The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has rebranded and reformatted the Load Restraint Guide (LRG) to enhance usability, with a review now commencing to ensure the guide continues to meet industry needs. NHVR manager standards and advice Peter Rouse says the LRG provides best practice load restraint systems to meet a broad range of loading […]
NHVR releases updated Load Restraint Guide appeared first on PowerTorque.
Interstate truckie James Prior is warning other drivers to be on high alert while driving through Coffs Harbour, NSW, after a harrowing early morning confrontation on the Pacific Highway.
On his way home to the Gold Coast at around 3.30am on June 5, Prior was stopped at the traffic lights on the northern side of the CBD at Park Beach Plaza when he noticed a “suspicious individual” at the pedestrian crossing.
“I was feeling tired after a long run from Gundagai and looking forward to a long weekend,” Prior recalled.
“As I approached the lights, I saw them turn yellow, so I braked heavily to avoid running a red light because there’s a camera there.”
What happened next caught the experienced driver for Brims Transport completely off guard. A “sketchy-looking character” had pressed the pedestrian button and began walking toward Prior’s K200 B-double, raising his suspicions immediately.
“As soon as the light turned green, this character ran out in front of my truck,” Prior said.
“I couldn’t even see him he was that close – I’ve just seen his silhouette go past my headlights and I jammed the brakes on and stopped. Straight away I thought something nefarious is going on here.
“I tried to lock my door but fumbled with it, and before I knew it, he had opened the door and was trying to get in. He was either trying to harm me or steal the truck. You could tell by the way he was acting he was up to no good.”
Acting on instinct, Prior kicked the would-be intruder and managed to grab the door handle, slamming it shut before accelerating away from the scene.
“I don’t know if I got his fingers or not, but he jumped off the side of the truck.”
Luckily for Prior there was a police paddy wagon about 300 metres behind him that saw the whole incident unfold.
Prior said he only kept driving because he had to beat the last camera at Chinderah with only about 20 minutes up his sleeve, but he quickly called the police to give a statement – and warn other drivers on the two-way of what might lie ahead.
One of the officers on the scene later called Prior back to say it had taken six officers to restrain the man.
“He was a big guy, not massive, but solid. I’ve lost a lot of weight in the last 12 months due to health issues. I’m now 75kg ringing wet so I’m in no condition to be fighting anyone.”
Prior hasn’t struck any issues in Coffs before but he said he’s not surprised by the recent incident.
“It’s gotten worse over the years,” he said. “There seems to be more drug use and desperate people around that main street.”
Prior’s now looking forward to being closer to home with his young family after buying his own K104 truck and dog recently so he can go out on his own in the new financial year.
NSW Police told Big Rigs that a short time after the alleged incident, police attached to Coffs/Clarence Police District responded to reports of a man allegedly running in and out of traffic.
Officers spoke with a man at the location; however, the man allegedly failed to comply with police direction and a Taser was deployed to help with the man’s arrest.
The 28-year-old man was taken to Coffs Harbour Hospital for assessment.
Police said inquiries into the incident are continuing.
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The post Truckie’s warning after close call with assailant in Coffs Harbour appeared first on Big Rigs.
Drivers have complained to Spy that there is a genuine shortage of suitable rest areas for truckies along the Flinders Highway in Queensland.
One which seems to be a welcome sight for drivers travelling the 900km from Mount Isa to the coast is at Aleck Creek, about 50km from Julia Creek.
It has a shaded area with tables and chairs and a toilet block for the convenience of travellers, including truckies.
There is plenty of parking at most times.
A driver sent pics of the rest area to Spy and said he stops there when in the area.
“This is great and is new – I hadn’t seen if before and previously there was just a bit of dirt beside the highway,” he said.
“But now there is a toilet block with male, female and disabled facilities. Also the table and chairs are good. There is parking for about four road trains.”
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A 68-year-old truckie has died in a rollover east of Gingin, WA, on Tuesday afternoon.
Emergency services rushed to the scene in Mooliabeenee after reports of a white Freightliner towing a semi-trailer had left the carriageway and rolled while travelling on Mooliabeenee Road.
Sadly, the driver died at the scene as a result of the injuries.
