Increased Demand Amidst Driver Shortage

The Australian road freight industry is gearing up for a significant increase in demand. However, the current shortage of 26,000 truck drivers has driven costs upwards, challenging freight businesses across the nation.

A Vision for the Future: Road to 2028

In response to these challenges, the National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) has unveiled a comprehensive national reform agenda dubbed Road to 2028. This progressive plan aims to achieve five critical outcomes:

1. Increased Productivity
2. Skilled Workers
3. Lower Emissions
4. Defined Costs
5. Safer Roads

Focus on Increased Productivity

Eliminating 90% of all permits by 2028 is a pivotal focus for NatRoad. Ongoing discussions with Members of Parliament aim to finalize this significant transformation.

Road Freight Workforce Action Plan

To combat the shortage of skilled workers, NatRoad has initiated a Road Freight Workforce Action Plan. This plan includes the establishment of a national truck driver standard and an apprenticeship program.

“Measures such as these will ensure we can recruit and train the number of drivers required while maintaining high standards across the board, with the safety part of the picture throughout,” said Warren Clark, CEO of NatRoad.

Commitment to Lower Emissions

Furthermore, NatRoad proposes a $3.5 billion Clean Transport Fund to support smaller freight businesses. This initiative is part of the Lower Emissions policy paper, which seeks to alleviate cost pressures faced by businesses. Key initiatives include:

• State and territory tax reform
• Independent price regulation of port charges
• A review of heavy vehicle tolls

Enhancing Road Safety

Improving the quality of roads and infrastructure is paramount. NatRoad’s goal is to upgrade 80% of national highways to at least 3 stars by 2030. This upgrade is expected to greatly enhance road safety.

“While our ‘Skilled Workers’ outcome will address some of the factors, a significant way to improve safety is to improve the quality of the roads and the infrastructure around them,” emphasized Clarke. “In fact, when a road is raised by just one star on the AusRAP rating system, deaths reduce by 50%.”

Conclusion

The Road to 2028 agenda lays out a strategic framework for Australia’s road freight sector focusing on productivity, workforce development, emission reduction, cost management, and infrastructure enhancement to ensure a safer, sustainable future.

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• SCLAA adds new partners to support industry
• Paytens Bridge load limit from 31 March

Stay tuned for updates as NatRoad works towards this ambitious vision!

Source: https://mhdsupplychain.com.au/2025/03/28/the-future-of-australian-road-freight/