Trailer Magazine August 2025 by Prime Group

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Peter White peter.white@primecreative.com.au

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ARTICLES

All articles submitted for publication become the property of the publisher. The Editor reserves the right to adjust any article to conform with the magazine format.

Trailer Magazine is owned by Prime Creative and published by John Murphy.

All material in Trailer Magazine is copyright and no part may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic or mechanical including information and retrieval systems) without written permission of the publisher. The Editor welcomes contributions but reserves the right to accept or reject any material. While every e ort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information Prime Creative will not accept responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences arising from reliance on information published.

The opinions expressed in Trailer Magazine are not necessarily the opinions of, or endorsed by the publisher unless otherwise stated.

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From the Editor’s desk

Roadblock

The freight industry isn’t just critical to our economy – it’s the foundation of our livelihood. Transport and supply chains support every aspect of our lives, whether it be with food delivered to supermarkets, clothing and goods to retail stores or petrol to service stations. But the industry is facing growing pressure as it struggles to align with Australia’s sustainability targets and increased consumer demand.

With the sector still being heavily reliant on diesel-powered transport, UNSW School of Civil and Environmental Engineering Senior Lecturer, Dr Elnaz Irannezhad, is warning that the industry will risk becoming a roadblock to Australia’s path to net zero without urgent innovation and coordinated policy action.

“From our ports and rails to our intermodal terminals, where containers are moved between different modes of transport, almost all our freight fleet currently runs on diesel fuel,” she said. “There is a huge opportunity to decarbonise the freight and logistics sector – and it starts with collaboration between industry, researchers and government.”

Transport accounts for 21 per cent of Australia’s total greenhouse gas emissions, and the Australian Government’s Emissions Projects 2024 report claims that truck emissions are expected to increase by 16 per cent (four Mt CO2-e) by 2040. It’s therefore clear that further adoption of electric vehicles will be needed if sustainability targets are to be met. But several challenges stand in the way.

Australia's lack of charging infrastructure, unique freight challenges and different policies make electrification more complex. Inconsistencies in regulations

between states is also an issue. While most Australian transport authorities have increased axle mass limits for new zero emission heavy vehicles to accommodate heavier battery loads, there is still a lack of harmonisation. As Irannezhad noted, EVs which comply in one state can become noncompliant once they cross the border.

In last month’s Food supply chain special report, we investigated the ways that supply chains are shaped by consumer trends, market demands and other factors. Following the surge of e-commerce in recent years, it’s clear that as consumer demand continues to grow, businesses will struggle to keep up.

The answer to all this pressure is not an easy one. But it’s widely accepted that more investments in infrastructure, a solution to the labour shortage, the introduction of better regulatory policies and the innovation of smarter technology is needed.

Peter White

Trailer Magazine Editor

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2025 24 30

Business partnerships, people movements, developments that bolster freight productivity and more.

22 Economy

The Western Australian Government is seeking to strengthen the state’s economy with over $1 billion of investments to be delivered through the 2025-26 State Budget.

24 Modern road tankers

See the industry’s latest tanker technology.

30 Trailer builder

Australia’s trailer manufacturing industry is as strong as ever.

34 Tippers

FortySeven Industries has taken delivery of a new Hamelex White Performance-Based Standards combination.

36 Trailer building materials/components

A showcase of the products and services that keep trailers on the move.

42 Metal special

Capral Aluminium, SSAB and Calibre Steel put the pedal to the metal.

48 ALRTA

The Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association remains committed to the future of a productive and e cient supply chain.

50 Safety insight

Hannah’s Haulage invests in the industry’s latest technology, regularly replaces all of its prime movers and trailers and relies on experienced drivers.

52 Infrastructure spotlight

What you need to know about Australia’s biggest road projects this month.

54 World map

Logistics companies face a daunting time ahead with several impactors, particularly cyber security threats.

57 Fleet of the month

XFM has added three new B-double combinations to its ﬂeet on the back of its recent rebranding.

58 What’s on Upcoming shows and ﬁeld days.

Followmont Transport takes delivery of 10 PBS Maxi-CUBEs

Followmont Transport has added 10 new Maxi-CUBE refrigerated trailers to its fleet.

The delivery consisted of six 12-pallet A trailers and four 22-pallet B trailers.

These units have been configured to support a range of combinations including BAB and ABB quads, B-triples, road trains and B-doubles.

Followmont Transport CEO, Ross Longmire, told Trailer the investment was driven by continued fleet expansion and the need to meet new customer requirements.

“As our network grows, we’re committed to aligning our fleet with the needs of our partners,” he said.

“That means reliable, high-capacity equipment that’s ready to meet demand.”

Operating under both PerformanceBased Standards (PBS) and Concessional Mass Limits (CML), the trailers will enable Followmont Transport to move greater volumes more efficiently while upholding safety standards and compliance.

The Gross Combination Masses (GCM) for these units range from 65 to 130 tonnes, with payload capacities between 35 and 70 tonnes.

Longmire explained that the wide payload ratio allows the fleet to cater to varying customer needs.

“These refrigerated vans were purposebuilt to support our cold chain operations with high-volume capacity and dependable temperature control,” he said.

“The flexibility of these setups allows us to optimise vehicle use depending on route requirements and freight types, while also maintaining compliance across state and territory regulations.”

A standout feature of these latest trailers are their lighter tare weights.

Followmont Transport General Manager Linehaul, Rob Dummer, said this factor alone allows the fleet to increase payloads without compromising on compliance.

“Combined with their build quality, this results in better fuel efficiency and stronger return on investment,” he told Trailer “These are both key considerations as we scale our operations.”

Each unit is also fitted with a Thermo King A-500 fridge motor – the fleet’s trusted choice due to its exceptional fuel economy and long-term reliability.

“These systems play a key role in ensuring consistent temperature performance across our network,” Dummer said.

“Together, the build quality of Maxi-CUBE and refrigeration technology from QTK

Group help us deliver quality, efficiency and reliability to our customers every day.”

Followmont Transport’s Maxi-CUBE combinations will support the fleet’s movement of general freight, fresh produce and chilled and frozen goods.

They will span the entire east coast, operating with a strong presence in Queensland as well as in extended runs into the Northern Territory.

Although the trailers have just been deployed, Followmont is confident they will perform to expectation due to the build quality of Maxi-CUBE units.

“Maxi-CUBE trailers are known for their durability, consistent performance and capacity to handle the rigours of Australian transport conditions,” Longmire said.

Dummer believes they are the perfect fit for Followmont Transport’s applications.

“The combination of temperature control and payload flexibility on these trailers makes them ideal for long-haul refrigerated transport across regional and metro corridors,” he told Trailer

“Based on our experience, we’re confident they’ll deliver the reliability and efficiency we need across a range of freight types and long-haul routes.”

Three of the trailers set up as a B-triple. Image: Followmont Transport.

A billion-dollar logistics juggernaut emerges

Lindsay Australia’ latest milestone deal is expected to create a national refrigerated logistics operation which will generate combined annual revenues of more than $1 billion.

Lindsay Australia acquired SRT Logistics

practical, forward-looking legal solutions.”

On 13 May 2025, SRT Logistics confirmed the $108.2 million transaction.

“The combined experience, expertise, and financial strength of our businesses, along with our shared focus on safety and

customer service while enhancing operational efficiencies and expanding our geographic footprint,” he said.

“I look forward to leveraging the combined expertise to deliver further value to our customers and employees.

“At last Tasmanian producers will benefit from a locally based logistics operator with a fully integrated road, rail and sea network with nationwide reach.”

Under the agreement, Lindsay Australia acquired the shares of SRT Logistics.

Barker Trailers announces leadership restructure

Barker Trailers has completed a significant leadership restructure aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and fostering innovation.

The strategic realignment will allow Barker Trailers to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing marketplace, ensuring that it continues to deliver exceptional quality and service to customers.

Now at the helm of the organisation is CEO, Stuart Scanlin.

With over 30 years of commercial and finance experience across various sectors, Scanlin is a seasoned professional with expertise in strategic business planning, performance management and financial control.

His background includes extensive work in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), manufacturing and service industries.

Scanlin’s leadership philosophy is rooted in integrity and collaboration, with a commitment to fostering a culture of transparency and innovation.

Under his guidance, the team will focus on sustainable growth and operational excellence, ensuring that every initiative aligns with the overall vision of the company.

“As we settled into the new structure, our leadership team quickly started to identify and capitalise on opportunities for growth and improvement,” Scanlin said.

“Their collective expertise and vision are vital in positioning Barker Trailers as an

industry leader in both product quality and customer relationships.”

Scanlin is joined by Barker Trailers Plant Manager, Martin Merry, who oversees production, safety and facilities maintenance with a keen eye on technology and innovation.

His role is pivotal in integrating cuttingedge solutions that enhance operational efficiencies.

Merry’s capability also extends to stepping in as acting CEO when necessary, providing a seamless leadership presence.

As Barker Trailers’ Sales and Operations Planning Manager, Aaron Tindal is responsible for all key customer-facing operations including new trailer sales, repairs, spare parts, delivery and warranty support.

His approach centres around enhancing customer satisfaction by aligning these functions seamlessly.

Meanwhile, Barker Trailers HR Manager, Rachel Mostacci, will play a pivotal role in overseeing staff welfare and company culture.

With a strong background in operations and project management, she serves as a trusted advisor within the organisation.

Mostacci is committed to fostering collaboration and ensuring that all projects align with Barker Trailers’ organisational goals.

Lastly, Financial Controller, Kylie Gray, joins the Barker Trailers leadership team

with a wealth of knowledge in financial and management accounting.

As a chartered accountant, she is responsible for finance, payroll, insurance and legal matters.

Her contributions are crucial for advancing Barker Trailers’ initiatives and achieving financial success.

“Looking ahead the restructuring of our leadership team represents more than just a change in roles – it signifies a renewed commitment to excellence at Barker Trailers,” Scanlin said.

“With this capable and driven team guiding the organisation, we are confident in our ability to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in the future.

“Together, we are poised to uphold our reputation for high-quality, custom trailers while continuing to innovate and strengthen our customer relationships.”

Fulton Hogan joins Defence Infrastructure Panel

Fulton Hogan has been appointed to the Australian Government’s Defence Infrastructure Panel – Major Construction 2025-2030.

Defence Infrastructure Panel – Major Construction 2025-2030 is a national major construction and capital facilities contract panel for projects valued over $200 million.

It allows the Australian Government to engage industry partners in delivering complex Defence infrastructure, maintenance and specialist project solutions nationwide.

Fulton Hogan CEO – Construction, Brett Smiley, said the company is proud to be among industry partners.

“Being selected for the panel is a great recognition of our experience and the quality of work our teams deliver,” he said.

“We believe delivering Defence projects represents more than just building infrastructure – they’re about reliability, responsiveness and contributing to the security of Australia.”

Fulton Hogan has several years of

experience supporting Defence projects, having successfully delivered major infrastructure, specialist facilities and asset maintenance solutions nationally.

“Our appointment to this Defence infrastructure panel reinforces our reputation for excellence and security,” Smiley said.

“We look forward to working with Defence to deliver high-quality infrastructure solutions that support Australia’s Defence capability across the country.”

Barker Trailers’ new leadership team. Image: Barker Trailers.

QLD alliance strengthens aluminium supply chain

Capral Aluminium, Sims Metal, and Rio Tinto have teamed up to create a lowcarbon aluminium recycling loop that boosts domestic manufacturing and cuts emissions.

Post-production aluminium scrap will be taken from Capral’s Bremer Park facility, processed and sorted by Sims Metal, and delivered to Rio Tinto’s Boyne Smelter in Gladstone for remelting.

This scrap will be used to produce 1,000 tonnes of aluminium with a minimum 20 per cent recycled content, which will be supplied back to Capral’s Bremer Park manufacturing site in Southeast Queensland for extrusion operations, creating a domestic, local recycling solution.

Capral and Rio Tinto will leverage

Sims Metal’s expertise in processing and sorting aluminium which will deliver improved production efficiencies allowing larger volumes of scrap to be remelted at BSL, increasing scalability while maintaining agreed recycled content percentages.

The aluminium in this process is part of an entirely local Queensland supply chain. Rio Tinto mines the bauxite in Weipa, then refines it into alumina and smelts it to become aluminium in Gladstone, before being extruded by Capral at Bremer Park. After processing and sorting by Sims Metal, Rio Tinto remelts Capral’s post-production scrap to make the recycled billets at Boyne Smelter.

The initiative supports ongoing efforts

to establish commercially viable onshore recycling of aluminium in Australia and contributes to reducing emissions associated with aluminium production. It will also assist Capral in reducing its Scope 3 emissions and provide Capral’s customers across a diverse range of Australian manufacturing industries, including construction, marine, transport, renewable energy, and general fabrication, with products aligned with their sustainability goals.