It comes after a 55-year-old man died on Monday, June 9, after his truck crashed into a bridge in the state’s South West.
The tragedy happened when a red Kenworth truck veered off the road and crashed into a section of the Bridgetown Road Bridge on the South Western Highway, Bridgetown, at about 5.30am.
Major Crash investigators are conducting examinations and are appealing for any witnesses to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au
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One of the new features of the 2025 Brisbane Truck Show was ‘The Depot’, an interactive transport careers expo set up across the road from the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre highlighting a range of transport training and employment pathways.
Established 17 years ago and based in South-East Queensland, The Industry School is an independent high school for students in Years 10-12 to complete their studies but also get career-ready in their chosen industry through work placements, apprenticeships or traineeships.
It’s not uncommon for a student to graduate on a Friday and start full-time work the following Monday.
With around 1250 students enrolled across six campuses, the school currently offers construction, energy and equine academies, and was using the truck show to promote their plans to add an automotive academy to their portfolio.
Brad Pinch is the Head of Industry Initiatives at The Industry School and gave a background to their latest venture which has started to gain momentum in recent times, with the aid of the Heavy Vehicle Industry Association (HVIA).
“We’re passionate about supporting young people to complete their senior schooling while beginning their journey toward a meaningful career pathway,” Brad said.
“We’re preparing to launch an auto academy, which is why we’re building strong relationships with Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia [HVIA] and the broader transport industry. Industry engagement is essential, it takes time, but it’s what allows training pathways to emerge.
“We’ve had some great conversations with various organisations, and we’re always open to more. We never dictate to industry what it needs—we listen and collaborate.”
The HVIA has championed career development in transport industries for a number of years through a variety of career and training courses along with hosting the annual National Apprentice of the Year award, and Brad highlighted the support of the HVIA in getting wheels of the automotive academy turning.
“Todd Hacking, Michaael Rose and the team at the HVIA have been big supporters; they have seen what we do with some of the other industries. They can see value in the pathways we are trying to provide so they have been fantastic,” Brad added.
With the freight task expanding in Australia, transport and logistics is a growth industry and will require more skilled operators into the future.
Given the variety of career options that are currently available, and especially those which would benefit from a platform such as that being developed by The Industry School, Brad is keen to get more input from the transport sector.
“We rely on industry to give us the knowledge of what is needed. As we are a school there needs to be a qualification so once we get the expertise, we can build a program and look at what we can do over a three-year period.
“We would love to work closely with the transport industry- we believe that everything starts with a conversation.”
For more information about the school and the industry programs offered, go to theindustryschool.com.au.
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Border Express has announced the upcoming opening of a new depot.
The facility will be located in Townsville, Queensland.
It will reportedly be four times the size of Border Express’ existing site in the region.
“This new depot is in close proximity from our current site, making the transition easy and convenient for both our team and our valued customers,” Border Express said.
“As part of our ongoing commitment to providing faster, more efficient and more reliable freight solutions across the region, the new facility is designed to meet both current demand and future growth.
“We’re in the final stages of preparing the site, and we look forward to serving you from our new Townsville depot starting next month.”
In other news, NTI Limited has appointed Janelle Greene as CEO effective 1 July 2025.
The post Border Express announces new location appeared first on Trailer Magazine.
The past six months have been an unmistakable whirlwind for transport industry professional Jo Tomaszewski. She has spent nearly a decade at Freighter Group, formerly MaxiTRANS, where she has been the operations manager since November of 2019. SUBSCRIBE to the PowerTorque newsletter Since last year, Jo has gone on to be awarded two of the […]
Becoming a future leader appeared first on PowerTorque.
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Working leasing into the Lactalis fleet appeared first on PowerTorque.
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Russell Transport’s continued expansion appeared first on PowerTorque.
Introducing Alemlube’s newest product for workshop efficiency – the Alemlube 11028 Battery Operated 20L Oil Drum Pump. Featuring the latest innovations in pump technology this new product enables quick and effortless oil and vehicle fluids transfer and improves efficiency and productivity in busy workshops. SUBSCRIBE to the PowerTorque newsletter Designed and engineered with performance, durability […]
Your time creator and energy saver appeared first on PowerTorque.