Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 382 i Australasian Transport News (ATN)

This humble scribe can recall a time when the inner thoughts of a US president had to wait on a book or a newspaper story to see the light of day. No longer. And as the present incumbent looks to shake up the status quo, for eventual good or ill, it seems all things American are being seen through the prism of Donald Trump’s tweets. Certainly, it has been only 18 months into his incumbency but Trump has been as good as his promise to those who voted for him to change the world. We now know that this means injecting a huge dose of uncertainty into the world economy through a radical reversal of the trade policy, just as memories of the Global Financial Crisis fade and corporate balance…

Victoria will introduce new laws for owner-drivers following a review of its Owner Drivers and Forestry Contractors (OFDC) Act, which started in 2016. Victorian Minister for Industrial Relations Natalie Hutchins says the review uncovered widespread non-compliance by businesses, which meant drivers were not being paid on time, and were thus at a competitive disadvantage. “The new laws will put an end to this,” she says. The OFDC’s joint negotiation provisions will change – requiring hiring companies to offer contractors existing site agreements, rather than renegotiating a new contract for every new owner-driver. The government will also close a loophole that has kept some owner-drivers from being able to access the Victorian Small Business Commission and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. In addition to this, the Small Business Commission will…

Air New Zealand will pay a $15 million fine for its part in what the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) calls a global air cargo cartel. The Federal Court found the airline had agreed with a number of other airlines to fix the price of fuel and insurance surcharges on air freight services from Hong Kong and insurance and security charges from Singapore to various locations between 2002 and 2007. ACCC commissioner Sarah Court says that this collusion had unfairly reduced competition for the transport cost of goods flown into Australia. “This decision sends a strong warning to overseas and domestic operators that the ACCC can and will continue to defend competition and the rights of Australian customers and businesses by taking action against anti-competitive conduct.” Since it launched…

Long-serving industry representative Trevor Martyn and Burrumbuttock Hayrunners founder Brendan Farrell were both recognised for their contributions in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in June. Martyn and Farrell were both awarded a Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia for their respective contributions to the road transport industry and primary industry. Victorian Transport Association CEO Peter Anderson says Martyn’s contribution to the transport industry over more than 50 years, including four years as VTA president from 2002-05 and as a director of the Australian Trucking Association from 2002-10, was enormous and selfless. Anderson also notes Martyn’s six years as chairman of Driver Education Centre Australia (DECA) from 2007-2012, and time as president of the National Bulk Tanker Association, and chair of Global Air Ambulance for four years. Farrell, who receives…

AN AUSTRALIAN COMPANY is looking to start manufacturing shipping pallets using hemp from early next year, after a change to federal laws made it a possibility last year. Biofiba, which surfaced a decade ago, is planning to build a manufacturing facility in the New South Wales Central Coast town of Somersby, using a patented technology to build extruded planks using resins and fibre developed from the inner core of the hemp plant. The planks can be used to make shipping pallets which the company says is a cost-effective and alternative to timber and a biodegradable replacement for plastics. The Somersby plant would be its first Australian base after Biofiba first started manufacturing the planks in China in 2017, after receiving development funding from the CSIRO in 2011 and in 2009.…

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has launched a confidential hotline to address truck safety under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL). The Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Hotline will operate nationally and all drivers, supply chain employees and general road users are encouraged to report safety concerns. These can include an incident or situation affecting heavy vehicle safety or any unsafe procedure or practice that endangers safety of leads to non-compliance with the HVNL. Deputy prime minister and minister for infrastructure and transport Michael McCormack says the national confidential reporting line will allow heavy vehicle safety concerns to be reported to the NHVR, which will then assess the complaint. “The confidential reporting line will protect the identity of the reporting individual throughout all stages of the process,” McCormack says. “Anyone…

Volvo Group Australia will have a new boss from September 1, with current president Peter Voorhoeve moving overseas to take on the role of president Volvo Trucks North America. His replacement will be Martin Merrick, right, currently working at senior vice president of retail development with Volvo Trucks in Sweden. Volvo Trucks International senior vice president Heléne Mellquist says Merrick has driven a number of customer-focused initiatives for, having worked his way up from a receptionist role at a Scottish bus and truck dealership. “His appointment to lead Volvo Group Australia will build on the market-leading results already achieved in Australia and New Zealand. We look forward to Martin bringing his in-depth industry knowledge and rich customer insight to further grow these crucial markets,” she says.…

