Tuxworth and Woods Carriers launch protest against TMR, blockading entrances with trailers

A Far North Queensland family-run trucking institution of over 50 years has been pushed to breaking point after hitting roadblocks with the Department of Transport and Main Roads, forcing them to put up roadblocks of their own in protest.

A trailer parked as a roadblock in protest at the TMR office in Cairns. Photo: Dylan Nicholson

A Far North Queensland family-run trucking institution of over 50 years has been pushed to breaking point after hitting roadblocks with the Department of Transport and Main Roads, forcing them to put up roadblocks of their own in protest.

On Monday trucks from Tuxworth and Woods Carriers arrived at the Cairns office of the department, driven by employees of the frustrated business.

After having four of their prime movers taken off the road for what could be over two months, they say they have been forced to take drastic action, parking their trailers across the entrances of the office in peaceful protest.

Simon Tuxworth took over the family business from his father Norman and together they have built a business with over 50 years experience, running trucks off-road across the most remote parts of Queensland with what they said was an exemplary record of safety.

A second trailer is left blocking an entrance to the Cairns TMR office in protest. Photo: Dylan Nicholson

“Our trucks require a pit inspection every year,” he said.

“We have 101 vehicles about 70 would have to go over the pits.

“The problem now is there are four prime movers they have put a major fault on.

“These have been marked for ABS lights, and a brake imbalance, both of which are simple and easy things to fix.

“Prior years these would be a minor, I would take it for an inspection to a road worthy agent and pass the things that failed and we would be back on the road.”

The issue is that now because the faults have been marked as major failures, Tuxworth cannot get their trucks in for what could at least another two months.

Mr Tuxworth said the trucks left grounded waiting for inspection could cost the company over $300,000

A tucking and carrier company staged a protest at the Transport and Main Roads office in Cairns on Monday, parking their trailers in front of entrances as they seek a resolution to massive delays for inspections on vehicles and trailers. Photo: Dylan Nicholson

“I can generally I earn $10,000 a week out of a $500,000 prime mover for which I pay $20,000 a year to register,” he said.

“Add forty grand up every week over two months. They have also grounded two trailers.

“If they were to do this procedure to all of them we would be out of business, it is totally different to last year or prior years completely.”

Mr Tuxworth said they just wanted help to get the trucks back on the road safely.

“I asked for an appointment and said we need to figure something out. This is totally different to last year and the requirements,” he said.

“I’m not arguing about the fault, if you put a fault down it’s fixed.

“I just want to be helped to get them back on the road. I don’t want to have to fight to do it.

“We have had no guidance or help and have no one to talk to.”

A Transport and Main Roads spokesperson said Vehicle inspections help to keep our road network safe.

“Some vehicles, such as heavy vehicles, registered in Queensland may need to have periodic or programmed inspections to check minimum vehicle safety standards,” They said.

“On January 24, Tuxworth & Woods trucking company attended Cairns (Kenny Street) Customer Service Centre heavy vehicle inspection area for programmed vehicle inspections.

“During this visit TMR inspectors were unable to complete their inspections as planned due to the cleanliness of trailers ie; mud and debris, with drivers asked to return on 5 February.

“On 5 February, truck drivers returned to the Customer Service Centre to complete a number of safety and roadworthy inspections where TMR inspectors issued a defect notice in relation to brakes, for one vehicle.

“Programmed vehicle inspections are conducted at our Cairns (Kenny Street) Customer Service Centre on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with the next available slot on 21 March 2024.

“Additional timeslots are added on to these days as required.

“We are meeting with Tuxworth & Woods regarding this matter.”

Originally published as Tuxworth and Woods Carriers launch protest against TMR, blockading entrances with trailers