Supporting Operators Since 1893

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.

Road Freight NSW CEO Simon O’Hara with NSW Premier, Chris Minns

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:

Ports
Over-Size &
Over-Mass Access
Road safety
Load restraint
Access
Workplace
Relations
SPEED
MANAGEMENT
Productivity
& Safety Gains
Maintenance
& Compliance
Training
Driver Health
& Well-Being
Fatigue
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

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