Trailer Magazine is available by subscription from the publisher. Annual rates: AUS $99.00 (inc GST). For overseas subscriptions, airmail postage should be added to the subscription rate. The right of refusal is reserved by the publisher.
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.
COPYRIGHT
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 effort 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.
Officially endorsed by the VTA
From the Editor’s desk
Showcase of the immortals
We’re now in that time of the year where things really start to ramp up. Nightfall, for starters, comes around quicker across Australia. The mornings also tend to feel much colder as winter nears.
For WWE fans, it’s WrestleMania season. The biggest question that has everyone in anticipation at the time of writing is whether John Cena will win his 17th world championship on the grand stage in Las Vegas, Nevada. We’ll have the answer by the time this edition begins circulating.
Meanwhile, the Australian transport industry is gearing up for the Brisbane Truck Show, one of the sector’s most notable events. The biennial occasion provides trailer, truck, component, equipment and technology suppliers with the opportunity to showcase the very best innovations in the Southern Hemisphere in front of tens of thousands of people in attendance. And for Trailer, the month of May means a blockbuster edition. We kick off our Brisbane Truck Show promo section on page 26 with Krueger who, also gracing our cover, will be returning to the show with a display like you’ve never seen before. We’re talking about a trailer suspended in mid-air with the use of special technology to showcase fleets in a very unique way.
Also in this stacked section are a series of Brisbane Truck Show previews. Bruce Rock Engineering will be showcasing its new grain tipper trailer model while host of the first ever Brisbane Truck Show, Haulmark Trailers, will return to the event with its brand-new live bottom trailer. The latest technical innovations from SAF-Holland, Michelin Connected Fleet and E-max will also be live in living colour.
Another highlight in this edition worth mentioning is our special report on national transport company, Auswide Transport Solutions, which is now manufacturing its own semitrailers in-house at its Sunshine, Victoria, facility. You can find this one on page 84.
Around these special features are our regular Trailer builder and Trailer building materials/components sections featuring a range of developments and some of the industry’s biggest OEMs, customers and fleets.
With all that said and done, it’s only fitting to use the words of WWE’s Triple H – are you ready?
SAF INTRA
+ Frame bracket symmetry – no shocker bracing needed + SAF drum brake with quick release spherical anchor + No Ubolts + More uptime + Low maintenance + Patented composite rotor + Long life disc brake technology
National transport company, Xpress Freight Management (XFM), has deployed a new Performance-Based Standards (PBS) Vawdrey AB-triple road train combination.
The high productivity combination features drop deck mezzanine floors and a 94-pallet carrying capacity for maximised load space.
With a Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of 54 tonnes, the AB-triple allows XFM to efficiently move large volumes of freight between Melbourne and Perth.
The new combination has been servicing XFM’s key freight corridor across Australia since its arrival, operating across the fleet’s national network on a weekly basis.
According to XFM Managing Director, Les Sharp, it has already provided significant productivity and safety improvements.
“The increased capacity allows us to transport more freight while reducing the number of vehicles required on the Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth routes,” he told Trailer
“Given that this round trip exceeds 6,500 kilometres, these efficiencies help lower our carbon footprint and reduce emissions.
“From a business perspective, the AB-triple also provides greater flexibility in responding to fluctuating demands between Victoria and Western Australia by allowing us to scale capacity during peak seasons.
“This investment also provides us with valuable data to explore the potential for expanding similar trailer configurations to other routes across the country.”
Sharp said Vawdrey was chosen for this application due to the known reliability of its trailers.
Availability of parts and an “excellent aftersales service” have kept XFM’s fleet operational with minimal downtime since it began.
“Vawdrey has been our preferred trailer supplier since we started the business in 2020,” Sharp said.
“We already have three 30’ Vawdrey trailers that are particularly valuable for pickups and deliveries around town.
“These trailers provide an efficient alternative to a 14-pallet rigid truck, allowing us to transport an additional 10 to 12 pallets depending on the load. Like our larger trailers, these 30-footers offer greater flexibility while also contributing to reduced emissions and a lower carbon footprint.”
The new AB-triple is also serving as a ‘mobile billboard’ for the business following its recent rebranding to ‘XFM’.
The new identity has been actioned throughout the entire business from its shortened name to new curtain artwork on its trailers.
According to Sharp, the fleet saw the need for the rebrand after experiencing significant growth over the last five years.
“What started as a business that was born in the first few months of the Covid-19 pandemic has expanded into a much larger operation,” he said.
“We felt it was the right time to refresh our identity to better reflect who we are today
and where we’re headed in the next 10 to 15 years.”
One of the business’ main goals with the rebrand was to make its identity more distinctive and memorable.
Incorporating bold elements into the design of its new trailers has reportedly resulted in a stronger on-road presence.
“Our trailers are now easier to spot,” Sharp said.
“By completing the rebrand at this early stage in our business journey, we’ve positioned ourselves to maximise our fleet’s visibility – ensuring that our brand stands out as we continue to acquire more trailers and curtains.
“With the addition of more trucks and trailers to our fleet, we are creating a powerful opportunity to promote our brand.”
The aforementioned additional equipment is already in production.
XFM has purchased a new PBS Vawdrey B-double and is now awaiting its arrival.
The trailer will also feature a mezzanine floor and, having the capacity to transport up to 56 pallets, will further improve the fleet’s freight capacity and efficiency.
This unit has also been spec’d with hanging gates and lightweight aluminium wheels to enhance durability while reducing overall weight.
“The B-double will be used for express services,” Sharp said.
“It will be running between Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane to ensure fast and reliable freight movement along the eastern and southern coasts.”
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.
Arrow Transport makes appointment
Arrow Transport has announced the appointment of its new Bulk Operations Manager, Rachel Tamarapa.
Tamarapa joins the business with extensive experience in operations and fleet management across a variety of roles at FBT Transwest, Secon Freight Logistics and Polymer Connect.
Her position at Arrow Transport will be heavily revolved around growing and overseeing the business’ new bulk division.
Tamarapa will be responsible for the efficient and safe transport and handling of polymer resins, bulk liquids and food grade bulk product – ensuring compliance and safety regulations are upheld as well as optimising logistics to ensure timely and cost-effective deliveries.
Tamarapa’s role also has a strong focus building and fostering positive relationships within Arrow Transport and its customers as the fleet moves towards logistic solutions for bulk Dangerous Goods, ISO tanks, flexi bags and sea bulk.
Tamarapa told Trailer she is excited to embark on this new chapter.
“The opportunity to be able to give customers and receivers another logistics option in such a specialised sector is great for everyone,” she said.
“Arrow also brings a national footprint to
Vale Rajko Kisic
Rajko Kisic, a loyal Barker Trailers employee of 25 years, has passed away.
Kisic was a long-term employee who retired from the business in December last year.
He joined Barker Trailers in 1999 and began working in the final assembly of axles for two years.
From there, Kisic became the ‘mudguard man’ with a primary focus on these components. He would also assemble minor parts including toolboxes.
Kisic was a remarkable person to those who knew him with a genuine love for his work – he enjoyed the process and he was always organised, clean and structured.
Throughout his career, he would often travel back to his hometown in Montenegro in Europe, sharing stories about his experiences at Barker Trailers
the table and that means that our customers have a provider that can tick all the boxes.”
introduction she has been given.
paramount, and the support that I have received from everyone at Arrow while implementing new processes and procedures for this specialised field has been extremely positive,” she said.
“There aren’t many transport and logistics companies that have entered the field of handling polymers, and I can already see
“Rachel’s experience and adaptability brings great energy to our growth strategy, aligning perfectly with Arrow’s fast-
and expressing gratitude for the job that became a major part of his life.
Kisic passed away on 17 March 2025.
Scott Barker reflected on the life of Kisic and honoured his dedication and contributions to the family business.
“We take this opportunity to reflect and remember Rajko and his loyalty to Barker
Trailers,” he told Trailer
“His warm smile and friendly greetings were a constant presence at his workstation in the west factory, brightening the days of everyone who passed by.
“He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Rachel Tamarapa. Image: Arrow Transport.
Rajko Kisic. Image: Barker Trailers.
CRL Express takes delivery of high productivity
Krueger Kurtainers
Transport and logistics provider, CRL Express, has deployed two new Performance-Based Standards (PBS) B-double drop deck Kurtainer combinations from Krueger.
The high cube combinations will allow CRL Express to fit up to 82 pallets per load, increasing capacity while reducing the number vehicles on the road.
“We can now cater for over 80 pallets each trip,” CRL Express founder and Managing Director, Roy Kazamias, told Trailer
“This improves transit times for customers and reduces emissions as we now have less equipment on the road.”
Operating under Concessional Mass Limits (CML), the B-doubles feature a Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of 65 tonnes and a payload of 36.5 tonnes.
Tyre pressure & temperature live monitoring
To ensure that you always have an eye on your fleet's tyre pressures and temperatures, even when your vehicles are on the road.
Our tyre pressure and temperature monitoring tools alert you when pressures drop below set thresholds and identify when service is needed, helping reduce breakdowns, costly repairs, downtime, and fuel consumption
Diamond Bros CEO announces retirement
Diamond Bros. CEO, Kym McDermid, has retired from his role.
McDermid’s vision, dedication and strategic leadership have played a critical role in establishing Diamond Bros. as one of Australia’s premier transport and logistics providers.
According to the company, his commitment to operational excellence and customer service has been instrumental in shaping its success.
BTE enters Hyva product partnership with JOST
“Beyond his contributions to Diamond Bros., Kym has made a lasting impact on Bulk Transport Equipment (BTE) has announced a new partnership with JOST.
BTE is now a JOST dealer for Hyva hookloader and skip loader products.
The trailer builder expanded its sales, service, installation and repair processes within its own Victoria and Queensland facilities as of 25 April.
The full extent of these services include equipment fitting, Performance-Based Standards (PBS) approvals and the design and manufacturing of bin transfer trailers and other equipment.
BTE Director, Alan Griffiths, told the collaboration will greatly bolster JOST’s distribution capabilities for the Hyva products.
“This partnership will ensure that JOST has a professional distributor representing their Hyva products,” he said.
Image: Bulk Transport Equipment.
Image: Krueger.
VTA calls for stronger logistics policies and intermodal connectivity: State Conference 2025
The Victorian Transport Association (VTA) is urging for a more inclusive approach to freight movement, emphasising the need for intermodal connectivity and stronger logistics policies to meet future demands.
In his opening remarks at State Conference 2025, VTA CEO, Peter Anderson, highlighted the importance of integrating various modes of transport to ensure efficient and safe freight delivery.
“As much as we will focus on road freight and the road transport industry, we must not forget that our future includes a greater inclusion of other modes in moving the volumes of freight that will be available to meet our customers’ demands,” he said.
“Intermodal connectivity between road and rail, road and air and road and sea will be vital to improve from where we are today to ensure that the standard of living does not diminish for all Australians.”
Calling upon specific industry bodies for this delivery, Anderson directed criticism towards Austroads and the National Transport Commission to improve their processes in assisting road transport.
“Austroads needs to lift its game,” he said.
“The amalgam of state road agencies needs to understand what intermodal connectivity is about and it needs to engage with the industry, with operators, with associations, in such a way as to deliver policy and regulation that improves the working environment for the industry.
“The National Transport Commission, empowered to do the five-year review of the Heavy Vehicle National Law, started their review in 2017. The first review is still going, has very little change and has no clear pathway for improvement.
“We want heavy vehicle drivers that are well trained and competent from day one of their working careers within our industry, and we want them to be trained at 18 years of age.”
Additionally, Anderson stressed the unique role of heavy vehicles in freight.
“We must come to terms with the fact that ships, trains and planes carry freight but only trucks deliver,” he said.
“Volumes are not going to decrease, and you cannot deliver freight from a computer
Visy unveils new insulation to support temperature-sensitive goods
Visy has announced a new product which is currently being trialled with food delivery businesses to replace problematic expanded polystyrene (EPS).
Visycell is a fibre-based thermal insulation liner which, like EPS, has strong thermal and cushioning qualities.
With the added benefit of being fully recyclable through kerbside recycling bins, Visycell has been specifically designed for Australia’s hot climate to keep temperature sensitive food and beverages safe and fresh during transport.
“We’re working hard to help customers ditch problematic polystyrene and we’re pleased to be trialling Visycell as a new alternative,” said Visy New Business Projects Manager, Rolland Zhang.
“We think food and beverage customers
at home or by AI. We must touch and feel the goods we handle and be able to move them in the most productive, efficient, and safe manner possible.”
will love Visycell – it will keep their product safe and fresh during transportation, is easily recycled and is locally-made.
“We know it’s not just food and beverage companies wanting to ditch polystyrene, which is why Visycell has the potential to also be used to transport fragile goods and in building construction.”
The insulation has undergone rigorous testing to ensure it meets the highest standards.
Made in Victoria from cardboard waste offcuts, it can also be flat-packed to save businesses on transportation costs.
Visycell has Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) certification for recyclability and can carry the Australasian Recycling Logo (ARL).
According to the APCO, less than 20 per
cent of EPS in Australia is recycled. Visycell reportedly has the potential to replace the equivalent of over 170 Olympic swimming pools of EPS each year, significantly reducing the amount of material being sent to landfill or polluting our environment.
Victorian Transport Association CEO, Peter Anderson. Image: Victorian Transport Association.
Pacific Equity Partners acquires Singapore Post’s FMH Group
Pacific Equity Partners (PEP) has acquired Freight Management Holdings from Singapore Post.
The sale, valued at an enterprise value of $1.02 billion, marks a significant milestone in Singapore Post’s Board-led strategic review to unlock value for its shareholders.
The transaction follows overwhelming approval at the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) held on 13 March where the resolution secured shareholders’ 99-per-cent vote in favour.
The divestment generated gross proceeds of approximately $781.5 million and an expected gain of $343.1 million for the group.
This reflects a levered return on equity of approximately four times Singapore Post Group’s $93.6 million equity investment in FMH over the last four years.
“We are delighted to officially welcome FMH Group to our portfolio,” said PEP Managing Director, David Brown.
“With 27 years of experience supporting Australian businesses to reach their full potential, we’re excited to partner with
FMH Group in their next phase.
“Their ability to scale at pace while maintaining a strong customer focus is a testament to their leadership and team culture. We look forward to working together to unlock new opportunities to build on their impressive momentum.”
With PEP being the majority shareholder of FMH Group, the company is joined by two private investors – Damian Degenhardt and Paul Little.
Degenhardt founded the company’s 4PL, efm Logistics, in 2000 and built it into one of the largest organisations of its kind in the Australia and New Zealand regions.
He remained on the Board as Executive Chairman until 2021 when the group was acquired by Singapore Post.
Little is the former Managing Director of Toll Holdings who oversaw Toll Group’s rise to becoming a leading logistics provider in Asia.
Toll made more than 100 acquisitions under his leadership which saw global revenue reach $16 billion.
“As incoming Chairman, I bring the insights and experience gained from
leading a logistics business through a period of extraordinary growth,” Little said.
“FMH Group’s rapid ascent is a testament to their vision, strategic investment in technology and relentless pursuit of excellence.
“While I draw on past success, my focus going forward is on supporting FMH Group to continue to lead in a rapidly evolving landscape.”
Simon Slagter will remain as CEO, driving the growth strategy of FMH Group and overseeing the portfolio of companies.
“We have built a business defined by innovation and the pursuit of excellence, earning the trust of our customers and partners,” he said.
“Now, with the backing of PEP and our other investors, we are poised for our next phase of growth.
“Their support will enable us to deepen our investment in proprietary technology, expand our business development function and pursue strategic acquisitions, while we remain committed to unlocking even greater value for our customers and continuing to deliver an outstanding customer experience.”
Port of Melbourne reports highest container throughput on record
Port of Melbourne achieved the highest annual container trade volume ever recorded in 2024, signifying a historic milestone for Victoria.
The port saw a total of 3.396 million twenty-equivalent units (TEUs) last year, nine per cent higher than 2023 volumes. Strong container trade was driven by an increase in import trade, particularly consumer goods such as furniture. Additionally, export trade has benefited from the diversity of agricultural commodities experiencing favourable growing conditions.
“The record-breaking trade numbers have delivered a boost to the economy and ensure Victorians have a secure supply of the things they rely on every day through a strong trade gateway – that’s why we
continue to back our ports and freight industry,” said Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety and Ports and Freight, Melissa Horne.
According to Port of Melbourne, these positive trends are slated to continue, with container trade through expected to more than double within the next 30 years.
“Port of Melbourne holds a critical position as the trade gateway for southeastern Australia and beyond,” said Port of
Melbourne CEO, Saul Cannon.
“The significant growth in container trade underpins economic activity in Victoria, and reflects the state’s diverse business landscape.”
As demand for trade continues to grow, Port of Melbourne is committed to meeting the growing needs of Victoria.
It has invested more than $800 million in port infrastructure since 2016 and a further $700 million is expected by 2028.
MaxiTRANS has changed its name to Freighter Group.
The new Freighter Group stands for something more powerful than ever before. It stands for being ready.
Ready to push boundaries, deliver excellence and to help you go further. Be part of a new era in transport.
freighter.com.au
NHVR names new CEO WorldSkills Australia prepares for Shanghai International Competition
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s new CEO has been revealed.
NHVR Chairperson, Duncan Gay AM, has announced the appointment of Nicole Rosie as the new CEO.
Gay said Rosie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience and is looking forward to officially welcoming her to the NHVR.
“I am pleased to announce Ms Rosie was selected as the new NHVR CEO following an extensive and rigorous recruitment process,” he said.
“Ms Rosie’s strong background in governance, law and public policy, combined with a deep understanding of transport and infrastructure, made her the ideal candidate to lead the NHVR into its next chapter of harmonisation and innovation.”
With over 20 years of leadership experience in both the public and private sectors, Rosie was most recently the CEO at New Zealand Transport Agency following her role as CEO of WorkSafe New Zealand.
She has also held senior executive roles at Fonterra, KiwiRail, Vector and Toll NZ.
Gay also extended a sincere thank you to Interim CEO, Janelle van de Velde.
“I would like to thank Janelle for her outstanding leadership during this transition period and for ensuring business continuity following former CEO Sal Petroccitto OAM’s departure in January,” he said.
Rosie will commence with the NHVR on 30 June.
For over 40 years, WorldSkills Australia has been inspiring and empowering young Australians to excel in their chosen skills and trades.
Through competitions, training programs, and industry collaboration, it helps build a highly skilled, innovative workforce while championing the value of vocational excellence.
Its programs also address skills shortages, align with national workforce priorities and reinforce Australia’s reputation for skills excellence worldwide.
WorldSkills Australia is already gearing up to send its top tradespeople to the 2026 WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai. Chosen from the medallists of the 2025 National Championships and Skills Show running in June this year, these apprentices, trainees and students will train for over 12 months to hone their skill.
WorldSkills International sees some of the world’s best apprentices and tradies come together to showcase their talent.
According to WorldSkills Australia, competing at the international level is a game-changer. It provides participants a chance to understand new techniques and trends, gain industry recognition, expand career opportunities and connect with the best in the world.
Participants gain unparalleled experience, industry respect and career-boosting opportunities. Many former competitors have gone on to secure high-profile jobs, contracts and leadership roles in their fields as well.
“My experience with travelling to Lyon was a once in a lifetime,” said Thomas Bevan, who competed at WorldSkills Lyon 2024 in the heavy vehicle mechanics division.
“Being able to travel around the world with your friends and share the same passion for your desired skill will stay with me forever. The feeling of representing Australia was also pretty amazing as not many people can say they have.
