Christine Kake is currently behind the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz, working for Nolan’s Interstate Transport.

She was checking her load at Townsville’s Port Access Road hook-up pad when she stopped for a chat with Big Rigs recently.

Based in the coastal Queensland town of Bowen, Christine was transporting meat to supermarkets in refrigerated trailers.

Although friendly, Christine was coy about revealing her age, when asked.

She has been a driver for more than two decades.

“I used to do the run over to Perth,” Christine said.

Originally from New Zealand, Christine has lived in Australia for the past 45 years.

Like many other female drivers, Christine says more rest areas and roadhouses with facilities for women are required around Australia.

“There is definitely not enough of them,” she said.

With a far lower percentage of drivers being female, they are sometimes overlooked when it comes to facilities, with some rest areas having only unisex toilets.

Although Christine revealed that she loves stopping at the BP Cluden Roadhouse, which does have facilities for women.

“The staff there are so friendly and really look after me when I am there,” Christine said.

Another stop-off Christine likes is in the parking area at the Alligator Creek Roadhouse, located just south of Townsville.

“There is a big tree there where you can park under,” she said.

Asked about roads, Christine said she rates the Bruce Highway between Home Hill and Bowen as challenging to negotiate.

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The post Trucking on for two decades appeared first on Big Rigs.

The Australian Steel Institute (ASI) said it will continue to work with the Australian Government to secure an exemption from America’s global tariffs on steel imports.

This comes after the Trump Administration’s decision to raise the tariffs from 25 per cent to 50 per cent from 4 June 2025.

ASI CEO, Mark Cain, said that this increase could exacerbate the surge in imported low-priced steel, and that he could see Australia becoming a dumping ground for imported steel due to the disruptions to the steel trade.

He also said that the ASI will continue pressing for relief on behalf of its 7,000 members despite the decision.

Australia was granted an exemption from the Trump Administration after nine months of lobbying by the ASI, government and other relevant bodies.

In related news, Global Trailer recently reported on America’s transport and logistics networks in light of tariffs and Trump’s historic actions.

Meanwhile, Calibre Steel’s customer-centric approach has been vital to the development of its extensive steel-based solutions offering since its arrival in the market.

The post ASI continues to secure exemptions on US tariffs appeared first on Trailer Magazine.

The annual Women in Industry Awards will be held at The Carousel in Melbourne on June 19, 2025, with tickets currently on sale.

Organised by Prime Creative Media, these awards have been running for more than a decade, shining a spotlight on the invaluable contributions of women who are not only excelling in their fields but are also actively driving change, breaking down barriers, and inspiring the next generation of female leaders.

The awards seek to recognise women across a range of different industries – from transport and mining, to engineering and infrastructure.

During a special gala dinner event, awards will be presented across these 12 categories:

• Business Development Success of the Year

•Excellence in Construction

 • Excellence in Engineering

• Excellence in Energy

• Excellence in Manufacturing

• Excellence in Mining

• Excellence in Transport (Proudly sponsored by Kenter)

• Industry Advocacy Award

• Mentor of the Year

• Rising Star of the Year (Proudly sponsored by Atlas Copco)

• Safety Advocacy Award (Proudly sponsored by Paccar Australia)

• Woman of the Year (Proudly sponsored by Fulton Hogan)

At previous iterations of the Women in Industry Awards, the awards have highlighted the diverse talents and significant impact of women across various sectors. 

A case in point is the 2024 Woman of the Year was Derelle Mitchell from Health Focus Manufacturing (HFM), who was also recognised for Excellence in Manufacturing. 

Determined to rekindle her career after raising her children, Derelle took up an opportunity to acquire the assets of a cosmetic manufacturing company in 2011, marking the beginning of HFM. 

Starting with a small team in a “big green shed”, HFM has grown over the past decade to accommodate more than 40 staff members with over 200 years of combined experience. 

“I started this business from very humble beginnings,” she said when accepting the 2024 Woman of the Year award. “The most enjoyable thing I get from my job is getting people jobs, and I love what I do. 

