The Lifting Pusher

Heavy commercial vehicles come in various sizes and have a wide range of wheel configurations. If you have ever paid close attention to a heavy commercial truck with multiple sets of wheels, you may have noticed that not all the wheels touch the ground at the same time. There is often a set of tyres that is raised above the ground unless the truck is fully loaded. This set of suspended tyres is referred to as a lifting axle. A lifting axle is an extra set of tyres that are used to balance out the weight of a truck when the payload exceeds a set tonnage.

When a truck has a light payload, the axle is lifted off the ground so as to save on fuel consumption and tyre wear as well as improve the maneuverability of the truck. Fuel economy basics teach that the more tyres you have on the road at a time, the more fuel your truck consumes.

Lifting axles are usually non-powered or ‘dead’ axles and their position in relation to the active or drive-train axle in a truck determines their name. A truck with lifting axles behind the drive-train axle is known as a Tag Axle while those with lifting axles in front of the drive-train axle are called Pushers.

Loading a heavy payload in a lifting pusher is easier than a tag axle because the extra weight in a pusher can be loaded into the centre of the truck while tag axles are located at the back of the truck and may not distribute the payload efficiently due to the overhang issues.

Lifting axles are very useful because most cargo trucks are only loaded to capacity more than half the time they are in operation. They often drive to a location empty, load and deliver a heavy cargo to its destination then drive back empty. In some cases, the cargo is not heavy enough to require the use of all axles. In these cases, the truck driver can push a button on the dashboard to lift the axle off the ground because it is not needed.

Another benefit of a lifting axle is that the truck owner can take advantage of the regulatory benefits of having a truck that can switch from 4X2 to 6X2 wheel configurations on demand. Australia recently passed some strict laws concerning heavy trucks restricting the allowable weight per axle. This is one of the regulations that have been praised for increasing the market demand for lifting axles Down Under. This way the truck owner can take both heavy and light jobs without having to worry but switching out trucks.

Most modern trucks are equipped with an interactive digital control panel mounted on the dashboard that monitors the trucks weight and either lowers the lifting axle automatically or alerts the driver to initiate the action depending on the settings laid out by the truck operators. It is advisable for the lifting axle to be lowered when the truck is being loaded and then raised before driving off in case it not needed. Some trucks have a manual mechanism to lower the lifting axle that is operated from outside the truck to prevent the driver from lifting and lowering the axle while driving.

Conclusion

Lifting pusher trucks are quickly gaining popularity in Australia due to their adaptability and versatility making it suitable for a wide range of applications. More and more truck producers are bringing their pushers to the country to capitalize on the high demand for this type of truck with Hino and DAF leading the way. This newly found national interest in pushers is a perfect example of how a restrictive policy can lead to the development and growth of a market solution where a niche product can become a household name.

Finally, with so many players in the Lifting Pusher Truck field, the customers will benefit from the competition of the truck suppliers. Truck spare parts will be readily available the major cities of the country along with high-quality vehicle service.

Read Also:

Hino Growth Continues in 2018

Some Of The Most Commonly Requested American Truck Parts In Sydney

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The company’s versatile approach and ease of innovation has enabled Hino to maintain a leading position in the truck production industry. Their conceptualisation and implementation of new strategies for sales and service delivery has made them one of the most sought after brands in the market. Their leadership is consistently devising plans to acquire a larger share of the truck market and it has been paying off.

In the 2014 financial year, the company managed to break its record in global unit sales, largely due to a large volume of sales in five foreign markets. Sales and Production have steadily been on the rise since 2014, with establishment of new factories and expansion of existing manufacturing facilities. In fact, the company was able to report a record high growth rate of 30% in the two years between 2014 and 2016.

Quality Assurance

All Hino vehicles are designed and built according to a set of three brand guiding principles namely, Quality, Durability and Reliability (QDR). To ensure these principles are met and maintained, every model goes through a rigorous testing exercise that pushes the vehicle to its limits. They check if it satisfies all three test categories and can perform successfully in real world conditions. All their engineering and innovation, research and development is backed up and supported by Hino’s parent company, Toyota.

In the Australian market, attention to detail and strong focus on the customers’ needs and preferences has led to unfounded success in the first six months of 2018. The company consistently served its clients well while expanding its product range, consequently acquiring 26.7% of the medium duty markets and 4.1% of the heavy duty.

