Today’s trucks play an increasingly essential role in the transportation of the everyday goods and services that we all need in our lives. Trucks distribute nearly all of our urban freight and even when other modes of transport are used trucks provide the connection at one or both ends. Australia relies on trucks more so than most other countries because of our geography and population growth, density and spread. Trucks are indeed an essential link between all major sectors of the economy and this role will continue into the future.

The Bureau of Transport and Regional Economics (BTRE) forecasts justify the essential role of trucks within our community. For example;

Australia’s total freight task will almost double over the years to 2020;

This doubling of the freight task is the result of the continued strong national economic growth, the trend towards increased door to door movements, the shift to just-in-time delivery as a replacement for point of sale inventory and the increased differentiation of consumer taste making retailing more transport intensive;

The volume of freight carried between Sydney and Brisbane is forecasted to triple. Freight carried between Melbourne and Brisbane will double and freight between Melbourne and Sydney is forecast to increase by 70 per cent; and

Urban freight movements have more than doubled over the last 20 years. Continuing growth of 2.9 percent per annum is expected through to 2020, reflecting city growth. The carriage of urban freight is dominated by road transport and this can be expected to continue given its suitability for door to door pick up and delivery.

The Truck industry Council is committed to providing a productive and efficient transport fleet that fully supports the Australian economy.