Australian truckies new rest areas will cost $300 million over 10 years, with money starting to flow in 2011-12.

The Australian Government is currently funding new and upgraded truck rest areas through its $70 million Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program. The program began in 2008-09, and comes to an end in 2011-12.

Since governments are requiring truckies to take rest breaks, it’s important we provide them with places to rest. It is now obvious that the Rudd Labor Government has no intention of funding these crucial rest areas themselves.

Mr Truss originally made the rest area commitment at the 2009 Australian Trucking Convention, and repeated it at the 2010 convention on the Gold Coast in April.

The Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese, said the announcement recently made by Mr Robb showed the Liberal and National parties would not honour the commitment if elected later this year.

But the spokesperson for Mr Truss said the Coalition would reallocate funds within the existing roads budget to fund the new rest areas.

The future of the Australian trucking industry is in safe hands with new talent entering the industry.

Michael York at 20 years of age has had 2 years experience in the industry and has accomplished many goals that many truckies only dream of. When he was 19 yoa, he purchased a removal business 13 year old “All About Removals” and turned it into a roaring success.

His family owned business moves household and business furniture around Australia weekly, while his Flex Removals business covers the local Brisbane area daily.

Truckiesonline caught up with Michael as he was heading for Sydney with a full load and then back loading to Brisbane. Young brother, Tim, as his offsider, had earlier prepared their meals for the trip south.

The Nissan UD, with 409,000+ klms on the clock, is the truck of his choice, along with an Isuzu NPR 200 as a feeder truck.

Michael graduated from QUT with a degree in business and entered the trucking industry with a real commitment to the industry and a passion for future growth and success.

The Australian trucking industry needs enthusiastic owner drivers like Michael York….he’s a truckie young gun on the move.


If you need a reliable removalist, contact Michael on
1300 389 599 or visit his website www.flexremovals.com.au

Small business needs to act fast if it wants to take advantage of the Federal Government’s Small Business tax break.
There are only five weeks left until the stimulus package ends at midnight December 31, 2009 and Government has made it clear that it will not be extended.
The Small Business tax break enables a business with a turnover of less than $2 million per annum, to claim a 50 percent bonus tax deduction, for eligible assets, costing more than $1000 acquired by 31 December 2009, and installed ready for use by 31 December 2010.

All other businesses have access to a 10 percent bonus tax break for eligible assets contracted by 31 December 2009.
“The Small Business tax break is one of the Government’s better incentive schemes and we urge business owners to take advantage of it,” the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce’s executive director David Purchase said.
“It is of particular benefit to employers and managers looking to purchase a new vehicle or fleet.
“The Small Business tax break enables a company to select the vehicle they desire and make a commitment to that purchase by the end of this year, without actually having to take delivery of the vehicle until the end of 2010.
“VACC recommends Small Business owners considering upgrading or improving their work vehicle or fleet, speak to their accountant or financial advisor immediately.

Before anything else, employers and managers need to establish if they qualify for the Small Business tax break.
“Following that, the Small Business owner can confidently visit the local new car dealer and discuss the suitability and availability of the vehicle.
“The Small Business tax break is also an opportunity for business owners to improve the safety of their vehicle or fleet.
The incentive scheme is a fantastic chance for employers and managers to save money and to invest in the long term safety of their employees,” Mr. Purchase said.

The International Truck, Trailer & Equipment Show – EXPO AWARDS evening is a night that the entire transport industry is already eagerly anticipating. The Expo Awards night is regarded by many as the perfect way to cap off a massive event like the ITTE Show. The night will be an evening where excellence and hard work is rewarded, a time for everyone to relax and let their hair down after a massive three days and will also presents exhibitors with a perfect opportunity to reward hard working staff or key clients that contribute so much to an event as big as the ITTE Show.

If the line up is anything to go by, you can rest assured that everyone who attends will be in for an unforgettable evening of fun, laughter and rock ‘n roll.

The Expo Awards will be hosted by one of Australia’s best known and leading comic entertainers, VINCE SORRENTI. Vince is very well known amongst the transport industry and will ensure that everyone has a very memorable and enjoyable evening.

Once the Expo Awards have been presented, get ready to put on your dancing shoes and rock the night away with a lineup of some of this country’s iconic 80’s entertainers.

First up will be BOOM CRASH OPERA front man DALE RYDER who will knock your socks off with and endless stream of hits including “Great Wall”, “Hands Up In The Air” “City Flat”, “Her Charity”, “Onion Skin”, “Get Out Of The House”, “Best Thing”, “Dancing In The Storm” and “Talk About It”.

