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Nearly 100 servos across NSW have copped $1100 on-the-spot fines for misleading drivers with prices at the bowser that don’t match those advertised on the state’s FuelCheck app.

Around 75 per cent of stations in NSW were inspected by the beginning of April, with around half located outside Sydney.

Inspectors have carried out just under 1800 service station inspections across the whole state during this period, issuing 93 penalty infringement notices.

Retailers who break the rules face serious consequences, including on-the-spot fines of $1100, or court penalties of up to $22,000 for individuals and $110,000 for corporations.

Under NSW’s fair trading standards, service stations must update their prices online via FuelCheck in real time to match the bowser. Most of the 93 infringement notices issued for price mismatching, with 23 issued to Sydney operators, and the remaining 70 in regional NSW.

To help with fairer pricing, the NSW Government announced at the weekend it would inject $2.2 million into the FuelCheck website and app to improve its data collection.

Daily visits to the app and website were between 8000 and 10,000 in January, but by the end of March, this has risen to around 500,000 each day

The government said it has developed a robust inspection forward plan and expects to physically inspect the majority of NSW’s service stations in the coming weeks. As the program progresses, regional areas will remain a key target.

There are 2400 service stations in NSW, all of which are legally required to register and report their prices via FuelCheck.

As of Sunday, there were 42 fuel stations completely out of fuel, 255 out of one type of fuel and 145 out of diesel and/or premium diesel.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), which has announced a crackdown on price gouging following the war with Iran, has called on retailers to pass on cuts as quickly as possible, saying it would “closely analyse price movements”.

On Thursday, it also issued notices to businesses in South Australia, Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia requiring them to justify “fuel surcharges” imposed on deliveries to remote areas.

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For Heather Jones, truck driver and Founder of Pilbara Heavy Haulage Girls Group based in Karratha, Western Australia, the impact of Australia’s fuel crisis has been immediate and relentless.

Transport operators are being hit hard despite the heavy vehicle road user charge being reduced to zero for the next three months.

For some in the industry, fuel went up 81 per cent in March, resulting in fuel expenses making up two thirds of operating costs, up from one third before the crisis.

“I’m a small business owner, and our margins are already tight, around 2 to 5 per cent,” said Jones. “With fuel up about 81 per cent since early March, savings are disappearing fast.

“At the start of this week, fuel jumped another 35 cents a litre. Fuel used to be about a third of our operating costs – now it’s closer to two-thirds. That’s a huge shift, and it’s putting real pressure on operators like me.”

Jones spoke about the stress of the current situation on episode 14 of the Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds (HHTS) podcast, How Ya Travellin’?

“There are a lot more sleepless nights, I find myself checking the bank account every day instead of once a week, just trying to stay on top of it. You’re constantly doing the maths in your head while you’re driving, and when you’re alone in the cab for that long, it can really build up.”

Research from Healthy Heads shows that 56 per cent of truck drivers say so much time in the cab driving causes overthinking or mental strain, and 41 per cent say they sometimes feel lonely or isolated during the workday.

With the current fuel crisis still ongoing, the organisation warns that mental strain and isolation is likely to increase.

In response, the charity is releasing a special ‘Under the Pump’ edition (Episode 14) of its podcast ‘How Ya Travellin’?’ – designed to reach drivers where they are most on the time: on the road.

The episode is hosted by actor, comedian and lifelong truck advocate Shane Jacobson, and features real conversations with truck drivers and psychologist Arthur Papagiannis about managing stress, staying steady under pressure and knowing when to reach out for help.

Speaking on the show, Jacobson said, “For truckies, the fuel crisis is hitting more than the wallet, that’s why myself and Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds are launching a special podcast episode of How Ya Travellin’?

“It’s really important for truck drivers, if they are feeling under the pump and need support, to not put it off. You can visit the Healthy Heads website or download the Healthy Heads App for practical tools, tips and support options.

“Or reach out to one of the many wonderful mental health services and charities across Australia. I’ve always known how amazing our transport workers are, but this crisis has made sure that now Australia knows just how important they are too.”

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Australian Border Force (ABF) officers have put heavy vehicle operators and their unlawful migrant workers on notice during the launch of a national joint compliance operation.

ABF officers, alongside the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), checked more than 200 vehicles across South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria during the week-long operation, conducting visa checks, identifying potential migrant worker exploitation and detaining unlawful non-citizens.

While ABF officers checked immigration status, NHVR Safety and Compliance Officers conducted comprehensive safety and compliance inspections — including work diaries, fatigue management, mechanical standards, access/permits and load security.

Across the operation, ABF officers also cancelled three student visas where the holders had breached their visa conditions, issued three Notices of Intention to Consider Cancellation, and counselled nine drivers on their visa conditions.

During one Victorian operation, officers identified an unlawful non-citizen driving a heavy vehicle who had been in Australia unlawfully for more than 12 years.

