Brynderwyn closure would be a devastating blow for transport operators and Northland community
Waka Kotahi’s recommended closure of State Highway 1 through the Brynderwyn Hills for road repairs would be a devastating blow for transport operators serving Northland and the Northland community says National Road Carriers Association (NRC) CEO Justin Tighe-Umbers.
“Many transport operators and businesses are hanging by a thread and a two-month closure of the main arterial at the second busiest time of year would push some to collapse unless they receive Government support,” says Tighe-Umbers. “If it goes ahead it would be yet another serious hit after a triple whammy of pandemic, cyclone and economic slowdown.”
Vital Northland transport link potentially closed for months
Click here to listen to TVNZ Breakfast interview with NRC Board Member Ian Newey regarding the proposed Brynderwyn’s road closure.
Ian shares some valuable insights into why retaining freight access during the proposed works is so critical for Northland. The proposed diversions are not fit for purpose, the detours add 140kms and 2 hours for a return trip and there are real safety concerns due to the quality of the roads.
The freight industry is based on cost per kilometre – so who pays for this additional cost? Consumer will certainly feel the brunt with added costs to groceries and other consumables, but for businesses if they can’t afford to pay then they will go under.
NRC’s new Customisable Cost Index a vital tool in stressful times
With fuel and road user charges costs on the rise and a slowing economy, now is the time for road transport businesses to get onto National Road Carriers Association’s new Customisable Cost Index.
NRC GM Policy and Advocacy James Smith said the next quarter is going to be “a shocker” with road user charges going back up after the discount came off in July, sharp increase in fuel prices from the falling dollar and increasing vehicle prices pushing up finance costs.
New HARMfree Transport and Logistics Programme promises to reduce injury and harm across the transport sector
New Zealand’s leading transport bodies, New Zealand Trucking Association (NTA) and National Road Carriers (NRC), are excited to announce the launch of the much-anticipated HARMfree Transport and Logistics Online Portal. The industry-leading programme is specifically designed to reduce injury and harm across the transport sector and offers practical tools to help operators reduce workplace risk.
Key highway projects will deliver game-changing benefits – new report
The Northern Infrastructure Forum (NIF) is calling for swift progress on infrastructure delivery from the next government, following the release of a report showing game-changing economic benefits as a result of the proposed Warkworth to Wellsford (W2W) and Cambridge to Piarere (C2P) highways.
Port of Auckland Ltd price increases signal more cost pressure for transport operators
The Port of Auckland (POAL) price increase announcement is the latest in a series of hikes besieging the road transport industry which continues to experience significant increases across a range of cost inputs. Escalating costs are threatening the viability of many carriers, and with no cost decreases to mitigate, the reality is domestic freight charges are on the increase.
Ministry of Transport’s Freight and Supply Chain Strategy is pragmatic say freight industry bodies NRC and NTA
The Ministry of Transport’s Freight and Supply Chain Strategy released today is a pragmatic document and where we need to go according to freight industry bodies National Road Carriers Association (NRC) and the NZ Trucking Association (NTA).
The Strategy sets out nine strategic goals for the next 10 years. Strategic goals under the heading Infrastructure and Government Systems include decarbonising freight routes and infrastructure, evidence-based decision making for freight, and reliable and adaptive long-term plans for the freight system.
National Road Carriers supports Government announcement to boost transport funding
The draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on land transport, released today confirms a much-needed increase to transport funding is planned.
National Road Carriers Association (NRC) is pleased to see the Government committing to significant investment in roading infrastructure as this reflects the essential role the network plays in supporting the entire New Zealand economy
Teletrac Navman Demonstrates Commitment to the Transport Industry through Naming Rights Sponsorship of Technology | Maintenance | Safety Conference and Exhibition
Teletrac Navman, a leading provider of technology solutions for the transportation industry, is the new naming rights sponsor for the upcoming Technology | Maintenance | Safety Conference and Exhibition (TMS) to be held in Christchurch, New Zealand. The TMS Conference and Exhibition will be known as Teletrac Navman TMS Conference & Exhibition from 11th August. This partnership showcases Teletrac Navman’s approach to advancing the road freight industry in New Zealand, in the pursuit of ongoing innovation and collaboration.
National Road Carriers strengthens team with new management appointments
Following a concentrated effort to revitalise National Road Carriers (NRC) strategy and ensure the organisation is delivering the best outcomes for members, NRC is moving into phase two of its transformation which is ‘investing in our people’.
