Three local debuts for new battery electric trucks and the first public appearance of the most anticipated Western Star model for many years were among highlights of the TMS Teletrac Navman Technology | Maintenance | Safety Conference & Exhibition which opened in Christchurch on March 13.

The two day conference organised with the NZ Trucking Association and National Road Carriers was officially opened by the Hon. Matt Doocey, whose portfolios include Minister for ACC and Associate Minister of Transport.

Among the new trucks on display at the Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre was an 8x4 variant of the new Western Star 48X, part of the brand’s new generation X-Series range of trucks being introduced to New Zealand later this year.

Another notable launch was for the SANY full electric E-Mixer concrete truck. SANY is the third largest construction equipment manufacturer in the world and its earth moving equipment is well established in the New Zealand market.

The 8x4 unit has been through homologation and testing in Australia, with support  from Putzmeister Oceania and partners including Terramotive in the Australian and New Zealand markets.

Using an Australian-made Cesco superstructure with a 6.5 cubic metre bowl, the configuration is designed for dry batching methods and uses a 350kWh CATL battery pack.

Also on show was first 490kW Volvo FM Electric tractor unit to arrive in New Zealand and at the lighter end of the scale was an electric N60EV 6.0t light truck from the JAC Motors brand, which is relaunching in New Zealand this year.

An important focus of the TMS Expo is to showcase career opportunities in the transport industry. Early on the opening day 130 local school students and adults interested in a transport career had the opportunity to find out more about all aspects of the industry including driving, engineering, health & safety, technology and logistics.

“It was great seeing so many young people engaged in a potential career in transport,” says David Boyce, CEO, New Zealand Trucking Association.

“Opening their eyes to the range of opportunities the industry provides and helping them understand the industry is about more than being a truck driver. We need marketers, administration, HR, communications, engineers, and supply chain experts – to name just a few. The Careers Expo is about being proactive in terms of attracting talent.”

Show organisers report over 50 exhibitors were in attendance, including Volvo, Penske, Isuzu, UD Trucks, Hino Trucks, Z Energy, Levanta Superior Workshop Solutions, NAPA, Transpecs, Alemlube, Milwaukee, and Waimea Engineering.

“It was fantastic to have transport operators and firms attending alongside service suppliers, manufacturers, telematics, agencies (e.g., MSD), regulators (e.g., NZTA), finance, insurance, and technology providers,” says Boyce.

“We’ve really enjoyed welcoming the Crane Association, Ground Spreaders Association, and the Heavy Haulage Association, along with our Australian partners the Australian Trucking Association, NatRoad, and TruckSafe Australia.”

Speakers addressed a range of topics including how to enhance fleet productivity through performance-based designs, telematics, AI, and how transformational technology can be for the industry. Attendees were also challenged to think more deeply about the future of transportation fuels especially how diesel, hydrogen and electric can all play their part.

“Industry safety was central to the conference and delegates appreciated the opportunity to hear how industry-led initiatives such as HARMfree Transport and Logistics and TruckSafe NZ can enhance safety outcome and contribute to operator well-being,” says Justin Tighe-Umbers, CEO, National Road Carriers.

“The session on how to get a grip of your business costs via NRC’s Customisable Cost Index was particularly well received as operators struggle with increasing costs across the board, and attendees for given strong insights into what a powerful tool their people are and how business success is intrinsically linked to how you develop and invest in your workforce.”

A Wednesday night awards ceremony celebrated three industry leaders across the technology, maintenance and safety sectors.

The PartsTrader Technology Award for the company or entrepreneur who has a technological solution or product that enhances the future of our industry was won by TDRI Solutions.

Josh Verity, owner, TRUCKworks Mechanical & Engineering was named winner of the BP Maintenance Award, recognising the most outstanding technician who is dedicated to continuous improvement. 

The late Rachel Lehen and the Fit for Duty programme were recognised with the ACC Safety Award for pioneering work in the area of sleep health and fatigue management.