24 January 2025 1:00:00 PM

ALRTA Fortnightly News: 24 January 2025

Cummins: Partner of the Week

B) Scholz

Scholz Bulk Haulage (SBH), a family-owned business in Wodonga, NSW, celebrated its 25^th anniversary in 2024. Founded by brothers Wayne and Craig Scholz in 1999, SBH started with a single truck and trailer to haul hay. Today, Craig and his wife Sharee manage a fleet of 23 Kenworth trucks and 52 trailers, specialising in bulk commodity transport.

Their operations include hauling fertiliser, grains and seeds, supported by a 500-tonne grain storage facility on their Pleasant Hills farm. The fleet, known for its exceptional condition, features premium Kenworth-Cummins equipment.

“We’re passionate about what we do here,” says Craig. “Culture is a big thing in our business. Everyone on the team is valued not only for what they do but for who they are.” SBH’S strong relationship with Cummins, with the unmatched service and support that they provide, ensures SBH maintains high standards and reliability for their clients.

Want to know more about SBH and their relationship with Cummins. Full Article Here

Fuel Price Transparency: What it means for the transport industry.

Victorian transport operators could soon benefit from greater fuel price transparency under the government’s proposed Fair Fuel Plan. The initiative will require fuel retailers to report price changes a day in advance and lock in those prices for 24 hours. More than 1500 retailers will also be required to provide real-time pricing data, accessible through a new "fuel finder" feature on the Service Victoria app.

This system will allow operators to shop around for the best deals without worrying about sudden price fluctuations. The government has emphasised that the app will include all fuel providers, be free of advertising, and remain impartial.

Currently, fuel price reporting in Victoria is voluntary and inconsistent. While the proposed measures aim to provide greater price transparency, the Australian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association (ACAPMA) has raised concerns about the 24-hour price cap. “While transparency is a positive step, locking prices could have unintended consequences for motorists and businesses,” said an ACAPMA spokesperson. They also noted that taxes and international costs, including fluctuation of the Australian Dollar, account for 85% of the price.

Insights from bp

As one of ALRTA’s valued national partners, bp has provided its perspective on the proposed changes.

A bp spokesperson stated: “bp is supportive of initiatives aimed at increasing fuel price transparency and consumer awareness around fuel pricing”

bp is committed to working with ALRTA and other industry partners to help optimise their fuel purchasing strategies, for example through tailored fuel cards and strategic suggestions to support transport businesses to manage costs effectively.

What This Means for Transport Operators

For transport businesses, these changes could simplify cost planning and potentially save operators hundreds of dollars annually. However, expectations around price reductions should remain realistic given the external factors influencing fuel costs.

ALRTA is closely monitoring the rollout of the plan, set to be phased in by 2025. We will keep members informed and continue collaborating with partners like bp to provide practical resources to navigate these changes effectively.

Save the dates for 2025

LRTAQ State Conference. 13-14 February 2025, Gold Coast Turf Club & Event Centre, QLD - MORE INFO HERE
LBRCA/ALRTA National Combined Conference. 4 – 5 April 2025, Thoroughbred Park, CANBERRA ACT - REGISTER 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