Volume 42, Issue 37, 11 March 2022
As we once again commence the recovery from the recent major flooding events, our thoughts go out to the many communities in the South East, the Northern Rivers region and now in Sydney are facing a massive clean-up.
Now that roads have open up and repair works are underway, we are seeing truck movements return to normal and supermarket shelf stocks in many regions being restored.
While trucks are moving, the industry is facing another challenge with the staggering price of fuel and coming to terms with the huge cost of filling the tanks.
We have fielded plenty of calls in recent days about the price of fuel and the unprecedented speed it is rising. Unfortunately, market indications suggest these rises are going to continue for some time yet, and will be more significant, which will place even more pressure on your businesses and the supply chain.
As the cost of a litre of diesel reaches $2.50, in the near future, we will have experienced a massive 56% increase in the last quarter. Combine this with the 100% increase in AdBlue for the last quarter, these two costs alone are having an unsustainable impact for freight charges that has to be passed on industry clients.
These extraordinary increases are too large for road freight operators to absorb when margins are already tight, so fuel levies or surcharges must become an essential element to ensure the commercial viability of your business and the road transport sector.
Wherever possible, we strongly encourage a weekly review of your fuel levy/surcharge, as the expected market volatility will mean the usual practice of forecasting the price beyond a week in advance will be unlikely. This volatility is expected to remain for at least the next quarter.
Again, the industry is being confronted with difficult times and it is critical that your clients understand that these costs will have to be passed on. We urge to be diligent in keeping abreast of these rising costs, understand how to calculate the fuel levy/surcharge and commence passing on these costs.
Your clients will need to accept the pass through of these costs if the supply chain is to remain sustainable and dependable.
If need further support or advice to faciliate this, please seek qualified advice from your accountant, seek out a specialised transport accountant or call us for further assistance.
Stay safe
Gary
QTA Member helping with Flood Recovery in Northern NSW
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DNV Transport is working with 3DL/Australian Customs Clearance to get goods consolidated and transported to flood affected ares in the Northern Rivers. Dave Carswell, DNV Transport is collecting and consolidating goods at his depot in Radar St, Port Lytton.
Trucks are leaving daily with a warehouse secured in Alstonville to distribute goods to communities in Kyogle, Lismore, Coraki, Woodburn and more.
With so many people having lost everything there is an urgent requests for Cooking equipment, gas stretcher beds and bottled water. Please see a full list of other items all needed urgently! Any support is welcomed.
If you can help, please email David Carswell at dave@dnvtransport.com.au or either Chris Roberts at Chris@3dlogistics.com.au.
QTA Webinar - How to attract the right people to your job ads
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Do you want to know how to?
- find your ideal candidates without waiting for them to apply for your job
- attract the right job applicant to your job advertisements
The QTA have approached Seek.com, as the market leader in online recruitment, to give their insights on the road freight job market and different ways their platform can be utilised to get the best outcome.
To find out more about this session or to Register, click here. (Note: This webinar is for users with a Zoom account. New to Zoom? Sign up free.)
5 Key protections of business management liability insurance
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Article by Platinum Partner, Gallagher (08.03.2022)
Managing a company involves a broad range of responsibilities ‒ and liabilities. Business owners, directors, senior managers and board members are obligated to uphold a considerable number of laws in their management duties, laws that can hold them personally liable for various aspects of business or company operations.
Read more
Small business disaster recovery grants and loans now available
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Information extracted from the Disaster Support for Business newsletter by the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training
A range of grants and loans have been made available to support businesses and communities impacted by the South East Queensland rainfall and flooding, 22 February – 7 March.
This support is being made available through the Australian and Queensland Government’s jointly-funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Applications for these grants and loans are managed through QRIDA. You can review the eligibility and other requirements on the QRIDA website at www.qrida.qld.gov.au.
For more information on these programs visit www.qrida.qld.gov.au or call 1800 623 946.
Queensland's first Digital Licence available state-wide in 2023
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The Queensland Government is finalisng the development and delivery of the Digital Licence app, which will be rolled out across the state next year. The Fraser Coast trial was immensely successful, with users reporting a 94% satisfaction rating during testing. The trial is being expanded to include Townsville later this year before being made available to all Queenslanders in 2023.
The Digital Licence App is a modern, innovative solution that adopts international best-practice solutions and has the privacy of your data front of mind.
For further information on the Digital Licence app, and to stay up to date with the latest news, visit the website or subscribe to this update at www.qld.gov.au/digitallicence. You can also reach out to the Digital Licence Team via email at digitallicence@tmr.qld.gov.au, if you have any questions.
Teletrac Navman: Going the Extra Mile
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Global telematics specialist Teletrac Navman has launched an International Women’s Day special of its Going the Extra Mile campaign, featuring four women from Australia, New Zealand, the UK and the US who work in the transport industry.
Launched in April 2021, Going the Extra Mile started as a campaign to recognise and reward hidden heroes within the transport and logistics industry who had gone above and beyond to ensure operations continued to run smoothly during the pandemic.
