Australia’s peak trucking industry body, the Australian Trucking Association (ATA), is reminding owner drivers and small fleet operators they have only a week to nominate or register for the 2011 ATA elections.

In the election, truck owner drivers and the operators of small trucking fleets will elect two representatives to the General Council of the Australian Trucking Association, the peak body representing the industry.

The Chairman of the ATA, David Simon, said the 2011 election was a critical opportunity for owner drivers and small fleet operators to have their say about the industry’s future.

“The ATA Council sets the ATA’s strategic policy direction. It deals with the critical issues that will determine the industry’s long term future, including safety, the road transport laws and operator viability,” Mr Simon said.

“I urge all owner drivers and small fleet operators to register to vote. I also urge owner drivers and small fleet operators who want to build the industry’s future to consider nominating for a position.”

To register to vote, an operator must own, be purchasing or leasing 1-5 trucks over 4.5 tonnes and be on the Commonwealth Electoral Roll.

To become a candidate for the single truck owner driver position, an operator must own, be purchasing or leasing one truck over 4.5 tonnes and drive it. For the small fleet position, an operator must own, be purchasing or leasing 2-5 trucks over 4.5 tonnes. Candidates must be members of an ATA member organisation.

Nominations and voter registrations close on 7 February 2011. If there are more candidates than vacancies, there will be an election by postal ballot.