“Throughout my WorldSkills journey I’ve developed many new life skills, and I’ve had plenty of upskilling opportunity that have had a positive influence on my job day-to-day like system specific training. I was struggling with electrical and hydraulic systems at the time, so I got the opportunity to attend multiple courses regarding those systems which have come in handy a few times since.”
The 2026 regional competition cycle runs from February to November 2026, occurring in several training organisations throughout Australia.
Image: WorldSkills Australia.
Nicole Rosie. Image: NHVR.
Holmwood Highgate is a leader in the tanker manufacturing industry, renowned for its diverse range of capabilities. With cutting-edge technology and a commitment to innovation, we specialize in creating tankers that cater to various sectors, including oil, gas, and chemical transport. Our expert team blends engineering excellence with sustainability practices, ensuring each tanker is built for efficiency, longevity and safety. From bespoke designs to robust production processes, Holmwood Highgate, and it’s associated brands, are dedicated to delivering high-quality solutions that meet the evolving needs of our global clients.
With growth in our brands we have seen the expansion into local firsts and industry demanding transportation systems. We offer various applications for bulk liquid, gas, bitumen, food, ANE and more to cover Australia’s ever growing need and hunger for unique transportation options.
OUR CAPABILITY
BITUMEN TANKERS
AMMONIUM NITRATE EMULSION
FOOD AND MILK
INDUSTRIAL GASES - (LPG & CRYOGENIC)
DRY BULK
AVIATION FUEL
COMMERICAL GRADE FUEL
Queensland 07 3440 9000
20-26 Burchill Street, Loganholme, QLD, 4129
Victoria 03 9936 0360
425 Fitzgerald Road, Derrimut, VIC, 3026
Albanese neglects trucking industry: Federal Budget
The Federal Budget has received backlash from the transport industry at large.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the best defence against global pressures is a stronger economy but the Australian road transport industry does not see any immediate gains in the latest Federal Budget commitments.
The Albanese Labor Government is reported to be investing in ‘productivityenhancing’ infrastructure like the National Broadband Network (NBN) and preparing for a global net zero transformation.
“It’s clear the rules that underpinned global economic engagement for more than 40 years are being rewritten,” Albanese said.
“Our economic plan is all about ensuring Australians are beneficiaries, not victims, of this churn and change.”
Actions, however, speak louder than words. The Budget commitments appear to be somewhat lacklustre for trailer builders, truck manufacturers, equipment specialists, suppliers and the trucking industry at large.
Aside from $3 billion to support local green metals (Future Made in Australia), $6
billion for private investment in renewable/ low-emission technologies and $17.1 billion over the next 10 years for road and rail projects, there are no direct commitments for Australia’s road transport industry. Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, detailed the infrastructure works for the next decade:
• $7.2 billion for safety upgrades on the Bruce Highway in Queensland.
• More than $2.3 billion for critical infrastructure upgrades in the Western Sydney region, including $1.0 billion to preserve the corridor for the South West Sydney Rail Extension and $500 million to upgrade Fifteenth Avenue
• A further $465 million for New South Wales to plan for regional projects and fix choke points, including $250 million to upgrade Mona Vale Road and $115 million to reduce travel times on Terrigal Drive
• $2.0 billion to upgrade Sunshine Station in Victoria, a ‘crucial’ project to deliver
Image: KamWing/stock.adobe.com.
Melbourne Airport its first rail link
• $1.1 billion to support upgrades along the Western Freeway in Victoria
• $1.0 billion for the ‘Road Blitz’, a new package of works to increase capacity and improve efficiency in Melbourne’s suburbs and surrounds
• $350 million for the ‘Westport – Kwinana Freeway Upgrades’ in Western Australia
• $200 million to duplicate sections of the Stuart Highway from Darwin to Katherine in the Northern Territory
• $200 million to upgrade the Arthur Highway in Tasmania
• $125 million for the Curtis Road Level Crossing Removal in South Australia
• $50 million towards upgrading the Monaro Highway in the Australian Capital Territory
• A further $200 million to ensure the delivery of the Rockhampton Ring Road in Queensland
• A further $70 million to seal the remaining 11 kilometres of unsealed pavement on the Kennedy Developmental Road between The
Lynd and Hughenden in Queensland.
The Federal Government, according to King, is also committed to increasing road safety and productivity.
“Funding has also increased substantially so that the Roads to Recovery Program will progressively rise to $1.0 billion per year, and Black Spot Program funding will reach $150 million per year,” she said.
“At least $200 million is also available each year under the new Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure program, to address current and emerging priorities in road infrastructure.
“We are investing $16.9 million to support skills and training in the maritime industry. This includes $14.4 million over four years to provide access to training berths at sea, and $2.5 million for the Transport and Logistics Jobs and Skills Council to address training barriers.
“As part of the Government’s priorities for transport, we are providing $32.7 million in 2025-26 to support ongoing safety and regulatory services provided by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.”
Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the Federal Budget will save Australians $10 a week once fully implemented in 2027/28.
Despite cuts, personal income tax is expected to rise to 54 per cent of tax revenue.
Young Australians will bear the brunt of this tax burden.
Investments in projects including the NBN and Snowy Hydro are still contributing to debt.
Independent economist Chris Richardson told media he estimated the fundamentals of the Budget have worsened by about $50 billion in recent years.
“Making permanent promises off the back of a temporary spurt of revenue is an old mistake – and that’s what this measure of the structural budget position suggests that we’ve done,” he told Michael West Media.
KPMG Chief Economist, Brendan Rynne, said the tax-to-gross-domestic-product ratio is set to increase and in the absence of serious tax reform, bracket creep will be relied upon more and more.
A total of $179.5 billion in underlying deficits is predicted over a five-year forward estimates period before shrinking
AUSTRALIAN CONSUMER CONFIDENCE
as spending is expected to decline.
Meanwhile, AMP Bank economists forecast that tax cuts in the Federal Budget are unlikely to affect the interest rate.
Progress on price growth is expected.
A fall in travel costs, weak housing price growth and slowing services inflation will contrast with a rise in electricity prices and seasonal education costs according to AMP Chief Economist, Shane Oliver.
Meanwhile, the next Federal election is slated for 3 May 2025.
Leader of the Opposition, Peter Dutton, has responded to the recently announced Federal Budget.
“When Australia is governed badly, dreams and ambitions become beyond reach,” he said. “And that’s what happened during the last three years under the Albanese Government.”
Dutton has proposed a positive plan to deliver a stronger economy with lower inflation, cheaper energy, affordable homes, quality healthcare and safer communities.
However, he has not shared any direct comments about commitments to the Australian road transport industry.
Economists have warned that Dutton’s aim to halve the fuel excise, for instance, is ‘nothing but populist sugar’ that won’t address the problems with the Federal Budget.
Oliver said halving the fuel excise distracts from the real issue of tax reform in Australia.
A portion of revenue from the excise is reported to stream into state and territory road infrastructure spend.
Engineers Australia CEO, Romilly Madew AO, said the nation’s engineering capability is facing workforce challenges and government holds the keys to doing so much more in areas such as education to attract Australians currently deterred by significant barriers to entry.
“Australia’s future economic prosperity will depend on a skilled and diversified workforce with strong engineering capabilities, to support the energy transition to net zero, the delivery of critical infrastructure and the revolution of AI and robotics improving productivity,” she said.
“But just 16 per cent of qualified engineers and 19 per cent of engineering graduates in Australia are women. More needs to be done to dismantle the barriers that exist and encourage more people into the profession.”
Engineers Australia Acting Chief Engineer, Bernadette Foley, said many of Australia’s skilled migrant engineers are also facing unnecessary barriers to employment.
“We are underutilising talented engineers who bring experience and expertise from overseas,” he said.
“Some of them wind up as Uber drivers or baristas when they can’t secure a job commensurate with their engineering expertise.
“Meanwhile, critical projects are demanding engineering skills.
“With concerted and imaginative support, government and industry can unlock the talent that will drive Australia forward so we can shine in a competitive global marketplace.”
1975 BUILDING
Brisbane truck show
Show stopper
Krueger will once again rise to new heights at the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show with new products and an eye-opening display.
With a team that likes to think outside the box, Krueger’s stand at this year’s Brisbane Truck Show will be nothing short of outstanding. The Krueger team goes by the philosophy of whatever stand it displays must have a purpose, and this year, that purpose is to showcase its latest innovations while paying homage to customers in a unique way.
Following the success of Krueger’s eye-catching performance at the 2023 Brisbane Truck Show, the company realised the importance of maintaining a visible presence at major trade events so as to cement its position as an industry leader.
Krueger’s presence at the aforementioned event was nothing short of highly visible. It suspended a drop deck mezzanine trailer two metres in the air which, through a combination of heavy-duty hoists provided by Levanta Workshop Solutions, gave attendees a first-hand look at the structural quality of a Krueger trailer directly from all areas.
This also allowed participants to walk underneath the trailer for a view not usually available.
“It was an overwhelming success,” says Krueger Creative Lead Marketing, James Tamanika. “A lot of people commented on how different the display was as well as the ability so see the underneath of the trailer. It was very different but intriguing.
“We also launched our new corporate video which provided people with a way to see inside the heart of the company. That’s something which we had not really shown before.”
Krueger has adopted this winning formula for its 2025 Brisbane Truck Show exhibition stand which, featuring a range of new innovations, will showcase what Krueger is all about.
“We have been blessed with a bigger stand this year, so we have the ability to bring more products,” James says. “We will have our temperature-controlled product, the KoolBox, as well as one of our new KDolly units from our new
Ready to Work range. This is the first one we have developed so it’s going to be interesting to see how customers and attendees react to it.
“We also have a very unique activation where we are going to pay homage to our clients past and present. This involves using one of our Kurtainers and some very special technology. It will definitely be something different for the show.”
Krueger will again be putting this trailer into the air to show off the quality workmanship and the business’ own Road Friendly Suspension (RFS) on the underside.
“Levanta Workshop Solutions are a big part of helping us achieve our point of different in how we display the hero trailer on the stand,” James says. “Their range of mobile column lifts and trailer lifting beams put the trailer up in the air so attendees can get a better perspective of the unit.
“I think collaboration in events is extremely important as it works two-
Images: Krueger.
Krueger’s drop deck mezzanine trailer on display at the 2023 Brisbane Truck Show.
15 – 18 May 2025
fold for the interests of both companies, especially if it’s done the right way.
“We approached Brad Dunn and Lester Sharples back in 2023 looking to achieve this ‘what the road sees’ activation and they were more than happy to help us achieve it. In return, they were able to display their product in front of potential customers who could see how well it worked.”
Krueger’s RFS has proven to be a toptier choice for fleets since its inception
because it succeeds in all key areas of manufacturing, ease of fitting and servicing and manufacturing. The area which RFS excels, according to James, is in the simplicity of design. The RFS parabolic spring and U-bolts in both under and over slung configurations have never changed because of their proven reliability.
RFS’ efficacy means that a fleet of six B-double trailers running the same brand of suspension may need to stock
six different sized air bags and shocks to keep them on the road. Whereas with RFS, there is only one air bag and one shock absorber size being used due to its design in all ride height configurations.
For Krueger, past shows have been about showing products off and letting attendees experience them person. The team kept the same concept intact at the last Brisbane Truck Show and they will be looking to do the same this year.
“We want to show people that we are a major manufacturer of semi-trailers and that we are different,” James says. “We always have been different. If we look at what John Krueger has done in building this company, it’s been thinking outside the box of conventional manufacturing and doing things differently. We operate that same very way throughout or business today even as the industry changes.
“A big part of the Brisbane Truck Show is bringing something cool and different, and something that people will remember. I think we achieved that in 2023, and we will trump it this year.”
Contact
Krueger Transport Equipment
Ph: 03 8331 6100
Web: www.krueger.com.au
Krueger’s new KDolly will also be displayed.
Krueger’s Koolbox will make an appearance at the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show.
Brisbane truck show
Bruce Rock Engineering will be showcasing its new grain tipper trailer model, BulkEX, at this year’s Brisbane Truck Show.
Bruce Rock Engineering (BRE) is a trailer manufacturer based in Western Australia which has grown into a national leader in Australia’s road transport industry since being founded in 1980. Operating out of four locations within the state and having a network of servicers and repairers along the east coast, BRE designs and delivers high-quality, innovative transport solutions to suit various applications nationwide. It also specialises in Performance-Based Standards (PBS) equipment and a diverse range of trailer combinations including side tippers, end tippers, dog trailers and more.
One of the OEM’s latest innovations, BulkEX, will be showcased this month at the Brisbane Truck Show. The new model was launched just at the end of last year and is the first clean slate redesign of a BRE grain tipper in 30 years.
Designed specifically for grain, fertiliser and lightweight products, the product’s one-piece body is constructed with 3mm Hardox 450 which offers increased durability over its predecessor which utilised 3mm high tensile steel.
The trailer model is available in the following combinations as standard: 26m B-double, 26m slider B-double, 26m stag B-double, 27.5m pocket road train, 30m A-double, 36.5m AB/BA-triple and larger combinations.
According to BRE Managing Director, Damion Verhoogt, BulkEX replaces BRE’s pre-existing grain tipper models with an updated and simpler application.
“From our point of view, it streamlines our quoting, engineering and manufacturing process by allowing us to cater for more combinations with the same model range,” he says. “We’ve had
the same base design with tweaks and upgrades along the way, but never a clean slate redesign.”
BRE undertook a much more modularised approach for the model to make it as versatile and practical as possible. The biggest difference with BulkEX, Damion says, is that it features a range of standard parts that have traditionally been optional extras in the past.
“We’ve been able to integrate a lot of things into the build which simplify tare weights and processes,” he says. “It has many improvements over its predecessor.”
These upgrades include single-piece Hardox panels on the body sides with better wear characteristics for an increased life span; a reduced hoist well area for improved weight distribution; a
aluminium tailboard; a corrosion resistant stainless steel grain door with nylon slide tracks for smooth operation; telescoping stainless steel tarp handles; stainless steel scuff plates at chain points and
Other key aspects of the model include a refined and innovative body profile which not only looks great but reduces material hang up, low tare weight and an increased cubic capacity to weight ratio.
“It might look similar to the previous models at a glance, but there’s lots of subtle differences,” Damion says. “We have increased the tipper’s capacity while still maintaining our unique BRE bowl slate. It’s also stronger and more wear-resistant at the same tare weight, meaning operators can achieve the same payload as they were getting with the previous models.
“In addition, the body is cleaner and smoother in appearance. This results in great cleanout and discharge abilities which are critical for the grain and other materials it’s supposed to carry.”
The durability of the trailer is achieved through Hardox 450, a material BRE has been using as its material of choice for many years with successful results.
“Customers are always looking for ways to increase the wear life of their equipment as well as achieving higher impact toughness,” Damion says. “Hardox
15 – 18 May 2025
is just the right wear plate to satisfy those needs.”
The increase in hardness of the steel plate has also been seen to improve abrasion resistance on BRE’s combinations. In many cases, it has also translated to double the service life which, for BRE, proved to be perfect reasons to utilise it once again through BulkEX.
BulkEX will also be joined by a higher capacity scrap steel tipper as well as a coal spec side tipper at the Brisbane Truck Show. Damion says these units are some of the best examples of BRE’s latest bulk tipper offering.
“We’ve very much got a tipper flavour this year, and that is essentially our bread and butter,” he says. “We’ve never displayed a scrap tipper before so this will be something new for us.
“The scrap tipper is a Hardox highvolume wedge body with 5mm and 6mm hydraulic bat wing tarps and a lot of operator safety specs such as pinpoints and access features. We sell a fair bit of these trailers into the east coast, so we’re excited to bring it along with the new grain tipper and the side tipper as well.”
Contact
Bruce Rock Engineering 15 Swan Street, WA 6418
Ph: 08 9061 1253
Web: www.brucerockengineering.com.au
Images: Bruce Rock Engineering.
Bruce Rock Engineering’s new BulkEX trailer.
The one-piece body is constructed with 3mm Hardox 450 for increased durability.
Brisbane truck show
Full circle
Host of the first ever Brisbane Truck Show, Haulmark Trailers, is returning to this year’s event with its brand-new live bottom trailer model.
Haulmark Trailers is a national trailer manufacturer which, establishing in 1963 under the name of Truck & Trailer Repairs, set out to drive the industry forward with heavy-duty transport equipment designed for road train and livestock applications.
Haulmark Trailers made history five years after entering the market by hosting the first ever Brisbane Truck Show at its facility in Rocklea, Queensland, in 1968. This is one of the biggest moments in the company’s story.
“It was the first time that the broad industry came together as a whole,” says Haulmark Trailers National Sales
and Marketing Manager, Mark Johnston.
“That’s an example of the Haulmark commitment to the transport sector. We’ve been going since 1963 and have always been active in industry development.”
While Haulmark Trailers has made many achievements since (opening branches throughout Townsville, Queensland, Darwin, Northern Territory, and Adelaide, South Australia, completing work for the defence sector and refining its manufacturing processes), Mark believes the business’ longevity has been its primary achievement.
“The ability to create a quality product
and stand by it over the test of time is something we’re very proud of,” he says.
“We’re always being mindful of this when designing things so that we’re staying true to our original decisions.”
Haulmark Trailers will be returning to the Brisbane Truck Show this month where its new live bottom trailer model will be launched. The trailer is made up of a Gincor Werx Hardox 450 steel plate body with fully insulated walls and features a two-ply conveyor belt system which can empty products with ease and Haulmark Trailers running gear and componentry. With a tare weight of around seven
Images: Haulmark Trailers.
Haulmark Trailers’ new live bottom trailer.
15 – 18 May 2025
tonnes and an Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) of 42 tonnes (depending on the application), it will be available in tri-axle and rigid eight-wheel configurations.
“This is a product which we identified great opportunities for,” Mark says. “There’s only a couple of other suppliers in the market and that got our interest in this particular product.
“We’ve developed a road train version of it as well. The trailer’s construction is quite robust and it has some great potential in Australia from what we can see.”
An important aspect of the trailer is its ability to maintain temperatures while simplifying unloading tasks. This is due to the fully-insulated body which is designed to keep asphalt, bitumen and other products heated in transport.
Increased safety is another selling point due to the nature of the live bottom system itself.
“There’s a real safety benefit from a rollover point of view,” Mark says. “You don’t have to put the trailer up in the air with product that might hang up and cause the combination to roll over. Likewise, you don’t have to deal with clearance issues such as powerlines and other structures.”
The collaboration between Haulmark Trailers and Gincor Werx combines over 60 years of designing and manufacturing prowess and more than 40 years of development respectively – an end result which Mark believes was the most practical solution.
“We formed a relationship with Gincor Werx because they’ve been building these trailers internationally for quite some time,” he says. “They already had a quality product in Canada, so we put that together with our engineering and manufacturing processes here under the Haulmark banner.”
Mark believes the product fits into the Haulmark Trailers lineup perfectly.
“We’ve gone down this path to be able to provide that sort of product,” he says. “I think it’s a great opportunity for us and I believe that the demand for these trailers will grow. A range of operators are specifically requesting this style of trailer as opposed to a tipper primarily for
the safety reasons, so they’re certainly becoming more and more popular.”
With everything now in order, Haulmark Trailers is eagerly awaiting the Brisbane Truck Show.
“We haven’t been to a truck show for more than 20 years,” Mark says. “We’ve seen the evolution as the industry has changed, and we knew that we had to go back to the Brisbane Truck Show with this trailer because it’s a huge opportunity to put your product in front of the broader industry.
