6th May 2024 TRUCKFEST and NSW launch Road Safety week.

Goodaye all, well after that lovely week-end in Melbourne, loaded out Monday, visited Dubbo, bed, radio, bed then up for a service and mad day trying to catch up on some of the things I had hoped to do ready for TRUCKFEST. Fitted some conspicuity tape and new mudflaps, had some rims changed, then had quick tea with some of the family and off again to Moree, to bed then unload and reload Wednesday, back through Dubbo that evening and on to Parkes, load and then had a problem with a missing bolt that tried very hard to screw my plans, but got going, bit of a long night, but into Newcastle Thursday to unload and still bloody raining.

Rang Bruce at TRUCKFEST, might get there with a dirty truck with the weather, but in the end it was fine or sort of in Sydney, got the set washed at Smeaton Grange and they even did the tyreshine, thanks fellas and got to TRUCKFEST just before 6PM with a gleaming truck and trailers. Had a list of jobs to do, set up banners and was ready for the opening Friday morn.

The weather did not help, but Saturday was a roaring success and the rain held off till about 5PM, but slowed attendance Sunday as well. All I spoke to rated it a success, you can’t control the weather and we all hope it will go and grow and become a major fixture on the trucking calendar. Congratulations to Bruce and Brendon and all the team behind them, the volunteers and all who made the effort to attend. The truck rides were an absolute hit and there were five trucks running at times and the sweet sound of GMs running round the block (yes, the Superliner was good too) was nearly as good as the musical entertainment. A terrific event that would have been a fantastic starter, but the weather just doused it a bit and you can’t stop that!

I had one of the nicest visits at such an event ever. This fellow came in, looked a bit nervous but introduced himself and said ” I am not involved in trucking, have never driven a truck, but have always had an interest in how things get delivered to us all. I have read everything you have written, listed to radio and podcasts and just want to thank you for what you do.” Now I had a number of Truckies do the same, but to come from a member of the public, was such a change and a really nice thought and made my day.

Then we wrapped up a but early at TRUCKFEAT and I took the truck back to the yard, my son drove in and picked me up and we headed to the Opera House for the NSW launch of Road Safety week. There was a family there, directly impacted by a crash and like others, they told their story to try and prevent others from ending up in the same reality. None of us go to work, and in our job, you will forever be on the road, and expect to not get home! Yet our actions and that of others, can change that in less than a second.

You can make a pledge, you can convince yourself you will do everything right and safely, then someone else won’t and you and or them could die. Please give it some thought. At the end they lit the Harbour Bridge and yes, me being the shy and quiet fellow, spoke with the Minister John Graham and he has agreed to come and do a trip in the truck, the head of Transport for NSW and asked about the new school program they announced and whether it will have a sharing the road with trucks component and then gave a list of three savage dips on the Newell that it is taking too long to fix.

It was said in the meeting that those involved with road safety have to use their networks and get these messages out (and I had asked could I take the prime mover there, but it would have been a challenge) and again, in some ways, we are still too often left out, but I do appreciate the fact they invited me and so did seek further involvement.

It was said they thought the NHVR wanted to do the trucking things, but it is the car drivers we need to educate about sharing the road with trucks, we need the rest areas to manage our fatigue and to have toilets like normal people and we need the bloody roads fixed, not just patched and sealed over the broken parts, because they will then fail and we will be yet again, blamed for damaging the roads they do not fix properly.

Nor do they recognise or consider they enormous rise in maintenance costs. And if the roads are doing that, they are affecting the truck drivers, body, health and ability to do the job safely, so we haver a long way to go. Till next time, Safe Travelling, Rod Hannifey.  

24th April 2024 A day in Adelaide and now a week-end in Melbourne.

Goodaye all, after last week-ends exciting stay at Pheasants Nest, I unloaded at Lovalls Transport in Sydney Monday morning. Got in the gate, parked, told I had to swing round and back in, so reversed a bit from where I was to get the swing and this older gent in nearly a suit had been walking up the driveway behind me, was waving at me and guiding me back. Then I started to move forward and he was still waving, so I stopped and he came up to the door and said “Mr Pilon, a nice looking rig there” and I said, “No, not Rod Pilon, the other Rod” and then as I moved up and backed in, he again was guiding me back and after I parked he came up again and said” Well done, you should come and show some of these young blokes how to do it, many of then swing too hard”. He said he would take my paperwork and I could start to open up.

