Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 361 i Australasian Transport News (ATN)

“It is often said that if you can’t measure it, you can’t govern it” How far can automation and IT go without running us physically and metaphorically off a cliff is the question of the company owners and managers age. It seems everyone is promising to take heavy decision-making lifting off their hands. The pitch from truck makers and IT providers is starting to gather pace and is worth looking into at another time, but some of these offers come from traditional sources. Government is one. Always has been. That is the stuff elections are based on. Allow us to govern you – we will do a good job of it and you will be better off for it. Trust is the matter for judgement in these things. And if…

The Australian Road Transport Industrial Organisation (ARTIO) NSW is not pleased with the NatRoad’s justification to claims following the dismissal of its application to have its members exempt from the changes to the NSW General Carriers Contract Determination (GCCD). ARTIO NSW says the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC’s) decision to dismiss NatRoad’s application is not a ‘win’ for those opposed to it but an insurance to all parties involved in the matter that they now have a “level playing field”. “ARTIO NSW’s motivation was to ensure that, irrespective of the merits of the Commission’s decision, all affected principal contractors and owner drivers were bound by it,” ARTIO NSW secretary HughMcMastertells ATN.“Itwasnotto score a ‘win’ over NatRoad. “Under no circumstances could we countenance a scenario under which certain participants in an industry…

Administrators handling the restructure of McAleese Group’s assets have confirmed that the firm’s Mackay and Rocklea depots in Brisbane will be closing soon. However, the administrators have declined to confirm the date of the closure and how many workers will lose their job as a result of this move. McAleese entered voluntary administration with McGrathNicol in late August. Meanwhile, former directors Mark Rowsthorn and Donald Telford have resigned from the group effective September 30. While administrators claim that they are continuing the review and trade of the business, the Federal Court of Australia has extended the date of the second meeting of creditors to March 28 next year. Creditors were apprised of this during a meeting in September, with administrators stating that it was considered appropriate under the circumstances to…

Former Adelaide trucking company boss Peter Colbert’s sentence has been reduced to 10 years during the final resentencing last month. South Australian Supreme Court sentenced Colbert to 10 years and six months jail with a non-parole period of seven years and five months, commencing from September 2016. Colbert was twice found guilty of manslaughter of employee Robert Brimson and for endangering another driver’s life. Brimson lost his life when his truck veered off the road and crashed into a pole in Happy Valley, a suburb in Adelaide south. During the sentence hearing in October, Justice Malcolm Blue found Colbert guilty of the two crimes after failing to heed warnings that his truck had faulty brakes. The judge described Colbert’s negligence as “the culmination of a course of conduct over two…

Queensland-based freight company Followmont Transport won two awards at the Queensland Trucking Association (QTA) Industry Awards in Brisbane last month. Held at the Sofitel Brisbane Central, the 26th annual event hosted 350 guests, including more than 70 trucking companies and industry suppliers along with MP for Logan Linus Power and senators Matt Canavan and Murray Watt. Followmont Transport’s driver Russell McCulloch won the Professional Driver of the Year award, while the company went on to claim the Industry Excellence Award. The event also acknowledged the efforts of 18-year-old Louise Nazzari, who is currently engaged in a pallet control position at Followmont Transport, with a ‘Young Achiever – High Commendation’. Winners from other categories include: • Daryl Dickenson Transport – Industry Safety Award • Taylor’s Removals and Storage – People Leadership…

“Depending on the requirement of other companies from different sectors, there could be more jobs to fill” WITH THE impending closure of Holden’s Elizabeth plant in Adelaide, regional Victoria is looking to attract skilled workers to fill the shortage of tradespeople in the local community. The Committee for Portland and the Glenelg Shire Council attended a special job expo hosted by the Holden Job Transition Centre in Adelaide in September to showcase jobs in southwestern Victoria. Glenelg Shire Council CEO Greg Burgoyne says Portland-based transport company Porthaul, which was also represented at the expo, has offered 50 truck driving positions to redundant Holden workers. “There were representatives from other companies as well, but Porthaul had an urgent need with 50 truck driver positions vacant,” Burgoyne tells ATN. With over 1000…