In total, 22 drivers battled it out to represent Australia in the global final. Six of these spots were won by drivers representing their states. These six finalists will battle it out in the Australian Volvo Truck Drivers’ Fuel Challenge at Mt Cotton in south-east Queensland on July 16 and 17. The winner will then compete against contestants from around the globe for a place in the final. The six finalists are: • Craig Mengel from Exodas, representing Queensland• Brad Kennedy from Western Freight Management, representing New South Wales• John Bowden from De Bruyn Transport, representing Tasmania• Eric Christie from Visy Logistics, representing Victoria• Peter Karger from Bordertown Haulage, representing South Australia• Kris Venema from K Venema P/L, representing Western Australia…

Make/model: 2018 International ProStar 6x4 Engine: Cummins X15 Power: 600hp (447kW) Torque: 2050ft-lb (2,780Nm) Transmission: Eaton Ultra-Shift-Plus 18-speed automated Rear Axle: Meritor RT46-160GP Rear Suspension: Hendrickson Primaax-EX air suspension Front Axle: Meritor MFS wide-track Front Suspension: Parabolic leaf Brakes: Drums GVM: 24,500kg GCM: 90,000kg Tare: 8,540kg Wheel Base: 4.6 to 4.8 metres BBC: 3,585mm Tyre Size: Steer 295/80R22.5; Drive11R22.5 Wheel Type: 10-stud alloy disc Emission Control Type: SCR Emission Control Standard: Euro 5 FULL SPECS @ fullyloaded.com.au…

THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT has caved into pressure from companies and industry organisations, launching an independent review into the delays heavy vehicle operators incur in getting special road access permits. The Oversize Overmass (OSOM) inquiry will be carried out by WSP Australia and led by Pascal Felix, who was executive director of Heavy Vehicle Services for Main Roads Western Australia before starting with the consultancy firm last year. Felix’s participation has been welcomed by Western Roads Federation CEO Cam Dumesny, who told ATN that Felix had helped to build a workable oversize, overmass system for the state at the height of the mining boom. “From our perspective he was the right bloke for the job,” he says. “We pushed for it to be independent, outside of government.” The review follows concerns…

Silk Contract Logistics (Silk) has announced the recent launch of its Container Cartage Operations in New South Wales, securing a 20,000sqm site at Yennora which is set to house a purpose-built warehouse. Silk general manager Joshua Boyd made the announcement in a LinkedIn post, highlighting the company’s plans to make the Yennora facility the centre of its NSW operations. “With the option to access rail from the Port of Sydney, Silk intends for this business to be the epicentre of its NSW Contract Logistics Operations,” Boyd says. “This operation will be headed by Adam Hester, a well-known figure in the NSW transport industry.” Silk also announced the successful acquisition of Brisbane-based Container Swinglift Services (CSS), a family-owned container transport and warehouse business in Brisbane. “CSS has a long history in…

AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST DAIMLER TRUCKS dealership has opened in Melbourne’s western suburbs, representing the final step in a $30 million investment from Automotive Holdings Group (AHG). Speaking at the opening, AHG spokesman David Christison says the dealership was a substantial investment for the company. “It reflects the great confidence we have in the Daimler brand and the ability of [dealer principal Don Hovenden] and his team to produce the results that both Daimler and AHG expect and require,” he says. “The investment also reflects the confidence we have in the future growth of the Australian economy notwithstanding the occasional challenges experienced in recent times.” The 11,000sqm facility, which is also the largest single project in AHG’s dealership portfolio, sits on a 68,000sqm greenfield site near the former Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles dealership…

INDUSTRY BODIES have come together to help the National Transport Comission (NTC) assess two fatigue-related issues within the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL). The two concerns, brought to the NTC’s attention last year, are transitioning between two-up and solo driving; and managing fatigue outside of participating states. The National Road Transport Association (NatRoad), the Western Roads Federation and the Northern Territory Road Transport Association have submitted a joint submission to the NTC, citing a lack of clarity within the HVNL. NatRoad chief executive Warren Clark says the first issue was raised by NatRoad members who were being fined when transitioning from two-up driving back to solo. “Based on the current law, drivers operating under a two-up arrangement are unable to transition to solo driving unless they are fully compliant with…