Then another fellow turned up and asked for my paperwork and I said, “The older fellow took it, is he the owner” and the bloke shook his head and went to walk away, but said, “Yes he is and we call him Hurricane” and I hope that is taken well and affectionately, please. So again, ready to leave and the old fellow comes back and says, “Do you want a coffee or need the loo?” and I said yes to both and followed him. When I had made my coffee, I told him I was going to write about him and he said, “No don’t write about me” but I explained it was the nicest welcome I had ever received from another transport company owner in 20 years.

Yes, some others know of me and or the truck and will comment, but he didn’t know of me personally, but was just an affable gentleman who obviously enjoys working in road transport. His green mostly Volvos I think, always look good running containers around Sydney and geez, if I was looking for a job there, simply meeting him and how he treated me, would be enough to have a look at working there, but I am happy here, just not quite as happy this week-end.

So back to the yard, told maybe a load tomorrow, then no, off to Ingleburn now to load with another driver going as well in front of me. Double split and then screw the wheels off the trailers to turn and back in and load, but did it empty and we took turns loading the two b-doubles together helping each other and then headed off. Quick stop at Marulan, (how can they call that broken concrete a highway) and on to Gumley Gumley where I stopped at the Ampol, only to find no kitchen anymore. Come on AMPOL, when you were Caltex you closed every kitchen in your truckstops and it seems you are going to stay that way now you are the “Australian” fuel company. Who delivers all your fuel for you, all the goods you sell in your truckstops, not the bloody car drivers, so why will you not cook us decent meals?????????????????

A wee bit of fun unloading the next day, we had rang and confirmed there at 7, only to get there and no one home. I had waited at Gumly Gumly BP (and as I said on the Nightshift earlier that morning, “Yes I know costs have gone up, but $30 for rissoles is too dear for me”) in case there was not enough room to park and or even get it. Seems another truckie from another place, ignoring our two trucks parked outside, parked straight in the closed gateway and thought he was first. Not so said our fellows who then rang me once the right bloke turned up. Funny how the bloke I spoke with on the phone on the way down and said yes, there at 7, was either not the correct fellow or did not tell the correct fellow who when he did turn up, had asked about going to the unload point to be told, no, you have to do this delivery first and he was halfway to Albury when we had rang again when no one arrived by 7.30.

Anyway, I ended up fourth behind the other fellow, got in unloaded and headed to Melbourne to get loaded. In and out and off to Condo, but went to bed at Gidginbung near Temora, then out to unload and back to load, booked in at 3 and rang an hour out saying I was a bit early, but come on down, gee thanks. Load and off to Adelaide stopping at Underbool. I must say having been across this way a few times now, the spacing and number of truck bays is welcome. Either a little town or village, most it seems with toilets left open for travellers and us I hope, few truckstops with them, but one or the other nearly every 15 to 20 minutes. Yes a few spots that could use some green reflectors, but the first couple of times pushed for time to make a timeslot and by the time you see them, not knowing them that well, too late to try and stop.

I did park there in the silo area, but out of the way and no complaints, grabbed a coffee at the van in the main street and off to Adelaide. I had rang a mate there and we had planned tea and a softdrink at his place, but he rang and was loading to go to Melbourne, bugger. getting in 3Pm Anzac Day. Had planned some shopping, but the shopping center I had seen and thought I could park near, did not have a supermarket, bugger, again. So to the BP. Unloaded in the morning, nothing yet, go and have breakfast I was told, but went walking looking for some grommets for the taillight bar. Do you have any idea how hard it is to find a large grommet? I walked the streets, tried about 8 businesses and in the last, yes where I should have started you clever lot, UES had the last 45mm grommet in Australia, or so he reckons, so bought a couple of others, then another mate rang having seen the truck at the BP and I got a lift back with another customer after I asked was he going past the BP, thanks mate.

Got there, had another driver I had spoken to years ago turn up as well, then rang, still nothing, so thought I would have a kip and be ready to load and run home I had hoped. Not so and well here I sit in Melbourne after sitting in Adelaide for a day, I got here before lunch and went and bought a few shiny nut covers and then started on the truck. Worked till dark, then started on emails and stuff, then read and bed.

