The road freight volumes are projected to increase as the demands of the industry continue to grow. However, with the current shortage of 26,000 truck drivers, the costs of running a freight business have escalated in recent years.
The National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) has developed a national reform agenda to deliver a safer and sustainable road freight industry. The Road to 2028 sets out a range of specific recommendations to support five key outcomes:
- Increased Productivity
- Skilled Workers
- Lower Emissions
- Defined Costs
- Safer Roads
Increased Productivity has always been a priority, and they are remaining focused on eliminating 90 per cent of all permits by 2028. While an agreement was reached to secure this change, work is still ongoing with the current members of parliament.
A Road Freight Workforce Action Plan has also been developed to address the shortage of skilled workers. The plan includes the creation of a national truck driver standard and apprenticeship program.
“Measures such as these will ensure we can recruit, and train, the number of drivers required while maintaining high standards across the board, with the safety part of the picture throughout,” says Warren Clark, CEO of NatRoad.
To help lower emissions for the industry and a Stronger Economy, Lower Emissions policy paper has been developed that includes a $3.5 billion Clean Transport Fund, giving financial support to smaller freight businesses.
The agenda aims to reduce cost pressures on businesses, even though some costs are unavoidable. NatRoad’s initiatives include state and territory tax reform, an independent price regulation of port charges, and a review of heavy vehicle tolls.
Lastly, improving the quality of roads and the infrastructure will improve the safety of roads. Currently, the existing target is to lift 80 per cent of national highways to at least 3 stars by 2030.
“While our ‘Skilled Workers’ outcome will address some of the factors, a significant way to improve safety is to improve the quality of the roads, and the infrastructure around them,” Clarke added.
“In fact, when a road is raised by just one star on the AusRAP rating system, deaths reduce by 50 per cent.”
The Road to 2028 agenda offers a strategic plan for Australia’s road freight industry, focusing on productivity, workforce development, emission reduction, cost management, and infrastructure improvement to ensure a safer, sustainable future.