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ROAD TRANSPORT JOBS

​OVERVIEW:

Road transport jobs are mostly driving roles, with a wide range of vehicles being used to move people and freight. There are a broad range of roles for this job sector, ranging from drivers of buses, taxis and trucks to more specific roles within different industries. For example, employment as a car driver of individual passengers and small groups could include roles such as a limousine chauffeur, taxi driver or new entrants into the driving market such as Uber drivers. These roles can be performed as an employee or as a self-employed owner driver.

CURRENT VACANCIES

    PROSPECTS FOR ROAD TRANSPORT JOBS:

    Across Australia, there are roughly 230,000 drivers employed in the road transport industry, in the categories of passenger car drivers, bus drivers, delivery van drivers and truck drivers. In November 2016, the Department of Employment reported over 2,600 vacancies for the month in the job market for these drivers, with overall vacancies for the last 12 months at more than 28,000 (for 2016).

    There is a continuing and strong demand for drivers particularly in the delivery of goods and freight, fueled by increasing consumer participation in online shopping and a demand for services such as fast food delivery. Generally, the number of vacancies is highest for truck drivers where approximately 70% of the jobs and vacancies in the road transport industry have been in 2016..

    For the future years up to 2020 the Department of Employment has forecast growth in job vacancies as being:

    • Slight for bus and coach drivers

       

    • Moderate for truck drivers

       

    • Strong for passenger car drivers

       

    • Very strong for delivery drivers

    Truck divers, passenger car drivers and delivery drivers are areas where job seekers looking for a driving role have a strong chance of success.

    Click here for current job vacancies with Australia’s leading recruiter for road transport jobs. 

    EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS FOR ROAD TRANSPORT JOBS:

    Projections from the Australian Department of Employment, 2015 to 2020. Note data is '000.

    ASSOCIATED OCCUPATIONS:

    Truck driver, HR truck driver, HV truck driver, MR/HR truck driver, MC truck driver, bus driver, tour bus driver, chauffeur, taxi driver, Uber driver, delivery driver, tanker driver.

    AREAS OF EMPLOYMENT:

    Most driving roles consist of safely ferrying passengers or goods from one location to another. This requires that baggage and freight be safely stored. Drivers are also responsible for ensuring that their vehicles are maintained according to safety and service standards, log books are accurately maintained, and any other requirements set by national or state authorities according to licensing and permits are adhered to.

    • Truck driver jobs. 
    • Passenger car driver jobs and bus driver jobs. 

    PAY FOR ROAD TRANSPORT JOBS:

    Based on statistical data from the ATO (as at October 2015) and OpenWage, there is substantial variation in the average annual salary that drivers can expect to earn.

    • Car drivers (from $19,000 to $33,000) – noting that many of these jobs are only part-time

       

    • Bus and coach drivers (from $38,000 to $48,000)

       

    • Delivery drivers ($35,000)

       

    • Truck and tanker drivers (from $51,000 to $87,000).

    Pay for Truck Driver jobs can vary substantially with overtime and penalty rates effecting the overall salary.

    QUALIFICATIONS FOR ROAD TRANSPORT JOBS:

    Driving Licenses

    While some employers want certificate level qualifications, the most important qualification is the attainment of the relevant State driving licence. For example in NSW relevant licence classes are:   

    • C for Cars – for vehicles up to 4.5 tonnes and seating up to 12 adults

    • Light Rigid, Medium Rigid and Heavy Rigid that cover differing size and weights of trucks or buses

    • Heavy and Multi Combination covering the largest vehicles including prime movers and road trains

    Other Driving Permits

    In addition to a driving licence, drivers may have to obtain other authorisations. In New South Wales, for example, the following categories of drivers have to obtain special permits:

    • All drivers carrying public passengers – must obtain a Public Passenger Vehicle Driver Authority

    • Taxi Drivers – must obtain a Taxi Driver Authority

    • Tow Truck Drivers – must obtain a tow truck operators licence

    Certification/Training Requirements

    In order to get the necessary licences and permits, certain classes of drivers may have to undergo formal training.

    Drivers requiring a heavy vehicle licence (trucks and buses) need to complete an assessment for Heavy Vehicle Competency conducted by a Registered Training Organisation in some states (this is a specific NSW requirement - other States have their own training requirements)

    Other Certificates that may be required for vehicle drivers include:

    • Certificate II in Driving Operations (Passenger Car Drivers)

    • Certificate III in Driving Operations (Bus and Truck Drivers)

    • Certificate IV in Driving Operations (Truck Drivers)

    The Department of Education and Training details training and certification requirements along with specific units unique to different driving jobs. Workpac Group provides Gold Training courses for a range of accredited and non-accredited training. If a specific course of training is not listed at Gold Training then the Department of Education and Training maintains a register of training providers.