We love special builds and one-offs at New Zealand Truck & Driver magazine and our March issue cover story and Giti Tyres Big Test takes a look at a unique new build.

It’s a new Hino 700 Series modified with a tri-drive rear-end and equipped with a powerful Palfinger PK92-0002 crane which is tackling some specialist work for Hamilton-based Les Harrison Transport.

There’s a Canterbury flavour for the March issue Fleet Focus with the story of the Taggart family and their role in helping to shape the landmarks and infrastructure of the wider Christchurch region over the past 70 years. 

Our March issue News section confirms the introduction of the high efficiency Volvo FH Aero to the NZ market, updates progress on the SH3 Mt Messenger bypass and looks at the new state-of-the-art Truckstops facility which has just opened in Christchurch. We also report from the Dunedin Truck Show and the latest round of the NAPA Auto Parts NZ Super Truck Championship at Timaru.

January’s big trucking event was the third edition of the Transfleet Trailers/ Allied Petroleum Bombay Truck Show. We spotlight the UDC Show & Shine winners and take a look at the highlights of another hugely successful community event.

The monthly Transporting New Zealand column sees CEO Dom Kalasih putting some perspective on the 2024 road toll and ongoing road safety initiatives. We also profileMatamata’s Josh Adamson, winner of the EROAD Young Driver of the Year award and announce details of the Transporting NZ member survey. 

The latest instalment of the Southpac Legend series tells the story of Barry Hermansen’s 30-year contribution in the log transport sector and CrediFlex Recently Registered reports on a slow start to new truck and trailer registrations in 2025.

Our March issue Double Coin Tyres Transport Imaging fold-out poster puts the spotlight on a stunning new Kenworth T909 transport for Napier-based ACM.

We also take a look at the beauty and challenges of the Saudi Arabian desert with a report on the Truck competition at the 47th edition of the Dakar Rally while National Road carriers Chief executive Justin Tighe-Umbers takes a look at the factors that will influence the local transport industry in 2025 and how the broader economic outlook is shaping up.