Owner/Driver #329

ownerdriver
JUNE 2020 #329
DEDICATED TO THE SUCCESS OF THE PERSON BEHIND THE WHEEL
OWNERDRIVER.COM.AU
EURO INGENUITY
Driver-friendly
initiatives lift
Benz Actros to
new levels
of safety
Pocket
roadtrains
Scania thriving in
WA container
operations
See page 22
Road user
reprieve
Government
offers transport
charge relief
See page 27
16 32 40

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OWD-FP-5029245-CS-329

The Renewed Renault
TRAFIC
READY TO WORK
Now Available in Auto.
Every TRAFIC includes:
• Efficient & powerful 2.0L twin turbo diesel engine
• MediaNav with 7” touchscreen, Apple CarPlay ® and Android ® Auto
• Dual sliding side doors & rear barn doors
• Electronic Stability Control, rear parking sensors & camera, load-thru bulkhead
~Subject to complying with statutory conditions. Eligibility for instant asset write-off depends on your specific circumstances. For more information on accessing the instant asset write-off,
consult with your accountant or qualified tax professional before making a decision.
OWD-FP-5192751-CS-329

Contents #329
JUNE 2020
56
16 DIGGING FOR A LIVING
The purchase of a new Hino 500
Series Wide Cab is proof that
evergreen Tasmanian owneroperator
Kevin Clark has no plans
to retire just yet
22 ROADTRAIN WISDOM IN
THE WEST
American truck or European
truck? It’s a tough question with an
answer dependant on many factors,
however for Perth-based Warners
Transport & Distribution the facts
and figures continue to give Scania
a distinct edge
27 ROAD USER CHARGE RELIEF
The Federal Government has received
widespread praise for taking action
to support freight operators during
the COVID-19 pandemic
32 FRUIT OF THEIR EFFORTS
Frank and Christine Commisso
have been through the tough
times, but their hard work has
paid off for the family, resulting
in the addition of a stunning
Kenworth T909 – our June Truck
of the Month
56 INGENUITY DRIVES ACTROS
Nearly four years after the latest
Actros arrived in Australia, the
big Benz is taking another major
step forward with a series of
safety options
62 GUARDIAN ANGEL
The Advanced Safe Truck Concept
(ASTC) project monitored 100
drivers over several months
using the latest Guardian in-cab
technology
16
“I’m probably
too old
fashioned
but we like
the manual
to be fully in
control of the
gearbox.”
22 32
4 JUNE 2020 ownerdriver.com.au

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ownerdriver
EDITORIAL
Managing Editor: Greg Bush
Ph: 07 3101 6602 Fax: 07 3101 6619
E-mail: gbush@bauer-media.com.au
Digital Content Manager/Deputy Editor:
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E-mail: cbartels@bauer-media.com.au
Technical Editor: Steve Brooks
E-mail: sbrooks.trucktalk@bigpond.com
Contributors: Warren Aitken, Anjali Behl,
Frank Black, Warren Clark, Rod Hannifey,
Lexie Jin, Michael Kaine, Sarah Marinovic,
Ken Wilkie
Cartoonist: John Allison
PRODUCTION
Sub-editor: Cat Fitzpatrick
Designer: Bea Barthelson
Print: APN Print
ADVERTISING
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EXECUTIVE GROUP
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BEHIND THE WHEEL Greg Bush
Smile! You’re on TV
FOR ANYONE who tuned into ABC TV’s Landline
show on May 12, they would have been surprised
to see a positive story on the trucking industry.
More than that, the segment showed how vital
road transport is to our economy and way
of life, particularly so during these difficult
COVID-19 times.
More importantly, it illustrated what a tough job long
distance trucking is, and made even tougher with drivers
locked out of facilities that the general public take for
granted.
Fortunately, most of these servos have reopened their
doors and are permitted to serve food to truckies, even if
some only offer takeaways. Not a healthy option in the
long-term, but better than nothing.
Still, some companies and depots are blocking truck
drivers from using their washrooms and toilets. Obviously
they are of the mistaken belief that truck drivers are
prime carriers of COVID-19.
However, the Landline crew should be commended for
showing the human side of truck driving.
Not so Channel 9’s A Current Affair. It’s been a while since
this supposed “current affairs” program took aim at road
transport, but they returned to the well again on May 13.
And they wanted the sensationalist segment to appear
to be “current”. It wasn’t simply truck drivers using their
mobile phones while driving, but using the TikTok app,
which appears to be the latest craze among people under
the age of 30.
There’s no doubt about it, the truck drivers in the
footage, obviously somehow lifted from social media sites,
were breaking the law. Whenever the offences occurred,
who knows? But it was obviously initially a little too
mundane for A Current Affair. So it was a case of “Let’s get
trendy and call the segment ‘TikTok Truckies’.”
Interestingly enough, A Current Affair then segued into
a piece about inexperienced drivers in possession of semi
licences. The ACA crew seemingly deduced that truckies
using mobile phones received their licence from a packet
of cereal. At least Peter Anderson, CEO of the Victorian
Transport Association, had some wise words about the
transport industry needing to lift its game as far as
driving training and licensing are concerned. But again,
that wouldn’t be of major interest to the general public, so
ACA added the TikTok Truckies intro to rope them in.
Owner//Driver is aware of the shortcomings of some
truck driver training schools, and more than one has
already been found out. Look out for a special feature on
this topic in the magazine over the next couple of months.
As for Channel 9, they recently received a serve from
ABC’s Media Watch program for presenting a dishonest and
racist news feature on Queensland’s Palm Island residents,
some of whom were awarded compensation following a
much publicised fatal incident of police brutality
Perhaps Channel 9, and particularly A Current Affair,
should stick to subjects where they have more personal
experience, such as dodgy meat pies, ill-fitting bras and
germ-laden shopping trolleys.
ISSN 1321-6279
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6 JUNE 2020 ownerdriver.com.au

Drive now. Pay later.
Enjoy up to 90 days on the road without repayment.
That’s right, strictly for a limited time only, Mercedes-Benz Financial will defer your
payments for up to two months and cover your rst repayment on any new
Mercedes-Benz Truck 1 .
Plus, purchase between now and June 30 and you could potentially qualify for the
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There has never been a better time to get behind the wheel of a new
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Search Mercedes-Benz Trucks to nd out more.
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Please seek independent nancial advice and eligibility regarding the Government’s instant asset write-off. Restricted to applications made and delivered between
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OWD-FP-5210196-CS-329

The Goods
NEWS FROM THE HIGHWAY AND BEYOND
Accident study’s bitter sweet outcome
Report reveals major
NTI-insured heavy
vehicle losses down
but driver error and
fatalities up
THE LATEST Major Accident Investigation Report from
truck insurer NTI’s National Truck Accident Research
Centre (NTARC) paints a difficult picture of rising
truck-driver deaths but falling heavy vehicle-loss
frequency, while car-suicides remained constant.
This is the first edition of the report since it was
upgraded from being a biennial publication on incidents
two calendar years prior to an annual publication
reporting incidents from the immediately prior year.
“The proportion of incidents resulting in at least one
fatality increased from 3 per cent to 4.8 per cent,” the
report, written by Adam Gibson with advice from Dr Kim
Hassall, states.
“This was overwhelmingly driven by an increase in
truck driver deaths.”
That rise was 2.5 times higher than in 2017.
“There was a 75 per cent increase in driver deaths in
single vehicle crashes, combined with a number of truck
drivers who lost their lives in multi-vehicle truck on
truck crashes,” the report finds.
“No truck drivers lost their lives in multi-vehicle
crashes involving a car and an NTI-insured vehicle
in 2019.
“This marks a significant departure from 2017 where
there were no truck driver fatalities in multi-vehicle
crashes involving an NTI insured vehicle, irrespective of
the third party vehicle class.”
Importantly in the road-safety policy context, where
a truck and a car were involved in a fatal crash, the car
was at-fault 80 per cent of the time, though, for non-fatal
truck-car crashes, that falls to 39.5 per cent.
Involved here is the vexed and sensitive issue of
‘suicide by truck’, which NTARC broached in its previous
report.
The rate remains much the same, with “the findings for
the contribution of suicide to fatal truck and car crashes
in 2019 are consistent with those for incidents in 2017”.
“Overall 37.9 per cent of fatal truck and car crashes
involving an NTI insured truck were indicated or strongly
indicated to be suicides by the driver of the car.”
Truck driver error losses rose sharply from 29.6 per cent
to 39 per cent after a significant increase in incidents
resulting from inattention/distraction, with this
happening particularly on straight sections of road.
Drivers aged 25 years and under were over-represented
by 80 per cent when compared to all large losses. Nearly
a third of all of NTI’s large losses involving a driver 25
years or under in 2019 were the result of inattention/
distraction.
Combined, inattention/distraction (34.8 per cent) and
fatigue (30.4 per cent) make up slightly more than 65 per
cent of truck-driver fatality causes, with the next worst
inappropriate speed at 17.4 per cent.
On the vehicle side, the report says non-impact truck
and trailer fires continue to be a growing concern, up
from 8.1 per cent of large losses in 2017 to 10 per cent in
2019, but with a shift of location on the vehicles.
Whereas, mid-decade, the focus was on cabin/engine
bay incidents, these have been overtaken by an increase
in wheel end fires, which rose from one in three to 47.1
per cent of all non-impact fire incidents, with tyre failure
rising from 30 per cent of such cases to 45 per cent.
The split between electrical and mechanical origins
remained consistent with previous years, with 55.6 per
cent due to electrical failures, 40.7 per cent mechanical
and 3.7 per cent of indeterminate cause.
Of mechanical failure sources, the overwhelming
preponderance of losses were down to steer-tyre failure,
at 52.9 per cent, with the next worse being other tyres at
14.7 per cent.
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8 JUNE 2020 ownerdriver.com.au

SPITWATER
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Sale starts strictly on the 1st May 2020
and concludes on 30 June 2020
Purchase ANY Commercial, Professional
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• 18 inch or 22 inch Flat
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www.spitwater.com.au
Phone 1300 880 403

THE GOODS NEWS FROM THE HIGHWAY AND BEYOND
NatRoad cancels 2020 conference
NatRoad has been forced to pull the pin on
this year’s conference, which was due to be
held at the end of August
THE NATIONAL Road Transport Association (NatRoad)
has announced that its 2020 conference, which was
scheduled for August 27 to 29 at Hamilton Island, will
not be going ahead.
NatRoad said the decision to cancel the event was in
keeping with its members’ wellbeing after considering
recommendations from government health advisors on
COVID-19.
“With our conference program well advanced, we
are now investigating means to still make those
presentations available, potentially through our podcast
and webinar series,” NatRoad said in a statement.
It added that, while this alternative would not be as
impactful as face to face, it believes the topics covered
will still provide its members with practical actionable
things, ranging from how to return to work following
injury, how to plan for uncertainty and keeping
businesses afloat during hard times.
“We will also continue to break down the essential
changes coming out of government and regulators,
keeping you ahead of the game,” NatRoad said.
“As always, we want to make sure that your business
and our industry is well prepared and supported as
possible, and especially in these challenging times.”
NatRoad’s 2017 and 2018 conferences were held
on Hamilton Island. Its 2019 conference was held
in conjunction with the Brisbane Truck Show at the
Brisbane Convention Centre.
As well as the possible extension of social distancing
measures, the restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic
on travel and tourism added to NatRoad’s decision to
cancel the conference on Hamilton Island.
LEFT: Flashback to the 2018 NatRoad Conference on Hamilton
Island
Casino Truck
Show off until
2021
The Casino Beef Week Committee
has voted to cancel this year’s
Casino Truck Show, which was
due to be held on August 1. It has
also cancelled the 2020 Casino
Beef Week.
The committee says it understands
the sadness and disappointment
the community will feel, however
the decision was made due to the
ongoing Public Health Order.
In the interim the committee is
asking previous Casino Truck Show
attendees to flood its social media
sites with memories of previous
events. Posts can be photos, videos,
stories or thoughts with hashtag
#CasinoTruckShow2020.
Committee president Frank McKey,
on behalf of the Casino Beef Week
Committee, thanked sponsors and
the Richmond Valley Community for
their unwavering support throughout
these tough times.
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10 JUNE 2020 ownerdriver.com.au

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THE GOODS NEWS FROM THE HIGHWAY AND BEYOND
Safety upgrades for Picton Road
Median barriers to reduce risk
of head-on crashes along the
notorious NSW arterial
TRANSPORT FOR NSW (TfNSW) has
announced that safety improvements
along a 1.7 kilometre section of Picton
Road at Cordeaux has commenced.
The dangers of travelling along Picton
Road, a major state arterial between
Sydney and Wollongong, was revealed
in Owner//Driver’s February edition
this year.
TfNSW regional director southern, Jo
Parrott, says the project is part of a $6.9
million package of safety improvements
for Picton Road over the next two years
funded under the Safer Roads Program.
“This project will improve safety at this
location by reducing the risk of head-on
crashes, providing a barrier between
vehicles and roadside hazards as well
as providing more room for vehicles to
recover,” Parrott says.
“The improvements will include
widening the road to install a median
barrier, installing sections of roadside
barrier, providing a wider road shoulder
and installing vehicle activated signs.”
TfNSW says work will be carried out
from Cordeaux Dam Road for about two
kilometres east, linking to a new section
of median barrier installed on Picton
Road last year.
As part of this work, about 3.7
kilometres of fauna fencing will also
be installed to help reduce the risk of
vehicle strikes.
Work is being carried out between
7am and 6pm weekdays with the
project expected to be completed by
late November.
TfNSW advises that a 60km/h speed
limit will be in place during work hours
and an 80km/h speed limit will be in
place outside of work hours. The road
will be reduced to one lane in each
direction and concrete barriers will be
installed along the westbound lane for
the duration of the project.
TfNSW warns that of reduced road
shoulders when travelling through the
project area.
In addition, there may be intermittent
Cars and trucks mingling at 100km/h with little margin for error on
busy Picton Road near Wilton in NSW. Photo by Steve Skinner
delays to allow access for construction
vehicles and wide loads through the site,
and motorists should allow up to five
minutes additional travel time during
work hours.
Electronic message boards will display
information in advance of the work site
in both directions, including contact
details of project traffic controllers
for operators of heavy vehicles wider
than four metres which will need to be
escorted through the site.
However, TfNSW warns that heavy
vehicles over 15 metres in length or
12 tonnes in weight are not permitted
on Wilton Road at Broughton Pass.
Further night work is expected to
take place during the later stages of
the project.
As part of this package, safety
improvements including line marking
to create a wider centre median will also
be investigated on Picton Road near
Wilton between Macarthur Drive and
Almond Street.
TfNSW says a further project is also
being investigated to provide a widened
centre median on Picton Road between
the M1 Princes Motorway and Mount
Keira Road.
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07 5445 1705
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THE GOODS NEWS FROM THE HIGHWAY AND BEYOND
Digital reach + engagement soar
Decision makers flock to Bauer Media Group’s
transport industry websites in record numbers
to keep up to date on important news – as well
as to buy the latest trucks, trailers and other
parts and accessories for sale
UNIQUE VISITORS (UVs) to Bauer Media Group’s
transport industry websites skyrocketed 18.23
per cent – and classified enquiries jumped 14
per cent – in April as industry decision makers
flocked to the platforms to access the latest
industry news as well as research, compare and
buy vital tools of trade.
Google Analytics data shows combined UVs
to OwnerDriver.com.au, ABC’s BusNews.com.au,
ATN’s Fullyloaded.com.au, and Deals on Wheels’
TradeTrucks.com.au reached 245,366 in the
period, up 18.23 per month-on-month (MoM)
and 8.25 per cent year-on-year (YoY).
Leading the growth was OwnerDriver.com.au,
up 30.8 per cent MoM and 23.1 per cent YoY;
followed closely by Fullyloaded.com.au, up 21.8
per cent MoM and 23.3 per cent YoY to 103,190
UVs – the second highest number on record.
TradeTrucks.com.au also had strong growth,
with UVs up 6.25 per cent MoM.
Notably, this positive trend has continued
in May, with sessions on OwnerDriver.com.au
up 26.36 per cent in the period May 1-14 versus
the same period of April; TradeTrucks.com.au
+24.34 per cent; BusNews.com.au +22.12; and
Fullyloaded.com.au +11.39 per cent.
On top of increased reach, visitors are
engaging longer on the websites too, with
average session duration up almost 3 per cent
to 2.17 minutes MoM.
And, most importantly, they’re searching
and enquiring on stock items for sale more
than ever, with enquiries on the 26,150 stock
items for sale on the sites up 14 per cent MoM
and 3 per cent YoY. Again, this trend has been
maintained in May, with average daily enquiries
across the Bauer Media Group transport network
+12 per cent MoM in the period May 1-10; and +2
per cent YoY.
The surge in audience reach, engagement
and response was also felt across Bauer Media
Group’s machinery websites.
UVs to TradeFarmMachinery.co.au were up
32.5 per cent MoM and almost 6 per cent YoY
to 125,928– the highest level since the site was
launched in 2013; UVs to TradeEarthmovers.
com.au were up 27.4 per cent MoM – and 13.7 per
cent YoY – to a two-year high of 82,949; while
UVs to TradePlantEquipment.com.au jumped
15.3 per cent MoM – and 14.3 per cent YoY –
to 16,980.
Owner//Driver
magazine boosts reach
Distribution of Owner//Driver magazine
has been boosted by almost 60 per cent
with the launch of a new free digital
edition.
Kicking off with the March issue, Bauer
Media Group is now offering Owner//
Driver’s 16,000 magazine and e-newsletter
subscribers a complimentary digital copy
of the market-leading print title. This is
on top of the 27,689 copies of the print
magazine that continue to be distributed
through newsagencies, truck stops, truck
dealerships and other industry partners
(CAB Audit, September 2019).
While distribution via traditional
retail channels remains unchanged,
the introduction of the digital edition
recognises that readers’ normal work and/
or travel patterns may have altered due to
the coronavirus.
This initiative will guarantee Owner//
Driver maintains its long-held position as
the biggest-circulating trucking magazine,
in print and online.
To subscribe to Owner//Driver’s new
digital magazine visit https://www.
ownerdriver.com.au/subscribe.
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owner-operator profile
16 JUNE 2020 ownerdriver.com.au

