THANK YOU TO OUR NATIONAL SPONSOR GOODYEAR
As a proud national sponsor of the ALRTA, Goodyear is pleased to offer special buying prices to ALRTA members.
ALRTA Members are entitled to a 10% discount off regular cash prices on commercial tyres at participating Beaurepaires stores.Find out more at http://www.beaurepaires.com.au
ALRTA CALLS ON FARMERS TO USE PRE-APPROVED CLASS 3 PERMITS
The Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) has called on farmers to obtain class 3 livestock permit pre-approvals before transport is arranged.
On 25 February 2021, two b-double loads of cattle were loaded in Kyneton, Victoria using a pre-approved Class 3 permit obtained by the land owner. The cattle were transported to Ballarat Saleyards. 
Photo (L-R): Wayne Beer, Keith Hendry and John Beer.
Livestock Carrier John Beer said that the new system for obtaining class 3 permits is a game changer but more famers need to get on board.
“In the past, land-owners needed vehicle registration details to apply for a pre-approved class 3 livestock permit. They usually don’t know vehicle registration details before engaging a carrier so it was always the carrier’s job to obtain the permit. It can take up to 28 days to obtain a permit that could only be used by one carrier on one job. We don’t have time to wait and it is pointless gathering dozens of single use permits,” Mr Beer said.
“ALRTA asked the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to remove the registration information requirement and, with the support of the Federal Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport, the Hon. Scott Buchholz MP, the requirement was removed in December 2020.
“This was the first time in 50 years of driving that I have been able to use a producer’s permit to undertake a job. I hope more land-owners take advantage of the opportunity,” he said.
Livestock producers Keith and Cathy Hendry recommend that land-owners obtain permit pre-approvals where ever possible.
“Obtaining a pre-approved permit gives you certainty, choice, access to lower cost transport options and reduces liability in the unlikely event of an accident,” said Mr Hendry.
“Like many producers, we have a short stretch of dirt road separating us from a b-double route. For the next three years I can get a lower cost b-double to my front gate at any time. On top of that, I can choose any carrier able to provide a standard b-double configuration.
“NHVR staff were extremely responsive and happy to assist in progressing my permit application. The $75 permit cost is a good investment for my farming operation and shows that we are sharing responsibility with the transport operator.
“Last week I used the permit to send two b-double loads of cattle to sale. This week I used the permit to take delivery of a load of lime. I will also use it next time I buy livestock. It makes more sense for me to have a permit that I can use any time than to ask the carrier to get one for every trip.
“It’s the next best thing to having a b-double route outside my front gate,” he said.
More information about how to apply for a pre-approved class 3 permit can be obtained here.
LIVESTOCK TRANSPORT INJURY SURVEY – WE NEED YOU!
Have you ever been injured when loading or unloading livestock? How often do you experience a near miss?
The Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) is conducting a National Survey about injuries to livestock loaders and unloaders and the incidence of injury reporting.
You can help us by answering 10 questions online.
The national survey builds on a previous Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of Victoria (LRTAV) survey, which demonstrated some concerning statistics. Your survey responses will help to establish national baseline data for a five year period. We will be able to repeat the survey in future to determine trends in safety and reporting levels.
The results of our survey may also influence facility owners to review safety, upgrade facilities or install new facilities to meet the recently published National Standard (AS 5340:2020) Livestock Loading Ramps and Forcing Pens.
The survey will not ask for your personal name, business name or contact details. All data is anonymous, confidential and will be aggregated for statistical purposes.
ALRTA encourages all members to participate in the survey via the link below by Friday 26 March 2021.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9ZR9FBX
VICTORIAN FARM REBATE SCHEME
The Victorian Government (through Agriculture Victoria) has provided an opportunity to improve safety outcomes on farms with the establishment of the Farm Safety Rebate Scheme.
Rebates of up to $5,000 excluding GST are available with at least 50% co-contribution to assist eligible farm businesses within Victoria to invest in infrastructure and equipment to improve safety for farming families, workers and visitors to Victorian farms.
Only one rebate payment is permitted, and all eligible claims must be included on your Application Form.
Applications open 25 February 2021 and close on 31 December 2021, rebates are available until the closing date or when program funds are fully allocated, whichever is sooner.
ALRTA believes that this initiative is a great way to encourage farmers to bring equipment into line with the recently published National Standard (AS 5340:2020) Livestock Loading Ramps and Forcing Pens.
For more information click here.
NHVR SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE SURVEY
NHVR is conducting a short survey on communication of safety and compliance activities.
Please use the link below to complete the survey via the Survey Monkey.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CGPBWQB
All responses will be anonymous. You can view the Survey Monkey Privacy Policy here.
SURVEY ON NATIONAL HV ACCESS SYSTEM
Austroads has commissioned a survey to evaluate options evaluation for a National Heavy Vehicle Access Assessment System (NHVAAS) which would:
- Provide a platform to support road managers in their heavy vehicle access assessment role under National legislation.
- Effectively integrate vehicle inputs, infrastructure data, and the analysis tools needed to complete assessments.
