Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 365 i Australasian Transport News (ATN)

“With this system, accidents should be completely eliminated over using traditional observations on rest breaks or when refuelling” ALTHOUGH THE LIVESTOCK transportation sector isn’t obligated to monitor stock with cameras, Echuca Rural Transport decided to install an inventive camera system to monitor livestock while on the move. Owner Brendan Randall says the idea behind installing additional cameras in his new MAN TGS 35 540 was to ensure peace of mind for both drivers and clients when dealing with high value loads. The MAN features a 32ft tray and 24ft trailer, and a range of Polaris outdoor cameras were added to the truck and trailer to monitor each pen and send a live feed to the driver. “The whole idea of the camera system basically came because most new cars you…

DUNCAN GAY is planning an early retirement from politics following a New South Wales Cabinet reshuffle that saw him lose his post to Melinda Pavey. The change, in one of the more pivotal state ministries in freight transport, is part of NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian’s attempt to “reset” the government ahead of 2019 state elections. Berejiklian also announced the creation of a new portfolio – Minister for WestConnex – to be held by current western Sydney minister Stuart Ayers, who will be responsible for the $16.8 billion road project. Pavey thanks the government and pays tribute to her predecessor. “I am looking forward to doing my part as the NSW government continues its record investment in roads, bridges, wharves and rail lines,” she says. “I look forward to ensuring Oxley…

“It’s more like a business in its own right as opposed to maybe just one single standalone asset” CALLING IT A “transformational” transport project that offers “tremendous value”, Transurban seems to be preparing to make a bid for Sydney’s WestConnex motorway if the NSW government opts to go ahead with the sale. Transurban chief executive Scott Charlton says the company sees WestConnex as a “mini network” of assets as opposed to a single asset, which would make it cheaper to operate than a single entity. “It’s more like a business in its own right as opposed to maybe just one single standalone asset,” he says. Despite the creation of a new portfolio, Minister for WestConnex, and the appointment of Stuart Ayers to the new role, there has been no official…

CONTAINER STEVEDORE Patrick has sought to clarify its move to improve its damaged container processing system. The first many in the port container trucking segment knew of the reform was a notice in container chain efficiency service 1-Stop on February 10. This merely noted that Patrick management would “no longer issue damage acknowledgments to truck drivers regarding damaged containers. If a container is damaged the Shipping Line will contact Patrick directly. “ Given the level of distrust of shipping lines in parts of the landside chain relating to container charges, there was immediate concern over the next couple of days, particularly at the busy Port of Melbourne, with Container Transport Alliance Australia (CTAA) seeking an explanation urgently. As it happened, Patrick is bringing Melbourne into line with practices in Fisherman…

THE BRISBANE TRUCK SHOW AWARDS will undergo a revamp in 2017 by showcasing the past two years’ best design, engineering and manufacturing achievements, influenced by a culture of innovation and safety. Presented by show organiser Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) with the support of Platinum Partner BP Australia, this year’s awards will be judged by a cohort of the country’s leading transport and equipment journalists, and will highlight the industry’s latest product and service innovations. Australia’s heavy vehicle industry directly employs more than 36,000 people and manufactures, services and repairs some of the world’s most efficient, safe, innovative and technologically advanced vehicles, including global brands Volvo, Mack, Kenworth and Iveco. With nominations closing at the end of March, the judges will have a busy time assessing what could potentially be…

One of the first companies to introduce barcode scanning to track clients’ freight, transportation and supply chain management specialist AirRoad is large enough to meet complex logistics and transportation needs but small enough to provide a personalised service. Established in 1989, AirRoad has grown steadily thanks to its focus on customers. While it doesn’t have thousands of clients on its books, the privately owned Australian company prefers it that way and has no plans to become everything to everyone. With cutting-edge technology and systems to its name, AirRoad takes a proactive approach in installing sustainable technologies and improving fuel efficiency by designing its own trailers. Its Vawdrey line-haul trailers have been custom designed with twin decks to accommodate bulky and fragile items, with the aim of delivering goods in pristine…

