En Australie, un camion à 3 remorques de 53 m !

Summary

The script narrates the adventures of Australian road train drivers, who haul massive loads of 100 tonnes, equivalent to 300 camels, over long distances. These road trains, stretching up to 53 meters, are a unique sight on the highways. Kevin, a 27-year-old driver, shares his passion for trucking instilled by his uncle. He navigates the road train, averaging 80 km/h, with caution for wildlife and road conditions. The trucks, costing around 1 million euros, operate continuously, with drivers taking breaks while the vehicles keep moving. The script also highlights the challenges faced by drivers, including getting stuck in the bush and the importance of tire and cargo maintenance.

Takeaways

• 🚚 Road trains in Australia are massive trucks that can pull 3 trailers and carry up to 100 tonnes of goods, equivalent to 300 camels.
• 🌏 These trucks are nicknamed 'road trains' due to their immense length of 53 meters, resembling a train on the road.
• 🚗 Kevin, a 27-year-old driver, is passionate about driving road trains since his childhood, influenced by his uncle who was also a heavy truck driver.
• 🐎 These trucks are powered by 600 horsepower engines, enabling them to carry heavy loads at an average speed of 80 km/h.
• ⚠️ Driving these large trucks requires a lot of composure, especially when maneuvering and slowing down, as sudden movements can cause the truck to overturn.
• 🐇 Drivers must be cautious of wildlife like kangaroos and cows, as the trucks' steering is sensitive and can lead to accidents if not handled carefully.
• 🔥 To avoid excessive fuel consumption and tire wear, drivers need to manage their speed and be mindful of the truck's weight and cargo.
• 🔩 Regular checks of the cables securing the cargo are essential to ensure they are tight enough to prevent accidents.
• 🛣️ Road train drivers face challenging off-road conditions, such as damaged tracks and rivers, which can lead to getting stuck and requiring assistance from fellow drivers.
• 💸 These steel monsters are expensive, costing around 1 million euros, so transport companies aim to maximize their use by keeping them in constant operation.
• 🏁 Upon reaching their destination, drivers like Kevin can rest, but the trucks continue their journey, highlighting the relentless nature of the road train industry.

Q & A

What is the capacity of the trucks mentioned in the script in terms of trailers and cargo?

The trucks mentioned in the script can pull 3 trailers and carry 100 tonnes of cargo, which is equivalent to the load of 300 camels.

What is the nickname given to these trucks by Australians and what does it mean?

The nickname given to these trucks by Australians is 'road trains,' which means 'trains of the road' due to their immense length of 53 meters.

What is Kevin's profession and how long is the distance he covers with his road train?

Kevin is a road train driver. He covers a distance of 1400 km from Adelaide to Alice Springs with his cargo of bricks.

How did Kevin develop his passion for trucks and at what age?

Kevin developed his passion for trucks at the age of 9 when his uncle, a heavy truck driver, took him on the road.

What is the average speed at which these road trains travel with their cargo?

The road trains travel at an average speed of 80 km/h with their cargo.

What challenges does Kevin face while driving these large trucks?

Driving these large trucks requires a lot of composure. Kevin has to be cautious about turning and slowing down, watch out for wildlife like kangaroos and cows, and avoid braking too sharply to prevent the truck from overturning.

Why does Kevin need to be careful about his speed while driving the road train?

Kevin needs to be careful about his speed to avoid burning too much diesel and wearing out the tires.

What is the importance of checking the cables that hold the cargo on a road train?

Checking the cables that hold the cargo is important to ensure they are sufficiently tight and to prevent the cargo from shifting or falling off during transit.

What kind of terrain do road train drivers typically encounter outside of paved roads?

Road train drivers often encounter rough tracks in the bush, which can be challenging due to uneven surfaces and potential obstacles like rivers.

What was Kevin's experience when he first drove in the bush?

Kevin's first experience driving in the bush involved getting stuck in a river during a rainstorm, surrounded by crocodiles, and he was there for 7 hours before being rescued by fellow drivers.

What is the cost of these large steel trucks and how do transport companies manage to make them profitable?

These large steel trucks cost around 1 million euros. To make them profitable, transport companies rent out the tractor units and keep the trucks in constant operation without stopping.