
The braking specialists at Transpecs combine their knowledge and talents to deliver a range of services related to heavy transport braking, installation, certification and industry consultancy.
The team offers guidance and experience to both transport manufacturers and fleets throughout the country. It has a team of nine consultants who cover all areas of New Zealand.
As heavy vehicle brake certifiers, the Transpecs brake team is qualified to suggest the optimum braking solution for trucks and trailers. It also provides specialist industry training.
The goal is to provide a comprehensive and professional service that takes the time and worry out of braking for its customers.
Transpecs OE braking product manager John Hirst says expert braking training is very empowering for the transport industry and “puts the brakes on confusion”.
The programme comprises two courses, Basic Brake and WABCO Diagnostic Training, and Advanced Brake System Design and Commissioning.
The basic brake course walks attendees through the history of pneumatic braking, beginning at a back to basics schema showing a tank, air-line, slack adjuster and foundation drum brake.
Hirst then progresses from that, showing what was added, why, what happened as a result, and what happened next, culminating in state-of-the-art electronic braking system (EBS) with all the ‘fruit’.
Participants are then sent out to work through a series of fault-finding tasks on a fully rigged working chassis in the company’s showroom. Following that there’s a written test reviewing the day’s content.
The second course covers system design, tuning, legislation, and commissioning, and requires a prerequisite level of expertise and knowledge.
Although the courses are aimed first and foremost at customer and in-house technicians, working with the WABCO products daily, they are available to anyone.
While EBS is the cornerstone of all the latest braking technology, the Transpecs team also help customers stay up to date with new functionalities such as autonomous emergency braking, electronic stability control and more.
“Our vision we believe extends beyond brake control,” Hirst says.
The intelligent trailer and zero accident programme aim to provide the fleet operator:
- Reduced operating costs
- Increased driver comfort
- And improved safety in and around the logistics environment
“Today, electronics is driving most of the advancements in braking technology. An example of this progressive technology is The WABCO Intelligent Trailer Programme, technology that has a vast range of safety and operational benefits for heavy trucks and trailers.
“It combines the very best in EBS (electronic brake system) to optimise trailer performance whilst maintaining control & stability under all operating conditions,” he says.
Transpecs is part of Sime Darby Commercial (NZ) Ltd and has served the New Zealand transport industry since 1953.
It one of the country’s leading suppliers of OEM truck and trailer components, and offers a one-stop-shop service to fleets, trailer manufacturers and the new truck sales industry.
Its truck, bus and trailer braking services include:
Brake Diagnostics
Fleet compatibility is a key element of its service. This involves testing across the spectrum of trucks and trailers within a fleet to maximise braking effectiveness, safety and cost efficiencies for operators.
Brake certification
Transpecs brake certification services ensure that trucks and trailers comply with current legislative requirements and meet desired cost efficiencies to maximise operations.
Brake system design and compliance
The team can advise on specific brake system configurations to best meet customer needs. They have experience in multiple configurations to meet specific operational and application requirements.
System supply and aftermarket support
A comprehensive range supported by a nationwide team to ensure rapid access to braking systems and components.
Expert advice and legislative change
The experienced team can offer advice on all facets of heavy transport braking and the changing landscape of legislative requirements and technology.
*Go to transpecs.co.nz for more information.
*This story first appeared in the February issue of Transporttalk – click here to download a free copy of the magazine.



