RWTA Discretionary Mutual Fund (DMF) Update FEB25

We all agree, the cost of insurance is crippling. The Discretionary Mutual Fund(DMF) is a cold chain initiative and proposed solution.

The document outlines the process for setting up a DMF, broken into three main stages:

1. Pre-Feasibility (1 week): This initial phase involves a basic review of past premium and claim data to assess the viability of a DMF.

2. Feasibility (6-8 weeks): This crucial step involves determining the fund's financial retention levels, obtaining potential reinsurance pricing, and deciding the most suitable legal structure for the DMF. This phase has not yet begun and will require a $50,000 feasibility study fee, half of which needs to be paid upfront.

3. Implementation (6-8 weeks): Post-feasibility, this phase will commence once there is approval from the client(s) to establish the DMF. This involves setting up the actual structure and beginning operations.

Key Management Questions and Answers:

• Setup Costs and Payments: The Mutual Manager (MM) clarified that a 50% deposit of the feasibility study fee is required upfront due to past issues with project continuations.

• Data Requirements: For the feasibility study, the DMF needs detailed past data on premiums, claims, and exposure information summarized in specified formats.

• Control and Oversight: Once operational, the DMF bank account will be controlled by the Mutual Manager under the DMF board’s direction, with regular audits to ensure compliance and financial integrity.

• Financial Returns and Capital Structure: The return on investment and the exact capital requirements will depend on the level of risk retained within the DMF. Initial capital is mainly used to cover potential risks, with any surplus possibly returned to members or reinvested as decided by the DMF board.

We are looking to set up, with Benjamin and Benjamin, a video link soon to answer any questions that there may be, and the next steps. Interested? Please book here.

Welcoming Total Forklift Services to the RWTA!

As your go-to experts in forklift solutions, Total Forklift Services - a division of Value Material Handling -  brings a wealth of experience and dedication to your business.

Specialising in reliable and consistent forklift services, they offer a comprehensive range of products and support that is essential for the efficient operation of any cold warehouse or transport business.

Located strategically to serve all of Australia, Total Forklift Services provides sales, rentals, and expert maintenance of forklifts, ensuring your operation runs smoothly. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is evident in their responsive service and tailored solutions, designed to meet the unique needs of each client.

Whether you're looking to upgrade your equipment or need dependable repair services, Total Forklift Services is equipped to enhance your operational efficiency with their state-of-the-art technology and skilled professionals. We encourage all RWTA members to explore the opportunities Total Forklift Services offers for improving logistics and warehouse operations.

Connect with them through their website at Total Forklift Services to discover how they can assist in optimizing your business's performance with top-tier forklift solutions.

Join us in welcoming them to our community, where together, we drive excellence in the refrigerated warehouse and transport industry.

Contact:

Dale Vinnicombe |  WA State Manager
44 Hogarth Street | Cannington | WA 6107 | Australia
M: +61 498 554 716 | P: (8) 9356 1954 | W: www.totalforkliftservices.com.au

Frostbite - The Global Impact of the Cold Chain

In this video, we discuss that Ammonia is negligible global warming impact on the environment, and on that, global warming in the cold chain- why are we not reading about this?

If developing countries builds a cold chain, population increase, is this sustainable? Are there enough renewables to offset a world with more cold chain facilities? Our sector's emissions have now surpassed those of the aviation industry. Everyone is talking about green miles, no one is talking about the extended cost of keeping food cold. The 3 degrees of change, the Kigali agreement and are there options? Ice batteries, decarbonising options, cooling off the grid. Should Government offer incentives improve?  There are emerging new methods of cooling. The technology is exciting.

TRS Victoria Moves to Truganina: New Facility, Enhanced Capabilities

We are excited to announce that TRS Victoria has officially relocated to a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility in Truganina! This strategic move marks an important milestone for us, as we continue to evolve and enhance our ability to better serve our customers. 

Luke Gordon, TRS National Sales Manager, shares his excitement about the new facility, stating, "I’m thrilled about the opening of our purpose-built facility in Melbourne. Thermaxx is, without a doubt, the best insulated rigid body on the market. With our new production capabilities, coupled with our expert team, we’re ready to bring that message to the Victorian market in a bigger and more impactful way.”

At our spacious new location, we proudly craft the most thermally efficient truck bodies using advanced Thermaxx body panels. These panels are designed to deliver unmatched performance and reliability, ensuring that your business is equipped with the best in the industry.

Peter Goulis, TRS Victoria and Tasmania Sales Manager, explains, "our state-of-the-art facility in Truganina is designed to streamline production processes and set new industry standards. This facility enables us to efficiently deliver both custom-made solutions and standard bodies at scale."