Freight forwarding company Rohlig Logistics’ Australia division has launched its online courier service for small parcels, Our Client Solution, which provides customers access to real-time online quotes and a live booking system. The service allows clients to prepare and manage express, domestic and international shipments and track their parcels throughout all stages of the shipping process. Customers can also opt to receive alert notifications at each stage of the shipment process. Rohlig Australia states that insurance for all goods shipped using this service is automatically calculated. “Rohlig’s Courier Solution represents a fantastic opportunity for Rohlig to expand on its current services by offering a fast and efficient online parcel service.” Rohlig Australia MD Hany Amer says. “This new service allows our customers to consolidate all of their shipping needs and…

LOGISTICS GROUP Brambles Limited has appointed Nessa O’Sullivan as its new chief financial officer to replace current CFO Zlatko Todorcevski, who announced his retirement earlier this year. O’Sullivan joined Brambles in October as the CFO designate. She will formally take up the role on November 17, when Todorcevski steps down. The company says Todorcevski will remain on board through February next year “to facilitate a smooth transition”. O’Sullivan served as Coca-Cola Amatil Group’s CFO from 2010 until 2015. “Shortly after Zlatko announced his decision to retire, the board, together with CEO Tom Gorman and Zlatko, implemented a comprehensive succession plan and began a global search process to review internal and external candidates for the CFO role,” Brambles chairman Stephen Johns says. O’Sullivan has joined Brambles on an ongoing contract with…

Chris Loose says fleets should try and standardise their brake technologies, because they are often mixing and matching trucks and trailers. That advice applies both to the electronic overlay systems, as well as the foundation brake systems themselves. Regarding foundation brakes: “If you have got disc brakes on the truck, put disc brakes on the trailer. Get the foundations to match. It just makes life easier.” While on the subject of foundation brakes, the ATA has just released a 15-page technical advisory procedure on slack adjuster setup and compliance to the new National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Manual. Longer stroke brake chambers are becoming standard on a range of truck models. Meanwhile, in May the ATA released the second edition of its 24-page technical advisory on ESC and the similar roll…

When it comes to carrying and towing, there are a few things you need to know to be legal and safe. Gross vehicle mass (GVM) is how much the vehicle can weigh when fully loaded. That includes the weight of the vehicle itself, known as the kerb weight. The difference between GVM and kerb weight is the payload. Before you put anything into the tub, payload includes all passengers and accessories fitted, even a towbar. Some manufactures don’t claim a kerb weight, which includes a full tank of fuel, but a tare weight instead, which includes 10 litres of fuel only. In this case, any extra fuel over 10 litres also eats into the payload. Payload figures for cab-chassis models (not tested here) don’t even include the tray weight. When…

 Freighter General Manager, Mario Colosimo, stated that the MARK II reduces the number of buckles on a traditional T-Liner from twenty-two to six, saving up to ten minutes per drop and limiting the risk of repetitive strain injuries. Freighter T-Liner MARK II features over 70% less buckles than a standard T-Liner, while maintaining the same vertical tension. “Less buckles results in less time spent opening and closing curtains,” said Mario. “Operators can save up to ten WSX_^O]#ZO\#N\YZn#aRSMR#S]#K#]SQXSfMKX^ productivity gain without the need for an additional investment into automation.” “Decreasing the number of buckles to just six on a traditional T-Liner means the risk of repetitive strain injuries is greatly reduced, improving work health and safety,” he added. The T-Liner MARK II borrows ideas from a number of proven Freighter innovations…

We want you to get snap happy! If you send us a photo of any Freighter, Maxi-CUBE, Lusty EMS, Hamelex White, AZMEB or Peki trailer you will go into the running to win the MaxiTRANS Photo Fury competition. Each quarter, the best photo will be chosen and the winner will win a $200 JB Hi-Fi gift voucher and get their photo published in the next edition of MaxiNEWS. How good is that! One quick snap and you could be heading down to JB to pick out the latest music, movies and electronics. How to enter: Simply email your photo to marketing@maxitrans.com.au with the subject line “MaxiNEWS Photo Fury” for your chance to win. Note that photos must be over 1mb to be eligible to enter and you must have the…

