The Truck Driver Shortage: What’s Really Going On?

If you’ve heard talk of a truck driver shortage in Australia, you’re not alone. The heavy vehicle industry is facing a real challenge, with tens of thousands of unfilled positions across the country. Some experts say we’re simply not training enough new drivers, while others argue that the real issue is a lack of respect and fair conditions for those already in the industry. So, what’s really going on? Let’s break it down.

Is There a Truck Driver Shortage?

The short answer is yes. According to the 2024 International Road Transport Union (IRU) Truck Driver Shortage Survey, nearly half of Australian freight businesses are struggling to find drivers. That’s a big problem when you consider that road freight is expected to increase by 77% between now and 2050. With over 26,000 unfilled positions, the industry is feeling the strain.

But here’s where things get complicated. While businesses are struggling to hire, there are still plenty of truck drivers out there—many of whom have either left the industry or are looking for better working conditions. The problem isn’t just a lack of people; it’s that the job isn’t attracting or keeping drivers like it used to.

What’s Causing the Shortage?

Several key factors have contributed to the driver shortage.

An Ageing Workforce

One of the biggest challenges is that many experienced truck drivers are reaching retirement age. With the average truck driver in Australia being over 50 years old, there simply aren’t enough young people stepping in to replace them. The Victorian Department of Transport has even projected that recruitment into the industry will need to increase by 150% just to keep up with demand.

No Clear Entry Path for New Drivers

Unlike other trades where young people can start as apprentices or trainees, trucking has no clear pathway for school leavers. Getting a truck licence can be expensive, and many companies won’t hire new drivers without experience—creating a frustrating cycle where you need experience to get a job but can’t get experience without one.

If you’re interested in becoming a truck driver but aren’t sure where to start, check out our How to Become a Truck Driver in Australia guide for a step-by-step breakdown.

Perception of the Job

Truck driving has an image problem. Many people see it as a tough, physically demanding job with long hours and little work-life balance. And in many cases, that’s true—some drivers are expected to work 14-hour shifts with strict deadlines, making it a less attractive career choice.

Wages also haven’t kept up with the cost of living. While trucking can be a well-paying career, many drivers argue that rates haven’t increased in line with inflation, leaving them working harder for less money. This has led some drivers to switch to industries where they feel more valued.

Poor Conditions and Lack of Respect

Many truck drivers feel they aren’t treated with the respect they deserve, both by the public and within the industry itself. Long hours, strict regulations, and a lack of decent facilities on the road all add up to a job that many drivers are leaving behind in search of better opportunities.

Some say the real issue isn’t a shortage of people willing to drive trucks—it’s that we as a society don’t value truck drivers as much as we once did. The result? Experienced drivers walk away, and fewer young people see it as a viable career option.

What Happens If the Shortage Gets Worse?

The truck driver shortage threatens everyone, and is not just a problem for transport companies. Every item on supermarket shelves, every building material, every online order relies on truck drivers to get from A to B. If businesses can’t fill these positions, we could see:

• Higher prices for goods due to increased freight costs.
• Delays in deliveries, from food and fuel to medical supplies.
• More pressure on existing drivers, leading to burnout and further exits from the industry.

If you’re considering a career change, now is a great time to become a truck driver. The demand is there, and businesses are increasingly looking to offer better wages, conditions, and incentives to attract new talent. Learn more about whether trucking is the right career for you in our Is Trucking Life for You? article.

How Can We Fix the Shortage?

The good news? There are solutions—but they’ll take time and effort from both industry and government.

Better Training Pathways

One of the biggest steps forward would be creating a clear, affordable pathway for new drivers. This could include:

• A national truck driver apprenticeship to help young people get started.
• More funded training programs to reduce the cost of getting a licence.
• A National Heavy Vehicle Skills Hub to ensure consistent standards across the industry.

Improving Pay and Conditions

If businesses want to attract and keep drivers, they need to make the job more appealing. That means:

• Better pay and job security to make trucking a competitive career.
• More rest stops and facilities for long-haul drivers.
• Flexible schedules to allow for a better work-life balance.

Changing Public Perception

Truck drivers aren’t just sitting behind the wheel all day—they’re vital parts of the supply chain that keep the country moving. A shift in how society views truck drivers could help attract new talent to the trucking industry. Recognising the essential role they play and treating them with the same respect as other critical workers could go a long way in making trucking a more desirable career.

Thinking About Becoming a Truck Driver? Choose Credit One to Start Your New Career

If you’re looking for a stable career with strong job demand, truck driving is worth considering. With demand for truck drivers at an all-time high, now is the perfect time to get behind the wheel and become a member of Australia’s road freight industry. If you’re just starting out or looking to finance your first truck, we can help you get on the road.

With a range of truck finance and trailer finance options available, we make it easy to start your career or upgrade your fleet. Whether you’re looking for truck dealer finance or private sale truck loans, our expert team will help you find a loan package that suits your budget and business. Use our truck loan calculator to see how affordable financing can be, and contact us to speak to a member of our team and start your journey to truck ownership with Credit One!