“This project represents a practical step forward for Capral in reducing our operational emissions and increasing the recycled content of the aluminium we use,” said Capral Managing Director and CEO, Tony Dragicevich.

“Building on our successful 2024 trial with Rio Tinto, working together enables us to offer our customers extruded aluminium options that support circularity, strengthen local supply chains and reinforce the role of Australian manufacturing in a low-carbon future.”

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Ken Buchanan announces retirement

Ken Buchanan has announced his departure from the transport industry after more than 40 years of service.

Buchanan joined Krueger as Area Manager in 1988 following a 13-year tenure at Fruehauf Trailers.

He was entrusted with managing the regional Victoria area which covered suburbs such as Shepparton, Mildura and more.

Buchanan quickly built strong relationships within his dedicated parameter and even extended his influence beyond it – earning the trust and respect of many across the broader network.

Speaking to Trailer, he said the main highlight of his time at Krueger has been seeing how far the business has come.

“The difference from what it was when I first joined to what it is now is

unbelievable,” Buchanan said.

“The customer base has probably been the biggest improvement overall.

“Every day was a challenge in terms of building relationships and helping people in the company to make it grow, and that’s what I enjoyed. I liked the challenge.”

Krueger National Sales Manager, Grant Krueger, told Trailer that Buchanan was well-liked, deeply knowledgeable as well as highly sociable – a quality that has been his greatest strength at the business.

“Ken’s talent for building genuine relationships with customers is exceptional,” he said.

“It’s no surprise that people wanted to buy from him because his personal touch made all the difference.

“Ken is one of the true gentlemen of the industry. He was very social and was always good for a laugh.”

Krueger said Buchanan’s greatest contribution to the family business was his unwavering loyalty.

“He was very loyal, and not just to the brand but to our family as well,” he told Trailer

“Ken was there during the early days when my father, John Krueger, was running the business and was actively

Toll Group names new Executive Chairman

Toll Group has announced the appointment of Thomas Knudsen as Executive Chairman.

The appointment follows the departure of Toll Group Managing Director, Alan Beacham, and will see Knudsen take on the role in an interim capacity.

Knudsen has more than three decades of experience in global logistics and leadership across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the United States.

Having joined Toll in 2018 as President of Global Forwarding, he later served as Managing Director from 2020 to 2022 and most recently as Non-Executive Chairman from 2022 to 2025.

“Toll has a proud history and a strong future,” Knudsen said.

“I’m honoured to step into this role at a pivotal time and continue working alongside a talented leadership team

committed to delivering for our customers, people and partners.

“My focus will be on stability, execution, and momentum as we transition into our next chapter.”

As Executive Chairman, Knudsen will provide executive oversight while continuing to work closely with the Toll Board and executive leadership team to ensure continuity of operations and a

involved across all areas, especially sales.

“After 37 years with the company, it’s that loyalty along with his dedication, experience and consistency that stands out as one of the most valuable things Kenny brought to Krueger.

“On behalf of my father and the family at Krueger Transport Equipment, we thank Ken for all of his time and loyalty given to the company. We wish him the best in the next stage of his journey.”

Reflecting on his time in the entire transport industry, Buchanan said meeting new people has also been very rewarding.

“I’ve made a lot of friends in the industry,” he told Trailer

“You’re meeting new people all the time which is great.”

Buchanan joined Krueger during the period when founder, John Krueger, was running the business full-time.

He expressed his gratitude to Krueger for the opportunity to work for his business.

“I’d like to thank John Krueger,” he said. “He’s been very good to me over the years.”

Buchanan is looking forward to travelling and spending time doing some work around the house in his retirement.

sharp focus on business performance.

In addition to his extensive experience with Toll, he currently advises several private equity and investment firms –bringing strong commercial insight and a global perspective on capital strategy and business transformation.

Knudsen has played a significant role in strengthening Toll’s global operations over the years, including navigating the business through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and driving key innovation and efficiency initiatives.

Originally from Denmark, he has been based in Singapore since 2010.

He holds an Executive Master of Management in Supply Chain from IE Business School in Madrid and has completed executive programs at Harvard Business School, INSEAD and Cranfield School of Management.

Ken Buchanan and Grant Krueger. Image: Krueger.

Thomas Knudsen. Image: Toll Group.

Direct Freight Express expands footprint

Direct Freight Express has expanded its operations in Dandenong, Victoria.

The company has launched a brandnew 6,500-square-metre time slot distribution centre.

In a statement online, Direct Freight Express said the opening of the new depot contributes to its objective of being one of Australia’s most reliable and

respected road freight services.

“This expansion represents a key milestone in our ongoing commitment to providing reliable, high-quality freight solutions across Australia at the cheapest possible price,” the company said.

The location also features a convenient underground car park with more than

140 spaces, offering improved access for staff and visitors.

The Dandenong facility joins three other depots that were opened earlier this year.

The “triangle” expansion covered Warrnambool, Portland and Hamilton as part of Direct Freight Express’ strategy to bolster its presence further in the southwest of the state.

A Direct Freight Express truck.

Image: Direct Freight Express.

Winners announced for 2025 Women in Industry Awards

The 2025 Women in Industry Awards have recognised and celebrated some of the most inspiring and accomplished women working across Australia’s manufacturing, mining, engineering, transport, energy and construction sectors.

Presented at a gala evening on Thursday 19 June at The Carousel in Melbourne, the awards brought together industry leaders, innovators and advocates to honour the women driving real change in traditionally male-dominated sectors.

This year’s winners represent a broad cross-section of industry, united by their excellence, leadership and commitment to creating more inclusive and forwardthinking workplaces.

The 2025 Women in Industry Awards winners are:

• Woman of the Year: Tammy O’Connor –KingKira Group

• Business Development Success of the Year: Tammy O’Connor – KingKira Group

• Industry Advocacy Award: Eileen Breen – NTEX

• Safety Advocacy Award: Mandeep Singh – Ego Pharmaceuticals

• Rising Star of the Year: Jennifer Clements – Consultex

• Excellence in Transport: Kirryn Crossman – SMEC

• Excellence in Engineering: Stacey Daniel – Board Presence

• Excellence in Manufacturing: Naomi Elliott – Concept Labs

• Excellence in Construction: Isolde Piet –Suburban Connect

• Excellence in Energy: Suzanne Shipp –APA Group

• Excellence in Mining: Becky May

Felstead – Strong Minds, Strong Mines KingKira Group founder, Tammy O’Connor, was named Woman of the Year at the 2025 Women in Industry Awards – the biggest honour of the night.

O’Connor’s leadership, vision and impact are redefining what’s possible for women in the mining and civil construction sectors.

On top of this prestigious title, she also took home the Business Development Success of the Year award, recognising her relentless drive to grow, innovate and lead from the front.

“The first time was scary, but the second time is even scarier,” O’Connor said when accepting the award.

Speaking about the importance of women leading differently, O’Connor said it was important to drive change and inspire future generations to break traditional boundaries.

“I think it is important that women lead the industry, and I think we do things a lot differently,” she said.

“I’m standing up here for the next generation because back in the day growing up my mum didn’t work, my grandmother didn’t work either, and now we see other women in the industry, in leadership, and they can see women can do more than the things we are told we should be doing.”

Prime Creative Media CEO, Christine Clancy, said the awards continue to play a vital role in recognising the achievements of women who are breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations.

“These awards celebrate not only technical excellence but also the courage,

Refuel Australia marks 25th anniversary

Interstate fuel distributor, Refuel Australia, is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Twenty-five years ago, Ian and Monique Burrows assumed control of Geraldton Fuel Company and drove it to become something bigger.

The local operation eventuated to what is now known as Refuel Australia.

Delivering over 200 million litres a year across the Pilbara, Midwest, Gascoyne and Murchison regions, Refuel Australia has become one of WA’s and the Northern Territory’s key fuel suppliers.

“We’ve grown. We’ve rebranded. We’ve rolled out roadhouses, retail and remote fuel services across some of the toughest

resilience and leadership it takes to create lasting impact,” she said.

“Each winner is an inspiration and a powerful reminder of what’s possible when diversity is embraced.”

The Women in Industry Awards are hosted by Prime Creative Media and are proudly supported by a range of industry partners and sponsors committed to advancing gender equality and innovation across the industrial landscape.

country in Australia,” Refuel Australia said.

“But the goal’s always been the same: keep the regions moving, with service you can count on.

“Here’s to 25 years of Refuel Australia as we know it – built on big kilometres, local knowledge and a crew that gets the job done.”

The event was held at The Carousel in Melbourne. Image: Prime Creative Media.

Record-breaking WorldSkills Australia National Championships conclude

The 2025 WorldSkills Australia National Championships & Skills Show recently wrapped up in Brisbane.

Held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from 12-14 June, the event drew record crowds while celebrating vocational excellence and the vital role of trades and skills in Australia’s economy.

The event brought together more than 35,000 visitors who witnessed over 600 competitors from every state and territory go head-to-head across more than 60 skill categories.

These ranged from Cyber Security and Cabinetmaking to Cookery, Floristry and Plumbing.

WorldSkills Australia CEO, Trevor Schwenke, said the show was one of the largest National Championships in WorldSkills Australia’s 44-year history.

“This has been one of the biggest and best National Championships in our history – and a true celebration of what’s possible when young people, educators, government and industry come together

to back skills,” he said.

“Brisbane was an incredible host and it was fantastic to walk the floor and witness the outstanding level of competition, as the nation’s best young skills talent gave it their all.

“Their passion was inspiring and I’m sure many visitors are now considering where a vocational career could take them.”

New South Wales was crowned the overall winner, topping the medal tally with outstanding results across multiple categories.

The top awards presented were:

• Best of Nation – Lily-Grace Toohill, Victoria – Jewellery recognised as the highest-performing competitor across all categories;

• VETiS Shield – NSW, awarded Best Performing State for Vocational Education and Training in Schools; and

• Evatt Shield – Melbourne East Region, awarded Best Performing Region.

Competitors who excelled in WorldSkills-recognised international skill categories now have the potential

Direct Freight Express reflects on growth

The specialist carrier, which commenced operations in Mascot, New South Wales, in 1993, celebrates 32 years of business.

“From humble beginnings in a small shed in Mascot to now operating 68 companyowned depots across the country – it’s been an incredible journey of growth, commitment and service,” the company said.

“Thank you to our dedicated team, loyal customers and valued partners for being part of the ride.”

Direct Freight Express was an early adopter of the latest technology running single, B-double and B-triple combinations across the country multiple times a day.

It is also committed to the PerformanceBased Standards (PBS) high productivity scheme.

In 2019 it launched a 42-metre-long B-triple which was approved for Level 3 access developed specifically for a transit lane between Perth and Adelaide.

The carrier has always prioritised cost savings and fuel usage with the heavy

opportunity to be selected to join Team Australia (The Skillaroos) at the 48th WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai, 2026.

The 2025 WorldSkills Australia National Championships & Skills Show was also proudly supported by the Queensland Government, TAFE Queensland and a nationwide network of industry, education and community partners.

Federal Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, Ross Bates, praised medallists for their exceptional performance.

“I congratulate our latest medallists and all competitors who gave up their free time to hone their skills, and who put themselves forward to compete at the highest level, on the country’s biggest skills stage,” he said.

“I thank WorldSkills Australia, TAFE Queensland, expo exhibitors, and all whose collective effort ensured the tremendous success of this event –further elevating the status of training and skills nationwide.”

vehicles it invests in for transporting palletised freight.

Direct Freight Express is driven by service while striking a balance between outlay, innovation and upkeep.

In February this year the business announced the opening of three new depots in Victoria – Warrnambool, Portland and Hamilton.

Direct Freight Express Managing Director, Joe Catania, said this expansion strengthened the company’s national footprint.

“These new locations will enhance our ability to provide top-tier logistics services across Australia,” he said.

In November last year, the carrier developed a new facility in Kenwick, Western Australia.

Les Bruzsa with a Direct Freight Express 42m PBS B-triple. Image: National Heavy Vehicle Regulator. Inside

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. Image: WorldSkills Australia.

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QLD Budget commits record $41.7B to road, rail projects

Treasurer of Queensland, David Janetzki, said the 2025-26 Budget includes a historic 80:20 funding deal for $9 billion of upgrades for the Bruce Highway.

In addition to the 16 projects already in planning or under construction for the Bruce Highway, other key initiatives of the $41.7 billion Transport and Main Roads Budget include:

• The Safer Roads, Better Transport Plan including Barron River Bridge, the Bribie Island Bridge, the Caloundra Congestion Busting Plan and Mooloolah River Interchange.

• The Wave with seamless public transport all the way to the Sunshine Coast Airport – with heavy passenger rail to Birtinya and metro all the way to the Sunshine Coast Airport through Maroochydore CBD, with an additional $40 million to accelerate planning for stages 2 and 3 in this year’s Budget.

• Faster Rail between Logan and the Gold Coast with $5.75 billion jointly funded with the Australian Government.