With the advent of air-conditioned single bunk rooms and integrated sleeper cabs, it’s easy to forget just how tough long-distance truck drivers used to do it in the old days. Sharing a bunkroom with a dozen other farting, snoring blokes with maybe a swivelling fan for relief; heads hanging out of dog-box doors to get a bit of fresh air; swags under the trailer; stretching out across the bench seat; and so on. Thank heavens that’s all just a thing of the past, right? Well, no. There’s no doubt sleeping conditions have greatly improved in many ways for many long-distance drivers, to the point of single motel rooms being commonly provided. But there are still some primitive cases out there. Take some dealer and operator bunkrooms. We’ve previously reported on…

The German truck maker may be a minor player on the Australian market, but MAN’s contribution to the aspirations of the vast Volkswagen Group is anything but minor. According to a recent report from Europe, Volkswagen Truck & Bus division comprising MAN, Scania and Volkswagen’s South American operation sold about 184,000 trucks and buses in 2016, with MAN leading the charge. All up, MAN Truck & Bus sold 83,200 vehicles in 2016, up 5 per cent on the previous year’s figures. Scania wasn’t too far behind, selling 81,350 trucks and buses, an increase of 6 per cent over 2015 results. According to Volkswagen Truck & Bus chief and former Mercedes-Benz executive Andreas Renschler, the 2016 result was a satisfying result given the year’s turbulent conditions with “the crisis in Brazil,…

A new state-of-the-art distribution centre in Sydney featuring an order fulfilment system and goods-to-person (GTP) workstations has seen cycling and fishing manufacturer Shimano efficiently sort, pack and distribute products to retailers following the merger of the two businesses. The 2008 merger of Shimano Australia’s cycling and fishing businesses led the Japanese multinational manufacturer on a search for a central location in the hope to retain experienced staff. Both businesses were operating in two smaller DCs in Sydney when a review of Shimano’s supply chain showed combining the distributions would be better for the business. Shimano Australia fishing managing director Colin Tannahill says keeping the two businesses under one roof in an area where they were historically located led to a smoother transition. “Land costs in the shire are significantly higher…

Unless there’s a Guinness Book of Records attempt being made, there’s not much future in claiming records but Dogs & Chains’ younger staff have had a bit of fun with the most axles they’ve seen on one combination on a road. This happened due to a European acquaintance skiting about Faymonville’s new CombiMax item and its 14. And things got out of hand quickly, as things will when nerds compete. “NQ Group has a 16-axle semi”, “So what, what’s now known as Rivet may still have one with 18 and, anyway, Tutt Bryant has an 18-axle trailer pulled by a Kenworth.” Lampson’s 18 jobby wasn’t allowed as no one had seen it on tarmac. Then the ante was raised – “What about that YouTube effort on ABC Central West –…

THE UPCOMING TOLL charge increase for heavy vehicles travelling through metropolitan Melbourne is “discriminatory”, the Victorian Transport Association (VTA) states. The state government and CityLink operator Transurban have revised the toll costs by up to 225 per cent for heavy vehicles, and up to 5 per cent for smaller vehicles. Part of the cost recovery strategy for the CityLink Tullamarine Widening (CTW) works, the revised rates will see heavy vehicle operators pay more than other road users. “There has also been little justification from Transurban or the government for such a large increase,” VTA CEO Peter Anderson says. “The benefits associated with this widening project will have greater benefit to car users, which have had only a moderate 5 per cent increase in their tolls. “The change in the multiple…

“If a strong economic case can be made via ... thorough due diligence, the multi-billion dollar project would address a multitude of long-standing issues” SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S most intriguing freight infrastructure concept has gained in-principle support from the state’s civil contractors’ body. Like freight industry groups to varying degrees, the Civil Contractors Federation of SA (CCFSA) wants analysis by way of a promised feasibility study to done before anything starts on the SA Liberals’ ambitious project. But otherwise, it is in full support. “The SA Opposition is often accused of not having any new policies, plans or visions, so the federation is pleased and encouraged to see the Liberals announcing such a positive vision for Adelaide and South Australia – something for which it should not be criticised,” CCFSA CEO Phil…

WHILE YET TO REFLECT freight industry positions on driverless vehicles, a parliamentary committee looking at the issue has received positive feedback on the potential of truck and light-vehicle platooning from other quarters. But this has been met with a sober appraisal of what the concept and the future of autonomous vehicles (AVs) might hold from the federal Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development. The most positive submission to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Innovation, Science and Resources for its inquiry into the Social Issues Relating to Land-Based Driverless Vehicles in Australia has come from those currently involved in testing. Telstra, which linked with IT firm Peleton and the Australian Driverless Vehicle Initiative (ADVI) for the Western Australian trials, has highlighted the safety aspect of connected and autonomous…