Additionally, we continue to support your business needs with our premium refrigerated vehicle rental service. Offering flexibility and convenience, we provide the perfect solution when you need it most—whether for short-term or long-term requirements.

We invite you to visit our new facility and experience the same trusted service. Let us show you how we can help your business grow, with high-performance truck bodies and services designed for today’s competitive landscape.

Frank Vale Award. Watch. Be Inspired. Nominate Now.

It’s that time of year for Managers to nominate their best and most promising Leadership talent to be part of the Frank Vale Award 2025!

Take a few moments to see what FV 2024 Winner Noah Hedlt, Linfox, has to say about this life changing competition in the Cold Chain.

Don’t let your emerging leaders miss out on this incredible opportunity.

GridBeyond now has the largest portfolio of 1s (very fast) raise Contingency FCAS

Sydney, 21 January 2025. GridBeyond has consolidated its position as the largest very fast FCAS aggregator in the NEM (National Electricity Market), managing a 145MW portfolio of Very Fast frequency control ancillary services in Australia. 

FCAS refers to a set of mechanisms and services implemented within power systems to regulate and stabilise grid frequency by providing a fast injection or fast reduction of energy, to manage supply and demand. 

FCAS operates through a combination of market-based mechanisms and technical solutions. It involves a range of services aimed at both managing sudden imbalances in supply and demand (known as contingency events) and providing continuous adjustments to maintain frequency stability. 

The Very Fast Contingency Frequency Control Ancillary Services launched in 2023 are designed to ensure there is enough frequency response in the system to deal with a single credible contingency – typically the loss of a large generating unit or major industrial load. 

FCAS finds application in various sectors. To participate assets are required to respond to a fall or rise in frequency within about a second or less by changing the output of their generator or load to attempt to arrest that fall or rise in frequency. Batteries, for example, can dispatch their stored energy to support the grid during times of high demand or unexpected fluctuations. 

Participants can deliver very fast FCAS while also delivering fast, slow and delayed FCAS. This means if a participant is already providing contingency FCAS, and has fast enough meters and operational response times, then they’d likely want to participate in the very fast markets. When participating in the FCAS market, participants typically work through aggregators, such as GridBeyond, that coordinate multiple sites. 

1s (very fast) raise Contingency FCAS 

GridBeyond’s FCAS Auto-rebidder combines sophisticated hardware control with backend software algorithms, this enhanced capability allows GridBeyond to optimise the bidding strategy for customers with large and dynamic loads leading to a significant increase in their revenue. Its success so far has meant that, with 145MW, GridBeyond is now the largest provider of 1s (very fast) raise Contingency FCAS. 

Gabriella Di Salvo
Global Head of Communications  |  GridBeyond

Three Degrees Of Difference - Progress in 2025

Dr Ian Jenson of First Management Pty Ltd has published the attached paper documenting the shelf life of beef and lamb at -12°C as well as at -18°C. The upshot is that the result is (drumroll) there is a long shelf life at both temperatures, a small step in justifying a change in storage and transport temperatures.

Dr Jenson has been working with the American Frozen Food Institute on a protocol for measuring food temperatures in supply chains, and will be implementing it through a contract with the Australian Meat Processor Association.

A brief overview of the document:

The recent study explores the practical frozen shelf life of Australian boxed beef and lamb stored beyond 12 months. Researchers examined meat quality after storage at -12°C, -18°C, and -24°C for up to 38 months. This study involved commercial conditions, using vacuum-packed beef and lamb loins, alongside overwrapped lamb trim. Analysis included sensory evaluation, lipid oxidation, microbial safety, and texture.

Findings revealed that meat stored at all tested temperatures showed no significant sensory degradation for up to 36 months. Lipid oxidation increased with storage time and warmer temperatures but remained below levels detectable by sensory panels. Vacuum-packed products retained quality better than overwrapped samples, particularly lamb trim, which exhibited earlier signs of oxidation. Importantly, microbial quality was maintained across all storage temperatures, affirming the safety of frozen storage.

This research challenges existing perceptions of frozen meat's shelf life, suggesting that under proper storage conditions, Australian boxed beef and lamb can retain quality well beyond the traditional 12-month benchmark. It highlights the importance of vacuum packaging for extended storage and provides valuable insights for global cold chain logistics and export markets.

New RWTA Member in WA, TRACS!

Welcoming our new Member from WA, Brett Claus from TRACS! After meeting last year at the RWTA Function in Perth, TRACS has joined the RWTA as a Member.