THE HEAVY Vehicle National Law and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 has been tabled in the Queensland Parliament and, if accepted, the proposed provisions will bring about some important changes in the existing chain of responsibility (COR) laws. The bill proposes to include a new primary duty section to increase a level of nontransferable duty on each party within the chain. Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers special counsel Gillian Bristow says this proposal means that business owners, operators and managers will have to take steps to ensure the employees are aware of the safe practice guidelines and procedures to effectively manage risk. “The introduction of a primary duty that applies regardless of whether an incident has occurred means that parties in the chain of responsibility will need to take proactive steps…

Fleet owner Boral has won with costs a New South Wales Court of Appeal case brought by an injured owner-driver due to its duty of care having been passed to another party. The judgement appears to cast more light on where duty of care might end regarding equipment found to have subsequently caused injury. The driver, Marinko Gulic, had appealed an earlier finding that responsibility for his shoulder injury due to a faulty trailer gate had actually resided with repair firm Prancer Enterprises, which manufacturer Barker Trailers retained for work under its trailers’ warranties. This was despite Boral having been involved in the design of the trailer and its heavy gates, one which was found to have caused the injury. The three judge appeals bench note that “Boral’s duty was…

Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) has appointed Andrew Harbison to its sales and marketing director position as part of a management restructure. Assuming the role last month, Harbison stepped up from his position as national sales manager, a job he had held for the past three years. Harbison joined the company as Queensland zone manager in 2005 after leaving his position as Holden district sales manager in Queensland. He has worked with Auto One Australia in the past and has over a decade’s experience with Beaurepaires and Dunlop in both the retail and wholesale operations. The new structure at Isuzu has also affected national fleet manager Les Spaltman, who has been appointed to the role of national sales manager. IAL director and chief operating officer Phil Taylor says the change is…

“Governments on both sides of politics recognised that operator licensing is a bad idea” In April, the ATA led a convoy of trucks to Parliament House in Canberra to protest against the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal. Its road safety remuneration system would have threatened the viability of owner-drivers and small trucking businesses, particularly in rural and regional areas. Now a new threat to small trucking businesses has been proposed: operator licensing. Operator licensing goes beyond requiring trucks to be registered, drivers licensed, and businesses to have an ABN and be registered for GST. Under the system, hire-and-reward businesses, and possibly even businesses operating trucks to support their own work, would need a special licence from the NHVR. The UK goods vehicle operator licensing system is sometimes used as an example…

“Innovative technology-driven businesses are poised to shake up trucking and freight” Operational efficiency has always been a core element of success in the transport industry, but digital disruption has made it more important than ever. Just as Uber shook up the taxi industry, innovative technology-driven businesses are poised to shake up trucking and freight. Your competitors aren’t as easy to pinpoint these days, making it more difficult to gain a competitive edge. Amazon has stepped into the freight industry with its global shipping operation, and many other businesses have started to handle freight internally. Then there are drones and self-driving delivery trucks. These technology trends are driving massive change in the transport sector. HOW THESE TRENDS AFFECT YOUR FLEET These developments won’t affect your business straight away but they do…

“Chris made a substantial contribution to the heavy vehicle industry” THE AUSTRALIAN Trucking Association (ATA) and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) have thanked outgoing ATA chief executive Christopher Melham for his contribution to the industry. ATA chair Noelene Watson applauded Melham’s efforts during his five-year service at the association. The trucking body states that Melham made “significant gains” in a number of areas, including: • “Reconnecting the Tasmanian Transport Association with the ATA • Achieving reductions in heavy vehicle fuel taxes with the Australian government freezing the fuel tax paid by trucking operators in the 2015 Budget and reducing it in the 2016 Budget • Leading the national campaign to defeat the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal and in so doing, secured the livelihoods of numerous small trucking businesses •…

