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Enjoying an incredible sunset at Galore, NSW while transporting a load of gypsum.

We’ll choose a pic to appear in our Facebook cover slot, and will publish some of the best pics in our upcoming print edition of Big Rigs where you now also have a chance to win a $500 Shell Coles Express Gift Card.

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Something big is rolling into your neck of the woods in 2026 – and the whole industry is invited to take part.

Following the success of Truck Week held alongside the record-breaking 2025 Brisbane Truck Show, Truck Week returns in 2026 with a national focus, inviting businesses and organisations across the country to take part in their own communities and workplaces.

From May 11-18, Truck Week will be a nationwide celebration of Australia’s heavy vehicle, road freight and logistics industries – our people, our stories, and our role in keeping the country moving.

Events held during Truck Week can take many forms – from depot BBQs, school visits and safety demonstrations, through to conferences, innovation showcases, open days and community activities. Whether it’s a small internal event or a major public activation, every event contributes to a broader national story.

At its core, the Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia (HVIA) initiative is built around three simple themes: people, safety and innovation.

Together, they reflect the industry’s workforce and communities, its ongoing commitment to safer roads and workplaces, and the technology and ideas shaping the future of freight.

Truck Week brings together businesses, drivers, workshops, manufacturers, suppliers, communities and schools to recognise the people and innovations that underpin Australia’s economy and daily life. Participation is open to any business or organisation connected to the industry – large or small.

As Australian Trucking Association CEO Mathew Munro explains, Truck Week also plays an important role in shaping the future workforce of the industry:

“We’re excited to be partnering with HVIA on Truck Week 2026 to help promote trucking careers to young people and career changers. The trucking industry is an essential part of Australian communities, homes and businesses, and offers a variety of fulfilling, high paying and secure career pathways, including entrepreneurial opportunities,” he says.

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator CEO Nicole Rosie adds that Truck Week will provide an important national platform for recognising the critical role of the heavy vehicle industry.

“As Australia’s regulator for heavy vehicles, the NHVR is proud to support initiatives like Truck Week which highlight and celebrate the professionalism of the heavy vehicle industry, and our shared commitment to safer roads and a resilient freight network,” Rosie said.

“It’s an opportunity to recognise the people, safety, leadership and innovation that keeps freight moving right across our country, while helping communities better understand the modern heavy vehicle industry and the essential role it plays in our future.”

According to Steve Power, National Truck Week Coordinator at HVIA, that accessibility is central to the concept.

“Truck Week is about opening the doors of our industry – to communities, to future workers, and to each other,” Power said.

“Whether it’s a small team BBQ or a large public showcase, every event helps demonstrate the pride, professionalism and innovation that define modern trucking.”

Truck Week 2026 is proudly supported by a growing group of industry organisations committed to advancing people, safety and innovation across road transport, including: Australian Trucking Association; Healthy Heads in Trucks & Sheds; Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia; National Bulk Tanker Association; National Heavy Vehicle Regulator; National Road Safety Partnership Program; National Road Transport Association (NatRoad); Queensland Trucking Association; South Australian Road Transport Association and Transport Women Australia Limited.

With the official launch of Truck Week 2026, event registrations are now open, supported by event resource kits, promotional tools and national coordination.

Register your event or get involved at truckweek.com.au.

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GrainGrowers is calling on the Federal Government to prioritise investment in the next Budget to help safeguard food security, including targeted infrastructure funding and improved heavy vehicle road access.

In its 2026–27 Pre-Budget Submission, GrainGrowers outlines the urgent need for targeted investment to strengthen domestic food security and support grain growers, regional communities, and the broader economy.

GrainGrowers would like to see:

$900 million per year in targeted funding for key regional freight corridors to improve the long-term resilience of freight networks

$100 million in targeted funding each year as part of the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program to rebuild critical aging bridge infrastructure
$900 million to continue and expand the Wheatbelt Secondary Freight Network program nationally, enabling upgrades to critical local government-managed freight routes that connect to state and national highways
$1 million to enable the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to increase staffing capacity dedicated to partnering with local governments to improve heavy vehicle road access and streamline access approvals

GrainGrowers CEO Shona Gawel said GrainGrowers budget highlights a range of sensible, impactful opportunities.

“While we understand the budgetary constraints facing the government, action now can reinforce Australia’s national food security, enhance economic stability, and build industry and community resilience,” she said.

“What we have called for are practical, forward-looking investments that can help strengthen the ability for growers to navigate constantly changing headwinds and to maintain Australia’s position as a reliable supplier of affordable, nutritious food in both domestic and export markets.”

Other pre-budget recommendations from GrainGrowers include:

$100 million over four years to support market access, maintenance and utilisation activities by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
$50 million over four years for a national, agricultural industry led approach to grow farmers’ wellbeing and prevent suicides
$50 million over four years to fund the implementation of the National Biosecurity Strategy and Action Plan

A full copy of the submission can be found here.

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Cement Concrete and Aggregates Australia (CCAA) has come onboard as an official association partner for MegaTrans 2026.

CCAA represents the heavy construction materials industry in Australia, with its members producing the bulk of the nation’s cement, concrete and aggregates.

These essential materials underpin Australia’s transport, energy, water, housing, defence and social infrastructure – contributing around $15 billion in annual revenue and supporting approximately 30,000 direct jobs.

CCAA CEO, Michael Kilgariff, said the partnership highlights MegaTrans’ role in connecting industries and driving innovation.

“CCAA is proud to partner with MegaTrans, an event that brings together the industries critical to keeping Australia moving,” he said.

“Our members across the heavy construction materials sector rely on efficient, resilient and well-planned transport networks to deliver the materials that underpin Australia’s infrastructure and construction pipeline.

