- Diesel and tyre costs remain the biggest operational pressure on fleets.
- Electric prime mover trials are scaling in metro distribution.
- Performance-Based Standards (PBS) combinations continue to grow.
- The Fair Work Commission's Closing Loopholes laws affect owner-driver contracting.
Cost pressures
Diesel volatility, tyre price increases and insurance premiums are still the dominant cost story for Australian fleets. Many operators are passing through fuel-linked rate adjustments on a monthly basis to maintain margin.
Electrification and alternative fuels
Volvo, DAF, Daimler and Scania are all running electric prime mover trials with major fleets. The early focus is metro distribution and port shuttle work — overnight charging, sub-300km daily routes. Hydrogen remains promising but commercially distant.
Productivity reforms
Performance-Based Standards (PBS) combinations — including A-doubles and Super B-doubles — continue to expand. Operators that invest in PBS gear unlock significant payload and fuel-efficiency gains, especially on grain and bulk routes.
Workforce and industrial
The Closing Loopholes amendments to the Fair Work Act introduced new protections for 'employee-like' road transport contractors. Operators using owner-drivers should review contracts and ensure rate-setting practices comply.