Interview with Brais Sangiao at the National Transport Awards

As we mentioned in mid-January, the editorial team at transporte3.com magazine chose our director Brais Sangiao to be part of the jury for the Best Truck of the Year in Spain 2026 and Fifth Wheel: Tanker of the Year 2026 awards. Today we interview him to find out more about these awards:

After several years attending this event, what has the experience been like as a jury member?

Well, the experience hasn't really changed that much because the vote is cast in advance and before a notary in a sealed envelope, so by the time we arrive at the awards ceremony, everything has already been counted and decided; but even so, the members of the jury don't know who the winners will be
because we don't know how the other members of the jury have voted.

In any case, attending as a jury member has been a source of pride for Rios Sangiao, as we were selected by transporte3.com magazine as specialists and leaders in our sector with the capacity and criteria to decide on the Truck of the Year and Tanker of the Year categories.

Was it difficult to choose the winners? Yes and no. I knew right from the start which one

Yes and no. I knew right from the start which one would be Truck of the Year, but choosing Tanker of the Year was extremely difficult. Parcisa and Farcinox presented extraordinary models with major advances in sustainability and technology respectively, which made the choice very close and extremely complicated. In fact, at Rios Sangiao we are aware of the high quality of these manufacturers and our fleet consists of isothermal tankers from both brands.

What aspects were most highly valued when casting the votes?

Clearly, innovation. As mentioned above, Parcisa presented innovations in sustainability with more environmentally friendly materials and isothermal tanks equipped with solar panels for self-consumption. Farcinox, for its part, focused on technological innovation with assisted manoeuvrability systems with 360º vision in the vehicle's area of influence. These are examples of excellent R&D work by these two manufacturers.

So, can we find out who the winners are?

Yes, of course. MAN Trucks was the winner of Truck of the Year, and Farcinox won in the isothermal tankers category. All the awards in all categories were presented at the gala.

What is the ceremony like? Is it a meeting place for the sector?

Of course it is. The awards ceremony was held in a hotel in central Madrid and a total of around three hundred people linked to transport attended, most of whom we already know, and there was a friendly atmosphere in which we took the opportunity to talk about the situation in the sector, the challenges we
face and the difficulties we encounter on a daily basis. These are very enjoyable moments of fellowship between colleagues.

As for the gala itself, although there are many awards in many categories and it lasts almost three hours, it is very enjoyable and dynamic.

What would you say are the challenges facing the sector that were most discussed at this event?

Clearly, the additional costs involved in increasing the weight limit to fortyfour tonnes, combined with the additional costs across all supply chains in the sector, are a common denominator in all areas of transport, regardless of whether it involves the transport of liquid foodstuffs, chemicals, aggregates, etc.

So, is this not a good time for the sector?

Yes, it is. We have a very heavy workload and demand, but we have to manage it very efficiently because costs are rising and could compromise profitability. If this happens, it could be a big problem.

Will there be other similar events throughout the year that bring together the transport sector and that Rios Sangiao will attend?

Indeed, throughout the year there are various trade fairs related to the sector that we usually attend to meet with customers, suppliers and partner companies.

We are in contact.