New document aims to dispel negative perceptions about the industry.
NatRoad is aiming to bust negative public perceptions about Australia’s trucking industry with the release of a new brochure.
The document presents 11 commonly held views about the industry and compares them to what NatRoad claims is the reality.
Launched at this year’s annual NatRoad conference, the brochure addresses hot-button issues like road accidents, truck maintenance, fatalities, pressure on truck drivers and remuneration.
“It goes without saying that our industry has had issues in the years gone past and it equally goes without saying that our industry has recognised its negatives and has worked tirelessly for many years to improve our safety record for the benefit of all,” NatRoad president Geoff Crouch says.
“And the positive results are absolutely undeniable. Yet there is still a perception in the minds of some that this is not the case.”
The first perception in the brochure relates to fatal road accidents and the public’s belief they are getting worse.
“Unprecedented gains in road safety over the past 40 years mean record low crash and fatality rates, not that things are getting worse,” the brochure states.
Another perception the brochure addresses centres on the view that trucks are always at fault in accidents involving passenger vehicles.
“Recent data highlights that third party lighter vehicles are the cause of the majority of multi-vehicle fatal crashes involving heavy vehicles,” the document states.
It also directly contradicts claims the Transport Workers Union (TWU) has made about truck drivers and safety.
The brochure says there is a perception that drivers are put under pressure to work long hours and break the law to make deliveries on time.
But NatRoad states the reality is: “Driver hours are strictly regulated and policed under fatigue management laws, with any contraventions heavily penalised. Chain of Responsibility laws ensure that all parties in the transport supply chain are required to act responsibly to ensure drivers do not drive while fatigued.”
Likewise, NatRoad disputes what it is says is a perception drivers are not paid enough and are forced to take drugs and risks to deliver goods on time.
“Pay rates for drivers are governed by the applicable transport industry awards and are subject to annual review by the Fair Work Commission,” the brochure says.
NatRoad’s annual conference ran from August 13 to 15 at Brisbane’s Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Photography: Brad Gardner