New Zealand Truck & Driver magazine begins 2024 in the world of heavy haulage, powering up with the crew from PTS Logistics to test a new Mack Titan. The 685hp Titan has an 80-tonne job to do for this month’s Giti Tyres Big Test and the `Big Dog’ showcases a range of worthwhile upgrades to its performance, refinement and comfort in the process.

Scenic Mid-Canterbury provides the backdrop for Teletrac Navman Fleet Focus as we look at the continuing evolution of Wilson Bulk Transport. We have profiled the Tinwald firm nearly 20 years ago, when it was operating as a charitable trust. Today it’s part of the Wareing Group but its connections to the Mid-Canterbury community are as strong as ever.

Feature content in the February issue takes a look at hydrogen innovations and some of the fuel cell and combustion engine development programmes being carried out by some major global automotive companies. 

We also look at how Whanganui’s McCarthy Transport worked with Waka Kotahi NZTA to put a more robust RUC compliance process in place and the February issue also helps to celebrate the completion of a 15-year project to document the history of Taumarunui’s transport industry.

The New Year also provides the chance to dive into the new truck and trailer registration data from 2023 in CrediFlex Recently Registered. It was a record year for new truck sales, another year of growth in the trailer segment and a chance for Isuzu and Fruehauf to celebrate moves to market leadership.

It’s a busy news section to kick off 2023 with an update on the continuing delay to the introduction of the Police CVST Mobile Roller Brake Testing units and a look ahead to the massive Kenworth 100 Years celebration at Mystery Creek in February.

There’s an update on improvements to State Highway 1 in the Waikato, the launch of a free driver’s logbook app, a fresh start for China’s JAC Motors brand in New Zealand and leadership changes to report at Penske and Iveco.

February’s Southpac Trucks Legends tells the story of Southland’s Wayne Williams and how the keen sense for efficient time management he developed at an early age has been applied to a 40-year career in the road transport industry.

Transporting New Zealand Interim Chief Executive Dom Kalasih looks back on the ups and downs of 2023 and outlines where the association will focus its efforts in 2024.  

The Double Coin Tyres Transporting Imaging poster is a 10-axle bonus featuring a new International RH 10x4 working for Container Waste in Canterbury and we have the latest updates from both National Road Carriers and the NZ Heavy Haulage Association.