Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 479 i Deals On Wheels Australia

New truck sales are booming, with a new first quarter record reached of 8,817 trucks and vans sold year to date (YTD), according to Truck Industry Council data. This is an increase of 492 over 2021’s first quarter and even outstrips the previous record-busting year of 2018 by 142 vehicles. In March alone, 3,797 trucks were delivered to customers – an increase of 239 trucks on March 2021. All three sectors have shown growth compared to the same time last year but it’s the heavyduty sector that’s the one to keep an eye on as we move into the second quarter, with an increase of 23.6 per cent on last year. Heavy-duty March saw a total of 1,245 heavy-duty trucks delivered, up 216 units on February’s total and 210…

As part of an ongoing operational review following its transition to standalone manufacturer and distributor of ‘on-highway’ assets, Iveco Group has announced that it will assume full responsibility for Iveco vehicle sales in New Zealand, via its Auckland facility. The decision is based on the company’s desire to form even closer relationships with its New Zealand customer base, with a view to better servicing its needs. Iveco’s Auckland site already accounts for the majority of vehicle sales in New Zealand, meaning most buyers will be unaffected by the move. The operational change will mean that three existing dealerships will cease sales of Iveco vehicles in six months’ time. Iveco Group has invited the affected dealerships to remain part of the network in service and or parts capacities, and is also…

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications has advised the road vehicle standards (RVS) transitional period will be extended by 12 months until June 30, 2023. The extension supports those in the transport industry who have been affected by the Covid pandemic and global supply chain issues resulting from it, which have made it challenging to transition to the new regulatory framework in time. Any previous transitional period deadlines that occurred before June 30, 2022 have also been extended by 12 months, but it’s important to note this doesn’t include any deadlines that have already expired. The extension will also facilitate an uninterrupted supply of vehicles to the market by allowing the provision of vehicles approved under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 that would otherwise not be…

With driver fatigue being a major focus for the Australian trucking industry in recent times, the National Road Safety Partnership Program (NRSPP) has released a new webinar to help provide guidance for transport workers and their employers regarding how best to stay safe on the roads. The webinar Emerging Technologies Driver Monitoring Project: Eyes on Fatigue presents an overview and the results of a recently conducted research into the heavy vehicle transport and logistics sector. Part of a joint initiative involving the Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC), the Queensland Trucking Association (QTA), In Cabin Technology Providers and 11 transport and logistics organisations and drivers. Aiming to provide insight into determining the effectiveness of in cabin driver monitoring technology designed to reduce driver distraction, inattention and fatigue in a heavy vehicle…

Daimler Truck independent subsidiary Torc Robotics is opening a technology and software development centre in Stuttgart, Germany. The centre will allow Torc Robotics to continue developing autonomous trucks for the United States and facilitate an easier deployment for the company. Torc will use the talent available in one of Germany’s prime truckmaking regions to help develop Level 4 autonomous virtual driver technology for deployment in autonomous trucks throughout the US. Torc is already regarded as a leader in SAE Level 4 self-driving vehicle software for heavy-duty vehicles and will look to further expand its capabilities in one of Germany’s more popular automotive development regions. Torc Europe is an independent entity and a 100 per cent subsidiary of Torc, with an office located in Stuttgart near an existing Daimler Truck R&D…

The Western Australian government has released plans for the Anketell-Thomas Road freight corridor as part of the next step in Western Australia’s Westport program. The plans have been released or community consultation, with stakeholders being able to see how the plans will connect future container terminals in Kwinana’s outer harbour with the Tonkin Highway. This connection will provide an efficient WA freight and supply chain network while also supporting Westport’s objective of a modern and efficient trade network to meet future growth. The concept includes four traffic lanes and grade-separations at key intersections to provide uninterrupted movement for freight vehicles and better safety for drivers. While the final concept is subject to further planning and consultation, the road corridor has been identified and a Planning Control Area (PCA) will be…

