Innehållsförteckning för Issue 291 från Owner Driver

THE RESULTS are in for the Australian Trucking Association’s (ATA) 2017 trucking industry elections, with John Beer from Romsey, Victoria, and Lynley Miners from Adaminaby, New South Wales, both being elected to the association’s general council. Beer was elected as the owner-driver representative while Lynley Miners was voted in as the small fleet operator representative. Both took office at the ATA’s annual general meeting on April 5 and will hold their roles for two years. The online, secure election results were declared today by independent returning officer Phil Potterton. “I consider that the election processes have operated smoothly, effectively and securely, and I also note high levels of voter turnout in the above results,” Potterton says. “I am satisfied that the election has been conducted fairly.” Beer beat long-standing representative…

There were plenty of trucks on show at Heywood well before the convoy arrived from Mt Gambier, including a stunning bright blue Kenworth C508. Jye Savage drove the impressive Gellie’s Earthmoving truck from Ararat. Jye says he’s attended many shows as a spectator, but this was his first in a truck. “A few of the boys up home decided to come down and I thought ‘why not?’” Jye says the 508 was off the road for a week getting cleaned and polished to be ready for the show. “Most of the time the rig is busy pulling a float or side tipper,” he explains. “It’s a good truck and goes like a train.”…

Local owner-driver Shane Palmer brought his son Jack to the Heywood show along with his Fuso. Shane has just the one truck, which usually pulls a 20-foot trailer with a sliding drawbar for through loading. It gives him 48ft of deck space. “We cart stock locally and anywhere we have to,” he says. Based in Hamilton, Shane has been busy with a good lambing season. “We have been flat out because everything is selling well and it’s only just starting to quieten off a bit now,” he says. “We’ve had the time to give it a good polish for the Kyneton Show and another for this one.” The Fuso replaced an old ACCO, and Shane is happy with the choice he made. “We bought it in 2015 and it’s been…

It stood out like a cowboy in clogs but Paccar Australia had good reason to take a DAF CF85 model to Mt Cotton for test drives alongside its new Kenworths. The CF85 is justifiably regarded by some Paccar people as the most appealing model in the DAF range and, more to the point perhaps, the model with the greatest potential to deliver the company’s long-held hope of the Dutch truck climbing to a higher rung on the heavy-duty sales ladder. DAF is, after all, a major player on the European truck scene and widely acknowledged as one of the most fuel-efficient trucks in the business. Still, the Australian market is proving a hard nut to crack, with DAF recording a meagre 2.9 per cent of the heavy-duty sector in 2016…

EVER NOTICE how aliens only ever seem to abduct stupid people? Considering how many smart people there are in the world you’d think the law of averages would mean that occasionally they’d net at least a couple of academics, scientists or at least someone with some sort of credibility. But no, the little green men only choose to beam up inbred mid-western corn farmers with a taste for backyard hooch and then return them with their minds erased and a sore bottom. Makes you wonder what sort of picture these aliens have painted of humanity after their research. But imagine you dumped one of those recently abducted, moonshine swilling, inbred corn farmers with a freshly erased mind and a sore bottom into an Australian transport industry association conference and then…

ISUZU TRUCKS, which claims 28 years of market domination in Australia, has announced Ballarat Isuzu as its National Dealer of the Year winner for 2016. The award was announced during the 2017 Isuzu Australia national dealer meeting in March. Ballarat Isuzu dealer principal Ian Deacon was there to accept the award. Isuzu says the award is the latest highlight for a locally owned dealership that has consistently demonstrated excellence in selling and servicing new and used vehicles to the Ballarat region for more than 25 years. Deacon says there was no secret to Ballarat Isuzu’s success, “just a lot of hard work”. “It’s just making sure that if something needs to be done, then it’s done, and done in a timely manner,” Deacon says. “We’re all focused on the one…

Mercedes-Benz Trucks has announced that it’s bringing the world’s first all-electric heavy-duty truck to the European market in a small series. Following the presentation of the Urban eTruck with a range of up to 200km at the Hannover International Commercial Vehicle Show in 2016, the first vehicles will be delivered to customers this year. Stefan Buchner, head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks worldwide, says following the world premiere in September 2016 at the International Commercial Vehicle Show the customer reaction was outstanding. “We are currently talking to around 20 potential customers from the disposal, foodstuffs and logistics sector,” Buchner says. “With the small series we are now rapidly taking the next step towards a series product. By 2020 we want to be on the market with the series generation.” “Zero emissions, quiet…

