Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 375 i Australasian Transport News (ATN)

In a world that barely has time to think past the next new mobile phone, ATN reckons it’s time to appreciate how far we’ve come and where we might be headed. The time frame is 25 years as that is when we judge the industry began to modernise to suit the world it functions in. Next edition we will attempt to plot a path through the next 25 years and, while much may turn out otherwise, it’s worth having a go because, as the previous 25 years show, the roots of how we got here gained a purchase in 1992. What the industry has managed is a mighty achievement, be it more freight carried, fewer fatalities, lower emissions or better vehicles. The nation should be proud. One aspect not examined,…

California-based MNX Global Logistics has bought Melbourne-headquartered international logistics solutions provider Logical Freight Solutions (LFS) for an undisclosed sum. LFS serves the healthcare industry and has locations in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and the US. According to MNX, LFS complements MNX’s growth in time- and temperature-sensitive shipments and enhances its Asia-Pacific presence. “The pace of growth in patient-centric medicine, with its strict requirements for temperature-controlled transportation and time-definite delivery, underscores the role that specialty time-critical logistics providers will continue to play in the life sciences and healthcare industries,” MNX CEO Paul J Martins says. “LFS shares our customer-centric culture and geographic footprint. “This combination allows our new and existing customers to experience an expanded suite of logistics services tailored specifically for the healthcare, life sciences, and medical…

A former Linfox tanker driver who was physically assaulted while on the job has won his Federal Court of Australia appeal against an Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) ruling. Kym O’Loughlin had been injured in Melbourne after intervening in a violent altercation between a man and a woman at a service station where he was delivering fuel. The appeal means Linfox must pay the O’Loughlin’s costs and resume paying compensation for the injuries he sustained. Linfox had paid compensation from 2010 to 2014 after accepting liability but had halted payments in early 2014 after a High Court ruling the year before. In that case, Comcare v PVYW, an employee was judged to have injured herself during an “interval” in her work for a company unconnected to that company. The AAT ruled…

Truck stop leases at Carnarvon, Karratha, Port Hedland and Newman are now under BP control after a deal with Western Australian private equity firm Acure. The sites were previously managed and leased by Outback Travel Centres Pty Ltd, which went into voluntary administration in June. According to Acure MD Angelo Del Borrello, the agreement with experienced operator BP “ensures the long-term future of our facilities network and demonstrates a commitment to the region and local employment”. “Acure is very pleased to have negotiated long-term lease agreements for these four properties with such a large and experienced tenant. It is also proud of its success in keeping the doors open,” Del Borrello says. Acure says the Karratha, Carnarvon and Newman truck stops offer facilities such as: • B-double access and parking…

THE FAIR WORK OMBUDSMAN’S (FWO) lengthy pursuit of courier firm Z Transport and a linked firm, Boxbay, has resulted in $72,000 in penalties for deliberate sham contracting. The case began in 2012 with a bicycle courier’s complaint at being misclassified as an independent contractor – Queensland-registered Boxbay being in a labour-supply and services agreement with Victorian firm Z Transport. Employee entitlements under the Road Transport and Distribution Award, including minimum wages and leave entitlements meant the courier was underpaid $7641 between February and November 2013. However, in what has been a fraught year for the Australian Taxation Office in the transport space, Judge Grant Riethmuller in the Federal Circuit Court of Australia noted that its online automated assessment tool for employers may not have been up to scratch. “It appears…

The Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association (LBRCA) is inviting nominations for the 2018 LBRCA Young Driver Award (YDA). Nominations are open to truck drivers aged 21-35 who demonstrate a best practice approach to driving and safety. The award will be presented at the LBRCA and ALRTA joint national conference in Coffs Harbour from March 23 -24. The winner will receive a $5000 trip to the United States. LBRCA says the winner will be “a role model” for the rural transport industry and will help to promote rural transport as a viable, long-term career choice for young people. “Rural transport is an essential service and we have an aging workforce,” LBRCA president Lynley Miners says. “Without rural transporters, Australian produce wouldn’t get from the farm gate to the table. “The…

THE PEAK TRUCKING body wants more big business customers to sign up to Business Council of Australia’s (BCA’s) voluntary payment code. Australian Trucking Association (ATA) chair Geoff Crouch says delayed payment times are a major problem for the trucking sector, particularly small transport operators. Crouch recommends wider application of the Australian Supplier Payment Code to address this issue. Businesses that sign up to the voluntary code are obligated to pay their suppliers within 30 days. “Extended payment times are a major problem for small trucking businesses,” Crouch says. “The ATA is aware of customers demanding payment times of more than 120 days. “Some companies that demand long payment times then have the gall to offer finance to their small business suppliers to cover their missing cashflow.” Apart from ATA backing,…

