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For Like minded people who like to see-

Rod Hannifey and the TIV (TRUCKRITE Industry Vehicle)

As many would be aware Rod Hannifey operates the TIV (TRUCKRITE Industry Vehicle) with the generous assistance of Ken Wilkie and his wife and Rod Pillon along with various others.

I recieved an email from Rod just prior to Christmas outlining future plans. Portion of that email follows.

"I am updating my email addresses and seeking funds and support, both from individuals and hopefully some major contributors for my TRUCKRIGHT Industry Vehicle efforts, to see this continue for the next 5 years. I have attached the aims, a photo and stickers I am selling at $20 each and would welcome your comments and any assistance you may like to offer ."

I have replied to Rod on my own behalf and post this on our NRFA Agmates site to hopefully sow a seed for thought.

Love him or hate him Rod is very genuine in his love of the transport industry and has worked his guts out to improve our lot in every way he can, at times to the detriment of his personal life. He has been able to get to where he is mainly due to the generous support of only a couple of individuals.

I personally believe that the work Rod is doing and for that matter the work the NRFA Executive is doing also should not be left to one or a small group of people for the gain of everyone. I might also add Rod is an honorary member of the NRFA.

In Rod's case the situation as I understand it is financial support. Ok I can hear groans now but I believe there is a need to stop and think. Consider what would it cost us all individually if we were to even try to achieve10% of what Rod has in the last 5 years.

Improving our industry should not be left up to one individual and those who think it should be I am sorry but I regard them as parasites. If 100 people were to contribute $50.00 a month to Rod's cause this would generate $60,000 per year and would go a long way to helping Rod achieve a lot more for the industry I am sure and there is one hell of a lot more than 100 Opperators in Australia.

A lot of people doing a little will generate far better results than a few people doing a lot. Please remember this is our industry and I believe we should all support those who are endeavouring to genuinely improve it.

With that in mind I am happy to support Rod in any way I can and I am very interested to hear the thoughts of others.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Darryl Ross Pedersen on January 3, 2010 at 9:14pm

Hi Russ,
I agree with you in regard to Rod's passion and hard work to improve the trucking industry. I feel it is also needs to be said that I think it is wrong that Ken & Dot Wilkie and Rod Pilon are wearing the expense of these vehicles(Prime Mover and B/double trailers). I applaude them for the huge amount of support to start this concept along with Rod's tireless work to improve its standing and continue to fight for every truck driver and opperator in this country. However I think it is time for Major company's that make Millions every year from this very industry get behind this and take the financial burden from the two Individuals that have stuck their neck out to get this off the ground. Once again I cannot applaude enough Rod Hanify, Ken & Dot Wilkie and Rod Pilon for their magic effort on behalf of us all.

Maybe we should collectively put some pressure on suppliers to take up some sort of sponser ship as well as Russ's suggestion of our support. I beleive between us all it can continue to work dependent on how much sponcership can be secured from supply companys.

I would not expect Ken & Dot or Rod Pilon to keep funding this. Think about the cost of a Prime Mover, it's registration and insurance each year coming out of Ken's income. How many other people do you Know that has put that much effort into this Industry. Their is only one other that comes to My Mind is Mr Mick Pattel.

Permalink Reply by Russ Martin on January 4, 2010 at 5:22am

Darryl,

I can not agree with you more. I hope our thoughts stimulate others.

Permalink Reply by Peter Schuback on January 4, 2010 at 5:32am

In regards to Rod , He is a true Gentleman and has a heart of gold , He like many like him have put their heart and sole into trying to get things done for our industry But I am affraid their are far too many people in this industry that sit back on their arses and do nothing , THEY HAVE THE ME LINE OF THOUGHT , They think about nothing but them selfs , Their are a few that have spent many thousands of dollars fighting to get things done with little results and untill all of the people in our industry realise that if they do not become one group nothing will happen to improve the transport industry ,As one group of people the people that work in the transport industry and assocated industries are the most powerful political group in Australia , But they have to fight as one , If the people of the transport industry , The farmers and small buisness people were to form one political group they could control governmnet in this country for the next 100 years , No more bull s*** laws , A better out come for all people and a country that could be brought back up to its former glory as far as being an industrial and rural leader in the world , It is people that are like Rod that can and will make a diffrence in this country and wilst the rest of them sit on their arses and do nothing this country will continue to go backwards

Permalink Reply by Terrieanne Bradley on January 5, 2010 at 8:46pm

Well, Rod has our $50.00 per month, lets get on a money drive to keep this operation going!!! Its the best real profile our industry has, lets support it and the people behind it.

Permalink Reply by Russ Martin on January 6, 2010 at 5:32am

Good on ya Terrie.

Permalink Reply by Terrieanne Bradley on January 13, 2010 at 7:42pm

What a great story on A Current Affair on Tuesday 12th January, in regards to truck drivers putting cameras in their trucks to gather evidence of 'other' motorists driving dangerously and putting truck drivers and other road users in danger. I see Rod Hannifey endorses the concept and what a great idea it is and will be if it takes off, good on you Rod. I hope somebody in authority takes notice of this info, and prosecutes drivers.

