Trucking

from hero to zero

From Hero to Zero

Events in the next week may undo a lot of the good work done by the trucking industry, and the planned disruption may see truckies going from hero to zero in just a matter of days.
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keep hold of our higher status

Keep Hold of Our Higher Status

Over the past 18 months or so, the Australian community has come to realise that when the proverbial hits the fan, the trucking industry will step in to the save the day, the problem, going forward, will be to keep hold of our higher status.
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back in a big crowd of trucking folk

Back in a Big Crowd of Trucking Folk

Wandering around at the Brisbane Truck Show and wondering why it felt so good to be back in a big crowd of trucking folk, I realised that it’s a culture thing. The trucking industry is more than a profession, more than an industry sector, there’s a deeper connection there for those of us who have been involved in it for some time, this is the culture in which we live and which we enjoy.
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bulldog to the bone

Bulldog to the Bone

Asked about his penchant for Mack trucks, Steven Thurston, who, with his wife Kate operates Thurston’s Transport says the B-Model that his father bought second-hand in 1970, and that he has recently restored back to its original glory, probably had a fair bit to do with him being bulldog to the bone. 
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how is the year going to pan out?

How is the Year Going to Pan Out?

Many in the trucking industry are asking the question, how is the year going to pan out? We are all mighty tired of the whole pandemic situation but it is not going to go away anytime soon, and perhaps never. Read More
Three Major New Appointments The last week has seen three major new appointments to organisations associated with the trucking industry, the Australian Trucking Association, Volvo Trucks and the Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds foundation have all appointed new people in top positions The ATA has appointed international association executive Andrew McKellar as its new CEO. Most recently, he has been the Paris-based Secretary General for Mobility at the International Automobile Federation. Before joining the FIA, Andrew was CEO of the Australian Automobile Association and the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries. In government, he was a senior adviser to successive Australian industry ministers from 1996 to 1998. He also worked as an economist and research officer in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Commonwealth Treasury and the Queensland Treasury. “The board was very impressed by Andrew’s experience in international advocacy for road safety during his tenure at the FIA and his understanding of the emerging trends influencing safety, sustainability and competitiveness in road transport and mobility globally,” said David Smith, ATA Chair. “Andrew’s extensive skills and experience in public policy and advocacy will be indispensable as he makes the case for improving our industry’s productivity, and as he protects the interests of trucking businesses in the discussions about truck charges that are ahead.” Gary Bone will be taking on the role of Vice President, Volvo Trucks Australia, following the recent promotion of Tony O’Connell to Managing Director of Volvo Trucks Malaysia. “In a rapidly changing transport environment I am delighted to see Gary back at the helm of the Volvo Trucks brand,” said Martin Merrick, President and CEO, Volvo Group Australia. “We have just launched an amazing new line up of Volvo Trucks onto the Australian market and Gary will be well placed to steer the Volvo brand into a future that will see significant advancement in the next decade.” Gary has 17 years’ experience with Mack and Volvo Group Australia, initially starting out in Mack retail sales. Since then he has held a number of roles, including two years in the USA with the Mack brand, before assuming the position of Senior Vice President of Mack Trucks Australia from 2005 to 2008, and as Vice President of Volvo Trucks Australia from 2009 to 2013. Gary rejoined Volvo Group Australia as Vice President, Mack Trucks Australia in March 2020 after more than 5 years at the helm of Chesterfield Australia. Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds (HHTS) has announced the appointment of Naomi Frauenfelder as the Foundation’s inaugural Chief Executive Officer, with Naomi commencing her responsibilities mid January, 2021. “The HHTS Board is delighted to welcome Naomi into this executive leadership role, and looks forward to working collaboratively with her as the Foundation builds on its three key pillars; training, standards, and wellness,” said HHTS Chair Paul Graham Naomi Frauenfelder brings a wealth of knowledge to HHTS, having previously held the position of Executive Director at the TrackSAFE Foundation. TrackSAFE is an Australian rail industry not-for-profit that addresses suicide on the rail network and the resultant trauma caused to train drivers and other frontline staff.

Trucking Industry Stalwart Honoured

The Australia Day 2021 Honours List announced this week sees a trucking industry stalwart honoured as the  founder of Ron Crouch Transport, Ron Crouch, has been awarded a medal of the Order of Australia. The citation says he is being recognised for his service to community and the road transport industry.
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what is it about trucking culture?

What is it About Trucking Culture?

It is clearly a global phenomenon, as demonstrated by this video, but what is it about trucking culture? Would you see a funeral like this one in Sweden associated with any other profession than truck driving?
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able to quickly and efficiently adapt

Able to Quickly and Efficiently Adapt 

When you own a heavy haulage business, being able to quickly and efficiently adapt to a wide variety of haulage tasks is definitely the key to success. This is a prime reason Matty Winterfield of Mount Gambier based Winterfields Float Hire reckons a hybrid 4×4 float is the best thing since sliced bread.  
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it’s been a crazy year

It’s Been a Crazy Year 

I came across some statistics this week which confirm my suspicions about what’s been going on in 2020, and yes, it’s been a crazy year. This is one we are not going to forget anytime soon and is going to influence our thinking for decades to come.
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technology involved in running the business

Technology Involved in Running the Business

It is okay for the larger trucking operators to have a department in the business which deals purely with the technology involved in running the business. The small to medium sector of the trucking industry is probably the one which finds the increasing complexity of compliance and business systems most onerous. 
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