“We’re looking forward to catching up with the people that we know as well as the people that we don’t know. I think that’s part of what the show is about –bringing the broader industry together in one place.”
Haulmark Trailers will come full circle as it returns to the same event which it was the first to host in 1968. For Mark, this is a massive privilege.
“It’s a great thing,” he says. “There aren’t too many manufacturers within the industry that have got that sort of longevity and brand support, so it’s certainly an achievement. When you start looking back to the early days and how much the industry has developed, it does give you a sense of pride to know you’re one of the original supporters.”
Contact
Haulmark Trailers
Ph: 07 3277 3666
Web: www.haulmark.com.au
The trailer is made up of a Gincor Werx Hardox 450 steel plate body with fully insulated walls.
Unloading is easy due to the two-ply conveyor belt system.
Brisbane truck show
Paying tribute
Celebrating 50 years of service within the transport industry, Tramanco will attend this year’s Brisbane Truck Show to show off its latest breakthroughs and celebrate its milestone with loyal customers.
In an industry rife with competition from producers of all shapes and sizes, Tramanco has long enjoyed great success by offering consistently innovative manufacturing solutions to transport operators. The Brisbane-based company is a family operation which was started in 1975 by Roger Sack and his wife, Judith, who have worked tirelessly to pioneer numerous technologies across a variety of applications.
Tramanco has gradually grown over five decades of quality manufacturing. Currently boasting 15 staff members and several full-time subcontractors, the business’ weighing systems and on-board scales including CHEK-WAY, KWIK-CHEK and WAY-Bridges are greatly amplified by connections with dealers across Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia. While having effectively operated Tramanco’s larger operations and product lines for some time, Roger still takes immense pride in the company’s local origins which have greatly informed its quality assurance, attention to detail and customer service.
“Just like its products, Tramanco is also Australian made,” he says. “When dealing with Tramanco, customers are dealing with the one company that designs and makes its own products from the ground up.
“We also write our own software in-house, so customer data is not only unique but it also allows us to remove and reinstall and/or relocate existing systems to new vehicles and locations at any time. Customers are our singular focus and responsibility.”
Roger is looking forward to showcasing the latest improvements to the CHEKWAY range at this year’s Brisbane Truck show, an event which he says is strongly embedded into the company’s history.
“I was there for the first show in 1968 which was held in Haulmark Trailers’ yard,” he says. “We then attended in our own right in 1975 and we have been to every one since. I believe in road transport and know how critical it is, and these events show that well.”
In addition to displaying Tramanco’s latest product offering at the Brisbane Truck show this month, Roger is also
excited to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary. Tramanco postponed commemorating the milestone earlier this year so that it could be recognised alongside the company’s loyal customers, all of whom have been integral to the company’s long journey.
“Instead of us having a birthday party and receiving presents from family and friends, we’ve decided to give our customers a present instead in a meaningful way,” he says.
Reflecting on how far Tramanco has come in this time, Roger is grateful to have had a strong customer base by the business’ side every step of the way.
“The last 50 years have been an adventure,” he says. “Tramanco has faced challenges, disappointments and rewards together with its customers, and we would not be here without each and every one of them.”
Contact Tramanco
Ph: +617 3892 2311
Web: www.tramanco.com.au
Image: Tramanco.
Tramanco and Trans Equip staff at the 1975 Brisbane Truck Show.
WHAT DO YOU GET WITH A LIGHT TRAILER THAT CAN CARRY A HEAVY LOAD?
Australian made
32 Ton payload (10.2t truck weight)
4m deck widening
Full width full weight
Khitch axles and suspension
7hp petrol kohler engine
Mag flags and scrolls
Remote controlled hydraulics
In stock ready to go!
SCIENCE BEHIND IT
Steer: 6.5 tonnes
Drive: 18.5 tonnes
Float group: 27 tonnes
Total 52 tonnes
MATHS BEHIND IT
The sub10 is just 9.8 tonnes
Total tare: 19.8 tonnes
Payload 52 - 19.8 = 32 tonnes LUSTEC’S newest model
Your truck tares at 10.2 tonnes
Show special for $175,000 + GST
Shift the dial
Freighter Group will be headlining this year’s Brisbane Truck Show with a rebranded identity, expanded product offering and unabated vision for success.
Freighter Group marked a significant development in the history of Australian transport last year when it announced that it would be leaving its well-known identity of ‘MaxiTRANS’ behind and rebranding to its former name that had been synonymous with the local market since 1946.
By returning to its roots and realigning itself with the name, logo and visual identity which started it all, Freighter Group wanted to make its intentions clear. And those intentions were made clear
as day at the company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Ballarat, Victoria, with the announcement that the business would be entering a new chapter.
It was revealed that Freighter Group would be advancing with its refocused vision, ‘Freight it for Life’, a total commitment to supporting customers for the life of their products. Freighter Group Executive Chairman, Greg L’Estrange, says the transformation has been going according to plan.
“The rebrand has been very positive,”
he says. “We’ve rolled the new brand out throughout the business and the industry has been very supportive of the direction. The response has been great.
“We’ve had great acceptance in the marketplace because the customers do associate the brand with its long history. Freighter is a well-recognised and established brand, so a lot of our customers are now more associated with the company than they ever have been.”
Several other major developments were announced as part of the rebrand
The scene of Freighter Group’s rebrand at its Ballarat, Victoria, facility.
Images: Freighter Group.
Freighter Freez-R trailer.
launch event. Freighter Group introduced Freez-R, its brand-new high performance refrigerated trailer model, as well as the new Ready Range of trailers and a revitalised parts division consisting of two entities – the group’s genuine parts division and the new Hitcher Parts brand.
It’s been seven months since these announcements and they’re now in full effect. Freez-R trailer deliveries have been rolling out to fleets such as Multiquip around the country and the Ready Range of trailers are receiving just as much traction. Meanwhile, Freighter Group’s parts division is stronger than ever.
“The parts division is starting to get some momentum within the business,” Greg says. “Part of the reason for the branding change was to get that differentiation from MaxiPARTS to allow us to brand our product into the marketplace in a new offer for our long-term customers.”
Freighter Group is using this momentum to its advantage leading up to the Brisbane Truck Show, an event which Greg says will allow the company to showcase its offering on a much larger scale.
“It will be about pushing the brand to where we see ourselves into the future,” he says. “We’re hoping to be able to start
giving that linkage to our customers, and they’ll see more as we continue to grow with them in the marketplace.”
Greg says Freighter Group will be highlighting its refreshing approach to the market and how far it’s come as a business as well.
“We’ll be going to the Brisbane Truck Show with our new outlook in the marketplace,” he says. “We want to show our customers that we’re moving forward and that we will be a reliable partner into the future. That’s a key part of what we’re doing because we want to have a long-term relationship with our customer base.
“We also have a story to tell about our improved manufacturing capabilities, so we’ll talk to our customers about that. Around that, we’ll be discussing what we’ve been doing since the last Brisbane Truck Show while covering our expanded offering to parts which works in with our vision of being there for the whole life cycle of the trailer.
“Our stand will be staffed with specialists from products, parts and service, as well as specialists in Performance-Based Standards (PBS) which has been a popular inclusion to our stand at the show. We welcome visitors to talk to us about their
specific freight challenges and to find out how we can support their particular freight operation.”
Freighter Group embarked on this new era with a $50 million investment into its Ballarat site in 2024. This upgrade completely transformed the factory with a range of new state-of-the-art equipment and placed it in the position to be able to constantly adapt to market and customer needs in the future. Despite disruptions and headwinds in the local market, the Freighter Group business has been performing above standards ever since the revolutionary announcement in October. Greg attributes a large part of this to the company’s pivot in operations which are now much more centralised around the end user.
“You don’t have a business without a customer,” he says. “It’s a long-term relationship. Working with our customers is the key part of our success, and we will continue to improve how we do that by taking the steps required to meet our customers’ needs on their journeys.”
Contact Freighter Group
Ph: 03 5339 0300
Web: www.freighter.com.au
Image: Prime Creative Media.
Freighter Group Executive Chairman, Greg L’Estrange.
Brisbane truck show
Jack
In good hands
When you transport 80 million litres of petroleum products across Sydney every year you need the best equipment. That’s where Holmwood Highgate answered Jack Simpson Fuel Supplies’ call.
When Neville Simpson, Managing Director of Jack Simpson Fuel Supplies, was faced with the issue of safely and efficiently delivering fuel to his customers around Sydney, he knew exactly who to turn to.
Jack Simpson Fuel Supplies is renowned as a wholesale and retail market leader for BP petroleum products and Castrol lubricants in the Sydney area, offering optimised delivery services from depots at Oakville, Werrington and Mittagong using a fleet of dedicated tankers and highly qualified employees.
With a booming business at stake and in need of high-quality tankers and trailers, Neville turned to Holmwood Highgate, another family owned and operated enterprise recognised as a world leader in the design and manufacture of bulk liquid storage and transportation systems.
Like many truck and transport businesses across Australia, Jack Simpson Fuel Supplies and Holmwood Highgate have had similar starts in life – both growing from small suburban outfits to leading industry companies thanks to the hard work and dedication of a few men with big visions of the future.
Jack Simpson Fuel Supplies started life in 1963 under a different guise when Jack and his son, Neville, opened a mechanical repair and panel beating business on the Great Western Highway in Wentworthville, in Sydney’s western suburbs. At the time, the workshop was part of the Star Auto Centre service station where the father and son ran the complete show – retail fuel supplies with auto panel beating and spray painting as their main focus of business.
It wasn’t until the petrol sales at the small service station grew steadily to a massive monthly turnover of seven million litres that petroleum became the primary business. They soon turned it into one of the largest fuel sales operations in Sydney at the time.
Twenty years after the business started, the Simpsons bought a fuel depot at Oakville, where the monthly turnover was 600,000 litres. The business became a well-known BP distributor, expanding to include depots at Werrington and Mittagong. That small family enterprise has now grown more than ten-fold to be a market leader throughout greater Sydney.
Today, Jack Simpson Fuel Supplies has about 30 employees and operates a fleet
that includes two Holmwood Highgate Performance-Based Standards (PBS) 40’ quad-axle B-doubles and five mini tankers for onsite refuelling. This means it can facilitate effective and efficient supply loads of all sizes to most sites, providing rapid turnaround on client orders, highlighted by 24-hour on-site refuelling and 48-hour bulk deliveries.
The collaboration between Jack Simpson Fuel Supplies and Holmwood Highgate started when the Simpsons bought rigid tankers 25 years ago, followed by purchases of Holmwood Highgate’s semi-trailers over the last 10 years. That relationship has been extended with the Simpsons purchasing a new 25m Holmwood Highgate B-double trailer that will be towed by a Kenworth T610. The new acquisition will add to the two existing quad-axle tankers in the Simpsons’ fleet.
The three-compartment lead trailer and five-compartment B trailer combination was made for maximum diesel capacity. It features Hendrickson INTRAAX suspension, Alcoa wheels with Michelin tyres, checker plate and rubber stone
Simspon Fuel Supplies’ new 25m B-double.
The B-double will be deployed for the fleet’s BP contract.
protection on the landing legs and extra toolboxes on the driver’s side.
With a Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of 68.5 tonnes and a payload of 54,000 litres of diesel, the B-double will be used for trips from Sydney to Windsor, Victoria, operating under Higher Mass Limits (HML).
“It will deliver high quality fuel for BP, through Wagga Wagga and halfway to Melbourne where they do the changeover,” Neville says. “We’ve got a contract there and we go out to Forbes three times a week. We go up to the north coast and we do a lot of metro runs down the south coast.”
For Neville and Jason, the choice of Holmwood Highgate as trailer builders was an easy one to make.
“They’re very well-made trailers,” Jason says. “They tend to last in our field of work going over the Blue Mountains. They’re spec’d well and they work for us.”
Neville says a key factor in buying from Holmwood Highgate is that its products are Australian made.
“From the day we buy from them, we’ve never had trouble, and we do a lot of kilometres,” he says. “So, they’re built to last. You can’t beat the quality. We don’t know what their warranty is like because
we’ve never had to take a trailer back for warranty work.”
Neville doesn’t anticipate having any troubles with the new B-double trailer, saying the quality of the build will stand up to the demands of the business.
“If it’s anything like the quad trailers we’ve bought from them, it should be excellent,” he says. “The quads give us extra weight so we can cart more fuel, so we shouldn’t have any problems with it.”
It’s not just the carrying capacity that makes the Simpsons big fans of Holmwood Highgate products, with the trailers easily coping with 14-hour days, six days a week.
“They’re not in the workshop getting repaired,” Neville says. “They’re there when you need them. There’s never any downtime getting repairs or getting cracks in tankers or chassis, and that goes back to their manufacturing and the quality of their equipment values being Australian made.”
“The finish of their trailers is excellent,” Jason adds. “There’s never any issues or defects, so they’re always spot-on when they get here.”
Holmwood Highgate also excels in the customer service department, reflecting a pride in its work according to Neville.
“Wayne Sloane comes and see us and
then we just go through how we want the tanker built,” he says. “From there, he comes back with a price and once we okay it, it’s on its way.
“They’re there when you want them and it’s no trouble to them at all. The Holmwood Highgate team is very down to earth. When you don’t have any problems with them, you can only speak highly of them.”
Having a quality Australian-made product at his disposal, 80-year-old Neville, who still oversees operations, is confident the association with Holmwood Highgate will continue down the family line.
“It’s a good way of looking forward for my son,” he says. “He’s kept the Holmwood products in the fleet, so he won’t have any trouble with his business as far as quality.”
Jason testifies to this, highlighting the fact that he’s never had any issues with Holmwood Highgate tankers in the fleet.
“They’ve all held up,” he says. “Holmwood tankers are well-made and tend to hold up the best, so that’s why we keep going back to them.”
Contact
Holmwood Highgate
Ph: 03 9936 0360 | 07 3440 9000
Web: www.holmwoodhighgate.com.au
Images: Holmwood Highgate.
A new transport entity
Tuff Trailers will introduce its new low loader model to the transport industry as this year’s Brisbane Truck Show takes place.
Officially launching in 1995, Tuff Trailers entered the market under the leadership of founder and Managing Director, Denis Di Pasquale, with one sole purpose – to deliver a diverse, new range of trailer models for Australian transport conditions. The business would go on to design and manufacture a range of high-quality and innovative trailers customised to requirements for the years to follow while retaining its core objective.
Operating out of its facility in Crestmead, Queensland, Tuff Trailers continues to excel in creating bespoke trailers tailored to individual client specifications. Creating them with rugged, versatile features that display the company’s foundational principles of innovation, resilience and safety has been critical to establishing its reputation across Australia and beyond.
That being said, Tuff Trailers is adding yet another innovation to its semitrailer portfolio – the 4x4 Removable Gooseneck Low Loader or ‘titan of transport’ as Denis likes to call it.
“Our new 4x4 Removable Gooseneck Low Loader stands out as a remarkable blend of innovation and functionality in
the world of heavy-duty transport,” he says. “We designed the low loader to tackle the increased market request of moving oversized and height-restricted loads, so it will be a vital tool for industries transporting machinery, equipment and materials that push transport limits.”
The 4x4 low loader features a hydraulically adjustable removable gooseneck which lowers the trailer’s front to ground level to create an efficient loading ramp. This eliminates the need for cranes or forklifts in many cases, as heavy equipment can be easily driven or rolled onto the deck, and boosts its versatility.
The trailer also features a double gooseneck fitted with a nine-position adjustable skid plate for enhanced operational adaptability. This is also compatible with a low loader dolly. The lower deck stretches 13 metres in length and, with a floor height of 910mm above the suspension group, is paired with a 6.1-metre well at a 575mm floor height.
According to Denis, the unit’s lowprofile construction ensures a low centre of gravity for improved stability when transporting tall or unconventional loads.
“Another key highlight is the hydraulic deck-widening system which is adjustable from 2.5 metres to 3.8 metres and accommodates diverse load widths,” he says. “The 8mm flooring is equipped with RUD Australia-certified lashing points which are rated for 20-tonne lashing and 10-tonne lifting to ensure cargo remains firmly secured.”
With BPW Transpec airbag suspension, 17.5-inch grease axles with drum brakes and twin self-tracking rear axles, the trailer also offers superior manoeuvrability and extended tyre longevity.
A 335mm-deep wheel well between the axle spread is also tailored for agricultural equipment transport. It comes with two clip-on steel infills for a level deck, enhancing its flexibility even further for various hauling needs.
Meanwhile the low loader’s hydraulic system is designed as a clean, integrated circuit powered by a hydraulic Power Take-off (PTO) unit. Gooseneck controls are strategically placed on the side for easy management of raise/lower functions and the hydraulic stabiliser.
For swift gooseneck removal, the trailer
Images: Tuff Trailers.
utilises a Stucchi DP2 multi-coupling in the deck-widening circuit which simplifies the attach and detach process.
In pursuit of continuous improvement, Tuff Trailers’ research and design team also collaborated with Lucidity Australia to integrate advanced plug-and-play electrical circuits. The end result ensures a robust electrical system built to endure Australia’s harshest environments, backed by thorough documentation, product support and Lucidity’s wellestablished nationwide network.
“Customers can also choose from a variety of optional features and enhancements to increase design flexibility,” Denis says. “These include full remote override Tridec steering systems and extendable beam sets to lengthen the drop well.”
Denis says Tuff Trailers is thrilled to incorporate these additions into its current product lineup which already includes innovative offerings like the Steerable Low Loaders, Tilt ‘N’ Slide
Wideners and Semi-Modular Platforms.
“The new 4x4 Removable Gooseneck Low Loader further expands our range of custom-built, high-performance trailers which are tailored to diverse transport needs across Australia,” he says.
The new 4x4 Removable Gooseneck
Low Loader will be displayed at Tuff Trailer’s Crestmead facility during the week of the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show.
15 – 18 May 2025
“We welcome everyone to drop in for an extensive tour of our facility,” Denis says. “We’ll be showcasing our manufacturing process and a range of specialised products.”
Contact
Tuff Trailers
Ph: 07 3803 0232
Web: www.tufftrailers.com.au
The lower well stretches 6.1 metres in length with a floor height of 575mm.
Brisbane truck show
Check it out
Get Yourself Checked is raising awareness around prostate cancer through Followmont Transport and the help of Vawdrey.
One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. This is a key message that Followmont Transport Managing Director, Mark Tobin, and Country Trucker Caps owner, Brett Hanly (known as ‘Knuckles’), are aiming to amplify through their new charity initiative.
Get Yourself Checked is encouraging all men over the age of 40 to take charge of their health early with a simple blood test. Led by Mark and Brett, the foundation’s main purpose is to promote awareness around prostate cancer and the importance of getting checked before it’s too late.
“We’re really good mates with the same attitude of just getting things done,” Mark says. “We are both passionate about the cause and wanted to create something to
make a difference, so we leveraged our strengths to start Get Yourself Checked.
“Prostate cancer is the second biggest killer and something a lot of men shy away from checking up on. The methods of identifying prostate cancer have come so far and early detection is key to staying healthy – it now only requires a simple blood test. That’s the message we want to get across with this initiative.”
Mark and Brett’s first major fundraising event will be taking place at the Royal International Convention Centre in Brisbane on 11 October with a goal of raising $1 million to fund essential medical equipment, support research and raise awareness particularly in regional communities. The Get Yourself Checked event will be marking the beginning of a new chapter in the fight against prostate
cancer with over 700 people expected to attend.
In the meantime, the Get Yourself Checked team has unveiled a specially built truck and trailer combination which, travelling the Bruce Highway in north Queensland as a “rolling billboard”, is serving as a visible reminder of the importance of early prostate cancer detection.
