Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 356 i Owner Driver

Massive! That’s the word that comes to mind as I sit in my motel room reflecting on the 2022 North Coast Petroleum Casino Truck Show. I’m not regurgitating the Ali G slang from a couple of decades ago (if you are unfamiliar with him, don’t Google – just appreciate the fact you are lost on this reference). No, I am using the term MASSIVE, in capital letters because that really is the only way to describe the return of this community-driven truck show. For those who are unaware, Casino is a New South Wales town in the Richmond Valley, inland from Ballina. Over the past few years it has been decimated by floods, fire and drought. It is a tough little town famous for its Beef Week celebrations. In years…

Purchasing your first major commercial vehicle is always a big decision. The question of what brand and model to choose to suit particular needs can take time and a lot of research. So, when Cairns-based Rick Morgan wanted to upgrade from his 4WD ute and trailer setup to take his painting business to the next level, he sought advice from his father, Scott Morgan. With around 30 years’ experience in road transport, Scott has worked for QRX and is now the Laos country manager for Linfox. He also spent time in the mining logistics sector in Laos and Papua New Guinea. “I didn’t know anything else about trucks,” Rick admits. “But my father said he would personally go for a Hino if he had the choice.” Rick’s new 300 Series…

“I wanted it to look a bit special to attract a good operator.” Welcome to number 11 of the fantastic, limited edition Western Star Cheyenne series trucks – number 11 of 11 actually. They are a throwback to the birth of Western Star trucks here in Australia and a tribute to the ‘built tough’ trucks that have been gracing our Australian roads since the early ’80s. I’m going to start today with a little history lesson because the Western Star story is far from a simple one. It was known as a Canadian truck, though it was a division of a US company. It is now owned by a German automotive conglomerate although, for almost a decade, it was actually an Australian-owned truck manufacturer. Western Star Trucks Australia built Australia’s…

Have no doubt, the automotive world is undergoing a change of epochal proportion, from motorbikes to massive mining machines and everything in between. And it’s happening right now, faster and more certain than perhaps any period in industrial history. Driving the change are climatic geopolitical events. Delivering the change is climactic corporate resolve. In both cases, the change is evident and inevitable, and accelerating at a pace few could have imagined just a decade or so earlier. The ultimate goal is carbon neutrality and in its most fundamental form, that means no more fossil fuel. No oil, no gas, no coal. Of course, such earth-shaking change after much more than a century of total reliance on Earth’s extracts won’t come without inherent criticism or significant cost, especially in commercial enterprises…

The phrase, “It’s the economy, stupid,” was first coined by James Carville, a strategist for Bill Clinton during the 1992 US presidential campaign and is often referenced during political debates to hone-in on what really matters to voters. There’s an obvious parallel in the trucking world, where keeping big rigs on the road is essential for the success of any operation. “Availability, availability, availability. We live and die by our ability to keep the big trucks on the road,” says Jack Greig, WA state parts manager for the CJD Group, when asked what is most important to his customers. “We’re a mining state and we’re very dependent on iron ore and so forth, which means big trucks earning big money, so availability of parts means everything to us,” Jack says.…

Prospective buyers of the heavy-duty Astra off-road range are currently experiencing the opportunity to take a closer look at a model and even put it through its paces, as part of the ‘Extreme by Nature’ national roadshow. Astra, an Iveco Group brand, designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of construction, mining, oil and gas and heavy haulage off-road vehicles. Astra says its HD9 8x6 model – which can also be specified in 8x8 configuration – is the largest off-road truck in the Astra product offering within Australia. Off-road equipment on the Astra includes a constant all-wheel drive system, hub reduction and differential locks to all axles (three axles in 6x8). The Astra is said to offer extreme traction as well as superior articulation over the roughest conditions, thanks to…

Penske Truck Rental has announced the opening of its sixth location in Australia with the launch of a second Brisbane-area branch in Lytton. Co-located with Penske Australia, the Lytton facility allows for expanded truck rental and leasing services in south-eastern Queensland. “We started the Australian truck rental business back in 2014 with just 20 prime movers, and the Brisbane fleet has quadrupled in size since then,” says Adrian Beach, general manager of Penske Truck Leasing. “The steady growth we’ve seen across our operations in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth will put us close to 300 trucks before the end of the year. “The existing Wacol facility continues to be a great base to service our customers in western Brisbane, and we’re now able to offer a new location that is…

