The trucking industry has slammed the Australian Conservation Foundation’s plan to abolish fuel tax credits, which would increase the cost of groceries for hard pressed working families.

There are not enough rest areas for truck drivers on any of Australia’s major highways, according to a new official report. The lack of rest areas means that drivers are forced to press on when they are fatigued – a serious threat to road safety.

The Australian Trucking Association’s (ATA) national headquarters in Canberra will this weekend participate in Earth Hour, a world wide campaign aiming to encourage businesses, communities and individuals to take the simple steps needed to cut their emissions on an ongoing basis.

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has called on the state and territory governments to implement stronger speeding laws in conjunction with the fatigue management reforms in September, rather than delaying their implementation.

With only three days left until nominations close, the ATA is today urging the Australian trucking community to get in their nominations for the upcoming National Trucking Industry Awards. The awards will make up part of the 2008 Australian Trucking Convention to be held in Canberra from 27-30 May.

The trucking industry and working families will benefit from the Australian Government’s decision to delay increasing the fuel tax paid by trucking operators, the Chief Executive of the Australian Trucking Association, Stuart St Clair, said today

Online registrations are now open for the 2008 Australian Trucking Convention, which will be held in Canberra from Tuesday 27- Friday 30 May. The ATA is urging members of the Australian trucking industry to take advantage of the savings that can be made when they register online.

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has slammed a proposal by the green movement to increase the cost of every day items for hard pressed working families.

The Australian Government’s funding for the AusLink transport program must not be diverted to other infrastructure, Australian Trucking Association Chief Executive Stuart St Clair said today.

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has welcomed the new model law on speeding trucks that have been approved by the Australian Transport Council. The new model law will require company managers, schedulers and customers to take reasonable steps to make sure their delivery schedules and deadlines do not pressure drivers to speed.

 Media Releases 2007

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has welcomed the appointment of Warren Truss as the Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Local Government.

The Australian Trucking Association claims the appointment of Anthony Albanese to the position of Minister for Infrastructure and Transport will help to bring about a new era of positive changes for the trucking industry

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has called for a vigorously pursued agenda of rationalising existing commonwealth, state and territory greenhouse gas abatement measures and programmes in a recent response to an Australian Government discussion paper

Labor’s announcement to invest over $660 million toward upgrading Sydney’s roads and creating an improved freight network will create higher levels of productivity for transport operators, says the Australian Trucking Association (ATA)

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has welcomed the Coalition’s announcement of a $6 million vehicle trial to test the suitability of competitive Biodiesel blend, B20, for use in heavy vehicles, if re-elected.

Dedicated Maintenance Manager, Jeff Chandler of Bunker Freight Lines, was last night named the winner of the 2007 Craig Roseneder National Award for Technical and Maintenance Excellence in a workshop by an individual.

Final preparations are being made for the 2007 ATA/ARTSA Technical and Maintenance Conference (TMC) with the event on track to be a great success, according to the Australian Trucking Association (ATA).

The Australian trucking Association (ATA) has applauded the Coalition’s announcement that they will inject $850 million dollars into the upgrading of key regional roads around Australia, if re-elected.

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) announced today that the Gold Coast Convention Centre would be the location for the 2009 Australian Trucking Convention, to be held between Tuesday 21 to Friday 24 April 2009.

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has welcomed Transport Shadow Minister, Martin Ferguson’s announcement of funding for major road networks in Queensland and Western Victoria.

A survey designed by the Australian Trucking Association, (ATA), will be distributed
 to trucking operators nationwide this week, with the aim of developing a network of trucking industry participants from which to draw upon and inform during the design process of the Australian Government’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) Road Safety Awareness Drive
has commenced, with ATA chief executive, Stuart St Clair, and 2007
National Professional Driver of the Year, Des Docherty, beginning their tour
of regional QLD this morning.

A review of high train speeds on routes with only passive level crossings and
frequent vehicle use has been called for by the ATA

The Australian Trucking Association issued a warning for trucking operators and
drivers to act now in preparation for the imminent arrival of the National
Transport Commission Driving Hours and Fatigue Management Package,
due for implementation in September 2008.