Next up in the show line up will be CHANTOOZIES legends EVA VON BIBRA and TOTTIE GOLDSMITH who will again wow their audience with their 80’s chart toppers “Witch Queen of New Orleans”, “He’s Gonna Step On You Again”, “Wanna Be Up” and “Kiss ‘n’ Tell” plus you may even get to hear them perform their cover versions of “My Boyfriend’s Back”, “Love The One You’re With” and “I’ll Be There”.

They will be followed by PAUL NORTON who made his mark as front man for THE RUNNERS before breaking out as a highly successful solo artist in the late 80’s. Performing his monster hits like “Stuck On You” and “Southern Sky” Paul will have you singing along and bopping till you drop.

Last, but certainly by no means least, will be rock legend GLENN SHORROCK. Glen is much more than an 80’s star, he is truly an Australian Rock Legend. Long before he became the front man for LITTLE RIVER BAND, Glenn had a string of hits with the TWILIGHTS such as “Needle In A Haystack” and with AXIOM such as “Little Ray Of Sunshine”. With dozens and dozens of worldwide hits to choose from, it will be a case of what songs he leaves out.

The 2010 Expo Awards promises to be a memorable evening for both the Award winners and audience alike. Tickets for the awards night are $250 each or tables of ten can be purchased for $2500. Seating for the Expo Awards is strictly limited to 70 tables and with many enquires already taken from previous attendees, these seats won’t last long. If you want to be a part of this fantastic occasion you are encouraged to contact Sarah as soon as possible on +61 3 9690 7022 or at sarah@trucktrailershow.com.au to reserve your tickets.

The Fleet Engineering Manager for Boral Transport, Merv Rowlands, is the 2009 winner of the Craig Roseneder Award for Technical and Maintenance Excellence in the Workshop. The award is presented each year to recognise the professionalism of the men and women who work in the trucking industry’s workshops.

The ATA and the Australian Road Transport Suppliers Association (ARTSA) announced the award at the Castrol Awards Dinner, which was part of the Technical and Maintenance Conference. The Chairman of the ATA, Trevor Martyn, said Merv was a worthy winner of the award, having over 28 years experience in the workshop.

“In his role at Boral Transport, Merv has accountability for setting the specifications for some 1500 heavy vehicles operating for Boral around Australia,” Trevor said. “He has worked tirelessly with suppliers to improve the safety, environmental and ergonomic specifications of vehicles in the fleet.

“In particular, Merv has played a leading role to commission the first Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) engines used in agitators in Australia. This technology is now being progressively rolled out across the Boral fleet. “His expansive list of achievements, which include development of many leading-edge trailer designs, is testament to his commitment to improve the impact the industry has on the community.”

Merv said he was honoured to receive an award judged by his peers. “Everyone knows that our industry is one you eat, sleep, live and breathe,” Merv said.
“Receiving an award like this is one of those very special moments when you get recognised by your own industry for all the work you do. “My job is the best job by a mile. I can’t imagine working anywhere else.”

As part of his win, Merv received a scholarship to attend the American Trucking Associations’ Maintenance Council meeting in early 2010 and $1500 in spending money.

He was also presented with an individual trophy and a gift from award sponsor Castrol.

THE Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) has reminded business owners that vehicle and fleet maintenance is an on-going process.

During the recent Safe Work Australia Week, employers and employees were encouraged to review their approach to ensuring safety within the workplace.
VACC, the peak automotive industry body in Victoria, is urging employers and employees to continue to review their approach to safety in the workplace, in particular regard to work related vehicles.
Company cars and commercial vehicles are workplaces and as such, are regulated by health and safety laws. “Vehicle safety should be 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks of the year,” VACC executive director David Purchase said. “Every employer and employee has a responsibility to continuously monitor the safety of their vehicle or fleet.
“A good source of information for managers and drivers is the Guide to Safe Work Related Driving.
“The guide is an important handbook and has been endorsed by the government, police, WorkSafe and the Transport Accident Commission. “The Guide to Safe Work Related Driving says that the selection of the safest possible vehicle needs to be backed up by a preventative maintenance program to ensure vehicle safety is maximized.

A maintenance system ensures that the manufacturer’s service recommendations are met and that the vehicle complies with roadworthiness requirements.
“If a vehicle is neglected and has bald tyres, faulty brakes or broken lights, that vehicle, regardless of its ANCAP safety rating, is at risk of being involved in a road traffic accident,” Mr. Purchase said. “VACC urges all business owners to read and understand the Guide to Safe Work Related Driving.”
For a free copy of the Guide to Safe Work Related Driving go to www.vacc.com.au.

