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Stopped for a break at Glenrowan, Victoria in Nolans’ new K220.

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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In 2025, the Big Rigs website has had more than 13 million page views. Here’s a look at the top 10 most read stories of 2025. 

Family-run transport company closes doors after 66 years

Respected family-run transport company Norton Transport shut its doors after 66 years on the road in Tasmania. Second-generation owner Tim Norton confirmed the closure on April 11, citing rising costs and changing market conditions that made continued operation unviable. The business, once a staple in regional freight with a loyal customer base and dedicated drivers, leaves behind a legacy of service and community ties built over generations.

National trucking company goes into liquidation with $41.9 million of debt

Brisbane-based national carrier XL Express entered liquidation in August with total debts of $41.9 million after years of financial losses and cash-flow issues. The company, which operated a large fleet and served customers across Australia, fell into voluntary administration before administrators moved to wind up operations. About 200 employees were stood down, leaving unsecured creditors and suppliers facing losses.

Major national transport fleet to be auctioned following company’s collapse

News that Pickles were selected to auction off $6 million worth of equipment of collapsed national operator Transtar also attracted plenty of interest from our readers. The three-day sale included 38 late model prime movers and 56 curtain-side trailers, offering carriers and owner-drivers a rare chance to acquire quality used assets.

New interchange opens as part of $2.2 billion bypass

A new interchange on the $2.2 billion Coffs Harbour bypass opened on August 13, marking a significant milestone in one of Australia’s largest regional road projects. Designed to divert heavy vehicles from Coffs Harbour’s CBD, the bypass will cut congestion, improve safety, and enhance freight efficiency along the east coast.

Tunnelling complete on Coffs Harbour bypass

Tunnelling work on the Coffs Harbour bypass project reached a major milestone with the completion of the final 160-metre tunnel in August. This achievement accelerates progress on the $2.2 billion bypass which aims to reroute heavy traffic around the regional centre, improving travel times and safety for freight and general traffic alike.

Major construction begins on $100 million bypass

The July announcement that construction had begun on a new $100 million bypass northwest of Sydney, aimed at redirecting heavy vehicles away from town centre roads, was also a big hit with readers. Backed by state government funding, the project will reduce congestion and enhance safety for regional freight movements. The bypass is expected to improve travel times and boost connectivity across a key freight corridor, with transport operators welcoming the infrastructure upgrade as a long-awaited relief for local roads currently used as through routes by heavy trucks.

Small businesses feeling the pinch as new highway bypasses historic town

Historic Little Hartley’s small businesses reported downturns in May as a newly upgraded highway bypass diverted heavy and tourist traffic away from their main street. While the road upgrade benefits freight efficiency and lowers travel times, local cafés, service stations and retail outlets miss the passing trade that once sustained them. Owners say the reduced exposure has curtailed sales, spotlighting the trade-offs between regional infrastructure improvements and economic flow-on effects for towns bypassed by modern highways.

A sigh of relief: stolen trailer and its load have been found

Trucker networks and police cooperation led to the recovery of a stolen 41-foot trailer and its valuable load worth around $250,000 after it was taken from the Hume Highway near Somerton in early February. The trailer, custom-built and loaded with high-value freight, was located intact, bringing relief to the owner.

Kelly gears up for auction as he scales back heavy haulage operation

Veteran operator Jon Kelly announced plans in July to scale back his heavy haulage business, putting trucks and specialised gear up for auction the following month. Kelly said he had treated heavy haulage as more of a hobby in recent years but found his interest in the sector had been “diminishing” of late for a number of reasons.

Don Watson Group closes doors after 77 years in operation

Iconic freight and cold-storage operator Don Watson Group ceased transport operations after 77 years in June, impacting hundreds of staff. The closure marked the end of a long-standing presence in national refrigerated logistics for the widely respected third-generation family business. The shock exit also reflected broader industry pressures amid declining margins, rising costs and a challenging economic climate for mid-sized operators.

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Setting off on a maiden voyage in the new T909, from Brisbane to Melbourne.

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.

The post #PicOfTheDay – Bradley Young appeared first on Big Rigs.

This time last year Delphine Mugridge was in a victorious mood.

Her long-running campaign to tighten up licensing pathways for drivers from overseas after her husband Slim Mugridge was killed in a triple-fatality at Yalata in April of that year had scored a win with South Australia agreeing to landmark reforms.

Under the changes, which took effect in February, overseas drivers, other than those from New Zealand, had to undergo much tougher competency-based tests or hold a HR or HC licence for a minimum of 12 months before obtaining a MC. Heavy Rigid licence holders are required to complete a minimum of 60 hours of logged supervised driving and additional learning while those with an existing licence will need to complete at least 50 hours.

Overseas heavy vehicle driving experience will no longer be recognised for those pursuing an MC licence, with the exception of New Zealand.

“This is all about making sure everyone can get home safe after their shifts and not be worried about them dying,” a triumphant Delphine Mugridge said at the time.

“Hopefully other states will come on board now once they see it’s working.

“I don’t want Slim’s memory to die – and I don’t want him to have died in vain.”

Delphine Mugridge presents her petition to the then SA Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis, with SARTA boss Steve Shearer in support. Image: Delphine Mugridge

But 12 months on Delphine fears her push for national reform has begun to “fall on deaf ears”, despite months of advocacy and more than 23,000 supporters backing her petition for tighter legislation.

After relocating to Queensland to be nearer to family, she is deflated by the lack of interest shown in her campaign by jurisdictions outside SA.

She’s met with a representative of the Queensland’s Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg but has heard nothing since. Her letters to Victorian and New South Wales transport departments have also gone unanswered.

“I just feel like I’m falling on deaf ears now, because maybe they think I’ll move on now, but I don’t want to move on. I want to change the legislation, and then I’ll move on,” she said.

Frustrated but undeterred, Delphine has recently sent the full 23,319-signature petition – along with industry comments – to Senator Pauline Hanson, hoping she may champion the cause in federal parliament when it resumes.

South Australian Transport Association Executive Officer Steve Shearer, who helped lobby for licensing changes in his state, has also challenged his colleagues to keep the pressure on in their jurisdictions.

“There’s no political argument against doing it,” Shearer said.

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