NatRoad conference opens

The annual conference of the National Road Transport Association, or NatRoad, has opened its doors at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Officially opened by MC and cricketing legend Max Walker along with Paul Vawdrey of Vawdrey trailers at a reception on Thursday evening, the next two days will see hundreds of delegates representing a wide cross-section of Australia's road freight operators brought up to date on a range of pertinent industry issues.

Under the broader theme of 'Perception versus Reality', several speakers will address the truck industry's image and how it can be improved – a vital key to attracting new drivers to the sector as the country's freight task gains pace in coming years.

Industry updates from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and National Transport Commission will take place this morning, followed by an examination of the industry's safety record and a variety of delegate forums catering to different industry niches.

The industry's shining lights will be lauded today at the 2015 NatRoad Awards, which recognise those whose service to the industry goes 'above and beyond' the call of duty.

Tonight will see a variety of goods and services go under the hammer at the MaxiTRANS & Thermo King Auction Dinner, including a new Freighter drop-deck semi-trailer and a Thermo King 'Black Panther' S-700 Precedent trailer refrigeration unit (pictured), plus a host of other items.

Tomorrow's agenda will feature an industrial relations update and a Chain of Responsibility update, among other items, with the conference then culminating in the Cummins and PACCAR & PACCAR Dealers Gala Dinner.

trucksales.com.au is here in Brisbane attending the NatRoad conference; check back soon for future coverage of the event.