Narva has released an all-new range of LED truck and trailer lights – the ‘Model 56’ – which it says combines the superior light output of quality LEDs and a sleek, stylish appearance. The circular lamps are available in two sizes – the smaller 125mm diameter models are ideal for use in caravans, campers and motorhomes, while the larger 155mm variants are well suited for buses or truck trailers. These 9-33 Volt lamps benefit from a low current draw and can be purchased in a number of combinations depending on the user’s requirements and application. All feature a clear internal optic that provides the lamps’ main function and a uniform appearance when inactive – this is encapsulated by a circular tail light band that provides a bright neon red ring…

STOCKMASTER TAMWORTH livestock truck driver Drew Cannon took out this year’s Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association (LBRCA) Young Driver of the Year award among stiff competition from four other finalists. The announcement came at this year’s LBRCA Annual Conference held in Dubbo, an industry event aimed at driving innovation and industry progress within the livestock and greater transport industry. Cannon’s love for trucking shone through with a brief but heartfelt acceptance speech thanking his family and colleagues. The 31-year-old Tamworth truckie encourages other young people to enter the industry, emphasising that one can make a great life driving. “It’s a great way for a young person to get ahead, pay a mortgage, make a living,” Cannon tells Owner//Driver. “I’ve got a house, and I’m looking to buy a property…

THE HEYWOOD Truck and Ute Show in western Victoria kicked off only five years ago but has grown consistently, especially over the last couple of years. The truck show’s origins came about when it was incorporated into Heywood’s Wood, Wine and Roses Festival. In addition, the 2017 event, held on February 25, was also the second occasion that the event had been boosted by a truck convoy arriving from Mt Gambier in South Australia for the show. The convoy again raised money for Beyond Blue, preceded by a fundraising evening at Mt Gambier’s Blue Lake Golf Club which raised $6000 for the charity. Organiser Adam Smith says the passing of Kelsey Moloney, who took her own life at age 14 in 2012, was the inspiration for the convoy. “It’s about…

Surprisingly, there was only one Mack in the convoy, with Ryan McEwen and his wife Lorraine in the McEwen Harvesting 685hp Mack Super-Liner. There are five trucks in the fleet and McEwen’s keep 20 subbies busy in addition to their own rigs. The Super-Liner is primarily used to move their harvesting machinery although it hauls logs as well. “I don’t get to drive very often these days so it’s a great excuse to drive the Mack and support a great cause,” Ryan says. He says any opportunity where drivers can get together is a good cause. “We don’t get many chances to catch up and have a chat with anybody; we just go past each other and wave.” Ryan loves the Mack’s automated gearbox, which he says has influenced his…

Corey Bailey was driving one of four AKL Harvest & Haulage Kenworths that arrived at the show: two K200s; a T950; and Corey’s rig, a 2008 T650. Corey explains that AKL started out in Tasmania but is now based in Portland with a fleet of seven trucks. “Logging in Tasmania was in trouble and the blue gum here was taking off,” he says. It’s only been eight months since Corey’s truck was rolled and rebuilt. “It was originally a day cab and we put a sleeper on it to make it more flexible. If you are doing a run to Geelong or held up in the bush, you can get a few hours’ sleep.” Corey says AKL is mainly hauling woodchip now, and times are busy waiting for the boats…

 THERE IS an air of relief as organisers of the Spirit of the Hume Truck Display assemble for a photograph. They pose near Alan Taylor’s 1975 International TranStar 4070, glad for the mild February weather and pleased a good variety of trucks have made the journey to Broadford, Victoria. “For a first-up event, I think it’s going really well,” says Alan, who is president of the Historic Commercial Vehicle Club of Australia (HCVC). The two-day display has attracted almost 90 vehicles, including about 70 trucks. “I like the theme: Spirit of the Hume,” Alan says. “We’re right on the Hume here, and Broadford is one of the towns that you originally went through when you were running up and down the Hume.” Broadford was bypassed from the Hume Highway in…

"It has been an unreal truck for me; it’s very comfortable" PHILL RISELEY’s association with road transport goes way back to Razorback blockade in 1979. Phill, however, doesn’t remember the landmark protest event at all. Just over a year old at the time, he was a passenger in the baby seat bolted down between his parents in his father’s truck. “The only reason they were allowed through was because of me and that they had run out of nappies,” Phill laughs. His dad Jeff Riseley had a couple of trucks on the road during the late 1970s and into the ’80s, namely a Bedford tray truck and an Isuzu prime mover. The Riseleys eventually moved out of the trucking industry, operating a service station in the Victorian town of Terang.…

