Road Freight Industry Awards Nominations Form
Alongside our National Conference, we are proud to host the Road Freight Industry Awards Dinner, where we celebrate excellence and success across the entire road transport industry – not just within our membership.
Open to New Zealand based nominees, the awards recognise efforts that improve industry standards, workplace environments, and public perception of the transport sector. Please see the full award criteria below.
Supreme Contribution to New Zealand Road Freight
The Supreme Contribution to New Zealand Road Freight Transport Award is the most prestigious award presented at the Road Freight Industry Awards.
It recognises an individual whose contribution has had an exceptional and lasting impact on the road transport industry, significantly advancing its development, standing, and future direction through sustained leadership, service, and influence.
Eligibility
- Open to individuals across the wider New Zealand road transport industry
- Recognises significant activity, achievement, or service that has contributed to the long-term advancement and positive reputation of road transport
- Contributions may span many years and are not limited to a single initiative, role, or timeframe
Assessment Criteria
Nominees will be assessed against the following:
- Enduring Industry Impact
Demonstrates contributions that have materially advanced the road transport industry and whose impact is sustained, significant, and widely recognised. - Advancement of Industry Reputation
Has enhanced the public standing of the road transport industry through actions, leadership, and advocacy, and by promoting industry values among staff, customers, and the wider community. - Leadership, Mentorship, and Influence
Exhibits leadership through mentoring and supporting others, influencing positive change within organisations and across the industry as a whole. - Commitment and Service to the Industry
Demonstrates a long-term and unwavering commitment to the road transport industry, with a record of contribution that reflects dedication, integrity, and service over time.
Supporting Evidence
Nominations may include:
- The scale, complexity, and challenges involved in achieving the outcomes
- The time, effort, and personal commitment invested over the nominee’s career
- Length of service and breadth of contribution across the road transport industry
Outstanding Contribution to Health and Safety
The Outstanding Contribution to Health and Safety Award recognises an individual or organisation that has made a significant contribution to improving health and safety standards within the road transport industry.
This award acknowledges meaningful actions or initiatives that have demonstrably improved workplace safety and contributed to better health and safety outcomes across an organisation or the wider industry.
Eligibility
- Open to individuals or organisations across the wider New Zealand road transport industry
- Any activity or achievement that has significantly improved health and safety standards may be considered
- Contributions may include a single initiative or a series of actions that demonstrate sustained commitment to health and safety
Assessment Criteria
Nominees will be assessed against the following:
- Health and Safety Improvement
Demonstrates the development and implementation of health and safety initiatives that have resulted in measurable improvements to workplace safety. - Leadership and Advocacy
Actively promotes the importance of effective health and safety practices within an organisation or across the wider industry. - Proactive Safety Culture
Encourages proactive health and safety interventions that support a positive and embedded culture of safety. - Impact and Outcomes
Shows clear evidence that actions taken have led to safer work environments and improved health and safety outcomes.
Supporting Evidence
Nominations may include:
- The challenges faced and degree of difficulty in achieving health and safety improvements
- Measurable outcomes demonstrating safer workplaces or improved wellbeing
- The time, effort, and dedication invested in advancing health and safety
Outstanding Contribution to Training
The Outstanding Contribution to Training Award recognises an individual or organisation that has made a significant contribution to training, mentoring, and professional development within the road transport industry.
This award acknowledges meaningful initiatives and sustained commitment that have strengthened industry capability, supported workforce development, and promoted continuous learning.
Eligibility
- Open to individuals or organisations across the wider New Zealand road transport industry
- Any activity or achievement that has significantly contributed to training and professional development may be considered
- Contributions may include the development, delivery, or advocacy of training initiatives over time
Assessment Criteria
Nominees will be assessed against the following:
- Training Innovation and Delivery
Demonstrates the development or implementation of training programmes that improve industry knowledge, skills, and career progression opportunities. - Mentoring and Workforce Development
Shows dedication to mentoring, coaching, and supporting colleagues, employees, or new entrants into the industry. - Commitment to Continuous Learning
Promotes ongoing professional development and a culture of continuous learning within an organisation or across the wider industry. - Industry Standards and Excellence
Contributes to improved industry standards, safety, and operational excellence through training initiatives or advocacy. - Inclusivity and Accessibility
Supports diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility in training and development opportunities across the workforce.
