Staff reporter
Health, safety, and wellbeing are key concerns in the road freight industry, according to the 2025 National Road Freight Industry Survey.
The survey, conducted by Research New Zealand on behalf of advocacy group Transporting New Zealand, gathered insights from 194 participants across 128 businesses. It was also promoted by the New Zealand Heavy Haulage Association and Groundspread NZ, making it the most comprehensive industry snapshot in over a decade.
A strong call emerged from respondents for better support for drivers. 78% of those surveyed highlighted the need for more purpose-designed rest stops, while 72% stressed the importance of maintaining a good work-life balance for drivers. Workforce issues were also front and centre. With an aging workforce and recruitment challenges, nearly half of respondents (47%) said that up to a quarter—or more—of their drivers could retire or leave the industry within the next five years.
The current business climate painted a concerning picture. Only 34% of respondents were optimistic about their financial prospects improving in the next 12 months, and just 25% reported having sustainable operating margins. Infrastructure was another major area of concern. An overwhelming 93% of respondents said poor road maintenance was putting both truck drivers and other road users at risk. Additionally, 84% believed regional roads and bridges are being neglected, and 79% pointed to delays in replacing the Cook Strait ferries as a serious issue.
Despite these challenges, the survey did reveal a positive note: public perception of truck drivers may be better than the industry believes. While only 20% of industry participants thought the public viewed professional drivers positively, a separate poll of 1,000 New Zealanders, also conducted by Research NZ, showed a more supportive outlook. More than half (52%) of the public expressed a positive view of professional road freight drivers, while just 7% held a negative opinion.