Mr. Bill Gillespie – the company’s General Manager of Brand and Franchise Development in Australia – attested that a large contributor to the rapid growth of Hino sales in 2018 is the hard work and efforts of the teams at the company’s local dealership networks. The most dynamic and successful are two dealerships in Brisbane and Sydney, as well as a standalone unit in Melbourne.

One of the main driving forces of their success in the Australian market is their unique approach to customer care and sales. Selection and promotion of truck models that best suit the client’s needs – such as the 500 Series Wide Cab and the 300 Series 4X4 – has also boosted sales across the nation and plans are underway to introduce a new model vehicle in the market by the end of this year.

Hino Advantage

The Hino Advantage is a full range of support services offered to the client with the aim of reducing costs incurred over the vehicle’s lifetime.  The Hino Advantage product has been designed based on user preferences and challenges, and is a major contributor to the spike in sales in the region. These are some of the more popular services offered under the Hino Advantage banner.

Hino Traq

Hino Traq is a service that is designed for companies and individual owners who want to track and monitor the performance as well as activity of their vehicle. It is an efficient fleet management tool that can help you pinpoint the location of your truck in real time. It also allows you to monitor driver performance, fuel efficiency, and other fleet intelligence data that can greatly simplify the logistics and management of your business.

Truck Spare Parts and Service

Hino service gives you access to well trained technicians located at over sixty dealerships in various parts of the country ready to work on any challenge your truck may face while on the road. Hino service also extends to offer Road Side Assistance, an extended vehicle warranty and service agreements as well as capped price on service operations.

The truck service operations go hand in hand with parts distribution. Under the Hino Advantage program, every truck owner is availed access to genuine truck spare parts that are built according to Hino manufacturing standards. These genuine Hino truck parts come with a three year unlimited kilometre warranty if it is fitted by authorised dealers.

Financial Support

The Hino Advantage also offers a wide range of financial support services that are backed up by Toyota’s financial strength. These financing options are made available with the aim of helping clients to acquire trucks and grow their businesses. Financial support can be offered in form of a business vehicle loan or fleet financing which is based on the Toyota Fleet Management model.

Read Also:

Some Of The Most Commonly Requested American Truck Parts In Sydney

Where To Shop For Japanese Truck Parts

Why You Should Buy Aftermarket Truck Parts

The post Hino Growth Continues in 2018 appeared first on Expert Zine.

The focus of the first-prize win was low impact on climate and superior energy efficiency. It runs on biogas and natural gas, but offers the same power as a diesel truck. The natural gas version of the truck cuts emissions by 20% while the biogas model has the potential to eliminate emissions completely, offering a 100% reduction rating for carbon dioxide. From there, Volvo has achieved much more in terms of technology.

Better batteries, happier drivers

As much as vehicular efficiency matters, Volvo knows most accidents are caused by driver fatigue. This means no matter how good a truck is, an unhealthy driver can still lead to fatalities. That’s why in December 2017, it improved its battery system with an aim to improve driver comfort. Many of the cabin features that ease the driver’s experience also eat into the battery. This includes HVAC, music, and USB charging for laptops and phones.

The new batteries for Volvo FH and FM trucks have extended life, so drivers can flip on all their favourite pampering functions without worrying that the battery will wind down and stop the truck, or compromising its ignition ability after a break. Volvo achieved this by segmenting battery functions and circuits. One side is strictly for truck ignition, and the other feeds the radio, internal heating/cooling, plus other truck cabin systems. Volvo also installed a gel power for the batteries. It’s way more efficient than lead power.

Safety, electricity, and robotics

The higher ups at Volvo feel strongly that switching to electric trucks will reduce urban traffic and cut down noise pollution. The plan is to introduce electric Volvo trucks to Europe in 2019. So far they released their first fully electric truck in April 2018. This Volvo FL is mainly intended for refuse disposal and urban use. It runs on between 2 and 6 lithium batteries, with a 2-hour DC fast charge option and a 10-hour AC overnight charge cycle. Volvo launched the FE three weeks later. It charges faster and has higher gross weight.

In their continued efforts to improve safety, Volvo has also developed digital interfaces between its cars and trucks, allowing them to communicate with each other on the roads. It’s called Connected Safety, and its cloud-based system passes information on road hazards further along the road, warning other Volvo drivers along on same route. Volvo car company and Volvo truck company are run independently, but they share safety protocols.

