Trucking in Australia: Is Now the Right Time to Get Started?

Australia’s trucking industry keeps the country moving. Every day, truck drivers transport groceries, medical supplies, fuel, machinery, and raw materials across vast distances, ensuring businesses and households get what they need. But beyond its essential role in the economy, trucking is also a growing industry with strong job demand and plenty of opportunities for new drivers.

If you’re considering a career in trucking, now is a great time to start. The industry is experiencing record-breaking truck sales, ongoing driver shortages, and increasing freight demand. In fact, the national freight task is projected to grow by 77% between 2020 and 2050, meaning more trucks, more drivers, and more opportunities.

How Big is the Australian Trucking Industry?

The trucking industry has always been a pillar of the Australian economy, but in recent years, it’s expanded even further:

• Over 500,000 trucks operate on Australian roads today.
• The industry is worth an estimated $60.2 billion annually.
• More than 250,000 people work in road freight transport.
• The number of trucking jobs is expected to grow by 20,000 in the next five years.
• Truck sales continue to break records, with 51,277 heavy vehicles sold in 2024—a 7.4% increase over 2023.

With freight demand rising and trucking businesses struggling to fill driver positions, there’s never been a better time to enter the industry and build a long-term career.

Is There Still Strong Demand for Truck Drivers?

The short answer: yes

Despite the industry’s growth, there are still 26,000 unfilled truck driver positions across Australia. Many companies are actively looking for new drivers, making it an ideal time to get started in trucking.

The biggest reasons for the ongoing truck driver shortage include:

• An ageing workforce: many experienced drivers are retiring, and not enough younger drivers are entering the industry.
• Licensing barriers: unlike other trades, there’s no clear, structured pathway from school to a trucking career.
• Industry misconceptions: Some people still view trucking as a tough, physically demanding job with little work-life balance, though modern technology and better safety standards are changing that.

For those willing to get licensed and start driving, there’s no shortage of work available.

Record-Breaking Truck Sales Signal Opportunity

While job demand is high, businesses are also investing heavily in new trucks.

The Truck Industry Council (TIC) reported 51,277 heavy vehicles sold in 2024, surpassing the 50,000-unit threshold for the first time. Despite the economic pressures of the past few years, this shows that trucking businesses are still growing, upgrading their fleets, and preparing to meet long-term demand.

Key Sales Trends from the TIC Q4 Report:

• Heavy Duty (HD) trucks – The most dominant category, accounting for 33.4% of total sales.
• Light Duty Vans (LDV) – The fastest-growing category, with a 90% year-on-year increase, driven by demand for urban and last-mile delivery.
• Medium Duty (MD) trucks – Steady growth, reflecting continued use in general freight and urban transport.
• Light Duty (LD) trucks – Still a significant category but saw a 10% decline, as businesses shift towards more versatile vehicles.

These figures highlight a strong and evolving industry, where businesses are investing in newer, more efficient trucks to meet growing freight needs.

What’s Shaping the Future of Trucking in Australia?

The trucking industry is undergoing major shifts, with technology, safety improvements, and sustainability initiatives driving change. Here’s what’s ahead:

1. Rising Freight Demand

The Australian freight task is projected to grow 26% by 2050, with road freight taking on the largest share of this increase. More goods being transported means more trucks and more drivers are needed.

2. Safer, More High-Tech Trucks

Modern trucks come with advanced safety features like:

• Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Lane Keep Assist (LKA)

These improvements make trucking safer and easier, reducing driver fatigue and lowering accident rates.

3. The Shift Towards Low-Emission Vehicles

Australia is gradually moving towards electric and hydrogen-powered trucks. Many major transport companies are already testing electric trucks, with full adoption expected over the next 10-15 years.

4. Government and Industry Support

There’s growing pressure to reduce the age of Australia’s truck fleet to improve safety, public health, and environmental impact. This could mean incentives for upgrading trucks, creating more opportunities for those entering the industry.

What Do You Need to Start a Career in Trucking?

1. Get the Right Licence

To drive heavy vehicles, you’ll need the appropriate licence:

• Light Rigid (LR): Small trucks or minibuses.
• Medium Rigid (MR): Larger trucks over 8 tonnes.
• Heavy Rigid (HR): Bigger trucks with three or more axles.
• Heavy Combination (HC): Prime movers and articulated vehicles.
• Multi-Combination (MC): Road trains and B-doubles.

Many companies offer training programs, and some finance options allow you to include training costs in your loan.

2. Buy or Finance a Truck

Most new drivers start with a company-owned truck, but if you want to become an owner-operator, you’ll need your own vehicle. Unless you’ve come into a big inheritance, then you’ll most likely be funding your purchase with finance.

At Credit One, we have a range of truck finance options depending on what you need, and can tailor a package to give you the best chance of success in your new career. You can also look into government assistance for truck operators to help out.

3. Choose Your Career Path

There are multiple ways to build a career in trucking:

• Company Driver: Work for a transport business, earning a stable income with a set route.
• Owner-Operator: Own your truck and work as an independent contractor, taking on jobs as you choose.
• Fleet Owner: Scale up over time, owning multiple trucks and managing drivers.

Each path has different benefits, but all offer job security, independence, and long-term earning potential. Check out our detailed article on how to become a truck driver for more.

Considering a Career in Trucking? Credit One Can Help You Get Started

With record-breaking truck sales, rising freight demand, and strong job opportunities, trucking remains one of Australia’s most stable and rewarding industries. If you’re looking for a career with flexibility, earning potential, and long-term demand, now is a great time to get started. For more, you can check out our companion article to consider if trucking life is for you.

At Credit One, we’ve helped thousands of drivers get their start in the industry. With broad access to lenders and an extensive range of truck finance options, including private sale truck loans, truck dealer finance, and trailer finance, our team can design a package that suits your budget and career goals.

To find out just how affordable truck finance can be, try our truck loan repayment calculator, and contact us today to speak with one of our knowledgeable and experienced brokers. In the meantime, explore the range of trucks for sale available at Only Trucks.