Truck driver shortage in Australia: Challenges & solutions

Many drivers will already have felt it first-hand: Australia is experiencing a shortage of skilled truck drivers. Nearly half of the country’s truckies are over 55

, and thousands are nearing retirement. By 2029, one in five current drivers will leave the industry.

Industry Skills Australia (ISA) CEO Paul Walsh says the shortage is “one of the most critical challenges” facing transport and logistics. While NatRoad CEO Warren Clark acknowledges that "supply chain is the backbone of our economy, and without enough drivers, the whole system is at risk.”

The challenge now is clear: how do we ensure there are enough skilled drivers to keep freight moving?

The 2024 Global Truck Driver Shortage Report shows Australia is short almost 28,000 heavy vehicle drivers, with big operators hit hardest. The shortage is already being felt on the ground, with many drivers facing heavier workloads and longer rosters as freight volumes continue to climb. Freight demand is set to rise more than 23% by 2034, but some trucks are already parked up because there’s no one to drive them.

Data shows that pay isn’t the main driver behind the shortage. In fact, truck drivers earn well above the basic cost of living across the country, with average salaries ranging from 30% to 135% above that threshold depending on location. Entry-level drivers typically earn between $60,000 to $85,000 per year

, while interstate drivers can make up to $135,000 These figures highlight that the shortage stems from broader workforce and training challenges rather than compensation alone.

Truck driving ranks as the ninth

most common occupation in Australia, and with freight volumes projected to rise by 11.5% over the next five years

, the need for skilled drivers and a supportive industry is set to grow even more pressing.

Steps towards filling the gap

According to Clark, urgent action from the government is required to prevent further disruption. “That means investing in training programs to equip new drivers with the skills they need, improving career pathways through apprenticeships and traineeships, and making trucking a more appealing option for young people and women.”

Industry Skills Australia has launched a National Heavy Vehicle Driver Action Plan

; an industry-led roadmap to tackle shortages, improve training and push for more support from the Australian government. The organisation is also mapping workforce needs through its Transport and Logistics 2025 Workforce Plan, ensuring strategies aren’t just short-term fixes but part of a long-term blueprint to attract, retain and upskill drivers across the country.

Industry leaders acknowledge the importance of attracting emerging drivers, and there is a clear demand for the next generation of skilled drivers. Women, younger workers and migrants are being welcomed into the fold with a focus on inclusion. The Australian Trucking Association’s (ATA) InRoads and Diversity Program is helping businesses create more inclusive workplaces and give new drivers the support they need to stick around. For experienced drivers, these efforts matter too. A stronger pipeline of new entrants means less pressure on those already carrying the load.

Technology is also currently a crucial ally for keeping freight moving safely and reliably, while also helping improve job satisfaction. Telematics and route-optimisation systems help operators plan fuel-efficient routes, reduce idle time and track deliveries in real time, easing the daily workload for drivers and improving overall fleet productivity. Driver-assist technologies help reduce physical and mental strain, making long-haul work less exhausting and safer. Even automation in areas like loading, logistics management and scheduling can streamline operations, allowing drivers to focus on the road rather than administrative tasks.

Why trucking still stands tall

The shortage is a challenge, but it also underlines the value of the work drivers do every day. Trucking offers competitive pay, steady work and the pride of keeping Australia moving. With new training programs and industry reforms, the next generation of drivers has a chance to shape the future of the profession.

^Disclaimer

^{Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.}