November 27th 2023
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Freight industry bodies NTA and NRC welcome new Transport Minister Simeon Brown
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Freight industry bodies National Road Carriers Association (NRC) and NZ Trucking Association (NTA) have welcomed the appointment of Simeon Brown as Transport Minister in incoming Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s newly announced Cabinet line-up.
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“We look forward to working with Simeon, who we have established a good relationship with over the last year or two,” said NRC CEO Justin Tighe-Umbers.
“There are stiff challenges ahead. To achieve what we need to will require collaboration across the transport and road construction sectors.”
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NTA CEO David Boyce said the industry looked forward to the infrastructure and roading improvements announced by Mr Luxon as part of National’s coalition agreements with ACT and New Zealand First.
These include the establishment of an infrastructure agency to help deliver modern reliable infrastructure by improving funding procurement and delivery and beginning work on 13 new roads of national significance and four major public transport upgrades.
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Mr Luxon also announced the new Government will progress the infrastructure fund proposed by New Zealand First with $1.2 billion in funding for regional infrastructure.
“There is a lot to do but we like the new Government’s focus on productivity and efficiency that can be further enhanced with emissions reductions,” said Boyce.
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“It’s important we get moving on these improvements immediately because road freight is a critical sector that delivers 93 per cent of goods for New Zealanders every day. We mustn’t waste any more time,” said Tighe-Umbers.
16th November 2023
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Why do a Pre-Trip Inspection?
By David Boyce, CEO, NZ Trucking Association
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If you are a professional truck driver or a transport operator who runs a fleet of vehicles, then you should never under estimate the importance of carrying out daily vehicle pre-trip checks. Truck drivers play an important role in ensuring that the vehicles they operate on the road are in safe working condition. The most effective method to ensure this on a daily basis is to do a comprehensive daily pre trip check of your vehicle and its equipment and load. Many drivers spend hours cleaning and polishing their vehicles because they have a sense of pride in their gear, so an extra 10 or 15 minutes spent checking the safety and road worthiness of your vehicle is a worthwhile investment.
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Many transport operators spend a significant amount of time and resources inducting and training new truck drivers in their company’s health and safety policies. Transport operators that also train truck drivers into completing comprehensive daily pre trip vehicle checks report significant savings in repairs and maintenance costs, fuel savings, breakdowns, and on the road compliance issues. Transport operators have a legal obligation to ensure that their vehicles operating on the road are legally compliant at all times. The Waka Kotahi Safer Commercial Transport operating model consists of an Operator Health Check (OHC) that may record a range of operator statistics, including Certificate of Fitness (CoF), Roadside inspection data (RID) percentages, Deaths, and Serious injuries (DSI’s), infringements, warnings, and the Compliance Operator Assessment Tool (COAT) score. (For a better understanding, please contact your Waka Kotahi Vehicle Specialist or Compliance Officer. Please note: The Operator Rating System has been replaced with the more sophisticated Operator Health Check.)
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Worse still if any defects are serious enough your vehicle can be stickered with a non-compliance order, and or an offence notice, which means you will not be going anywhere until the issue is resolved, adding further cost to your already slim profit margins. All this hassle and aggravation could be solved by your driver completing a pre-trip inspection, which would have identified the issues before hitting the road. Having a process in place that promptly follows up on any faults reported by your drivers is critically important, as only paying lip service will soon disengage your drivers from the process. Vehicles that have been identified with major faults should never be allowed out on to the road until repairs have been completed.
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Many transport operators use driver’s daily log books that have a pre-trip inspection form as part of the log book, but if you find these too bulky to use, then it is worthwhile having pre-printed pre trip inspection forms available for your drivers to complete. This has the added advantage of being able to be personalised to the requirements of your vehicles and business. Another option is the use of Electronic Logbooks with a pre-trip inspection built into the software. If you would like help with this, then please contact NZ Trucking Association on 0800 338 338 or info@nztruckingassn.co.nz
Getting it wrong can have severe consequences, and can be avoided with a comprehensive pre trip inspection, imagine if some of the following happen:
Failed Brakes. You need to be able to stop in time, your life, and the life of other road users depend on this.