VIDEO: KENWORTH T610 Labelled by Paccar as “Our Best Truck Yet”, Steve Brooks put the Kenworth T610 and T610 SAR line-up through its paces at the Mt Cotton Training Centre’s test track. VIDEO: UD PW 24 280 With its new PW range, UD is showing off its ability to cover a range of niche applications. Steve Brooks finds out why the truck maker is so confident it will succeed. VIDEO: WITH VOLVO ON ITS HOME TEST TRACK Volvo¥test trucks were made available to check out innovations including crawler gears, the dual clutch and electronic dynamic steering. Steve Skinner was there. SPECIFICATIONS TradeTrucks.com.au is your one-stop truck site to buy and sell new and used equipment including new and used trucks, such as trailers, parts and accessories. Browse nearly 20,000 used…

Getting working capital processes right can be very challenging, especially in the transport and distribution (T&D) sector. It’s typically an industry where cash flows come under pressure from demanding suppliers and large customers with high levels of bargaining power. As a result, operators require a disciplined approach to ensure cash flow is optimised. Working capital performance is increasingly being recognised as a key indicator of the financial health of a business. More cash means more flexibility in making business decisions. It can also give businesses an advantage over competitors. In order to help T&D companies better understand working capital performance across their sector and broader supply chain, McGrathNicol Advisory’s Cash and Working Capital Centre of Excellence produces an annual Working Capital Report. The latest report showed that while T&D companies…

In another year or so, it’ll be 50 years since Volvo decided to establish a company-owned outpost in this far-off island of ours. Yet even with the advantages of history and hindsight, the reasons for such a fateful and ultimately fortunate decision may not be particularly apparent. Pragmatic and purposeful, the Swedes would’ve certainly known that a start-up operation in this challenging part of the world was fraught with hardship and little likelihood of big numbers anytime soon. Maybe not as brutal as today but, even back then, competition was tough and margins modest. Starting from scratch, the potential for pain stood significantly taller than the possibility of profit. Then again, Swedes are an industrious, persistent lot. Besides, it was the ‘60s and, whether anyone knew at the time or…

Business-to-consumer (B2C) direct sales has grown exponentially in recent years but for international parcels firm DHL Express, the shape of things to come was fist realised in its Australian market. The lessons were hugely valuable in the pace of growth and the diminutive size of the players. Where big traditional customers have usually grown sales in single digits annually, Australia’s nimble and savvy new class of online traders and retailers, armed with new technology and a global marketplace, plus advanced parcel delivery services, have been able to grow at double digits. With that comes increased reliance for personal deliveries anywhere in the world. To have that happen, both for the relatively small number of big customers as much as the multitude of SMEs, DHL has invested in upgrading handling facilities…

AS WE REPORTED in September last year, Channel 40 is Australia’s first fully independent online platform for owner-drivers and freight owners. Today Channel 40 has grown to involve more than 500 drivers, carrying $95,000 in freight in its first full month of operation. “You could say Channel 40 is a cross between Uber and Facebook for Truckies,” Channel 40 founder Tom Cavanagh says. “Freight owners can see exactly where their load is at any given time. Drivers can see what loads are available anywhere in Australia. And it’s fully transparent so drivers get immediate payment on delivery and freight owners get certainty about pick-up and delivery times.” Cavanagh – who owns Dubbo’s EMS Group – says he established Channel 40 largely out of frustration over his own shipping challenges. “Running…

“Big businesses ... are exploiting the power imbalance that exists in their relationship with small-business people” SMALL BUSINESSES are reporting worsening exploitation on payments from the biggest corporations and from some governments, Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) Kate Carnell’s office states. Early results of the Payment Times and Practices Inquiry are said to have found: • almost 50 per cent of small businesses experience late payments on at least half of the bills owed to them • the practice of late payments is getting worse, with around 60 per cent of small businesses reporting an increase in the trend over the past 12 months • almost 70 per cent report that the practice has reduced business profitability, “with many business owners acknowledging it has a serious impact…

