QUEENSLAND trucking operator David Simon has been elected the new chairman of the trucking industry's peak body, the Australian Trucking Association.

David is the managing director of Simon National Carriers and has extensive industry experience both as an operator and at an association level.

He was elected at the ATA's annual general meeting, held in Canberra.

David's company, Simon National Carriers, is a provider of transport and third party warehousing and distribution throughout Australia.

The company has a fleet of more than 150 trucks and is a member of TruckSafe, a transport industry safety accreditation scheme.

David replaces Trevor Martyn who chaired the ATA since 2006 and is its longest-serving chairman.

Trevor said his four years as head of the ATA had been rewarding.

"Since 2006, the ATA has worked closely with regulators and the National Transport Commission to introduce new safety measures, including progress on chain of responsibility measures and largely uniform fatigue laws across the east coast and South Australia," Trevor said.

"The ATA's TruckSafe program has gone from strength to strength, with the release of a new implementation kit in 2008 and the launch of a unique software package, TruckSafe Manager, in 2009.

"Also in 2009, the ATA's Safety Committee agreed on a new safety policy statement for the trucking industry, which sets out the industry's agreed view on what needs to be done to improve safety."

Trevor said the ATA had campaigned successfully for more road funding, including funding for truck rest areas, with the Australian Government now investing $70 million in its Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program.

"We're dealing with the big issues, like climate change, road pricing and the national heavy vehicle regulator and continuing to work with governments - including local governments - to enable trucking operators to use longer, safer vehicles on the road system.

"In 2008, the ATA launched the Road Ahead, a $1.3 million safety and careers education trailer."

Trevor said the trailer was packed with educational games and displays about the trucking industry, and travels to schools, colleges and shows around the country.

"Since it was launched, more than 41,000 people have visited the exhibition," he said.

Trevor's career in the trucking industry began in the road division of Mayne Nickless.

He spent 31 years as the managing director of FBT Operations (Vic) Pty Ltd.

Trevor is also a former chair of the Victorian Transport Association, and a former executive chairman of the National Bulk Tankers Association.