Up this morning and into the cab, cleaned inside the headlight covers, no wonder so many blokes take them off, I must try to the rubbers on the top edge again unless any of you have a better suggestion? Now into this, audiobooks and what the heck, I have done the first in the TRUCKIE TUESDAY COURTESY CAMPAIGN video series and put it up on Tik Tok. Search safetravelling and let me know what you think. Till next week at TRUCKFEST, Safe Travelling, Rod Hannifey.

21st April 2024 A Pheasants Nest Stopover

Goodaye all, an interesting week in some ways, did not go to plan in others and then left me with a long visit to Pheasants Nest where I sit. Off to a good start with a plan to get my four legs in and then three services all together. Didn’t work last week, only getting home Saturday and leaving Sunday and won’t get there at all this week. Had plans to fit new drive mudflaps if I did, but that and other jobs back at least another week and will leave me scrambling to get all the little jobs planned to attend TRUCKFEST in Sydney in two weeks.

Out Sunday after lunch and into Toowoomba that night, got a text from a mate was given a new Volvo and readying for first trip. Spoke later in the week and he is enjoying the ride and the tech. Unload Monday morning and into Brissie, load out, “Oh, can you take one pallet for Gundi?” yes, but it will mean staying there for the night as won’t get unloaded till Tuesday morning. So out there and sleep before radio and was parked near directly opposite the bowsers at the BP and thought it might stand out, but no one saw me for the radio spot, doner and back to bed.

Had been given a choice from Moree, only to be told it had changed before I could choose, then had to split to unload b trailer and what a bugger of a driveway and exit. Then had to wait for them to load their own truck and back to head off, only to find I needed timbers, so stopped in Warialda thinking, AH that looks like a toilet at the livestock wash, but of course, locked out as I have no AV data key, bugger. So much for Truckies facilities, but do understand the need to protect them, maybe I should try and get one, can you help Bruce?

Got another call go and they will find some timbers, out to a quarry to load sandstone, wait for another couple of trucks, but then one of those drivers stayed and helped me load etc, thanks mate. He too wanted to know where I had been for “Where’s Rodney” on Tuesday morning. Ended up having tea at Gravesend pub, good feed and then made it back to the yard in Dubbo and bed.

Wednesday morning, paperwork in and fueled and off to a house block outside Bathurst thinking this could be fun, but whilst getting in and out was not that bad, unloading each block did take a while. Had been told possibly loading for Adelaide, but not sure when I could, if stock ready maybe today, but in the end, no, not till the morning. So an early night and a bit of reading, Jack Reacher “Make Me” before bed.

Load Thursday for Adelaide, same two drops as last trip, both went OK but have a better plan for next time, then out to grab paperwork (and two more shiny bits dropped off by my mate at TRUCKBLING) and was told to go straight to the load point as they would be going home if I was too late. Load wide pallets with bulging bags, but got them on and hope the corflute protected them as we jammed then in.

Then off and thinking will not have enough hours to get home and then even worse, with a double, going home would add a thousand k to the trip, so direct towards Sydney and a 40 hour stopover here. So emptied and cleaned the toolboxes out, cleaned up inside, spoke with a few drivers including one of our ex RPT ones doing well in his new job, cut out some more finnicky reflective tape for the bullbar, looked at fitting the shiny bits, but decided not good alone, so much still to do before TRUCKFEST. Pity Ampol are as ignorant of us as others, a “Truckers” Lounge, can’t they get it right?????????

So a shower and tea soon, finish the book and off early in the morning. Safe Travelling, Rod Hannifey.   

14th April 2020 a poster and a cup for RP.

Goodaye all, short and sweet, back home yesterday morning, plans for a few jobs, but had a poster made for Rod Pilon and wanted to give that to him recognizing his 50 years and thanking him for his support. So arranged for a coffee and chat on the way home from the yard to pass it over. Also got a cup made with the three TIV trucks I have had so far and he said he would use it everyday.

Two trips to Melbourne with a Moree and then milk run home in the middle and now loaded and off to Toowoomba leaves little spare time, so jobs moved back to next week-end as the AB and C services due, also pushed back a week.

