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From the Editor’s desk
The engine room
Last month, the Australian Freight Industry Awards (AFIAs) presented us with the opportunity to once again come together as an entire industry and celebrate the individual people and organisations powering it.
Immersed with hundreds of guests in attendance at the Palladium at Crown Melbourne, it was clear to me on the night that the 35th instalment of the annual gala event would be a massive success. This impression was reinforced with an audience that was as engaged as ever and a record number of entries across all categories.
Victorian Transport Association (VTA) CEO, Peter Anderson, opened the evening in a very noteworthy manner by acknowledging the imperative role which freight and logistics play in Australia’s prosperity. He made it clear that from ports to paddocks, the transport industry is the “engine room” of the economy.
“Every day, our industry keeps Australia moving – delivering goods, connecting businesses, and supporting livelihoods,” he said. “Tonight, we bring that work front and centre to celebrate the people and organisations who go above and beyond. These awards honour not just success, but the spirit of innovation and resilience that defines our sector.”
AFIA Chair, Dennis Ryan, reinforced the importance of acknowledging excellence and encouraging industry collaboration via events such as these. Recognising achievement, he said on the night, inspires progress.
“For 35 years, these awards have celebrated the individuals and organisations who lead by example and push our industry forward,” he said. “Strong industry associations like the VTA provide a trusted platform for collaboration,
where operators, suppliers, and regulators come together to solve shared challenges and influence meaningful change.”
It was great to see Hon. Duncan Gay AM named Personality of the Year as well as Mariella Teuira of Peter Sadler Removals & Logistics and Jack Di Losa of Cold Xpress honoured for their work. DHL Supply Chain, Wettenhalls, Linfox, Brooklyn Recycling Group and TOMRA Cleanaway also received welldeserved awards in their respective fields, with many other individuals and organisations receiving nominations for their contributions as well.
With hundreds of guests in attendance, the 2025 AFIAs put the innovation, leadership and commitment within our industry in the spotlight. Congratulations to all of the winners and nominees that were showcased and the VTA for pulling off yet another incredible night.
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Business partnerships, people movements, developments that bolster freight productivity and more.
20 Economy
Everything you need to know about the Australian Government’s Economic Reform Roundtable.
22 Refrigerated transport equipment
See the latest cold chain technologies in road transport.
36 Trailer builder
SRV Roadfreight Services has become one of the first fleets in Australia to trial Vawdrey’s new Auto Drive Titeliner automatic curtain system.
38 Braking equipment
Air Brake Corporation has spent decades engineering and refining its core range of braking components.
40 Hydraulics
Hydreco Hydraulics, having experienced significant company growth, is preparing for an even bigger 2026.
42 Trailer building materials/components
A showcase of the products and services that keep trailers on the move.
46 ALRTA
The ALRTA and its partners are continuing to advocate for Electronic Braking System failures to be addressed.
48 Special report
Graeme Elphinstone has been inducted into the Shell Rimula National Road Transport Wall of Fame.
50 Safety insight
Safety remains at the forefront of Freight Assist Australia’s operations as the business continues to expand.
52 Infrastructure spotlight
What you need to know about Australia’s biggest road projects this month.
54 World map
The ubiquity of driverless cars is now transitioning to the commercial vehicle market.
57 Fleet of the month
Arrow Transport has revealed a new partnership and its interstate growth plans.
58 What’s on Upcoming shows and field days.
XFM adds nine Vawdrey trailers to fleet
XFM has taken delivery of another nine Titeliner curtainsider trailers from Vawdrey.
The fleet’s most recent order consisted of five 30′ trailers, two B-doubles and two single semi-trailers which follow three B-doubles and an AB-triple road train.
The new 30′ trailers have been strategically deployed to operate in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth to support peak period demand and accommodate ongoing national growth for XFM.
Each 30′ unit is operating at a Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of 30 tonnes with a payload capacity of 16 tonnes.
XFM Managing Director, Les Sharp, told Trailer the curtainsiders were designed to enhance XFM’s ability to service a broader customer base and respond to increasing freight volumes across key metropolitan markets.
“One of the standout features of the new 30′ trailers is the mezzanine floor which enables the transport of 16 pallets on the floor and eight pallets on the mezzanine floor,” he said.
“This design allows us to maximise our freight volume per trip, significantly improving efficiency.
“By consolidating more freight into fewer vehicles, we’re also reducing our environmental footprint with fewer trips and less fuel consumption, contributing to our sustainability goals.”
These units are expected to provide a significant uplift in freight volume this month based on previous trading patterns seen over the last two years.
Sharp said the 30′ trailers are perfectly positioned to support this growth.
“We already had three 30′ trailers in operation prior to this latest delivery and their performance has been a key driver behind our decision to expand,” he said.
“Their ability to carry more freight per trip helps us operate more efficiently and sustainably while continuing to meet the evolving needs of our customers.
“The results from our existing units have been clear – greater freight capacity, improved delivery reach and reduced turnaround times.”
Meanwhile, the new B-double combinations and single trailers will remain focused on Sydney and Melbourne with linehaul and intra-city freight tasks in these regions.
The B-doubles boast GCMs of 62.5 tonnes and payloads of 34 tonnes while the singles feature 42.5-tonne GCMs and 22-tonne payloads.
Sharp said these units will ensure fast and consistent service in XFM’s busiest corridors.
“Our goal is to reduce the number of trips required, allowing us to move more freight per journey,” he told Trailer
“This not only improves operational efficiency but also supports our
sustainability objectives by lowering fuel consumption and emissions.
“The new units are designed to help us meet growing demand while delivering smarter, greener logistics solutions.”
All trailers in the order were designed for high-volume and efficient freight movements.
Each 30′ unit can carry up to 32 pallets, with the mezzanine floors also allowing for better load optimisation and reducing the number of rigid vehicle trips required as a result.
“Expanding our fleet was a strategic priority to ensure we’re well-prepared for the upcoming peak period,” Sharp told Trailer
“We chose Vawdrey trailers for their engineering excellence, PerformanceBased Standards (PBS) compliance and nationwide support network. They are a reliable and cost-effective solution for long-term fleet performance.
“A key factor in our decision was the outstanding support from Paul Vawdrey whose eagerness to collaborate and develop tailored solutions for XFM made a real difference.
“Paul’s proactive approach and deep understanding of our operational needs helped ensure we selected trailers that align perfectly with our growth strategy.
“His commitment to partnership and innovation has been instrumental in this expansion.”
The nine new trailers being picked up for delivery. Image: XFM.
JOST launches new Victoria head office
JOST has officially relocated its Victorian operations into a new purpose-built facility in Laverton North.
The 14,000-square-metre facility has consolidated all of JOST’s brands including traditional JOST products, HYVA, TRIDEC, ROCKINGER and Quicke under one roof.
The new head office is made up of a 300mm frontage, a 2,800-square-metre outdoor super awning area with B-double access for loading and unloading, an office and administration area and a training room to host workshops for mechanics and apprentices.
Accommodating all of JOST’s key functions from management and sales to engineering and operations, the facility also includes a showroom with the OEM’s previous Brisbane Truck Show displays for customers to view.
JOST Australia General Manager of Sales and Marketing, Corey Povey, told Trailer that the new head office, developed following a period of significant growth, was purpose-built to suit the needs of customers.
“We want to provide an industry-leading service for our customers,” he said.
“At JOST, it’s all about the customer experience. We want to deliver on our promise of customer service excellence and aftersales support.”
The facility is targeting a 5 Star Green Star Design and As Built rating in line with JOST’s core values.
Its sustainability features include LED lighting, water efficient fitting, rainwater
recycling, a solar embedded network, low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) carpets and paints and high-quality landscaping with an automatic irrigation system.
JOST’s new Victoria head office is conveniently located at 1/127 Cherry Lane in Melbourne’s West.
Its prime location gives JOST superb access to major arterial roads and freeways such as the Princes Freeway which will deliver greater efficiencies for freight and transport.
The facility, being much larger than its predecessor, will ultimately allow JOST to increase its capabilities while continuing to provide best practice customer service.
“This location is much larger than our previous head office and will accommodate everything that we need to do,” Povey told Trailer
“We’ve tripled our painting capacity, removed bottlenecks and have added multiple dedicated prime mover fitting areas for fifth wheel fitments along with other services.
“All of this under one roof will improve our output, allow for complete quality control and minimise double handling of goods.
“Additionally, the full apron undercover loading and unloading area will allow us to operate through different weather conditions and in a safer environment.”
Importantly, the Laverton North site will also unlock future growth potential for JOST.
“We’ve still got room to grow,” Povey said. “We want to keep up with the market.
The demand and expectations from the OEM sector is growing along with the amount of fleets across Australia that are fitting JOST products.
“We’re now selling more fifth wheels than we ever have, and we need to put ourselves in a position to service all of the JOST products that are in the market.
“Put simply, we need to move with the market and expand so that we can service them ‘JOST like’.”
With HYVA now closing its doors in Beresfield, New South Wales, JOST’s Victorian headquarters will also house these operations and cater to the expanding hooklift and skip loader market.
“We’ll be holding a substantial amount of HYVA products such as hook loaders, skip loaders and tipping cylinders at this new location,” Povey said.
“No matter what our customers order from JOST, HYVA, Quicke or ROCKINGER, it will all be warehoused and packaged together under the one roof.
“For customers, this will minimise freight and delivery costs. For us, it will improve efficiency massively.”
JOST is planning for an official opening event to take place at the end of this month where it will welcome all of its customers and partners.
“We would like to thank all of our customers for their business and support over the past 35 years,” Povey said.
“Along with the dedicated JOST staff, they have truly driven our growth.”
Freight Assist Australia launches B-double for Steadfast Logistics
Freight Assist Australia has unveiled a refurbished B-double trailer combination in partnership with Steadfast Logistics.
Steadfast Logistics is a family-owned and run interstate transport company headquartered in Dandenong South, Victoria.
The business, established in 2013, has collaborated with Freight Assist Australia for eight years in Victoria and across the country.
“Steadfast has steadily been one of the biggest supporters of Freight Assist Australia,” Freight Assist Australia Site
Operations and National Linehaul Manager, Raylene Dale, told Trailer
“The FAA teams and Steadfast teams work together in our transport efforts, and make each other look good while doing so.”
Freight Assist Australia recently refurbished one of its B-double sets to represent the partnership with Steadfast Logistics.
The combination was rebranded with Steadfast Logistics’ livery in an effort to increase awareness of the transport company in Melbourne, Victoria.
Dale said this will extend far beyond
Melbourne once the B-double is deployed on other transport routes in the coming months.
“In the short term, the refurbished trailer set will be for our local customers in Melbourne picking up the Steadfast customer freight,” she told Trailer
“As we head into the peak season, it will be going nationwide.
“The relationship between Freight Assist Australia and Steadfast Logistics is indicative of how the company treats all of its partnerships – our customers are more than just numbers.”
Tim Oakes joins Guru Hundal Freightlines
Victoria-based transport and logistics company, Guru Hundal Freightlines, has appointed Tim Oakes as its new Director of Operations.
Oakes joins the business with a background in transport and logistics following his position as Operations Manager at First Transport.
In his new role, Oakes will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of Guru Hundal Freightlines.
In addition to working with customers to ensure freight movements are as efficient and safe as possible, he will also be responsible for growing the business into a “massive Australian transport company”.
“I chose to join Guru Hundal Freightlines because I saw the impressive growth they were achieving,” Oakes told Trailer
“After a few conversations with Managing Director, Guru Hundal, and seeing both the progress and the positive work environment firsthand, I made the decision to come across and be part of the growing team.”
Guru Hundal Freightlines is an interstate transport company with operations across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Northern Territory and Western Australia.
The business recently acquired Nansor Freightlines as part of its growth and now operates 75 prime movers and 150 trailers Australiawide.
Oakes brings strengths around cost saving practices, fleet allocations and fleet optimisation to the company.
He also has a lot of experience with drivers, dealing with issues and hiring and managing employees.
These are skills Oakes is excited to implement at Guru Hundal Freightlines.
“I’m really looking forward to building some good, strong relationships with stakeholders, clients and customers,” he said.
“I really enjoy building relationships with people and maintaining them. I find coaching drivers very rewarding too.”
Qube Chairman announces retirement, successor revealed
Qube Holdings Chairman, Allan Davies, will retire from the Board at the conclusion of the 2025 Annual General Meeting on 20 November 2025.
Following a formal chair succession process led by Non-Executive Director, Jill Hoffmann, the Board has elected John Bevan to succeed Davies as Chair with unanimous support.
Davies was a founding director of Qube, appointed as a Director on 26 August 2011.
He was elected Chairman on 23 June 2017.
“Serving as the Chairman of Qube for the past eight years has been an enormous privilege and I am grateful to shareholders and my Board colleagues for the support I have received during my tenure,” Davies said.
“I stepped into the role in the same year that Qube acquired its 50 per cent interest in Patrick and 100 per cent of AAT. Moorebank was just beginning construction, and our market capitalisation was $3.75 billion.
“Through a relentless focus on our strategy to diversify by geography and market, the business has grown significantly over that time, with a strong balance sheet, a significant growth pipeline and a very positive outlook.
“I am delighted that the Board has elected John Bevan as my successor and I look forward to working closely with him in the months ahead as he transitions into the role.”
Bevan was appointed as a Director of Qube on 1 January 2025 and brings extensive executive and non-executive experience to the Qube Board.
He was the former CEO and Executive Director of Alumina Limited and held a variety of executive and senior management positions over more than 25 years at BOC Group in Australia, Asia and the United Kingdom.
Bevan has also previously served as a Non-Executive Director of Alumina Limited, Nuplex Industries, BlueScope Steel and Ansell.
He was Chair of BlueScope Steel from 2015 to 2023 and Chair of Ansell Limited from 2019 to 2023.
“I am honoured to have been elected by my peers to succeed Allan as Chair of Qube,” Bevan said.
“Allan leaves a remarkable legacy at Qube, having played a significant role in the development and growth of the business since its inception in 2011.
“Under Allan’s leadership, Qube has evolved into a highly diversified, multinational business, and a true Australian success story.
“As incoming Chair, I look forward to working with the Board and management to continue that strong track record of evolution and growth as we strive to keep delivering the exceptional customer service we are known and respected for, and to create value for our shareholders.”
Tim Oakes. Image: Guru Hundal Freightlines.
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Hobart Airport improvements are set to deliver flow-on benefits not just for aviation but for Tasmania’s broader freight and logistics network.
The upgraded runway, taxiways and enabling infrastructure are expected to improve freight capacity and access, with significant implications for Australia’s road transport and supply chain industries.
The enhanced airport facilities will support larger aircraft and increased cargo volumes, streamlining the movement of goods from Tasmania to international and mainland markets, and in turn drive demand for road freight and intermodal logistics services.
