The Australian Trucking Association is welcoming two new association members: the National Road Freighters Association (NRFA) and the Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association (LBRCA).
The ATA is a united voice for its members on trucking issues of national importance. Through its 13 member associations, it represents the 60,000 businesses and 200,000 people who make up the Australian trucking industry.
The NRFA represents professional drivers, owner-drivers, independent contractors and small fleet operators across Australia. The LBRCA represents transport operators supporting Australia's agricultural, livestock and regional supply chains.
ATA Chair Mark Parry said the new members would enhance the ATA's ability to represent every facet of the trucking industry.
"As a national peak body, we can only do our job with the strong support of our member associations. We learn from them every day, and I look forward to advancing the views of NRFA and LBRCA members," Mr Parry said.
"If you're in the trucking industry and want action on the issues that concern you, you need to join one of our thirteen member associations - including, now, NRFA or LBRCA," he said.
NRFA President Glyn Castanelli said that joining the ATA was an important step for the NRFA and for the drivers, owner-drivers and small operators it represents.
"Being part of the ATA gives us the opportunity to work together with the broader industry, sit at the table, and make sure the voice of those behind the wheel is heard clearly and constructively," Mr Castanelli said.
LBRCA President Wade Lewis said that joining the ATA would strengthen LBRCA's ability to represent its members at a national level and ensure the priorities of livestock, bulk and rural transport operators were heard in key policy and regulatory discussions.
"LBRCA's membership creates an important new pathway for our members to influence national transport policy and contribute directly to the issues shaping their businesses," Mr Lewis said.
"It will give rural carriers a stronger collective voice, while opening the door to greater collaboration, better access to industry expertise and more coordinated advocacy on the practical challenges facing operators every day," he said.