CAMP QUALITY VICTORIA CONVOY APRIL 30, 2017 Avalon Airport to Tabcorp Park, Melton, Vic. Formerly known as the Geelong Camp Quality Convoy, this year’s Convoy will make its way to Tabcorp Park, Melton. The Convoy brings together the local transport industry, motoring enthusiasts and families from across Victoria to raise money for Camp Quality. For further info see the website at www.convoy.org.au  or phone Jo McKeown on 03 9329 8660. BURRAGORANG VALLEY COAL CARTERS REUNION MAY 6, 2017 The Oaks, NSW The second bi-annual Burragorang Valley Coal Carters Reunion will be held at the Wollondilly Heritage Centre, Edward Street, The Oaks. Families of and those who have an association with the transport of Burragorang coal are invited to attend. On-site catering available. Includes an exhibition of Burragoran Coalies…

“They’ll be making comparisons to DAF and Iveco” IF THE BRISBANE Truck Show is the largest trucking event in the Australasia region, New Zealand’s premier transport and heavy equipment showcase, known simply as The Expo, could easily rank as number two. Held every four years at the picturesque valley setting of the Mystery Creek Events Centre, The Expo is unique in many ways. It not only showcases the latest in road transport equipment, but it also attracts a large number of enthusiasts, displaying a large collection of classic and vintage trucks, as well as a show and shine competition on The Expo’s final day. This year’s event took place over three days from March 2 to 4, with most major truck manufacturers having a presence, the Volvo Group and Hino…

Scania is bringing its Next Generation S 500 on a flying visit for the Brisbane Truck Show from May 25 to 28. The S 500 has already been presented with the International Truck of the Year award at the 2016 IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hannover, Germany. This will be the first time an example of the New Truck Generation Scania will be seen in Australia and, indeed, it will also be its first public presentation in the Southern Hemisphere following the global reveal in Paris last August. The Brisbane Truck Show Scania S 500 display vehicle will be brought out specifically for the show and will return to Europe immediately after it concludes. “We are bringing out for the Brisbane Truck Show an example of the New Truck Generation…

THE TWU has welcomed the NSW Industrial Relations Commission backing last month of an expanded model of the General Carriers Contract Determination (GCCD), saying it’s a boost for owner-drivers. The TWU says the system will ensure owner-drivers gain full cost recovery for their work. It says a decision on the GCCD guarantees fair rates which allow drivers to maintain their vehicles, keep their businesses going and pay themselves a wage. The TWU says improvements to the system include the expansion of the determination to include corridors from Sydney to Wollongong and Sydney to Newcastle; inclusion of refrigerated trucks; a 2.5 per cent increase in rates across the board; and the ability to negotiate a guaranteed number of hours with employers. The Commission’s decision followed years of negotiations between drivers, industry…

RECENTLY APPOINTED NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey delivered an optimistic opening speech at this year’s LBRCA Conference, outlining her truck-focused infrastructure plan. Minister Pavey commenced proceedings by reminiscing about her time around trucks growing up, an anecdote that emphasised her appreciation of the transport game. “Growing up on a dairy farm, a couple of dad’s best mates were truck drivers … and so I was just reflecting as we were flying in today, how I used to love, when I was a kid, travelling on the road,” Pavey says. “We’d play on the CBs and all that sort of stuff. “So I understand how important this industry is to the economy … to the people and to our communities throughout regional NSW.” Former roads minister Duncan…

Mt Gambier locals Andrew Sheffield and his daughter Charlotte joined in the convoy in a Merrett Logging Kenworth T909. Andrew, who has been with Merrett Logging for the past two years, is a good mate of convoy organiser Adam Smith. “I’m here to support Adam and the cause. I believe what he is doing is terrific. “It also gives me a good reason to polish my truck up.” Andrew says he’s been moving between interstate and logging side of things. Although hauling logs means long hours behind the wheel, it’s also local, which has him home every night. “We have to do a lot of hours but it’s just part of the industry,” he says.…