DIGGING
FOR A LIVING
The purchase of a new Hino
500 Series Wide Cab is proof
that evergreen owner-operator
Kevin Clark has no plans to
retire just yet; he’s more intent
on keeping involved in the
family business and hitting
the 100 mark. Greg Bush writes
PHOTOS BY EDDIE SAFARIK/THE PHOTO PITCH
ownerdriver.com.au
JUNE 2020 17

“They set it up, ready to sell,
ready to go to work.”
Top: Kevin reckons the Hino 500
Series Wide Cab is as comfortable
to drive as his Mercedes-Benz car
Above: Kevin prefers controlling
gear changes himself, hence the
manual transmission
In brief
Name: Kevin Clark
Company: Kevin Clark
Excavations
Truck: Hino 500 Series
Wide Cab
Horsepower: 280hp
(206kW)
Emissions control:
Selective Catalytic
Reduction (SCR)
Freight carried: Kubota
excavator
Regular run: Mostly
around Hobart
TASMANIAN owner-operator Kevin Clark’s liking for a
friendly chat appears to be one of the reasons behind
his success in the excavation business. Another is
his strategic choice of equipment; the latest being
a medium duty Hino 500 Series Wide Cab, which he
proudly states is one of the “nicest looking trucks
going around Hobart”.
Just over six months ago, the Euro 5 280hp (209kW)
Hino GH1828 became the sole truck in the scaled-back
Kevin Clark Excavations fleet. Based in the suburb of Lenah
Valley, the business has been operating for more than three
decades. It’s worth noting that Kevin’s long-standing business
should not be confused with another operator under a similar
name in the same suburb.
Kevin, however, has been driving excavation trucks for
around 50 years. Before that he worked in apple orchards,
the tractor driving giving him his first behind-the-wheel
experience. “I had in the blood I suppose,” he says.
He later found a job with Hazell Brothers, a large, longstanding
operation involved in earthmoving and civil
construction. Kevin had graduated to piloting Mack trucks
with pig trailers, but eventually came to the conclusion that
there was more to life than being an employee. At any rate,
Kevin wasn’t fan of heavy trucks.
“The big trucks are point A to point B type work, and I like to
go around and talk to people,” he explains.
When Owner//Driver caught up with Kevin it didn’t take long
for his sense of humour to emerge, especially when it comes to
talking about his longevity.
“I’m a young fella yet,” the 72 year-old smiles. “I’ve booked
into our local RSL club to have a few drinks when I turn 100.
I’ve given them a bit of warning.”
However, he admits that his mature age was one of the
reasons for the downsizing of his operation to one truck – the
Hino – despite his two sons Craig and Damian, along with
wife Valerie, being heavily involved in the business.
Out on his own
Thirty two years earlier, and Kevin had come to the decision to
leave Hazell Brothers and go solo.
“I thought, ‘I could be doing it myself’, so I decided just to go
ahead and do it.”
He started with a second-hand Isuzu and digger that he
bought from Hazell Brothers which they were happy to part
with despite the knowledge that Kevin was going into a
similar business.
“They knew what I was going to do, but I was no threat to
them,” he says. “I was just a guy that wanted to go around to a
few backyards and dig a few holes.”
Over the ensuing years he stuck with the Isuzu brand,
although at one stage a Hino three-tonner was added to the
small Kevin Clark Excavations fleet.
“I used that as a service truck to run around the streets,” he
explains of the light duty Hino.
When it came to scaling back the business, he sold his two
Isuzu five-tonners, replacing both those with the 500 Series
Wide Cab that he bought through local dealership FRM Hino to
haul his five year-old Kubota excavator.
“I still wanted to have good gear and keep it going for my
sons,” Kevin continues.
“We looked around at them all but the Hino is a lot bigger
and can carry a real good load, nearly twice as much as the
other trucks I had.
“I thought we got a better deal there than with Isuzu and
it really surprised me because I’ve been with Isuzu for a few
years. Not that I’m saying that they’ve got bad trucks, they
haven’t, I mean the trucks are okay, there’s nothing wrong
with them, but I love the one I’ve got now a bit better,” he
points out.
“It suits what we do and I like the look of the Hinos better
than the Isuzus.”
When the Clark family picked up the new Hino from the
Hobart dealership, it was already fit for purpose. With its
air bag suspension, Kevin is able to lower the body around
150mm via remote control, making life easier when unloading
the digger.
“They set it up, ready to sell, ready to go to work and that’s
what I liked about it too because I didn’t have to worry about
nothing.
“It was well built,” he adds. “Just pay for it and get in a
drive it.”
Then came the Kevin Clark Excavations signage, with a dash
of purple giving the truck further eye-catching merit.
“That’s my wife’s favourite colour. That had to go on it, and
believe it or not, it stands out really nice and a lot of people
notice it,” Kevin says.
“It’s just like a motor car to drive. I’ve got a Mercedes-Benz
and you can’t tell the difference. It’s a beautiful truck.”
In somewhat of a surprise, Kevin opted for an Eaton
9-speed manual ’box in preference to the Allison auto.
His previous experience with autos in the Isuzu trucks
convinced him that manual was the way to go, despite the
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“I’m probably too old fashioned but
we like the manual to be fully in
control of the gearbox.”
Top: Kevin Clark with sons Craig
(left) and Damian (right) with their
Hino 500 Series Wide Cab, taking a
break at Queens Domain in Hobart
with picturesque Mt Wellington as
a backdrop
Right: Air bag remote makes life
easier for unloading the excavator
Below: The colour purple: Valerie
Clark’s favourite
majority of new truck buyers going down the auto path.
“I’m probably too old fashioned but we like the manual to be
fully in control of the gearbox,” he explains.
“Sometimes the Isuzus – and they were pretty good trucks –
you’d want to go back a gear and it wouldn’t change. And it just
didn’t have the full control as the manual’s got.
“You put the Hino in low and it just crawls, even slower than
you’re walking. You can crawl around a job real easy, or back
up a steep driveway in the low reverse.”
Word of mouth
With wife Valerie handling the office work, and sons Craig and
Damian sharing the driving and excavator operation, Kevin
spends most of his time organising jobs. But he also fills in
when the boys need a break whenever and wherever they are.
“If required, we’d go anywhere in the state, but we don’t get
away from Hobart much.”
However, Kevin says he’s rarely looked for work during the
past 32 years, with much of the business coming through his
regular customers as well as word of mouth. And some of those
site experiences remain firmly etched in his mind.
“The funniest job I’ve had is when a lady pulled me over and
said, ‘that’s a pretty excavator, can I hire it?’
“So she got me to move a big pile of dirt from the front of the
house around to the side of the house. And the husband came
home and said, ‘if you’re free tomorrow you can put it back’. So
he hired me the second day to put the dirt back.
“So the dirt ended up staying where it was and I got two
day’s hire out of it,” he laughs.
On the flip side, Kevin has encountered rare situations that
have led him to humbly keeping the invoice in his pocket.
It’s a refreshing take on an industry that is often viewed as
cutthroat.
“You sort of get talking through the job and sometimes
they’ll tell us of a tragedy, or they’ve ended up on their own
and they’re battling, and we take it on board,” he says.
“One lady had a husband go into a hospital with cancer, and
she needed an extra parking spot so she could drive the car
right up to the door.
“We didn’t know anything about that until about three
parts through the job. And it was just a parking area, and we
thought ‘we’ll help her out and give her that’,” Kevin recalls.
“Another guy, over the other side of Hobart, rang up and said
‘Kevin, I want to put in a track from my carport to my front
door for my wheelchair’. And that’s all I knew.
“Anyway we got started on it, and through the morning we
got talking and he said he’d been in a wheelchair most of his
life. He was only 37 or 38.
“Then when we finished his wife came out and she was on
crutches. And I thought, ‘we’re pretty well off when you think
of people like that’,” Kevin says.
“I said, ‘guys, this is our good deed for the day’. And he
started crying and I thought, ‘it’s not much for me to worry
about, it’s only $600’.”
Like the rest of the nation, however, Kevin Clark Excavations
has copped a drop-off in work. But Kevin takes it all in his
stride.
“It doesn’t bother us too much, we just go with the flow.
“It’s a once in a lifetime event; it’s affected everybody in the
world. They’ll talk about this for years.”
Meanwhile, Kevin is making good use of any downtime.
As he says, in typical laid-back fashion: “I’ve been watching
YouTube and I’ve learnt how to cook poached eggs.”
20 JUNE 2020 ownerdriver.com.au

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TWU Michael Kaine
Raising our standards
The trucks keep rolling through the pandemic but
some drivers are doing it tougher than others
THE PANDEMIC has had us all
focused on dealing with the
crisis in hand, listening to
the constant updates from
media and making sure our
families are safe. But it’s
worth remembering that the
problems in trucking haven’t gone
away and that as the crisis subsides it
is important that we turn our minds
again to reforming it and giving hope
for the future.
There have been some horrific
reminders lately of just how deadly
our industry can be. The deaths of
four Victorian police officers when
they were hit by a truck on the Eastern
Freeway at Kew in April has sent
shock waves throughout the trucking
community. The Transport Workers
Union (TWU) stood with the Victorian
Transport Association in expressing
our deepest condolences to the family,
friends and colleagues of the police
officers. The incident will no doubt be
fully investigated but we all know that
there are simply too many deaths on
our roads.
Statistics recently released by the
Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport
and Regional Economics highlights
this. In 2019 there were 173 deaths
from truck crashes, a huge jump from
2018 when there were 136 deaths.
In 2020, despite the pandemic
reducing the numbers of cars on the
roads, there have been 73 deaths so far
this year.
When it comes to driver deaths, the
numbers are also far too high, with 23
transport workers dying out of a total
of 70 workers in 2020. One in every
three workers killed is a transport
worker, with other dangerous
industries far off the fatalities levels of
our industry: 13 construction workers
and nine agriculture workers have
been killed so far this year.
And when the deaths and
destruction happen, the entire focus
is put on drivers and our industry.
There is no examination up the chain
to look at client contracts, financial
squeeze, training, pressure or delayed
payments.
More often than not it is the drivers
who are in the firing line for all the
ills in our industry. They get fined,
stand trial and go to jail when things
go wrong. The next in line are the
transport operators which get raided,
fined and prosecuted. But clients, who
set the terms of contracts and chose
the dodgy operators starving out
decent employers, remain entirely
out of the equation in the vast
majority of cases.
This is what our industry must
now focus on. We must hold clients to
account and we must lift standards
throughout our industry.
There will be many who will say
this just isn’t possible right now, that
the economy and businesses are just
doing it too tough and that this is not
the time for reform.
But in fact the opposite is true.
Unless we put in place regulatory
measures to hold clients to account
and bring our industry up, we can
expect things to get only worse.
What we need to do now is give
hope to transport workers and hope
to operators that we can emerge from
the crisis in a better, stronger state.
COVID-19 IMPACT
Drivers have told us in their thousands
that are very worried about the future.
Over 2,000 drivers responded to a TWU
survey on the impact of the pandemic
with more than 60 per cent saying
their biggest fear was losing their
job or their contract. Almost one in
two drivers said they were worried
they would struggle to support
their families.
A number of comments left by
MICHAEL KAINE is the national secretary of
the Transport Workers Union of Australia.
Contact Michael at: NSW Transport Workers
Union, Transport House, 188-390 Sussex
Street, Sydney, NSW 2000. twu@twu.com.au
drivers are heartbreaking. Here are just some
of them:
“Had no income for six weeks. Weekly
hours dropped from 45-50 hours a week
to zero. Employed casual for 11 years with
same company.”
“Things are hard, family is concerned for
our future and we don’t understand why
essential workers aren’t compensated fairly.
“Just enough money to cover 90 per cent of
bills and just enough food; not eating every
meal due to not enough money for food.
“There is genuine fear and apprehension …
even though everyone is trying to keep a smile
on their faces, we all feel insecure and stressed
about the future.
“Financial pressures increased. Uncertainty
of what tomorrow will bring in relation to
lack of work, loss of income, lack of protection
against contacting coronavirus.
“My wife and I are worried like so many
others about the near future if we lose
our jobs we could lose our house. We are
at that stage in life that we are trying hard
to pay everything off before we retire so
there will be no overheads. But if we lose
our jobs it would be hard to find another
job at our age.”
Our industry owes it to these hard-working
people to gives them hope for the future,
that we can emerge and be better. Now is
the time for us to stand together and make
change a reality.
“If we lose our jobs it would be
hard to find another job at our age.”
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operator profile
ROADTRAIN
WISDOM IN
THE WEST
American truck or European truck? It’s a tough
question with an answer dependant on many factors,
from stark facts and figures to powerful personal
preferences, and everything in between. However, for
Perth-based Warners Transport & Distribution, the
most powerful preference comes from the facts and
figures that continue to give Scania a distinct edge.
Steve Brooks writes
LIKE SO MANY family transport businesses in every
part of the country, Warners Transport & Distribution
in the Perth industrial suburb of Forrestfield, grew
from humble beginnings on the back of hard work
mixed with ample loads of self-belief.
Typically, it was an inauspicious start for Len
Warner and wife Denise. The mid-’90s saw Australia
finally breaking through ‘the recession we had to
have’, and also saw Len put life as an interstate ownerdriver
behind him as the couple developed a small local
distribution and storage business with a modest line-up of
second-hand rigid trucks.
In time, opportunities would arise to expand the
company’s horizons and there was no shortage of
willingness to diversify into other transport fields,
including long distance runs into Western Australia’s
burgeoning north and beyond.
Yet as fate can sometimes cruelly decree, Len didn’t
live to see the company grow to its current standing as a
significant player in Perth’s container haulage, logistics
and warehousing operations, as well as moving loads into
regions much further afield. His legacy, however, is well and
truly entrenched.
In fact, in the hands of twin sons Paul and Shane, Warners
Transport & Distribution has evolved over the past two
decades far beyond the small local distribution and storage
company started by their parents.
“It is still very much a family business,” says operations
manager Geoff Underdown, who has been with the company
since its earliest days, and now part of the family himself.
With Paul and Shane out attending to other commitments,
it’s Geoff who explains there are essentially three elements
22 JUNE 2020 ownerdriver.com.au

to the business: port logistics, specialising in container
haulage to and from the Fremantle port and Kewdale
railheads; a modern warehousing, storage and distribution
centre in Forrestfield; and last but by no means least, a road
freight fleet operating on the confident premise ‘we can get
anything, anywhere’.
More than 40 employees, a fleet of more than 20 trucks and
at least 60 pieces of trailing gear today reflect a company
capable of many tasks, yet built firmly on the transport and
distribution foundation formed by Len and Denise.
Side loaders
In many ways, the choice of trucks highlights the
diversification and growth of the operation over the past 25
years or so, Geoff remarks.
One of Warner’s first prime movers, for example, was a
second-hand Scania 112 cab-over from the mid-’80s.
“It was a good old bus,” he commented, “bought for work
around the wharf but also some of the later regional work
that started to develop, particularly with projects in the east
of the state.”
From around 1998 onwards, however, growth in the
warehousing and container haulage sides of the business
pushed the need for more trucks. In container haulage
specifically, Geoff said the addition of side-loading trailers
created a new dimension for the business and in turn, even
greater need for prime movers.
The original second-hand Scania was subsequently joined
by a few other used trucks of various make until a batch
of Sterlings bought between 2004 and 2005 became the
company’s first new prime movers.
A few years later, the first new Scanias – two R580 models
Right: High praise. “They’re
sensational on fuel,” says Warners
operations manager Geoff
Underdown, “and a perfect fit
for this work.”
Opposite below: New generation.
Operating as ‘pocket double’
roadtrains, Scania G500s are
setting enviable standards of fuel
economy at Warners Transport and
Distribution
“For our
local
work, the
G500 is a
no-brainer.”
ownerdriver.com.au
JUNE 2020 23