“It takes a lot of blood, sweat, tears, and sacrifices for work every day. I wake up every day at 4 o’clock in the morning, and I love it, especially the people I work with. I wouldn’t be sitting here right now if it wasn’t for them.” 

Taking out the 2024 Transport Woman of the Year Award was Anne Modderno, the first female managing director at Swietelsky Rail Australia. Since her appointment in May 2023, Anne has made significant strides in aligning the company’s operations with a new strategic direction. She also actively advocates for inclusivity and diversity within the transport sector, promoting initiatives to increase female participation and close the gender pay gap.

The Women in Industry Awards aim to celebrate the women who are moving industry forward, showing the next generation what’s possible.

To secure your tickets to the event, please visit womeninindustry.com.au.

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The post Tickets on sale for upcoming Women in Industry awards appeared first on Big Rigs.

Like many of you, here at Atlas Balance Rings we felt the Brisbane Truck Show was the best we’d ever seen.

There was more to see inside and great displays outside.

To add, there was also a real appreciation for the show as a bonus for Brisbane tourism; with operators and drivers coming from interstate and travelling from overseas. Visitors took in shows, dining, booked accommodation, and some even travelled to the Goldy, and Sunshine Coasts.

For Atlas Balance Rings and our show partners Findlay Import & Trade, and Amaron Batteries, it was great to catch up with industry colleagues, friends and customers.

It was encouraging to see that so many of our stand visitors were already customers. This gave us the opportunity to hear some wonderful feedback. We were also delighted that many drivers who had fitted Atlas Balance Rings to the steer tyres were now keen to fit the drives and trailer rings to the whole rig.

Moving the nation costs less

From the big guys at Toll Logistics, to smaller operators who move the nation, the response is overwhelmingly positive.

Jared from Highlands Transport drives a K200. He fitted out his trailer with drive trailer rings five years ago and got between 400,000 to 600,000 kilometres on the drive tyres. “The tyres were perfect, best set of tyres we have ever used – because of Atlas Balance Rings,” Jared said.

Another lovely gent, with a Kenworth T404, fitted American steers just a month ago. He uses a drop-deck low-loader working out west – Mount Isa, West Queensland and Western Australia, and he came back to order drive rings.

“I put on brand-new Bridgestone tyres, and had trouble with the left-hand steer; so I took the weights off, chucked a set of Atlas Balance Steer Rings on – and noticed the difference in the first 100 metres driving down the road. Over the last month I can feel the difference on rough and smooth roads, she steers so much better in all road conditions.”

Helping the heroes

One of our favourite Aussie charity organisations is the Lion’s Club’s Need for Feed. Tony Furze from Albury is one of the good guys pictured, loaded up with hay.

This is what he reported. “After fitting the Atlas Balance Rings on the steers of my old Kenworth 100G, I am finding it steers like something that is 25 years younger. Both loaded with hay doing deliveries, and running back home empty, it’s a pleasure to drive. I’m about to put a full set of drive tyres on and would like to fit balance rings on both axles. Thanks mate!”

Who else does this?

Founder Simon McQuillan said, “We felt a bit unique at the Brisbane Truck Show. Probably the only business offering you a 365-day money back guarantee on your trucking accessory. Yep, you read that right – if you’re not happy, give the Atlas Balance Rings back 12 months later – nice and dirty, and we will give you your money back. That’s how sure we are that you will save tyres, money and enjoy a nicer drive!”

For more information, please visit atlasbalance.com.au or call 1300 228 527.

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The post Atlas Balance Rings customers seeing the benefits appeared first on Big Rigs.

Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie has been reappointed as shadow minister for transport, infrastructure and regional development following the Coalition’s reunion. She says “its actions, not words, that are needed” during this time of uncertainty, and says she intends to hold the prime minister and government to account for “their failures”. SUBSCRIBE to the PowerTorque newsletter […]

Shadow transport minister to continue role appeared first on PowerTorque.

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