Record numbers at NatRoad Conference 2014

A record number of delegates attended the recent NatRoad Conference 2014, held at the Adelaide Convention Centre over August 14 to 16

A record number of 250 delegates recently descended on the NatRoad Conference 2014, of which some 220 represented road freight operators.

Held at the Adelaide Convention Centre over August 14 to 16, participants gathered to discuss a range of the most pressing issues with which the Australian trucking industry is currently faced, with the interactive forum sessions resulting in a number of motions that will help the representative group formulate its advocacy strategy for the next 12 months.

Cricketing great and media identity Max Walker was Master of Ceremonies for the conference, while key speakers included Sal Petroccitto, CEO of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator, and Paul Retter, CEO of the National Transport Commission, who delivered updates on the advances made by these regulatory and policy-making bodies and their future work programs.

Other sessions covered topics included the issues surrounding Australia's ageing truck fleet, industrial relations and business finance, while forums explored a variety of issues specific to liquid and bulk dry carriers, over-dimensional and/or dangerous goods carriers, container and general goods carriers, refrigerated carriers and heavy recovery vehicles, with a separate session focusing on pallets.

Delegates were also addressed by two-time Paralympic champion, Kurt Fearnley, and leading business and management consultant, Alan Hargreaves.

The NatRoad Awards 2014 were announced at a National Transport Insurance luncheon on the Friday. Laura Kennedy from Toll Group won the Transport Youth Award and Benjamin Sparrow of SRV Roadfreight Services won the Excellence in Operations Support Award, while the Professional Driver of the Year Award went to Aaron Busk of Tytec Logistics.

That left the Ted Pickering Memorial Award, which went to Richard 'Dick' Kyle of Australian Transport Compliance Centres Pty Ltd.

Significant funds were raised for NatRoad at the MaxiTRANS and ThermoKing Auction Dinner on the Friday night, the money boosting the body's war chest to help it better represent the Australian truck industry.

The numerous trade stalls in the adjacent expo allowed a variety of firms to showcase their wares and services, while the conference wrapped up with the Cummins & PACCAR and the PACCAR Dealer Group Gala Dinner on the Saturday night.

NatRoad President Geoff Crouch said the conference's success highlighted the importance placed by road freight operators on improving the Australian trucking industry.

"The conference was a resounding success with a record number of delegates and trade exhibits," he said.

"In addition to this, the delegates attended many worthwhile sessions that looked towards improving their businesses. The delegate parliament session resulted in over 30 resolutions for the NatRoad secretariat, all of which will be put on their forward work plan, which will result in benefits for the entire Australian transport industry."

Record numbers at NatRoad Conference 2014

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