Category: Blog

Justin’s Transport Minute – 23/04/26

As I write this Taranaki’s main northbound route, State Highway 3, remains closed, with major slip damage closing the Awakino Gorge between Mokau and Piopio. Digging through the extensive slips is going to take time, exactly how long remains unclear as this goes to press, but the latest estimate is Saturday 2nd May at the earliest .

Justin’s Transport Minute – 17/04/26

On Wednesday MBIE reported diesel stocks were confirmed as 45.4 days cover, down from the 49.1 cover reported earlier in the week. MBIE noted the departure of “one small ship” has been delayed. Fuel companies confirmed the supply chains continue to operate, but noted that these kinds of delays are likely to become more common.

Justin’s Transport Minute – 10/04/26

As I write this a fragile two-week ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran is tentatively holding. One of the terms of that agreement is that Iran opens the Strait of Hormuz, which if held may see some fuel shipping out of the Persian Gulf, if shipping companies have confidence their vessels will be able to navigate a safe passage.
We watch and wait.

Justin’s Transport Minute – 02/04/26

National Road Carriers this week has attended multiple daily meetings with government, continuing to play our part supporting the road freight industry through the oil price shock.

Justin’s Transport Minute – 27/03/26

Another week has passed and there have been fast moving developments for freight and supply chain operators.
Firstly what hasn’t changed.
New Zealand still has a healthy supply of diesel stocks, with 46.4 days of diesel stock in country and two weeks or less away on water.

Port CEOs Group appoints new Executive Director

The Port CEOs Group has appointed Ian Bonnar as its Executive Director, supporting the Group’s role as a coordinated and constructive industry voice on national policy, regulatory and infrastructure matters.

Justin’s Transport Minute – 20/03/26

National Road Carriers continues to work closely with the Government, providing industry expertise and advice to support planning New Zealand’s response to emerging fuel and supply chain impacts from the Iran conflict.

Justin’s Transport Minute – 13/03/26

This week the Iran conflict has made its presence felt on our shores, significantly impacting road freight and the broader supply chain in our country, and coming at a particularly difficult time for transport operators,

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.