If you’re reading this (and you’re in the industry), then you’ve probably heard about the “truck driver shortage” that’s currently plaguing the industry.
Look, I’ll be honest. There are hundreds of thousands of truck drivers out there. Many of them are good. Many of them are also willing and able to work when presented with the right opportunities.
But this is the truth. There is no shortage.
We as a society and an industry just don’t value truck drivers as much as we once did – and this is a downright national disgrace.
It is causing good drivers to leave the industry and find other work, and that is why we are struggling to find the best drivers to do the best work.
Australia’s economy relies incredibly heavily on transport and trucking.
The current “shortage” not only affects the efficiency of logistics but also highlights deeper societal issues which I’ll be brutally honest about.
What is the state of the current driver shortage?
The shortage of truck drivers in Australia has reached a critical point.
There’s a significant gap between the demand for truck drivers and the number of qualified professionals ready, willing and able to fill these positions.
This gap has led to delays in deliveries, increased costs for businesses, and added pressure on existing drivers who are often overworked.
According to the National Skills Commission’s April 2022 spotlight, “Recruitment Difficulty for Truck Drivers”, the number of online job ads for truckies increased by 101 per cent from February 2020 to April 2022, compared with 59 per cent for all occupations.
However, the number of people employed as truckies has not increased at any meaningful level.
Recruiters also reported a “recruitment difficulty” for hiring truck drivers, rising from 53 per cent in 2020-21 to 71 per cent in 2021-2022.
What’s causing the truck driver shortage?
Several factors are said to contribute to the ongoing truck driver shortage in Australia. Here are three of the ones I find most illuminating.
1. Ageing population
Because Australia is getting older generally, it means many experienced truck drivers are nearing retirement age.
This ageing workforce has naturally contributed to the shortage of drivers, as there are not enough younger people entering the profession to fill the impending gaps.
The Department of Transport in Victoria projected that the rate of truck driver recruitment in the industry will need to increase by 150 per cent to account for the uptick in demand for road freight and to “replace retiring and/or aging truck drivers”.
2. No clear way to become a driver out of school
Another critical factor contributing to the driver shortage is the lack of a clear pathway for individuals to enter the trucking industry after completing their education.
For many teenagers, it’s incredibly difficult to get your foot in the job in, say, a warehousing role. It’s also very difficult to get so much as a forklift licence.
Unlike some professions that offer structured educational and training programs, becoming a truck driver often lacks clarity and guidance.
This ultimately gets candidates tired of looking at a very early stage, potentially putting off a truck driving career for the rest of their lives.
3. The job has a bad image
The truck driving profession suffers from a terrible image problem.
Many people perceive truck driving as a tough, physically demanding job that is not conducive to a healthy work-life balance – and that’s often because, for a lot of drivers, it is.
This former truck driver recently commented on a post I made on LinkedIn about the issue:
These conditions have ultimately frightened a lot of people. And this has led to a lack of interest from younger generations and contributes to the overall shortage of drivers in the industry.
Changing this perception is crucial to attract a more diverse pool of talent into the industry.
Okay, but what’s REALLY causing the shortage?
While the above factors contribute to the driver shortage, there’s a deeper issue at play – the lack of respect and recognition for truck drivers within society and even among some employers.
Truck drivers play a vital role in keeping the economy moving, yet they often face disrespect, long hours, and challenging working conditions.
Take a look at some comments from real people in the industry who’ve been more than honest on my post about the driver shortage on LinkedIn:
Society’s perception of truck drivers is downright wrong.
Many Australians see truckies as:
• the ‘peasants’ of society,
• unskilled labourers,
• glorified mailmen or mailwomen, and
• people who can’t do anything else.
This perception is not only inaccurate. It is hurtful and harmful.
This lack of respect – unfortunately – translates into lower wages, inadequate benefits, and limited career advancement opportunities for drivers.
It has also led to a surge of regulation, with incredibly strict rules on how drivers do their jobs, from traffic infringements to recording time in their logbook:
So, how can we fix the driver shortage?
There is no one solution.
Addressing the truck driver shortage requires a multi-faceted approach.
It involves stakeholders across the industry and society as a whole.
Here are some key strategies to consider:
For schools: Show a clearer path to become a driver
Educational institutions from high schools and TAFEs to colleges and universities can play a crucial role in addressing the driver shortage by providing clearer pathways for students interested in pursuing a career in truck driving.
This includes things like:
• showcasing work experience opportunities,
• offering vocational training programs, and
• partnering with industry experts for hands-on experience.
This will all highlight the potential for career growth and stability in the trucking sector.
For recruiters: Make the job look more attractive & accessible
Recruitment efforts must focus on making the truck driving profession more attractive and accessible to a diverse range of candidates.
This includes promoting the benefits of a career in trucking, such as competitive wages, flexible schedules, and opportunities for advancement.
A business development manager in the industry had this to say on one of my posts:
Recruiters should also prioritise inclusivity and actively recruit women, Indigenous Australians and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
For managers: Treat drivers how you want to be treated
Effective management practices are essential for retaining and motivating truck drivers.
Managers should:
• prioritise driver safety (in line with their CoR obligations),
• provide adequate training and support,
• ensure fair compensation and benefits, and
• actually treat drivers with respect.
Creating a positive work environment where drivers feel valued and respected can significantly reduce turnover rates and improve job satisfaction.
For society: Understand that drivers are fundamental to how you live
Truck drivers put food on your table.
Truck drivers deliver your mail.
Truck drivers transport your supplies across the map.
Truck drivers literally keep Australia moving, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Society as a whole needs to recognise and appreciate the critical role that truck drivers play in everyday life.
Encouraging a culture of respect and appreciation for drivers can help shift public perception and attract more individuals to the profession.
There is no ‘shortage’ problem.
There is an ‘attitude’ problem.
Addressing Australia’s truck driver shortage requires a comprehensive approach that tackles both the immediate challenges, such as demographic shifts and educational barriers, and the deeper issues of respect and recognition within society and the industry.
It won’t be until we work together to promote the value of truck drivers and creating a more supportive and inclusive environment, that we can actually ensure a sustainable future for the transportation sector and the broader economy.
Ryan Howison is the managing director of DSE Transport.
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