In recent years, truck stops across Australia and the world have seen limited access from transport workers due to Covid-19. But that’s all set to change in Pennsylvania, where proposed legislation gives truckies in the state greater access to bathroom facilities. A Pennsylvania lawmaker introduced the bill to allow truck drivers better access to bathrooms and facilities in the state’s General Assembly following Washington state’s successful legislation this year. The introduced bill is a massive issue for not just Pennsylvania but the world over, as truck drivers continue to fight for better facilities in the wake of Covid. In some American states truck drivers haven’t been permitted to use restrooms in facilities where they are picking up and dropping off. It’s also landmark news across the globe, where Australian truck…

Paccar Australia DAF has crowned its DAF technician of the year for 2022 after picking from a shortlist of five technicians across the country. Paccar Australia’s DAF branch named Andrew Patterson of Kenworth DAF Melbourne as the DAF technician of the year. Paccar Australia chief engineer Noelle Parlier and Paccar aftersales manager Richard Saville presented the 2022 award to Patterson and congratulated him on his win and performance. The search for the award began in October 2021, as all service technicians at DAF dealerships across Australia were invited to participate in the competition that aimed to reward the best dealers across the country. The event consisted of five practical assessments measuring technical skills, product knowledge, engine expertise and general professionalism. The finalists included winner Andrew Patterson, who was followed by…

Not all good things last forever, and such is the case with Isuzu Trucks dealership Goldfields Truck Power (GTP). The Kalgoorlie-based dealership is entering a new phase, with local automotive group Major Motors taking ownership of the location. GTP has a history in servicing road transport in central Western Australia, having been established in 1973, but Isuzu says customers can expect to see familiar faces as long-serving GTP employees continue their roles under Major Motors. “Goldfields Truck Power has worked diligently to support local trucking and transport for decades, notably supporting automotive apprentices entering the industry,” Isuzu operations manager Kevin Brown says. “The kind of team longevity apparent here is hard to come by and really symbolises the strength of the relationships the business has built with customers in Kalgoorlie…

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) priority is to build a single, consistent national regulator for the heavy vehicle industry. To achieve this, we work closely with each level of government, industry and agencies to ensure we have a safe, efficient and productive heavy vehicle industry serving the needs of Australia. We continue to progress the National Services Transition (NST) program, working closely with governments and jurisdictions to transition regulatory services to the NHVR. National reform isn’t easy and it doesn’t happen overnight. We’re working towards a blueprint for the NST, approved by ministers and jurisdictional heads, that outlines the journey the NHVR is on to become the single national regulator for all heavy vehicles in Australia. What the last two years has shown is that national consistency must be…

US fleet management company Rand McNally has acquired Perth’s Fleetsu to expand its suite of software management solutions for the transportation market. The transaction brings together Rand McNally’s fleet business with Fleetsu’s platform, data and analytics capabilities to create a global enterprise that will bring innovative solutions to vehicle fleets worldwide, it states. Fleet operators will be able to maximise business productivity through access to real-time data such as driver location and safety, engine performance and vehicle efficiency. “Rand McNally is committed to delivering innovative products and services that improve fleet and driver efficiency, safety and security,” says Aaron Dannenbring, CEO of Rand McNally. “Fleetsu takes our existing expertise to the next level as we now offer the industry’s best connected fleet platform complementing our already robust hardware, navigation, logistics…

It’s the nature of pushing through It’s a common complaint – you’ve been on the road for hours and your back is playing up again, or you want lunch but the only option is fast food, or for the fourth time that morning you get cut off by another car driver in a rush. The endless stresses and strains from being behind the wheel can build to become a daily burden of physical and mental stress exacerbated by tight time pressures, a lack of facilities and abuse from the general public. At Monash University’s Driving Health project, research has been undertaken to build a picture of the health and working life of truckies in Australia to understand the pressures they face, with the final aim of developing programs to improve…

Every now and then, something special comes along. It doesn’t matter what it is. It can be anything. For whatever reason or reasons, it just comes together in a way which makes it, well, special. A cut above. A bit better. A good thing. Ahead of the pack. Something that doesn’t just do one or two things well, but does most things better than most. Even so, there’s a danger in calling something ‘special’ because so much depends on individual opinion. After all, one person’s delight is quite easily another person’s derision and, let’s face it, when it comes to trucks, opinions can be poles apart. However, after a few days in Scania’s R770 flagship, it would almost certainly be a severely jaundiced and irrevocably riveted view that failed to…

well done to all who braved the weather t was with a wet set of clothes as I tried to wash the truck, ready to head out the Trangie Truck and Tractor Show on Saturday, April 9. But the more I washed, the more it rained, so I gave in and thought at least I will still be there. Setting out from Dubbo, it rained all the way to Trangie and into the first hour of the truck show. But luckily, around 9am, the rain lifted with only a few sprinkles, continuing after the ceremony and awards at the showgrounds around 3pm. The organisers had said the show would go on and they stood their ground. They were rewarded with a reported 200 vehicles that entered across all categories –…

