Paula Doneman
July 05, 2009 06:55pm
LATEST: FRESH witness accounts have cast doubt on claims a motorist stole vegetables from truck smash in which the driver was killed.
Police are continuing to probe the claims after witnesses came forward disputing the story.

A man died when his truck rolled about 5.30am on Saturday on the Gateway Motorway and the load of produce it was carrying spewed over the ground.
Police received reports of a man seen driving a silver Holden Commodore utility who stole a small amount of produce at the scene while the driver lay dying.
But a police spokeswoman said on Sunday more witnesses had come forward with conflicting information.
“We’ve got other people saying, no, that’s not right,” she said.
The spokeswoman said new information suggested the man had rendered assistance before leaving the scene.

“What we’re doing is trying to get to the bottom of it,” she said.

The 47-year-old married driver from Lowood, near Ipswich, was thrown from the cab of his vehicle after it smashed into a guardrail and rolled on the southbound lanes of the road at Eagle Farm.
The truck, which was coming from Bowen and headed for the Rocklea Markets, skidded on its roof, crushing the cab and splitting open the tandem trailers.
Pallets of pumpkins and boxes of capsicums were strewn over the roadway.
Police want to speak with anyone who might have also seen the alleged incident.
They also plan to examine footage from traffic cameras along the road and at the Gateway Bridge toll booth.
Queensland Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson earlier said if the theft claim was correct, it was a “poor act”.

He said if evidence was found that supported the claim and led to a suspect, that person could be charged with stealing.
“On the face of it, it is a despicable act, particularly if assistance was required,” he said.
RACQ spokesman Gary Fites said if the claim was proven true, he hoped the incident was a rare and disappointing exception to the way most Queensland motorists look out for each other.
“If it is true, it is pretty callous. It surprises me,” he said.
“Everyone has a duty to render assistance to injured motorists until help arrives.”
Investigators are yet to determine the cause of the crash, which occurred in an area where extensive roadworks are under way as part of the Gateway road and bridge duplication.
Police said it appeared the truck failed to take a bend.
They are investigating whether fatigue or speed were involved.
Transport Workers Union Queensland secretary Hughie Williams questioned whether the Gateway in its current state was suitable for such B-double semi-trailers.
Yesterday’s accident, which closed parts of the motorway for most of yesterday, was the latest in a string of recent truck incidents on the road.
“I think it is OK for prime-movers but perhaps drivers of B-doubles should take a different route,” Mr Williams said.
- with AAP

Alison Rehn
June 26, 2009 10:35am
THE wife of a truck driver caught in the crossfire of a violent Sydney shooting said her husband loved driving trucks.
Canberra truck driver Bob Knight, 66, was killed by a stray bullet as he drove past a shootout in Sydney’s south-west overnight.
The gunshots were fired during an altercation between a group of men in the car park of KFC in Milperra Road, Milperra – the suburb which was the scene of Sydney’s most famous bikie massacre – about 10:40pm last night, The Daily Telegraph reports.
Mr Knight’s wife Jeanette today paid tribute to her husband of 45 years, describing him as a “wonderful man and a lovely grandfather”.
At her home in the North Canberra suburb of Macgregor, Mrs Knight this morning told The Daily Telegraph her husband had two loves in life – dogs, and driving trucks.
“He was the most perfectionist driver. He was born to be a truckie,” she said.
Jeanette and Bob married in 1964 and had two children, David and Cathy, and three grandchildren, Georgia, three, Alli, 11, and Josh, 20.
The close-knit family gathered at the Knights’ home, with Bob’s pet German shepherds barking in the background.
“Dogs and trucks he loved,” Mrs Knight said.
“I think he would have worked till the end, and that’s what he did.
“He was just loving, giving to everybody. He was a wonderful husband. He loved life. He was very respected in the trucking industry.”
Mrs Knight said she knew something was wrong this morning when her daughter and family friends turned up, and woke her up.
“I was aware he wasn’t home because the lights were all on. And then my daughter just said, ‘Mum, wake up. Wake up’.
“I still can’t believe it. If the truck had rolled over, I could accept that. Not this.”
Mrs Knight said she still wanted to know exactly what happened, and why.
Police say an examination of the crime scene overnight indicates the truck driver was travelling along Milperra Road at the time of the shooting and was shot in the head.