Failed Trailer coupling. The consequences of this can be fatal to anyone in the way. Would you want that on your conscience?
Lights not working. If your lights or indicators are not working, people will not be able to see you at night, let alone have any idea if you are turning.
Failed suspension or steering. You will have no control over your vehicle.
Failed tyres. How many times have you seen a tyre tread on the side of the road, or worse still through the windscreen of a following vehicle?
All of these are examples of what can easily be avoided by having a simple pre trip procedure in place.
The following pre trip checks should be completed daily by drivers:
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Visual Walk around the vehicle inspection
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Check the way the vehicle is sitting is it sitting normally. Check the suspension, hangers, U bolts, air bags etc.
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Check the chassis. Is there any visible cracks or rust marks.
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Listen for air leaks, from brakes, air suspension, airlines, gearbox or clutch, tyres.
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Check your tyres. Check for obvious damage, bolts or nails. Use a hammer to check for inflation and at least once a week use a quality tyre pressure gauge to check pressures. Check for obviously loose wheel nuts.
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Check for oil or fluid leaks on the ground or around diff heads and axle hubs. Something as minor as a leaking hub seal can cause your brakes to fail.
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Check your lights and indicators. Check for broken lenses, test to ensure that they all operate correctly.
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Trailer couplings. Ensure that semi-trailers and full trailers are correctly connected. Check the condition of all airline and couplings, along with all light cords and plugs.
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Fuel Tanks. Ensure that the fuel tank is topped up at the completion of each day. This will help avoid water condensation in your fuel. Check your fuel tank mounting brackets for cracks and security.
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Batteries. Check the battery terminals and connections are secure.
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Check your load. Is it secure, do you need to adjust tie downs or chains and twitches? Are your curtains in good condition?
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Is the vehicle compliant? Do you have the correct RUC? Does the hubometer work? TSL label in the window, vehicles registered, Dangerous Goods documentation, loading certificates. Is your log book completed correctly?
Check the running gear
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Check your fluids. Engine oil, power steering, windscreen washer and coolant levels should all be at the correct levels. Check for any leaks.
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Hoses and belts. Check for cracking and splits. Are hose clamps OK, are belts tensioned correctly?
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Check the engine. Listen for unusual noises. Check for leaks. If the engine is dirty, get it steam cleaned at the next service, this will make it easier to visualise any faults.
In the cab checks
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Get yourself comfortable. Adjust your seat so that you can reach all controls easily. Check your seatbelt.
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Check your controls. Do all switches including lights, indicators and wipers all work. Check your horn. Adjust your mirrors so that you have clear vision down the side of your vehicle and any trailer unit you are towing.
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Are all gauges working? Air pressure gauges (check the pressure is building up after you start the engine), fuel gauge, volt meter etc.
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Personal safety equipment. First Aid Kit, Fire Extinguisher, raincoat, gloves, safety boots, high-visibility clothing etc.
Before you take off
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Start the engine, and listen for any unusual noises or air leaks.
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Check the clutch operation. Does it take up correctly?
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Check the gearbox action. Does it go into gear easily and change smoothly.
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Check the park and service brakes for correct function.
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Check the steering. Is there excessive play in the steering wheel or unusual noises? Does the vehicle pull to the left or right?
Remember that once you have completed all your pre trip checks, that any issues are reported, and actioned for repair. If the issue is major, do not continue out on to the road until the issue is rectified.
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After each trip
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Always refuel your vehicle. As mentioned earlier this will help reduce condensation in your fuel system, and will save time on the next trip.
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Clean your vehicle. It makes it easier to see any faults, and certainly helps the image of your business.
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Park your vehicle securely, and make sure you report any vehicle faults that may have developed during your trip.
The pre-trip procedures covered in this article are by no means a comprehensive list of all the checks that should be completed daily, but are a guideline that can be tailored to the individual requirements of your business. By completing these checks you are ensuring that your vehicles are safe to operate.