Employers also faced scrutiny, with the ABF issuing five compliance notices for employing an unlawful non-citizen or individuals with incorrect visas or work rights, and a further five employers are now under review for potential breaches, with several new investigations underway across multiple states.

Under Labor’s tougher new laws, employers who exploit migrant workers face serious consequences, including up to two years’ imprisonment and substantial financial penalties.

In a media release announcing the crackdown, Assistant Citizenship Minister Julian Hill warned heavy vehicle operators they can expect the focus on visa compliance and protection of vulnerable migrant workers to continue with lessons learned from the operation applied in the next phase of enforcement.

He said a strong enforcement presence will ramp up in coming months, with further joint ABF and NHVR checkpoints, mobile patrols and surveillance planned across the country.

“Most transport operators do the right thing, and they deserve a level playing field,” Hill said.

“This operation targets the small minority who cut corners by exploiting workers or ignoring visa rules. Law-abiding businesses should know that this Labor government has their back.

“The transport industry underpins regional communities and national supply chains. Labor’s toughened laws are protecting the community and the integrity of the sector.

“These joint operations protect workers from exploitation, protect honest businesses from unfair competition and protect the public on our roads. Exploiting migrant workers and undermining safety standards has no place in Australia’s transport industry.”

ABF Field Operations Commander John Taylor said the trucking industry can expect similar operations in the coming weeks, targeting vehicles on major highways and remote backroads.

“You will never know where these actions will occur and when they will pop up,” Taylor said.

“Officers will be checking that drivers hold the correct visas and work rights, and that employers are meeting their obligations.

“If you seek to exploit visa settings or workers, expect to be detected and dealt with.”

Anyone with information relating to potential immigration offences or suspicious activity are encouraged to contact Home Affairs and make a report online at Border Watch. Reports can be made anonymously.

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Bill and Ben were best mates who had become friends while working together for the same small to medium truck operator in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

Their boss was an astute and careful operator who’d built his business up over about 20 years. About 20 trucks and 30 trailers, a mixed fleet of fridge vans, tautliners, and even a couple of flat tops and tarps for the purists among us.

Bill and Ben were bloody good drivers and employees and their boss really appreciated them, so much so that when they had each lost their licenses over the journey, through demerit point accumulation the boss had kept them on the payroll by moving them into the operations office while their points reset.

It was during this time in operations that they both came to a very dangerous conclusion. They had learned more in a couple of months about how to run their boss’s business than he had learned in 20 years.

It was probably no surprise then at the Christmas party that year, late at night, sitting at a table in the back of the room, after having enjoyed plenty of their boss’s generosity in sugar cane champagne, along with their families, the conversation turned to  “Wouldn’t it be good if we benefited from all that work we’ve done for the boss this year?”

When an impromptu New Year’s Eve party was held at one of their homes that conversation continued and grew legs until one of their wives made the inevitable remark: “You two should buy your own truck and go into business together!”

When early in the New Year the perfect truck appeared on Facebook marketplace the plan was set. It was about an 8-year–old Cascadia that had only done about 400,000km……on its second rebuild!

The previous owner had spared no money on maintenance. It had chrome naked lady mudflap weights, a wood grain steering wheel and a gearshift extension that would skin your knuckles on the roof lining. Just like Bill and Ben this thing had plenty of attitude.

A call was made to Frank the Friendly Facebook Finance Finder. Frank rocked up in his new Tesla, wearing the Rolex he had bought from a bloke on the beach in Bali. Frank quickly worked out that Bill and Ben were in a really strong financial position.

They were both about 12 months into a 30-year house mortgage and if they maxed out their credit cards and drew down whatever super they had left after putting together their house deposits they would have no trouble putting together a decent deposit on the Cascadia.

Frank convinced them to talk to his cousin Tony, who was about three years into his online accounting degree to help put together a business plan. Turned out Tony knew his stuff.

He had them sign contracts with a couple of the major freight forwarders which guaranteed them loading to Queensland, at the forwarder’s discretion!

These contracts clearly outlined, in about 120 pages of legalese all the penalties that could be applied for non-conformance, all the KPIs and all the reasons payments could be delayed or denied.

But the backloading strategy was pure genius. Tony had emphasised the importance of fast turnaround and fast cash turnover. Bill and Ben had discovered a niche whereby you could buy watermelons in Queensland for $1 each.

So the simple plan was, load as many melons as possible, get back to Melbourne as fast as possible and sell the melons for $1 each. Guaranteed turnaround, guaranteed turnover, what could possibly go wrong.

The first trip was a stunning success. Apart from a couple of blown trailer tyres near Boggabilla and a suicidal kangaroo between Forbes and Wyalong.

They had set up their depot and watermelon stall at the back of the parking lot at the Ring Road service centre and when the word spread they were swamped with customers. Sold out in 24 hours, so with pockets bulging with cash they set off again. Rinse and repeat, rinse and repeat.