In news nobody down under expected, Russian designers have built a Wickham Freightlines truck into their Euro Truck Simulor 2 video game. According to reports, 17-year-old John Bentley, an avid fan, got in contact with the designers of the truck simulator and asked them to build a Wickham Freightlines truck into the gameplay. They did just that, building one he could use throughout the game. Not many transport companies have a popular fan group page on Facebook, so it’s no surprise that if one was going to feature in a video game it’d be a trademark red and white Wickham’s rig.…

Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) president Peter Langworthy has resigned from the Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia board, the organisation has informed members. Langworthy has been president since October 2016 and a director since 2015. Vice president Nathan Usher will fulfil all duties of the president until an extraordinary general meeting of members is scheduled by the board. HVIA chief executive Brett Wright says Langworthy’s contribution had been particularly valuable through the transition to a national association. “Peter has been a generous contributor to our organisation and a wise counsel for many years,” Wright says. “We will greatly miss his passion, his strategic vision and his insightful perspective. “More than any of that, he is a man of great character and integrity whom I’ve been honoured to work with. We all…

One way to gauge how far the industry has come with technology is to talk to one who has worked up to a top position after starting as a driver. Mark Anderson was a truck driver when starting out in the industry and, by 1992, he was experiencing the first wave of communications technology sweeping over the industry. When he was carting milk or driving tippers was, of course, a different age. Often armed, in his case, with a Cat engine, trucks did what they did, by themselves and without electronics. Digital was manipulating things with your fingers. That year saw him make the move from the cab to the office but already the markers for the future 25 years were in evidence, if somewhat primitively. “When mobile phones first…

Australia is a nation characterised by vast distances, large uninhabited areas and seemingly never-ending roads. For close to a century, road freight has provided a vital link between the nation’s cities. Trucks have acted as an economic artery, carrying goods, livestock and agricultural products throughout the land. The ability to transport goods by road has fuelled export growth and cemented Australia’s position in the global economy. To this day, road freight remains vital to the economic success of our nation, and is expected to haul in $42.6 billion in revenue in 2017-18. Over the decades, small operators have been the dominate force in road freight transportation, with non-employers accounting for approximately 50 per cent of the road freight industry’s enterprises. However, the business structures of the industry’s larger companies differ…

K&S GROUP shareholders could have been despondent at its immediate financial prognosis but should then have been buoyed by longer-term expectations. Chairman Tony Johnson was clear on what the company is facing at present. “We currently expect underlying first half performance for FY18 to be approximately 15 per cent down on the prior corresponding period last year,” he says. Though Johnson went on to accentuate the positives, his annual general meeting message was also leavened by MD Paul Sarant’s list of reasons to be more cheerful, including in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. “A record number of new customer contracts were signed by K&S during the year,” Sarant says. “They are highlighted by the new east to west transport arrangements with Kimberly-Clark, a renewal of the Laminex business and…

A SAFETY VIDEO by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) offers first-hand accounts of four companies about their safety management systems. The video, titled Industry Approaches to Safety Management Systems, uses feedback from senior logistics and safety staff from Metcash, Woolworths, Branstrans and Martins Transport on the changes made in their systems ahead of the upcoming chain of responsibility (COR) reforms. NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto says the information on safety practices offered through this industry engagemant initiative can benefit all heavy vehicle supply chain businesses. “Accessing this kind of information from a range of operators is important for everyone across the heavy vehicle supply chain,” Petroccitto says. “The feedback shows how different companies are assessing risk, encouraging a safety culture and implementing their safety management systems. “Under the new COR…

The New South Wales government has announced motorists regularly using Sydney’s toll roads will score free vehicle registration, but trucks aren’t going to be so lucky. Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced motorists who spend $25 or more on average each week on tolls will soon be eligible for a registration rebate. The registration rebate will be available for all standard privately registered cars, utes, four-wheel drives and motorcycles from July 1, but does not apply to vehicles weighing more than 2795kg. Minister for Western Sydney and WestConnex Stuart Ayres says the scheme will be backdated, so eligible motorists will enjoy free vehicle registration if they have spent more than $25 a week from July 1, 2017. NSW opposition leader Luke Foley told reporters he has spoken to Sydney truck drivers who…