“The first thing I thought was, ‘I’ve got close to 200 trailers, so I might as well use one as a billboard to get the message out there’,” Mark says. “A number of my suppliers are on board and we’ve got people jumping at us wanting to be a part of it all, so we’ve seen so much support for what we want to do.”
The trailer combination is a 38-pallet quad tri-axle B-double drop deck built to
Followmont Transport’s new 38-pallet quad tri-axle B-double drop deck.
specification by Vawdrey in Dandenong, Victoria. With ‘1 in six’ and ‘Get Yourself Checked’ written on custom-designed curtains, the trailer is showcasing a powerful message around the statistics of prostate cancer.
“The trailer runs on a specialised run from Brisbane to Mackay every day carrying all types of freight from medical products to breakdown parts,” Mark says. “I also built a custom truck for this combination – a Kenworth T909 with an IT bunk which has blue lights and a ribbon all over it. You can definitely see what it’s about when it’s treading up and down the highway.”
Vawdrey, a major supplier for Followmont Transport, has played a critical role in the Get Yourself Checked operation by getting this B-double set on the road. The unit is the latest of its 173 Titeliner combinations built for the fleet which have all been designed with maximised cubic capacities and lengths to take more trucks off the road.
It’s also a symbol of the powerful relationship between both businesses which extends far beyond just fleet equipment.
“Paul Vawdrey has been a great support to me,” Mark says. “Paul has gotten behind every idea I’ve had without even questioning it. He was very big on Get Yourself Checked so he’s been supporting it wherever he can.
“We aren’t just suppliers and customers to each other. It’s all about our relationship and it has been for 25 years. I’ve never signed an order with Paul – I just ring him and say I need a trailer built. We’re good friends and it’s great to do business with people that you trust and care about.”
Mark says it’s relationships such as these which make Get Yourself Checked possible.
“I wouldn’t be able to do this without my foundation partner, Brett, and the support of all our suppliers and friends,” he says. “We want to make a difference. It’s not hard to count six males and think that one of them is going to get very sick with prostate cancer because of their lack of awareness.
“So, this isn’t just about the billboard on the truck or the merchandise that we’re planning on releasing. It’s actually about something much bigger than that.”
15 – 18 May 2025
Contact Vawdrey Australia 1-53 Quantum Close Dandenong South, VIC 3175 Ph: 03 9797 3700 Web: www.vawdrey.com.au
Images: Jonathan Wood Photography.
Mark Tobin and Brett Hanly with the new combination.
Brisbane truck show
One-man band
New South Wales-based subcontractor, Ed Vella, has relied on a series of Moore Trailers tippers since the turn of the century. His next trailer will pay tribute to all these units and his relationship with the OEM at the Brisbane Truck Show.
Ed Vella is a subcontractor in New South Wales who has been heavily involved in the transport industry for more than 25 years. Over this time, he has specialised in a range of jobs including demolitions and excavations, grain transport, road works, wheat harvests and bulk transport operations for Boral which, to complete effectively, have required a selection of tipper trailers from Moore Trailers.
Ed bought his first Moore Trailers unit in 2000, a single tip-over axle which helped him find his feet in transporting grain and fertiliser at the time. The trailer met all of his needs and led to a second purchase with the OEM in 2004 – a single chassis tipper to be deployed for his contract with Sydney’s Westlink M7 construction.
Another single tip-over axle followed suit shortly afterwards, and from there, Ed’s relationship with Moore Trailers began to strengthen.
“Ordering trailers started to become very easy because the Moore Trailers team knew what I wanted and how I wanted it,” he says. “It was always a pleasure dealing with them because they were able to custom build my trailers to accommodate my needs.”
Ed has continued ordering multiple other trailers through Moore Trailers, including a conveyor floor unit in 2014 for hot mix asphalt, another two chassis tippers, a few tri-axle and road train dollies and a sliding A trailer in 2019. Over this time, he has completely placed his trust in Moore Trailers by purchasing his equipment thousands of kilometres away through phone calls and photos.
“There’s plenty of trailer builders in Sydney but I buy from Moore Trailers which is in Queensland,” he says.
“They’ve always been good to me and I’m always satisfied, so I’ve kept going back.”
Ed has since ordered a new drop deck extendable from Moore Trailers which he will be taking to the Brisbane Truck Show this month. Measuring in at 46’, the trailer features bifold ramps for extra length and a series of other specs for Ed’s different freight tasks.
“It has a Hardox floor so the floor won’t get dinted if I have to put a machine on it,” he says. “It’s also going to have a couple of winches to help me pull heavier things up onto the trailer if I need to.
“Widespread suspension will also
give me the option of loading 27 tonnes without any headaches at all.”
Once deployed, the drop deck extendable will be used as an “everyday trailer” for Ed due to its versatility. But prior to that, he will be using it as a tribute to the Moore Trailers team at the Brisbane Truck Show.
“I’m pretty proud of it and I’m looking forward to having it there,” he says. “I want to show off Moore Trailers’ workmanship, so it’s more of a selling point for them because of everything they’ve done for me.
“The boys at Moore Trailers are like family to me, so we’ve got a pretty good relationship. I can ring them up at any time of the day to talk to them, whether it’s about trailers or not, because they’re not trying to sell me a trailer when I call them.
“It’s more of a friendly relationship than a business-related one and I couldn’t be happier with it.”
Contact Moore Trailers
Ph: 07 4693 1088
Web: www.mooretrailers.com.au
Image: Moore Trailers.
One of Ed Vella’s Moore Trailers tippers.
HAULMARK WELCOMES NEW PRODUCT TO ITS TRAILER RANGE
A safe and efficient option for the cartage of Asphalt / Hotmix and a extensive range of bulk materials
E-mission accomplished
In the mutually inclusive transport spheres of emissions reductions and e-mobility, the e-axle represents a compelling development and a cornerstone of SAF-Holland’s product showcase at this year’s Brisbane Truck Show.
One of the defining trends in the current era of global transport is e-mobility. SAF-Holland joined the electrification revolution, as it has been called, early on officially launching its first electrified axle, the TRAKr in 2018. The company wasted little time bringing the e-axle to our shores, with Australia the first market outside of Europe to receive the TRAKr. New technology in the market can be daunting. Especially when its immediate value is largely unknown. Not so for Woolworths logistics division, Primary Connect, one of the first fleets to trial SAF-Holland’s TRAKr in 2022. The fleet liked what it saw. That initial evaluation was successful enough for the fleet to
upscale its adoption of the technology rolling out e-axles across another 20 refrigerated trailers.
The recuperative electrified axle uses a high-voltage generator module for electric power regeneration to lower the emissions and fuel consumption of the overall vehicle. SAF-Holland Product, Engineering and Technical Manager, Nemanja Miletic, was in Germany working for the parent company during the very genesis of the project.
“The benefits are many,” he says. “A reduction in diesel aggregate to run the cooling unit on a refrigeration trailer or anywhere else where energy is needed in other applications to power equipment
can be done with electrics.”
While having cooling units run on electricity is nothing new, as the trailer works independently from the truck, any trailer with the TRAKr e-axle can be connected to any truck to enable said benefit.
Reducing the diesel aggregate component also helps mitigate against noise levels which are prohibitive in making deliveries, especially at night, to supermarkets.
“More and more countries around the world have issues with noise levels emitted by commercial vehicles,” Nemanja says. “By removing those high noise levels, it enables increases
Images: SAF-Holland.
in night shifts as the unit is no longer noisy but silent.”
Even in the medium-term the advantages are palpable in light of the legislation of restrictive zones where commercial vehicles must be classified as zeroemission to enter and operate. Some cities in Europe won’t allow refrigerated vehicles to enter based on the noise levels created by diesel aggregate. In this way an e-axle like the SAF TRAKr saves on fuel consumption while also improving a vehicle’s carbon footprint.
“Nowadays, for supermarket deliveries, it is more likely the truck will have a Euro 6 rating to make it as clean as possible on a legacy internal combustion engine, and yet the ‘dirtiest’ diesel aggregate can be running the cooling unit, so by actually removing that diesel aggregate we overcame this absurd situation and operators can be that much cleaner,” Nemanja says.
It’s important to dispel a misconception. The SAF TRAKr does not produce electricity through any process of regenerative braking. Rather, it works like a Dynamo in that it begins charging when the wheels start spinning hence it facilitates the reincorporation of energy.
“You can call it regeneration if you’re going downhill but it’s actually not related to braking,” Nemanja notes. “It’s connected to EBS, so under the speeds of 30km/h and even in emergency braking situations it will disconnect itself, so it doesn’t interfere with the dynamics of the vehicle and EBS.”
Tests conducted by SAF-Holland in Europe have validated the fuel savings and, by inference, lower operational overheads, its e-axle can deliver by replacing the consumption of diesel aggregate on the trailers.
“It’s approximately 2.2 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres saved,” Nemanja says. “That’s an important data point given the cost of fuel.”
As it has many more axles on road in Europe than it does here at present, it’s a point of pride for the team at SAF-Holland that the Australian market was prioritised for the TRAKr’s global rollout.
“New technology is expensive and a leap into the unknown,” Nemanja says. “We are very grateful for the courage and trust customers have shown our product and brand by coming on a journey with us — the journey of electrification.”
A second e-axle has also been part of trials for Martin Brower on a refrigerated combination used on the far-reaching McDonald’s supply chain.
But the ambitions of the project don’t begin and end with just the cold carrier segment.
“We see the future applications and use of these axles not just in refrigeration transport but also on bulk tankers, walking floors, lift gates, anything where you can use electricity to power your accessories,” Nemanja says.
Though the SAF TRAKr is still specified for wide single tyres with a 120mm offset, which is the standard disc brake 10stud 335PCD option most prevalent in European transport, Nemanja confirms SAF-Holland is presently working on a project to develop a hub for Australian standard spec which is ten studs 285PCD dual tyres that would create opportunities for these other aforementioned applications.
Lowering CO2 emissions also means the SAF-TRAKr conforms to the latest Australian legislation for emissions. Just last year it was recognised by the HVIA
with its annual Innovation Award. Because it doesn’t have propulsion the SAF TRAKr can be installed like any other axle. Maintenance work on the axle is simple and cost-efficient as the drive unit does not have to be removed when uninstalling the wheel ends and wheels. The spare parts supply is also uncomplicated due to SAF TRAKr’s wear parts (brake pads, brake rotors and wheel bearings) being identical to the components for the non-driven SAFHolland axles. This makes the spare parts supply easier and more reliable. Workshop technicians, however, may be required to do some additional training while working with high voltages.
“Currently it is the only electric trailer axle in Australia,” Nemanja says. “It’s great to see the implementation of an innovative idea into the local market.”
Contact SAF-Holland Australia 115 High St Melton VIC 3337
E: sales@safholland.com.au
Web: https://safholland.com/au/en/
A unit fitted with the TRAKr axle.
NEW PRODUCTS & ON Di SP lay
industry. our latest release offers a two-position draw bar length dolly. this cutting-edge design is ideal for both road and a-double dual-purpose dolly applications, offering unparalleled flexibility and performance.
Designed and engineered by the Krueger engineering process that has built the hardest wearing trailers for over the past 46years.
Available in long and short Trail bar lengths both with V-Orlandi 50mm Tow Eye and Martins Topwindiner landing leg.
Fuwa brake drum axle matched with the KT250 Air Suspension module comes as standard and offers a 5 year Pivot Bush warranty.
Comes standard with Khitch KA10A50 fifth wheel suitable for single, B-double and road train highway applications.
NOW availabl E aT bTS2025.
Introducing the Krueger Koolbox engineered for the demands of food distribution. the Koolbox offers rear-end loading and an expansive range of customisable options, allowing operators to tailor the trailer to your fleets specific needs.
The heavy duty rear frame is reinforced with solid steel on both the bumper and the gussets for maximum dock impact protection. Built on Krueger’s renowned rolling body chassis and engineered to survive the needs of the Australian transport industry.
The KoolBox comes equipped with Krueger’s renowned MarkV RFS suspension system.
The advanced double-decker system offers enhanced flexibility and maximises the usable space within the KoolBox.
Brisbane truck show
A Freestone’s Transport B-double.
All-round benefits
Freestone’s Transport has achieved significant safety gains by standardising Connected Fleet’s Trailer Premium solution.
When you travel the sorts of distances that Freestone’s Transport’s fleet of trucks and trailers cover, the issues of safety, breakdowns and running costs are always at the forefront of your actions.
That was the case for Freestone’s Transport Director, Paul Freestone, before meeting with the team from MICHELIN Connected Fleet. An introduction to the OEM’s Trailer Premium solution soon changed how he approached his national transport business.
“Our business hinges on punctuality, safety and cost control, and we sought a solution that could effectively manage tire pressures, brake temperatures and provide live alerts for our fleet of trucks and B-double trailers,” he says.
The MICHELIN Connected Fleet Trailer Premium solution provided Freestone’s with optimised tyre performance, brake temperature alerts, proactive maintenance and live tracking and alerts. It has resulted in a 90-per-cent reduction in tyre-related emergencies for Freestone’s Transport, as well as preventing possible fires caused by brakes and boosting workshop organisation and fleet performance.
“It’s one of the best systems I’ve seen in a long time,” Paul says. “Operators just love it. You don’t have to check tyre pressures anymore, and that’s a huge saving. But the biggest issues are tyre failure and brakes getting hot, and with Trailer Premium we know what the problem is straight away.”
Freestone’s Transport National Workshop Manager, Daniel Keohane, explains how a presentation of the MICHELIN Connected Fleet system paid off for the national trucking company.
“We were looking to upgrade our tracking system initially on our trailers,” he says. “We were running a solar tracking system which we found to be unreliable, and we were looking to go in other directions.”
By early 2024 Freestone’s had upgraded its entire fleet of 130 trailers with the Trailer Premium solution, using it to monitor the fleet, including distances travelled per trip, the most efficient routes in real-time, exact arrival times of trailers at customer depots and even the causes of tyre punctures.
MICHELIN’s Trailer Premium solution alerts Paul and his team as soon as a trailer has an issue – tyre pressure, axle fire or required maintenance or repairs – all resulting in savings.
“It’s not what it costs you, it’s what it saves you,” Paul says. “It’s priceless, really. We run over 130 trailers and to have that backup service is priceless.”
In addition to the cost savings, the Trailer Premium solution also provides increased safety to the fleet.
“Before, you wouldn’t know if you were having a failure as you were driving,” Paul says. “But now, you will know before anyone else knows it and you can get the driver to pull up and react accordingly.
Brisbane truck show
Crushing it
Crushing contractor and quarry operator, Qcrush, utilises a fleet of Tristar Industries trailer builds due to their safety and efficiency.
Tristar Industries, for more than 50 years, has assisted a range of companies and sectors around the country with highquality trailer builds and accompanying equipment. Operating out of the Northern Territory, the OEM employs a group of around 70 experienced manufacturers and consultants who offer customers a onestop shop experience with manufacturing, repairing and servicing consolidated under the one roof.
These capabilities are a major aspect of the business’ value offering. For Tristar Industries Sales Manager, Paul Almada, and the rest of the team, they are also a source of pride.
“Everything we offer is manufactured from scratch here in the Northern Territory,” he says. “That means designing, pressing and fabrication rolling. We also have an in-house machine shop which allows us to make our own hydraulics cylinders and complete sandblast painting from our one site.
“Our shop brings in outside work too. We’re able to complete repairs and part machining for locals as well as refurbishment work on branded trailers.”
Tristar’s one-stop shop value proposition also accommodates customer requests, a factor which Paul says attracts many fleets which are looking to constantly innovate.
“Customers like how we don’t just build
one set product,” he says. “They can customise parts of the trailer to suit their requirements.
“We can engineer it in-house and we’re open to any suggestions. We’re always trying to stay modern and keep up with the times through our designs, so we welcome requests and the customers really appreciate it.”
Tristar’s myriad capabilities are underpinned by its main area of manufacturing – heavy vehicles for the mining sector. Much of the OEM’s customer base belongs to this industry and relies on its extensive range of trailers and their various applications.
“We’re very well-known for our side tippers,” Paul says. “We started with side tippers as well as water tankers.
“We’re now branching out a lot more with our other builds. So far, we are getting some very positive feedback and many orders coming through which is great.”
Other builds in Tristar’s repertoire include flat tops, drop decks, dollies and skel trailers – models that are in high demand from transport companies like Qcrush which utilise them for various mining and crushing applications.
Qcrush was established in 2008 and is Queensland-based business which operates out of several sites throughout
Mount Isa, Winton, Gregory Downs and Burke Shire.
The business is running a fleet of over 250 pieces of equipment including a range of Tristar road train side tippers and water tankers which have served its freight tasks well.
“We use a bit of everything from Tristar’s product range,” says Qcrush owner and Managing Director, Anthony Kuhn. “We order a lot of their side tippers and water tankers, and we’re looking to invest in more drop deck trailers as well.”
Qcrush’s Tristar side tippers are operating under the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme’s (NHVAS) Mass Management accreditation. This enables them to carry weights that exceed normal transport legislation in certain driving environments.
According to Anthony, this is essential for the units which carry large quantities of raw equipment to and from mining sites.
“We can run side tippers with Gross Combination Masses (GCM) of roughly 160 tonnes under Mass Management and certain biomass limits,” he says. “This generally gives each combination a 95 to 100-tonne payload.”
Aside from Tristar side tippers, Qcrush is also operating eight 32,000-litre water tankers which have proven to excel in harsh operating conditions due to their material compaction and dust suppression factors. Running off-highway, these units are not restricted to a specific weight capacity and are able to achieve a payload of 110 tonnes as a result.
“Safety is our main priority,” Anthony says. “We work on a lot of mine sites with particular hazards like contract crushing, so our team is particularly sensitive to
15 – 18 May 2025
risks. But we also value productivity and innovation, and all of these values come in the form of the equipment we buy.
“Tristar understands our needs well and that’s why we’ve been a repeat customer of theirs for so long. So much of the quality of their builds comes from their background in transport.
“They know how to build units which complement what many fleets are looking for.”
Qcrush also adds its own touch to these Tristar builds by specifying certain features which suit their mining applications. This is particularly apparent in some recent drop deck trailers which the fleet has just purchased.
“We’ve specified some features such as new lay-down ramps,” Anthony says. “We’ve also made some other tweaks too, like running a Honda motor for the unit’s hydraulics rather than a battery or electric pumps.”
One of these new drop deck units will also be unveiled by Tristar at the Brisbane Truck Show.
“We’ve changed our designs for these units quite significantly to stay a bit more competitive,” Paul says. “We’re updating aesthetics and functionality, and we’ll have a couple of these at the Brisbane Truck Show so that people can see the new features.
“It’s important that we make our builds as user-friendly as we can. We want people to know that when they call us with requests, we can accommodate them.”
Images: Tristar Industries.
Tristar Industries side tipper quad configuration.
96,000-litre road train configuration.
Guard of the galaxy
TR Group is gaining durability, longevity and value for money by specifying Rhino Guards’ plastic mudguards across its lease and rental fleets in Australia and New Zealand.
When it comes to operating a heavy vehicle rental company within the transport industry, the quality of the equipment available for hire is paramount.
For TR Group, an organisation which maintains one of the largest lease and rental fleets of trailers and prime movers in the country, this is as important as ever.
TR Group was originally founded in New Zealand in 1992, and since entering the local market in 2019 it has significantly expanded its portfolio across both NZ and Australia. Its vehicles now range from skels to A-doubles, Performance-Based Standards (PBS) combinations, road train side tippers, prime movers, rigids and more.