The Australian Trucking Association’s (ATA) Mobile Education Centre received a
welcome boost from ATA member organisation NatRoad after being presented
with a cheque for $40 000.

A past recipient of the National Trucking Industry Woman of the Year Award was
among the Australians named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours yesterday.

A truck driver, who risked his life to save a fellow motorist from an explosion,
has been named the 2007 Goodyear Highway Hero.

The Federal Opposition’s Trades in Schools initiative was commended as a
possible solution to the growing skills shortage by the Australian Trucking
Association today.

Communities relying on the trucking industry to deliver freight were the big winners
in the 2007-08 Federal Budget according to the Australian Trucking Association.

A commitment to comprehensive industry representation and services was
the key outcome from the inaugural meeting of the interim council of ATA NSW,
held in Sydney this week.  

Following recent media and industry interest regarding the establishment of
ATA NSW, I believe it is prudent to ensure clarity regarding the involvement
of the Transport Workers Union in the ATA nationally.

The Australian Trucking Association today announced the establishment
of a branch of the ATA in NSW, following the appointment of a liquidator to the
NSW Road Transport Association last week.

Some of Australia’s top truck drivers and industry representatives were awarded
for their commitment to the trucking industry at a moving close to the Australian
Trucking Convention on Saturday.

Achieving a national approach to safety and productivity for Australia’s trucking
industry was the key message from delegates at the 2007 Australian Trucking
 Convention in Cairns last week.

The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) has agreed to a three-phased
change to truck charges according to a statement from the ATA.

The importance of trucking to the Australian economy and the wellbeing of the
community were the focus of addresses to the Australian Trucking Convention today
from the Federal Transport Minister and his Opposition counterpart.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Transport and Regional Services, the
Hon Mark Vaile MP, will address the Australian Trucking Convention on
12 April at 8.20am

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) today asserted its commitment to
ensuring NSW trucking operators continued to be represented at the state level
following the New South Wales Road Transport Association (NSW RTA) being placed
into court liquidation this afternoon.

Zero fatalities on our roads this Easter long weekend should be the goal for all
motorists, according to the Australian Trucking Association.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Regional Services,
the Hon Mark Vaile MP, will present a Keynote Address to the Australian
Trucking Convention in Cairns next week.

Professionalism and driving experience won through in the national final of the
Young Australian Truck Driver Competition on the weekend.

Sixteen of Australia’s best young truck drivers will compete for the ultimate prize
in the national final of the Young Australia Truck Driver competition this weekend.

With less than three weeks until the start of the Australian Trucking Convention
the contenders for the National Trucking Industry Awards have been named
by the Australian Trucking Association.

Productivity gains will improve the environmental performance of the trucking industry according to the Australian Trucking Association.

Former paramedic Scott Savory, of Perth is amongst three Western Australian
drivers selected to represent the state in the national final of the Young Australian
Truck Driver Competition.

Smarter policies are needed to support the use of high productivity vehicles
according to the Australian Trucking Association.

Ascot racecourse will host this weekend’s Western Australian state championship
of the Young Australian Truck Driver Competition.

A range of business and government leaders, sessions on fatigue, network access
and alternative fuels are included in the full 2007 Australian Trucking Convention
program released by the Australian Trucking Association today.

The achievement of the Council of Australian Governments’ National Reform
Agenda (NRA) could see an increase in government revenue and a decrease in
transport costs according to the Australian Trucking Association.

Witnesses to the heroic deeds of truck drivers on Australian roads have been
asked to step up and nominate a ‘Highway Hero’ by the ATA.

A combination of industry experience and driving skills saw Chris Cartwright of
Kyabram, Glenn Pietsch of Horsham and David Whyte of Glenhuntly selected f
or the national final of the Young Australian Truck Driver (Competition.

Two female drivers are among the field for this weekend’s Victorian and
Tasmanian combined state final of the Young Australian Truck Driver competition.

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) today warned against blockades and ‘go slows’ in response to new fatigue regulations.

