Information and News for Australian Truckies » truckiesonline

Truckiesonline supports Fatality Free Friday

Ray — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 21:42:53 +0000

Truckiesonline asks all Australian truckies to take the pledge for the next Fatality Free Friday 28th. May 2010

Truckiesonline supports Fatality Free Friday

Shoe message to spread interstate
The striking ‘empty shoes’ awareness event which took place last year in the lead up to Fatality Free Friday is making a return.

Fatality Free Friday founding sponsor Suncorp Insurance will host this major media call on 28 May – Fatality Free Friday – to draw attention to the number of lives lost each year on Australian roads.

The display is to be held in the Brisbane CBD’s Radacliffe Place where Fatality Free Friday supporters will be encouraging pledge signings on the day.

Also plans are underway to hold an ‘empty shoe’ display in Melbourne on 28 May.

Police forces in both Victoria and Queensland are lending significant assistance to the event.

If you’d like to organise a Fatality Free Friday event in your community, we’d love to hear from you – contact us today.

Keep checking back on the Fatality Free Friday to stay up to date with new Fatality Free Friday events happening around the country.

To register your commitment to Fatality Free Friday click here

If you are a “truckie”, TAKING THE PLEDGE COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!

Truckie Young Gun Measures Up

Ray — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 05:10:13 +0000

All About Removals covering Australia

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.

Truckie young gun..Michael York

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

Truckies break

Ray — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:38:10 +0000

It never ceases to amaze me that when you go on holidays you always catch up with a “truckie”. Maybe the addage the trucking industry uses “Australia stops without truckies” could change to “Wherever you go in Australia you will meet a friendly truckie”.

On a recent holiday to Hervey Bay, truckiesonline had the pleasure of meeting “Errol” taking a well deserved lunch break under the cool shading trees at Craignish. Errol was working locally on a real estate land development site.

He drives a 2002 Nissan UD T64 with 550,000kms. on the clock and Errol, like all genuine truckies is proud of his rig.
Great meeting with you Errol, have a great year.

Small Business Tax Break Ends Soon For Truckies

Ray — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 20:25:23 +0000

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.

ITTE Awards Night

Ray — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:20:46 +0000

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.

Boral Transport Engineering Manager wins Award

Ray — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:44:12 +0000

2009 Craig Roseneder Award for Technical and Maintenance Excellence in the Workshop winner Merv Rowlands, with judge and ATA Industry Technical Council Chairman, John S Pierce.

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.

Only in America

Ray — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:22:37 +0000

Amite County, Mississippi

Motor Bike or Car

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 is registered

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

Holidays are different

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

A piece of Australia’s trucking history

Ray — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 06:09:39 +0000

AEC Stock Train advert

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.

Beefy’s the great Aussie “truckies” Pie

Ray — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 01:43:26 +0000

Travelling south on the Bruce Highway, Beefy’s pies are situated at the Glasshouse Mtns,12mins south of the Ettamogah pub on Johnson Rd of the Mobil exit.

Beefy's on the Bruce, Glasshoue Mtns. Qld

Last weekend, on a trip South on the Bruce, truckiesonline visited Beefy’s. There is no problem with parking, there is plenty of it.
The chefs at Beefy’s have real cause to be proud of their pies, pastries and cakes. Their wall of fame, covered with award winning plaques, is testimony to their commitment and ability to produce a “real meat pie with real meat”.

Service and variety +

And that’s not the end of it. The pastry selection will fill more than a truckies empty stomach. Friendly service, a warm smile from the efficient girls behind the counter, welcome you as soon as you enter.
Beefy’s popularity is no doubt a result of successfully changing the face of how we should enjoy a meat pie in all it’s different varieties. It poses the question as to why is there not more of them around Australia on our busy national highways. If aussie truckies give Beefy’s the thumbs up, then Beefy’s has the potential of being the standard for Australia’s traditional meat pie.

If you think Beefy’s is a bit of alright, let us know at truckiesonline. If you think there is a better meat pie, servicing the Australian Trucking Industry, tell us where it is and why you think your choice is the best.
Following on from that, truckiesonline has decided to launch a national award for the aussie truckies most nominated best meat pie award.

truckiesonline supports beyondblue

Ray — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:22:50 +0000

beyondblue is for you

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.