Radio National Breakfast Why this truckie won't retire until she gets an electric rig in her fleet
Mar 29, 2026
Shirley Saywell, transport manager with 40+ years at Brady & Kibble Freight, pushes for heavy vehicle electrification amid soaring diesel costs. She discusses fuel levies, worries about fuel availability, the need for depot charging infrastructure, policy barriers and why Australia lags behind places like China. She vows not to retire until her fleet includes an electric rig.
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Rapid Diesel Price Surge Forces Weekly Levy Changes
- Diesel prices jumped from about $1.75 in February to $3.15–$3.20, forcing weekly fuel levy adjustments.
- Shirley Saywell says the climb is unprecedented and threatens contracts and operator viability across regional Victoria.
Update Fuel Levies Frequently To Reflect Volatility
- Pass fuel costs onto customers via a fuel levy and update it frequently to reflect volatile prices.
- Brady & Kibble are altering their fuel levy weekly because the climb is so rapid, not monthly as in past crises.
Electric Trucks On Display And A Drive In An EV
- Shirley reports they can currently source diesel but fears shortages ahead, motivating fleet electrification plans.
- She mentions two electric trucks parked outside and drove to Canberra in an electric car as a practical example.