'Staff wanted' signs have become permanent fixtures in the windows and websites of trucking and logistic companies. The industry has struggled to bounce back after the pandemic and corresponding border closures. However, Australia is shifting into gear and heading towards where we need to be to attract a new generation of drivers.
It can be a tough gig, but there are a few things we can do to promote trucking as an exciting, rewarding career. Driver’s play a large part in keeping our economy and society moving, so we, as a nation, need to recognise the importance our drivers play, and highlight the career benefits that come with this profession.
What is the current situation?
- Understanding the Driver Shortage
BIS Industries Chief Executive, Brad Rogers, stated that "We've got an attraction issue, but we've also got a shortage of a pool of people we can draw on to get into those jobs." Full article here.
There is a shortfall between demand and driver supply, with an aging workforce and employee retention issues creating the perfect storm. With unemployment rates at a record low, there are more jobs than we can get bums in driver’s seats. In The Australian Driver Shortage report, they wrote that "Online jobs platform Seek was reporting more than 20,900 vacant positions for truck drivers in late April" 2022. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
- Demographics and aging workforce
The Australian Industry Standards for Transport and Logistics 2021 states, "The industry worker's average age is older than 45 years. The ageing rate was 2.2 times faster than all other industries".
Evidently, the Trucking and Transport Industries are missing out on what is arguably the largest group of people looking for careers – the school leavers. Licensing and laws prevent them from coming straight out of school and into a career in truck driving due to their age. The good news is, the Government is considering reducing the age required to attain special licences, which will likely help alleviate some of this pressure.
What is the industry doing to address the driver shortage?
1. Recruitment and Retention
The Government is aiding young drivers in finding apprenticeships through different recruitment strategies. A reporter from The Australian wrote "One of the solutions underway, supported by Government and industry alike, is a new apprenticeship program for truck driving. The program would involve the practical skills of driving and the safety, administration and digital skills needed for the future industry."
The apprenticeship scheme had Federal Government approval last year and is now with the states and territories for implementation. We hope to see it come into effect soon.
2. Licencing, Licencing, Licencing
Overhauling heavy vehicle driver licensing will make it possible for young, qualified people to operate larger vehicles and help resolve the domestic shortage of workers. In the current process to apply for a Heavy Rigid (HR) license, you must:
The Medium Rigid (MR) license however, only requires holding a car (C) license for one year and similar testing.
To help attract more drivers, many truck manufacturers, like Hino, also offer car licence solutions, attracting younger drivers and school leavers to the industry. The Hino 300 Series light-duty truck provides car-licenced drivers with an enticing combination of safety, performance, towing capacity, and payload, removing the deterrence of needing an MR license.
3. Educational institutions and the Government
In December 2021, the Federal Government announced a new, nationally agreed truck driving "apprenticeship" - a Certificate III in Driving Operations, recognised as necessary to bolster workforce participation.
The Australian Government is also doing it's part in supporting businesses, allocating nearly $107 million for Australian manufacturers to build supply chain resilience in case of another global shutdown.
4. Attracting Female Drivers
The gender imbalance is enormous in the industry, with women making up only 14% of full-time transport roles. But, like all gender imbalances, the pendulum is swinging back.
Teletrac reported that "Since the late 70s, women's employment has doubled in the industry, whether behind the desk or managing a team of hardworking people… which is why we're seeing more women working in transport than ever – and the benefits are clear."
"Many companies in the transport sector have introduced a gender equality policy into their recruitment process. A partnership with Wodonga TAFE, Volvo Group Australia, and Transport Women Australia Limited (TWAL) resulted in Women Driving Transport Careers, a new program designed to help women obtain their heavy vehicle license”.
5. Looking overseas
Attracting workers from overseas can help provide a short-term driver boost. Peter Anderson from the Victorian Transport Association said that "re-categorising heavy vehicle driving as a Skill Level 3 occupation would give qualified, professional overseas drivers considering relocating to Australia permanently or temporarily a deserved advantage over people in other occupations where there aren't chronic shortages." You can find the full article here.
Benefits of becoming a Truck Driver.
- Lifestyle and working conditions
In times gone by, the public's perception of a career truck driving has not been glamorous. However, conditions for drivers have improved significantly in the past few decades. "A lot of people think we don't sleep, we don't eat, we don't shower, but that's not the case at all…" – The Australian.
To promote the industry, we need to focus on the positive aspects and opportunities this career offers, such as:
- The freedom and opportunity to travel
- An amalgam of career options
- Job security
- Fulfilling career
- Opportunities for growth
- Limited barriers to entry
- Flexible working hours
- An average salary of $85,000*
- Technological advancements
After the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in automation in logistics systems to streamline supply chains. Automation is taking hold of the transportation and logistics sector, with technologies like blockchain, robotics, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing facilitating solutions."
"These solutions range from automated warehousing and logistics, making the organisation of shipments from the manufacturer to the final point of distribution much easier, and less reliant on drivers, enhancing customer satisfaction."
AI harnesses automation in the entire supply chain ecosystem by improving interconnectivity across customers, partners, and suppliers. AI isn't here to take anyone’s job or make humans redundant; it will make our industry safer and more accessible.
In the past decade, we have made some tremendous technological advancements which have led to features we now rely so heavily on, such as:
- Driver Safety Monitoring
- Vehicle Tracking
- Electronic payments and signatures
- Fleet management software
- Dynamic routing
- Mobile Apps
- Industry inventions like walking trays
- Hybrid and electric trucks.
Technological advancements are key to making our industry, and other industries alike, safer, and easier. It’s all just a matter of time.
- Ergonomically designed cabs and enhanced safety
Everyone wants to be safe and comfortable while at work - Work, Health, and Safety (WHS) laws are in place for a reason. Companies like Hino are making a driver's daily commute more comfortable, enjoyable, and accessible by introducing better safety and comfort through Hino-Connect, Hino SmartSafe and the ergonomically designed cabs – where everything the Driver needs is at their fingertips.
The Hino safety suites protect the driver and other road users, whilst the cutting-edge telematics help to track and efficiently manage driver’s vehicles.
So… let’s change the conversation from asking why you would become a truck driver, to why you wouldn’t become a truck driver! For a career with limited barriers to entry, it can provide a fantastic lifestyle… and the pay is pretty good too! Technology has revolutionised the Transport and Trucking Industries in recent years and will only make it more accessible and safer over time. So, if you’re looking for a competitive salary, an exciting lifestyle, room to grow, and a job right now, what are you waiting for?