Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 293 i Owner Driver

MORE THAN 30 companies have signed a voluntary code of conduct that aims to encourage businesses to pay their suppliers on time. Although the initiative has received a nod of approval from the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) and the National Road Transport Association (NatRoad), both parties are sceptical any significant changes will result from the move. While welcoming the news, ASBFEO Kate Carnell expresses doubt that the Business Council of Australia’s (BCA) Australian Supplier Payment Code will be able to tackle the issue of unreasonable payment times. She is calling for a ‘national payment transparency register’ to independently monitor payment terms and practices. The register will provide an independent space where companies can be held responsible for unreasonable payment times. NatRoad, on the other hand, says…

RAZORBACK REBEL , Ted ‘Greendog’ Stevens, has copped a lot of abuse since he instigated the Razorback Blockade in April 1979. He hopes his recently self-published book, Razorback – the Real Story, will set a few misconceptions straight. “Hopefully it stops a lot of the bullshit and gossip that went on after,” Ted says. “People believed it was done for ulterior motives. It wasn’t.” We are sitting at Ted’s kitchen table at his home in Diggers Rest, Victoria. The 38 years since Razorback have left their mark on Ted’s health. He suffered a stroke in 2013, glaucoma is affecting his eyesight, and he is undergoing tests to explain recent weight loss. But in many ways Ted is still the tough-talking truckie he was back in 1979 when he and his…

AUTONOMOUS ON-ROAD trucks may have been on the Australian transport industry’s agenda seriously for only a few years but the concept has more than a foothold in its mindset. On the flip side, most of the industry, especially from owner-drivers to small fleets, sees no role for them in their businesses. This is the outcome of Teletrac Navman’s newly released Autonomous Trucks: An Industry Research Report by ACA Research. “More than four in 10 fleets and half of larger fleets believe autonomous vehicles will play a role in the Australian road freight industry in the next 10 years,” ACA’s researchers report. “Despite this, many are sceptical of their capabilities although this is likely to change as road testing is completed in Australian conditions. “Cost reduction leads safety and efficiency as…

AS YOU may already know, Paccar Parts hold the most stringent standards for quality. Whether they are offering a PACCAR genuine, Kenworth, DAF, TRP or vendor brand part, Paccar Parts stands behind the products they offer to customers. Australia has some of the world’s toughest driving conditions, so the testing of their parts is rigorous to say the least. As Australia’s most trusted parts distributor, they are constantly striving for innovation and reliability while keeping the costs down for customers. Their distribution centre has over 350,000 parts in stock and whether you drive a Kenworth, DAF or other US and European drive line trucks, chances are they have the part you need, when you need it. When it’s time for a parts change, it’s important not to compromise on parts…

THE 2017 Heritage Truck Show, held at the Brisbane trucking hub of Rocklea, played host yet again to an impressive array of vintage trucks and memorabilia, giving the public a glimpse into bygone trucking days. Despite the torrential rain forecasted, on the day you couldn’t spot a cloud in the sky and this elevated the mood for all – especially people wanting to showcase their shiny bangers! One truckie stopped Owner//Driver and told us he didn’t even bother washing his truck because he assumed it’d be pouring. “Mate, take a photo on the other side, I thought we’d have a tonne of rain to wash the dust off!” he jokes. The event saw nearly 150 trucks roll into the Rocklea Showgrounds, from B-model Macks through to a schmick-looking old Oshkosh.…

2006 KENWORTH T904 165T Rated, 50-inch bunk, Approx 572,000km original. Cat C16 600, 18-speed road ranger with 2-speed joey box, 52/190 4.78 ratio, hydraulics. 12 months NSW rego. Good honest truck ready for work in good condition. 0428 780 478 $190,000 2006 KENWORTH T904 Has travelled 900,000km complete out chassis rebuild (Gen 11 Cummins) 22 series G/box P/button auto. 0408 575 789 $95,000 2000 KENWORTH T904 Cummins Sig Gen 2 620hp.18-speed. 46-160 Diffs 4.3. Air bag Airglide 400. Alloys. ABS. 90-tonne rated. 50-inch Sleeper R/ Train B-double rated. 0419 149 251 $95,000 2001 KENWORTH T904 Limited Edition. 18-speed Detroit DDEC 4 12.7, 36-inch concave Intergrated cab, B-double road train rated. Bunk cooler, Ox blood premium interior. Getting resprayed white at the moment. 0429 999 377 $110,000 2007 KENWORTH T904 CAT…