If you would like more information on implementing a successful daily pre trip inspection programme into your business, then please contact NZ Trucking Association on 0800 338 338 or info@nztruckingassn.co.nz
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19th September 2023
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New HARMfree Transport and Logistics Programme promises to reduce injury and harm across the transport sector
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New Zealand’s leading transport bodies, New Zealand Trucking Association (NTA) and National Road Carriers (NRC), are excited to announce the launch of the much-anticipated HARMfree Transport and Logistics Online Portal. The industry-leading programme is specifically designed to reduce injury and harm across the transport sector and offers practical tools to help operators reduce workplace risk.
For the year, July 2022 to June 2023, Worksafe recorded 14 fatalities across the Transport, Postal and Warehousing sector. Concerningly, for the period Jan-June 2023 workplace fatalities for the sector are already at nine.
“In our view that’s 14 families too many who have lost a parent, child, or partner,” says David Boyce, CEO, NTA. “The HARMfree portal gives the transport industry access to a bespoke programme designed specifically to help reduce these numbers. We can’t lose sight of the fact every injury or life lost not only impacts the individual and their family, but it also has a negative flow on effect to the New Zealand economy.
"We are proud to be able to bring HARMfree to our members and the wider transport industry. The portal serves as an excellent platform for connecting with peers, accessing resources and information on good work design, supporting well-being and mental health, and provides a roadmap for engaging with industry training providers," says David Boyce, CEO, NTA.
"The fact HARMfree is industry-led and designed means it translates seamlessly to the people on the front line who need to use it. Health & Safety should matter to everyone. HARMfree provides access to a network of H&S professionals across the industry, who can give a helping hand to operators to grow their own knowledge and practices. The ultimate goal is to create an industry of safety champions that encourage and support each other to create a safer working environment that excels in H&S and HR best practice," says Justin Tighe-Umbers, CEO, NRC.
HARMfree is designed to improve workplace safety and worker well-being in a language and style practical for the transport and logistics sector. HARMfree is a collaboration between the NTA, NRC, and industry partners Success Formula, Fit For Duty, and AutoSense and funding from the ACC Injury Prevention Grant has helped accelerate the programme.
Supporting the programme is a steering group comprising of industry stakeholders, H&S professionals, and transport and logistics operators. These experts provide guidance and contribute resources and ideas to the programme, ensuring that the content is reliable and can be effectively implemented throughout workplaces.
HARMfree Transport & Logistics Programme
Designed to empower both leaders and workers to instigate behavioural changes in the workplace and manage hazards related to psychosocial harm, HARMfree offers transport and logistics-specific content that addresses the unique challenges faced by the industry, particularly the high number of incidents in and around vehicles.
“Transport and logistics workers often face high-pressure, demanding working conditions, circadian disruption, sleep deprivation, and, in some cases, long periods of isolation, leading to stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. HARMfree brings all of this together into an easy-to-follow programme, saving time for employers and providing practical, easily implementable information,” says Boyce.
The programme integrates into existing Educational Engagement Programmes, including The Safety MAN Road Safety Truck and the AutoSense #EYESUPNZ campaign.
HARMfree is split into four key focus areas, each practically designed to cultivate a sea of H&S Champions delivering world-leading results.
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Good Work Design (GWD) in the workplace is essential to help reduce psychosocial harm, increase productivity, and benefit worker well-being. GWD involves designing work tasks, systems, and equipment in a way that optimises workplace health & safety, worker performance, worker well-being, job satisfaction, and business success.
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Well-being is at the heart of the HARMfree Transport programme. A company that champions their workers well-being will result in a better culture, with workers who are happier, focused, more productive, and motivated on the tasks ahead. Focused resources are provided to support mental, physical, social, cultural, and spiritual well-being as well as diversity & inclusion and a range of other areas.
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Training provides companies with a host of benefits. HARMfree provides courses to upskill and empower leaders and workers across a range of training options and providers. Training is essential to regulatory compliance and risk management. The programme helps transport operators reduce the risk of accidents, incidents, injuries, avoid legal liabilities, and promotes a safer, more productive workplace by ensuring staff are properly trained and qualified.