ROBOTIC TECHNOLOGIES will reduce the cost of transporting goods and, as a result, cause widespread job loss, according to a new report prepared by industrial and academic collaborative group. The statement was made in the Robotics Roadmap, a major report prepared by the Australian Centre for Robot Vision (ACRV), led by researchers from Queensland University of Technology, the University of Adelaide, the Australian National University and Monash University. “Distribution services have a strong influence on other parts of the Australian economy and will face significant disruption, particularly in logistics, with the advent of new technologies such as self-driving cars,” the report says. To prepare for this, the report says Australia’s primary role should be in developing supporting infrastructure, regulations and technological advancements “given the lack of an automotive manufacturing industry”.…

HINO HAS APPOINTED two staff members to new roles within its Brand and Franchise divisions as it seeks to lift its focus on customer service. Hino Motor Sales Australia has combined its customer experience and marketing departments into one entity, to be headed by its Dimitri Andreatidis, left, who has served as the company’s National Marketing Manager since September 2017. Company general manager for brand and franchise development Bill Gillespie says Andreatidis’ appointment as Hino’s Head of Customer and Brand is the start of a new era for the company. Hino has also appointed staffer Brian Wright as National Sales Manager for the company, with all its Dealer Sales and National Fleet teams to report to him.…

K&S FREIGHTERS, VIC, WA, NT, NSW & SA Vaughan Constructions has been building for the K&S Group since 1992. Moving forward into the second decade of business together, K&S Group appointed Vaughan to Design and Construct their new facility in Truganina. The facility comprises of corporate and operational offices, driver’s facilities, a 2,304m² cross-dock building, 15,000m² warehouse and a 5,337m² truck service and maintenance building. An extensive amount, 78,650m² of pavements surround the facility. “The project, with its immediate impact on our efficiency, is testament to the close partnership necessary for the successful integration of the complex operations within our business units. Vaughan’s experience in providing progressive design solutions delivered significant savings to the overall project,” says Legh Winser, Managing Director, K&S Freighters Corporation Limited GMK LOGISTICS WAREHOUSE, NSW At…

The OSOM review is to consider the productivity, asset management and safety impact of existing access arrangements for OSOM vehicles. Among the topics to be considered are: 1. Current access arrangements for OSOM vehicles and permit approval times, including HVNL designated roles, processes and responsibilities 2. Current practices and principles used by road managers to understand the key considerations that underpin the assessment of risk and risk-mitigation decisions 3. The factors that contribute to approval times from application to issuing access permits, including route and asset assessments, the IT systems and tools used, and third-party consultation 4. The impact on industry and road managers from existing OSOM access arrangements 5. Attributes or components of equivalent best practice arrangements 6. Variations in OSOM access arrangements and permit approval processes between states,…

Engine builder Cummins will acquire a Silicon Valley-based drivetrains company which it says will help it become a leader in electrified power. Efficient Drivetrains (EDI) designs and produces hybrid and fully electric power solutions for commercial markets – with some having travelled more than six million miles across the United States and China in a fleet setting. Cummins says EDI’s hybrid system is the most versatile on the market today, able to switch, in real time, between fully electric, series and parallel modes. Cummins adds the EDI’s diverse customer base would give it a springboard into electrified markets, helping it grow market share in the segment more quickly. While it started building its electrification abilities more than a decade ago, Cummins has fast-tracked in the past nine months, acquiring UK-based…

Linfox is still seeking further information from human resources services firm PageUp after the company confirmed its systems were accessed by a third party. PageUp runs a cloud-based talent management system used by companies including Linfox, Australia Post and Myer, among others, to help run their job application systems. The HR company confirmed the malware breach has compromised the data of job applicants using the system, as well as the people those applicants named as referees, along with employees and former employees of PageUp clients. PageUp says among the files accessed were error logs from before 2007 – which it says may have contained incorrect failed passwords in clear text – rather than the encryption that covered actual password data. “Because failed passwords can be similar to correct passwords, if…

Operators seeking accreditation under the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) after July 1 will have to receive their fatigue training from an approved Registered Training Organisation (RTO) under new regulation changes. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator says the new units of competence for fatigue will come into effect next month, though its fatigue specialist Andreas Blahous says any recognised fatigue management course completed before July 1 will still be accepted. “This means nominated drivers and schedulers who are currently operating under a BFM or AFM accreditation do not need to complete the new units,” he says. The new units are TLIF0005 – Apply a fatigue risk management system (replacing unit TLIF2010); TLIF0006 – Administer a fatigue risk management system (replacing unit TLIF3063) and TLIF0007 – Manage a fatigue risk…

