Australia’s trucking industry is facing a perfect storm of soaring diesel prices, a deepening driver shortage and mounting financial pressures, prompting an urgent call for the Federal Government to suspend the Heavy Vehicle Road User Charge until January.
Speaking at the NatRoad Annual Conference on the Gold Coast, National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) CEO Warren Clark warned the pressures facing trucking operators were reaching an unsustainable level, with many businesses struggling to see how they will make it beyond Christmas.
“Truck operators have spent the entire year absorbing one hit after another. Now, just as we approach the busiest time of year, diesel prices are soaring and businesses are struggling to find the drivers they need,” Mr Clark said.
“We’re facing a perfect storm, and for many operators, something has to give.
“Christmas should be the busiest and most profitable time of year for transport businesses. Instead, many are wondering whether they’ll have enough drivers to meet demand, or enough money left after filling their tanks to keep their trucks on the road.
“There’s only so much pressure an industry can absorb before businesses start going under.”
Diesel prices are averaging $2.84 in most capital cities and approaching $3 per litre in many rural areas. Operators continue to grapple with workforce shortages, rising operating costs and increasingly tight margins.
Mr Clark said the combination was creating a pressure cooker for an industry responsible for keeping Australia’s shelves stocked, businesses supplied and communities connected.
NatRoad said Australia’s worsening truck driver shortage was compounding the crisis, with an ageing workforce, too few new entrants and inconsistent training and licensing pathways making it increasingly difficult for operators to recruit and retain drivers.
At the same time, rising fuel costs are eating into already razor-thin margins, with smaller, family-owned businesses particularly exposed.
Mr Clark said the Federal Government could provide immediate and meaningful relief by suspending the Heavy Vehicle Road User Charge until 31 December.
The charge currently adds 32.4 cents per litre to the cost of diesel for heavy vehicle operators through the fuel tax system.
“Every time a truck fills up, the government is taking another slice of money that operators simply cannot afford to lose,” Mr Clark said.
“We’re calling on the Federal Government to suspend the Road User Charge until the New Year. It’s a practical, immediate measure that would give struggling operators some breathing room through the Christmas peak.
“We’re not asking for a handout. We’re asking the government to stop adding to the pressure while our industry fights to stay afloat.
“Without urgent action, we’re looking at a miserable Christmas for transport operators, their workers and the families who depend on them.”
Mr Clark warned the consequences of inaction would extend far beyond the trucking industry.
“When transport businesses struggle, the effects flow right through the economy. It becomes harder and more expensive to get food into supermarkets, supplies to regional communities and goods into the hands of Australian families.
“We cannot keep expecting truck operators to carry the weight of Australia’s supply chains while making it harder for them to survive.
“The government has the power to take some pressure off this pressure cooker right now. It needs to act before more businesses reach breaking point.”
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| Kate McMahon Pure Public Relations 0403 991 424 [email protected] | Jamie First Pure Public Relations 0408 002 002 [email protected] |
