The National Trucking Industry Awards is the Australian Trucking Association’s night of nights, with the winners being announced to conclude Trucking Australia on Wednesday, April 30.
This year, there were six categories featuring some of the very best and most influential figures and businesses across the industry. But of course, there could be only one winner in each.
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Find below all the winners of some of the industry’s most prestigious awards:
John Kelly Memorial Award – Jim Pearson Transport
The first award of the night was the prestigious John Kelly Memorial Award, named in honour of the passionate safety advocate in the truck insurance field who was vital in the development of TruckSafe.
With more than 45 years of industry experience, Jim Pearson Transport has built a reputation as a leader in Australian road transport, specialising in servicing the food and supermarket supply chain.
Proudly Australian family owned and operated, this second-generation company is committed to delivering safe, reliable and sustainable logistics solutions through a modern fleet equipped with industry-leading technology.
Operating more than 280 prime movers and 400 trailers, JPT completes more than 6,000 heavy vehicle trips each month, supported by a highly skilled team of more than 600 employees.
JPT was the 15th company to gain TruckSafe accreditation. As a pioneer in safety, innovation and sustainability, JPT sets a high standard for excellence in the Australian transport industry.
National Trucking Industry Workforce Award – Border Crane Consultants
The National Trucking Industry Workforce Award was presented to husband and wife Jason and Melissa Barry for their efforts in creating a safe and diverse workplace.
The pair have been working together in their business since 2011, over which time it has grown immensely. Jason also won the Craig Roseneder Award in 2019 for technical and maintenance excellence.
“The road to inclusion and belonging truly is a road,” Melissa said when accepting the award.
“You don’t just get there overnight. At times it is a bit overwhelming – how do you make so much change and get all your staff on board? My advice to anyone else is one bit at a time, keep chipping away.”
National Trucking Industry Woman of the Year – Ann Lopez, Lopez Bros Transport
Ann Lopez, co-owner of Lopez Bros Transport, claimed the National Trucking Industry Woman of the Year.
She became the co-owner in 2011, after originally helping in the office during a staff break. The business operates more than 20 trucks and has some 30 employees.
Ann is passionate about advocating on issues such as safe rest stops and fair treatment for smaller operators and works to increase gender representation and safety in the sector. Her commitment to the growth and development of the industry is evident in her efforts to promote young talent, as demonstrated by her initiative to create a Road Freight NSW award for rising stars.
In 2016, Ann was the inaugural winner of the Road Freight NSW Transport Woman of the Year Award. She is now a member of the Road Freight NSW and ATA boards.
She was extremely grateful to Transport Women Australia Limited for their support when accepting the award.
National Professional Driver of the Year – Brad Train, VE Group
Brad Train of VE Group was the winner of the National Professional Driver of the Year award.
A man of few words, he thanked this employer and everyone who makes the industry so great for him day in and day out.
“When you’re doing something that you love, you can’t class it as a job,” he says.
Brad has worked for VE Group for the past six years, where he has been an exemplary driver with an impeccable safety record. In total, he has held a truck licence for 27 years.
His professionalism and willingness to mentor new drivers have made him an inspirational figure at VE Group.
Outstanding Contribution to the Australian Trucking Industry – Mark Tobin, Followmont Transport
One of the most sought after awards from the night, Followmont Transport CEO Mark Tobin was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to the Australian Trucking Industry award.
He has been entrenched in the business and the industry since he rode his pushbike to the yard after school. He officially started work at Followmont in 1991 and has held a host of jobs at the company, including as a mechanic, forklift operator, driver, CEO and now Managing Director.
Mark is dedicated to delivering exceptional transport services and developing future leaders within his team of almost a thousand people across Queensland and New South Wales.
Under Mark’s leadership, Followmont has become a supporter of diverse charities, including Childhood Cancer Support, the 2024 LifeFlight Gala and regional non-profit entities. For the past two years, Mark has participated in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout and has been recognised as Queensland’s highest fundraiser, raising almost $100,000 each year.
Don Watson Memorial Award – Kathy Williams
Past chair and long-serving member of the ATA Kathy Williams was awarded with the Don Watson Memorial Award, which recognises an individual who has given conspicuous service to the industry.
Kathy Williams was the Chair of the ATA from 2000 to 2002. She has served as a member of the ATA’s Board of Directors since 1999, and was the Treasurer of the ATA until 2014.
She has also served as Treasurer for NatRoad and as a board member for the South Australian Road Transport Association.
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