Road transport is a major contributor to the regional economies with a 2003 Infometrics study finding that road transport accounts for about 2.5% of economic activity in Southland and nearly 2% in the Bay of Plenty, compared to around 1.4% nationally.

The local carrying company is often at the heart of their local community. It is frequently a major employer and creator of new job opportunities. It can also be a leading customer for other locally-based businesses and service suppliers.

According to a 2006 University of Waikato study, each year the median road transport operator spends:

• $175,142 on wages and salaries
• $94,869 on fuel
• $72,976 on ownership costs
• $65,689 on Road User Charges
• $58,381 on maintenance
• $14,569 on tyres
• $14,595 on insurance
• $189,737 on other costs

Local transport firms are good neighbours as well. Operators lend their trucks for parades and to help local community causes. They are active in service clubs and with their local schools and residents associations.

And when there’s a crisis, operators pitch in to help. During storms and blizzards they cart feed for stock often over long distances, at cost or even free.