Goodaye all, did you miss me? Big couple of weeks and ended up in Mackay yet again late last Saturday night, for a Monday morning delivery. Had to get there before midnight to get my 24 hour break in for the week. Must say I had a terrific feed at the BP at Clermont, nearly couldn’t finish my fourth rissole and perhaps then didn’t need the bread and butter. The salad was good, including potato salad as well, good value for the size and went down well.
Back into the “Nighshift” show each Wednesday at 1AM, they had two weeks off over Christmas and even got back up after getting into Brisbane Tuesday night early from Rockhampton. Had a wheel seal fail, could smell the diff oil when I pulled up in Mackay and had to get it fixed at Brown and Hurley Rocky, job well done and they replaced the bearings as well. While I was there was asked if I was looking at a new truck and told them I was, but speaking with Kenworth and hoping they would support the next TIV. I was asked what the “Airtabs” do and was told the curtains stood out and looked good.
Visited young George at Glenmore Homestead in Rocky, a bit tight through the gate, but had tea and a beer with him along with doing a phone hook-up for our National Road Freighters Association meeting. Thanks for the hospitality George and Tony the next morning. Now have somewhere to park if needed. We will be having the next conference in Dubbo at the Macquarie Inn on the 15th February. I am seeking people to supply items for the auction on the night, will be doing some media and have to email and get approval from the council to park outside for the event.
Down to Moree for a delivery, on the radio, then to bed unloading in the morning and then to Dubbo for a load that took a bit of sorting. 37 pallets, but many overwidth made for a challenge, but got done and ringing with sweat, back to Brisbane. The next day after a pick-up, the wheel seal on the other side went out in sympathy, just starting to weep, but again picked up by the smell. It has cost me a chance to go straight through to Melbourne today as must be fixed before leaving Dubbo Monday.
Loading for Melbourne tomorrow and hope to be back in Dubbo for Wednesday, sort out some local stuff, then fly to Alice Springs Friday morning for filming for our next safety video, Caravans and Roadtrains. Truck and trailers will go in for C service and some minor repairs while I am away.
I will be entering the Truckies Top Ten Tips (for sharing the road with trucks) along with the Green Reflector Marking of Informal Truck Bays into the National Road Safety awards this week. If nothing else, I just hope it helps each get some further promotion and recognition towards improving road safety for all.
Both have been now over 20 year projects and while I must say, I wish they were wider used and spread, each has made a mark and is recognised by some. I will keep on trying to have each a national program. Safe Travelling, Rod Hannifey.
TRUCKRIGHT 