National Trucking Industry Awards

The prestigious National Trucking Industry Awards recognise businesses and individuals who have gone above and beyond the requirements of their role to improve their workplace and the industry. These awards are presented annually across the Australian Trucking Association’s Trucking Australia and Technology & Maintenance conferences.

Outstanding Contribution to the Australian Trucking Industry
The Outstanding Contribution to the Australian Trucking Industry award recognises the commitment of an individual or an organisation to improving the trucking industry through their operation or their contribution to industry activities.
This award is proudly sponsored by BP, National Transport Insurance, and Volvo Trucks.

National Professional Driver of the Year
The National Professional Driver of the Year award recognises the outstanding performance of a professional truck driver, including driving skill, attitude and contribution to industry improvement.
This award is proudly sponsored by BP, National Transport Insurance, and Volvo Trucks.

TruckSafe John Kelly Memorial Award
The TruckSafe John Kelly Memorial Award recognises a TruckSafe accredited operator that has implemented and promoted the program in an exceptional fashion. This operator fosters a strong culture of safety in every part of their business.
This award is proudly sponsored by AEI Transport Insurance Brokers.

Don Watson Memorial Award
The Don Watson Memorial Award is presented to an individual who has given conspicuous service to the Australian trucking industry.
The winner is selected from a range of exceptional people who do not need to nominate to be considered.

National Trucking Industry Workforce Award
The National Trucking Industry Workforce Award recognises the strong and ongoing commitment to workplace health and wellbeing by a trucking operator, including initiatives that promote broader workforce recruitment, professional development, and a positive workplace culture.
The winner is selected from a range of exceptional organisations who do not need to nominate to be considered.
This award is proudly sponsored by Teletrac Navman.

Craig Roseneder Award for Technical and Maintenance Excellence
The Craig Roseneder Award for Technical and Maintenance Excellence award recognises technical and maintenance excellence in the workshop by an individual. It celebrates the professionalism of the men and women who work behind the scenes in the trucking industry’s workshops.
This award is proudly sponsored by Castrol.

Castrol Industry Achievment Award
The Castrol Industry Achievement Award recognises technical innovation and achievement within the Australian trucking industry. A recipient of this award will be a group or individual who has developed and implemented new technologies, designs or procedures to improve the industry’s safety, efficiency or productivity. Through their work, a recipient will have demonstrably improved not just their own operations, but also made these improvements available to the industry as a whole.
This award is proudly sponsored by Castrol.

