There is no denying that freight drivers spend significant periods of time on the road. In 2020, Budget Direct recorded an estimate of 23,499 million kilometres travelled by all freight vehicles. With such a high estimate, we did some digging to see what these incredible drivers get up to, to keep themselves entertained whilst on the road.
Podcasts & Audio Books
Without the company of family and friends on the road, finding quality podcasts or audiobooks are an engaging way to stay alert on the road, but also to learn new topics like historical periods, have a laugh and keep yourself informed. In 2021, some podcasts that made it into Australia’s top 10 were Casefile True Crime, Hamish & Andy, The Update, Triple M Rocks Footy AFL and She’s on the Money.
Music Streaming
Music streaming, not unlike podcasts and audio books, can be utilised whilst driving or during breaks. This is a great hands free option for de-stressing, boosting your mood and also creating a more positive and engaging environment to drive in, especially for those who don’t like sitting in silence with their own thoughts, or prefer to choose their own curated music playlists over the radio.
Self-Reflection
Very few people take time out of their day to practice self-reflection & gratitude. Truck Drivers on the other hand have ample time to do just this, and can be a different way of keeping the mind occupied whilst keeping their full attention on the road.
Mobile Games
After travelling long distances, it’s nice to take a break and take your mind off of work. Although many might say that staring at a screen for too long can be detrimental to your health, it also is known to have health benefits such as stress relief, reducing depression and improving your mood. Furthermore, if you play an online mobile game, it allows you to connect with people and collaborate in problem solving - increasing your creative output. As drivers spend so much time on the road and not on their phones, I think it’s safe to say that the positive impacts of mobile games outweigh the negative!
Social Media & Vlogging
In recent years, more truck drivers are becoming social media influencers. More times than not the decision to become an influencer stems from wanting to share industry advice, industry news, provide humorous entertainment, and to create a community. Using their voices, backed by their following and community, these influencers have a common goal of educating, motivating and empowering truckers so they can stand up for their rights all whilst bringing public awareness to these issues in an attempt to bring about change.
Photography
Taking a break between trips is vital when driving long distances. During these breaks, some drivers take a moment to stretch their legs and take in their surrounds. Dependent on how far and where they have travelled, the landscapes or wildlife they may encounter can vary from town to town & state to state. This is a great chance to not only capture a momento of the moment, but to hone those photography skills through shooting different climates & angles!
Exercise
Sitting down for long periods of time can affect a person's health. As truck drivers require rest periods as a part of their trip, some have taken to hiking as for their break as an alternative to the typical gym session. Hiking and walking trails can be very common in rural areas so they should be easy to find, and the fresh air will allow for a fresh mind once the driving starts again. Before your next trip, research some hiking trails along your route to see where you can take your next break!
Novel Writing
Quite possibly through self reflection, some drivers have taken to writing novels during their breaks on the road. New apps have been developed where drivers can speak to their phone whilst keeping their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel, and the app transcribes speech to text. So if you’re on the road and think of a fantastic story idea, be sure to check out Transcribe, Dictation & Otter (to name a few).
Collecting Souvenirs
Collective souvenirs like fridge magnets, town maps or postcards can keep a long-distance driver occupied as they can look forward to each town they drive through. Souvenirs like these are typically held in the local information buildings, therefore subliminally educating anyone who walks through those doors. Not only are they collecting proof of these towns' existence, but also learning the story of its making to take home to share with friends and family whenever they point out the collection.
We'd love to know what you get up to during your time on the road - feel free to reach out to marketing@truckit.net and let us know!
The Truckit team recently had a chat with Darren, also known by his username Funkool, who joined as a transport provider on the Truckit network almost 4 years ago.
We chatted through Darren's beginnings, the growth of his business and his thoughts on the pilot of our new Profile Video feature.
When did you first start working in the transport industry?
I started working for some of the bigger national carriers when I was 16 and have worked in a variety of roles throughout my time.
And how did you come across Truckit?
I came about Truckit by chance in late 2017. I was making regular trips from Adelaide to Melbourne to deliver goods for my family's Aquarium Products business and we were looking for return freight to help subsidise the trips. After a simple Google search I came across Truckit and decided to join the network as a transport provider.