Over 190 jobs were created during the construction phase, and a further 1,261 indirect jobs are anticipated to be supported throughout the state, many within the freight, logistics and transport sectors that rely on efficient links to ports and airports.
The $130 million project was jointly funded, with $60 million from the Federal Government and $70 million from delivery partner Hobart Airport.
“These upgrades help connect Hobart to the world,” said Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King.
Federal Member for Franklin, Julie Collins, said the airport “will enable opportunities
for direct exports between Hobart and Asia, meaning Tassie farmers and producers can get goods to destinations faster, in better quality, and at a higher premium.”
The Hobart Airport upgrade aligns with broader federal strategies outlined in the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy which aims to improve efficiency, reliability and capacity across Australia’s freight corridors.
As Tasmania grows its role in international trade, efficient road access to key infrastructure like Hobart Airport will be essential to the island’s long-term economic competitiveness.
“Along with the $200 million terminal expansion which is now well underway, the upgraded runway means that the sky’s the limit for passengers and freight to and from Hobart Airport,” said Hobart Airport CEO, Norris Carter.
“We already have international flights to Auckland, and this upgraded runway now provides us the opportunity to take the airport to the next level and secure direct services to an Asian Hub such as Singapore or Hong Kong.
“The upgraded runway is worth an estimated $122 million per year to Tasmania’s tourism, agriculture and Antarctic industries, and more than 1,200 jobs.”
JOST to divest Hyva crane business
Equipment specialist, JOST, has agreed to sell the crane business it recently acquired to private equity investor, Mutares SE & Co. KGaA.
This purchase agreement, signed 11 August 2025, follows JOST’s acquisition of Hyva earlier this year and a subsequent review of the company’s product portfolio.
In this recent review, JOST identified the cranes business as ‘non-core’ for its growth strategy, leading to the ultimate decision to explore divestment options for the division in order to focus on the integration of the core Hyva portfolio and related organic growth opportunities.
JOST’s purchase agreement with Mutares for Hyva’s cranes business represents a
sales value of approx. €100 million ($178.8 million AUD) and is expected to close in Q4 2025.
“I am very pleased with the progress of the post-merger integration between Hyva and JOST,” said JOST World CEO, Joachim Dürr.
“The swift execution of the cranes divestment will allow us to focus even more on new growth opportunities for our core business and raising the identified synergies to achieve our ‘AMBITION 2030’ targets for profitable growth.”
Additionally, Mutares CIO, Johannes Laumann, commented on the opportunity that Hyva’s cranes division posed to the private equity firm.
The runway took 12 months to complete with Downer as the main contractor, supported by Planned Performance, GHD, Hazell Bros and ADB Safegate. About 103,000 cubic metres of asphalt and 200 truckloads of concrete were laid.
The road and rail corridor connecting Burnie and Hobart is part of the National Land Transport Network according to Infrastructure Australia. It connects regional producers to a number of Tasmania’s ports and producers depend on it to bring goods to market at competitive prices. The corridor is forecast to carry 35 per cent more freight by 2034–35, compared to 2014–15 volumes.
With Hobart Airport set to become a more critical export and logistics hub, road transport operators across Tasmania should prepare for higher volumes of airfreight transfers to and from rural production zones, increased demand for refrigerated and time-sensitive transport, opportunities in warehousing, handling and intermodal services and stronger justification for upgrades to road networks surrounding Hobart’s freight corridors.
As the freight ecosystem grows more complex, the integration of road and air logistics will be central to keeping Tasmania’s economy moving efficiently.
“The crane business unit of Hyva is a very promising new platform for our Goods & Services segment with a globally recognised brand in truckmounted cranes,” he said.
“The business presents a turnaround and carve-out opportunity due to recent financial underperformance and operational inefficiencies.
“With our proven expertise in carve-outs and restructuring, we aim to restore profitability and drive sustainable growth. With a hands-on approach and long-term investment strategy, we see the company as a valuable addition to the Mutares portfolio.”
Rio Tinto announces $277M investment
Rio Tinto has approved an investment of USD $180 million (approx. $277.67 million AUD) for a project in Queensland.
Work has commenced on the Norman Creek access project at the Amrun bauxite mine at Cape York Peninsula, Queensland.
The Norman Creek access project will
enable mining of the Norman Creek region of Amrun which Rio Tinto claims holds approximately 978 million tonnes of ore reserves.
First production from Norman Creek is targeted for 2027, with full construction to be completed in 2028.
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“Norman Creek is another important step in securing the long-term future of our Weipa operations, and the benefits that mining brings to communities in the region, Queensland, and the nation,” said Rio Tinto Pacific Operations Aluminium Managing Director, Armando Torres.
“It will maintain jobs in the region through to at least the middle of this century, ensuring continuity for our people and the Weipa community.
“The decision to approve Norman Creek reflects the quality of Western Cape York’s world-class bauxite deposits, combined with the strong operational improvements our people are making at Amrun that are bolstering our confidence to invest for the long-term.”
The Norman Creek investment is expected to be classified as replacement capital and has been factored into the group’s capital guidance.
Rio Tinto sign at the Port of Dampier in Western Australia. Image: Rafael Ben-Ari/stock.adobe.com.
MLG Oz reports sustained financial growth for FY25
MLG Oz has announced its results for financial year 2025.
The company has reported sustained revenue and margin growth which have have helped improve profitability.
MLG achieved a revenue of $548.3 million in FY25, a 15.5-per-cent increase year-onyear (YOY) compared to $474.8 million in FY24.
The mining company attributed this revenue growth to an increase in demand from clients to deliver higher volumes of material to their processing hubs.
Gold makes up the majority of MLG’s heavily-demanded material and it was responsible for 94 per cent of the company’s revenue in FY25.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) were $66.1 million – an increase of 19.5 per cent YOY.
According to MLG, this figure particularly increased in the second half of the financial year, along with its margin, as the company ensured operational efficiency through targeted actions to increase fleet utilisation and control costs.
While the first half of the financial year carried elevated costs due to idle fleet and delayed project commencements, these assets were progressively deployed into revenue generating contracts during the second half.
“Incremental margin improvement is gaining momentum and remains an area of focus,” MLG said.
MLG also reported a Net Profit After Tax (NPAT) of $12.1 million (compared to $11 million YOY) as well as strong company cashflow, solid funding investment into growth opportunities and a reduction in leverage.
Some of these growth opportunities have come in the form of signed contracts with the likes of Rio Tinto, Fortescue, Westgold South haulage and New Murchsion Gold.
According to MLG, these key contract wins contributed to both top-line growth and the expansion of the company’s operational footprint.
MLG is anticipating continued growth in FY26.
“The Company continues to focus on operational discipline, asset productivity and strengthening its vertically integrated model,” MLG said.
“These efforts, alongside targeted investment in fleet and systems, have positioned MLG well for continued growth
and earnings resilience into FY2026.”
MLG revealed it will remain focused on driving sustainable margin improvement.
This will be supported by long-term contracts, expanding service capabilities and further opportunities for revenue growth and operational efficiencies in the months ahead.
“MLG is well positioned to expand its service offering and deliver continued business growth,” said MLG Oz Managing Director, Murray Leahy.
“We expect to further improve margins in FY2026 and are actively pursuing a number of significant profit-share project opportunities, which, while not yet formalised, represent strong potential for future earnings.
“We will continue to work closely with our clients to deliver sustainably over the long term whilst ensuring the deployment of capital into projects that offer the highest level of sustainable returns.”
Direct Freight Express finalises NT expansion
Direct Freight Express has extended its operations in the Northern Territory to meet growing freight volumes and increasing demand.
The business has added 2,505 square metres to its Darwin facility – reinforcing its commitment to delivering faster, more efficient and more reliable freight services across the region.
As part of the expansion, Direct Freight Express has opened a new bulk shed located at 15 Toft Road, Tivendale.
This facility will manage the distribution of all inbound pallets while streamlining freight handling processes and improving turnaround times.
“This growth not only strengthens our presence in Darwin, but also enhances our reach and service capabilities in Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, and Katherine,” Direct Freight Express said.
“We’re proud to share that all four depots are now equipped with sign-onglass technology, improving tracking
and delivery accuracy across the network.”
Parcel operations will continue to be serviced from 28 Wedding Road, Tivendale, which conveniently backs onto the new bulk shed and allows for greater operational efficiency between parcel and pallet services.
Direct Freight Express said it will continue to invest in growing and improving its services to better support businesses at the lowest possible price.
A MLG Oz road train. Image: MLG Oz.
Qube reports record financial results in FY25
Qube has released its financial year 2025 results which demonstrate significant growth across many parts of its operations.
Qube achieved an underlying revenue of $4.46 billion in FY25 – a 27.3 per cent increase compared to financial year 2024.
Underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased by 15.4 per cent to $616.2 million year-on-year (YOY).
Qube’s underlying earnings before interest, taxes and amortisation (EBITA) also grew by 18.5 per cent to $377.2 million, while EBITA margins increased to 10.5 per cent compared to 9.5 per cent in FY24.
Underlying net profit after tax and amortisation (NPATA) was recorded at $288 million, 6.2 per cent higher than FY24’s figure.
Underlying earnings per share (EPSA) also increased to 16.25 cents – a six per cent improvement YOY.
Statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) for the period was $51.0 million.
Qube Managing Director, Paul Digney, said the record earnings result benefitted from higher revenue and earnings from most sectors of the business, as well as a combination of organic growth and the contribution from prior year and current period acquisitions.
“Through a continuing focus on developing our operational capabilities and expertise and our strategy to diversify by market and geography, Qube has again delivered solid full year results, with growth across all our key underlying performance metrics,” he said.
“Activity levels remained generally favourable across most of Qube’s core markets, and the diversity of our operations and multiple growth levers again enabled the business to more than offset the earnings impact of challenges in the period.
“The continued improvements in both margins and our Return on Average Capital Employed highlights Qube’s disciplined approach to investment and the operational leverage we’re able to achieve from our infrastructure and other strategic assets.”
“This is particularly well demonstrated by the strong performance of our energy, agri and rail activities (the latter of which benefitted significantly from our grain trading strategy), underscoring Qube’s ability to optimise its existing infrastructure and assets to compete in this market and deliver outcomes for customers.”
Meanwhile, Qube’s Operating Division reported strong underlying revenue growth of 27.4 per cent to $5.4 billion and underlying EBITA growth of 17.4 per cent to $419.5 million.
Overall, EBITA margins for the Operating Division (excluding grain trading revenue and earnings) improved to 11.7 per cent from 10.6 per cent in FY24.
Qube’s grain trading activities generated $898 million of revenue in FY25.
While these activities contributed minimal earnings directly, they supported an increase in earnings across Qube’s agricultural and rail activities through improved asset and infrastructure utilisation.
The EBITA margin, inclusive of the low margin grain trading revenue, was 9.4 per cent.
The result also benefited from a full year’s contribution from the acquisitions completed in FY24, and a partial period’s contribution from the Coleman’s Transport and Melbourne International RoRo & Automotive Terminal (MIRRAT) acquisitions completed in FY25.
Meanwhile, Qube’s Logistics and Infrastructure business unit delivered strong underlying revenue and earnings growth in FY25.
Underlying revenue increased by 57.4 per cent to $2.44 billion and underlying EBITA grew by 20.3 per cent to $287 million, resulting in a decline in EBITA margins to 11.8 per cent (from 15.4 per cent in FY24).
EBITA margins excluding the high revenue low margin grain trading activity improved from 17 per cent in FY24 to 18.5 per cent in FY25.
Based on the current outlook, Qube expects to deliver solid growth in underlying NPATA and EPSA in financial year 2026.
Solid EPITA is expected in the Operating
Division with both the Logistics and Infrastructure with the Ports and Bulk business units contributing to the growth.
Qube’s associates are also expected to deliver improved overall earnings of around $5-10 million, with Qube’s 50 per cent stake in Patrick Terminals being the key driver of this.
“Qube’s net interest expense is expected to increase by around $15-$20 million, mainly due to a higher average net debt balance (following the FY25 acquisitions and growth capex as well as higher grain trading related working capital), as well as from lower interest income following the repayment by Patrick in June 25 of the remaining shareholder loans that Qube had provided,” the Qube Board of Directors said in a statement.
“Qube continues to have multiple organic and inorganic growth options across its core markets and continues to be well placed to deliver long term underlying earnings growth.”
Meanwhile, Qube has acquired the ABH terminal and shiploader at the Port of Albany in Western Australia.
According to Qube, the acquisition expands the company’s footprint and will enhance trade opportunities across the Great Southern region.
The facility will now undergo upgrades to boost its capacity and accommodate new commodities.
“We’re excited to have acquired the ABH infrastructure at Albany, which includes a large stockyard, conveyor system and ship loader,” said Qube Bulk Director, Todd Emmert.
“The Port of Albany is a critical gateway for the Great Southern region.
“Qube’s acquisition of the ABH Terminal provides an opportunity for Qube Bulk to leverage our skill, experience and expertise across a range of commodities to upgrade the facilities so they are capable of servicing new markets, including mineral sands, spodumene and grain, and to significantly increase volumes through the facility.
“We look forward to working with the Port Authority and current and new customers as we progress planning and begin writing an exciting new chapter for this facility.”
Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds marks fifth anniversary
Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds (HHTS) has surpassed five years of operations.
HHTS was launched on 18 August 2020 to improve mental health and wellbeing across Australia’s transport, warehousing and logistics industries.
The organisation’s ongoing mission has been to provide accessible resources, tailored programs and support to help businesses create psychologically safe workplaces.
“Five years on, we’re incredibly proud of the meaningful progress we’ve made, and happy to say we’re just getting started,” HHTS said.
“To our founders, partners, team, and the wider community: thank you for your support, commitment, and belief in our vision, and making everything we do possible.
“Here’s to many more years of creating safer, stronger and more mentally healthy workplaces across the sector.”
In recent years, HHTS also partnered with a number of OEMs and transport companies to provide mental health and wellbeing care.
These have included Vawdrey, JOST, Centurion and Linfox.
“Having such a well-known and respected Australian business like Vawdrey come on board is super important to us, and means that we can continue to delivery on our key target ambitions,” HHTS CEO, Naomi Frauenfelder, told Trailer in 2022.
“Like many businesses in our sector, Vawdrey would have seen the impact of the pandemic on trucking operators as well as drivers and logistics companies, so they’re looking for an opportunity to meaningfully contribute to the lives of people working in the sector and other businesses.”
A Healthy Heads B-double combination. Image: Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds.
Jacquelene Brotherton steps down as TWAL Chair
Jacquelene Brotherton has stepped down as Chair of Transport Women Australia Limited (TWAL) after nearly eight years at the helm.
Brotherton has left behind a legacy of growth and recognition for women in the transport industry, helming a variety of programs and events to celebrate their work.
Following these efforts, she has decided that her time as Chair has naturally come to an end.
However, Brotherton will continue to participate in the organisation’s running strictly as a member of the Board.
