EDITOR’S NOTE

ON TREND

IT FEELS AS THOUGH WE’VE turned a corner in this pandemic as we wave goodbye to the digital event format and return to physical trade shows – by far the preferred way to showcase the latest in trailer tech. Having said that, though, those digital events aren’t so bad. Some OEMs, to work around the constraints of Covid-related social distancing rules, learnt how to improve their aftersales and education procedures through video demonstrations (Check out JOST World’s YouTube channel), while others refined their use of Augmented Reality (AR) to assist technicians with alternative troubleshooting techniques. Schmitz Cargobull UK, for instance, shared a special livestream of a new semitrailer product launch which was a genuinely exciting and engaging experience. Still, had I been physically in attendance I would’ve had an opportunity to network properly with the key players in the company and see the clever engineering and workmanship up close. With travel and time as real barriers to entry, especially for those based in opposite sides of the world, perhaps the industry will indulge in more livestream product launches and events in the future to better accommodate international suppliers and commentators. Interestingly, The Trailer Innovation 2021 awards proved to be especially popular this year. Even though the winners were named and awarded via a digital presentation last year, there was a resurgent buzz of excitement as the recipients of these accolades were surprised with physical trophies at NUFAM 2021. Again, as you will see by our extensive coverage of Solutrans, that the industry’s enthusiasm for live events has not waned. If anything, it has compounded in interest based on our website traffic and engagement on LinkedIn. Coming up to two years of toiling in a home office environment, and for the most part being restricted in mobility due to lockdown restrictions in Melbourne, it is genuinely refreshing to see the world overcome the challenges of the global health crisis and revel in the opportunity to once again exchange ideas and conduct business face-to-face.

PUBLISHER John Murphy john.murphy@primecreative.com.au

MANAGING EDITOR Luke Applebee luke.applebee@primecreative.com.au

DESIGN PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Michelle Weston michelle.weston@primecreative.com.au

ART DIRECTOR Blake Storey

DESIGN Kerry Pert, Aisling McComiskey

INTERNATIONAL SALES Ashley Blachford ashley.blachford@primecreative.com.au

CLIENT SUCCESS MANAGER Justine Nardone justine.nardone@primecreative.com.au

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OUT OF THIS WORLD

JOST KKS – push-button trailer coupling

#futurenow – Thanks to our revolutionary coupling system you can now change semitrailer quickly and safely out of the cab. Your start in the future of logistics. Ready to beam up?