The National Road Transport Hall of Fame may relocate from Alice Springs to Broken Hill, following a soft approach to crime from the Northern Territory government. Hall of Fame chief executive Liz Martin tells ATN the state government’s lenient approach to dealing with the theft and vandalism isn’t cutting it, and is contributing to the potential move away from Alice Springs. Martin estimates that $100,000 worth of damage has been inflicted in the past two years, and $10,000 of damage was done to a volunteer vehicle in November. “I want the Northern Territory government to stand up and take action and make these criminals responsible and accountable,” she says. “Take it back to a parental level if need be.” The security efforts at the Hall of Fame have been intensive,…

VOLVO GROUP AUSTRALIA president and CEO Peter Voorhoeve highlights the success of the Group’s Brisbane-based Wacol factory with the announcement of its 60,000th locally made truck. Voorhoeve says Volvo’s production milestone demonstrates that automotive manufacturing is alive in Australia despite closures of car manufacturing units here. The production milestone coincides with Volvo Group receiving the Australian Made Campaign certification to carry the iconic green-and-gold ‘Australian Made’ logo. Volvo Group Australia is now the only truck manufacturer in Australia to have been awarded this certification. “We’re delighted that Volvo Group Australia has joined the campaign,” Australian Made CEO Ian Harrison says. “It reflects their commitment to promoting local manufacturing, both in its direct production operations but also through their support of the local automotive components’ industry.” Voorhoeve also spoke about the…

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is looking into the proposed acquisition of Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics’ (WWL) local arm, WWLA, by Prixcar Services. The ACCC notes that Prixcar provides pre-delivery inspection (PDI) services for motor vehicles, including the inspecting, processing and storage of imported vehicles, and transport from the port to the vehicles’ owner and that PrixCar’s owners are Toll, shipping line K Line, and the Qube group, which also owns terminal operator Australian Amalgamated Terminals (AAT). It also notes that both Prixcar and WWLA provide PDI services for light trucks. The ‘informal review’ will review is focused on the potential impact of the proposed acquisition on competition. In particular, it will consider: • The extent of competition between PrixCar’s and WWLA’s operations, and the potential impact of the…

A NEW SUPERUNION is being formed with a hard-line profile. The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) says its members voted 87 per cent in favour of a merger with the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU). The announcement came 20 months after MUA members voted to explore the link. The two unions are to be joined by the Textile Clothing and Footwear Union of Australia (TCFUA), which posted a 97 per cent vote in favour. “This is at the core of trade union and labour rights – individual members exercising their democratic decision making and democratic control of their union,” MUA national secretary Paddy Crumlin states. “Our members have spoken: they want a strong, independent and progressive union. “This vote sets a new course for the amalgamated union. It…

CouriersPlease (CP) has officially opened a new logistics facility in Melbourne. The new facility is located within the $440 million Drystone Industrial Estate hub in Truganina. The 29,000sqm site includes 12,500sqm under the roof, with a capacity to accommodate over 160 courier vehicles. Additional courier bays are allocated to accommodate future growth. Wyndham City deputy mayor Kim McAliney joined CP CEO Mark McGinley to open the new depot. The company believes the new facility will bring opportunities for small business development for CP franchisees looking to take on exclusive delivery territories in the region. “The growth in e-commerce is fuelling an increase in parcel delivery, and we are investing in infrastructure to accommodate for the future growth of parcel volumes,” CouriersPlease CEO Mark McGinley says. “With more Australians purchasing online,…

AUSTRALIAN SUPPLY chain and property consultancy TM Insight has appointed Rob Turner as the new director of its supply chain division effective December 2017. Turner is the former GM of Toll Group’s business development and solutions department. He has more than 30 years of experience in the supply chain industry having designed, built and operated automated warehouses across multiple industry sectors including, retail, FMCG, general merchandise, automotive and healthcare. Turner will be working with Adam Noakes, who leads TM Insight’s supply chain division. TM Insight founder Travis Erridge welcomed Turner to the new role. “Being able to add Rob’s broad industry knowledge and expertise will significantly enhance our Supply Chain offering to our clients,” Erridge says.…

AUTOMOTIVE HOLDINGS GROUP (AHG) is in the process of selling its refrigerated logistics division to Chinese investment firm HNA Group (International) for $400 million in cash and debt. The sale involves ownership of Rand, Harris, Scott’s and JAT passing to HNA-owned firm CC Logistics (Australia), with AHG gaining $280 million and HNA ultimately assuming $120 million in finance lease liabilities. “HNAI has indicated a commitment to growing and continuing to invest in the refrigerated logistics sector, both internationally and in Australia,” AHG CEO and MD John McConnell says. “As an experienced participant in the logistics sector, HNA will continue to deliver quality services to customers and we strongly believe that the business will have a very positive future under its new owners.” AHG Logistics CEO Stephen Cleary will remain with…

