The introduction of adaptive and versatile safety standards into the transport industry marked a turning point for the trucking world. TruckSafe, first launched by the Australian Trucking Association in 1996, has continued to grow and evolve, even going international. SUBSCRIBE to the PowerTorque newsletter A partnership between the ATA and the New Zealand Trucking Association, […]
Forming safety collaborations appeared first on PowerTorque.
The Russell clan: Ken, Julie, Phil and
Michael. (Images: Russell Transport)
An old saying goes like this: the first generation builds a business, the second generation grows it, and the third generation kills it. But they’re just sayings for a reason, and Russell Transport doesn’t particularly believe in this one. The Queensland-based transport operator is celebrating 2025 with an extremely rare milestone: 100 years in business. […]
A modest century for Russell clan appeared first on PowerTorque.
Staying on top of engine maintenance is key to your truck’s performance. Performing predictive and preventative engine maintenance then can ensure the health of your fleet, and minimise downtime, which leads to lost time and revenue. SUBSCRIBE to the PowerTorque newsletter This isn’t even to mention the costs that can come with emergency maintenance, running […]
Managing coolant maintenance with Fleetguard appeared first on PowerTorque.
Bridge access has long been a roadblock. (Image: Siegfried
Schnepf/stock.adobe.com)
Red tape isn’t just affecting road transport — recently there was a news article about licenses, permits and registrations to open a café. In the NT, it was the least at 22, Victoria the worst, at 30. Having been a part of the road transport productivity boom with safer vehicles, including the B-double with a […]
HPFV access – change is needed now appeared first on PowerTorque.
This great shot of the Wickham Freight Lines K220 was snapped near Pinnaroo, SA, while carrying another load of hanging meat.
We’ll choose a pic to appear in our Facebook cover slot, and will publish some of the best pics in our upcoming print edition of Big Rigs where you now also have a chance to win a $500 Shell Coles Express Gift Card.
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At Aussie CTI, we understand the demands placed on heavy transport vehicles in some of the world’s harshest and most variable conditions.
From deep bush tracks to corrugated outback highways and inner-city deliveries, tyre pressure plays a critical role in performance, safety, and profitability. That’s why we’ve built a Central Tyre Inflation (CTI) system specifically for Australian roads, fleets, and operators.
While CTI systems have their origins in the 1940s – first developed by the US Army to maintain tyre performance on amphibious landing craft – today’s systems have come a long way. Aussie CTI takes that early concept and engineers it for modern trucks and trailers, providing a smarter, stronger, and more reliable solution.
At the heart of our system is a rugged and intelligent controller, designed by Stuart and built in Melbourne. Alongside company head Andrew, and co-founder David, this leadership team brings over five decades of experience in CTI systems ensuring every product is purpose-built, tested, and refined for Australian conditions—from red dust and riverbeds to regional highways and urban haulage routes.
The Aussie CTI controller manages tyre pressures in real-time. It monitors every tyre and automatically alerts the driver of any issue, whether it’s a slow leak or a rapid loss of pressure. The system maintains set pressures consistently and gives the driver complete control to adjust pressures on the go—whether you’re transitioning from highway to dirt road, moving from loaded to empty, or climbing a steep access track.
And when we say it’s built to last, we mean it. Our controller is backed by a 7-year warranty, giving operators long-term confidence in its durability and performance.
Every component in the Aussie CTI system has been selected and engineered for maximum strength and minimal maintenance:
Rotators are double-bearing, sealed for long life, and mounted on stainless steel brackets that are both durable and corrosion-resistant.
The Pressure Distribution Safety Valve (PDSV) acts as a fail-safe to protect the system if a tyre is damaged or a drop pipe becomes disconnected.
We use Australian-made 1/2” J844 airbrake tubing for drop pipes, chosen for its toughness, longevity, and ease of replacement when needed.
These design decisions don’t just protect your system—they keep your trucks on the road longer, with less downtime and lower operating costs.
CTI is more than a comfort feature. It’s a powerful business tool. By maintaining the correct tyre pressure at all times, your fleet will enjoy:
Better ride comfort and reduced driver fatigue
Extended tyre life and fewer blowouts
Improved traction and braking performance
Reduced road damage and maintenance costs
Increased fuel efficiency and overall profitability
Log Haulage
Increases traction up to 2.5x
Doubles tyre life in many cases
Dramatically reduces punctures and eliminates blowouts
Cuts road damage by up to 60%
Road trains – Outback and remote routes
Tough routes like the Tanami Track, Tropicana Mine Road, and Gibb River Road demand variable pressure control:
Loaded: Drive tyres at 60 PSI or less, steers at 70 PSI, trailers and dollies at 45 PSI
Unloaded: Drive tyres at 30 PSI, steers at 50 PSI, trailers/dollies at 30 PSI
These pressure settings improve handling, reduce wear, and boost safety at every stage of the trip.