Hi Reach Rentals has many different ways of getting workers off the ground to do their job, managing director Colin Fox says. “We don’t just provide scissor lifts or boom lifts – we deal with a wide range of specialised equipment, including aluminium scaffolding, swing stages, mast climbers, spider lifts and a full range of UK Nifty Lift equipment that enables people to undertake and complete their work effectively and efficiently.” Fox says it’s Hi Reach’s very experienced team that helps make the difference for clients who approach them for advice for various tasks. “Every salesperson on the Hi-Reach Team has got extensive knowledge of equipment, and we offer a service above and beyond to advise our client base on what is the best piece of equipment for a job,”…

Kenworth’s command of a heavy-duty sector was particularly strong Three months doesn’t make a year but if the results of the first quarter of 2022 are anything to go by, this will be a year that sets an entirely new bar for some Australian truck suppliers. Despite the impacts of a pandemic and political grandstanding on a grand scale, the demand for trucks has never been so consistently strong, culminating in an exceptional first quarter result. In fact, the best first quarter result on record. As Truck Industry Council chief executive, Tony McMullan, comments: “The first three months of 2022 have brought record new truck sales in Australia. “As we have seen since the beginning of 2022, the leader of this growth has been at the heavy end of the…

A transport expert says the federal Budget is significant but also a missed opportunity when it comes to the transport sector. Professor Jago Dodson is a professor of urban policy and director at the Centre for Urban Research at RMIT University. The Budget was handed down at the end of March by the federal government, which made announcements regarding funding of the Australian transport industry. Dodson says the funding of intermodal freight terminals in Victoria is a significant development when it comes to its infrastructure. “The most significant announcements in relation to transport and infrastructure in Victoria centre around the two multimodal freight terminals in Beveridge in Melbourne’s north and in Truganina in the west,” Dodson says. “It signals confidence in the Inland Rail project and will go some way…

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has released a report on a 2021 truck/freight crash in Western Australia to prevent further instances and provide information for truck drivers regarding driving safety. A road-train, comprising of a prime mover and three tipper trailers, entered Kalgoorlie’s Yarri Road, Parkeston level crossing in front of a freight train in February 2021, causing the collision that resulted in serious injuries. An ATSB safety review investigated the characteristics and circumstances of the level crossing collision involving the train and heavy vehicle to recommend safety tips for all freight operators to avoid similar crashes in future. The review found the driver of the truck was distracted by reaffixing their mobile phone mount to their vehicle’s windscreen before the truck entered an active level crossing and collided…

The federal government has committed to funding 96 separate black spot projects across Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland to help prevent further transport crashes on Australia’s roads. Part of the $1.3 billion black spot program from 2013–14 to 2025–26, the funding will go towards safety measures including traffic signals and roundabouts at locations across the nation where numerous serious crashes have occurred or are at risk of occurring. The campaign to improve Australian road safety focuses on the three states and upgrading road quality to prevent crashes along important freight routes. The biggest emphasis will be placed on Queensland roads, where a further 53 dangerous crash black spot sites will receive $22.1 million funding. WA will also receive $12.91 million to update 30 black spot sites, while South Australia…

In the recent federal Budget, the government announced a fuel excise cut to help reduce the soaring price of fuel. It was meant to benefit everyone, but many say it’s lumped more pain on a transport industry that was already hurting. You can hear the strain in Wendy Fennell’s voice as she speaks to ATN about the impact the past two years have had on her business. The director of Fennell Forestry watched the transport industry suffer when the Covid-19 pandemic first placed added stress on truckies and freight operators. Then, when fuel prices soared following the outbreak of the Russia/Ukraine conflict, Fennell Forestry was sent into another financial tailspin. It’s been three decades since the business first cut and loaded logs to establish itself as a mainstay in the…

