolio of hydraulics equipment with peace of

pressure relief that is ideal for trucks that

mind when it comes to product quality

interchange between towing semi-tipper

and supply.

Hoist Safety Valve – HSV200P.

outperform all other market options.

• It’s a bold claim, but OMFB is

• Even more of your tipper system

Contact OMFB Pacific Web: www.omfb.com

www.trailermag.com.au

71

www.smedleys.net.au

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A thirst for knowledge HAVING WORKED AT EATON VEHICLE GROUP FOR THE BEST PART OF 30 YEARS, GRAEME WESTON HAS AMASSED A WEALTH OF UNDERSTANDING OF HEAVY VEHICLE POWER TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS IN ALL CORNERS OF THE GLOBE. As for what he has seen develop or change in the industry over the years, Graeme says the meteoric rise of AMT technology across all brands and applications is a standout.

“Widespread adoption of this technology has reduced driver fatigue, positively impacted Occupational Health and Safety and increased operational efficiencies for fleets,” he says.

“More recently, the comprehensive integration of sophisticated electronic systems across the vehicle such as adaptive cruise, collision avoidance and autonomous emergency braking has further enhanced the benefits.”

Asked who he admires in the industry, Graeme says Phil Webb, now retired Engineer who worked at PACCAR for 44 years and Pat Phyland from P&D Diesel near Ballarat spring instantly to mind.

“From their incredible depth of knowledge regarding applications, vehicle engineering and systems integration to their amazing willingness to share that knowledge, both men have had a significant influence on me,” he says.

Graeme Weston started with Eaton in 1993

experience in how vastly variable vehicles,

In summing up, Graeme says he feels

as an intern after completing a Bachelor

operators, customer expectations and

extremely blessed to work in an industry and

of Mechanical Engineering at Swinburne

operating conditions can be in different parts

with vehicles and equipment for which his

University, but even before then he had a

of the world.

passion is real and palpable.

real passion for trucks and the transport

“In 2006 I returned Down Under to assume

“I’ve been fortunate enough to have many

industry.

the role of Engineering Manager for

memorable experiences as well as meeting

“My interest in heavy vehicles grew through

Australia and New Zealand, which included

and working with some truly remarkable

my teenage years and I always knew I would

responsibilities for Technical Service and

people across the whole spectrum of the

end up working in the industry,” Graeme

Warranty,” Graeme says.

industry,” he says.

says of his career path thus far.

He reveals that since that time the company’s

While mechanical engineering is his

Engineering team has invested, and

primary profession, Graeme has also spent

continues to invest heavily to develop and

a significant amount of time in Sales, Key

fine tune its automated manual transmission

Industry Icon

Account and Territory Management at Eaton.

(AMT) product offerings to meet the specific

Made possible by Smedley’s Engineers.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s he had

needs of this unique market.

Industry Icon is a series dedicated to

the opportunity to work in the transport

In October 2020 Graeme commenced his

honouring the unsung heroes of the

industries of Southeast Asia and North

current role of Business Unit Manager for

commercial road transport industry.

America where he gained firsthand

Australia and New Zealand.

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Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 21

STEER

DRIVE

TRAILER

11R22.5 X Multi D+

11R22.5 X Multi T2 275/70 R22.5 X Multi T

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FLEET OF THE MONTH

Marathon Man AN AUSTRALIAN-OWNED AND OPERATED COMPANY THAT’S BEEN IN BUSINESS FOR MORE THAN A QUARTER OF A CENTURY, LIBERTY OIL APPRECIATES THE VALUE OF A SUPREMELY COMFORTABLE AND QUIET CAB ENVIRONMENT IN MINIMISING THE FATIGUE OF ITS DRIVERS. IT’S FOR THIS REASON, AMONG OTHERS, THAT THE COMPANY RECENTLY BEGAN UPGRADING SOME OF ITS FLEET WITH MAN PRIME MOVERS. Liberty oil is a fuel and oil distributor

prime mover that ticked all the boxes

with them all day. It means, importantly,

that operates around the clock to ensure

in terms of safety, comfort and fatigue

at the end of a long shift that they’re not

petroleum products that are the lifeblood

reduction measures.

worn out from the experience.

of society are available when and where

It’s for this reason, says Darren Karslake,

“Our drivers can be on the road for up to

they are required. The company has a

National Operations and Fleet Manager at

12 hours a day and their feedback is that

broad customer base including retail

Liberty Oil, that the company has chosen

the MAN trucks provide a level of comfort

fuel stations, farmers and commercial

to invest in MAN power.

that is close to the same as driving their

businesses, to name a few.

