Our History
Originating in 1893, Road Freight NSW (RFNSW) is the peak industry organisation for the road and freight industry in NSW.
Road Freight NSW began as ATA NSW in 2007. The organisation has developed to become a respected advocate for trucking operators, as a conduit to government, regulators and enforcement agencies.
In 2015 the new name, Road Freight NSW, articulates our independent and authoritative viewpoint thanks to our respected executive leadership and the passion and expertise of members contributing to the Policy Council.
Simon O’Hara is the current CEO of Road Freight NSW and has years of experience in transport and is admitted as a solicitor in NSW and the High Court of Australia.
Our Purpose
Road Freight NSW also addresses sector specific issues around the ports, dangerous goods, freight and over-size/over-mass access.
Road Freight NSW engages actively with Premiers, ministers, politicians, senior public servants and meets regularly with the Roads and Maritime Service, Transport for NSW, NSW Ports, National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and the Australian Trucking Association to affect positive change to the industry.
And, we focus on improving the culture within the road freight industry to realise a better public image for our members.
Road Freight NSW has a Board of operators that are directors of the organisation and we also have a Policy Council made comprising of industry leaders dealing with general freight, containers, dangerous goods and oversize and over-mass heavy vehicles.
We are a grass roots organisation that has sub-committees for:
– Containers
– OverSize/OverMass
– Dangerous Goods
– General Freight
These sub-committees raise industry specific issues with RFNSW and we often invite along RMS, NHVR and partners to these meetings for their input and contribution.
Areas of focus
The heavy vehicle industry in NSW needs a professional voice for the operators – Road Freight NSW is that voice. We address a range of sector specific issues including:
Over-Mass Access
Relations
MANAGEMENT
& Safety Gains
& Compliance
& Well-Being
Management
Our Successes
We have a strong track record of achievements in advocating for our members. Some highlights include:
- Engagement with senior NSW Ministers and politicians with regard to freight requirements
- NSW Election engagement with major parties seeking the best outcome for freight in 2023 election
- Securing concession for toll road costs for trucks reduced from 3x times multiplier to 2x times multiplier for heavy vehicles
- Securing a $20 million commitment from NSW Labor in the 2023 election for assistance with Western Sydney rest stop areas.
- COVID Pandemic Advocacy to keep freight moving in NSW resulting in preferential terms for NSW freight operators
- Advocacy on COVID testing regimes
- Advocacy on the acute AdBlue shortage at the end of the COVID pandemic resulting in greater AdBlue manufacture and importation
- COVID pandemic re-opening advocacy in NSW
- Advocacy on NSW flooding and freight requirements
- Policy wins in NSW for freight operators in relation to productivity improvements.
- Calling for an education campaign for freight operators on Over Height Trucks (OHT) in tunnels and seeking the formation of a Taskforce to tackle the issue in a holistic manner with stakeholders and government.
- Working with education campaigns like the NHVR’s “Don’t #uck with a Truck” for young drivers on their interactions with heavy vehicles. Counselling a cautious approach to driving and young people’s interactions with heavy vehicles.
Testimonials
Hannah’s Haulage and Simon O’Hara of Road Freight NSW have maintained a strong and professional partnership for a considerable period. Road Freight NSW has evolved as a highly regarded champion for trucking operators, acting as a valuable bridge between the industry and governmental bodies, regulators, and enforcement agencies. Simon’s receptive and supportive approach has consistently encouraged open discussions and provided assistance in adapting to evolving circumstances. We wholeheartedly endorse Simon O’Hara and Road Freight NSW in their ongoing efforts to safeguard, expand, and advocate for our industry.
Managing Director,
Hannah’s Haulage
I have held several positions in Road Freight NSW, which involved representing the Association on many government panels. I have always tried to represent our members, who are predominately small family businesses. These members do not have the time or resources to fight the daily battle against the regulators and bureaucrats, This is why our association has been so successful over the years, by being the voice of the transport industry in NSW.
For a small Association I believe Road Freight NSW punches above its weight and is at the forefront of all transport related issues dealing directly with the Government and Regulators. During COVID 19, Road Freight NSW were there representing its members to keep the country running by providing support to our members and the community.
Director,
Formula Chemicals
As a long-term member of Road Freight NSW, Alliance Transport Pty Ltd has appreciated the time and work ethic they have put into the trucking industry. Road Freight NSW has been at the forefront of all transport issues in NSW, leading the charge for the betterment of all members. Simon is doing a great job as CEO and we need to continue to support him is his role at Road Freight NSW.
Owner,
Alliance Transport Pty Ltd
Trojan was founded in 1978 and we have built a reputation of personal, efficient and reliable service over many years. We are extremely proud of the trusted relationship we have formed with Road Freight NSW, their ability to provide vital information and support to our business in areas that we have found difficult to navigate has been outstanding, whether its Industrial Relationship/NHVR/Transport for NSW/Port operation issues their engagement to provide support and solutions has been professional. Road Freight NSW has been a contributing factor to Trojan Transport growth and success.
General Manager,
Trojan Group of Companies
Road Freight NSW has been a great asset to Don Watson Transport since we joined up. With the various changes NSW trucking industry has seen over the past years, Simon and his team at Road Freight NSW has kept us informed of those changes and up to speed on possible changes in the future.
CEO,
Don Watson Transport