The durability of this expansive fleet is critical, especially for the trailers and
prime movers which travel throughout Australia in what are known as some of the world’s harshest operating conditions. But TR Group has been able to gain an upper hand in this field by bringing its application of Rhino Guards plastic mudguards from NZ to Australia.
“Rhino Guards is starting to become one of our key suppliers across all of our assets in the business,” says TR Group National Fleet and Maintenance Manager, Rian Alexander. “Our relationship is very new in Australia, but they have been supporting us for quite some time in NZ.”
Rhino’s guards have proven to be very ecological for TR Group while being really robust at the same time. The company has been able to reuse 95 per cent of its Rhino guards in its NZ fleet by recycling
older mudguards into brand-new ones.
“The environmentally friendly aspect of the guards is one of the key things that has helped Rhino and TR Group work close together,” Rian says. “The whole lifecycle of the product is in our fleet and we know our guards can be recycled.”
The durability of Rhino’s plastic guard range has since proven to be unmatched in TR Group’s Australian fleet.
“They come back from the harsh Australian outback and, after a wash, look as if they’ve just been fitted,” Rian says. “Rhino guards stand up well in the environment and we wouldn’t be using them if they didn’t.”
According to Rian, the difference seen with Rhino’s product is significant. Most notably, the two main areas of
A TR Group prime mover fitted with Rhino Guards plastic guards.
improvement over existing guards on his units are longevity and durability which, in a lease and rental fleet, is essential.
“Rhino’s guards don’t fade at all and they can cope with a little bit of abuse as well,” he says. “If a trailer isn’t disconnected properly the guards can handle the impact because they bounce back pretty well. That’s been key for us as we’re trying to avoid extra costs with replacements by using a guard that is more user-friendly.”
Rhino itself has conducted testing on its own mudguards to find out how strong they really are. In 2020 it used a standard method for testing the strength of the plastic which involved dropping a metal dart from various heights to see how much force the plastic could tolerate.
Undertaking this test with hundreds of samples to ensure reliable results, Rhino found that none of its mudguards cracked (compared to 81 per cent of the other injection moulded mudguards which were also tested). From there, Rhino completed further testing by using a forklift to lower one tonne of weight onto both a Rhino guard and another
injection moulded guard at the same time. Once again, the Rhino plastic guards were superior in durability with zero cracks.
In addition, Rhino’s plastic guards have been proven to be 218-per-cent stronger than injection moulded mudguards at ambient temperatures (20°C) and up to 360-per-cent stronger at freezing temperatures (0°C). And the durability of the OEM’s steel guard range is no different – featuring 1.2mm-thick stainless steel 304 Bright Annealed (BA), the material is more robust than thinner products offered and not as heavy as thicker options. This strikes the optimal balance between strength and weight while maintaining a quality finish too.
At TR Group, the benefits of using Rhino’s plastic guards extend to the business itself. Specifying the product has reduced on-charging to customers and the admin work involved which, in turn, saves time and improves efficiencies for the company.
The product has also proven to be very cost-effective. Rian explains that although the Rhino guards come at a premium price, the durability outweighs the cost.
“The guards are priced according to
15 – 18 May 2025
their capability,” he says. “They’re not the cheapest guards out there, but the durability and lack of replacement weighs up the additional costs you’ve got to start with.”
TR Group is now working towards applying Rhino’s plastic guards across the entirety of its existing fleet which consists of over 2,500 trailers and 500 prime movers. Going forward, all new vehicles that require a guard will also be specified with them as well.
“We’re moving all of our current trailers towards Rhino guards,” Rian says. “We’re using them wherever we can and we’ve been serious about it since the beginning of this year.
“We’ve encouraged our largest service suppliers to stock and hold Rhino guards for us now and we will get to the point where they will be spec’d on all of our builds. So, while it’s pretty hard to get excited about a guard, we’ve managed to.”
Contact Rhino Guards Ph: 02 7908 7961
Web: www.rhinoguards.com.au
The durability of the mudguards has proven to be unmatched in TR Group’s Australian fleet.
Brisbane truck show
Titans of industry
Chas Kelly Group has seen significant safety and efficiency benefits by specifying JOST fifth wheels across its fleets.
Chas Kelly Group has been a paramount player in Tasmania’s transport industry for nearly 50 years by providing a range of transport and logistics services across seven subsidiaries – Chas Kelly Transport, Kelly Logistics, Rock Logistics, RoadRunners, Transport Equipment Hire (TEH), FreshFreight and SeaRoad.
The comprehensive transport group was the brainchild of founder, Chas Kelly, who was first exposed to Tasmania’s transport world in Devonport by working for Wm. Holyman and Sons. This laid the foundation for Chas’ entry into freight services under the Chas Kelly Transport business with a single prime mover – a choice which seemingly sealed his fate as a logistical pioneer for Tasmania.
Chas Kelly Group has since become a national logistics provider. Its many subsidiaries are still diligently operated by Chas and his family and are underpinned
by a common commitment to providing reliable transport solutions.
“There’s quite a bit of overlap between the companies,” says Chas Kelly Group Fleet and Procurement General Manager, Bernie Dalton. “You will often see a Kelly Logistics prime mover towing a TEH trailer with a SeaRoad container on its back because their capabilities all come together to deliver freight to the right people at the right time.”
Chas Kelly Group’s particular focus on quality and reliability is further reinforced by JOST. Chas originally approached the OEM over 35 years ago due to its similar business values of ensuring safe and efficient transport and Bernie has since been keeping a close eye on the combined business values in action.
“I’ve personally maintained a strong relationship with JOST throughout my years in the industry,” he says. “I’ve really
seen what they do and offer firsthand.
“JOST brings the same high standard of quality to Chas Kelly Group. Whenever we’ve asked OEMs what their default fifth-wheel choice is, they’ll always choose JOST unless otherwise specified. This is because JOST is the best to deal with.
“Their commitment to customer service, problem solving and quality componentry makes them the clear choice for our fleet.”
Chas Kelly Group has significantly improved safety and security by fitting JOST JSK37CW greaseless fifth wheels onto 80 per cent of its overall fleet.
The relevant trailer and prime mover combinations carry a wide variety of freight around Australia, from fresh produce and refrigerated goods to steel products and semi-trailers for hire.
In these applications, operators have been able to enjoy many of the fifth wheel features and aspects which were
15 – 18 May 2025
solutions and consistent performance are helping our drivers operate with confidence, minimise accidents and overall downtime.
designed to increase convenience during coupling and uncoupling trailers. These include maintenance-free top plates, rubber cushioned pivot bearings, wearing rings and yellow-painted inner handles which allow for easy visual inspections.
Additional features which have been beneficial include extended operating handles which reach 240 millimetres as well as lock jaws and wear rings which can be replaced while the fifth wheel is still in position.
Furthermore, Bernie attests that the JSK37CW’s delivery of safety extends from manufacturing precision to operational efficiency due to the peace of mind drivers gain when operating a combination fitted with the fifth wheel.
“We can see how the fifth wheels are actively enhancing the safety of our operations,” he says. “Their intuitive designs, precision-engineered coupling
“Standardisation is also a key aspect of driver comfortability. By having much of the same equipment on our trucks, drivers are confident with the many different vehicles that we provide due to their similar fittings.”
Chas Kelly Group also uses JOST’s sensor couplings for select transport contracts. These variants constantly monitor the coupling of prime movers and trailers via three sensors. Placed onto ‘protected zones’ of non-moving parts of the fifth wheel, they make the connection of the king pin as well as the contact locking position much more seamless.
Aside from fifth wheels, JOST is also supporting Chas Kelly Group with a national network of aftersales branches. These customer-centric locations are operating in most of Australia’s capital cities and, being stocked with a wide assortment of spare parts, are ready to service the variety of fleet operators that use its trusted componentry.
“JOST’s comprehensive services,
including incident reporting, technical support, workshop training and driver training have been invaluable in maintaining the efficiency and safety of our operations,” Bernie says. “JOST’s responsiveness and expertise make them a trusted partner when it comes to ensuring that our fleet remains safe, reliable and well-equipped to handle any challenges.”
JOST’s aftersales presence and fifth wheel offering have been embedded into Chas Kelly Group’s operations for decades, helping the group boost its capabilities to service Tasmanian freight demand via secure logistical parts and solutions.
“The combination of JOST’s expertise and our operational commitment ensures that we can deliver safe, efficient and reliable transport solutions,” Bernie says. “Our partnership helps keep our customers’ freight moving.”
Contact
JOST Australia
Ph: 1800 811 487
Web: www.jostaustralia.com.au
E: sales@jostaustralia.com.au
Images: JOST.
A Chas Kelly Group A-double skel at Webb Dock in Melbourne.
JOST Australia General Manager of Sales and Marketing, Corey Povey, and Chas Kelly Group Fleet and Procurement General Manager, Bernie Dalton.
Fuel throttle
WA Fuel Supplies has quickly grown into a competitive force in Australia’s fuel industry with an expanded service offering and a fleet bolstered by BPW Transpec components.
It was only nine years ago when WA Fuel Supplies entered the industry. Born from a desire to improve the presence of relationship-based fuel businesses and the general pricing commodity within Western Australia’s transport sector, the company’s mission to make a difference began like it has for many others – with a humble one-truck operation which diligently supplied and distributed fuel to customers around Perth.
Since this beginning, WA Fuel Supplies has seemingly wasted no time at all in servicing customers as the business has clearly enjoyed significant growth. The
fuel distributor has massively extended its operations and it now transports fuel solutions to mines, farms, commercial businesses and even retail outlets, with an expanded fleet of over 50 fuel tanker trailers ranging from B-doubles to pocket and triple road trains.
Additionally, WA Fuel Supplies has been able to greatly extend its capacity with the opening of a new division in Laverton North, Victoria. This is all part of its ultimate goal to become Australia’s largest independent fuel provider according to Workshop Manager, Josh Fleming.
“Although we’re currently concentrating on Western Australia and Victoria, we certainly plan to keep growing,” he says. “We want to go anywhere we can, supplying everything that we can.”
This lofty ambition has long been underpinned by the fuel distributor’s working relationship with transport component manufacturer, BPW Transpec, which has supplied specific trailer parts to the business throughout its expansion. WA Fuel Supplies was largely attracted to BPW due to its high-quality and robust componentry which Josh says has been especially useful in the fleet’s operations
throughout difficult terrain.
“I’ve been in the transport industry for a long time, and I’ve seen how consistently BPW products are able to last in Western Australia’s harsh conditions,” he says. “Our BPW products last very long and can handle wherever we take them. And while price is a factor, we’d rather pay a bit more for something that lasts so much longer.”
BPW Transpec axles and suspension systems are the focal point of WA Fuel Supplies’ trailer specifications, each bringing specific benefits to its expansive fleet. BPW Transpec’s axles are particularly favoured for their sealed and pre-tension designs which prevent dirt and debris from getting stuck in them and save time in the fitting process.
Other BPW Transpec products featured on WA Fuel Supplies builds also include Ringfeder couplings and towing eyes – both of which have performed to the transporter’s standards.
“Our trailers perform really well with the
15 – 18 May 2025
happy with the quality of these products.”
WA Fuel Supplies’ latest trailer delivery included a Tieman Tankers PerformanceBased Standards (PBS) B-triple road train which, decked out with the aforementioned BPW Transpec products, is the second of its kind in the fleet. The PBS road trains have greatly contributed to WA Fuel Supplies’ operations in WA by allowing fuel deliveries to be completed via routes from Impala Terminals’ fuel terminal in Kwinana and the North West Coastal Highway. This provides major productivity and efficiency benefits to WA Fuel Supplies’ network which Josh says have been game changing for the business.
“We are the only company in Perth operating with this capacity,” he says. “The road trains really set our services apart in the market.
“The PBS combinations tow incredibly straight and follow around corners much better compared to a normal road train.
“They burn an average of 1.3 litres of fuel per kilometre. When carting 124,000 litres, they work out to be quite economical.”
Additionally, the road trains are receiving high praise from drivers. This is mainly due to the on-road handling and safety as a result of the BPW Transpec axles and suspensions.
“Our drivers are mainly concerned about breaking down or having an accident on the highway”, Josh says, “but they know that they’re never at risk in the road trains. The BPW parts are safe and
components through different retail outlets, BPW Transpec also supports it with consistent customer service. Josh says the team is always able to help with specific product queries while being available to his schedule and concerns.
“If we need any support with a product or inquiry, BPW Transpec will provide us with all the information we need,” he says. “The distance between us in Western Australia isn’t too far so they’re always prepared to come to our site.”
BPW Transpec extends this support with on-site training sessions to ensure WA Fuel Supplies’ drivers and engineers are thoroughly trained in implementing and using their axles, suspensions and other components.
BPW Transpec’s trailer componentry has travelled with WA Fuel Supplies as it has risen through the ranks of Australia’s fuel industry, meeting the needs of various customers with quality service and reliable equipment. The OEM’s components have been key aspects of all WA Fuel Supplies vehicles, and according to Josh, they will continue to be as the business seeks to expand further.
“We’re very happy to keep working in conjunction with BPW Transpec,” he says. “We can’t wait to see what comes next.”
Contact
BPW Transpec Ph: 03 9267 2444
Web: www.bpwtranspec.com.au
WA Fuel Supplies’ new PerformanceBased Standards road train fitted with BPW Transpec components.
BPW Transpec axles and suspensions.
Brisbane truck show
Walk don’t run
Comspread Bulk is a bulk transporter which was established on the back of Comspread Engineering, a manufacturer of customised computerised bulk spreaders for contractors and farmers. Comspread Engineering began building these units in the early 1990s and in 2008 it was approached by a customer about a tipper job. From there, Comspread Bulk eventuated and its fleet began to grow with several B-double and AB-triple tipper combinations.
Comspread Bulk has been investing in KEITH Walking Floor systems more recently due to the advantages they have been offering the fleet over its traditional tipper combinations. Comspread Bulk General Manager, Rick Button, says the Walking Floor systems have proven to be very cost-effective and efficient in their freight tasks.
“They are easier for operators,” he says. “We cart bulk products like cottonseed and compost between South Australia and Queensland, and we’ve found that
the Walking Floor trailers have opened up doors into feed lots which don’t have the room for tippers.”
Comspread Bulk is now operating four Titan Trailers road trains with KEITH Walking Floor systems. According to Rick, the fleet has been able to gain better accessibility with these units due to their ability to unload in restricted areas.
“The Walking Floor unloads where a tipper can’t get in to unload,” he says. “We can unload in lower sheds and areas where our tippers wouldn’t be able to get up in the air and that means we can put product where the customer wants it rather than having to tip it outside and move it with a loader.”
Improved route access has also been unlocked due to the fleet’s reliance on the KEITH Walking Floor road trains over AB-triples.
“The KEITH systems have resulted in a gain in efficiency,” Rick says. “Instead of using our AB-triples, we’ve gone back to two-trailer road trains which are able
to take different routes. These trailers are travelling two and from SA and Queensland every day so the savings in fuel and time spent on the road certainly add up.”
Overall, Rick has been extremely happy with the KEITH Walking Floor systems. The fleet has had a seamless experience with the systems with no problems reported by anyone in the business.
“They seem to be good, reliable and simple to operate,” he says. “We’ve had no issues with them. “The trailers get loaded in SA, they go to the other end in Queensland and they unload.
“We can unload in a more confined space, and customers prefer that because we’re not in the way. So, we haven’t had a fault with them. We put them in gear and they work.”
Contact
KEITH Walking Floor Australia
Ph: 0404 041 833
Web: www.keithwalkingfloor.com
Image: Comspread Bulk.
One of Comspread Bulk’s four KEITH Walking Floor road trains.
Brisbane truck show
In the long run
When Freightmaster expanded its semi-trailer business in the 1990s, Fuwa K Hitch was a prime option for the supply of suspensions and axles. The long-standing association has turned into the perfect match.
When Peter Cocks decided in 1990 to relocate his semi-trailer business 1,500 kilometres or so ‘down the road’ from Alice Springs to Adelaide he had a few changes in mind. The business he started in the early 1980s, under the name of P&J Transport Engineers, was updated to become Freightmaster Semi Trailers.
Peter also expanded the business model from manufacturer and repairer of semitrailers to constructing a variety of trailing equipment, including aluminium and steel tippers, road train dollies, chassis tippers, drop decks, flat tops, curtain-siders, extendables, skels, machinery tag trailers and pig and dog trailers.
While business growth and diversification were at the top of Peter’s plans, one aspect of his outfit would not change and has remained a hallmark of his manufacturing business today – customer service.
When it comes to offering the right
parts and equipment, the Freightmaster team have always relied on Peter Cocks’ approach of the best parts means the most satisfied customers.
Freightmaster Sales Manager, Brett Stone, explains that because of the nature of the business the team needs a reliable parts supplier that can cater for all clients’ needs.
“We’ve been using Fuwa K Hitch over the last 20-odd years,” he says. “We spec trailers to how customers want them, and we offer the Fuwa K Hitch range as an option on everything we build, from large drop decks, tri-axles, steel and grain tippers and bogie and tri-axle dollies. We cover the whole range for transport.”
Freightmaster is now extensively using Fuwa K Hitch products on the majority of its stock trailers – particularly airbags, spring suspensions and standard parallel bearing axles fitted to all types of road train and B-double applications.
Trailers needed for line haul, as well outback mining spec trailers, dollies, tippers (steel, Hardox and aluminium), drop decks and flat tops are catered for with the Fuwa K Hitch and Weweler products.
“We use the Weweler air suspension in the Heavy-Duty Series on pretty much everything,” Brett says. “We use it because it is heavy duty for the flat tops and drop decks which do heavier work on outback roads.
“We’ve been using the parallel bearing drum brake axles because they suit offroad and on-road applications. It’s cheaper for the customer in the long run and repairs are cheaper, as well.”
Due to Fuwa K Hitch’s long-wearing axles, Freightmaster is delighted to fit them to its trailers.
“We’ve had a good run out of them, and that’s why we’re starting to use more and more,” Brett says. “We’ve started using
Images: Freightmaster.
A Freightmaster flat top with Fuwa K Hitch suspension and axles.
15 – 18 May 2025
them on our stock trailers that we build now especially because of the minimal maintenance.”
For a business that emphasises cost efficiency and customer satisfaction, Brett believes the Fuwa K Hitch product range is an ideal fit for Freightmaster.
“The parts are readily available for the axles,” he says. “There’s also the cost and they suit the applications that we build our trailers for.
“Fuwa K-Hitch has suspension and axles to suit whatever application our customers need.”
In addition to the cost factor, Brett explains that Fuwa K Hitch’s back-up and after sales service was a game changer.
“We’re always able to talk to someone at Fuwa K Hitch because of their customer relations,” he says. “They’re also looking after us with good delivery times.”
Brett says the personalised service from Fuwa’s Southern States Manager, Diaa Bishara, makes the Freightmaster’s team’s lives a lot easier as well.
“If we need spare parts, drawings or anything, we speak to Diaa and he helps us out straight away,” he says. “He’s our main contact so we basically deal directly with him.”
The ultimate proof of Fuwa K Hitch’s product range being an ideal fit for Freightmaster is the customer feedback.
“We’ve had good feedback so far with
the application of the suspensions and axles,” Brett says. “We haven’t heard anything negative so they’re doing the job.”
Contact
Fuwa K Hitch
Ph: 03 9369 0000
Web: www.khitch.com.au
“I would highly recommend the Brimarco brand to anyone seeking the best quailty, Australian built trailer on the market today that is backed by a team of dedicated, fair and passionate professionals.”
