Category: Transport Minute

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.

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.

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.

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.

Justin’s Transport Minute – 17/10/25

Two incidents last week, one in the North Island, one in the South, highlighted how fragile New Zealand’s freight network remains, and the real people and business costs borne by operators every time a highway shuts down.