Investigations at this point have ruled out links to Sydney’s on-going bikie wars.
After two other men aged in their 20s were also shot in the gunfight, the first Bankstown police on the scene chased a car speeding away through the streets of Milperra.
Police suggest more than three men – possibly as many as six – were involved in an argument at 10.40pm in the carpark of the KFC restaurant on the corner of Henry Lawson Drive and Milperra Road.
Officers called to the scene found a 26-year-old man, who is believed to have been involved in the firefight, suffering multiple gunshot wounds.
He was taken to Liverpool Hospital where he has undergone surgery and is in a serious but stable condition.
A 25-year-old man attended Bankstown Hospital on Thursday night with gunshot wounds.
He was transferred to Liverpool Hospital where he is undergoing surgery and is reported to be in a serious condition.
The driver of the car – a man believed aged in his 20s – was arrested and taken to Bankstown police station where he is now being held in custody.
Police also searched the area surrounding KFC and tragically, found the truck driver slumped in his white prime mover with TNT B-double trailers not far from the outlet.
The truck’s headlights were still on as paramedics worked frantically to try to revive the truckie but he died from massive head injuries.
A short time later one man attended Bankstown Hospital with gunshot wounds to the stomach.
A third man suffering chest wounds was taken by paramedics to Liverpool Hospital.
Both men were in serious but stable conditions today.

On behalf of The Truck Volt we thank you for your comments and future support.

My husband has been in the industry for 26 yrs, his love and passion for driving trucks began at the age of 5 when his father who was an owner driver would take him out and spend the day at work. He has worked locally and country but I must say his passion was on the highway working interstate from Melbourne to Sydney or wherever work took him.

He met and made good friends with a lot of fantastic people along the way but also came across the minority who truly didn’t have any respect for the next person or the industry (cowboys). I think it is a shame that so many truck drivers out there have and are still putting up with having to use facilities that are not up to hygiene standards. The majority of the food that is served is also less than acceptable and the constant abuse from the media does nothing to help our plight.

We have been for the last couple of years working on a TV show that is not only appealing to truck drivers and their families alike but will hopefully highlight many short comings that happen on a regular basis in our industry. Only then can we begin to make this industry a better place for future generations to be proud of.

When I came across PJ’s comments my husband and I were not at all surprised that these people still exist in the industry and will continue to do so unless we expose what life on the road is really like. Hopefully with everyone’s support we can begin to make these changes.

The Truck Volt is being self funded by myself and my husband. We are always on the lookout for new sponsors and welcome any assistance offered by anyone who share our passion and want to make a change for our industry.

Our show is designed to be hard hitting, factual, informative and humorous. We feel it will be a familiar sight to those who are on this side of the industry and will give viewers who are not, an insight to their jobs and lives.

Once again I would like to show my appreciation to Truckies Online for their time and letting us have our say.

The CVIAQ 2009 Brisbane Truck & Machinery Show was dominated by the major global truck manufacturers. Quality expensive displays were the order of the day and no expense was spared for trucking enthusiasts to get the right info to help make purchasing decisions. Mack, Volvo, Western Star & Sterling took out the major awards.

Truckiesonline made the statement previously that Kerry Brunton would pull the cat out of the hat….and he did just that with this brilliant expo. Congrats Kerry and the CVIAQ….a great job well done.

