The Freightliner and Mercedes-Benz Trucks Technicians of the Year have been crowned in Melbourne. 

The best Daimler Truck Australia Pacific Truck technicians travelled to the Daimler Truck Training Academy in Mulgrave, Victoria, recently and competed across technical theory assessments, real-world diagnostic challenges and practical hands-on evaluations. At stake was the prestigious title of Technician of the Year, along with a trip to the United States or Germany for the winners.

At the end of the competition, Josh Cook, of Keith Andrews Hamilton was crowned the 2026 Freightliner Technician of the Year, while Sam Jalalabadi from Daimler Trucks Laverton finished second and Bradley Skein from Daimler Trucks Wagga was third.

Brendan Haldane from Daimler Trucks Huntingwood was announced as the 2026 Mercedes-Benz Trucks Technician of the Year, while Peter Briggs from Daimler Trucks Brisbane finished second and Archie Rousell from Daimler Trucks Brisbane was third. 

Daimler Truck Australia Pacific Vice President of Service, Product, VPC and Elite, Stephen Downes, says the capability on display was exceptional.

"Truck technicians are absolutely critical to success of our customers, so it is important that we identify and celebrate the best of the best," Mr Downes says. 

"The skills on display during the Technician of the Year finals was a testament to dedication and commitment of every single one of our finalists and especially our much deserving winners," he adds.