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and the Australian Logistics Council (ALC) have praised the efforts of many leading distribution and retail companies in improving heavy vehicle safety before the new chain of responsibility (COR) laws come into effect mid-2018. Speaking at a safety workshop hosted by Metcash, Coles, Woolworths and Bluescope, NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto says the national regulator has been assisting supply chain participants to transition to the new laws. “During this year we have worked closely with many companies including owners of major distribution centres to ensure their safety management systems will meet the provisions of the new laws,” Petroccitto says. “Under the new laws coming in mid-2018, the entire heavy vehicle supply chain will be required to take steps to deliver a safer road transport industry…

Promising Australian delivery and tracking IT listing GetSwift has seen its share price more than double after announcing a deal with Amazon. Before entering a trading halt on Friday, December 1, GetSwift’s price was $1.96 a share but by Monday it was sitting at $4.14. With former Melbourne AFL player Joel McDonald a driving force, the company listed almost a year ago, starting at 27 cents. “GetSwift is pleased to announce that it has signed a global master services agreement with Amazon,” the company says in its announcement. “The extent of the services to be provided and the revenues to derived will be generated from specific transactions agreed with Amazon pursuant to the master services agreement. “Due to the terms of the agreement, the number of deliveries this agreement may…

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) joined the team of Volvo Group Australia at its Wacol factory to mark the production of 60,000 locally manufactured trucks. ATA chairman Geoff Crouch and CEO Ben Maguire were with Volvo Group Australia president and CEO Peter Voorhoeve, Volvo Trucks Australia vice president Mitch Peden, Australian Made CEO Ian Harrison and other guests to celebrate the milestone. Crouch says more people should learn about the company’s achievement as many Australians are currently unaware of the “substantial” local truck manufacturing industry despite a decline in domestic car manufacturing. “More than a thousand people work for Volvo Group here in Wacol, including engineers, factory workers and administrative staff,” Crouch says. “They build Australian trucks under the Australian Design Rules for Australian businesses.” Maguire congratulates Voorhoeve and the…

David Anderson has resigned from his position as the commissioner and chairman of the National Transport Commission (NTC) effective December 8. The NTC, and federal infrastructure and transport minister Darren Chester thanked Anderson for his efforts during his four-year term. NTC chief executive Paul Retter commends Anderson for his “outstanding” term of leadership. “David’s focus on ensuring the NTC’s strategic direction and work program priorities reflect the needs of relevant ministers has greatly benefited the national land transport reform agenda,” Retter says. “On behalf of NTC Commissioners and staff members we thank David for his contributions and wish him well in the future.” NTC is yet to name Anderson’s replacement.…

chair of Transport Women Australia Limited (TWAL) board, a position she held between 2009 and 2011. The announcement came after TWAL’s annual general meeting on November 27, when the organisation bid farewell to long-time board member and former chair Pam McMillan. McMillan, a former columnist for our sister publication Owner// Driver, was thanked and congratulated for her outstanding service to the organisation and the entire transport industry during her 18-year term on the board. “This is my second time as chair and I never expected to be back in the role,” Brotherton says. “However, with Pam retiring and Di and Coralie having been with us for only one year, it was a decision that was made with the support of the board in keeping the association strong. “And as we…

1979 First request from Shell for a Canadian B-train 1982 First B-double–in WA 1984 First B-doubles in Victoria and South Australia 1985 RoRVL Study recommended national operating conditions, trials in Qld 1986 Trials in NSW 1987 First interstate demonstration across the NSW/ Qld border 1988 First tri at the rear 1990 Second trial in Victoria towing logs 1991 First B-double between Melbourne and Sydney 1992 First ‘PBS-type’ submission submitted to NTRC for increased mass limits for dangerous goods vehicles 1995 Approval of successive tri-axles and length increase to 25 metres 1999 NTC commenced development of the PBS-scheme 2000 Higher Mass Limits approved for B-doubles 2004 B-triples, AB-triples, AAB-quads, BAB-quads developed 2006 B-double length increased from 25m to 26m 2007 2014 PBS scheme incorporated into Heavy Vehicle National Law 2017 More…