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A Volvo FH Electric truck has completed the longest electric truck journey in Australia, traveling from Brisbane to Canberra, a distance of 1185 kilometers. The trip took 19 hours, including charging time, and was made possible by recent regulatory changes that increased the allowable truck width on Australian roads. The journey aimed to showcase the potential for zero-emission interstate freight and was celebrated by officials at The National Arboretum in Canberra. The Volvo FH Electric truck, now able to operate on Australian roads due to these changes, had to be fully charged at least four times to complete the journey. The trip also marks the introduction of Australia's first zero-emissions logistics vehicle for emergency services, which will come into operation in early 2024. Volvo Group highlighted the need for harmonized changes to axle weight restrictions across all states and territories to further promote sustainable mobility and meet climate targets. The Volvo FH Electric truck is part of Volvo's electric heavy-duty range, capable of up to 300 kilometers per charge, suitable for regional haulage. Volvo Group Australia, celebrating 50 years of manufacturing in Australia, plans to produce electric heavy-duty vehicles locally by 2027. In Queensland, a police officer's life was potentially saved by a new protective vest during an incident involving an angry bull. The incident occurred after a livestock truck rolled over on the New England Highway. The officer, equipped with the new Integrated Load Bearing Vest (ILBV), was charged by the bull and was hit into a truck before being stomped on the ground. The ILBV, which offers protection against ballistic and edged weapons, has been distributed to over 3,300 officers and combines modern textile technology and design. It is designed to disperse the force of impacts, which proved vital in this incident as it allowed the officer to walk away without life-threatening injuries. The rollout of the vests, which have won a global award, is expected to be completed by 2024, with 6,000 more officers awaiting their equipment. In Western Australia, Claire Woolmer has honored the memory of her late partner Laurence Latham, a truck driver who passed away in 2018, by opening a café called Laurie's Diner. Despite his remission, Latham succumbed to leukemia. Woolmer and Latham had dreamt of retiring and running a roadhouse or café. Fulfilling their shared dream, Woolmer persisted to set up the café in Menzies after his passing. The diner has gained popularity, providing meals to many truck drivers stranded by bush fires. Woolmer, aiming to continue the legacy of her partner who wished for more friendly stops for truckers, offers hearty meals and a place for truckers to gather. The diner is strategically located in Menzies due to its isolation and stunning sunsets, a sight Latham, who spent his life on the roads, always wished to see. Woolmer remains heartbroken over Latham's loss, remembering him as a well-respected and meticulous man, whose memory continues to inspire her. Cummins has announced a recall for 8,262 of its X15e5 engines made between 2018 and 2021 due to a software glitch in the Engine Control Module (ECM). This defect could lead to emissions surpassing the limits of the Australian Design Rule ADR 80/03, which governs emission control for heavy vehicles. While this issue poses no safety risk and does not impact vehicle performance, it may result in non-compliance with emission standards. Owners are urged to contact authorized Cummins service providers and mention campaign number C2740 to schedule a free repair. A transport company has been fined $65,000 after an investigation by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) uncovered 543 offences related to fatigue management and other violations. The offences, committed by four drivers over two separate periods in 2020 and 2022, included critical rest hour breaches, false diary entries, and numerous speeding incidents, with one driver reaching 118km/h. While the company's name remains undisclosed, it faced potential fines of over $574,000. The NHVR found that despite having policies in place, the company failed to effectively monitor and enforce driver hours and manage speed compliance. As part of the court's ruling, a Supervisory Intervention Order mandates operational reforms for the company, such as implementing a speed management policy, fatigue management training, and transitioning to electronic work diaries. The fine was reduced due to the company's proactive remedial actions post-investigation, including hiring a compliance officer and updating their monitoring systems. Emma Watson, NHVR director of investigations, emphasized the need for improved safety standards within the company.  Volvo Group Australia has announced a recall of 89 units of Volvo FH13 models from the 2022 year range due to a defect in the V-stay connection screws of the rear suspension. This issue may lead to the rear axle housing shifting sideways, potentially causing the tyres to rub against the chassis, which could result in reduced vehicle performance. Owners are advised to visit an authorized Volvo dealer for a free repair. In March 2022, NSW Police pulled over a Mainfreight truck with a load breaching legal dimensions, leading to charges against the company. However, the police’s investigation was flawed as they failed to gather sufficient evidence, resulting in the charges being withdrawn. Mainfreight was initially awarded $85,968 in legal costs, but this was reduced to $47,391 after a police appeal. The court criticized the police for not adequately investigating and not using their powers to obtain information from Mainfreight. Despite finding that Mainfreight should have ensured compliance with the law, the company was still awarded costs due to the police’s unreasonable failure to investigate the case properly. The White Hill Truck Drivers’ Memorial in Murray Bridge, SA, recently held a service to honor truck drivers who have died. During the event, five new names were added to the memorial walls. The commemoration started with a poignant convoy of trucks, each displaying banners dedicated to the late truckers, followed by a ceremonial horn tooting. The organizer, Keith Wood, a seasoned trucker, initiated the memorial to provide a local tribute space for the deceased drivers, saving families the travel to the national memorial in NSW. The site has since been improved with amenities, serving as a place of solace for grieving families. The pandemic paused the associated truck show, but plans are underway to resume it on March 2, 2024, along with a new date to avoid harvest season conflicts. Volunteers for the next event are currently being sought. The Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association (ALRTA) and PowerTorque magazine have opened nominations for the 2024 Rural Transport Rising Star award. This accolade aims to recognize and encourage individuals under 35 who are contributing to the rural transport industry, particularly at a time when attracting new talent is a challenge. The award acknowledges young professionals in various roles within the sector who are making a difference and improving the industry. Amy Throckmorton, the 2023 winner, emphasized the importance of recognizing diverse roles beyond truck driving in the industry. Nominations are exclusive to ALRTA industry association members and will close on February 2, 2024. The award ceremony will take place during the LRTAQ/ALRTA Combined Conference in Toowoomba on March 21, 2024. The Australian Government has allocated $18 million to seven new regional road projects as part of the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program (HVSPP). This funding round will focus on enhancing safety and efficiency for heavy vehicles on these routes. Queensland, South Australia, and Victoria will each benefit from two projects, with one additional project in New South Wales. Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Carol Brown, stated that this funding will assist local councils in improving freight access, thereby enabling businesses to deliver goods and services more effectively. The $18 million is part of a broader investment, with at least $65 million earmarked annually for the HVSPP, dedicated to increasing safety and productivity for heavy vehicle freight transportation by funding road widening and upgrades.