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Connecting and opening lines of communication between H&S Champions provides a platform for knowledge sharing and continuous personal, company and industry improvement. H&S Champions often work independently or wear multiple hats. HARMfree opens access to peers, support groups, events, seminars, webinars, and podcasts
Keen to become a HARMfree member or partner?
The HARMfree Transport & Logistics portal is live now at www.harmfreetransport.nz.
If you would like more information on how to become involved with HARMfree as a supporter or partner, please contact:
Programme Manager, John Sansom, at info@harmfree.nz or 027 244 5221.
National Road Carriers Association (NRC) and NZ Trucking Association (NTA) are the leading industry associations representing the transport and supply chain industry nationwide. The Associations represent 3,300 members, who collectively operate 30,000 trucks throughout New Zealand. NRC and NTA support their members with legal, financial, employment relations, health & safety, workplace relations, business, and environmental advice. They advocate on behalf of members and work with Central and Local Government on road transport infrastructure and regulations.
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9th June 2023
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New Zealand Trucking Association Expands Team to Facilitate Growth and Support Trucking Operators
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The New Zealand Trucking Association, a leading organisation in the trucking industry, is pleased to announce the recent additions and role changes within its team. These strategic personnel developments aim to enhance membership services, marketing and communication efforts, office management, and the introduction of a new health and safety initiative.
Bill James has joined the association in a role dedicated to Membership Services, bringing his extensive experience and commitment to ensuring the satisfaction of our valued members. With his expertise, Bill will further strengthen our association's ability to support trucking operators, who are increasingly seeking assistance due to rising costs and narrowing margins.
Katie Johnson has assumed the role of Marketing and Communication Manager, tasked with developing and implementing innovative strategies to effectively communicate the association's initiatives, programmes, and benefits to the industry. Katie's passion for effective communication will play a vital role in promoting the association and raising awareness about the valuable services we offer.
Debbie Neame, who has been an integral part of our team, has transitioned into the role of Office Manager. Debbie's exceptional organisational skills and attention to detail will ensure the smooth functioning of our operations, allowing us to continue providing top-quality services to our members.
John Sansom has taken on the position of Programme Manager for the upcoming HARMfree Transport and Logistics initiative. This is a comprehensive industry led initiative designed to improve workplace safety and worker well-being, in a language and style practical for transport and logistics. The programme is set to launch soon, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the association, National Road Carriers, Success formula, Fit for Duty, and Autosense, and is supported by funding from ACC's Workplace Injury Prevention grant.
Under the leadership of Dave Boyce, the Chief Executive Officer and Carol McGeady, the Chief Operating Officer, the New Zealand Trucking Association is focused on building the capabilities of its team to sustain its growth trajectory. Despite having a relatively small team, the association continues to design and implement impactful initiatives and programmes that improve industry safety and drive positive change.
Notably, the association's cost modelling, which is a highly regarded document by lending institutions and banks, stands as a testament to its expertise and commitment. The cost modelling tool, available free of charge to members, assists trucking operators in navigating the challenging landscape of rising costs and squeezed margins.
Furthermore, the association's efforts have extended to community engagement through programmes such as the Road Safety Truck, which has reached over 50,000 individuals. In addition, the launch of Transport Women, a platform dedicated to connecting women working in the industry, has paved the way for events and networking opportunities.
Exciting plans are underway for the introduction of the Careers Trucking programme later this year, which promises to revolutionise the industry by offering hands-on experiences. Stay tuned for more information as we unveil the details of this game-changing initiative.
The New Zealand Trucking Association is renowned for its ability to bring the industry together. Recently, they hosted another successful Brisbane Truck Tour, attended by 55 operators. Additionally, we are delighted to announce that TMC Trailers has once again pledged its support as the major sponsor of the upcoming Trucking Industry Show, scheduled for 7th and 8th March 2025. Having organised the first truck show in 2014, our association has consistently brought together industry professionals every two years, with the exception of the COVID-affected 2020 show. The most recent show, held in November 2022 in Christchurch, was a sell-out success and a spectacle to behold, featuring thrilling industry competitions that drew participants from across New Zealand.