Better steering options

This feature facilitated the joint road safety system. Alerts are triggered by any Volvo turning on its hazards. It was launched in May this year, and will be activated throughout Sweden and Norway before year’s end. It comes inbuilt on all new Volvo V and XC and 60s and 90s, as well as XC 40 and S90. Volvo trucks also use adaptive cruise control and automated braking to maintain safe driving distances between your truck and the car in front.

Then in June, Volvo announced improvements to its dynamic steering, an innovation that has already won multiple safety awards. It already offers stability in directional driving, enhanced driver comfort, and improved manoeuvring. Now Volvo has linked its Dynamic Steering to Stability Assist and Lane Keeping Assist. The systems work through cameras, sensors, and rotational speed monitors.

No skids and low vibrations

They collaborate to spot potential driving problems and correct them before you’ve consciously acknowledged them or even realised there’s a problem. They can lane-correct and avoid skids by vibrating slightly and altering the driver of changes or shifts they should make. It also lets you adjust the resistance levels of your steering wheel to suit your driving style, strength, and physical dimensions.

Dynamic steering automatically reduces vibration and kick on uneven roads, reducing resistance up to 75% for low-speed driving. This is useful for tricky manoeuvring and reversing out of tight corners. The steering re-adjusts as soon as it senses the driver’s steering wheel grip has eased, suggesting their tension has passed. At higher speeds, hydraulics help drivers retain direction, even if the roads are poor and the winds are strong. Volvo has also included a Dynafleet function, for fleet management across devices.

Read More:

• Some Of The Most Commonly Requested American Truck Parts In Sydney
• Where To Shop For Japanese Truck Parts

The post The Latest News from Volvo about Their Trucks appeared first on Expert Zine.

Still, the trucking industry in Australia is quite vibrant, so you can find the right parts for your vehicle, as long as you know where to look. Aftermarket suppliers are a god place to start, but don’t just go to any shop that has ‘truck spares’ in its banner. Look for the type of aftermarket supplier that deals directly with original manufacturing plants. This means you get genuine new parts at far friendlier prices. Here are some CAT parts that are regularly sought by truckers and fleet managers in Sydney.

Braking systems

In any car, the brakes are a matter of life and death, literally. Trucks carry a lot of weight even when they’re ambling down the road, so it’s essential that they have solid brakes. On average, truck brakes need replacement every 80,000km, but individual brake parts can be swapped out as necessary in the interim. Since your truck is imported, you may be unsure of Aussie CAT expertise or maintenance equipment.

For that reason, many drivers and fleet managers prefer to do their own maintenance. That means for every CAT that arrives, someone will buy a brake tune-up kit. They might also ask for a repair kit. Other braking kits include actuator kits and power cylinder kits. Of course it’s not always maintenance tools that are required. Sometimes, the CAT owner wants individual brake parts like diaphragms, linings, pistons, housings, and clutch components.

Engine parts

Similarly, a CAT engine requires attention when it’s not on the road, so there are frequent requests for engine overhaul kits. These orders don’t typically come from drivers. They’re more likely to be used in a private garage, especially for corporate maintenance of a CAT fleet. These foundational CAT engine kits depend on which part of the engine is being repaired. There are distinct kits for electricals, marine portions, and fuel systems.

Quick tip: Americans often say ‘gas’ when they mean ‘petrol/diesel’ so if you want a kit for your truck fluids, look for one labelled Oil and Gas. Apart from an overhaul kit, some garages require a rebuild kit. This is mainly for refurbished CATs and restoration jobs. In both cases, they are likely to need specific engine parts like camshafts, flywheels, gears, cylinder heads, oil pans, and gaskets. For repairs on the fuel system, there are calls for pumps and springs.

Trust your mechanic

With any truck or car, you need a reliable technician. It’s not just about his or her skills. You also need to build up trust. Many drivers have horror stories of taking their vehicles for servicing only to have it break down a few weeks later, despite newly replaced parts. At some garages, the practice is to take a functioning car, swop out its parts for duds, then sell the parts to a different driver.

After all, if you took your car for a brake check, you’re unlikely to look too keenly at your wipers, so you wouldn’t know if they’ve been replaced. One driver went to the extent of discreetly marking his car parts with nail varnish. When he came to pick his car, he noticed his ‘new’ parts had no varnish even though he hadn’t asked for any of them to replaced. This is not a risk you want to take, so find the right parts supplier, and hire an honest mechanic.

