Is It Hard To Become a Truck Driver? Becoming a truck driver is surprisingly easy with low entry requirements. Furthermore, once you've been trained, there's little difficulty finding a truck driving job with no experience due to an ongoing shortage of drivers creating a high demand for qualified individuals.
You don't need to worry about getting a job when you become a truck driver! According to the statistics, the average salary for heavy vehicle driver in Australia is $61,000 which is higher than average.
The average truck operator salary in Australia is $81,219 per year or $41.65 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $63,924 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $100,858 per year.
With unemployment rates at a record low, there are more jobs than we can get bums in driver's seats. In The Australian Driver Shortage report, they wrote that "Online jobs platform Seek was reporting more than 20,900 vacant positions for truck drivers in late April" 2022.
Australia is experiencing a scarcity in truck drivers that poses a serious threat to the future of our country's road-freight industry.
Truck driving is more than a job, it's a way of life, and this way of life isn't for everyone. But, if you're able to handle the long miles, lonely hours, and being away from your home and family for weeks and months at a time, truck driving might turn out to be your dream job.
Executive: CEO and MD ($700,000)
Chief financial officers and finance directors in the same organisations typically earn around $450,000 but can also reach $600,000.
be at least 18 years of age, and. have held a class C driver's licence for at least 12 months.
To get your heavy truck licence and work as a truckie in Australia, you'll need to pass the Heavy Vehicle Competency Based Assessment (HVCBA). You can take this test with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). If there's no RTO nearby, you can sit the test with a Roads and Maritime Testing Officer.
Australia Standard Hours of Service Rule
A driver operating within the Australia Standard Hours of Service rules cannot work no more than 12 hours in a 24 hour day. A driver operating within the Australia Standard Hours of Service rules cannot drive more than 12 hours in a 24 hour period.
Working Long Hours Can Be Hard for Truck Drivers
While many would assume having to maneuver a big truck would be the most difficult part of the job, the long hours are often what truck drivers say is the hardest part. But one of the best parts is that most CMV drivers get to choose their own schedules.
You may miss out on special events and you'll have to be intentional about the time you do have at home to spend with them. Find ways to stay connected with your loved ones while you're away. Make phone calls and video chat often. Loneliness on the road can also contribute to depression and other mental health issues.
For years, semi trucks with manual transmissions were the standard. However, advances in technology have now created a new generation of automatic semi trucks.
CON: Instances of Fatigue
Driving for long hours can wear a person out, so truckers need to be especially mindful of their sleep patterns and must ensure they're getting enough rest. New drivers would be wise to learn the tips and tricks of staying awake on the road without becoming too tired.
With 70% of all goods in the US are moved by the trucking industry – which is an USD$800m+ economic value – we're going to need more trucks and truckers on the road. The struggle is that in 2022 there is an estimated 80,500+ shortfall in drivers needed in 2022 and this figure is forecast to reach 162,000 by 2030.
Truckers usually park their vehicles in company facilities, rest areas, and truck stops along their route. Modern sleeper cabs carry most of the conveniences of home, but a bathroom and/or shower is still a rarity seen only in very expensive custom-built trucks.
Tankers Truckers
The cargo might or might not contain hazardous materials. Driving liquids is one of the most difficult cargo to transport, but tanker truckers are the most sought-after drivers.
Fuel Tanker Driver average salary in Australia
The average annual salary for Fuel Tanker Driver jobs in Australia ranges from $90,000 to $120,000.
Truck Driver - Average Salary & Hourly Pay
The average salary for a Truck Driver is AU$58,926 per year (AU$29.82 per hour), which is AU$10,962 (-16%) lower than the national average salary in Australia. A Truck Driver can expect an average starting salary of AU$43,700. The highest salaries can exceed AU$83,096.