Keeping up to date with industry news, developments and policy changes are important for any forward-thinking company, regardless of industry. Trucking and vehicle management in Australia is no different, and those who think nothing has changed over the last year had better think again.

There are several big events happening this year in Australia, showcasing the current and future state of the industry: Trucking Australia 2017 and the Australasian Road Safety Conference 2017. Here at Pinpoint Communications, we've outlined a teaser of what you can expect when attending either of these important national conferences.

Trucking Australia 2017: what can you expect?

Held in June this year in Darwin, the three-day conference will revolve around the theme of 'shaping the future of the Australian trucking industry'. In keeping with this theme, topics for discussion will cover subjects such as preparing for the future, building a safer trucking industry, and upcoming changes to the Heavy Vehicle National Law chain of responsibility, according to the Australian Trucking Association. 

Guest speakers range from the National Transport Commission's (NTC) chief planning officer, Michelle Hendy, who is responsible for leading the NTC's strategy, monitoring and review functions, and Sal Petroccitto, CEO of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.

Australasian Road Safety Conference 2017: 'Expanding Our Horizons'

Another conference on the horizon is the Australasian Road Safety Conference 2017, held in Perth across three days in October. The theme for this conference - 'expanding our horizons' - in many ways parallels Trucking Australia, addressing key issues around road safety management, safe vehicles and user behaviour.

This research-based conference is the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere, according to the Australasian College of Road Safety (ACRS). This year's event is expected to attract over 500 delegates, among which will include researchers, policing and enforcement agencies, practitioners, policymakers, industry representatives, educators, and students. 

As was the case with the previous year's event, technological developments that improve the safety of vehicles and the drivers operating them will be the focus of much of the conference. In the 2016 post-conference wrap-up, the ACRS described technology advancements as an "unstoppable wave", for all vehicles, data collectors and enforcers. Technology has the potential to contribute hugely in collision avoidance, reducing accidents, enhanced driver behaviour monitoring and improved efficiency across different transport industries.

At Pinpoint Communications, we are passionate about using the latest technology to improve the safety, productivity and efficiency of your transporting and logistics business. To find out more about how vehicle telematics and other solutions can improve your organisation, get in touch with our team today.