Permalink Reply by Russ Martin on January 14, 2010 at 5:43am

Thanks Terrie, I managed to find the web video last night and have a look.

Certainly can't argue with that can they. I have been looking at this sort of thing for quite a while and seriously since a friend of mine had his truck almost writen of by a utility that caught the corner of the bullbar.

The most expensive unit I have found so far is about $750 (not all that expensive for peace of mind) if any one would like more info please email me or maybe I can give Terrie the links to put on the NRFA website. I will also email Rod to find out about the one featured in Current Affair.

Permalink Reply by Russ Martin on January 17, 2010 at 8:19pm

I have recieved an email from Rod Hannifey this evening re the in truck camera. Here is portion of Rod's email re them.

Rob Nielsen is the man behind the cameras, a set up with one camera (but with capacity for 4) will record up to 200 hours and then just record over, is about $950 or a one camera (with only capacity for 2) that records onto scandisks (currently trialling one now) is about $600 but these are only rough as I do not sell them.

Rod has given me Rob's mob. no. so if anyone is interested send me an email thru Agmates and I'll send it to you.

A company called Astral Electronics in Sydney also has an extensive range. They can be found with Google.
Also their web Address is http://www.astralelectronics.com.au/ Price range $540 to $1750.

Permalink Reply by noel porter on January 19, 2010 at 7:02am

goodaye everyone .
Goodaye Darryl . I like your post.,straight shooter.!

I,m Back on deck again .
I,ve been away up north with no laptop for a coupla weeks,
Trying to make a quid.?
Watching it all go up the exhaust pipe.

Watched the rail line at Barcaldine disappear under water , and wash away .
Makes the idiot that thinks everything should go back on rail look good.
But I suppose when you go out further and see the Toll triple laying on its side in the river ,
Well who knows,?

Anyway ,Back to the subject,
Count me in with financial help monthly , yearly ,?
What ever.?
I will gladly support the concept.
Terrianne Bradley stated previously ,Lets go on a money drive .
Why Not?
Lets Go.
Lets back up Rod Pillon and Rod Hannifey.
Cheers.

Permalink Reply by Russ Martin on January 19, 2010 at 7:55pm

Hi Noel,

How did those stupid pipes MRD have placed in the bottom of the Barcoo between Tambo & Balckall fare? I was at Johnson's in Tambo 2 weels before Christmas and we were betting they would not make it to be used. Great time to plan on doing bridge work.

Thanks for being prepared to come on board to help the TIV project. I have been discussing ideas with Rod H via email and am planning a letter to Owner Driver to see if I can stir up some help from the masses. Any input is greatly welcomed.

Lets hope the rain that held you up helps to generate some good flow on work. Most of ours in the west is drought relief and it would be nice to go out there with freight in the good times. As a result it is on a creeper under trucks & trailers for me for a few weeks.

If you have not had the chance to look on the NRFA website Darryl has a report on there from the meeting He, Peter and Ken had with Main Roads.

Same idiot you mentioned does not seem to realize the govt. wants to close the western lines and rail doesn't run to servo's or a lot of the smaller mines.
Take care out there.

Cheers
Russ

Permalink Reply by noel porter on January 20, 2010 at 9:07pm

good on ya Russ.

Sure as hell makes you wonder what MRD are thinking at times.
Maybe some new engineers might help.

I think those pipes done allright ,can,t remember any drama there at the Barcoo.!
Actually the highway stood up allright in the last rain ,
I expected more problems and potholes,could have been worse.

You sure are right about the rail .
I reckon that the lines out west are about as handy as an ashtray on a motorbike.

I am about to check the NRFA website now.
to catch up on the meeting,
I,ll be heading back up North in a week or so.
still tightening nuts and bolts and replacing broken springs.
stripping and fitting tyres .
replacing shockers , cab air bags and everything else that has bent , busted and broken
from using our magnificent smooth .? Echuca to Mt Isa road and back via Morven , Roma ,etc .
Then I,ve got to get a defect lifted on my dollie ,issued at Cobar for a broken top leaf ,What a joke.. Our magnificent scalies just out there trying to justify their existence.

Back to happier things . Better not depress everyone.!
I am also planning to be around Melbourne later on when the Truck fest is on so as to help man our camp with Rick and the other folk coming down.

Any way ! good health and good luck .
Catch you around one day.

Permalink Reply by noel porter on February 16, 2010 at 7:26pm

goodaye Russ ,

It looks like I,m replying to myself here I think , but can you or Terrianne or someone give me ring
on 0427285216. I am wondering how or who we contact to chip in for the funds on the
$50 a month that Terrianne mentioned .Im all for helping you blokes and as has been said Rod Pillon should not carry this alone ,
Correct me if I,m wrong .
Where do the funds go?
Who do we speak to.?
Forgive me If this sounds stupid I.m only a boy from the bush.!.
cheers.