“I came to the realisation that it was time to pass the baton, particularly as the organisation is now preparing for a new conference year,” she told Trailer “This decision has been in the pipeline for a while. We’ll be in the process of transitioning my role and responsibilities over the next few months.”
Many of Brotherton’s responsibilities involved creating platforms to bring women in transport together and celebrate the vital role they play.
Looking back on her time as TWAL Chair, Brotherton said she is proud of her contributions.
“Being able to bring a community of transport women together has been a great accomplishment,” she told Trailer “We were able to do this in many ways.
XFM finalises Brisbane relocation
XFM has recently announced the relocation of its depot in Brisbane, Queensland.
Previously located in the city’s industrial suburb of Carole Park, the depot has now been moved to Acacia Ridge, bringing with it a list of added amenities to improve operations.
These upgrades include triple the undercover space for added working efficiency in various weather conditions, six on-grade roller doors for faster and smoother performance and increased
Our Driving the Difference scholarships and Young Gunnette and Dream Maker awards all helped to recognise women and build respect for our organisation.”
These developments also helped TWAL grow.
“TWAL has spread its influence across the nation,” Brotherton said.
“Our Board has grown, our membership has increased about five-fold and our sponsors and partners have all grown too. We’ve been growing year-on-year in every respect.
“Our membership grew even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our conference attendance has been increasing with each year as well. The breakfast that we hosted at this year’s Brisbane Truck Show had 200 attendants which is a far cry from the 40 or 50 people we used to get.”
Brotherton ultimately navigated TWAL through this growth and learned the value of having a solid team around her – a lesson which she holds dear even today.
“It’s so important to bring your trusted team along with you,” she said.
“You have to support other parts of your community and always be looking after your talent, too.
“Bring these people with you because they have perspectives that you won’t. It’s important to look to the past in order to guide the future.”
Following her transition away from the role of TWAL Chair, Brotherton plans to take time for herself as she develops other personal projects.
“I have a few other projects that I’m currently working on with various colleagues,” she said.
“But those will come out in due time. For now, I’ll be looking forward to taking a break.”
Following Brotherton’s departure, TWAL Director, Coralie Chapman, has taken over the role of Chair.
Chapman said she looks forward to leading TWAL into the future.
“I can’t thank Jacquelene Brotherton enough for the last eight years,” she said.
“For her guidance, friendship and for taking Transport Women Australia to a whole new level.
“I have very big shoes to fill and I hope I make you proud.”
capacity to handle peak volumes while supporting ongoing growth.
“We look forward to welcoming you to our new home and continuing to deliver exceptional service from our upgraded facility,” XFM said.
Additionally, the new Acacia Ridge site is well positioned for access to major
arterial roads and quicker connections as a result.
The Acacia Ridge depot is just one of various locations which XFM currently operates out of.
It has multiple locations around Australia throughout Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales and other regions.
A XFM semi-trailer unit. Image: XFM.
Jacquelene Brotherton. Image: Transport Women Australia Limited.
Round it up
Here’s what you need to know about the Economic Reform Roundtable held at the end of August.
A three-day summit about lifting productivity concluded at the end of August in an effort to achieve national reform.
Business leaders, experts and government officials gathered in Canberra for the Economic Reform Roundtable.
“There was 29 hours of discussions in the end,” said Treasurer Jim Chalmers.
“There was something like 327 different contributions made over the course of those three days.”
The Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) among many others pitched their ideas to improve the state of the country’s freight network.
Commitments at the roundtable were made to cut ‘nuisance’ tariffs, reduce complexity around the National Construction Code, reform environmental laws, implement a road user charge to ensure electric vehicle owners contribute to road maintenance, launch a gap analysis to review legislation regarding AI use and protecting creatives from copyright infringement, the rollout of a regulatory reform bill to boost efficiency, skills recognition for migrant workers, a shift to modular construction methods to clear environmental approval backlog, change superannuation performance to incentivise investment in housing and clean energy and a pilot program for investors and changes to Foreign Investment Review Board to encourage business spend.
Chalmers confirmed three objectives for
tax reform: a fair go for working people, an affordable, responsible way to incentivise business investment and how to make the system more sustainable while funding services that people need.
“If there’s one way to understand how this Albanese Government rolls, from the Prime Minister all the way down, is we genuinely believe in our hearts that the best kind of progress that we make is progress we make together,” he said.
Australian business united to lift living standards. The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Australian Industry Group, the Business Council of Australia and the Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia consolidated their feedback in a joint statement.
They agreed the tax process must be considered properly and any reform must increase productivity, grow investment and increase real wages.
“The roundtable provided an important and constructive process for some priority areas for reform, including our proposals on investment, cutting red tape, trade, housing, faster approvals and skills,” they said.
“The Treasurer has also taken positive steps to reduce red tape across the economy, and we continue to call for a 25 per cent target to reduce red tape by 2030.
“We have made progress in these areas, and now it is time to capitalise on this momentum created by the Government.
“We said the test for the roundtable was simple – any proposal must lift business investment across the economy to boost productivity and drive higher living standards for all Australians.
“We spoke out strongly against policies that did not meet this important test. Higher taxes and levies on all businesses were roundly rejected.
“We look forward to working with the government in the months ahead on progressing these issues.”
Shadow Treasurer Ted O’Brien said the government was not living within its means.
“I’ve been pretty clear in attending Labor’s roundtable that I am not there for them,” he said.
“I am not there for the 25 other people in that room, I am there for the 27 million Australians who have been struggling.
“They have been struggling big time over recent years and the big reason why Australians have been struggling is the government has been overspending.”
Professional accounting body, CPA Australia, has broadly welcomed the direction and short-term actions that emerged from Chalmers’ economic reform roundtable and urges stakeholders to maintain a collaborative spirit as the hard work of reform begins.
CPA Australia CEO, Chris Freeland AM, said further details on the short-term actions are needed but the direction of
travel from the roundtable is encouraging.
“There is cautious optimism in the air, but the road to reform is rarely straightforward,” he said.
“The need to boost productivity is clearly urgent, but we must be prepared for challenges along the way. What matters now is turning intent into action, swiftly and thoughtfully, without unintended consequences.
“However, tax reform cannot be delayed, nor should the scope be hamstrung by short-term considerations. All taxes need to be considered with a view to ensuring that our tax system helps to encourage investment, boosts productivity and drive economic growth.”
Of the short-term actions announced, Freeland urges the government to prioritise reforms that will deliver immediate and meaningful productivity gains for business, particularly the commitment to reduce excessive regulation.
“We are especially pleased that our recommendation for ‘tell us once’ reform to cut unnecessary compliance burdens has been recognised as a quick-win measure,” he said.
“Requiring individuals and businesses to repeatedly provide the same information to government is a clear example of the inefficiencies holding back productivity. Addressing this sends a strong signal that the government is listening and acting on business concerns.”
Freeland also welcomes the Treasurer’s commitment to adopt proposals to cut unnecessary regulation, including those identified by the Productivity Commission.
In addition, Freeland called on the government to finalise its national AI capability plan and support small
AUSTRALIAN CONSUMER CONFIDENCE
businesses in adopting emerging technologies as soon as possible.
While some of the measures identified for immediate action can be quickly progressed, Freeland emphasised the need for a comprehensive impact assessment of the proposed road user charge.
“As fuel excise revenue declines with the rise of electric vehicles, a road user charge appears logical. But it must be applied with a clear understanding of its net impact on revenue and consumer behaviour,” he said.
Regarding the longer-term reform priorities identified from the roundtable, Freeland said CPA Australia is particularly eager to see progress on tax reform.
“Tax reform should be a crucial component of the productivity reform agenda to help encourage investment and drive economic growth,” he said.
“Australia needs a comprehensive plan
Australian currency. Image: Astock Productions/stock. adobe.com.
to reduce over-reliance on personal and business taxes, including meaningful GST reform.
“We’re encouraged by the roundtable’s outcomes and look forward to working with the government to turn good ideas into lasting change.”
A report published by the Australian Government found labour productivity growth in the 2010s was the weakest in 60 years. Treasury has downgraded long-run assumptions (from 1.5 per cent to 1.2 per cent per year). Even small declines have large long-term effects on wages and living standards.
Productivity growth has slowed across most advanced economies, not just Australia.
Productivity spiked temporarily during the pandemic but fell back to pre-Covid levels as employment and consumption normalised.
Business investment has risen but not kept pace with employment growth, reducing capital per worker.
Growth of services and non-market sectors (health, aged care, education) is expected to continue, creating a drag on measured productivity since these sectors traditionally have lower measured productivity growth.
It can be argued that productivity growth has become more broad-based and structural rather than cyclical.
Investment shortfalls, weaker competition and skills gaps are core barriers.
Shifts in the economy (services dominance, ageing, climate/energy transition) will continue to weigh on productivity unless offset by reforms.
Tasman Logistics’ latest Koolbox in a B-double configuration.
Extra reinforcement
Krueger Koolbox refrigerated trailers have been an integral part of Tasman Logistics Services, a business now looking to expand to a point that could solidify itself as one of the biggest players in Australian transport.
Tasman Logistics Services is expanding at a rapid rate. The business has tripled in size just in the last three years – an impressive trajectory fuelled by organic growth and various company acquisitions.
Tasman Logistics Services primarily provides temperature-controlled linehaul services across all of Australia via both semi-trailers and refrigerated containers for rail use. These operations give the business a complete coverage of transport, logistics and warehousing solutions and have unlocked many opportunities as a result.
Within its dry freight division, for example, Tasman Logistics Services is now involved in transporting bulk agricultural products and tunnel segments for some of the biggest projects in Victoria’s Big Build. The company’s dry freight division has thus been growing steadily. The cold chain sector, on the other hand, is evolving exponentially.
“The refrigerated part of the business
is seeing a lot of organic growth,” says Tasman Logistics Services CEO and Managing Director, Ivan Vanis. “This has really been the case since the opening of our new facility in Morningside, Queensland, earlier this year. This location has opened a lot of doors for us.”
The facility in question is a 9,000-square-metre temperaturecontrolled depot which, having opened in the first quarter of this year, has since significantly extended Tasman Logistics Services’ cold chain operations. This has primarily been the case due to its 10,000-pallet capacity and ability to accommodate a much larger range of customer requirements.
“The Morningside facility has allowed us to be much more diverse,” Ivan explains. “We do a lot of cross-dock work and import container unpacks and export packing of meat at this facility, and that has brought a lot of new opportunities to us.
“We are now doing transport, import
and export work for customers that only came to us for storage or cross-dock services to begin with. We’ve ended up strengthening the relationships we have with these customers and increasing revenue for the business at the same time.”
Tasman Logistics Services now has its eye on becoming a billion-dollar business in the next couple of years. Ivan reveals that there are various plans in place to achieve this.
“It’s a tough target, but we should have that run rate by the end of 2027,” he says. “We’re looking at some more acquisitions and we’ve also got a massive organic pipeline that has been opened up by new team members and different relationships. We’ve also developed a reputation around our customer service and how we don’t let people down, so a lot of new customers are coming to us as well.”
With great power comes great responsibility. For Tasman Logistics
Images: Krueger.
Services, this projected business growth would require a significant amount of fleet expansion to prepare for higher demand. The business has therefore been regularly investing in Krueger Koolbox refrigerated trailers to prepare itself.
The Koolbox is Krueger’s freezer box product which was specifically engineered for the demands of food distribution. Due to its extreme thermal efficiency, it has the ability to keep delicate foods chilled at required temperatures while also protected from Australia’s harshest operating conditions.
The trailer model is made up of an extremely durable chassis body with a reinforced rear end and strategically placed gussets which add critical layers of strength when needed most. Importantly, this design enhances structural dexterity by reducing flex and absorbing strength.
Krueger Program Manager, Lucas Wilson, says the Koolbox was perfectly engineered for businesses like Tasman Logistics Services.
“The Koolbox is designed to handle the diverse range of Tasman’s temperaturesensitive goods,” he says. “Critical areas are reinforced to absorb stress during transit and docking processes, reducing wear and potential for damage in highusage fleet environments.”
Tasman Logistics Services’ latest Koolbox delivery arrived in the form of a B-double combination earlier this year. The trailer set has been transporting frozen goods between Melbourne and Brisbane for one of the fleet’s biggest customers in the country, and Ivan says the Koolbox trailers have been faring exceptionally well in this application.
“Our latest Koolbox B-double has been performing flawlessly,” he says. “We run our trailers pretty hard, and they don’t stop. But the Koolbox hasn’t had any faults or hiccups at all.”
The Krueger Koolbox B-double has proven to be very effective at Tasman Logistics Services primarily because of its thermal efficiency. According to Ivan, it has an unmatched ability to retain temperatures.
“The Krueger Koolbox suits our application because of how effective it is,” he says. “Our drivers are constantly monitoring telematics data and they see how well it performs. It’s just testament to the high standard of the product.”
Krueger’s refrigerated product will now play an essential role as Tasman Logistics Services continues to grow. Future acquisitions and increased demand will see the need for even more units to be deployed.
Tasman Logistics Services has chosen Krueger to be its primary trailer manufacturer for over 22 years now.
The OEM makes up 70 per cent of the transporter’s fleet with approximately 300 trailers including curtainsiders, skels and refrigerated units in various applications. The remaining 30 per cent is equipment which Krueger doesn’t manufacture.
“We’re very loyal to Krueger,” Ivan says. “Krueger was the trailer manufacturer of choice when I joined Tasman Logistics Services 17 years ago and it still is today. We’ve never had any issues with Krueger because they always seem to come to the party with the right deal.
“We expect our customers to be loyal, so we return that loyalty to our suppliers. Even if they’re a bit more expensive at times. It’s not always about the dollar for us.”
The collaboration these two companies share is one that has essentially flourished from a close relationship between Ivan and Krueger National Sales Director, Grant Krueger.
“Tasman Logistics Services has been a loyal customer across many areas of the Krueger business for over 20 years,” Grant says. “Krueger has always been tuned into the business needs of Tasman Logistics Services across all our departments. We have had a very long running and successful relationship. It continues to build positive momentum for both Tasman Logistics Services and Krueger into the future.”
Contact
Krueger Transport Equipment
Ph: 03 8331 6100
Web: www.krueger.com.au
The Koolbox interior allows for greater and safer load management.
Krueger’s RFS Suspension on a Krueger chassis – a dependable combination that customers have relied on.
Refrigerated transport equipment
Built to perform
The Freighter Freez-R refrigerated trailer from Freighter Group combines efficiency, sustainability and advanced telematics capabilities into one reliable product for cold chain operators.
The Freighter Freez-R refrigerated trailer model has been making waves in the cold chain market since it launched. The product was unveiled for the first time in October last year at an event hosted by Freighter Group as part of the launch of its advanced manufacturing facility upgrade and comprehensive rebranding. Since then, it has since ushered in a new direction of premium sustainable transport solutions for the business.
