The ATA has today announced the finalists for the 2025 National Trucking Industry Awards.
The ATA represents the 60,000 businesses and 200,000 people in the Australian trucking industry and each year recognises industry excellence through its award program.
"The National Trucking Industry Awards recognise the businesses and individuals who make exceptional contributions to our great industry - and Australia," ATA Chair Mark Parry said.
"The finalists for all our awards have shown enormous commitment to their individual businesses and the community. They are examples for us all," he said.
The 2025 National Trucking Industry Award finalists are:
Outstanding Contribution to the Australian Trucking Industry
- Leigh Smart, Formula Chemicals (West Ryde, NSW)
- Mark Tobin, Followmont Transport (Eagle Farm, Queensland)
- Truckin Life Pty Ltd (Evans Head, NSW)
National Professional Driver of the Year
- Andrew Foster, IOR (Lytton, Queensland)
- David Muir, Formula Chemicals (West Ryde, NSW)
- Brad Train, VE Group (Ipswich, Queensland)
National Trucking Industry Woman of the Year
- Cheryl Connor, Exodas Pty Ltd (Birkdale, Queensland)
- Ann Lopez, Lopez Bros Transport (Enfield, NSW)
- Kimberlie Smart, Formula Chemicals (West Ryde, NSW)
TruckSafe John Kelly Memorial Award
- HLE Smith and Co (Kilcoy, Queensland)
- Jim Pearson Transport (Port Macquarie, NSW)
- Single Transport Services (Walkerston, Queensland)
The award winners will be announced at the ATA Foundation Sponsors Gala Awards Dinner, to be held in Adelaide on 30 April as part of Trucking Australia 2025.
The Don Watson Memorial Award, which recognises an individual who has given conspicuous service to the industry, will also be presented on the night.
A new National Trucking Industry Workforce Award will be presented to an industry operator who demonstrates a strong commitment to building a positive workplace culture. The award is sponsored by Teletrac Navman.
"I invite everyone in the industry to join us in Adelaide as we celebrate the achievements of our industry, our finalists and the award winners," Mr Parry said.
Register for the awards dinner or Trucking Australia 2025
The finalists' details are below.
2025 NATIONAL TRUCKING INDUSTRY AWARD FINALISTS
Outstanding Contribution to the Australian Trucking Industry (Award sponsors: National Transport Insurance, Volvo Trucks, BP Australia)
Leigh Smart, Formula Chemicals
Leigh Smart is the director of Formula Chemicals, which he founded in 1973 with a handful of products. The business expanded rapidly to become one of Australia's largest privately owned chemical companies. It operates a fleet of five trucks, which are equipped with the latest safety technologies.
Leigh's commitment to safety is reflected not only in Formula Chemicals' operational excellence, but in his advocacy of best practice safety as a dangerous goods consultant and Workcover mentor.
Leigh has served on numerous industry bodies, including as Chair of Road Freight NSW and as the small fleet representative on the ATA General Council, and was the 2019 winner of the ATA's Outstanding Contribution to the Australian Trucking Industry Award.
Beyond his professional and family life, Leigh dedicates his time to children in need, including Fijian children battling cancer.
Mark Tobin, Followmont Transport
Mark Tobin from Followmont Transport has been entrenched in the business and the industry since he rode his pushbike to the yard after school. He officially started work at Followmont in 1991 and has held a host of jobs at the company, including as a mechanic, forklift operator, driver, CEO and now Managing Director.
Mark is dedicated to delivering exceptional transport services and developing future leaders within his team of almost a thousand people across Queensland and New South Wales.
Under Mark's leadership, Followmont has become a supporter of diverse charities, including Childhood Cancer Support, the 2024 LifeFlight Gala and regional non-profit entities. For the past two years, Mark has participated in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout and has been recognised as Queensland's highest fundraiser, raising almost $100,000 each year.
Truckin Life Pty Ltd
Truckin Life Pty Ltd was established in 2023 and is a partnership between Craig and Collette Forsyth and Glenn and Amanda Kendall.
After establishing Big Rig Radio in 2023, the partners acquired the iconic Truckin' Life magazine and revived it after a six-year break. Published every two months, the magazine delivers fresh perspectives about the industry.
In 2024, the partners launched the Steering the Future trailer, which travels across Australia to educate people about how to interact safely on the roads with trucks and to inspire the next generation to take up careers in the industry. They took the opportunity to take over the publication of Little Trucker Down Under, which is given to every child who visits the trailer.
National Professional Driver of the Year (Award sponsors: National Transport Insurance, Volvo Trucks, BP Australia)
Andrew Foster, IOR
With many years of driving experience, Andrew Foster is an outstanding ambassador for IOR and the trucking industry. As a senior member of IOR's professional driver team, Andrew is known for his reliability, professionalism and willingness to assist IOR's customers and promote safety.
With extensive experience delivering to marinas, Andrew is a specialist in refuelling high-value watercraft. This requires specialised skills and knowledge, and he is meticulous in ensuring that zero product escapes, especially when delivering over water.
Andrew has become invaluable in coaching both experienced and new drivers after their onboarding process. He is now studying for a Certificate IV in heavy vehicle driver training to pursue his goal of becoming a qualified driver trainer.
