The New Zealand transport and logistics sector stands at a critical turning point. For too long, the industry has struggled under the weight of workforce shortages, mounting safety concerns, and ongoing battles over fair pricing. Despite being essential to the nation’s economy, transport operators have often lacked a unified, independent platform to tackle these deeply rooted issues. The creation of the Transport Well New Zealand Charitable Trust represents a bold new direction – one that brings transparency, accountability, and genuine leadership to the table.
Established and spearheaded by the New Zealand Trucking Association (NTA), Transport Well is not simply another organisation. It is an industry-led, charitable trust built to deliver lasting change through a whole-of-industry approach focused on safety, wellbeing, and productivity. Its formation reflects a simple but powerful principle: the industry must take responsibility for itself, supported by independent governance and sector-wide collaboration.
Why the industry needs a reset
The challenges facing transport and logistics are well known. WorkSafe New Zealand consistently ranks it among the most dangerous industries, with alarming rates of workplace injuries and fatalities. At the same time, many operators are still competing in a destructive race to the bottom – driving down rates, cutting corners, and in some cases, hiring anyone with a licence regardless of experience or competency.
No disrespect is intended to our experienced, professional drivers, who remain the industry’s backbone. But the hard truth is that not every operator is holding the same line. The absence of consistent industry standards has allowed some to bypass safety, training, and accountability altogether.
Attempts to drive change have frequently been frustrated by division. With three main industry associations representing only a fraction of operators, collective action has been limited. Government support often hinges on industry consensus – which has rarely materialised – leaving innovative programmes stuck at the starting line.
Recognising the need for decisive action, the New Zealand Trucking Association has championed the creation of Transport Well as an independent charitable trust, free from industry politics. Its independence allows it to serve all operators equally, regardless of size, association membership, or affiliations. This opens the door to genuine progress in improving safety, health, and business performance across the sector.
Independent, transparent and impactful
At the heart of Transport Well is a commitment to transparency, integrity, and practical outcomes. An independent board is now being assembled to oversee the trust’s governance. Its first major initiative – TruckSafe New Zealand – is already live offering a comprehensive, independently audited safety management system (SMS) tailored specifically to New Zealand’s transport environment.
Unlike previous government-led attempts, TruckSafe is designed by industry, for industry. For those starting from scratch, TruckSafe offers a clear, achievable pathway. Step-by-step templates, procedures, and guidance help operators build a sustainable safety management system from the ground up. Crucially, independent audits verify that standards are met, giving customers, regulators, and operators complete confidence in the system’s integrity.
The time to act is now
As adoption grows, the benefits will be far reaching: safer workplaces, more efficient businesses, and reduced duplication as customers and partners recognise the standard. In time, TruckSafe certification may well become a prerequisite for contracts and tenders, as is already the case overseas.
Transport Well and TruckSafe represent far more than another compliance exercise. They are a genuine opportunity to raise the bar and restore pride in an industry that serves as the backbone of New Zealand’s economy and communities. Together, they send a clear message: this industry is ready to take responsibility for its people, its standards, and its future.
