The latest Employment Outlook Survey from National Road Carriers (NRC) reveals both optimism and concern for the road transport industry. Recruitment intentions are strong, but persistent workforce and regulatory challenges risk slowing growth if left unaddressed.

Positive intentions, persistent gaps

An encouraging 85% of respondents signalled plans to expand their workforce in the next 12 months, showing operators remain confident about future opportunities.

Breaking down the roles in demand highlights the scale of the challenge:

• 60% are seeking class 5 drivers, the backbone of heavy freight
• 31% are after class 2 drivers and 29% class 4 drivers, reflecting demand across the spectrum
• beyond drivers, 17% need mechanics or technicians, 14% administration staff, and 14% warehousing and freight handling staff.

The data reinforces what members consistently tell us: the industry isn’t just short of drivers – pressure extends across nearly every role needed to keep freight moving.

Looking overseas to fill the shortfall

Over a third of operators (37%) are seeking overseas workers, reflecting both the resilience and the limits of the local labour market. Employers want to hire Kiwis first, but shortages are so acute many must look offshore.

Barriers remain. Only 43% of respondents are accredited employers under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme. This means many either cannot access, or struggle with, the current immigration framework – leaving vacancies unfilled.

Policy/industry priorities

The survey results highlight three strategic imperatives for the sector:

• Workforce development: Build stronger domestic pathways with greater investment in training and career entry.
• Practical immigration settings: Ensure the AEWV scheme is fit for purpose and accessible to operators needing overseas talent.
• Balanced regulation: Environmental and compliance standards must be introduced with transitional support, so operators are not overburdened by cost.

A call to action

The message from the survey is clear: our industry is ready to grow but constrained by labour shortages and policy bottlenecks. Freight is the lifeblood of New Zealand’s economy – when trucks stop, New Zealand stops.

The government and industry must act together to tackle workforce issues with urgency. With the right policy settings, training investment, and access to overseas talent where required, operators’ commitment to expansion can be unlocked.

NRC members’ willingness to hire is heartening. Now we need the enabling conditions to turn that intent into reality – securing the workforce, and the future, of road freight in New Zealand.