Soon enough it was tax time so back to see Tony, who by now was fully qualified. Tony was both impressed and a little concerned. The upside was that our boys had no tax problem but they urgently needed to increase their revenue.

That night they spent hours deep in thought sitting on deck chairs beside their truck in the Ring Road parking area with a carton of XXXX. By the morning the solution and answer was clear. They needed a bigger truck! Not just any truck mind you.

They ordered the latest 9-oh with every factory option. Then off to the paint shop for paint, lines, and scrolls and an airbrushed watermelon mural.

Then off to the bling shop for sixty grand in shiny shit, because as everyone knows, to be taken seriously in this industry you need to have won a $50 trophy at a truck show or been Rig of the Month in an industry magazine.

Time to see Frank the Finance Finder again who rocked up in his new Dodge Ram, wearing the obligatory Fitbit watch since he’d become a gym junkie. Frank looked over the eye-watering quote and casually added another $120,000 to the bottom line.

That added $100,000 to the trade in and $20,000 for Frank’s fee. Kerching, finance approved. With a new set of A-double trailers, B&B Watermelon Logistics were away.

When they pulled into their new depot at the parking lot at BP on EastLink in the leafy eastern suburbs with their first load, the 9-oh didn’t just arrive, it announced itself. Affluent customers surrounded the 9-oh with fistfuls of cash and purchased multiple watermelons.

The crowds even attracted a visit from Jaycee, the industry social media influencer, who took plenty of photos, selfies mostly and posted them on her story on Facebook. By the following morning our boys knew they were on the right track, 4356 likes ❤️ , no actual profit yet but it couldn’t be far away.

Tax time came around quickly again. Tony had moved out of the spare room at his mum’s house and into plush offices in the city. Tony was impressed. Revenue had doubled, along with the fuel and tyre bill.

Insurance, registration, maintenance, all doubled. On the upside, still no tax but they had to work out how to keep more of that revenue.

Tony introduced Bill and Ben to Con the Consultant. Con convinced them that they needed accreditation. Soon enough they were accredited in fatigue, mass and maintenance. They had enough certificates to wallpaper the bunk on the 9-oh. Now they could work harder, load heavier and do more trips.

Con brought Terry the tech guy onboard because after all, you can’t manage what you can’t measure! Terry set our boys up with tracking, cameras forward and rear, electronic diaries, vibrating seats and enough data collection for a moon landing.

They could tell the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator where their rear left trailer wheel was in real time. They just still couldn’t see where profit would come from.

Bill and Ben worked harder than ever. More loads , more compliance, more transparency and more overdraft.

It was late one night in the middle of the Pilliga , where some very strange things have been known to happen that Ben sprung upright in the bunk and screamed for Bill to stop “right bloody now!”

Luckily Bill remembered that he had just passed a green reflector on a guidepost so, courtesy of Rod Hannifey, knew there was somewhere safe to pull up.

Ben told Bill that he’d worked out how to make money and the first thing that they had to do was get rid of the truck. “ Have you lost your freaking mind? How do we make money without a truck ?”

Ben said: “Think about who’s actually making money. The truck dealers and fuel companies are making heaps,the tyre,insurance, finance companies are doing all right, the consultants and tech providers. Jesus Christ Bill, even Frank and Tony are kicking goals! Even bloody Jaycee is doing better than us. I reckon we rent an office in Dandenong, get a couple of computers, a couple of fancy phones, a couple of new utes and set ourselves up as freight brokers.”

“What about our bloody watermelons?” asked Bill.

Ben replied: “That’s the kicker Bill. There are blokes just like us everywhere looking for loading out of Queensland. We get them to buy and load the melons and when they’re sold we take 50c a melon commission!”

Bill stared into the dark night for a really long moment: “Jesus mate….. you just might be bloody right.”

Back in Melbourne the 9-oh was advertised on Facebook Marketplace ,with guaranteed work and sold quickly to two mates who were working at a small transport company, well we know how that story goes.

Businesses boomed for Bill and Ben. When subbies came looking for better rates they knew all the answers from experience.

“We’d love to help but it’s a really tight market at the moment “ and “That’s the rate mate, take it or leave it” and “If you don’t do it mate, plenty of others will.”

The watermelons were as popular as ever!

When tax time came around again Tony was far too busy to deal with them personally so sent his understudy. Their revenue had absolutely skyrocketed. Without the truck hanging around their necks costs collapsed, but there was one small problem. They had a tax bill!

Know your true worth

Now maybe this story is true, maybe it’s not, but this part of the story is true. It doesn’t matter how big your truck is, how compliant you are, how much accreditation you hold, how much tech and data you collect and definitely how much bling or how many social media likes you collect.

If this industry can’t learn to properly value and price its people, expertise and experience, we’re destined to continue knowing the cost of everything and the value of bloody nothing!

About the author:

Chris Roe is long-time truckie, former board member of the National Road Freighters Association and co-owner of Roe Transport, a proud Victoria-based family transport company that traces its roots back to 1959.

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