VOLVO TRUCKS has showcased its concept FH XXL cab to customers and partners before the Volvo Trucks customer dinner, which took place concurrently with the 2017 Brisbane Truck Show. “We are extremely excited to be introducing the FH XXL cab concept here in Australia,” Volvo Trucks Australia vice president Mitch Peden says. “As always, we have been listening closely to our customers and there has been a strong and clear demand for this product.” According to Volvo Trucks, the FH XXL concept cab was designed with the driver in mind, being 200mm longer than the current XL Globetrotter cab, including noticeable improvements to the driver’s work and living conditions plus additional space for accommodation and storage. “Showcasing the FH XXL cab signals our intention to bring this project to commercial…

“Hill-hold is arguably one of the most practical innovations in modern truck technology” NOT OFTEN, but every now and then a new truck comes along that takes you by surprise. Whether the surprise is good or not … well, that’s something else. Like, if for any reason you expect a new model to be a stunningly good thing only to be left with a yawning sense of ‘so what’ after the first stretch behind the wheel, then the surprise is obviously in the disappointment rather than the delight. On the other hand, if you’re not expecting anything particularly inspiring but in short time find yourself admiring unforeseen attributes, then perhaps surprise is the greatest indicator of a new model’s true potential. Definitely falling into the latter category is Hino’s FM2635,…

2001 IVECO EUROCARGO 170E27 590,000km. 14-pallet jumbo body, aluminium tailgate lifter, air-con, 8-speed manual, air bags with adjustable lift, front disc breaks, 3 months rego with roadworthy. 0401 173 736 $50,000 2002 IVECO EUROCARGO Turbo-charged 6-cyl 6-speed transmission, spring suspension 7450x2600 highcube tautliner with 2.45m hinged gates, load binders & rear doors. GVM 11990kg 08 7007 6845 $26,400 2008 IVECO DAILY 50C17/18 Iveco Daily 50C18 with 13ft steel floor curtainsider body. Gates. Zepro Alloy 500kg TailGate Loader. 6-speed manual gearbox. Reversing camera. Air-con. 0437 764 180 $19,950 IVECO EUROCARGO 160E28 One only from choice Of 9. Iveco Tector 280hp, auto, air bag rear suspension, disc brakes, ABS, dual alloy tanks, sleeper cab, reverse camera. Ideal furniture van 03 8373 7047 $77,000 2017 IVECO DAILY 50C17/18 ZF 8-speed, full automatic, 3-litre…

IN BRIEF Name: Peter Fruend Company: Toll Truck: 2012 Kenworth T409 Engine: Cummins EGR Transmission: 18-speed Roadranger Freight carried: Timber Regular run: Along the eastern seaboard PETER FRUEND is a truck driver with 19 years’ experience behind the wheel, the last four with Toll. The move to Toll also coincided with Peter linking up with a Kenworth T409, his regular drive since starting with the company. With its stainless steel guards and a touch of bling, it’s a nice piece of gear. As far as Peter is concerned, there’s nothing better than a good-looking rig as it reflects his professionalism for the job. “I take a lot of pride in my ride,” Peter remarks. The T409 has done more than 900,000 kilometres. It’s currently pulling a single tautliner trailer delivering…

SPEED KILLS, if you speed you are a homicidal maniac. If you speed you are a menace to society that needs to be locked in a dark cell with a big randy man to ponder your sins. If the mega-dollar marketing campaigns are to believed speeding on our roads is one of the greatest evils of our time, only a little down the list from Dixie Chicks’ cover bands. I find it interesting that the more draconian the enforcement of speeding vehicles, the more the road toll rises, or, at least, doesn’t drop. It is very clear to anyone who hasn’t been brainwashed by the secret order of power brokers that were responsible for the death of JFK, and the disappearance of Harold Holt, that speed doesn’t kill. I will…