CEO, Justin Tighe-Umbers says, “The team is key to NRC’s success and our ability to serve our members into the future. That means getting our organisation structure, roles and processes set so we deliver our service promise to our members and service partners. Reviewing our leadership structure and investing in marketing capability are the next step in the transformation journey. It’s clear that in order to deliver on our strategy, we need to more delivery capacity in the business.
National Road Carriers applauds National Party focus on roading essentials and resilience
Freight industry body National Road Carriers Association (NRC) agrees with the National Party’s focus on the essentials of building and maintaining the roading network and road resilience in its transport policy announced today.
The National Party’s transport policy is focused on bringing back roads of national significance, resilience projects and better public transport.
The policy promises extending four-lane highways in the northern Golden Triangle, and to Wellington Airport and the Christchurch northern motorway, a nationwide road upgrade programme, and resilience projects in weather-damaged areas including the Brynderwyns, Hawke’s Bay, and upgrading the Napier to Gisborne and Napier to Taupo roads.
National Party’s pothole pledge gets thumbs up from National Road Carriers
The National Party’s pledge in its transport policy announced today to repair potholes within 24 hours and rehabilitate at least two per cent of road surfaces each year has the thumbs up from trucking industry body National Road Carriers Association (NRC).
“Potholes are a continual hazard for road freight deliveries as well as the general public – we’ve seen record numbers of them, and a clear priority to address them is well overdue,” says NRC CEO Justin Tighe-Umbers.
NRC’s commitment to effecting positive change for members delivers clear results
National Road Carriers Association held its 87th AGM on Friday which proved to be a fantastic celebration of the wins the organisation has achieved over the last 12 months. Well attended by members, commercial partners, and industry colleagues from NZ Trucking Association (NTA), the evening was as much about gaining insight into the next phase of the strategy as it was to connect with fellow members.
Sideloader Good Practice Guide launches with WorkSafe seal of approval
The New Zealand Intermodal Transport Safety Group (NZITSG) has received official endorsement from WorkSafe on the Good Practice Guide: Safe Operation and Maintenance of Sideloaders (Good Practice Guide) and the programme is now being launched across the transport industry.
The NZITSG was established to address intermodal safety concerns, and is made up of transport operators, original equipment manufacturers (OEM’s), industry associations, and industry training provider Mito.
Budget focus on resilience right but roading deficit remains
While this year’s Budget addresses the urgent need to respond to the devastation caused by the recent weather events it does not address the long-term funding deficit caused by decades of under-investment in New Zealand’s roading network.
Justin Tighe-Umbers, CEO, National Road Carriers (NRC) says, “As a country we don’t have the luxury of focusing on the nice to haves. If the recent cyclone and flooding has shown us one thing it’s how we urgently need to get the basics right. In terms of roading we need to focus on the three R’s – Resilience, Rebuild and Restorative maintenance.”
Bridge to replace SH25A is best option says National Road Carriers
Today’s announcement by Transport Minister Michael Wood that the Government is committed to building a bridge to replace SH25A is being welcomed by the transport sector.
“Confirmation the bridge will be able to be delivered quickly, while bringing more resilience to the Coromandel road network means transport operators across the regions now have better surety around what the future will hold for both the affected communities and their businesses,” says Justin Tighe-Umbers, CEO, National Road Carriers Association (NRC).
National Road Carriers welcomes new immigration settings for truck drivers
National Road Carriers Association (NRC) welcomes confirmation today by Minister of Immigration and Transport Michael Wood that Class 4 and 5 truck drivers will be able to apply for residency from 29 September, if they’ve completed a two-year work requirement.
NRC CEO Justin Tighe-Umbers said the two-year work to residence for truck and bus drivers had been agreed with the transport sector and was first announced in December 2022.
Planning for industry-led truck safety accreditation programme continues
It was great to see last week’s Waka Kotahi March edition of Te Pae Kaa Kaa talking about how government agencies and industry are collectively turning the focus on to work-related road safety.
Truckies breathe sigh of relief Brynderwyns reopening early but call for alternative route
Trucking companies that operate in Northland are breathing a sigh of relief that State Highway 1 over Northland’s Brynderwyn Hills will temporarily reopen in both directions from noon today — the first time since Cyclone Gabrielle struck last month.
National Road Carriers Association (NRC) Commercial Transport Specialist Paula Rogers said Northland members are very appreciative that the road across the Brynderwyn Hills is opening earlier than expected.
Mayor Brown hits the cone on the head
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has hit the cone on the head – it’s time to adopt a more sensible approach to traffic management says National Road Carriers Association (NRC).