It’s this time of the year where nerves rise that little bit more. Where partners check the clock a few more times, biting their lip with anxiety. It’s when the nightmares may be more frequent, or the panging in the heart gets that little bit heavier as the long nights on the road take their toll.
The Australian trucking industry is never one to stop, but it’s at times like now, in the busy holiday season, where one may wish it could pause for just a couple of weeks. To let the drivers return to their families and be there on Christmas morning, witnessing the smiles and laughter as the tinsel goes everywhere and the presents are opened. To bask in the sunshine with a cold beverage, taking in the warm summer months. To see long-lost friends and feel utterly refreshed, watching the waves serenely lap over the rocks that surround Australia.
While it’s difficult for truck drivers around the nation to have to spend the idyllic summer months each year behind the wheel, ensuring the goods keep moving 24/7, the hardest part about this period in our industry is the safety dangers that are presented. More cars hit the road, many of which tend to be piloted by drivers who aren’t used to heavy vehicles surrounding them. Longer days and tighter deadlines. Warmer afternoons and more difficult conditions. It all combines for one harrowing concoction that means drivers have to be at their very best to ensure they can be home to indulge in some of the summer fun.
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This is reflected in the messaging coming from our beloved columnists in this final edition of OwnerDriver for 2025. It has been a quick year, full of highlights, news and rapid developments. Most importantly, it’s been productive. Now, the focus for the industry is to ensure all the hard yards done throughout the past 12 months result in safer roads and all of the nation’s truck drivers getting the job done safely and soundly before returning home to loved ones.
For all in our OwnerDriver community, please focus on safety this summer. Don’t take risks and hopefully general motorists also do the same. In the meantime, 2026 promises to be another milestone year in shaping our trucking scene. There are multiple regulatory landmarks on the horizon, both from a government and union perspective, and a suite of major road projects are set to be opened to traffic, hopefully making freight just that bit smoother around the country.
This final edition of OwnerDriver for 2025 encapsulates some of the best parts of our industry – beautiful shows, heartwarming tales and the very latest and most intriguing truck technology. Starting with our Truck of the Month from page 28, Warren Aitken had a wonderful day and night out witnessing Queensland House Removals’ new Mack perform an incredibly complex move. Luckily his superb photography skills were on full display to capture the slow moving load.
He also provided some bittersweet coverage of the Brisbane Convoy for Kids – despite the impact that weather had on the event, his photos from page 40 showcased an important event still delivering the goods for those in need.
Whether it be in Las Vegas or behind the wheel of the new Mercedes-Benz Actros ProCabin along the east coast (page 23), there’s plenty else for readers to soak up in this December edition. Don’t miss Lazer Lamps’ intriguing technology and razor-sharp deal, as well as the latest events coming in early 2026.
I hope you enjoy the read, and remember to stay safe this summer period.
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