In its latest International Women’s Day-themed episode, Teletrac Navman spoke to four professionals about their experience in an industry with a traditionally male dominated environment. The inspirational speakers provided advice to those considering a career in transport and shared who they look up to.
Meet Teletrac Navman's International Women’s Day hidden heroes:
- Courtney Sertdemir, talent acquisition manager at Australia Post Group- Australia
- Fiona McDonagh, Membership Manager at Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand
- Beth Jones, transport manager at T Alun Jones- UK
- Angie Daugherty, General Manager at United Road Towing- US
To watch the International Women’s Day Going the Extra Mile special, please visit here and follow Teletrac Navman on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for more updates on the campaign.
Managing your maintenance with one system
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Get more freedom to do what matters most by saving time
Managing your equipment and vehicles can be made easy with KIM.
Kynection offers a digital framework that can be used to manage maintenance from end-to-end.
This month we look at how a digital Maintenance Management system can save you time, taking away the burden of planning, remembering and keeping track of everything.
KIM's Maintenance Module allows you to easily configure and schedule service and maintenance plans for any piece of plant and equipment.
Please click here to read (3 minute reading time).
Unlock and Reconnect at Trucking Australia 2022
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The ATA’s Trucking Australia 2022 conference will be held on the Gold Coast, from 4-6 May.
The conference is an opportunity for industry members to ‘unlock’ from the challenges faced during COVID and ‘reconnect’ as an industry to develop positive discussions and solutions for 2022 and beyond.
The program is packed full of hard-hitting business sessions and collaborative workshops that aim to inspire innovation, create synergy, and encourage you to embrace new ways of thinking.
QTA Ltd members who register before 18 March will save $100 and can take advantage of MEGA deal and full conference pass tickets.
View Conference Program | Register Now!
Tax Tips-Deductibility of COVID-19 Test Expenses
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Article by Platinum Partner - The Enterprise Edge
The Morrison Government is taking action to ensure that COVID‑19 tests (including Polymerase Chain Reaction and Rapid Antigen Tests) are tax deductible for hard‑working Australians, and exempt from fringe benefit tax for businesses.
To remove any doubt, the Government will introduce legislation to make clear that work‑related COVID‑19 test expenses incurred by individuals will be tax deductible. This applies both when an individual is required to attend the workplace or has the option to work remotely.
By introducing this legislation, the Government will also ensure that fringe benefit tax will not be incurred by employers if they provide COVID‑19 testing to their employees for work‑related purposes.
This change will take effect from the beginning of the 2021‑22 tax year and will be in place permanently.
This action recognises that COVID‑19 tests are an important tool for mitigating transmission risks and absences from the workplace.
The Morrison Government has acted swiftly throughout the pandemic to provide Australians and small businesses with clarity and certainty, and continues to do so as they transition back to their workplaces.
SWQ: Temporary closure and detour - Oakey-Pittsworth Road, Oakey
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From Monday 21 March 2022 to mid-June 2022 weather permitting, Oakey-Pittsworth Road on the northern side of the Warrego Highway and Oakey-Pittsworth Road intersection, will be closed for upgrades.
Heavy vehicles up to PBS 3A (Type 1 Road Train) will be permitted to detour via Old Warrego Highway, Bridge Street and Campbell Street to access Oakey township whilst the road works are in place.
Please note that Toowoomba Road is not an approved Road Train route.
TMR are continuously monitoring, assessing and reviewing roads, bridges and culverts across Queensland. Conditions can change quickly, particularly due to weather. Restrictions are implemented to maintain ongoing safety for all road users.
It is your responsibility to make sure you're using up-to-date information when you assess the suitability of your route.
You must check the Conditions of Operation Database before you start your journey.
Visit the QLDTraffic website, download the app or call 13 19 40 to report an incident or get real-time traffic reports.
FNQ: Kennedy Highway, Kuranda - Intersection safety works
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TMR will be improving safety on the intersection of Kennedy Highway and Rob Vievers Drive/Myola Road, Kuranda, from 21 March 2022 and are expected to continue for six weeks (weather permitting).
This project is part of a $9.5 million program of road safety upgrades being carried out across Cairns at various intersections. This program aims to improve safety on the state-controlled road network with locations selected based on a history of crashes and/or key safety concerns.
As part of the safety treatments and options, TMR will conduct the following works:
- Pavement widening to improve drainage
- Ancillary drainage works at Myola Rd
- Modification of concrete islands and kerbs works
- Installation of a signalised pedestrian crossing at Myola Road for pedestrian protection
- Shared path and pram ramp improvements
- Pavement marking and road furniture works
The project will be carried out as day and night works from Monday to Saturday. For day works, crews will be onsite from 7am to 5pm. For night works, crews will be onsite from 7pm to 7am.
For the safety of road users and maintenance crews, changed traffic conditions will be in place including temporary speed limit reductions, and single lane operation under coordination of traffic controllers while the works are carried out.