Amite County, Mississippi

This machine is actually registered as a car……..
The motorbike front end has no engine.
The car front is from a front wheel drive Ford ,cleverly married to the boot of the same vehicle.

It’s a little bit curious though that he hauls a spare quad bike in the box trailer, but it is even more amusing that there is an air deflector on the car

Just imagine rolling into a NSW RTA or Qld Transport Department’s inspection station and asking them to road register it.

A 1961 Truck and Bus Transportation advertisement for an AEC stock train. This picture is reproduced with the kind permission of MaxiTrans from ATA ‘s photo archive.

We at truckiesonline supports the great work beyondblue offers to the transport industry which truckiesonline is part of. We will publish relevant information to people of the trucking industry so that “truckies” get benefit and understanding about “depression“.

What is diurnal mood variation?
beyondblue’s Clinical Advisor Assoc/Prof Michael Baigent explains:
Diurnal mood variation is a symptom of depression defined by feeling worse in the morning and better as the day goes on. It’s a symptom usually associated with more severe or melancholic depression and is accompanied by a range of other depression symptoms. These can include loss of appetite, sleep disturbance with early morning wakening, weight loss, low energy and low sex-drive.

Diurnal mood variation shouldn’t be confused with “not being a morning person”. If you wake up and don’t want to go to work, but you don’t have any other symptoms of depression – there might be other causes for why you feel unhappy. With diurnal mood variation, we’re usually talking about more severe depression. It’s not as though you wake up feeling terrible then feel great by tea time, you’re quite depressed all day, but you feel absolutely dreadful when you wake up.

We don’t know a great deal about what causes it, but it’s likely to have something to do with our biological circadian rhythms (a person’s natural body clock).

For a clinician, it is usually an indication to consider antidepressants for treatment. That is not to say that you don’t get diurnal mood variation with the milder forms of depression, because you can, but it’s not as common.

Based on my clinical experience, I probably see the diurnal mood variation symptom in around a quarter to a third of people with more severe forms of depression.

Diurnal mood variation is not treated as an isolated symptom. The approach to treatment of clinical depression involves first excluding medical causes, then deciding on appropriate treatment. That might include an antidepressant medication and psychosocial treatments as well (i.e. talking therapies and lifestyle changes). In cases of severe depression, the person may benefit by being referred to a psychiatrist for assessment of the best treatment options.

It can take a bit of time to get better from it and generally the longer you leave treatment, the harder it can be to get on top of.

The upcoming ITTE show will have yet another new and exciting attraction for visitors with organisers agreeing to a live broadcast deal with leading sports radio station 1116 SEN. The agreement also sees 1116 SEN become a Platinum show partner, signaling its intent to be a major player in not only 2010 but at future ITTE Shows.

1116 SEN is Melbourne’s only 24/7 sports radio station, something that has seen them move into the No. 2 position on the ratings charts for the category of males aged 25-54. SEN’s affinity with its male listeners should be a perfect fit when considering the male dominated demographic that will be in attendance throughout the duration of the ITTE Show.

“All of the team here at SEN are really looking forward to getting involved in the ITTE Show. We have seen significant growth over the past 3 years and a lot of our success comes on the back of the strong support that we have received from manufacturers and suppliers to the transport industry,” said David Hung, Group Sales Manager for 1116 SEN.
“Many of our strongest and most valued customers will be exhibiting at the ITTE Show. This opportunity presented us with a fantastic platform to show them and the wider transport industry how committed we are to doing whatever we can to spread the word and drive show attendances, making sure that the event is as big and as successful as possible for all involved,” he said.

With Melbourne also being the unofficial ’sporting capital of the world’ and certainly the home of AFL football, show goers are sure to know and recognise some of the key 1116 SEN personalities that will be on hand at the show throughout the live broadcast. David ‘The Ox’ Schwarz is just one of the personalities that will be keen to get amongst the show’s exhibitors and visitors, ensuring that people heading down to the show know exactly what to expect when they arrive.

1116 SEN will broadcast live from inside of the Victorian Transport Association (VTA) Pavilion for the duration of the show and will also be running a host of activities and competitions for show visitors. Stay tuned for potential opportunities where your company or brand can get involved and receive some on air acknowledgement.

With 1116 SEN now on board and committed to giving the ITTE Show as much airtime as possible, exposure and media coverage will now be at levels never before seen for a show of this kind. Keep your ears tuned into 1116 SEN over the coming months as we build up to the March event and keep your eye out for the tailored and highly competitive advertising packages that will be released exclusively to show exhibitors closer to the event.

For more information on 1116 SEN’s involvement or if you want to exhibit at the show, please contact Sarah on +61 3 9690 7022 or at sarah@trucktrailershow.com.au