National Training Excellence Award
The National Training Excellence Award recognises transport operators’ pro-active action to improve their organisation’s training strategy, and to improve their safety culture.
Select an award below for more information.
Outstanding Contribution to the Australian Trucking Industry
The National Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Australian Trucking Industry recognises the commitment of an individual or an organisation to improving the trucking industry through their operation or their contribution to industry activities.
ATA Foundation Sponsors
Prize
The winner will receive $5,000 cash, a trophy, and will also be hosted to attend Trucking Australia the following year, including the ATA Foundation Sponsors’ Gala Awards Dinner.
Honour Roll: Outstanding Contribution to the Australian Trucking Industry
2025 | Mark Tobin | Followmont Transport |
2024 | Bill Manton | Simon National Carriers |
2023 | Jacquelene Brotherton | Transport Women Australia Limited |
2022 | Phillip Hodges | Transport Certification Services |
2021 | Not awarded | |
2020 | Robert Cavanagh | Stockmaster / Cavanagh’s Transport |
2019 | Leigh Smart | Formula Chemicals |
2018 | Ross Fraser OAM | Frasers Livestock Transport |
2017 | Roger Pickering | Pickering Transport Group |
2016 | Bryan Smith | Rocky’s Own Transport |
2015 | Heather Jones | Pilbara Heavy Haulage Girls |
2014 | David Simon | Simon National Carriers |
2013 | Mike Moylan | Johnstons Transport |
2012 | Tony McGrath | McGrath Newcastle |
2011 | Terry & Daphne Nolan | Nolan’s Interstate Transport, QLD |
2010 | Jim Pearson Snr. | Jim Pearson Transport |
2009 | Newcastle and Hunter Region Road Transport Awareness Group | |
2008 | John Kelly | |
2007 | Tony Conlon | MJ Conlon & Sons |
2006 | Kathy Williams | Bunker Freight Lines |
2005 | Brian Bertwistle | Toll North |
2004 | Howard Croxon | Croxon Management Solutions |
2003 | Sam Sali | S Sali & Sons |
2002 | Phil Russell | R.B Russell Transport |
2001 | Ian & Carol Single | Single Transport Services |
2000 | Noel Hoare | Noel Hoare Transport |
1999 | Jim Cooper | Gulf Transport |
1998 | Geoff Rudd | G V Rudd Transport |
1997 | Les & Betty Turner | Turner’s Transport |
1996 | Doug McMillan | D & P Haulage |
1995 | Craig Roseneder | Nolan’s Interstate Transport |
1994 | Peter Rocke | Mayne Nickless |
National Professional Driver of the Year
The National Professional Driver of the Year Award recognises the outstanding performance of a professional truck driver, including driving skill, attitude and contribution to industry improvement.
ATA Foundation Sponsors
Prize
The winner will receive $5,000 cash and will also be hosted to attend Trucking Australia the following year, including the ATA Foundation Sponsors’ Gala Awards Dinner.
Honour Roll: National Professional Driver of the Year
2025 | Brad Train | VE Group |
2024 | Joshua Ulbrich | Ross Transport |
2023 | Steven Broadbent | Freestones Transport |
2022 | Denis Thompson | Thompson Removals |
2021 | Not awarded | |
2020 | Russell Lee | Directhaul |
2019 | Bernard Forssman | AFD / Directhaul |
2018 | Barry Fitzgerald | Boral Logistics NSW / ACT |
2017 | Danial McFee | Gilbert’s Transport Services Pty Ltd |
2016 | Nigel Felton | All Purpose Transport |
2015 | Aaron Busk | Tytec Logistics, QLD |
2014 | Tom Scotney | Hardy’s Haulage, QLD |
2013 | Robert Schalkwyk | EnergyTrans, QLD |
2012 | Willliam Watson | Wettenhalls, VIC |
2011 | John Hastie | Blenners Transport, QLD |
2010 | Simon Wynne | |
2009 | Robert Machin | Hawkins Road Transport |
2008 | Kevin Cartwright | Whiteline Transport, SA |
2007 | Des Docherty | Eventrans |
2006 | Lloyd George | G R George,QLD |
2005 | Des Bailey | Herb Blanchard Haulage, NSW |
2004 | Merryn Edwards | Lindsay Bros Transport, QLD |
2003 | Brian Wettern | Wettern Transport Company |
2002 | Vern Mildren | Noelvern Transport |
2001 | Rod Hannifey | Toll Liquid Distribution |
2000 | Gregory Wells | J N Nicholson Transport |
1999 | Errol Galvin | Charter Freightlines |
1998 | Murray Cooper | Direct Fuel Supplies |
1997 | Lawrence Harding | Leighton Contractors |
1996 | Max Keogh | Max Keogh Transport |
1995 | Barry Roll | Kalari Transport Services |
1994 | Glenn Waterreus | Rocky’s Own Transport |
National Trucking Industry Woman of the Year
The National Trucking Industry Woman of the Year Award recognises the strong professional or personal contribution made by a woman within the Australian trucking industry.
Sponsor
Prize
A one-week international travel package for the winner and their partner to visit the Cummins factory in the United States. Return airfares, accommodation, transfers and meals to the value of $10,000 + GST are included in the prize package.
The winner will also be hosted to attend Trucking Australia the following year, including the ATA Foundation Sponsors’ Gala Awards Dinner.
Honour Roll: National Australian Trucking Industry Woman of the Year Award
2025 | Ann Lopez | Lopez Bros Transport |
2024 | Jenny Fellows | Fellows Bulk Transport |
2023 | Alina Hawkins | Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of Victoria |
2022 | Leanne Dyer | On The Pads |
2021 | Not awarded | |
2020 | Roslyn Anderson | Wales Truck Repairs |