The federal and New South Wales governments have announced major road works to upgrade some of the state’s key freight routes. Starting with the M1 Pacific Highway extension to Raymond Terrace, this has taken a step closer to reality with a shortlist of companies being invited to tender for construction. Registrations of interest are also being called from pre-qualified contractors to widen Hexham Straight as part of the M1 extension. The M1 extension will be a transformational project for the Hunter region according to the federal government, with the 15km upgrade including a fourlane divided motorway with two lanes in each direction and new interchanges at Black Hill, Tarro, Tomago and Raymond Terrace. It will improve connections between Newcastle and the New England Highway, M1 Motorway and the Pacific Highway…

Logistics experts are predicting that global supply chains impacted by the pandemic won’t be back to anything near normal until at least the end of 2024. Steve Callihane, the head of food group Kellogg, recently told Reuters: “We’re hoping, in the back half of this year, we start to see a gradual recession of the shortages, of the bottlenecks, of just the overall dislocation that is in the supply chain right now.” He added: “I wouldn’t think there’ll be any kind of return to a normal environment until 2024 because it has been so dramatically dislocated.” That’s a sobering thought if you’re reading this over your bowl of breakfast cereal. Strained supply lines are one big reason it’s costing you more than a year ago. Unlike Coco Pops, there’s no…

Economic advisory company Deloitte Access Economics has warned in its new report 5G Unleashed: Realising the Potential of the Next Generation of Mobile Technology that the potential boost to Australia’s gross domestic product (GDP) in coming years may be affected by a lack of readiness for 5G technology by businesses. The report found that, while Australia is currently ranked third globally in terms of mobile connectivity, it is at risk of falling to ninth by 2025 due to a lack of business readiness for change and a policy regime that needs to be updated. Deloitte says that Australian businesses were found to be slow when it comes to readiness for adoption of 5G, despite 62 per cent of businesses leaders across four sectors agreeing 5G will accelerate the growth of…

The Victorian government is investing $330 million into the South Geelong region to improve the area’s transport and freight network. The works include local and major road upgrades, such as the Barwon Heads Road upgrade, as well as delivering more frequent and reliable train services on the Geelong Line as part of the Geelong Line upgrade. Up to $2.2 million is being invested to resurface 3.8 kilometres along the Geelong Ring Road as part of the Victorian government’s annual road maintenance blitz to make roads in the region safer and more efficient for freight and heavy vehicles. Resealing works on the Geelong bound lanes of the Surf Coast Highway between Dickins Road and Mt Duneed Road have been completed, adding to previous improvements made to the highway including the flexible…

A recall has been issued and listed on the Federal government’s department of infrastructure regarding certain Western Star trucks. The recall says 108 Western Star models between 2016–2018 have been recalled, inclusive of all variants within the model. According to the recall, the bulkhead pass through power cable stud with an attached gasket seal may contact the bulkhead. If this does occur, it may result in electrical arcing, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire and serious injury to vehicle occupants and bystanders. If you do own one of these Western Star models, the recall recommends contacting your preferred Western Star dealer to arrange to have the necessary work carried out, including having parts ordered in prior to your arrival, free of charge. It also notes that this recall is…

Electricity and energy utility Enmax has become the first utility in Canada to pilot medium-duty electric fleet vehicles. Two Enmax electric fleet vehicles are hitting the streets across Calgary. The pilot program is the first of its kind in Canada and could save an estimated 4,300 litres of diesel per vehicle every year. “This pilot will help us better understand the performance of electric vehicles and how they operate in the field,” Enmax president Jana Mosley says. “When it comes to electrification, we have an incredible opportunity to do just that, by electrifying first.” The pilot forms part of Enmax’s goal to electrify its mobile fleet by 2030, as Enmax says electric vehicles aren’t just better for the environment, but they’re also more cost-efficient in the long run. “When compared…