“My initial experience with MAN trucks

own car for the day,” Darren says.

All up there are about 80 trucks in the

was through the relationship between

Operations require the company to

fleet covering the entire spectrum from

Shell V-Power Racing and Penske which

deliver fuel to a wide variety of customers

rigids to triple-trailer road train prime

put me in contact with Shannon Mair,

ranging from retail service stations,

movers that operate all over the country.

Penske Australia’s Head of Fleet,” Darren

commercial businesses and rural or

Having acquired the first MAN TGS 540

says. “Shannon showed me some of the

farming properties, to refuelling trains

L Cab in November 2020, another eight

MANs and I really liked what I saw in

and boats. Liberty aims for an old-school

were added to the fleet throughout 2021.

terms of the full-on safety and comfort

business approach by striving to conduct

As a company that views safety as being

features they come standard with.”

in-person meetings with customers as

of utmost importance and also highly

From a driver’s perspective, Darren says

much as possible.

values the skills and commitment of its

the MANs are hard to beat. The drivers

However, according to Darren, traditional

drivers, Liberty Oil wanted a brand of

are pleased that they are not fighting

business values do not prevent the team at Liberty from investing in the latest in technological advancements when it comes to the trucks that move its products.

“We purchased our first MAN from the Penske Australia national fleet team in November 2020 and we now have five in our fleet,” he says. “We have three at our depots in Victoria and two at our Queensland depots.”

The Penske national fleet team, supported by the company’s Brisbane branch, has been very helpful and easy to work with.

“We also deal with Westar Truck Centre in Melbourne. With both organisations we have experienced all-around good communication and assistance,” Darren enthuses. “Some of our vehicles travel hundreds of kilometres a day, while others may do less, but there is always

A MAN cab ticks Liberty Oil’s boxes for safety, comfort and fatigue reduction measures.

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Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 21

consistent use of the pumping equipment across the board.”

REIMAGINING T H E S U P P LY C H A I N

PROUD PARTNER

Department of Transport

S U P P O R T I N G S P ONS OR

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M E L B O U R N E C O N V E N T I O N & E H

MEGATRANS

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W I L L N OW TA K E P L AC E F R O M

24-26 AUGUST

I B I T I O N

One of the first trade expos post-COVID, MEGATRANS is the critical event for the freight and logistics supply chain to get your brand in front of customers again.

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WORLD MAP

Solutrans champions the energy transition UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE FRENCH REPUBLIC, EMMANUEL MACRON, BIENNIAL TRADE FAIR SOLUTRANS 2021 WAS HELD LAST MONTH AT LYON EUREXPO. Road transportation as we know it is

success with smart fleets,” said Goldhofer

wide excavator arm recess is open to the rear.

changing. There is a revolution of sorts in

Regional Sales Manager, Romuald Espinasse.

It is designed to take even very long and large

how industry is harnessing energy to improve

“So, we are delighted to be able to present

excavator arms such as those used in the

operational efficiency as well as minimise

these products to our customers.”

demolition business. This greatly increases the

carbon footprints. Sweeping legislation on

The self-steering, three- to five-axle

vehicle’s range of applications. It also comes

these matters across Europe has accelerated

»STEPSTAR« semi low loaders offer a

with Goldhofer’s new generation of ramps,

thought leadership and empowered

combination of low deadweight and high

which have a very low ramp angle and are

innovators to address these challenges

payload. They also feature a well designed

easy to mount and remove, so they can also

head-on. Right now, there are regulations

loading area and full system for secure

be used with other »STEPSTAR« lowloaders in

in place to reduce harmful emissions as well

lashing. In combination with the loadable

the fleet.