Read Also:

• Where To Shop For Japanese Truck Parts
• Why You Should Buy Aftermarket Truck Parts

The post Some Of The Most Commonly Requested American Truck Parts In Sydney appeared first on Expert Zine.

Ironically, this is probably the main downside of automatic car washes – you have to drive there. It doesn’t seem particularly convenient to shower, get dressed, and leave your house for a car wash that will only take 20 minutes. That’s way too much fuss for a half-hour errand. Plus, if you decide to lump your car wash with other out-of-home activities, your car will just get dirty again by the time you’re back in the house.

Wasted energy

Apart for the human-power required to get you out of bed and over to the car wash, the machines expend unnecessarily huge amounts of water and electricity. If you wash your car by hand, you’ll use about 200 litres of water. Alternatively, you could call a mobile detailing service. They bring their own water tank and power source, so it doesn’t dip into your home resources.

As part of their business licensing, these mobile car detailers have to maintain government sanctioned water restriction standards. Plus, you can only carry so much water in a detailing van, so they may use less water than you would if you were washing the car yourself. In contrast, an automated car wash claims to use a maximum of 50 litres per wash, but that’s a fine print. If you read carefully, it says 50 litres of fresh water.

The rest of the water is recycled, which sounds good. Except … do you want your car washed with the same water that washed hundreds of other cars? Will it even really get clean? Hopefully those 50 litres of ‘fresh water’ are used in the rinsing cycle, but you’ll never know, will you? You’re better off with a home wash, or a mobile detailer that will show you how clean the water is – if you ask them to.

The inside lane

Automation was invented to save us time, but in many cases, it doesn’t work as well as doing things by hand. For example, a washing machine shaves hours off your day, but it won’t get the stains off. You still need pre-wash spot cleaning for that – which few of us do – meaning that one small stain may get dispersed in the machine and end up soiling your whole garment, plus everything else in that load. So much for labour-saving.

In a similar way, an automated wash won’t get rid of specific stains. It just does a general wash. Also, some automated car washes let you stay in the car and drive it through yourself. You know what that means, right? Well, if you don’t close the doors and windows properly, some liquid will splash inside, and you know how hard it is to get rid of that wet car smell.

Also, the fact that you’re in the car reminds you that while the outside of your car is spotless and shiny, the inside is dank and untouched. Automated car washes don’t do interiors. When you do a home wash or mobile detail, you get a through clean inside and outside, and sometimes you can get an underbody wash as well. Mobile services will offer additional services like deodorising, defogging headlights, or a wax and polish.

Potential car damage

Machines aren’t known for their gentleness. The washing component in a washing machine is called an agitator, and it cleans your clothes by saturating them in soapy water and mashing them against each other in a spinning tub. Your car isn’t agitated – not quite – but it’s attacked by harsh detergents and mechanical brushes that may be fun to watch from behind safety glass but isn’t quite as kind on your body work.

Automated car washes can often leave scrapes and scratches in your paint work. And if you don’t drive the car through the wash yourself, you risk losing any property you may have left in the car. It doesn’t even have to be valuables. People have lost fire extinguishers, books, scarves, and cookies. Like the sign says, there’s no liability, so wash at your risk. Ultimately, the only convenience of automatic car washes is speed, but the downsides are far more.

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There are however some routine things that you ca do to ensure that your car remains in top shape. To put this into perspective, try and follow simple easy to remember steps. Here are some of the regular maintenance tips that will have your car looking and running like the day you bought it:

Check the fluids

Oil is literally the life of your car. It acts as a lubricant and as a coolant at the same time.  You can check the levels of your oil by looking at the dipstick at least once a week. Your car should be parked on level ground to get you an accurate reading. While some engine oil manufacturers claim that their oil can last as many as 10,000 kilometres, it is advisable to change your oil every 4000 to 5000 kilometres. When changing the oil, the oil filter is also swapped for a new one.

Other fluids that require constant checking are the coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid and washer fluid. With sensitive areas such as brakes, you should replace the fluid and bleed the system at least once a year. This is because brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts water. This can go on to corrode some components, which could damage callipers, hoses and sensors.

