ARTSA meeting - 14th May at Brisbane Truck Show - 1.30pm to 4.30pm in Governors Pavilion

• Braking compatibility of multi combination vehicles
• PBS blueprints
• Smartway initiative
• Alternative fuels
• Truck and trailer panel of experts to field questions

This meeting will start with a sandwich and coffee at 1pm and end with a beer following 4.30pm. Always an excellent meeting with experts on hand and tanker customers

To attend one or both events, you must let me know on or ring 0411 402 832 if you need more details.

To find it, see Map to showgrounds 09

You will need a Truck Show admission ticket to get into the Brisbane meeting.

Brakes, roll overs, safety issues, PBS, IAP, Smartway, TMC and an AGM - a packed agenda, Friday 27th February from 8.30am to 12 noon at ARRB, Vermont

• ARTSA elections and annual report
• Brakes and brake testing: ARRB recent research and ARTSA project update
• Truck roll over findings: ARRB research and discussions
• Truck and road safety: Prof Ian Johnston (MUARC, Deputy Chair, NTC)
• PBS blueprints: can we make this work?
• IAP: what is it and what can it do?
• Smartway and fuel savings: US experience
• TMC09: agenda, survey, ideas

A sandwich lunch and informal discussions will follow the meeting for those who can stay

To attend and participate in this meeting, email Rob Perkins at or ring 0411 402 832

28th November meeting at National Transport Commission - 8.30am to 12 noon followed by lunch

View Map

Earlybird Parking for $10 at Docklands Stadium is available (in before 9.30, out after 12.30), a five minute walk to NTC and next to the Lamore restaurant

The agenda

1. Regulators meet suppliers
   We will have an opportunity to hear from or meet over morning tea all the State and Federal vehicle regulators. These include:
   • Peter Robertson, head of Vehicle Safety Standards for the Federal Department of Infrastructure
   • Neil Findlay, Deputy Chair of the PBS Review Panel
   • The PBS Review Panel representatives from each State

   Peter will cover the current ECE13 harmonisation agenda and the ADR review process. Neil will invite us to discuss the PBS agenda and how this can be made to work better. This is a unique opportunity to see all the regulators in the one place and informally discuss your issues

2. Brakes: launch of NTC's Braking Paper
   A long awaited paper. NTC are keen to release it and we have asked for this to be the day

3. ARTSA's Braking Code of Practice
   We now have the funding and work has commenced. Hear the latest and have your say

4. TMC: what worked, what can be done better
   Time to form recommendations for 2009

5. ARTSA College progress and plans
   Some good new ideas for 2009

6. Loose ends: what ever happened to non genuine parts, alphabet soup and other initiatives
   A number of worthwhile projects still to be delivered

7. Workplace safety chart
   Released at TMC, we will discuss and agree next steps

8. Member round table: what are the issues and can we address them?
   Have your say and lets create the 2009 priority list

The meeting will be followed by lunch at Lamore restaurant, 768A Bourke St, Docklands from 12.30pm

To attend and participate in this important meeting, email Rob Perkins at or ring 0411 402 832

Please also advise if you can join us for the ARTSA Christmas lunch.

ARTSA meeting - 29th August from 8.30am - NOTE VENUE CHANGE - it is now Victorian Transport Association, Wirraway Drive Fishermans Bend

The agenda includes:

• Brake Balance Code of Practice launch of project
• ARTSA College reports on safety, braking, energy efficiency and trailers
• Engine management issues
• Queensland combination testing
• ARRB presentation on latest heavy vehicle research
• PBS: what are the latest plans?

ARTSA's brake balance code of practice is now underway. Hear how this will be delivered and be a part of the development. A number of other speakers will also cover the above topics.

To attend, register with Rob Perkins at or ring 0411 402 832

ARTSA Energy Efficiency College - launch meeting: Tuesday 3rd June, 9.30am at Isuzu, Port Melbourne

• Tuesday 3rd June from 9.30am til 11am
• Venue: Isuzu, 858 Lorimer St, Port Melbourne

Energy, carbon and environment are now buzz words and exciting interest at the highest levels. The ARTSA Energy Efficiency College will focus on engine technologies, transmissions, energy losses, regenerative systems, alternative fuels, emissions issues, aerodynamics, fuel efficiency techniques and driver training.

The launch meeting will review the current initiatives in Australia and the US and discuss priorities for the ARTSA Energy Efficiency College

To attend, email or speak to one of the two co-chairs of the College, Simon Humphries on 0419 366 169 or Ian Wright on 0419 385 767

ARTSA at the International Trailer and Truck Show

The meeting will include a brief update on ARTSA Colleges, particularly the progress in braking and will have two special guests:

• Bob Fast, head of the GE trailer pool for Europe
• Les Bruzsa, Queensland Transport's senior engineer

Each will discuss latest trailer initiatives It is the last set up day and traditionally we have run a very successful meeting in Brisbane at this time. To attend, email me at

Bring a guest along as well!

Trailer and Truck Conference - Thursday and Friday 8th and 9th May in the Exhibition Hall

ARTSA, along with TIC, CVIAV and VTA are co-hosting this conference - see http://www.trailertruckshow.com.au/conference/

I know that most of you are involved in the show and have a strong stand commitment, however there is a half day transferable pass available for $200 that gives you access to a morning or afternoon session including lunch or drinks at the end of the afternoon session. You can use it as you please and can offer it to customers if you wish.

With over 20 speakers including 4 internationals focused on trucks and trailers as well as customer and fleet sessions this is great content. Registration is on-line

See you at the show

Brake college - next meeting, Wednesday 16th April from 2 - 5pm at VTA, Melbourne

• Load proportioning and ADR revisions
• Mandating ABS - recent moves
• Brake balance code of practice
• ABS intermix issues
• Auto slack adjuster mandating
• Retarder issues
• Roller brake testing

The meeting will be held at the VTA, Wirraway Drive, Fishermans Bend in Melbourne.

To attend please advise Brian Thomas (co-chair) on brianrthomas@bigpond.com or Rob Perkins at