• $100 million Country Roads Connect program to boost the safety and flood resilience of regional unsealed roads.

• $27.5 million for the Schools Transport Infrastructure Program to improve the safety and operation of schools across Queensland.

• $15 million for the Keeping Our Waterways Safe program (formally War on Wrecks), with a focus on action and enforcement activity.

• $2.2 million to remove the fee for a new Disability Parking Permit to deliver on our election commitment and provide cost of living relief.

Janetzki said the Budget was about delivering a plan for Queensland’s future.

“We promised a fresh start for Queensland and that’s exactly what this Budget delivers,” said Janetzki.

Meanwhile, Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg, said this year’s Budget is helping deliver a transport network that meets the needs of a growing population, supports the economy and connects communities.

“Whether it is the Barron River Bridge in Cairns, the Caloundra Congestion Busting Plan or the Bribie Island Bridge, we are progressing these important projects for Queensland’s future,” he said.

“We are delivering to ensure Queensland is well positioned to meet the challenges of hosting the 2032 Games, while also preparing for the significant transport demand that comes with a growing state.

“We’re working across multiple levels of government and with industry bodies to explore innovative products and delivery

options to drive value for money and manage project cost pressures.

“These include improving design quality, conducting earlier investigations to manage risk, and engaging with industry early to ensure better outcomes.

“This is about managing a decade of mess and mismanagement left by the former Labor Government to deliver the generational infrastructure needed to protect our way of life for the future.”

The Budget is also delivering targeted industry investments including a manufacturing hub in Toowoomba and an additional hub on the Sunshine Coast for $10 million. Also, a $79.1 million program aims to facilitate pathways for export opportunities and enable reshoring and onshoring by Queensland manufacturers.

Primary producers are expected to benefit from a $817.2 million allocation and 25-year blueprint which is projected to boost primary production output by $30 billion by 2030.

The blueprint includes five-year action plans to drive investment, create jobs and unlock opportunities for the sector, supported by a $30 million Sowing the Seeds of Farming Innovation Fund.

It also includes funding to boost biosecurity which will see the first of 100 new biosecurity officers across the state.

A view of the Bruce Highway and the Sunshine Coast Hinterland in Queensland. Image: Rob Hill/stock.adobe.com.

ROAD TANKER LOAD CALCULATOR

Smarter Logistics for Fuel and Lubricant Fleets

Road Tanker Load Calculator (RTLC) is a cloud-based SaaS tool tailored for the fuel and lubricant logistics industry,

helping fleets optimize liquid deliveries. It ensures each load is legally compliant with maximum volume.

Advanced optimization

Using linear programming

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Workflow integration For Planners, Drivers, and APIs

We use Road Tanker Load Calculator because we know our trucks leave the terminal or depot with legal weights while maintaining maximum efficiency every time. The program is user friendly and makes scheduling easier while helping us meet Mass Management requirements.

Haydn Simpson, Operations Manager, Simpsons Fuel

• A 5% efficiency gain delivers millions of additional litres fleet wide.

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Email sales@roadtankerloadcalculator.com for a Free Trial

Fatigue findings revealed

The results of a recent road safety operation should serve as a wake-up call for all road users.

As part of a week-long initiative

‘Operation Omega II’, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) intercepted almost 3,000 heavy vehicles to combat the dangers of fatigue during Easter.

NHVR COO, Paul Salvati, said these road safety operations are crucial to protecting lives on Australian roads especially during ‘high-risk’ holiday periods.

“Fatigue continues to pose one of the most serious safety risks in the heavy vehicle industry and is a known contributor to road trauma,” he said.

“It only takes a momentary lapse in concentration for lives to be lost or forever changed.

“That’s why NHVR Safety and Compliance Officers (SCOs) conducted 426 intercepts each day during Operation Omega II, ensuring drivers both understood how to manage their fatigue and were compliant with the law.

“Of the 2,985 intercepts conducted throughout the week-long safety operation, 131 were found to be noncompliant with fatigue requirements in some way.

“To put it simply, that’s 131 instances where we could have seen potential tragedy occur on our roads, had our SCOs not intervened.”

Salvati said 172 fatigue-related offences were issued during Operation Omega II, with 46 classified as either critical fatigue breaches, or breaches due to drivers

making false and misleading entries in their work diary to hide a fatigue offence.

“This is a concerning figure and shows an increase in the number of breaches of this severity in comparison to the previous Operation Omega, which ran in the lead up to Christmas,” he said.

“Already this year, there has been 60 fatal crashes involving a heavy vehicle across Australia, which is not only tragic, but preventable.”

Salvati said the positive outcome of the operation was to see many operators are implementing the appropriate measures to prioritise rest and alertness for drivers.

“The fantastic takeaway is how many professional drivers and companies understand that no freight task is worth more than a human life and we commend them for putting safety first,” he said.

SCOs, according to Salvati, also delivered 407 education sessions

Cleanaway makes major acquisition

Waste management specialist, Cleanaway, has acquired Citywide Service Solutions (Citywide Waste).

The acquisition has expanded Cleanaway’s solid waste services business by an additional 100 fleet units and 200 staff members.

As part of the agreement, Cleanaway has also acquired Victoria’s secondlargest waste transfer location, the Dynon Road Transfer Station.

The business will now invest $35 million

into the station to transform it into a modern and efficient post-collection hub.

Cleanaway Executive General Manager Solid Waste Services, Tracey Boyes, said the business is delighted to welcome the Citywide Waste team to Cleanaway.

“Together, we’ll continue delivering essential services to Melbourne’s communities while enhancing resource recovery outcomes across the CBD and surrounding areas,” she said.

“The Citywide team has built a

specifically centred on fatigue and work diaries, accounting for almost 97 hours.

“When drivers are impacted by fatigue, they’re at risk of impaired judgment, slowed reaction times and an increased chance of being involved in a catastrophic collision,” Salvati said.

“Throughout Operation Omega II, SCOs took the time to engage with drivers, providing education and raising awareness about the serious risks of driving tired, with the aim of encouraging voluntary compliance with the law.

“An additional 253 education sessions were provided to drivers on other Heavy Vehicle National Law requirements, such as vehicle standards, loading, and mass.”

During the operation, a number of additional compliance issues were also identified, with mechanical noncompliance proving to be the primary area of concern.

successful business and brings deep experience in servicing Melbourne’s inner city.

“Now, as part of Cleanaway, we’re excited to continue serving residents of the City of Melbourne and other major councils, as well as the many commercial and industrial customers who rely on the Dynon Road Transfer Station.”

The potential acquisition was first announced earlier this year.

’Safety ﬁrst’ sprayed on asphalt. Image: joefotoﬂ /stock.adobe.com.

A game-changing delivery system

By popular acclaim, the SWIFT Delivery System from Liquip is the industry’s simplest, lightest, smartest and – yes –fastest fuel-delivery solution.

The SWIFT’s innovative metering delivery system uses level gauging to accurately and conveniently deliver multiple products through a single pump – whether the method of delivery is gravity-fed, bulk-drop or hose reel.

Make the SWIFT Delivery System the star of your fuel-delivery production!

Made in WA

The Western Australian Government is seeking to strengthen the state’s economy, with over $1 billion of investments to be delivered through the 2025-26 State Budget.

Western Australia boasts a unique set of conditions which have long made it an economic powerhouse in the nation.

According to the Western Australian Treasury Corporation, WA notably enjoys an abundance of natural resources when compared to other states and strong economic resilience as a result. Because of this, WA accounts for roughly half of Australia’s goods exports, producing over 50 mineral and petroleum products through its massive mining and gas industries.

This economic performance is being further built upon with a $1.4 billion investment as part of the WA Government’s 2025-26 State Budget. This figure is headlined by a $500 million investment into the state’s Strategic Industries Fund and also includes $38.5 million to support defence, mining and exploration and hospitality sectors; $209.4 million to boost local manufacturing of buses, batteries and ferries; and a $331 million investment in training initiatives including $122 million extension of popular fee-free TAFE and additional provision of construction courses.

According to WA Premier Roger Cook, the government wants to continue the support and incentivisation of hard work by creating more opportunities for it within the economy.

“Our economy has been made strong through the hard work of generations of Western Australians,” he said.

AUSTRALIAN CONSUMER CONFIDENCE

“We’ve created hundreds of thousands of jobs, overseen a massive surge in apprenticeship starts, and seen businesses investing in WA like never before. We want to build on that record, make more things here, power WA on clean energy, supply the materials required for the world’s clean energy transition, and diversify our economy by leveraging our existing strengths.”

Elsewhere in the budget, the state’s manufacturing space will receive a significant boost of $208.4 million via several smaller investments into electrifying public transport, encouraging the use of new technologies through the

Housing Innovation Fund, support for the Local Battery Manufacturing Program and more.

WA Deputy Premier and Treasurer, Rita Saffioti, praised the state’s multi-faceted economic future.

“Protecting our economy and creating more jobs for Western Australians will always be a key focus for our government, and our Made in WA plan will help deliver on that,” she said.

“Western Australians have an entrepreneurial spirit – and we have incredible capacity within our State to build the things we need to take WA forward.”

The Freighter Group network is here and ready to support all your spare trailer parts needs. With a wide selection of high-quality, genuine spare parts for all Freighter Group OE trailer brands, available now and ready to order, you can easily find the right part without the hassle. It is all part of our unwavering commitment to keep you moving by supporting your business for the full life of our products.

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Line of duty

Fonterra’s new Byford Equipment Performance-Based Standards rigid tanker and dog is the forerunner of a new fleet of highly productive and efficient combinations.

Transporting 55 million litres of milk in a year is a task on its own. But dedicating this responsibility to a single tanker combination is something entirely different. National dairy company, Fonterra, is carrying out this monstrous freight task with its new Byford Equipment Performance-Based Standards (PBS) fiveaxle rigid tanker and dog combination – a unit that will act as a prototype before the fleet’s makeup fully evolves to a new trailer configuration.

The maths behind the transport objective is as follows. With a Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of 63 tonnes and payload of 42.6 tonnes, the Byford unit can deliver 38,000 litres of milk per trip. It completes two trips per shift and two shifts a day, tallying up 152,000 litres. Multiply that figure by 365 days a year and you end up with 55,480,000 litres of milk delivered annually.

All of this milk is collected from hundreds

fleet transitioning from standard A-doubles and B-doubles towards rigid tanker and five-axle dog applications.

“We wanted to trial a set from Byford,” he says. “Being an Australian-made manufacturer, they gave us great input into the design, construction, materials and componentry that they used. We did that purely with the five-axle dog so that we could get a higher volume over our four axles, not be incumbent by On-Board Mass regulations and still stick within our Performance-Based Standards (PBS) Tier 1 constraints.”

The tanker set is now the most critical unit in Fonterra’s fleet due to it being the first of its kind.

“This combination is driving us towards a five-axle truck and dog fleet, so it’s the one we’re watching the most,” says Fonterra National Fleet and Equipment Manager, Cameron Nicholls. “We want to push the envelope for weight purposes

in a way that would tailor their operational needs and allow the PBS combination to serve its purpose of being a role model for future instalments. The design covered axles, braking systems, rims and tyre sizes, the amount of manway in inspection ports, pipe work, venting and more.

“We had complete design selection,” Cameron says. “We worked with Byford through the design specs and the things that are specific to us so that the product would be built how we wanted it to be. The end result is the furthest we’ve gotten in developing a tanker that works for us, our sites and our collection process.”

The rigid tanker on the front of the combination has a 13,000-litre capacity, while the five-axle dog at the rear has space for 30,000 litres. The entire PBS combination has network access under the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) National Class 2 PBS Level 1 & 2A Truck and Dog Trailer notice. Being under 20

this vehicle out compared to the others because it can pick more volume up.

“It performs really well. It’s actually more stable on the road than a four-axle dog because of the five axles and longer trailers. It’s got a really good drawbar system as well which makes it steadier.”

The five-axle truck and dog has a swept path of 5.6 metres on a 90-degree turn, similar to a single tri-axle trailer, meaning access and turning angles are never a problem. This is critical for Fonterra’s tankers which often find themselves in tight and narrow spaces on farms.

“The truck and dog combination has been really good for access on farms,” Cameron says. “There hasn’t been any sacrifice with five axles over four. I don’t know of any farms that this one can’t go to that a fouraxle can.”

The versatility of the unit has given Fonterra a major advantage. By sticking to PBS Tier 1, it has very minimal restrictions and can be operated wherever required without needing additional permits to comply with tier levels and road and bridge restrictions.

“It allows us to go everywhere we need to go as one of the most productive trucks that we’ve got,” Cameron says. “If we tried to be any trickier with PBS, we would be doubling up on sending trucks back to farms that were next door to ones we’d already been to. So, it’s walking a nice line between getting enough volume on board and not being too restrictive by road access.”

The entire combination is also extremely fuel efficient. With a 540hp Volvo FM prime mover it has an average consumption rate of 2km/l.

