Nominations are now open for the 2026 Australian Freight Industry Awards (AFIAs), the premier awards program recognising excellence, innovation and leadership across Australia’s transport and logistics sector.
The Viva Energy Australia-sponsored awards celebrate the individuals, businesses and initiatives that are helping shape the future of freight and logistics while driving improvements in safety, sustainability, technology and workforce development, said organisers, the Victorian Transport Association (VTA).
VTA CEO Peter Anderson said the awards provide an important opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding contributions being made across one of Australia’s most vital industries.
“The Australian Freight Industry Awards are the highest recognition our sector can receive and are a chance to celebrate the people and businesses that keep Australia’s freight networks moving every day,” Anderson said.
“Across the industry we continue to see remarkable examples of innovation, leadership, safety excellence and investment in people. These awards help shine a spotlight on those achievements and inspire others to raise the bar.”
The VTA is encouraging nominations from transport operators, logistics providers, suppliers and businesses involved in every part of the freight and logistics supply chain.
The 2026 AFIA categories include:
- Women’s Leadership Award – Sponsored by Viva Energy Australia
- Investment in People Award – Sponsored by Logical Staffing Solutions
- Best Practice Safety Award – Sponsored by Gallagher
- Application of Technology Award – Sponsored by Transport Certification Australia
- Greenstart Award – Promoting Sustainability in the Workplace – Sponsored by National Transport Insurance
- Emerging Leader Award – Sponsored by Daimler Truck Australia Pacific
- Waste & Recycling Business of the Year Award – Sponsored by RSM Group
The awards program also acknowledges CMV Truck & Bus for its support of the Industry Champion Award.
Anderson said the range of award categories reflects the evolution of the freight industry and the growing importance of diversity, technology adoption, sustainability and workforce capability.
“The freight and logistics sector is undergoing significant transformation. These awards recognise those organisations and individuals leading that change and delivering real outcomes for industry, customers and the broader community,” he said.
“I encourage businesses of all sizes to nominate, whether they are recognising a standout employee, an innovative project or an organisation that is making a meaningful difference to the industry.”
Winners will be announced at the 2026 Australian Freight Industry Awards Gala Dinner, to be held at the Palladium at Crown Melbourne on Saturday, September 5.
The black-tie event is widely regarded as the freight industry’s “Night of Nights” and brings together leaders from across Australia’s transport and logistics sector.
Nominations can be submitted via www.afiawards.com.au.
For award enquiries, contact awardschairman@vta.com.au.