The active engagement of the New Zealand Trucking Association with the government and stakeholders, as well as its participation in local road safety committees, demonstrates a strong commitment to promoting the interests of its members and contributing to the overall improvement of the trucking industry. The association advocates for policies and regulations that support a safer and more efficient supply chain. This involvement allows the association to provide valuable input and expertise, helping to shape industry regulations in a way that benefits both its members and the broader community.
For further information, please contact: Carol McGeady 021 252 7252 carol.mcgeady@trucking.nz
About New Zealand Trucking Association: The New Zealand Trucking Association is a leading organisation dedicated to supporting and representing the trucking industry in New Zealand. With a focus on safety, advocacy, and community, the association aims to drive positive change, foster collaboration, and provide valuable resources and services to its members.
5th February 2023
PLANNING FOR INDUSTRY FOR INDUSTRY-LED TRUCK SAFETY ACCREDITATION PROGRAMME CONTINUES
It was great to see last week’s Waka Kotahi March edition of Te Pae Kaa Kaa talking about how government agencies and industry are collectively turning the focus on to work-related road safety.
David Boyce, CEO of NZ Trucking Association (NTA) says that while the industry already has very high levels of safety and some good systems to support operators there is a real gap in terms of a formal compliance programme.
“For a long time, members have been asking for more structure, with clear benchmarks and formal recognition of the standards. Many want to undertake continuous improvement but need a framework to enable them to further promote best practice and safe behaviour,” says David.
“Combining forces with Waka Kotahi to implement the Work-related Road Safety Programme is a huge step forward in terms of giving the transport industry better certainty and direction. There are six key elements that make up the programme and we are thrilled to be working on the establishment of the heavy vehicle accreditation workstream. The implementation of the accreditation scheme sees government and industry partner in a way that enables industry to ensure safety best practice that will deliver a high level of assurance to both the freight industry and regulators.”
Justin Tighe-Umbers, CEO National Road Carriers (NRC), says the aim of the programme will be to ensure transport participants agree a code of conduct and get accredited based on a set of industry standards that mitigate risk and improve compliance and safety. Progress is well underway with key freight partners already having met with Waka Kotahi to discuss creation of the governance group.
Justin says, “The New Zealand transport industry is keen to move quickly to establish a robust road transport accreditation programme. Fortunately, the industry has high safety and compliance standards, so existing business risk is well managed. But we are very conscious of the duty of care operators have to their drivers, families and other road users and the fact we need to make sure best practice standards are in place across the board.”
“An industry-led vehicle accreditation scheme will allow us to have a world class business and risk management system that will give operators recognition, and their customers confidence in their work practices,” concludes Justin. “It satisfies an increasing trend for customers who require suppliers to have comprehensive risk management systems in place for tenders, and because members are externally audited by a third party, accreditation provides robust evidence of compliance across all aspects of the business.”
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National Road Carriers Association (NRC) and NZ Trucking Association (NTA) are the leading industry associations representing the transport and supply chain industry nationwide. The Associations represent 3300 members, who collectively operate 30,000 trucks throughout Aotearoa. NRC and NTA support their members with legal, financial, employment relations, health & safety, workplace relations, business, and environmental advice. NRC and NTA advocate on behalf of members and work with central and local Government on road transport infrastructure and regulations.
28 February 2023 - TWO ASSOCIATIONS ONE GOAL – WORKING TOGETHER FOR
THE BENEFIT OF THEIR MEMBERS AND THE TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.
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National Road Carriers (NRC) and New Zealand Trucking (NTA) are pleased to
announce they have signed a memorandum of understanding to work closely
together to address common road transport issues and goals.
Together the Associations represent over 3,000 members, who collectively operate
30,000 trucks nationwide. NRC and NTA support their members with legal, financial,
employment relations, health & safety, workplace relations, business, and environmental
advice. They advocate on behalf of members and work with Central and Local
Government on road transport infrastructure and regulations.
