Australian truck drivers are being asked to have their say about the realities of life behind the wheel as new research seeks to build a clearer picture of what needs to change to tackle the nation’s driver shortage.
The National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) is partnering with global road transport organisation IRU to give Australian drivers the opportunity to participate in the Global Truck Driver Barometer for the first time in 2026.
The confidential five-minute survey asks drivers directly about their experiences on the road, including pay and conditions, time away from home, rest facilities, safety and the level of respect they receive in their work.
NatRoad CEO Warren Clark said Australia had spent plenty of time talking about truck drivers and the driver shortage, and it was time to hear directly from the people doing the job.
“We know Australia has a serious challenge attracting and retaining enough professional truck drivers. If we want to fix it, we need to properly understand what’s happening behind the wheel,” Mr Clark said.
“Drivers know better than anyone what makes this a great profession and what makes the job harder than it needs to be.
“We want to hear the good and the bad – what keeps drivers in the industry, what pushes people away, whether they feel safe and respected at work, and what would make this a better profession for the next generation.”
NatRoad has previously facilitated Australian participation in IRU research examining the driver shortage from the perspective of road transport operators. The Truck Driver Barometer turns the focus directly to drivers and their experience of the profession.
Mr Clark said strong Australian participation would give NatRoad better evidence to take to state and federal governments as it pushes for practical measures to address workforce shortages and improve conditions across the industry.
“Every driver who spends five minutes filling this out helps us build a stronger case,” Mr Clark said.
“Strength is in numbers. The more Australian drivers who take part, the harder it is for decision-makers to ignore what our industry is telling them.
“So whether you’ve been driving for six months or 40 years, we want to hear from you.”
NatRoad is also encouraging transport operators to share the survey with their drivers and give them the opportunity to participate.
The survey is confidential, takes approximately five minutes to complete and is open until 31 October 2026.
Have your say: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QTBMBKS
About NatRoad
NatRoad has a proud history dating back to 1948. NatRoad is the largest Australian road freight transport association, representing the interests of the $66 billion industry and its members.
With more than 50,000 companies employing over 200,000 people across the country, the road freight transport industry is one of Australia’s biggest economic drivers.
A not-for-profit association, NatRoad is 100% funded through membership fees and business partnerships. No funding is provided by government or unions.