Queensland has passed the first of two bills that will start the process of changes to the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) in all the administrations where it applies. The Heavy Vehicle National Law and Other Legislation Amendment Bill introduces changes to the chain of responsibility and heavy vehicle registration processes, Queensland transport minister Mark Bailey says. “An extensive consultation program was conducted with industry stakeholders so that all of those involved in the transport of goods by heavy vehicles are aware of their ongoing responsibilities,” Bailey says. “The changes, which come in from 1 July this year, will allow the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to establish a national operator fleet dataset to support the regulator in performing its functions and delivering future productivity and safety benefits. “I am confident…

More than half of the respondents to a survey conducted by software as a service company Teletrac Navman had no plans to implement Electronic Work Diaries (EWD) at work, even when approved for use. Teletrac Navman surveyed 268 Australia-based fleet owners and managers for its 2018 Telematics Benchmark Report in January this year, with 88 per cent of those respondents saying they did not use the EWD system. However, when asked if they would consider using EWDs if they became a voluntary replacement for written diaries under Australian law, 55 per cent said ‘no’. “There appears to be a disconnect between how a telematics solution can help ease some of the top business concerns and whether or not companies would see a significant enough return on investment to justify the…

LINFOX LOGISTICS is to gain the services of Victorian Road Policing Command assistant commissioner Doug Fryer, above, as president government and defence. The high-profile policeman has been one of the major faces of road safety in the state and arrives after more than three decades in the force. “Doug brings strong organisational leadership, in-depth understanding of the workings of government and is held in high regard at federal and state levels,” Linfox CEO ANZ Mark Mazurek says. “I look forward to working with Doug to continue delivering strong customer service in our Government and Defence business unit.” Fryer’s appointment of follows retired major general Mick Slater’s decision to leave Linfox after three year in the post. “I would like to thank and farewell Mick Slater,” Mazurek says. “Mick has been…

Former Ford Australia boss Graeme Whickman will become the new managing director and chief executive officer of product manufacturer GUD Holdings, the company announced recently. Whickman, who was appointed to close Ford’s six decades old Australian manufacturing business in 2015, is set to start with the parts manufacturer on October 1. “I am energised by the opportunity in front of me,” he says. “GUD is a successful company in a dynamic and changing environment. I look forward to working with the management team and the board in meeting those challenges.”…

Truck safety laws are changing and compliance is more important than ever. On October 1, 2018, the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) will be amended to introduce a strong primary safety duty, extensions to the chain of responsibility (COR) to cover vehicle maintenance and repairs and explicit due diligence obligations on executives. The changes will require trucking businesses and customers to increase their focus on developing and maintaining appropriate safety systems. The ATA and our member associations have argued for these changes since 2012, as part of our plan to improve safety while eliminating prescriptive red tape. Australia is home to the fifth-largest freight task in the world and is an essential component of the Australian economy. The changes to legislation and HVNL are important to the safety and viability…

Changes to the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) are due to ‘go live’ on October 1, 2018. For anyone who has been deaf to the ‘drum-beat’ of the last two years (or so), now is very much the time to not only start thinking about upgrading your compliance, but to actually start doing it. Speaking objectively, there is really no excuse. The last two years have seen a quickening of awareness and activity around the impending changes. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has rolled out a significant awareness-raising campaign, across various sectors of the supply chain. It has made considerable resources available through its website. The NHVR’s caravan has been followed by various industry associations and consultants, all in an effort to raise awareness and offer assistance around understanding…

So says veteran NSW operations manager Rudy Terkes. He’s just one of many vocal supporters who like the way Truck Moves goes about its business. He knows how much time and money is saved. And he knows just how valuable a resource they are to his company and employees. “We’re a family-orientated company. We’ve got married employees. When you work as much as we do, and we work a fair bit, come Saturday or Sunday you don’t want to move a truck. You just want to stay home with the kids,” says Terkes. For managers like Terkes, Truck Moves eases the burden and eliminates the hassle and headaches of moving trucks interstate They’ll quite happily give Truck Moves and its 125 experienced drivers the task of delivering hundreds of vehicles…