How has your business been able to grow?
Since joining Truckit our business has grown well beyond its previous levels to a team of 3 drivers attending to Truckit listed opportunities. In fact, we are working now to capacity with the ever increasing number of Truckit opportunities coming through to us and we love servicing this work.
What's the owner driver experience like on Truckit?
When working on Truckit jobs, we feel we are being very well treated and appreciated as dependable owner/drivers, rather than getting that ugly feeling that we are being treated just like a number, which can happen in the industry generally speaking.
"I just love getting out on the road and the Truckit related activity is genuinely my favourite work, it’s been that good for us”."
I think what gives us the most satisfaction as drivers is the really positive feedback we get everyday from the Truckit customers themselves. I think this goes to highlight, not only how we are answering their expectations of a good reliable service, but it also reflects on the Truckit platform itself, which is, in my view, the most streamlined online platform for assisting people to source freight deals.
You were selected as part of the pilot for the new Profile Video feature, what has the feedback been like so far on your Profile Video?
Yes, the video is getting attention out there, and it’s already been mentioned to me by a couple of new customers, so it definitely seems to be doing the trick in terms of building trust with potential customers and putting a face to the name.
You can watch Darren's profile video here on his Truckit profile.
Help boost your own Truckit profile by uploading a short profile video.
Where did you grow up? A cattle station between Charters Towers and Clermont
Favourite sport/team/athlete? Scottish Rugby team
What does a typical day look like for you? Coffee, work, coffee, work, exercise
Favourite quote? "Manners maketh man" and "Nobody ever drowned in their own sweat"
What do you like to do in your spare time? Have my kids entertain me with stories
Best career lesson you've learned so far? Teamwork is everything
Favourite food? T-bone steak
Favourite travel spot? Charlotte Plains Hot Artesian Springs
Fun fact people may not know? Played rugby for Scotland and scored a try against Australia in the Quarter-finals of the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
From 1am Friday 23 July 2021, mandatory COVID-19 testing for freight and logistics operators will come into effect, along with changed requirements under the QLD Freight Protocol.
Mandatory testing will help to keep our essential drivers, their families, and the community safe from the spread of COVID-19.
The QLD Freight Protocol has been updated in response to changes in the Border Restrictions Direction (No. 28) and Queensland Border Declaration pass requirements (Freight and logistics). These updates will also come into effect from 1am Friday 23 July 2021.
Mandatory COVID-19 testing
Mandatory testing regimes will be in place for freight and logistics operators entering Queensland from QLD declared COVID-19 hotspots.
If you are asymptomatic and undertaking mandatory COVID-19 testing as a freight and logistics operator, you are not required to isolate while awaiting a test result.
If you are symptomatic or tested for any reason other than as a freight and logistics operator, you must continue to follow all relevant public health advice, including isolating until a negative test result is received and you are symptom-free.
*New* COVID-19 Affected Areas and testing
As defined in the updated QLD Freight Protocol, an Affected Area means the local government areas of Fairfield, Liverpool and Canterbury-Bankstown in New South Wales.
Evidence must be made available in order to enter Queensland.
COVID-19 hotspots and testing
Evidence of testing
COVID-19 testing locations
To support industry in maintaining mandatory testing the NHVR COVID-19 Support Map provides details of dedicated heavy vehicle driver testing sites across states and territories.
Queensland Government will continue to look at options that might be suitable for heavy vehicles and will provide further updates as necessary.
Freight and logistics operators can be tested at Queensland Health fever testing clinics.
Find a Queensland COVID-19 testing location.
Operators can show their ID card and valid Queensland Border Declaration Pass (FPass) to health workers when they arrive to be prioritised for testing. Costs may be incurred if operators go to a private testing facility.
Border declarations and passes
Travelling in and around Queensland without the necessary documentation will cost you $4,135. Queensland Police and TMR Transport Inspectors are actively monitoring Queensland border crossing locations.
The Queensland Border Declaration system is being updated, further information will be provided in the coming days.
Queensland Border Declaration Pass (FPass)
Example: A freight and logistics operator who will be travelling between an affected area and Queensland several times within a 14 day period will have to complete a new Queensland Border Declaration Pass (FPass) every time they plan to enter Queensland after being in an affected area.