I did ring Tpt for NSW re the northern edge of the Tycannah Creek Overflow bridge and they said, “It seems we are aware if it (yes because I have already complained about it via email) and will get someone to have a look”, Thanks. Disappointed  with Vicroads as they have not fixed my last couple of complaints, but did get in contact with those doing a number of highways in the Gippsland area with green reflectors and they were both keen to listen and will consult with me further as it rolls out, to ensure it gets done well.

Rang Gwydir Shire Council, went through Warialda last week and followed the Heavy Vehicle Bypass to find it is only for North Star, which was closed for flooding and then had to turnaround and come back and go through town. Better signage would help stop others doing the same. But did have a fellow call me up going through town that night and ask if we were looking for any drivers and I told him to ring in and ask.

Much concern and comment about the spate or truck crashes and they even have electronic signs up telling us so. How to fix it, many things to do, all hard from our point of view and all require government action. Biggest problem is the gate has been left wide open for too long and not just the horses have got through, but lots of inexperienced people who are now driving bigger trucks. Hard to fix it now, but know I can’t fix it either. If you can, jump in and do so and make the roads safer for us all.

But car drivers seem worse than ever as well and ken to try and kill themselves and then involve us to save them a couple of seconds on the way home, strange that many do it just before turning off. Go figure. Safe Travelling, Rod Hannifey.

7th April 2024 NHVR Checkweighing.

Goodaye all, a late start after an unusual Easter week-end home, the first full one for a long time that I can recall. Normally only get two days off. But then load Tuesday afternoon and was to be 8^th in line by the time I got unloaded in Melbourne the next day, but the fellow at the first drop, after I backed in the b-double off the street, asked could a get a bigger truck for the next delivery, but as he was keen and into trucks, gave him a copy of Owner Driver to read.

Off to the second drop, this one undercover thankfully, chatted to the Finemores driver in front unloading after I noticed the width of the trailer tyres. When I checked them 305s and even 315s on the trailers and many mismatched, I wondered how they would go with kissing when loaded. A couple were on 9 inch rims, but it was the overhang on the 8and a halfs and the small gap that had made me look. When the driver saw me looking, he asked what was wrong and as I explained, he of course said, “We don’t touch them, it is all done by the tyre people” and I said I understood that and asked if he had met Ron.

He said yes, but I am a wee bit doubtful, slight language issue, but told him I knew him and hadn’t spoken with him for awhile, but drove tankers for him in the past. In to load, managed to mostly get done between showers, but round to get fuel and out and still into the Melbourne traffic outbound mayhem. Pretty much up on my weight, yet car drivers either want to race you, or baulk you and it was frustrating and when Mike Williams tooted the horn as he went past while I struggled to get up the hill towards the Shell, I asked could he sort the idiot in the ute who dawdled at the bottom.

We then chatted till BP Barmedman, had some tea and finished off as I turned off to Wagga and he headed north to his planned parking bay for the evening. We covered many topics and books and radio and even the topic of this blog, NHVR checkweighing.

As of Tuesday the 4^th April, NHVR weighbridges, both Half Way Creek and both sides at Daroolbalgie between Parkes and Forbes will be left open and turned on for us to checkweigh. This comes from me asking the NHVR to do this in December, when I rang to ask why Broadford was now closed and gated, was told they were waiting for parts (still it seems) and why were most NSW bridges once done up, closed and gated? I was asked to send an email outlining my reasoning etc, Sal then announced a trial would commence in April at the NRFA conference in February and here we are.

Vicroads have done it for some time, TMR leave the ones at the Port of Brisbane, though the inbound was not working last time I went in and why not NSW? This is a trial, if there is any stupidity or vandalism (yes there will be cameras for this, not for watching your weights and this is absolute and guaranteed) and if successful, others could be opened up for use as well. I did stop and use the northbound Daroolbalgie that night, had one other driver say he had heard of it but the lights on may make some think they were operating etc and I rang t5he NHVR the next day to both suggest a sign where the normal Open/Closed Led signs are saying “Weigbridge available for self check when closed” and that the 80 k speed reduction be turned off and only one when NHVR operating there and they are looking at these now.

A simple thing to help us, yes some cost to them in setting up the overhead scale readout etc, but well worthwhile and I thank them for the speed and effort to get this up and running. If only other fixes were as well accepted and could be achieved as easily!!!