Supporting Evidence
Nominations may include:
- The challenges and complexity involved in developing or delivering training initiatives
- Measurable impacts such as improvements in safety, efficiency, staff retention, or industry capability
- The time, effort, and personal commitment invested in training and workforce development
- Length of service in the road transport industry and additional contributions over time
Outstanding Contribution to Innovation
The Outstanding Contribution to Innovation Award recognises an individual or organisation that has made a significant contribution to innovation within the road transport industry.
This award acknowledges innovation that has improved the way the industry operates and has delivered tangible benefits through new or improved technologies, systems, or approaches.
Eligibility
- Open to individuals or organisations across the wider New Zealand road transport industry
- Any activity or achievement that has significantly contributed to innovation may be considered
- Innovation may relate to technical, mechanical, managerial, or organisational improvements
- Contributions may include a single innovation or a series of innovative actions over time
Assessment Criteria
Nominees will be assessed against the following:
- Innovation Development
Demonstrates the development of technical or mechanical innovations that improve efficiency, safety, or cost-effectiveness. - Implementation and Application
Shows the implementation of managerial or organisational innovations that enhance business processes, client relationships, or operational efficiency. - Advocacy and Adoption
Actively encourages and promotes innovation through the adoption or advocacy of new systems or technologies within an organisation or across the wider industry. - Impact and Performance
Provides evidence that the innovation has delivered measurable improvements in areas such as health and safety, efficiency, or overall business performance.
Supporting Evidence
Nominations may include:
- The challenges and degree of difficulty involved in developing and implementing the innovation
- Measurable outcomes demonstrating the value and effectiveness of the innovation
- The time, effort, and commitment required to achieve the outcome
- Length of service in the road transport industry and any additional contributions over time
Women in Road Freight Transport
The Women in Road Freight Transport Award recognises a woman who has made a significant contribution to the road transport industry through leadership, advocacy, innovation, or influence.
This award celebrates women who are helping shape a more inclusive industry, enhancing the profile of road transport and inspiring others through their actions and achievements.
Eligibility
- Open to women working across the wider New Zealand road transport industry
- Any activity or achievement that has made a meaningful contribution to road transport may be considered
- Contributions may span operational, leadership, advocacy, or support roles
Assessment Criteria
Nominees will be assessed against the following:
- Industry Contribution
Demonstrates actions or initiatives that have positively contributed to the road transport industry and enhanced its public image. - Advocacy for Diversity and Inclusion
Promotes diversity and the benefits of an inclusive workforce within the road transport industry. - Innovation and Leadership
Shows an innovative approach to industry practices that encourage, support, and retain women in road transport - Support for Development and Progression
Contributes to the development, delivery, or advocacy of training or development initiatives that assist the progression of women within the industry.
Supporting Evidence
Nominations may include:
- The challenges faced and degree of difficulty in achieving the outcomes
- The time, effort, and dedication invested in making a meaningful impact
- Examples of how the nominee has inspired or supported others
Young Driver
The Young Driver Award recognises a professional truck driver aged under 35 who has demonstrated exceptional skill, commitment, and professionalism in their driving career.
This award celebrates young people who are building a career in truck driving, promoting the industry as a positive and rewarding career pathway, and contributing to a strong and sustainable future workforce for road freight.
This award recognises excellence in professional driving and early career development, rather than leadership or management capability.
Eligibility
- Open to professional truck drivers aged under 35 working across the wider New Zealand road transport industry
- Nominees must be actively engaged in a driving role
- Achievements must relate primarily to professional driving, training, and career development
Assessment Criteria
Nominees will be assessed against the following:
- Professional Driving Excellence
Demonstrates high standards of driving skill, safety, and professionalism in day-to-day operations. - Commitment to the Industry
Shows dedication to building a career in road transport and contributing positively to the industry’s reputation. - Promotion of Truck Driving as a Career
Actively promotes the road transport industry as a career pathway for young people and new workforce entrants.\ - Training and Development
Demonstrates outstanding engagement in training, professional development, and career progression within the industry. - Role Model by Example
Sets a positive example for other young drivers through attitude, work ethic, and pride in the profession.
Supporting Evidence
Nominations may include:
- The challenges faced and degree of difficulty in developing driving skills and experience
- Measurable improvements in safety, efficiency, or operational performance
- The time, effort, and dedication invested in training and professional development