A Fair Go for Owner Drivers

from WA TRANSPORT MAGAZINE - MAY 2021 EDITION

WA Transport History

Over to you A FAIR GO FOR OWNER DRIVERS by Ray Pratt

OLDER EXPERIENCED TRUCK DRIVERS ARE LEAVING THE INDUSTRY IN DROVES

Older experienced truck drivers are leaving the industry in droves for reasons such as over regulation, low wages and being treated with low respect.

We do face a driver shortage and I often wonder what has changed, because many years ago, there was never a shortage of drivers.

I often sit around with older drivers and reminisce about the good old days and the changes the industry has gone through in the last thirty years or so. Changes that were implemented with good intentions to improve life in the transport industry – which has created a system of being over regulated.

This has made life on the road harder for the truck driver. For instance, when I started as an Owner Driver I had one piece of paper from Main Roads - a road train permit and as I carted dangerous goods – a dangerous goods license. There was no accreditation or fatigue management to worry about and life was pretty simple.

Due to carting bulk dangerous goods – every year, the truck had to be put over the pits to check condition and roadworthiness. This was always considered as a pain and nuisance but it made you keep the truck in good working order.

We now have vehicle accreditation to make sure that our vehicles are safe and roadworthy and I can tell you it does not work as it is just a paper trail of ‘flick and tick’ and no one physically inspects the vehicle.

I would suggest that all vehicles annually have to obtain a roadworthy certificate. While this would not be welcomed by a lot of transport companies it would ensure that all vehicles were safe and roadworthy – creating a level playing field by eliminating undesirable operators.

Fatigue management was also a great idea as it is was supposed to give the truck driver more normality and sleep.

Yet again, the system is open to abuse by some as they manipulate the hours worked to make it look good on paper. You only ever get caught out if you have a major incident and the paperwork is scrutinised by auditors.

While management of fatigue should be good for the drivers it has actually done the opposite. Transport companies are micromanaging trip times as per fatigue management rules to schedule trip times with no room for unexpected errors such as flat tyres, traffic hold ups, loading times etc.

This places a huge burden on drivers and is actually contributing to them becoming more fatigued as they try to keep to the schedule. Some companies have fitted GPS to all their trucks so they can monitor where they are at all times - meaning if you are getting tired and want a break, then ‘big brother’ is monitoring your every movement.

I’ve seen trucks having to stop in a truck bay on a blistering hot day because their driving hours are up when twenty minutes away is a good roadhouse where they could be having a better break, good food and a shower. Where is the common sense in that?

Good roadhouses with all the amenities and good food – where are they?

Rates of pay are always going to be an issue and nobody wants to listen to truck drivers as they try and obtain a safe and sustainable rate. Many times I’ve said, “The big multi-national’s dictate transport rates of pay as they exploit hard working truck drivers. They have no conscience as they attempt to improve their bottom line.”

In the past, truck drivers worked hard and they gained respect with their fellow drivers and customers by being friendly and courteous on the road. We were loyal to the companies we worked for, and we were always courteous to the customers whilst picking up and delivering their freight. Customers genuinely appreciated our efforts and they looked after us. Mining companies were always quick to unload trucks; they supplied meals, showers and even rooms if an overnight stay was necessary. How times have changed.

Now waiting times to get unloaded is done when it suits the customer, you are treated poorly and best of luck getting just the basic requirements of toilets and showers.

Should we go back to the good old days? I really do not have all the answers but it’s time the rule makers talked to truck drivers before they try and solve our problems with more regulation. All we want is to be respected for what we do and be adequately rewarded for our effort. Keep it safe, Ray Pratt.