Category: Blog

Justin’s Transport Minute – 06/03/26

This week I was delighted to be invited to attend the NZTA “Super Hui” in Wellington, to talk about road freight and the supply chain.
The Super Hui is a big deal, where all of the senior managers and executive team gather to align the direction of what is one of New Zealand’s largest infrastructure investors and regulators. My slot followed the Minister of Transport Chris Bishop, and the Chairman Simon Bridges.

Mixed transport cost pressures, with economy on the cusp of recovery

Cost pressures for the transport industry remained mixed in the December 2025 quarter, with decreasing costs for some inputs but continued pressure across other categories. These trends are reflective of the broader economy, where patchy demand conditions and spare capacity have led to sharper pricing for some goods and services, but there are other pockets of significant price rises that are keeping inflation relatively high and maintaining pressures on businesses and households.

Justin’s Transport Minute – 27/02/26

Last week National Road Carriers had our first full Board meeting of the year. In our discussions reviewing our industry operating environment (a key part of any strategy), it was clear 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for transport.

Justin’s Transport Minute – 20/02/26

On Tuesday this week, the Minister Chris Bishop tabled the Infrastructure Commission’s much anticipated National Infrastructure Plan in Parliament, or NIP as it is known amongst Wellington types.

Imperans Q4 Report, State of Workplace Drug Use from TDDA

he Drug Detection Agency (TDDA), New Zealand’s largest workplace drug testing provider has launched its Q4 Imperans Report, a quarterly workplace drug trends report. The report empowers New Zealand employers to engage in proactive workplace risk management. It provides them with an analysis of drug and alcohol usage trends, combining results from across the country.

Behind the Scenes, Ahead for the Industry: Why Association Membership Matters More Than Ever

In any strong industry, there are organisations working quietly—often invisibly—behind the scenes to keep things moving. In road transport, this work is not just helpful; it’s essential. As an association, we are often judged on what can be seen—member benefits, partner discounts, events, and resources. And while these are valuable, they are only a small part of the bigger picture.

Coroners findings relating to the use of Super Single Steer Tyres

On the 26th of August 2024 three people were killed when a truck fitted with super single steer tyres that was travelling south on the southern motorway in Auckland experienced a blow out of the front right steer tyre that resulted in the truck crossing through the central median barriers and into the side of a van travelling in the northbound lane.
Coroner AJ Mills has made the following recommendations directed at the trucking industry and tyre service industry at large:

Justin’s Transport Minute – 30/01/26

After a well-earned rest over the Christmas Holidays the NRC team is hitting the ground running, with our first a Select Committee appearance next week regarding our

Up before Parliament is a bill that proposes to reshape how tolls can be set and whether trucks will still have a real choice about using them.

Justin’s Transport Minute – 12/12/25

As we approach Christmas, the usual ramp up in supply chain activity is well underway. Truck movements are up, ports are busy, the ferries are full…the seasonal bump is upon us.

Reaching the end of this year in particular has been a feat worth celebrating in itself.

Justin’s Transport Minute – 05/12/25

As we approach the end of the year, I want to reflect on the progress we have made together. When I stepped into this role, I emphasised the importance of taking a steady, considered approach and that building trust, listening carefully, and understanding the goals of government would be essential if we are to shift the dial for road transport.

Justin’s Transport Minute – 28/11/25

My Transport Minute last week on the three-year manslaughter sentence for a truck owner causing the death of a road worker was a hot topic in the industry and media

Justin’s Transport Minute – 21/11/25

This week NZTA fired a major warning shot in the battle against fraudulent driver licences. The land transport regulator has moved to cancel 440 commercial driver licences due to fraudulent activity. All the class 3-5 drivers licences have been converted from overseas licences.

Justin’s Transport Minute – 14/11/25

This week NZTA fired a major warning shot in the battle against fraudulent driver licences. The land transport regulator has moved to cancel 440 commercial driver licences due to fraudulent activity. All the class 3-5 drivers licences have been converted from overseas licences.

Justin’s Transport Minute – 07/11/25

This week I had the pleasure of attending an Auckland Business Chamber breakfast event on “under-pressure infrastructure”.  Something we have heard a lot about lately.

Justin’s Transport Minute – 31/10/25

Since 2024 NRC along with other transport industry associations have been working to get some rule changes made for commercial and heavy transport. It’s been thirty years since the Land Transport Act has been refreshed in any meaningful way, and the industry is moving fast with frequent technology and transport innovations. Keeping rules and regulations fit for purpose is critical for keeping the road freight supply chain effective and efficient.

Justin’s Transport Minute – 23/10/25

As I write this, a spring storm is hammering the South Island and lower North Island. Parts of the West Coast are cut off by flooding. Winds of up to 150 km/h have hit Canterbury, where a local state of emergency has been declared. Several trucks have been blown onto their sides.