Toyota Material Handling Australia (TMHA) is to launch a new range of 1.5 to 3 tonne rated capacity at 500mm load centre four-wheel counter-balance battery electric forklifts.
The new, improved, energy-efficient Toyota 8FBN series forklift has been developed in response to customer demands for longer operating times between charges, improved safety and environmental performance, reduced operator fatigue, and increased durability and water resistance.
There are five new models, ranging from 1.5 to 3 tonne rated capacity at 500mm load centres, with a choice of masts, hydraulic controls and attachments, as well as numerous optional accessories, a cold storage pack for operating at minus 45 degrees Celsius and a corrosion-protection pack.
TMHA’s national product manager for Toyota electric forklifts Jim Lobow said the new 8FBN forklift range offered improved run times, higher performance for increased productivity, efficiency and safety.
“The 8FBN forklift series has a new AC power system, more efficient motors and controllers, an improved layout of equipment and an all-new pedal-stroke detection regenerative brake system,” he said.
“Pedal-stroke regenerative braking allows the new Toyota 8FBN forklift models to improve the efficiency of energy recovery, thereby increasing operating times.
“The regenerative brake ratio during braking is adjusted according to the percentage of the brake pedal stroke.
“The bottom line from these improvements is an approximate five per cent improvement in operating times over the highly regarded 7FB series models.
Mr Lobow said the new 8FBN forklift models offered a range of attractive features for both operators and management in addition to the extended operating times.
“The biggest single advance over the equivalent 7FB series could well be the automatic turn-speed control, he said.
“The new system combines lift-height and load-weight-sensing along with turn-speed control, automatically limiting the forklift’s speed when turning, according to the state of the vehicle. At high lift heights, vehicle speed, acceleration and deceleration are limited according to load carried."
The combination of the newly designed high-mount rear axle and the new turn-speed control helps the forklift achieve more stable turns that match the operating conditions.
“Higher water resistance to IPX4 rating and zero emissions, including a design that is free of hexavalent chrome, means the new Toyota 8FBN Series will suit a wider range of end users and even challenge some engine truck applications.”
Key options of the new Toyota 8FBN forklift range also include a height selector, joystick controls, a shock sensor and the choice of Roll In- Roll -out or Fork Pockets at the bottom of the battery case for a slide-out battery that can be used for multi-shift applications.
Features pioneered on the 8-Series internal-combustion machines have been adopted, including lift-height control and sudden acceleration from a standing start prevention control.
The new 8FBN now has “SAS E“ with the enhanced features of the automatic turn speed and vehicle speed control, along with the proven features such as the active-mast function controller, now with rear tilt levelling included, and the active steering synchroniser to optimise productivity.
Los Angeles truck drivers who accuse their Australian employer, transport giant Toll, of treating them like "second-class citizens", have announced plans to hold union elections at their workplace.
A majority of the 74 drivers have signed a petition filed with the US National Labor Relations Board to seek representation with America's largest union for transport workers, The Teamsters.
"We are united," one of the drivers, Xiomara Perez, told a conference call organised by the Teamsters. The drivers claim Toll only provides filthy portable toilets and no running water or access to shelter during their breaks.
Nick Weiner, the port campaign director for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, said he has toured ports around the US and the conditions the drivers at Toll in LA endure "hit a new low".
The drivers and the Teamsters said they believe Toll will attempt to hamper their plan by using a "union buster" and other tactics as they attempt to hold the elections.
"As someone who has been around the labor movement my entire life, I can tell you, for many workers it is akin to management putting them through a meat grinder," Mr Weiner, describing the election process, said.
The Teamsters claim Toll sacked 26 drivers last October when they donned T-shirts with union logos. Some of the drivers have since been rehired.
Source: smh
It is reported that a decision to modify shipping arrangements to BlueScope Steel's Hastings plant may mean further job losses.
The changes come four months after the closure of the hot strip mill at the Hastings Long Island Point, which resulted in more than 250 workers and contractors losing their jobs. Steel will now be shipped as hot rolled coil rather than slab from the company's Port Kembla site to Hastings.
Mr Ingilby Dickson GM supply chain and processing said that the steel would be shipped via rail rather than the current trucking arrangement. He added that "Effective late 2012 we will transport approximately 650,000 tonnes per year of hot rolled coil feed for the Western Port production lines from the Port Kembla hot strip mill via rail. We have renegotiated the contract with our rail operations partner Pacific National to facilitate the changes."
