Driver shortages in Australia — what the evidence shows

Industry bodies publish a range of shortfall estimates, and they are not directly comparable because they use different methods and role definitions. Rather than quoting a single number, the more reliable reference point is the national skills assessment published by Jobs and Skills Australia, which reports whether truck driving occupations are assessed as being in shortage.

• An older-than-average workforce, with retirements outpacing new entrants
• The cost, time and holding periods involved in reaching HC and MC classes
• Competition from sectors offering more predictable home time
• Roster and lifestyle expectations changing faster than roster design

Employer-funded licence upgrades, sign-on and retention payments, paid training and revised roster patterns such as fixed on/off cycles or two-up linehaul have become more common, particularly for hard-to-fill regional and specialist routes.

If you hold a higher licence class and a clean record, you generally have room to compare offers. Ask about licence upgrade reimbursement, retention arrangements, roster stability and equipment age — and get the terms in writing. Employment is never guaranteed, so continue applying broadly while you negotiate.