- Increase the level of automation for access decisions supporting transparent and real-time decisions.
It is possible that a NHVAAS system would reduce the time taken to obtain permits and improve optimal mass on routes.
The survey is confidential and can be accessed here.
KENWORTH & DAF DEALERS OF THE YEAR
Inland Kenworth DAF Wagga Wagga Named Kenworth Dealer of the Year 2020. 
Widely regarded as the industry’s most sought-after prize for dealers, Inland Kenworth DAF Wagga Wagga has taken out the prestigious Kenworth Dealer of the Year award for 2020.
Open to Kenworth dealers across Australia and New Zealand, the award recognises dealer excellence in, truck sales, parts sales, finance, and aftersales support.
This is the second time the dealership has won the Kenworth accolade and was their second award for the evening after also receiving the Cummins Dealer of the Year title for outstanding sales, service and support.
Brown and Hurley Kenworth DAF Darra Named as DAF Dealer of the Year 2020
Brown and Hurley in Darra has been named the 2020 DAF Dealer of the Year. This is the fifth time Brown and Hurley Kenworth DAF Darra have been awarded the accolade since its introduction in 2002.
The DAF Dealer of the Year award acknowledges the dealer’s performance across all areas of their DAF business, and recognises excellence in truck sales, parts sales, service, finance, and overall customer support. All areas that Brown and Hurley Kenworth DAF Darra exceeded in throughout 2020.
The Brown and Hurley Group is a wholly family owned Australian company and are celebrating 75 years of operation in the Australian transport industry in 2021. The group employs more than 400 people across nine branches throughout Queensland and northern New South Wales. Over this journey, the group has forged strong relationships with its customers and continues to provide the highest level of quality services and facilities.
MEDIA RELEASE
LRTAV LAUNCHES RAMP SAFETY CAMPAIGN
Coming up in the next few weeks Stock and Land and Weekly Times.
Look out for the LRTAV big advert on the newly released ramp standards !!
BRISBANE TRUCK SHOW 2021
The Brisbane Truck Show will return to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from Thursday 13 to Sunday 16 May with approximately 300 exhibitors filling the venue across all three levels.
The Brisbane Truck Show is hosted by Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA), the national association representing manufacturers and suppliers of heavy vehicles and their components, equipment and technology. Purchase Tickets.
ALRTA will have a booth at the 2021 Brisbane Truck Show. The booth will be manned by ALRTA staff and volunteer Council/committee members who are going to the Truck Show.
COFFEE WITH A COP
ATA along with local police and Transport for NSW will be hosting a Coffee with a Cop event for heavy vehicle operators.
Wednesday 10th March 2021 from 3pm to 8pm at North bound Mundoonan Rest Area.
Event contact: Melissa Weller – ATA Safety, Health and Wellbeing Director – 0438 012 122
A YARN IN THE YARD
An article in the latest edition of PowerTorque Magazine – Rural Trucking Matters section.
An initiative by Frasers Livestock Transport shows the trucking industry in rural areas taking responsibility for the health and wellbeing of its team, as well as supporting health initiatives across Queensland. Tim Giles went along to the ‘Yarn in the Yard’ to say see how the initiative is bringing a broader understanding of the issues into Queensland’s rural areas.
JOIN THE TRUCKSAFE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
TruckSafe is seeking expressions of interest from suitable people to join its Board of Directors. You would be joining a progressive and motivated group of industry professionals who are passionate about seeing tangible safety outcomes for industry through comprehensive industry accreditation.The TruckSafe board plays an integral role in developing the TruckSafe standards and business rules and promoting industry safety to operators, customers, governments and community.
TruckSafe is a not for profit organisation and a subsidiary business of the Australian Trucking Association.
Time commitment
The TruckSafe board meets formally four times a year either in person or via video conference. Face to face board meetings are held in conjunction with other industry events when ever possible. Additionally, the board meets each month for one hour via video conference.
Skills and attributes
TruckSafe Board Directors must have a strong belief in and commitment to TruckSafe’s goals, charter and to continuous improvement in transport and logistics industry safety, along with the:
- Skills, expertise and experience to support TruckSafe strategic and business development goals
- Knowledge of the trucking industry as an operator, customer or industry professional with specialist expertise
- Ability and willingness to represent the best interests of TruckSafe
Expressions of interest are now being accepted with a closing date of 19 March 2021. If you are interested in submitting an expression of interest to join the TruckSafe Board please contact Melissa Weller for further information 02 6253 6900 or melissa.weller@truck.net.au
FRIDAY FUNNY
Monday March 8 is International Women’s Day and this year’s theme is ‘Choose to Challenge’ 
SAVE THE DATES FOR 2021
LRTAQ Conference – Roma QLD – 9-11 April 2021 – Registration Information
Brisbane Truck Show 13-16 May 2021 – ALRTA will have a booth
LRTASA Conference – Adelaide SA – 18-19 June 2021
LRTAV Conference – Bendigo VIC – 20-21 August 2021
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