“We find that once they get to
drive the Scanias, most attitudes
start to change.”
– were added to facilitate the company’s early use of
‘pocket roadtrain’ doubles in local container haulage,
followed by a low-profile P420 6x2 prime mover bought for
side-loader work.
Around 2008 though, large scale projects in WA’s remote
Pilbara region presented significant opportunities
and Warners was obviously keen to further expand the
company’s regional portfolio.
However, the general consensus was that consistently
hauling roadtrain loads into the north-west required trucks
with proven credentials in the big end of the business, and
accordingly, a substantially larger investment in new trucks.
This time, Kenworth and Western Star were the somewhat
obvious choices, with Geoff explaining, “Between 2010 and
’12, about five or six of each brand were bought.”
It wasn’t all roses, though. “Like a lot of people, we had a
bad run with Cummins EGR engines,” he said with a hint of
derision. Nor was Cat a particularly positive engine option.
“Cat’s departure from the engine business didn’t do anyone
any favours either, but we could at least retrofit the Cats.”
Meanwhile, by 2014 the company was watching closely
as the north-west work started to wane. The fleet then
numbered about 30 trucks with almost half committed
to northern runs. Consequently, with few positive signs
of improvement, it was decided to consolidate back to
the wharf, storage and container operations which had
continued to develop.
“Some of the trucks we’d been running north-west were
moved into the local fleet, others were sold off,” Geoff
explained. “We were still doing north-west work but just not
as much of it.
“For us, consolidation was the right move at the right time.”
American trucks still dominated, he added: “Mainly
Kenworth because we still needed the bigger spec and the
bigger bunks for running north.”
Continental shift
Meantime, while Scania already had a modest presence and
reasonable reputation with the company, a new G480 day cab
model hauling a pocket roadtrain combination on container
work was the start of a notably deeper regard for the Swedish
brand from around 2017.
Above L to R: For driver Dan Owens,
there’s a lot to like in the G-series
cab. Comfort and ease are high
on the heap; Smart combination.
In operational terms,
manoeuvrability and handling
of the G-series Scanias are major
assets in local work
Opposite below: Big boys. Western
Star and Kenworth were bought
largely for roadtrain runs to the
north-west but consolidation saw
some moved to container work
where they struggle to match
Scania on fuel
Rated for gross weights to 75 tonnes, the G480 was
handling the job comfortably but according to Geoff, the
stand-out attraction was fuel efficiency. “Day in and day out,
it was giving us 2.4km/litre (6.8mpg) as a pocket roadtrain.
“We weren’t getting anywhere near that with the other gear
on much the same sort of work. I know they’re a different
spec but even so, the fuel saving was incredible.”
In fact, such has been the company’s satisfaction with
the G480, Geoff agrees it was inevitable that Scania’s new
generation models would be a firm factor in the company’s
future, particularly after he was invited to sample the
new range at a drive event on the tracks of the Australian
Automotive Research Centre (AARC) near Anglesea in
Victoria.
Indeed, the future didn’t take long to appear in the form
of three ‘new generation’ Euro 6 G500 models added to the
company’s container haulage operation. Rated at 90 tonnes
and working as pocket roadtrains, the G500s are consistently
returning between 2.3 and 2.4km/litre, Geoff confirms.
“They’re sensational on fuel,” he emphasises, “and a perfect
fit for this work.”
Reiterating the vast difference in specification and
likewise, the technological chasm between trucks at least 10
years distant in age, it is nonetheless an adamant Geoff who
relates an average fuel figure around 1.6 km/litre (4.52 mpg)
for a Kenworth K104 powered by a 550hp (410kW) C15 Cat on
much the same work.
“They’re way behind on fuel, no matter how you look at it,”
he states.
Geoff further insists that constant analysis of fuel
consumption through the on-board fuel monitoring
function highlights the value of the ‘Scania Driver Support’
feature in encouraging drivers to simply drive better and
more economically.
Still, he agrees an inherent preference for American gear
among some drivers is not easily swayed. “Our general policy
is ‘one driver, one truck’ but that doesn’t always suit what we
do. Even so, some just don’t want to know anything different
24 JUNE 2020 ownerdriver.com.au

ut more often than not, we find that once they
get to drive the Scanias, most attitudes start to
change. Sometimes, very quickly,” he smiles.
Similarly, he cites Scania’s driver training as
a valuable asset in achieving the best from the
driver and the truck, quickly adding that the
multi-stage retarder has led to a significant
increase in brake life.
Yet while fuel economy and importantly, a high
level of standard safety features are the main
attractions, overall comfort, easy access in and out
of the cab, and reasonable service costs are also
high on the list of likes according to Geoff. “And
the local dealership is close by and on the ball,”
he asserts.
Quiet for a moment, Geoff insists: “For our
local work, the G500 is a no-brainer. Honestly,
the Scanias have been fantastic and they’re the
preferred choice without any shadow of doubt.”
Indeed, as we spoke in Warner’s Forrestfield
office, he said a new P360 4x2 prime mover was
being considered specifically for the job of
hauling two empty 40-foot containers.
Moreover, the Swedish breed may eventually
find its way into the company’s longer distance
operations despite the trial of an R620 model
which recorded fuel consumption “no better or
worse” than existing Kenworth and Western Star
runners.
“But the demo went into one of the worst weeks
of weather we’d seen in WA for a very long time,
so it might not have been a good example,” he
explained.
Contemporary technology
Meantime, brands continue to vary across the
company’s three divisions. In warehousing, it’s
mainly rigids while on regional projects to the
north-west and beyond, two Kenworths and
a Western Star reliably endure. The container
division, however, retains a mixed prime mover
fleet of four Scanias (the G480 and three G500s),
the same number of Kenworth K104s, a couple of
Western Stars and a lone Hino FS.
Free of commitments for a short time, Shane
Warner joined the discussion and didn’t shy from
expressing the view: “Staying up with technology
is a key at all levels of the transport and logistics
chain, internally and externally.”
Asked if the latest Scanias were therefore the
truck of the future for Warners Transport and
Distribution, his response was immediate: “It
takes time to replace all the trucks in a business
like this. It also takes plenty of money and you
have to get the best out of the trucks you have
while they’re still viable.”
Then, quiet for a few moments, he concluded,
“But going on what we’ve found so far, over the
next five years or so, the prime mover fleet will be
Scania. For sure!”
ownerdriver.com.au
JUNE 2020 25

WILKIE’S WATCH Ken Wilkie
Getting home safely
Truck drivers and police officers have at least one
thing in common – expecting to arrive home safely
WHAT AN ABSOLUTELY
horrendous accident.
Of course my deepest
sympathy to family
and friends – and I’m
absolutely sure that that
sympathy is offered by
everyone in the transport industry. But
there were six people directly involved
in that tragedy. If media reports can
be believed, a fifth person deserves no
sympathy – but again, justice demands
that his actions be firstly considered
by a duly constituted court before the
rest of us make judgement. Eyewitness
claims though cannot be totally ignored.
However, media accounts of the truck
driver suffering a ‘medical episode’ after
the accident and, as I understand it, the
nature of the accident itself suggests to
me that some untoward situation was at
play to bring about such a catastrophic
outcome.
I have to explain that I am writing
this with some considerable trepidation.
I was not there and the reports coming to
me do so with no certificate of accuracy.
So why am I putting pen to paper on
the subject? The by-line under my
article for some 25 years has carried
the comment that I wish to see more
respect for truck drivers. That desire
hasn’t changed my friends.
Former Australian Trucking
Association (ATA) chair Geoff Crouch
was quick to offer his condolences to
the officers and their friends: from both
himself and on behalf of the rest of the
transport community. I applaud him for
that. But it’s what wasn’t said that has
raised my hackles. At that time no charge
had been laid against the truckie. The
man was in hospital suffering from a
‘medical episode’.
Crouch showed a lack of demonstrating
a public concern for an obviously ill
KEN WILKIE has been an
owner-driver since 1974,
after first getting behind
the wheel at 11. He’s on
his eighth truck, and is a
long-time Owner//Driver
contributor. He covers
Rockhampton to Adelaide
and any point in between.
His current ambition
is to see the world, and
to see more respect for
the nation’s truckies.
Contact Ken at
ken@rwstransport.com.au
“After
lengthy
legal
process
that
truckie
was
shown to
have no
case to
answer.”
driver. Since that time the driver has
been charged – but being charged does
not signify guilt. It is a process to bring
on a court case that then will determine
the driver’s culpability or otherwise.
Without an unbiased review of all issues,
no person should assume any particular
guilt or wrong doing.
MENTAL SCARS
My mind goes back to another accident
involving a heavy vehicle and a passenger
train that cost several also innocent lives.
There was much public recrimination
then directed at the truck driver and,
by association, the rest of the industry.
Several years later after much legal
investigative process, that driver
was absolved of any act of culpability.
Did the ATA release those findings to
the public?
My mind again goes back several years
to an accident costing the life of a police
officer piloting an oversize load. Again
the public, through the general media,
cast numerous aspersions on that truckie
and via association the truck driving
fraternity in general. Again, after lengthy
legal process that truckie was shown to
have no case to answer. There has never
been any publicity given to that outcome
either. I had the privilege of meeting
with the driver in question just recently.
The mental scars go deep, as does the
financial cost.
There was that terrible suicide in
Queensland middle of last year that took
the lives of three innocent kids and no
doubt put a massive mental stress on the
innocent truckie. At the time I wrote that
rather than the ATA accepting $400,000
for what I deemed as a frivolous road
safety program, it would do better to
address some form of mental support
for drivers involved in such ghastly
situations.
GUILTY BY INNUENDO
There has been considerable hue and cry
that police officers should be able to go
to work and be safe in their workplace.
I absolutely agree. The same goes for
truckies. How many truck drivers have
died in the course of their job or have
their mental wellbeing destroyed by the
actions of some other party?
It is something of a travesty of justice to
continue to allow this guilt by innuendo
to continue. Industry management
is constantly decrying its inability to
attract new and young entrants to the
heavy vehicle driving profession. Maybe
management should look in a mirror
from time to time.
Management point blank refuses
to understand the role of driver
incompetence (not incompetence
on the part of truckies, mind) in the
deplorable accidents statistics. Industry
management refuses to accept the need
for unbiased examination into heavy
vehicle accidents to determine true cause.
Industry management is too aloof to see
the real issues.
While industry management has
failed to push for comprehensive driver
education, it has also failed to push for
across the board medicals for drivers.
And it appears to condone lynch mob
accusations against those who make this
essential service a reality.
My required reading for June: Australian
Code Breakers by James Phelps.
26 JUNE 2020 ownerdriver.com.au

THE GOODS NEWS FROM THE HIGHWAY AND BEYOND
Road User Charge relief for industry
The Federal Government
has received widespread
praise for taking action
to support freight
operators during the
COVID-19 pandemic
DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER and Minister for
Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development,
Michael McCormack, has announced that the Federal
Government will keep the Heavy Vehicle Road User
Charge (RUC) at its current level for 2020 and 2021.
The minister says the decision, announced on May
1, will save Australian truck owners and operators
hundreds of dollars a year.
That, along with transport ministers ageing to
freeze heavy vehicle registration charges at their
current levels until June 30 next year has been
welcomed across the industry.
“The Road User Charge, which is set to recover
the heavy vehicle share of road maintenance and
improvements, will stay at 25.8 cents per litre
for diesel in 2020-21 instead of increasing by the
scheduled 2.5 per cent,” McCormack says.
“Our response demonstrates our commitment
to supporting the heavy vehicle industry as we put
Australia in the best position possible to deal with
the COVID-19 outbreak.
“Australia’s heavy vehicle industry is crucial to
sustaining our economy and distributing critical
goods during the COVID-19 pandemic. This freeze will
ease some of the current pressures on the industry.
“It is so important we help maintain the supply
and flow of medicines and medical equipment and
food and essential items to our supermarket shelves
at this time. Road freight is absolutely critical to this,”
he says.
Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight
Transport Scott Buchholz says all levels of
government are continuing to work together,
along with industry and regulators such as the
National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, to minimise any
unnecessary barriers to freight movement.
“Following the closure of some state and
territory borders, the Federal Government has been
coordinating national action to make sure essential
workers who aren’t travelling in trains or trucks such
as safety inspectors, mechanics and maintenance
crew, are able to get to where they need to be with
limited disruptions,” Buchholz says.
“The Australian Health Protection Principal
Committee and the National Cabinet have also
approved an exemption for roadhouses, dedicated
truck stop facilities and truck driver lounges to
remain open so Australia’s heavy vehicle drivers
have access to showers, restrooms and facilities to
undertake their mandated fatigue management
breaks. This is critical to keeping freight moving
during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I have been working very closely with industry
throughout this pandemic.
“As a government we acknowledge the transport
sector has had two speeds during this pandemic.
There are those that have been working relentlessly
with greater amounts of freight to move, while
many other operators across the supply chain have
experienced the opposite and suffered as a result of
COVID-19.
“These measures go some way in demonstrating all
levels of government recognise the pressure on the
transport industry at this time.
“The government has the back of these hard
working Australian men and women of the transport
industry who continue to work so hard to ensure
critical supplies reach Australians when and where
they need them,” Buchholz says.
Last November, transport ministers had
identified a preference to increase registration
charges, also by 2.5 per cent. from July 1 this
year.
Australian Trucking Association (ATA) CEO Ben
Maguire points out that the freeze followed strong
lobbying efforts from the ATA and its member
associations.
“Together with our members, we highlighted the
enormous financial impact a proposed increase
would have on trucking operators across Australia,
after crisis including drought, bushfires, floods and
COVID-19,” Marley says.
“During these difficult times Australian
governments, businesses and consumers more
keenly recognise the essential role of the road
freight sector in delivering vital supplies including
medicines, fuel, food, drinks, personal consumables,
stock feed and water.
“Trucks not only help us through crises, they help
us rebuild afterwards.
“The Federal Government decision to freeze the
Road User Charge will keep road transport costs to
a minimum over the next 12 months. This will in
turn help support millions of Australian businesses
and households during the COVID-19 recovery phase.
An increased tax on trucks would have been an
increased tax on everyone.”
Marley thanked both Michael McCormack and Scott
Buchholz for consulting with the ALRTA during both
“Trucks not only help us through crises, they
help us rebuild afterwards.”
the majority of which are small and family
businesses,” Maguire says.
NatRoad CEO Warren Clark says maintaining the
current 25.8 cents per litre for diesel was recognition
for the road transport industry’s contribution to
sustaining the Australian economy and delivery vital
goods during COVID-19.
“The freeze will help relieve some of the financial
pressure many businesses are feeling during this
time,” Clark says.“The work of the Deputy Prime
Minister and Assistant Minister Scott Buchholz
should be recognised and applauded.
“Transport operators have tight profit margins
and any steps to reduce operators’ costs is helpful in
business survival.”
Clark says 2020 has been a challenging year for the
industry with the double impact of the bushfires
and now COVID-19. “This is a win for our industry,”
he adds.
Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters
Association of Australia (ALRTA) president Stephen
Marley went further, saying the RUC freeze was
welcome news for all Australian businesses and
consumers.
“Over the past 12 months the Australian economy
and community has been pummelled by crisis
the bushfire and COVID-19 crisis.
“These two leaders have championed a sensible
and pragmatic decision at a time when government
revenue is also under threat.”
Despite this, Marley says during the years from
2014 to 2019, the road transport industry was
overcharged more than $1 billion.
“If ever there was a time to rebuild trust by giving
some of it back, now is that time.”
However, while Queensland Trucking Association
(QTA) CEO Gary Mahon congratulated the Federal
Government, he says the QTA will continue to
advocate the cause for a reduction in the 30 per cent
JobKeeper threshold. He believes the current rate is
too high for the road freight industry.
“We provided case study modelling to government
with evidence to indicate that many will be forced to
cease operations before getting anywhere near a 30
percent downturn,” Mahon says.
He adds that the road freight industry has
performed a key role on the frontline of the COVID-19
pandemic.
“The road freight industry should be well
commended for currently having no reported
infection outbreaks.”
– Greg Bush
27 JUNE 2020 ownerdriver.com.au

EYES ON THE ROAD Rod Hannifey
Delivering to Australia
The transport industry is receiving mostly positive
recognition for its role in keeping Australia moving
TO THOSE of you who have lost
work, I hope you have had
some time with family and
that you get your job back. To
those of you who are still busy,
what have you seen change,
on the road and off? Yes, the
reduction in traffic has been good,
but for me it seems there are either
more idiots in cars in a hurry still
out there, or they are simply stupid
and taking risks, which is even
harder to understand when there
is so little traffic.
The highway can be a lonely place at
times, depending on where and when
you run, but I have gone for hours and
seen few vehicles at times, something
that doesn’t happen all that often on
major routes. We are still delivering
Australia though and doing our part,
and while we have been recognised in
many ways, it seems truckers in the US
states have been even more visible and
thanked, even by President Trump.
Most of the roadhouses I deal with
regularly have stayed open, kept
cooking (and with the exception of
those still using foam plates as their
management have not kept up), have
continued to look after us. Some have
put on extra cleaners and we should
all thank them each time we use their
showers and facilities, while others
have simply cleaned more and hung
in there while the car numbers died
away on the highways. To all who have
looked after us, I say “thank you”.
ROD HANNIFEY, a transport
safety advocate, has been
involved in raising the
profile of the industry,
conducting highway truck
audits, the Blue Reflector
Trial for informal parking
bays on the Newell, the
‘Truckies on Road Code’, the
national 1800 number for
road repairs proposal, and
the Better Roadside Rest
Areas Group. Contact Rod
on 0428 120 560, e-mail
rod.hannifey@bigpond.
com or visit
www.truckright.com.au
an area where all will be safe.
In the US there are police inspection
sites within parking bays, so the
police can direct the vehicle there so
all are much safer. We of course need
the parking bays first. It would be a
much safer place to do any infringing
and would lessen the need for the
slow-down laws. New South Wales has
altered theirs following comments; so
much for a set of national laws that we
can all agree on.
While they do have much higher
speed limits at the many roadworks
I saw in the US, they are very serious
about safety for their road workers.
Signs indicate that if you kill a road
worker you will go to jail for 10 years.
It may well be an interesting thing to
pursue to see which works better in
terms of safety for all.
FIXING OUR ROADS
I will offer a tongue-in-cheek thank
you to NSW Roads and Maritime
Services (now Transport for NSW) for
recently fixing the road between the
Safe-T-Cam site south of Goondiwindi
and Boggabilla. I do believe it is
now nine years since I first raised
the problem of the undulations
there. I had a gentleman from RMS
in the truck back then and he even
commented on how bad it was. I asked
him to complain for me as well, but
he was in an unusual position with
the RMS so it obviously did not get
repaired. But it has been on many lists
since, along with many other items.
I received a call from my new
contact at Transport for NSW and she
replied that the previous contact had
been quite sincere with praise of my
efforts to provide valuable feedback
and comments. While she could not
respond to every single issue I had
raised, she would make sure all would
be passed on. I thanked her and
asked for one more thing, well a few
more things, including some missing
guideposts for green reflector bays,
but the last was that anything they
completely disagreed with or thought
not important, would they at least let
me know so I could either improve my
argument or learn why they disagreed.
With all sincerity, I wish I could
do more to find a way to capture the
public support we have currently and
make it ongoing. I have achieved some
online things, through the ABC and
my blog, plus we did get coverage on
the ABC TV Landline program on May
10 about being on the road during
the COVID-19 crisis. Also, the Triple M
radio Night Shift show with Luke and
Jess revealed other drivers’ views. It’s
a popular show for many truckies on
the road in the early hours.
What we need though is regular
mainstream and daytime access to
the public. How many of them listen
to the radio after midnight? How few
of them would ever pick up, let alone
read, a copy of Owner//Driver to be able
to perhaps better understand some of
our issues?
We must keep trying to see things
improve, because no one else will do it
for us.
PARKING BAY RULES
I have not heard many stories about
enforcement either way. I have seen
them on the road, but not had any
discussions, although I have offered
the police at the border a copy of
Owner//Driver when I could and it has
been accepted.
The tragedy in Melbourne should
never have happened and until we
know all the facts, I will say no more.
The one comment I would like to
make towards safer roads for all in
the future, is that there must be better
education for anyone who stops on the
side of the road. Yes, there are times
when the shoulder is narrow and if
you break down, you have little option
but to stop and do your best to get out
of the way of all traffic. But how often
do we see cars stopped on the roadside,
but barely even off the traffic lane!
Those who are pulled up by police
should stop or be made to stop in
“If you
kill a
road
worker
you will
go to jail
for 10
years.”
28 JUNE 2020 ownerdriver.com.au

