THE Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has appointed the co-owner of Lopez Bros Transport in Sydney, Ann Lopez, to its board.

In announcing the appointment, ATA Chair Mark Parry said that Ms Lopez would bring her experience as a transport operator to the ATA and its work with governments and regulators.

“Ann is a strong advocate of encouraging new talent into the industry, as well as leading by example in her business,” said Mr Parry.

Ann Lopez

“Her knowledge of workforce issues will be particularly important as we build the action plan from our Workforce and Driver Training Summit last month.”

Ms Lopez said that road transport was an integral part of the Australian economy and that no matter the industry, road transport is part of making it happen.

“I want to encourage and promote road transport and the people who make it happen from the boardroom to the steering wheel,” said Ms Lopez.

“Our industry is more technical and skilled than ever before, and we need to develop a workforce to meet these needs while tackling the challenges of a low carbon future.”

Ms Lopez began her career as a primary school teacher and joined Lopez Bros Transport as an administrator after taking a career break.

That was 30 years ago. She now co-owns the business, which transports containers across the Sydney metropolitan area and regional NSW.

Founded in 1929, the business operates more than 20 trucks and employs more than 30 people.

Ms Lopez is a director of ATA member association Road Freight NSW and was the inaugural winner of the Road Freight NSW Transport Woman of the Year Award.

The ATA is a united voice for its members on trucking issues of national importance. Through its 10 member associations, the ATA represents the 60,000 businesses and 200,000 people who make up the Australian trucking industry.