As the trucking sector in Australia faces an increasing shortage of drivers, a company in the Northern Territory has begun to offer competitive salaries to attract qualified operators.
Key Points:
Australia’s trucking industry is struggling with a driver shortage.
One NT company is offering salaries of $150,000 for road train drivers.
Queensland is launching a truck driving apprenticeship.
The transport industry is dealing with a significant driver deficit, with around 2,000 vacancies identified in Queensland alone.
After struggling to find suitable applicants for a road train driver position, Jason Pepper remarked that his livestock transport firm has been offering a salary of up to $150,000 to attract the right talent.
According to Seek, the average earnings for a road train driver range between $105,000 and $125,000.
An advertisement for a position at Pepper Transport, offering above-average pay, garnered over 200,000 views. “We posted it to find competent individuals — social media is effective for reaching out. The response was considerable,” Mr. Pepper stated.
Mr. Pepper also mentioned that they have received calls from promising candidates eager to explore this line of work. “We have a solid team currently; I’d like to believe the salary has helped draw in capable operators.”
Ongoing Driver Shortage
The driver’s shortage has been escalating for years, as noted by Gary Mahon, CEO of the Queensland Trucking Association. “The issue transcends state lines and affects all industries,” he remarked.
The average age of truck drivers is currently about 54 and is steadily increasing, paralleling an aging workforce nearing retirement.
Mr. Pepper asserted that the best drivers are those who appreciate the lifestyle that comes with the job rather than just the paycheck. “We’re seeking individuals who embrace this lifestyle; for them, it’s not merely a job,” he shared.
Improvements in conditions over the past few decades have made the profession more appealing, and the introduction of a heavy-vehicle driving apprenticeship in Queensland aims to attract younger individuals into the field.