The legal view Sarah Marinovic
Prioritising your health
For safety’s sake, maintaining good physical health
must be at the top of every driver’s checklist
THIS MONTH I want to encourage
drivers to take a moment to look
after themselves.
Driving is not an easy
profession. The hours are long
and the pressure is high. Tight
timeframes on slim profit
margins exist against the backdrop of
heavy regulation.
For many in our industry the job
means weeks away from home. It’s only
natural when you come back to want to
be there for your family.
It’s no wonder that for many
drivers their own health falls onto the
backburner. That niggling health concern
just doesn’t make it to the top of the list,
and the doctor’s appointment you meant
to book gets pushed back.
I know it’s easier said than done. I’m
guilty of doing it myself.
But a recent case in Canberra drives
home how much higher the stakes
are for professional drivers. Ignoring
your health concerns can turn what
would otherwise be an accident into
a criminal offence.
WHEN AN ACCIDENT IS NOT
AN ACCIDENT
In May this year the Canberra Supreme
Court sentenced truck driver, Akis Livas,
to three years and three months in gaol
for culpable driving causing death.
Akis pleaded guilty to the offence after
SARAH MARINOVIC is a
principal solicitor at Ainsley
Law – a firm dedicated to
traffic and heavy vehicle
law. She has focussed on this
expertise for over a decade,
having started her career
prosecuting for the RMS, and
then using that experience
as a defence lawyer helping
professional drivers and
truck owners.
“He was aware that he had
sleep apnoea.”
the truck he was driving collided with a
stationary car. Tragically a four year-old
boy was killed in the collision.
Akis had blacked out behind the wheel.
In normal circumstances an
unexpected medical event, like a
blackout, can mean that an accident,
while tragic, is not a criminal offence.
But things were different in Akis’ case
because he was aware that he had sleep
apnoea and had been referred for testing
by his doctors. He didn’t get those tests
done and kept driving.
By continuing to drive when he was
aware that he might have a medical
condition that could impact his driving,
Akis was committing a serious offence.
HOW TO LOOK AFTER YOURSELF
None of us want to find ourselves in Akis’
position. The drivers I know want to do a
good job and go home to their families.
And importantly, they don’t want to be
the cause of pain to another family.
With hindsight, it’s clear that Akis
should not have been driving. But I’m
sure there are many of us who, if we were
being completely honest, would admit to
being overdue for a check-up.
The only way to keep yourself safe, both
physically and legally, is to prioritise
your health. Make sure you get checked
out as soon as you notice a problem and
follow your doctor’s directions. It’s time
consuming and it’s a pain but even if
it doesn’t mean avoiding a life-altering
accident, looking after yourself may
well keep you feeling well and able to
participate in this great industry for
longer – and who wouldn’t want that?
THERE’S NO
GREATER INCENTIVE
TO SAVE LIVES
THAN NOW
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For further information visit ato.gov.au and seek independent financial advice.
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ownerdriver.com.au
JUNE 2020 29

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truck of the month
Frank and Christine
Commisso have been
through the tough times,
but their hard work has
paid off for the family,
resulting in the addition of
a stunning Kenworth T909.
Warren Aitken writes
FRUIT OF
THINGS come to those who wait” is one of
those throwaway lines parents normally use when
they are not allowed to swear at their kids for
continually asking for some annoying new toy.
The original line was “all things come to those who
wait”, which seems as redundant as the line “it’ll
be in the last place you look” (of course it will, why
would you keep looking after you’ve found it?).
“GOOD
Anyway, I digress. Nowadays the more appropriate
line is “good things come to those who get off their arse and
earn it”.
Never has this been personified better than with the simply
stunning Kenworth T909 of Frank Commisso Transport. The
company’s flagship truck, a 26 metre-long Viagra pill, is a detailed
work of art and the result of generations of slog.
I seriously had to go back to my motel room after interviewing
Frank and his two sons, Marcus and Joel, for a nanna nap. Just
hearing the effort they have put in to grow the transport and their
fruit company, Go Troppo, wore me out.
This story runs second really to the photos you have all
been perving at and it is kind of about the big T909, but more
importantly this story is about passion and work ethic – two
elements that just emanate out of the Commisso family.
Passion is an attribute of vital importance to our industry and
on so many levels. “Find a job you love and you’ll never work a day
in your life” – that is passion. Every day when you cruise the road
and see gleaming rigs, that is passion. Tooting the horn when you
see a kid on the roadside doing the arm thing, that is passion.
Standing in a cool room while a smiling Italian man asks if you’d
like an apple. You decline, he insists, you decline, he strongly
insists, you accept, then you realise “my god, that’s a fantastic
apple”. The smiling Italian man laughs because he knows how good
the apple is. That is passion.
That is also Frank Commisso, the man knows his fruit and vegies.
I don’t mean just that he knows pumpkins and string beans are
fruit not vegetables, or that he knows what the hell an oca or
romanesco is (for the record oca is like a yam and romanesco is like
broccoli partnered with that alien from Predator). Frank knows it
all and has a passion for all things produce. That includes not just
getting good quality or range. It also includes the transportation of
said produce.
Family support
Along with trucks and produce, another passion high on Frank’s
agenda is family. Alongside Frank and very much at the forefront
of his two companies are Christine, Frank’s lovely (and I would
say very tolerant) wife, Joel (Frank’s youngest son) and Marcus, the
eldest son and the man that designed and pilots the big T909.
Before we start discussing the rolling porn that is the Kenworth
T909 I’ll try and give you a brief overview of the Commisso’s road
to success.
Frank, growing up in a closely-knit Italian family, got into
produce because of his father. Originally, Frank’s dad had been
in construction but when that business wound up his dad found
himself owning a fresh produce store. Every day after school Frank
would help in the store.
“I used to wag school on a Monday and go to Sydney with dad
and pick up the produce,” Frank admits. His dad was running an
old four-ton single axle Dodge back in those days. These trips were
the highlight for Frank, mixing his growing passions, produce
and trucks.
His father sold the shop before Frank hit his teenage years but by
then had picked up work at one of Iannelli’s produce stores. Frank
32 JUNE 2020 ownerdriver.com.au

THEIR EFFORTS
ownerdriver.com.au
JUNE 2020 33

worked before and after school, stocking shelves and learning the
ropes. By the time he was 17 he was logging more hours working
than at school.
He quickly went for his car licence and started doing deliveries
as well as coming in to unload the big trucks. This work fuelled his
passion for produce as he soaked in all the knowledge he could.
However, his passion for trucks was fuelled by Iannelli’s
legendary ‘Night Stalker’ Kenworth and their other impressive
trucks that he would unload at the markets.
Frank left school as soon as he was allowed and worked fulltime
at Iannelli’s. At the age of 19 he had his truck licence with an eye
on the bigger rigs. I am completely sure that Frank waited until
he was legally licensed before he started doing deliveries around
the Canberra area. I am also completely sure that when he was
travelling with the other drivers to Sydney for loads that he was
there only as an offsider and entertainment for the drivers.
However, once he was fully licenced he hit the road like he had
been doing it for years (wink wink!).
Frank spent four years as a fulltime driver, engaging in his
trucking passion. All the time though his goal was to have his own
fruit shop. In order to do that he came off the road and leased one
of Iannelli’s outlets. This went well until the Iannellis hit tough
times and the shop closed. Unfortunately, this left Frank with a
huge debt and a few tough decisions to make.
This sort of life changing event can quickly derail a person.
However, Frank and his new wife Christine were following their
passion – there was no stopping them. Frank found a way and
bought his own fruit shop within the Fyshwick Markets. They
closed the old shop down and gave it a complete makeover,
reopening as Go Troppo. If this were a Hollywood film we would
be at the part where Frank and Christine get rewarded for all their
hard work with patrons lined up to buy from the enthusiastic
passionate young couple and the money would roll in. Nope, it’s
not that kind of movie.
The competitiveness of the industry, with almost more
undercutting than the transport industry, meant Go Troppo
struggled. But Frank continued to stock only the best quality, in the
34 JUNE 2020 ownerdriver.com.au

“It looks good, that’s us, but it is built to work.”
best condition and with a professional display. Luckily, Frank had
a strong wholesale clientele which helped keep the shop, Frank’s
passion, afloat.
After about 12 months, however, even Frank began to waiver.
Then the strangest coincidence happened. “I’d just spoken to my
wife and my brothers,” Frank recalls. “They said they would support
me if I lost everything. Then it was like a light came out of the sky,
and all of a sudden the business turned.”
Flagship Kenny
It was this pivotal point that changed everything for the Commisso
family. The store grew, another store was added, the turnover in
the stores grew, the wholesale customer list grew and with that so
did the transport needs. Getting the product delivered from the
farmers and major markets on time became paramount. In order
to ensure the best service, Frank Commisso Transport was formed
and the first flagship Kenworth was adorned with the FCT name.
While Frank had his local delivery trucks, 1998 saw the arrival of
their first ‘big rig’ – a brand new Kenworth T600. Frank’s history
with the Iannellis meant it was always going to be a Kenworth and
the FCT T600 was a piece of work. With its single trailer in tow, it set
about picking up only the best produce from around New South
Wales and Victoria for all the Go Troppo customers.
Since that first truck, there has been an anniversary model
Anteater and then a classic K104 in the Commisso ranks. From the
K104 it was a big jump up into the company’s K200 ‘Fat Cab’ which
is still in service, though the T909 bears the majority of the load
these days.
So that is a condensed version of where the company comes
from and a short explanation behind Frank’s passion for produce.
Let us jump to passions number two and three: trucks and
family. Frank met Christine back when he (wasn’t) driving trucks
without a licence. So Christine has been a part of the team since
day one. Every day of the week you will find her running the
office side of things and keeping everything in check. With a
staff of around 35 and a dozen delivery trucks, that’s a pretty
hectic workload.
Frank and Christine’s sons have both inherited the family
passion for produce and trucks. However, as if by design, the boys
seem to favour one slightly more than the other.
Joel carries the produce as his main passion. By the age of 10
he was already working behind the counter at the family’s store.
Before he had even finished school he was running one of the
stores completely. Sure, he has the trucking in his blood as well, but
it is the business, the customers and the sales that drives Joel the
most. A proud Frank even joked: “When he was born he came right
out saying, okay, so how can we make some money here?”
Above: The new flagship T909, along
with the company’s other flagships,
a stunning K200 and the local
delivery Isuzu truck customised
and dedicated to Frank’s father
Below: The stunning T909 with
a single on heads back to the Go
Troppo yard in Fyshwick, Canberra
earlier this year … surrounded by
bushfire smoke
Opposite below: The Frank
Commisso Transport team –
from left, Marcus, Christine,
Frank and Joel
ownerdriver.com.au
JUNE 2020 35

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

“There is
absolutely
no chance
of missing
this truck
at night.”
Above: It does get a little tight in
the yard, although this drop was a
little easier for Marcus with only the
single to back in
Below: The Go Troppo yard is always
a hive of activity, produce in and
produce out. Keeping all the clients
happy
Joel has always seemed at ease with that side of the business and
with guidance from both his mum and dad, he has really shone.
When Go Troppo eventually sold out of the customer stores and
went on to focus on wholesale and distribution alone, Joel moved
into that side of the business.
Skill level
His older brother Marcus found that trucking was his dominant
passion and has been getting amongst it since he was a toddler.
Rumours from a reliable smiling Italian source told me he was
essentially driving a forklift before he could even spell forklift.
It comes as no surprise to learn that Marcus gained his licence
as soon as he came of age. The only person rocked by this was
the man who took Marcus for his licence as he seemed extremely
shocked at his skill level. Obviously, like his father, he would
not have been driving trucks before licensed. Nope, he was just
a natural.
Marcus spent a couple of years on the road, filling that diesel
desire, before coming off the highway and spending a few years
helping to manage and organise the distribution side of the
business. Looking after up to 400 deliveries a day, six days a week
when you have not even celebrated your 21st birthday, is no mean
feat. Eventually, however, the call of the road became too much and
Marcus decided to get back behind the wheel.
Now, it is time to discuss the big T909. The company’s K200 had
been doing a stellar job, both in performance and in advertising
the company. The whole family are firm believers in the positive
effects of appearance and professionalism. Frank exclaims the
benefits when he says, “The ‘wow’ factor when you pull up to load
on a farm or at the markets is great.”
He knows that memory stays with people and all of a sudden
they want their produce getting loaded onto an FCT truck. It was
perhaps, as a bit of a carrot to get Marcus back behind the wheel
that the family decided to build the T909. Only this time Frank
was stepping back. “This truck was all Marcus, he thought it out, he
designed it … it’s all him,” Frank says admiringly.
So where do you start? Well, as Marcus emphatically states: “This
truck is built to work; it looks good, that’s us, but it is built to work.”
Blinged up
The truck rolled off the Melbourne production line as a bare
minimum. It was sent straight to Kyzer Kustoms in Shepparton
where the job sheet was bigger than the 909’s turning circle.
“We chose to send it to Kyzer because, like us, they’re a small
family business,” Marcus tells me. He also wanted to ensure the
finishing and attention to detail was as important to them as it
was to him. Kyzer nailed it perfectly, even down to such details as
wrapping the air cleaners in the same grade stainless as the tanks
to ensure it all matched. To match the shine of the stainless, Super
Chromes were fitted to the entire setup as well.
There is absolutely no chance of missing this truck at night as
Kyzer fitted over 400 lights to the entire unit. The trailer setup also
got its share of bling with extras like low mount guards to match
the truck and more shine than a brand-new bitumen tanker. So
yes, the entire package looks like a display unit that’s never turned
a wheel. But I reiterate, this truck is a working truck.
Coupled behind it, and as previously mentioned, just as shiny as
the truck is a brand-new Freighter chilled tautliner A-trailer and
refrigerated Maxi-Cube B-trailer. Again a lot of thought went into
this setup.
With Go Troppo supplying all areas of the produce market, the
tautliner makes loading the likes of potatoes and onions a lot
easier – those pallets are very rarely within the Chep dimensions.
The B-trailer is a sideloading trailer, which allows the Commissos
greater flexibility when loading and unloading. The big T909 runs
five to six days a week between Canberra and Sydney. So yes it
works, hard, as do the entire Go Troppo team.
The work ethic and willingness to put in the time has seen Frank
and the team grow from a young fella unloading trucks at 3am in
the morning to one of the ACT’s leading fresh produce distributers.
“Good things come to those that get off their arse and earn it” –
that’s the line remember.
While success is the by-product of hard work, sometimes the
power of passion is a harder thing to quantify, harder to put on a
score card too. However if you wander around the Go Troppo depot
and see the pride taken in all aspects of their work, then you can
begin to comprehend the power of passion.
The T909 racks up plenty of kilometres each week yet Marcus
and the team always find the time to ensure it looks like a prizewinning
show truck. The same can be said for all the company’s
delivery trucks.
That pride also extends to the Go Troppo produces, with the
team’s passion for quality ensuring only the best gets delivered.
Don’t forget, I tried one of those apples, so I’m speaking from
experience.
Time to wrap up now and I don’t want to ‘beet’ around the bush
so I will try and avoid using any corny puns, but ‘lettuce’ all ‘celerybrate’
the success of hard work and passion.
Puns aside, Frank Commisso Transport’s T909 really is ‘mint’.
38 JUNE 2020 ownerdriver.com.au

THE
ORIGINAL
ENGINE OIL
AMERICA'S FIRST MOTOR OIL BRAND.