Tyre pressure is your friend

Check your tyre pressure at least once a month and before a long trip. This is something you can do on your own using a tyre gauge, which you can buy for cheap at an auto parts store. Make sure the tyre pressure is in-line with the manufacturer’s specifications. Most people forget to check the pressure on the spare wheel, something that can be dangerous in the event of a puncture.

Mirrors and windows

Look through your windows and mirrors to see which ones need attention. Replace any broken lights and mirrors as soon as possible and have any cracks on your windscreen attended to by a professional. To avoid damage to your windscreen, avoid following cars too closely on the road. Loose debris such as a small pebble can cause a lot of damage.

Detailing and interior

Taking your car for detailing and the cleaning of your interior is a prerequisite. The interior is often one of the things that people judge the quality of your car with, especially during sales and trade-ins. Have a professional take care of stains and foul smells to keep your interior clean.

Wipers

Wiper blades can wear out or come loose, which could leave nasty scratches on your windscreen. These are things that are easy to replace and you can actually do it at home. You should always check the status of the blades especially before the rainy season. Most blades require to be changed only once a year.

Belts and battery

If you are conversant with your car, you can check the tension in the belts, or better yet, have an expert do it for you. Loose belts usually make this annoying high pitched squealing sound and you should have yours serviced when you hear this noise.

Your battery should be checked at least once a year for corrosion, Clean off the battery heads at least once a month and take care not to run the battery down. Contrary to what most people believe, jump starts are actually hard on your battery and one too many could ruin it completely. Batteries also wear out and need to be replaced when this happens.

Lights

Make sure to check your lights at least once a month as well. There is nothing as scary as finding out one of your headlights does not work, while in the middle of a drive in the dark. It is also illegal to have brake lights and turning signals that are not working. To find out which lights need to be replaced, have a friend walk around your car while you try each one on. He/she should be able to let you know which work and which don’t.

Read Also:

• Why Mobile Car Detailing Is Such An Easy Choice
• Why Professionals Are Better At Detailing Your Car
• Why Mobile Car Detailing Is So Popular

The post Tips For Maintaining Your Car appeared first on Expert Zine.

However, it’s not always easy to know which suppliers are genuine and which ones sell counterfeits. Sometimes, you only spend a few minutes at any truck stop, or maybe a few hours. If you’re resting for the night, you’ll probably arrive after businesses have closed and leave before they open.

Some of the larger trucking destinations have attracted truck-related businesses, so you may have a better chance with them. Speak to fellow truckers, hoteliers, and even the diner service staff. They are familiar with both residents and regulars, so they can tell you where to get the best parts. Meanwhile, here are some known suppliers of truck spares in Brisbane.

Just Jap Truck Spares

This aftermarket specialist garage is based in Queensland. They sell new, reconditioned and used spares for Mitsubishi, Hino, Nissan, Toyota, Isuzu, and lots of other truck brands. You can visit their garage in Brisbane to look through what they have, or you can check their website for listings. They only have one location, but offer delivery throughout Australia.

Their web spares listings are easy to use, and you can refine your search by year of manufacture, price, model, make, state, or part. In addition to individual parts, Just Jap sells whole wrecking trucks and wrecking buses that you can purchase for use or salvage for parts. Any truck part you buy from Just Jap comes with a warranty for extra reassurance.

Eco Wreckers Brisbane

You may have heard that salvage yards are a great place to shop for Japanese truck parts. Eco Wreckers is a family business with a scrapyard in Rocklea off Ipswich. They are primarily a cash for car service that buys ‘dead cars’ and legally scraps them for spares which they later resell. You can drop off your scrap car or they can come pick it up.

If you’re looking for truck or bus spares, visit the Auto Parts page on the website and type in your specs. They will keep your information private, check if they have it in stock, and give you an accurate, pocket-friendly quote. You can shop by part, make, year, or even chassis number, and you can attach a relevant picture if you like.

Directory listings

Depending on how familiar you are with online shopping, you may have done the rounds on eBay, Shopify, or Craigslist. Well, we Aussies have Gumtree, and it’s as good a spot as any to search for Japanese truck spares. Listings are usually pretty detailed, and while most listings are ‘for sale’, you can put up your own ad indicating what you want to buy.

