Editor's Blog

The $18 billion a year road freight industry may be crippled if the skills shortage is not addressed soon, says the ATA.

The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has appealed to the federal government to allow foreign drivers to cover the shortage of skilled truck drivers.

In a submission to the Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency, which provides advice to the government on how to tackle skill shortages, the ATA asked that heavy vehicle driving be added to the list.

An ageing workforce and a negative image created by high-profile fatal accidents and police crackdowns on dodgy trucking companies is leading to a critical shortage of truck drivers.

The ATA argued that: 

• The shortage is causing a burden on current drivers;
•  New local recruits are hard to come by due to negative media reports and the heavy death toll on the roads and the general negative image of the industry;
•  Tougher fatigue rules will mean the more drivers will be required on the roads;
• Truck drivers are ageing with the average age now being 43; and
• By 2016, close to 20 per cent of drivers will be at retirement age. 

ATA submitted that that the heavy vehicle industry is "under pressure from severe driver shortages and a negative image problem".

ATA National Policy Manager David Coonan said while the industry makes attracting and training young drivers a priority, it is not meeting driver shortages.

 "The ATA recommends that the federal government change the Skilled Occupation List to include heavy vehicle drivers in order for temporary, competent foreign drivers to supplement the Australian workforce," Mr Coonan said.