Final preparations are being putting in place around Australia as the trucking industry gets ready to celebrate TruckWeek 2010 from Sunday 21 to Saturday 27 February.
The week brings all sectors of the industry together to inform the community and politicians about the importance of the trucking industry, the issues the industry will face in the coming years, how to drive safely around trucks, and the great careers that are now available in trucking.
Across Australia, trucking companies, both large and small, have organised events as diverse as inviting local politicians to participate in on-road trials, to organising a stall at the local market day to promote sharing the road safely with trucks.
In Canberra, the ATA has organised a parliamentary delegation program, inviting politicians to meet with industry leaders to discuss the key issues facing the industry.
In Sydney, ATA NSW will welcome Members of the NSW Parliament and the Sydney Ports CEO, Grant Gilfillan, to a series of barbecue breakfasts at the port with local truck drivers, while in Melbourne the VTA will give local politicians the chance to see the latest developments in truck safety in conjunction with Linfox.
Meanwhile, in Brisbane, Simon National Carriers will open their doors to local and state politicians to explain how technology can be used to make the roads safer for all road users
But it’s not just in the capital cities where events are being held. Dozens of small operators have taken the time to introduce the trucking industry to the wider community, such as in Leongatha, Victoria, where Ryan’s Transport will take The Nationals’ state leader Peter Ryan for a drive, or in Newcastle, where Daracon has invited its local state member of parliament for a tour.
ATA Chairman, Trevor Martyn, said the week is a great opportunity for the industry to show politicians and the wider community how important trucking is to Australia.
“The trucking industry carries three quarters of Australia’s domestic freight, including every item on the shelves of every supermarket,” Mr Martyn said.
“In the last 20 years the Australian trucking industry has made massive gains in the fields of safety, environmental impact and efficiency. It’s something we are incredibly proud about.
“And with our freight task expected to double in the next 20 years, the Australian trucking industry is continuing to improve how we do business.
“TruckWeek 2010 is a great opportunity for our industry to showcase today’s trucking industry and where we are heading.”