as pressure on vehicle makers to consider

»MEGA« gooseneck, total rig length can be

“The »STEPSTAR« series meets our customers’

hybrid concepts to transition away from

utilised to the full, even when transporting

expectations in terms of quality and intelligent

diesel including hydrogen, biofeul and electric

high loads. The loading area itself is fitted

details at a competitive price,” said Espinasse.

batteries.

with the hard-wearing flooring TRAFFIDECK

“The vehicles can be used for permit-free

At this year’s Solutrans, Goldhofer showcased

GO co-developed by Goldhofer. This not

transportation throughout Europe with

a new friction-steered semi low loader

only saves weight compared with wood or

payloads of up to 26.3 tonnes and a gross rig

»STEPSTAR« and a force-steered »MPA« 4

rubber flooring but, with a thickness of just

length within the 16.5m limit.”

(1+3) semi-trailer designed specifically for

8mm, it is also extremely thin and has a very

Specially designed for the French market,

the French market. What the two have in

high coefficient of friction for optimum load

the »MPA« 4 (1+3) low loader semi-trailer

common is an impressive range of applications

securing. The additional anti-slip sanding

makes light work of a wide range of heavy

for transporting heavy loads, so that haulage

provides enhanced safety in all weather

haul operations. With a low loading height of

companies can use them for a wide variety of

conditions.

only 785mm, the robust and durable »MPA«

transportation operations.

For heavy haul companies one of the

4 is the ideal solution for transporting high

“Handling as much work as possible with a

major drawcards of the »STEPSTAR« is its

loads such as construction machinery, plant

minimum number of vehicles is the recipe for

outstanding flexibility. The extra long and

components and crane segments.

The latest Goldhofer semi low loader spec’d for applications in France.

76

Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 21

NEW 2021 TRAILER PARTS CATALOGUE

Parts for Trucks... & Trailers too!

VOLUME 1 OUT NOW! Your one-stop reference guide for all your Axle, Slack Adjuster, S-Cam and Braking needs To order your hardcopy contact your nearest dealer Freecall* 1800 PPARTS (772 787) Visit paccarparts.com.au/trailer or scan the QR code to download or order your copy now! * Calls from Australian landlines are generally free of charge whilst calls from mobile phones are typically charged based on the rate determined by the caller’s mobile service provider. Please check with your mobile service provider for call rates.

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 OCTOBER

DECEMBER Dubai 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 AUGUST

New South Wales

MARCH New South Wales

SEPTEMBER

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

Germany

South Australia

78

Trailer Magazine DECEMBER 21

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

Victoria MEGATRANS2022 24-26 August Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre Visit: www.megatrans.com.au

2022

Victoria

Murrumbateman Field Days 15-16 October Murrumbateman, NSW Visit: www.mfdays.com Germany

IAA Commercial Vehicles Show September TBC Hannover, Germany Visit: www.iaa.de

Bauma 2022 24-30 October Munich, Germany Visit: www.bauma.de/en

AUSTRALIA’S ONLY NATION WIDE END TO END PBS SOLUTIONS With almost 100 years of quality solutions and trusted services, Smedley’s is the largest and only national PBS provider with experience across all areas of the transport industry.

Get in touch via www.smedleys.co

Did you know you could be carrying between 30% and 60% extra payload than what you are now?

At Smedley’s Engineers, we help you optimise payload profit on your entire fleet. Our goal is to take the process of navigating PBS off your hands so you can get on with what you do best.

We partner with clients to provide essential advice relating to engineering compliance, optimising payload and any expansion of your fleet as your business grows.

We also assist with the ongoing management of PBS compliance and access across your fleet.

VIC: (03) 9421 6697 | NSW: (02) 9683 2266 | QLD: (07) 3257 7720

engineers@smedleys.co

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