A new truck changeover facility – HumeONE – will be constructed on a 28 hectare site on the Hume Highway just south of Tarcutta and could accommodate for up to 400 heavy vehicles daily.
This facility, according to HumeONE developer, Jerome Whitcroft, will offer transport operators a safer, more sustainable way to manage logistics while prioritising driver well-being.
“We’ve carefully considered every aspect of this facility, ensuring it benefits operators, drivers, enforcement authorities, and major customers who rely on freight services,” he told Trailer.
“HumeONE will become a destination where drivers can return to home base within each driving shift, not just a rest stop.”
This state-of-the-art changeover hub is the first of its kind in Australia, providing an efficient, safe, economical and environmentally friendly solution for logistics operators and drivers.
HumeONE will accommodate Performance-Based Standards (PBS) heavy vehicle combinations and allow operators to run ‘two shifts per day’ logistics models.
“Downtime of drivers and trailers and heavy vehicles could become a thing of the past for astute operators,” Whitcroft said.
The facility aims to address key issues affecting the transport industry.
Risky changeover at many locations on the Hume Highway, may soon be restricted due to Chain of Responsibility (CoR) enforcement.
Whitcroft emphasised that the industry could be just one accident away from a crackdown on those practices, making this facility a timely solution.
With major transport customers now prioritising supply-chain safety, this facility is reported to ensure a secure and healthy changeover environment for drivers.
The rise of female and international drivers in interstate operations has also been a crucial consideration in the facility’s design.
Whitcroft said it will provide clean and safe amenities, including restrooms, food services and secure fatigue parking.
The latest technology will coordinate customers’ needs and wants. GPS and telematics will integrate and enhance operational efficiency and safety.
Developed with input from operators, customers, enforcement authorities and drivers, the facility will operate on a user-pays basis, with guaranteed access to changeover bays.
Future expansions include dedicated private fuel storage, a support breakdown service, tyre sales and fitting outlet, mechanical workshop, weighbridges, truck-wash facilities and equipment storage options.
Intermodal opportunities will exist for many Riverina businesses and exporters at HumeONE.
Victorian Transport Association CEO, Peter Anderson, has expressed strong support for the initiative.
“This facility will enhance safety and freight efficiency while offering a potential decarbonisation opportunity for long-distance transport,” he told Trailer – highlighting the increasing need for changeover hubs as the transport industry transitions to lower-emission vehicles.
Alternate-fuel prime movers may not have the same range as conventional diesel trucks, necessitating intermediate facilities.
“I envisioned a similar project 25 years ago while managing a major transport company,” Anderson said.
“However, HumeONE offers even greater benefits for our industry and will provide invaluable support for our dedicated long-distance drivers.”
With the transport industry evolving rapidly, HumeONE is poised to become a game-changer, offering a safer, more efficient and sustainable logistics solution.
For more information, contact:
Jerome Whitcroft
0409 821 266
humeone@pm.me
0421 344 442