Mr Dickson said that the changes flowed from the hot strip mill closure. He added that "As part of the structural changes to BlueScope's Australian businesses, progressively implemented during the past several months, the Western Port hot strip mill has been taken out of service and this has necessitated a change of feedstock for Western Port's operations. The benefits of this change include savings of around AUD 1 million per month over the current cost structure and improved material handling efficiencies at both the dispatch and destination ports."
Under the current arrangement, steel is shipped in slab form via the Iron Monarch truck, which has been specifically designed for that purpose.
Mr Dickson said that "While the Iron Monarch and her Teekay Shipping crews have served us well over many years transporting slab from Port Kembla to Western Port, she is a modified roll on roll off vessel fitted specifically to carry slab. At 38 years of age she is approaching the end of her serviceable life and is unable to carry hot rolled coil without costly modification."
The Iron Monarch is expected to be sold. Teekay Shipping declined to comment on the impact the change would have on local jobs.
(Sourced from www.peninsulaweekly.com.au)
New advanced speed cameras to be installed on the South Eastern Freeway in South Australia will target a known hotspot for truck crashes.
Detection units are due to be installed on sections of the route where there have been 51 truck crashes in the past five years.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Transport, Alissa Smith, says 31 crashes occurred between the Crafers interchange and the Cross Road intersection, while 20 occurred at the Cross Road/Glen Osmond Road intersection.
Two people have died and 19 were injured during the crashes, while 30 properties were also damaged.
The South Australian Government wants trucks with five or more axles to reduce their speed when coming into Adelaide.
Trucks with five axles or more were required, from May 1 last year, to reduce their speed and stick to the left lane when reaching the Crafers interchange.
"They are required to stay in the left lane between Crafers and the Measdays bridge exit ramp. A 60km/h speed limit applies to these trucks from the Crafers interchange to the bottom of the freeway," the department says.
Source: Owner Driver
Three people were killed when the car they were in collided head-on with a truck on the Hume Highway south of Sydney this morning.
The truck - a B-double - was reportedly travelling south when it hit a guard rail and careered on to the other side of the road into the car, pushing it back and flattening it.
The B-double came to a stop against the guard rail of the Menangle Bridge, with one wheel overhanging the rail and the front of the car crushed under the cab.
The wreck of the car, crushed under the front of the truck on the Hume Highway at Menangle. Photo: Jonathan Ng/Fairfax
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One-and-a-half thousand litres of diesel spilled into a river after the crash when the B-double's fuel tank ruptured.
"We've currently got fire and rescue and the SES to place floating booms across the river to contain the spill," Fire and Rescue NSW spokesman Ian Krimmer said.
Highway at a halt ... the truck stopped perilously close to the side of the Menagle bridge after the head-on crash. Photo: Jonathan Ng
"We anticipate that over the next 24 hours it will dissipate through natural processes."
Police confirmed that the three people in the red sedan, believed to be a Ford Mondeo, were dead after the crash just before 11.30am and that their bodies remained trapped.
The male truck driver suffered minor injuries and has been taken to Campbelltown Hospital for treatment. He will undergo mandatory blood and urine testing.
Motorists are being urged to avoid the area and take alternate routes until further notice.
The Hume Highway has been closed at the Menangle Bridge and northbound traffic is being diverted on to Picton Road.
Campbelltown mayor Anoulack Chanthivong said Menangle Bridge area of the highway was rarely congested.
‘‘Traffic seems to flow quite well through there, it is close to where I live and there has never been any real trouble with accidents there. This is just a tragedy,’’ Mr Chanthivong said.
Police are urging witnesses to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Source: smh
A truck driver has been crushed to death after his rig from rolled forward while he was attaching the prime mover to the trailer.
The driver, in his 60s, tried to climb into the cabin of the truck and apply the brakes but fell under the wheels.
WorkSafe Victoria says initial inquiries suggest the brakes on the prime mover had not been applied while the trailer was being attached.
The added weight was initially supported by the trailer’s parking brakes, but a build-up of air pressure in the system allowed the trailer brakes to be released.
The incident happened in the Victorian region of Hepburn Springs northwest of Melbourne.
Source: Owner Driver
NSW Police and the State Emergency Service are urging residents and visitors in flood affected areas of northern NSW and the mid-north coast to take precautions as heavy rain continues to fall.