FNQ: Kennedy Highway, Mareeba - Audio Tactile Line Marking
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TMR will be carrying out safety improvement works on the Kennedy Highway, Mareeba, between McIver Road and Vicary Road from mid-March 2022, weather permitting.
The works will install Audio Tactile Line Marking (ATLM) on the wide centre line and edge lines, and fix raised pavement markers on this section of road. ATLM improves safety by reducing the risk of fatigue-related crashes by providing noise when vehicles veer onto audible lines.
Day and night works will take place to minimise impacts to road users with crews onsite between 6am and 6pm for day works and 6pm and 6am for night works. Timeline: Six weeks to complete, weather permitting.
For the safety of road users and maintenance crews, changed traffic conditions will be in place including temporary speed limit and single lane reductions, under coordination of traffic controllers while the works are carried out. Road users should expect minor delays and plan their journeys accordingly.
Variable Message Signs (VMS) will be in place on the approaches to the work site prior to works commencing to ensure motorists are aware of the changed traffic conditions. Changes in dates due to poor weather will be posted on the VMS.
More information about road conditions across Queensland’s state-controlled road network is available via the www.QLDTraffic.qld.gov.au website or 13 19 40 Information services.
FNQ: Resealing Works - Cassowary Coast Region
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TMR is to commence resealing works on various state controlled roads of the Cassowary Coast Region as follows:
- Tully - Mission Beach Road: 15 March - between the Wet Tropics Boundary and East Feluga Road.
- El Arish - Mission Beach Road: 16 March - various short sections between El Arish and Mission Beach.
- Silkwood – Japoon Road: 17 - 18 March - Silkwood, between Walter Lever Estate Road and South Liverpool Creek Bridge and various short sections to Japoon.
- Innisfail – Japoon Road: 19 March - between South Johnstone River Bridge and Spandley Road.
- Bruce Highway (Ingham – Innisfail): 21 – 26 March - various sections north of Cardwell, near Kennedy, Silky Oak, Tully, Djarawong, Davidson, Silkwood, Liverpool Creek Bridge, Sandy Pocket and South Innisfail.
Crews will be onsite from Monday to Saturday between 6 am and 6 pm from Tuesday 15 March to Saturday 26 March 2022, weather and construction conditions permitting.
The works will involve resealing the road surface to extend the life of the road pavement and reduce the formation of potholes. The works will improve safety and travelling conditions for road users.
Changed traffic conditions will be in place including temporary speed limit reductions, and single lane operation under coordination of traffic controllers. Intermittent full closures of the road will be required at times to carry out the works. Road users can expect delays of up to 15-minute periods during the full closures. Road users should plan their journeys accordingly.
Variable Message Signs (VMS) will be in place on the approaches to the work site to ensure motorists are aware of the changed traffic conditions. Changes in dates due to poor weather will be posted on the VMS.
More information about road conditions across Queensland's state-controlled road network is available via www.QLDTraffic.qld.gov.au website or 13 19 40 Information services.
ARE YOU AN EXISTING BP PLUS CUSTOMER - Make sure you connect you Qantas Rewards number to your account.
If you aren't a BP Plus customer, sign up to BP Plus by March 31, and your business could earn 10,000 bonus Qantas Points. Plus, earn an 10,000 points every time you fuel up in the first 9 months. ^
That’s up to 100,000 points to use the way you want. Use those points to reinvest into your business, reward your team, or put them towards your next holiday.
Make the most of your business’ fuel spend. Sign up to a BP Plus fuel card by 31 March.
Visit BP Plus.com.au for more. It really is, business, the clever way.
Use code QBR100QTA.
Sign up now (Earn Qantas Points with BP Plus)
T&Cs apply ^ visit www.bpplus.com.au ^To earn bonus Qantas Points with BP Plus your business must 1) successfully sign-up for a BP Plus account between 15 January 2022 and 31 March 2022, 2) be approved for a BP Plus account, and 3) be a Qantas Business Rewards member, or within thirty (30) calendar days of being approved for a bp Plus account, become a Qantas Business Rewards member. Approved businesses will earn 10,000 bonus Qantas Points upon approval of a BP Plus account. Qantas Points will be awarded within 6 weeks of approval of a BP Plus account.
Your business will earn an additional 10,000 bonus Qantas Points by purchasing 1,000 or more litres of fuel in each calendar month (for up to 9 calendar months) following BP Plus account approval; up to a maximum of 90,000 bonus Qantas Points.
Bonus Qantas Points for each month will be awarded within 6 weeks of each monthly account invoice payment. bp Plus and Qantas Business Rewards terms and conditions apply. Qantas reserves the right to determine the award of bonus Qantas Points to eligible customers. Refer to BP Plus Terms & Conditions and Qantas Business Rewards Terms & Conditions.
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Queensland's road freight voice since 1907. Trusted to Deliver. Driven by Service.
www.qta.com.au | 0733944388
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