“We’ve seen some pretty good productivity gains, particularly with the latest Volvo,” Cameron says. “It has increased our fuel efficiency significantly by greater than five per cent.”

Fonterra’s latest PBS tanker application joins 30 Byford trailers at the business – a fleet of older units which will now be gradually replaced with five-axle rigid tankers and dogs using the same formula that was perfected with this latest order. The company is extremely confident about this new venture due to the quality seen with the existing equipment in the fleet and the relationship established between both businesses.

“We’re only completing standard maintenance procedures on our Byford equipment,” Matthew says. “We service

them every 15,000 kilometres, so they’re getting inspected every three weeks. The maintenance is key to keeping our trailers on the road and it increases the reliability of our fleet due to minimum downtimes.”

“Fonterra and Byford really value each other,” Cameron adds. “If there’s an issue, there’s no finger-pointing. It’s just about solving the problem.

“That’s something I enjoy about my role and working with a company like Byford on behalf of Fonterra. Gary Byford is very aware of his reputation, and he wants a good outcome for his name on the door. You can’t ask for much more than that.”

Contact Byford Equipment

Ph: 03 5482 0666

Web: www.byfordequipment.com.au

Fonterra’s new rigid tanker and ﬁve-axle dog.

The unit has a Gross Combination Mass of 63 tonnes and payload of 42.6 tonnes.

Images:

Byford Equipment.

The best things come in threes

Liquip is used to fielding requests that are a bit different from the usual, so when working with Freight Lines Group, a custom request spurred the further expansion and innovation of the Swift delivery system.

With an install base of over several hundred systems, the team at Liquip are certainly on to a winning formula with the Swift delivery system. The Swift system can accommodate a range of tanker designs including rigids, single trailers and B-double road trains, but every now and again a request comes along that challenges this winning formula.

When Freight Lines Group came to Liquip with a requirement for a triple road train that would have the ability to pump and meter from the front, middle or rear trailer (via a delivery system installed on the middle trailer), it wasn’t a standard configuration for the Swift range. It was a case of thinking outside the box – taking a recipe and expanding on it to create a working delivery system and a very happy customer.

“Liquip’s engineering team thrives on complex challenges and it excels at finding simple, standardised solutions,” says Liquip International National OEM Account Manager, Joel Cork. “When we first sat down to work through the initial scope, it was clear this wasn’t going to be straightforward. But I had full confidence in the team and they absolutely rose to the occasion.”

Liquip Victoria Managing Director, Jeff Borg, explains that the Swift system had only ever been designed for up to two trailers.

“When the customer required one for a triple combination, we had to go and design the system so that it could communicate and work across three trailers,” he says. “There was a lot of research and development that had to be done for the customer’s order without delaying delivery. To bring this solution together, engineers from Liquip International and Liquip Victoria worked together to design and verify the solution.”

The Liquip engineers took a standard Swift configuration and, with the addition of only one control box, were able to expand the functionality of it. The end result was a first-of-its-kind triple road train Swift, affectionately called the Swift ‘Piggy-in-theMiddle’ configuration.

“We had to develop some way of switching between trailers,” Jeff says. “The solution was reached by keeping the standard functionality the same across all three trailers and developing a switching methodology between the first, second and third whilst maintaining the original look and feel of Swift.

“It was a challenge to do it without modifying the way that Swift is used. So, the project shows how our team uses its manufacturing expertise and demonstrates its ability to come up with a unique solution.”

The same outcome could have been achieved through the inclusion of a multitude of control units, complex software and additional wiring. However, by critically analysing the customer brief and investing significant hours up front in the design and testing phases, the final product was able to meet the brief while using mostly existing parts.

Freight Lines Group is a large Western Australia-based freight company which specialises in bulk grain, fertiliser, lime and gypsum as well as general and fridge and freezer freight. The new road train, based in Albany, WA, has been dedicated to its sister company, Western Fuels Group, and will be used to transport Dangerous Goods (DG) throughout the Great Southern and Goldfields-Esperance regions.

Western Fuels Group’s Jim Raszyk explains that the majority of the combination’s work will include multidrop deliveries as well as linehaul work for retail sites and large commercial accounts. The

Western Fuels Group’s road train.

Swift delivery system, as a result, needed to be faultless, flexible and capable of continual use without breakdowns.

“The combination is licenced to carry petrol and diesel, and it has dedicated hose reels so that both products can be metered,” he says.

Jim adds that the new configuration needed to be flexible with linehaul work to maximise payloads.

“The road train is our third Tieman Tankers setup in the fleet,” he says. “For this one, we put a full Liquip Swift delivery system on it because of the weight saving of around 500 kilograms compared to traditional pumping systems.

“The other reason we went with the Swift system is because of the deliveries these trailers are doing. They’re doing a lot of multidrops, and with full three-trailer loads they could do up to 10 deliveries in a run based on our schedule.”

With the road train boasting a 90-tonne payload with capacity for approximately 100,000 litres, Jim needed a system that would save on weight but deliver on accuracy.

underground tanks a lot easier, especially when split deliveries are needed.”

While the road train features the bespoke Swift system, it does include all standard, modern-day specifications such as Antilock Braking Systems (ABS) and Electronic Braking Systems (EBS).

“It’s also been made to be used as a standard B-double or a pocket road train at 27.5 metres,” Jim says. “This gives us a lot more flexibility, and that flexibility also allows us to deliver metered product from any of the trailers.”

Jim adds that the Swift system’s accuracy ensures peace of mind for his customers, knowing they are receiving an accurate amount of fuel each delivery especially when delivering petrol.

“It’s also the ease of operation for the drivers,” he says. “The system is very intuitive and user-friendly. This is essential when you have different drivers using the system.”

Since the launch of the Swift delivery system, the Liquip enigneers have been working diligently to expand the product to cater for a range of configurations.

“Our R&D doesn’t stop there,” Joel says. “We have some exciting nextgeneration developments on the horizon, particularly in metering and delivery system technology.”

push for increased payloads and greater operational efficiency, Liquip is not only adapting the Swift system to meet changing market demands – it’s at the forefront of the industry’s evolution.

“Our focus remains on delivering consistent, reliable functionality,” Joel explains. “As fleets move towards delivery systems for triples and quad configurations, system complexity naturally increases. That’s where Liquip’s greatest strength lies. In our people.”

With a dedicated local team spanning R&D, and manufacturing and product specialists working directly with operators and system installers, Liquip is wellpositioned to solve intricate challenges with intelligent, fit-for-purpose solutions.

“We’re able to implement innovative and often highly technical processes while maintaining system familiarity,” Joel says. “And most importantly, we actively incorporate feedback from the people who use the equipment every day, the operators.”

“We deliver petrol to agricultural and other businesses, hence the need for a system like this,” he explains. “A key feature of the Swift system is the automatic inclusion of Liquip’s level gauging which makes delivering into Contact Liquip

As the transport industry continues to

148 Newton Road

Wetherill Park, Sydney

NSW 2164

Ph: 02 9725 9000

Web: www.liquip.com

Liquip Swift delivery system and pumping gear ﬁtted.

Images: Liquip.

Moving smarter

Road Tanker Systems’ cloud-based Road Tanker Load Calculator provides an easy way to increase payload capacity and efficiency while ensuring full compliance within legal weight limits.

Road Tanker Systems’ story dates back to 2004. What started as manual calculations and Excel spreadsheets turned into a side hustle and, from there, developed into what is now known as the company’s flagship tool – the Road Tanker Load Calculator (RTLC).

The RTLC is a mass management system specifically designed and built for the bulk fuel and lubricants logistics industry which allows operators to calculate axle weights and overall combination weights for different load configurations. The calculator, which was established in New Zealand and later expanded across Australia and into Canada, is what Road Tanker Systems considers to be equivalent to a Smart OnBoard Mass (OBM) system, but without the hardware.

“We can deliver the same results, predicting optimal loads before drivers hit the terminal using real-time density data,” says Road Tanker Systems Sales Manager, Simon Lytollis. “We can help planners or drivers figure out how much to load on each combination to achieve optimum legal delivery volume. So, we can essentially tell users the results before they’ve even started the truck.”

The RTLC’s main objective is to ensure that every load out of the gate is legal but maximises delivery volume, and it allows operators to optimise their fleet in three ways.

Firstly, it helps them to start planning how they can load efficiently. This provides the biggest delivery volume uplift. For further efficiency gains, a daily product density feed from the terminals helps optimise batch and temperature variations throughout the year. Lastly, fleet modifications such as fifth wheels or different unit combinations can be tested. The goal is to see every axle group loaded to its legal maximum to know the operator is being as efficient as possible.

“We see more and more fuel logistics companies modernising and becoming aware of the value of efficiency in every

The system has the ability to automatically calculate both mass and volume. Images: Road Tanker Systems.

area of their operations,” Simon says. “With changing densities, every load is different. So, it becomes difficult to know when and how to squeeze out that last few per cent that can mean the difference between profit and loss. This is the exact problem that we solve.”

The RTLC’s load calculator eliminates the guesswork out of load planning. This saves costs, avoids fines and maximises every trip. Its advanced ‘Auto Optimise’ functionality uses linear programming to solve compartment volumes and automatically balances axle and combination weights to stay within legal weight limits – resulting in more efficient deliveries and improved productivity. Due to its proven methodology, the calculated results are impressively accurate (calculated within 2.5 per cent on any axle group).

The concept of calculating fuel tanker axle weights has also been used by the RTLC’s architect for more than 12 years in similar systems built for BP and Linfox. Road Tanker Systems claims tanker manufacturers also use the same mathematical principles for their design calculations.

The RTLC system itself has been quietly operating since late 2016. In that time, its users have completed nearly 250,000 calculated loads to help shape the calculator into final product that Road Tanker Systems has today.

“By using this tool, users can transport more fuel in less time while giving them the peace of mind that their fleet is loaded safely and legally,” Simon says. “Our existing clients have typically seen between a three- to six-per-cent uplift in delivery volumes across their fleets. From DEF Group to Simpsons Fuel, RTLC has proven to increase payload capacity and simplify compliance while delivering Return on Investment through smarter logistics.”

Other features include support for High Productivity Freight Vehicle (HPFV) permits which allows users to configure override for axles, gross combination weight limits or specific states/routes; ‘Multidrop Checks’ which ensures a run with multiple farm or small drops stay legal at all times as deliveries are made and the compartment volumes change; ‘Saved Loads’ which allows regular delivery runs to be set up for repeat use; and ‘Audit Loads’ which save the finalised loads to a date time stamped audit log.

This log can’t be changed once the load is committed as the audit trail is locked down and ready to retrieve any load at any time, on screen or downloaded as a PDF.

In addition, the RTLC’s ‘Fleet Management’ interface has been refined with extensive testing to fit real-world conditions. It has scaled unit diagrams and features to correctly calibrate fleet equipment during onboarding.

“We pride ourselves on offering comprehensive support for a wide range of transportation units and configurations,” Simon says. “Our expertise ensures that no matter the combination or complexity of a fleet, we can keep its operations running efficiently.”

Looking ahead, Road Tanker Systems intends to build on the RTLC by launching a planning tool later this year. An in-cab app for completing deliveries onsite is also in the pipeline to follow that, along with a few other connected experiences around driver and maintenance management as well.

“The future of fuel logistics is about moving smarter,” Simon says. “RTLC solves today’s loading headaches while building toward tomorrow’s connected fleet.”

Contact

Road Tanker Systems

E: contact@roadtankersystems.com

Web: www.roadtankerloadcalculator.com

RTLC GAINS QUANTIFIED

Strapped in

Barker Trailers, in collaboration with Polyweld, has developed an innovative freight solution which addresses driver safety, efficiency and return on investment – all paramount operational considerations.

When anyone has health issues, they consult a doctor or health professional. The same applies to the issue of drivers’ health and safety when operating heavy vehicles.

That was the approach Barker Trailers took when it approached Polyweld for an innovative curtainsider semi-trailer solution.

The end result is the highly efficient meshbased Load Restraint Gate System –an alternative gate system that is time efficient, user-friendly, easy to operate and most importantly, safe.

“The Load Restraint Gate System works very much along the lines of a load restraint-rated curtain,” explains Barker Trailers Engineering Solutions Specialist, Ian Brownlee. “It’s hung from rollers, similar to the rollers that would be used on a load restraint-rated curtain. The curtain would ordinarily be the full length of the trailer, but in this case the gates are broken into sections which fit between the roof support posts.”

Ian explains how the Load Restraint Gate System makes the operation of the curtainsider a quick and easy task.

“With side gates, whether they’re supported or unsupported, you have to lift them out of slots in the coaming and manually manoeuvre them out of the way or onto the ground,” he says. “But with this, the mesh system hooks into a customised coaming rail which has a latching system incorporated into it.

