The Australian trucking industry plays a significant role in the logistics and freight of goods between businesses to other businesses and consumers. It is not rare to find trucks for any purpose, such as transporting beer bottles to be refilled, equipment for factories and large-scale projects, and frozen produce to stock retail stores all over the country. It is a well-paying job if you put in the hours and abide by the law; so many people are shifting gears and looking into trucking as a primary source of income.
There is a considerable demand for truckers in Australia, so if you have a penchant for long hauls and logistics, then you might find a place in this industry. Starting a trucking business, in particular, can prove to be a good idea if you prefer managing as opposed to driving. From choosing the right mack trucks to ensuring driver safety, using the latest GPS asset tracking technology, here are a couple of things that you need to get on the road and start delivering freight.
Trucks
No trucking business can operate without mack trucks, which are high-quality vehicles that are more powerful and efficient than standard semis and tractors. Although they can be a little costly and will run you at least $50,000 each, they are highly reliable and will last decades when you keep them well-maintained. Generally, owning a single truck is lucrative enough if you plan to work as both the owner-operator and the driver, so you can start from there if you are short on funds.
There are mack trucks available for every purpose, including tippers, long liners, and concrete agitators. You want to choose one depending on the first truckloads that you plan to carry. Most freight runs from Melbourne to Sydney, Brisbane, and other northern regions, while the most significant manufacturers are in Melbourne and Sydney. A truck that can carry standard freight is always a good idea, but if you have connections in particular industries such as construction, then choosing between mack trucks that can accommodate equipment or concrete may be a better idea.
Logbook
Drivers record their hours of service through a logbook. While North America has imposed an electronic-logging mandate, Australia still allows paper logs. It is essentially a required work diary where drivers must dictate how much time they spend working and on break. There are three things that Australian drivers need to follow: standard hours, 12 hours of driving, and work time after 24 hours. All trucking companies and drivers need to undergo various health checks before being allowed, by law, to drive under these conditions. It is also a good idea to supply your drivers with a GPS and tracking system. It helps drivers navigate the road, and is also beneficial for employers to check if their drivers are truthful with their logs.
License
A standard license is insufficient for the large trucking business. After all, it takes a different level of skill to operate large vehicles filled with freight. Drivers would need to pay a license fee at a driving school and pass a simple test before getting a trucking license. While it is easy to obtain, they need to hold a massive ridged endorsement for a year before being eligible to drive a heavy or multi-combination vehicle. If you are a company owner, then you are also responsible for ensuring that your drivers are well-trained and ready to hit the road. Australian law enforcement is strict to protect and regulate truckers, so every organization in the logistics life cycle is responsible for ensuring that they remain safe on the road. For instance, if you allow trucks to be overweight, then you will be responsible for any consequences by the law. Before jumping into starting a business, ensure that you have the essentials mentioned above and carefully study the law for any nuances to avoid complications in the future.