sponsored content
ROAD WARRIOR RETURNS
One of the leading forces in the heavy logistics fleet sector, Daysworth
International has now entered the Australian truck manufacturing
market. Breathing new air into the Diamond Reo brand, which was
once considered the world’s toughest truck, father-and-son duo
Ivan Vodanovich and Ivan Vodanovich Jr are excited about the new
venture and the latest range of products
Never a company to rest on its laurels, Daysworth
International, one of the leading forces in the
transport and logistics sector, has bold plans
as it expands its presence into the Australian
on-highway truck market with the return of the
Diamond Reo range of heavy-duty trucks.
The term ‘quiet achiever’ could not be more aptly
applied than to describe Daysworth International
and its success story. Reaching its 42nd anniversary
in 2020, Daysworth has established itself as one of
the most trusted and respected partners in the T&L
community delivering premium quality terminal
tractor solutions for the country’s largest industry
players, including Linfox, Toll, TNT-Fedex, Australia
Post and many others.
On the back of over four decades in the industry
and more than 3,000 specialist terminal tractors
sold in the Australia-Pacific region, Daysworth is
taking its ambitions back onto the road with the
reintroduction of the Diamond Reo brand.
Daysworth plans to operate its on-highway
division with the same values and engineering
expertise that has seen it achieve success across a
range of transport sector applications. This namely
comes in the form of delivering a reliable product
that delivers operational efficiency, backed by
strong parts support with a singular focus on
customer service and responsiveness.
Matching its geographic footprint with its
market ambitions, Daysworth is expanding
its Diamond Reo national headquarters into
a 35,000-square-metre facility in the heart of
Melbourne’s T&L hub, with additional construction
to begin on expanding parts warehousing and a
dedicated research and development facility.
THE BEGINNING
The present day values and mindset that define
Daysworth are themselves born from the
experiences of its founder, Ivan Vodanovich Sr.
As a 20-year-old, Ivan escaped communism
in Croatia to reach Australia in the late 1960s.
When he arrived in Sydney, Ivan did not speak
English very fluently but his natural skills in
reading mechanical designs, coupled with a fierce
determination, helped him secure a job as an
assembly line worker at British Motor Corporation.
He went on to work on construction projects in
Whyalla and mining in Port Hedland. His big break
came when he was recruited by Scania Trucks as
an engineer, and then promoted to run the service
and production side in Melbourne.
It was a drive for innovation and change that saw
him establish Daysworth in 1978 out of his own
backyard, remanufacturing truck components,
including power steering, gearboxes and
differentials.
As the business expanded, Daysworth’s
reputation for first-class workmanship did not go
unnoticed, with US-based Diamond Reo Trucks and
Ottawa Trucks both approaching the company to
be their Australian representatives for on-highway
trucks and terminal tractors, respectively. Being
a business founded on innovation and vision,
Daysworth took the leap to start the next chapter in
the company’s history.
PRODUCTIVITY POWERHOUSE
Through the tenacity and perseverance of Ivan and
the Daysworth team, success first came gradually,
followed by rapid market acceptance. With the
closure of the Diamond Reo factory in Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania, terminal tractors became
Daysworth’s core business, solidifying its position
as a niche player in the transport industry.
However, continuous innovation being
the hallmark of Daysworth’s ethos, when an
opportunity presented itself to revive the Diamond
Reo legacy six years ago, the company took it.
“We have been working behind the scenes for a
number of years, making sure specifications match
the Australian market, carrying our compliance as
well as extensive on-road testing and evaluation,”
business development manager Ivan Vodanovich
Jr says.
“We wanted to ensure that the product met
the demands of the local market and matched
Daysworth’s stringent standards.”
Managing director Ivan Vodanovich Sr adds:
“After 42 years in the industry, we would not deliver
40 JUNE 2020 ownerdriver.com.au

a truck that was not capable of delivering to the highest
standard that we have set for ourselves. We have put a lot
of years into developing the product and we are proud of
the result.”
ROAD WARRIOR
Diamond Reo has a range of trucks available, starting from
330hp to 540hp (246kW to 403kW).While the base range is
designed to meet all standard transport requirements,
Daysworth has the capabilities to design configurations that
meet specific demands and applications.
“We are offering a comprehensive range for the on-road
market, including a full suite of products in the ready-to-work
range, including tippers, curtain siders, tilt trays and hook
lifts,” Vodanovich Jr. says.
One look at the Diamond Reo range and it is clear that
it is of a European pedigree, from its cab-over exterior
design to its engineering build. One such unit is featured
on the front cover of this issue – the Diamond Reo C7
prime mover. The 75-tonne rated B-double prime mover is
powered by a 540hp Euro V 13-litre six-cylinder turbo common
rail diesel engine. It features a 14-speed AMT transmission
with Wabco control system, Bosch fuel injection system, ZF
power steering system, and Jost turntable as standard. The
“WE WANTED TO ENSURE
THAT THE PRODUCT MET
THE DEMANDS OF THE LOCAL
MARKET AND MATCHED
DAYSWORTH’S STRINGENT
STANDARDS.”
C7 cabin is spacious with a high roof double bunk.
The Diamond Reo C7 boasts the same specifications
expected from other units on Australian roads, sharing these
features across the entire range. These include eight air bag
rear suspension with Wabco ECAS control, Wabco braking
system with Wabco ABS, rear axle cross locks and diff locks,
disc brakes all round as standard, alloy wheels, LED daytime
running lights, climate controlled air conditioning, heated
electric mirrors and cruise control.
“When you consider all factors, there is no other truck
that can offer the same value proposition as Diamond Reo
on-highway vehicle,” Vodanovich Sr says.
“Daysworth is driven by its passion for heavy-duty vehicles.
We’re meticulous about servicing and the preparation of our
vehicles for a life on the road and we are here to help if a
customer needs assistance.
“Daysworth’s association with a vehicle does not end after
it drives out of the factory, but we are with the customer
through the entire life cycle of the vehicle.”
Daysworth’s philosophy of being a partner with its
customer is based on the fact that it is not a traditional
corporate structure but a family business with traditional
values. It offers a comprehensive after-market support
program, with full warehouse of spare parts, service
workshops, field service response vehicles as well as
operational capacity management.
RIGHT TIME FOR INVESTMENT
The transport industry has not gone unaffected amidst the
latest economic situation. In an industry defined by thin
margins, transport operators and owner-drivers are looking
for the best value proposition in the market.
With the recent changes to the instant asset tax writeoff
scheme (increased threshold from $30,000 to $150,000),
potential truck buyers are able to claim the full tax benefit of
a vehicle purchase this financial year.
“We understand the current economic challenges facing the
country, so we are offering assistance to potential customers
who are looking to renew their equipment. This includes
in-house financing as well as fixed price service contracts
for longer term cost certainty,” Vodanovich Jr. says.
REFLECTIONS
With 42 years in the field, Daysworth is proud of its ‘gamechanging’
contribution to Australia’s transport industry.
“What excites us most is not the successes behind us, but the
exciting possibilities that we will have to offer our customers
into the future,” Vodanovich Sr. reflects.
Just like the trans-continental leap undertaken by its
founder over 50 years ago, Daysworth steps into the future
with the same determination and vision, values that have
been woven into the fabric of its history over 40 years. With a
proven track record of innovation and successfully bringing
new products to market, it will be exciting to see Diamond
Reo’s return as a force in the Australian transport scene.
For more information, visit www.diamondreotrucks.com.au
or phone 1800 635 952.
Top: The Diamond Reo C7 prime
mover. The 75-tonne rated B-double
prime mover is powered by a 540hp
Euro V 13-litre six-cylinder turbo
common rail diesel engine
Above: The Diamond Reo C7 prime
mover features a 14-speed AMT
transmission with Wabco control
system, Bosch fuel injection system,
ZF power steering system, and Jost
turntable as standard
Right: Daysworth is offering a
comprehensive range for the on-road
market including a full suite of
products in the ready-to-work range,
including tippers, curtain siders, tilt
trays and hook lifts
ownerdriver.com.au
JUNE 2020 41

NatRoad Warren Clark
30-day payment fiasco
Slow payers are benefitting from the COVID-19 crisis
FROM MAY 1 this year the Victorian
Owner Drivers and Forestry
Contractors Act changed to directly
impact on payment terms for
owner-drivers. The Victorian
legislative change requires payment
by customers and others within 30
days of receiving an invoice from an ownerdriver.
Additionally, a written contract
is required and its absence can attract a
penalty for owner driver engagement.
All owner-drivers engaged for work
with no fixed duration or more than 30
days must have a written contract or the
customer/contractor could be penalised.
The 30 day invoicing period as a
minimum has raised its head again in the
midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many
companies are using COVID-19 as an excuse
to push payment times out further than 30
days. In the face of this trend, it is hoped
that the changes in Victoria can help
reduce the uncertainty and inconsistency
of payment times for small transport
owner-operators but more needs to be done
and similar changes should be introduced
nationally.
PAYMENT CODE INEFFECTIVE
NatRoad has made renewed submissions to
the Federal Government recently to ask that
this matter be legislated nationally across
the road transport industry.
Our push was assisted recently when
the Australian Small Business and Family
Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell
recommended that the Federal Government
should adopt a maximum 30-day payment
regime. The Federal Government took a
small step in the right direction by passing
its Payment Times Reporting legislation.
But NatRoad’s assessment of that
legislation is that it is unlikely to result
in useful change because it is not legally
binding.
The current Business Council of Australia
WARREN CLARK, NatRoad’s
chief executive officer,
has more than 20 years’
experience leading and
developing business for
emerging companies.
Warren has held the
position of CEO at various
companies and is a certified
chartered accountant.
voluntary supplier payment code that
requires signatories to pay smaller
suppliers within 30 days has proven to
be ineffective, with no compliance or
audit processes.
NatRoad’s messaging to the Federal
Government calls for a national mandated
change. The federal adoption of 30 day
payment terms is a critical issue for
NatRoad as members struggle through the
effects of COVID-19.
In fact, NatRoad and other industry
associations have been asking the Federal
Government to address this issue for a
considerable period. The best means of
assisting industry and all owner-drivers
would be for the federal Government
to introduce a compulsory Code for the
industry under Part IVB of the Competition
and Consumer Act, 2010 (Cth) (CCA). The
Code would regulate payment times,
permitting a maximum of 20 or 30 days
from date of invoice, as well as containing a
prohibition on set-offs and pay-when-paid
arrangements.
These are major and long-standing issues
affecting the road transport industry that
should be fixed now before they get more
life breathed into them on the back of ways
for others to get better cash flow at the
expense of operators.
The proposed Code would be an industry
code regulating the conduct of road
transport companies in their dealings with
one another, as well as binding customers
who wanted to engage a road transport
operator. This Code would be overseen
by the Australian Competition and
Consumer Commission and would bring in
enforceable market restraints.
SUPERCHROME WHEELS ARE OFFERING
SPECIAL COVID-19 PRICES NOW
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42 JUNE 2020 ownerdriver.com.au

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ROAD SOUNDS Greg Bush
As well as being involved in road transport
media for the past 20 years, GREG BUSH
has strong links to the music industry.
A former Golden Guitar judge for the
Country Music Awards of Australia, Greg
also had a three-year stint as an ARIA
Awards judge in the late 1990s and wrote
for and edited several music magazines.
Mixed bag of tricks
A diverse range of indie releases stand out this month
ALL VISIBLE OBJECTS
Moby
POD/Inertia
www.moby.com
For his 17th
studio album, US
singer, songwriter
and producer
has emerged
from his ambient
phase to revisit
his upbeat, dance
style format notable on his late ’90s
music and 2008’s Last Night. It’s almost all
originals, with regular participant Mindy
Jones taking lead vocals on ‘My Only Love’,
a soaring cover of the Roxy Music track
from 1980. Former American Idol finalist
Apollo Jane adds background vocals to
the uplifting opening track ‘Morningside’,
then backs Moby as he takes the lead on
‘One Last Time’, a swirling ambient-rock
type track. Dead Kennedys’ drummer
D. H. Peligro and rapper Boogie bring an
industrial sound to ‘Power Is Taken’, a
thumping combination of spoken words
amid a cacophony of instruments. As per
his recent endeavours, Moby has donated
the proceeds from All Visible Objects to
animal and human rights charities.
I GROW TIRED BUT DARE NOT FALL ASLEEP
Ghostpoet
PIAS/Inertia
www.ghostpoet.co.uk
Ghostpoet is
the alter ego of
British singersongwriter
Obaro Ejimiwe
and I Grow Tired
But Dare Not Fall
Asleep is his fifth
studio album. A couple of his previous
releases have been nominated for the
esteemed Mercury Prize in recognition
for his progressive sound. Ghostpoet’s
vocals are more narrative than singing
as he meanders his way through
‘Concrete Pony’, a dark and rhythmic
track. ‘Nowhere To Hide Now’ is equally
mid-paced with bass guitar, eerie guitar
licks and atmospheric effects providing
the background for Ghostpoet’s words.
‘Black Dog Got Silver Eyes’ starts with a
failed phone call before leading into the
persistent pursuit of sound effects with
offbeat percussion, giving the track an
improvised jazz sound. He recruits a
number of female vocalists to help out,
particularly effective on ‘This Trainwreck
Of A Life’. Clever, arty, but not for everyone.
THE RIDGE
Julian Taylor
Howling Turtle
www.juliantaylormusic.ca
Canada’s Julian
Taylor has taken
a break from
his regular
Julian Taylor
Band outfit to
release The Ridge,
a mostly quiet,
thoughtful album with traces of soft rock,
country and acoustic pop-rock. He heads
south for ‘Love Enough’, a Tex-Mex track
with Taylor delivering a vocal reminiscent
of the late Roy Orbison. On ‘Human Race’,
Taylor pays tribute to a close relative
who has suffered from both mental and
learning disabilities – it’s one of the
album’s best. He continues the theme on
‘Over The Moon’, a philosophical love song,
and reflects on his early music career on
‘Ballad Of A Young Troubadour’, a track
that wouldn’t be out of place on Bruce
Springsteen’s Western Skies album. The
best, however, is the rhythmic final track
‘Ola, Let’s Dance’. A relatively short album,
The Ridge sounds impressive at first, and
even better with each listen.
SHELBY LYNNE
Shelby Lynne
Thirty Tigers/Cooking Vinyl
www.shelbylynne.com
Grammy awardwinning
singersongwriter
Shelby Lynne is
well known for
crossing music
boundaries. On
the self-titled
album Shelby Lynne, her 16th studio
release since kicking off her career in
1989, Lynne delivers 11 bluesy, soulful
songs in the vein of Joss Stone, or even
Sheryl Crow. There’s no doubting Lynne’s
vocal ability and, despite the dark
overtones on the album’s excellent opener
‘Strange Things’, it sets the scene for great
listening. In contrast, ‘I Got You’ is a cheery
soul number, ‘Here I Am’ is a strong pianobacked
power ballad, and Shelby delivers
a bluesy vocal on the mid-paced ‘Don’t
Even Believe In Love’. Her voice reaches
its pinnacle on the almost seven minutelong
‘The Equation’, helped by a series of
stunning guitar licks. For the record, these
new songs were originally earmarked for
the yet-to-be released film When We Kill
The Creators.
TRUST THE RIVER
Sparta
Dine Alone
www.sparta.band
Trust The River is
the first album
in 14 years from
US band Sparta,
mainly due
to frontman
Jim Ward’s
side projects
and solo outputs. However, the band’s
recent reunification sees Ward as the
only original member, although their
post-hardcore sound largely remains. A
couple of singles, ‘Graveyard Luck’ and the
punkish ‘Cat Scream’ preceded the album’s
release, although ‘Believe’ is more straight
rock. Singer Nicole Fargo makes a duet
vocal appearance on ‘Spirit Away’, a more
subdued track that is not far removed
from Nick Cave’s sound. It’s basically
Ward and a piano backing on ‘Dead End
Signs’, a ballad of regret and despair,
while new wave rocker ‘Class Blue’ is one
of the album’s best with guitarist Gabriel
Gonzalez delivering tasty licks. Sparta has
yet to reach the heights promised, but this
album should get them over the line.
I LOVE THE NEW SKY
Tim Burgess
Bella Union/Inertia
www.timburgessmusic.com
Tim Burgess,
lead singer of
UK band The
Charlatans,
has also had
a reasonably
successful solo
career, as well as
collaborating with other artists. For I Love
The New Sky, his fifth solo outing, Burgess
retreated to the countryside of Norfolk
for inspiration. Hence, I Love The New Sky
is decidedly English in flavour, especially
‘Sweetheart Mercury’, a whimsical track
with an effervescent piano chord backing.
‘Empathy For The Devil’ is equally light
hearted; it’s essence similar to long-time
north London band Madness. Burgess lifts
the tempo on ‘I Got This’, a big production
number, helped by Belgium string
section The Echo Collective, and shows
his serious side on the ballad ‘Undertow’.
There’s a Paul McCartney tone to ‘Sweet
Old Sorry Me’, while ‘Comme D-Habitude’
has a strong melody amid a carnival
atmosphere. This album should do well in
the UK market.
Country
Corner
SEASONS
The New Graces
Good Stem/MGM
www.thenewgraces.com
The New
Graces may
be newcomers on the
Australian country scene,
but the three members are
well credentialed in their
own right. Melanie Horsnell
(who has released more
than 10 albums), multiinstrumentalist
Kate Burke,
and well-travelled bass player
Robyn Martin have combined
their considerable talents for
Seasons, their debut album
as a trio. With top producer
Garth Porter at the helm,
and talented musician Rod
McCormack adding banjo,
guitar and mandolin, the
ladies deliver 12 original
tracks, painting pictures of
Australia’s harsh terrain.
‘Farmer’s Daughter’ relates
to a family doing it tough
on the land, while the Celtic
sound of ‘Kameruka Nights’ is
a brilliant piece of harmonious
songwriting. A class album
that’s sure to feature in next
year’s Golden Guitar awards.
THE NIGHT YOU
WROTE THAT SONG
Gretchen Peters
Scarlet Letter
www.gretchenpeters.com
US singersongwriter
Gretchen Peters
has penned a multitude of
songs, not only for herself,
but other artists including
Bryan Adams and George
Strait. However, for The
Night You Wrote That Song,
she turns her attention to
the late Mickey Newbury,
handpicking 12 of his tracks
and giving them a paredback
arrangement. ‘The
Sailor’ is a powerful ballad,
‘Just Dropped In (To See
What Condition My Condition
Was In)’ is transformed into
a slow, bluesy piece, and
Peters raises the tempo on
the rollicking ‘Why You Been
Gone So Long’. The remaining
tracks are mostly quiet affairs;
‘She Even Woke Me Up To
Say Goodbye’ has a simple
acoustic guitar backing, and
the accordion makes an
appearance on ‘Heaven Help
The Child’.
44 JUNE 2020 ownerdriver.com.au

