After 25 years, the host of the first-ever Truck Show – back in 1968 – will return to the southern hemisphere’s largest transport industry event for 2025.
Specialist trailer manufacturer Haulmark Trailers, which recently celebrated its 60th anniversary, was member #001 of HVIA’s predecessor, CVIAQ.
The 2025 Brisbane Truck Show will mark the first time has Haulmark Trailers has exhibited at the show since 1999 when the then Queensland Truck & Machinery Show was held at Brisbane’s RNA (Royal National Association) Showgrounds.
Prior to that it exhibited at every show from its inception in 1968, when the company – along with 20 other exhibitors – staged the first event at Haulmark’s premises at Ipswich Road, Rocklea.
In 1970 the show moved to the nearby Rocklea Wool Stores before relocating to the RNA from 1983-2009 and then to its current home of the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre in 2011.
National sales and marketing manager at Haulmark Trailers, Mark Johnston says the company is looking forward to returning to the Brisbane Truck Show.
Mark says sparking the company’s return to the event is the desire to showcase two new products with broader market appeal than its traditional range of specialised trailers.
Over the past six decades Haulmark has built a reputation as a designer and manufacturer of high-quality trailers targeted at the livestock, earthmoving, mining, construction and general freight sectors.
From locations in Brisbane, Darwin, Townsville and Adelaide, it designs and manufactures a range of specialised products, including cattle trailers, road-train dollies, low loaders, drop deck trailers, skeletals, side tippers, prairie wagons and dangerous goods tankers.
Commenting on their decision to stop exhibiting at the show 25 years ago, Mark explained, “Back in 1999, we got to the point where we had other priorities. We have a very loyal client base and you can only do as much as capacity allows.
“But you evolve as you go and we have now got one to two new products that we want to get out there and the Brisbane Truck Show is the best way to spread the news and connect with potential customers.”
Among the new products that will be on show is a live bottom floor trailer developed in conjunction with Canadian company Gincor.
The purpose-built trailers are equipped with a durable two-ply heat-and-oil resistant conveyor belt which allows for safe unloading in various locations, preventing any risk of contact with overhead power lines or structures.
Constructed with Hardox 450 wear-resistant steel plate and premium fibre-strand, moisture-resistant insulated walls, the units are ideal for asphalt/hot mix as well as a wide variety of other bulk products.
“The combination of insulated walls and a custom-designed retractable tarp mean more usable product is delivered to site even in adverse conditions with temperature staying more consistent than other options in the marketplace,” Mark added.
“We’ve got some [of the trailers] out there already but we’re now trying to ramp things up.”
More broadly, Mark says Haulmark’s show return is also driven by a desire to “re-engage with the industry”.
“We have had a long and productive relationship with the industry and I’m really looking forward to getting back to the Brisbane Truck Show and seeing where it leads us.
“The thing that blows me away, as someone who was an active member of CVIAQ, including time as president, is to see where it’s all gone in terms of the [growth of the] HVIA. It’s phenomenal!”
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