Six companies were recognised with show awards at the 2009 Queensland Truck and Machinery Show. Mr Brett Wright, CEO of the Commercial Vehicle Industry Association (CVIAQ) praised the exhibitors for their contribution to what is forecasted to be the best show in the 41 year history of the event. “The show is a major undertaking and construction of the exhibits is a mammoth task spanning 5 days and involving thousands of contractors and staff to bring it all together,” said Wright.The 2009 Queensland Truck & Machinery Show Awards consist of 6 major categories with winners as follows:

Truck of the Show Sponsored by Truckin’ Life

AWARDED TO WESTERN STAR TRUCKS – 69FXC

Outstanding Truck Manufacturer Display Sponsored by Australasian Transport News & Owner Driver

AWARDED TO MACK TRUCKS AUSTRALIA

Outstanding Trailer / Body Manufacturer Display Sponsored by Deals on Wheels

AWARDED TO O’PHEE TRAILERS

Outstanding Vehicle Component & Equipment Display Sponsored by Diesel

AWARDED TO JOST AUSTRALIA

Outstanding Earthmoving Manufacturer Display Sponsored by Earthmovers and Excavators

AWARDED TO JCB CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AUSTRALIA

Risk Management Excellence Sponsored by Worklaw Health & Safety

AWARDED TO VOLVO TRUCKS AUSTRALIA

Mr Wright added: “The judges commended both the individual winners and the industry as a whole on a truly world class display at this year’s show which is conducted on a biennial basis”.

Some of the creative concepts on display at this years’ 2009 Brisbane Truck Show…..don’t miss out on seeing them.

Also on display is the “DREAM POLICE”….. it’s a work of art.

Just a few surprises at the CVIAQ Brisbane Truck & Machinery Show, Brisbane RNA, Friday 14 to 17 May.

American Team Jets In
For National TV Truck Make-Over!
The award-winning RealWheels Corporation of Chicago will fly in to Brisbane to team up with Western Star Trucks and Queensland based national accessory distributor TRADE ONLY to put on an amazing display of truck make-over magic!
This spectacular event aimed at promoting the forthcoming May 14 -17 Queensland Truck & Machinery Show will take place in the city centre at Brisbane’s Reddacliffe Place on Monday May 11 in front of a national audience broadcast live by Channel 7’s ‘sunrise’ breakfast show, hosted by the effervescent and irrepressible Fifi Box.
In a matter of hours a brand new truck will be transformed into a sparkling chrome and bodywork masterpiece that will enthrall the crowds.
The vehicle… aptly named the ‘Sunrise Express’ in honour of the TV show will then be transported to the Brisbane RNA Showgrounds to remain on display throughout the Queensland Truck & Machinery Show, now the largest event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

The ‘Sunrise Express’ will start the day as a stock standard Western Star 4800 prime mover, it will then be outfitted with many aftermarket accessories and trim parts with the entire build process captured during Australia’s number one national breakfast show.
Following a year of extensive road-testing, research & development a new line of commercial truck products are about to be unveiled to the Australian market by the USA based manufacturer. RealWheels recently named Trade Only as their exclusive Australian Distributor and will combine efforts during the Truck & Machinery Show this year.
“We are so excited to have Trade Only as the exclusive distributor of our products in Australia.” said RealWheels Vice President, Jhan R. Dolphin “and we are thrilled to visit Australia and work side-by-side with them on the Sunrise project, and the upcoming Truck & Machinery Show.”
Jhan added; “We have always received a great deal of interest from customers in Australia, and so we are really pleased to finally provide them with easy access to our products.”

Queensland based TRADE ONLY Managing Director Lance Gillies, added his support by stating;
”The award-winning RealWheels Corporation has been producing vehicle enhancement products for over 30 years and have created some unbelievable custom vehicles so it’s great to have them visit Australia and participate in the ‘Sunrise Express’ project.”
The team at RealWheels Corporation (RWC) have been responsible for the design of some of the coolest customized, themed vehicles in the world. They built that amazing Hummer that rolled on tank treads instead of wheels, custom sports cars and even modified big rigs.
Another high-profile vehicle project was built by RealWheels Corporation for Illusionist, Criss Angel and his American television series Mindfreak and last year they customized vehicles for an HBO television series promotion. Currently touring the U.S. is an extremely customized project vehicle they built for legendary rock band Cheap Trick as a tribute to the band, cool cars, and the history of rock music.

“Many Australian customers are bored with what is available for their trucks.” Says Trade Only’s Lance Gillies. “The designers at RealWheels create extremely innovative products and now we can offer customers unique wheel accessory products that completely enhance a trucks appearance. In an effort to streamline the way a truck moves through air, we can also provide an aero-dynamic innovation, promoting better fuel economy.”
Come along to the CBD on Monday 11 May and visit www.truckandmachineryshow.com.au for more details of the show.