“The mesh gate strap attaches to a pin plate that hooks into the coaming rail or the

gate pockets. This arrangement is not only faster than a traditional buckle, hook and strap, but it is also only a few millimetres thick meaning it doesn’t interfere with the function of the vinyl side curtain. The gate is then strapped in, forming the internal load restraints behind the main trailer curtain.”

For Barker Trailers, achieving Dangerous Goods (DG) certification and the load restraint rating was an ultimate goal of the system’s development. The end product is a unique mashup of Barker Trailers’ low buckle curtain system and Polyweld’s inventiveness.

“This mesh system works well in combination with our low buckle curtain,” Ian says. “It was really a case of mimicking what a normal load restraint curtain would do in terms of straps per pallet space and then connecting it with some kind of webbing.”

The system, rated to 2,000kg per pallet space, is highly effective. Due to its open mesh webbing design, the operator can open the main trailer curtain and see through the system to assess any freight movement on the inside. This then eliminates the need for handling heavy metal gates, reducing tare, costs and the possibility of injuries.

“An open mesh-type webbing seemed to be the best solution because you can see through it,” Ian says. “It’s really just there as a carriage for the main load restraint straps to keep them all together as a unit.”

A key factor to the successful creation of the product was also Barker Trailers’ longstanding relationship with Polyweld.

“Barker Trailers have always been a premium brand, and their equipment certainly reflects their commitment to quality,” says Polyweld Managing Director, Stuart Donaldson. “We have long been supporting this commitment.

“More than that, the Donaldson family and the Barker family have worked together for decades. Even now, the first generation has passed on this bond and these values have been adopted and reinforced by the second generation.”

During the development of the product, Stuart was also acutely aware that safety is always a paramount consideration.

“A seat belt will only save your life if you put it on,” he says. “The same is true of load binders. The mesh curtains are more like airbags.”

The Load Restraint Gate System was originally thought of as an idea to replace heavy metal gates when operators wanted new ways to improve driver safety. In 2021, Stuart proposed Polyweld’s Axitex mesh curtains as an option at the Brisbane Truck Show.

For Barker Trailers’ latest application, it was a case of bringing the idea to life for Adelaide-based transport company, Energy LogistiX. Ian explains that the curtain system, produced in accordance with the fleet’s needs, would focus on time efficiencies and traditional

Three Energy LogistiX trailers ﬁtted with the innovation.

Images: Barker Trailers.

curtainsider operational issues.

“You hear that a lot of injuries occur to shoulders around shifting trailer gates out because it’s all done above shoulder level,” he says. “This completely alleviates that, so I think it would pay dividends when implemented on a large scale. Most businesses replace trailers over time, so it could just form part of a new spec that gets incorporated into new trailers.

“The cost benefit would be there in terms of cumulative time saved per trip. It might not be a huge amount per trip, but over the life of a trailer, it would be substantial.”

Barker Trailers has already experienced a wave of positive interest in the mesh curtain system. It now sees ample opportunity for a greater market share.

“There were some systems put out on a couple of trailers in South Australia a few years ago, and they’ve given us the confidence to move into a larger fleet like Energy LogistiX,” Ian says. “It has garnered a fair amount of interest and the feedback from those who have seen it has been very positive.”

For Stuart, helping to develop something as innovative and practical as the Load Restraint Gate System was an opportunity to help heavy vehicle truck drivers in what he describes as “the most dangerous job there is”.

“I often think of how many times someone is operating a curtain or loading a truck,” he says. “I’m proud to be able

The design of the mesh Load Restraint Gate System means freight can be easily viewed from the outside.

The alternative gate system reduces operational times and increases safety.

Living in high cotton

Windella Agricultural Company has revamped its cotton carting abilities with a new delivery from Moore Trailers.

Cotton harvesting is a huge business in Australia’s east. According to Cotton Australia, the Australia cotton industry – primarily based in New South Wales and Queensland – generates over $3 billion in export revenue and employs over 7,000 people. Approximately 90 per cent of these labourers work on family farms which are passed down through generations, as seen with family businesses such as Windella Agricultural Company.

Windella Agricultural Company, a century-old dry land and irrigation cropping farm located near Rowena, NSW, grows an assortment of wheat, chickpeas and broad beans in the winter and cotton during the summer. For many years, the farm has implemented builds from Moore Trailers to assist in this harvesting. This has cultivated a strong partnership between the two companies according to Windella Agricultural Company owner and fourth generation family member, John Stump.

“We’ve had a good, long history with Moore,” he says. “We’ve got 18 of their trailers, and they’re great to deal with.

“If you go to them with an idea or vision, they’re happy to do certain things to accommodate that. They will build a custom-built trailer much more than just a stock standard trailer.”

Windella Agricultural Company has just taken delivery of two new nine-bale flat tops from Moore Trailers – something which has been in the works for a considerable amount of time.

“We’ve been carting cotton with our Moore Trailers 45’ flat tops for a long time,” John says. “I’ve been talking to them on and off about building a new set for three or four years and we both decided to go ahead with it last year.”

The new combination is made up of two trailers which are currently travelling between Windella and a cotton gin 75 kilometres east of the area. Each of the trailers have the capacity to carry nine bales of cotton – a total of 18 on the entire unit –and provide a significant increase in productivity compared to previous 12bale units in the fleet.

“We’re now getting 50 per cent more cotton on per load,” John says. “We typically do four loads a day, so we pick up an extra full day of carting every two days with these trailers compared to our other units. This gives us huge productivity benefits and fuel savings as a result.”

This enhanced efficiency is coupled with a user-friendly design which enables more cotton to be transported easier.

“The usability of these trailers is just great,” John says. “We’ve got toolboxes

up at the front, a flush mounted winch at the front, and a system where we have a pole on the back of the trailer to pull a ski rope across the top of all the bales. You then pull the 100mm strap across it.”

Additional features on these trailers continue to ensure efficiency for Windella Agricultural Company’s operations.

“We’re often picking up mud and cotton stalks with the bales, and that ends up in the trailers,” John says. “So, we have a grain shovel that lives on there and a set of steps so that we can safely reach the top and bottom decks and clean them out when required.”

Meanwhile, the builds have provided other benefits on the financial side of the business.

“Savings on fuel, labour, repair and maintenance are through the roof,” John says. “There aren’t many things that you can pick up that amount of efficiency with.

“We’ll be travelling 33 per cent kilometres less each year because of the efficiency gain. The workmanship and the quality of these trailers have blown us away. Moore Trailers has been flawless and they haven’t let us down at all.”

Contact Moore Trailers

Ph: 07 4693 1088

Web: www.mooretrailers.com.au

Windella Agricultural Company’s nine-bale cotton trailers from Moore Trailers.

Image: Moore Trailers.

enhancing performance and extending the life of your engine.

www.castrolvecton.com.au New Kenworth trucks come with the reassurance of

Need for speed

FortySeven Industries continues its exponential growth by taking delivery of its latest Hamelex White Performance-Based Standards truck body and dog tipper combination from Freighter Group.

‘FortySeven Industries’ is a name that is not only intertwined with transport, but also racing. The company is a truck and dog tipper business which was formed by co-owner, Brendon Claridge, and his wife, Tatum, on the back of their previous fuel company named Claridge Transport.

After purchasing a new truck and starting their second transport business in March 2021, it was time to form the organisation’s identity. For the name, Brendon and Tatum, together with their two children, Lamiah

and Kinser, decided on ‘FortySeven Industries’, a tribute to their family sprint car racing team.

“We have a sprintcar team called Claridge Racing and our number is 47,” Brendon explains. “It’s the same number that my dad always had in racing, so we named our new business after that.”

From just one truck and dog combination to eight prime movers and 17 truck and dogs, FortySeven Industries has grown exponentially. As it stands, the fleet is not

slowing. In fact, it’s growing at a rapid rate with Freighter Group and the Hamelex White product.

“Our 12 Hamelex White truck and dogs are currently contracted to major companies in southeast Queensland, and we’ve got another one on order to arrive at the end of the year,” Brendon says. “We mainly cart quarry aggregates, sand, mulch and landscape materials. Anything you can put in the back of a truck and dog, we put in there.

A FortySeven Industries Hamelex White combination.

FortySeven Industries co-owner, Brendon Claridge, stands by the product.

Images: Freighter Group.

“We’ve had nothing but a great experience with Hamelex White. They’ve been perfect, and I couldn’t have asked for anything better.”

FortySeven Industries’ latest Hamelex White delivery arrived in the form of a rigid body fitted to a Mack Super-Liner prime mover and a Performance-Based Standards (PBS) four-axle dog on the rear. The rigid unit includes truck and dog hydraulics, grain locks, a Right Weigh digital gauge, mesh tarp and Ringfeder coupling among many other standard specs. Meanwhile, the four-axle dog features E-Plas QuickSilver flooring, Hendrickson INTRAAX suspensions and disc brakes, grain locks and a paver chute to name a few. Both Hamelex White bins were also spec’d with extra features including additional lighting on the tops and sides.

With a Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of 57.5 tonnes and a payload of around 39.8 tonnes, the new PBS combination gives FortySeven Industries a tare weight of 17.5 tonnes. This has been seen to improve efficiency and the business’ bottom line.

In its operations of quarry aggregate, landscape material and paving applications, the new Hamelex White build has also continued to deliver in performance and reliability.

“The quality and reliability of the Hamelex

White product has been amazing so far,” Brendon says. “We haven’t had any issues with it. It’s great for me because I don’t have to worry about it. The truck just goes to work every day and the trailers do their job, so we don’t need any maintenance and we aren’t having breakdowns on the side of the road.”

With FortySeven Industries being a local business based in the South East Queensland region, the truck and dog unit often finds itself in Toowoomba, Gympie and near Lismore, New South Wales. Operating throughout a 200-kilometre radius from its home base has been a breeze.

“Our drivers love the ease of the controls and the ease of using the product,” Brendon says. “The Hamelex White product has been perfect – no cracks, no warping, nothing. The older ones that we already have look like they’re brand new as well. Together, the Mack product and the Hamelex White product are a great combination.”

This latest delivery was coordinated through Freighter Group’s Queensland dealer, Trailer Sales. Brendon says this made the entire delivery process seamless for him.

“Steve Helms from Mack Australia had three Macks that he was building as stock orders for Hamelex White, so he already

had the bodies on the trucks,” he says. “I had Hamelex White bins on another truck, so I thought why would I go anywhere else?

“In terms of the entire process, Roger Miller at Trailer Sales was amazing to deal with. He answers the phone anytime you want to call, and if he doesn’t, he will ring you straight back. If Roger can’t answer the question, you’ll get an answer in around half an hour. So, nothing was ever an issue.”

As Brendon clearly highlights, the Freighter Group product has been nothing but perfect. The service, too, has been exceptional. For these reasons, he doesn’t see any other option than Hamelex White.

“There’s not a bad word I can say about my experience,” he says. “Servicing-wise, the trailers have been nothing but easy to maintain. We’ve got our own on-site mechanic that works on our trailers and there’s been no issue whatsoever with the Hamelex White units.

“I don’t think there is a better product out there. We’re definitely dealing with a great product here, so I don’t see a reason to change. I’ll only buy Hamelex White trailers now.”

Contact

Freighter Group

Ph: 03 5339 0300

Web: www.freighter.com.au

The ﬂeet has accumulated 12 Hamelex White units.

On the hunt

Hunting down better safety measures in transport is a significant commitment for JOST from an OEM perspective.

JOST has primarily been known for its success in fifth wheels. The OEM sports a distinguished range of products that have proven to not only do the job they were designed to but provide a plethora of bonus benefits as well, such as ease of use, fewer maintenance requirements and reduced downtime.

But JOST has also been advancing towards something greater. In recent years, the manufacturer has taken a deeper dive into safety – a factor prevalent in transport – and it’s looking to make a powerful impact.

A regular issue within the transport industry has been the case of incorrect couplings which can result in dropped trailers and significant damages. This is known to be a very costly error for those who experience it, but JOST offers a solution through one of its latest innovations, Loc-Light.

“A key issue when trying to set up road trains, B-doubles and multiple trailer applications is there’s more than one fifth wheel on the vehicle,” says JOST Australia National Fleet Manager, Shane

Harbridge. “So, ensuring that we’ve got the technology there for people to be able to have that second tier of safety when hooking up a B-double or dolly in an A-double or road train application is essential.”

JOST’s Loc-Light sensor system does just that. Featuring a dual sensor monitoring setup and LED illumination with orbital sounder, the system has the ability to ensure secure and reliable couplings while reducing the risk of errors.

Loc-Light is integrated with a green/red indicator near the handle of the fifth wheel. How this works is very simple; when the handle and kingpin are properly locked, the light turns green which signals that the trailer has been coupled correctly. If the handle or kingpin is not locked correctly, the light flashes red and the orbital sounder will give an alarm.

