Australia’s transport industry is warning of a truck driver shortage crisis as its workforce shrinks.
The national road transport association, NatRoad, said the problem stems from a number of factors, including an aging workforce.
According to NatRoad there is currently a shortfall of around 28,000 truck drivers across Australia, which is forecast to increase to 78,000 unfilled positions by 2029.
That would be a 26 per cent drop on the current national truckie workforce of 189,900 drivers.
And this comes as the Australian Logistics Council projected the current 223 billion tonne kilometres of road freight volumes will grow by around 56 per cent between 2018 and 2040.
NatRoad said less than 5.4 per cent of the current driver workforce were aged 25 years or younger, while 47 per cent were 55 years or older.
Mr Hannifey has been an active member of the industry on a number of issues including road safety. (ABC News: Jerry Rickard)
Road safety and transport advocate Rod Hannifey said the issue has been building for several years, as the industry has struggled to bring new drivers through to bolster its ranks.
“Drivers often came up through families — you’d take your kids with you, they’d fall in love with the trucks and eventually join the industry,” he said.
“That can’t happen now because of insurance and restrictions.
“Kids can’t come in the cab, so they never get exposed to it, and once they choose another job, we don’t get them back.”
Mr Hannifey also identified the fines and penalties truck drivers faced as a deterrent.
Mr Hannifey said truck drivers are being squeezed by strong penalties and undesirable work conditions. (ABC New England: Lara Webster)
“We understand the need to operate safely and legally, but the framework we work under is designed by people who don’t have to live by it,” he said.
“Penalties can be extreme, for things like driving 10 minutes longer than scheduled because you need a shower, toilet, or a decent meal.
“Drivers constantly worry about what they’ll get pinged for next.
“It scares people out of the industry.”
A growing problem
NatRoad chief executive Warren Clark said unless the current trajectory was changed, there would be a sizeable shortfall of drivers before 2030.
“With the growth in freight tasks and what’s required of transport, estimates suggest there will be more than 78,000 unfilled positions by 2029,” he said.
Mr Clark said the organisation is looking into the best way to bring younger drivers into the industry. (Supplied: NatRoad)
But, Mr Clark said the shortage had an impact beyond the driver’s cabin.
“Everything that appears on your table or in your house has, at some point, travelled on a truck.”
Mr Clark said resolving the issue would involve creating stronger career pathways.
“If you’re entering any industry, you need to know where you start, how you get trained, and what your progression looks like,” he said.
“Training needs to be consistent across the country, because we’re competing with industries that already have those systems in place.”
Almost 80 per cent of Australia’s freight is shifted through trucks according to aggregate data. (Supplied: Australia Post)
The other area of significant improvement was the recruitment of women, who make up only 6.4 per cent of drivers.
“We also need to address why women aren’t entering the industry, ” Mr Clark said.
“There aren’t enough facilities or rest stops — and that’s not just an issue for women, it affects all road users.
“What we need is strong leadership from the top, real commitment, and genuine action, and that has to come from the highest levels of government.”