Tippers
Loaded on bitumen: 90 PSI on drive tyres
On gravel: 60 PSI
Empty: 30 PSI
Tippers with six tonnes or less on the drive tyres can safely return to quarries at reduced pressures, offering better ride quality and safer braking—especially when towing pigs or B-doubles. CTI also minimizes jack-knife risk on loose surfaces.
Electrical service trucks (EWPs, pole trucks)
Enhanced traction reduces the risk of bogging in remote or soft terrain
Major reduction in whole-body vibration leads to long-term health benefits for operators and technicians
Beekeepers
Improved traction means fewer delays and less risk when servicing hives in difficult areas
Reduced vibration stress helps keep bees alive and productive
Stand: 221
Ph: 0459 222 137
Web: aussiecti.com.au
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The post Aussie CTI: Built for Australia, backed by experience appeared first on Big Rigs.
KEITH WALKING FLOOR Australia is showcasing its innovative horizontal unloading system at the Brisbane Truck Show, offering industry professionals an opportunity to explore the technology driving advancements in bulk material transport.
The centerpiece of KEITH’s exhibit is its signature KEITH WALKING FLOOR system, designed to address the challenges of unloading trailers in diverse and often challenging environments. This hydraulically driven system enables the fast and safe discharge of materials without the need for tipping, making it particularly beneficial for unloading in buildings or under utility lines. By eliminating traditional unloading methods that require tilting trailers, the system prioritises safety while improving operational efficiency.
The technology is widely adopted across industries such as agriculture, recycling, waste management, energy and aggregates. Its versatility allows it to handle a range of materials, from dense aggregates to lightweight bulk goods, ensuring reliable performance in various applications.
The KEITH hydraulic drive unit is designed for the lowest total cost of ownership over the lifetime of the equipment. Interchangeable components like the cylinders and check valves mean fewer parts are required for a fully stocked back-up inventory.
In addition, KEITH systems are designed to make servicing the equipment as simple as possible. Easily accessible components cut downtime when repairs are needed. Maintenance requirements are also minimal.
A KEITH WALKING FLOOR system in action at a landfill, safely and efficiently unloading waste materials. Image: KEITHKEITH will highlight several advanced features of its unloading systems:
•J-MAX Steel Floor System: Known for its durability and adaptability, this flooring solution is engineered to manage abrasive materials like aggregates, sand, wood waste, glass, mineral concentrates and light demolition. Slats are designed for longer wear in an abrasive environment and provide versatility for backhauling a variety of materials.
•KEITH CleenSweep Systems: This automated tarp system is designed to clear trailer floors during unloading. By reducing manual intervention, it minimises cross-contamination between loads and enhances operator safety. The CleenSweep system automatically retracts and resets, with no need for the operator to enter the trailer.
These innovations underscore KEITH’s commitment to addressing industry needs for productivity and safety. The systems are designed not only to optimise unloading times but also to reduce fuel consumption and labor costs by enabling efficient operations in challenging conditions.
Compared to conventional semi-tippers, KEITH’s Walking Floor systems provide increased cubic capacity, allowing operators to maximize payloads per trip. This results in fewer truck movements and reduced operational costs.
Additionally, the horizontal unloading mechanism offers a safer alternative by eliminating risks associated with tipping trailers on uneven terrain or in adverse weather conditions.
The emphasis on compliance with safety standards further reinforces KEITH’s role as a leader in bulk material handling solutions. By integrating automated cleaning systems and non-tipping designs, the company helps operators maintain safer working environments while adhering to regulatory requirements.
For over six decades, KEITH has been at the forefront of material handling technology. Its WALKING FLOOR systems exemplify the company’s dedication to innovation, reliability, and customer-focused solutions.
KEITH aims to connect with industry stakeholders and showcase how its technologies are shaping the future of horizontal unloading practices in Australia.
Stand: 191
Ph: 0404 041 883
Web: keithwalkingfloor.com/au
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WHG is a leading technology company that specialises in telematics, IoT, and technology solutions, delivering interconnected fleet technology to the Australian transport industry.
WHG’s integrated technology suite goes far beyond vehicle tracking and fleet management, offering a comprehensive range of solutions including regulatory telematics, AI-powered camera systems, driver fatigue and distraction monitoring, Smart On-Board Mass (OBM), electronic work diaries, regulatory compliance tools, advanced telematics and bespoke tailor-made solutions. Whether you manage a single vehicle as an owner operator or a large national fleet, WHG provides technology and support to improve safety, compliance and operational efficiency.
