Curfew threats, apprentices, electric trucks, Healthy Heads and training women drivers are among the seven news items to catch up on this week.
Curfews Return?
The Victorian Government has quietly announced the reintroduction of truck delivery curfews amid baffling mixed messages from its Department of Transport.
Or has it? The National Road Transport Association has sought clarification of what it terms “a Clayton’s announcement” which appears to exempt deliveries to and from hospitals and supermarkets.
NatRoad CEO Warren Clark said his organisation had questioned the logic in saying flexibility was needed in the same breath as announcing that curfews were back, only to be told that they did not apply to supermarket and hospital deliveries.
Electric Benz on Aussie Roads
Mercedes-Benz Trucks will begin a local evaluation program for the all-electric eActros in Australia and New Zealand early next year.
Initially, four eActros trucks will get to work in Australia and one unit will hit the road in New Zealand, with additional units to follow. The eActros, which has just been launched in Europe, produces zero local emissions and operates near silently.
Daimler Truck has extensive experience with electric commercial vehicles and was the first manufacturer with an all-electric truck when the Fuso eCanter broke new ground when it was launched locally in 2021.
Looking for New Apprentices
Scania is offering apprenticeships in Australia, directly employed by Scania at one of its nine capital city branches. Apprentices work with the latest technology in heavy trucks, buses, and engines, using factory-provided computerised diagnostic systems to ensure efficient, reliable performance.
Over four years, apprentices will complete industry-accredited training in association with TAFEs, comprising, on-the-job mentoring, factory-supplied guided learning, as well as face-to-face training at Scania’s Dealer Support Centre in Melbourne. Apprentices may also join the Scania global Top Team workshop competition which takes place every two years and in which Australia has been a regular global winner and finalist.
Scania’s earn-while-you-learn approach pays above award wages, there are flexible working arrangements, and apprentices can accelerate their learning to gain qualification in under four years. Once qualified with a Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR31120) or Certificate III Automotive Electrical Technology (AUR30320), there are multiple career paths to follow within Scania, both in Australia and within its global network.
Training Women Drivers
Cleanaway’s Driver Academy for Women kicked off in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia/Tasmania. The academy focuses on women, female-identifying and non-binary persons who have never driven a truck before. Last month, the second class of Victoria recruits were welcomed at Cleanaway’s Brooklyn yard.
“We just wrapped up our information sessions and now it’s just over 4 weeks until our academy kicks off. I cannot wait!” NSW Academy Manager Kristina Duris
Part of this academy is an extensive training program that includes obtaining a heavy vehicle licence, learning the ins and outs of what it’s like to be a heavy vehicle driver, and how to operate a heavy vehicle. Recruits will also be mentored by experienced drivers to support their journey.
Healthy Heads on the Road
The Healthy Heads Roadshow will be visiting bp Marulan Southside next week. Anyone passing through is welcome to drop in, grab a free coffee and have a chat.
The Roadshow team will be offering:
- Useful tips on mental health and wellbeing, including industry-specific resources
- Information on the Healthy Heads App
- How to utilise free Healthy Heads Membership
Where: BP Marulan Southside, 5597 Hume Hwy, Marulan NSW 2579
When: Friday, 26th August, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Improvement Notice
A Victorian company has been issued with two Improvement Notices by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to correct mass and load breaches. A roadside intercept by the NHVR identified one of the company’s heavy vehicles did not comply with the applicable mass and loading requirements, which prompted further investigation.
NHVR Director of Investigations Steve Underwood said the company failed to produce evidence of mass and load restraint policies, procedures, and safety controls.
“The company posed a safety risk by not equipping its staff with the tools to identify and manage heavy vehicle mass, dimension and loading requirements,” said Steve. “The NHVR will monitor the company and review evidence of the corrective measures required in the Improvement Notices to prevent further offences.”
Richers’ 200th Mack
Queensland based Richers Transport has a history stretching back nearly 9 decades; the company started out with just one Model T Ford and has just taken delivery of its 200th Mack.
Operationally, Richers Transport covers the entire Australian eastern seaboard from Cairns to Adelaide transporting groceries, particle board, alcohol, and general freight.
“We choose to go with Mack for drivability, they’re great for the drivers, for fuel economy, and are equipped with a good safety package. They’re great from a maintenance perspective as well,” says, Tom Richers, Operations Manager Richers Transport. “The service and back up we get from the dealer network is fantastic.”
