Transport association NatRoad paired with the International Road Transport Union to conduct its ‘Global Driver Shortage Survey’ for the first time.

CEO Warren Clark has penned a letter to the transport industry following the results and findings being released.

“Those of us in the industry know that all businesses rely on the road transport industry, whether it be for the transport of raw materials (in industries such as construction) or stocking shelves in the retail industry,” Warren says.

“The supply chain simply can’t function without trucks, and road transport is responsible for at least the first, or the last, leg of every journey. Yet despite the essential nature of trucking, Australia continues to stare down a growing crisis in the form of a major driver shortage.

“This year NatRoad partnered with the International Road Transport Union (IRU) for Australian participation in the IRU Global Driver Shortage Survey for the first time. The survey helped prove the extent of the local driver shortage and showed the dire situation we experience here in Australia is shared with many other countries.

“The survey confirmed what many trucking businesses are already feeling – a huge shortage of drivers in Australia including over 26,000 unfilled positions in 2024 alone. Almost half (49 per cent) Australian trucking businesses reported experiencing severe or very severe difficulty filling driver positions.

“When you consider the nation’s road freight needs are predicted to grow by around 77 percent by 2050, the gap between supply and demand will only widen and become a real threat to our national supply chain.

“A big part of the problem is our sector’s aging workforce. Close to half (47 per cent) of all drivers are now over 55 years old. Compounding the issue, there are far too few young people entering the profession.

“According to the IRU survey, only 5.2% of our driver workforce is under 25 years old – not enough to fill the jobs that will become available as the oldest cohort begin to retire in large numbers over the next decade.

“Lack of gender diversity in our industry is also a clear issue. Only a small percentage (6.5 per cent) of all drivers in Australia are women, despite women making up almost half (48%) of Australia’s working population.

“A 2018 study by the IRU found working conditions, in particular security and access to well-equipped rest zones, are the main concerns for women.

“So, how do we solve what is fast becoming a real and present crisis for our national supply chain?

“First, we need to do more to showcase the positive aspects of a career in trucking. For many, it’s an opportunity for independence, good pay, and a unique way of life. We also can’t ignore the need to modernise the industry’s image, countering some of the poor public perceptions and make it more appealing to younger Australians.

“Education and training are also critical. Industry-led initiatives such as school-to-work pathways, apprenticeship programs, and specific training for licensing reforms are already in the pipeline. These efforts are aimed at giving younger drivers a clearer, more accessible path into the profession.

“If we want to access the almost half of potential workforce that are female and see more young women like our 2024 NTI NatRoad Sam Sali National Young Driver of the Year, Jade Harney in the profession, working conditions such as security and facilities will need to be addressed.

“Finally, government acknowledgement of the essential nature of the road transport industry and support to ensure the viability of individual trucking businesses is essential.

“We need policies to address unnecessary fines and access permit costs, tax conditions for small operators, financial support for training programs, and infrastructure such as rest stops that makes life on the road more comfortable for drivers.

“The driver shortage is not an issue that can be kicked down the road any longer. It’s time for real action to protect our industry and our country’s supply chain by ensuring trucking remains a viable, attractive and long-term career option.”

 

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