Major industry challenges that are driving decisions include tighter profit margins, rising fuel costs, labour shortages and driver retention, electrification and alternative fuels, and upgrading and adopting technologies, whilst needing to navigate compliance and regulatory change.
Many providers still treat telematics as a simple black box in a vehicle, but fleet technology has evolved, and the WHG team are driving performance through their interconnected technology platform.
Gone are the days of having to juggle multiple suppliers, and operators should expect more from their suppliers. WHG is your one-stop-shop for efficient and effective fleet management. The integrated system allows users to manage their regulatory telematics, certification and compliance, mass management, fatigue management, asset management, maintenance management and more, in one central platform.
“The days of having stand-alone systems are very much behind us,” said Dylan Hartley, Director of Operations at WHG. “We operate in a mature industry and our market is now moving and advancing in a really positive way.”
Among WHG’s innovative solutions are AI-powered FleetCAM video telematics, FleetPREDICT smart wearable fatigue technology, FleetWEIGH Smart on-board mass management, and FleetASSIST 24/7 control room monitoring. A new partnership with Logmaster also adds an approved electronic work diary into WHG’s portfolio.
FleetPREDICT Smart Wearable Fatigue Management. Image: WHGAnd more recently, WHG is expanding its TCA approved range of hardware platforms – which is in addition to FleetWEIGH and other regulatory telematics units from WHG, that have already been approved. WHG is the first and only telematics provider to be TCA certified for both on-board mass and telematics.
Building on this momentum, WHG is excited to announce the upcoming launch of OOGI AI Video powered by WHG, a further expansion of its AI video telematics technology range. OOGI will introduce new levels of intelligence, safety and insight, with natural in-cabin voice guidance and proactive driver coaching, continuing WHG’s commitment to innovation and leadership in the fleet technology space.
WHG has developed a single ecosystem for integrating hardware, software, IoT and more.
With WHG’s Connected Ecosystem, the future of fleet management is here and now, allowing transport operators to simplify chain of responsibility (CoR) requirements, with integrated compliance, and certified products and services you can trust. With hardware and software that is designed, developed and supported in Australia for Australia.
WHG’s connected technology eco-system. Image: WHGDylan says the most exciting thing he’s seeing is the harmonisation of technology.
“There is now a massive shift coming around telematics as a regulatory item, being able to use that as an operator, for a number of benefits,” he said.
Across the East Coast of Australia, we are seeing harmonisation of telematics and smart OBM requirements for eligible PBS combinations and vehicles operating at a high mass limit, which now require Telematics Monitoring Application (TMA) installed and Smart OBM. This broadens the operation and access of fleets across Australia. With trials underway in Western Australia again demonstrating positive collaborative engagement.
The average age of trucks in Australian fleets currently sits at 15.8 years and the tenure of a vehicle in a fleet as a new vehicle is generally about six years.
“The proactive approach we have from government in driving the regulatory perspective is that it’s increasing the adoption of technology in our older vehicles in a cost-effective manner. That’s a critical aspect to getting these vehicles safer, keeping our roads safer and also driving that technology,” explained Dylan.
In some cases, so many different systems fitted in the cabin create clutter and distraction with multiple systems for space.
“There’s a massive movement to bring together that same functionality in a connected eco-system,” said Dylan.
“Our connectivity now extends beyond just telematics, and into the space of smart wearable and fatigue technologies, and provides fully managed services like 24/7 control monitoring and more.”
TechDRIVE Roadshow 2025, presented by WHG.WHG’s trailblazing approach also connects operators, regulators and industry leaders through their TechDRIVE Roadshow series of events. The next TechDRIVE is in Brisbane on May 15, 2025.
Contact WHG Technologies today to find the right solution for your fleet.
Stand: 205
Ph: 1800 474 387
Web: whg-telematics.com
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Started in 2002 by husband-and-wife team Kirk and Julie Porter, KJP Haulage specialises in transporting dangerous goods, along with moving general freight.
Based in Gladstone, Queensland, KJP predominantly carts out of Orica to the Bowen Basin as well as into northern New South Wales.
As Kirk explained, “I was working in the mines myself and decided I wanted to fill in my time so I bought a truck. I started with one truck, then that grew and eventually we got to 23 trucks.
“We’ve downsized our fleet in recent times due to drivers being difficult to source at the moment, so we currently operate 15 trucks. Although we’ve reduced the size of our fleet, we’ve also diversified into other areas.
“A big part of our growth has been through building our own workshop facility, where we conduct maintenance services for a number of our suppliers. We also offer a mobile breakdown service too.”