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DIABETES NSW & ACT Lexie Jin
Optimising immunity
Now, more than ever, good nutrition is imperative in
optimising your immune function
THE IMMUNE system is a complex
network that defends against
invaders such as viruses and
bacteria. Research shows good
nutrition is linked to good immune
function. In the current COVID-19
climate, and as we head towards
winter, now is an especially good time
to be eating well to support your immune
system.
What should you eat to support your
immune system?
Vitamin C, D, zinc, iron and selenium have
all been identified as supporting good
immune function. However, it is important
to remember that these nutrients need to
be part of a balanced eating pattern on a
regular basis. It is not a matter of a single
nutrient or food, it is about how those
nutritious elements work together to
support good health.
The easiest way to incorporate immune
friendly nutrients is to eat mostly from
the five core food groups, following the
Australian Guide to Healthy Eating. The five
core food groups are:
1. Vegetables and legumes/beans
2. Fruit
3. Grain (cereal) foods
4. Lean meats and poultry, fish, eggs, tofu,
nuts and seeds
5. Milk, yoghurt, cheese and/or their
alternatives, mostly reduced fat.
LEXIE JIN is an accredited
practising dietitian at
Diabetes NSW & ACT. For
more healthy lifestyle
tips and other helpful
information on diabetes
head to the Diabetes
NSW & ACT website www.
diabetesnsw.com.au or call
the Helpline on 1300 136
588 to speak with a health
professional.
Let’s take a closer look at the best
immune-boosting foods in each core food
group:
Replace your refined grains with whole
grains. Whole grains such as multigrain
bread contain more immune supporting
vitamins and minerals than refined
grains such as white bread. The additional
fibres in the multigrain will also assist
with blood glucose and cholesterol
management.
Include a variety of different protein
sources such as red meat, seafood, eggs,
legumes, nuts and seeds. These foods
are great sources of zinc, iron and
selenium, which are linked with reducing
inflammation and supporting a healthy
immune system.
Include a wide variety of different
coloured vegetables (at least five serves) and
two serves of fruit per day
They are a great source of vitamins A, C
and E. These nutrients are key players in
optimal immune health.
It is important to include a wide variety of
different coloured fruit and vegetables. The
different pigments usually have their own
unique health supportive benefits.
They are also a good source of prebiotics.
Prebiotics are a type of dietary fibre
that feeds the good bacteria in your gut.
These gut bacteria are closely linked with
regulating your immune response.
Enjoy low fat dairy and or dairyalternative
products. These products are
well known as a good source for calcium.
Milk is also rich in zinc, which helps our
immune system work efficiently. Some
research suggests that zinc may also help
with wound healing.
Australian Guide to Healthy Eating
Enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods
from these five food groups every day.
Drink plenty of water.
Vegetables and
legumes/beans
Grain (cereal) foods,
mostly wholegrain
and/or high cereal
fibre varieties
Penne
Lean meats and
poultry, fish, eggs,
tofu, nuts and seeds
and legumes/beans
Use small amounts
Quinoa
Polenta
Fettuccine
Chickpeas
Mixed nuts
Muesli
Lentils
Wheat flakes
Red kidney
beans
Red kidney
beans
Red lentils
Chickpeas
Fruit
Milk, yoghurt, cheese and/or
alternatives, mostly reduced fat
Only sometimes and in small amounts
MYTH
BUSTERS
Vitamin C has been
promoted actively
on social media
and many websites
as protecting
against COVID-19.
While studies
suggest that
vitamin C can
help to reduce
the length of
a cold, there is
no evidence to
support vitamin
C as preventing
and or helping to
manage COVID-19.
Cutting back
While it is important to know what to
include in your diet for a strong immune
system, it is equally important to know what
to limit:
1. Limit ultra or highly processed foods.
Research suggests that foods that are high
in refined sodium, saturated fat and sugar
increase inflammation. Ultra-processed
foods include meat pies, processed meats,
pizza, chips and hamburgers.
2. Limit excessive alcohol consumption.
High doses of alcohol intake can directly
suppress a wide range of immune
responses and the more you drink,
the greater the risk to your health.
Alcohol abuse is associated with an
increased incidence of a number of
infectious diseases.
Take home message
There is no one super food that can ‘boost’
our immune function. However, we can
optimise our immune system by enjoying
meals that include a wide variety of
vegetables, wholegrains, proteins, fruits
and dairy products and limiting the foods
that suppress our immune system such
as highly processed foods, soft drinks
and alcohol.
“High doses of alcohol
intake can directly
suppress a wide range of
immune responses”
46 JUNE 2020 ownerdriver.com.au

A
TRUCKING SUPPLIES
TRUCKS FOR WRECKING WAGGA WAGGA
334 Copland St, P.O. Box 2373, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650 Web: truckingsupplies.com.au
Ph: (02) 6925 8888 Fax: (02) 6925 8889
KENWORTH K200 2011, Cummins ISX EGR engine, RTLO20918 gearbox, 46-160
diffs, fuel tanks, good condition cab interior, pure air A/C, DPF filter, fixed turntable,
hydraulics, Alcoa rims. W2454. TA1004850.
POA
KENWORTH T601 1995, Cummins N14 Celect Plus, RTLO16718 gearbox, DSH40 diffs
on Airglide 100 suspension, hydraulics, Alcoa rims, good condition tyres, good
condition cab and sleeper, good condition fuel tanks, good condition bonnet, good
condition fuel tanks, ball race turntable. W2456. TA1007085.
POA
WESTERN STAR 4900FX 2010, Detroit series 60 EGR engine, RTLO20918B gearbox,
RT46-160 diffs (4.3 ratio), FUPS rated bullbar, good condition cab, good condition
bonnet, fuel tanks, Alcoa rims, tyres. W2460. TA1015069.
POA
WESTERN STAR 4800FX 2007, Cummins ISX engine, RTLO 20918B gearbox, 46-170
4.3 diffs, good condition cab, fuel tanks, JOST ball race turntable, Alcoa rims,
repairable FUPS bullbar. W2440. TA982694.
POA
KENWORTH T409 Tipper 2013, Repairable tipper body, Cummins ISX EGR engine,
RTLO 20918B 18 speed gearbox, DPF filter, 46-170 splicer diffs, Alcoa Rims, tyres,
good interior and cab, hydraulics, fuel tanks. W2430. TA974007.
POA
FREIGHTLINER ARGOSY 101 2007, C15 engine, AS3 Ggarbox, 46-160 4.3 diffs,
repairable bumper bar, good condition cab, good condition interior, step motor,
exhaust shrouds, good condition fuel tanks, Viesa air conditioning unit, Alcoa rims,
fixed turntable. W2442. TA984697.
POA
WESTERN STAR 5800SS 2014, DD15 engine, RTLO20918 gearbox, RT46-160 diffs,
airliner suspension 2, fixed turntable, Alcoa rims. W2452. TA1009673.
POA
FREIGHTLINER ARGOSY 2012, DD15 engine, FUPS rated bumper bar, RTLO 20918B
gearbox, RT46-160 Airliner diffs, AutoClima 3000 air conditioning , Alcoa rims, good
condition cab, good condition grille, fuel tanks, JOST turntable. W2446. TA1000290. POA
VOLVO FH12 2001, D12 engine, tyres + rims, good condition fuel tanks, Jost
turntable, good condition cab, good bullbar, VT2514 gearbox. W2420. TA964550. POA
FREIGHTLINER CST120 2009, CAT C15 Engine, RTLO20918B Gearbox, Meritor
RT50-160 4.3 Diffs, Sleeper Air by RTE A/C, FUPS rated Bullbar, Great Condition Cab,
Good Condition Bonnet, Fuel Tanks, Alcoa Rims, Tyres. W2458. TA1014337. POA
FREIGHTLINER CORONADO 2012, DD15 engine, Eaton fuller RTLO 20918B gear box,
Meritor 46-160 diffs, JOST fixed turntable, Alcoa rims, fuel tanks, cab. W2441.
TA979879.
POA
FREIGHTLINER C112 2003, C12 Engine, Airliner 46-160 Diffs, AS2 Gearbox, HMF1560
K2 Crane, Ring Feeder, Good Condition Cab, Bullbar, Good Condition Fuel Tanks,
Toolbox, 7.5m Tray, Tyres, Good Condition Bonnet, Good Condition Cab Interior.
W2451. TA1001491. POA
STERLING AT9500 2005, Detroit 14L series 60 engine, Eaton Fuller 18 speed
gearbox, 46-160 diffs, good condition bullbar, JOST turntable, Alcoa rims, good
condition fuel tanks andsSteps, good condition bonnet. W2453. TA1003801. POA
STERLING LT7500 2006, Cummins ISC engine, Alisson Auto MD356 gearbox, Meritor
41-145 diffs on Tuff track suspension, good condition Bbowl in working order and
with no concrete inside, fuel tanks, good condition cab, good condition bonnet,
tyres, Alcoa rims. W2455. TA1013378.
POA
IVECO STRALIS 505 2007, 46 160 Diffs, Super Single Alcoa Rims, Cursor 13 Engine.
w2401. TA931001. POA
TRUCK DISMANTLERS
Email: tsenquiries@truckingsupplies.com.au
WEBSITE UPDATED DAILY truckingsupplies.com.au
MDL 19571
MVRL 24428
OWD-FP-5011320-B

Phone: 1800 000 561 or 03 9703 2000
Warehouse Location - Just off Princes Freeway - Truck Access Available.
AUSTRALIA WIDE SERVICE.

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7/17 Kitchen Road, Dandenong, VIC 3175
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4/55 Glenbarry Road Campbellfield, Victoria 3061 Telephone:
(03) 9357- 7081 Fax: (03) 9357-8261
Email: sales@volwreck.com.au
Website: www.volwreck.com.au

NOW OPEN!
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visit www.ownerdriver.com.au
VOLVO FM13 2012, Volvo truck and trailer tipper for sale.
2012 fm13 500 I-shift full automatic. Truck has been driven
by owner only has been well looked after. Vehicle is regulated
VOLVO FM13 2012, Volvo truck and trailer tipper for sal
2012 fm13 500 I-shift full automatic. Truck has been drive
by owner only has been well looked after. Vehicle is regulate
for government projects. Truck and trailer bodies are
for government projects. Truck and trailer bodies a
Hercules. Truck has abs discs and trailer drum brakes both
have airbags suspension..vehicle includes digital scales,
Hercules. Truck has abs discs and trailer drum brakes bo
have airbags suspension..vehicle includes digital scale
sleeper cab, remote control electric tarps grain locks. Asking INTERNATIONAL ACCO 2650G 1993, Bogie Drive Tipper with sleeper cab, remote control electric tarps grain locks. Askin
INTERNATIONAL ACCO 2650G 1993, Bogie Drive Tipper with IVECO ACCO 2350G 2003, Cummins 285hp, Allison 6 speed
price $115000 inc. gst. Any questions please contact me on
only Good condition, cab A/C, Cummins Deisel price $115000 inc. gst. Any questions please contact me o
OORE SLIDING A TRAILER 2011, 27x 66 Moore slider A MACK 0423492291, METRO-LINER CH04JT. 2014, NSW. Agitator DIY1013521. with0423 work, 492 418twa. 291. QLD.
SCANIA 94,400kms. P380Good 2008, condition, 6x2 with cab3 A/C, tonneCummins TiemannDeisel
tailift, lazy-lift automatic, air bag rear suspension, parabolic spring load
FORD STERLING 2004, Ford Sterling Agi in great condition, MACK METRO-LINER 2014, Agitator work, 418twa. QLD. MOORE Engine. SLIDING 22T, A TRAILER 6 cylinder, 2011, 6x4 27xaxle, 66 Moore 44887722. sliderQLD.
A 0423492291, CH04JT. NSW. DIY1013521. 0423 492 291.
ailer, Nil. NSW. DIY1016090. 0428 953 430. $50,000 Inc GST DIY1005581. 0416 251 517.
fitted, GVM UNREGISTERED. 22T, 6 cylinder, QLD. 6x4 DIY963513. axle, 44887722. 0412 211 QLD. 777.
$115,000 POA Trailer, Nil. NSW. DIY1016090. 607 010. 0428 953 430.
$40,000 share front suspension, 541615 klms, 389 VPO. QLD.
Cf76dq. NSW. DIY978853. 0432 248 155. $35,000 DIY1005581. 0416 251 517.
POA DIY1003220. 0477 607 010. $50,000 $35,200 Inc $35,200 GST DIY993248. 0422 374 733.
$99,000 inc GST $115,0
VOLVO FM13 2012, Volvo truck and trailer tipper for sale.
2012 fm13 500 I-shift full automatic. Truck has been driven
by owner only has been well looked after. Vehicle is regulated
for government projects. Truck and trailer bodies are
Hercules. Truck has abs discs and trailer drum brakes both
have airbags suspension..vehicle includes digital scales,
CAT CT630 sleeper 2015, cab, + remote 2014control CBB electric trailer. tarps 580,000kms. grain locks. Eaton Asking
ultra shift. price PBS $115000 40 inc. tonne gst. payload. Any questions Fullplease service contact history. me on
SO K METRO-LINER CANTER MOORE 515 2019 4X2 SLIDING 2014, with Metromix AGreat TRAILER truck evergreen 2011, for anyone 27xcontract,
66 in Moore the sliderExcellent A 0423492291, condition. CH04JT. Will consider NSW. DIY1013521. separating 0423 - 492 tipper 291. truck
od S15D55KD810432. industry, Trailer, awesome Nil. NSW. NSW. DIY1023145. forDIY1016090. catering, 0422 0428 4P10B30341. 627 953 449. 430. $50,000 VIC. Inc GST $215,000 and tipping trailer $80,000, .. VIC. DIY1019336. $115,000
1010960. 0412 406 217. $415,000 $42,000 0418 104 472. $295,000 ONO - Will Separate
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SCANIA P380 2008, 6x2 with 3 tonne Tiemann tailift, lazy-lift
KENWORTH fitted, UNREGISTERED. T404 SARQLD. 2006, DIY963513. Cummins 0412 Signature 211 777. $40,000 @ 550hp, FORD STERLING KENWORTH 2004, K200 Ford Sterling AERODYNE Agi inBig great Cab. condition, Cummins ISXE5 62
2FZHATBS45AU87959. hp. 1,238,000 NSW. kilometres DIY978851. highway, 0432 248 155. XN87CY. $35,000 NSW. DIY100005
DIY1001738. 0414 602 775. $69,000 0408 152 934. $189,900 INC G
18spd manual, 90 tonne rated, 6F50000006A431864. NSW.
$
59
FROM
SCANIA P380 2008, 6x2 with 3 tonne Tiemann tailift, lazy-lift
fitted, UNREGISTERED. QLD. DIY963513. 0412 211 777. $40,000
ANIA P380 2008, 6x2 with 3 tonne Tiemann tailift, lazy-lift MITSUBISHI MACK METRO-LINER CANTER 2019 FE537 with 1999, Metromix Recently evergreenserviced.
contract,
ted, UNREGISTERED. QLD. DIY963513. 0412 211 777.
Logbook. 6FMS15D55KD810432.
$40,000
New tyres. NSW. Rego., DIY1023145. CG81ZU. 0422 NSW. 627 DIY956549. 449.
0473 570 692. $415,000 $7,950
CAT CT630 2015, + 2014 CBB trailer. 580,000kms. Eaton
ultra shift. PBS 40 tonne payload. Full service history. KENWORTH K104 2000, Kenworth K104 2000, CQ72TF. NSW.
DIY976186.
MERCEDES-BENZ Excellent condition. SPRINTER Will 2005, consider 11 Seats. separating Large- boot. tipper Very truck 0408 237 244. $75,000
reliable. $215,000 Single and owner. tipping Country trailer $80,000, driving., .. SNN858. VIC. DIY1019336. VIC. KENWORTH K104 2000, Kenworth K104 2000, CQ72TF. NSW
DIY974302. 0418 10438 472. 449 413. $295,000 ONO - Will $14,500 Separate DIY976186. 0408 237 244. $75,0
SCANIA R620 2014, 14 speed manual tipper and 2002
Hamelex white dog trailer. Registered to June 2020. 506,000
km, BZ25RE. NSW. DIY985277. 0418 424 942. $198,000
ANIA R620 2014, 14 speed manual tipper and 2002
melex white dog trailer. Registered to June 2020. 506,000
, BZ25RE. NSW. DIY985277. 0418 424 942. $198,000
IVECO ACCO 2350G 2003, Cummins 285hp, Allison 6 speed
automatic, air bag rear suspension, parabolic spring load
share front suspension, 541615 klms, 389 VPO. QLD.
DIY993248. 0422 374 733.
$99,000 inc GST
OR CALL 1300 $
59
362 272
SCANIA P380 2008, 6x2 with 3 tonne Tiemann tailift, lazy-lift
(The Publisher) shall not be fitted, held liable UNREGISTERED. or responsible. QLD. DIY963513. 0412 211 777. $40,000
ADVERTISE
IN PRINT &
ONLINE
The publisher accepts no responsibility or liability for any losses incurred by a buyer responding
to an advertisement in this magazine. Buyers are solely responsible for their own negotiations and
transactions with advertisers. Bauer Trader Media advises buyers beware of negotiating by email only;
of paying deposits to private advertisers for goods unseen; of transferring money (for example via
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FROM
ISUZU NPR300 MEDIUM 2006, With 4.24mtr furniture pan
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rails to suit ISUZU furniture, NPR300 timber MEDIUM floor to body, 2006, -. QLD. WithDIY989640.
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seater, rear step, toddco slide up rear door, battens & ti
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MACK METRO-LINER 2019 with Metromix evergreen contract,
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CAT CT
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ECO ACCO 2350G 2003, Cummins 285hp, Allison 6 speed
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993248. 0422 374 733. $99,000 inc GST
SCANIA P380 2008, 6x2 with 3 tonne Tiemann tailift, lazy-lift
fitted, UNREGISTERED. QLD. DIY963513. 0412 211 777. $40,000
MACK METRO-LINER 2019 with Metromix evergreen contrac
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LOW-PAID workers
must be given a
wage rise to aid a
COVID-19 economic
rebound, while
clients at the top held
accountable for rates
across transport, the
Transport Workers
Union (TWU) says.
The call is
in response to
the National
Road Transport
Association (NatRoad)
warning the Fair
Work Commission
(FWC) against such
hikes, citing the
current climate in
road transport, which
it characterises as
suffering a demand slump with jobs
at risk.
However, TWU national secretary
Michael Kaine’s argument is that
raising the minimum wage – thus
only applying to the lowest-paid
workers – addresses that demand
issue by boosting consumer
confidence as restrictions are lifted.
“The pandemic showed just how
essential transport workers are –
it would be a disgrace to refuse
them a vital boost to their wages,”
Kaine says.
“It must be remembered that the
national wage rise applies to the
very lowest paid workers, those on
the award – many of these workers
have suffered financially during
the pandemic.
“If they haven’t lost hours or
overtime in work themselves, their
partners or other earners in their
household probably have. Some
of the personal stories on this are
simply heartbreaking.
“It makes economic sense to
ensure workers can support their
families and help get our economy
back on track as restrictions are
lifted.”
Earlier, NatRoad had warned
the FWC against minimum wage
increases, with CEO Warren Clark
saying its members are “facing
dire circumstances”, including a
broad decline in demand, while
government initiatives like
JobKeeper see criteria largely
inapplicable to trucking.
However, the TWU says one of
NatRoad’s points was that its
members had observed downward
pressure from clients on rates
and payment times, but the union
says this highlights the need for
a regulatory system which holds
clients at the top of the transport
supply chain to account.
“Many clients sitting at the top
of the transport supply chain are
experiencing bumper sales since the
pandemic,” Kaine continues.
“Amazon for example grew its
revenues by 26 per cent in the first
three months in 2020.
“These wealthy clients must be
held to account to ensure transport
operators and drivers can operate
as the pandemic abates in a safe
environment, ensuring wage rates
are fair and that safety is the
number one priority.
“What we do not want to see is
clients continuing to financially
squeeze transport and using the
pandemic as an excuse, resulting
in much needed wage rises being
deferred.”
Kaine adds that now is the time
to push for a lifting of standards
across transport, not a lowering
of it.
“We urge all the elements of the
transport industry, including
NatRoad, to keep pushing for better
standards,” he says.
“They have been engaged in this
process, particularly under the
auspices of the Senate Inquiry
initiated by Senator Glenn Sterle.
“We all need to stay the course on
this to ensure reform becomes a
reality.”
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job
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truck reveals Study
zone
Danger 52 JUNE 2020 ownerdriver.com.au
AN HSV COLORADO
Danger zone
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OWNERDRIVER.COM.AU
ownerdriver

