What's New at the NZ Trucking Association?

Under the leadership of Dave Boyce, NZ Trucking Association is developing its capacity to design impactful initiatives and programmes for its members. NZTA’s cost modelling, for example, is highly regarded by lending institutions and banks.

Rebecca says there was a huge response to the Brisbane Trucking Tour, and she had to turn some people away. The programme was designed to be the ultimate trucking experience.

Trucking Industry Summit

Whether you’re looking to make your voice heard on policy issues or want to discover the latest innovations in trucking, the 2022 Trucking Industry Summit is a must-attend event. The conference attracts thousands of transportation decision-makers from motor carriers, 3PLs, suppliers, freight companies and others. It is also a great place to meet with your peers and network.

The association has a range of services that help members build successful businesses and improve their operations. These include a cost model and cashflow service, as well as referrals to expert consultants. The association also advocates for policies and regulations that support a more efficient supply chain.

The Association is also working on a programme to address driver health and wellbeing. It will encourage transport participants to agree a code of conduct and get accredited on a framework of safety and compliance measures. This will be a significant improvement on the current situation, which relies on self-reporting by drivers.

TR Group New Zealand Truck Driving Championships

After a break of more than 30 years, the quest to find New Zealand’s top truck driver is back. The TR Group New Zealand Truck Driving Championships is a modern all-inclusive competition that showcases the skill and talent our drivers have. Running alongside the 2022 TMC Trailers Trucking Industry Show in Christchurch, it gives visitors a chance to see our best truckies in action – a rare opportunity to see the heroes they look up to.

The competition has two components – a pre-vehicle inspection and manoeuvring challenge, and an on-road course evaluation with a TR Group driver trainer. Competitors are also encouraged to participate in a ‘Z Energy Driver’s Hub’, a relaxed space for competitors and judges to relax and network.

The winner of the EROAD Class 2 and Spartan Finance Tractor-Semi categories will receive a trophy, $2500 prize money and flights, tickets and accommodation for the Brisbane Truck Show in 2023. Runners-up in each category receive $1000.

MAN Truck & Bus New Zealand

The Association has a national network of business support and advocacy services. Membership is free for all members. The Association provides advice and guidance on a range of key industry issues and regulations helping to guide members through all the compliance tricky bits. The Association also offers a sample contract service to help with permanent and casual employment contracts and contracts for school transport services to direct-resourced schools.

MAN Truck & Bus New Zealand recently launched the Lion’s Chassis E LF for global markets at the Australasia Bus & Coach Expo. Based on technologies of the Lion’s City E that is already driving successfully in Europe, the chassis offers two different battery technology options to best match customer requirements for daily range, total kilometre performance and cost.

Penske Commercial Vehicles has appointed John Keenan to oversee its New Zealand operation, which encompasses leading commercial vehicles brands Western Star Trucks, MAN and Dennis Eagle. Mr Keenan brings over 20 years of senior management experience in the automotive industry, including running multi-brand operations and dealer networks.

Safety MAN

A lot goes into running a successful trucking business; you’ll be flat out on the road and in the office. Having a back office partner who understands your needs and can help with key tasks like paying invoices, GST, payroll, budgeting finances, arranging vehicle servicing, tyres and fuel, sourcing credit from suppliers, and setting up ACC levies will save you time and money.

NZ Trucking Association members have access to a network of business support services and discounted fuel, tyres, insurance, oil and finance. They can also offer business advice and strategies to help you set up and grow a profitable trucking business.

This is a key piece of advice; the failure rate for new businesses is quite high. NZ Trucking Association can help you get started with a business plan and budget to improve your chances of success. They can even point you in the direction of partners who can provide support like asset finance and debtor protection insurance.