Northern Stevedoring Services’ (NSS) fleet of drivers and trucks have hit the Bruce Highway to start managing the molasses trade out of Townsville.
NSS has the contract to cart molasses from Herbert River mills for export both domestically and internationally through Port of Townsville.
It is a 24/7 operation to cater to expected production of more than 100,000t of molasses this season.
NSS Transport Manager Kelly Norris invited drivers to apply for vacancies to help keep the industry moving.
Main image: NSS Molasses truck
“NSS will manage five trucks running non-stop for what’s expected to be a seven-month harvest. Each driver will load 48t of molasses from either Macknade or Victoria mill and return to the NSS lease at the port to be pumped into a holding tank for loading.
“Drivers in b-doubles will complete the round-trip twice a shift collectively clocking up more than 2,200 round trips. They’re all experienced and well trained. We could always do with more.
“The trucks carry numerous cameras and the performance of the driver is monitored via link by camera to a base centre in Perth. While we take no chances, the general public should recognise that there is more heavy traffic on that road for that period and they need to be aware.”
There was an urgency to maintain continuity of service throughout harvest, Kelly said.
“The mills are constantly crushing at this time of year and the holding tanks need to be emptied. We understand our role and are prepared to meet the challenges.
“Our equipment is top-shelf but you need to expect the unexpected. We have a quick response reaction to breakdowns that can occur when you’re driving to scale. It’s a test of NSS’ transport, logistics and stevedoring capabilities and one we’re up for.”
The crush is expected to continue until early December.