Our History
Over 100 Years Experience in the Industry. In 1902 the VTA began as the Master Carriers Association. The Association represented hire and reward carriers on the waterfront, lobbying Government and working on industrial relations. In 1944 the Association became the Victorian Road Transport Association, one of a number of state based employer prime contractor organisations around Australia. The VTA took on many issues including poor roads, road tax, and protection of the railways. Many of the issues are not too different to today; fuel, safety, wages registration, representation to Governments. In 2001 the name changed to the Victorian Transport Association, reflecting the changed Association structure and more diverse nature of industry representation.
In 1944 the Association became the Victorian Road Transport Association, one of a number of state based employer prime contractor organisations around Australia. The VTA took on many issues including poor roads, road tax, and protection of the railways. Many of the issues are not too different to today; fuel, safety, wages registration, representation to Governments. In its history it has been one continual battle to present the Freight transport point of view. In 2001 the name changed to the Victorian Transport Association, reflecting the changed Association structure and more diverse nature of industry representation.
Today there are many issues affecting the industry that the Association works on including rising costs, congestion, productivity, rail, people, intermodalism, new legislation and Government inquiries, as well as specialist industry issues such as waste, waterfront, containers, training, dangerous goods, bulk tanker and customer issues.
Founded in Victoria, the association began its journey as the Master Carriers Association. It initially represented hire and reward carriers operating on Melbourne’s waterfronts. During this period, our focus was on lobbying the government and addressing industrial relations issues.
To align with other state-based employer organisations, the association underwent a significant transformation and became the Victorian Road Transport Association. This change allowed us to broaden our scope and cater to the evolving needs of the transport industry.
Recognising that transport encompasses much more than just roads, we embraced a new name - the Victorian Transport Association. This name change symbolised our commitment to acknowledging the diverse aspects of the transport industry and our dedication to representing its broader interests.
Today, as we stand at the forefront of the transport industry, the VTA is committed to embracing progress and leading the way. With an unyielding focus on innovation, collaboration, and sustainable practices, we will continue to champion the interests of our members and shape a brighter future for the entire industry.
Without an effective and active industry Association the freight and logistics sector will be stripped of its ability to coordinate and change Government direction. We are the leaders of tomorrow’s future. Join us and be part of the successful companies. The Association over its 100 plus years has been led by some of the greatest Australian and Industry characters.
The VTA honour board clearly shows the professional commitment by representatives from small family companies, from big transport groups and from Executive staff who have dedicated their entire lives for the betterment of the industry as many go unrecognised and with little or no personal gain as they saw the bigger picture and tried to make a difference.
The Executive Council and associated committees is proudly supported and represented by key industry stakeholders from the following sectors:
General Freight, Long Distance, Tanker, Country, Waste, Co-opted Representatives
The VTA Executive Council works collaboratively with the VTA executive to provide advice, direction and feedback on industry issues and VTA projects. The VTA Executive Council comprises a diverse range of companies from the transport industry.