TRACS are transport refrigeration experts and are an Australian owned and operated company, based in Perth. They are an authorised WA dealer of Carrier Transicold and have the added benefit of doing repais for cutomers as well! Familiar with the Cold Chain, take a few minutes to meet Brett and contact him with your requirements:

Brett Claus
Director
Mob: +61 413 884 320
Tel: +61 8 9353 4544
Email: brett@tracs.com.au
Website: tracs.com.au

Transport Refrigeration Specialists
Carrier Transicold Parts Australia | Tracs WA
3 Tipping Road, Kewdale, Western Australia 6105

A Warm Welcome to GoodWe, New Member of the RWTA!

GoodWe BIPV (Building-Integrated Photovoltaic  Solutions) is the PV Building Materials Business Unit of GoodWe, dedicated to advancing PV building materials to the cold chain.

GoodWe BIPV provide swift and hassle-free installation, unhindered architectural styles, active electrical safety protection in all scenarios and have a comparable building lifetime, better than traditional PV materials.

GoodWe's Galaxy light-weight solar panel install on the refrigerated trucks without penetration can save diesel cost up to 40%, with payback less than 2 years. 

The panels are designed to be glued directly onto the roof surface and so are particularly beneficial for preserving the integrity of the roof, reducing the risk of leaks, and simplifying the installation process.

These panels are typically made from lightweight composite materials, which contribute to ease of handling and reduced stress on the building structure. Their design might incorporate features for enhancing durability, UV resistance, and thermal insulation. 

This type of system is ideal for buildings that require a lightweight roof with minimal structural impact, ideal for cold chain warehouses and older buildings where the roof might not support heavier loads. It’s also a preferred choice for environmentally sensitive installations where penetration might affect thermal barriers or moisture seals. Besides being leak-resistant due to the lack of penetrations, these panels are often designed for quick and easy installation, which can significantly reduce labour costs and time. Additionally, the glue-on approach minimizes disruptions at the installation site.

Key Contact:

Apollo Chai
E: apollo@goodwe.com
M: 0423 313 288
W: www.en.pvbm.com

Meet Don Cottle of UltiGroup

Join us in the RWTA ‘Chilled Out’ series as Marianne speaks with new member Don Cottle of UltiGroup.

Based in NZ and with deliverables in Australia, Ultigroup specialise in energy conservation and food safety compliance.

They are experts in delivering to cold storage, dairy and food processing, logistics and warehousing, retail and supermarkets.

Their industrial doors and loading systems will add to the problem solving of many cold storage facilities by, quite simply, keeping the cold air in and the warm air out using up to the minute technology and many years of onsite experience.

Set aside five minutes to watch this insightful interview and learn how UltiGroup is pushing the boundaries of facility management with their smart solutions. Watch the video now!

Frank Vale Award Alert!

It’s that time of year for Managers to nominate their best and most promising Leadership talent to be part of the Frank Vale Award 2025!

Take a few moments to see what the former winners have said about this life changing competition in the Cold Chain.

Don’t let your emerging leaders miss out on this incredible opportunity.

Managers to send application forms before 14th of March.

Tasman Cold Logistics, RWTA’s Newest Warehouse Member

Its our pleasure to introduce to you to the Head of Cold Chain Solutions,  Stan Bearder from Tasman Cold Logistics. New Member in 2025, Tasman have recently opened at Lytton Rd in Brisbane and are settling in and already doing great business with Brisbane, Toowoomba and surrounds.

Listen now to hear more from Stan about their plans for the year ahead. 

SA Golf Day 17th March: Registration and Sponsorship Open

The Adelaide Golf Day is being held on the Monday 17th March at Kooyonga Golf Club.

This is a great opportunity to network with other Cold Chain professionals, enjoy a friendly competition and have some fun on the green. More information below.

Join us for a memorable day of golf - all levels welcome!

Click on the flyer for Sponsorship / Registration.

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Perth Networking Event 18th February, Afternoon Drinks and Canapes!

RWTA hosting an opportunity to Network and Unwind.

Join us for an exclusive after-work get together at Cost Port Beach in Perth (Fremantle), eat, drink and relax with us!

Click on the flyer and book now!

Begin 2025 with Confidence: Your Mental Health First Aid Session Awaits

Mental Health First Aid Course Tuesday 11 & 18th February 2025

The Facts:

1 in 5 Australians are presently experiencing a mental health condition, so workplaces can expect around 20% of their workforce to be living with a mental health condition. 

Financially and ethically, it’s in every company’s best interest to support their workers. Research confirms that every dollar spent on effective workplace mental health actions may generate $2.30 in benefits to an organisation. 

