Businesses around the country have started their festivities for TruckWeek 2012, a week-long celebration of the trucking industry that runs until Saturday.

Trucks carry more than 70 per cent of Australia’s domestic freight, including every item on the shelves of your supermarket. TruckWeek brings all sectors of the industry together to highlight its achievements and showcase what a safe, professional trucking industry can do.

Events are being held in every state and territory across the country, and range from taking a politician for a drive in the cab of a truck to holding an award ceremony to recognise the dedicated staff that keep the country moving.

In Canberra, the ATA has organised a parliamentary delegation program, inviting politicians to meet with industry leaders to discuss the key issues facing the industry.

In NSW, TruckWeek has kicked off with a BBQ for truck drivers outside Sydney’s Port Botany, which will run every morning until Friday. Celebrity sausage sizzlers will include Minister for Roads and Ports Duncan Gay, ATA NSW Manager Jill Lewis, CEO and Director Sydney Ports Grant Gilfillan and RMS General Manager Compliance Paul Endycott.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Project Office has held a webinar online to discuss the coming changes the regulator will bring, and allow people from all over the country to ask questions of Project Manager Richard Hancock.

TruckWeek is even appearing on TV, thanks to road safety ads placed by ATA member association NatRoad.

You don’t have to live in the city to enjoy a TruckWeek event. Many operators and organisations are holding events in their local town, from the Alice Springs Road Transport Historical Society’s Truckies ReUnion in the Northern Territory to Hentschke Transport’s community BBQ in Loxton, SA.

ATA Chairman David Simon’s own company, Simon National Carriers, will hold a breakfast BBQ and health checks for its staff during TruckWeek.

“The trucking industry has some of the most dedicated and professional staff in the country, and we continue to make great strides in safety,” Mr Simon said.

“It’s time to celebrate trucking and show Australia how we deliver.”

Go to www.truckweek.com.au to see the full event listing and more information.