The world’s first unveiling of ‘Earth Cruiser’ and it’s made in Australia !
Regular readers could be forgiven for thinking the Queensland Truck & Machinery Show being held at Brisbane’s RNA Showgrounds this coming May 14 -17 will be an event just for the heavy vehicle and mining industry, but they would be pleasantly surprised!

For at the 2009 show there will be plenty to see and do for the whole family, with some amazing big rigs, trailers, diggers and earthmoving equipment to thrill the youngsters and some amazing creative and visually stunning concept vehicles to attract and satisfy any audience.
Amongst those who should consider a trip to the show would also be the adventurous holiday makers or the budding grey nomads and thrill seeking cross country and across the globe explorers who want to do it in luxury surroundings. Because on exclusive display at this year’s show will be the world’s first unveiling of ‘Earth Cruiser’ an all terrain 4×4 motor home that offers extended and comfortable travel to places that most people only read about in adventure magazines, while still benefiting from luxurious accommodation.

More than just a mobile home for driving around coastline and countryside ‘Earth Cruiser’ delivers the opportunity to adventure to exotic parts of the world that extend beyond the map where a standard mobile home could never venture! Extensive market research has shown that a medium sized 4×4 motor home with luxury and energy saving appointments that can simply be driven into a shipping container for international touring, is missing from the world stage.
Earth Cruiser is purpose built by ‘All Terrain Motorhomes’ a Queensland company owned and operated by two talented individuals, Kym Bolton and Lance Gillies, each with over 25 years experience in their respective fields.

The first ever EarthCruiser will be on the Mitsubishi Fuso stand at the Queensland Truck & Machinery Show RNA Showgrounds 14 – 17 May 2009.

TV station stations around Australia release this TV ad on Monday 4th. May. truckiesonline has the exclusive media launch (exclusive to truckies) for this fantastic Qld Truck & Machinery Show. The biggest and best in the southern hemisphere.

truck-show-tv-ad

All Australian truckies should mark 14th to 17th May as a must visit day for the 2009 Brisbane Truck Show as the Brisbane Truck Show steams ahead.

The heavy vehicle industry and its peak body – the Commercial Vehicle Industry Association of Q’ld (CVIAQ) is not letting the global economic crisis stand in its way!
Commenting on preparations for the 2009 Queensland Truck and Machinery Show to be held from the 14 – 17 May at the Brisbane RNA Showground’s,
CEO Brett Wright said;
“The 2009 event is destined to be a record breaker on all fronts. Despite the economic uncertainty we are expanding! We are already in the position to announce that all previous show exhibition space has been filled and all the big truck and equipment manufacturers are locked in, ready and raring to go!

Our waiting list of additional exhibitors now stands at well over 200 applications, all of whom are keen to get a spot at the show for the first time. So with the recent approval of our Traffic Management Plan allowing the closure of Gregory Terrace, we have been busy re-planning the show site and doing everything in our power to accommodate as many of these prospective exhibitors as possible.
Our forecast is that the 2009 Queensland Truck and Machinery Show will deliver a marked increase in exhibitor and visitor numbers, which is great news on the back of announcements of show closures among other motoring industry groups. Add to that the recent announcement of the 30% Government Investment Allowance which must be taken up by June 30 and all things point to a much needed boost for our industry.”
Brett concluded by stating;
“The Queensland show is the only industry owned and run event of its type in Australia where all proceeds are invested back into serving and supporting the commercial vehicle industry. As the premier event in Australia our aim now is to position the Queensland event as unquestionably one of the worlds’ premier truck shows, located in one of the very best destinations in the world for show attendees to do business, relax and enjoy!”

In further good news for the Queensland event, the 2009 show has been endorsed by new major industry sponsors such as Fleet Partners, BP Australia and Brisbane’s RiverCity Motorway Group, the people responsible for the new tunnel system running underneath the city.
truckiesonline will be there!!!!