In times like these, it is important to acknowledge
our dependency on the men and women in
Australia’s road freight industry, who continue to
go above and beyond to get much needed supplies
across the country and into our homes.
So to all the truckies, long haulers, last milers,
loaders, couriers, packers, their families and
everyone behind the scenes in the supply chain,
we at NatRoad thank you for helping Australian
families in our everyday lives and in our moment
of need.
Share the recognition #thanktruck
NatRoad is the only national member organisation for the road
transport industry. Whether you’re large, small, or somewhere in
between, our expert team has the knowledge, advice and support
you need to keep your business moving.
Lorem ipsum
For more information:
Call 1800 272 144
Visit www.natroad.com.au
Email info@natroad.com.au

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DAF’S QUALITY PARTS SUPPORT
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54 JUNE 2020 ownerdriver.com.au

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ownerdriver.com.au
JUNE 2020 55

truck technology
INGENUITY DRIVES
Nearly four years after the latest Actros
arrived in Australia, the big Benz is
taking another major step forward
with a series of safety options
56 JUNE 2020 ownerdriver.com.au

ACTROS
MERCEDES-BENZ has launched the new Actros;
the first ever truck in Australia with cameras
for mirrors.
In fact, the new Actros is the first vehicle
on Australian roads to replace traditional
mirrors with mirrors – full stop. No carmaker
has yet managed this technological feat,
not Tesla, not Rolls Royce and not even …
Mercedes-Benz. So much for the idea that
truck technology has to lag behind that of cars.
The MirrorCam feature, which is not standard, but an
option on the Benz heavy hauler, is the headline grabber
for the updated version of the truck. That said, there
are plenty of other improvements Mercedes-Benz says
will ‘markedly’ reduce fuel consumption on a truck that
became known in the industry as a fuel miser after its 2016
Australian introduction.
One key fuel saver is the Predictive Powertrain Control
system that uses topographic map data to help the truck
anticipate terrain and select the optimum shift pattern
and engine response for maximum fuel economy.
The brains behind the brawn have been improved,
but the Actros engine HDEP hardware remains largely
unchanged. Every single Actros model is Euro 6-rated and
the heavy versions run 13-litre or 16-litre with output
peaks of 530hp (395kW) and 630hp (470kW) linked to fully
automated transmissions with 12 or 16 gears.
Ready to roll
The newly-appointed Mercedes-Benz Trucks Australia
Pacific director, Andrew Assimo, says the company is
ready to roll out the new Actros after an extensive local
validation program focused on the new fuel-saving
technology and safety features.
“We’re excited about bringing our Australian customers
the world’s best heavy truck innovations to give them an
edge by driving down costs and helping increase their
profitability,” Assimo says.
“The existing Actros has been great on fuel, but the new
one is even better. That’s certainly the message we’ve been
receiving from our validation fleet participants; with and
without MirrorCam.”
Mercedes-Benz is adding more bait for the bean-counters
by introducing the new Actros with an offer of five
years/500,000km of free Best Basic servicing. That’s a decent
chunk of costs an operator doesn’t have to worry about.
But Mercedes-Benz doesn’t want the appeal of the new
Actros to be determined by an abacus alone.
The Stuttgart engineers have done a lot of work to make
the interior of the Actros a nicer place to work. The biggest
change in here is a new driver information display system
featuring two large flat panel screens replacing the
traditional instrument cluster above the steering wheel
and a centre mounted screen.
The crisp high-resolution displays look like something
out of the latest prestige German car rather than a truck.
These iPad-like screens come standard with Actros and
Mercedes-Benz says drivers have responded well to
the feature during the validation program it has been
running in the lead up to the local Actros launch. This
shouldn’t come as a surprise. After all, so many of us
use smartphones to carry out so much of our business
these days.
The left display is a touchscreen unit. Perhaps sensing
that some truck drivers might not want to tap and swipe
all day long, the Mercedes-Benz engineers also included
a row of traditional touch buttons below the screen,
including high-use controls such a volume, temperature
control and climate controls. Not a bad idea when you hop
in a truck in a hurry and just want turn down the volume
or turn down the heat without having to swipe through a
bunch of menus.
This centre screen has been designed to also run thirdparty
apps that customers may wish to use, such as nonmanufacturer
telemetry systems, which would be certified
through MB Trucks App Portal. Local validation for this
function is currently underway.
The display above the steering wheel is not a touch
screen. It’s a more traditional screen with drive-related
data including speed, engine rpm and cruise control
ownerdriver.com.au
JUNE 2020 57

58 JUNE 2020 ownerdriver.com.au

“The heavy versions
run 13-litre or 16-litre
with output peaks of
530hp and 630hp.”
settings. Both screens can be controlled through the simple
steering wheel buttons. These have a small sensitive pad
that can be controlled with your thumbs, just like the latest
Mercedes-Benz passenger cars.
The Predictive Powertrain Control data can be viewed on
the centre control screen, which also indicates when the
Automated Manual Transmission flicks into neutral as it
coasts in order to save fuel. The idea behind PPC is that the
truck’s control unit taps into topographical information,
including pre-mapped three-dimensional GPS data.
Mercedes-Benz says Australia’s A and B roads and many
more are already in the system and the truck additionally
learns the routes it travels on. Clever girl.
This data is then used to inform the truck of the best
point to make a shift or, in many cases, to not shift and
hang on to a gear just a little longer in order to crest a
hill. PPC can be used in conjunction with cruise control
at speeds between 25km/h and 100km/h. The new Actros
retains its adaptive cruise control function that can
modulate the speed of the truck in heavy traffic, even when
the traffic grinds to a halt.
The new Actros also sees the introduction of the latest
generation of standard safety technology with Active Brake
Assist (ABA) 5. This system uses a radar and camera that
work together to try and prevent avoidable collisions. The
news with ABA 5 is that it can now bring the truck to a
complete halt when it detects moving pedestrians. It can
also stop completely for moving or stationary vehicles
when the driver may be distracted, something that is
proven to save lives and reduce road trauma. Given the title
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) by safety authorities,
this technology is the easiest way to avoid or reduce the
impact of collisions including heavy vehicles.
While you can’t put a price on a human life, or reducing
road trauma, you can put a price on crash repairs.
Importantly for those bean counters, AEB technology has
also seen repair costs for frontal damage to trucks drop
remarkably. Last year, a massive fleet based in Salt Lake City,
Utah, showed Owner//Driver a graph representing crash costs
over the last few years. The drop when AEB was introduced
across the fleet was striking. In fact, it was less of a drop
and more of a plummet.
Drag reduction
While it is undeniable that AEB is a crucial element for
modern fleets, the new MirrorCam system does not have
such universal acceptance at this stage.
Mercedes-Benz has decided to make it an option rather
than standard. Why? It has been a big hit in Europe so far
after all.
Top: Easy access: Drive-related data
including speed, engine rpm and
cruise control settings are offered
in a traditional view
Above: Ready to swipe: The iPadlike
screen has been designed to
also run third-party apps
Opposite: Adaptive headlight:
Dropping the high beam to low
automatically will keep the driver
on good terms with approaching
vehicles
Some drivers in the local validation fleet disliked the
slightly convex vision displayed on the screens when
reversing into a loading bay. Other test drivers got used
to them straight away and wouldn’t ever go back to
traditional mirrors.
Mercedes-Benz listened and decided to take the horses
for courses approach; the customer can decide which horse
they’d like to ride.
The case for MirrorCam can be broken down into two
elements; safety and economy.
You don’t have to be a SpaceX aerodynamicist to realise
that removing the almost elephantine mirrors from the
Actros cab is going to reduce drag and save some fuel. How
much will it save? The European numbers suggest a decent
improvement, but we run heavier loads in Australia and at
higher speeds, so we’ll really need to do some long distance
local testing before there is a definitive answer. The amount
of fuel the MirrorCams save could certainly help the case for
the technology, especially as fleet operators look for ways to
save money.
What is clear is that there is a visible safety advantage
by removing the large mirrors out of the driver’s field of
view. Come up to an intersection or roundabout in the
standard truck and you can easily lose the view of a car or
motorcyclist behind the mirror. Approach in the MirrorCam
truck and there is no blocking of vision with the mirrors
as the screens that show the rear-view are placed on the
A-pillar.
Mercedes-Benz will also point out to the MirrorCam’s
improved rear vision at night and also in the rain.
So what about complexity and cost of repair of the
camera wings? Mercedes says that it has tested the units
extensively and not had any issues. It also points to the
simplicity of automotive camera/display technology,
which has worked for years in millions of cars around the
ownerdriver.com.au
JUNE 2020 59

“Its new SoloStar cabin concept … first presented at
last year’s Brisbane Truck Show.”
world in the form of reversing camera systems.
As for the issue of repair, Mercedes says that
drivers are less likely to damage the mirrors
because they don’t extend as far out from the cab
as traditional mirrors, they are also higher up and
can bend to an extent.
But we all know that someone, somewhere will
smash one on an awning or tree branch; we’ll bet
a slab on it. Mercedes confirms the replacement
cost of the mirror is actually a smidgeon less
than the traditional mirror it replaces, which
will surprise many.
Mercedes-Benz is also making available its new
SoloStar cabin concept that was first presented at
last year’s Brisbane Truck Show and subsequently
introduced for the final run of the soon-to-bereplaced
Actros.
This concept introduces a new way for the driver
to rest in the cab. By moving to a fold-down bed
instead of a permanent bed, there is ample space
for the driver to spread out during rest breaks
or before bed using the café style lounge seat
which is positioned at the back of the cab on the
passenger side.
The idea is to create more useable space for the
driver during the day.
When it is time to sleep, the driver seat pushes
forward and the passenger seat back folds
forward to allow for the drop down bed, which
has a decent 850mm-wide mattress.
Owner//Driver is certainly looking forward
to trialling the SoloStar concept out on the
road.
Lights and headlights
The chrome-coloured camera wings are the
biggest external visual indicator of the new
Actros, but they aren’t the only ones. You would
have to be a truck-spotter to notice, but the new
Actros also has new LED daytime running lamps
for increased visibility.
An adaptive headlight function, which
automatically drops the high-beam to low-beam
for other vehicles, is also available as an option.
The interior is more obviously different,
thanks to the mirror displays and the two
information screens, but there are other
changes too.
There is a new electronic park brake system,
which features a chrome-look lever and sits
in the middle of the dashboard. There is also
an engine push start button to the left of the
steering wheel. The driver doesn’t need to insert
the key into the ignition; just have it on your
person, or in the cab, and all the driver needs do
is hit the button to stat the ignition and engine.
The key itself is a smart and compact unit which
includes a feature to test the lights outside the
vehicle as part of a pre-drive check.
Mercedes-Benz has fitted out the interior
60 JUNE 2020 ownerdriver.com.au

with neat LED ambient lighting like an airliner. There is a
combination of blue ambient lighting in the working part
of the cab and dimmable amber background lighting. More
adventurous customers can also choose an option to change
the ambient lighting colour, to red, white or green. Each to
their own!
Customers can also choose to upgrade with brushed alloy
trim sections that come with the StyleLine option for a more
upmarket look.
The big StreamSpace cab comes standard with two draws
that slide out between the seats, with one containing a
36-litre fridge. It’s also standard, so there is no need to head
off and buy an after-market unit to bolt in.
Stayed tuned for more on the new Actros, with Owner//
Driver planning an extended drive to see how this exciting
new technology translates out on the open road.
Above: Optional extra: Despite its
benefits, the Benz MirrorCam has
yet to gain widespread acceptance
Opposite, above & below: Testing
terrain: The new Actros has
undergone an extensive local
validation program; Actros
standard safety technology
includes Active Brake Assist 5,
a combined radar and camera
system designed to avoid
collisions
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JUNE 2020 61

in-truck technology
GUARDIAN ANGEL
Monitoring 100 drivers
over several months using
the latest Guardian in-cab
technology, the Advanced Safe
Truck Concept (ASTC) project
studied driver behaviour with
an aim to improve road safety
and influence a re-think
of professional driving
regulations. Anjali Behl writes
FATIGUE AND driver distraction
are two of the most notorious
contributors to road accidents,
prompting authorities worldwide to
implement regulations and policies
that encourage the use of road
safety and fatigue management
technologies.
In Australia, a recent study tested
the success, sophistication and benefits
of using an innovative driver monitoring
system that aims to detect driver
fatigue and distraction. The $6.5 million
co-operative research centre project, titled
the ‘Advanced Safe Truck Concept’ (ASTC),
was funded by the Australian Government
in partnership with Canberra-based driver
monitoring technology company Seeing
Machines, the Monash University Accident
Research Centre (MUARC), Ron Finemore
Transport Services and Volvo Trucks
Australia.
The project involved studying driver
behaviour over many months using the
latest in-cab driver monitoring technology
from Seeing Machines. The research team
fitted 10 of Ron Finemore Transport’s trucks
with the Guardian system, monitoring 100
drivers over a period of nine months. The
participating drivers collectively made
22,215 trips across more than 1.7 million
kilometres, leading to the largest and
most comprehensive study anywhere
in the world.
“The project has resulted in the
pioneering of advanced technology that
positions Australia as a leader in driver
monitoring technology innovation,” Seeing
Machines program lead Dr Mike Lenné says.
“It will allow Australia to influence
62 JUNE 2020 ownerdriver.com.au

the global approach to the regulation of professional
driving and improve heavy vehicle safety. This is a great
example of industry working together, with the support
of our government, to enhance safety with a proven
policy approach and see it put into practice.”
GUARDIAN TECHNOLOGY
Seeing Machines provides industry-leading fatigue
prevention and driver monitoring technologies for the
local and international commercial transport sector.
Its Guardian system uses advanced computer vision
technology to observe and minimise driver fatigue
and distraction events, and associated accidents in
commercial fleet applications. The system delivers
an intelligent driver safety technology that uses
in-cab sensors to monitor the driver’s levels of fatigue
and distraction, in real time. The technology system
consists of small cameras and connected sensors that
are sensitive enough to detect blinking of eyes, head
position, and where the driver is looking.
An alarm signals driver fatigue or distraction which
triggers the driver’s seat to vibrate rapidly. Meanwhile,
an alert is sent by satellite to the Seeing Machines 24/7
monitoring centre, which is accessible by the trucking
company in real time, so they can contact the driver and
initiate a fatigue management plan.
IMPLEMENTATION AND STUDY
With more than 500 people staff and a fleet of over
250 prime movers, Ron Finemore Transport moves
food and fuel products across millions of kilometres
“It’s about keeping workers safe”
each year. The business maintains a strong safety culture,
which is reflected in its safe and modern fleet that uses the
latest driver fatigue and safety monitoring technology to
minimise risks.
Ron Finemore Transport general manager – technology
and innovation, Darren Wood, says the company has been
using the Guardian technology in its fleet since 2015. At
that time, it installed the technology into 10 of its vehicles
and its success over the years led the company to make it a
mandatory feature for all its trucks. Many of Ron Finemore
Transport team’s suggestions have also been incorporated in
the products today.
“We’re an innovative business, we like to understand how
new technologies work,” Wood says. “As a result of sharing
a relationship with Seeing Machines that is trusting
and innovative, and being a customer that is a willing
participant to make the product even better, we were asked
to participate in this study.”
Through various research projects over the years, MUARC,
one of the world’s leading comprehensive injury prevention
research institutions, has contributed to a range of
workplace and community safety initiatives across Victoria.
Not unlike other participants, the Monash research team
Above: Left to right: Seeing
Machines SVP fleet and human
factors Dr Mike Lenné, assistant
minister for road safety & freight
transport Scott Buchholz, Ron
Finemore Transport managing
director Mark Parry, and Monash
University Accident Research
Centre associate director Michael
Fitzharris
ownerdriver.com.au
JUNE 2020 63