Went through to Brissie the next day after getting a couple of tryes done, odd wear, but maybe from the broken U bolt I had found previously and then got fixed thanks to a very helpful trucking operator in Moree. Water over the road at Mungle Back Creek south of Bogga, but all cars and truck through single file, but it was closed for the return. More water over the road north of Wyaga Creek and I heard both roads were closed Friday, so home via the New England, Inverell and Moree. See many of the green reflectors on that road have been replaced, but with much smaller (too small I reckon) ones and so another issue to follow up. Off now to unload in Wagga tomorrow morn and round we go again. Safe Travelling, Rod Hannifey.

PS thanks to Shane Oliver for finding the “I am a Volvo trucker” video, have a look here.  Go to Youtube “Volvo trucks gear 14” will bring it up (the URL or link is too long to put in here) and let me know what you think? Have you ever (ignoring the VOLVO everything advertising) seen a better industry video? If so let me know. I have wanted to do something like this for years, but it all takes time and money.

1st April 2024 Happy Easter all.

Goodaye all, I hope you have / are having a happy Easter, got home Friday morning and here till Tuesday, a rare time off and catching up on stuff and a few truck jobs. Off midmorn early last Sunday to load and then into Melbourne, to bed, up and make a call to delivery point to confirm singles only as had not been there in a while and was fairly certain, no b-double access. Yes correct, split outside, no will do at yard, there in 25 mins.

Got there, in que undo all buckles and straps while waiting, only to go in and find, “No mate, they don’t have an account here”, so on the phone and wait for further instructions. “Sorry, delivery details out of date (You think?) take it to Searoad”, so back to yard, hook up again and off to the port. Forgot they had changed the entry point, do a half blockie and a U turn, back to choose a gate, wrong, back up, then induction out of date, please scan code. “No old phone” “Ok come round to office and do induction” and still had to do on my phone through browser.

I am nearly to the point I will start refusing to do Q code scanning and inductions on my phone. It is my data, not theirs, they won’t pay for it and I don’t see how they can not provide paper. Not everyone has a phone, let alone a smart one (and that is another debatable point) and if they want us inducted (and even the fellow I spoke with said it is just them arse covering as everywhere else), then they can provide me with paper which I will fill in and they can log it later. What do you all think?

Last week-end job was to fit my extra toolbox, just to hold all my EIP slide in codes, products and UN Numbers etc. Still looking for a slightly longer one and of course a blue one if I can find one, but that went OK. This week-end s job was to complete and finish the watertank, I had put some bolts in in a rush to fit it, then had to redrill a couple of holes and fit the round head, so less prone to getting hit etc as per photo some time ago showing the problem with dips and gutters.

Will put up a photo next week of the shiny bits and hope to have the last few soon. Last job then is the toolbox to match the watertank, will be a handmade job and could take awhile,  but such is life. Sorting a couple of things for the morning as I don’t load till the afternoon, chasing some shirts and bits for the trailers too and have to do my audiobooks page and get this done and work on some bills, so till next week, Safe Travelling, Rod Hannifey. PS ignore the chassis plate, that was the result of a driverway at Corowa and will be resolved soon.

24th March 2024 Late Note/the Sick Note.

Goodaye all, have you ever heard “The Sick Note, Why Paddy is not at work today”? Look it up for a laugh and no, my fortnight was not that bad, just too few hours in it and without my Hubfleet EWD to check, I am struggling to remember while I run around getting ready. Yes, more Swift Grow on the lawn as the growing season is near the end and I wanted to get it all covered, but it seems need more work on the rock hard soil in places, beaten down by the dogs.

So last week-end was a short week-end trying to fit too much in, then off to work Sunday to be in Melbourne with a plan to blog from there before bed. But I got away late trying to squeeze stuff in, got there and went to bed to be kept up and then woken by what I found to be the business next door, not the one I wanted, only to go back to bed to be woken again by my bloke, who had come in way much earlier than we had planned.

Eventually finished my break up the road and then rushed to get to load later in the day with two pick ups and a plan to go to Moree, then told will be unloading in Dubbo and reloading for Adelaide. Been a while since I have been there, but was pretty much on time getting there, only to find the second drop (after entering as a b-double) don’t allow b-doubles and I should have booked a day before, but the fellow there was good and we got unloaded and I even picked up some nice chrome bits from my mate at TRUCKBLING who brought them over to me there.

