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In recent years, the global shipping industry has experienced unprecedented changes, leading to significant increases in shipping rates.

These increases have had a profound impact on Australian businesses and consumers, who are now facing rapidly increasing costs for imported goods. The increase on costs from the international shipping lines that service Australia falls directly on their ability to be protected under an exemption from competition laws.

As the CEO of the Victorian Transport Association (VTA), I am renewing our calls for the repeal of Part X of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 to address these unfair and anticompetitive practices in the shipping industry.

Part X of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 was originally designed to regulate international liner shipping services to and from Australia. It aimed to ensure that exporters and importers had access to reliable and competitive shipping services.

However, the current global shipping landscape has changed dramatically, and Part X is no longer fit for purpose. Instead of promoting competition, it has allowed shipping lines to engage in anticompetitive practices, leading to skyrocketing shipping rates and reduced service quality.

The COVID pandemic exacerbated these issues, with shipping lines taking advantage of the crisis to manipulate capacity and drive up rates.

Shipping lines have reported record profits, validating calls for changes to competition laws. The current regulatory framework under Part X has failed to protect Australian businesses and consumers from these exploitative practices.

One of the main issues with Part X is that it provides shipping lines with exemptions from certain competition laws, allowing them to engage in cartel-like behaviour. This has led to a lack of competition in the market, with a few major players dominating the industry.

As a result, shipping rates have become increasingly volatile, with businesses struggling to absorb the unvalidated additional costs. This has had a ripple effect on the entire supply chain, ultimately impacting consumers who are forced to pay higher prices for goods.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and Productivity Commission have also raised concerns about the anticompetitive behaviour of shipping lines. In a recent investigation, the ACCC found evidence of collusion and price-fixing among major shipping companies.

These practices have not only harmed Australian businesses but have also undermined the principles of fair competition that are essential for a healthy economy.

To address these issues, it is crucial that we repeal Part X of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. By doing so, we can remove the exemptions that allow shipping lines to engage in anticompetitive practices and restore competition to the market.

This will help to stabilise shipping rates and ensure that Australian businesses and consumers are not subjected to unfair price increases.

The potential consequences of repealing Part X are significant. Higher shipping costs will inevitably be passed onto road and rail freight operators, who will then pass these costs onto consumers.

This will put upward pressure on the cost of living and lead to higher prices throughout supply chains. The impact will be felt across various sectors, from retail to manufacturing, ultimately affecting the affordability of everyday goods and services.

In addition to repealing Part X, we must also implement stronger regulatory measures to oversee the shipping industry. This includes increasing the powers of the ACCC to investigate and act against anticompetitive behaviour.

We should also consider introducing measures to promote transparency in the industry, such as requiring shipping lines to disclose their pricing structures and capacity management practices.

It is essential that we support Australian businesses in navigating the challenges posed by the current shipping environment.

This includes providing financial assistance to help businesses absorb the increased costs and investing in infrastructure to improve the efficiency of our ports and supply chains. By doing so, we can help to mitigate the impact of high shipping rates and ensure that our economy remains resilient in the face of global disruptions.

Repealing Part X of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 is necessary to address the unfair and anticompetitive practices in domestic and global shipping.

By removing the exemptions that allow shipping lines to engage in cartel-like behaviour, we can restore competition to the market and protect Australian businesses and consumers from exploitative price increases.

It is time for the government to act and ensure that our competition laws are fit for purpose in the modern global economy.

Peter Anderson is the CEO of the Victorian Transport Association.

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The post Repeal Part X to combat unfair industry shipping rates appeared first on Big Rigs.

When you’re behind the wheel of a big rig, safety is everything – especially at night.

High-performance lighting doesn’t just improve visibility; it enhances awareness and reduces fatigue, making long-haul night driving safer and more comfortable.

Founded in 2010, Lazer Lamps has become a leader in auxiliary LED lighting across Europe, known for its innovation, quality, and performance. With in-house UK design, engineering, and manufacturing, Lazer consistently develops cutting-edge lighting solutions.

Their popularity has surged in Australia, supported by a sales office in Adelaide and stock held in Canberra. Now, their Sentinel and Triple-R ranges are joined by two exciting new additions: the AIR LED Light Bar and Utility-50 LED Work Lamp, both launched in Australia in February.

At the forefront of Lazer’s trucking lineup is the Sentinel 9” round LED lamp, available in Standard and Elite models, in either black or white. Known for its exceptional long-range performance, a pair of Sentinel 9” Elites emit over 30,000 raw lumens, delivering 1 lux at more than 700m away. For truck drivers, this means spotting hazards sooner, giving you more time to react – a crucial advantage for night driving.

Beyond its sheer illumination, Sentinel truly excels with its beam pattern. A 52-degreehorizontal left to right spread provides impressive side-road visibility, lighting up hazards, wildlife, and road signs where other lights might leave blind spots. This combination of distance and spread, alongside a 5000k natural daylight colour temperature, makes Sentinel one of the most effective truck lighting solutions available on the market today.