2006 ATA National Professional Driver of the Year, Lloyd George, today
encouraged companies to nominate drivers and staff for the 2007 National
Trucking Industry Awards and recognise excellence in the industry.

Former soldier Matthew Wheatley, road train driver Stevon Kemp and former
racing industry worker Peter Brett were declared national finalists of the Young
Australian Truck Driver Competition following the NSW state championship.

One of Australia's leading sailors will contest the NSW state final of the Young
Australian Truck Driver Competition.

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) today applauded Managing Director
of PACCAR Australia, Andrew Wright, for his dedicated service to the industry
following the announcement of his upcoming retirement.

The talents of regional truck drivers came to the fore in the Queensland state finals
of the Young Australian Truck Driver Competition (YATD), according to the
Australian Trucking Association (ATA).

The top sixteen young truck drivers from Queensland will vie tomorrow for three
places in the national final of the Young Australian Truck Driver Competition,
according to the Australian Trucking Association (ATA).

Falling diesel prices were no reason for governments to become complacent
about facilitating productivity growth in trucking, according to a statement released
by the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) today.

19 January 2007

With entries closing today for the Queensland leg of the Young Australian Truck
Driver Competition (YATD) the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has
urged all eligible drivers to participate.

10 January 2007

More than 900 entrants have registered for the Young Australian Truck Driver
Competition (YATD) with the state championships set to kick off in February.
The competition is searching for Australia’s best young truck driver.

3 January 2007

Media releases, 2006

Road Safety the Best Christmas Gift Says ATA 

Safe roads over the festive season are the best Christmas presents motorists
can give each other, according to Australian Trucking Association (ATA) chief
executive Stuart St Clair.

Delegates at the 2007 Australian Trucking Convention will learn how to capitalise
on the productivity evolution in trucking and improve compliance with new
regulations according to a statement issued by the ATA today.

The 2006 Australian Trucking Association (ATA) National Drive For Safety
was today declared a success by ATA chief executive Stuart St Clair.

Industry Supporter Appointed to Shadow Transport Ministry 

Martin Ferguson’s appointment to the Shadow Transport Ministry was today welcomed
by Australian Trucking Association chief executive Stuart St Clair.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Regional Services,
the Hon Mark Vaile MP, today commended the trucking industry’s road
safety record during the Christmas period at the launch the 2006 Australian
Trucking Association (ATA) National Drive For Safety (NDFS).

Truck drivers around Australia will be informed on how to watch for the threat of
terrorism in a series of communications measures released by the ATA
and Department of Transport and Regional Services today.

The National Transport Commission’s proposed guidelines for the use of quad axle
groups on semi-trailers and B-Doubles were today described as a “missed opportunity
for productivity gains” by ATA chief executive, Stuart St Clair.

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) and truck manufacturer Scania 
joined forces to find Australia’s best young truck driver, it was announced today.
The joint initiative, called the Young Australian Truck Driver (YATD) competition,
is aimed at developing the skills of young truck drivers and attracting more young
people into the trucking industry.

A new code of conduct encompassing some of Australia’s largest retail and
logistics companies is a “step in the right direction” according to the ATA chief
executive.

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) today issued a statement recognising the
long and dedicated service to the trucking industry of long-standing contributor
Bob Angus.

“Bob was remarkable for the understated nature in which he carried out his task.
He did not seek recognition; he just wanted to contribute to the development
of the industry in a constructive and positive fashion,” said ATA Chair Trevor Martyn.

The 2006 Tarcutta to Tamworth Safety Drive raised awareness of road sharing
while highlighting the need for infrastructure improvements in regional areas,
according to ATA chief executive Stuart St Clair.

Today’s Cleaner Fuels announcement by the Australian Government is a win for
industry and the environment according to the Australian Trucking Association (ATA),
the peak representative body for the trucking industry.

More than 25 federal politicians this week met with ATA chief executive
Stuart St Clair in support of the 2006 ATA National Drive For Safety.

The Australian Trucking Association today called for a fair allocation of funding
to road transport under the new Skills for the Future program.

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) today called for regulatory consistency between jurisdictions after lodging a submission to the National Transport Commission’s (NTC) consultation on driving hours and fatigue management.