Adelaide back to Melbourne and reload for Dubbo plus, back in early Friday morn, A service for all the bits, bolt fixed on an air bag, mods done to my mezz floor cups, two gates welded, fit the shiny bits, fit my water tank and home to drill a couple more holes and tidy it up. Still minor mods to see it perfect, but went and got a tap this morning and getting it finally done.

Had one idiot try to possibly kill themselves and others and I would then have been involved, overtaking a yes, slightly slow truck and dog on a blind corner over double lines. A truck came the other way, but he was in the left of the two lanes in the opposite direction, but had there been a car there, old mate would have seen it about 2 seconds before hitting it at 200k closing speed and I would have worn him.

I am sure you have all seen the same, far too often and it seems, people are getting even more impatient and happy to risk not only their lives, but those of others to gain seconds. What the hell do we do? At this stage planning to be at TRUCKFEST in Sydney for the three days, 3^rd to 5^th May and looking forward to saying Goodaye to any who visit. More details closer to the event. Till then, Safe Travelling, Rod Hannifey.

11th March 2024

Goodaye all, well after such a start last week and then being told I had some runs to do out of Melbourne, thought I would end up a short and slow week. But first drop Monday left a mark after parking in the only green reflector bay on the Midland Highway for the night, though had there been time once I got up, there were a couple more spots worthy of marking. Let’s just say the signage for receivals is not that outstanding and when I found a door open and went and sought someone to unload me, that raised more than an eyebrow then and got me a call later to explain, such is life.

So into Melbourne and thought would be stuck overnight but, “If you can make it back out to the loading point by 3PM, they will load you” so running to unload, hook in and got there 2.59 and one of our ex drivers now running the show said, “Goodaye Rod” and I said “Thanks for waiting back”. Loaded full load IBCs and back to the yard for paperwork and wait a bit for the traffic to disperse, out at 6 and off to Corowa.

Stopped at Avenal and I still remember when I first started going there it was $5 for a meal. Yes everything has and continues to go up and even when it got to $22 a while ago was still good value, but $32 is getting hard to justify, even though you still get your three courses, so grabbed some scallops with vinegar instead.

Pulled up off the road, walked round to check out where to unload and thought, don’t like the look of that driveway. Caught up on some stuff including a couple of calls to mates I needed to make, started the last blog, then to bed to get some split rest before “Nightshift” radio and back to bed.

They opened a bit later than some so all good, but drove in and bent chassis plate and tore mounting bracket clean out. I asked, “Do you get many complaints about your driveway?” and he said yes, so I said, now you have another. Bugger, then another drop and back into Melbourne, loaded a bit earlier, but then stuck in traffic on way out and having looked at Google for where I was going, it said there was a truckstop, so headed out with a plan for a shower and feed etc and got there to find just a bowser and I had gone through town and wasn’t going back, so went to bed after tea from the truck frig.

Unloaded OK, back for second drop and into Melbourne to find third load already gone, so load for Moree but told I would be unloaded in Dubbo Thursday morning, to load later that night. That changed, yes unloaded but hurry up, new plans and you are already late to load. Done and back into Melbourne to do a small tranship, then double split to deliver and go and reload, back out Friday afternoon for possible delivery Saturday. Rang, do you want this Saturday, yes please so through to Gilgandra in the early hours, then up and ring with a delivery time, got there and in and out in under an hour and they had come in specially to unload me, so thanks very much and ended up quite a week, 5,500 k and 18 load and unloads.

Home to catch up on gardening and stuff Saturday afternoon and went to the theatre with my youngest son for something different. Now about to Swift grow the lawn and off for a late load tonight. Till next time, Safe Travelling, Rod Hannifey.

On the 10th for the 5th Canberra Bound.

Goodaye all late note included as below. Yes well got to my DC slot a few minutes to midnight, so in time for 7 hour break and they let me sleep inside after I rang and checked, but I had tried on the way and could not update my induction. Up early next morn and another driver getting somewhat frustrated getting inducted, then me too and in the end, take this form and go. Once in, all good, then off for second drop, load and away up Sesame Street to Sydney town for Tuesday morning.

Nightshift Radio from the depot and where was I going? Double split in the morning to deliver, back down to Banksmeadow to load, held up for a couple of hours, but out eventually with load of packaged DG and to Wagga Wagga. Had a lovely smiling young lady unload me Wednesday morning after breakfast at Gumly Gumly with mate Grant Luhrs from Rig Radio days, but again, 4 truck bays in a BP truckstop on the Sturt Highway, not enough so had to park outside overnight.