David Boyce, CEO New Zealand Trucking Association says, “The partnership will see the Association’s maintain their separate entities while coming together to collaborate on key transport initiatives to share knowledge and support their members' needs. Together the focus is on providing services and solutions to real-life issues faced by our members, working collaboratively with Government agencies to effect positive change, and maintaining social license to operate efficiently and productively.”
Justin Tighe-Umbers, CEO National Road Carriers says, “The agreement allows us to act as ‘affiliate associations’, working in good faith to benefit the wider road transport, freight, and logistics sector across New Zealand. We are already working closely on critical work including responding to the recent adverse weather events across the North Island which have laid bare the sorry state of our road network, highlighting the urgent need for a 50-year roading infrastructure plan to ensure future resilience. Both organisations are laser focused on working with Government to help ensure New Zealand has a more productive network, that lowers the long-term cost to the economy and is more resilient.”
Boyce adds, “Contributing to a safer transport industry is a key focus and initiatives such as HARMfree Transport, which is launching later this year with the support of funding from the ACC Workplace Injury Prevention Grant, are set to make a positive impact on how the industry operates.
“With health and safety, a top priority we are excited to be bringing the Australian TruckSafe accreditation programme to New Zealand. This programme is well recognised as a leading business risk and safety management system. With no encompassing industry guidelines or code of practice for the Road Transport Industry in place currently, this is a great opportunity for the industry to lay down strong foundations for a safer future.”
Tighe-Umbers adds, “We have a window for industry to take ownership and shape what best practice and continuous improvement needs to look like for the New Zealand transport industry. Taking learnings from the Australian programme and shaping it for the New Zealand environment allows positively drive the collaboration with regulators, rather than have a regulatory framework imposed that may not be fit for purpose. TruckSafe will be a national programme that will be readily accessible to all New Zealand road transport operators no matter what their size. This industry-led initiative will align strongly with the NZ Transport Agency’s Road to Zero strategy.”
Already 2023 is shaping up to be a big year for the affiliated associations, National Road Carriers and New Zealand Trucking, who are thrilled to be united in a shared purpose to serve the transport industry and deliver strong member outcomes.
SAVE THE DATE: NRC/NTA Trucking Industry Summit Saturday 8th July 2023, at the Cordis Hotel in Auckland. More details out soon.
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Media Release
1 September 2022
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ACC Workplace Injury Prevention Grant provides crucial seed funding for industry leading wellbeing hub – HARMfree Transport
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New Zealand Trucking Association Inc (NTA) and National Road Carriers Inc (NRC) are pleased to confirm the HARMfree Transport initiative has been selected to receive an ACC Workplace Injury Prevention Grant of $850,000 in much needed funding to develop a transport wellbeing hub for the industry.
The ACC Workplace Injury Prevention Grants programme provides funding to organisations or individuals who are striving to solve workplace health and safety challenges. The grants are designed to be a vehicle through which to create impactful health and safety improvements. The initiative will include the implementation of a Good Work Design approach to address psychosocial risks of workers in the transport sector to reduce injury.
NTA and NRC, in partnership with AutoSense Ltd, Fatigue Management Fit for Duty Ltd, and Success Formula Ltd (NTI) will be working together to create a set of tools, information, resources, and training material that will be tailored to the needs of the transport industry. The programme, called HARMfree Transport, will be focused on improving workplace safety and worker wellbeing and includes the implementation of consistent processes, procedures and policies that can be adopted as a roadmap to achieving a risk-free workplace.
“As an industry organisation we are closely connected to our members. Their health and safety (H&S) and HR staff often tell us it’s really difficult to connect across different companies. They want to learn and solve issues to create a safer workplace for their team, but it can be really challenging connecting with their peers to seek support, discuss issues and create better processes,” says Carol McGeady General Manager, NTA.
“Creating a programme that is industry-designed, industry-led, and supported by ACC, means that the programme will be designed in a language and style that’s practical for transport. With the right systems and processes in place, workplace health and safety incidents will reduce, creating a safer work environment that results in less claims to ACC.”