Matt Tennant. Managing Director, TENEX Rail. brimarco.com.au
The Fuwa K Hitch product range is an ideal fit for Freightmaster.
Brisbane truck show
Quick fix
E-Max will be launching its newest On-Board Mass solution at the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show.
E-Max will be looking to make an impact at this month’s Brisbane Truck Show with the latest Air-Weigh On-Board Mass (OBM) innovation, QuickWeigh. As a recognised leader in on-board weighing weighing, E-Max is now expanding its range with the launch of QuickWeigh and continuing to set the benchmark for OBM solutions.
The business has already made strides within the market yet it’s hoping to take things up a notch with this latest development. Designed for applications where smart OBM programs aren’t required, QuickWeigh delivers simple and reliable axle group monitoring – bringing digital accuracy and ease-of-use to everyday operations.
The product is essentially a Bluetoothenabled scale that can be used as a basic pressure gauge or calibrated to display accurate weight readings. Designed to monitor an individual axle group, it gives operators instant access to load data via a connected mobile device.
“All you have to do is simply download the free QuickWeigh app, pair your mobile device to the QuickWeigh scale and get real-time weight or pressure information without leaving the cab,” says E-Max Head of Sales and Operations, Ben Harris. “QuickWeigh offers a smarter, safer and more efficient alternative to traditional analogue gauges which require the driver to exit the cab and manually check the pressure reading.
“With QuickWeigh, operators stay in control and in the cab, reducing time and improving on-site safety.”
To streamline installation, QuickWeigh will be supplied as a complete kit with everything required for most standard applications. This, Ben says, will make it quick and easy to get started – just like the rest of E-Max’s products under the AirWeigh umbrella.
“With over 20 years’ experience in supporting the Australian transport industry, Air-Weigh continues to lead the way in onboard weighing technology,”
he says. “All products are manufactured to ISO 9001 quality standards and are backed by a three-year warranty and dedicated local support.
“Our systems address not just the issue of overloading but also the oftenoverlooked problem of underloading, ensuring that each journey maximises its cargo capacity without exceeding legal limits. By optimising load capacity companies can ensure that no vehicle space goes to waste, further enhancing economic efficiency and productivity.”
Also on display at E-Max’s Brisbane Truck Show stand will be the flagship AirWeigh LoadMaxx system – a Transport Certification Australia (TCA) approved smart OBM solution used by fleets across Australia. LoadMaxx automatically calculates axle groups and total vehicle weights with no driver input required. Once operators turn the key, it does the rest.
“LoadMaxx is ideal for operations under regulatory frameworks such as Higher Mass Limits (HML) and Performance-Based Standards (PBS),” Ben says. “Together, QuickWeigh and
LoadMaxx offer a complete weighing solution range. Whether you need simple axle monitoring or a fully compliant smart OBM system, they are the perfect options.”
With both options on show at the Brisbane Truck Show, attendees will be able to personally experience how AirWeigh makes load management easy, accurate and tailored.
“Our team will be on hand at booth 230 to walk visitors through both systems and help them find the best fit for their operations,” Ben says. “We will be showcasing the extent to which Air-Weigh is making load management smarter, simpler and more accessible than ever at the Brisbane Truck Show.”
Contact
E-Max
Ph: 1300 850 575
E: info@air-weigh.com.au
Learn more about Air-Weigh QuickWeigh.
The Air-Weigh QuickWeigh innovation.
Air-Weigh
True blue
Capral Aluminium has become a member of the distinguished Australian Made Campaign, an achievement which signals its high quality of domestic production for customers such as Freighter Group.
Capral Aluminium has been positioned at the forefront of Australia’s aluminium production industry for nearly 90 years. Initially established as British Aluminium Australia in 1936, the company has undergone a myriad of transformations throughout its operations (a mixture of factory openings, brand changes and acquisitions) until it settled on the Capral Aluminium name in 1995.
The company’s national presence now hosts an impressive range of aluminium extrusion applications which service a large and loyal customer base according to Capral Aluminium Industrial Division General Manager, Luke Hawkins.
“We produce many types of aluminium extrusions for a variety of industries,” he says. “This includes Australia’s architectural sector, defence, housing, science and medical equipment, and transport where we supply aluminium to many original equipment manufacturers.
“As part of servicing these industries, we have the capacity to produce roughly 65,000 tonnes of aluminium extrusion domestically each year. That makes us the largest producer in the whole sector.”
Capral’s mammoth production scale includes eight extrusion presses located across six manufacturing sites in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. Beyond extrusion, Capral has an extensive distribution network with trade centres and branches spread nationwide. According to Luke, this national footprint ensures timely supply to customers while reinforcing the importance of supporting Australian-made aluminium products.
Due to the current global trade environment, Luke says buying Australianmade aluminium extrusion has never been more critical. This is why Capral has aligned itself with the Australian Made Campaign.
“The imposition of tariffs on Australian aluminium exports to the United States presents significant challenges for local producers,” he says. “Trade flows could be disrupted, and the risk of foreign aluminium – potentially produced under unfair trade conditions – being dumped into the Australian market is higher than ever.
“Dumped aluminium, sold in Australia at artificially low prices due to government
subsidies or excess production overseas, threatens the viability of local manufacturers. It can lead to unfair competition, job losses and a decline in domestic industry standards.
“Choosing Australian-made aluminium ensures that businesses and consumers are supporting responsibly produced, high-quality materials while safeguarding Australia’s manufacturing future.”
The Australian Made Campaign was founded in 1986 by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with participation from Australia’s network of state and territory chambers of commerce as well as cooperation from the Federal Government. The campaign’s express purpose is to promote and support locally manufactured products through recognition, helping consumers to identify and choose Australian-made goods.
The Australian Made Campaign’s iconic logo, the golden kangaroo silhouette in a green triangle, serves as the ultimate stamp of formal recognition for a product’s domestic manufacturing. By running a comprehensive domestic supply chain, Capral has received its own stamp and
Capral’s locally extruded aluminium products are now part of the Australian Made Campaign.
membership. This has become a major source of pride throughout the company.
Capral Aluminium CEO, Tony Dragicevich, is particularly enthusiastic about the company’s future following its induction into the campaign.
“Joining the Australian Made Campaign is an exciting step for Capral,” he says. “The logo is widely recognised for carrying a strong message about supporting local industry. We are proud to display it on our Australian-made aluminium products.”
These sentiments are echoed by Luke who stresses the particular importance of local manufacturing amid current economic uncertainty on the world stage.
“There is no doubt that we need to recognise Australia’s own domestic capabilities, particularly in light of the current state of global trade,” he says. “Tariffs from the United States and escalating pressures elsewhere are putting lots of strain on the economy.
“This is where Australia needs to look towards its own production powers. We don’t need to rely on imports. What we need is a fair go against these powers and their effects.”
This recognition of Capral as a high-quality Australian manufacturer has not just been celebrated by the company itself but also by many of its customers which place high value on domestic production. Among these customers is trailer manufacturer, Freighter Group, whose history in the Australian market mirrors much of Capral’s own journey.
As one of Australia’s longest-standing trailer manufacturers, Freighter Group has been relying on Capral’s aluminium for over 20 years.
Freighter Group Executive Chairman, Greg L’Estrange. “We’ve predominantly used Capral’s aluminium extrusions for our tipper range of trailers but we have also incorporated their aluminium on our curtainsiders.”
The relationship between Capral and Freighter Group has been further bolstered by aligning company values involving quality and production. Most recently, this has manifested in Freighter Group’s support for Capral’s Australian Made Campaign membership.
According to Greg, this membership demonstrates Capral’s desire to stay competitive and modern within the industry, something which complements Freighter Group’s own business approach.
“It is very important that our business partners stay modern and competitive in the industry,” he says. “We have these conversations with our suppliers all the
Campaign and showing the market that it has a lot of high-quality products to give.”
Greg supports Capral’s supply strength in the midst of hurdles facing Australian businesses such as the country’s physical distance from other world markets and the impact it has on supply chains. He believes the Australian Made Campaign membership will strengthen the partnership between both companies as Capral continues to service the domestic market and its many industries with diligence.
“Our preference is always to support domestic manufacturing where possible,” he says. “Capral Aluminium is exactly the kind of producer that we want to be supporting.”
Contact
Capral Aluminium
Ph: 1800 258 646
Web: www.capral.com.au
Images: Capral Aluminium.
Image: Freighter Group.
A Lusty EMS tipper manufactured with Capral aluminium.
Capral extrudes aluminium from six locations across Australia.
Brisbane truck show
Best served cold
Natures Cargo runs a state-wide food distribution operation with the help of Carrier Transicold refrigerated transport units.
Natures Cargo has come a long way from a local one-man show. Founded in 1986 in Ballarat, Victoria, the company was once the humble operation of Graham Wilkie which utilised a single truck to deliver food products to select parts of Victoria.
Over the last 40 years, the business has continued to evolve far beyond its humble beginnings by increasing its distribution network across Victoria. It now operates three sites in Ballarat, Thomastown and Traralgon with a fleet of 40 medium and heavy rigids which are supported by around 190 staff members.
Natures Cargo has also broadened its capabilities. Flexible delivery hours have enabled it to transport a larger scope of
goods – an opportunity which Operations Manager, Geoff Beechey, says the company has taken advantage of.
“We are proud to service all types of food outlets across Victoria,” he says. “We look forward to continuing to fulfil the requirements and exceeding the expectations of our customers with every delivery that we do.”
This amplified delivery outreach is partially attributed to Natures Cargo’s longstanding and fruitful relationship with cold chain solutions provider, Carrier Transicold, which was established over 20 years ago. Graham, who had dealt with a variety of other cold chain solutions providers during the early stages of his business, personally gravitated to Carrier
Natures Cargo maintains a fleet of 40 rigid bodies with Carrier Transicold refrigeration units.
A Natures Cargo rigid completing a paddock delivery in Victoria.
15 – 18 May 2025
due to the reputation of its reliable and high-quality products, strong customer service and overall efficiency.
Natures Cargo has since continued this collaboration with seven new Carrier Supra multi-temp refrigeration units which have been fitted onto its 10 and 12-pallet trucks as well as three of its 14-pallet linehaulers. These vehicles were built with two foam walls to separate goods and their various temperatures. The frozen sections are kept at a controlled -20°C while the chilled sections sit at a strict 4°C and the dry sections at an ambient temperature.
Carrier’s Supra 1150 MT and Supra 1250 MT units maintain these temperatures throughout entire delivery runs which, as Geoff explains, can be as long as 12 hours.
“Every morning, our trucks leave the yard between 3:30am and 6:30am to start their runs,” he says. “They come back between 3pm and 4pm. They clock a lot of kilometres in those times but the Carrier units keep them at the specific temperatures all day.
“The Supra units are very impressive. It’s extremely rare that we have any delivery issues related to the temperature of our products.”
While the Supra multi-temp units are perfectly applied to Natures Cargo’s long country delivery routes, the food distributor also utilises Carrier’s Xarios 6 multi-temp off-engine drive refrigeration units on its six-pallet trucks. These are typically deployed for metropolitan food deliveries around Melbourne due to their smaller size.
“The fridge units’ smaller size makes it much easier for our trucks to fit through tight alleys and laneways,” Geoff says. “It’s so important that we have this flexibility.
“Some customers are fitted with different-sized infrastructure for receiving deliveries, and we need to be able to service as many customers as possible. Carrier provides us with these options.”
Carrier’s flexible options align with the business values and approaches that it shares with Natures Cargo.
“Both Natures Cargo and Carrier are extremely customer-oriented,” Geoff says. “We feel Carrier’s commitment to us every day.
“We can’t afford to be down a single vehicle or fridge unit because we only have one spare truck that is constantly sent between our three distribution sites. But, when this inevitably does happen,
Carrier is there at the drop of a hat to help us.
“The company’s service team will go anywhere at any time to help us with our units. Nothing seems to be hard for Carrier.”
Carrier’s commitment to Natures Cargo is also clear in the ongoing business discussions between the two companies. Geoff says Carrier often informs him about future product rollouts and plans that may align with Natures Cargo’s ambitions.
“Carrier’s sales team is always keeping us up to date with new product developments,” he says. “They have some very exciting sustainable technology coming out that we’re eager to implement at some point, so it’s great that we’ve been kept in the loop.
“Carrier makes you feel like the biggest customer in the market with the amount of care and respect it shows. I highly recommend other transporters use Carrier. Our relationship with them is fantastic, and I can’t wait to see what else is in store.”
Images: Natures Cargo.
Dream team
Brimarco and Express Engineering have partnered up to supply best-value heavy-duty trailers across New South Wales.
Founded in 1976, Brimarco has built a solid reputation by manufacturing custom vehicles and heavy-duty trailers for the transport industry. Located in Ballarat, Victoria, it has also steadily expanded its customer base Australia-wide. This growth is now being backed by a new distribution and service partnership with Express Engineering.
Based in Dubbo, New South Wales, Express Engineering is a family-run OEM and repairer for semi-trailers and fuel tankers which has operated for 28 years. In the partnership, the business will take on sales and support for Brimarco’s tri-axle and quad-axle drop deck widener trailers in the state. Express Engineering will also assist with the further development of Brimarco’s products in addition to servicing and providing localised support as well.
The partnership was initiated by Brimarco Managing Director, Matt Kirwan-Hamilton, who wanted to grow the company’s reach and support footprint in NSW. He realised the alignment in values between both businesses was clear after being introduced to Express Engineering General Manager, Troy Behsman, through a mutual contact.
“Brimarco has been built on delivering reliable and trustworthy products to its customers,” Matt says. “We do what we do through honest, good-natured work. Doing the right thing in business can be hard in the
short term, but everyone wins that way.
“When I met Troy, I knew that he embodied everything that I look for in a business partnership. He and Express Engineering are honest and reliable, and I know that working with them fulfils what we’re trying to achieve.”
Troy highlights Brimarco’s and Express Engineering’s shared interest of supporting local manufacturing.
“We want to work with companies with similar beliefs and values to grow these Australian products,” he says. “This, in turn, will offer customers greater local choices for their transport needs.”
The partnership leverages both companies’ existing capabilities. Brimarco will continue to manufacture the trailers in Ballarat while Express Engineering will provide regional access to sales, service and support. The goal of this is a seamless experience for customers.
“We’re very proud of the business relationships and client interactions that we have sustained at Brimarco,” Matt says. “A lot of trust goes into a partnership, but I believe Express Engineering will deliver value for both companies.”
Troy says he is enthusiastic to see how each organisation will grow from the partnership.
“Both companies have strong
capabilities, so putting them together will really impact the market,” he says. “I see a lot of value-adding potential for our products, so we are looking forward to this new partnership with Brimarco and their team of skilled professionals.”
Both Brimarco and Express Engineering are committed to expanding their partnership beyond a basic sales and service arrangement, with a shared vision for developing innovative products and services for the transport industry.
Contact
Brimarco
17-19 Coronet Street, Wendouree, VIC
Ph: 03 5339 1000
Web: www.brimarco.com.au
Image: Express Engineering.
A Brimarco drop deck widener trailer.
Express Engineering in Dubbo, New South Wales.
LOC-LIGHT SENSOR
Light the Way to Trailer Safety
View the working Loc-light on the JOST stand #91 at the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show.
Innovating with experience
LUSTEC has crafted a reputation for producing precise, Australian design and built heavy haulage trailers.
For years, LUSTEC has set itself apart through its unwavering commitment to innovation and unique design. At LUSTEC, innovation isn’t a response to trends –it’s a guiding principle. Every trailer is a reflection of the company’s drive to lead with purpose and originality, redefining what’s possible in Australian trailer manufacturing.
At the heart of LUSTEC is Managing Director, Chris Lusty, a driving force behind the business’ success. He remains dedicated to the technology his family started developing in the 1980s.
“I’m proud of my roots,” he says. “I’m the third generation of my family in the industry. My brother Tim works alongside me and I can still call on my father whenever I need his guidance.”
Chris’ dedication is clearly reflected in the signature features of the business’ trailers. Its through-beam chassis design, for example, was specifically engineered to enhance strength and longevity – a hallmark of Lusty floats for many years.
But LUSTEC’s innovations go beyond the chassis. From custom-designed draw systems to specialised load-rated pivoting tie points, Mag Flag safety systems and versatile tri-fold ramps, the company continues to refine and advance its designs. Case in point is the business’ recent side tippers.
“In 2024, LUSTEC launched a new range of steel-body side tippers,” Chris says. “We can build them exactly to the customer’s
specifications. Thickness, height and length are no issue. If needed, we can even take care of Performance-Based Standards (PBS) compliance.
“We were looking for a product range with a little bit more turnover, and side tippers seemed to be the best option for us. Side tippers were something I wanted to add to my range. With changes in the market, especially along the east coast, I saw a huge opportunity for them.”
Benefitting from Chris’ lifetime of experience in designing and manufacturing class-leading trailers, the cutting-edge steel body side tippers are crafted with LUSTEC’s renowned precision engineering and innovation.
The side tippers were designed with a distinctive body to incorporate a functional, streamline look. They feature a unique door hinge mechanism which allows the door’s hydraulic cylinders to sit vertically.
The innovative approach utilises the full capacity of the door’s hydraulic cylinders and also frees up space on the end walls of the body to allow cable track to be utilised. Chris says this gives LUSTEC’s design a much clearer look and stops hydraulic lines floating in mid-air.
All of LUSTEC’s manufacturing is completed in-house at its Karrabin, Queensland, facility. The location is a busy hub of production and service featuring a dedicated repair facility which, with a skilled team of over 30 craftsmen, produces eight high-quality units each month.
“Their expertise and attention to detail are evident in every trailer they build,” Chris says. “To ensure reliability, third-party components from renowned brands such as Fuwa K-Hitch, BPW Transpec, JOST, Lucidity, and Lodar are expertly fitted by trade-qualified professionals.”
LUSTEC strives to lead the industry in both design and innovation in the heavy haulage sector. Chris, whose career began in 1996 working alongside his father, takes pride in the company’s legacy.
“Since those early days, I’ve worked for a broad range of trailer companies and won multiple national awards,” he says.
Chris’ vision is clear – to carry this tradition of excellence forward for generations. And he’s done just that.
In the last five years, LUSTEC has focused on perfecting a low-loader range, capable of carrying loads between 20 and 120 tonnes. The result is a product built not just for strength but for efficiency.
The company has also expanded into side tippers for mining and general applications and steel body end tippers, ensuring it meets the evolving demands of heavy transport.
As LUSTEC grows, its core philosophy remains unchanged – innovation, quality and performance.
Contact
LUSTEC
Ph: 0477 498 185
Web: www.lustec.com.au
A LUSTEC tri-axle deck widener.
Trailer building materials/components
Forging partnerships
Tefco Trailers will be showcasing a four-axle dog and rigid tipper body fitted with E-Plas’ new QuickSilver Heavy Duty liner at this year’s Brisbane Truck Show.
Since 1981, E-Plas has become synonymous with manufacturing high quality industrial and engineering performance plastics for a range of industries and scenarios. One primary role is in the trucking industry, and Tefco Trailers owner, Richard Brown, shares why he uses E-Plus products in his trailer manufacturing business.
Tefco Trailers started life in 1988 when Richard and Sue Brown opened their trailer manufacturing and repair business in Goulburn, New South Wales. Their hard work and dedication saw the business expanding in employees and production rates, and by 2001 Tefco had expanded northwards, opening its new manufacturing and repair facility in Murarrie, Brisbane.