The Freez-R is Freighter Group’s latest high performance refrigerated trailer model which is available in lead, tag, B-double and road train combinations. The product is made up of a locallymanufactured Freighter chassis design combined with a locally-assembled Ferroplast technology body, and the end result is an extremely reliable refrigerated trailer solution which delivers industryleading thermal performance and renowned reliability.
“The Freighter Freez-R range was a major step forward in bringing environmentally conscious designs to the refrigerated transport space,” says Freighter Group National Van Product Manager, Aaron Commons. “As operators are looking for greater efficiency gains, the Freez-R helps deliver this through fuel savings which are directly linked to a significant boost for our environment. It’s a win-win for our customers, with fuel savings and reduced global footprint through less emissions and less fossil fuels.”
Unlike traditional fibreglass panels, the Freighter Freez-R uses thin steel sheets on the inside and out which are bonded to a single full-length layer of polyurethane
foam. This construction technique delivers both exceptional strength and superior thermal performance.
“We’ve also recessed the load restraint and double loading tracks directly into the wall, maximising the internal width without compromising the thermal performance,” Aaron explains. “Because the Freez-R’s body is built without fibreglass, repairs are not only easier but also much safer.
“Traditional fibreglass works carry risks such as skin, eye and respiratory irritation from airborne fibres and dust. With Ferroplast technology, repairs are straightforward and more comparable to automotive panel repairs.”
The Freighter Freez-R’s high-quality insulation means that the fridge doesn’t
have to operate as often to maintain the inside temperature. Less fridge operating hours equals less fuel usage. This is even more evident when transporting freight through areas that are known to have extreme hot or humid weather conditions.
“Cold chain transporters have dry heat to contend with in the west and tropical heat in the north,” Aaron says. “The Freez-R is designed to stay cool in both extremes without excessive energy use. This performance is what the Freez-R design offers customers, making it the ideal choice for the Australian market.”
The Freighter Freez-R also comes equipped with TrailerConnect telematics as standard which provides operators and drivers with imperative transport
Jan Fiedler showcasing telematics and fridge benefits at the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show.
diagnostics for both the fridge unit and the trailer. This is delivered through an all-encompassing telematics system that enables users to monitor the temperature, location, tyre pressure, door status, coupling status, Electronic Braking System (EBS) data and more.
One additional feature is the brake interlock system which allows the operator to remotely lock the brakes of the trailer, preventing potential theft.
“Customers get access to the TrailerConnect telematics system for free for the first 12 months,” says Freighter Group Product Manager for Fridges and Telematics, Jan Fiedler. “It allows them to track a wealth of data which we’ve unified to make the entire trailer combination smart.
“There are hundreds of telematics providers in the market, however our comprehensive solution brings everything all together in one portal. A clever feature is the ability to use customers’ existing telematics hardware and systems to centralise the information, reducing the need to retrofit hardware.”
The Freez-R’s TrailerConnect telematics capabilities even extend to a remote start-up function when used in combination with a Schmitz Cargobull fridge unit. This feature reduces the amount of time and labour in the process of loading freight while also bolstering safety for drivers.
“With the remote start-up, operators can schedule the trailer’s temperature to be optimal by the time they start loading,” Jan explains. “This design allows drivers to begin transporting their freight much quicker. It also takes the responsibility of operating the fridge unit away from the driver if required, removing the need to manually start the fridge ahead of time. It’s a matter of safety – we want them to be attentive on the road.”
Another advantage for customers is the fact that Freighter Group can deliver a complete nose to tail solution with a Freighter Freez-R trailer, Schmitz Cargobull fridge unit and TrailerConnect telematics.
“For cold chain logistics operators,
it means one trusted partner for refrigerated equipment needs, servicing, repairs and parts,” Aaron says. “This is all offered through our national Freighter Group dealer and service support network.”
The plethora of capabilities possible with Freez-R has resulted in highly positive customer feedback on the trailer since its launch. Aaron says Freighter Group looks forward to Freez-R cementing itself as an industry-leading refrigerated trailer solution as the product nears its one-year anniversary on the market.
“We’re very confident about this product,” he says. “It’s gaining a lot of traction, particularly from major fleets in the industry who are realising the significant cost savings associated with the product, as well as the smart benefits of the integrated telematics.”
Contact Freighter Group
Ph: 03 5339 0300
Web: www.freighter.com.au
The Freez-R product is made up of a locally manufactured Freighter chassis design with a Ferroplast technology body.
Refrigerated transport equipment
The choice is yours
The flexibility of Scully RSV’s scalable rental offerings has allowed the manufacturer and rental solutions provider to expand its operations nationwide.
Scully RSV’s operations have always been defined by its commitment to providing quality service and flexibility. The business’ DNA traces back to 1991 when it started out as an after-hours breakdown service provider with a band of dedicated refrigeration technicians that were fixing refrigeration units on rigid bodies night and day all over South East Queensland.
During these early times, Scully RSV was known for its meticulous maintenance and quality aftersales service – a reputation which eventually saw a demand for the outfit to begin making rigid bodies of its own. Scully RSV CEO, Andrew McKenzie, says the team was incredibly nimble and thus needed to be flexible in the face of this demand.
“The Scully RSV were very good at what they did and they still remain so to this day,” he says. “After a period of fixing refrigerated bodies, the next logical step for the business was to start building them.
“That’s exactly what happened. Our
customers had become friends, and naturally, they asked us to build bodies. So, we did. And we did it well. The business grew pretty quickly off the back of that.”
Scully RSV went on to become a force to be reckoned with in Australia’s cold chain logistics space, all while remaining sensitive and flexible to market demands and customer concerns. This flexibility notably took the centre stage again in 2014 when the company expanded its capabilities – this time in the form of rental refrigerated trucks. This proved to be an extremely successful move for Scully RSV. According to Andrew, more than 80 per cent of the business’ resources are now allocated towards its rental operations.
Additionally, strong reception from customers has led Scully RSV to expand into other markets in order to effectively meet demand, both in geography and value proposition.
“Our customers’ demands have taken us to new markets over the years,” Andrew
explains. “They took us to Perth and Adelaide and have also grown our presence in Melbourne, Sydney and into North Queensland.
“The demand has also moved us into product expansion. We’re now offering our customers prime movers, curtainsider trailers, dry freight vans and a whole other range of custom-built truck bodies. We are developing a full-service offering beyond just the refrigerated trucks and trailers which we are synonymous with.”
Scully RSV’s value proposition is currently divided into cold chain units for purchase or hire. These different purchasing mechanisms, Andrew explains, each have their own advantages.
“Much of it depends on what stage of growth our customers are at and what their operations require,” he says. “Many of our customers don’t exclusively work in transport. So, as part of the flexibility that is so integral to Scully’s own business, we’re able to cater to different types of needs.”
Scully RSV has established a wide range of refrigerated solutions for both
Scully RSV’s hiring options, for example, are ideal for what Andrew refers to as “emerging businesses” which need to bolster their fleet and equipment in the midst of rapid growth. Scully RSV executes these hiring options in consultative partnerships with clients which sees both parties working together to assess individual transport requirements.
Following this, Scully RSV offers equipment to its customers at a long-term rental rate but without the liability that would normally be associated with the equipment if it was owned or leased.
Andrew says this is a massive benefit for emerging companies because they won’t need to worry about the aforementioned liability when trying to expand.
“Our hiring options give clients the benefit of a long-term rental rate along with the flexibility of the hired asset not sitting on their balance sheet,” he says. “Trucks and trailers are depreciating assets, and for companies experiencing rapid growth and upscaling of their business, having that contingent liability off their balance sheets is critical because it allows them to further invest in their futures instead.
“These businesses can then invest in accretive capital allocations such as building more brick-and-mortar infrastructure or focus on strategically growing or diversifying via merger and acquisition activities and more. They can
have the best of both worlds – dedicated equipment custom built for their needs and the ability to grow their business.”
Scully RSV’s purchasing options, on the other hand, attract all different kinds of companies. These customers tend to be more mature transport operations which have built up a fleet with equipment. In this case, Andrew states that a blend of rental and ownership is critical.
“Buying a truck or trailer means investing in your business,” he says. “These units are assets. We deal with lots of different kinds of customers, but for transport companies in particular, it makes sense for them to want to own a large proportion of their own fleets.
“This ownership is the value of their business – it’s their DNA if you like. For many clients, buying a refrigerated body from us is absolutely worthwhile if continuity of work is stable, capital isn’t a constraint and/or there isn’t a heavy growth phase present.”
Another critical aspect of Scully RSV’s purchasing options include a hire-to-buy strategy. This is one which Andrew regularly recommends for more mature companies.
“I would never tell an established business to hire everything from us or buy everything from us either,” he says. “There’s an optimal mix of both. Owned equipment should make up around 70 to
80 per cent of a mature fleet at any given point in time, while the other 20 to 30 per cent should be made up of flexible hired units.
“This method gives operators flexibility and availability. While asset ownership is important, transport companies can keep their businesses flexible by handing back hired units that aren’t needed as seasons and contracts change.”
Scully RSV’s growing variety of refrigerated transport solutions is a true reflection of the business’ adaptability, an aspect that has fuelled its growth and development for over three decades.
“I think our success really does come from our flexibility,” Andrew says. “We are proudly agile and nimble. We pride ourselves on actual and meaningful disruption in the market. When there is an opportunity to add meaningful value, we make fast decisions and respond to our customers and their needs as they evolve, like we have with our scalable hire and hire-to-buy options.
“Whatever the circumstances or scenario, we can bring creative solutions to the table. We lead the road transport market in this respect. That’s the secret to our success.”
Contact
Scully RSV
Ph: 1800 728 559
Web: www.scullyrsv.com.au
A series of refrigerated Scully RSV rigid bodies lined up.
Images: Scully RSV.
Made to endure
Transport Refrigeration Services’ line of Thermaxx bodies and meat hanger vans have become extremely reliable reefer options due to their durable and accommodating qualities.
As a seasoned veteran in Australia’s refrigerated transport industry, Transport Refrigeration Services (TRS) knows all about quality. The refrigerated transport solutions provider has dealt with this quality firsthand for decades by supplying the domestic market with an assortment of trusted cold chain brands.
This innate understanding of quality is also present in TRS’ manufacturing, a side of the business which came to fruition later in its lifetime. TRS’ Thermaxx refrigerated bodies and custom meat hanger bodies are built with this quality in mind and have become standouts in their respective fields.
“We’ve built over six-and-a-half thousand Thermaxx bodies in the 12 years that we’ve been manufacturing them,” says TRS National Sales Manager, Luke Gordon. “Our builds lead the market in quality and
are backed by a four-year warranty and lightweight construction.”
Thermaxx is known in the market for its low K-value and versatility. According to Luke, the product line attracts two distinct customer types.
“We always angle our builds to what our customers want,” he says. “We will often have either a very sustainably conscious customer that is after lower emissions with better cooling or someone who simply needs to lower their operating costs.
“Both of these needs are valid and both can be accommodated by Thermaxx. Our builds can cover all the facets of what a customer wants because these different requests are tied together by one nonnegotiable factor – cost of ownership.”
TRS’ Thermaxx bodies boast a low cost of ownership through their sheer durability and longevity. This has long
been a cornerstone of TRS’ promotion for the product range, but Luke says it’s now finally proving to be true.
“The Thermaxx build is a two-chassis body when given the right amount of love,” he says. “We always knew this was the case, but we can finally see the proof now because the product has been in the market for 12 years.”
“Our Thermaxx model is being used by a whole range of customers because of how long it lasts. This includes pharmaceutical companies, art businesses, standard food distributors, linehaul operators and more.”
To Luke, this wide variety of customers is a testament to the integral nature of cold chain logistics and TRS’ ability to provide a solution for it.
“Anything that has an optimal temperature range can’t be sat on the back of a tilt-tray on a 40-degree day,” he says.
“So many things need to be temperaturecontrolled, and we offer that service at a very high quality. The dynamic and durable nature of the product is the best thing about selling them.”
The noteworthy durability of the original Thermaxx range is also carried over to TRS’ line of meat hangers, as both products are made with the same sturdy material.
“The panels that you see in a run-of-themill advertised Thermaxx body are the same ones used in all meat-hanging units,” Luke explains. “So, our meat hangers offer the same thermal efficiency, warranty and return on investment as our other builds.”
Versatility is another feature that the meat hangers share with the Thermaxx product line. As Luke explains, the niche market of meat carting comes with its own stringent demands.
“We tailor each meat hanger to the particular customer receiving it,” he says.
“We offer different rail configurations, hook systems and spacing depending on what’s needed by our customers.
“For pork, beef, lamb or any kind of meat that’s hung during transport, our meat hangers have ‘east-to-west’ rails which run side-to-side within the body for transporters who are delivering meat to butchers. Alternatively, some of our meat hangers are also built with ‘north-to-south’ rails which are typically used by abattoirs when meat is coming off a line.”
For TRS, it is imperative that it caters to such specific industry needs so that its meat hangers can have a wider application. Luke believes this ability unlocks the benefits of the range for all sorts of end users.
“We have a great design team that creates the schematics of our meat hangers and shows it to the customers prior to manufacturing them so that they know precisely what they’re getting.
“There are so many idiosyncrasies that the end-user has and requires in this space. We don’t tell them what they need or how to do their jobs. They tell us how to do ours and then we get to building.”
These idiosyncrasies ultimately define TRS’ building approach. Rather than observing major trends and patterns which define the company’s builds, the TRS team evolves its value proposition for each customer’s particular needs.
“I don’t think the actual nuts and bolts of a heat hanger are going to change any time soon,” Luke says. “But we always strive to offer the best version of what we think a meat hanger can be for our customers and their visions.”
This is bolstered by a lightweight fibreglass construction which reduces running costs while offering greater payloads due to its high strength-toweight ratio. Contact
“Our customers know exactly what they want and what works for them,” he says.
Images: Transport Refrigeration Services.
A Thermaxx refrigerated rigid body build.
Interior of a Transport Refrigeration Services meat hanger build.
RELIABILITY
With industry-leading reliability and a Krueger built semi trailer isn’t just an investment
• Interior uses the advanced Double-Decker loader system allowing greater ease and safer use in load management.
• Built on Krueger’s renown long-lasting chassis with reinforced bumper for added dock loading protection.
• Equipped with Krueger’s RFS Mark V suspension, designed for Australian roads.
Contact us today and see how Krueger builds the longest lasting trailers in the industry. (source ARTSA -i Source ARTSA-i Analytics July 1, 2025 Vs. MaxiTrans, Vawdrey, and Barker)
BY DESIGN
the strongest resale value on the market, for today, it’s built to keep paying off for years to come.
• Customizable Solutions for all Dry Van Freight needs.
• Built on Krueger’s renown long-lasting chassis with reinforced bumper for added dock loading protection.
• Expertly engineered for superior strength, ensuring long-lasting performance and reliability.