THIS YEAR is set to be a great one for Western Star Trucks in Australia with a solid pipeline of sales, according to Penske Commercial Vehicles. In addition to high-performing dealerships nationally, Penske says the healthy pipeline can also be attributed to the efforts of the new Penske Power Systems dealerships in Mackay, Townsville, Darwin and Cairns. Commencing as Penske Commercial Vehicles dealerships over the last six months, Penske Power Systems’ Mackay, Townsville, Darwin and Cairns locations have assumed full retail sales, service and parts responsibilities. These four locations were recently joined by Penske Power Systems’ Perth facility, which it says has had a stellar first month of sales. Penske Commercial Vehicles sales manager – Western Star Trucks, Dale Christensen, says the team was starting to reap rewards from all…

2014 HINO 300 SERIES - 616 MEDIUM AUTO Late model trucks with loads of features. Low 80,000kms. Can be driven on a car licence. Full auto, 4500kg GVM, 500kg tuck-away lifter. NSW Roadworthy certificate. 02 8279 7056 $51,500 2007 HINO RANGER PRO FD Registered until Nov 14. Engine, gearbox and radiator have all been replaced within the last eight months. six-metre tray, 6-speed gearbox, power steering, power windows, Viesa air cooler. 0447 527 111 $47,500 2016 HINO 500 SERIES - FE 1426 AUTOMATIC WITH BOZMAC 7.5M TS6 TILT SLIDE Brand new automatic. Full LED lighting including twin blaze bars, hardox floor, high headboard with twin toolboxes, and more. 07 3171 1769 $156,665 2013 HINO 300 SERIES - 616 4.2m pantech. Tuck-away tailgate, A/C. 155hp turbo engine. Automatic transmission. 4495kg GVM.…

A EUROPEAN-WIDE legal requirement for new 2- and 3-axle heavy trucks to be equipped with the function automatic emergency brake came into force back in November 2015. The aim was to reduce accidents in which a truck drives into the back of a vehicle in front of the truck, an accident scenario that accounts for about one-fifth of all road accidents involving trucks. At present, European legislation requires that the emergency braking system must reduce the truck’s speed by 10km/h. In 2018 this will be tightened to 20km/h. “It’s great that the legislation is becoming stricter but I still feel the legal requirements are too low,” Volvo Trucks traffic and product safety director Carl Johan Almqvist says. “If you are driving at 80km/h when the emergency braking system is deployed,…

DOMETIC HAS introduced the PerfectView CAM45 reversing camera and the PerfectView M55L and M75L monitors, which are said to be user-friendly systems, specifically designed for safety enhancement. Dometic says the new PerfectView M55L and M75L LCD monitors feature 5-inch and 7-inch digital colour displays respectively, both displaying 385,000 pixels. It says it will always receive a clear display of the surroundings with the new PerfectView LCD monitors as they feature built-in anti-reflection technology, LED backlighting and automatic day/night display adjustment. According to Dometic, the new reversing cameras are suitable for trucks, cars, RVs or motor homes. The PerfectView range is also said to allow display from three camera inputs on one monitor. The units come in a glossy black design. Boasting a resolution of 250,000 pixels and a 120-degree diagonal…

ALLIANCE TRUCKS Parts has launched a new clutch range offering a selection of heavy-duty clutches, installation kits, clutch brakes, forks and clutch shafts, flywheels, spigot bearings and grease hoses. The company says its range of reliable new and re-manufactured all-makes parts and accessories helps ensure trucks and trailers remain where they should be – on the road. The clutch components are all 100 per cent new and made in the USA by one of the leading independent clutch manufacturers. Alliance says its competitively priced heavy-duty clutches offer an affordable and genuine alternative to original first-fit clutches and are available through the Daimler Truck and Bus dealer network. They come with a two-year unlimited kilometre warranty, while all other Alliance parts are backed by a nationwide 12-month/100,000km standard warranty (whichever comes…

“In 1967 I was away for 130 days of the year” A THREE-BEDROOM brick house dubbed ‘Macksville’ has been a happy home for retired truck driver Les Henderson and his wife, Bonnie. The couple built their family home at Ballarat, Victoria, in the mid-1960s and spent much of the next decade apart while Les drove long, lonely kilometres to pay for the house. During his regular absences, Bonnie had her hands full at home raising their four children. “In 1967 I was away for 130 days of the year,” recalls 84-year-old Les. Bonnie is the love of his life and was as essential to their trucking business as their dependable Macks. Les and his twin brother Graham Henderson were born in 1932 and grew up on their parents’ farm at…