The Livestock and Bulk Carriers Association has rebranded to become the Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association (LBRCA). Effective as of late September, the decision to include rural transporters was unanimously agreed to at a special general meeting on September 15. In a note to its members, the organisation says the move to the LBRCA “accurately reflects all operations carried out by our members.” “Our name has changed but our objectives remain the same,” the messages continues. “We remain a customer focused grass roots Association dedicated to improving regional road freight conditions in NSW. “We will continue to provide a united and powerful voice to government and work hard with other industries and supply chain partners to get a better deal for our members and the rural freight industry as…

“Subsequent sessions will help harmonise the regulatory and operational regimes between WA and other states” FREIGHT- AND TRADE-related discussions involving non-east coast road industry representative bodies and Main Roads Western Australia are underway to plan for and facilitate future developments. The Western Australian Road Transport Association (WARTA) and the South Australian Road Transport Association (SARTA), along with WA industry and government representatives plus the Northern Territory Road Transport Association (NTRTA), participated in what is described as “an important and innovative strategic planning forum” held in Perth by Main Roads WA. The associations say the forum, the first of a number of WA discussions between industry and government, considered some key transport issues over the next decade, including: trade facilitation; the future of compliance and enforcement; automation; road freight productivity; and…

Toll has announced its long-flagged fleet upgrade, with $170 million to be spent in China on two new ships to support trade between Victoria and Tasmania and to “meet the demands of continued growth”. The new purpose-built ships, operating between Burnie and Melbourne, will provide 40 per cent more freight capacity, more opportunities to transport refrigerated freight for Tasmania’s growing chilled export market and more flexibility for customer deliveries, it says. They will be available in late 2018 and replace Toll’s existing ships, continuing to operate overnight services, six days per week. “This significant investment underscores Toll’s commitment to the Australian market and the integral role that we play in connecting Tasmania to our vast global network,” Toll Group MD Brian Kruger says. Jinling Shipyard won the shipbuilding contract following…

Former Manufacturing Australia chairman Mark Chellew has filled the role of chairman at Cleanaway following a sudden exit of former boss Martin Hudson. Chellew has served as independent non-executive director of the company since March 2013 and was appointed deputy chairman in February this year. He is currently the executive chairman of Manufacturing Australia. Until May 2014, he served as the managing director and chief executive officer of materials producer Adelaide Brighton. The change took place late last month, a few weeks ahead of the waste transport management company’s general meeting. Hudson has also stepped down as company director.…

Also punched by the 10.7-litre OM470 engine are a pair of 6x2 models, each called the 2543, and differing from each other only in the choice of either the non-sleeper M-cab or its ‘L’ bunk brother. Powered by the 315kW (428hp) version of the OM470, they also run the 12-speed direct-drive PowerShift transmission, but feed into a faster 2.73:1 rear axle. On the options list is an even taller 2.533:1 final drive. Built on a 3250mm wheelbase (remembering that Mercedes measures its wheelbase lengths from the centre of the steer axle to the centre of the front axle in a tandem set), the 2543 models’ GVM and GCM ratings are 26 and 45 tonnes respectively. At the back end, an eight-bag air suspension supports the hypoid drive axle and an…

Among a long options list for the heavier duty members of the new Mercedes-Benz range is an auxiliary brake described as a ‘Water-type Secondary Retarder’. Designed and built by ancillary braking specialist Voith, Benz describes the retarder as a wear-free, maintenance-free hydrodynamic auxiliary brake that can be used to perform up to 85 per cent of all braking operations. As the name implies, the operating medium is the water of the engine’s cooling circuit, with the heat generated by the braking function dissipated through the cooling system. It is a retarder, Benz says, which offers “a very high braking torque in combination with a compact, weight-saving design”. Benz adds: “A gearshifting operation does not result in any interruption in the retarder braking action, and the retarder braking power depends only…

It takes a lot of self-control to subdue a cynical smirk when I hear the head of a truck brand, any truck brand, say they’re not particularly interested in market leadership or their place on the sales ladder. To my mind, their assertions make little sense and are, at best, a poorly scripted excuse for mediocre performance. After all, the higher they are up the ladder, the more trucks they’ve been selling. When it’s all boiled down, that’s what it’s all about: selling trucks! So, as we consider the figures for three quarters of this year, don’t let anyone kid themselves that the numbers don’t matter. They matter for everyone. Success breeds success. Mediocrity metes out more of the same. It’s becoming a predictable trend, but the good news in…

