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Press Releases

New CEO Found for Road Transport Forum

Former Act Party deputy leader Ken Shirley will become Chief Executive Officer of the Road Transport Forum when former National Party cabinet minister Tony Friedlander retires from the role in July.

The team at National Road Carriers wishes Tony all the best for his well earned retirement and looks forward to working with Ken. 

Members can say farewell to Tony at the National Road Carriers AGM on the 25th of June.

Media Release | 31 March 2010

More productive trucks a sensible move

The road transport industry strongly commends the Government’s initiative and farsightedness in allowing more productive trucks on New Zealand roads under a permit system, says Road Transport Forum Chief Executive Officer Tony Friedlander.

“The move will help the trucking industry become more efficient and over time the Forum will expect this to be reflected in more internationally competitive transport rates. One of the major reasons why road transport rates are on average 30% lower in Australia is that trucks there can carry more than New Zealand trucks can. So this is a major step towards closing the gap between Australian and New Zealand freight rates and helping New Zealand businesses become more competitive here and in export markets around the world.”

In most cases, these more productive trucks won’t look any different to the heavy vehicles already on the road, but there will be safety and environmental gains, Mr Friedlander says. “Requiring fewer truck trips to shift a given load will make the roads safer and also significantly reduce fuel use and emissions.”

The permit system and the design requirements these heavy vehicles will have to meet will further act to ensure they operate at least as safely as vehicles already on New Zealand roads, Mr Friedlander says. “This is a logical move which will bring long-term economic benefits for all New Zealanders.”

Details: Tony Friedlander Ph: (04) 472 3877 Mob: (027) 448 3163