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.

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.

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.

“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.”