Transport is responsible for 60 per cent of harmful emissions in the ACT, so, when it comes to tackling climate change, switching fuelled vehicles to electric ones is a high priority. Following the addition of 12 battery electric buses to the Transport Canberra fleet this year and a further 90 on the way, the ACT government has taken another step toward zero emissions by trailing an electric garbage truck. The electric garbage truck, a diesel Hino FE 1426 with an electric motor conversion, will be based at the government’s Allara St depot in Civic, which has already been fitted with charging infrastructure following an earlier electric tipper truck trial. The trial will provide an understanding of the features and benefits of electric powered heavy commercial vehicles to provide Canberra with…

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has approved a seventh electronic work diary (EWD) option. Bustle Technology’s EWD option is now available for companies and transport workers to use. The NHVR says operators are starting to reap the benefits of EWDs through productivity gains, better fatigue management and enhanced driver safety. “For example, Bustle’s EWD complements its existing end-to-end transport management system solution, which includes compliance, workshop, operations and finance modules,” NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto says. “By wrapping as many solutions as possible into their software and aligning it with the Industry Master Code of Practice, Bustle is enabling transport operators to run compliant operations with fewer systems. “When we developed the model for EWDs, we set the performance standards, not the type of technology, and enabled the market to…

Bluey Gordon leans back on a desk chair, his demountable office building in the yard sitting adjacent to a varied assortment of Mack trucks. He’s up for a chat and has a multitude of stories to tell, unfortunately some of which can’t be repeated in these pages. It’s been a long haul for the 76-year-old. Born and raised in the Darling Downs city of Toowoomba, it’s a place he’s always called home, apart from a 12-month compulsory military assignment to Vietnam in the years 1967 to ’68. But more about that later. Gordon tells of trying his hand at a number of vocations, including truck driving, pulling beers, selling baked goods and, finally, running his own fleet of Mack trucks with a new Anthem leading the way. For the record,…

You know what I love about our industry? The dichotomy. Now that’s a pretty fancy word. I even had to look it up to understand but it’s fun and appropriate. As I understand it, dichotomy means a division between contrasting things or parts. How does it relate to our industry? Well, that’s easier to explain. We are an industry that thrives on new and modern technology while also being an industry that thrives on old and reliable technology. The fancy new high-tech gear does the job that the old more simplified gear also accomplishes. In today’s story it’s the latter part we are going to focus on, with another twist. We will be focusing on the old classic gear, but with a young modern driver behind the wheel. By now…

Speaking with Plant & Equipment in mid-April, PR Power’s national generator manager Mike Corbett said its first two containers of JCB power products was due to arrive in the next couple of days. The JCB generators will range in power from 8kVA to 2,500kVA, available for sale Australia wide. These add to PR Power’s existing line-up of CPG Cummins, Powerlink Power Systems and Trime lighting tower products, all of which are manufacturers of world-renowned high-quality products. “PR Power deals with all areas requiring industrial size generators, so that can be from mining and gas fields, through to industry, construction, major infrastructure works, offices, production facilities, utilities, water suppliers, gas suppliers, electricity suppliers… the whole kit and kaboodle,” Corbett says. “Generally speaking… the existing JCB distribution channels tended to operate in…

EPJ is dedicated to keeping its customers satisfied Based in Trentham, about 90km north-west of Melbourne, EPJ Trading is a supplier of used trucks, trailers and earthmoving and forestry machinery and has a high level of customer service at its core. Begun by Peter Griffiths around 50 years ago, the vision for EPJ Trading was to grow and maintain a stable working environment for future generations as well as provide quality service to customers. Today, EPJ is part of a group of companies run by four of Peter’s children: Sharon, Jack, Mark and Ben Griffiths. The group of companies include an earthmoving division in Victoria and beef cattle farming and a logging/forestry enterprise in Tasmania. On average, EPJ has 10 trucks, 10 trailers and 20 machines for sale, covering all…

The Joint Select Committee on Road Safety has tabled its final report for its Inquiry into Road Safety. The report examines factors contributing to fatal and serious injuries on Australian roads and considers opportunities to improve road safety outcomes for freight operators and transport companies. Some of the measures it uses to improve road safety include: • Supporting the design, construction and maintenance of high-quality road infrastructure that minimises the likelihood and severity of road crashes• Encouraging the uptake of modern heavy vehicles fitted with safety features• Effectively managing speeds to safe levels• Ensuring road users and freight operators are equipped with knowledge and skills to respond appropriately to transport safety risks• Promoting safety for gig economy participants who use the road as a workplace• Enhancing road safety in the…

