A shortage of truck drivers in Australia could result in supermarket shelves going empty.
The country’s road transport association warned that the lack of drivers could affect the supply chains of various businesses.
According to Warren Clark, the chief executive of the road transport association, the freight requirements in NSW will increase by 57 percent by 2040.
He urged the national government to address the issue.
Clark noted that the shortage of truck drivers is not just a crisis for Australia’s trucking industry but also for the national economy.
Without sufficient drivers, the entire supply chain could be disrupted, which is a threat to the country’s economy.
A survey conducted by the IRTU revealed that almost half of all truck drivers are over 55 years old.
This could lead to vacancies as this group nears retirement age.
The low number of women and young people participating in the industry is also a concern.
Only 5.3 percent of truckies are under 25 years old and 6.5 percent are female.
Mr. Clark noted that the government should provide incentives to encourage these individuals to continue their careers in the industry.
This could involve establishing training initiatives, expanding pathways into the industry, and improving the working conditions for truckies.