But power isn’t everything – reliability matters too. Built for the harshest conditions, Sentinel lamps feature corrosion-resistant metalwork, an unbreakable polycarbonate lens with a lifetime guarantee, and vibration-resistant housing designed to withstand the most extreme conditions.

For those who prefer a sleek, low-profile light bar over round lamps, Lazer’s new AIR LED Light Bar and renowned Triple-R range deliver the same high-performance illumination with a different aesthetic. Both ranges are engineered for optimal beam distribution from higher mounting positions, ensuring exceptional long-range visibility while minimising glare from road signs – a crucial feature for truck drivers.

Their 5000K colour temperature replicates natural daylight, reducing eye strain and fatigue, making state-to-state overnight hauls safer and comfortable. The Triple-R 1000 is a proven choice for those needing precision optics and the optional integrated beacon functionality makes them ideal for added visibility and safety in commercial and industrial settings.

Meanwhile, the AIR LED Light Bar offers a more aerodynamic, contemporary design, with a beacon version coming soon, making it an exciting new option for truck owners looking for performance and cutting-edge styling.

For improved visibility at the sides and rear of your truck, the new Utility-50 LED Work Lamp is a compact but powerful solution. Designed to enhance safety and convenience, the Utility-50 is perfect for: Manoeuvring in tight spaces, loading and unloading cargo safely and illuminating work areas during night-time stops. Available in multiple configurations, including models with an integrated beacon and red tail light function, the Utility-50 adapts to a variety of applications. With an unbreakable polycarbonate lens and IP68/IP69K watertight ratings, it’s built to withstand the elements and keep performing in the toughest conditions.

Whether mounted at the rear for reversing visibility or along the sides for better workspace lighting, the Utility-50 is an essential addition for serious truck operators.

Lazer’s commitment to quality and innovation continues with its expansion in Australia.

Founder and Managing Director Ben Russell-Smith explained: “The launch of AIR and Utility-50 marks an exciting step forward for Lazer in the Australian heavy truck and commercial vehicle markets. AIR delivers the same high-performance light output and incredible build quality as Sentinel and Triple-R but offers a unique, modern aesthetic.

Meanwhile, the Utility-50 takes our work light solutions to the next level with its functionality and durability. We are incredibly proud of both products and the innovation behind their development, which reflects our in-house UK design, engineering, and manufacturing expertise.”

Lazer’s truck light solutions are available now across Australia and New Zealand, backed by Lazer Lamps’ five-year warranty.

If you’re in the market for the ultimate truck lighting solution, visit lazerlamps.com.au or contact Lazer directly via sales@lazerlamps.com.au.

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The post See more, go further and go safer with Lazer Lamps appeared first on Big Rigs.

With over 26,000 positions unfilled, truck driving is one of the top five occupations with a skill shortage. The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) is calling on the government to do more to support up and coming drivers.

Ahead of the upcoming 2025 federal election, ATA Chair Mark Parry said the next Australian Government should provide financial support to apprentice and trainee truck drivers and their employers.

Today, Parry released the first of the ATA’s policy initiatives for the 2025 federal election campaign, highlighting its plan to “fix Australia’s truck driver shortage”.

The ATA is calling on Australia’s political parties to commit to:

Providing financial support to driving operations apprentices and their employers;
Paying a completion bonus to drivers who complete one of the short driver training courses run by RTOs with trucking industry associations, state governments and major companies;
Launching a national skills passport so drivers and other workers can share evidence of their qualifications and skills; and
Adding articulated truck drivers and tanker drivers to the skilled occupation list for migration to Australia, after overseas driver licensing is fixed.

“Trucking is one of Australia’s essential industries. We deliver every item at your local supermarket, every litre of fuel at the service station and every medicine at the chemist, but we face a shortage of truck drivers,” Parry said.

“The Australian Government provides financial support to apprentices in priority occupations such as electricians and mechanics. But it does not support people who want to work as truck drivers, even though driving operations can be an apprenticeship.”

The ATA is calling on the next government to provide financial support to apprentices undertaking driving operations apprenticeships and to their employers.

“Apprentices should receive $5000 in support over their apprenticeship. Employers should receive $2000 after six months and a further $3000 after 12 months,” Parry said.

He added that a number of registered training organisations ran short truck driving courses that went beyond getting a licence, to include other skills that drivers need to succeed.

“These short courses are supported by state governments, trucking industry associations or major companies, but there are no federal incentives for potential drivers to give them a go,” he said.

“The next government should pay a completion bonus of $1500 to drivers who complete one of these short driver training courses. The driver’s first employer should receive a $1500 hiring bonus.”

Parry said the next government should also launch a national skills passport to make it easier for drivers and other workers to demonstrate their skills and qualifications. The ATA believes a skills passport would also help businesses hire new staff with confidence.

