Industry prepares for Road Transport Expo’s return

Exhibitors and fleet professionals are gearing up for this year’s Road Transport Expo (RTX), which will be back at NAEC Stoneleigh from 30 June to 2 July for its fifth consecutive year.

Launched in 2022, the show has developed into a prominent fixture in the commercial vehicle calendar. Attendance has reportedly risen each year, with more than 14,000 visitors recorded at the 2025 event.

Show bosses say they expect the 2026 show to exceed that figure, as fleet operators, workshop managers and logistics professionals continue to seek practical guidance during a period of sustained change.

According to RTX show director Vic Bunby, the event could not come at a better time for the industry.

“Fleet operators are under pressure from every direction, whether that’s increased costs, compliance or technology change,” he said.

“RTX brings the industry together in one place, giving operators hands-on access to solutions, straight answers from suppliers and the confidence to invest in what they know will work on the road.”

NAEC Stoneleigh is said to have proven a successful venue for the annual event, with its combination of large outdoor areas and flexible indoor halls lending themselves well to the needs of commercial vehicle sector exhibitors.

“Visitors can move seamlessly between compact urban delivery vehicles, long‑haul tractor units, trailers and infrastructure solutions,” said organisers.

“Charging and fuelling equipment, workshop layouts and safety systems can be viewed in situ, helping operators understand how new technology might fit into their own depots.

“Stoneleigh’s central location, strong road connections and free parking make it a practical destination for fleets travelling from across the UK, whether attending for a morning visit or spending a full day at the show.”

This year more than 350 exhibitors are expected at RTX, including truck, trailer and tanker manufacturers, body‑builders, component suppliers, technology firms, fuel and infrastructure providers, trade associations and aftermarket service partners.

Live demonstrations remain a core feature of RTX, with ride‑and‑drive sessions, product demonstrations and technology walk‑arounds planned once again – allowing visitors to see electric trucks, safety systems, diagnostic and monitoring tools and more in operation, thereby offering insight beyond brochure specifications to aid investment choices.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a programme of seminars, interviews and panel discussions addressing topics such as decarbonisation, compliance, maintenance best practice, operational efficiency and skills challenges.

Sessions are designed to prioritise practical learning and candid discussion, say bosses, with industry experts and operators sharing their experience from the frontline about the challenges fleets face and how they are adapting.

RTX head of content Hayley Tayler said: “Operators want honesty and relevance. They want to hear what’s working in real fleets and what still needs solving. That’s the kind of conversation the RTX conference programme is designed to support.”

The show team also highlights RTX’s reputation as a networking environment, with its relaxed layout and outdoor setting encouraging conversation.

“As RTX reaches its fifth year, it does so at a time when the road transport industry is balancing continuity with transformation,” said organisers.

“Diesel fleets will remain central to operations for the foreseeable future, while alternative fuels, electrification and digital systems continue to gain traction.

“RTX 2026 aims to reflect that reality, bringing established solutions and emerging technology together in one place and allowing operators to make informed choices based on what they see and hear.”

Registration for RTX 2026 is free for industry professionals, and can be completed via the event website.