Refrigerated transport equipment
The missing link
Carrier Transicold’s BluEdge maintenance platform and Lynx Fleet telematics system provide a pivotal connection between refrigerated transport and cold chain logistics data analysis.
Carrier Transicold has always strived to redefine service excellence. For the refrigerated transport solutions provider, this has largely come in the form of manufacturing.
Carrier Transicold has developed an extensive line of robust and sustainable refrigeration units for the Australian market over the last 50 years, but its value proposition extends far beyond this tried-and-true manufacturing process. Its various refrigerated units, for example, are supplemented by two high-quality services which help to ensure the longevity and efficiency of its builds – the BluEdge maintenance service and the Lynx Fleet Telematics platform.
The BluEdge service platform is Carrier’s best-in-class service and aftermarket offering. It’s integral to Carrier Transicold’s goal of redefining service excellence and is offered throughout an interstate network of support hubs for all customers.
“With this platform, Carrier aims to deliver
proactive, predictive and responsive support across the lifecycle of the units,” says Carrier Transicold Director of Product and Aftermarket Solutions, Kelly Geddes.
“Whether managing a single trailer or a national fleet, Carrier aims to ensure every unit performs at its peak for every kilometre of the journey.”
BluEdge maintenance services are provided to cold chain operators through a tiered system of support coverage. The service is operated by Carrier-owned service centres in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney and is further bolstered by the support of closepartnered authorised dealers in Darwin and Perth.
BluEdge Elite covers a wide variety of fridge unit checks as a comprehensive repair and maintenance service including scheduled priority servicing and all repair needs, major component replacements and diagnostics tests. This tier of maintenance is available for operators
at all times and is backed by Carrier Transicold’s national service network and OEM-certified technicians.
Kelly considers Carrier Transicold’s BluEdge contract maintenance to be the gold standard for operators who are seeking maximum insurance.
“BluEdge Elite is about peace of mind,” he says. “It’s a commitment to uptime, cost predictability and cold chain integrity. Our customers know that when they choose Carrier with BluEdge Elite, they’re choosing a partner who is invested in their success.”
BluEdge’s level of maintenance support is particularly crucial for operators transporting sensitive goods such as pharmaceutical products, fresh produce and frozen foods. This is because temperature deviations around these products can mean the difference between profit and loss.
The BluEdge service offerings by Carrier Transicold are matched by the cold chain solutions provider’s telematics platform,
Images: Carrier Transicold.
BluEdge is Carrier’s best-inclass service and aftermarket o ering delivered by factory trained technicians.
Lynx Fleet, which equips operators with critical data on the performance and status of their units. This platform has recently been updated to include an array of new features that optimise its data recording and reduce downtime in results sharing.
One of the features added to the Lynx Fleet telematics platforms is Transport Refrigeration Unit (TRU) Health, an application which assists users in managing service activity based on real unit performance in a given fleet as opposed to manual checks or scheduled servicing.
“Our TRU Health application assesses a wealth of data to conclude whether or not a unit is in need of servicing,” Kelly explains. “A unit’s battery voltage, fuel levels, active alarms, engine run-hours, door metrics, time spent in continuous and start-stop modes is all data that is used to paint a picture on the health of our units.”
Furthermore, data from other aspects of the overall Lynx Fleet network is used to provide important context to each unit. This is done in order to generate the most accurate TRU Health score.
A new Lynx Fleet telematics hardware module has since bolstered this application further. The module supports both cellular and dual-mode satellite-cellular communications with a rechargeable battery which can provide up to 10 days of data reporting when no power is available. In addition, the new Application Programming Interface (API) toolkit allows Lynx Fleet data to be shared with most major transportation management systems. This provides an overview of all refrigerated assets and integrates Carrier Transicold TRUs with
telematics-equipped units from other providers, regardless of the manufacturer.
“Customers with a mix of vehicle types and TRU suppliers can track asset location, temperature and more all from the Lynx Fleet platform,” Kelly says. “This capability helps to avoid workflow disruptions and extra costs associated with multiple telematics subscriptions and integrations for fleets.”
The scope of the overall Lynx Fleet telematics service extends beyond Carrier Transicold’s cold chain solutions as well. The platform now supports GPS and telematics sensors for dry vans and other equipment in addition to TRUs from other manufacturers.
Lynx Fleet Telematics Digital Product Manager, James Brand, believes that these improvements to the platform give fleet managers unparalleled views into their refrigerated transport operations.
“The Lynx Fleet platform takes transport refrigeration visibility and control to the next level with unprecedented insights and the ability to optimise performance like never before,” he says. “It gives fleet managers all the data and intelligence they need to make performance-based decisions about operations, maintenance and cold-chain compliance.”
The capabilities of the Lynx Fleet platform, combined with servicing support from BluEdge, deliver a rigorous and high-quality experience to Carrier Transicold’s customers.
“Servicing your transport refrigeration units with Carrier Transicold isn’t just a smart choice – it’s a strategic one,” Kelly says. “With BluEdge Elite contracts, Lynx Fleet telematics and an expanding national service footprint, Carrier delivers the tools, technology and trust that modern fleets demand.
“Whether you’re hauling across the outback or navigating urban logistics, Carrier Transicold is your partner in performance, every step of the way.”
Contact
Carrier Transicold
Ph: 1800 448 166
Web: www.transicold.carrier.com.au
Carrier Addvolt Global Aftersales Support Manager, Luis Pires, facilitating an advanced technical training workshop for technicians at Carrier’s workshop in Sydney, New South Wales.
Lynx Fleet’s upgrade provides enhanced insights into transport refrigeration unit performance and easier tracking and monitoring of connected assets.
Refrigerated transport equipment
On track
Containermax has an innovative range of refrigerated intermodal shipping containers ready to combat present transport challenges and the path ahead.
Refrigerated freight has been tied to the road for much of Australia’s history. Heavy vehicles have offered flexibility, national coverage and familiarity, and they have long been the default choice for moving perishable goods across the country. While this equipment still plays a critical role in the transport of freight around Australia, freight volumes are continuing to grow and driver shortages and road congestion don’t seem to be improving. Thus, mounting
environmental and cost pressures are seeing many operators look beyond the highway to rail.
Rail transport delivers scale and offers a significantly smaller environmental footprint compared to road transport, but it also presents several challenges. Longer journey times can potentially put product integrity at risk, but to combat this, there are significant investments being made in track improvements on existing rail corridors
including the building of the Inland Rail. These are the challenges Containermax has positioned itself to meet.
Containermax has been part of the Australian logistics sector since 1989. The company set out to build reefers and containers that would be both designed to strengthen supply chains and suitable to Australian rail conditions, and it has since pioneered in this space by manufacturing the first domestic two-pallet-wide reefers.
Images: Containermax.
Interior of the Containermax reefer with patented iron clad walls.
Containermax has consistently proven its ability to deliver containers that endure the harshest operating environments over more than three decades. For instance, its refrigerated containers were developed to withstand daily Bass Strait crossings in Tasmania where reefers are loaded and unloaded six days a week (one of the highest duty cycles in Australia). The floor and base structures of these units were therefore constructed in an effort to be the strongest and longest lasting ones in the Australian reefer market.
“Containermax’s reputation was cemented with the development of its highly durable iron-clad light-weight stainless reefer wall construction,” says Containermax General Manager – Development and Engineering, Maarten van der Vorst. “This robust design, created to withstand relentless forklift traffic and the toughest conditions, quickly set an industry benchmark. Operators recognised Containermax reefers as durable, dependable assets that have outlasted expectations, and that reputation for strength and reliability continues to this day. It formed the foundation on which Containermax has expanded its product portfolio.”
While modular cold storage has existed in the industry for years, Containermax has taken the concept further by refining it for the demands of rail and intermodal logistics.
“Traditional cold storage can be slow to build, expensive to operate and tied permanently to a site,” Maarten explains. “Once constructed, it remains fixed even as freight routes evolve or demand shifts.”
Containermax’s Modular Relocatable Cool Stores are designed so that operators can relocate investments when their businesses expand. The product can be commissioned in weeks, rather than months, and installed even on challenging terrain. Loading docks and ante rooms can also be added and configured to suit operations or available space.
“Our Modular Cool Store products can be deployed at most sites to create immediate cold storage capacity exactly where it is needed, even inside an existing dry freight shed,” says Containermax Business Development Manager, Steve Lipple. “They can also be easily expanded by adding more modules.
“As requirements shift, the Cool Store can be adjusted between chilling and freezing. When operations relocate, the units can move too, ensuring that infrastructure never becomes a bottleneck. Planning
and building permits are often not required – depending on individual council requirements.”
Containermax possesses deep knowledge of the road, rail and shortsea shipping sectors in Australia and New Zealand with a team that has accumulated more than 100 years in container development, fleet management, trailer building and innovation of logistics concepts. Steve says this factor has prepared the business for many challenges and demands.
“By combining proven container durability with specialist rail knowledge, Containermax has created refrigerated transport solutions that have already set the benchmark,” he says. “We are ready to help the industry adapt to moving freight from road to rail.”
SCT Logistics is one of the many customers utilising Containermax’s refrigerated container solutions. The integrated rail and logistics provider, established in 1974, has become a national, multi-modal transport and logistics company through its business approaches.
SCT Logistics Queensland State Manager, Ben Popp, says Containermax helped the company transition from outsourced cold storage to an on-site Modular Cool Store – a process which presented many benefits.
“Containermax provided us with the options we were looking for,” he says. “The Cool Store was operational in weeks which meant we could realise immediate savings and significantly reduce the number of truck movements.
“More importantly, we know we can expand it when the need arises and move it if our network changes. That flexibility has changed the way we think about cold storage.”
Beyond the technical specifications, Containermax is offering confidence that freight will remain secure, that operations can expand without hesitation and that investments will not be wasted on facilities which cannot adapt.
“The transition from road to rail is no longer a distant ambition,” Maarten says. “It is a reality that is shaping investment decisions across the cold chain sector.
“Operators are already exploring the transition to rail by commencing on a smaller scale to learn all the intricacies, so that when the Inland Rail opens, they will be ready to hit the ground running. These operators are the ones that will leverage the efficiency of rail with the adaptability of flexible infrastructure.”
Containermax is prepared to drive this transition. With reefers that have set standards for durability and intermodal solutions refined for the environment, the company is giving operators the tools to embrace rail without compromise.
“Our solutions are bridging the gap between transport and infrastructure, ensuring that refrigerated transport will remain aligned with the freight network itself,” Steve says. “The future refrigerated transport sector will be defined by resilient, mobile infrastructure that enables the transition away from today’s challenges.
“Containermax has spent more than 30 years building towards this vision. With the strength of our iron-clad reefers, flexibility of our Modular Cool Stores and rail expertise of our subsidiary, Freightquip, we are leading the way into a raildriven future.”
Contact
Containermax
Ph: 03 9344 1370
Web: www.containermax.com.au
Driving safety
SRV Roadfreight Services has become one of the first fleets in Australia to trial Vawdrey’s new Auto Drive Titeliner automatic curtain system.
If there was only one word to perfectly describe SRV Roadfreight Services, it would be ‘trailblazer’. The Queenslandheadquartered freight carrier, established close to 30 years ago in 1997, prides itself for being a family-operated business with support that is on par with some of the country’s biggest transport entities. But this alone isn’t what makes the organisation a pioneer in its own right.
Throughout its entire history, SRV Roadfreight Services has always aimed to be at the forefront of evolution. This is something that has set it apart in a very competitive market.
“We’ve always tried to be the first to try something new,” says SRV Roadfreight Services General Manager, Ben Sparrow. “Whether it’s through a new trailer model, prime mover or other advancement in technology, it gives us a point of difference.”
This vision for success is what led SRV Roadfreight Services to Vawdrey’s new innovation – a technological breakthrough which was unveiled to the world for the first time at this year’s Brisbane Truck Show.
Vawdrey’s fully patented Auto Drive Titeliner is a revolutionary curtain system which has the ability to automate trailer curtain handling by replacing the manual labour process with a one-touch system. This, in turn, reduces OH&S risks and improves safety, productivity and efficiency.
The product, having been in development at Vawdrey for the past 10 years, is now beginning to emerge. Transport companies such as SRV Roadfreight Services are now trialling it for the first time and transforming their operations as a result.
“Vawdrey explained the concept of the Auto Drive Titeliner system to us, and from a transport perspective, it sounded like it would be a no-brainer to invest in it,” Ben says. “It was clear that the risk versus reward factor would be in our favour due to less injuries, less downtimes and less repair costs to fix over-pulled curtains.”
SRV Roadfreight Services wanted to be one of the first fleets in Australia to try Vawdrey’s new innovation. So, Paul Vawdrey and Queensland Sales
Manager, Shayne Nicholls, sat down with Ben and SRV Roadfreight Services CEO, Errol Cosgrove, to run through the entire product and answer his questions. From there, Ben says they all agreed that they would go through the journey together.
“Vawdrey has been a big part of our business for over 15 years now,” he says.
“We don’t look anywhere else. Vawdrey is a family-owned business and we like to align ourselves with partners that have the same values as us.”
SRV Roadfreight Services has been trialling the Auto Drive Titeliner on a new Vawdrey Performance-Based Standards (PBS) 36-pallet B-double curtainsider which travels the eastern seaboard carrying drinks and food grade products. Increased safety and efficiency have been the biggest benefits seen so far.
“We’ve only just started trialling Vawdrey’s Auto Drive Titeliner but the proof is already in the pudding,” Ben says. “The system has helped with our loading processes because our driver doesn’t have to be right next to the trailer to move the curtains. He has told us that he’s not getting any strain on his upper body,
SRV Roadfreight Services’ new B-double with Vawdrey’s Auto Drive Titeliner system.
carried over to the safety aspect as well.”
The effortless operation of the Auto Driver Titeliner is the main driver behind its promised advantages. Operators simply have to press a button at the front or rear of the trailer for the curtain to automatically slide from one end to the other. By removing the need for curtains to be opened and closed manually, it improves work conditions significantly by reducing the chances of injuries – as seen at SRV Roadfreight Services.
The Auto Drive Titeliner features a motor which drives along the roof rail of the
load restraint Super-Strap curtain, buckleless load rated curtain, LatchLiner curtain system and standard welded strap and loose sleeve curtains). It is also suitable for drop deck and double drop deck chassis trailers as well as different-sized curtains. The system features wireless remotes for connecting and charging docks, meaning that when the curtain system is parked and the curtain has tension, the drive motors can charge and travel backwards and forwards along the trailer multiple times. With a battery system fitted to the trailer in addition to the solar panel on the trailer
roof, it can also be connected to the park light circuit for charging, negating the need for ancillary power systems.
Within its trial at SRV Roadfreight Services, the Vawdrey Auto Drive Titeliner has also improved productivity.
“Our unit has reduced loading and unloading times significantly,” Ben says. “We just have to push the button for the curtains to move. We no longer need a driver to be next to the trailer, and the forklift driver doesn’t have to wait for him to get out of the way and back into the safety zone anymore.”
