may/june 2026 TheIrish IrishMagazine Magazine for forthe theMaterials MaterialsHandling, Handling, Warehousing Warehousing & The & Logistics Logistics Sectors Sectors www.handling-network.com
International Trailer Award (ITA) enters new era *New structure to be presented at IAA Transportation 2026
The International Trailer Award (ITA), previously known as the Trailer Innovation Awards has been restructured, becoming more streamlined. Every two years European manufacturers of trailers and commercial vehicle bodies are invited to enter the prestigious competition for all things trailers and semi-trailers. To make the ITA even more attractive, smarter, and forward-looking, there are several changes to the categories, passed and approved by the adjudication committee for the 2026 competition. The announcement of the winners and presentation of the trophies is arranged for the Stars of the Year event at the IAA Transportation 2026 in Hannover, Germany on Monday 14 September.
Manufacturers have until June 30, 2026, to submit their latest innovations of all types and sizes (components, materials, detailed solutions, system solutions, overall concepts) from the trailer sector. The submitted entry must relate to the trailer, semi-trailer, or body – not the motor vehicle, as in truck or tug. Eligible entries include prototypes and production-ready solutions that have been in the production programme for no longer than two years. In addition to the established rules, the international expert jury remains in its current form. Fourteen journalists from fourteen European trade magazines will evaluate the submitted innovations and ultimately determine the winners in the various categories. Jarlath Sweeney (Fleet Transport Magazine) is the Irish jury member for many years. Previously, participants could submit
their innovations in the seven different categories - Body, Chassis, Components, Concept, Safety, Environment, and Smart Trailer. There are now only four categories – Body, Chassis, Components, and Future. “The new categories cover all key areas of trailer construction – the body, the chassis, all vehicle components, as well as prototypes, concepts, and vehicle studies. In addition, this year will also feature an additional special category for the first time – the newly termed Community Choice. In this additional category, readers of the jury magazines will have the opportunity to vote and select the best innovation in a separate category,” stated Philipp Bonders, who heads up the ITA jury. Further information about the competition is available at www. ita-award.com.
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