Australian Trucking Association (ATA) chief executive, Stuart St Clair, and
2006 National Professional Driver of the Year, Mr Lloyd George, will this
month drive between the Truck Driver Memorial Services at Tarcutta and
Tamworth to raise awareness of road safety.

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) will lodge a submission to the
Senate Employment and Workplace Relations and Education Committee’s
Inquiry into Workforce Challenges in the Transport Industry.

The Australian Trucking Association said the Productivity Commission’s discussion
draft report on road and rail freight infrastructure pricing was a positive step towards
the industry achieving long-term productivity gains.

Peak national body for the road freight transport industry, the ATA, has welcomed
the appointment of Mark Vaile as the new Minister for Transport and Regional
Services following a Ministerial reshuffle announced by the Prime Minister today.

New Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and Bureau of Transport
and Regional Economics (BTRE) findings on the road transport industry
in Australia demonstrate the need for better road networks to further increase
efficiency, according to an ATA statement today. 

Strong growth figures in the road transport sector for the June quarter,
while welcome, cannot be sustained without improvements in infrastructure,
the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) said today.

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) today released the first details
for the 2006 National Drive For Safety, one of its major road safety initiatives. 

The Australian Trucking Association's long-running Safety Education trailer 
will commence its final journey to the Alice Springs Road Transport Hall of
Fame today where it will take its place as a permanent historical display.

The ATA has welcomed the appointment of new National Transport Commission
Chief Executive Officer, Nick Dimopoulos.

A statement issued today the ATA called on state roads Ministers to get serious
about delivering adequate rest areas instead of hiding their failures behind
draconian fatigue regulations.

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has recently released the first details
for the 2006 ATA/ARTSA Technical and Maintenance Conference, to be held
at the Moonee Valley Function Centre from 12 to 14 November this year.

Improvement of productivity in the transport sector should be high on the
agenda of tomorrow’s Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting
to ensure Australia’s continued economic success, according to the ATA.

NTC Fatigue Proposal Unrealistic Says ATA

In a statement today the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has identified the
National Transport Commission’s (NTC) fatigue penalties proposal as being
out of touch with the real world and problematic for the industry. 

 Key Appointment Strengthens ATA Commitment to Reform

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) is pleased to announce the appointment
of Mr David Coonan to the new role of National Manager Heavy Vehicle Regulation.
The role will focus on strengthening the linkage between the ATA and the
National Transport Commission (NTC).

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has welcomed the announcement
by NSW Roads Minister The Hon Eric Roozendaal MLC, of an expanded
Higher Mass Limit network in NSW to operate from today.

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has welcomed the passage of the Fuel Tax Bill 2006 through the Senate overnight.

The vast majority of truck drivers drive safely and at an appropriate speed, claimed the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) following a National Transport Commission (NTC) report released this week.

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) announced today that Cairns would be the location for the 2007 Australian Trucking Convention, to be held from April 10 to 14 next year.

NTC Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Tony Wilson, has resigned.  The ATA wishes him well for the future.

Today’s announcement of a two year transition period for fuel tax credits claims from July 1 2006 is a major win for small trucking businesses across Australia according to chief executive of the Australian Trucking Association (ATA), Mr Stuart St Clair, “the ATA has expressed the trucking industry’s concerns about cash flow impacts under the move to the new system, and the Australian Government has listened to these concerns. This is a sensible outcome for all.”

The cash flow of many trucking businesses will be significantly impacted on according to an Australian Trucking Association (ATA) submission lodged today to a Senate Inquiry on the new Fuel Tax Credit System, which comes into effect on July 1 this year.

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has today lodged its initial submission to the Productivity Commission review of land transport pricing, outlining its views on possible approaches to transport pricing in Australia.

Today’s Federal Budget announcement of an additional $2.4 billion in road and rail projects under AusLink provides a strong foundation for Australia’s continued economic success, according to the Australian Trucking Association (ATA).

Over 700 of Australia’s leading road transport operators, suppliers and
government representatives will meet at the trucking industry’s national annual
convention next week.