SRV Roadfreight Services is planning to further invest in the Auto Drive Titeliner product based on the promising results seen so far. Ben says this will include specifying it on new equipment as well as retrofitting it across an existing fleet of over 100 Vawdrey B-doubles.
“Vawdrey’s Auto Drive Titeliner product is a new innovation that is progressing the industry forwards,” he says. “I think we’re going to see less injuries and complaints from drivers going forward because it’s a solution that will make the process of loading and unloading trailers safer and easier.”
Contact Vawdrey Australia
1-53 Quantum Close
Dandenong South, VIC 3175
Ph: 03 9797 3700
Web: www.vawdrey.com.au
The system allows operators to open and close curtains with the push of a button.
Images: Vawdrey.
Something in the air
Air Brake Corporation has spent decades engineering a core range of braking equipment and components that is meticulously refined to meet the unique demands of its customers.
Air Brake Corporation was built from a simple desire to give the customers of Australia’s heavy vehicle industry what they wanted. This thought occurred to Air Brake Corporation founder and owner, Kel Sherwood, before he established the company in 1987. Kel saw an opening in the braking equipment space – an opportunity to develop products that reflected the needs of the market at the time, and needless to say, he took it.
Air Brake Corporation garnered a loyal customer base in the following years including many people which followed the company through a range of product developments and a variety of executive handovers once Kel retired.
Kel eventually passed the business to his son and Managing Director, Rob Sherwood, who has since continued to develop new and innovative products.
“Rob is dynamic in his business capabilities,” says Air Brake Corporation National Sales Manager, Brendan Dullard.
“When you look at any given company, its growth has come from the top. If you have strong and skilful management, you can pick your areas, people and products that you want to develop.
“Rob has the ability to effectively listen
to both his team and the market to offer the industry what it requires. This is what the business was built on, and Rob has reinvigorated it into a very progressive and successful company.”
Rob’s expertise has helped take Air Brake Corporation to new heights by driving strong market expansion. Alongside its head office in Sydney, New South Wales, the company has built new warehouses in both Melbourne and Perth which are bolstered with a strong technical and sales team based in Brisbane.
“We believe that our presence is what sets us apart in the industry,” Brendan says. “It’s what gives us our competitive edge. From product development to engineering, management, sales and warehousing, our team can do it all.”
Air Brake Corporation’s commitment to customers can be seen in its collaborations with OEMs such as Marshall Lethlean Industries. The liquid and dry bulk tanker manufacturer has been fitting Air Brake Corporation’s Electronic Braking Systems (EBS) and braking equipment as standard for the past seven years in a collaboration that was formed on the back of mutual goals of meeting the desires of the market.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to delivering high-quality, compliant transport solutions tailored to the demands of the Australian market,” says Marshall Lethlean Sales Manager, Garry Brennan. “Marshall Lethlean’s ongoing goal is to deliver tankers that represent the best possible transport solution for every customer.”
The collaboration reinforces Marshall Lethlean’s objective of delivering advanced technology, customer service excellence and efficient lead times to fleets throughout the industry. Garry says the implementation of Air Brake Corporation EBS kits on Marshall Lethlean builds is essential to on-road safety – another value which both companies prioritise.
“Dangerous Goods (DG) road tankers must comply with the highest level of safety, braking and stability control,” he explains. “Our tankers are fitted with Air Brake Corporation’s EBS braking control systems for this reason. We want to ensure maximum safety and control for drivers and other road users.”
A Marshall Lethlean tanker with Air Brake Corporation equipment.
Image: Marshall Lethlean Industries.
valves and brake control modules. This complete fitment has proven to be integral to the trailer builder’s own operations due to the aforementioned safety and compliance regulations it faces.
Now, Marshall Lethlean is taking the Air Brake Corporation partnership one step further by incorporating a new product advancement into its tanker specs.
“Air Brake Corporation has recently launched its Wabco Intelligent Electronic Braking System which we are now proudly introducing across our Marshall Lethlean tanker range,” Garry says. “This next-generation system represents a significant advancement over the standard EBS currently used in our tankers because it integrates electronic control with intelligent features to deliver enhanced safety, responsiveness and system integration across the entire vehicle.”
Air Brake Corporation has many other innovative products and solutions which focus on increased safety and compliance for fleets. Its Trailer EBS Status Lamp, for example, provides a visual status of a trailer’s EBS connection through a colour-coded system. A solid green light confirms the trailer is powered and operational with no faults, while a red light indicates a system error. No light means no power.
“This product ensures safety in an age where all fleets are thinking of it first,” Brendan explains. “It allows all EBSrelated problems to be seen from the ground and the driver’s seat, meaning fleet managers and operators can catch errors before it’s too late. It is in line with latest National Heavy Vehicle Regulator recommendation and is a simple plugand-play system.”
On the other hand, Air Brake Corporation’s Steer Lock Module, available next month, guarantees steering axle lock functions correctly regardless of the prime mover or power supply. It seamlessly converts the RMS signal from the lighting circuit of most European prime movers back to a stable DC signal. This allows the steer lock to automatically engage or disengage when the reverse gear is selected, based on user preference. Supporting a multivoltage range of eight to 32V, it offers unparalleled flexibility and reliability.
Meanwhile, Air Brake Corporation’s advantages telematics system,
TRAILERIQ, is the company’s flagship fleet management platform which combines an intuitive interface with powerful analytics. This solution empowers operators to gain full visibility and control of their trailer operations within minutes.
Featuring live data and customisable alerts, TRAILERIQ is the ideal choice for owner-operators and mid-sized fleets. It supports all major Trailer Electronic Braking System (TEBS) brands and offers integrated solutions for a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and refrigerated units, providing a single, comprehensive view of assets.
Additionally, ZF’s new OptiTire TPMS is a state-of-the-art tyre pressure and temperature monitoring system. Supporting up to 32 tyres plus two spares, it is fully compliant with the new United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) R141 regulation and integrates seamlessly with IntelliTRAILER.
IntelliTRAILER (now in its final design and testing phase) supports TPMS, On-Board Mass (OBM) and TEBS data for up to five trailers with a single ECU and single screen mounted on the prime mover. A single unit manages the full trailer combination and automatically recognises changes in the combination without the need for manual adjustments. It delivers real-time data to an integrated display and supports direct output to existing third-party telematics systems – allowing seamless integration into existing fleet infrastructure.
Air Brake Corporation recognises that every trailer builder and fleet have
unique requirements, and the company works to meet these needs in a safe and reliable way. Rather than agreeing to requests without validation, all solutions are thoroughly tested at its in-house Sydney facility to ensure compliance with Australian Design Rule (ADR) standards.
“We will not release any product that does not fully meet ADR 38 braking requirements,” Brendan says. “By prioritising safety and tailoring solutions to meet customer needs, Air Brake Corporation is able to anticipate market demands, reinvest in innovation, and deliver products that help customers protect their employees, vehicles and assets.”
Contact
Air Brake Corporation
49 Leighton Place, Hornsby NSW 2077
Ph: 02 9477 7000
Web: www.airbrakecorp.com.au
ZF Wabco’s Intelligent Electronic Braking System ECU.
Air Brake Corporation’s EBS Status Lamp. Images: Air Brake Corporation.
Ready for take off
Hydreco Hydraulics, having experienced an exceptional year of growth driven by significant company expansion and product development, is preparing for an even bigger 2026.
The year of 2025 has been a turning point for Hydreco Hydraulics. Ten months of growth has primarily been spearheaded by a new purpose-built facility in Regents Park, New South Wales, which has given the hydraulics manufacturer the capacity to serve Australia’s transport industry more efficiently than ever.
The new NSW location, coming to fruition earlier this year after 12 months of planning, brings everything within Hydreco’s operations (office, warehouse, assembly and testing) under one roof. It also features new innovative machinery to improve productivity.
“Our new Regents Park site allows us to hold more local stock, speed up assembly and turn orders around faster,” says Hydreco Hydraulics’ new General Manager, Don Bryan, who is playing an essential role in the business’
continued expansion. “It was designed with growth in mind so that we could keep scaling as demand increases. We’ve heavily invested in new stock handling equipment such as a $250,000 Modula stacker unit, so we now have better access to fast turnaround items.”
The relocation into the Regents Park site was about positioning Hydreco for the future. According to Don, it gave the business the opportunity to reset the way it operates with a smarter and more strategic base to build from. This has since increased response times, improved logistics, allowed for more local stock and enabled better collaboration between teams – resulting in reduced lead times, more consistent supply and less downtime for customers.
During 2025, Hydreco has also streamlined its operations at its Welshpool, Western Australia, facility. This has unlocked a sharper focus on efficiency and has seen new processes introduced for further support of fit-outs and installations.
Hydreco has also expanded its engineering and product management capabilities.
“We’ve broadened our product offering beyond transport,” Don explains. “We now have new hydraulic products from Duplomatic Motion Solutions which we are supplying for the mining, industrial and agriculture sectors. This diversification is already opening up fresh opportunities for us.”
Another noteworthy 2025 highlight of
Hydreco Hydraulics General Manager, Don Bryan. Images: Hydreco Hydraulics.
Hydreco Power Take-O and pump combination fitted to a truck.
JOST’s turn
JOST Australia is entering the axles and suspensions market to further strengthen its robust portfolio of heavy vehicle solutions.
JOST has always had the appetite of a market leader. Initially established as a family business in Germany in 1952 and operating a factory for ball-bearing fifth wheels near Frankfurt, it was clear that the company had more to offer from the very beginning.
JOST’s product range grew extensively in the following years, and with this, its presence around the world. Over the next two decades, JOST’s manufacturing capabilities extended throughout Europe, the United States, South Africa and then Australia in 1980.
JOST Australia has provided consistent componentry and maintenance services on a national scale ever since. And now, it’s looking to further consolidate its value proposition by entering the nation’s axles and suspensions market.
This is a move that has apparently been a long time coming. As JOST Australia State Manager, Anthony Hague, explains, the
company has already enjoyed a presence in the global axles and suspensions space for many years.
“We’ve manufactured axles and suspensions across many markets all over Europe as well as in Asia and New Zealand,” he says. “It’s time to establish a presence here too.
“We’re moving into this market to strengthen our product portfolio. We want to reinforce a greater alignment between the global JOST product range and our Australian offering.”
JOST Australia is currently in the midst of completing field trials for its new axles and suspensions, a step which will be crucial for the range’s effectiveness once launched.
“This market is extremely competitive,” Anthony says. “It incorporates thousands of trailers built per year, so you can imagine all the manufacturers in the space
that are each looking to stand out with their own designs and approaches.
“The products that have come before ours in this space have an edge of longevity.
They’ve been on offer for a much greater amount of time, so they’re well-embedded in the customers’ minds as an option to turn to. These factors are just par for the course when entering a new market – it always comes with challenges, regardless of a company’s size.”
Based on the tests completed so far, JOST Australia has been able to develop a clear value proposition.
“Our new axle offering is designed with performance and efficiency in mind,” Anthony says. “Customers can choose between disc or drum brake road configurations which feature a lightweight build, robust 10.4-tonne axle rating and lift axle functionality to suit a wide range of applications.”
A JOST axle prototype on display at the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show.
Image: Prime Creative Media.
Despite the notable challenges facing JOST Australia’s entry into the axles and suspensions market, there are several aspects of the business which are expected to assist the process. One of these is the well-established national network of spare parts suppliers which will make the new axles and suspensions easily accessible throughout the country.
“Being able to get these new products in front of customers with ease will make a big difference in entering a new market,” Anthony says. “We offer our componentry to transporters in nearly every capital city in the country. By making our product range readily available, we’ll have a great chance at competing in the space.”
Additionally, Anthony believes JOST’s near 50 years of operations in the country and presence in the global market will provide it with a great amount of exposure during this new venture.
“JOST is very well-known in the industry,” he says. “Many customers are already aware of its global offerings, so there has already been some interest within the domestic market regarding our movement into axles and suspensions in Australia.
“This move is well within the sphere of customer knowledge which is a great benefit that the company enjoys.”
Similarly, JOST’s long tenure in Australia’s commercial transport space has led to the amassing of a large and loyal customer pool of various transporters and organisations. As a result, Anthony believes JOST Australia’s axles and suspensions will be further amplified by their support.
“We are heavily engaged with this industry,” he says. “We work closely with an assortment of industry bodies in the space. We think JOST Australia’s involvement within these groups will also
help our products be exposed to a greater number of customers.”
While entering any new market is a challenging feat, JOST Australia is utilising the many features at its disposal to ensure a smooth transition into the axles and suspensions sector. By relying on global brand recognition, existing customer loyalty and an expanding national network of available componentry, Anthony and the team feel equipped to offer new solutions to the market.
“We feel that JOST Australia has a lot of features that will set the company apart from competitors and back this market entry,” he says.
Contact
JOST Australia
Ph: 1800 811 487
Web: www.jostaustralia.com.au
E: sales@jostaustralia.com.au
JOST is currently in the midst of completing field trials for the new products.
Due diligence
Dulux Automotive Coatings combines innovation with knowledge to develop a range of customised automotive coatings and related products for the transport industry.
Dulux Automotive Coatings has become well-acquainted with Australia’s transport industry. The outfit, a division of the century-old international DuluxGroup, is based in Dandenong South and Clayton in Victoria where it develops and maintains numerous product types and ranges that offer automotive solutions for the sector.
While some of Dulux Automotive Coatings’ value proposition includes solutions for passenger vehicle paint coats, the vast majority of the company’s focus has been on heavy vehicles. This has been the case since its inception.
“Our core business is commercial transport,” says DuluxGroup National Major Account Manager – Automotive
– ANZ, Jason McColl. “Although this demographic isn’t the largest in the industry when compared to the likes of passenger vehicles, which we do create some products for, the commercial heavy vehicle market is in our company’s DNA. We’re a key player in the space.”
Dulux Automotive Coatings’ products are not designed for a one-size-fits-
DuluxGroup Senior Development Chemist, Lindsay Palmer.
all kind of application. The company takes immense pride in its ability to accommodate the needs of each individual customer and to provide an automatic solution suited to their specific transport activities. This is imperative as the road transport industry is filled with an assortment of customers whose businesses vary significantly. So, in order to service them all, Dulux Automotive Coatings needs to be flexible.
“Our services are used by a wide array of customers,” Jason explains. “We have smaller customers and larger customers. Some are the owners of multiple shops and some are large-scale manufacturers. The needs between these customers can be very different.
“Dulux Automotive Coatings can accommodate all this demand despite the differing needs of customers. Our products are not just developed to suit the general industry but all the stakeholders within it. Our products adapt to the environments of the customers using them.”
As part of this effort to serve all customers, Dulux Automotive Coatings’ products are split across four distinct ranges, each of which cater to specific coating, tinting and fleet needs. The FleetShield range serves as the company’s flagship product mix.
