The recent train crew strike announced by the Rail, Tram and Bus Union at the beginning of the month could have proven disastrous for farmers who risked losing thousands of tonnes of produce.
More than 1400 extra B-doubles were needed on Victorian roads as train crews embarked on a 3 day strike over a pay deal.
As many as 30 trains, each with a 2200 tonne capacity, were grounded for the week, pushing the freight onto the roads, with a mad scramble for trucks to be sourced.
One freight operator Ken Wakefield, who runs three trains from Mildura to port each week said it is 630 trucks for the week would be needed and 50 per cent of that needs to be refrigerated.
