Keith Andrews Hamilton technician Josh Cook has been named the 2026 Freightliner Technician of the Year following a competition in Melbourne.
Leading Daimler Truck Australia Pacific technicians from across the region travelled to the Daimler Truck Training Academy in Mulgrave, Victoria, where they were tested across technical theory, real-world diagnostic challenges and practical assessments.
Cook took the Freightliner title ahead of Sam Jalalabadi from Daimler Trucks Laverton in second place and Bradley Skein from Daimler Trucks Wagga in third.
Brendan Haldane from Daimler Trucks Huntingwood was crowned the 2026 Mercedes-Benz Trucks Technician of the Year.
Peter Briggs from Daimler Trucks Brisbane finished second in the Mercedes-Benz competition, with colleague Archie Rousell taking third.
The two winners receive overseas trips, with the Freightliner and Mercedes-Benz competitions offering travel to the United States or Germany.
Daimler Truck Australia Pacific vice president of service, product, VPC and Elite, Stephen Downes, says the competition recognises the important role technicians play in supporting customers.
“Truck technicians are absolutely critical to the success of our customers, so it is important that we identify and celebrate the best of the best,” Downes says.
“The skills on display during the Technician of the Year finals were a testament to the dedication and commitment of every single one of our finalists and especially our much-deserving winners.”