The Fyshwick facility was officially opened by the ACT chief minister Andrew Barr, who welcomed the company’s ongoing investment in Canberra, enabling further development of international trade links. “As we diversify and grow our economy, it’s great to have companies like DHL Express making investments to strengthen our international connections,” Barr said. “In September we’ll welcome international flights to Canberra Airport for the first time, and this new facility will increase our freight capacity and help us take advantage of the new opportunities international flights will bring.” DHL has some 340,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide.…

Welcome to the 16th edition of MaxiNEWS. This edition arrives at a very exciting time for MaxiTRANS, with the release of several new products. Freighter recently unveiled a patented new trailer model named T-Liner MARK II, which features over 70% less buckles than a standard T-Liner, while maintaining the same equivalent vertical curtain tension. This new release is the culmination of a series of updates to the Freighter product range, KVV#YP#aRSMR#YhO\#]SQXSfMKX^#]KPO^c and productivity gains for businesses. Another of those updates is the release of two patent-pending new load restraint gate systems, both of which are also covered in this edition. We have also recently seen the expansion of the Lusty EMS Drop Deck tipper range, via the launch of a Tip Over Axle model in time for this year’s grain…

Lusty EMS is part of the MaxiTRANS Group of trailer brands. Recently-appointed Tippers General Manager, Simon Martin, explained that while the Lusty EMS Drop Deck Chassis Tipper has been highly successful, the Tip Over Axle (TOA) model will allow customers to make even further gains due to its naturally lower tare weight construction. “The Lusty EMS Drop Deck Chassis Tipper was released last year and has been a very successful addition thanks to its increased cubic capacity over a conventional tipper,” he said. “Adding the lower tare TOA to the Drop Deck range allows operators to now also carry extra weight on top of the increased capacity.” Queensland company, Paton’s Bulk Haulage, based in the town of Jondaryan, aK]#^RO#f\]^#^Y#Z_\MRK]O#YXO#YP#^RO# new model. Paton’s has been making a name for itself in…

The trailer manufacturer said that the new load restraint gates are available in two models: a premium “Sliding Post Load Restraint Gates” model and an entry level “Hanging Load Restraint Gates” model. Both can be ordered as optional upgrades on all Freighter Tautliner models, providing a rated load restraint of up to 1300kg per pallet space. Sliding Post Load Restraint Gates According to Freighter General Manager, Mario Colosimo, the Sliding Post Load Restraint Gates are virtually weightless thanks to the inclusion of an integrated ]Z\SXQm#›9^¥]#K#]SQXSfMKX^#aY\U#ROKV^R#KXN# safety advantage,” said Mario. “We have practically eliminated the risk of shoulder SXT_\SO]#P\YW#VSlSXQ#ROK‘c#QK^O]#KXNn# LOMK_]O#^ROc#K\O#fbON#^Y#^RO#^\KSVO\n#^RO\O# is no chance of gates falling on the driver K]#^ROc#K\O#OhY\^VO]]Vc#YZOXON#KXN#WY‘ON# aside.” The posts and all other components are integrated within the gates, meaning the six gates on a standard 22 pallet…

Baas, was announced as the MaxiTRANS Salesperson of Year for 2015/16 at the annual MaxiTRANS Awards Night, held in Melbourne last month. =KXKQSXQ#4S\OM^Y\n#=SMRKOV#2\YMURYhn#Z\O]OX^ON#^RO award to the deserving winner. “Mike is highly dedicated to the Company and his customers,” said Michael. “He helps his customers achieve what they need to, no matter how big or small the task.” “His passion for selling and achievements throughout the year are truly deserving of such recognition,” he added. Mike, who was humble in his acceptance, thanked the Company for the award and stated that he is looking forward to an exciting year ahead. It was one of a number of awards presented at the MaxiTRANS Awards Night, with MaxiTRANS South Australia awarded the 2015/16 Dealership of the Year, recognising the Dealership’s achievements.…