David Muir, Formula Chemicals
David Muir is a highly skilled and dedicated professional driver with more than 25 years of consistent excellence. David's flawless driving record and precision reflect his dedication to the driving craft. He excels in bulk transport, using Formula Chemicals' Omni road tanker to safely transport up to three classes of dangerous goods in one load.
David's well-rounded skill set - operating specialised equipment, managing bulk deliveries and navigating complex systems - makes him an exceptional driver and a huge asset to Formula Chemicals. In addition, his excellent communication and teamwork skills contribute significantly to the culture of the organisation.
David was the 2022 Road Freight NSW Professional Driver of the Year.
Brad Train, VE Group
Brad Train has worked for VE Group for the past six years, where he has been an exemplary driver with an impeccable safety record. In total, he has held a truck licence for 27 years.
Brad is skilled at handling heavy traffic and oversize/over mass loads. He conducts thorough research before leaving sites, including assessing bridge heights, and measures every load to confirm that its dimensions are compliant.
As a result, customers frequently request that Brad undertake their deliveries, because they know that his truck and float will arrive in impeccable condition.
Brad's professionalism and willingness to mentor new drivers have made him an inspirational figure at VE Group.
National Trucking Industry Woman of the Year (Award sponsor: Cummins South Pacific)
Cheryl Connor, Exodas Pty Ltd
Cheryl Connor is the CEO of Exodas Transport, a leading provider of general, produce and refrigerated freight services across eastern Australia. She began as a part-time accounts clerk in 2012 and progressed through numerous roles before becoming part of the management team and then, in 2019, CEO.
In her time at Exodas, Cheryl has facilitated the introduction of compliance, WHS and training systems, as well as its NHVAS, WAHVA and HACCP accreditations.
Cheryl joined the QTA board in 2020, where she meaningfully contributes to discussions and attends industry forums in south east Queensland and regionally.
Cheryl is always willing to lend assistance and advice to others within the industry. She believes in creating an industry that works together for better outcomes for all.
Ann Lopez, Lopez Bros Transport
Ann Lopez became the co-owner of Lopez Bros Transport in 2011, after originally helping in the office during a staff break. The business operates more than 20 trucks and has some 30 employees.
Ann is passionate about advocating on issues such as safe rest stops and fair treatment for smaller operators and works to increase gender representation and safety in the sector. Her commitment to the growth and development of the industry is evident in her efforts to promote young talent, as demonstrated by her initiative to create a Road Freight NSW award for rising stars.
In 2016, Ann was the inaugural winner of the Road Freight NSW Transport Woman of the Year Award. She is now a member of the Road Freight NSW and ATA boards.
Kimberlie Smart, Formula Chemicals
Kimberlie Smart is the Chief Financial Officer of Formula Chemicals. Beginning her career at Formula Chemicals in 1999, she is a qualified scheduler and oversees loading, scheduling and deliveries. By ensuring deliveries are executed on time, Kimberlie strengthens the company's competitive edge and trust with clients.
Kimberlie's approach of leading by example has had a profound impact on her colleagues and team members. Her ability to navigate the challenges of logistics fosters a positive working environment.
Kimberlie is deeply committed to community service through her work helping children with cancer in Fiji and her involvement with Corrective Service NSW's work release program. Formula Chemicals has now employed 12 former corrective service inmates through this program.
TruckSafe John Kelly Memorial Award (Award Sponsor: AEI Insurance Group)
HLE Smith and Co
In 1938, Les and Leila Smith bought a brand-new Dodge tray truck and established themselves as the district carrier around Harlin, near Kilcoy in Queensland.
87 years later, the business has grown to run nine livestock and seven general freight trucks, servicing the D'Aguilar, Darling Downs and Burnett highways and beyond.
The company remains family operated, with brothers Geoff and Don, and Geoff's son, Scott, keeping the wheels turning. Geoff and Scott's wives, Gail and Jo, handle the books and paperwork. A proud heritage.
HLE Smith and Co has been part of TruckSafe since 2016 and finds it an effective tool to safeguard its employees and customers.
Jim Pearson Transport
With more than 45 years of industry experience, Jim Pearson Transport (JPT) has built a reputation as a leader in Australian road transport, specialising in servicing the food and supermarket supply chain.
Proudly Australian family owned and operated, this second-generation company is committed to delivering safe, reliable and sustainable logistics solutions through a modern fleet equipped with industry-leading technology.
Operating more than 280 prime movers and 400 trailers, JPT completes more than 6,000 heavy vehicle trips each month, supported by a highly skilled team of more than 600 employees.
JPT was the fifteenth company to gain TruckSafe accreditation. As a pioneer in safety, innovation and sustainability, JPT sets a high standard for excellence in the Australian transport industry.
Single Transport Services
Single Transport Services, a family owned and operated business, has been supplying Mackay and Central Queensland with dependable transport and cranage solutions for over 45 years.
Specialising in the loading, transport and unloading of equipment and products, Single Transport Services also offer extensive installation experience with their specialised vehicle loading cranes.
Single Transport Services' highly trained personnel work directly with their customers to offer quality, reliable and trustworthy service.
Single Transport Services has been a TruckSafe member since 1997.
