The Australian trucking industry will gather in June to recognise the people and organisations shaping the sector, following the announcement of finalists for the 2026 National Trucking Industry Awards.
The awards, presented annually by the Australian Trucking Association, celebrate excellence across safety, leadership, workforce development and professional driving. The association represents around 60,000 businesses and 200,000 people working across Australia’s freight and logistics network.
ATA Chair Mark Parry said the finalists reflect the values that underpin the industry’s resilience and professionalism.
“The finalists for the National Trucking Industry Awards have shown enormous commitment to their individual businesses and the community. They are examples for us all,” Parry said.
Winners will be announced at the ATA Foundation Sponsors Gala Awards Dinner on Hamilton Island on 5 June as part of the Trucking Australia 2026.
Recognising Leadership and Industry Contribution
The Outstanding Contribution to the Australian Trucking Industry category highlights individuals who have demonstrated long-term commitment to improving safety, professionalism and community outcomes.
Finalists include Mike Edmonds from NTI, recognised for his leadership in the TruckSafe program and mentoring across the industry, and Wendy Fennell, Managing Director of Fennell Forestry, whose work has influenced both the forestry and transport sectors.
Fennell has also played a role in licensing reform and community fundraising initiatives, including the Truck Pull Challenge, which has raised more than $200,000 for charity over the past decade.
Celebrating Professional Drivers
The National Professional Driver of the Year category recognises the skill, reliability and professionalism required to operate heavy vehicles safely across complex transport tasks.
Finalists include Andrew Foster and John Parry, both tanker drivers with IOR, whose roles involve specialised fuel delivery operations across multiple sectors.
Foster is known for his expertise in marine refuelling, a task that requires precision to prevent spills and protect sensitive environments. Parry brings more than three decades of driving experience and is frequently requested by customers for deliveries, reflecting strong relationships built through consistent service standards.
Recognising Women Leading Change in the Industry
The National Trucking Industry Woman of the Year category highlights leadership, operational excellence and advocacy within the transport sector.
Finalists include Jodie Jarratt, co-owner of Jarratt Transport Solutions, and True Ross-Sawrey, Business Manager at Ross Transport.
Jarratt has introduced a range of safety and compliance initiatives, including electronic work diaries and advanced vehicle configurations, while also focusing on driver wellbeing through improved cabin comfort and working conditions.
Ross-Sawrey has focused on workforce development and industry perception, supporting drivers to upgrade licence classes and promoting diversity within the workforce.
Workforce and Safety Culture in Focus
The National Trucking Industry Workforce Award recognises organisations building strong workplace cultures and investing in training, safety and diversity.
Finalists include Formula Chemicals and JATEC Transport, both recognised for structured training programs and initiatives that support employee wellbeing and inclusion.
JATEC Transport’s regular “Learning BBQ” sessions provide an informal environment for drivers and management to discuss safety and operational issues, reinforcing the role of communication in maintaining safe and productive workplaces.
Commitment to Safety Through TruckSafe
The TruckSafe John Kelly Memorial Award acknowledges companies demonstrating strong compliance and safety performance under the TruckSafe accreditation program.
Finalists include JR Bulk Liquid Transport and K&S Freighters, both long-standing members of the TruckSafe scheme with established safety and operational systems supporting national freight movements.
These businesses reflect the industry’s ongoing focus on compliance, risk management and professional standards as supply chains become more complex and safety expectations continue to rise.
A Reminder of the People Behind the Supply Chain
The National Trucking Industry Awards serve as a reminder that transport performance depends on people—drivers, managers and operators—working behind the scenes to keep freight moving safely and reliably.
For fleet operators and supply chain leaders, the finalists represent practical examples of how leadership, training and culture translate into operational outcomes. Recognition programs like these also help reinforce industry standards and provide benchmarks for workforce development and safety performance across the sector.