Some ads are placed by businesses and garages, so it’s easy to follow up and verify. Others are placed by individuals, and you need to be more careful with them. Meet your seller in a public place and carefully inspect the merchandise before you fork over any cash. Once in a while, you’ll find someone that wants to swap parts, so if you have something good to barter, it’s a viable option. Of course you’d have to have exactly what they want so …

Online aftermarket suppliers

While most spare parts suppliers have an online presence – including social media pages and websites – there are aftermarket suppliers whose primary business model is online. You can study their catalogues, make virtual orders, and they will deliver your spares anywhere within Australia. They may have physical outlets, but their web presence is comprehensive enough that you never have to visit their offline store unless you want to.

When you’re buying from this kind of supplier, it helps to run due diligence. As much as they can deliver to you, check how many distribution centres they have, and where these centres are located. A legitimate business has a wide network of distributors in reputable parts of town. You can also check Japanese truck manufacturer websites to see if your online supplier is listed as an authorised partner.

Read More: Try an Airport Park and Fly Service this Easter Break

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Park and fly services

Park and fly services make trips out to the airport soooo easy. You drive yourself there, you drop your car off, you get a shuttle to the terminal, and off you go. They’re surprisingly affordable, offer services like a car wash while you are away, plus – the big benefit – you get to drive yourself at the time that suits you. Plus, when you get back, you don’t need to worry about transport home, you simply pick up your car and off you go. Just don’t drink too many complimentary wines on the flight home!

A lift with family, a friend, or colleague

Are you flying with others? Maybe they will use park and fly services and you can carpool – this really saves the environment, plus it’s a great social aspect if you’re already flying together. Put some money towards the cost of their park and fly services if the occasion fits.

Even if you’re not flying together, sometimes family and friends are happy to offer you a lift out to the airport if they aren’t up to anything. If you ask us, it’s always a lot nicer travelling out with family and friends rather than a stranger. Just make sure they’re on time and reliable!

Private chauffer

Much like your family and friends, a private chauffer is a good bet. Private chauffers are pretty much guaranteed to be on time and to be hassle free. This service you’ll need to arrange in advance, and you might like to ask for other people’s recommendations about who to use, or look up chauffer services in your city. If you like the chauffer that you have you can arrange for them to take you out to the airport every time that you fly, which really makes things easy and more stress free.

Pre-ordered Uber or taxi

A step down from the private chauffer is the pre-ordered Uber or taxi. These drivers aren’t quite as up there as the private chauffer because they aren’t quite as reliable. Even though you book in advance, there is always the off chance that they won’t show up at the right time or will cancel – which can really leave you in the lurch. Choose a premium Uber or taxi service wherever possible to help minimise the chances of this happening to you!

Public transport

Those looking to save money, who really like long trips, or just have a really convenient public transport option close by will probably go down the public transport route. Most Australian cities have dedicated airport public transport lines that are fairly reliable when it comes to time. However, if you link up with another route that isn’t a dedicated airport line, this is when you can run into trouble. Your regular buses, trains, and trams run to varying degrees of time accuracy which depend on a whole number of things and you could flip a coin as to when it will actually arrive. So be careful when using the public transport option, and where possible only use the dedicated airport link or give yourself plenty of time.

The post Your Best Options for Getting to The Airport appeared first on Expert Zine.

Many of the travelers heading to their Easter destination will try to fly out Friday evening after work and ideally be back in the office Tuesday morning, which means flying out on Monday along with thousands of other Easter travelers. Like all popular travel times, this means the airport will be packed with thousands of travelers scurrying to reach their destination or hurrying to get home to catch some sleep before work on Tuesday. If you’ll be one of the thousands trying to get the most out of your Easter weekend, a park and fly service is a great tool.

Why Try Park and Fly this Easter?

The basic service that park and fly services offer is for you to park your car in a lot nearby the airport and then take one of their shuttles to your terminal. This means you can avoid having to worry about inconveniencing family or friends to drive you to the airport (especially if they are trying to prepare for Easter as well) and you can avoid the sometimes extremely high costs to hire a taxi or private car or pay for multi-day parking at the airport. You also gain the convenience of being in your own vehicle going to and from the airport—if you need to run any last-minute errands along the route, a park and fly service gives you that flexibility.

Make sure to check your service’s recommended arrival time to ensure you have enough time to reach your gate if there is a wait for their shuttle. You may also want to call the service ahead of your flight to find out if they recommend arriving even a bit earlier because of the busy Easter weekend travel rush.

If you’ll be traveling with young children to your Easter destination, you’ll want to make sure the shuttles are equipped to take prams or have other accommodations for children.

