ALRTA Weekly News - 27 November 2024

bp supports QLD drivers with Caboolture North transformation

bp has completed a total site transformation at its largest service station in Australia, Caboolture North, to support drivers now and into the future.

As part of bp’s strategy to grow its convenience business, the upgraded Caboolture North site includes a brand new wildbean cafe with an extended food offer, modern facilities and an upgraded truck drivers’ lounge.

Lisa Archbold, bp vice president mobility & convenience, Australia and New Zealand said Caboolture North is a critical hub for Queensland drivers, and its transformation is an important step for bp in supporting its customers.

"With over a million customers every year, Caboolture North is our busiest site in Australia, and we want to ensure every visitor has a great experience. 

"We know each customer is looking for something different at our retail centres which is why we considered everyone when re-designing Caboolture North, from family road trips to daily commuters, long-haul truck drivers and shift workers."

The new wildbean cafe offers freshly made food options, a wider range of grab-and-go products and barista-made coffee.

bp Caboolture North also features a refreshed truck drivers’ lounge with space to rest and relax, showers, laundry facilities and entertainment options.

Archbold said: "Mobility is changing. Right now, our customers may be looking to refuel and grab a barista-made coffee on-the-go, but as more people make the switch to electric vehicles, they’ll spend more time at our cafe or in store."

McCartney Design, specialist hospitality and retail design agency, worked with bp to create the new store concept for Caboolture North.

Gary McCartney, McCartney Design Founder and Director said his team worked in close collaboration with bp at each stage to create an environment that’s relevant and useful to customers’ present and future needs.

"A travel centre is a busy place, and our first task was to identify and respond to the many types of customer journeys. The planning strategy is based on these journeys. The look and feel of each area is based on the differing customer mindsets: high energy in the convenience and grab-and-go areas, calm and comfort in the restaurant seating areas, efficient service and appetite appeal in wildbean cafe."

The transformation of Caboolture North is part of bp’s nation-wide program to update over 300 of its company-owned sites across Australia.

Find your nearest bp service centre

ALRTA Executive Director Update

Welcome to another weekly update.

• The rapid transformation of Australia’s supply chain sectors
• Implications for the world of work
• High-impact solutions needed to support transition of the workforce.

Road train coupling forces report released

The final report of an investigation into dynamic loads on couplings fitted to heavy High Productivity Freight Vehicles (HPFV) and Performance-Based Standards (PBS) combinations has been released.

Read the full article in Trailer Magazine https://www.trailermag.com.au/road-train-coupling-forces-report-released 

Glenda Henry

Bellarine Boer Goats, Queensland 

Getting goat transport right from the get go.

Taking time to familiarise weaner goats with handling, loading and transport can pay dividends, according to Queensland grazier, Glenda Henry. 

Glenda’s top tips for transporting goats:

Familiarise goats with being handled, loaded and transported as weaners

Read Glenda's full article on the MLA Transport Hub. 

Be ready for storm season! Tips for staying safe on the road

As we are starting to see the effects of Australia's storm season, it's time to make sure you're prepared for the challenges that extreme weather can bring. With storms often disrupting roads, supply chains, and operations, a little preparation now can save a lot of stress later.

Our trusted partner and Australia's leading transport and logistics insurance provider, NTI, has shared key advice to help truck drivers stay safe and minimise disruptions during storm season.

Plan Ahead for Safe Journeys

• Stay informed: Check weather forecasts and road conditions before setting out. The Bureau of Meteorology and local traffic updates are great resources to keep track of conditions.
• Have a Plan B: Identify alternative routes in advance in case your main route is impacted by road closures or flooding.

Prepare Your Emergency Kit

Every truck should have an up-to-date emergency kit that includes:

• Torches and spare batteries
• A first aid kit
• Bottled water and non-perishable food
• High-visibility vests and blankets

Check your kit regularly and replenish supplies as needed.

Drive with Caution

When conditions deteriorate:

• Reduce speed and increase following distance to maintain control on slick roads.
• Watch for strong winds, particularly in open areas or when carrying high loads.
• Most importantly, never attempt to drive through flood waters. Turn back and wait for conditions to improve—your safety comes first.

Get Expert Help

NTI has created a Flood Mitigation Guide with more detailed advice to help you prepare for storm season. Whether you're on the road or managing a fleet, this resource is packed with practical tips to keep you safe.

By planning ahead and taking simple precautions, you can stay safer this storm season and ensure your journey is as smooth as possible.

Driving Safe with Schoolies: NHVR Brings Road Safety to the Gold Coast

Schoolies is an exciting time for young people marking the end of their school years, but it’s also a crucial moment to remind them about road safety—especially around heavy vehicles. As young drivers gain independence, learning how to safely share the road with trucks is essential for protecting themselves and others.

Whether it’s knowing how to navigate blind spots, leaving enough space when overtaking, or understanding how trucks operate, these skills can save lives. Helping young drivers develop good habits early is key to building confidence and ensuring everyone gets home safely.

This week, a road safety campaign is highlighting these important lessons at Schoolies on the Gold Coast. Engaging activities and practical advice are making road safety relevant and memorable for young drivers just starting out.

Encourage the young people in your life to take road safety seriously—because no celebration is worth risking a life.

Check out more about the campaign and resources for safe driving at dontmuckwithatruck.com.au.

Celebrating International Men's Day

This International Men’s Day, we take a moment to acknowledge and thank the men who play an essential role in the road transport industry—our members, national council representatives, and the hardworking teams across the sector.

We understand the dedication and resilience required to navigate the challenges of this demanding industry. It’s important to not only recognise this hard work but also to highlight the importance of mental health.

Your mental well-being is just as vital as the work you do. Taking time to check in with yourself and those around you helps foster a strong, supportive community. If you or someone you know could use a little extra support, Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds provides excellent resources for our industry.

Let’s keep working together to ensure a healthier future for everyone in road transport.

Save the dates for 2025

• LBRCA/ALRTA National Combined Conference. 4 – 5 April 2025, Thoroughbred Park, CANBERRA ACT -  REGISTER HERE 
• LRTAQ State Conference. 13-14 February 2025, Gold Coast Turf Club & Event Centre, QLD - MORE INFO HERE 
• LRTASA State Conference. 13-14 June 2025, Adelaide SA 
• LRTAV State Conference. 8-9 August 2025, Move Museum, Shepparton, VIC - MORE INFO HERE  
• LRTAWA State Conference.  INFORMATION COMING SOON 

Our Trusted Partners