According to McGeady, HARMfree Transport will not only deliver the tools and resources required to create safer workplaces, but it will also provide an environment that encourages H&S and HR experts to reach out for support from their counterparts across the transport industry. The programme is being created to foster the sharing of knowledge via an industry network that discusses and solves problems with a view to creating a safer workplace environment.
Justin Tighe-Umbers, CEO, NRC says, “It follows on that a key outcome of a safer workplace environment is safer roads. With stronger health and safety systems and processes in place, hazards and risks are reduced and this flows through to safer drivers and trucks travelling on our roads.
“The programme is ‘human-centred’ in its design. It’s about creating a sea of transport industry safety champions who share their knowledge of what works, and what doesn’t, on a shared mission to create safer workplaces. The programme is designed by the transport industry for the transport industry, so we know this funding will make a difference.”
Expected outcomes will include increased use of best practice guidelines, greater engagement across all staff on the development of Good Work Design and an enhanced understanding of dynamic risk with a significant reduction of harm and injuries.
McGeady and Tighe-Umbers both agree, that without the support from ACC it would be very difficult to get a project like this off the ground.
“This initial funding enables us to accelerate development of the HARMfree Transport programme. Helping our transport operators create safer workplaces and share best practice will have so many positive flow-on effects – least of all safer drivers and vehicles on our roads. It’s exciting to announce this initiative and I thank ACC and our partners for making it happen,” concludes Carol McGeady.
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National Road Carriers Association (NRC) and NZ Trucking Association (NTA) are the leading industry associations representing the transport and supply chain industry nationwide. The Associations represent 3300 members, who collectively operate 30,000 trucks throughout New Zealand. NRC and NTA support their members with legal, financial, employment relations, health & safety, workplace relations, business, and environmental advice. They advocate on behalf of members and work with Central and Local Government on road transport infrastructure and regulations.
Joint Media Statement
National Road Carriers/NZ Trucking
1 October 2021
National Road Carriers and NZ Trucking exit Transporting New Zealand (ex Road Transport Forum)
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Effective immediately National Road Carriers and NZ Trucking will exit Transporting New Zealand (formerly Road Transport Forum) after reaching in impasse with RTANZ regarding industry association structure.
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Our nation and our industry face significant challenges that require us to be future focused.
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The road transport industry plays a significant role in the national economy which has been highlighted by the pandemic and the supply chain crisis. This demands that our industry associations and representation to Government is best in class.
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An untenable proposal was put to our associations to merge and create one centralised industry body based in Wellington.
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Representative board members from both National Road Carriers and NZ Trucking believe such a structure would not be in the best interests of our members and would dilute the grass roots understanding of industry issues and the provision of services.
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The membership of National Road Carriers and NZ Trucking represented 64 per cent of the Transporting New Zealand membership.
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The exit from Transporting New Zealand enables National Road Carriers and NZ Trucking to refocus our resources to support our members needs locally, in Wellington and across sectors. Our teams and board members are looking forward to a more focused and productive output for our members.
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A memorandum of understanding has been reached that will ensure the common ground goals and objectives between the associations on national road transport issues, sector groups and projects continue.
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Our priority is to continue work at the grass roots level with our members, listen and understand their real-life issues, concerns, and frustrations - then provide the services and solutions that meet their needs.
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At the same time, we need to work with local and central Government along with their agencies to effect positive change for our members and New Zealand. This agreement gives National Road Carriers and NZ Trucking the mandate to achieve this.
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Our members have told us they need us to have a single-minded focus on the issues that keep them up at night. These include: Roading and infrastructure failure, shortage of skilled workers, compliance, climate change, the pandemic and supply chain crisis.
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We need to be nimble – deliver great stuff today, while at the same time make sure our businesses are sustainable and maintain our social licence to operate.
For more information please contact:
David Boyce, CEO, NZ Trucking Association,
david.boyce@nztruckingassn.co.nz , 021 754 137
Rob Taylor, President, NZ Trucking Association
rina.rob@xtra.co.nz, 027 471 7853
Ken Winsloe, Sicon Ltd
ken@sicon.co.nz , 027 225 2003