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has announced the release of its Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) guide, which it says is intended to introduce judicial officers and legal practitioners to the components of the HVNL, its jurisdictional operation, key concepts and available penalty orders. The NHVR says the guide includes commentary to assist judicial officers and legal practitioners to become more familiar with the HVNL and elements of submissions that the NHVR would be likely to put to the Court. Within the guide, the regulator says the object of the HVNL is to establish a national scheme for facilitating and regulating the use of heavy vehicles on roads in a way that promotes public safety; manages the impact of heavy vehicles on the environment, road infrastructure and public amenity;…

At a roundtable convened by the Minister for Workplace Relations Tony Burke on August 29, representatives from Woolworths, Coles, Uber and DoorDash, plus major transport operators, industry associations and the Transport Workers Union (TWU), backed a shared set of principles calling for reform to set enforceable standards. The roundtable was held ahead of the September 1–2 Jobs and Skills Summit in Canberra. It called for urgent action to ensure a safe, sustainable, viable and fair road transport industry for all supply chain participants, including independent contractors, and non-employee transport workers in the on-demand and rideshare economy. The principles document outlined that reform could include adequately resourcing an independent body administered by persons with industry expertise or better empowering existing bodies, to: “A standard-setting body would enable transport to emerge from…

If you work in or around the automotive industry, it’s safe to say you’ve probably heard of Snap-on Tools. The ‘come to you’ tool shop model has been emulated by many, but there’s a few elements critical to the success of any Snap-on franchise. Overall presentation is essential, be that the Snap-on mobile store itself or the products within. But perhaps most important of all, though, is the face of the operation – their experience, knowledge and, of course, their ability to connect. Enter south-east Queensland-based Snap-on franchise owner-operator Emma Newell-Courtney. As a former diesel mechanic, when it comes to the ins and outs of automotive and trucking, Emma certainly knows her stuff. Completing this partnership is her beloved Isuzu FRR 107-210, affectionately named ‘Suzie-Q.’ The Snap-on Isuzu delivers tools…

If you are anything like me, you have most likely eyeballed the ensuing pages before reading my carefully composed waffle. That’s understandable, the trucks on the following pages are outstanding! I’m continually distracted just trying to write this piece. You have most likely also deduced that this story is not a locally-sourced exposé. Once again, kudos to you. None of the trucks you’ve been perving at can be found on this great continent of ours. Even this story was written abroad. I, in fact, started writing this while crammed into a seat built for a much smaller individual, dining on meals served at an eighth of the standard size while cruising along several thousand feet above the Pacific Ocean with my knees in my ears. Here’s the kicker, though. If…

Truck manufacturers took centre stage at the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authority Council (AFAC) conference in Adelaide last month. Leading the charge was the Volvo FM crew cab that was unveiled to the fire sector for the first time. Volvo points out that the FM crew cab has been specially designed and equipped with the needs of the firefighter in mind. The FM, which is Euro 6 compliant, boasts an 11-litre Volvo engine, automatic transmission as well as a number of safety features. An FTS 139-260 4x4 Crew tanker highlighted Isuzu’s stand. With a 3,000-litre tank capacity, Isuzu says the FTS has been specifically designed for Australia’s brutal conditions as well as preparing for the looming fire season. Isuzu also showcased an NPS 75-155 4x4 Crew, on loan from…

“A safety cell is a unique part of the MAN safety features.” Hailed as the first newly-developed MAN truck generation (TG) in two decades, Penske Australia and MAN Truck & Bus launched its new range of German-built trucks amid much fanfare at the RACQ Mobility Centre at Mt Cotton near Brisbane in early August. With its line-up of TGL, TGM, TGS, and TGX trucks on display, the all-new MAN truck generation launch enticed Randall Seymore, executive vice president of global commercial vehicles and power systems at Penske Automotive Group, back to Australia … albeit briefly. Although mostly static displays, the TGS and TGX trucks with trailers in tow were available for short drives around the centre’s winding circuit. And the presentation made no bones that Volvo, Scania, Mercedes-Benz and Kenworth…