“MegaTrans provides a valuable platform for our industry to share insights, showcase innovation and engage with industry and government on shared challenges.”

The core vision of CCAA is to build a sustainable industry, aligning seamlessly with MegaTrans’ focus on shaping ‘The Sustainable Supply Chain of the Future.’

Together, this partnership demonstrates a shared dedication to advancing innovation, improving operational efficiency and promoting environmentally responsible practices across the bulk materials, construction and supply chain sectors.

“CCAA is shaping the future of Australia’s cement, concrete and aggregates industries, pushing sustainability and innovation front and centre,” said Prime Creative Media General Manager – Events, Siobhan Rocks.

“The association’s leadership makes them the perfect fit for MegaTrans, which is all about showcasing solutions that boost efficiency, productivity and sustainability across the sector.

“This partnership ensures MegaTrans 2026 will be the place to see the industry’s sustainable future in action.”

Through this collaboration, CCAA reinforces its role in influencing the political, regulatory and market environment, supporting the industry’s licence to operate and leading understanding of the sector’s vital role in society.

MegaTrans provides the perfect stage to advance these goals, showcasing technologies and solutions that help businesses improve performance, reduce environmental impact and drive long-term growth.

Attendees are encouraged to register for free now to secure their spot at Australia’s largest integrated conference and exhibition dedicated to the logistics and supply chain industry.

For more information, click here.

In other news, Western Australia’s Albany Ring Road project nears completion with the final project being announced.

The post CCAA partners with MegaTrans appeared first on Trailer Magazine.

Since launching in 2018, Purple Cow Industries has developed a solid reputation for providing reliable waste services to Greater Sydney.

From residential clean-ups to major industrial facilities such as the Amazon site at Eastern Creek, Purple Cow’s fleet of 31 Isuzu FY Series trucks forms the backbone of an operation designed to handle “everything and anything” Sydney throws their way.

Operations Manager Robert Zea has been with the company since day one. He attributes the company’s momentum to focus rather than diversification.

“We’re laser-focused on waste removal within Greater Sydney,” he said.

“Commercial, residential, everything. Mum and Dad jobs through to large industrial sites…we do it all.”

Purple Cow operates a fleet of 31 Isuzu FY Series trucks. Image: Isuzu

During a recent local council clean-up initiative, Purple Cow supplied 20 bins. As Natalie Ney, Purple Cow’s Allocator and Driver, explained, “We had about 10 trucks going back and forth all day removing hard rubbish. It was a genuine boost for the community and a big help for people who can’t afford the expense of hard waste removal.”

For Purple Cow, having a reliable fleet of trucks is critical. To manage the relentless delivery, collection and disposal cycles, Purple Cow runs a standardised fleet of Isuzu FY Series heavy-duty trucks – a deliberate decision to support uptime and efficiency.

Fleet standardisation is increasingly recognised across the waste sector as a best-practice approach, reducing driver training time, simplifying maintenance and cutting parts complexity.

Natalie highlights the day-to-day benefit, “If one truck’s in for service, I can jump into another and it operates exactly the same.

“Our drivers really appreciate that commonality. There’s very little downtime, we don’t lose work, and everything keeps flowing along nicely.”

Underpinning the Purple Cow fleet are a number of Isuzu FY Series FYH 320–355 8×4 models, purpose-built for hook lift and compaction work.

Powered by Isuzu’s 6UZ1-TCC engine, delivering 257 kW and 1422 Nm of torque, the FYs have the muscle to handle heavy payloads, frequent stops and Sydney’s varied terrain.

They also feature an Allison six-speed automatic transmission, with adaptive shifting and next generation controls helping to reduce fatigue in Sydney’s frantic, stop-start traffic.

Purple Cow Allocator and Driver Natalie Ney. Image: Isuzu

“They’re super smooth on the road,” said Natalie. “You don’t feel like you’re in a truck – you feel like you’re in a car.”

Other in-cab features such as the ISRI air-suspension driver’s seat and climate control help Purple Cow attract and retain experienced operators.

Robert confirmed, “One of our biggest selling points when recruiting drivers is the quality of our trucks and gear. Comfort and safety matter, so we keep our equipment updated and to a high standard.”

Safety technology, including ABS, driver airbags, seatbelt pretensioners and low-light reversing cameras, add another important layer of protection for drivers operating in congested urban streets and industrial sites every day.

While the trucks form the foundation, Purple Cow’s relationship with Suttons Isuzu Arncliffe is another important aspect of their reliability strategy.

Robert spoke highly of Adam Lewis, General Manager at Suttons Isuzu. “I’ve known Adam for many years – since he was a salesman – now he’s the General Manager. He’s always there to help. That’s trust.”

This trust extends to critical support when the chips are down, with Robert noting Adam is “always on call”, emphasising a level of dedication that includes taking calls even while “on holiday.”

Isuzu’s FYH 320-355 8×4 model is fit for purpose for waste and refuse work. Image: Isuzu

Purple Cow reinforces that support through Isuzu Service Agreements across its fleet, ensures predictable maintenance and minimal disruption.

“All our trucks are on service agreements. It’s set-and-forget and no drama,” Robert said.

“They get us in and out quickly, including after hours and weekends.”

Internally, Purple Cow runs weekly toolbox meetings focused on safety and preventative maintenance, led by Natalie. The proactive approach ensures small issues don’t become costly failures. “These trucks have a tough life,” she said.

“But if there’s even a slight issue, Suttons can be here within the hour. In this industry, you just can’t operate without that level of support.”

Looking ahead, Purple Cow Industries is focused on steady, controlled expansion within its Sydney heartland, underpinned by reliability rather than risk.

“As long as there’s work, we’ll keep buying Isuzu,” said Robert.

“The gear and the support give us confidence to scale.”

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