As daylight saving looms and springtime arrives, we deliver the October 2026 issue of New Zealand Truck & Driver magazine with the cover and Giti Tyres Big Test featuring the new generation Isuzu F Series.

The centre of attention is the first FVY model to go to work in New Zealand. The FVY 240.30 is working for Bascik Transport, offering the combination of 300hp, a 6-speed Allison automatic transmission, and air suspension with the longest wheelbase option to tackle a middle-weight metro delivery role in the Christchurch market.

There’s also a Canterbury flavour to this month’s Advantage Tyre Solutions Fleet Focus. From a career as a professional polo player taking his skills around the globe, Roddy Wood is building Rolleston-based Waireka Transport into a multi-role company delivering a diverse range of specialised transport options. 

The October News section looks at breaking news from the IAA Transportation expo in Hannover, Germany and previews springtime truck shows around New Zealand.

We report from Dunedin’s annual  Special Rigs for Special Kids event, look at the new Mackays Crossing CVSC which recently opened and take a look at new styling for the Mack Trident and Super-Liner models. And there are truck racing updates from NZ and Europe.

Transporting New Zealand CEO Dom Kalasih looks at election issues, fuel excise duties and road user charges. And there’s a look at how AI may be a valuable opportunity for the transport industry along with an update of permit reforms in the October Transporting NZ column.

There is a full report from the 2026 NZ Heavy Haulage Association conference held in Christchurch and the October features look at the Mobil tanker fleet from the 1960s and tell the story of Mike Dowd’s 49-year career with Tirau Earthmovers.

Kenworth SAR Legend number 699 is the subject of the Southpac Legend feature. The truck is hard at work for Brett Marsh Transport but will one day have a special place in the family collection.

The October message from National Road Carriers sees Commercial Transport Specialist Paula Rogers focusing on compliance priorities and driver health initiatives. 

The monthly registration data analysis in CrediFlex Recently Registered confirms another month slow truck sales while slight lift in trailer registrations continues.