PACCAR TMC opens in Melbourne

The 2014 PACCAR & Dealer Technical & Maintenance Conference has opened its doors in Melbourne's Docklands precinct

Heavy vehicle maintenance and safety were in the spotlight today (October 27), as the 2014 PACCAR & Dealer Technical & Maintenance Conference (TMC) got underway at the Kangan Automotive Centre of Excellence in Melbourne's Docklands precinct.

Hosted by the Australian Trucking Association, some 260 people are attending this, the 18th annual TMC, with the number of operators in attendance said to be at its highest level in eight years.

Over the next two days delegates will choose from no fewer than 15 product training workshops, where the Australian road freight industry's leading suppliers, specialists and authorities will showcase the latest innovations and impart invaluable information on a variety of pertinent topics.

With representation from Cummins, SAF Holland, Mitsubishi Electric, BPW Transpec, Knorr Bremse, Alcoa, Eaton, Dana, STEMCO and more – and topics spanning looming technology, brake maintenance, tyres, and autonomous vehicles, among many others – there's certainly plenty to keep delegates occupied.

Eagerly anticipated will be a session titled 'What the inspectors see – feedback from the coalface' and a progress report on the industry inspection and accreditation review.

Outside of the various sessions and workshops, a mini expo will shine a light on the products and services of some 21 road freight industry exhibitors.

After a welcome address by ATA Chair, Noelene Watson, the 2014 TMC was officially opened by Damian Smethurst, Chief Engineer for Kenworth Australia, at the conference's Eaton Industries lunch.

Mr Smethurst said the underlying theme of safety was a prime concern at this year's TMC.

"At the forefront of this year's conference is compliance and safety-critical maintenance, and we welcome heavy vehicle inspectors from Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, who will be speaking with us at a dedicated session on Tuesday morning," he said.

"Technology is moving very fast in the transport industry as it is in all industries, but that is not to say we should adopt every technology that comes our way – in fact, quite the opposite. Before committing to any form of technology, we must understand its core value, so we can all make fully informed decisions.

"The workshops on offer will provide you with very detailed information so you can not only comply with maintenance expectations, but help create a point of difference by adopting technology solutions that are really adding value to your particular organisation."

The conference will conclude on Wednesday, October 29, with the announcement of the 2014 Craig Roseneder award to be made tomorrow (October 28), at the Castrol Vecton Awards dinner.

Check back at www.trucksales.com.au in coming days for more coverage of the 2014 PACCAR & Dealer TMC.

PACCAR TMC opens in Melbourne

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