“We offer polyurethane primers, epoxy primers, topcoat products and clear-over bases across these product ranges,” Jason explains. “These products are serving the market well, but Dulux is always adapting in order to service its demand better. And when the market evolves, we evolve with it, developing new solutions as needed.”
In every instance of product development, Dulux Automotive
Coatings completes a rigorous process to determine what can and should be made. This starts with an in-depth analysis to identify opportunities to improve efficiencies, lower energy consumption and increase throughput. The company then undertakes a review of its existing product range – including advanced technologies available through its parent company, Nippon Paint, which is one of the world’s largest paint manufacturers –to determine whether a proven solution can be adapted locally or if a new formulation should be developed.
The process that follows involves benchmarking the product against other options in the market and comprehensive examinations of its performance in different conditions. These hazards and conditions vary greatly and include anything from salt spray, stone chipping simulations and UV resistance to durability, stability and performance in
Australia’s harsh environments.
Another integral step in the product development process is receiving customer feedback. This is particularly crucial for Dulux Automotive Coatings due to the unique nature of its customer base and its operations. In order to best receive this important feedback, some senior chemists will often travel with the company’s sales team to visit customers in person. This has allowed them to establish direct connections with end users as well as check in on product performance.
The feedback received is then passed on to Dulux Automotive Coatings’ applicators who act as middlemen in getting the product from the producer to the customer. These chemists are part of the Dulux Innovation Centre, bringing technical expertise directly to customer sites.
The processes of product development, testing and adjustment have allowed Dulux Automotive Coatings to supply the commercial transport industry with celebrated automotive coating solutions for years. In the midst of current rollouts, it’s expected that further opportunities will carry these capabilities into next year.
“Dulux is always looking for opportunities to expand,” Jason says. “Some of these opportunities may present themselves soon.”
Contact
Dulux Automotive Coatings
Ph: 0448 558 361
Web: www.duluxautomotive.com
The rebranded FleetShield range. Images: DuluxGroup.
Jason McColl working with DTR Truck Repairs, highlighting Dulux Automotive Coatings’ commitment to tailored solutions and industry collaboration.
Braking up
The Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association and its industry partners are continuing to advocate for Electronic Braking System failures in rural and remote areas to be addressed.
The Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA), since its inception in 1985, has advocated for the interests of its members and the sector as a whole. These interests have been challenged throughout its lifetime by a variety of issues – with one recent yet major problem being failures of Electronic Braking Systems (EBS) in rural and remote areas.
The mandating of EBS on prime movers and trailers was introduced by the Federal Government through Australian Design Rule (ADR) 35 as a way to reduce heavy vehicle road accidents and increase roll stability control. From 2014 to 2016, the ALRTA worked to seek an interim exemption to EBS mandates due to concerns about its longevity in rural and remote operations.
At the time, the ALRTA did not oppose the safety benefits of EBS and were a strong supporter of the need to improve vehicle safety. It was rather questioning its ability to be implemented and maintained in Australia’s harsh environments.
The ALRTA believe that this position has been justified as the requirement has been enforced without the appropriate supplied
training or information on EBS installation which, in turn, has had a disastrous impact on the system’s fitment and its ability to prevent accidents from occurring.
Take third-generation livestock transporter and Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of Victoria (LRTAV) President, Russell Borchard, who has been staunchly outspoken about the lack of proper EBS training and support.
“I bought a new set of trailers that had faulty EBS systems on them,” he says.
“I eventually had to remove it because I couldn’t find anyone that could fix the installation errors. That was a long time ago, but we still have the exact same issue even now when EBS is being properly enforced – a lot of people don’t know how to install it properly.
“Most of the EBS failures that are occurring are due to improper installation. People are installing them in a way that doesn’t make them last as they’ve been designed to, but there has been no attempt from the Australian Government to instil any training or even a sense of how important the device is to protect drivers.”
The incorrect fitment of EBS is also having a steep financial impact on the transport industry.
“This whole issue is costing transport companies tens of thousands of dollars,” Russell explains. “EBS is very expensive to fix and operators aren’t covered under warranty if the system is fitted incorrectly. So, with people not understanding how important it is to get that fitment 100-percent right, businesses are having to pay ongoing costs.
“Operators need to spend time and money to find those who can actually fix EBS fitments, so it just gets to the point where it’s easier to just unplug the EBS. And that’s not the answer either. The whole situation is a systemic failure right through the industry.”
With the transport industry seeing a major absence of proper EBS training, knowledge and support, certain members and associations have taken it upon themselves to fill this critical gap. For example, the ALRTA, launched the Braking Habits project earlier this year in collaboration with key individuals such as Air Brake Systems Sales and Service Manager, Shane Pendergast, to improve safety and reduce truck roll-over crashes.
“Seventy per cent of EBS are shut down, unplugged, badly set up or simply full of fault,” Shane says. “And in addition to trailer builders installing this componentry incorrectly, the Australian Government doesn’t make any proper announcements about ADR changes. You’re just meant to know or hear it through the grapevine.”
Shane, the ALRTA and select partners such as Frasers Livestock Transport have worked extensively on the Braking Habits project to develop a myriad of resources that drivers can use to educate themselves on safe practice. This cause was particularly important to Frasers Livestock Transport which had to redesign its whole business following the Federal Government’s EBS mandate.
“Our entire operations have been changed,” says Frasers Livestock
WABCO Electronic Braking System.
Images: Air Brake Corporation.
Transport Compliance and Central Queensland Manager, Athol Carter. “We were just given EBS as something that we had to implement one day, and it didn’t fit conveniently into our existing operations due to our pretty unique freight task.
“We had to re-engineer our processes and identify and understand issues all on our own. But through the ALRTA’s Braking Habits project, we worked with various stakeholders to create a package of resources for the entire industry to use and learn from.”
This suite of materials, now available to drivers and operators, includes informational documents such as a report on smart braking, case studies and practical tools (posters, handbooks, toolboxes, technical guides and videos) on the importance of smart braking systems like EBS and how to implement them.
“I’ve been involved in a lot of industry projects but this has been the best one yet,” Athol says. “The industry came together with many suppliers to identify an issue. We all worked in each other’s best interests to drive some real safety improvements across the space.”
Despite the best efforts of the ALRTA’s Braking Habits project, many agree that the issue of incorrect EBS fitment and its resulting faults is still pressing.
“We still have a long way to go to improve things,” Athol says. “We can’t rely on one or two people in all of Australia to be technicians for this technology. The
industry needs more.”
Shane believes the EBS fitment problem is getting worse. He says change in the industry is needed now more than ever.
“I’ve been absolutely engulfed with a number of operators who have needed my help this year,” he says. “I haven’t been able to keep up. The fitment issues were all the same too – I could see them because EBS computers record the exact fitment failure as it happens.
“Australia builds the best trailers in the world, but the smallest oversight could be devastating. Fitting EBS must come with back-up support, training and education.
“We can’t let this failure in EBS installation continue. Roll stability control must be used and it must be functional.”
The ALRTA also sees a need for better communication capabilities within EBS platforms, between both trucks and trailers and the system and operator.
Similar to how On-Board Mass (OBM) systems relay data to drivers via mobile apps, the association believes there is potential for EBS to provide proactive notifications and diagnostics that would assist in fault identification and real-time safety assurance.
“Fortunately, newer equipment and improved commissioning processes are showing positive results,” says ALRTA Executive Director, Anthony Boyle. “However, there remains an urgent need for better training for workshop personnel. In particular, frontline technicians must be supported to understand EBS systems, identify faults and resolve them effectively.”
The ALRTA has received invitations from several OEMs to engage directly on the EBS issues raised.
“Much of the challenge appears to stem from poor commissioning practices and the failure to establish effective communication between prime movers and trailers,” Anthony says. “While every EBS unit is ADR-compliant when assessed as an individual component – trailers being set to trailer standards and trucks likewise – the issues emerge when systems are brought together without thorough commissioning. This has significant implications for system workability and long-term reliability.”
With this type of engagement and further input from key players in the EBS field, the ALRTA is confident that it can help its member address the issues they are finding and ensure vehicle stability and safety can reach the level it needs to be.
Contact
Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters
Association
Ph: 02 6247 5434
Web: www.alrta.org.au
Four connected EBS trailers.
Russell Borchard and his son, Jake, working with EBS modules.
Graeme Elphinstone inducted into Wall of Fame
Elphinstone Engineering founder, Graeme Elphinstone, has been inducted into the Shell Rimula National Road Transport Wall of Fame.
The Shell Rimula Wall of Fame, held annually as part of the Festival of Transport in Alice Springs, celebrates the men and women who have helped shape the transport industry through decades of service, ingenuity and dedication. Since its inception over 20 years ago, the event has recognised and celebrated over 1,700 distinguished members of the road transport community.
“Our objective with the Wall of Fame is to highlight the contribution that road transport, as an industry, has made to Australia’s economic well-being through the ingenuity of our trucking pioneers,” a Shell Rimula Wall of Fame spokesperson said. “It shows that road transport is much more than just the men and women who drive the trucks; there are many others in the industry who need to be recognised also.”
Elphinstone Engineering founder, Graeme Elphinstone, was inducted into the Wall of Fame at the recent 2025 event. This prestigious honour is a testament to his lifelong commitment and outstanding industry contributions.
Elphinstone’s name now joins an elite group of transport pioneers and legends on the Wall of Fame, underscoring the pivotal role of innovators and industry leaders in the success of road transport. In receiving the honour, he expressed gratitude to those who have supported his journey.
“I’m truly humbled to be inducted onto the Wall of Fame alongside so many legends of the road,” he said. “When I built my first trailer and fitted that first scale system, I never imagined it would lead to this.
“I’ve always just tried to solve problems and make trucks, trailers and transport in general safer and more efficient for everyone. To have those efforts recognised by the industry I love is an incredible honour.”
Elphinstone has led five decades of innovation in heavy vehicle design and safety. He began his career in Tasmania in the early 1970s and quickly became a problem-solver for the transport
challenges of the era.
In 1976, Elphinstone and his brother, Dale, imported and fitted Australia’s first on-vehicle truck weighing system –installing scales on a Tasmanian log truck to accurately measure its load. According to Elphinstone Engineering, this was a pioneering step which revolutionised load management as it not only allowed drivers to know their weight before hitting the highway but laid the foundation for modern mass onboarding in heavy vehicles.
With Elphinstone’s help, Tasmanian Pulp and Forest Holdings’ woodchip mill in Triabunna, Tasmania, introduced a groundbreaking ‘non-payment for overload’ policy which removed the incentive for truck drivers to carry overweight loads. This initiative, a collaboration between the mill, logging contractors and Transport Tasmania, is regarded as one of the first practical applications of today’s Chain of Responsibility (CoR) principles in Australian transport.
Elphinstone’s efforts in ensuring trucks were no longer overloaded beyond legal limits improved safety and fairness for drivers and operators alike, inspiring a new era of innovation in the industry.
“Vehicle overloading was prevalent,”
he recalled of the 1970s when recounting why he pursued onboard scales. “One of the biggest problems for truck operators was accurately estimating the weight of their load. For the first time, logging transport had entered a new level of professionalism, with far fewer roadside weighbridge violations and drivers finally enjoying ‘peace of mind’ as they now had a legal load.”
By giving drivers real-time weight information, the Elphinstone onboard weighing system helped improve compliance, reduce overloading and enhance overall road safety.
Over the years, Elphinstone achieved further breakthroughs in trailer designs, suspension technology and vehicle configurations. Many of these developments have since become industry standards and have significantly improved driver safety, regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.
Some of Elphinstone’s key innovations over his career include:
• 1976: Fitting the first on-vehicle weighing system to an Australian truck, enabling drivers to monitor axle loads and gross weight on the go.
• 1980: Inventing the stretch mudguard for trucks – a longer, flexible mudguard
Graeme Elphinstone.
design which reduces road spray and debris for improved safety of following vehicles.
• 1983: Designing the world’s first self-loading road train combination featuring a four-axle dog trailer that could automatically load cargo such as logs without external equipment. In the same year, Elphinstone also introduced innovative air transducers for air suspension systems to more accurately measure and adjust load pressure.
• 1985: Developing the ‘tri-beam’ suspension system – an inventive heavy-duty suspension design that earned Elphinstone the coveted BHP Steel Award for engineering innovation. This suspension improved load distribution and durability, contributing to safer and more stable heavy vehicles.
• 1986: Building the world’s first folding skeletal trailer, the Fold-A-Skel.
• 1988: Designing one of Australia’s earliest B-double trailer combinations (tandem-axle lead trailer with tri-axle rear trailer) which, being the first of its
kind, paved the way for the widespread adoption of B-doubles.
• 1989: Creating the Easyweigh Radio Remote Indicator – the world’s first onboard weighing system with a wireless remote display. This innovation allowed drivers to monitor weights from outside the cab and enabled trucks and trailers to interchange without recalibration – drastically improving operational flexibility.
• 2005: Designed and built the world’s first self-loading B-triple.
• 2007: Designed and built the world’s first self-loading road-train doubled trailer. The unit allowed operators to use short standard routes on the empty return journeys instead of the longer gazetted road train routes.
• 2008: Launching the Easyloader Long Logger trailer – an Australian-first, Performance-Based Standards (PBS) approved design that could carry 19-metre-long logs on a 26-metre B-double combination. This innovation dramatically increased payload capacity for the forestry industry while meeting
stringent safety and handling standards.
• 2011-2013: Developing the Easysteer self-steering suspension system.
This advanced trailer suspension automatically adjusts and guides rear axles during turns, reducing tyre wear and improving the turning ability of long combination vehicles.
Elphinstone’s designs have improved driver safety, regulatory compliance and operational efficiency across the road transport sector.
Elphinstone’s son and General Manager of Elphinstone Weighing Systems, Grant Elphinstone, paid tribute to his father’s dedication and influence.
“Dad has always been a trailblazer,” he said. “For nearly 50 years, I’ve watched him push the boundaries of trailer design and challenge what’s possible with unique innovation. He was fitting onboard scales before most people knew such a thing existed.
“Our whole family and team are extremely proud of Graeme. His legacy will continue to inspire innovation in transport for years to come.”
An Elphinstone Low-Logger A-double in Bunbury, Western Australia. Images: Motorink Media.
Safe haven
Safety is a focus which remains at the forefront of Freight Assist Australia’s operations as the business continues to expand.
Freight Assist Australia is a national bulk transport and logistics provider which, entering the sector in 2012 out of Victoria, has rapidly evolved into a nationwide entity. The company specialises in the transport of general palletised freight including food, retail and packaged and bulk Dangerous Goods (DG) with safety being a focus front and centre.
“We don’t want to be a company that is reactive,” says Freight Assist Australia Site Operations and National Linehaul Manager, Raylene Dale. “We want to be proactive.”
Safety is extremely important for Freight Assist Australia. Raylene explains that there are therefore many operational processes in place to ensure this standard is maintained and increased where possible.
