From electric-run trucks to more women as heavy vehicle drivers, here are some predictions in the transport industry.
The importance of the transport industry cannot be stressed enough. It connects communities, people, and economies. It supports the supply chain across the country and worldwide.
The past year has brought challenges to the industry, such as international economic instability and inflation. The effects of the pandemic can also still be felt across the supply chain.
Of course, enabling drivers of heavy vehicles with the right and upgraded skill set is necessary. It can help make them more efficient and effective, ensuring the safe transport of goods across the continent.
Top Trends and Predictions in Transport Training and Education
Education is ever-evolving. The same can be said in educating and training newly qualified truck drivers. Schools must adapt to technological advances to make their graduates competitive and capable. This is why when looking for truck driving schools, choosing one that considers advancements in the trucking industry is important.
The government can also mandate new requirements from truck drivers nationwide. These requirements must be incorporated in the curricula of truck driving schools so that their products comply with government requirements.
Here are some of the top predictions and trends on transport training in Australia.
Truck Driving Apprenticeship
The Certificate III national apprenticeship in Driving Operations should start in 2023. It is the first truck driving apprenticeship developed and will be a collaboration between the industry and the government.
The two-year driving apprenticeship will give future professional truck drivers the exposure they need in the industry. It will provide them with different types of driving. It will also give them mentoring, coaching, and training. Additionally, it aims to arm them with the competencies that they need, such as transporting dangerous goods, load constraints, and inspections.
Current truck driving school enrolees and recent graduates are the target of the newly implemented national apprenticeship program.
Electric Vehicles in Truck Fleets
Electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular worldwide. Using electric trucks for long-haul transport can have significant effects in reducing the truck industry’s carbon emissions.
Trucks are responsible for 4% of the total carbon emissions of Australia. While the target for zero emissions in 2050 may sound a bit too much, converting to electric vehicles can help shrink the emissions of the transport industry.
One of the biggest challenges of electric trucks is refuelling. Trucks that run on diesel can easily refuel along a long trip. Unfortunately, battery-charging stations for electric vehicles are not yet as common.
Moreover, electric trucks take time to charge, which can take time on the road. This will render them inefficient and will affect the profits of truck companies. To solve the problem, ultra-fast chargers and swapping of batteries can be used.
With the imminent rise in the use of electric trucks, truck-driving schools should train their students to operate them. Using them instead of diesel-powered trucks can have beneficial effects on the environment, reducing carbon emissions.
More Women in Truck Driving Schools
Amidst fears of a shortage of qualified truck drivers, women are encouraged to become truckies to fill in the void. Some advocacy groups are helping licensed female truck drivers get employed and fight against gender bias in the industry.
Women only make up 4 per cent of the truck driver population in Australia. Fortunately, some truck companies are looking at how they can tap into the women population to join the industry.
Apprenticeships are also an ideal way for these lady drivers to gain the needed experience to become qualified truck drivers. Through apprenticeships, they learn more than moving their trucks forward and backward, and connecting and disconnecting.
With the push towards inviting more women into the workforce, more women are expected to join trucking schools. Companies are also offering more flexible hours for women to encourage them into the profession.
Working with Autonomous Trucks
Driverless trucks, much as the name suggests, are not meant to replace truck drivers. Instead, autonomous trucks are meant to work with truck drivers to make transporting goods much more efficient.
Autonomous trucks can make a significant impact on platooning practices. A truck operated by a driver acts as a leader, while another truck with an autonomous system follows it in tandem. As a result, trucks can move together and communicate with each other as a group. Of course, each truck will still have a driver for safety, but the autonomous system allows the driver to take some rest.
Truck driving schools, in anticipation of driverless trucks, should include the operation of autonomous trucks in their curricula. It will make truck drivers more equipped and ready for the big technological changes that are coming to the industry.
Working with Transport Management Systems
It is simply not enough for truck drivers to know how to drive. Many freight and transport companies use technological tools to make their operations efficient. For example, transport management systems provide fleet, workforce, and warehouse management functions. They also manage and consolidate loads effectively, help optimise routes, and schedule maintenance accordingly.
Through advancements in AI, truck companies can have visibility of their fleets, and they can maximise their resources. Drivers should know how to work with transport management systems for more efficient logistics and operation. Training schools should arm them with the basics of transport management systems, making them more attractive to potential employers.
Why Truck and Transport Training is important
To become a qualified truck driver in Australia, one must have a heavy vehicle license. They must also complete a Certificate III or IV in driving operations.
A qualified truck driver must also possess the following skills:
- Forklift operations
- Speed management
- Mechanical aptitude
- Handling different kinds of goods
- Collaboration skills
- Teamwork
- Safe driving
Special licenses are needed to be able to transport dangerous goods. Relevant training is also required.
Are you planning on becoming a heavy vehicle driver? Enrol at CS Transport Training Services.
We are a locally-owned and locally-operated training school based in Newcastle. With over three decades of experience, we offer a wide range of training modules in the transport and dangerous goods industries. We are accredited by Safework NSW and we will assist you in getting your license to start your trucking career. Contact us now at 0434 366 758 or chris@cstt.com.au. You can also send a message through our contact page for enquiries!