Troy Murphy drove his big cab Kenworth K200 in the convoy, bringing along his daughter Hayley to ride shotgun for the day. The K200 is two years old and, like many rigs around the Mt Gambier region, hauls logs. Troy has been behind the wheel for 15 years, the last four as an owner-driver. “I’ve always been involved in the forestry industry and with the blue gum, so it’s a good time to be here and to have a new truck,” he smiles. Even after two years of bush work, the K200 still looks the goods. “It’s in my best interest to look after the rig,” he says, adding that he chose the K200 because it offers versatility. “At some stage I might have to go and do something else…

BARRY JONES, known as ‘BJ’ to his mates, is one of a number of truckies who tried their hands at being an owner-driver but then opted for the simpler life of being an employed driver. He currently drives a Kenworth T609 for Barellan Freighters, based at Oxley near Brisbane. It’s been a long association with Barellan and the company’s managing director June Steinhardt. “I used to subby for June when I had my own truck on the road,” Barry says. “I’ve been back on and off for three years, but I miss being an owner-driver.” However, Barry says it’s a good team environment at Barellan. “We have a lot of older blokes and a couple of younger blokes that are still cutting their teeth. It’s a good balance. “Everyone learns…

LAST YEAR’S record rainfalls in New South Wales did not just wipe out crops. Business for many transport operators was also affected, with Ireland Bulk Haulage losing $250,000 in two months. The family-owned specialist bulk transport business in the Hunter Valley survived by tapping into different loads, carting raw materials. Robert Ireland does not give up easily. No amount of bad weather or personal injury can stop this father of four from succeeding. Having been part of the transport industry for nearly 30 years, the 49-year-old established his business four years ago. He’s a man who knows many people – an advantage that saved him during the hardest time of his career when the state’s wettest winter on record wiped out 30 per cent of crops, according to the Department…

“Manual shifters may still represent up to 80 per cent of Kenworth’s production” KENWORTH BEING Kenworth, senior insiders at the Mt Cotton drive event were hesitant to give too much away when asked if early orders for the new T610 and its SAR sibling were meeting or exceeding expectations. But people being people, you didn’t have to wait too long or listen too hard to see satisfied smiles and hear whispers of exceptional numbers now that the covers are off the truck boldly proclaimed by Kenworth as its latest and greatest ever! From all accounts – unofficial, of course – there were close to 400 firm orders in place by the time production kicked off in early February at Kenworth’s Bayswater (Vic) factory and, significantly, early momentum was showing no…

“My wife was in the office and driving a forklift, loading trucks and everything” KEN KEATING loves working with his children and grandchildren at Keating Freight Lines, Shepparton. The company specialises in Victorian freight, and Ken has never regretted his decision to turn his back on interstate runs. The 80-year-old has been trucking since he was 15. He began his career at Bendigo, Victoria, specialising in furniture removal in the early 1950s. In those early years he drove for several Bendigo transport operators including his brother Ray Keating. Ken owned a WC22 White for a while, carted livestock for Fitzpatricks of Charlton, and drove for Streets Ice Cream, where he was promoted to a management role. His attention shifted to interstate transport when he established and managed Zurcas Trucking in…

DURING FUSO’S Dealer of The Year awards at a ceremony in Melbourne recently, Daimler Truck and Bus managing director Daniel Whitehead says Fuso sales in 2016 enjoyed a year of growth, adding that it was “our biggest year since the GFC”. “Our strong customer-focused dealership network is at the core of this success,” Whithead says. Whitehead and Fuso Truck and Bus director Justin Whitford presented the award for the Metropolitan Dealer of the Year to Daimler Trucks Adelaide dealer principal, David Reid. Whitford says Fuso Truck and Bus Australia undertook a significant transformation in 2016 and that Daimler Trucks Adelaide embraced these changes, building upon its business in both sales and customer service functions. “Outstanding sales growth was a key component of the award, in addition to brand marketing activations…

AUSSIES LOVE their antique and classic trucks, but so too do their antipodean brothers across ‘the ditch’, judging by the turnout at The Expo at Mystery Creek near Hamilton. On show were a mix of old Internationals, Whites, Macks, Leylands, a 1962 Bedford fire engine, and much more. The International brand was well represented, with one of the oldest on show being a 1929 International S24 with a Lycoming 4-cylinder side-valve engine. There was also a sprinkling of R190s, a couple of old Loadstars, and a 1947 International KB1 boasting a 73hp Green Diamond 214-cubic-inch engine. The KB1 underwent a complete rebuild between 2011 and 2014 “down to the last nut and bolt”. A light blue 1960 Leyland Beaver attracted plenty of attention. The Beaver was first registered in 1961…