2019 | Coralie Chapman | Linfox |
2018 | Belinda Polglase | All Purpose Transport |
2017 | Tracie Dickenson | Daryl Dickenson Transport |
2016 | Melissa Taylor | Taylor’s Removals and Storage |
2015 | Julie Russell | RB Russell Transport |
2014 | Lynne Jack | Griffin Motors |
2013 | Sharon Middleton | Whiteline Transport |
2012 | Rosalind (Roz) Shaw | Hawkins Transport |
2011 | Sharon Kane | GMK Logistics, NSW |
2010 | Jan Pattison | Queensland Trucking Association |
2009 | Carol Single | Single Transport Services, QLD |
2008 | Helen Savage | Stockmaster Livestock Transport |
2007 | Melissa Strong | Roadmaster Haulage |
2006 | Liz Schmidt | Schmidt’s Livestock Transport |
2005 | Marilyn Hams | Hams Haulage |
2004 | Liz Martin | National Road Transport Hall of Fame |
2003 | Merry Manton | BHP Steel Logistics |
2002 | Kaye Whitbread | R & K Whitbread Transport |
2001 | Phyllis Jones | NJ & NP Jones |
2000 | Heather Burdon | Argyle Transports |
1999 | Pam McMillan | D & P Haulage |
1998 | Margaret Quigley | John L Pierce |
1997 | Nola Bransgrove | NJ & NF Bransgrove |
TruckSafe John Kelly Memorial Award
The TruckSafe John Kelly Memorial Award recognises a TruckSafe accredited / certified member that has implemented and promoted the program in an exceptional fashion. This member fosters a strong culture of safety in every part of their business. For more information on this award visit TruckSafe.
Sponsor
Prize
A trophy, media publicity and accolades from the many industry representatives attending the ATA Foundation Sponsors Gala Dinner, where the winner is announced.
Honour Roll: TruckSafe John Kelly Memorial Award
2025 | Jim Pearson Transport, NSW |
2024 | Marley’s Transport, WA |
2023 | SeaRoad Logistics Pty Ltd, TAS |
2022 | A & R Magill Pty Ltd, NSW |
2021 | Not awarded |
2020 | SRH Milk Haulage, NSW |
2019 | Nolan’s Interstate Transport, QLD |
2018 | JJ Lawson Transport, NSW |
2017 | Collins Adelaide, SA |
2016 | Fellows Bulk Transport, NSW |
2015 | Jim Pearson Transport, NSW |
2014 | Directhaul, NT |
2013 | De Gunst Transport, QLD |
2012 | Cleary Bros Pty Ltd, NSW |
2011 | Divall’s Earthmoving & Bulk Haulage, NSW |
Don Watson Memorial Award
The Don Watson Memorial Award is presented by Noelene Watson to the person who has given conspicuous service to the Australian trucking industry.
The winner is selected from a range of exceptional people who do not need to nominate to be considered. The Don Watson Award is generally awarded to a representative of an industry supplier. In this way, it is differentiated from the award for an Outstanding Contribution, which is awarded to individuals employed in trucking operations or trucking groups.
Don Watson grew up next door to the family’s Golden Fleece Service Station and served petrol and washed the trucks after school. When he took over the trucking business from his father, he grew the business from a livestock carrier to a refrigerated transport business. Don was dedicated to giving back to the industry he loved.
He promoted the need for associations which would bring like-minded people together. Outside work, Don raced cars. He drove Porsches, Group E Production Sedans and Group A Touring Cars.
The industry lost a great advocate and mate in Don Watson when he was competing at the 1994 Bathurst one-thousand touring car races.
Prize
A trophy, media publicity and accolades from the many industry representatives attending the ATA Foundations Sponsors Gala Dinner at the ATA’s annual national conference, Trucking Australia, where the winner is announced.
Honour Roll: Outstanding Contribution to the Australian Trucking Industry
2025 | Kathy Williams AM | Past ATA Chair |
2024 | Denis Robertson | Past ATA Chair |
2023 | Ron Finemore AO | Ron Finemore Transport |
2022 | Darren Nolan | Nolan’s Interstate Transport |
2021 | Not awarded | |
2020 | Not awarded | |
2019 | Not awarded | |
2018 | Frances Ross | R & A Ross Transport |
2017 | Ray Ablett | Abletts Transport |
2016 | Doug McMillan | D & P Haulage |
2015 | Paul ‘Harro’ Harrison | Paul Harrison Transport |
2014 | Tim Wedlock | Austbrokers AEI |
2013 | Simon Skazlic | K & S Freighters |
2012 | Not awarded | |
2011 | Peter Armstrong | Prime Media Magazine |
2010 | Mario Colosimo | BPW Transpec |
2009 | Ross McDonald | Cummins South Pacific |
2008 | Peter Rocke | Peter Rocke & Associates |
2007 | Andrew Wright | Paccar and Kenworth brand |
2006 | Owen Driscoll | NTI |
2005 | Max Winkless | Max Winkless Transport |
2004 | Peter Lawrence | Thermo King |
2003 | Stephen Brown | 1st Fleet |
2002 | Bridgestone Australia & South Pacific Tyres | |
2001 | Des Ind | K & S Corporation |
2000 | Bruce McKee | International Trucks |
1999 | Ron Jowett | Isuzu |
1998 | Legh Winser | K & S Corporation |
1997 | Bram Van der Schaar | Volvo Trucks Australia |
1996 | Volvo Trucks Australia, International Trucks Australia and Mercedes Benz Australia | |
1995 | Chris Davies |
National Trucking Industry Workforce Award
The National Trucking Industry Workforce Award recognises the strong and ongoing commitment to workplace health and wellbeing by a trucking operator, including initiatives that promote broader workforce recruitment, professional development, and a positive workplace culture.