It was an obscure, unmarked dirt track draped with tall trees, just a few kilometres off a busy German motorway. Deutschland’s version, perhaps, of ‘off the beaten track’ and for a few imaginary moments under a blazing summer sun and drifting dust, Down Under didn’t feel quite so far away. But there was, of course, more to this diversion than just a curious detour through a foreign forest. A few hundred metres further, the track opened up to reveal a man-made torture course of off-road obstacles designed to test, demonstrate and dramatically accentuate the abilities of various all-wheel-drive models from the Mercedes-Benz ‘special trucks’ range. None more dramatic, though, than possibly the world’s most adroit and diverse commercial vehicle, the Mercedes-Benz Unimog. Initially engineered as part tractor, part truck, purists…

Due to the support of UD Trucks Australia, the St John’s Ambulance Eye Van is bringing world-class facilities to rural and remote communities in an effort to substantially reduce blindness and visual impairment among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders with diabetes. Since its inception in 2013, the van has treated over 5,500 people. UD Trucks Australia’s partnership with the Eye Van (formerly called the IDEAS Van) involves providing and maintaining the prime mover that pulls the mobile ophthalmology clinic. The IDEAS Van was independent before merging with St John’s Ambulance in January this year and becoming known as the Eye Van. “UD Trucks’ mission is ‘to challenge for better life’ so the partnership with the Eye Van is an extremely fitting one for the brand,” says Lauren Pulitano, vice president,…

The Grattan Institute has released a 60-page truck plan document under the banner of ‘Practical policies for cleaner freight’ in a bid to convince New South Wales and Victoria state governments to establish low-emission zones in Sydney and Melbourne, prohibiting what is says are highly polluting pre-2003 diesel trucks from the capital city areas from 2025. “Truckies may be enjoying a newfound status as essential workers since COVID lockdowns – but that appreciation vanishes the minute a dirty big diesel truck thunders past on an urban road,” the report states. “People want the truck task to be done, but dislike the side-effects of pollution, noise and carbon emissions. While those side-effects can’t be eliminated, they can be reduced. “Even though trucks are hard to love, there is unlikely to be…

Glenn Scott fell in love with road trains in northern Australia. It’s a passion that’s stayed true over decades, from driving through to his current role as fuel operations manager for Road Trains of Australia. From co-driver to lead driver and moving into transport management, Glenn reflects on the changing industry and the value of relationships. GETTING STARTED By the time he was travelling and getting a thrill from seeing three trailers and a pro-mover driving past, Glenn’s farming background meant he already had some experience driving trucks and trailers. “We went to Broome and I thought I might stay and get a job driving,” Glenn recalls. After approaching two businesses, he proved himself and took a role as co-driver of a three-trailer road train carrying cattle between Broome to…

The Hyundai is making inroads into Europe with 27 of its heavy duty Xcient models being placed into fleet service in Germany. This move follows Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility, a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Company and Swiss company H2 Energy, deploying 47 Xcient Fuel Cell heavy-duty trucks to Switzerland where they have clocked up more than 4 million kilometres as of July this year. Seven German companies in logistics, manufacturing and retail will put the 27 Xcient trucks into fleet service with funding for eco-friendly commercial vehicles from Germany’s Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV). Mark Freymueller, senior vice president and head of commercial vehicle business innovation at Hyundai Motor Company, says the opportunity will offer leverage to expand its business into the wider European market by successfully supporting…

Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) has presented the all-new Western Star 57X long-haul truck in the US. Western Star’s latest truck boasts a striking front-end design and characteristic chrome look and is the latest family member of the X-Series product family. The 57X joins its sister series, the 47X and 49X. DTNA says the entire X-Series has been redisgned to meet customer needs for greater safety, efficiency and durability. The all-new 57X is said to be designed primarily for customers who travel on long-distance routes, especially in the small-fleets segment or as owner-operators – in contrast to the 47X and 49X series, which mainly serve the vocational segment. Different variants of the 57X are offered to the various applications. The shorter and the longer cab versions both are available with…

Mercedes-Benz Trucks has brought its safety first approach to the recent Australian Waste and Recycling Expo with the waste-industry-focused Econic. The Expo was held in Sydney on August 24 to 25. The Econic is said to be the only waste-collection truck in Australia and New Zealand to combine a high-visibility cab design with a full suite of fully-integrated active safety features including Sideguard Assist. The original equipment manufacturer Sideguard Assist system uses twin radar technology to look down the left side of the truck and alert the driver if any vehicles, other objects or pedestrians are in the danger zone. Mercedes-Benz states that Select Econic models have been recognised with London’s prestigious five-star Direct Vision rating (formerly known as CLOCS), which measures how well the driver can see pedestrians, cyclists…