Consider Valet Service

During really busy periods at the airport like Easter weekend, it’s worth checking whether your park and fly service offers valet parking. With the huge number of people heading to the airport, all surrounding park and fly services will likely be busy, and the shuttles will likely be filled with travelers. For added convenience you can opt to drive your car directly to your terminal and have a valet driver take your car to the nearby lot. When you return home, your car will be waiting at the terminal ready for you to drive home.

Added Bonuses

Without a doubt, park and fly services offer a convenient way for you to get to the airport without any hassles. Most park and fly services also have excellent security including gates, restricted access, 24/7 security patrols, and security cameras throughout the facility, so you can feel confident your car is safe while you’re away.

In addition, some park and fly services offer added conveniences like car washing and polishing which can be done while you’re away. There’s nothing like returning home to a clean, sparkling car, especially after being away for Easter weekend and needing to catch up on errands you’d typically do over the weekend.

Look Out for Easter Deals and Frequent Parker Programs

If you’ve never tried a park and fly service before, Easter weekend is a perfect opportunity to give one a try. Many services offer special deals over Easter, so be sure to check some websites before you book a spot.

If you travel frequently for work or to visit family and you are trying out a park and fly service this Easter and enjoy the convenience, you may also want to find out if they have a frequent parker program. Once you experience the convenience and affordable price of a park and fly service it won’t be easy to go back to the uncertainty of finding typical transportation to the airport.

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CEO of the National Heavy Vehicle Register Sal Petroccitto has stated that the push to provide operators with practical tools and guidance to implement safety management systems was in response to a spate of heavy vehicle crashes in recent days.

The National Heavy Vehicle Register has been urging heavy vehicle drivers to take care following recent tragic accidents in the past few days at Grafton, Dubbo and near Lake Macquarie.

Mr Petroccitto said * I am urging all road users and in particular heavy vehicle operators across Australia to take extra care on the road as the school holiday season comes to an end. *

The National Heavy Vehicle Register will be releasing a range of support and guidance tools in the coming months to assist heavy vehicle operators improve safety AND to help them meet the new *Chain of Responsibility Laws* which are set to be introduced in the middle of 2018.

Sadly, there were 216 fatalities nationally that involved heavy vehicles for the year to the end of September 2017, compared to the smaller 224 deaths in the same period the year before.

*Our thoughts are with the five drivers who won’t return home to their families as a result of these tragic accidents* Mr Petroccitto added.

The new laws are set to ensure the entire heavy vehicle supply chain takes responsibility for heavy vehicle safety. There have already been a number of heavy vehicle fatalities across Australia, and while the number has declined recently, it is still too high. It is hoped that the decline will continue. Heavy vehicle operators are also responsible for making sure that their vehicle is both roadworthy and safe to be traveling on the road network.

There are a few simple things operators can do including a regular safety checklist for mass, loading, maintenance and the trucks fitness for duty – including fatigue. Something as quick and as simple as a daily check can ensure the safety of both other road users and the drivers. This will give operators the confidence that both their vehicle and driver are both in *good working order*

What is the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator?

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator administers the set of laws for heavy vehicles under the Heavy Vehicle National Law to deliver a comprehensive range of services under a consistent regulatory framework.

Commencing in 2014 the national law applies to the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Queensland and Victoria.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator is responsible for:

• Heavy Vehicle access permit applications
• A national driver work diary and risk classification system for advanced fatigue management
• The National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation scheme management and accreditations
• Heavy Vehicle standards, modifications and exemption permits
• Performance- based standards scheme vehicle design and access approvals
• One set of national penalties
• One set of national notices
• One set of national fees for The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator services.

The National Heavy Vehicle Register is Australia’s independent regulator for all vehicles over 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass.

The goals of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator for the road transport industry include:

• SAFTEY – a national safety monitoring and reporting system dedicated wholly to heavy vehicles
• SERVICES – providing a single point of contact for all heavy vehicle regulation in Australia
• EFFICIENCY – providing a common set of laws for heavy vehicles for ALL states and territories
• COMPLIANCE AND REINFORCEMENT – a unified strategy and approach
• PRODUCTIVITY – the ability to provide quick responses to the changing industry needs and trends
• TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY – review for key making decisions
• INDEPENDENCE – one independent, statutory body corporate established under the Heavy Vehicle National Law

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