Top: The technology system
consists of small cameras and
connected sensors that can
detect driver’s head position
and blinking of eyes
Above: Guardian system uses
advanced computer vision
technology to observe driver
fatigue and distraction events
involved in this project was excited with the prospects of
this study.
To test the sensing platform and fine-tune the
instrumentation process that would result in minimal
disruption to Ron Finemore Transport’s operations during
the naturalistic driving study, the research team used
Australia’s first research-based truck simulator at MUARC.
The team conducted tests on 74 drivers under varying
conditions. The drivers were sleep-deprived and then
intentionally distracted during simulation for two-hours.
The results indicated drivers were twice as likely to
crash when fatigued, but 11 times more likely to crash
when fatigued and distracted at the same time. The study
was enhanced by Volvo contributing a truck to serve as a
development test-bed for the driver-sensing platform which
could be seamlessly installed in the MUARC truck and car
simulator, as well as the RFT fleet.
“We were excited at the prospect of being part of a
“Drivers were twice as
likely to crash when
fatigued”
study that aimed to put more depth into understanding
the principles behind fatigue and driver distraction
management so we could coordinate with our workforce
in a more productive and proactive way in the future,”
Wood says.
“Each member of our operations team was given full
training and to this day this is one of the most successful
programs we have implemented in the business because
at every stage of the project each process was followed to
the letter.
“We have had excellent feedback from the project. We
engaged proactively with our drivers all along the process,
keeping them informed through regular updates on the
progress of the project. Our participating drivers have been
very accommodating and understanding of what we were
asking them to do, and very interested in the outcome of
the project so there has been lots of follow on discussions
and communication since it all started.
“Following the completion of the project some of our
participating drivers have even taken part in media forums
at various milestone events of the project.
“For us, using this technology in our vehicles is a
mandatory requirement for safety reasons. The way we
think of safety in our business, the use of this technology
is compulsory for us. Our long-term view is that this
technology should be, if not mandatory, highly sought
after and should provide some sort of financial incentives
through insurance premiums to the industry.
“Overall, it’s about keeping workers safe and getting our
drivers back home safe to their families.
“We are looking forward to seeing some of the suggestions
that our drivers made to make the interaction between the
driver of the vehicle and the in-cab technology even better,
even more accommodating to driver needs and overall less
intrusive being implemented into future releases of the
product,” Wood adds.
FUTURE BENEFITS
It is a general consensus among all participating groups
that this study offers an opportunity for policymakers to
apply a more personalised approach to managing risks
linked with fatigue and understanding how work hours are
implemented in practice.
64 JUNE 2020 ownerdriver.com.au

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“This is not just
for trucks, but all
passenger vehicles”
Above: The study involved
monitoring 100 drivers over nine
months using the latest Guardian
in-cab technology
“Addressing key risk factors such as distraction and fatigue
will be critical in reducing the number of people killed and
injured on our roads. In-vehicle technology will play a key
role in achieving this,” MUARC director Professor Judith
Charlton says.
The study was a successful platform to test the latest
sensor technology with an aim to reduce heavy vehicle
crashes, improve driver well-being and help trucking
companies better manage their fatigue in their driving
workforce, she adds.
“Keeping our drivers safe and being able to detect fatigue
and distraction prior to an incident or accident will help
keep our drivers and other road users safe. This will
support our company’s proactive approach to driver safety
and wellbeing – which is at the centre of our business
from culture to operations,” Ron Finemore Transport
managing director Mark Parry says.
“By allowing researchers to work with our truck drivers
directly, they now have a detailed understanding of their
tasks, needs, and driving environments.”
MUARC associate director Michael Fitzharris says the
research not only has major implications for policy
implementation but it will also allow a re-think of current
best practices in managing driver fatigue and distraction
levels for commercial drivers.
“With driver distraction and drowsiness known to be
key contributors to road fatalities and injuries globally,
this research will enable the implementation of highly
advanced and sophisticated driver monitoring technology
that will play a key role in reducing the number of people
killed and injured on our roads in the future,” he says.
Fitzharris adds that the benefits of this type and
sophistication have significant road safety benefits for all
vehicles on the road, not just trucks.
“This is not just for trucks, but all passenger vehicles.
This will improve the safety of all road users, including
pedestrians and cyclists.”
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tech briefs
EBS driving
trailer
weight data
US COMPANY Orbcomm has announced the
introduction of a new trailer weight feature to solve
the problem of overloaded trailers by accessing data
from the Electronic Braking System (EBS) module. By
monitoring trailer weights in real-time, Orbcomm says
hauliers can avoid running overloaded trailers, get
alerted to unauthorised trailer weight changes, prevent
the sub-optimal use of trailers and mitigate against
trailer misuse.
Orbcomm’s EBS Trailer Weight feature is said to
help prevent overweight trailers by providing realtime
trailer weight data, load and unload events,
maximum allowable vehicle weight settings and alerts
to overweight events. The data is available in Orbcomm’s
cloud-based platform and can be integrated into other
systems via an API call. The company says its solution
supports all major EBS brake manufacturers, including
Haldex, Wabco and Knorr-Bremse.
“The overloading of HGVs presents a significant
danger to road users, other vehicles and the roads
themselves,” says Conor Halloran, Orbcomm’s business
development manager for Australia.
“Overweight trucks cannot stop quickly and can
become unpredictable, tyres are less stable, and, in
extreme events, the consequences can be fatal.
“Orbcomm’s trailer weight monitoring enables fleets
to track trailer weight changes during a trip so that
operators can improve safety by reducing the potential
for accidents while benefitting from fewer fines, better
load efficiency and trailer productivity.”
Orbcomm says its EBS trailer weight feature is
available with its dry and refrigerated trailer solutions.
Standard features are reported to provide real-time
alerts communicated on-screen, by SMS or email if
loads are exceeded. Maximum allowable weights can be
configured for each trailer. Load and unload events can
be identified by specific location and time, to investigate
the unauthorised loading or unloading of cargo.
To help avoid over or under servicing of trailers,
Orbcomm says fleets can use the actual trailer odometer
mileage from the EBS to determine maintenance
scheduling and integrate that data with maintenance
software. It adds that red and amber warnings also
indicate any safety issues with the EBS module.
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68 JUNE 2020 ownerdriver.com.au

Scania packages to offset virus impact
SCANIA has reportedly devised a series of
innovative offers around its New Truck
Generation range, which it says will
help combat the negative impacts of the
coronavirus crisis.
The Swedish truck manufacturer says
customers ordering selected short lead
time vehicles before September 30 and
taking delivery before December 31 will
be able to take advantage of a range
of offers, specially formulated to ease
the burden of operating trucks in the
current economic climate.
In the short-term, these will help
maximise the financial advantage of
the federal government’s stimulus
package, Backing Business Investment
(BBI), which includes the instant asset
write-off or 50 per cent accelerated
depreciation for investment programs
(where applicable, and which are
presently scheduled to terminate on
June 30).
“Scania is pro-actively reaching out
to truck buyers and offering them
solutions for new vehicle acquisition
and pain-free servicing designed
to maximise uptime and cash-flow
especially during challenging times,”
says Dean Dal Santo, director of sales for
Scania Trucks in Australia.
“We understand that increased
cost pressures brought to bear by
the coronavirus crisis require urgent
action. Working in conjunction with
Scania Finance Australia (SFA), we have
developed the initiatives targeting
selected short lead time vehicle
purchases. This program has been
designed to have immediate impact,
making it possible for operators to
renew their fleet or continue with
planned fleet replacements as well
as maintain the vehicles in prime
condition.
“One of the motivators was the further
tightening of lending criteria by the
major financial institutions which
may make it unduly onerous for some
customers to be able to complete a
much-needed purchase. So Scania has
expanded its already well received ‘low
doc’ loan program.
“We also promise a fast decision on
a loan request, again to reduce the
pressure on customers keen to get on the
road in a new truck,” Dal Santo says.
Scania Australia has announced that
its first action is to increase the loan
limit for existing customers of SFA to
$750,000, or $500,000 for customers new
to SFA, subject to SFA credit criteria.
“In addition, we are offering a limited
period of six months of interest-only
Scania says full capacity
is being maintained at its
workshops and parts branches
payments for the vehicle and also
a deferred payment offer for repair
and maintenance agreements on
these selected new vehicles,” Dal Santo
continues.
“These are carefully considered offers
aimed at ensuring customers who may
be looking at restricted cash flow for
reasons completely outside their control,
can continue to function with a higher
degree of normality than they may have
thought possible.
“Scania’s network of nine companyowned
workshops and parts branches
across Australia ensures we remain
closely aligned with our customers’
uptime focus and despite the impact
of the coronavirus across Australian
business, we have maintained full
capacity at our branches,” he says.
“No other original equipment supplier
is offering such incentives, and because
SFA is offering assistance at commercial
rates, customers do not have to rely on
third-party lenders who may charge
interest significantly above the going
rate,” Dal Santo says.
Scania Australia says the offers
contain additional terms and conditions
– and may include fees – which
should be carefully considered prior to
proceeding.
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ownerdriver.com.au
JUNE 2020 69

FOR THE OWNER-DRIVER Frank Black
Treated with disdain
In these uncertain times, some truck stop owners
are treating our trucking heroes like animals
ONE SILVER LINING from the
coronavirus cloud over us all at
the moment is that, for once,
trucking is being valued as the
essential service we’ve always
known it to be. Supermarkets
have experienced higher
demand than the Christmas period;
hospitals need medical supplies fast; PPE
deliveries are needed in all corners of the
country; and industries like construction
are continuing as normal. When states
closed their borders, trucks were one of
the few exemptions.
For many of us we’ve seen an increase
in work and for the millions of people
stuck at home, our contribution to
Australia has become more apparent.
Messages of thanks to truckies have been
shared on the internet and even from the
mouths of politicians.
When we’re through this uncertain
period, we must channel this newfound
appreciation into improving pay,
conditions and safety standards for the
trucking industry.
TRUCK STOPS UNDERSERVICED
Another surprising turn of events in the
‘Twilight Zone’ that is 2020 is the muchneeded
attention that’s starting to shift
to truck stops.
But while the public sings our praises
and politicians enforce exemptions
to ensure truck stops stay open, some
appear to think it is okay for the same
staff responsible for cleaning toilets and
showers to also serve us food.
There isn’t a driver out there that hasn’t
complained about truck stops being
underserviced, unhealthy or too few and
far between. Unfortunately, there’s no
improvement there, and as I’ll address in
a moment, some have even got worse.
But for the first time in a long time,
truck stops were put onto the political
agenda of state governments.
Since the exemptions for trucks
allowed us longhaul drivers to continue
crossing borders, there’s been a big push
from drivers, the Transport Workers
Union (TWU) and Senator Glenn Sterle to
ensure truck stops continue to operate so
that we can get a meal, have a shower and
get some rest.
Shortly after, exemptions to the new
restrictions were extended to truck
stops – the first win for us. But it took
a while for the message to get through.
Not all truck stops remained open, and
many that did forced us to eat outside
and were not kept clean, exposing us to
coronavirus risks.
The TWU and Senator Sterle continued
to put pressure on state governments,
who in turn agreed to enforce the
exemptions so that truck stops would
be safe places for us to eat, wash and
manage our fatigue.
But far more needs to be done.
SHOCKING CONDITIONS
Even in the better times some truck stops
which previously set a high standard
appear to have been degraded. And it’s
continuing across the country.
Now it appears some truck stop owners
are going the extra mile to cut back
even further and treat us like animals,
appearing to exploit a global health crisis
to top up its profits at the expense of its
customers.
Despite an abundance of space and a
dozen trucks pulled up, these stops have
only a couple of tables set up, pushing
the majority of the drivers outside or
back into the cab to eat their meals.
FRANK BLACK has been a
long distance owner-driver
for more than 30 years.
He is the current ownerdriver
representative on
the ATA Council.
BELOW: Dinner time:
Some reopened truck stop
restaurants are setting a
good example for heavy
vehicle drivers during the
COVID-19 pandemic
“It is unhygienic … to have
the same person cleaning
toilets and showers and then
serving food.”
Cut backs on staff have left stops
running on as little as two workers –
one in the kitchen and the other left to
serve food, service the pumps and clean
the bathrooms.
Even in usual circumstances, it is
unhygienic and frankly disgusting to
have the same person cleaning toilets
and showers and then serving food,
wearing the same clothes and with barely
any time even to wash their hands.
During a coronavirus pandemic, this
is outrageous.
I wouldn’t work on my truck, then serve
dinner to my friends and family wearing
the same grubby clothes. We don’t expect
to be treated like this at a truck stop
either – especially when we are paying
for the service!
It is not at all the fault of the workers
at these truck stops. If anything, they are
even worse off. From what I’ve seen, they
are only provided gloves for cleaning and
little else to protect them from exposure
to coronavirus or any other germs for
that matter.
SERVICE ELSEWHERE
There are many other truck stops doing
the right thing. And by that I mean
they’re treating us like human beings
that can eat at a table, while putting on
extra cleaners to keep everybody safe.
This should surely be the minimum,
especially at a time like this.
I think we should be thinking: “I would
rather spend my $1,500 on fuel at a
garage that will appreciate and afford me
the same respect I afford them.”
I would encourage everyone to avoid
any truck stop that engages in the
previously mentioned practises. Instead,
take your service to the truck stops and
road houses doing right, particularly the
smaller locally-owned ones.
Let’s keep up the pressure on
governments to improve truck stops
around the country so that we can be
treated with the dignity all hard working
Australians deserve.
70 JUNE 2020 ownerdriver.com.au

BE QUICK!
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ABN HOLDERS ONLY • FINANCE NOW AVAILABLE
15M x 31.5M x 5.1M | $33,450 INC GST
DON'T MISS OUT ON THESE MASSIVE SAVINGS
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TREASURE
PLUS
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$19,650
INC GST
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SAVING
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$30,590
INC GST
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ONLY
AUSTRALIAN $16,690
INC GST
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SPECIAL
10M x 22.5M x 5.1M (33’ x 75’ x 17’)
Open both 10M ends. Add an end wall
for $2,000 or an extra bay for $3,430.
15M x 25M x 5M (50’ x 83’ x 16’8”)
5M open bays fits wide machinery or two
cars. Zincalume. Colorbond slightly extra.
9M x 18M x 5M (30’ x 60’ x 16’8”)
Classic open bays for easy storage. Add a
6M x 18M lean-to for $6,090.
ONLY
$20,290
INC GST
15M x 18M x 5.1M (50’ x 60’ x 17’)
Strong, robust and extendable. Open both ends.
Add an end wall for $3,260 or an extra bay for $4,570.
HUGE OPEN
ENDED
EVERYDAY
FARMER
MASSIVE
ONLY
WORKSHOP $56,190
INC GST
ONLY
$48,450
INC GST
18M x 36M x 5.7M (60’ x 120’ x 19’)
Open both ends. Perfect fodder storage and access for
large machinery. Add an end wall for $4,390 or an
extra bay for $5,610.
ONLY
$24,990
INC GST
13M x 22.5M x 5.1M (43’ x 75’ x 17’)
Open front farm industrial building. Perfect for
everyday storage. Add an extra bay for $4,240.
Clermont Crane Hire
18M x 45M x 5.1M (60’ x 147’ x 17’)
An awesome shed with so much potential.
Increase height at the eave to
5.7M (19’) for $3,500.
TOUGH
ONLY
DOUBLE $22,950
INC GST
13M x 18M x 5M (43’ x 60’ x 16’8”)
Two large 9M bays. Can be extended
at any time. Colorbond available
at extra cost.
VERSATILE
ONLY
FARM SHED $27,990
INC GST
15M x 22.5M x 5.1M (50’ x 75’ x 17’)
Great farm shed with three
closed sides. Easy to extend.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF
100% TAX
DEDUCTION
UP TO
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+GST! *
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$21,550
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9M x 18M x 4.2M (30’ x 60’ x 13’8”)
Lots of options with two 3M x 3M roller doors,
one large industrial roller door and one PA door.
Building in Colorbond $22,990.
TRIPLE MAMMOTH
VALUE PLUS ONLY
$10,690
INC GST
VALUE
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INDUSTRIAL $26,750
INC GST
ONLY
$74,590
INC GST
45.88M x 22.5M x 5M (150’ x 75’ x 16’8”)
Three sided with wide openings and great clearance. Lean-to extra.
9M x 13.5M x 4.2M (30’ x 45’ x 13’8”)
Open both ends. Perfect for hay,
machinery or workshop. Add an end wall
for $1,280 or an extra bay for $3,010.
13M x 18M x 5M (43’ x 60’ x 16’8”)
All the strength and ruggedness of a full
industrial building with a large roller door
and PA door. Building in Zincalume,
extra cost for Colorbond.
SUPER
ONLY
INDUSTRIAL $65,190
INC GST
SERIOUS
ONLY
INDUSTRIAL $40,190
INC GST
SOLID
PROTECTION
GREAT
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OPENINGS $29,150
INC GST
18M x 31.5M x 5.6M (60’ x 105’ x 18’5”)
Plus a 4.5M (15’) roof extension and large
industrial roller doors. Makes an ideal
workshop or factory. Colorbond slightly extra.
15M x 27M x 5.1M (50’ x 90’ x 17’)
Heavy duty with a large industrial roller
door and PA door. Perfect for storage,
manufacturing or workshop.
Colorbond walls and trim.
ONLY
$17,390
INC GST
10M x 18M x 4.5M (33’ x 60’ x 15’)
Open one end for great three sided protection.
15M x 27M x 5.1M (50’ x 90’ x 17’)
So popular and such great value.
Add an end wall for $3,260 or
an extra bay for $4,320.
MANUFACTURING HIGH GRADE SHEDS IN QLD, NSW, VIC, SA, WA & TAS
THE NOW BUILDINGS ADVANTAGE
100% Australian steel, 100% Australian made, 100% Australian family owned
High tensile bolts & class 4 fasteners, gutters & downpipes included
Site specific engineering, heavy duty connection & footing design
High grade industrial strength materials and design
CALL 1300 559 668 OR VISIT WWW.NOWBUILDINGS.COM.AU
JOHN 0437 699 111 TREVOR 0431 597 160 JAMES 0413 104 820
Images are from the Now Buildings range and are for illustration purposes only. Imperial measurements are approximate. Extras pricing in bold is applicable at the shed purchase stage only. Extensions for existing sheds POA.
WA and NT slightly extra. Delivery extra. Now Buildings will not be responsible to honour these prices once the total allocation has been sold. E&OE. Prices are Region A, Terrain cat. 2. Reg B available at slightly extra. Prices are based on collection
from one of our many depots, delivery is available at an extra charge in most areas. *You should consult your own tax and accounting advisors before engaging in any transactions.

NOW OPEN IN TOWNSVILLE
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KENWORTH VOLVO
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20L
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N70ZZ BATTERY
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A3073280001
1134445
& MORE
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88 00
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110 00
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71 50
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16 50
TML100120
TMN70ZZXMF
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180 00
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201 45
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151 80
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