People in the flood affected areas are being urged to delay all non-essential travel, with police also asking people planning to visit flood-affected regions to delay their plans until the waters recede.
“Floodwater is extremely dangerous as it can have fast moving undercurrents that can wash people and vehicles away. Everyone should always remember to never drive, ride or walk through floodwater,” a statement from NSW Police says.
People can access the livetraffic website or contact their local councils for the latest information on road closures.
People can also find flood-related information here.
NSW Police is urging people in flood-affected areas to contact the SES on 132 500 for emergency flood and storm help or visit the SES website .
Source: Owner Driver
The Victorian region of Gippsland has the rare distinction of nailing two gongs for trucking in the 2012 Australian Honours, with Nola Bransgrove of Branstrans and Graeme Dyer of Dyers Gippsland Transport gaining Medals of the Order of Australia (OAM).
Australian Trucking Association CEO Stuart St Clair paid tribute to them.
“Nola has made an enormous contribution to the trucking industry. She won the National Trucking Industry Woman of the Year Award in 1997, after serving on the boards of two trucking industry associations,” St Clair says.
“She looked after the superannuation of trucking industry employees as a director of the Transport Industry Superannuation Fund from 1996 to 2009, and has been steadfast in promoting the role of women in the industry.
“Nola was the chair of Transport Women Australia from 2001 to 2004. In 2009, she was appointed as the inaugural chair of the Victorian Government’s Transport and Logistics Workforce Advisory Group.
“Meanwhile, her company, Branstrans, is accredited under the ATA’s TruckSafe program, which puts it amongst the safest and best-managed trucking businesses in the country.”
St Clair praised Dyer’s community and safety work.
“As well as running Dyers Transport, Graeme has made a valuable contribution to the Gippsland community and road safety education.
“He was a Sale city councillor from 1991 to 1994, and has been an active member of the Sale Rotary Club since 1972.
“Graeme sponsored the ATA’s Safety Education Trailer when it visited Gippsland to provide young people with tips about how to share the road safely with trucks."
Traralgon-based Bransgrove received hers for "service to the transport and logistics industry, to women, and to the community", while Dyer’s came for "service to the road transport industry, and to the community of Wellington".
Others to gain OAMs included former Labor Party Transport Minister Peter Morris for "service to the Parliament of Australia through a range of ministerial portfolios, and to the maritime industry and ship safety", and volunteer truck driver Gus Wohlschlarger for "service to the community of Port Pirie".
Amongst those gaining august Companion (AC) status was inaugural Infrastructure Australia member Terry Moran
Indeed services to infrastructure led to go-to man Rod Eddington gaining Officer (AO) status for "distinguished service to business and commerce through roles with a range of national and international economic, trade, infrastructure development and transport organisations", as did Queensland’s Dr John Fenwick for "service to engineering through a range of executive roles, to the design and construction of major transport infrastructure, such as bridges, and to education".
Public Service Medals of note were for work in freight-related infrastructure and reform.
Leslie Riggs took hers for "outstanding public service in playing critical roles in driving national transport reform, especially in establishing Auslink and development of the three national transport regulators, for heavy vehicle, rail and maritime safety.
Peter Trim, the Executive Director for the North West Region in the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, gained his for outstanding public service to the development and delivery of road and transport infrastructure in Queensland, especially major works projects through alliance contracts, including the Barkly Highway upgrade and the Burke Developmental Road.
Source: ATN
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A UNION leader has accused a leading employer group of having "blood on its hands" after business intensified criticism of Labor's plan to establish a tribunal to set pay rates in the trucking industry.
The Australian Industry Group says the government proposals, being considered by a parliamentary inquiry, would increase operating costs for the road transport industry without ensuring safety improvements.
The Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal will set pay and conditions in the industry in a move the government says is designed to encourage safety and reduce fatalities and injuries.
In a submission to the inquiry to be lodged today, the AI Group says the measures have the potential to undermine key elements of the Fair Work Act.
It says the proposals appear to be focused on providing remuneration mechanisms without any requirement such as mechanisms to improve safety.
The powers conferred on the tribunal would also interfere with normal commercial arrangements between transport companies and their clients, it says.
"With regard to employee drivers, the remuneration arrangements in the bill are at odds with the position that the Fair Work Act and modern awards provide for a safety net for employees, and that enterprise agreements have an important role to play," the group's submission says.
