Trucking is a vital artery in the body of global commerce. Australia, with its unique geographical challenges and economic landscape, provides a distinctive narrative of trucking’s progression. Starting with early steam-powered behemoths to modern electric trucks, the Australian Trucking History is shaped by the nation’s economic evolution.
The Early Years
The birth of Australian trucking traces back to 1863, with steam-hauled road trains serving the Yudnamutana copper mines. The adoption of internal combustion engines around 1912 marked a technological leap, later bolstered by the development of petrol-engined trucks during World War I.
Initially, state-level regulations impeded interstate trucking, favoring rail transport for inter-state commerce. However, World War II’s demands overtaxed railways and revived the trucking sector, underscoring its versatility and capacity for adaptation in times of national crisis.
The end of the war heralded a period of rapid growth. Despite taxes and operational restrictions, the trucking industry burgeoned.
Razorback Blockade
Notably, the Razorback Blockade epitomized truckers’ resistance to road maintenance taxes, culminating in policy reforms that catalyzed industry support and growth.
The Razorback Blockade of 1979 was a pivotal event in the Australian trucking history, marking a significant standoff between the trucking community and government over regulations and costs that had been building for decades.
During the blockade, Australian truck drivers parked their rigs across key highways, including the strategic Razorback Mountain, effectively halting traffic to protest against road maintenance taxes and demanding better freight rates and regulations. The blockade quickly spread across various states, leading to significant negotiations with the government and substantial changes in the trucking industry.
To read more about the blockade, visit the National Road Transport Museum website.
Ferguson TE35: a 1952, 2.2 4 cylinder in-line models with a H pattern transmision
Image: National Road Transport Museum
Towards a Transition
With more lenient government policies 1980s onwards, innovations such as turbocharged diesel engines also revolutionized the industry, allowing for larger loads and longer hauls. The trucking business became fiercely competitive, with companies now showcasing their brand through decorative truck designs.
Kenworth Classic trucks, manufactured early 1990s
Image: National Road Transport Museum
Modern Context
By the turn of the century, the industry had matured significantly. Data from 2000-01 to 2011-12 illustrates a vibrant sector: road transport grew from 139.4 to 207.5 billion tonne-kilometres. In 2011-12 alone, the domestic freight task reached nearly 600 billion tonne-kilometres, with trucking accounting for about 35% of this volume.
With the advent of electric trucks, the industry is heralding a new era of trucking. This recent embrace is a testament to the industry’s capacity for renewal and its alignment with global sustainability efforts.
The Australian trucking history has progressed through embracing international trends, adopting technologies that enhance safety and efficiency.
It has remained resilient in the face of of a competitive international freight market and stringent environmental concerns, and continues to grow.