Off to Melbourne load and back to the truckwash in Albury, a few qued and had to get to Coona to unload so I could get home and drive to Canberra, so off with a still dirty truck. Made it to Forbes, Caltex closed so no loo or shower, to bed. But off again Thursday morning, into Coona just before noon, hooked in with the sun and the heat and back to Dubbo to arrange list and service for following day, get a lift home, jump in daughters car and head to Canberra. In 9.30 pm, a chat, a feed got for me to be there on arrival, (thanks Craig) and a shower and in bed by midnight, but as often happens, strange bed and not a good sleep.

HVRASC meeting all day from 8 till 5, then tea and a few beers, bed after midnight, up and had planned to do some filming with young Stephen if he got home, but still on the way and I was late for a special event or two at home that happened Friday, so go and be there bit a day late.

Try to make up for Friday Sunday morning, then home and call loading point. Can I load earlier than my slot of 5PM? Yes you are booked at 1.30, sorry,  not on my plan. Well that’s earlier, what more do you want? Sorry. still in Dubbo will hookin and rush. Got there at 3.05, only to have three qued in front, another truck had been two hours late and not let them know and it was well after 6  by the time I got loaded and out, not the best way to start the week, but such is life.

I had two starts on this and simply did not get time to complete or put up, a fun week, not but OK. Will catch up later today I hope. Cheers Rod.

25th February 2024 A Sydney week.

Goodaye all, spent the week running in and out of Sydney in a single as I had asked work if I could get to Sydney for Thursday for the NSW Road Safety Forum. I had been invited and whilst the recommendations only came out last week from the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry, I was in two minds about attending. Yes I could have done it online, not really the same though and attending meant I got to meet and speak with some people I had spoken with but never face to face and also to get in some peoples faces, in the nicest way.

I believe I was the only truck driver there, but Simon O’Hara from Freight NSW attended and I was told NATROAD attended by video, so a couple of other trucking voices. In the table sessions I raised many of our issues and having got home and unloaded this morning after doing a change over to Moree last night, I have spent another two hours doing the Community Attitudes Survey, post event survey and the Rail Crossing survey (which I have also forwarded to the NRFA for other board members to complete). I was invited to the Railway session in Brisbane next month, but I will leave the board to decide who goes there, but have still raised a number of issues and suggestions through the survey.

Many comments on the photo from the conference, thanks all and I was snapped coming through Bathurst by Bathurst Truck spotting during the week and he put up a shot too.

The next meeting of the HVRASC is in Canberra this Friday coming and I am trying to get to that too. Yes could do it by video, but would still have to sit and watch for hours and not have the same input, would still not be able to drive with the ridiculous mobile coverage we have now, so am on plan D so far and will see what the week brings.

The NSW Government now has three months to respond to the recommendations from the first inquiry and I raised some of them and will be pushing to see change between now and then. I came home through Mudgee twice during the week and aside from a green reflector bay just west of Mudgee, there is not one rest area or suitable spot if you get a bit tired. On the first trip there were trucks parked the wrong way in two sites and I stopped in one the next trip (a stockpile site) and it is now marked eastbound along with one at Frying Pan Creek on the Great Western.

Only a short visit home and with Canberra, may not get home next week-end and that will be another problem, but we will see how it goes during the week. With the meeting in Sydney, they had an international speaker and yes, overseas experience is worth pursuing and collating to see if it has relevance and worth here, but outside of some volunteers and those in community roles, as I have said at some meetings in the past, we as Truckies do not get heard unless we are prepared to forego a lot of time and money and even then, do we get listened to?

I have done this for a long time and the return on investment is very large in the minus column, yet if we don’t make the effort who will? In discussion with a Tpt for NSW fellow, even 25 years since the first then blue now green reflectors went up, from the perspective of worth, even if I simply prevent one fatigue event, let alone save a life, it is worth it, but geez it is hard to do so any other way and the cost to family etc, is huge over such a time.

So Vegemite on raisin bread for brekkie and off to hook up now, load at noon from a couple of hours away, then a timeslot in Melbourne tomorrow morn and hope for the best. Till next time, Safe Travelling, Rod.