The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has recognised some of the industry’s most respected leaders, operators and businesses at the 2026 National Trucking Industry Awards, announced during the ATA Foundation Sponsors Gala Awards Dinner on Hamilton Island.
Held as part of Trucking Australia 2026, the awards celebrate excellence across the trucking sector, recognising individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to safety, professionalism, workforce development and industry leadership.
ATA Chair Mark Parry said the recipients represented the very best of the Australian trucking industry.
“The recipients of this year’s awards have demonstrated outstanding dedication to their businesses and the wider community,” Parry said.
“They are the best our industry has to offer, and they are examples to us all.”
The awards were presented during Trucking Australia 2026, the industry’s premier annual event, which featured 13 conference sessions and 39 presenters and panellists alongside networking events and industry discussions.
Industry veteran recognised for lifetime contribution
The Outstanding Contribution to the Australian Trucking Industry Award was presented to Michael Edmonds from NTI.
A familiar figure across both the trucking and insurance sectors, Edmonds began his career as a police officer before spending more than three decades working in transport-related roles with Finemore Holdings, the ATA and NTI.
He previously led the ATA’s TruckSafe program and continues to contribute to industry working groups as an insurance specialist. Widely respected for his calm leadership and mentorship, Edmonds has helped shape both industry programs and the careers of many transport professionals.
Professional driver award honours tanker specialist
The National Professional Driver of the Year Award went to John Parry from IOR.
With more than 30 years’ experience as a tanker driver, including 11 years of military service and two operational deployments, Parry was recognised for his professionalism, reliability and commitment to mentoring younger drivers.
He delivers fuel to customers across retail, agricultural, rail, commercial and marine sectors and is regularly requested by customers for his service standards. Within IOR, he is regarded as a preferred mentor and shift partner for newer drivers.
Woman of the Year recognised for leadership and innovation
The National Trucking Industry Woman of the Year Award was presented to Jodie Jarratt, co-owner of Jarratt Transport Solutions.
Jarratt has played a key role in introducing safety and productivity initiatives across the business, including TruckSafe accreditation, NHVAS modules, electronic work diaries, onboard scales and the introduction of PBS B-triples and road trains into Victoria.
She has also championed driver wellbeing initiatives, equipping vehicles with microwaves, sleeper cab air-conditioning and inverters to improve conditions for drivers on the road.
Beyond her business, Jarratt has contributed to the industry through leadership roles with the Queensland Trucking Association and Transport Women Australia Limited.
Workforce development award goes to Formula Chemicals
The National Trucking Industry Workforce Award was awarded to Formula Chemicals.
The family-owned company has built a strong reputation over more than five decades and was recognised for its commitment to workforce development, diversity and employee wellbeing.
Its 2026 plans include expanded safety reporting, leadership programs, structured driver training, wellness initiatives and leadership development opportunities. The company also continues to support workforce diversity and maintains a Work Release Program in partnership with Corrective Services NSW.
Long-term commitment to safety recognised
The TruckSafe John Kelly Memorial Award was presented to K&S Freighters.
Established in 1945, K&S has grown into one of the largest multi-modal transport and distribution providers across Australia and New Zealand. The company became a founding member of the TruckSafe program in 1996 and has maintained a strong commitment to safety and operational excellence over three decades.
Don Watson Memorial Award for industry advocacy
The Don Watson Memorial Award was presented to David Simon.
As Executive Chairman of Simon National Carriers and former ATA Chair from 2010 to 2014, Simon has been a prominent advocate on issues including heavy vehicle regulation, road user charging and fatigue management.
His contributions include representing the industry at the Federal Government’s 2011 tax forum and delivering a National Press Club address in 2013 focused on road funding reform.
Within his own business, Simon introduced a dedicated 90 km/h linehaul speed limit to improve both fuel efficiency and safety outcomes.
The awards highlighted the depth of talent and leadership across the trucking industry, recognising achievements that continue to strengthen safety, professionalism and workforce capability across the sector.
