The Chairman of the ATA, Trevor Martyn, said the awards are a crucial part of the industry’s calendar because they identify and reward the people who have contributed to taking the Australian trucking industry to a higher level of professionalism.

 ”The National Trucking Industry Awards are an important part of the trucking industry’s effort to promote the commitment and achievement of individuals and organisations within the industry,” Mr Martyn said.

 ”The quality of this year’s finalists is impressive and include some of the most dedicated and committed figures in the industry, all of who deserve to be recognised,” he said.

The 2010 National Trucking Industry Award finalists are:

National Trucking Industry Professional Driver of the Year - Paul Hutchins (Bathurst, NSW), Michael Jaensch (Portland, VIC) and Simon Wynne (Everton Hills, QLD).

National Trucking Industry Woman of the Year - Heather Jones (Hazelmere, WA), Jan Pattison (Brisbane, QLD) and Kathleen White (Summerholm, QLD).

National Trucking Industry Training Excellence Award - TDT Victoria (Melbourne, VIC) and Get into Transport and Logistics (Road Transport) Program (Brisbane, QLD).

National Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Australian Trucking Industry - Derek Nathan (Darling Downs, WA), Jim Pearson (Port Macquarie, NSW) and Vivian Hanley AM (Baulkham Hills, NSW).

Also presented on the night will be the Don Watson Memorial Award.

“Given the calibre of the finalists, and indeed of all the entries, the judges have obviously had a difficult task. The industry is eagerly anticipating the announcement of the winners among these deserving finalists,” Mr Martyn said.

The award winners will be announced on Saturday, 10 April at the Gala Awards Dinner at the Marriott Surfers Paradise Resort as part of the Australian Trucking Convention, which is being held on the Gold Coast from 7-10 April.

The ATA launched an industry issues survey in TruckWeek 2010, giving operators and drivers the chance to make a significant contribution to the future direction of the trucking industry.

The anonymous survey asks 15 questions about issues like road safety, recruiting staff and the regulatory burden facing trucking companies.

Once complete, the ATA will use the survey to help guide its strategic planning and in its discussions with the Australian Government.

ATA Chairman, Trevor Martyn, said the survey was a great opportunity for all trucking operators to have a say in the future direction of the ATA.

“The ATA is keen to hear from operators from across Australia about the issues that directly affect them,” Mr Martyn said.

“By completing this survey, operators and drivers will help the ATA ensure they are representing the views and concerns of the wider trucking community.

“The ATA will announce the results of the survey at the 2010 Australian Trucking Convention, which will run on the Gold Coast from 7-10 April.

“At the convention there will be a special industry parliament, so every delegate can have their say about the survey results and the issues affecting the industry.”

The 2010 Australian Trucking Association Industry Issues Survey can be accessed by clicking here.

For more information on the 2010 Australian Trucking Convention visit www.ataevents.net.au.

rt health fund has announced an active involvement in the week, which runs from 21 - 27 February and aims to inform and educate the community and politicians about the importance of the trucking industry and its staff, as well as the issues the industry will face in the coming years.

ATA Chairman, Trevor Martyn, said rt health fund’s commitment to driver health was shared by the ATA, and was a key initiative during TruckWeek 2010.

“Along with the important role of trucking, the great careers available and the need to drive safely around trucks, the health and wellbeing of truck drivers is one of the key messages from TruckWeek 2010,” Mr Martyn said.

“Driver health will be one of the biggest challenges facing the industry over the coming years. It’s essential that trucking operators take an active interest in the health of their drivers.

“A recent survey by the ATA revealed that drivers are at a heightened risk of a number of serious conditions including cardio-vascular disease, diabetes and sleep apnoea.

“Responsible trucking operators are using this research to plan ways to make their drivers safer and ensure they are fit for duty.”

rt health fund Chief Executive Officer, Glenn Campbell, said supporting TruckWeek 2010 was a natural step of the organisation.

“As the transport industry health fund we’re pleased to be supporting ATA’s first ever truck week,” Mr Campbell said.

“Keeping Australia’s road transport people well and performing at their best on the roads is vital to a safe and effective trucking industry, and we’re committed to playing a part in helping to make that happen.

“Affordable health cover is so important in helping people keep themselves and their families insured - without the cover, people lose so many options when it comes to their health and wellbeing, and when they work in an industry that is as vital as this one, that’s a risk no one can afford to take.”

From Canberra to Dubbo, Melbourne to Warwick in Queensland, events are being held across the country today.

Canberra: Politicians, ATA member organisation chairs and industry representative gathered in Parliament House to hear the results of the latest NTI Major Accident investigation report.

Send your TruckWeek photos through to bauched@atatruck.net.au.

Hitting the road with local truckies, Noah found out about their lives, their jobs and the challenges faced by the industry.

To listen to the full segment, click here.

Cr Blackmore met with local trucking operators and the media this week to learn more about the importance of the trucking industry and the needs of local Hunter based trucking operators.

For a full wrap of Cr Blackmore’s visit, click here.

Following a wide range of photos yesterday (click here to view), Wednesday is shaping up to be another  huge day for TruckWeek 2010.

Port Botany: The barbecues continue at Port Botany, as Sydney Ports Corporation’s Mark Ripka and  Ben Hanley from DP World serve a local truck driver with a free breakfast.

Canberra: ATA member association chairs spent the day meeting with politicians in Parliament House about the issues facing the trucking industry, and what the government can do to help the industry.

Send your TruckWeek photos through to bauched@atatruck.net.au.

The Daily Examiner, which covers the Clarence Valley area of NSW (including the towns of Grafton, Maclean and Yamba), spoke to Blanchard  CEO Robert Blanchard about the improtance of the industry and the leaps in safety and efficiency the industry has taken in recent years.

To view the Dialy Examiner article, click here.

Hino’s investment will ensure the long term future of this important industry networking event. Be a part of the Hino Australia Golf Day. For details click here.

Mr Martyn said TruckWeek is the perfect opportunity for all motorists, including Australia’s professional truck drivers, to make a serious effort to be safe on the road and help reduce the nation’s road toll.

“One of the key messages of TruckWeek 2010 is increasing awareness about sharing the road safely with trucks,” Mr Martyn said.

“That’s why I’m urging all truck drivers to think about how they drive when they get behind the wheel this TruckWeek.

“As professionals, I’m asking our nation’s truck drivers to set the standard on the road. But I’m also urging every motorist to remember that truck drivers want to get home to their families too, but our trucks perform very differently to cars.

“If every motorist focuses on the safety of not only themselves, but also of all road users, whenever they step behind the wheel, we will be going a long way to reducing the number of fatalities we see each year on our roads.

TruckWeek is being held from Sunday 21 – Saturday 27 February, with events run across Australia 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.