“Our 2024 Workforce and Driver Training Summit called for the creation of a passport system so truck drivers could easily show they had the licences and qualifications they need, such as holding a dangerous goods licence or completing an NHVAS fatigue course in addition to their driver’s licence,” he said.

Parry said that articulated truck drivers and tanker drivers should be added to the skilled occupation list for migration to Australia.

“It is extremely difficult for truck drivers to migrate to Australia, except under very narrow circumstances,” he said.

“Last year, the Australian Bureau of Statistics recognised that articulated truck and tanker driving required a similar level of skill to a trade certificate.

“We welcome skilled tradies to Australia. We should welcome safe, experienced drivers from overseas too, although the overseas driver licensing system needs to be fixed first. We’ll discuss how to do this at Trucking Australia 2025 in April.”

The ATA says it will be releasing more policy proposals as the federal election gets closer.

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The post Peak body calls on government to do more to support apprentice and trainee truck drivers appeared first on Big Rigs.

South Australian transport company, AG Farm & Co, has taken delivery of a new Performance-Based Standards (PBS) tipper combination from Bulk Transport Equipment (BTE).

Joining a fleet of five tippers, the drop deck five-axle dog and Kenworth T909 unit will be dedicated to the business’ interstate operations of transporting cut fertiliser and other bulk materials throughout SA, Victoria and New South Wales.

AG Farm & Co Managing Director, Andrew Gray, told Trailer the new PBS tipper combination will amplify this delivery network by taking on the role of an ‘all purpose carrier’ and integrating with the other trailers at the business.

“This combination will be deployed in all the areas we currently operate in,” he said.

“The trailer will seamlessly slip into our operations.”

The unit was chosen by AG Farm & Co for its enhanced haulage capabilities.

Featuring a Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of 63 tonnes and a payload of 43 tonnes, the trailer combination is perfect for the fleet’s transport of heavy organic material across interstate routes.

The all-aluminium build features a drop-deck floor which allows for extra stockpiling space in the body, submarine hatches which enable easier access to the inside for cleaning of residue and pneumatically controlled flip-over centre bars which provide a clear opening for loading material into the body.

Customised by AG Farm & Co, these specs were well-tailored for bulk material handling.

On top of its haulage abilities, the trailer combination represents AG Farm & Co’s own fleet growth and company development, making this delivery extremely significant for the crew involved.

“We’re all extremely excited about the delivery because it’s a very special moment for all of us,” Gray said.

“These trucks are our homes and our lives. We’re in them and the work we do is 110-per cent, because you can’t go into this industry half-committed.”

Gray also praised BTE for being diligent and considerate throughout the delivery process.

“This has been our first build with Bulk Transport Equipment and we’d love to continue the relationship,” he said.

“The quality of its products is second to none, the customer assistance is on-point, and both the Director, Alan Griffiths, and Area Sales Manager, Darren Jean, have been excellent to deal with in particular.

“We’re really looking forward to working together in the future and being a part of his own building journey.”

In other news, Silk Logistics Holdings General Manager – Port Logistics, Josh Boyd, has announced his departure from the business.

The post AG Farm & Co deploys new PBS BTE combination appeared first on Trailer Magazine.

The Victorian Transport Association (VTA) has announced further programming information about its upcoming State Conference 2025.

The conference, set to take place from 23-25 March at Victoria’s Silverwater Resort in San Remo, will feature a special session titled ‘Empowering People and Safety First’.

This session will cover the latest industry strategies to enhance workplace safety and empowerment, drawing on insights from key figures in the industry.

VTA CEo, Peter Anderson, emphasised the importance of safety and empowerment in the industry:

“Safety is our industry’s top priority,” he said.

“At VTA State Conference 2025, we are committed to sharing the latest strategies and insights to ensure a safer workplace for everyone in our industry.”

Additionally, the session will include an ‘IR and legislation update’ with Anderson to represent the Australian Road Transport Industrial Organisation (ARTIO).

Transport Workers’ Union National Secretary, Michael Kaine, and Queensland Trucking Association CEO, Gary Mahon will also be present.

Commenting on the variety of guest speakers, Anderson stressed the benefits of the State Conference as an opportunity for delegates to receive new information on the industry.

“This conference is an excellent opportunity to learn from experts and engage in meaningful discussions about safety and empowerment,” he said.

“We are thrilled to have such a distinguished lineup of speakers who will provide valuable perspectives on workplace safety, legal aspects, and enforcement. Their insights will be instrumental in shaping the future of our industry.

“I encourage everyone in the industry to join us at the Silverwater Resort in San Remo. Let’s come together to create a safer, more empowered industry for the future.”

Registrations for the conference can be made here.

In other news, the Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association and the Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association have responded to extensive damage to livestock vehicles caused by activists.

The post VTA shares update on State Conference 2025 appeared first on Trailer Magazine.