Drive Mode

The white T909s, which are due to receive their final artwork shortly, will feature Australian flags on both sides to match the company’s existing triple road train combinations.

Beneath the striking livery, each truck is specified with a Dana Spicer D2000F single steer axle rated from 7.3 to 9.1 tonnes, paired with Dana’s proven D46-170 tandem drive axles with differential locks and a 20.9-tonne gross axle weight rating. The driveline package is designed for gross combination masses of up to 110 tonnes.

The latest order builds on Freight Assist’s extensive experience with Dana equipment. Over the past five years, the company’s National Maintenance Manager, Iain Strain, has specified 11 Kenworth K200 prime movers equipped with Dana D46-170 drive axles.

“For our heavy road train work, the D46-170 performs extremely well,” says Strain. “It’s proven to be strong, dependable equipment and it handles the task without any issues.”

Strain says the key to achieving maximum reliability is straightforward: use the correct lubricants and follow Dana’s recommended service intervals.

“We use semi-synthetic oil and change it every 200,000 kilometres,” he says. “As long as we service them according to the guidelines, they just keep doing their job.”

Strain says it is pleasing to note that Dana’s Spicer D-Series Steer Axles feature a unique exclusive combination of patented Dana technologies and designs to deliver proven reliability, maximum manoeuvrability, reduced maintenance, and greater durability.

Having worked closely with Dana throughout his career, Strain says the support and technical guidance from the manufacturer gives him complete confidence in the product.

“I’ve dealt directly with the Dana team for many years and have a very good understanding of what’s required to keep the drivetrains performing properly in our fleet,” he says.

One of the biggest benefits, according to Strain, is the peace of mind that comes from knowing the drivetrains require very little attention outside routine servicing.

He recalls having performed many senior management roles throughout his career and is always happy knowing the Dana products will serve him, and fleets he maintains, well.

“As National Maintenance Manager, it’s one less thing to worry about,” he says. “They’re very reliable products and that means one less headache for the maintenance team.”

The low-maintenance design also makes life easier for workshop staff, allowing technicians to focus on preventative inspections rather than major repairs.

“Our mechanics can spend their time checking for wear, cracks or damage instead of constantly pulling components apart,” says Strain.

Just as importantly, Freight Assist’s drivers report no issues with the drivetrains, even when operating in remote and demanding conditions.

“Our drivers have no problems, whether they’re on the highway or out in the back blocks,” he says.

Based on the performance and reliability Freight Assist Australia continues to experience, Strain says the company has every intention of staying with Dana drivetrains.

“We’re very happy with the Dana product and we’ll keep using it.”

Since opening its doors in Victoria in 2012, Freight Assist Australia, has steadily evolved into a national linehaul and warehousing company with one key mission – to provide uncompromised service as one of Australia’s most efficient and reliable supply chain providers.

As part of its ongoing quest to transport more freight with less trucks, this mission is now being further supported with the company’s relationship with Dana and its move of introducing Vawdrey B-triple trailer combination for longhaul road train work.

In October 2025, Freight Assist Australia commenced a strategic expansion of its facilities in Victoria, following the national operator’s acquisition of a site neighbouring its base in Altona.

As a result, Freight Assist Australia’s warehousing and distribution facility will offer 3,000 additional pallet spaces, 5,000 total racked locations, increased storage and third-party logistics (3PL) capacity, streamlined operations and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) accreditation.

Additionally, the site will include four container loading docks, enabling the operator to service multiple hand unload and palletised container unpackings simultaneously.

The expansion has led to the ideal separation of the company’s 3PL and linehaul operations, creating a safer and more efficient environment.

In addition, Freight Assist Australia has been experiencing significant growth in other areas of the business as well, with it solidifying its presence in South Australia by opening a new depot in Adelaide.

Freight Assist Australia operates a modern national fleet that includes at least six high-productivity Performance-Based Standards (PBS) B-triple road trains.

The company continues to invest in new equipment, including two new Kenworth T909s to be delivered in the near future, Kenworth K220s, DAF CF 530 trucks and Vawdrey drop deck trailers to support their national logistics, warehousing, and 3PL services.

It has depots in depots in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Gold Coast, Canberra, Brisbane, Tasmania, and Adelaide.

The fact that they are supported by Dana, as a global leader in drivetrain and e-propulsion systems, certainly gives the team at Freight Assist Australia peace of mind in the tough world of transport logistics.