Queensland Travel Declaration
Freight and logistics operators must adhere to the requirements of the QLD Freight Protocol when entering QLD, remaining vigilant and make every effort to limit your exposure.
Always keep records of close contacts, check in and out wherever you can, get a COVID-19 vaccination when it is available to you and wear a face mask.
Thank you for your continued efforts to keep freight moving safely and we will continue to keep you updated on the latest advice on Queensland Health requirements as they are released.
Importantly, support continues for those in the transport, freight and logistics industry as these are considered essential activities.
Further information
Whilst TMR is happy to assist with industry questions,134 COVID (134 268) has been set up to assist with fast responses to queries.
Further information about the Queensland border restrictions, including questions and answers, can be found on the border restrictions webpage.
For more information see Department of Transport and Main Roads Mandatory COVID-19 testing for freight and logistics operators.
The answer is - yes, you can!
Moving house is time-consuming and often associated with stress. But, have you thought about the stress that moving puts on the environment?
Australia’s changing climate represents a significant challenge to the environment, but moving home sustainably doesn't need to cost you the earth.
In this blog post, we're going to look at 4 tips that you can do to reduce environmental footprint during your next move.
To start fresh in your new place, make the conscious effort to declutter your items, and reduce waste by donating any unwanted items. This will save you money and will be a direct reflection of how much you need to move. Less clutter will also make it easier in setting up your new home.
Letting go of your unwanted items can help bolster a sustainable mindset, as well as, be donated to local shelters. This not only helps the environment, but also someone in need. Furthermore, if you want to sell your items online or through a garage sale, you will have some extra cash to put toward moving expenses!
2. Eco-friendly packing
After you declutter, having less items to pack means using less resources, tape, boxes and packing materials. When you begin packing, it’s crazy how many materials you need to move your items, which usually means more waste, causing higher rates of emissions.
Some eco-friendly at-home packing materials:
If you really need to use bubble wrap, try and source it second-hand!
3. Reduce your Carbon Footprint with backloads and shared loads
At Truckit, our truck drivers find the most optimal route from Point A to Point B. We care about the environment and aim to reduce the carbon footprint. To assist with this, some of our Transport Providers can offer a cheaper rate to deliver your freight on the return leg of their journey.
Alternatively, if you don't quite have a full truckload, transport providers will often move your goods in a shared load. This not only makes the trip more profitable and efficient, it ensures that unnecessary pollution is avoided.
4. Re-evaluate your Energy Provider
Moving presents an opportunity to reset and ensure your new home is as energy efficient and sustainable as possible. Before you call to transfer your current energy account, compare green energy options and current discounts. Look at installing water tanks and solar panels, and elect to receive paperless invoices and statements.
As a nation, Australia is responsible for about 1.2% of global emissions, omitting much more than our fair share. The vehicle carbon impact and waste production associated with moving house have significant environmental implications. However, taking these tips on board, you can limit that impact considerably. Move home without leaving a trail behind you!
Do you have any other eco-friendly moving tips? Let us know in the comments!
Posted Mon 21 Dec 2020 10am AEST
With the evolving COVID situation in Sydney and NSW, it is important for transport providers to stay updated with the latest border and travel restrictions across Australia. At the moment freight is still exempt from most border closures, as long as operators have the relevant passes/documentation and also follow any guidelines and requirements of the state they are travelling to.
Below you will find a brief summary of information relating to entering each state and territory. However, as always we recommend consulting the official government websites of the relevant state for the most complete and up to date information.
Currently no restrictions apply for people wanting to enter NSW. No permits are required. However, should you want to return back to another state/territory from NSW then you should always check the requirements of that state/territory.