In an effort to break the stalemate in the National Transport Commission’s (NTC) review of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), the Australian Trucking Association has drafted a replacement Road Transport Act, which includes getting rid of work diaries. “The word ‘circus’ conjures up images of colourful clowns, trapeze artists and popcorn. However, to the trucking industry, the word ‘circus’ is what they’re using to describe the National Transport Commission’s review of the HVNL,” the ATA says in a statement released on its website. “The review has dragged on since 2018 and there’s no end in sight. To say it’s disappointing is an absolute understatement.” The ATA has decided to “take action and introduce a circuit breaker” that acts as an alternative policy. Included in the Act are several proposals,…

When were you last stuck in bumperto-bumper traffic, lamenting the traffic lights? VicRoads is onto it, having started its biggest ever traffic light review to make transport easier for drivers and freight operators. VicRoads director of transport operations Emily Lodder joined Rafael Epstein on ABC Radio’s Drive program recently to discuss the review and its progress. “So far, we have reviewed 331 signal sites in Melbourne’s west, east and south-east, and we’re going to be reviewing a total of 850 by the end of the year before we move to the rest of metro Melbourne, which will be another 2,000 sets of lights next year,” Lodder says. “Previously we’ve reviewed these signals about once every 10 years, and that’s because of the numbers of tools, systems and resources we had…

Western Australia and the Northern Territory are the only two Australian state or territories who still refuse to sign the nationally recommended Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) due to preferring their own systems. For most of Australia, the HVNL governs all regulations regarding heavy vehicles and freight operators in the transport industry. But WA and the NT have never signed the intergovernmental agreement for the HVNL from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), instead preferring to use their own transport management systems and laws. A 2021 report from the National Transport Committee (NTC) titled National Transport Reform Implementation Monitoring Report says the two Australian regions have never signed the HVNL agreements nor their amendments, while WA is also yet to sign the Rail Safety National Law agreement. According to the…

Scania is appealing an EU General Court judgement regarding alleged violations of EU antitrust rules to the European Court of Justice. On September 27, 2017, the European Commission adopted a decision holding Scania liable to pay a fine of around $1.3 billion for allegedly having participated in inappropriate exchanges of information and collusion with other European truck manufacturers. The inappropriate behaviour allegedly contained information and collusion with pricing and the introduction of emissions technologies between 1997 and 2011. Later in 2017, Scania appealed to the General Court and on February 2, 2022, the General Court’s judgement confirmed the EU Commission’s findings against Scania. The General Court dismissed Scania’s appeal entirely and upheld the amount of fines set by the EU Commission in 2017. But Scania is still contesting all findings…

In the lead-up to the 2022 Victorian easter weekend, 11 people had already died from road accidents in the month of April. Five of these fatalities were from the first weekend of school holidays alone. These April road accident deaths take the 2022 tally to 76 deaths on Victorian roads, a 15.2 per cent increase from the same time a year ago. It’s no wonder Australian road safety is such a massive issue for governments and the transport industry. For heavy vehicle operators who use the roads as their workplace, the risk is ever-present. In the federal government’s latest quarterly roads deaths in crashes involving heavy vehicles bulletin, heavy rigid truck-involved deaths rose from 18 in the September 2021 quarter to 21 by the end of the year. Five-year trend…

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) says it wants the next federal government to reset the nation’s approach to road safety and productivity. While launching the ATA’s 2022 election policy charter, ATA chair David Smith says he wants more emphasis to be placed on road safety. “The number of crashes involving trucks is falling, thanks to the work of the industry and governments,” Smith says. “But it won’t be acceptable until there are zero deaths and zero injuries on our roads.” The ATA is calling for an improvement in road safety and has listed a target it wants to see reached in the coming years. “Our target is for a 25 per cent reduction per year in crashes involving trucks, once the measures we propose get started,” Smith says. Under the…