“Loc-Light wires into a power supply on the truck, trailer or dolly with its own independent light on the side of the fifth wheel,” Shane says. “If operators hook, say, a B-double or a road train up, when they walk down the combination and go

to plug the hoses and everything in, they will also have a light display as an extra indicator in addition to their regular visual inspection.”

Loc-Light’s built-in orbital sounder will also alert operators if there is something wrong with the fifth wheel or the way that the trailer has been connected. That being said, JOST is confident that the innovation will make the coupling process easier and the chances of dropped trailers and damages less likely.

Loc-Light isn’t the only solution that JOST brings to the table in this area. The OEM also possesses other critical technologies such as ROCKINGER couplings which can be fitted with additional safety features such as jack-knife sensors, air operation and dash sensor displays with sensor lock indicators.

The latest addition to the ROCKINGER coupling includes the drawbar finder which is integrated with a camera for in-dash display. Meanwhile, JOST’s unique Sensor Coupling System can tell whether a fifth wheel is coupled correctly or incorrectly via an in-cab dash display.

Loc-Light on display at the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show.

By being able to prevent false couplings and dropped trailers from occurring, it can provide operators with extra peace of mind when connecting trailers and prime movers.

The Sensor Coupling System does this using three sensors fitted to the turntable –one on the plate surface to detect whether or not the skid plate on the trailer is in contact with the fifth wheel plate surface, one to detect the kingpin and ensure the lock jaw is secured around it and one on the handle latch to ensure the handle is in the fully locked position. If any or all of these sensors detect an irregularity, the Sensor Coupling System will alert the driver that something is wrong and that the coupling process needs to be revisited.

The technology in some of these systems, according to JOST, is also what ultimately led to the successful development of its revolutionary automatic coupling system, KKS.

KKS automates the entire coupling and uncoupling process with the push of a button on a remote control, and according to JOST, it has the potential to halve the time it takes to change a trailer while eliminating all physically demanding activities associated with the coupling/ uncoupling process.

KKS is more than one single component. Relying on a unique combination of the fifth wheel coupling, connectors, electric landing leg gear and remote control, all of the individual components come together to ensure trailer swapping is fast and safe.

In addition to being a big efficiency gain, it is also reported to almost halve costs per truck trip depending on the transport order, driving and saddle time. The core of the product is a highquality 2” cast saddle coupling KKS 42 which is tried, tested, reliable and highly functional.

Together with the KKS Connector (which is fitted under the body of the trailer), KKS forms the revolutionary sensor coupling system with Sensoric, LubeTronic and pneumatic opening cylinders.

The unique KKS Connector automatically and securely establishes all mechanical, electrical and pneumatic connections between the truck and trailer, thus eliminating the need for spiral lines for air, electrics and AntiLock Braking Systems (ABS) as well as Electronic Braking Systems (EBS).

KKS also eliminates the need for landing leg cranks and pulling fifth wheel

handles, ensured by the robust KKS E-Drive landing legs and air-operated fifth wheel cylinder. This is an electric and air support winch that is also controlled via the KKS remote control and replaces the time-consuming and physically strenuous pulling and cranking. By eliminating these factors, JOST claims the space requirement is reduced enormously.

In addition, KKS also helps reduce OH&S concerns when it comes to manually connecting or disconnecting vehicles such as pulling the fifth wheel handle, winding landing legs and climbing on and off the vehicle to connect hoses.

JOST’s KKS, Sensor Coupling System, ROCKINGER drawbar finder and LocLight are all innovations which build on the company’s already extensive product line-up of fifth wheels, landing legs, kingpins, ballraces and more. JOST’s diverse range of innovations for trailers and prime movers allow the OEM to act as a critical link to increased safety as a result.

Contact

JOST Australia

Ph: 1800 811 487

Web: www.jostaustralia.com.au

E: sales@jostaustralia.com.au

The JOST drawbar ﬁnder on a ROCKINGER coupling.

Trailer building materials/components

Paint the town in Dulux

DTR Truck Repairs swears by Dulux Automotive Coatings’ FleetShield range and other solutions due to the extreme durability and usability advantages they provide.

DTR Truck Repairs is an accident repair centre based in Pakenham, Victoria, which has been around for 15 years. Specialising in spray painting and restoration work, the business brings a range of vehicles, from semi-trailers to prime movers, back to life with a passion.

DTR Truck Repairs uses Dulux Automotive Coatings paint for 100-percent of its work. The company has so much confidence in DuluxGroup’s product that it even decided to paint its new facility with it.

“We’ve just opened a brand-new facility in Pakenham where we’ve moved all of our branches into one,” says DTR Truck

Repairs Director, Jason Dean. “It makes it a lot easier for the business because we can watch all of the repairs under the one roof.

“We’ve been using Dulux paint for almost four years now. It’s a sensational product. We’ve even painted all of the offices out the front and inside with Dulux Weathershield. It’s a different product to what we use on our vehicles, but that’s how much we love Dulux.”

DTR Truck Repairs’ new location is a 1,100-square-metre facility with floor spacing which can accommodate 20 trucks at a time – sufficient for the demand the business faces. The

company has also just fitted a brandnew paint booth within the facility and by September it will have a second one in operation. This is where DTR Truck Repairs will utilise its Dulux products to its full potential.

“We’re going to start another truck refinishing business in the same street where we’ll be focusing on brand-new vehicles as well,” Jason says. “We’ll be able to watch the whole operation in the one area.”

Jason, now 44 years old, was brought up in the industry. He used to work at another repair business with his father who was a branch manager there until he

Images: DTR Truck Repairs.

A tipper bin painted with Dulux Automotive Coatings FleetShield.

decided to venture out on his own. So, he started DTR Truck Repairs from the ground up and he now continues to oversee the entire operation and its use of Dulux paint.

“We’re an authorised Dulux applicator,” he says. “We paint all of our customers’ vehicles with Dulux, whether it be trailers, trucks, chassis, cabs, tippers or trays.

“One of our painters said we should try it around four years ago and we did. I was a bit hesitant at first, but I shut my mouth very quickly after I used it.”

Whether it be topcoats and primers from the renowned FleetShield range or Autospeed prepwash and thinners, Dulux Automotive Coatings is Jason’s only option – DTR Truck Repairs goes through hundreds of litres of these products a month.

“We use Dulux products every week on every job, so we use heaps of it,” he says. “We’re very happy with the product.

It leaves a great gloss and it performs fantastically.

“We like the shine that it gives and how easy it is to work with. From the primer to the topcoat, it’s all very easy to put on. It doesn’t have a lot of peel in it when you finish, and if you get a bit of dirt in the paint, it polishes up beautifully.”

Jason says the durability of the FleetShield range in particular is unbelievable.

“We continue to use it because of the longevity,” he says. “It protects vehicles from stone chips and the paint from peeling. We’ve had no bad reports from our customers, but we have had trucks that have come back four or five years later for other repairs and the Dulux paint that we had used the first time was still fantastic.”

The quality of the end result is something that has been noticed by the customers of DTR Truck Repairs as well.

“We always get positive feedback from our customers on the products we use,” Jason says. “They love our paint work and the way that their vehicles come up.”

This excellent feedback and what Jason describes as “unmatched service” from DuluxGroup are two of the many factors which have made DTR Truck Repairs’ experience with Dulux Automotive Coatings products very rewarding.

“We swear by Dulux and we’re backed by them,” Jason says. “That’s the major thing with DuluxGroup – you’ve got their support. So, if there is ever a problem, they’re out here and they fix it. They’re fantastic. We love Dulux.”

Contact Jason McColl

Ph: 0448 558 361

Web: www.duluxautomotive.com

Dulux FleetShield.

Transport Refrigeration Services’ new Thermaxx Victoria location.

The next step

Transport Refrigeration Services’ capabilities as a manufacturer and distributor have been further bolstered with a significant company development.

Transport Refrigeration Services (TRS) has become an integral part of Australia’s refrigerated transport sector over the last 40 years. The business was created in 1978 by Managing Director, Greg Woodley, who brought it from a one-man operation to a national entity.

TRS Victoria and Tasmania Sales Manager, Peter Goulis, says the outfit is now an interstate powerhouse.

“We sport several locations across the country and support approximately 200 staff throughout these sites,” he says.

“We remain particularly big in Sydney, as that’s our home and where the company began its distributional capabilities. But it’s important to note that these distribution efforts are not all that TRS brings to the market.”

TRS’s other market capabilities notably include its own series of refrigerated truck bodies under the name Thermaxx – a product line that has been in circulation for 12 years now. While the majority of

Thermaxx bodies have been manufactured in New South Wales, TRS has extended its production capabilities in Victoria to accommodate the increasing demand from the national market.

“Our bodies, with their industry leading thermal efficiency, are built for the transport of frozen goods,” Peter says. “But they have the flexibility to accommodate other temperature controlled requirements as well.”

TRS’s Thermaxx product line draws on the technical expertise of Greg as well as the company’s current group of trained engineers. It uses this combined pool of knowledge to provide a unique and consolidated transport solution in the cold chain market.

“The service we provide to the market is based on our in-depth understanding of what is required in refrigerated builds,” Peter says. “This informs how we build them and is ultimately what sets us apart from our competitors.

“We know how the machinery runs and we can quickly diagnose problems if we need to. Our engineering team works constantly to evolve the products we make and the materials we use.”

In Victoria, TRS’s manufacturing capabilities and its body rental division, Refrigerated Truck Rentals (RTR), have recently been relocated to Truganina. This is a move which better positions TRS’s operations.

“We’ve been really proud of this move,” Peter explains. “We always like engaging with customers during the building process of any Thermaxx body, and we’ll now be able to do it even better with this new site.

“We like to hear from customers and we enjoy taking them through the factory to give them an in depth view of how we build our Thermaxx bodies. The move even allows us to scale up in terms of operational capabilities.”

One of the many customers which TRS has continued to support is Natures Cargo,

a wholesale food distributor based in Ballarat, Victoria, which has used Thermaxx refrigerated truck bodies for over a decade.

“We’ve been aligned with TRS for approximately 12 years,” says Natures Cargo Operations Manager, Geoff Beechey.

“Working with them has been very good. Any time we want engineering changes, we just bring it to their attention and the next body that comes out to us will have those changes made. As two companies, we’ve really evolved together.”

Natures Cargo, operating across both metropolitan and regional areas, has implemented a wide variety of Thermaxx builds into its fleet. The two-pallet D-Max ute, for example, is the smallest vehicle reserved for special orders, while six-pallet rigid bodies are dedicated to Natures Cargo’s inner-city deliveries.

A collection of eight and 10-pallet bodies perform larger day-to-day deliveries, while 12-pallet trucks are used for longer runs to Victoria’s far west and north.

“These Thermaxx builds are very reliable due to their long lifespans,” Geoff says. “We go through three to four chassis per TRS body, so they perform well on the roads and stay durable for so long.”

TRS’s team has also worked with Natures Cargo to develop a specific zoning system for its freight. This in itself demonstrates the lengths that TRS is willing to go to.

“Our trucks are zoned into three sections based on temperature,” Geoff explains. “TRS worked with us to design these walls that we could place in our open-body trucks to split products into freezer, chill or ambient areas.

“The process of collaborating was so seamless. It always works really well with them.”

TRS’s longstanding relationship with Natures Cargo – strengthened through the establishment of a new Victorian site – is just one example of the business’s

unwavering commitment to its customers and their experiences.

“Both Natures Cargo and TRS will do everything they can with the customer,” Geoff says. “In that way, it feels like the companies have really evolved together. We know that TRS is always going to do right by those who come to it for help.”

Contact

Transport Refrigeration Services

Ph: 1800 317 510

Web: www.trsservice.com.au

Images : Transport Refrigeration Services.

A Thermaxx refrigerated truck body.

A behind-the-scenes look at Transport Refrigeration Services’ production process.

Keeping green

An upcoming addition is set to join Capral Aluminium’s LocAl lower carbon aluminium product range this month.

Just over two and a half years ago, the global average carbon emission for primary aluminium was 16.8kg CO2e/ kg Al. Capral Aluminium, in an age of increasing environmental concerns across various industries, sought to decrease this figure by seizing the chance to instigate a new wave of sustainable aluminium products.

Capral created its own lower carbon aluminium rolled product offering, LocAl, and was able to reduce the carbon content of it via two distinct methods.

Capral Aluminium Industrial Division General Manager, Luke Hawkins, explains that one of these methods addressed the source of energy in the manufacturing process.

“On the spectrum of energy that is used to produce this aluminium, it’s really coal power on one side and renewables on the other,” he says.

“Burning coal as a source of energy produces more CO2 emissions per

tonne of aluminium in the production process compared to hydroelectric power, so using a cleaner source to produce aluminium will result in cleaner aluminium itself.”

The second method of reducing carbon emissions in the since widely accepted product included the use of recycled aluminum. For Capral, the production of recycled aluminium uses 95-per-cent less electricity than regular aluminium. This, as a result, provides major sustainability gains to both the business and end users.