Freight and Logistics Pass (F Pass)
Please complete the Freight and Logistics Pass if you have been in New South Wales after 1am 11 December 2020 and are providing essential freight and logistics transport.
https://www.qld.gov.au/border-pass/freight-and-logistics
COVID-19 Border Entry Permit: You can also apply for a permit if you are a truck or freight driver, or air freight worker travelling to Victoria for work.
https://www.service.vic.gov.au/services/border-permit/home
Cross border travel application: You may need to attach documentary evidence in your cross border travel registration application that meets the following criteria for a health exemption:
https://www.police.sa.gov.au/online-services/cross-border-travel-application
Essential Traveller Category 3: Transport, freight and logistics
G2G Essential Traveller applications should be made not less than seven (7) days prior to travel to Tasmania where possible.
a. Any person who, in the carriage of his or her duties, is responsible for the provision of transport or freight and logistics into, within, and out of Tasmania; and
b. Flight crew and ship crew – for the purpose of delivery of persons, freight or logistics into, within and out of Tasmania.
Based on the current health advice, NSW will be classified as a ‘medium risk’ state from 12.01am on 20 December 2020. This means travellers from or via NSW (including anyone who has been in NSW since 11 December and has not completed 14 days in a lower risk jurisdiction after 11 December) will no longer be permitted to enter WA, unless they fall within one of the following strict exemption criteria:
.........a person responsible for transport freight or logistics;....
Interstate transport and freight workers entering WA by road must still comply with the Transport Freight and Logistics Directions (No 2) which, amongst other things require them to show evidence of having received a negative COVID-19 test result in the past five days.
Anyone seeking approval to enter WA who has been in NSW since December 11 will need to apply through G2G PASS website
In response to an outbreak of COVID-19 in New South Wales, ACT Health has introduced a declaration form which must be completed by everyone entering the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) who has recently visited a COVID-19 affected location.
https://actredcap.act.gov.au/redcap/surveys/?s=9TCHT8MH7C
The Northern Territory has some stricter requirements, which state:
All people entering the Northern Territory from overseas or a declared interstate hotspot, are required to undertake 14 days mandatory quarantine in a place specified by the Chief Health Officer.
For the majority of arrivals, mandatory quarantine is undertaken at a Northern Territory Quarantine Facility in Alice Springs or Howard Springs.
The Chief Health Officer can grant approval for an alternative quarantine arrangement, on a case-by-case basis, under special circumstances, but there are no exemptions to quarantine.
Who can apply:
The Chief Health Officer’s Direction allows for some staff to undertake critical, urgent and essential services under alternative quarantine arrangements. Examples of service areas that may be considered include:
https://forms.nt.gov.au/Produce/Form/COVID19/Exemption%20from%20Mandatory%20Supervised%20Quarantine/
Truckit.net is Australia's largest online freight marketplace, and every month we get to see the bird's eye view of over 10,500+ freight jobs worth millions of dollars for our providers.
It's safe to say at this point that 2020 has not been a typical year for business. As a result of the global pandemic businesses, Australia wide have faced significant challenges with some industries completely grinding to a halt. Fortunately for our industry, freight has been classified as an essential service which has allowed us to continue to keep trucking and keep Australia moving.
With this in mind, we have decided to provide you with some insight and release the Top 5 Trucking & Freight Trends that we see on the Truckit.net Marketplace so you as a truckie, can capitalise on these opportunities.
With state borders closing up across the country for most of 2020, we have seen a significant increase in car freight enquiries on the marketplace. Driven by consumers who are looking to purchase cars from interstate or migrate interstate who have had no choice but to look to car freight providers to move their vehicles.
The 2020 Stats so far:
While state based restrictions and lockdowns have forced many non-essential businesses to slow down or change the way they operate, this is not the case for the vital mining and construction industries. This is reflected in the data, which shows an increase in demand for heavy machinery freight around the country.
The 2020 Stats so far:
Reports show that the COVID lockdown has curtailed spending on discretionary categories such as dining out and travel. However the same can not be said for furniture and homewares, with consumers actually buying more household furniture throughout the lockdowns. Coupled with the rise of second hand selling via Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree, a world of opportunities has emerged for eager transport companies.
The 2020 Stats so far:
Manufacturing and consumer goods businesses have seen unprecedented demand throughout the first 8 months of the year, evidenced in a massive increase in palletised and packaged freight.
The 2020 Stats so far:
With a lot of people spending their spare time at home surfing the web, this has resulted in a lot of consumers treating themselves to a new or used boat, caravan, motorcycle or trailer. With border restrictions in force, those who would normally consider picking the vehicle up themselves have turned to the hardworking transport industry to get their new toys delivered.
