Bridging the gaps between industry segments, this year’s MEGATRANS2018 connected the waste industry with government and the broader supply chain sector.
A greater push towards safety and efficiencies is driving legislative changes and updated guidelines about how waste is transported.
From Performance-Based Standards galvanising smarter trailer combinations for waste transport, to load restraint and Chain of Responsibility law changes propelling tarping solutions for skip loaders and hook lifts, the industry is embracing change.
As legislators place a greater emphasis on compliance, it becomes increasingly paramount that regulators and the broader supply chain collaborate. Bridging the gaps between industry segments that have previously operated in isolation was the focus of an exciting new international trade event – MEGATRANS2018.
The three-day expo, delivered in partnership with the Victorian Government, brought together those who plan, implement and control the efficient and effective forward flow and storage of goods, services and related information between the point of origin and point of consumption.
MEGATRANS2018 put key decision makers from across the entire supply chain under one roof. The event this May saw waste transport operators, suppliers, distributors, warehouse managers, infrastructure developers, telematics companies and more come together to discuss ways to improve safety, connectivity and efficiency in Australia’s transport and logistics sectors.
COLLABORATING AS ONE
The event explored new technologies, highlighted how development costs and lead time can be reduced with best practice systems, accelerated market entry by helping to find new joint venture partners and created new services by discovering new innovations.
Spread across the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in May, MEGATRANS2018 included multiple events in the lead up and during the expo, including the Australian Road Transport Suppliers Association Global Leaders’ Summit, the Victorian Government’s Ministerial Breakfast and the Logistics and Materials Handling Mercury Awards.
Kicking off the event was the Ministerial Briefing Breakfast, hosted by the Victorian Transport Association (VTA) Chief Executive Officer Peter Anderson and featured an address from Victorian Roads and Road Safety Minister Luke Donnellan.
With greater collaboration between statutory authorities, Transport Certification Australia was on hand to discuss how the ability to plan, monitor operations and mitigate risks in the supply chain is becoming more accessible through big data, global positioning systems and telecommunications. These innovations can ultimately help waste transporters carry more loads in fewer trips.
Cities and urban spaces are also changing which has sparked innovations. At the event, Muscat Trailers showcased its ED Etnyre Live Bottom trailer, which uses a conveyor belt in the trailer floor to allow for efficient material delivery without the need for tipping the trailer, helping it navigate tight spaces.
Other trailers, such as the Queensland-based original equipment manufacturers, Tefco Trailers, showcased their innovations. The Trail King live bottom setup includes remote controlled belt with door opening and locking, Hendrickson suspension and axles and Wabco Electronic Braking Systems for added safety.
RECYCLING ON DISPLAY
Australian tyre recyclers and manufacturer of tyre-derived products Tyrecycle were on the show floor, teaching people about the process of collecting end-of-life tyres.
Jason McGuirk, Tyrecycle Business Development Manager, brought in some samples of the company’s products made from crumb rubber and tyre-derived fuel. Jason said a lot of products recycled tyres are used into the creation of everyday utilities, including spray sealing for bitumen and material for playgrounds and athletics tracks.
He said the event has been positive and he will be coming back in the future.
“It’s a great opportunity to have a chat and catch up with some old faces and meet some new ones.
“We’ve had some interest from fleets who were thinking about bringing tyres to us and wanted to know about collection rates in relation to what we can do for visiting outlets to collect tyres,” he said.
He said there’s been interest from Tyrecycle partners in helping to outline the end destination for waste tyres, rather than going to landfill.
SECURING LOADS
Manufacturer of recycled tyres Regupol Australia showcased a variety of load restraint systems made from recycled waste tyres. Regupol Australia was exhibiting its line up of load restraint systems. The system provides friction to make sure loads don’t slip and are usually placed between a steel deck and steel load.
The contemporary systems align with the National Transport Commission’s (NTC) 2018 Load Restraint Guide, which states that loads of all sizes and types should be restrained to prevent any part of the load from unacceptable movement during all expected conditions of operation.
The NTC’s updated Load Restraint Guide 2018 was released in February and provides practical advice on how to safely transport a load.
Regupol Australia General Manager Nicholas Anasson and Sales Consultant Daniel Anasson said they have never been to a show like MEGATRANS2018 before.
“We can put quite heavy loads on them – up to 80 tonnes per square metre – and can they be used in the weather or inside a factory,” he said.
Daniel said a lot of people at MEGATRANS2018 are already aware of Regupol’s brand.
EFFORTLESS MOTION
Isuzu Australia proudly displayed its new pair of concept electric vehicles, fitted with existing Isuzu vehicle cab-chassis. The trucks were being evaluated for urban applications, in particular for parcel and food deliveries services.
Simon Humphries, Chief Engineer – Product Strategy Isuzu said with vast improvements in battery density, new options are being opened up for electric light-heavy vehicles for urban applications
“Telematics is becoming the norm and will most likely be the standard within the next five years,” Simon said.
Simon said he didn’t believe the current infrastructure in place would facilitate the broader commercialisation of autonomous heavy-vehicles within the next 30 years. He noted that as refuse vehicles are stop and start, they are unsuited to a driverless model, highlighting that too much of the operation relies on driver imprint.
Commenting on the success of the event, Simon Coburn, Show Director said it has been great to hear all the feedback from the industry and realise what a much-needed event for the logistics and supply chain sector.
“We look forward to working with you all on the next MEGATRANS2018 event,” Simon said.