While Luke says that there is currently limited onshore recycling of aluminium in Australia, Capral has gone above and beyond by working with trusted partners like Boyne Smelters.

“We completed recycling trials with Boyne Smelters in 2020,” he says. “In more recent times, we did some recycling trials with them on closed loop billets.

“These were produced in Queensland and supplied to us, and the scrap that

was produced through the process was fed back to the Boyne smelter in Queensland, resmelted and resupplied to ourselves.”

LocAl aluminium used for a tipper build.

The LocAl range was first launched in 2022 and provided the market with aluminum options that contained far less carbon per tonne. The LocAl range has since become a top-tier product in the market.

“The LocAl line for extrusion products provides the transport sector with aluminium that has an embodied carbon of either below eight tonnes of carbon per tonne of aluminium or below four tonnes of carbon per tonne of aluminium,” he explains. “When you compare this amount to how high the global average was at the time of LocAl’s release, you can see that we were dramatically below that number at the time.”

The global average carbon emission for primary aluminium is now at 12.46kg CO2e/ kg Al. Capral has remained a dedicated procurer and distributor of sustainable material in the market, and as the sustainable metals space has developed, so too has Capral’s offering.

“We launched a low carbon offering for aluminium plates a little over 12 months ago,” Luke says. “Trailer manufacturer, Sloanebuilt, was our first customer for that line. We now offer lower carbon rolled aluminum on an indent basis and are soon

looking to provide even further support to our LocAl range.”

A new lower carbon option for Capral aluminium sheets will now be released this month. Containing roughly six tonnes of carbon per tonne of aluminium, the sheet will be readily available in two- and threemillimetre standard sizes upon release.

Luke says the updated LocAl range will increase the range of valuable sustainable supply chain options available to the manufacturing industry.

“By leading the market in looking for environmental, social and governance (ESG) solutions, we can offer these solutions to our customers in their supply chain,” he says. “We can help customers focus on greener purchasing strategies as well as partnering with other suppliers that are part of that same ESG journey.

“By giving manufacturers a choice to engage in sustainable materials like those in the LocAl product offering, they can provide that same environmental choice to their own customers. The chain becomes greener as a result.”

Capral’s numerous sustainable efforts across the LocAl product range have also led to various successful accreditations. For example, all of the company’s lower carbon

products are covered by the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI).

“Capral Aluminium is the only aluminium distributor that can offer this endorsement,” Luke claims. “We’re looking to continue to lead the market in this space by committing to sustainability, and the ASI support speaks to this very commitment.”

This is also apparent in the various green initiatives which Capral has taken responsive action towards, including a net-zero emissions commitment for 2050 and various other emissions reduction schemes. These various efforts ultimately demonstrate that Capral has no intention of slowing down in the space.

“We only see this as the beginning of the offering, and it will continue to evolve in the coming years beyond just the transport sector,” Luke says. “The products that are being introduced this month are more likely to interest a wider scope of industries because of their greater applications. We’re expecting to expand that progressively in the coming years.”

Contact

Ph: 1800 258 646

Web: www.capral.com.au

Capral Aluminium

Images: Sloanebuilt.

Capral Aluminium’s LocAl aluminium being cut.

Open range

SSAB’s Strenx and Hardox range of steels stand out as icons in the business’ global steel offering, and have done so for many years.

SSAB has been a significant player in Australia’s steel manufacturing industry since the Swedish producer entered the domestic sector at the turn of the century. Over the past few decades, SSAB has supplied OEMs across a plethora of industries with different steel types to improve the strength, durability and overall performance of their builds. Within this list of sectors, the transport industry stands out in particular due to its demand for strong and sturdy trailers.

While manufacturing various steel types, SSAB specifically delivers the aforementioned strength and durability through the Strenx and Hardox steel ranges – both of which have been staples of the company’s product line for decades.

SSAB Marketing Manager – South East Asia, Japan, India and Pacific, Kris Chua, says each range provides useful properties for manufacturers which range from efficiency to sustainability.

“With Strenx high-strength structural steel, vehicles and equipment can be both stronger and lighter, and still deliver

better performance,” she says. “Stronger and lighter implies that these builds can take higher payloads, which reduces the number of trips required to move the same material in any given situation.

“This will also result in less overall weight when a vehicle or piece of equipment is unloaded – reducing fuel consumption, bringing environmental benefits and reducing a fleet’s carbon footprint in general. Additionally, our Hardox steel range answers all our customers’ wear challenges – from abrasion-resistant wear plates to cut-to-length sheets, tubes, pipes and round bars.”

Released in 2015, the Strenx line of manufactured steel exists as a combination of three former SSAB steel types, Optim, Weldox and Domex. Strenx has been designed for use in sectors where structural strength and weight savings are key competitive factors such as the transport space, on agriculture equipment that is required for lifting and handling applications.

The Strenx 700 product group within the

SSAB product line is a cold-formed steel section made of hot-rolled, high strength steel with a minimum yield strength between 650 and 700 MPa depending on thickness. The material is naturally stiff, enabling the construction of stronger and lighter structures.

The applications of Strenx 700 include demanding load-bearing structures in the lifting, handling and transportation segments, but the steel can be used for other applications as well.

“Strenx has good weldability, including corner region, and it is suitable for thermal cutting,” Kris says. “All the common welding methods are suitable with matching or undermatching consumables. Sections can also be sawed and machined with regular tools.”

The Strenx 700 subcategory of steel breaks down into another set of types – the Strenx 700 MC D/E, Strenx 700 MC Plus and Strenx 700 CR steel plates which are available in thicknesses of 2.00-10mm, 3.0-12.0mm and 0.70-2.10mm respectively. All of these variants are made

Oxy-fuel cutting.

for applications relating to construction in cold environments.

Meanwhile, SSAB’s Hardox range has been in circulation for over 50 years. It’s one which began with the release of the Hardox 400 steel type in 1974.

According to SSAB, Hardox was the first user-friendly wear plate that could be cut, bent, welded and machined with relative workshop ease. The steel plate product was then extended in 1983 with the creation of Hardox 450 which became an icon in SSAB’s product range and launched a new era of wear steel technology.

“Hardox 450 has been setting the benchmark for quality steel for more than 40 years,” Kris says. “When it was first introduced to the market, it quickly became the versatile, go-to steel for our customers’ abrasion-fighting needs across a variety of applications.”

This proposed quality benchmark is evident through Hardox 450’s inclusion of an extra 50 HBW hardness over AR 400 steel grades, providing an additional water resistance for an extended service life with similar toughness as an AR 400 steel.

“Hardox 450 consistently outperforms mild steel,” Kris says. “That’s why it’s the industry standard for hard-wearing, hardworking equipment.

“Mild steel simply doesn’t have the strength to enable modern excavators or other machines to perform at their full potential. Premature maintenance or repairs just because the business end of your equipment isn’t hard or strong is neither convenient nor cost-effective.

“When switching to Hardox 450 from such steels, customers can expect a more productive operation with less downtime.”

SSAB’s Strenx and Hardox steel ranges have ostensibly proven to be fundamental to Australia’s steel manufacturing space by delivering benefits to users for decades. The company now plans to continue servicing customers and their manufactured steel needs on a global scale.

“At SSAB, we will always work relentlessly to improve production processes in our markets,” Kris says. “Our measured, guaranteed properties and highperformance steel will keep strengthening our customers’ business as it has for decades.”

Contact

SSAB

Email: australia@ssab.com

Web: www.ssab.com

Strenx 700 E steel.

Field of steel

Calibre Steel’s distribution capabilities pair a comprehensive range of steel plate products with key customers across many industries.

For nearly a decade, Calibre Steel has been driven by one mission – to be Australia’s most customer-focused steel plate distribution business. To achieve this mission, the company and its employees have been committed to delivering expertise in steel plate products and services while providing an exceptional customer experience and value.

Calibre Steel Customer Relationship Manager, Maddie Dharmapala, says the company’s expertise in the field of steel also allows for personalised solutions, enabling Calibre Steel to truly partner with customers and provide value for their projects.

“Our dedicated staff have a great depth of knowledge and expertise in steel plate and work with our customer project teams to determine a steel supply solution to their specific needs,” she says. “We strive to provide a measurably better level of support for our customers by taking the time to understand what matters most for our customers’ project success.

“Excellence in customer service, product handling, processing, quality assurance and safe product delivery are all part of how we tailor our steel plate supply to suit each customer.”

These personalised steel plate solutions are delivered through Calibre Steel’s distribution sites in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth. They are made possible by the sheer variety of steel plate products that Calibre Steel handles.

The company maintains extensive inventories of structural plate and laser plate products including the GR250

and GR350 variants which feature high-quality Australian brands such as XLERPLATE steel and TRU-SPEC steel, as well as quench and tempered steel plate products by Bisalloy Steels.

Calibre Steel’s product range includes options carefully selected for transport and trailer-building applications. From truck and trailer bodies to anti-slip trailer steps made with tread plate products, the lineup is engineered to meet the rigorous performance demands of the road.

Available in a range of tensile strengths, thicknesses and finishes, Calibre Steel’s steel plate options also offer benefits such as excellent weldability and formability. This leads to enhanced strength, reduced weight and maximised efficiency on trailer builds without compromising durability.

This vast array of steel plate product options is also complemented by a range of steel plate processing

Calibre Steel tread plate.

A variety of steel options supplied by Calibre Steel.

Images:

Calibre Steel.

Strengthening engagement

The Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association remains committed to the future of a productive and efficient supply chain.

In recent months, the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) has made significant strides in raising its profile within Australia’s red meat and grain industries. Thanks to strengthened relationships with organisations such as the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC), Sheep Producers Australia (SPA), Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council (ALEC), Cattle Australia (CA) and the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA), the ALRTA is now recognised as a key player in both supply chains.

With the unwavering support of Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), this collaboration has firmly positioned the ALRTA as a critical stakeholder in Australia’s agriculture sector. But despite this progress, the association recognises there is still much more to be done.

“We’re not just here to transport goods – we’re here to make a real difference in terms of efficiency, safety and sustainability within both the livestock and grain industries,” says ALRTA President, Gerard Johnson. “The work we’re doing now will lay the groundwork for a more resilient and integrated supply chain that benefits all players from producers to consumers.”

Key initiatives such as driver training and upskilling are central to the ALRTA’s vision. ALRTA Executive Director, Anthony Boyle, says ensuring drivers receive the recognition they deserve for their expertise not only enhances safety but also ensures the

industry can meet growing demands.

“The logistics sector is facing a workforce crisis,” he says. “The ALRTA is determined to ensure our drivers are equipped with the skills and credentials they need to meet the industry’s evolving challenges.”

In addition to workforce development, the ALRTA’s commitment to animal welfare accreditation has become a cornerstone of its industry engagement.

“As the industry continues to evolve, it is vital that we meet the highest animal welfare standards,” Anthony says. “Our role in advancing our industry animal welfare accreditation system ensures the sector demonstrates accountability and transparency to both consumers and regulators.”

The ALRTA’s dedication to productivity improvements within the supply chain also remains a priority. This push for better productivity is underscored by a new initiative, the Victorian Emergency Drought Network, which showcases how collaboration among industry stakeholders can create tangible results. As drought conditions continue to challenge Victoria’s livestock industry, the new pre-approved permit network allows eligible vehicles to transport grain and fodder at higher weight limits in times of need, helping farmers access critical supplies.

“This is a prime example of what happens when industry players come together to tackle a common challenge,” Gerard says. “By increasing transport capacity, we’re ensuring that farmers can keep their operations going, even under difficult conditions.”

Moreover, the collaboration within the Performance-Based Standards (PBS) subcommittee is another example of the ALRTA’s commitment to productivity improvements. This subcommittee, made up of stakeholders from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), Australian Trucking Association (ATA), grain and livestock carriers and PBS and telematics experts, is focused on breaking down roadblocks in

state uniformity and ensuring that all players in the supply chain can benefit from better productivity.

Athol Carter, also Compliance Manager at Frasers Livestock Transport in Queensland, is Chair of the PBS subcommittee.

“By addressing uniformity across states, we are not only helping carriers operate more efficiently, but we’re also supporting the broader agriculture sector by reducing bottlenecks and improving the flow of goods,” he says.

The ALRTA’s recently appointed General Manager of Policy and Strategy, Ashley Mackinnon, will also play an integral role in strengthening the association’s ability to engage with stakeholders. He brings a wealth of experience and connections from across the agricultural and government sectors.

“Ashley’s expertise and network will help us engage more effectively with both industry and government stakeholders, ensuring that the ALRTA continues to be a powerful voice for the sector,” Gerard says.

Under Ashley’s leadership, the ALRTA is poised to take its strategic engagement to the next level.

“His experience and relationships will be invaluable as we continue to advocate for the changes that are essential to the future success of the livestock and grain supply chains,” Anthony says.