“We keep safety at the forefront of our operations every day across every shift,” she says. “It’s something that we toolbox in every shift, and the question to all staff at the end of each session is, ‘Do you feel safe in the depot?’”
These toolbox talks include daily discussions around safety which cover a range of topics such as congestion, inbound freight and outbound freight. Within these sessions, Raylene leads a ‘walk and talk’ which keeps all staff members involved.
“We talk about safety daily because we want our workers to go home the same way that they walked in the door,” she says. “We have different people looking at things such as if our DG signage is correct, if we have rubbish on the floor and whether we’re putting things away to ensure that we aren’t running anything over or tripping on things.
“Everyone attends these sessions and all of the leaders across each department will
get involved with the rectification to make sure that the depot is safe.”
On the equipment side, Freight Assist Australia has installed driver monitoring systems across 23 of its prime movers. Raylene says this has increased fleet awareness significantly.
“We have in-cab monitoring on our local fleet as well as our linehaul fleet,” she says. “This includes alerts for mobile phone usage, drowsiness, drivers getting too close to the vehicle in front and much more. All of these notifications come directly into my inbox and are actioned by me straight away.
“There have been situations where a driver is using their Electronic Work Diary correctly but they seem tired on the monitor. So, I’ll ring him and say, ‘I want you to pull over. Have an hour, don’t worry about the freight.’”
Freight Assist Australia is also regularly replacing all of its trailers and prime movers to ensure it’s operating the latest and safest transport equipment. This is one of the core responsibilities in Raylene’s position.
“Our entire fleet is no older than five years old,” she says. “All of our prime movers are turned over for safety purposes and we’re now turning our trailers over as well. We keep an eye on the kilometres which get tracked by our National Maintenance
Manager, and as they’re coming up to the five-year mark, we get additional services before looking at turning them over.”
As each day comes to an end at Freight Assist Australia, another one begins with an operational meeting structured around safety. Starting at eight o’clock, all site managers join a call to talk about safety, driver alerts and how they can collectively support all staff members and drivers. Constant monitoring of CCTV footage ensures everything else at Freight Assist Australia is up to scratch.
“We are running a very tight ship on safety,” Raylene says. “We spare no expense and there’s no shortage on how we ensure safety.”
Australia’s largest supply chain and logistics trade show, MegaTrans, is returning in 2026.
Scheduled to take place from 16-17 September 2026 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, MegaTrans 2026 will once again shine a spotlight on the Sustainable Supply Chain of the Future – attracting key players across freight, logistics, warehouse operations, transport technology, infrastructure and more. To participate, visit www.megatrans.com. au/get-involved/.
A Freight Assist Australia B-triple. Images: Freight Assist Australia.
An in-cab monitoring system in one of Freight Assist Australia’s prime movers.
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Road upgrades & new developments
What you need to know about Australia’s biggest road projects this month
Coffs bypass boosts highway freight efficiency
Tunnelling on the Coffs Harbour Bypass is complete, unlocking safer, more efficient freight movement along the Pacific Highway.
The project is working to help motorists save up to 12 minutes of travel time on the state’s Pacific Highway and will eventually remove thousands of vehicles and trucks from Coff’s Harbour’s main streets.
The project’s most recent work saw blasting crews complete its third and final tunnel, the 160-metre Roberts Hill tunnel –an excavation effort which removed half a million tonnes of rocks using 280 tonnes of explosives across 570 controlled blasts.
The Roberts Hill tunnel now joins the 320-metre Shephards Lane tunnel and the 410-metre Gatelys Road tunnel in having its excavations complete.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, celebrated this achievement for the project.
“This is a massive milestone reached in the Coffs Harbour Bypass,” she said.
“This project has been a long time coming, but it is making good progress and will transform Coffs Harbour once complete.”
With all three of the project’s tunnels now broken through, work will shift to preparing the tunnels for traffic, which will include installing drainage systems and laying road pavement.
NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, warned drivers to continue vigilance around these roadworks.
“We remind motorists to drive carefully around roadworks and be patient as the team works hard to deliver this transformational project for the city, and for everyone driving along the Pacific Highway,” she said.
Before the first cars drive through these tunnels in late 2026, each of them will contain two traffic lanes plus a bicycle lane, as well the fitment of sophisticated mechanical, electrical, fire, safety and electronic signage.
Federal Govt announces $3.6M rest area funding
The Australian Government is funding another four essential projects through the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area (HVRA) initiative.
A commitment of $3.6 million will lead to the development of safer and more comfortable facilities for drivers travelling through Australia’s regional freight routes.
The four funded projects include:
• new parking, toilet blocks and picnic shelters at the Kyeamba Rest Area between Yass and Albury in New South Wales;
• a new female toilet block at the Nhill Trailer Exchange in western Victoria; and • construction of two new rest areas at Wiawera and Black Springs in South Australia, with each featuring space for four vehicles, sheltered tables and seating.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, explained how these projects unified the concerns of various road users.
“Improving the quality and safety of Australian roads is a common goal with local and state governments, industry and Australian truckers,” she said.
“Experienced truckies know their routes like the back of their hand, so we’re asking them to tell us where they want upgrades and where new facilities are needed.”
Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Anthony Chisholm, further supported this funding – citing the crucial role that truck drivers play for Australia.
“Australian truckies keep the country supplied, fed and connected, so it’s important that we have their backs,” he said.
“That’s why we’re partnering with state governments in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia to deliver these essential amenities.
“Whether you’re in an office, on a farm, or behind the wheel, every Australian deserves the facilities to keep them safe at work.”
Bruce Highway integration project completed
The Mackay Ring Road to Bald Hill Road Connection project in Queensland has now been completed.
Works aimed at ensuring better transport infrastructure integration and safer road conditions have delivered a duplicated section of the Bruce Highway between Mackay Ring Road and Bald Hill Road area.
Key features of the project include two new dual-lane overpass bridges, a new port rail overpass and an upgraded intersection at Bald Hill Road.
To minimise traffic disruption during bridge construction, a unique top-down temporary fill method was used which enabled road works to be completed without the need for closured on the Bruce Highway.
Additionally, the three overpass bridges required approximately 620 tonnes of reinforced steel.
According to the Australian Government, the completion of the project has improved safety and efficiency for road users.
It has also provided a consistent journey for drivers by extending the duplication from the Mackay Northern Access Upgrade through to the Mackay Ring Road roundabout.
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg, said the new connection will be vital to the region’s transport network.
“Now completed, the Mackay Ring Road to Bald Hill Road Connection project will be an integral part of an integrated transport network in the region connecting to major infrastructure such as the Mackay Ring Road, the Mackay Northern Access Upgrade and the Walkerston Bypass,” he said.
“We understand the impact this had on local residents and road users and we thank the community for its patience while construction of these important upgrades was completed.”
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Driverless revolution
The ubiquity of driverless cars is now transitioning to the commercial vehicle market, with more industry stakeholders seeing driverless trucks and trailers as more than just a fad.
As the global commercial transport sector, particularly in Europe and the United States, struggles to cope with a chronic shortage of drivers, the nascent driverless technology in trucks is riding a crest of a wave set to inundate traditional approaches to logistics and allied transport fields.
The combined US and Europe $2 trillion USD (approx. $3.11 trillion AUD) truck freight market is facing a major challenge caused by a shortage of 3.6 million truck driver positions across 36 countries, which is expected to grow as aging drivers retire.
A May 2025 report by Tech.co, a US tech media reporting company, found that 65 per cent of US freight professionals surveyed believed that self-driving trucks would be a common sight on roads by 2050.
Survey respondents went further, with 42 per cent saying that driverless trucks would be plying roads in the next 15 years. Other survey findings included that one-third of respondents believed self-driving trucks would be best suited for low-traffic hours, while almost 20 per cent said they would use a self-driving truck over hiring a new driver.
The support for autonomous commercial vehicles is clearly gaining momentum across the US, with more than half of its 50 states approving the use, or testing, of driverless trucks on their roads. Given that logistics feeds the trucking sector, many see the freight industry, featuring predetermined routes and schedules, as the most likely sector to adopt self-driving vehicles.
Port operations around the world are testing the waters. In April 2025, truck company, DAF, showcased a self-driving electric truck in Rotterdam and, in July, German autonomous logistics company, Fernride, started transitioning to driverless terminal tractor operations at HHLA TK Estonia.
Within the trailer industry, research company, Emergen Research’s report found that the intelligent trailer market will be worth $31.82 billion USD (approx. $49.51 billion AUD) by 2032. That 2023 report found that intelligent trailer systems were closely linked to autonomous trucks.
“As autonomous trucks become more prevalent, the need for seamless integration and communication between the vehicle and trailer is increasing,” the report said.
Intelligent trailer systems are seen to play important roles in autonomous loading and unloading, platooning, and convoy systems, the report found.
The rise of autonomous truck/trailer operations raises questions of costly retrofitting of existing trailers and the compatibility of older trailers with advanced technologies.
The US is tackling this nascent innovation head-on with more specialised companies investing in driverless technology. Utilising AI, Outrider has created a safety system designed for safe driverless movement of trailers and freight in mixed-traffic yards.
Plus AI of Silicon Valley has developed
pioneering autonomous trucking AI software to power factory-built autonomous trucks. Working with commercial vehicle makers Traton Group, Hyundai, and Iveco, Plus has deployed autonomous driving technology across the US, Europe, and Asia, which has been used for more than eight million kilometres of driving. It has also partnered with TIER IV to launch driverless trucks in Japan and conducted public road testing in Germany with DSV.
In Germany, the ATLAS-L4 research project enabled an autonomous truck to drive between logistics centres on level-4 motorways, in May 2025.
The project took three years to bring to fruition and a total budget of almost €60 million (approx. $108.31 million AUD).
When a new technology enters the zeitgeist, it can take some time for it be fully embraced by society and industry. Gadgets, such as laptops, tablets, smart phones, and EV and self-driving cars were initially seen as fads but have quickly become part of everyday life.
The same can be said of self-driving trucks. They have the potential to revolutionise the transport and logistics industries and given the rapid development of technology, driven by AI and machine learning, and the continuing global driver shortages, it will be a question of when, rather than if, they are part and parcel of everyday transport operations on highways and motorways.
Autonomous, electric trucking solutions are a growing force in the transport sector. Image: FERNRIDE GmbH.
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Arrow Transport has revealed a new partnership and its interstate growth plans.
Arrow Transport has established a new national partnership with raw plastic supplier, Polymer Direct, in the midst of a significant growth period.
As part of the agreement, Arrow Transport will closely collaborate with Polymer Direct to distribute its polymer and resin products around Australia.
The partnership will also combine Polymer Direct’s industry expertise with Arrow Transport’s expanding national network to deliver greater transport solutions around the country.
Arrow Transport COO, Troy Angove, says this will result in various expansion opportunities for both businesses.
“Bringing on a major customer like Polymer Direct has solidified the investments we are putting into our bulk division,” he says. “The partnership has provided us with a base for an operational footprint which expands the entire Australian coastline from Townsville into Brisbane, Toowoomba, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Western Australia.
“We now have an extremely strong network to build on which, in turn, will drive customer excellence.”
Arrow Transport will offer time-sensitive solutions to Polymer Direct within the partnership.
More specifically, the fleet will support the importation of raw plastic material into Australia via Seabulk international containerised movements.
Product will also be transferred into domestic containers as required. From there, it will be delivered, pumped into silos and turned into a wide array of end products as directed by Polymer Direct’s head office in South Melbourne, Victoria.
The plastic will then be used across multiple markets and applications including infrastructure, agriculture, industrial, health, water security and food.
“We’re going to play a significant role in improving Polymer Direct’s workflow once containers are handed over from the shipping lines,” Troy says. “We will take full control over a majority of the landside component to support the work that they do.”
Arrow Transport will also undertake a full suite of logistic tasks for Polymer Direct by warehousing product and utilising its bulk division to supporting the company.
“Polymer Direct are a fairly entrenched player in this space, and our operating systems and service level technology are second to none,” Troy says. “From a technology point of view, they will get a sort of transparency that they’ve never seen before with our IT platform, Arrow Operating System.”
Arrow Transport has also partnered with independent service provider, JRB Diesel Fleet Service, for technical support on the specialised units it is operating in this partnership.
These pieces of equipment are purposebuilt ‘pump trailers’ which Arrow Transport has been utilising to efficiently meet the bulk market’s needs.
“JRB Diesel are a significant partner for us in this journey and we see that being a really long-term strategic partnership in this space as we continue to grow,” Troy says. “They’ve got some great leadership as well as some significant technical experience backed up behind that to support us nationally.”
Around these developments, Arrow Transport has expanded its operations into Townsville, Queensland.
This a significant move for Arrow Transport because it allows its current customers to fully utilise its services in the region.
“Townsville is a strong growth corridor for us,” Troy says. “We’re heavily supported by the rail network in Townsville and have coverage of Cairns and Mackay, so we see this as a great opportunity for us.”
In addition, Arrow Transport is planning for expansion into Darwin, Northern Territory.
“We’ve also started to interact with and support the Darwin market over the last month,” Troy says. “This is another area that we’re focusing on to continue adding to our national footprint.
“We’re always looking for opportunities to expand our operations and we’ll continue to grow by investing in systems, equipment, business partnerships and people.”
An Arrow Transport combination carrying Polymer Direct’s product at its Port of Brisbane depot.
Image: Arrow Transport.
Truck Shows & Field Days
Pencil in some information on dates and venues of various truck shows, field days and road transport industry conferences both locally and internationally.
October
Victoria
Elmore Field Days
7-9 October
Elmore, VIC
Visit: www.elmorefielddays.com.au
New South Wales
MOBILITY LIVE
15-16 October
Sydney, NSW
Visit: www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/mobilitylive
National Roads & Traffic Expo
15-16 October
Sydney, NSW
Visit: www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/highwaysau
Victoria
Wandin Silvan Field Days
17-18 October
Wandin, VIC
Visit: www.wandinsilvanfielddays.com.au
New South Wales
Murrumbateman Field Days
18-19 October
Murrumbateman, NSW Visit: www.mfdays.com
Australian National Field Days
23-25 October
Borenore, NSW Visit: www.anfd.com.au
Deniliquin Truck Show
24-26 October
Deniliquin, NSW Visit: www.denitruckshow.com.au
November
New South Wales
Dane Ballinger Memorial Truck Show
15 November
Bathurst, NSW
Visit: www.bathursttruckshow.com.au
Victoria
VIC Major Projects Conference
19-20 November
Melbourne, VIC Visit: www.viconference.com.au
AusRAIL PLUS 2025
25-28 November Melbourne, VIC Visit: www.ausrail.com
HYVA Hookloaders & Skiploaders
HYVA Hooks and Skip systems are a masterpiece in design and functionality. HYVA offer an unparalleled standard of robustness in waste handling, recycling and construction, making the task faster, safer and more efficient than ever.