Sponsor
Prize
A $7K prize package that can be used towards:
- training, expansion, recruitment or employee well-being programs
- business services for free or discounted professional services (e.g. HR consulting, legal advice, marketing support)
- professional certification or training to boost employees’ skills.
Honour Roll: National Trucking Industry Workforce Award
2025 | Border Crane Consultants, VIC |
Craig Roseneder Award for Technical and Maintenance Excellence
The Craig Roseneder Award for Technical and Maintenance Excellence award recognises technical and maintenance excellence in the workshop by an individual. It celebrates the professionalism of the men and women who work behind the scenes in the trucking industry’s workshops.
Sponsor
Prize
A fully paid trip to the US, to attend the US Technology and Maintenance Council’s Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition including:
- Return economy airfares to the US
- Full registration to attend the US Technology and Maintenance Council’s Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition
- 5 nights premium conference accommodation
- Partners’ program registration (if applicable)
- Complimentary registration to the next ATA Technology and Maintenance Conference
- AUD $1,500 spending money
Honour Roll: Craig Roseneder Award for Technical and Maintenance Excellence
2024 | John Jenkin | Tatiara Trucks & Trailers |
2023 | Shane Pendergast | Air Brake Systems |
2022 | Jason Button | CHS Broadbent |
2021 | Not awarded | |
2020 | Dennis Roohan | AJM Transport |
2019 | Jason Barry | Border Crane Consultants |
2018 | Tony Wright | Divall’s Earthmoving and Bulk Haulage |
2017 | Mark Collins | Frasers Livestock Transport |
2016 | Cade Robinson | Borg’s Manufacturing |
2015 | Damien Allison | De Bruyn’s Transport |
2014 | Glenn Griffiths | Ron Finemore Transport |
2013 | Wayne Merrick |
Boral Logistics |
2012 | John Schulze | FBT Transwest |
2011 | Brian Murphy | DirectHaul, NT |
2010 | Graham Nash | Mountain Industries, NSW |
2009 | Merv Rowlands | Boral Transport |
2008 | Tony Rawson | Brisbane City Council |
2007 | Jeff Chandler | Bunker Freight Lines |
2006 | Wally Cox | Wimmera Truck & Bus |
2005 | Robert Braunberger | Toll North Equipment |
2004 | Stephen Purser | SX Trailers |
2003 | Lance Fisher | J L Pierce Transport |
2002 | Alan Bold | Managed Fleet Maintenance |
2001 | Robert Boer | K&S Freighters |
2000 | Brian Fettell | Australia Post |
1999 | Brian Layton | Cootes Holdings |
1998 | Val Gomez | Bunker Freight Lines |
Castrol Industry Achievement Award
The Castrol Industry Achievement Award recognises technical innovation and achievement within the Australian trucking industry. A recipient of this award will be a group or individual who has developed and implemented new technologies, designs or procedures to improve the industry’s safety, efficiency or productivity. Through their work, a recipient will have demonstrably improved not just their own operations, but also made these improvements available to the industry as a whole.
Sponsor
Prize
A trophy, a complimentary registration to the next ATA Technology and Maintenance Conference, media publicity and accolades from the many industry representatives attending the Technology and Maintenance Conference, where the winner is announced.
Honour Roll: Castrol Industry Achievement Award
2024 | Callum Boyce | Bisitecniks |
2023 | Ian Thomson | BPW Transpec |
2022 | Greg Brown | MaxiPARTS |
2021 | Not awarded | |
2020 | ITC Converter Dolly Project Supply Partners | |
2019 | Phil Webb | PACCAR Australia (retired) |
2018 | Trevor Dickson | PACCAR Parts Australia |
2017 | Les Bruzsa | National Heavy Vehicle Regulator |
2016 | David Coonan | |
2015 | Tim Giles | |
2014 | Bob Woodward | |
2013 | Bob Pearson | Pearson’s Transport Research Centre |
National Training Excellence Award
The National Training Excellence Award recognises transport operators’ pro-active action to improve their organisation’s training strategy, and to improve their safety culture.
Prize
- Prize includes trophy, certificate and media release.
- $5K cash prize that may be used towards:
- staff training in a technical, non-technical or physical or mental wellbeing area
- a business services package with a staff training consultancy or other training-related package.
- employee training incentives
- Promotion through the ATA’s owned and earned media (website, social media, Friday Facts newsletter and the trucking industry press)
Honour Roll: National Training Excellence Award
2024 | Frasers Livestock Transport & South East Queensland Hauliers |
2023 | CMV Truck & Bus |
2022 | Followmont Transport |
2021 | Not awarded |
2020 | Chemtrans |
2019 | Australian Furniture Removers Association |
2018 | Brown & Hurley |
2017 | De Bruyn’s Transport |
2016 | All Purpose Transport |
2015 | QLD GenR8 program members (QTA) |
2014 | Toll Mining Services, WA |
2013 | Not awarded |
2012 | Star Track Pty Ltd |
2011 | Women Take the Wheel Program |
2010 | Get into Transport & Logistics (Road Transport) Program, QLD |
2009 | NQX Freight System, QLD |
2008 | WA Freight Group |
2007 | Not Awarded |
2006 | Border Express, NSW |
2005 | K & S Corporation, Vic |