Double demerit points are running in NSW and ACT over the Labour Day long weekend, container trucks are queuing at DP World terminals in Melbourne and Brisbane, Sinotruk has recalled 79 prime movers, and a $60 million intermodal terminal has opened at Kewdale in Perth. What changed and what to do.
Are double demerit points in force this long weekend?
Yes. New South Wales and the ACT are running double demerit points from Friday 2 October through Monday 5 October 2026, covering speeding, illegal mobile phone use and not wearing a seat belt.
The Labour Day long weekend enforcement period ends today (Monday). Double demerits apply to those specific offences — they are not a blanket penalty increase — but they stack quickly, and for professional drivers the flow-on to licence status and employment can be more costly than the fine itself.
What this means for you: if you have trucks running in NSW or ACT today, remind drivers now: phone down, belt on, speed on the limit. One text at the wrong moment can cost a driver their licence. [Source: Big Rigs, 2 October 2026]
Why are container trucks queuing in Melbourne and Brisbane?
Container transport operators are facing lengthy truck queues and disrupted delivery schedules at DP World terminals in Melbourne and Brisbane, with warnings of further pressure on landside operations.
The delays, reported 2 October 2026, mean trucks are spending more time waiting at terminals and less time moving freight — the classic squeeze on container operators who cannot recover waiting time. Industry warnings suggest the landside pressure may not ease quickly.
What this means for you: if you run container work through Melbourne or Brisbane, build extra terminal time into schedules this week, watch slot availability closely, and keep records of waiting time — that data matters when negotiating rates or complaining through the stevedore's landside processes. [Source: Big Rigs, 2 October 2026]
Which prime movers are being recalled?
Sinotruk International has issued recall notices for two of its prime movers — the Sitrak G7S 6X4 and the C9 — affecting 79 trucks in total.
The recall was reported on 4 October 2026. Recall notices are issued under the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission system when a defect may affect safety or compliance, and owners are contacted by the manufacturer. If you run either model, check whether your VIN is in the recall and book the rectification work — driving with an open safety recall is a risk you do not need.
What this means for you: search the ACCC product safety recalls register by model name, or contact your Sitrak dealer with your VIN. If the truck is in the recall, get it booked before it does heavy work again. [Source: Big Rigs, 4 October 2026]
What is the new $60 million Perth terminal?
A new $60 million intermodal terminal has opened at Kewdale, one of Perth's major freight precincts, with truck access set to improve as a result.
Aurizon officially opened the WA freight terminal, reported on 2 October 2026, as part of its push to grow containerised freight in the west. Intermodal terminals matter to road operators in two directions: they can take containers off trucks on long corridors, and they create local cartage work at the terminal precinct.
What this means for you: if you operate in WA, the Kewdale precinct is worth a look for new pick-up and delivery work — new terminals usually mean new contracts for local carriers. [Sources: Fully Loaded, October 2026; Big Rigs, 2 October 2026]
What else moved this week?
Beyond the headline items, five smaller things worth knowing:
- DAF's New Generation range launched in Australia — DAF Trucks Australia unveiled its New Generation range on 2 October 2026, the most significant transformation of its product line in more than three decades, now available through dealers nationally. [Source: Big Rigs, 2 October 2026]
- $25 million freight route upgrades begin in Tasmania — construction has started on the first package of freight efficiency and safety upgrades on a key Tasmanian freight corridor. [Source: Big Rigs, 5 October 2026]
- New overtaking lanes and OSOM pull-over areas in Queensland — a busy Queensland freight route will receive new overtaking lanes and oversize-overmass pull-over bays. [Source: Big Rigs, 2 October 2026]
- 2027 Brisbane Truck Show tickets on sale — general admission tickets are now on sale for the milestone 2027 show, with exhibition space already sold out. [Source: Big Rigs, 1 October 2026]
- Victorian Truck Drivers Memorial calling for names — families who have lost someone from the trucking community can apply to have their names added to the Memorial Wall in Alexandra. [Source: Big Rigs, 2 October 2026]
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