Mobile medical program Heart of Australia has received another funding boost from the federal government to ensure its mobile services continue to provide medical programs to remote Queensland communities. The federal government is committing $17.2 million to the initiative to guarantee its mobile medical clinics, which are run in Isuzu, DAF and Kenworth trucks, will continue to service rural areas in the state for the next four years. The Heart of Australia fleet is currently at five trucks, with the combination of vehicles from Kenworth, Isuzu and DAF hauling custom-designed mobile clinics around Queensland. Paccar Australia started the initiative when it donated two Kenworth K200 prime movers, with Black Truck Sales following with an Isuzu F Series FSD260 before Paccar added two DAF prime movers. The latest model in the…

The federal government is committing to investing in new logistics hubs in the Northern Territory that will benefit miners, farmers and developers of new industries. Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce says the federal government would invest $440 million in three logistics hubs across the territory. According to the federal government, the logistics hubs will unlock the region’s resources and strengthen supply chains while boosting exports to the NT. The project includes funding two new logistics and agribusiness hubs in Alice Springs and Katherine, while money will go towards a massive multimodal logistics hub at Tennant Creek. The three new hub projects include funding: • $216.8 million for a Tennant Creek multimodal logistics hub• $160 million for an Alice Springs logistics and agribusiness hub• $63.2 million for a Katherine logistics and…

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) has released the 2021 results of the industry-led voluntary emissions standard. The standard was established in 2020 in the absence of a federallyled and mandated emissions target for Australia’s transport sector. The aim of the FCAI standard is for MC+NA vehicles (heavy SUVs and light commercial vehicles) to have under 145 CO2 emissions under 100g per kilometre on average, while passenger cars and light SUVs have on average under 100g CO2 per kilometre by 2030. The MC+NA outcome for 2021 was an average of 212.5g of CO2 for every kilometre travelled, which is a decrease from 218g in 2020. The result is set against a target of 193g of CO2 per kilometre for 2021, while passenger cars averaged 146.5g of CO2 when its…

The infrastructure sector of the federal government has issued a recall of the Volvo FM truck. Four units of the 2021 Volvo FM have been recalled due to a proper regarding its assembly. The improper assembly of the Volvo FM means the passenger upper seat belt screw may not be screwed into the B-pillar, resulting in the possibility of the seat belt not operating as intended. According to the government this is a hazard, as in the event of an accident a seat belt not operating as intended could increase the risk of injury or death to the vehicle occupant. Consumers and owners of the affected vehicles can contact their nearest authorised Volvo Group Australia repairing dealer to schedule an appointment to have the work carried out free of charge.…

Hyzon Motors Australia has announced plans to build a green hydrogen refuelling depot at its regional headquarters in Melbourne. The new commercial scale hydrogen depot will support Hyzon’s growing manufacturing operations in Australia and will work to supply hydrogen to new customers while showing the commercial viability of hydrogen as a way of decarbonising fleet operations. Hyzon is working in partnership with RACV, hydrogen specialists ENGV and others to confirm a design before planning, permitting and developing the green hydrogen depot, which Hyzon expects to have online in late 2023. Currently, Hyzon is delivering a first order of hydrogen powered vehicles for RACV subsidiary Nationwide Group, with these vehicles forming the first customers of the planned hydrogen depot. RACV is helping to develop the green energy strategy for Hyzon’s Noble…

ast ability and good looks generally don’t go hand in hand. Often it’s a case of choosing either aesthetics or ability but with Scott Shaw’s silver and blue 2005 Kenworth C500 he has the best of both worlds – good looks and massive amounts of kick-arse capability, kind of like Chuck Norris if he had plastic surgery. But a neat segue from a martial arts legend who is as tough as the proverbial coffin nail to the trucking incarnation of that same robustness has to be stretched today because we have not one, but two Kenworth C500s. Double Chuck anyone? On the prowess front, Shaw has no one to thank but the Kenworth gods for imbuing his Charlie with all the strength to go anywhere, do anything and drag back…

If you are on top of your truck shows and charity convoys you would know the Sydney Convoy for Kids is regularly run in the latter part of the year. Therefore, seeing an article like this now would normally mean either I am really slow at submitting it or I’m a fortune-telling wizard pre-empting the event. Sure, my editor will willingly attest I am a little slow getting my stories in. I live by the Douglas Adams quote: “I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” But I’m not seven months slow, nor am I some kind of clairvoyant Hogwarts-type character as I look terrible in a pointy hat and my beard is too short. The truth is, the 30th running of the Sydney…