The business kept innovating and moving with the times, introducing new trailer designs for a range of industries. While trucking businesses and partnerships come and go in a tight market, one collaboration has stood the test of time. For Tefco Trailers, that collaboration was with E-Plas.
“We’ve dealt with E-Plas since 2002, and over the last five or six years, have
been using a lot of E-Plas tipper floor lining material,” Richard says.
Richard has found that E-Plas products, particularly its QuickSilver liner, have proven to be standout performers for his business as well as his clients.
“We use E-Plas QuickSilver products across our entire trailer range, particularly in rigid and dog trailers, which are mainly in the quarry industry,” he says. “We’ve used some other E-Plas materials but over the last five years it’s been a lot of trailer lining material.
“E-Plas has been really good with supplying them, and that’s the main reason why we’ve stayed with them – because they’re reliable, cooperative and they carry stock, and they have it when we need it.”
Richard has been a strong advocate of the E-Plas products over the years, coming to know exactly what his clients need in a truck trailer – safety, particularly while tipping, ease of use, low maintenance and long lifespan.
“People are mainly concerned about safety, especially in the longer four-, fiveand six-axle dog trailers, chassis tippers as well as tip-over axles that are in the sand and gravel businesses,” he says. “It just
makes the unloading procedure a lot safer. QuickSilver unloads very quickly, so our customers find the product very effective.
“Customers have also been very happy with the wearing and endurance of it. We’ve got our own plastic welders in Goulburn, so if anyone needs repair work done on the lining, we can cut it down and re-weld a new section into it. But we’ve never had to because of how durable it is.”
As a result of the E-Plas liners ticking all the boxes with its clients’ needs, Tefco will be showcasing the QuickSilver Heavy Duty Floor liner at its stand at the Brisbane Truck Show from 15 to 18 May.
Tefco Trailer’s stand will feature three ‘showstopper’ units, one of which, a fouraxle dog and rigid tipper body mounted on a black Kenworth T909, will be equipped with the new QuickSilver Heavy Duty Liner. That tipper body has been built for High Group.
The trailer is a Performance-Based Standards (PBS) approved 20m rigid and four-axle dog trailer which will include the QuickSilver Heavy Duty floor lining in addition to heavy-duty rock walls, tailgate locking indicators, under-coaming lighting, a custom black paint job, Airtec gauges,
The inside of Tefco Trailers’ four-axle dog and rigid tipper body fitted with QuickSilver Heavy Duty.
Hendrickson HLX7 axles and Armoury chrome rims.
Even though Tefco has had limited exposure to the QuickSilver Heavy Duty floor lining, Richard says he recognises the clear advantages of showcasing it at the leading trucking show, including its higher resistance to rock impact and its longevity.
“We chose the heavy-duty option for its superior durability and ability to handle harsh operating conditions, ensuring safety and efficiency for demanding applications,” he says. “Its biggest strengths include durability, the ability to handle harsh conditions, quick installation and a safety boost by reducing sticking and lower tipping angles.”
Richard now sees the QuickSilver Heavy Duty liner as the ideal fit for future production of Tefco’s trailers.
“We’ll definitely be using the heavyduty liner,” he says. “Len Darroch, the State Manager for Brisbane, is very accommodating and very good to work with. He always goes the extra mile to help us.”
With glowing customer feedback on the range of E-Plas products, particularly the QuickSilver range, Tefco Trailers is destined to continue this winning partnership.
“We’re 100-per-cent E-Plas supporters and we’ll remain that way in the future, whether it’s through QuickSilver Heavy Duty or the standard one,” Richard says. “We have a great working relationship, and they give us competitive pricing with the product.”
E-Plas produces a wide range of heavy-duty plastic liners, covering the range of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylenes (UHMW-PE), for use in a
variety of industry scenarios. Its standard QuickSilver product is the ultimate stateof-the-art industrial strength UHMW-PE continuous liner for truck and trailer combinations. Generally used in end tippers, side tippers and for quick-release applications, the floor liner eliminates a number of problems for operators.
QuickSilver ensures trucks are tough, safe and productive all at once. According to E-Plas, it is a proven industry performer across several sectors including bulk handling, mining, minerals, agriculture, grain and transport. The material was designed and engineered specifically for intense applications, evident with its superior toughness and durability, with E-Plas stating it can haul and tip any material with ease in any climate or environment, acting as a great long-term investment for fleets.
QuickSilver increases the lifetime of a product by preventing corrosion. In the case where a unit may be carting iron ore with moisture in it, for example, it will prevent any sort of rust in the truck from developing which could then damage the body.
QuickSilver also reduces downtime and expenses, particularly in cases where a truck isn’t cleared out properly due to the product sticking. In addition, it weighs less than steel and aluminium, while outwearing both metals, and its abrasion, impact and corrosion resistance protect the integrity of the original equipment, extending the life of a truck body.
Meanwhile, the TIVAR 88 and TIVAR 88-2 products, distributed in Australia by E-Plas, have been recognised as premium, top-tier lining grades for over 40 years. Both products have a
low coefficient of friction (COF) that permits sticky materials, such as coal, bauxite, synthetic gypsum, sand, iron, fly ash, clay and overburden, to move freely and discharge without hang-up. They therefore hit the nail on the head by having a low COF that enables free movement of these materials.
Furthermore, E-Plas’ TIVAR ECO UHMW-PE offering exhibits excellent abrasion and corrosion resistance, outstanding impact strength, minimal moisture absorption, and a low coefficient of friction. For these reasons it is often a favoured solution for wear and outrigger pads, strips, rails and guides, rollers, conveyors, chutes, hoppers, impact plates and asphalt equipment components.
TIVAR ECO UHMW-PE is joined by TIVAR Sterra UHMW-PE which is produced from re-processed, industrial ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene materials. These recycled shapes are then re-purposed for use in a variety of industries such as construction and heavy equipment, agriculture and grain handling, bulk material and parcel handling and automotive and transportation.
As a premium grade UHMW-PE that is economical and eco-friendly, TIVAR Sterra components exhibit excellent abrasion and corrosion resistance, outstanding impact strength, minimal moisture absorption and a low coefficient of friction. For these reasons, TIVAR Sterra UHMW-PE, much like E-Plas other lining options, is often a favoured solution.
Contact
E-Plas
Ph: 03 8361 1791
Web: www.eplas.com.au
Images: Tefco Trailers.
A Tefco Trailers tipper with standard QuickSilver.
From
strength to strength
Bulk Transport Equipment has used SSAB steel for close to two decades. Now, it can also flex the fact that it is a My Inner Strenx member.
SSAB has been in the global steel business for more than 140 years. With a strong end-user focus backed by a powerful product brand strategy, SSAB possesses a series of durable product lines consisting of high-strength steels that are also bolstered by its dominant international presence.
Chief among SSAB’s extensive value proposition is its Strenx 700MC Plus steel product, a high strength steel that allows for a combination of light weight and high strength and leads to convenience in mass production.
“Strenx 700MC Plus is the most advanced high-strength steel in terms of quality and consistency,” says SSAB Regional Sales Manager, Ryan Sanders.
“When you’re mass manufacturing, you need that consistency in your product.
Strenx 700MC Plus offers this.
“It enables manufacturers to enhance their workshop efficiency. When manufacturers are welding, cutting and
forming Strenx 700MC Plus, they enjoy greater efficiencies because of its high quality.”
According to Ryan, this scale of quality and consistency make Strenx 700MC Plus a coveted material for many OEMs.
Bulk Transport Equipment (BTE) is no exception and has worked closely with SSAB’s team to determine the material’s best applications for trailer building.
Having entered the market as an OEM back in 2007, BTE has enjoyed a steady expansion over nearly 20 years in the business. Boasting operations in Queensland and Victoria, the trailer builder has garnered a reputation for innovative and reliable builds matched with quality aftersales care.
BTE has spent all its operating life in collaboration with SSAB, and Director, Alan Griffiths, is extremely comfortable with the partnership as a result.
“BTE has developed a very strong relationship with the SSAB team over
the years,” he says. “We share a lot of knowledge and experience with them which helps us enhance the design and development of our product.
“At BTE, we recognise the importance of building and maintaining supplier relationships as crucial for long-term business success – particularly in an industry like ours where reliability, quality and service all play a major role.”
Supporting this, Ryan describes SSAB’s relationship with BTE as one built on a mutual business approach to innovation and quality.
“BTE obviously values the quality of our Strenx products, and at SSAB, we’re interested in working with market leaders like Alan and his team,” he says.
BTE uses SSAB’s Strenx 700MC Plus product exclusively on all of its chassis for trailers, road train dollies and other specialised frames. In the building process, these trailers are first seen by BTE’s engineering department which
A Bulk Transport Equipment chassis with Strenx 700MC Plus steel.
Image:
Bulk Transport Equipment.
incorporates any custom design as ordered and then produces a detailed set of drawings for the build.
It is here where metal components like Strenx 700MC Plus steel are precision-cut by BTE’s CNC profile cutter. From there, the material is subject to other requested operations like pressing, tapping or forming prior to the fabrication process.
By implementing Strenx 700MC Plus, BTE reaps many rewards in trailer manufacturing – high longevity and structural integrity without experiencing a reduction in weight, an improved surface finish, increased payload, increased durability from a higher resistance to fatigue and corrosion, cost savings and the ability to offer an improved welding quality and appearance due to the material’s surface.
“With Strenx 700MC Plus, our trailer chassis can withstand a variety of operation conditions from a fully loaded quad road train running up the top end to a small dog trailer working around the city,”
Alan says. “We have an exclusive warranty on all of this equipment and we’ve never even had to use it. This demonstrates our commitment to our product design, structural integrity and SSAB materials, and it’s a further testament to the relationship
we share with SSAB itself.”
In addition to the extreme robustness of BTE’s builds, the trailer manufacturer’s implementation of Strenx 700MC Plus has also made it eligible for induction into SSAB’s My Inner Strenx program.
The program seeks to recognise member brands which SSAB partners with and amplifies through various resources like quality certifications, marketing material across exhibitions, showcases and even dedicated maintenance assistance.
Ryan says the SSAB membership communicates a certain echelon of quality in the manufacturing industry.
“The My Inner Strenx program represents BTE producing a high-quality premium trailer and the fact that it’s only using the best quality of steel in the market,” he says. “As part of this quality guarantee, we work closely together to innovate and upgrade, providing BTE with the resources necessary to ensure it’s getting the best use out of our steel.”
Alan expresses pride about having the opportunity to be includedin the program.
“Though our membership is in its early days, BTE is very proud to be able to showcase the My Inner Strenx branding on its trailers, email footers and
promotional materials,” he says. “We feel real benefits from this partnership.
“We’re demonstrating to our customers that we align ourselves with the best suppliers in the industry.”
Following its use of Strenx 700MC Plus, BTE’s induction into SSAB’s My Inner Strenx program is the latest milestone to strengthen the two companies’ devoted partnership.
Looking ahead, Alan believes it will set the scene for greater collaborations and customer reactions down the road.
“We receive lots of compliments from many operators who describe our trailers as bulletproof, unbreakable and well-made,” he says. “However, the best compliment is when a customer walks back through our doors and places another order for their second, third and in some cases 50th trailer. This is the best barometer for how they feel about our builds and what they’re made of.
“We look forward to continuing a long-standing and trusting relationship with SSAB.”
Contact
Email: australia@ssab.com
Web: www.ssab.com
L-R: Ryan Sanders, Alan Griffiths, Andrew Nicholls and Nicholas Karapanos.
Image: SSAB.
Innovation born from experience
FuelSpec Services is a new brand which has evolved from a trusted supplier to the Dangerous Goods industry. The first of its safety-focussed innovations has now arrived.
Tracey Hourd, during her tenure at Liquip International, held several key positions that strengthened her product and industry knowledge and allowed her to build strong customer relationships. In 2018, after 22 years at the company, she set out to look for new challenges together with Steve Hudson, former Engineering Manager.
“As the daughter of the well-known cofounder of Liquip, Bill Currey, the Australian Dangerous Goods (DG) industry has been a big part of my life since I was a young girl,” she says.
Tracey and Steve have led Liquip NSW, best known as a service provider for fuel handling, dry bulk transport and Liquip distributor, since 2018. Behind the scenes, they were also designing bespoke systems, consulting on complex projects and solving safety challenges present in the DG industry. After decades of engineering, hands-on problem solving and delivering safety solutions, the pair reached a turning point.
“Being seen purely as a service provider
was holding us back from supporting the industry the way we really wanted to,” Tracey says. “So, to differentiate, we created FuelSpec Services.”
FuelSpec Services reflects Tracey and Steve’s combined 55 years of industry experience and a shared vision to improve safety, environmental protection and efficiency in fuel transport and storage. The business focuses on innovative product development, system design and engineering consultancy tailored specifically for operators, fleet managers and logistics specialists responsible for transporting and storing hazardous liquids and bulk materials.
“We’ve been in the industry for a long time,” Steve says. “We’re engineering better outcomes for the whole industry.”
FuelSpec Services’ mission is simple but ambitious – to deliver smart, practical future-ready solutions that help bulk liquid operators manage risk, comply with evolving regulations and operate with greater confidence. This mission
is already taking shape through the company’s new ‘Smart’ innovation range with the breakthrough Smart Bottom Valve Actuator (SBVA).
The idea for the SBVA came to life while Steve was working with the Australian Standards Committee which identified a concern about foot valves being open in transit. He explains that while the Australian Dangerous Goods (ADG) Code legislated a driver to verify the bottom valve is closed in transit, there was no way for this to be detected.
“You can’t see the bottom valve because it’s located in the belly of the tanker,” he says.
This is where the SBVA comes in. Using a positional sensor and a highly visible indicator on the side of the trailer, it instantly tells the driver whether the bottom valve is open or closed – adding a critical new layer of safety during loading, unloading and transport.
“There may be multiple reasons why a bottom valve doesn’t close as expected, but when we undertook research within the industry and discovered that more than 20 per cent of valves were actually open during transit, I realised we were facing a serious environmental and safety issue,” Steve says. “It’s a low-probability event, but the consequences can be catastrophic. The SBVA gives us a way to stop that before it ever happens.”
FuelSpec Services created a design to detect the valve position. Prototypes were made and refined through testing, and customer trials verified the benefits.
“What surprised us was how the drivers embraced the new product,” Steve says. “Even more so with pump trucks. Drivers tell us it gives them confidence.
“The SBVA has become a powerful diagnostic tool for fleet managers. It’s not just preventing spills, it’s helping them isolate and fix other problems faster. By knowing the bottom valve’s position, they can eliminate that as a potential issue quicker than before.”
After months of development, field
Images: FuelSpec Services.
FuelSpec Services’ Smart Bottom Valve Actuator.
Australian conditions, it’s expected to outlast the valve itself. It also fits most of the bottom valve types used in Australia today, making it ideal for both new builds and retrofits. For operators, that means improved safety, simplified compliance with updated AS 5602 and ADG Code requirements and a practical step toward fleet-wide standardisation.
The SBVA is just the first of many technologies FuelSpec Services is preparing to release under its Smart sub-
Steve Hudson and Tracey Hourd.
Agents of shield
Freight Cyber has gained access to the benefits of Dulux Automotive Coatings’ products through its acquisition of Austruck Truck Bodies and Trailers.
Freight Cyber entered the transport industry just over two years ago and in that time has become a leading innovator of technology-based fleet management solutions. Based out of Melbourne, Victoria, the company is looking to revolutionise the transport and logistics industry through its intelligent compliance-driven solution, FCX – a fully integrated modular system designed to digitalise and streamline every aspect of transport operations.
Freight Cyber connects the entire supply chain ecosystem through API-integrated portals for customers, subcontractors, workforce and workshops
which is all backed by real-time data insights powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning. The business’ FCX Drive driver mobile app enhances driver safety and compliance with features including an Electronic Work Diary (EWD), fatigue management, biometric signins, live tracking, voice alerts and offline capabilities.
Freight Cyber has also broken into the transport industry’s hardware sector with the development of the Integrated Trailer Access Platform (ITAP) driver height safety system. This is a long-awaited move according to Managing Director, Ree Ram. “Our move into the hardware space is
aligned with our core value proposition of safety, compliance and innovation,” she says. “We are ensuring that operators not only meet regulatory requirements but also drive operational excellence and protect their most valuable assets – their people.”
This entrance into the hardware sector has been further cemented by Freight Cyber’s acquisition of Austruck Bodies and Trailers in January. The business has since been rebranded to Austruck X. Based in Seaford, Victoria, Austruck X has been building a variety of trailing equipment and rigid body designs in the market since 1988. Its heavy vehicle
Austruck X Mainfreight builds.
offering included curtainsiders, dog trailers, semi-trailers, insulated vans, tippers and beaver tail trays, all of which have been retained as part of its rebranded operations.
Following the acquisition, Freight Cyber has wasted no time in restructuring the company into a corporate enterprise.
“We spent lots of time reviewing the businesses’ former model, evaluating its relationships with suppliers and making sense of its operations,” Ree says. “We reviewed its many supplier agreements to see how we could get better pricing and build long term relationships. Rather than using 10 different suppliers for the same products, we’re choosing one or two to work with that can deliver high-quality products at competitive pricing.”
Integral to this group of existing suppliers is coating solutions innovator, Dulux Automotive Coatings, which provides Austruck X with key coating products for its builds. This business relationship is one that Ree is very excited to retain under Austruck X’s revamped operations.
“The relationship with Dulux is one we inherited, but we’re very excited to be working with the brand,” she says. “Dulux Automotive Coatings’ FleetShield products deliver the high-quality edge over the competition and the longevity we’re after to gain control in the market.”
Ree believes the FleetShield 2K topcoat and the UltraEpoxy 2K primer both set Austruck X’s builds apart due
quality two-pack polyurethane finish offering solid, metallic and pearl colours which are both durable and glossy. Meanwhile, FleetShield UltraEpoxy is a 2K polyamide cured primer specifically designed for commercial vehicle utility. It allows for topcoating with most two-pack and single-pack topcoats.
These products provide fleets and transport units with extensive colour offerings, excellent gloss retention and stone chip resistance. These factors are paramount for heavy vehicles that face harsh road conditions while on long transport journeys.
Austruck X, implementing these coatings into its products at the request of customers, recognises the highquality finish that will be delivered to their specifications.
“We use Dulux’s products on every trailer and truck body that we build,” Ree says. “These primers and topcoats give us extreme durability in our finished products.
“Dulux’s custom colours can be quite complex. Each customer has their own marketing and branding that we need to follow, and we know Dulux can help deliver these colour types no matter how specific they are.”
The quality in Dulux Automotive Coatings’ value offering extends to
time that I’ve been involved in the business is the level of diligence in Dulux’s postdelivery care,” she says. “After we receive the specified product for our customers, Dulux will send its own team of painters to train ours to ensure quality is not compromised.
“They show them how to properly mix and apply the products and what to avoid in the process. It is such a valuable service and it’s the kind of care we want from our suppliers.”
According to Ree, this care also includes Dulux representatives visiting Austruck X’s factory at least once a month to ensure that everything is in order.
“I’m very pleased with Dulux’s commitment to this business relationship,” she says.
Freight Cyber’s inherited relationship with Dulux Automotive Coatings has proven to be extremely valuable for Austruck X’s expansion and growth strategy. With Dulux Automotive Coatings providing quality fleet protection and detailed aftersales care, Freight Cyber’s Austruck X product capabilities have received a major upgrade.
Contact
Jason McColl
Ph: 0448 558 361
E: jason.mccoll@dulux.com.au
Images: Freight Cyber.