“The NHVR re-confirms our commitment to working with Jackie to reduce red tape for the heavy vehicle sector” QUEENSLAND DEPUTY premier Jackie Trad has been formally handed the transport portfolio. Trad had earlier served as the state transport minister between February 2015 and December 2015. She currently also holds the infrastructure and planning portfolio. “I have asked Jackie to return to the transport portfolio because I need her experience and her toughness to ensure the best possible service for the travelling public,” Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says. “Jackie is already working closely with new Queensland Rail (QR) chairman Phillip Strachan, acting CEO Neil Scales and Citytrain Response Unit head Jacqui Walters to roll out the recommendations of the Strachan Inquiry into QR.” The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and the…

THE START OF CONSTRUCTION of a new freight terminal in south-west Sydney is one step closer after Qube Holdings reached a financial agreement on a new deal with Moorebank Intermodal Company. Developed by the Sydney Intermodal Terminal Alliance (SIMTA), the project involves construction of an import-export (IMEX) freight terminal with a final annual throughput capacity of 1.05 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU), and a new interstate terminal with a capacity to handle 500,000 TEU. The first stage of the project will see the construction of the IMEX terminal with an initial capacity of 250,000 TEU, plus rail links to the Southern Sydney Freight Line and container processing areas. While the IMEX terminal is expected to start operating in late 2018, the interstate terminal is due for an early-2020 start. Qube…

Prior to a couple of laps around Brisbane’s Mt Cotton driver training centre a few months back at the launch of the 560hp (418kW) D38 engine, it had been a long time since I’d driven an MAN truck of any sort for any length of time. It was, I think, back in the days when MAN’s Australian operation was still under the direct control of head office in Munich, and that certainly wasn’t yesterday. Anyway, it’s not that I’ve declined any offers to steer a MAN in the interim. Quite simply, the opportunities just haven’t eventuated and, given the German maker’s historically modest and sometimes indifferent approach to the Australian trucking scene, there never seemed much point in troubling the brand’s minders. Besides, there was never any shortage of other…

To be blunt, I wasn’t expecting much when the discussion with Mitch Peden turned to new product developments. After all, this was a Volvo executive I was talking to and, despite the initiatives and innovations of recent years, some things just aren’t open for public discussion. Consequently, I wasn’t surprised or disappointed at his smiling reply when asked what’s happening behind closed doors. “I’d love to tell you, mate, but that’s not for me to talk about. You know how it is.” Indeed I do! Still, not everything was off the agenda. Like, looking ahead, what will be the biggest driver of new developments? “The main game now is fuel effi ciency and genuine return on investment,” he answered without hesitation. “To take a much more holistic view of what…

You’ll find it in medicine. You’ll find it in law. You’ll find it in real estate. You’ve heard about it but might not understand the jargon. Like many, you might not even understand the basics, let alone fully comprehend where it could take your business, or what it has already for others. But don’t feel bad – it’s a new fork in the road, and the best bits in the journey are yet to come. We’re talking about artificial intelligence (AI), and all that comes under that broad umbrella. Predictive intelligence, predictive analytics, machine learning, big data – how do you make sense of it all and cut through the spin and the buzz words? More importantly, what does it all mean for you as a business operator? These are…

If the Isuzu D-Max had a Tinder profile, it would most likely be wearing a bomber jacket and hi-vis in its profile photo. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing going on underneath the skinned knuckle and bush hat image of the Isuzu Ute. This latest Euro 5 update has seen the Isuzu workhorse gain a little more grunt and some extra kit. The venerable 3-litre 4JJ1-TC turbo-diesel traditionally found under the bonnet of the D-Max now sports an active regeneration exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system to comply with Euro 5 emission regulations. The new diesel particulate filter (DPF) is located in the engine bay itself and relies on post injection from the fuel system to fire up the burner when it becomes full of soot. This is an auto regen…

The hipster foodie world of lentil tofu and kale burgers, biodynamic salad wraps and chia smoothies seems very far removed from the gritty chips, chicken salt and gravy world of trucking and transport. Speaking of which, what part of the chicken is chicken salt made out of, anyway?! But even the purveyors of tasty morsels need reliable commercial wheels to get them from A to B with their kitchens on their backs. So I thought I’d take a closer look at the burgeoning food truck trend and spend some time with a Melbourne-based food truck. I was hoping that there may even be some snack-related action along the way. And I didn’t have to grow a hipster beard or ride a vintage pushbike to qualify for the gig either. “There…