"The bill has the potential to undermine the integrity of essential elements of the Fair Work system."
While employers were committed to improving safety in the road transport industry, "the notion that this can be achieved through paying drivers more or differently is flawed", the AI Group says.
"The bill will increase operating costs within the road transport industry, with flow-on effects to all users of road transport services, including sectors which are currently encountering difficult trading conditions such as manufacturing and retail."
Outgoing chief executive Heather Ridout says it should be rejected by federal parliament.
Transport Workers Union national secretary Tony Sheldon yesterday responded to Ms Ridout, saying the employers' group would have "blood on its hands" if it succeeded in scuttling the proposals. He said Ms Ridout's comments did not augur well for her role as a Reserve Bank board member, as they were driven by "self-interest" rather than a need for good government policy.
"She has to be able to weigh up the consequences of the economic policy decisions of the Reserve Bank and how she balances the moral economy versus the economy of the big end of town," he said. The pressure on drivers to meet "crazy deadlines" had resulted in injury and death.
Source: The Australian
JIM MERRICK has been truck driving for 38 years.
In his heyday Jim was with the British Territorials Army driving for their transport section and the truck of the day was a Bedford rigid touring the UK and Cyprus.
In 1969 Jim went into the Australian Army driving International trucks.
These days Jim drives a Western Star FX 4800; Big Yellow does the work, the CAT 550 hp is 'tough as', and with the 18-speed gear box, is a well-matched combination. The FX 4800 rides on airbag suspension, hauling a Lucar 45 foot fridge van.
He drives for Troncs, part of the P&O Trans Australia Group.
In his spare time, Jim likes welding and he is doing up a HJ Holden Ute. Jim is 64 years old - not looking bad for an old bloke!
Source: Big Rigs
THE Australian Government should extend its planned energy efficiency information grants to help small firms improve business practices to cope with the carbon price, according to the Australian Trucking Association's submission on the draft guidelines for the Energy Efficiency Information Grants Program.
Under this $40 million program, the government will provide industry associations with grants to provide information to small and medium-sized businesses about the impact of the carbon tax and how they can reduce energy costs.
Trucking businesses will face higher costs from this July 1 when suppliers put up their prices to respond to the carbon price.
The government plans to impose the carbon price on the fuel used by trucking businesses from July 1, 2014, but the ATA will continue arguing against it.
Trucking operators will need to pass increased costs on to customers, but their ability to pass on their costs will be limited by their existing contract arrangements and lack of market power. Many trucking businesses are locked into long-term contracts.
Small trucking businesses often feel forced to accept the rates they are offered, even if the terms are unfavourable. As a result, these businesses could end up bearing an unfair carbon price burden.
As well as providing advice on energy efficiency, industry associations need to be able to provide members with advice about how to improve their business practices to cope with the carbon price. This could include guidance on best practice contracts, adjusting fuel levies and the law relating to carbon price claims.
The ATA recommends the program should also cover energy efficiency standards and audit tools for accreditation programs run by industry associations.
Source: Big Rigs
The Australian Furniture Removers’ Association (AFRA) has rejoined the Australian Trucking Association, after leaving in February 2011.
AFRA (www.afra.com.au) is the peak authority on skills and standards for the removals industry, with 350 members covering virtually every region of Australia. AFRA accreditation certifies that a business meets the highest standards. For people planning to move house, using an AFRA accredited removalist is an assurance that the move will be done smoothly and professionally.
The President of AFRA, Andrew Garrety from Oldfield Removals and Storage, said AFRA focused on certifying its members and providing high quality training.
“At the same time, we know our members are affected by government policies that affect all trucking operators, such as the carbon tax and national truck laws,” Mr Garrety said.
“By rejoining the ATA, our members will get top-quality representation on these issues.
“Our members are particularly concerned about the current and planned laws saying that business directors and managers are guilty until they can prove themselves innocent of chain of responsibility offences.
“We can’t see why people who run a trucking or removals business should be treated this way, when every other Australian gets their day in court and is presumed innocent.
“The ATA is working hard to get the law fixed, and we’re proud to part of it,” he said.
The Chairman of the ATA, David Simon, welcomed AFRA’s return.
“AFRA has always been an active voice for its members at ATA Council meetings. It has also had an important role on the ATA’s skills and workforce and transport and economics committees,” Mr Simon said.
