Australian Trucking Association (ATA) chairwoman Noelene Watson said the 2015 poll was a critical opportunity for owner-drivers and small fleet operators to have their say about the industry's future.

In the election, owner-drivers and the operators of small trucking fleets will elect two representatives to the general council of the ATA, the peak body for the industry.

"The ATA council sets our strategic policy direction," Mrs Watson said.

"It deals with the critical issues that will determine the industry's long term future, including safety, professionalism and operator viability.

"I urge all owner drivers and small fleet operators to register to vote.

"You can register online through the ATA website, so it only takes a few minutes.

"I also urge owner-drivers and small fleet operators who want to help build the industry's future to nominate for one of the two positions."

Dubbo is along the Newell Highway, which is the third-most significant heavy vehicle route in NSW in terms of mass and number of vehicles, according to a NSW government draft Newell Highway Corridor Strategy.

To register to vote, an operator must own, be purchasing or leasing one to five trucks of more than 4.5 tonnes and be on the Commonwealth Electoral Roll.

To become a candidate for the single truck owner driver position, an operator must own, be purchasing or leasing one truck of more than 4.5 tonnes and drive it.

For the small fleet position, an operator must own, be purchasing or leasing two to five trucks more than 4.5 tonnes.

Candidates must be members of an ATA member organisation.

Nominations and voter registrations close on February 10.

If there are more candidates than vacancies, there will be an election by postal ballot.

Further details, including voter registration and nomination forms are available online, at www.truck.net.au/public/2015-ata-election.