Delegates at Trucking Australia 2016 will be able to have their say and get updated on critical trucking industry issues including safety, contract requirements and business strategy, with the full program for the event released today.
Trucking Australia 2016 will be held at the Sea World Resort on the Gold Coast from Thursday 23 to Saturday 25 June.
ATA Chief Executive Christopher Melham said Trucking Australia 2016 was designed to respond to the big issues affecting trucking operators.
“Safety is always top priority, and new safety technologies are constantly being developed to aid drivers, improve vehicles and upgrade systems,” Mr Melham said.
“In our industry safety session, ARRB’s Chief Scientist, Human Factors, Prof. Michael Regan, will outline what new safety technologies mean for the trucking industry and how to make sure your business is getting the most out of them. This will then move into a free-flowing discussion as delegates develop the ATA’s industry safety action plan.
“The second session will focus on industry best practice, with TruckSafe Chair Stephen Marley showcasing the new TruckSafe standards, and how they have been upgraded to include a range of best practice management procedures.
“You don’t have to be a TruckSafe operator to get great practical safety advice out of this session. Delegates will also discuss the pros and cons to implementing these practices in your business with operators who have trialled the new standards.
“To close out day one of the program, delegates will take part in a contracts masterclass about what trucking businesses need to look for as they review contracts.
“This masterclass will feature the launch of the ATA’s new contract checklist. Using the checklist, delegates will work through a hypothetical industry contract, identify potential problems and find out how to fix them.”
Day two of the program will start with an in-depth breakdown of the Australian economy and its impact on trucking operators, led by Tim Suffield from ANZ.
“The peaks and troughs of the Australian economy can have a big impact on the viability of your business,” Mr Melham said.
“In this session, you’ll hear what the experts are expecting for the economy over the next few years, and also gain insights into how trucking businesses are faring right now, including examples of what’s working and what isn’t.
“Following the presentation, you’ll contribute to the development of the ATA’s business viability action plan.”
The final program session for Trucking Australia 2016 will deal with issues surrounding industry training, including consistency of training and the ability for operators to access the training units they need.
“The message is clear: a heavy vehicle licence is only the first qualification needed for great drivers. With issues like chain of responsibility, fatigue and load restraint evolving over time, it’s essential for businesses to be able to upskill new and existing workers in these areas,” Mr Melham said.
“Delegates will get valuable information about what financial support and programs are available to trucking businesses, and how you can make these training programs work for you.”
Trucking Australia 2016 won’t be all work, with plenty of opportunities for attendees to relax and network at the opening night ‘Lights, Camera, Auction!’ dinner at Warner Bros Movie World, the MT Data business lunch, the Friday night BPW Transpec Dinner and the Kenworth Legends Luncheon.
The industry will also celebrate the achievements of some of its own with the announcement of the National Trucking Industry Award winners at the ATA Foundation Sponsors Gala Dinner on the Saturday night.
Full delegate registration for Trucking Australia 2016 is just $495 (inc GST). On-site accommodation is available at the 4½ star Sea World Resort, with special delegate rates starting from $169 per room per night.
For more information about Trucking Australia 2016 and to register, go to www.truckingaustralia.com.au.
