Australian shoppers could soon find themselves with empty supermarket shelves as a shortage of truck drivers threatens the country’s supply chains.
About 26,000 more drivers are needed to fill gaps in the trucking industry as the sector faces shortages at companies of all sizes and types, according to the National Trucking Association.
NSW’s road freight needs are projected to increase by 57 per cent by 2040, and the association’s chief executive Warren Clark has urged national cabinet to act now.
“This is not just a crisis for the transportation industry, it is a crisis for the national economy,” he said.
‘The supply chain is the backbone of our economy and without sufficient drivers, the entire system is at risk.’
Nearly half of all drivers are over 55, a survey by the International Road Transport Union has found, which could exacerbate job vacancy problems as the workforce approaches retirement age.
In addition, the participation of young people and women in the sector is very low: only 5.3 percent of truck drivers are under 25 years old and 6.5 percent are women.
The Australian road transport industry faces a chronic shortage of drivers
Half of the country’s truck drivers are approaching retirement age
Incentives are needed to make the industry more attractive to these underrepresented demographics, while also encouraging those already in the sector to continue their careers, Clark said.
This could include funding training programmes, strengthening access routes to road transport, improving access to apprenticeships and improving general working conditions by treating truck drivers with respect at customer depots and delivery sites.