To help keep its fleet in check and aid in compliance and efficiency, KJP enlisted the help of Procon Telematics – Transport over a decade ago. The company’s FleetLocate software is now used across the entire fleet of 15 trucks as well as about 15 workshop and mobile service vehicles.
As Kirk explained, “KJP is a third-party carrier for many of the major carriers. Those companies all had their own tracking systems for their dangerous goods vehicles, so we decided we wanted to extend that to all our vehicles.
“After doing some research and looking around, Procon Telematics – Transport was recommended to me. A friend of mine was already using their hardware and software, and he put me in touch with them – and the rest as they say is history.”
Kirk says he spoke to a few of Procon Telematics – Transport’s customers before settling on their FleetLocate software solution. What attracted him the most was the company’s personalised approach. “They asked what I was after and then tailored a package to suit my business’ needs.
“By having tracking in all our vehicles, we can identify where they are and keep clients up to date with location reports, how far away their deliveries are, how long they will take and what our expectations are.”
From a compliance and invoicing point of view, Kirk added that FleetLocate has been a game changer.
Kirk says the technology is used predominantly for tracking of kilometres, tracking of hours and location of assets. “It provides asset protection because if anything goes missing, we’re able to locate it.”
To add, FleetLocate is integrated with Gearbox, which pulls specific maintenance information (via APIs) from Procon’s GPS devices every night. This allows KJP to track servicing, maintenance and inspections for all of its vehicles.
“We can print reports from FleetLocate and Gearbox, so with the push of a button, we have all the information we need – and that’s great from an auditing perspective as well,” said Kirk. Along with providing a great product, Procon Telematics – Transport has provided KJP with the service to match. “Procon Telematics – Transport offers really good support and back-up service – and they’re really reliable. You need that in this industry. If we ever have a problem, they’ll always pick up the phone.
“We do a lot of work to ensure our fleet is reliable so we can best service our customers. There are a number of third-party businesses who assist with that – and Procon Telematics – Transport is one of those businesses. We’re very happy with that set-up and how it’s all going.
“Procon Telematics – Transport is a great company to work with. We’re a small family company, so we value personalised service, and we certainly get that from them!”
Looking ahead, KJP is about to trial the Hubfleet EWD (Electronic Work Diary) as Procon Telematics – Transport’s FleetLocate software is also integrated with the NHVR approved Hubfleet EWD.
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With innovation being a key show piece at this year’s Brisbane Truck Show, Hendrickson is once again enhancing its reputation as a leading provider of ride solutions to the global truck and trailer industry.
And it is this philosophy of innovation – combined with a focus on continual improvement – which has allowed Hendrickson to become a key major supplier to heavy-duty truck and trailer Original Equipment Manufacturers located across North America, Europe, Asia, and of course, Australia.
For over 50 years, Hendrickson has been the leading supplier of suspension systems for commercial vehicles in the Asia Pacific region. Hendrickson axles, suspension systems, tyre pressure control systems, and auxiliary lift axle systems, are operating in rigid trucks, prime movers, buses, and trailers on both highways and off-road routes throughout Australia and beyond.
As a result of providing some of the most technologically advanced trailer and truck suspension, axle and auxiliary systems available, Hendrickson is helping its customers with increased durability, lower maintenance costs, and improved productivity.
The story of Hendrickson started over a century ago, when in 1913, Magnus Hendrickson started a small Chicago-based manufacturing business that built trucks.
In 1926, he introduced the first tandem truck suspension, which mounted the axles on each end of an equalising beam. This unique walking beam design distributed the truck’s load evenly between the two rear axles, which improved traction and greatly reduced the effects of bumps and potholes in the road.
But it was in 1973 that Hendrickson first made its mark down under, with the launch of Hendrickson Australia.
In 2023, Hendrickson proudly celebrated its 50th year of operation in Australia with its Melbourne office now a ‘Centre of Excellence’ not just for the Australasian region, but also for key Asian markets, including Japan and South Korea.
That excellence continues today with the Hendrickson team continually collaborating closely with its customers and leveraging its extensive local engineering capability and state of the art engineering tools to ensure its product range meets and/or exceeds the needs of an ever-changing environment.
The engineering facility at Dandenong South allows Hendrickson to take a concept, develop and prove it, before ultimately bringing it into production.
In addition to having its friendly, experienced team on-site, the Hendrickson stand will feature a strong selection of their market leading truck and trailer suspension, axle, and auxiliary products.
Furthermore, Hendrickson will also use this year’s Brisbane Truck Show to announce the exciting arrival of the Reyco Granning brand within its product offering.
The extensive Hendrickson display is located at stand 88 on the Foyer Level of the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
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