WOOL CLASSERS can tell what kind of year it’s been by just looking at the fibres in a freshly shorn fleece. And scientists can look at tree rings to see how the environment has shaped a tree over the decades of its life. However, it’s not often that you come across an old vehicle that not only still carries the scars of time and toil yet also has an amazingly documented history. I’d be tempted to cut through the chassis rails of this extremely rare 1959 model B853 SX Mack and count the tree rings myself, but I reckon owner Des Hockley would have a slight issue with that! Everywhere you look on this truck, it bears the scars and sports modifications acquired over its journey through the formative years…

 THE MONTH of May saw another successful Brisbane Truck Show take place. Run by Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA), the show attracted the cream of Australia’s commercial vehicle transport industry. HVIA chief executive Brett Wright says a figure of 33,763 came through the door for the 2017 edition, beating the previous attendance figures for 2015. “More importantly, anecdotal evidence tells us that the audience included a tremendous calibre of business customer,” Wright says. The 2017 Brisbane Truck Show covered 35,000sqm over three levels of the venue, filling every space with a spectacular array of trucks, trailers, technology, components and equipment. “Exhibitors really need to be commended for the presentation of their displays. They really went all out to create a special visitor experience, so it is gratifying to…

BRIDGESTONE HAS opened a new commercial tyre store in the nation’s capital which it says will set a benchmark for environmental sustainability. The Bridgestone Service Centre, located in Hume, features a solar panel array, energy-saving lighting, recycled rubber flooring and rainwater harvesting for toilets and garden areas, minimising the store’s environmental footprint and reducing long-term operating costs. “The opening of this facility sets a benchmark for future developments and demonstrates Bridgestone’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and the trucking industry,” Bridgestone Australia and New Zealand managing director Andrew Moffatt says. “The dedicated team working behind the scenes has produced a groundbreaking facility that makes a firm statement about who we are as a company.” Planning for the Hume store began around 12 months ago, with rollout of similar facilities in both…

PACCAR PARTS Australia has added Geelong to its list of outlets, announcing the opening of a new dedicated TRP store located in the port city’s suburb of Corio. TRP has been sold as a house brand within Paccar Parts Dealerships since 2013. The company says the success of the range identified a gap within the Australian market that saw a growth in the range leading to the natural progression of opening the first standalone store, which was in Burton, South Australia. The Geelong store is the first dedicated TRP parts store to open its doors in Victoria and part of a national expansion program, with more stores planned to open in 2017. “TRP Geelong is Paccar Parts Australia’s second dedicated TRP store following the CMV Group’s opening of TRP Burton…

“If you’re used to driving a prime mover, it feels a bit wrong” IT’S SUCH a sadly familiar scenario that I can’t help but wonder why it still makes me cranky. At the edges of my headlight beams, a heavily laden Nissan X-Trail labours along in front of me at 90km/h. I’m winding south through the moonlit cane fields on the Pacific Highway as the Nissan speeds up, slows down, wobbles, speeds up, and so on. For the third time in a row I approach an overtaking lane and let the SAR wind up to the limiter. Maybe this time they’ll let me around. Einstein once said that the definition of insanity was to do the same thing over and over again and expect a different result. He was right.…

WHILE THE big news out of Iveco in recent times has been the much-anticipated announcement that it will once again add the International brand to its product portfolio, there can be no question the lighter classes continue to be an intense focus for the European conglomerate. And rightly so! After all, it’s in the lighter ends of the commercial vehicle business where Iveco has kicked the greatest goals over recent years, notably with the sales volumes of its versatile Daily range. By comparison, the big end of the family has largely languished. This year up to the end of April, for instance, Iveco held just 4.8 per cent of the heavy-duty market, putting it only one short step ahead of the lowest ranked European brand in the heavy-duty class. For…

UD TRUCKS unveiled the new generation Quon for Australia and New Zealand at Volvo Group Australia’s (VGA) recent annual media conference, and then taking the truck to the public at the Brisbane Truck Show. The new Quon is the first heavy-duty truck on the Australian market that meets Japan’s next-level emission targets (PPNLT), putting it at the forefront of efficiency and safety. As well as being more efficient, safe and driver-focused, the new Quon is now offered in a 460hp variant, more horsepower than than we’ve seen within the range since the 13-litre engine departed. “UD Trucks has fully updated its flagship Quon heavy-duty truck for the first time since 2004,” UD Trucks Global brand, communication and product senior vice president Nobuhiko Kishi says. “The new model will continue to…