Road freight transports over 70% of domestic freight in Australia and is vital for the distribution of goods between producers, retailers, and consumers across the large country. It supports Australia's national economy by connecting different regions. Road is the dominant form of freight transport in Australia. The freight industry contributes significantly to Australia's economy, adding over $18 billion and employing over 180,000 people. The road freight sector will face increasing challenges to meet the expected doubling of freight tasks by 2030 and tripling by 2050.

1. Road freight is important for the distribution and production of a wide
range of commodities. The benefits go beyond bringing fresh produce
and transporting goods to the consumers, and carrying raw materials to
factories.
Freight transport supports the functioning and growth of the national
economy by connecting retailers, producers, and wholesalers in different
regions of the country. The large size of the Australian continent,
including the geographic dispersion of the towns and cities, only means
that freight is significant to national productivity.
The Role of
Road Freight
Sector in
Australia

2. Road and Trucks
The road is the most dominant means of transporting freight in the
country. According to statistics, road freight delivers more than 70 per
cent of the 2,930 million tonnes of domestic freight in FY2010. Many
producers and wholesalers use quality trucks to transport commodities
and goods.
Trucks can carry almost all type of consumer goods over short distances.
There are different types of trucks that can transport a diverse range of
commodities. Companies need to invest in the right type of vehicle to
maintain the quality of products. This is especially true for perishable
goods and fuel products.

3. Benefit for Economy and Employment
The freight industry contributes significantly to the economy because of
its contribution to different industries and supplies change. Specialised
road business transport added more than $18 billion to the economy in
FY2012 or 1.4 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The road freight industry offers a diverse source of employment
opportunities. In the country, road freight businesses employ over
180,000 people. There are also people employed to manage freight
activities and drive trucks. This is most common in industries such as
agriculture and retail.

4. The country’s economy and people benefit so much from this sector, so it is
just important to be ready for the road freight challenges ahead. The total
task in kilometres is expected double by the year 2030 and triple by 2050.
The challenges of delivering enormous consumer goods are expected to be
delivered by rail and road freight transport
Resources:
http://www.pickles.com.au/cars/fixed-price
https://www.bitre.gov.au/publications/2003/files/wp_060.pdf
http://austlogistics.com.au/wp-
content/uploads/2014/07/Economic-Significance-of-the-Australian-
Logistics-Indsutry-FINAL.pdf