As the ALRTA looks to the future, the message is clear. The association is not just a stakeholder but a driver of positive change. With a focus on workforce development, animal welfare, productivity improvements and stronger industry relationships, the ALRTA continues to play a central role in shaping a more resilient and efficient supply chain for Australia’s agricultural industry.

Contact

Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association

Ph: 02 6247 5434

Web: www.alrta.org.au

A J.M. Smithers Transport livestock combination. Image: Scott Curtis.

Need Australian Made aluminium extrusion? Capral can do.

As Australia’s largest supplier and extruder of aluminium, Capral is committed to supporting Australian manufacturing with high-quality, locally produced aluminium extrusions. Our state-of-the-art facilities provide precision-engineered solutions for the transport industry nationwide.

Choosing Capral is an investment in reliable supply, shorter lead times, and a stronger Australian manufacturing sector.

When you need Australian-made aluminium, Capral can do.

Top gear

Hannah’s Haulage ensures its transport operations are as safe as possible by investing in the industry’s latest technology, regularly replacing all of its prime movers and trailers and relying on experienced drivers.

Hannah’s Haulage is a New South Walesbased transport company which specialises in short and long-distance linehaul services across Australia. Hannah’s Haulage Managing Director, Scott Hannah, started driving trucks at the age of 21 in the 1980s, and ventured out on his own after the turn of the century by purchasing his first truck and establishing his own business.

The company has since grown tremendously. The business now operates a fleet of 43 prime movers, mainly Volvos and Mercedes Benz units, and around 100 semitrailers, the majority of them being Vawdrey curtainsiders in addition to a couple of side loaders and Dangerous Goods (DG) tankers.

Scott believes his fleet is one of the safest ones on the road. He stands by this by always investing in the latest technology and regularly replacing his equipment to keep up with advancements in innovation.

“We replace our trucks every three to four years, and that brings us up to date with the latest technologies in safety and pollution control,” he says. “We generally keep our trailers for seven to eight years before we offload them.

“We run BPW Transpec disc brakes which we think are the best axles you can get, and we rebuild them after we pass the one-million-kilometre warranty with new air bags, bearings, bushes in the

callipers, rotors and so forth.”

Hannah’s Haulage also utilises camera monitoring systems, GPS tracking, Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS), Electronic Braking Systems (EBS) and On-Board Mass (OBM) systems as standard on all vehicles.

“We get alerts if our trucks go over 100km/h,” Scott says. “So, the cameras allow us to monitor driver behaviour. While you can only see incidents after the fact, you can at least see what happened and then train drivers on what not to do.”

Safety, for Hannah’s Haulage, is

paramount. Scott says ensuring that his business is always utilising the latest truck and trailer models and components gives him the peace of mind that he’s doing everything he can on his part to prevent accidents and dangerous situations from happening.

“If you haven’t got safety, you’ve got nothing,” he says. “If something was to happen on the road, I wouldn’t want to think that I could have prevented it if I had spent the extra money on the latest technology.

“So, we’re a family business and we do the best that we can. We’ve got a lot of experienced drivers working for us who have been with the company for up to 13 years, and we’ve got the best gear that you can get.”

Australia’s largest supply chain and logistics trade show, MegaTrans, is returning in 2026. Scheduled to take place from 16-17 September 2026 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, MegaTrans 2026 will once again shine a spotlight on the Sustainable Supply Chain of the Future – attracting key players across freight, logistics, warehouse operations, transport technology, infrastructure and more. To participate, visit www.megatrans.com.au/ get-involved/.

Images: Hannah’s Haulage.

A Hannah’s Haulage B-double.

Hannah’s Haulage Managing Director, Scott Hannah.

YOUR DUMP BODIES

Road upgrades & new developments

What you need to know about Australia’s biggest road projects this month

Tanami Road $197M upgrade powers regional growth

The Northern Territory Government has supercharged Central Australia’s freight network by sealing 150km of the Tanami Road.

The $197 million investment will reportedly slash travel times, boost safety and unlock vital freight corridors across the region.

NT Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure, Bill Yan, said the project marks a major milestone in opening up the Territory and supporting regional economic development.

“The Tanami Road is a lifeline for many industries and communities across Central Australia – this upgrade will make travel safer, faster and more reliable,” he said.

The project, jointly funded by the Northern Territory and Australian Governments, has sealed a 150km stretch of road from Yuendumu to west of Chilla Well. The work was delivered in two stages: 60km in the first stage and 90km in the second.

Tanami Road is a key inter-regional freight and access route linking Alice Springs to Western Australia, servicing remote Indigenous communities, pastoral stations and mining operations.

A further 11.8km of road was sealed by Exact Contracting in 2021 as part of early works to accelerate progress.

The Territory and Australian Governments have committed $289 million in the Budget 2025-26 to continue upgrading the Tanami.

Gwydir Highway delivers improvements where they’re most needed,” Davies said.

“Road users travel long distances in regional NSW and important upgrades such as this help to ensure they make it safely to their destination.”

Caloundra Road intersection including adding slip lanes to and from Caloundra Road to boost capacity.

• Upgrading the intersection of Nicklin Way, Caloundra Road, and Pelican Waters Boulevard.

• A new link between Aura Boulevard to Pelican Waters Boulevard to ease pressure on Caloundra Road.

“This is about more than just reducing congestion – it’s about creating a transport network that supports economic growth, enhances liveability, and ensures Queensland is ready to shine on the global stage in 2032,” said Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie.

“The Caloundra Congestion Busting Plan is a prime example of how we are investing to deliver for Queenslanders after an era of Labor’s chaos and crisis.”

Aerial view of Tanami Road. Image: Paul/stock.adobe.com.

Building fortresses

Logistics companies face a daunting time ahead with several impactors, particularly cyber security threats.

From telematics to real-time temperature and location monitoring, the global transport industry has become increasingly digitalised, enabling operators to monitor the status of their fleets, as well as the movement of goods. It is no less relevant to the logistics sector, facilitating the rapid on-time shipment of goods, as businesses are more and more plugged into tracking and shipping their products.

A 2022 research EY supply chain report found that by 2035, 45 per cent of supply chains are expected to be mostly autonomous. This is already happening with robots in warehouses, driverless trucks and delivery drones.

Alarmingly, the Maersk Logistics Trend Map of 2025 found two-thirds of global supply chain decision makers rated the spectre of cyber security attacks as highly relevant in 2025. Maersk’s research shows that cyber security in the logistics market is expected to grow at 12 per cent (CAGR) to 2037, by which time it is estimated to be worth more than $36 billion USD ($55.48 billion AUD). This means big business for R&D in cyber security, as seen by almost 5,000 cyber security-related patents filed between 2019 and 2023.

In a parallel growth surge, cyber attacks in logistics supply chain around the globe have become increasingly profitable, with

Maersk estimating that about 27 incidents impacted transportation and logistics companies in one year from July 20232024. The Netherlands’ Stenden University of Applied Sciences found that the shipping industry suffered an exponential rise in cyber attacks over a 20-year period, going from none in 2003 to 64 in 2023.

In the US trucking industry, the peak trucking body, the ATA, has reported that theft of freight shipments, such as by cyber attacks, cyber fraud and data breaches, cost the supply chain up to $35 billion USD ($53.94 billion AUD) annually. Data breaches in the global logistics supply chain sector throughout 2024 have seen the average cost of a data breach rise by 10 per cent, to be $4.88 million USD ($7.52 million AUD), according to IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report.

In its 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR), Verizon decoded 12,195 data breaches across 139 countries to find that the number of global cyber incidents involving software vulnerabilities, often using AI, increased by 34 per cent in the last year. That report found that 30 per cent of breaches were linked to thirdparty involvement, twice as much as 2024. In addition, the report found that ransomware was present in 44 per cent of all breaches, with the median amount paid

to ransomware groups being $115,000 USD ($177,221 AUD), while 64 per cent of those affected did not pay ransoms.

While the Verizon research found the level of human involvement in cybersecurity breaches remained about the same as the previous year (60 per cent), the main factors in the cyber attacks were through credential abuses and social actions, such as phishing.

With cyber security data at our fingertips, logistics supply chain providers need to be proactive through comprehensive cyber security plans. With the ubiquity of digitalisation throughout all aspects of the logistics industry, Maersk describes the need for improved cyber security measures akin to creating a ‘digital fortress’.

Through the appropriate level of planning, logistics operators can secure, or at least best protect, their business interests through advanced digital security measures, cyber security awareness and more tailored initiatives. Conducting business securely in an increasingly digitalised and global commercial environment demands that all logistics supply chain operators rapidly embrace cyber security defence and mitigation efforts, or risk having their hard-earned futures stolen.

Cyber security is a necessity for logistics supply chain operators.

Express way

XFM has added three new B-double combinations to its fleet on the back of its recent rebranding.

National transport company, XFM, has taken delivery of three new B-doubles which are expected to provide the fleet with greater flexibility and adaptability as it approaches an upcoming peak season.

XFM Managing Director, Les Sharp, says the units allow the fleet to respond to a variety of route requirements and freight profile opportunities.

“The focus for XFM is always on being agile and responsive, and these standard combinations give us the versatility to move between metro, regional and interstate routes with ease and efficiency,” he says. “Their reliability and configuration are proving ideal for an agile fleet operation like ours.”

Victoria. Their designs and configurations enable them to be positioned wherever required – be it in regional, metropolitan or linehaul operations.

Les says the combinations have already demonstrated their value in these operations by helping the fleet manage dynamic freight requirements and changing schedules.

pressure on the road network.

“It’s a practical, forward-thinking solution that supports our focus on operational agility and sustainable transport outcomes.”

A standout feature of the trailers is the full-length mezzanine floors which enable dual-deck loading. The adjustable mezzanine decks allow XFM to tailor each load to meet specific customer requirements and freight profiles.

According to Les, they have proven to be valuable in managing a diverse range of freight types efficiently.

“This smarter use of space means we can move more freight per trip while remaining fully compliant with legal mass load regulations,” he says.

All three B-doubles have been deployed across a mix of local and linehaul routes in

“We’ve already put these trailers to work by handling increased freight volumes in Melbourne over the past few weeks,” he says. “Their added capacity and flexible configuration have allowed us to scale up quickly and maintain service levels without disruption – a clear demonstration of the value that versatile, well-specified equipment brings to the fleet.”

The trailers are expected to result in positive impacts on fuel expenditure. Based on their performance so far, Les is forecasting that they will reduce the number of trips required and support a more efficient transport model. This, in turn, will lower carbon emissions.

“It’s a benefit that aligns not only with our operational goals but also with our commitment to more sustainable freight solutions for the industry,” he says. “By reducing the number of heavy vehicle movements required, we help lower overall vehicle emissions and ease

Two of the three B-double sets also feature unique Indigenous artwork on the curtains. This inclusion is a visual representation for XFM, a Supply Nation Registered business, and its commitment to supporting First Nations culture.

“The artwork displayed on these trailers was created by renowned artist, Kevin Bynder,” Les says. “With these large combinations travelling across the country every day, we saw a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the richness and diversity of First Nations culture.”

The three trailer sets follow an AB-triple road train which arrived in April.

According to Les, the business invested in these latest B-doubles to “strengthen its adaptability and readiness” on the back of consistent growth.

“These units help ensure we can respond swiftly to peaks in demand, shifts in freight types and changing route profiles all while maintaining the reliability our customers expect,” he says. “As a business, we’re focused on scaling intelligently and responsibly, and having assets like these gives us the agility to do just that.”

One of the three new B-doubles.

Truck Shows & Field Days

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

August

Victoria

Sheepvention Rural Expo 3-4 August

Hamilton, VIC Visit: www.hamiltonshowgrounds.com.au

New South Wales

Dowerin Machinery Field Days 27-28 August Dowerin, NSW

Visit: www.dmfd.com.au

September

New South Wales

NSW Major Projects Conference 2025 3-4 September

Sydney, NSW Visit: www.nswconference.com.au

Queensland

Agrotrend 2025 12-13 September

Bundaberg, QLD Visit: www.agrotrend.com.au

New South Wales

Henty Machinery Field Days 23-25 September

Henty, NSW Visit: www.hmfd.com.au

Germany

NUFAM 25-28 September

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

October

Victoria

Elmore Field Days 7-9 October

Elmore, VIC Visit: www.elmoreﬁelddays.com.au

New South Wales

MOBILITY LIVE 15-16 October

Sydney, NSW Visit: www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/mobilitylive

National Roads & Traffic Expo 15-16 October

Sydney, NSW Visit: www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/highwaysau

Victoria

Wandin Silvan Field Days 17-18 October

Wandin, VIC Visit: www.wandinsilvanﬁelddays.com.au

November France

Solutrans 18-22 November

Lyon, France Visit: www.solutrans.fr

Victoria

VIC Major Projects Conference 19-20 November

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

AusRAIL PLUS 2025 25-28 November

Melbourne, VIC Visit: www.ausrail.com

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