“We’re looking forward to working with AFRA again to represent its members. Under our new membership strategy, its members will also receive stronger direct benefits, starting with discounts to attend the 2012 Australian Trucking Convention and our Technical and Maintenance Conference.
“The convention will cover the big issues affecting trucking operators in 2012, and will feature international safety leader Don Osterberg from Schneider National in America,” Mr Simon said.
The convention will run from Wednesday 16 to Saturday 19 May 2012, and will be held at the Rosehill Gardens Event Centre, Sydney.
Source: ATA
DURING the past 50 years, Ross Fraser has watched 15-tonne capacity trucks evolve up to 100 tonnes, carried dairy cattle and pigs from one end of Australia to the other and experienced droughts as well as floods.
For the Frasers Livestock Transport director, those years in the industry have been a period of sweeping change and life-long memories. Last month he was given a plaque honouring his contribution.
Mr Fraser said he had clocked up some good memories in his time expanding the business his parents started.
"We carted 6500 pigs from Clifton to Darwin," he recalled.
"That had to be done in four trips and we had relief drivers and round PVC pipe to (feed and water them).
"We also arranged for a water truck to go with us and in the final trip, which was November, we didn't stop at all. We just slowed down and the truck would hose the pigs along the road."
Just one pig died.
That trip was preceded by long distances carrying dairy cows from one end of Australia to the other, milking the cows once a day.
Mr Fraser was a driver until his mid-20s when he then turned his focus to the work outside the driver's seat.
He has been president of the Australian Livestock Transport Association and Livestock Transport Association of Queensland, as well as a founding member of the two.
He said the success of Frasers was linked to his parents' philosophy of quality service.
"Our long-term customers and the quality of our staff over the years have also helped build the business," he said.
"We couldn't have achieved what we have without their dedication to the industry.
"A lot of people know livestock transport isn't easy, but I think people stay on because they like working with animals."
Today's challenges for the livestock transport industry are many, and Mr Fraser said it was difficult to strike a balance between rising costs and keeping fees reasonable for customers.
"The main challenge we have is to provide a product to customers that's affordable. We have to survive but so do our customers," he said.
"Wages costs are also becoming an enormous challenge and with the mining industry, it's even harder."
To balance things out better, Mr Fraser said the cattle market needed to remain firm, as did other produce markets.
Rising fuel costs were another difficult factor, as were the state of the nation's roads.
"In my mind there's no doubt we need to put more money into road infrastructure," he said.
"The government seems hell-bent on building roads on a budget which is fine, but it will never get us ahead. We need to borrow money to build roads to open up more of this country."
In the next 10 years, Mr Fraser said he saw himself "slowing down" but not retiring.
Source: Daily News
The long-awaited Calder Freeway and Kings Road interchange in Melbourne’s west has opened early.
The $62 million project has been completed five months ahead of schedule.
Victorian Roads Minister Terry Mulder says 38,000, including 4000 trucks, use the section of freeway each day and that traffic numbers are predicted to double in the next 10 years.
“The new interchange will consist of an overpass over Calder Freeway, including off and on ramps in both directions, which will improve the safety and traffic flow of vehicles travelling along, as well as moving on and off the Calder Freeway from Kinds Road,” Mulder says.
Kings Road has been upgraded and extended as a four-lane road through to the freeway.
“The Kinds Road upgrade is the first stage of planned safety and access improvements along the Calder Freeway between Keilor and Diggers Rest,” Mulder says.
He says funding has been allocated to safety improvements at the Sunshine Avenue and Calder Freeway intersection and to extending an access road to link Highland Road and Oakbank Road to the Kings Road interchange.
Source: Owner Driver
Volvo Group Australia will celebrate the 40th anniversary of its Australian manufacturing in 2012, covering local production of the Mack and Volvo products.
The Brisbane factory, originally at Rocklea, was replaced after it was flooded in 1974, moving to a ‘drier’ location at nearby Richlands.
As well as building Macks for local operators, the Australian arm has gone onto become a research centre for right hand drive models, a role that now includes Volvo models after the Swedish manufacturer took control of Mack in 2001.
Despite the global recession in 2008-2009, the factory and research and development unit continued to operate, with an upgrade during this period to expand the services offered to customers during the build process.
Although not operating at full capacity as the Australian truck market struggles to regain the volumes of 2006 and 2007, the factory produced 825 Mack trucks and 1215 Volvo models in 2012.
Source: ATN
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