TRUCKING INDUSTRY * Australia - Pressured truck drivers told to speak up

Drivers who feel pressured by their employers to work longer hours and go a greater distance are encouraged to contact the police

Melbourne,VIC,Australia -ATN, by Ruza Zivkusic -March 18, 2011: ... Victoria Police Superintendent David Newton, who works as a transport industry liaison officer, believes more drivers are put under greater stress by their managers and therefore take drugs to stay awake... During selective drug testing, one in 20 drivers was found to have used amphetamines while on the road, Newton says. He says the problem is not improving and is particularly prevalent in the long haul sector... Police are targeting the problem by visiting companies and holding forums with Victorian Transport Association (VTA) members... Newton says there was a significant increase in heavy vehicle fatalities last year despite a fall in the overall road toll... (Photo from abc.net.au: The scene where a milk truck crashed into a Victoria Park car dealership office)

* Patrick fee increase riles ATA

Port Botany,NSW,Australia -Supply Chain Review, by Brad Gardner -March 16, 2011: -- Patrick Stevedores is facing a backlash from the trucking industry after it announced yesterday it will increase slot booking and phone booking charges at Port Botany...  The terminal operator will more than double the slot booking charge from $4.75 to $9.75 from March 28, while the phone booking fee will increase from $15 to $20 on the same date...  Patrick claims the increase is due to the cost of complying with the Port Botany Landside Improvement Strategy (PBLIS), but the NSW branch of the Australian Trucking Association says transport operators should not bear the cost...  In a message to ATA NSW members, manager Jill Lewis says Patrick should recoup higher running costs from the shipping lines...  The PBLIS applies to stevedores and the trucking industry, the spokeswoman says shipping lines should not face higher charges to cover Patrick's compliance costs...  The spokeswoman questioned the NSW ATA’s decision to consider lodging a complaint with the ACCC because Patrick complied with the 60-day notification requirement and Sydney Ports approved the new charges... (Photo: Port Botany view)