This course has been designed for staff to be equipped with tools to assist their teammates.   

By building knowledge, skills and awareness, we can better support our teammates and the community.

Click on the flyer to register!

NSW Golf Day 3rd March: Registration and Sponsorship Open

The NSW Golf Day is being held on the Monday 3rd March at Strathfield Golf Club.

This is a great opportunity to network with other Cold Chain professionals, enjoy a friendly competition and have some fun on the green.

Join us for a memorable day of golf — all levels welcome!

Click on the flyer for Sponsorship / Registration.

QLD Networking Breakfast 5th February Chain of Responsibility: Simplifying Law, Compliance, and Risk

Join us for breakfast on 5th February

Chain of Responsibility (CoR) and overall safety in the cold chain industry is of paramount concern. CJC Logistics Compliance specialise in Heavy Vehicle National Law and Chain of Responsibility compliance and assurance and provide risk mitigation strategies to ensure your business is doing all that is considered “Reasonably Practicable”. Join us to learn more about CoR requirements in 2025.   

Click on the flyer to register!

RWTA News: Energy flexibility critical to meet challenges of rising demand and climate change

Energy flexibility critical to meet challenges of rising demand and climate change, says energy trends 2025 white paper

Resilience and a sustainable energy system are crucial responses to increasing energy demands and climate change, says GridBeyond’s latest report

As global energy demands rises alongside the challenges of climate change, the need for a resilient and sustainable energy system has never been more urgent, according to GridBeyond’s latest white paper Energy trends 2025 – The rise of the demand side.

Now in its sixth edition, the report offers an in depth analysis of the energy systems in the UK, Ireland, USA, Australia and Japan highlighting their shared challenges like aging infrastructure, rising energy demand, and the need for innovation. It concludes that achieving net zero targets – particularly the near-term goal of a 2030 net-zero electricity sector – will require a smarter and more flexible energy system.

Noting that the distributed energy resources market is expected to more than double by 2027, the report emphasises the critical role of energy flexibility in building resilient and adaptive energy systems, such as the role of virtual power plants (VPPs), electric vehicles, corporate power purchase agreements (CPPA), energy procurement and energy storage.

In the road to decarbonisation assets are also moving closer to the grid edge, with EVs, small- and large-scale renewables generation and heat pumps poised to connect into a vast, decentralised network – offering capacity akin to several nuclear power plants. Given significant declines in costs (more than 90% in the last 15 years) battery energy storage systems (BESS) will also play a crucial role in providing flexibility and supporting inflexible technologies (such as solar PV).

While reducing energy consumption or utilising flexibility is often the most obvious way for businesses to reduce impact where it’s crucial for assets or processes to maintain continuous operation (inflexible assets and operations) this may not be possible. As a result, many companies are procuring energy from renewable generation sources as part of their net zero plans, meaning CPPAs, certificate trading and more sophisticated procurement strategies will also play a big role in 2025 and beyond.

Building on the success of its predecessors, Energy trends 2025 – The rise of the demand side offers a comprehensive study of how businesses and grid operators can meet the challenges of an ever evolving, global energy landscape.

Frostbite- A Tale of the Cold Chain!

Nicola Twilley is the author of Frostbite, a book about...the Cold Chain! Nicky and I discuss in a series of videos her book, the cold chain and its future.  We touch on the ‘permanent global summertime’, seamless processes and a seeming abundance of food - there’s always more where that came from..or is there? Labour shortages, energy and Insurance costs; the cold chain is the 3rd highest industrial consumer of energy. 

About the book: Frostbite, New Yorker contributor and cohost of the award-winning podcast Gastropod Nicola Twilley takes readers on a tour of the cold chain from farm to fridge. Nearly three-quarters of everything on the average American plate is processed, shipped, stored, and sold under refrigeration. It’s impossible to make sense of our food system without understanding the all-but-invisible network of thermal control that underpins it. Twilley’s eye-opening book is the first to reveal the transformative impact refrigeration has had on our health and our guts; our farms, tables, kitchens, and cities; global economics and politics; and even our environment.

Welcome aboard Transport Refrigeration Service(TRS), Newest member of the RWTA!

For over 40 years, TRS is recognised as a leader in refrigeration services and support for the Australian refrigerated transport business. 

Their growth has come from providing refrigerated road transport clients with the products and services they need to run their businesses efficiently and profitably.

TRS is the exclusive NSW and SA distributor of ThermoKing and Anteo Tail-Lifts.

To learn more, take a few moments to listen to the interview with Luke Gordon now!