The 2020 Stats so far:
Do you want to keep up to date with the trends that are shaping the trucking and freight industry?
Every month we see over 10,000 trucking and freight jobs listed on our marketplace from customers across Australia who are looking to move everything from a fridge to heavy mining equipment. These jobs are consistently resulting in millions of dollars of revenue for our providers.
If you've been looking for a way to grow your trucking & freight business, fill the gaps on slow days or find a new consistent customer, Truckit is here to help you.
List your business for FREE today on the Truckit marketplace and get instant access to thousands of trucking and freight jobs - Click Here to Learn More.
With restrictions set to increase in Victoria at 11:59pm 5 August 2020, it is imperative that all essential workers, including truck drivers, print and carry a signed copy of the permitted workers permit. The wearing of face coverings is now also mandatory.
Other tips:
Download the Permitted Worker Permit and read more information here
Truckit.net is a vibrant marketplace, connecting freight owners with transport providers.
Set up a professional profile
Your Truckit profile will be the first place customers look when deciding which transport provider is best suited to handle their delivery. The best profiles will include a concise but clear statement outlining your history
Smile for the camera
It's amazing what difference a profile picture can make to
Communication is key
It seems an obvious point, but it can not be stressed enough. The nature of an online marketplace and the need for trust means communication is the and a lack of communication can be a barrier to success.
Most customers will understand a delay or two, but simply want to be told so beforehand, otherwise they can feel left out of the loop and worried about their goods.
Focus on the jobs that are right for you
Truckit.net provides extensive search filters on the Search for Jobs page which allow transport providers to narrow down available loads by area, state or along an existing route. You can then filter by freight category to make sure you are only viewing the jobs most relevant to you. This saves time and ultimately money in scrolling through irrelevant loads.
Build a base of positive feedback
Every completed job gives you the opportunity to receive feedback from the customer. This feedback will be displayed on your Truckit profile to help future customers see the good work that you do. This is why it is essential to treat every job with the same level of professionalism as the last.
Brisbane-based freight marketplace TruckIt.net has set its sights on passing more than 100,000,000 kilometres of freight jobs within the next two years, after this month pushing through the 50,000,000 kilometre milestone.
To achieve the goal the company hopes to book as many new listings on its platform over the next two years, as it has achieved since taking its first listing in 2012.
Established by Queensland-born, Scottish rugby international Robbie Russell, TruckIt.net is at the forefront of Australia’s rapidly-growing on-demand freight industry that is becoming an increasingly important part of the overall $100 billion a year freight industry.
The digital marketplace matches people wishing to freight large items (cars, furniture, pallets etc) with transport operators that includes sole operators with one vehicle up to large multi-vehicle businesses.
Customers simply list their item on TruckIt.net for free and receive competitive quotes from interested vehicle operators. The booking, transaction and delivery process is managed directly between the freight owner and the operator.
Since it was first established 2012, TruckIt has taken nearly 500,000 listings with deliveries covering more than 50,000,000 kilometres. At any one time there is about $1.5 million worth of freight projects posted on the site and available for truckers to quote on.
The idea for the business had its origins in Mr Russell’s return home from international rugby career and moving goods around the world and the country to set-up a new home in Brisbane.
“At the time there were a few freight marketplaces in the UK but it was very difficult to organise freight in Australia,” he said. “Getting a car moved from one city to another or some furniture across town shouldn’t require dozens of phone calls.”
The site now has more than 275,000 customers who have posted a listing on the site and more than 4,500 truckers ready to quote on individual jobs.
The freight industry is one of the fastest growing in Australia with the volume of freight carried expected to grow by over 35 per cent between 2018 and 2040, an increase of 270 billion tonnes (bringing the total volume to just over 1,000 billion tonne kilometres), according to Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE).
Mr Russell, who operates the business with a small team at his Toowong office, said the company was ready to compete hard to be the dominant player in the market.
“We think we were the first of our kind in the country and would like to think that gives us the experience to deliver a much better customer experience than the swag of newcomers who have joined the industry in recent times,” he said.
“We have recently overhauled the platform and are ramping up a significant marketing campaign to ensure we stay ahead of the pack.”