Austruck X utilises Dulux Automotive Coatings’ FleetShield 2K topcoat and UltraEpoxy 2K primer.
Precision, strength and performance
Calibre Steel’s customer-centric approach has been vital to the development of its extensive steel-based solutions offering since its arrival in the market.
Calibre Steel has earned a strong reputation for delivering steel plate products with precision, reliability and a customer-first service. Its heritage covers many years of excellence in managing complex steel supply chains and providing added value services as part of the United Steel group.
Calibre Steel stands out in the marketplace for several reasons. Its dedicated focus on steel plate distribution is the primary factor and collaborations with trusted Australian steel manufacturers (including BlueScope and Bisalloy Steel) and expertise
in managing supply options from TierOne international mills further add to the equation. Together, these operational aspects ensure that customers are receiving the very best in high-quality steel plate options.
“Calibre Steel is so much more than a steel distributor,” says Calibre Steel Customer Relationship Manager, Maddie Dharmapala. “We provide custom solutions which drive business efficiency and success.”
Calibre Steel has continued to invest in an extensive range of steel plate products
and services since its establishment. The business’ supply chain capabilities now extend across Australia to cater to a wide range of customers and industries as well. This, Maddie says, allows Calibre Steel to serve a breadth of trailer builders and other manufacturers with Australian-produced steel.
“We operate our distribution efforts in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth”, she says, “but the Australian steel that we carry can get to manufacturers around the country with ease.
Images: Calibre Steel.
Calibre Steel provides a wide range of steel plate options.
Dare to dream
Auswide Transport Solutions has embarked on building its own semi-trailers.
National transport company, Auswide Transport Solutions, is now manufacturing semi-trailers. The fleet is building road train-rated trailers and dollies in-house at its facility located in Sunshine, Victoria, under the brand of ATS Trailers.
Twenty Performance-Based Standards (PBS) B-doubles are currently on the road servicing the company’s premium customers and an additional six units are in production.
Auswide Transport Solutions CEO, Tom Pausic, tells Trailer the move into trailer manufacturing came about due to several industry challenges.
“ATS Industries commenced operations in early 2024 in response to a significant
increase in prices from our preferred suppliers and the lengthy lead times required to obtain the necessary equipment for scaling up our operations,” he says. “We have made substantial investments in recent years exceeding $30 million in Victorian manufacturing alongside an additional $10 million in Queensland to source equipment from leading OEMs such as Kenworth, Volvo and Vawdrey to ensure the continued success of our business. However, the rising costs of reinvestment in these renowned brands coupled with the increasing downward pressure on rates created a clear challenge.”
For Auswide to maintain its trajectory and forge ahead, it became apparent that it
needed to consider vertical integration as a solution.
“This marked the beginning of a new chapter for our business,” Tom says. “We sought out skilled engineers to join our team and commissioned CAD drawings which were thoroughly reviewed by external parties before we began the design and construction of our specialised road train combinations.”
Auswide had already designed and built more than 50 dolly converters to support its growing road train network prior to this. The fleet’s early success in this area provided a strong foundation for the next step – establishing a facility in the west of Melbourne to build these custom units.
“The process was not without its challenges – securing permits, setting up paint booths, sourcing the necessary tooling and hiring qualified staff were all new aspects of the business,” Tom says. “However, through sheer grit, determination, long nights and countless meetings, we successfully established the manufacturing facility and began producing our road train combinations at an impressive rate.”
It initially took the ATS Trailers team 43 days to build one combination. That timeline has since reduced to just 14 days per unit.
“While we acknowledge that we will never match the sheer scale of the major players in the industry, we have no intention of directly competing with them,” Tom says. “Our business unit was specifically designed to meet the unique needs of our operations, and we are focused on fulfilling our own requirements.”
The trailers themselves are 4.6m drop deck mezzanine units with mezzanine
floors fitted throughout and double mezzanine floors in the drop sections. Being custom-built to meet Auswide’s specific requirements, the trailers’ standard specs include Fuwa K Hitch axles, suspension and fifth wheels, JOST kingpins, ESG Group wiring harnesses and LED lighting systems, WABCO braking systems and curtains supplied by Anytime Curtains and painted by Fleetmark. Roof rails, gates and nose cones are all designed and manufactured by Auswide in-house.
Auswide Transport Solutions General Manager, Gabby Singh, tells Trailer the interchangeability of the trailers is a major advantage.
“We can pick any A trailer and hook it up with a separate B trailer, and we can put these combinations into A-doubles, B-doubles or AB-triples as we see fit,” he says. “For the brand itself, we get to control much more of the supply chain in what we do. This includes quality control, optimised design for operations, reduced reliance on external trailer manufacturers and more reliability.”
It also provides the fleet flexibility by removing long lead times around bulk orders. Gabby says the business sources up to 20 sets at once.
“Being the scale our business is, we don’t order a couple of sets here and there,” he says. “If we put an order in for 10 B-doubles we’ll be waiting at least a year. But here, the turnaround for one set is about 14 days. It works well for us.”
According to Gabby, it also strengthens the operational and efficiency gains of the
company in high and low periods.
“We are a few days away from signing a big contract where we would need more trailers and trucks on the road,” he says. “When we see the work coming out, we can scale our manufacturing up or down depending on our needs.”
By bringing the manufacturing of trailers in-house, Auswide has also streamlined operational efficiencies during a growth phase.
“That’s where we’re finding out our efficiency – standardising the process and the parts supplier and knowing that we can get these parts on the road if there are issues,” Tom says. “We’ve made this so that it’s easy, flexible and cost-effective for us. We’re still getting the same quality product, but we’re just doing things in-house and we’re doing it in scale.”
Auswide, as a result, is slowly phasing out older units which aren’t PBS-rated or interchangeable as it introduces its own new ATS Trailers combinations to the fleet.
“Standardising the fleet is the biggest thing,” Tom says. “Anything sub-2015 is being filtered out of the business.”
For the moment, the immediate goal of ATS Trailers is to build 100 B-double combinations before it considers the potential of bringing the product to market.
“There is definitely an appetite to build more purely in a commercial stance,” Tom says. “We started Auswide 15 years ago with one truck and now it has close to 700 with depots across the nation, so nothing’s impossible. I’m not saying that’s what we’re going to do, but we dare to dream.”
Images: Auswide Transport Solutions.
One of ATS Trailers’ Performance-Based Standards drop-deck B-doubles.
A trailer on the production line in the business’ Sunshine, Victoria, facility.
Safety gains
Civil infrastructure solution provider and road construction company, BildGroup, has achieved Bronze Accreditation from Construction Logistics and Community Safety Australia.
BildGroup is showcasing its ongoing commitment to providing safety for its drivers, operators and team members.
The Construction Logistics and Community Safety Australia (CLOCS-A) project is funded by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative – supported by the Federal Government and BildGroup – was the first of 11 companies to apply to be CLOCS-Aaccredited.
On 28 March, Simone Reinertsen, BildGroup’s Chain of Responsibility Lead, and her team were presented with the CLOCS-A Bronze certificate and banner, officially recognising BildGroup as a CLOCS-A-compliant company.
The company says that its commitment to building sustainable futures for the local communities that it partners with, and serves, achieved “through our passionate focus on safety and care for our people, our commitment to partnership with every one of our clients”.
The bronze accreditation demonstrates BildGroup’s dedication to industry-leading safety practices, whereby it is reducing potential risks faced by vulnerable road users, while improving operational efficiency, a CLOCS-A spokesperson says.
“The company was awarded for its proactive approach to prioritising safety and compliance, fostering a culture of responsibility, and driving operational excellence,” the CLOCS-A spokesperson says.
The accreditation also highlights BildGroup’s and CLOCS-A’s shared commitment to safer, more efficient and sustainable construction logistics.
As part of it undergoing an extensive accreditation process, BildGroup also took the opportunity to evaluate its transport operations and assess its current operational practices to ensure alignment with the CLOCS-A standards. Additional to the accreditation work, BildGroup’s truck drivers all successfully completed the free online Vulnerable Road Users training course, which is
available to all interested applicants.
A CLOCS-A spokesperson says although that course is a requirement for applicants making transport submissions, it reinforces crucial elements and conditions to consider during transport journeys. These include safety measures to prevent injury and potentially fatal incidents within the VRU community.
CLOCS-A says that by meeting the rigorous CLOCS-A standards, BildGrpoup set a strong example for others in the construction and logistics sectors to follow.
“This achievement marks the beginning of a conscious safety culture,” CLOCS-A says.
The result is that as more companies pursue CLOCS-A Accreditation, industry sectors move toward a future where safety, efficiency, and sustainability define construction logistics.
“We encourage industry leaders, contractors, and logistics providers to follow BildGroup’s example and embrace safer, leaner, and greener construction vehicle journeys,” CLOCS-A says.
“If your organisation is ready to take the next step in achieving CLOCS-A
Accreditation, contact us to learn more about the process and its benefits.
“Together, let’s drive meaningful change and build a safer, more sustainable industry.”
The CLOCS-A spokesperson adds that its goal is to ensure the journey to and from construction sites across Australia protects those vulnerable road users from harm along the way, while supporting organisations with delivering safer leaner and greener construction vehicle routes.
“By collaborating with experts, sharing best practices and tackling common challenges, we can raise industry standards and drive meaningful change,” CLOCS-A says – adding that construction developers, transport operators, safety managers and other professionals are invited to attend the next CLOCS-A Safety Forum, to be held on 28 May 2025 in Port Melbourne.
BildGroup is a wholly Australian owned business, delivering construction solutions across as civil infrastructure, urban development, landscaping, sports fields and road profiling and asphalt paving.
Image: CLOCS-A.
The BildGroup team being presented with the CLOCS-A Bronze certificate and banner.
YOUR DUMP BODIES
Road upgrades & new developments
What you need to know about Australia’s biggest road projects this month
$258M to improve to improve NT highways for transport
A $258 million investment will enhance freight movement and improve safety along two major Northern Territory highways.
The Australian Government is funding $200 million towards progressive duplication of priority sections on the Stuart Highway which will enhance freight movement and improve road safety.
Taking place between Darwin and Katherine, construction is expected to begin in mid-2026 and finish by mid-2028.
The Government is also investing an additional $58.3 million towards the Carpentaria Highway Upgrade.
This funding will upgrade a further 35 kilometres of the highway, improving its efficiency, safety and accessibility for road users.
“I’m proud to be part of a government which is building this country’s future, investing in critical freight and transport corridors like the Stuart Highway,” said Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King.
“This will be transformational for both residents and visitors of Darwin and Katherine, making journeys smoother, safer and more enjoyable.
“This is the transport spine of Australia, and we’re investing $200 million to get it in good nick.”
These upgrades add to a number of projects already committed to the Stuart Highway, including the $171.8 million Northern Territory National Network Highway Upgrades (Phase 2) which are delivering works such as pavement strengthening, widening and resurfacing on priority sections of the Stuart, Victoria and Barkly highways.
Work starts on $36M Snowy Mountains safety package
Work has started to deliver $36 million in road safety improvements on the Snowy Mountains Highway between the Hume Highway and the Princes Highway in New South Wales.
Jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales Governments under the Road Safety Program, the first of four projects stretching almost the full 330-kilometre length of the Snowy Mountains Highway began last month with all projects expected to be completed by mid-2026.
The Snowy Mountains Highway is an important freight and tourism link, connecting regional NSW with the South Coast, and the local timber industry with the Hume Highway and ports of Sydney and Melbourne.
Multiple safety treatments will be installed at various points along the highway including audio tactile line marking (rumble strips), widened centre line and safety barriers. Roadside hazards will also be removed.
“The Snowy Mountains Highway is busier than ever, as more people move to our region, and as more visitors come and experience everything that the mighty Eden-Monaro has to offer – which is why we’re committed to making this critical road network safer,” said Member for EdenMonaro, Kristy McBain.
Later this year, Transport for NSW will also start work on upgrades to the intersection of Black Creek Road, west of Adelong, by realigning tight radius curves, widening shoulders, improving drainage and installing new safety barriers.
Work on the first two projects that form part of the $36 million package of work has started with the other two projects set to be carried out later this year, weather permitting.
$27M Ridgley Highway upgrade announced
The Australian Government is investing $27.2 million into upgrades along the Ridgley Highway to make it safer for transport operators and road users.
The Ridgley Highway is a key transport link between the north-west and west coast region of Tasmania, which, connecting Burnie and the Murchison Highway, is vital for mining, forestry and tourism in the western portion of the state.
The project will better accommodate larger heavy vehicles along this important freight route, supporting Tasmania’s economy.
Upgrades will prioritise safety improvements and may include intersection improvements, passing lanes, lane and shoulder widening, heavy vehicle driver rest areas and active and public transport improvements.
“The Australian Government is committed to delivering nationally significant infrastructure projects that increase productivity and resilience, improve liveability and enhance sustainability,” said Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King.
“These new projects will provide a safe, efficient, reliable, and consistent road environment for Tasmanians and its visitors.
“We will continue to work in partnership with the Tasmanian Government to deliver these vital works.”
Delivery is expected to commence in late 2027 with an estimated completion date of mid-2030.
With over 50 YEARS’ experience in manufacturing equipment for companies throughout Australia, Tristar Industries offers a one-stop service with our capabilties in design, drafting and engaineering, fabrication, sandblasting and paint facilities, repairs and maintenance department and a fully operational parts store. Door opening SideTipping Semi-Trailers, Water and Fuel Tanks, Flat Tops, Low Loaders, Dollies, Step Decks, Cattle Crates and other Transport, Mining and Heavy Earth-Moving related equipment.
its millionth radial truck tyre, bringing the total amount of rubber crumb produced for re-use in key industrial and construction applications to around 38,500 tonnes according to CEO Dr Mehran Zarrebini.
Based on an infill of 100 tonnes of rubber crumb per full size artificial football field, this equates to 385 full size football fields or 700 full size hockey fields (assuming 55 tonnes is needed to create the elastic layer underneath artificial grass).
The amount of rubber crumb produced would have provided the asphalt and seal needed to pave at least 8,000 kilometres of roads.
Dr Zarrebini, a British investor who initially acquired iconic KwaZulu-Natal based carpet manufacturer, Van Dyck, discovered Mathe Group as a small operation with just 20 employees operating in New Germany in 2016. He was looking for rubber crumb to manufacture acoustic underlays and acoustic cradles for flooring in high rise buildings – products that he has since improved and continues to export. Having acquired a 49 per cent shareholding in Mathe Group, he relocated the company to its present site in Hammarsdale, significantly boosting production through ongoing re-investment in plant over the past eight years. Mathe Group currently recycles approximately 700 radial truck tyres per day to produce 30 tonnes of rubber crumb – 70 per cent of each 55kg truck tyre becomes rubber
crumb and 30 per cent is waste steel which is exported via the port of Durban.
Through its own research and development or through working with key partners, Mathe Group’s portfolio of products has grown to include non-slip paving and flooring for agricultural use, ballistics products and gym mats, rubber pavers and the infill for sports fields. Various sizes of rubber crumb are also key ingredients in bitumen for road resurfacing, non-slip paints, moulding of parts for the automotive industry, the retreading of tyres and the production of brake linings.
Dr Zarrebini said that a number of challenges have stood in the way of Mathe Group not achieving its important millionth tyre milestone far sooner. These include the Covd-19 pandemic which shut down the plant for 18 months, loadshedding, water shortages and ongoing legal battles and delayed implementation of the Industry Waste Tyre Management Plan (IWTMP).
Mathe Group is currently awaiting the renewal and expansion of its tyre quota from the Waste Bureau. This will enable this highly successful business to significantly expand output and continue to develop new products.
At present, 50 per cent of a tranche of new equipment needed to replace existing plant will arrive in South Africa at the beginning of the New Year with the remainder ready to be shipped during the second quarter of 2025. Dr Zarrebini said ongoing replacement of equipment that comes into contact with abrasive hard rubber and steel is essential.
He added that Mathe Group is finalising external funding for additional upgrades to the existing line which enable the company to diversify.
“For the phase two investment, we designed the equipment to have the flexibility to process radial steel truck tyres as well as a variety of other tyres. Although nylon truck tyres are few and far between now because trucking companies prefer to use radial steel tyres that are of a higher quality and retreadable, this gives us the security of more variant tyre supply.”
Waiting in the wings – and dependant on the delivery of more tyres for recycling – is a phase three investment. Mathe Group has already been granted a waste management license for the installation of a completely new line to complement its existing one.
Mathe Group CEO, Dr Mehran Zarrebini, at the factory in Hammarsdale, South Africa. Image: Shirley Williams Communications.
company with one key mission – to provide uncompromised service as one of Australia’s most efficient and reliable supply chain providers. As part of its ongoing quest of transporting more freight with less trucks, this mission is now being further supported with the company’s latest productivity-orientated move.
Freight Assist Australia has just launched another Performance-Based Standards (PBS) Vawdrey B-triple trailer combination. The sixth road train in the fleet, having a Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of 85 tonnes and a payload of 47 tonnes, has proven to be extremely efficient.
“The B-triple has made a huge difference,” says Freight Assist Australia Managing Director, Dean Wrigley. “It has definitely reduced the amount of trucks that we use on a daily basis. We’re saving around two B-double loads a day, so I’m really happy with the productivity of it.”
Dean now plans to order another six B-doubles and additional A trailers from Vawdrey to get even more B-triples on the road.
“We run a KPI report on all of our
says. “The B-triple data has demonstrated improvements in our operations. We’re doing really well with maximising efficiency while ensuring we fully utilise our own fleet.”
Dean says the introduction of B-triples has also improved the business’ bottom line.
“In a competitive market and uncertain economy, the road trains have assisted our earnings by reducing our linehaul operating costs,” he says. “It’s a no-brainer for us. The more freight we can put on less trucks the better.”
The B-triple was joined by a new PBS A-double combination as well. Both trailer sets have been dedicated to transporting palletised goods in Freight Assist Australia’s Brisbane corridors.
Freight Assist Australia Site Operations and National Linehaul Manager, Raylene Dale, has been instrumental in maximising their load capacities.
“The B-triple has been fantastic,” she says. “With more tonnage and cubic metre availability, we are moving more freight with fewer trucks – creating improved financial and operational outcomes.
required in that particular configuration.”
Aside from heavy vehicle equipment, Freight Assist Australia has been experiencing significant growth in other areas of the business as well. The company has solidified its presence in South Australia by opening a new depot in Adelaide.
Meanwhile, it’s also expanding its presence in Victoria. The business has taken possession of the site next to its existing Altona depot which, as of 1 July, will expand its warehouse to a total of 12,000 square metres.
Further to this, Freight Assist Australia is building a new purpose-built facility in Willawong, Queensland. The 7,000-squaremetre warehouse is expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2026.
The company now has its sights set on New South Wales. According to Dean, Freight Assist Australia is on the hunt for a suitable location to relocate its Sydney 3PL warehouse and distribution operations into to cater for its current and future growth strategies.
“Watch this space,” he says.
Image: Freight Assist Australia.
Freight Assist Australia’s new B-triple.
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.
May
New South Wales
Tocal Field Days 2-4 May Paterson, NSW Visit: www.tocalfielddays.com
Queensland
Brisbane Truck Show 15-18 May
Brisbane, QLD Visit: www.brisbanetruckshow.com.au
New South Wales
National Diesel Dirt and Turf Expo 16-18 May
Sydney, NSW Visit: www.dieseldirtandturf.com.au
July
New South Wales CeMAT AUSTRALIA
September
New South Wales
NSW Major Projects Conference 2025 3-4 September Sydney, NSW Visit: www.nswconference.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
